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Farmers in Savannakhet Report Water Shortage for Crop Production

A farmer plants rice in Laos. ( Photo: World Bank).

Farmers in Savannakhet are facing a significant challenge this dry season as provincial authorities report a lack of water resources that is hindering crop production.

Traffic Police Urge Motorists to Follow Rules During Lao New Year

Traffic Police Department Issues Fifteen Rules for Lao New Year Celebrations
Lao folks enjoying their Lao New Year's water splashing festival (photo: golaos.tours)

Police are urging motorists to comply with traffic regulations during the Lao New Year period in a bid to maintain safety and reduce traffic accidents during the festival.

Religious Ceremony Held at Pakse Bridge After Three Suicides

Religious Ceremony Held at Pakse Bridge After Three Suicides
Monks during the tradition Buddhist ceremony held at the Pakse Bridge on Thursday. ( Photo : Nongna )

Monks and laypeople gathered at Pakse Bridge on Thursday, performing a religious ceremony to bless the bridge following a wave of suicides.

China SCE Group Stayed Resilient in 2022 with Robust Financial Performance

Profit Attributable to Owners of the Parent Amounted to RMB24.5 Million

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 March 2023 – China SCE Group Holdings Limited (“China SCE” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”, HKEX Stock Code: 1966), an integrated property developer in China, announced its audited annual results for the year ended 31st December 2022 (the “Year”).

Over the past year, in the face of industry risks and the impact of the pandemic, the confidence of domestic property purchasers has plummeted, dealing a blow to contracted sales. During the year, the Group recorded a contracted sales amount of approximately RMB59.023 billion, with a contracted sales area of approximately 4.91 million sq.m. The average selling price was RMB12,016 per sq.m. The Group together with its joint ventures and associates had an aggregate of over 120 projects for sale in over 50 cities, mainly in second-tier cities and core areas of high potential in third- and fourth-tier cities. As a result of the popular sales of Woven City in Hangzhou and the launch of a number of new properties by the Group in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone, this region has accounted for the largest share of contracted sales of the Group together with its joint ventures and associates, amounting to RMB24.609 billion or approximately 41.7% in 2022.

Balanced Land Bank and Liquidity While Maintaining a Record of “No Breach of Contract”

During the Year, the Group recorded a revenue of RMB26.71 billion and a profit attributable to owners of the parent of RMB24.5 million. The financial position remained robust and maintained a record of “no breach of contract”. The Group has also successfully implemented financing strategies to optimize the capital structure. Since December 2022, the Group has successively signed strategic cooperation agreements with several commercial banks to provide necessary financing services for the Group, receiving more than RMB43 billion in loans. In addition, benefited from national policies, the Group became one of the first private real estate enterprises backed by China Bond Insurance Co., Ltd. (“CBIC”) in 2023 and successfully issued bonds, which was a mark of the confidence of both investors and regulators in the Group’s development. The Group will keep communicating with financial institutions and stepping up its efforts to secure financing guarantee from CBIC and bond issue, so as to ease the pressure on cash flows through various channels.

As a result of the continued sluggish contracted sales of commodity house and difficulties in financing in the capital market, the Group suspended land acquisition in 2022 in order to maintain sufficient liquidity. Nevertheless, the Group together with its joint ventures and associates had a land bank with an aggregate planned GFA of approximately 33.87 million sq.m as of 31st December 2022, which is expected to be available for the Group’s development in the next two to three years.

Going forward, as the central government optimizes and adjusts real estate policies, the industry is poised to adopt a new development model. The Group will be committed to raising the operational safety margin, building a commercial business driven by cash flow and operational quality in order to maintain a solid financial foundation. At the same time, the Group will develop its asset management model, lower its reliance on financing, increase synergy with the property industry, as well as strengthen the symbiotic operational model with Funworld. Mr. Wong Chiu Yeung, Chairman and CEO of China SCE Group, said, “Looking ahead, the Group will continue to adhere to the ‘Dual Track’ synergistic development strategy and strengthen the synergy between shopping malls and rental apartments with residential development, concentrating on core cities and dominant regions. We will focus on our market, our clients and our products. The Group will also take heed of clients’ needs and attach greater importance to product research and development with the aim of further expanding its differentiated competitiveness to create greater value.”
Hashtag: #ChinaSCEGroup

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

About China SCE Group Holdings Limited (HKEX Stock Code: 1966)

China SCE Group Holdings Limited was established in 1996, with a key value proposition of “We Build to Inspire” and a mission of “Creating Smart Living to Help Achieve Happiness”. The Group’s main businesses include property development, commercial management, property management, and apartment leasing. The Group’s business headquarters is in Shanghai, while implementing a key focused strategy in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Bohai Rim Economic Zone, the West Taiwan Strait Economic Zone, and Central Western Region. Its property projects are located across 63 cities, covering a wide range of properties including high-rise residential buildings, offices, shopping malls and long-term rental apartments. In 2022, China SCE Group was honoured as the “2022 Best 30 of China Real Estate Listed Companies with Comprehensive Strengths”, “2022 TOP 50 of China Real Estate Developers”, and “Fortune China 500”. The Group will continue to be committed to the “Dual-track” strategic plan to secure its regional leading position by implementing more proactive and prudent development strategies, striving to become a more competitive property developer in China.

For more information, please visit China SCE Group’s website:

Metalloinvest invests RUB 52 billion in eco-efficient tailings storage facility at Lebedinsky GOK

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach – 31 March 2023 – Metalloinvest, a leading global iron ore and HBI producer and supplier, and one of the regional producers of high-quality steel, plans to invest RUB 52 billion to build an eco-efficient tailings storage facility at Lebedinsky GOK.

The use of advanced technologies will reduce the specific consumption of electricity by 25% and lower dust emissions by 90% while also reducing the operating costs involved in pumping tailings and returning water to the production process.

“What defines leadership in the mining and metals industry today is using not only advanced production technologies but also environmentally friendly technologies”, said Metalloinvest CEO Nazim Efendiyev. “The construction of a new tailings storage facility signals a qualitative transition to a new level of environmental safety at LGOK.”

All environmental requirements are being taken into account in the implementation of the project. Public hearings were held, and the project received positive reviews from the State Agency for Environmental Impact Assessment and the Main State Expert Review Board.

Plans for 2023 include the reconstruction of the thickening and circulating water supply system, site preparation for the tailings dam bed and the construction of bund walls, and preparation of the foundations for the main slurry pipelines. The construction of substations and a building for the preparation of reagents for water purification will also get under way.

The first start-up complex for the tailings dam is expected to begin operating in 2026. The project is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2028.

The new site will receive up to 20 million cubic metres of tailings annually.

Upon commissioning of the new tailings storage facility, the existing site will undergo reclamation.

Advanced technologies will be used to achieve a radical reduction in environmental impact. Anti-filtration screens will be installed at the bottom of the storage facility and the base of the dams to prevent the ingress of process water into the aquifers. Instruments will be used to monitor the condition of hydraulic structures. Protective dams up to 30 metres high will be built, with subsequent levels 5 metres high to be added later.

As part of the project, clarified water will be returned to the processing plant to be used in the production process.

The reconstruction of the thickening unit and the optimisation of the water-slurry system will enable a reduction in the specific consumption of electricity. Starting from 2026, the reconstruction of eight 50-metre and three 100-metre thickeners will reduce the operating costs involved in pumping tailings and returning water.

Hashtag: #Metalloinvest

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

About Metalloinvest

Metalloinvest is a leading metals and mining company, a world leader in proven iron ore reserves on a JORC-equivalent basis (15.4 billion tonnes). The company is the world’s largest producer and supplier of merchant hot briquetted iron (HBI) products, a low-carbon raw material used to produce green steel; Metalloinvest holds a leading position in the production of pellets, iron ore concentrate and high-quality steel.

Ticker (Bloomberg): METIN RU; official website:

Nexon Joins Oasys Blockchain As a Validator

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 31 March 2023 – Oasys, a gaming-optimised blockchain, today announces that renowned global video game giant, Nexon, has officially joined as the latest node validator in the blockchain’s network.

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Nexon is one of the largest gaming companies in the world and is best known as the publisher behind the MapleStory and Dungeon Fighter gaming franchises. Today, Nexon continues to be a gaming industry leader with more than 80 live games operated across both mobile and PCs in over 190 countries.

Alongside Japanese telecommunications and technology conglomerates KDDI and SoftBank, Nexon becomes the third of four new validators to be unveiled as Oasys validators this year, and will pledge its support towards stabilising and growing the Oasys ecosystem. The extensive institutional backing behind Oasys will enhance its appeal further with more mainstream businesses that are seeking to adopt blockchain technologies, raising the credibility of blockchain technologies as gaming-oriented and safe for the mass adoption of Web3 games.

Sunyoung Hwang, Production Director, MapleStory Universe, said: “As an industry leader that has always been at the forefront of exploring new and sophisticated mediums for gaming, we felt that partnering with the Oasys blockchain, which also puts gaming first, was a logical choice. We look forward to seeing more exciting things from our partner and to collaborating further with all like-minded partners that are aligned in our mission to provide fun and progressive gaming experiences to players.”

Daiki Moriyama, Director, Oasys, said: “We are extremely excited to welcome Nexon to the Oasys ecosystem, not least because they have a long track record in creating some of the most beloved games that many players globally will recognise. Nexon, alongside our other validators announced this year, will provide extensive institutional support that will only further our mission to bring blockchain gaming to the masses”.

Since its conceptualization over a year ago, Oasys has gone on to make significant breakthroughs on its path towards achieving full decentralisation, with its native OAS token now approved for listing in both South Korea and Japan. Oasys is continuing to progress with further developments that will soon allow more entities to participate with minimal requirements and contribute towards the further diversification of nodes.

Hashtag: #Oasys

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

About Oasys

Oasys was established in February 2022 to increase mainstream play-and-earn adoption, and at launch, committed to partnering with 21 gaming and Web3 tech companies to act as validators, such as Bandai Namco Research, SEGA, Ubisoft and Yield Guild Games. Led by a team of blockchain experts and joining forces with the biggest gaming company names to serve as the initial validators, Oasys is revolutionising the gaming industry with its Proof-of-Stake (PoS) based blockchain.

With a focus on creating an ecosystem for gamers and developers to distribute and develop blockchain-based games, Oasys solves the problems game developers face when building games on the blockchain. The trifecta approach of the fastest network powered by the gaming community, a scalable network powered by AAA game developers and the blockchain offering the best user experience with fast transactions and zero gas fees for users, readies participants to enter the Oasys and play.

More information on Oasys is available at:
Website:
Twitter:
Discord:

About Nexon

A pioneer in the world of interactive entertainment software, Nexon introduced some of the biggest innovations in our industry including the world’s first graphic massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) and the first free-to-play game.

Since then, we’ve continued to be an industry leader in MMORPG’s with more than 80 live games operated across more than 190 countries proving that online games are a progressive, mainstream form of entertainment to be enjoyed by everyone.

By focusing on quality we have developed long-standing IP franchise hits, including MapleStory, Dungeon&Fighter, Sudden Attack, and KartRider. Each of our games is tailored to the unique geography in which they are played, which is why our titles continue to be played by millions of people around the globe.

Nexon is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and the company was placed on the Nikkei Stock Index 300 in 2011.

HIMA Expands its Asia Pacific Operations with Presence through New Taiwan Office

Opening of branch office reaffirms HIMA’s commitment to customers and partners in Taiwan

TAIWAN, TAIPEI – Media OutReach – 31 March 2023 – HIMA, a leading provider of safety related automation solutions for the Process and Railway industries, announced its new branch office in Taiwan on 29th March 2023. Graced by Mr. Friedhelm Best, HIMA Vice President Region Asia Pacific, the opening of this office affirms HIMA’s commitment to customers and partners in Taiwan and boosts HIMA’s presence in Asia Pacific.

“The opening of this branch office will further strengthen our service capabilities to customers and partners in Taiwan and improve the efficiency of local business transactions, aligning with the group’s global priority towards customer orientation,” said Mr. Best.

As specialists in safety, HIMA aims to play their part in Taiwan with their technology and expertise – offering solutions that include safety controllers and software for functional safety, which can be seamlessly connected to existing control systems in process and rail applications.

Process Industry

With over 50,000 safety solutions installed worldwide in 80 different countries, HIMA is looking to add to that number with more installations within Taiwan. The processing of chemical and petrochemicals is one of the most important industrial sectors worldwide, as well as one of the most competitive.

“To keep on top of the competition, many companies are pushing the limits of their plants which means exposing technology, the environment, and their employees to higher risk,” said Mr. Best. “HIMA solutions comprehensively safeguard plants and allow them to operate more productively and profitably, all with the peace of mind that all legal standards are adhered to.”

One solution used in different cases worldwide is HIMA’s line of Emergency Shut Down Systems, with HIMatrix being a popular choice. Installed in APA Group’s (Australia’s largest natural gas infrastructure business) gas storage facility, the controller ensures maximum safety, long term availability, as well as future-proofing – since they fulfil all requirements for functional safety in the process industry (IEC 61511) and provide effective protection against the growing threat of cyber-attacks (IEC 62443), falling nicely in line with the HIMA’s #safetygoesdigital tagline.

Rail Industry

For decades, railway companies in particular have had to turn to expensive, proprietary solutions in order to meet legal requirements for safety. However, with cost pressures and cybersecurity vulnerabilities on the rise in the digital age, solutions must be cost efficient, fast to implement and fulfil strict safety and cybersecurity standards. More system integrators, rolling stock manufacturers and railway operators are opting for a standardized commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) system for a cost-effective and sustainable safety solution.

“With recent railway incidents triggering awareness on safety within the industry, the priority of people’s safety along with protection of the environment has become crucial topics that the authorities want to address,” said Ms. Tracy Lau, HIMA Taiwan branch office manager. “It is our commitment to provide the technological know-how and the best service to customers in Taiwan. The opening of this branch office will ensure they will receive it.”

HIMA has nearly 1,000 railway safety installations in more than 30 countries, with applications ranging from interlocking, level crossing and rolling stock across high speed rail, mainline rail, metro and light rail, using the game-changing commercial-off-the-shelf COTS safety controllers developed by HIMA. These open safety controllers enable any system integrator to integrate into their own safety solutions, and end customers to be independent of providers, yet meeting strict safety standards in the rail industry. HIMA controllers can be easily installed, quickly supplied with spare parts, and comply with the strict SIL 4 standard in accordance with CENELEC.

Presence in Taiwan

Despite the opening their latest branch office, HIMA is not new to Taiwan, having previously replaced existing relay systems with HIMA SIL4 COTS among railway systems within Taiwan. In doing so, the reliability and availability of the system was further improved, eliminating the constant train delay that was caused by the failing of the existing relay system. Elsewhere, HIMA also lists the LNG, refinery, petrochemical process, and power plant industries as areas where their expertise can improve functional safety within Taiwan.

“Our company’s priority in the rapidly developing Asia Pacific region is to offer tailor-made solutions and services that address the safety challenges specific to the market and cater to the unique requirements of our customers,” said Mr. Best. “Our local presence here in Taiwan will allow us to offer advanced safety knowledge and technical services, safeguarding individuals, enterprises, and the environment.”

Hashtag: #safetygoesdigital #HIMA #safety #rail #solutions #partnership #cybersecurity #hydrogen #oil&gas #safetyautomation #processsafety #petrochemical #FunctionalSafety #processindustry #engineering #security #railindustry


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

philoro SCHWEIZ: Swiss gold trader launches Crypto Vreneli

New Vreneli coin defines a new class of investment by fusing physical and digital value

St. Gallen, Switzerland – Newsaktuell – 30 March 2023 – A collaborative innovation, that could draw the attention of investors, tech freaks and art collectors, is Made in Switzerland and combines the traditional and the modern in a new edition of the popular Gold Vreneli coin. The new Crypto Vreneli bears an NFC chip. On reading out using an app on a mobile phone, the user will be referred to a digital financial asset in a blockchain that cannot be altered and is not interchangeable. The new gold coin represents the fusion of two investment classes: the physical and the digital.

Crypto_Vreneli_Frontside.jpg
The Crypto Vreneli is the world’s first Phygital Asset Coin, abbreviated PAC. Two formerly separate investment values – the physical and the digital – have been combined into a completely new investment class. The unique nature of each Crypto Vreneli is shown in a pixel art graphic showing the classic Vreneli motif in multiple variations.. The principle of a so-called Non-Fungible Token (NFT) that is well-known in the crypto world is used here.

The unique nature of each individual Crypto Vreneli is shown in a pixel art graphic showing the classic Vreneli motif in multiple variations. A play on identities. Owners of the new Crypto Vreneli will benefit from added value through a so-called “Unlockable Content”. The Crypto Vreneli uses the principle of a so-called Non-Fungible Token (NFT) that is well-known in the crypto world. But, as physical value is being combined with digital value, it is “phygital” and represents a pioneering innovation in the investment classes known to date.

Christian_Brenner_un_ah_Schlagenhauf.jpg
A collaborative innovation Made in Switzerland: Christian Brenner, CEO of philoro Switzerland AG and Sarah Schlagenhauf, ArtDeal AG / Vivents CEO and Founder, have created the Crypto Vreneli in close cooperation and placed it on the market in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

Word’s first “Phygital Asset Coin”

“The Crypto Vreneli is the world’s first Phygital Asset Coin, abbreviated PAC. So, the first hybrid value coin and a pioneering project for gold investors and collectors who would like to get one step ahead of conventional NFTs. The next evolutionary step: The fusion of two investment classes!” Christian Brenner, publisher of the Crypto Vreneli and CEO of gold trader philoro. Vivents by ArtDeal AG will be responsible for the creation, the design, as well as the technical implementation and the Web 3.0 placement.

Phygital is a conceptual fusion of the English adjectives physical and digital. “Phygital must not only be seen as one of the most significant buzzwords of the digital transformation, but also describes an attitude to life by means of which metaverse target groups would currently like to be addressed in innovative, complex consumer galaxies,” Vivents by ArtDeal AG founder and CEO Sarah Schlagenhauf believes.

The first limited edition of the Crypto Vreneli will launch with 100 coins available from 31 March 2023 in philoro’s online shops with delivery in Switzerland, Austria and Germany, as well as in philoro’s bricks and mortar outlets in Switzerland. Each coin is made of 31.1 grams of pure gold (one ounce). Entry value is 7,999 Swiss francs.

Digital Vreneli plays with identities

The NFT of the Crypto Vreneli is coupled with the gold coin in an Ethereum wallet (digital wallet). By scanning the NFC chip using the phone app, the owner unlocks their individual Crypto Vreneli in the blockchain. The digital Vreneli visualised in this way is unique for each coin. The artwork derived from the style of the famous CryptoPunks characters. The shifts in the classical Vreneli motif reveal a societal phenomenon – that the question “Who, or what am I?” is given a fluid answer in broad segments of society. Definitions are old hat. The Crypto Vreneli mirrors this freedom and the interplay of fluid identities in society.

Full information at https://philoro.ch/ueber-uns/presse/presseaussendungen/pressemappe/schweizer-goldhaendler-lanciert-das-crypto-vreneli

and at https://www.cryptovreneli.ch/ in both German and English.

– Pictures are available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com) –

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