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Inflation Rate Drops Slightly in August, But Worries Still Cloud Lao Economy

Inflation Drops Slightly, Worries Still Cloud Laos
Woman at a local farmer's market. (Stock Photo)

The country recorded an inflation rate of 25.88 percent in August, a slight decrease from July’s rate of 27.80 percent, as per information from the Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB).

Bybit’s New Launchpad 3.0: Pioneering Transparent Cryptocurrency Launches

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Media OutReach – 30 August 2023 – Bybit, the world’s third most visited crypto exchange, has unveiled a revamped launchpad where early investors can buy promising new projects at favorable prices.

Bybit Launchpad 3.0 is a pioneering token launch platform that offers investors the exclusive opportunity for early access to new and pre-listed tokens from promising projects, directly accessible on the Bybit platform. The platform is a bridge, connecting project developers with potential investors and ensuring a more streamlined and transparent token launch process.

To participate, investors commit specific amounts of Mantle (MNT) or Tether (USDT) towards each new project, resulting in the acquisition of new tokens. After the commitment period is over, the initial sums are returned. Bybit Launchpad 3.0 is open to users who have successfully completed Identity Verification Level 1 requisites and have deposited MNT or USDT into their Bybit Wallet.

For those seeking more opportunities, Bybit Launchpad 3.0 offers a chance to earn additional allocations. Users can achieve this by maintaining a higher average daily Spot trading volume, providing enhanced prospects for participating and benefiting from the launch.

“Bybit Launchpad 3.0 is bringing innovative blockchain projects to the forefront,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “We are providing direct access to pre-listing rounds and facilitating the acquisition of new tokens. These tokens then seamlessly transition to trading on Bybit’s trading platform.”

As the first Mantle Network project to feature on the Bybit Launchpad 3.0, Cashtree is Indonesia’s top mobile advertising platform. It has become one of the most reliable platforms to connect brands and advertisers with users with a user base of over 20 million.

The platform has now integrated the Cashtree Token (CTT) into its structure, using Mantle’s Layer 2 infrastructure to transition to a blockchain-based rewards system. With a focus on becoming a gateway to the crypto world, CTT will introduce users to Web3, offering loyalty programs, GameFi, and financial services.

Hashtag: #Bybit #TheCryptoArk

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

About Bybit

Bybit is a top-five cryptocurrency exchange established in 2018 that offers a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

For more information please visit:

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Singapore “Wunderground” Festival to Drive Retail / Lifestyle Sector Alliances, Grow Stronger Talent, Internationalisation

Enterprise Singapore Encourages More Retailers to Develop New Experiences

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 30 August 2023 – The Singapore Retailers Association (SRA), which represents the republic’s retail sector, today unveiled Wunderground Festival 2023 – an immersive three-year initiative that aims to transform the retail & lifestyle sector.

Artist's impression of the upcoming Wunderground @ Emerald Hill.png
Artist’s impression of the upcoming Wunderground @ Emerald Hill

At the core, the goal is to rejuvenate the retail & lifestyle sector through urban and heartland festivals, and encourage experimentation and adoption of immersive and realistic elements to excite and attract consumers.

Wunderground 2023 will be the first edition, with two more annual editions planned in the pipeline. The first year’s effort will focus on promoting cross collaboration of brands under the umbrella of “Wunderground”; the second on creating a flagship go-to event for residents; and the third relating to the creation of opportunities for overseas brands to participate under this Festival.

Mr Ernie Koh, SRA President, said that Wunderground comes at a time when transformation in the Singapore retail sector is essential for the future. “For the retail sector to climb new heights, we need to collectively re-imagine how we will operate in the future. The Wunderground initiative reflects of the key strategies to respond to the new norms and to accelerate business transformation.”

Ms Jeannie Lim, Assistant CEO (Lifestyle & Consumer) of Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), said, “Enterprise Singapore is supportive of the Wunderground initiative by the Singapore Retailers Association. The new experiential concepts and innovations by Singapore lifestyle brands that are part of the initiative will inject more vibrancy into our retail landscape. We encourage more retailers to develop new experiences and build unique propositions that can set their brands apart.”

Catalysed by SRA’s Roadmap Vision 2025 of “Inspiring Retail Experiences”, this dynamic platform will muster collaboration among retail and lifestyle industry players.

SRA’s 2025 retail industry vision is aligned to the Retail Industry Transformation Map 2025, first announced in late 2022. Led by EnterpriseSG in partnership with key industry players, unions and other government agencies, it focuses on strengthening Singapore as a global lifestyle and retail hub, anchored with new experiential concepts and innovative products. It will centre on building a core of global Singapore brands, and uplifting the quality of job opportunities in the sector.

Touching both urban and heartland target audiences, Wunderground also aims to propel homegrown collaborations into international markets in the longer term. Similarly, it also aims to attract a new wave of local talent to the retail & lifestyle sector to support emerging experiential business models which will play a vital role in rejuvenating Singapore’s retail ecosystem.

Wunderground 2023 Highlights

Wunderground is a platform created for lifestyle brands to showcase collaborations, enable them to display fresh experiences via creative pop-up structures, and promote brands through popular social commerce personalities. In addition, organisers are working with artists, creatives, and design schools to showcase interesting visual merchandising and interactive art installations.

The key notion is that it is curated to be unlike other lifestyle festivals and aimed at creating fresh shopping experiences.

  • The Festival will run in two parts, with the intent of touching both the cosmopolitan as well as the heartland audiences. The “city” experience will run at 37 Emerald Hill from 21 September – 1 October 2023, while the “heartland” experience will be located at Tampines West from 6 October – 15 October 2023.
  • In this inaugural festival effort, there will be 25 alliances – comprising 50 enterprises – which will participate through several tiers comprising co-branded collaborations, cross promotions, limited edition collaborations, among others.

Hashtag: #SingaporeRetailersAssociation

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

KPMG Accelerates Economic Growth, Business Transformation, and Regional Collaboration in Indonesia with IDR 150 Billion Investment

  • IDR 150 billion investment over five years to accelerate momentum to promote an enabling business environment in Indonesia, further expanding its growing economy

  • Projected to create over 300 new jobs for specialised roles in business transformation such as security engineering and data science as well as sustainability and climate change


JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach – 30 August 2023 – KPMG Siddharta Advisory (KPMG), a leading professional services firm, announced today a significant investment of IDR 150 billion (US$9.8 million) over the next five years to drive economic growth, scale business transformation, and enable regional collaboration in Indonesia. The investment will fuel comprehensive initiatives that empower Indonesian businesses to optimise operations, embrace digitalisation, and unlock new growth opportunities. The announcement was made at the opening of KPMG’s new office at Menara Astra, which also celebrated the long-standing partnership between KPMG Siddharta Advisory and KPMG in Singapore in driving regional business potential.

The decision to invest is fuelled by Indonesia’s thriving market, which presents a multitude of deal opportunities from thriving multinational corporations (MNCs), the transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into larger corporates, the emergence of innovative startups, rising foreign direct investment (FDI), and strong government support.

Mr. Irwan Djaja, Chief Executive Officer of KPMG Siddharta Advisory expressed the significance of the investment, stating, “Our substantial investment of IDR 150 billion over the next five years showcases our unwavering confidence in Indonesia’s economic potential and reaffirms KPMG’s global standing. With this funding, we aim to create 300 new high-skilled positions in critical domains such as business transformation, security engineering, data science, sustainability, and climate change. Our goal is to expand our workforce and capabilities, equipping our clients with unparalleled expertise to confidently navigate complex business challenges. We sincerely thank our clients as well for their unwavering trust and support. Their partnership has allowed us to collaborate closely, fostering innovation and propelling all of us to new heights within the industry.”

To support Indonesian businesses in their expansion, mergers, and acquisitions ventures, KPMG will provide valuable knowledge, diversification strategies, and scalable approaches driven by cost-effectiveness and innovation. Key areas of focus for KPMG’s investment include cybersecurity, data solutions for business transformation and IT enablement, and regulatory technology (regtech) for compliance. Please see Annex for factsheet on KPMG Siddharta Advisory.

Mr. Ong Pang Thye, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore & Board Member of KPMG International, emphasised the benefits of the partnership between the two KPMG firms, stating, “The collaboration between KPMG firms in accelerating business transformation knowledge exchange, capacity building, and co-creating solutions across borders will be crucial in driving resilience in Southeast Asia. This partnership provides large foreign corporations looking to invest in sectors such as transportation, energy, or telecommunications with the opportunity to tap into KPMG’s deep-rooted local market knowledge, while also benefiting from KPMG’s regional and global capabilities. Both KPMG firms currently work closely together, with Singapore exporting expertise and solutions to Indonesia to help businesses gain holistic perspectives and efficiently solve complex issues.”

Singapore, as the largest recipient of foreign direct investment coming into ASEAN for the past decade, has been an excellent partner for Indonesia’s economic growth. In 2022, Singapore became the largest foreign direct investor in Indonesia, with investments reaching US$13.3 billion[1], a notable increase of 29 percent from the previous year.

KPMG’s investment in Indonesia will leverage its global network, extensive expertise, and successful business transformation case studies to empower Indonesian businesses of all sizes. By sharing best practices and providing strategic guidance, KPMG aims to enhance the competitiveness of organisations and enable them to effectively navigate the evolving business landscape.

Accelerating Indonesia’s Green Transition

To address the decarbonisation needs by businesses in Southeast Asia, the ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub was set up by KPMG in Singapore in March 2023. As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s green transition is expected to create strong economic opportunities. Hence, Indonesia is spearheading the Asian Development Bank’s Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM), a critical enabler for phasing out coal-fired power plants and just transition to cleaner energy sources. KPMG’s ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub is extensively involved in the ETM and other similar path-finder projects in the region.

The ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub adopts a collaborative “hub-and-spoke” approach, working closely with governments and companies across ASEAN countries to enable the operationalisation of decarbonisation strategies. By prioritising energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy sources, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while gaining regulatory agility. The Hub also facilitates training programmes and fosters climate-focused partnerships throughout supply chains, enabling companies to collectively reduce the carbon footprint of their final products. Leveraging data and cutting-edge technology, the Hub assists companies in tracking consumption patterns, detecting emissions trends, and showcasing their progress in decarbonisation endeavours, building trust with stakeholders. The Hub facilitates project origination, structuring, financing, and implementation to support businesses on their decarbonisation journey across three primary sectors of Energy, Transport and Real Estate.

Supporting Indonesian Businesses in their Digital Transformation Journeys

Recognising the multifaceted challenges encountered by Indonesian businesses on their digital transformation journeys, KPMG is also looking for its investment to fund comprehensive support for business strategies. This includes addressing crucial areas such as ESG strategies, regulatory compliance, risk management, and fortified cybersecurity measures. Leveraging the power of KPMG Global’s proprietary data-driven solutions, KPMG will offer advanced technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, blockchain, and AI to support businesses in navigating the complex regulatory landscape (regtech).

Through strategic alliances with major technology platforms worldwide, KPMG will also accelerate innovation responsibly and reliably, ensuring clients benefit from state-of-the-art solutions. The firm is looking to seamlessly integrate these initiatives into Indonesia to develop specialised, tailored solutions that bolster clients’ competitive advantage and drive profitability, all while upholding the highest standards of ethics and security.

[1] Data from – https://data.aseanstats.org/indicator/FDI.AMS.TOT.INF

ANNEX
KPMG Siddharta Advisory
Factsheet

KPMG Siddharta Advisory is making a substantial investment of IDR 150 billion over the next five years to accelerate economic growth, stimulate business transformation, and foster regional collaboration in Indonesia. This significant commitment will drive comprehensive initiatives designed to empower Indonesian businesses to optimise their operations, embrace digitalisation, and unlock new avenues for growth.

Building upon its state-of-the-art office, inspired by KPMG’s successful Singapore office, KPMG Siddharta Advisory aims to revolutionise the business landscape by fostering a sustainable future of work through strategic investments in technology, talent, and decarbonisation efforts.

With this investment, KPMG Siddharta Advisory is poised to be at the forefront of empowering Indonesian organisations to navigate the evolving business landscape with confidence. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, innovative strategies, and global expertise, KPMG Siddharta Advisory will help businesses harness the power of digitalisation and position themselves as leaders in their respective industries.

What’s the office move about?
KPMG’s office move is part of the firm’s ESG commitments to reduce the impact on the environment, contributing the firm-wide goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Integrating technology into the office design has also created a conducive, collaborative, and a fit-for-future workplace for employees.

How the features of our new office enable our Sustainable Future of Work strategy

Future-focused workplace Technology · A Connected, Conscious, and Collaborative Workspace

· Network as a Service (NaaS): We have implemented seamless, wireless Internet in the office, allowing our staff to work at higher speeds, meet up conveniently and collaborate effectively.

· Space Booking System: This integrated web and mobile application allows us to optimise the usage of our office spaces efficiently. This innovative technology enables convenient and easy access to office facilities such as desks and meeting rooms through app-enabled applications.

· Technology-Enabled Meeting Rooms: Our meeting rooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including acoustic doors and soundproofing. These features ensure a conducive and distraction-free environment for productive discussions and presentations.

Green initiatives · Certified Green Mark Platinum building: Our new office at Menara Astra has been given the prestigious Green Mark Platinum certification by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority. This recognition highlights our commitment to environmental sustainability, as the rating system acknowledges projects that adopt enhanced strategies and measures for sustainable living.

· Introducing sustainable practices: The new building provides us with three times more space than our current office. To conserve water and energy usage, this new building will also be equipped with energy-efficient and water-saving measures, such as a rainwater harvesting system and a greywater recycling system. By the end of 2023, the new office will also incorporate smart lighting systems, maximising the use of natural lighting and minimising unnecessary energy consumption.

· Circularity Practices: We are dedicated to instilling circularity practices within our firm. As part of this commitment, approximately 60 percent of the old workstations from our previous office will be repurposed and used in the new space. Additionally, recycling bins will be strategically placed throughout the premises, encouraging employees to actively participate in waste management and recycling initiatives.


KPMG’s Strategic Investments in Technology, Talent and Decarbonisation

Pillar Exhibit Key messages
Technology Advanced Attack simulation and AI-enabled monitoring At KPMG Siddharta Advisory, we combine our deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver robust cyber defense solutions, safeguarding sensitive information and mitigating impacts on your company’s digital infrastructure. Our goal is to protect digital systems by ensuring the security and integrity of your organisation’s digital infrastructure.

Our team of consultants includes C-suite level expertise across various industries. This depth of knowledge is crucial in helping businesses shape their digital programs and ensure their robustness. With our experienced professionals, you can trust that your digital transformation efforts will be guided by industry leaders who understand the unique challenges and opportunities within your sector. Through the knowledge transfer with other KPMG member firms including Singapore, this allows us to adapt our solutions to the complexities of different markets by tapping on the best minds across the firm.

Talent Talent of the Future At KPMG Siddharta Advisory, we believe that talent is the cornerstone of success. That’s why we are committed to attracting and nurturing the best minds in Indonesia. Here’s how we are investing in talent to support your transformation journey:

· Creating Job Opportunities: We are proud to announce the creation of more than 300 new jobs in Indonesia. This significant expansion builds upon our current headcount of about 400, which has quadrupled over the past eight years. These new positions will be focused on recruiting security engineers, data scientists, and other talents required for digital transformation and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.

· Strategic Partnerships for Technical Expertise: Through our partnerships with renowned tech companies such as Microsoft and ServiceNow, we ensure that our staff receives the necessary technical expertise to excel in their roles. We offer training opportunities in critical areas such as cyber risk management, threat intelligence, and operational efficiency. By equipping our team with advanced skills, we can provide you with the highest level of expertise and support.

· Global Network Collaboration: As part of the KPMG global network, we have access to a broader network consisting of 143 member firms. This extensive collaboration allows us to tap into global knowledge and skills, developing the best solutions for our clients in Indonesia. With this vast network, we bring a global perspective to address local challenges and drive meaningful results.

· Investing in Our People: Our investments in our people are centered around five pillars:

  • Learn for a lifetime: We provide continuous learning opportunities to ensure our professionals stay at the forefront of industry trends and developments.
  • Thrive with us: We foster a supportive and inclusive culture that enables our employees to thrive both personally and professionally.
  • Do work that matters: Our team is passionate about making a difference and delivering impactful solutions that drive your success.
  • Come as you are: We embrace diversity and believe that everyone’s unique perspectives contribute to our collective strength.
  • Make your mark: We encourage our employees to take ownership of their careers and make their mark in the industry.
Decarbonisation ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub KPMG is committed to driving sustainability and supporting Indonesian firms on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) journey. As part of our global ESG strategy, we have established the ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub, led by KPMG in Singapore. Here’s how this initiative contributes to Indonesia’s sustainable future:

· Scope and Focus: The ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub focuses on three key areas: energy transition, energy efficiency, and transition finance. By addressing these critical aspects, we aim to support Indonesian firms in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources.

· Partnerships and Capabilities: The Hub serves as a node of sustainability capability and partnerships across ASEAN. Through collaboration with industry partners and leveraging our expertise, we can develop innovative solutions that drive decarbonisation and support the country’s goal of phasing out coal-fired power plants.

Hashtag: #KPMG

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

About KPMG International

KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively. KPMG firms operate in 143 countries and territories with more than 265,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities. Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for KPMG audit clients and their affiliates or related entities. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

“Thailand Privilege Card” Marks 20th Anniversary with Grand Revamp: Unveils New Brand Logo, Membership Packages, and Exclusive Luxury Lifestyle Perks.

Revealing a Robust Strategy to Capture the Premium Foreign Long-Term Residency Market in Thailand, Projected to Generate Revenue Exceeding Ten Billion Baht

Highlights:

  • Thailand Privilege Card has continued to grow consistently over the course of 20 years, generating revenue into the country exceeding 50 billion Thai Baht, with a membership base of over 31,500 members.
  • The company has embarked on an aggressive strategy, focusing on brand modernization by creating a fresh identity through a new logo, a new uniform, and new card formats for all 4 packages. This is aimed at targeting high-end tourists.
  • The company is establishing new selling points that emphasize elevating privileges beyond boundaries under the concept “More Choices More Freedom.” Additionally, they are expanding across primary, secondary, and potential new markets.
  • The company is cultivating sustainable growth through the creation of an ecosystem in collaboration with partners across various tourism industries. This is set to elevate member services in all aspects and meet customer needs across dimensions.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 30 August 2023 – Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC), the operator of the Thailand Elite Card Project overseen by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has undergone a rebranding with the vision of establishing itself as a global leader in offering premium privileges to prominent individuals seeking long-term residency in Thailand. The previous eight membership card options have been phased out, making way for the new “Thailand Privilege Card” product, which is now available in four distinct packages. Crafted upon the bedrock of the “Freedom of Choices” philosophy, these packages embrace amplified privileges customized to a variety of global lifestyles. With a deliberate emphasis on pivotal markets, namely China, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, and European Union nations, with an ambitious projection of contributing over ten billion Baht into the nation.

Thailand Privilege Card - Newswire 3.JPG

Reflecting on the operational accomplishments of the Thailand Privilege Card in 2023 and its current performance, Mr. Manatase Annawat, President of Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., stated, “The Thailand Privilege Card has reached an impressive 20-year milestone, and we take great pride in this achievement. The company has continuously developed services and introduced products to cater to the evolving needs of international residents seeking long-term residency in Thailand. We are the sole global Residency Campaign that offers Visa Privileges alongside Airport Services and Lifestyle Privileges, resulting in an accumulated income of over 50 billion baht over our 20-year journey, with a membership that exceeds 31,500 members. In the year 2023 alone, we achieved approximately 7,500 billion baht, witnessing a growth of more than 11,500 members, representing a remarkable 210% increase from the revenue of 2022.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., a significant rebranding and enhancement of benefits has been introduced. This transformation marks the shift from the ‘Thailand Elite Card’ to the ‘Thailand Privilege Card,’ extending a warm welcome and ensuring utmost satisfaction and convenience for international residents aspiring to establish long-term residency in Thailand. This revamped offering includes comprehensive benefits of airport privileges, enriched travel experiences, leisure, accomodations, activities, business investment opportunities, and more. This multifaceted rebranding effort involves key changes, such as contemporary logo design and new staff uniforms. Guided by the company’s brand DNA, ‘GRACE,’ the company aims to elevate Thai product and service quality, generate revenue for the nation’s economy, and reinforce the image of a global organizational leader.

Thailand Privilege Card - Newswire 2.JPG

“The company targets four main segments: Frequent International Visitors/ Affluent/Investors, Workcation/Digital Nomads, Expats in Thailand, and Retirees. The company will strategically penetrate markets in various potential countries, encompassing key markets such as China, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, South Korea, and European Union countries. Additionally, the company will explore and expand its presence in emerging markets with potential, such as India and countries within the GCC region, including Saudi Arabia,” Mr. Manatase added.

The new benefits of the Thailand Privilege Card, following the concept of ‘More Choices More Freedom,’ each membership category will accrue Privilege Points, enabling the redemption of exclusive privileges and extraordinary experiences. The membership cards are categorized into four packages:

RESERVE: The membership fee is 5 million baht, with a membership duration of 20 years or more. This option is designed for individuals seeking long-term entry and exit to Thailand. Membership can be renewed every 5 years, and members can earn 120 accumulated points annually for redeeming top-tier privileges, including accommodations, travel conveniences, investments, health and wellbeing, and more. The RESERVE membership is exclusively available through invitation and is limited to 100 individuals per year.

DIAMOND: The membership fee is 2.5 million baht, with a membership duration of 15 years and exclusive privileges throughout the stay in Thailand. Members earn 55 accumulated points annually to redeem additional privileges.

PLATINUM: The membership fee is 1.5 million baht, with a membership duration of 10 years. Members accumulate 35 points annually to redeem additional privileges.

GOLD: The membership fee is 900,000 baht, with a membership duration of 5 years. This option is curated for individuals seeking short-term entry and exit to Thailand. Members can accumulate 20 points annually to redeem additional privileges.

‘More Choices More Freedom’ introduces exclusive privileges to all cardholders’ preferred lifestyle, delivering premium services throughout their stay in Thailand.

Thailand Privilege Card - Newswire 1.JPG

These privileges encompass premium airport assistance services, exclusive lounge access at the airport on both arrival and departure, limousine transfers, and personal liaison services available in four languages: English, Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese, with the potential for additional languages in the future.

Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. is pressing forward through collaborations with diverse sectors within the tourism industry, aiming to enhance comprehensive service to members. The key is to generate revenue for businesses that align with diverse lifestyles nationwide, including:

  1. Stay: Exclusive privileges for exceptional stays in world-class luxury hotels, including benefits i.e. “Stay 1 night get 1 more night,” and room upgrade opportunities
  2. Travel: Special travel privileges in partnership with leading airlines, featuring personal assistants and welcoming staff at airports, dedicated airport transfers, airport lounge access, as well as perks like private drivers, private yachts, private jets, and private car rentals.
  3. Leisure: A range of benefits from partnering establishments such as restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping outlets, and sports activities. These benefits encompass discounts, VIP lounges, personal shopping assistance, priority viewing at prominent shopping centers, co-working spaces, and even a “buy-one-get-one-free” movie ticket offer.
  4. Well-Being: provides exclusive privileges in health and wellness. This includes health check-ups at prominent hospitals, spa services, access to fitness center facilities, and top-tier wellness centers.
  5. Wealth: Investment-related privileges, including the Wisdom Card (subject to terms), financial and investment advisory services, training seminars, and exclusive packages for health and life insurance.

For those intrigued by the Thailand Privilege Card, further information is available on the official website at www.thailandelite.com. For partners interested in collaborating with the company, please contact the Vendor Relations Department at 02-3534145 or email vendor_relations@thailandelite.com. For those interested in becoming agents and expanding their business worldwide, please reach out to the Sales Representative Management Department at 02-353-4120 or via email at salesgroup@thailandelite.com.

PressReleaseTMPhPMFRQ.jpg

Hashtag: #ThailandPrivilegeCard #FreedomofChoices #ThailandPrivilegeVisa

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

Ministry of Home Affairs Unveils New Uniforms for Village Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs

Ministry of Home Affairs Unveils New Uniforms for Village Governors and Deputy Governors
The village governors new uniforms for both male and female officers (photo: The Ministry of Home Affairs)

In a recent government notice, the Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced new uniforms for village chiefs and deputy village Chiefs, catering to both male and female officials.

Financing secured to complete Taiwan’s 640 MW Yunlin offshore wind farm project

  • Extended financing agreement secured
  • Amended installation schedule on track

HAMBURG, GERMANY – EQS Newswire – 30 August 2023 – Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn), and its partners in Yunneng Wind Power Co., Ltd., TotalEnergies, Electricity Generating Public Company Ltd. (EGCO) and Sojitz Corporation (Sojitz), have successfully secured an extended financing agreement to complete the construction of the 640 MW Yunlin offshore wind farm project in Taiwan.

Caption

“This is a major milestone for the Yunlin project and the offshore wind industry in Taiwan. It demonstrates our commitment to Taiwan’s clean energy transition and underlines our project management capability” said Thomas Karst, CEO of Skyborn. Commenting on the progress of the project, Karst added, “Thanks to the good cooperation of all stakeholders and the tenacity and dedication of the project team, the 2023 installation campaign is well on track and preparations for the 2024 installation campaign are almost completed.”

The Yunlin offshore wind farm project is a key priority for Skyborn and its partners. Electricity from the project is provided to Taipower under two 20-year power purchase agreements. Once completed, the 640 MW project will be one of the largest offshore wind farms in Taiwan, producing enough clean energy to serve the energy needs of more than 600,000 Taiwanese households.

The Yunlin offshore wind farm project is located in the Taiwan Strait, between 8 and 17 kilometers off the west coast of Taiwan, in water depths ranging from 7 to 35 meters. The 82 km² project area consists of 80 wind turbine generators whose generated electricity is fed into the Taiwanese power grid via two onshore substations near the townships of Taixi and Sihu in Yunlin County.

Partners of Yunneng Wind Power Co., Ltd.

Skyborn Renewables

Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn) is an accomplished offshore wind developer and operator with more than 20 years’ experience, headquartered in Germany. Our capabilities cover the entire offshore wind value chain, including greenfield development, project engineering and design, procurement, financing, corporate power purchase agreements, construction management and asset management. Skyborn is a portfolio company of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a leading infrastructure investor headquartered in New York, USA.

TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company, active in more than 130 countries, that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. As part of its ambition to get to net zero by 2050, TotalEnergies is building a portfolio of activities in electricity and renewables. At the end of June 2023, TotalEnergies’ gross renewable electricity generation installed capacity was 19 GW. TotalEnergies will continue to expand this business to reach 35 GW of gross production capacity from renewable sources and storage by 2025, and then 100 GW by 2030 with the objective of being among the world’s top 5 producers of electricity from wind and solar energy.

The Electricity Generating Public Company Ltd. (EGCO)

EGCO Group, the first Independent Power Producer in Thailand, is focused on clean and socially responsible power businesses in Asia and North America. The Company’s facilities generate electricity using a variety of fuel sources and the Company has established an internal target to achieve carbon neutrality within its businesses by 2040.

Sojitz Corp. (Sojitz)

Sojitz Corporation is a major investment and trading firm in Japan conducting its wide-ranging operations in approximately 50 countries around the world through approximately 440 consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies located in Japan and overseas. Sojitz was formed out the union of Nichimen and Nissho Iwai Corp. both with long world-wide investment histories of more than 160 years, Sojitz is a publicly listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

This press release and press photos are available at
www.skybornrenewables.com/newsroom/financing_secured_to_complete_Yunlin_offshore_wind_farm_project

Hashtag: #SkybornRenewables

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

About Skyborn Renewables

Skyborn Renewables is driving global decarbonization by accelerating offshore wind energy across the world. We believe offshore wind is a cornerstone of the clean energy transition and an enabler for achieving net-zero targets, ensuring energy security and developing a sustainable energy supply for future generations. Skyborn is an accomplished offshore wind developer and operator with more than 20 years’ experience. Our capabilities cover the entire offshore wind value chain, including greenfield development, project engineering and design, procurement, financing, corporate power purchase agreements, construction management and asset management.

For more information, visit

Laos Labor Shortage Plagues Local Industries, Hurts Foreign Investment Drive

Lao workers at the Frist Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. ( Photo: Jason Rolan).

Lao workers are leaving the country in large volumes, searching for employment opportunities abroad amid the skyrocketing cost of living. But in a delicate balancing act, the government of Laos is also trying to attract foreign investment in a bid to increase domestic production.