TAMIL NADU, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2024 –VinFast Auto announced that it will break ground at its integrated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing site in Thoothukudi City, Tamil Nadu on February 25, 2024. This move represents a significant step towards a strategic partnership between VinFast and the State Government aimed at advancing the development of green transportation in India and in the region.
The partnership between VinFast and the Government of Tamil Nadu, which began from the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) announced on January 6, 2024. The collaboration aims toward an intended commitment of USD 500 million for the first phase of the integrated EV facility, spanning five years from the commencement date. This move is a significant milestone in VinFast’s global expansion strategy of venturing into one of the world’s fastest growing major economies and its burgeoning EV market.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the EV manufacturing plant just over a month after the announcement of the MoU with the State Government affirms VinFast’s strong determination and roll-out speed in its global expansion plan.
VinFast’s integrated EV manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu is projected to churn out about 3,000 to 3,500 local job opportunities, demonstrate the company’s commitment to the State’s socio-economic development.
The VinFast Tamil Nadu project aims to develop into a first-class electric vehicle production hub in the region, with an annual capacity of up to 150,000 units in its full capacity. This facility not only caters development objectives in the Indian market, but also serves export demands to South Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries.
Additionally, the project will catalyze green transportation development which is key agenda for the government of India and the States of curtailing carbon emissions in the transport sector, targeting 30% of newly registered private cars to be electric.
As Vietnam’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer with global aspirations, VinFast’s relentless dedication to innovation and research propels the Company towards its goal of being a global leader in the electric vehicle industry and its commitment to a sustainable future for all.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2024 –From February 2nd to February 16th, UXLINK, a Web3 social infrastructure with a unique “Real World Social” and “group” model, launched a two-week joint campaign with OKX Web3 wallet, and it was reported that in the two weeks since the campaign went live, more than 230,000 OKX Web3 wallet addresses have been created and linked to UXLINK. These wallets have a token asset deposition rate of over 70%, with an average asset value of over $70 USD equivalent in tokens, totaling $11 million. The user base is truly global, spread across more than 100 countries and regions, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Nigeria, Europe, and the Middle East. The campaign saw a 42% new registration/UV ratio, reflecting the fact that real world social relationships and group interactions of acquaintances bring trust and efficiency.
UXLINK Protocol enables any decentralized applications (DApps) to use a wide range of on-chain and off-chain social resources, such as user’s social account information, user’s social relationship graph, user’s social tags, social relationship recommendation and so on, which can accelerate the development of DApps, achieve cross-chain functionality and coordinate the social data of different scenarios. These social resources can accelerate the development of DApps, realize cross-chain functions and coordinate social data in different scenarios, so that DApps can better achieve their business goals and provide better user experience for their users.
UXLINK has officially opened the third phase of its “Odyssey” airdrop task, with multi-wallet registration, binding and check-in functions, and inviting friends to participate in the event can get additional token rewards. It is reported that the number of participants in the Odyssey has exceeded 40,000, and will officially open the $UXLINK governance token airdrop in March.
As of press time, UXLINK’s certified users have exceeded 3 million, entering more than 74,000 groups, covering around 6 million users, becoming a new generation of Web3 traffic and protocol-based infrastructure. According to UXLINK community, UXLINK will open up protocols and work with more developers and ecological partners in the future, and continue to provide Web3 infrastructure services for different social scenarios (e.g., WhatsApps, Facebook, mailbox contacts, cell phone contacts, Google contacts, etc.).
Consolidated operating loss: HK$89 million (HK$215million)
Consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company: HK$ 466 million (HK$598million)
Basic loss per share: 22.89 HK cents (29.34 HK cents)
No final dividend (No final dividend)
Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD”, SEHK: 00432) has announced its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The consolidated revenue of PCPD and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) amounted to HK$ 822 million, representing an increase of 46% compared to the revenue of HK$ 561 million in 2022.
The Group’s consolidated operating loss amounted to HK$ 89 million, representing a decrease of 59% compared to the operating loss of HK$ 215 million in 2022.
The consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company for the year of 2023 was HK$ 466 million, compared to the net loss of HK$ 598 million in 2022.
Basic loss per share for 2023 was 22.89 Hong Kong cents compared to the loss per share of 29.34 Hong Kong cents for the previous year.
The Board of Directors has not recommended the payment of a final dividend for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In 2023, we achieved a solid set of results which reflect a period of persistent recovery for the Group. Following several years of global travel restrictions, the international travel and tourism sector has experienced a gradual return to pre-pandemic travel patterns in the past year. This development continued to stand PCPD in good stead.
Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono, our hotel operations in Hokkaido, delivered an excellent performance in 2023, as Japan saw a sharp rise in inbound tourists during the year, which was Park Hyatt Niseko’s first full year of operation since the country lifted COVID-related travel restrictions on foreign tourists. In 2023, recreational facilities at Niseko Hanazono Resort also recorded a significant increase in the number of visitors and users compared to that of last year.
In Jakarta, Indonesia, the occupancy of our premium commercial building, Pacific Century Place, Jakarta (“PCP Jakarta”), remained stable throughout the year. At the end of December 31, 2023, the office space occupancy was 83%, compared to 81% the previous year.
In Thailand, foreign tourist arrivals continued to increase, which helped drive up revenue for the Group’s golf clubhouse and 18-hole golf course in Phang Nga.
Piling work for our property development project at 3–6 Glenealy, Central has been progressing well.
We are cautiously optimistic about the property sectors in Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia in the long run. We will formulate our cost and revenue strategies in preparation for unforeseen situations and also to enhance our business performance.
Mr. Benjamin Lam, PCPD’s Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director, said: “Globally, 2024 will present different challenges, although there will also be opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. We will monitor closely changes in the market while remaining agile in the way we deploy our resources, with a view to optimising our performance and delivering returns.”
Hashtag: #PCPD
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About PCPD
Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD” or the “Group”, SEHK: 00432) is principally engaged in the development and management of premium-grade property and infrastructure projects as well as premium-grade property investments. PCCW Limited (“PCCW”, SEHK: 00008) is the single largest shareholder of the Group.
FILE: this image is used only for representational purpose (photo: Reddit)
Social media has recently ignited a fiery debate surrounding the disciplinary practices in schools, particularly those overseen by the state and located in rural areas across Laos. These practices, frequently viewed as outdated and inappropriate, have come under intense public scrutiny, exposing a clear division of opinions. While some condemn these disciplinary measures, others place the blame on students for not adhering to established rules.
Allison Heiliczer and her book 'Rethink the Coouch.'
Balancing the demands of parenting, a full-time job as a therapist, and a recent move to Singapore meant that Allison Heiliczer found solace in the early morning hours.
“Sitting in front of the computer, sipping on a large cup of green tea, the darkness outside mirrored the depths I delved into while exploring the intricacies of Asia’s mental health landscape,” she described, recalling the countless mornings, some as early as 3 am, spent writing “Rethink the Couch.”
In a region where mental health struggles often remain unspoken, Heiliczer’s book offers a new culturally appropriate perspective on therapy through narratives and the untold stories of courage, hope, and the desperate search for oneself.
Allison Heiliczer. (Photo supplied)
Heiliczer is an American therapist who made the move to Asia over 15 years ago. After more than a decade in Hong Kong, she now calls Singapore home. Her path as a therapist in this region is unique. Mental health has historically been a sensitive topic here, especially a decade and a half ago. Local communities often harbor feelings of apprehension, mistrust, and caution towards mental health treatment. This hesitancy is rooted not just in a lack of cultural understanding but also in pervasive societal stigma.
She worked extensively throughout Southeast Asia and beyond, taking on patients from Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia, in addition to her in-person sessions in Singapore and Hong Kong. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients from across the region reached out to her, requesting online therapy sessions.
Reflecting on her experiences, Heiliczer said, “Some people’s stories just go untold for many, many years, for various reasons. For political reasons, for economic reasons, for all these sorts of reasons.” This realization served as an inspiration for her exploration of the Asian therapeutic environment, where stories of resilience and healing often remain hidden from view.
“Most of my online patients didn’t want to turn their cameras on for fear of societal repercussions,” she recalled.
At the heart of “Rethink the Couch” lies a turning point for Heiliczer, as she remembered proposing the idea of reading a book about a former boy soldier from Sierra Leone to a group of men she was working with in Hong Kong. The choice was deliberate, driven by the desire to shed light on untold stories and offer glimpses of hope amidst major life challenges.
“We were just going to meet every week. So it became clear that of the two things, the one thing that they really wanted was to start to feel like they were going to learn a skill that would be helpful for them eventually in their future,” Heiliczer reflected on her first steps into this journey.
“The goal is not to just copy and paste from what Americans, you know, and others in Europe are doing,” Heiliczer explained. She meant to work with locals and adapt to their own needs rather than using traditional western methods of therapy, which, according to her, would simply be a failure in an Asian context.
Writing “Rethink the Couch” took Allison Heiliczer into tough places, facing the darker sides of human experiences with deep care and resolve. Her writing journey reveals the emotional depth and tough choices involved, especially in chapters dealing with sensitive issues like human trafficking and exploitation.
Heiliczer’s involvement with pro bono work for organizations like the Mekong Club, dedicated to ending modern slavery, added another layer of complexity to her writing process. The connection to real-life stories of exploitation and suffering weighed heavily on her conscience, forcing her to confront the darkest facets of Southeast Asia.
“I love Asia, and I love so many things about this region, and yet that was very difficult because it put me back into really the shadow side of sex trafficking and exploitation,” she said.
Describing the process, Heiliczer shared, “The second chapter is about this guy who has an affair with this trafficked woman who’s inside a cage. That was very difficult to write because it’s like you have to kind of put yourself psychically back in that space and live the narrative in your mind.”
As Heiliczer delved deeper into the world of therapy in the Asian context, she also confronted the stark reality of underrepresentation.
“Sixty percent of the world’s population had never been represented in the therapy room,” she observed. Inspired by this revelation, she set out to write about the diversity of human experiences, challenging conventional narratives, and amplifying voices that have long been silenced.
“Therapy is not always the answer for people. Sometimes it is part of the support, but sometimes it’s not.”
Her approach emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, recognizing the diverse needs of individuals and communities across Southeast Asia.
“I don’t think the answer to mental health challenges is to just train more therapists,” she carried on, specifically referring to rural contexts such as remote areas in Laos.
In her quest to bridge gaps in mental health care, Heiliczer explored innovative solutions and community-driven approaches. “People in certain villages in Laos don’t have access to Wi-Fi and they can’t afford to pay for therapy,” she acknowledged. Yet, amidst these challenges, she remained steadfast in her commitment to holistic healthcare, blurring the lines between mental and physical well-being.
As Heiliczer eloquently articulated, “Mental health is really also physical health. It’s a false dichotomy.” Through her work, she invites readers to reconsider conventional notions of therapy, inviting them on a journey of introspection, connection, and transformation.
File: This photo is used for representational purposes only. (Photo: Freepik)
A recent study sheds light on the common practice of washing raw poultry in Southeast Asian households, highlighting the increased risk of cross-contamination associated with this habit.
Conducted across eight Southeast Asian countries, the study titled “Consumers’ raw poultry washing practices: A cross-sectional and observational study in eight Southeast Asian countries” analyzed responses from 2009 participants regarding their behaviors in Laos, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
More than 45 percent of participants in the study purchased raw poultry products from traditional markets, with 96 percent of them admitting to washing them before cooking. Despite popular beliefs that washing removes impurities and ensures safety, research indicates otherwise.
Contrary to expectations, washing raw poultry does not eliminate bacteria. Instead, the process can spread microorganisms up to 70 cm, increasing the risk of contamination. Moreover, misconceptions about using ingredients like salt or lime juice for microbial reduction have been debunked, as they were found ineffective.
The findings also identified older, married, and lower-income individuals, as well as those purchasing from farms or wet markets, as being more inclined towards washing raw poultry. Additionally, various cross-contamination pathways were observed, including improper hand hygiene and contaminated kitchen surfaces.
Misconceptions abound regarding the use of ingredients like salt or lime juice to minimize microbial contamination. Research has shown that washing raw poultry with acidic solutions, such as diluted lemon, lime juice, or vinegar, is ineffective in reducing bacteria.
Additionally, participants often resort to using flour or lime during the washing or soaking process to alleviate odor. However, the study suggests that this practice is more about perception than actual safety.
Furthermore, other pathways observed during the washing procedure could contribute to contamination with foodborne diseases on various kitchen surfaces, including the sink, chopping board, kitchen cloth, and even the refrigerator door handle.
To combat the long instilled belief of washing raw poultry, the study suggested targeting safety messages and educational campaigns suited to local contexts, including using innovative communication tools regularly to induce behavioral change.
Participants from Laos and Indonesia displayed a willingness to change their habits upon understanding the risks associated with washing raw poultry.
Good hygiene practices are also advised, such as washing and sanitizing hands and kitchen equipment with soap and water after handling raw poultry.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2024 – Brace your taste buds for a delicious explosion of flavours as 7-Eleven transforms into your go-to convenience store for Korean food with the launch of its ‘K-Flavour Hits’ menu that’s as vibrant and exciting as any K-Pop concert! Dive into an amazing array of 7-Select Korean-inspired ready-to-eat items, including packed meals, snacks and sandwiches, starting from an incredible $2.80!
Discover authentic Korean flavours with a playful twist in the all-new and exclusive chart-topping treats, including 7-Select Army Stew Wrap, 7-Select Spicy Stir Fried Squid with Rice and the 7-Select Korean-Style Chicken Broth with Goji Berries Onigiri! With the fusion of iconic Korean favourites such as black bean noodle (Jjajangmyeon) and spicy rice cake (Tteokbokki), indulge in the irresistible 7-Select Black Bean Sauce Chicken with Egg Fried Rice (Jjajangbap) and the cheesy delight of 7-Select Cheesy Rice Cake with Ramen (Rabokki).
What’s more, this ‘K-Flavour Hits’ menu is not just a feast for your taste buds – all items, excluding the onigiri range, are halal-certified, making them perfect for breaking fast during Ramadan too!
Korean-Inspired Packed Meals That Pack a Punch of Flavour!
A new and exciting selection of Korean delights is coming your way with this enticing menu of ready-to-eat packed meals – ideal for a satisfying and delicious bite on-the-go. This is one tasty menu you won’t want to miss:
7-Select Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice (Tangsuyuk) (RSP $5.80): Time to let your taste buds dance like your favourite K-pop stars with our 7-Select Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice! We’re talking tasty chicken coated in a Korean-style sweet, sour, and tangy sauce – the flavourful sensation your palate has been waiting for.
7-Select Stir Fried Glass Noodle with Beef (Japchae) (RSP $5.80): Imagine bouncy sweet potato noodles with savoury beef slices! This texture-rich comfort food classic is a delightful blend of chewy and tender that’ll have you coming back for more.
7-Select Black Bean Sauce Chicken with Egg Fried Rice (Jjajangbap) (RSP $5.80): Satisfy your cravings with this savoury egg fried rice dish topped with flavourful black bean sauce – a mouth-watering pick perfect for a quick lunch or late-night supper!
7-Select Spicy Stir Fried Squid with Rice (RSP $5.80): Turn up the heat with this spicy sensation featuring tender squid, onions, and peppers in a rich, savoury sauce loaded with aromatic flavours.
7-Select Spicy Seafood Noodles (Jjampong) (RSP $5.80): This Chinese-style Korean noodle dish will cure your cravings with its red, spicy seafood broth flavoured with gochugaru (chilli powder).
7-Select Kimchi Stew and Chicken Dumpling with Rice (Kimchi Jiggae) (RSP $5.80): Get cosy with this spicy Korean stew where chicken dumplings, tofu and napa cabbage kimchi come together in a delicate hearty broth, served with a side of rice.
Super Snacks and Awesome Onigiri! Looking for a handheld treat to power through a busy day? Look no further than this line-up of quick and tasty bites:
7-Select Chicken Bulgogi Sandwich (RSP $4.00): Elevate your lunch game to the next level with this sandwich filled with Korean BBQ-style marinated chicken in a sweet and savoury sauce.
7-Select Corn Cheese with Chicken Ham Bread Roll (RSP $3.90): Enjoy creamy corn cheese with chicken ham and savoury turkey bits, all rolled up in a soft bread roll.
7-Select Kimchi Chicken Bread Roll (RSP $3.90): Turn up the spice with this tasty sandwich, which boasts tender chicken topped with savoury, spicy, and delicious shredded kimchi.
7-Select Army Stew Wrap (RSP $3.90): Experience the comfort of the classic Army Stew in a convenient wrap form! It’s a harmonious blend of flavours, filling and comforting, wrapped up and ready to go.
7-Select Korean Style Grilled Chicken Wrap (RSP $3.90): Savoury, umami-rich soy-marinated chicken meets crunchy garlic chips in a wrap that’s tender, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
7-Select Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon) (RSP $3.90): This popular Korean pancake is made with scallions and a medley of seafood – it’s a slice of Korean culinary delight!
7-Select Cheesy Rice Cake with Ramen (Rabokki) (RSP $4.20): This Rabokki recipe features ramen noodles and rice cakes coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, delivering a burst of flavour and cheesy goodness in every bite.
7-Select Chicken Bibimbap Onigiri (RSP $2.80): Treat yourself to this tasty onigiri packed with succulent bulgogi stir-fried chicken, savoury gochujang sauce, and veggies. It’s the ideal handheld treat for a satisfying bite while on-the-go!
7-Select Korean-Style Chicken Broth with Goji Berries Onigiri (RSP $2.80): This scrumptious snack offers a unique flavourful experience that combines the earthy warmth of chicken broth with the savoury goodness of chicken, all wrapped up in a convenient and portable rice ball.
7-Select Tuna Kimchi with Egg Furikake Onigiri (RSP $2.80): Prepare for a fusion of tantalising tastes and textures ready to ignite your taste buds. Snack in style with this tempting mix of tuna, kimchi, and egg furikake that tastes as good as it looks!
But wait, there’s more! From 21 February to 12 March 2024, you can enjoy more exciting Yuu offers: Get 7-Select Kimchi Chicken Bread Roll or 7-Select Army Stew Wrap at 200 points + $2 Top up! Any purchase of the items mentioned above except 7-Select Kimchi Chicken Bread Roll or 7-Select Army Stew Wrap will receive 3x Yuu points!
For product details, please refer to this summary table:
Product
RSP
7-Select Chicken Bulgogi Sandwich
$4.00
7-Select Corn Cheese with Chicken Ham Bread Roll
$3.90
7-Select Kimchi Chicken Bread Roll
$3.90
7-Select Chicken Bibimbap Onigiri
$2.80
7-Select Korean-Style Chicken Broth with Goji Berries Onigiri
$2.80
7-Select Tuna Kimchi with Egg Furikake Onigiri
$2.80
7-Select Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice (Tangsuyuk)
$5.80
7-Select Stir Fried Glass Noodle with Beef (Japchae)
$5.80
7-Select Black Bean Sauce Chicken with Egg Fried Rice (Jjajangbap)
$5.80
7-Select Spicy Stir Fried Squid with Rice
$5.80
7-Select Spicy Seafood Noodle (Jjampong)
$5.80
7-Select Kimchi Stew and Chicken Dumpling with Rice (Kimchi Jiggae)
$5.80
7-Select Army Stew Wrap
$3.90
7-Select Korean Style Grilled Chicken Wrap
$3.90
7-Select Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon)
$3.90
7-Select Cheesy Rice Cake with Ramen (Rabokki)
$4.20
All items (except for onigiri) are halal certified. The onigiri do not contain pork or lard.
More promotions and updates can also be found on the 7-Eleven Singapore Facebook page, so stay tuned! Hashtag: #7Eleven
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
7-Eleven Singapore
Established in Singapore in 1983, 7-Eleven has since expanded to more than 500 stores island-wide to become the leading 24-hour convenience chain store. We take pride in serving the Singapore community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 7-Eleven emphasises convenience and value by offering a wide array of quality products, food and services to satisfy the needs of its customers. Think 7-Eleven and what comes to mind are the refreshing Slurpee, 7CAFÉ as well as a wide range of quality ready meals and sandwiches under 7-SELECT. 7-Eleven is also a 24/7 one-stop destination for customers who need to access bill payment services in their own time. Our services cover payment of utilities, courier services, and even cash withdrawal.For more information, visit www.7-eleven.com.sg
Representational image: Primary school children at Phonsavath Primary School. (Photo: Aide et Action)
Concerns are mounting in Laos over child safety following reports of Chinese individuals attempting kidnappings, prompting local authorities to issue warnings and urging vigilance among teachers and parents.
The Office of Education and Sports in Houayxay district, Bokeo Province, issued a notice on 20 February to preschools, primary schools, and secondary schools, advising both the government and private sectors to protect schoolchildren. This action comes in response to an incident involving individuals from China attempting to deceive and abduct children, particularly in the area of the A3 road, Pakhaonuea village, Huayxay district in Bokeo.
According to the notice, the incident occurred on 13 February, at approximately 7:20 am, when a group of Chinese individuals involved in trafficking tried to deceive and abduct schoolchildren from Pakhanuea Primary School. The notice emphasizes collaboration among sectors to ensure student safety, urging heightened caution and advising children not to interact with unknown individuals.
“Currently, there is a group of Chinese individuals attempting to trick and kidnap school kids from Pakhanuea Primary School,” the notice stated. “To address the issue, all sectors, especially schools from both the government and private sectors, are urged to collaborate and exercise caution to ensure the safety of students.”
School teachers and officials are also urged to advise students not to “contact any unknown individuals,” emphasizing the importance of heightened awareness and protective measures within the school areas.
The incident has raised concerns among social media users nationwide, particularly due to the involvement of Chinese individuals in trafficking and the growing presence of Chinese nationals in Laos.
“The Lao government should not permit these Chinese individuals to enter Laos and should take strong action against them,” one Facebook comment reads.
On the other hand, many users urged the authorities to promptly address the issue and arrest the individuals involved to be punished according to the law.
“Urgent action is needed beyond just notifying schools. Police and authorities should monitor Chinese individuals, set up checkpoints, and thoroughly search vehicles to arrest those suspected of wrongdoing,” another user commented, alleging that the recent incident may be involved in bigger organ trafficking ring across the region.