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Fourteen Ancient Buddha Statues Discovered in Bolikhamxay Province

Fourteen Buddha Statues Discovered in Bolikhamxay Province Cave
Fourteen Buddha statue images and other relics found on a cave in Bolikhamxay (photo: Viengthong Radio Station)

Three local men in Bolikhamxay’s Viengthong district accidentally discovered 14 Buddha statues, along with 22 swords and a gong, while exploring the Yiang cave last week. 

Mekong Tourism Forum 2023 Concludes in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Sihanoukville Successfully Hosts Mekong Tourism Forum 2023 to Shape Resilient Future for Gms Tourism
Scenes from the 2023 Mekong Tourism Forum in Cambodia

The Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2023 under the theme of “Rethinking for Resilience and Digitalization” concluded successfully at the Independence Hotel in Preah Sihanoukville, Cambodia on 26 April 2023.

Laos Sees Remarkable Decline in Malaria Infections in 25 Years

By incorporating a wide range of ‘accelerator’ strategies Laos has been able to eliminate malaria considerably from its population, says a report from World Health Organization Laos.

Get Rid of Pests for Less: Ridpest Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Exclusive Discounts

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 28 April 2023 – In a world where pests are constantly lurking around the corner, Ridpest has been the superhero protecting us from pesky cockroaches, rats, termites and more for half a century. From battling mosquitoes to warding off rodents, the company had gained a reputation for being one of the most reliable and effective pest management solutions with its top-notch service and effective pest control methods over the years.

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Ridpest Celebrates 50 Years of Exceptional Pest Control Services with Brand Restructuring

In anticipation of the occasion, Ridpest underwent a dynamic transformation in 2022 by introducing a new logo. The change was part of the company’s comprehensive restructuring plans aimed at providing greater services to its customers and reinforcing its brand identity as a leading pest control company in Singapore.

The old logo’s colour was updated to gold, a hue widely associated with power, longevity and happiness in Chinese culture — all attributes Ridpest aims to bring to its customers.

The decision to update the logo was also inspired by Ridpest’s 50th-anniversary Golden Jubilee celebration, aligning the brand’s identity with this significant milestone. By incorporating this symbolic colour into its logo, Ridpest aims to convey a sense of prestige and achievement that reflects its rich history and unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality pest management services in Singapore.

Ridpest Goes Digital for Greater Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability

Along with the logo change, Ridpest also made the decision to migrate its processes to a digital platform, a move that will allow the company to better serve its customers while reducing its carbon footprint.

This eliminates the need for physical copies of pest control reports, allowing Ridpest’s technicians to focus entirely on their work to offer first-class customer service and optimum pest management results. Not only does this increase efficiency, but it also reduces paper usage and waste, further underscoring Ridpest’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Furthermore, the company made a concerted effort to ensure that no employees were left behind during this digital transformation. The company held special training classes for its pioneer generation of technicians, providing them with the support they needed during the transition to the new digital platform. Ridpest also directed its vendor to create an intuitive interface that would be easy for even the most tech-challenged employees to use.

Ridpest’s Commitment to Its Employees

At Ridpest, investing in the professional development of their employees is a top priority. The company believes that providing training programs, mentorship and clear career paths can help employees feel valued, motivated and committed to their jobs.

Creating a culture that supports employee development and engagement helps to retain top talent so that they provide the best possible service to their customers. For Ridpest, employee satisfaction and retention are just as important as delivering effective pest control solutions.

Ridpest Offers Exclusive Discounts to Customers for Its 50th Anniversary

Finally, to round up the special milestone of providing 50 years of exceptional pest control services, the company is celebrating with exclusive discounts for both new and old customers alike!

Customers born in 1973 can enjoy a 50% discount on all pest control services throughout 2023 simply by showing their NRIC as proof.

Other customers will receive a 10% discount on Ridpest’s mould removal services by quoting “50th year” when making an appointment.

Join Ridpest in celebrating its 50 years of providing top-quality pest management while taking advantage of these limited-time savings!

Contact Ridpest to find out more or book a service today.

Hashtag: #PestControlSingapore #pestcontrolcompanyinSingapore #pestmanagement #pestcontrol #Ridpest


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

About Ridpest

Ridpest has been delivering quality and reliable services as a pest control company in Singapore since 1973.

CASE and Shopee sign MOU to better protect consumer rights through adoption of CASE framework

Collaboration in conjunction with launch of Shop Safe with Shopee, a new consumer protection initiative to promote online safety when transacting online

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 28 April 2023 – The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) and Shopee Singapore (Shopee) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reaffirming both parties’ dedication to protecting consumer rights through the adoption of CASE’s Standard Dispute Management Framework for E-marketplaces. The collaboration marks the launch of Shop Safe with Shopee, a consumer protection initiative focused on promoting a safe, reliable and worry-free user experience online.

Complementing Shopee’s in-app consumer protection features and policies, the programme will include educational campaigns and activations, which are developed in collaboration with industry partners like CASE and law enforcement agencies.

The MOU was signed by Mr Melvin Yong, President, CASE and Mr Ian Ho, Vice President, Shopee and witnessed by Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

Reinforcing Commitment to Consumer Protection

The MOU signifies the joint commitment of CASE and Shopee in protecting consumer rights and focuses on the following areas – Verification and Reliability of Merchants, Information to Consumers, Timeframe, Resolution, Refunds and Exchanges and Facilitating Resolution.

In support of this, Shopee will work closely with merchants to maintain high-quality listings, and strict adherence to its prohibited listings policy. Shopee will also ensure merchants include comprehensive and useful descriptions such as regulated labels (e.g. Nutri-Grade labels for beverages) and Trust Marks (e.g. Safety Mark for household appliances) in their product listings. In addition, Shopee will further expand seller verification efforts on the platform.

Shopee is also committing to an average resolution time of two and a half working days for Returns and Refunds requests. This improves upon CASE’s recommendation of seven days in the current Standard Dispute Management Framework for E-marketplaces. With this update, users can now anticipate a faster resolution for their Returns and Refunds requests.

Setting the Benchmark for the Industry

CASE’s Standard Dispute Management Framework for E-marketplaces was launched in 2021 with the aim of aligning dispute resolution processes across e-marketplaces operating in Singapore. It serves as a guide for efficient and equitable resolution of consumer disputes to give consumers greater assurance when they shop on e-marketplaces.

The collaboration comes at a time when CASE has observed an increase in consumer complaints pertaining to online purchases, from 2,206 complaints in 2021 to 2,530 complaints in 2022, accounting for approximately 14% and 17% of total complaints received by CASE in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Common complaints include missing items, failed deliveries and defective or non-conforming goods.

Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, said: “Consumers will well appreciate the presence of strong consumer safeguards as the degree of risks associated with online purchases has grown with the breadth and speed of online shopping. Digital marketplaces that adopt fair trading practices and a robust dispute management framework will enjoy a higher level of trust from consumers. Shopee’s adoption of CASE’s Standard Dispute Management Framework for e-marketplaces is a step in the right direction. It will not only boost consumer confidence but also strengthen the Shopee brand. CASE and Shopee’s partnership is a testament to the industry’s efforts to strengthen safeguards for consumers and provide them with greater assurance on their purchases. The Government will continue to work closely with CASE and the retail sector to deepen consumer protection and promote fair business practices for a healthy and vibrant retail industry.”

Mr Melvin Yong, President, CASE, said: “Online shopping has become an integral part of our daily lives. While e-commerce and online transactions have made life easier for many of us, they also carry significant risks and dangers. To address these emerging concerns, CASE has called for e-marketplaces to authenticate sellers, establish escrows to protect consumers’ monies and improve dispute resolution processes. I am therefore happy that Shopee, a major e-marketplace for Singapore consumers, has agreed to implement the Standard Dispute Management Framework for E-marketplaces with a shortened resolution time period for Returns and Refunds requests. I also applaud Shopee for its new Shop Safe initiative to promote a safe, reliable and worry-free experience for those who shop on its platform.”

Mr Ian Ho, Vice President, Shopee, said: “With e-commerce becoming an intrinsic part of our everyday lives, we know that safety has become the benchmark for Singaporean shoppers. This partnership with CASE, and the launch of Shop Safe with Shopee, builds on our commitment to cultivate a safe and reliable e-marketplace environment where shoppers and sellers alike can transact with peace of mind.”
Hashtag: #Shopee

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

About Shopee:

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee promotes an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem by enabling businesses to digitalise and grow their online presence, helping more people access and benefit from digital services, and uplifting local communities.

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping homegrown brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is part of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), a leading global consumer internet company. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology through its three core businesses: Shopee, Garena and SeaMoney.

Enjoy non-stop Super Brand Days from well-loved brands at Shopee Mall 5.5 Super Brands Festival

Shoppers can look forward to 14 days of non-stop Super Brand Days and shop over 4,000 authentic brands on Shopee Mall

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 28 April 2023 – Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, invites Singaporean shoppers to enjoy mega deals and exclusive promotions from leading brands at its Shopee Mall 5.5 Super Brands Festival. With brands continuing to scale their digital presence and investments in e-commerce, this campaign builds upon Shopee Mall’s ongoing commitment to help them reach and engage new customers online, through initiatives such as Super Brand Days and Brands Festivals.

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As Shopee’s premium retail space, Shopee Mall guarantees free 15-day returns and promises 100% authenticity or double your money back, so shoppers can shop safely and securely with assurance, directly from the official stores of over 4,000 local and international brands on Shopee Mall.

Winston Goh, Head of Marketing, Shopee Singapore, said, “We are recording more consumers shopping directly from brand official stores on Shopee Mall, where they can enjoy the best value and deals and enjoy brand-exclusive perks. Loyal brand customers are also coming back to take advantage of membership-exclusive deals. We are thrilled to connect our brand partners with this growing league of online shoppers through Shopee Mall, and heartened to see more shoppers enjoying an engaging and rewarding shopping experience with us.”

Shopee Mall 5.5 Super Brands Festival runs from 21 April to 5 May, offering shoppers 14 days of non-stop Super Brand Days. They can enjoy 70% off brand boxes, 20% cashback on Shopee Mall and free shipping everyday from authentic crowd favorites. To accumulate further savings, they can also sign up for free brand memberships and tune in to live streams to claim upsized brand vouchers.

Shoppers can also look forward to:

  • 24H Brands Flash Sale: up to 90% off over 300 authentic brands like Samsung, Kinohimitsu, Medicube, Prism+ and Sterra
  • Happy Boxes from $11: brand boxes from brands like Innisfree, Walch, Hasbro and Kose worth a higher value ($11 worth $50, $29 worth $60, $49 worth $100, $79 worth $160, $149 worth $300)
  • Best Gifts for Mother’s Day: favorite flower collections, gifts for every mom and gifts for every budget
  • Supermarket Savers: bundle deals dropped at midnight and noon daily, super savings, markdowns and vouchers
  • Exclusive Product Launches: from brands like Tefal and Nespresso

Shop Shopee’s 5.5 Super Brands Festival at https://shopee.sg/m/5-5.
Hashtag: #Shopee

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

About Shopee Mall

Shopee Mall is the region’s leading online mall offering one-stop access to a wide range of international and local brands and retailers. Shoppers can enjoy three guarantees delivered by Shopee Mall — 100% authentic products, free returns and free shipping. With always-on deals, entertainment and a robust loyalty programme, Shopee Mall offers an unparalleled online shopping experience and best value all year round. Shopee Premium was introduced in 2020 to add greater variety to Shopee Mall. Users can shop from a curated selection of premium fashion, beauty and lifestyle products from renowned luxury brands.

Little Fox Mall announced its official launch in Indonesia

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach – 28 April 2023 – Recently, Little Fox Mall, known as the “Indonesian cross-border e-commerce dark horse” in the industry, announced its official launch, which has attracted widespread attention in the Indonesian market.

Little Fox Mall is committed to creating a comprehensive category mall with user experience as the primary goal, clear brand identification, responsive layout, safety, reliability, and practicality. The mall includes a full range of electronic products, skincare products, beauty, makeup, mother and baby products to meet the diverse needs of the market. In order to ensure the quality of goods and the stability of supply, Little Fox Mall has cooperated with multiple brands around the world and established multiple cross-border warehousing and procurement centers worldwide to achieve overseas tax inclusive delivery services.

At the same time, Little Fox Mall also has a professional customer service team, adhering to customer needs as the core, committed to providing thoughtful and professional services to consumers.

Little Fox Mall will strengthen its operational management capabilities, expand its brand cooperation scope, continuously optimize its product structure, expand new business models, enhance its competitiveness, and provide global consumers with a more high-quality and convenient cross-border shopping experience.

The relevant person in charge of Little Fox Mall stated that with the continuous development and popularization of mobile internet technology, the cross-border e-commerce industry in the Indonesian market has broad prospects. As a leader in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has very broad market potential, especially in the cross-border e-commerce market. The launch of Little Fox Mall aims to provide Indonesian consumers with a more diverse range of product choices, while also providing global consumers with a more convenient and high-quality shopping experience. The expected revenue will reach 3 billion US dollars. Little Fox Mall will improve its service system, cooperate with more high-quality brands, provide consumers with more diversified and thoughtful services, and create an efficient e-commerce platform with a global layout, ultimately realizing the value of Little Fox Mall.
Hashtag: #LittleFoxMall

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

Malaysia and China are discussing Asian Monetary Fund to move away from the U.S. dollar: an OctaFX analysis

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 28 April 2023 – The Malaysian prime minister’s proposal to create an Asian Monetary Fund can be seen as a natural development following China’s shift away from the U.S. dollar. The OctaFX experts give their assessment of what the consequences will be for the Malaysian economy and MYR.

The U.S. dollar plays a vital role in the U.S. economy, owing to the fact that it accounts for more than 80% of international trade finance. The U.S. dollar also constitutes 60% of the world’s foreign exchange reserves and dominates the bond and currency markets.

However, the widespread use of the U.S. dollar hinders other countries’ (particularly emerging markets) access to international capital. For instance, Russia currently faces financial sanctions and frozen foreign exchange reserves, while Brazil’s president has expressed dissatisfaction with the use of the U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar is also not favoured by many Asian economies, as ASEAN finance ministers and central bank governors are exploring ways to reduce their dependence on the dollar and shift towards local currencies. Here is how Malaysia’s prime minister Anwar Ibrahim commented on this in April 2023:

‘There is no reason to continue to depend on the U.S. dollar. In our negotiations between Malaysia and Indonesia, we use ringgit and rupiah. The central bank has also proposed to bring this method to trade matters. The more important issue concerns the Asian Monetary Fund (AMF), which has been well received in Asia—I think this proposal should be discussed.’

Malaysia has demonstrated the fastest economic growth rate in Asia over the last two decades, making it worthwhile to listen to the man behind this growth.

China aims to make the yuan the world’s reserve currency and an alternative to the U.S. dollar. Using the yuan in ASEAN countries could be a solution. However, the strict control of the exchange rate by Chinese authorities makes it challenging to promote the use of yuan there. Another major world currency, the euro, will never match the level of liquidity of the U.S. dollar in Asian countries.

The proposed Asian Monetary Fund could enable countries in the region to pool their currencies, providing a way to move away from the IMF and the U.S. dollar in times of crisis. Several governments, including Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, have already signed bilateral agreements using only their national currencies.

‘The cohesive actions of Asian states will help enhance Malaysia’s intra-trade relations within the region, which will positively affect the liquidity of MYR, making it more accessible,’ said Kar Yong Ang, an OctaFX financial market analyst.

As China accelerates de-dollarisation worldwide, billions of dollars of liquidity remain unclaimed, leading to the strengthening of alternative currencies, especially Asian ones.

Hashtag: #China #Malaysia #AsianMonetaryFund #USD #MYR

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

About OctaFX

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and a variety of services already utilised by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 40 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.

In the APAC region, OctaFX managed to capture the ‘Best Forex Broker Malaysia 2022’ award and the ‘Best Global Broker Asia 2022’ from Global Banking and Finance Review and International Business Magazine, respectively.