It is essential to consider how digitalization and innovation can be a source of gender equality and equity, writes Mariam Khan, Ina Marciulionyte, and Sonomi Tanaka.
Philips’ Gaming Brand, Evnia, Launches New Immersive Monitor.

Introducing Philips Evnia
Philips Evnia was launched in October 2022 with the intention of reinventing the rules in the gaming industry. The brand’s motto, Reinvent the Rules, is a representative message about spreading inclusiveness in the gaming industry, and Philips Evnia bases its manifesto on creating an environment for everyone through its products. With their newest monitor, Philips Evnia 34M2C8600, they aim to do just that.
“Evnia’s new gaming monitor is designed for everyone. One of the features that makes this monitor stand out is the Ambiglow feature; it showcases what Evnia is all about: innovation, friendliness, openness, and a touch of playfulness,” Xeni Bairaktari, Global Marketing Lead of Philips Monitors and IT Accessories, said. “The Ambiglow feature allows each gamer to set the mood, or the ambiance, of the room. This allows each gamer to feel comfortable and personalize their gaming experience.”
Philips Evnia 34M2C8600
Along with Ambiglow, the Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 features Display HDR True Black 400 for shadowing, UltraWide QHD 3440 X 1440 pixels for crystal clear imagery, and 175 Hz refresh rates and 0.1 ms response time for smooth gameplay. In addition, the new curved monitor is equipped with a USB-C port, 90 W power delivery, MultiView PIP/PBP mode, USB KVM switch, and a 150mm height adjustment stand for an experience spoiled for choice.
QD-OLED, the most notable feature of 34M2C8600, features top-notch coloring and vibrant visuals through a merge of two technologies: OLED panel and quantum dot (QD) technology. By combining these two technologies into one feature, the new Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 monitor presents visuals that appear vivid and life-like, with accurate color and contrast reproduction for unlimited gaming experiences.
Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 Availability
The Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 will be available starting March and product availability may vary by country.
For additional information on Philips Evnia models:
https://www.evnia.philips
Hashtag: #PhilipsMonitors
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Evnia
Philips’ new gaming brand, Evnia, plans to “Reinvent the rules”. Designed for the modern gamer, Philips Evnia monitors slash stereotypes by providing more than just technical advantages, but also a sleek design that molds into any modern home environment.
At Philips Evnia, the goal is to make a monitor designed for everyone and anyone that aspires to be a gamer. With immersive features including the exclusive Ambiglow, gamers can personalize their surroundings and feel at ease when it’s time to game.
As new Philips Evnia models begin to launch throughout 2023, the only thing left for us to say is “Game on”.
“Hong Kong International a cappella Festival” returns. A feast for the ears from renowned local and overseas groups

The Festival lineup includes:
Acapellago (PH) Making a very welcome return since their last visit in 2017, this popular group has participated in competitions in Europe, Asia and Mainland China since they were last here.
Freedom’s Boombox (US) a male trio who were originally part of the iconic group “The Exchange”, who have joined in previous Festivals and events. They are tour veterans and have visited more than 50 countries to share their music with youth and under-served artists.
Narin (KR) One of Korea’s most popular a cappella, one of their YouTube videos received more than 12 million. They are winners of multiple international a cappella contests.
Pipeline Vocal Project (US) The Alaskan girl trio’s outstanding harmony saw them take centre stage at the world’s stage at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Kaichiro Kitaura (JP) Master of the Jazz Vocal Percussion, he is also well known for his vocal drumming and sound effects of many instruments.
Boonfaysau (HK) The pride of Hong Kong, they have won multiple titles at international contests around Asia, as well as in Macau and Hong Kong and were the recipient of the VoiceJam Award by the Walton Arts Center of Arkansas.
VSing (HK) A major player in Hong Kong’s a cappella scene, their 2022 song “Hear Me Out” has been nominated for “Best Original Song by a Non-Scholastic Group” in the prestigious “2023 Contemporary a Cappella Recording Awards”
Sponsored by The Hong Kong Arts Development Council, the “Hong Kong a cappella Competition” will bring together more than 30 groups from secondary schools and open categories to vie for highly coveted top honours. The above-mentioned competition and the “International a cappella Festival” will be held on 23 March and 25 March respectively at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. Tickets are on sale for the public from now on via the URBTIX website urbtix.hk, or visit the box office.
The public will be able to meet the a cappella groups in person during the “a cappella Community Day“, to be held at the Open Piazza, L4, of Metroplaza in Kwai Fong, the Atrium at Lee Tung Street in Wan Chai as well as in school. An “a cappella Gala” event will also be held at Piazza Area C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Admission is free.
The Cultural Services Unit of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups is committed to promoting the development of local a cappella talent and creating more opportunities and space for young people to participate in culture and the arts. They have had more than 500 a cappella training sessions and activities, with more than 300 secondary schools and more than 370,000 participants having taken part.
In 2016, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups won the “Art Education Award (Non-School Category)” issued by The Hong Kong Arts Development Council. The Federation is proud that such as the “Hong Kong International a cappella Festival”, “a cappella Education Programme” and “Hong Kong Melody Makers” have made key contributions to the development of local culture through promoting the appreciation and learning of a cappella music among youth, and also nurturing many a cappella groups. For more details about the Festival, please visit csu.hkfyg.org.hk.
Hashtag: #HKFYG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Thailand Begins Work on Longest Railway Tunnel Connecting to Laos
The excavation work for Thailand’s longest tunnel, which will connect the country to Laos, has begun and it is expected to open for service by 2028 if construction finishes on time.
Laos-Cambodia to Enhance Tourism Between Two Nations

Officials from Laos and Cambodia met last week to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, aimed to increase tourism between the two countries.
NaRaYa Partners with PChome to Expand into the Taiwanese Online Market

NaRaYa is a leading Thai brand with over 15 branches worldwide. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, NaRaYa’s products are handmade and produced by skilled local artisans from Thailand, where it is meticulously crafted using high-quality materials to offer exemplary products at reasonable prices. The company is constantly developing products to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers, and it also supports growth and economic development in local communities through job creation opportunities.
“As our customer base in Taiwan continues to grow, we see huge potential in this market. This business partnership with PChome will allow us to expand our reach to the Taiwanese market, giving customers more choices and convenience for their shopping experiences. In addition, this partnership will also provide us with a platform to market and sell our products, enhancing brand awareness among Taiwanese consumers,” said Pasin Lathouras, Chief Corporate Strategy Officer of NaRaYa. Lathouras added, “With PChome as our trusted partner, NaRaYa is determined to expand our presence in this market and offer customers the best product and experience we can.”
“We are very excited about this partnership; Thai products are attractive by their great design, quality, and price, our goal is to bring Thai products to Taiwanese consumers, and we are glad that NaRaYa trusts us to offer their products through our platforms. With our well-known presence and strong technological foundation in Taiwan market, we believe NaRaYa is a perfect fit for us. This, in turn, will also assist NaRaYa in reaching more customers in Taiwan; it’s a win-win situation,” said Sam Tsai, Managing Director of PChomeThai.
Highlights of the partnership:
• NaRaYa products are now available on PChome in Taiwan
• Expansion of NaRaYa’s business in the Taiwanese market
• Smooth logistics and seamless payment services & buyer protection policy
• Special promotions available exclusively on the PChome platform
For international partnership inquiries with NaRaYa, please get in touch with our export team at export@naraya.com
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About NaRaYa
NaRaYa is a leading Thai brand with an extensive portfolio of products that appeal to a wide range of customers, including handbags, clothes, and accessories. Founded in 1989, NaRaYa has grown into one of the most well-known Thai brands, with over 15 branches worldwide. NaRaYa and its sub-brands are committed to producing high-quality products at affordable prices while supporting various social causes and local communities and pursuing a sustainable business to reduce its environmental impact. For more information about NaRaYa, please visit http://www.naraya.com/
About PChome Online & PChomeThai
The largest eCommerce group in Taiwan which was established in 1996 and publicly listed on Taiwan stock market in 2005 (stock symbol 8044.TWO) offers comprehensive eCommerce, logistics and FinTech services in Taiwan market. Operates 254,000 square meter warehouses and provides delivery service within 24 hours after an order is placed in the whole island-wide and delivery within 6 hours in the great Taipei area. In 2015, PChome Thai was established as a joint venture with Cal-Comp Electronics, a listed company in Thailand. PChomeThai ThaiShopping Service, is an overseas shopping service which dedicating in providing Thai products to Taiwanese consumers, with a full Chinese interface, direct fright free shipping from Thailand to Taiwan when an order reaches 490 THB. For more information about PChome, please visit https://www.pchome.co.th/tw
Laos Holds Training to Improve Services in Hospitality and Tourism Sectors
The International Labor Organization (ILO) has implemented a workforce training program to help improve the labor competency of individuals working in the hospitality and tourism industry in Laos.