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Lao-Thai Railway Completes Second Phase of Construction and Ready for Public Use

Khamsavath Railway Station in Vientiane Capital (Photo: Authority of Railway Management).

The Lao-Thai Railway is expected to start operations this year following the completion of the second phase of the railway construction, according to the developer.

ASEAN Leaders to Agree to Cooperate in Fighting Cyber Scams

ASEAN leaders to agree to cooperate in fighting cyber scams
From left to right, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and also Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and East Timorese Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak pose for a family photo during the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, Wednesday, 10 May. ( Photo : AP )

LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia (AP) — Southeast Asian leaders have agreed to tighten border controls and law enforcement and improve public education to fight criminal syndicates that are trafficking workers to other nations, where they are forced to participate in online fraud, according to a draft statement to be issued Thursday at the end of a regional summit.

Lao Esports Team Win Bronze at SEA Games for First Time Ever

Lao eSports Team Win Bronze in SEA Game 2023
Lao Esports Team pose for a photo after their win (photo: Lao Esports Federation)

A Lao Esports team won bronze medals on Tuesday at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA) in Cambodia, marking the first time the country was recognized at a regional event of such stature.

UOB partners with Robert Parker Wine Advocate to bring exclusive fine wine and dining offers to customers

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 11 May 2023 – UOB cardholders in Singapore and ASEAN countries can look forward to a love fest of gastronomic experiences, as Robert Parker Wine Advocate announces an exciting two-year partnership with UOB in its world-first collaboration with a financial institution across multiple ASEAN markets.

United Overseas Bank (UOB), Managing Director, Head Group Personal Financial Services, Jacquelyn Tan (left) and Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Chief Executive Officer, Mickael Moiroud (right).
United Overseas Bank (UOB), Managing Director, Head Group Personal Financial Services, Jacquelyn Tan (left) and Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Chief Executive Officer, Mickael Moiroud (right).

This partnership aims to cater to the finer palates of the region’s growing affluent population. The High-Net-Worth population[1] in Asia Pacific stands at 7.2 million as of 2022, a 4.2 per cent year-on-year increase from 2021[2]. Along with the segment’s growth, about 70 per cent of High-Net-Worth-Individuals are prioritising curated luxury goods and experiences, and close to 65 per cent are focused on expressing their wealth through cultural proficiency 2.

Ms. Jacquelyn Tan, Head of Group Personal Financial Services, UOB, said, “Consumer preferences are changing, alongside the growth in their personal wealth. As our regional retail customer base strengthens to over 7-million strong, we continue to expand our offerings and privileges to cater to every lifestyle, passion and need. Robert Parker Wine Advocate shares our ambition to serve our consumers through unique experiences, and we are excited to embark on this partnership with them.”

UOB’s tie-up with Robert Parker Wine Advocate adds to the wide array of partnerships the Bank has with leading regional brands to expand its retail offerings across ASEAN, in line with the Bank’s sharpened purpose of building the future of ASEAN.

Highlights of the partnership include a world-first collaboration with the world’s foremost wine rating authority, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, where UOB cardholders in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam can look forward to exclusive wine pairing dinners complemented with food served by MICHELIN-Starred restaurant chefs as well as curated wine masterclasses for different levels of wine connoisseurs. As one of the first regional partnerships between Robert Parker Wine Advocate and a financial institution, the collaboration furthers the bank’s customer propositions in the dining space bringing a perfect complement to UOB’s existing partnerships with The MICHELIN Guide in Thailand and Malaysia.

Unique experiences for all you love about food and wine

Starting from second half of the year, UOB cardholders in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia will enjoy exclusive access to world-renowned fine wine publication, Robert Parker Wine Advocate. The publication boasts a comprehensive database of over 450,000 wine reviews and tasting notes from the international team of wine critics at Robert Parker Wine Advocate, as well as weekly wine content and a specially curated wine dinner experience.

UOB cardholders will also be entitled to two exclusive and unique experiences: The UOB Dining Advisor, a dedicated page for UOB customers featuring specially curated wine related themes and content; as well as by-invite-only wine masterclasses conducted by wine experts at Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

Additional perks for UOB Customers in Malaysia and Thailand

UOB is also the official bank partner for The MICHELIN Guide in Malaysia and Thailand. This exclusive partnership promises additional entitlements for UOB cardholders in these two countries, including special privileges and exclusive access to events that will further elevate their dining experiences.

UOB’s new partnership with Robert Parker Wine Advocate complements the collaboration with The MICHELIN Guide, offering UOB cardholders an unparalleled gastronomic experience uplifted by exclusive wine pairing selection.

“The team at Robert Parker Wine Advocate and The MICHELIN Guide (Malaysia and Thailand) are thrilled to offer UOB customers exclusive access to specially curated fine wine and dining experiences. Both brands are dedicated to enhancing people’s love for food and wine by providing the best independent professional recommendations and unique experiences that bring them closer to their passion for gastronomy.” Said Mr. Chris Gledhill, Vice President, Business Development & Partnerships of The MICHELIN Guide and Robert Parker Wine Advocate Asia and Middle East.

“Robert Parker Wine Advocate and The MICHELIN Guide are recognised globally for their expert opinions on fine wine and fine dining. UOB customers can now benefit from this partnership and elevate their gastronomic experience like never before.”


[1] Individuals and households who own liquid assets valued between US$1 million to US$30 million.

[2] Source: Visa AP High-Net-Worth Study 2022

Hashtag: #RobertParkerWineAdvocate

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

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Robert Parker Wine Advocate is the world’s premier independent wine buyer’s website with a database of more than 450,000 tasting notes, scores and reviews from professional critics around-the-world. For over 40 years, Robert Parker Wine Advocate (a part of the MICHELIN Group of companies) has been the global leader and independent consumer’s guide to fine wine with its 100-point rating system and in-depth coverage of major wine regions.

About UOB

UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

For nearly nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to help businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.

New Thai Govt. Likely to Decriminalize Multi-Billion Dollar Sex Industry

Thailand Proposes Bill To Decriminalize Billion Dollar Sex Industry
Members of SWING (Service Members in Group) Foundation, an organization for the empowerment of sex workers in Thailand, perform for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies during Pride March in Bangkok on 5 June, 2022. (Photo: VOA)

Sex workers in Thailand are hopeful that the 14 May general election will see a new government come to power that will help decriminalize the country’s multi-billion dollar sex industry.

BingX CEX listed $PEPE, A Meme coin and Looks to List More

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 11 May 2023 – BingX, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchange, has listed $PEPE, one of the most popular meme coins in the market, and is actively seeking to list more meme coins in the future. This decision is a strategic move to take advantage of the hype and growing interest in meme-based cryptocurrency projects. Unlike decentralized exchanges (DEX), centralized exchanges (CEX) have always been reluctant to list meme coins because of their volatile nature. However, BingX is committed to conducting extensive due diligence on all meme coin listings to ensure their legitimacy and authenticity. BingX CEX is now one of the very few exchanges that are willing to take a chance on meme coins, for users to hold a diverse portfolio of cryptocurrencies.

BingX is dedicated to researching more up-and-coming meme coins such as Spongebob, Mong Coin, and RobotEra, in order to offer its users access to emerging and innovative cryptocurrencies. The addition of $PEPE and other meme coins on BingX CEX will provide users with new investment opportunities and increase trading options.

However, it is important to note that trading in memecoins can be dangerous and unpredictable, and users are strongly advised to do their own research (DYOR) and exercise caution when investing in these assets. BingX recognizes the high volatility and risks associated with meme-based cryptocurrencies, and has implemented strict due diligence procedures and risk management protocols to ensure the safety of its users. As with any investment, it is crucial to carefully consider the risks and benefits before making any decisions.

Hashtag: #bingx #cryptoexchange

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

About BingX

Founded in 2018, BingX has grown to become the world’s leading social trading platform. It is a global digital asset, spot, and derivatives trading platform that provides a safe, reliable, user-centric, and open ecosystem with intuitive social trading features. BingX offers popular Meme projects like & spots and derivative tradings to more than 100 countries and regions worldwide with over 5 million users. BingX QA is a Q&A engine for trading analysis and investment guidance. Find the latest analysis includes fundamental analysis and price predictions for .

Flash Coffee Extends Series B Round to US$50 Million

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 11 May 2023 – Singapore-based tech-enabled coffee chain Flash Coffee has announced the successful completion of its Series B financing round led by White Star Capital, raising a total of US$50 million following its latest closing. Existing investors including White Star Capital, Delivery Hero, Geschwister Oetker, and Conny & Co, participated in the financing round – with several of them further increasing their stake in the company.

Flash Coffee Co-founders Sebastian Hannecker and David Brunier
Flash Coffee Co-founders Sebastian Hannecker and David Brunier

The new funds will be channelled towards accelerating the company’s mission to achieve group-level profitability. This includes sustainably growing its footprint across the Asia Pacific region to serve high-quality specialty coffee to customers in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong and South Korea, doubling down on technology and product innovation and further developing the sales performance of existing stores.

Flash Coffee has experienced exponential growth over the past two years, with a 23-fold increase in year-on-year revenue in 2021, followed by another four-fold year-on-year increase in 2022 while achieving more than 100 percentage points year-on-year EBITDA improvement on a group level in the same year. With stores being solidly profitable across the region, the company is on track to reach group level profitability in 2024, with the first markets set to become EBITDA positive in the coming months.

Flash Coffee will continue expanding deeper into its most mature market, Indonesia, where the fast-growing middle class is rapidly driving coffee consumption in Southeast Asia’s most populous country. Following the company’s successful entry into Bandung – its first expansion outside of a capital city – with 11 outlets across the metropolitan area of over 8.8 million inhabitants, Flash Coffee will be officially launching in the vibrant city of Surabaya in July 2023.

“We are grateful to have the continued backing of our shareholders in this financing round. With 100% of our 92 stores in Indonesia being profitable, we have found a solid product market fit and are eager to expand our presence into additional cities in Indonesia to further drive sustainable growth. Offering a product that people love and following our ongoing trajectory of topline and profitability improvements, we are confident that we will reach our overarching goal of being profitable on a group level next year,” said David Brunier, Founder & CEO of Flash Coffee.

“We are proud to further strengthen our investment in Flash Coffee, which has demonstrated impressive growth in a very short period of time. We stand by the company’s mission to broaden access to premium coffee for consumers across Asia using the power of technology, and believe that the brand has resonated strongly with its audience. Flash Coffee is well-positioned to become a leading coffee chain in the region, and we look forward to continuing working closely with the team to support their continued growth and progress towards profitability,” said Joe Wei, General Partner of White Star Capital.
Hashtag: #FlashCoffee #SeriesB #Fundraise

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

Flash Coffee

is a tech-enabled coffee chain that serves a menu of high-quality drinks curated by award-winning World Barista Champions across Asia. Customers can use the Flash Coffee app (download ) to order and pay online, choose to pick up orders from one of the brand’s iconic yellow storefronts, or order for delivery through the app or major delivery platforms in each market.

Launched in 2020, Flash Coffee now operates over 200 stores in five markets across Asia Pacific – Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and South Korea. Flash Coffee is backed by some of the most reputable global tech investors such as White Star Capital, Rocket Internet, Global Founders Capital, Conny & Co as well as strong strategic investors such as Delivery Hero and Geschwister Oetker Beteiligungen.

White Star Capital

White Star Capital is a global multi-stage technology investment platform that invests in exceptional entrepreneurs building ambitious, international businesses. Operating out of London, New York, Paris, Montreal, Toronto, Tokyo, and Singapore. Our global presence, perspective, and people enable us to partner closely with our founders to help them scale internationally.

First Flight from Vientiane to Nong Khang Airport to Fly on Friday

First Flight from Vientiane to Nongkhang Airport Set for Friday
The ATR Aircraft (photo: Laoedaily)

Authorities have announced that they will carry out the first test flight from Vientiane Capital to Nong Khang airport in Houaphanh’s Samnuea district using an ATR aircraft on Friday.