Almost 50% of drug addicts in Laos relapsed into their condition after being rehabilitated for the same, said a police officer in Vientiane Capital.
Landmark Joins the Ranks of Singapore’s Top Regulated Payment Institutions with Latest Authorization from the Monetary Authority of Singapore
Singapore enterprises now have access to Landmark’s comprehensive set of worldwide payment solutions that comprise global account creation, domestic and international fund transfers with a variety of supported currencies at favorable exchange rates, including reliable remittance services backed by the strong financial service networks and backbones of the KVB Global Capital Group. Landmark offers individuals and businesses in Singapore the opportunity to open an account and access GCFX, an online foreign currency exchange platform that provides a secure and efficient solution for money transfers.
“We are thrilled to be part of a highly prosperous and developed nation that prioritizes innovation and technology,” said Ms. Ning Sun, Chief Executive Director of Landmark. “Remittance services play a crucial role in supporting the diverse needs of businesses, individuals, and the broader economy in Singapore, from facilitating international trade and foreign investments to promoting regional connectivity and supporting the migrant worker population. We’re excited to empower Singapore businesses to tackle the complexity of cross-border payments and enable their global growth through our expertise in international payment and settlement services. Our expansion into Singapore reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of businesses and individuals across borders and promoting global economic development.”
Hashtag: #FX #Remittance #Landmark #KVB #CrossBorderPayment #Payment #Settlement #SingaporeBusiness
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Landmark
Landmark Commerce Pte. Ltd. (Landmark) is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of the KVB Global Capital Group, backed by KVB’s 20 years of financial management experience. The group has established multiple licensed presences in Auckland New Zealand, Sydney and Melbourne Australia, Toronto Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taipei China. Landmark is focused on currency exchange, remittance, global payment and settlement services for Southeast Asia individuals and corporates. By providing 24-hours-a-day electronic trading service, we aim to bring our customers a truly globalized service network. For more information, please visit www.landmark-comm.sg .
technine and SDMC Jointly Establish AForai to promote Artificial Intelligence Technology and Explore AI Potential

Since OpenAI’s ChatGPT’s recent launch in the market, it has become a hot topic worldwide with a staggering user base of over 100 million in just two months. Its impact on the business industry has been profound, and has sparked a growing interest in artificial intelligence technology among the public. Companies are taking a proactive approach in exploring the potential of ChatGPT and other AI technologies. With the release of OpenAI API, businesses are leveraging the exceptional ability of NLP (Natural language processing tool).
Ryan Ip, Chief Technology Officer of technine, stated, “The potential of AI is truly exciting, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement. With the emergence of ChatGPT, the public can experience the enormous power of artificial Intelligence. AI tools can systematically assist businesses in long-term development. Our new joint venture, AForai aims to promote AI technology to the public and unleash the full potential of AI integration in businesses. AI adoption will significantly reduce businesses’ operating costs and maximize resource performance.”
Chris Tam, co-founder of SDMC, said, “We truly believe that AI development is a blue ocean strategy for businesses. It is going to revolutionize operating models in many industries. As a market leader in digital marketing, we combine our expertise in technology and digital marketing into this new joint venture, we will help businesses stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. We are looking forward to exploring the possibilities for AI in business use and contributing to society.”
AForai has already launched its first AI project, TechShiba, a cutting-edge media platform that offers comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in AI and adoptions across various industries, as well as breakthroughs, technologies and trends in the IT industry. TechShiba is available to download in App Store and Play, and a website version will be released soon.
For further information, please contact info@aforai.ai
Hashtag: #AForai #AI #ArtificalIntellience #machinelearning #technology #innovative
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AForai
AForai is a joint venture operated by technine and SDMC, two prominent companies specializing in software R&D and digital agency services. It aims to promote the development of AI technology to the public. AForai strives to deliver adoption of AI technology and unleash the full potential of AI for the future of our society.
About technine
technine is a rapidly-growing software R&D house and systems integrator founded by experienced IT experts supported by a team of Hong Kong developers. It specializes in software R&D, systems integrations to help businesses develop suitable applications – from mobile apps, cloud-based systems, to leverage IoT & blockchain to increase operational efficiency & touch points with prospects.
About SDMC
SDMC is a leading digital agency that offers a full-scope digital marketing services to help businesses grow and succeed in the digital landscape. SDMC dissects Search Engine information and user behavior through the insight of “Big Data” from the digital market. Provides Goal-oriented, Tailor-made, Sustainable optimization of online marketing solutions to any business industry.
Asian Packaging Industry Online Exhibition 2023 Grand Opening

TradeAsia, the organizer of the Asian Packaging Industry Online Exhibition (APACK 2023), invited dozens of Taiwanese suppliers of Packaging Industry to participate in the exhibition. Top-notch brands such as Keljen Enterprise, Tian Cherng, Elastin, Shang-Yuh, Jesper PET, Avatack, Chun Cheng, Neptune Tape, Powertronics and Pan Taiwan are all gearing up to showcase their newest products.
Manufacturers and product categories have covered Carton Sealer, Erector, Empty Carton Bottom Sealer, Cross Strapping System, Strapping System, Auto Strapping Machine, Strapping Device, Pallet Arrow Strapping, PVC Sheet, PVC Rigid Sheet, Plastic Sheet, PP Sheet, PC Sheet, PS Sheet, PEVA Sheet, Foil Stamping, Book Binding Paper, PVC non-woven Leather, Hot Stamping, Mirror Plastic Sheet, Acrylic Sheet, Acrylic Glass, Acrylic Fabrics, Book Binding, Folding Boxes, Vacuum Emulsify Mixer, Nauta Mixer, V Type Mixer, Ribbon Blender, Double Cone Mixer, Rocking Mixer, Vacuum Cooker, Steam Heating Kettle, Preparation Mixing Tank, Chemical Machine, Pharmaceutical Machine, Production Factory Piping Engineering, Preform, PET Preform, PET Preforms, Bottle Preform, Plastic PET Preform, Injection Molds, Blow Mold, PET, Blow Molding, Plastic Injection Molding, PET Bottles, Plastic Bottle, Plastic Bottles, Water Bottle, Plastic Preform, Preform Bottle, Bottle Caps and 38mm Cold Fill Preform. Also includes machines for dough processing from production to finished packaging, such as Crisp Skin Machine, Dough Divider, Reversible Sheeter, Horizontal-type Plant Mixer, Horizontal Vacuum Mixer, Bagel Machine, Multi-purpose mixer, Dough Moulder, Tabletop Dough Moulder, Short Dough Moulder with thousands of the latest products, tools, and equipment on display. It can be said to be rich and professional.
APACK 2023 Online Exhibition:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/23/Asian-Packaging-Industry-Online-Exhibition-2023.html
Although the COVID-19 epidemic is gradually slowing down in Asia, Europe, and America, the international flow of people is still difficult to recover in a short period of time. Traditional exhibitions have been greatly hindered, and at this time, online activities have become mainstream. The Asian Packaging Industry Online Exhibition (APACK 2023) provides various online exhibition rooms, including exhibition pages, electronic catalogs, and virtual exhibition halls. It also connects products and exhibitor information with TradeAsia so that even international buyers who are thousands of miles away can easily visit and will not be affected by travel restrictions and quarantine measures. They can also visit the manufacturer’s special pages and leave their information at the same time.
TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) has provided B2B international trade services for buyers and sellers since 1997. It is the most experienced and professional trade platform in the world. We currently have millions of global members, more than 600,000 suppliers, and millions of the latest products. Thousands of professional buyers worldwide find products and contact sellers for business cooperation every day. TradeAsia is a significant trade promotion channel in Asia.
TradeAsia has also established cooperative relationships with hundreds of trade entities worldwide, exchanging marketing promotion exposures. Therefore, suppliers have a good chance to spread information to global platforms or exhibition entities simultaneously. By this effort, we will significantly increase participation with global marketing power APACK 2023 Online Exhibition will also be broadcast globally.
Hashtag: #APACK2023
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Brands For Good Recognises Purpose-Driven Companies And The Power Of Passion And Possibilities
Recognising Companies as Drivers For Change
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 4 May 2023 – Brands For Good, a Singapore-based non-profit organisation founded in 2017, is proud to announce the 5th edition of the Brands For Good Awards for 2022/2023. At the forefront of promoting businesses that embrace “goodness” and that make initiating positive change a part of their DNA and culture. Each year Brands For Good sets an award theme to promote the different underlying themes of “doing good in business” (given in Appendix A). This year’s awards seek to recognise purpose-driven companies.
By recognising the vital role that businesses play in society, for economic development, as well as being people developers, Brands For Good was set up to help businesses transform into leaders of positive change, and to promote the idea of ‘activist entrepreneurship’. According to Brands For Good, activist entrepreneurship refers to the approach taken by business owners and entrepreneurs who actively engage in social, environmental, or political causes while running their businesses. This concept combines the traditional aspects of entrepreneurship with a focus on activism to create a more conscious, responsible, and values-based approach to business. Activist entrepreneurs prioritise using their businesses as a platform to support causes they care about, while also ensuring ethical practices, employee welfare, community engagement, and transparency. Since the founding of Brands For Good, the organisation has helped more than 250 companies to undergo internal transformations for social good.
In today’s business landscape, consumers and even employees, will consider buying from or joining companies and brands that place importance on social impact beyond financial success. Thus, atop profitability, Brands For Good awardees are also judged on additional matrices such as social impact, accountability and transparency. This year, Brands For Good judges will be on the lookout for clarity of mission and purpose. Brands For Good believes that purpose-driven companies that prioritise social responsibility and sustainability will not only able to meet the expectations of consumers, but also to create long-term value for their stakeholders. The annual awards is not just a celebration of achievements by exemplary companies, but also a call to action for other businesses to follow their lead. By emphasising the importance of purpose and social responsibility, the Brands For Good Awards also recognises businesses that are leading the way in creating a better future for all of us.
Brands For Good nominees undergo a strict review of their submissions by a panel of renowned experts. Each category features judges with specific experience in the category, and who have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities the brands face in today’s marketplace – to qualify businesses that are truly exemplary in their field.
Award categories include:
Business For Good: This category recognises businesses that have successfully implemented differentiated business models and/or innovative internal processes to achieve not only economic but also social and environmental goals.
Capital For Good: This category celebrates investment funds (including venture capitals and family offices) that are generating good return on investment from their successful selection and investment in companies that achieve not only economic but also social and environmental goals.
Leadership For Good: This category acknowledges purpose-driven brands, companies and/or individuals that have shown industry and ethical leadership towards meeting impact goals and social change.
Technology For Good: This category spotlights and awards brands for the invention or innovation of technology that addresses social and/or environmental challenges and capture market opportunities.
Brands For Good Awards Ceremony 2022/2023
This year’s ceremony will be held on on 4 May 2023, from 9am to 1pm at Marina Bay Sands (Hibiscus Room). Minister Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law will be the Guest-Of-Honour at this year’s award ceremony.
The ceremony will recognise 36 companies from over 100 nominations and expects 500 business leaders to attend. There will also be a panel discussion on “Looking Ahead: The Future of Doing Good“, discussing whether new technology such as artificial intelligence platforms like ChatGPT can help businesses do good.
Brands For Good Pledge Challenge
In March 2023, Brands For Good launched the “Brands For Good Pledge Challenge”, seeking to acquire pledges from more than 1,000 companies, that will pledge to uphold the ethos of being an honourable brand, that will uphold the stewardship of doing what is right, and what is good for the community, for people, for the environment, when conducting their business. The organisation is proud to boast an active community of like-minded business owners who continue to uphold a completely new standard to doing good.
To date, more than 250 pledges have been received and these companies will be invited formalise their pledges at the ceremony in a Pledge Taking Session at the Brands For Good Awards Ceremony 2022/2023.
For more details on the Brands For Good Awards or to nominate companies for 2024/2025, visit www.brandsforgood.asia/bfg2024-nominate. Nominations for next year’s edition will be open on 5 May 2023.
Hashtag: #BrandsForGood #SustainableSolutions #SocialResponsibility #EcoFriendly #ConsciousConsumption #EthicalProduction #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalImpact #PositiveChange #PurposeDriven #BetterFuture #GoodBusiness
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/brands-for-good-limited
https://www.facebook.com/BrandsForGood.Asia/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Brands For Good
In 2017, Brands For Good started as an idea among 3 individuals. It was founded shortly thereafter by four founding partners – IPOS Society, International IP Commercialisation Council, Singapore, CEO Asia Pte Ltd and Maybank – to recognise businesses whose business innovation not only make a difference but also create positive impact on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). Today, Brands for Good Limited, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to award businesses for their exemplary business model in embodying the principles of Social Responsibility as integral to their business. Going-forward, we hope this recognition will honour SMEs across Asia and inspire many more to do the same.
For more details, visit www.brandsforgood.asia.
Liverpool FC & CRC Thailand renew for a third term

The long-standing partnership is now into its 8th season with the new renewal period adding a further 5 years to the successful collaboration.
CRC Sports are Thailand’s leading multi-format, multi-category and omnichannel retailing platform with a diverse retail portfolio. Starting as a small shophouse in Bangkok they have a history of over 75 years in Thai Retail and will continue to manage LFC’s branded portfolio in the region on and offline.
Working with CRC Sports has seen incredible growth for the club in the region giving Thai supporters access to the Reds official Nike and own brand merchandise. Since the partnership began the standalone retail portfolio has increased to five stores with additional shop-in-shops, club events and pop-up activations to increase fan engagement.
Mike Cox, Senior Vice President Merchandising and Retail at Liverpool FC, said: “We are thrilled to continue working with CRC Sports, and extend our long-term retail and licensing partnership.
“We have grown significantly in the region during our first two terms with CRC Sports, and they are a great partner for us in supporting this remarkable growth. We are looking forward to what the next five years has in store.”
Alexandre Hammel, President of CRC Sports, said “We at CRC Sports are very proud to extend our partnership with Liverpool FC for another 5 years. LFC is significant in world football, and the most favourite international football club for Thai people. We are very pleased and honoured by the trust that Liverpool FC is giving to CRC Sports, this is fitting to our strategy to always bring the best of the world to Thai customers.”
This follows recent International Retail Partnership renewals in Singapore and Malaysia and domestically the relaunch of the new Liverpool L1 city centre store.
Notes to Editors:
- The BSI is the business improvement company that enables organisations to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence.
- An ISO 20121 accreditation assess an organisations social, economic and environmental impact. It looks at every action an organisation makes from relying on tap water instead of plastic bottles to encouraging use of public transport.
Hashtag: #LiverpoolFC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Liverpool Football Club
- Founded in 1892, Liverpool FC is one of the world’s most historic and famous football clubs, having won 19 League Titles, including the Premier League, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, six European Cups, three UEFA Cups, four European Super Cups and 15 Charity Shields.
- As a socially responsible Club, Liverpool FC is proud of its heritage and plays a proactive role in its communities through its official charity, Liverpool FC Foundation, which aims to create life changing opportunities for children and young people in Merseyside and beyond, and the Red Neighbours programme, which creates events and experiences specifically aimed at improving the lives of those living in and around the Anfield area (L4, L5 and L6).
Mecho Autotech to launch version 2.0 of vehicle management app and new automotive spare parts marketplace in 3Q
This latest version of Mecho’s flagship product will provide even more flexible features and financing options, helping corporate fleet owners and individuals streamline the auto repairs and maintenance process.
LAGOS, NIGERIA – EQS Newswire – 3 May 2023 – Mecho Autotech (“Mecho”) (www.MechoAutotech.com), a Nigerian platform providing global automotive spare parts and vehicle repairs and maintenance services, will launch a version v2.0 of its vehicle management app that connects vehicle owners to qualified and vetted mechanics in the third quarter of this year. Mecho will also launch Mecho Mart, a marketplace for high-quality aftermarket spare parts and original OEM spare parts for wholesalers and enterprise fleet owners. The soon to be launched products signal a shift in strategy as Mecho looks to double down on improving Nigeria’s $6BN fragmented and informal automotive aftersales market which is characterized by substandard automotive spare parts and frequent stockouts.
Among its new features, customers can access financing to pay for vehicle repairs and maintenance to preserve their cash flow. After undergoing an easy and fast verification process, eligible customers can receive overdrafts of up to 10 million naira, which are deposited in the Mecho app wallet. Customers also have more flexible servicing options: they can drop off their vehicles at any of Mecho’s 100 partner workshops in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, or arrange for pick-up. In the new improved 2.0 Mecho app, customers can track all their expenses, maintenance requests, and vehicle history. Corporate fleet owners can manage multiple mechanics, including Mecho and other 3rd party service providers, to streamline the maintenance and repairs process in one easy-to-use app. Mecho will also roll out an IOT integration allowing corporate fleet owners to track their vehicles. The 2.0 vehicle management app will be free to use.
Also in Q3, Mecho will launch Mecho Mart, a marketplace for high-quality aftermarket and original OEM spare parts for wholesalers and enterprise fleet owners. Customers will be able to buy genuine auto parts like tires, shock absorbers, brake pads, lubricants and filters. Using the marketplace, spare parts wholesalers can stock up on inventory with top-quality parts, secure financing, and increase profit by avoiding stockouts. With support from Global Brains (https://apo-opa.info/44kae3I), a Japanese venture capital firm that invested a seven-figure sum in the company, Mecho aims to build partnerships with global automotive aftermarket spare parts manufacturers to source genuine and affordable spare parts to build a reliable vehicle spare parts supply chain in Nigeria.
“When we launched in the market two years ago, we focused on providing high quality vehicle maintenance services. But over time we learned that we had to prioritize fixing the broken automotive spare parts supply chain — a more urgent problem in the industry and a bigger driver of its value. Spare parts represents $6BN out of Nigeria’s $8BN vehicle aftersales market. Since we pivoted our business, we have serviced more than 50 corporate fleet owners and spare parts wholesalers and provided spare parts from 5 global automotive manufacturers. By improving the availability of high quality spare parts, we believe that we can play a role in improving Nigerians’ vehicle longevity and road safety,” said Olusegun Owoade Mecho Autotech CEO/co-founder.
Nigeria has more than 12 million registered vehicles of which more than 90% are imported used vehicles. Given the predominance of used vehicles, the automotive aftersales industry is highly fragmented and informal with a broken aftermarket spare parts supply chain. Spare parts wholesalers struggle to access high quality and original parts, and suffer frequent stockouts as they are unable to access working capital to purchase inventory. Despite its informal and fragmented nature, Nigeria’s automotive aftersales and maintenance market is valued at an estimated $8BN. The average Nigerian vehicle owner spends $50-60 per year on repairs and maintenance of which 80% is spent on spare parts.
Visit www.MechoAutotech.com to demo the version v2.0 of the vehicle management app. Spare part wholesalers can sign up to the Mecho Mart waitlist here (https://apo-opa.info/41Vwlvz).
Download image: https://apo-opa.info/42meiyF (Mecho Autotech to launch version 2.0 of vehicle management app and new automotive spare parts marketplace in 3Q)
Hashtag: #MechoAutotech
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT MECHO AUTOTECH:
Mecho Autotech is a Nigerian multi-channel platform providing global automotive spare parts and vehicle repairs and maintenance services. Mecho is on a mission to foster a vehicle maintenance culture in Nigeria to keep roads and passengers safe. Founded in 2021 by Olusegun Owoade and Ayoola Akinkunmi, Mecho Autotech offers repair and maintenance services to businesses and consumers through in-house and third-party service capacity which has passed rigorous assessments. The Mecho has both workshop and mobile service capabilities.
When consumers download the Mecho Autotech app, they enter their vehicle’s unique identification number (VIN) or basic vehicle information. Based on the vehicle’s specifications, the Mecho Autotech algorithm calculates a routine vehicle maintenance program and subscription fee which can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Mecho offers mobile service to meet a customer at their own location if preferred. Customers can also go to a Mecho Autotech workshop or partner garages for service. For business customers, Mecho Autotech can manage fleet-wide needs with the flexibility to request repairs on demand.
The Mecho retail app is available on both iOS and Android. Find out more at www.MechoAutotech.com.
Pardon Frees More Than 2,100 Myanmar Political Prisoners

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s ruling military council on Wednesday said it was releasing more than 2,100 political prisoners as a humanitarian gesture. Thousands more remain imprisoned on charges generally involving nonviolent protests or criticism of military rule, which began when the army seized power in February 2021 from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.