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Discovering Japan’s Rich History and Culture with Castle and Temple-Stays

JNTO KL is delighted to share information about castle-stays and temple-stays which have risen in popularity that allow international visitors to experience being lords, ladies, or even monks for a night.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – Ozu Castle, located in Ehime Prefecture, was the first castle in Japan that allowed guests to stay in the castle tower. This majestic castle was reconstructed in 2004 using UNESCO-registered traditional techniques which were revived for the project, and its doors were opened to guests from around the world in 2020. Discerning guests will be able to experience the grandeur and atmosphere the way that Sadayasu Kato, the first lord of the domain, did so in the 1600s, and even experience dinner in the style of the 17th century lords. Both the castle and Garyu Sanso, a historic tea house complex, have been declared as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Just off the coast of Kyushu Island, in Nagasaki Prefecture lies Hirado Castle, where the historic castle turret Kaiju Yagura is available as a private retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in the culture of Hirado. Kaiju Yagura was renovated in 2020 and its interiors feature a modern take on Japanese aesthetics with an emphasis on locally sourced natural materials. Hirado Castle can also arrange various unique cultural experiences, such as iaijutsu, a combative quick-draw sword technique practiced by samurai, private meals with a personal chef, and renting an elegant kimono for a tea ceremony at the local Zen temple.

For those looking to experience the spiritual side of Japan, temple-stays might be preferred. At one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, Zenkoji, Nagano Prefecture, guests can participate in activities including a ‘goma’ prayer (fire ceremony), ‘shakyo’ (brush meditation) or ‘zazen’ (seated meditation) along with attendance at the temple’s daily ‘O-Asaji’ (morning ceremony). It’s also well-known for shojin ryori (traditional Buddhist cuisine) which is seasonal and based on local fruits and vegetables. Nagano City is accessed from Tokyo Station in under 2 hours by the shinkansen.

Those who prefer private experiences may opt for the temple-stay at Miidera Temple, Shiga Prefecture. The temple has been welcoming everyone from emperors to worshippers for thousands of years, and its 400-year-old quarters are available as a private retreat which offers an immersive experience to connect visitors with Miidera and local culture.

In 2023, visitors can look forward to the opening of several unique accommodations, including Fukuyama Castle, Hiroshima Prefecture and Nakatsu Castle, Oita Prefecture.
Hashtag: #JNTO


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

Japan National Tourism Organization Kuala Lumpur Office

JNTO is a non-profit governmental organization of Japan and JNTO Kuala Lumpur’s office is involved in a variety of activities in Malaysia to promote and encourage tourists from Malaysia to consider Japan as a top destination in their travel plans. For more information, visit

Prudential expands distribution network with official launch of Prudential Financial Advisers

Industry veteran Bernard Chai is CEO of new financial advisory firm which offers life insurance, general insurance and wealth management solutions

Dennis Tan, CEO of Prudential Singapore (2nd from left), Bernard Chai, CEO of Prudential Financial Advisers (2nd from right), Ben Tan, Chief Distribution Officer & Chief Corporate Development Officer, Prudential Singapore (1st from right), and Jackie Chew, Chief Risk Officer, Prudential Singapore (1st from left), celebrating the official launch of Prudential Financial Advisers.
Dennis Tan, CEO of Prudential Singapore (2nd from left), Bernard Chai, CEO of Prudential Financial Advisers (2nd from right), Ben Tan, Chief Distribution Officer & Chief Corporate Development Officer, Prudential Singapore (1st from right), and Jackie Chew, Chief Risk Officer, Prudential Singapore (1st from left), celebrating the official launch of Prudential Financial Advisers.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – Life insurer Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) today announced the official launch of Prudential Financial Advisers (“PFA”), its financial advisory arm. With PFA, Prudential now offers a wider range of insurance products including general insurance and wealth solutions. This is in addition to Prudential’s core solutions in whole and term life, health, savings, retirement and group insurance.

The new financial advisory firm will complement Prudential’s existing distribution ecosystem. Customers will have access to a broad range of products and services including general insurance such as travel insurance and motor insurance and wealth solutions such as unit trusts. They can also tap on the complementary solutions and auxiliary services including estate planning, family office and tax advisory, provided by PFA’s partners.

Mr Dennis Tan, CEO of Prudential Singapore, said the financial advisory business aims to better support Singapore residents who are living longer as the country’s life expectancy continues to rise.

“We are excited to launch Prudential Financial Advisers as it adds to the breadth and depth of our offerings to address people’s enhanced needs for financial security and healthcare at every stage of their life. The new entity will also strengthen our distribution network as we continue to grow our agency of more than 5,000 financial consultants, to serve the needs of all individuals.”

PFA will be led by Mr Bernard Chai, an industry veteran of more than 40 years. In almost two decades with Prudential, he has held key roles such as Head of Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) Partnership, Director of Partnerships Development, and Head of Business Development. He was most recently Prudential’s Head of Agency Transformation before being appointed the CEO of PFA.

Mr Bernard Chai, CEO of Prudential Financial Advisers, shared that the financial advisory channel has seen steady growth in the last few years.

“Customers today are expecting more one-stop solutions to meet their needs for all-of-life, especially on the back of rising life expectancy, and Prudential Financial Advisers is well-placed to meet this need. We bring the best of both worlds to our customers – Prudential’s life insurance offerings as well as general insurance and wealth management solutions from our partners. In this way, we help them to address their healthcare needs, as well as to protect and grow their wealth, so that they can better plan for their retirement.”

With the addition of PFA, Prudential’s distribution ecosystem comprises:

  1. Financial advisory firm: This new channel will offer a range of insurance and wealth solutions to customers at various stages of their financial planning journey.
  2. Tied agency: We have one of the largest tied agency networks in Singapore with more than 5,000 financial consultants who distribute our protection, savings and investment products.
  3. Bancassurance: Our exclusive bancassurance partners are United Overseas Bank (UOB) and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), and we work closely with them to develop and deliver innovative insurance solutions to customers.
  4. Digital channels: We also offer PRUShield and microinsurance plans on Pulse by Prudential[1], our digital health and wellness app. Examples of microinsurance plans include: PRUSafe BreastCancer, PRUSafe Prostate Cancer, PRUSafe Dengue, PRUSafe COVIDCover, and PRUSafe Guard 22.[2]


[1] For more information on Pulse by Prudential, please refer to the launch press release here: https://www.prudential.com.sg/about/newsroom/press-release/2020/prudential-launches-digital-health-app

[2] The full list of insurance plans available on Pulse can be found here: https://www.prudential.com.sg/wedopulse/prushoppe

Hashtag: #PrudentialSingapore

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

About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 92 years. The company has an AA- Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, with S$49.4 billion funds under management as at 31 December 2022. It delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of more than 5,000 financial consultants.

Myanmar Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Some Suu Kyi Appeals

Myanmar Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Some Suu Kyi Appeals
A supporter shows a portrait of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest marking the two-year anniversary of the military takeover that ousted her government outside the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, on 1 February, 2023. ( Photo : AP )

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to hear appeals of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s convictions and requests for reduced sentences in several cases in which she was charged with corruption, election fraud, and violating the official secrets act, a legal official said.

Two-Year-Old Boy From Laos Undergoes Heart Surgery in South Korea

Two-Year-Old Lao Boy Successfully Undergoes Heart Surgery in South Korea
The boy and his family including the Korean surgery team and The Green Company CEO pose for a group photo (photo: ປະຊາຊົນ)

A hospital in South Korea successfully performed heart surgery on a two-year-old Lao boy last week.

Arrow Electronics Showcases EV and AIoT Tech Solutions for Advancing eMobility and Smart City Transformation in Vietnamese Market

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 Global technology-solutions provider Arrow Electronics today hosted an EvTech and AIoT of the Future seminar in Hanoi, Vietnam, in collaboration with 10 global technology suppliers. The seminar exhibited a wide range of EV (Electric Vehicle) and AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) technology products and solutions that will help advance the development of electric mobility and smart cities.

Arrow Electronics showcases EV and AIoT tech solutions for advancing e-mobility and smart city transformation in Hanoi

Arrow Electronics showcases EV and AIoT tech solutions for advancing e-mobility and smart city transformation in Hanoi

As one of the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN, Vietnam has set out on a journey to transform into a smarter IoT nation. Hanoi is among one of three major Vietnamese cities that have transformed into digital and interconnected urban areas. With the launch of Vietnam’s first IoT Innovation Hub in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi in 20191, the city has continued to intensify its efforts in adoption of digital and tech solutions that are fundamental to accelerating sustainable urban development.

“Leveraging MediaTek’s AI IoT system-on-chip (SoC) platform, we are collaborating with global companies such as Arrow to provide AI technology solutions and technical support on the implemented IoT applications to improve how the people of Vietnam work and play,” said Miles Sun, general manager of Corporate Sales, Asia & Africa, MediaTek.”

Aiming to achieve net-zero emissions in the transport sector by 2050, Vietnam has recently introduced national policies including tax incentives and subsidies to promote electric vehicle development2. The local transportation industry is ramping up EV production capacity with an expected goal of reaching 3.5 million vehicles by 2040.

Power electronics is a critical part of electrified powertrain in EVs, supplying and controlling the current and voltage throughout the drive system, including motor control, energy management, and charging speed. Wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors such as SiC and GaN are poised to revolutionize power applications and EV innovations. The ability to design and manufacture WBG-enabled devices will allow automotive innovators and engineers to develop EV solutions, helping to deliver superior reliability, performance, and energy efficiency than the current technology.

“It’s an exciting and critical time to be innovators in the automotive industry. Leveraging innovated technologies on vehicle battery system, high-speed video link, audio signal transmission and processing, we look forward to working with Arrow to accelerate vehicle electrification and boost EV industry in Vietnam,” said Edward Chen, marketing director for AP JC Automotive Business and China Business Unit of Analog Devices.

At the seminar, engineering experts from Arrow and major technology suppliers introduced a wide range of AIoT and EvTech products and solutions, including:

  • Analog Devices‘ battery management system (BMS)
  • Diodes’ IoT and EV solution
  • ECS‘s modern EV and IoT
  • Exascend‘s flash technology for high-performance and computing in AIoT and EvTECH
  • MediaTek‘s Genio IoT and Genius at the Edge
  • Silicon Labs’ secure, intelligent wireless technology
  • TE Connectivity‘s EV solution
  • Texas Instruments‘ solution for electrification and AIoT
  • Toshiba‘s semiconductors including discrete devices, references design/ Eval Boards
  • Yageo‘s one-stop solution

“Next-generation electronics and digital technologies are advancing electrification of transportation and shaping the digital future. We are excited to bring in our global network of technology suppliers a range of advanced AIoT and EV technologies to the Vietnamese market. We look forward to driving best-in-class IoT and EV technologies and adopting best practices while helping our technology customers address the challenge of carbon neutrality,” said Natarajan MM, Arrow Electronics’ vice president of South Asia.

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1 Vietnam’s first IoT Innovation Hub launched (Source: http://english.mic.gov.vn/Pages/TinTuc/138857/Vietnam-s-first-IoT-Innovation-Hub-launched.html)
2 2022 International Council on Clean Transportation (Source: https://theicct.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ldv-asia-using-policy-and-regulation-to-pave-way-for-two-wheeler-electrification-in-vietnam-mar22.pdf )

Hashtag: #ArrowElectronics

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

About Arrow Electronics

Arrow Electronics guides innovation forward for over 210,000 leading technology manufacturers and service providers. With 2022 sales of $37 billion, Arrow develops technology solutions that improve business and daily life. Learn more at FiveYearsOut.com.

Laos Bans Import of Thai Instant Noodles Over Health Concerns

Lao Department of Food and Drugs bans the importation of Thai instant boat noodles. ( Photo : Lerros).

Laos has prohibited the import of Thai instant boat noodles, also known as Kuay Tiew Rua following reports of bacteria contamination in the product.

Hyperchain Technology Debuts at InnoEX, Starting Its Blockchain Expansion Tour Overseas

HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – From April 12 to 15, InnoEX was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s show focused on smart city, digital business, artificial intelligence and other key technology areas in Hong Kong, with leading companies from different industries showcasing diversified innovative solutions. HYPERCHAIN TECHNOLOGY, one of the leading blockchain unicorn enterprises in China, took a key step to expand its blockchain business overseas by making a big appearance at InnoEX.

“2023 is a crucial year for HYPERCHAIN TECHNOLOGY’s globalization layout. And Hong Kong, as an international financial and innovation and technology center, provides strong backing support for the internationalization of the company. The innovation and technology show is not only a valuable opportunity for the company to showcase its advantageous business, but also an important window to know international market, which provides us with fresh and flexible ideas to optimize our overseas business.” According to Su Ziqian, Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of Hong Kong Branch of HYPERCHAIN TECHNOLOGY, the Hong Kong Branch of HYPERCHAIN TECHNOLOGY was approved and settled in Hong Kong recently, and the innovation incubation projects were landed at the same time, officially starting the brand’s journey overseas. She also said, in the next few years, HYPERCHAIN will take Hong Kong branch as its overseas market base to expand its business in smart city, energy transformation, carbon asset trading and financial services.

Since its establishment in 2016, HYPERCHAIN TECHNOLOGY has been committed to accelerating the digital transformation of enterprises and public sectors. Its blockchain technology and solutions cover a wide range of fields, and has now grounded more than 200 typical applications, serving more than 300 core enterprises, supporting business scale of trillion yuan and serving hundreds of millions of people across China. In the company’s on-site booth, a series of “star projects” caught the eye. “In the field of smart city construction, city-level blockchain infrastructure is a representative project, which can provide two core services of data security sharing and digital identity under the premise of protecting the privacy of personal data. Based on the underlying blockchain infrastructure, we build a blockchain development service platform upwards and expand the ecological network through cross-chain collaboration to achieve the synergy and process optimization of different businesses and industries, helping to build a smart city.” The scale supported by the facility is increasing every year. And by 2021, the amount of projects directly or indirectly driven by the city chain model will exceed 70% of the total business,” said Su Ziqian.

In the field of energy and carbon assets, HYPERCHAIN TECHNOLOGY has also showed rich practical achievements. It is understood that HYPERCHAIN TECHNOLOGY has provided technical support for the first provincial-level collaborative management platform for pollution reduction and carbon reduction in China – Zhejiang Province, which aims to provide support tools for pollutant management, carbon emission rights management and enterprise pollution reduction and carbon reduction services in the province. So far, the platform has provided integrated management services of carbon and emission rights for more than 1,600 enterprises in Zhejiang Province, and is expected to manage more than 200 million tons of carbon emissions, and will gradually cover more than 20,000 emission right permit enterprises in the province.

Promoting the circulation of data elements, improving data credibility and enhancing data authentication …… At present, blockchain technology is constantly transforming into the “capillary” of the digital society, invisibly constructing a series of intelligent and digital application scenarios. Su Ziqian said that the Hong Kong branch of HYPERCHAIN TECHNOLOGY will actively embrace Metaverse, Web3.0 and other innovative industries, provide excellent services and support to global customers and partners, and promote the digital transformation and change of the industry.

On the eve of the opening of InnoEX, the Hong Kong Web3.0 Association was officially established, of which Chen Chun, Chief Scientist of HYPERCHAIN TECHNOLOGY, is the Honorary President of the Association. This has set up a solid “watchtower” for the company to go abroad. “On the one hand, we will make the original achievements stronger and better at home, and continue to develop expansion projects in many provinces and cities. On the other hand, we will continue to blossom overseas and promote the deep transformation of blockchain achievements globally.” Su Ziqian said that the company will take this exhibition as an opportunity, and also make full use of the driving role of Web3.0 Association, so that the blockchain innovation achievements of HYPERCHAIN TECHNOLOGY can go out of the country and provide strong development momentum for the global digital era.
Hashtag: #HYPERCHAIN

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

Laos Sees 194 Accidents During Lao New Year

Laos Saw 194 Accidents During Lao New Year
One of the accidents that happened during Lao New Year (photo: Lao Security News)

The country recorded 194 accidents during the three days celebrations of Lao New Year last week.