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“Celebration of NGO Impact Stories” Shines a Spotlight on Digital Transformation in the Social Sector

Report Calls Attention to Local NGOs’ Need for Strategic Social Media Planning

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 21 September 2023 – Asian Charity Services (ACS) hosted the Celebration of NGO Impact Stories at Soho House today, bringing together the social sector’s trailblazers, tech innovators, and communication experts under one roof. The event released the report “Digital Communication For Impact: Synergising For a More Empathetic Community”, and showcased the remarkable journeys of 20 local NGOs through art and video, revealing both the triumphs and the pressing challenges local NGOs faces in the digital age.

The pandemic has accelerated community engagement in the digital realm, ushering in a new era of opportunities and challenges for nonprofit organizations. The “Digital Communication For Impact: Synergising For a More Empathetic Community” report, conducted by ACS, delves into the critical challenges faced by nonprofits in their digital communication efforts and identifies areas where support is needed. One glaring finding from the report is that 67% of NGOs operate without well-defined digital communication strategies, hindering their ability to effectively connect with their audiences. Additionally, the report brings to light another concerning trend: less than half of the surveyed NGOs have established measurable objectives for their digital communication endeavors.

A significant highlight of the event is the NGO sharing session, 20 selected NGOs to present their successful case studies through engaging art and video presentations. Among them, The Samaritans and Ediversity shared valuable experience about their projects and reaches, and how JC Engage helped them refine social media operations for more tangible results.

Jean Lau, Program Director of ACS stated in his sharing, ” This event underscores the urgent need for increased support in leveraging digital communication for the advancement of NGOs’ services and advocacy. While NGOs are eager to embrace digital tools, they face significant challenges such as knowledge gaps, resource limitations, strategic management support, and the necessity to adopt a new mindset. We hope this event serves as a rallying cry for professionals, foundations, and partners to provide essential resources and a platform to collaborate and to co-create.”

Doreen Ho, CEO of Ediversity, stated in her sharing, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to ACS team to bring strategic insights and networks to our organisation. The JC Engage Program has equipped NGOs like ours with extensive training and invaluable resources – instrumental, empowering us to navigate the digital communication landscape more effectively.”

Click here to download high resolution phots and report.

Hashtag: #ACS

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

About Asian Charity Services

Asian Charity Services (ACS) offers customized philanthropic services to enable foundations and corporates to engage and impact NGOs in a meaningful and innovative way. ACS provides training and support for capacity-building and helps bridge the gap between funders and non-profits. To learn more, visit / or follow @asiancharityservices on Fb, IG, and LinkedIn.

About JC ENGAGE Digital Exploration Program

JC ENGAGE Digital Exploration Program is a digital exploration program for staff from non-profit organizations. We aim to equip NGOs with the knowledge of storytelling and digital campaigns taught by subject matter experts and coached by our skilled-based professionals. Through this journey, non-profit communication with stakeholders can be better, stronger, and deeper. To learn more, visit

Wilo Group Industry Conference Catalyses Collaboration for Sustainable Smart Cities Across Asia

The conference saw experts delve into the latest technologies and strategies driving the sustainable development of today’s urban areas and upcoming supercities.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 21 September 2023 – Wilo Group, a multinational technology company and leading global provider of pumps and pump systems, hosted its annual Industry Conference in Singapore for the first time. Supported by the German Asia Pacific Business Association, and themed “Smart Urban Areas – Connecting Minds for a Multilateral World”, the conference merged Wilo Group’s expertise in smart and sustainable water solutions with Singapore’s role as an urban living laboratory to catalyse collaborations that can enable smart, connected and sustainable cities across Asia. In conjunction with the conference, Enterprise Singapore organised a B2B matching session under its Germany Singapore Business Forum (GSBF) Connect initiative.

Speakers at the Wilo Group Industry Conference 2023 including H.E. Dr. Norbert Riedel, German Ambassador to Singapore (fifth from the right), and Oliver Hermes, President and CEO of the Wilo Group (fourth from the right). Yvonne Chan, Former CNA Presenter (third from left), moderated the panel discussions. Image: WILO SE
Speakers at the Wilo Group Industry Conference 2023 including H.E. Dr. Norbert Riedel, German Ambassador to Singapore (fifth from the right), and Oliver Hermes, President and CEO of the Wilo Group (fourth from the right). Yvonne Chan, Former CNA Presenter (third from left), moderated the panel discussions. Image: WILO SE

Urban areas are expected to house around 70% of the world’s population by 2050, especially as countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam rapidly urbanise. Coupled with the region’s high exposure to climate risk, it is crucial for countries to implement resilient infrastructure required to ensure reliable access to resources like clean energy and water. The Wilo Group Industry Conference gathered leaders in sustainable development across government, business and academia in timely discussions focused on the role that sustainable and digital innovations play in enabling connected solutions that can improve the communities’ quality of life.

“To ensure sustainable development in Southeast Asia, we need to shape resilient, eco-friendly cities that can accommodate rapid growth while preserving the environment and enhancing the quality of life,” said Oliver Hermes, President and CEO of Wilo Group. “This is especially important as energy transition, water security and healthcare access are placed under further pressure by rapidly urbanising populations. The private and public sector must work together to build smart, connected and sustainable cities for the future.”

Clarence Hoe, Executive Director for Americas and Europe, Enterprise Singapore, said, “We are happy to facilitate collaborations between Singapore and German companies in various areas including urban solutions. Singapore companies have developed relevant capabilities in sustainable infrastructure development over the years and have built a strong track record and connections in the region, especially Southeast Asia. Partners like Wilo bring with them complementary networks and expertise, and this brings new opportunities for collaboration with Singapore companies to jointly develop innovative products and solutions for this region.”

“Singapore holds immense economic importance for German businesses as a strategic gateway to the thriving ASEAN region,” said Daniel Marek, Executive Member of the Board of OAV – German Asia-Pacific Business Association. “Its stable political environment, business-friendly regulations, and world-class infrastructure make it an ideal destination for investment and expansion. Singapore’s proximity to key Southeast Asian markets facilitates access to over 650 million consumers. German companies leverage Singapore’s financial prowess, skilled workforce, and advanced logistics to enhance their regional presence. I am sure that this conference will further the German footprint in the region.”

The conference took place on 21 September 2023 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Singapore and featured keynote addresses by H.E. Dr. Norbert Riedel, German Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Ina Lepel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Indonesia, ASEAN and Timor-Leste, and Oliver Hermes, President & CEO of the Wilo Group.

Global thought leaders discussed the challenges and opportunities for sustainable urban development and how technology can be leveraged for smart cities. These include Manish Pant, Executive Vice President International Operations, Schneider Electric, Dr. Ayesha Khanna, Co-founder and CEO, ADDO AI, and more. They explored the role communities play in developing a sustainable and technologically advanced city, and what leading organisations in the public and private spheres can and should be doing to drive continued innovation and progress.

Establishment of a partnership with Nusantara Capital City Authority
During the event, the Wilo Group also announced a partnership with the Nusantara Capital Authority. Details on the form of this partnership will be announced at a later date.

For information on the conference, follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilo-group/.

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

Wilo Group

The Wilo Group is one of the world’s leading premium suppliers of pumps and pump systems for building services, water management and the industrial sector. In the last decade, we transformed from hidden to visible and to connected champion. Wilo employs more than 8,400 people around the globe today. With innovative solutions, smart products and individual services, we provide the clever, efficient and climate-friendly service of keeping water flowing. We already are the digital pioneer within the industry with our products and solutions, processes and business models.

Premium travel master brand ‘Cathay’ launches globally, powered by new campaign ‘Feels Good To Move’

Cathay will now be the master brand around the world, simplifying the way our customers interact with us

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 21 September 2023 – Cathay is excited to announce that its new premium travel lifestyle brand is officially rolling out to markets around the world, celebrating passion for travel as a way of living under the “Cathay” master brand and simplifying the way our customers interact with us.

Caption

Cathay represents much more than airline travel. It represents our evolution into a premium travel lifestyle brand consisting of a host of complementary categories – flights, holidays, shopping, dining, wellness and payment. Asia Miles is our currency to earn and burn under these pillars.

Around the world, Cathay will now be our master brand while Cathay Pacific remains the brand of our airline, and proudly so.

Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “This month of September marks 77 years since the Cathay story first began with a single Douglas DC-3 aircraft nicknamed ‘Betsy’ and a drive to connect the world and its people. As the habits and needs of our customers have changed over the years, so too have we. Our evolution into Cathay marks an exciting new chapter in our history, and reflects our renewed focus on the customer and our determination to fulfil our vision of becoming one of the world’s greatest service brands.”

Customers across the globe can look forward to an array of new and aspirational offerings in holidays, shopping, dining, wellness and payment, providing more opportunities for us to engage with our customers every day.

To celebrate the rollout of Cathay around the world and inspired by its purpose to move people forward in life, the brand has launched its first global campaign in three years – Feels Good To Move. This campaign is a celebration of humanity’s innate urge to move, starting from our very first heartbeat, and every piece of content is an irresistible call to get moving.

General Manager of Brand, Insights and Marketing Communications Edward Bell said: “This campaign goes straight to the heart of why Cathay exists as a premium travel lifestyle brand – a brand that aims to enable us to live the premium travel lifestyle, every day. Since our beginnings, Cathay has always been about forward progress. Restlessness is in our DNA. This campaign is a celebration of how good it feels to move.”

Hashtag: #CathayPacific

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

HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo to be staged in October

The Debut “Connected Lighting” Zone features renowned brands

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 21 September 2023 –

Photo Download

Fair websites
Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition):
hktdc.com/hklightingfairae/en

Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo: hkotlexpo.hktdc.com/en

Buyer registration Link

Hong Kong, being the world’s premier trade fair capital in Asia, has once again become the go-to destination for business people from around the world. Following the full resumption of travel, global traders flocked to take part in the city’s trade activities. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 8th Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo and the 25th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will be held on October 26-29, 2023 at AsiaWorld-Expo and October 27-30, 2023 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre respectively. The fairs gather more than 3,100 exhibitors, forming a world-renowned lighting marketplace and will be held in EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, complemented by the “Click2Match”, an online smart business matching platform that will operate on 19 October to 6 November, providing a convenient and efficient platform for traders to connect.

Lighting Photo_PR.png

Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition)

This year’s Autumn Lighting Fair will launch a new “Connected Lighting” zone, which demonstrates the possibilities of smart and IoT-enabled lighting solutions from renowned international companies and brands, including DALI Alliance, LEEDARSON, TRIDONIC, Midea, SUNRICHER, SNAPPY, Herculux, and more. The popular “Hall of Aurora” will return bringing excellent lighting products from the world’s top brands, such as Signify, Megaman, Prosperity Group, Traxon | e:cue, Beghelli, Moso, and more.

Other zones include:

  • The “Residential Lighting” zone will display functional and decorative household lamps from all over the world to stage a lighting extravaganza;
  • The “LED Lighting” zone will showcase the latest and hottest lighting designs in the market;
  • The “Smart Lighting and Lighting Solutions” zone will showcase innovative lighting products and solutions;
  • The “Commercial Lighting” zone will feature high-quality commercial lighting products that meet the needs of buyers from various industries and match the different lighting purposes of commercial properties.
  • The “LED Essentials” zone will bring a comprehensive range of lighting accessories and parts to the fair.”

Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo

International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo gathers a series of commercial and industrial lighting fixtures, providing buyers with a one-stop sourcing platform. The “Innobuild” zone brings together exhibitors from the construction and hardware industry to exhibit construction technology, security, safety, and construction electronic systems, as well as construction materials and hardware.

In response to the upsurge of home smart lamps, smart lighting systems applied in public spaces have become a major industry trend. The “Exterior Lighting Solutions and Systems” zone will gather many latest smart lamps designed for smart cities this year, as well as various energy-efficient, high-performance lighting systems and technologies to meet the ardent needs of the market.

The “Horticultural Lighting” zone returns this year and brings more new products, including the latest plant lighting technology and plant growth lamps for estates and farms, as well as a series of lighting products suitable for outdoor parks and home gardens. As for the “Technical & Professional Lighting” zone, in addition to various lighting fixtures suitable for professional venues such as warehouses and production rooms, there will be a wide variety of lighting equipment used in large sports venues. The “Outdoor and Public Lighting” zone and the “Outdoor Advertising Lighting” zone will continue to display lamps for outdoor public spaces and outdoor advertising.

Program activities

A variety of activities such as seminars, lighting product launches, and networking events will be held during the fair period, allowing participants to grasp the latest technological information and innovative developments in the industry, and market trends, and chat with buyers from all over the world to expand their business network. In the seminars, industry leaders will discuss lighting technology applications and opportunities regarding smart and connected technology, healthy lighting, sustainable development of the lighting industry, green lighting design, etc.

Renowned speakers include but not limited to Mr. Jean-Marie Croué, Délégué Général from Syndicat du Luminaire GIL; Ir Prof. Lu Lin Vivien, Professor from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Mr. Eric Shiu and Mr. Frankie Tsang, Associate Directors from TinoKwan Lighting Consultants Ltd.; Representatives of Connectivity Standards Alliance Member Group China (CMGC); Representatives of Shanghai Pudong Intelligent Lighting Association.

What’s more, the fairs will also introduce the “Scan2Match” which enables offline-to-online connections. By using the HKTDC Marketplace App, buyers can scan the dedicated QR codes of exhibitors to bookmark their favourite exhibitors, browse product information, view e-floor plans, and chat with exhibitors even after the fair to continue the sourcing journey.


Hashtag: #HKTDC

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

10th Edition of Lao Fashion Week 2023 Launched at French Embassy

Launch of 10th Lao Fashion Week 2023 at French Residence
A photograph of models who participated in the Fashion Day

On 8 September, the French Embassy hosted the launch of the 10th edition of the Lao Fashion Week and also celebrated the 70th anniversary of their Treaty of Friendship and Association.

ADB Lowers Laos’ 2023 Economic Growth Forecast to 3.7 Percent

Inflation and Debt Weigh Down Laos Economic Recovery, World Bank Report Says
Tourists in Luang Prabang.

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), economic growth in Laos will be slower than expected due to weaker growth prospects in China, adverse weather conditions brought about by late monsoons, and macroeconomic pressures arising from unsustainable public debt and a weak Lao kip.

Infobip recognized as communications platform Leader by analyst firm Gartner®

Infobip has been recognized for its ability to execute and completeness of vision in the first Gartner Magic Quadrant™ for the Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) market

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 21 September 2023 – Global cloud communications platform Infobip has been named a Leader in the Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) market by analyst firm Gartner. In the first Gartner Magic Quadrant for CPaaS, Infobip is recognized as a Leader for its overall completeness of vision and ability to execute[1].

Infobip recognized as communications platform Leader by analyst firm Gartner.jpg
Infobip recognized as communications platform Leader by analyst firm Gartner

In its Competitive Landscape CPaaS report, Gartner said: “the communications platform as a service market is evolving beyond APIs to encompass the entire customer journey. Existing conversational commerce use cases are broadening to become conversational everything.” In the same report, the analyst recommended CPaaS providers must: “construct customer experience as a service (CXaaS) offerings to target the entire customer life cycle by encompassing not just CPaaS, but also contact center, customer data platform (CDP) and conversational artificial intelligence (CAI), as well as customer journey orchestration.” Gartner also recommended providers: “accelerate time to value for customer experience (CX) by providing tools such as user-friendly templates, ‘solutions in a box’ for advanced use cases, improved visual builders and detailed journey analytics.”

To meet these evolving demands, Infobip recently launched Experiences, a revolutionary generative AI-powered, no-code journey builder that helps businesses engage customers, foster loyalty, and drive growth. Infobip Experiences enables organizations to orchestrate customer journeys and save time with a library of journey templates from onboarding and engagement to retention and loyalty. Alongside its network of 43 data centers and 9,700 global connections, of which 800 are direct operator connections, customers cite Infobip’s worldwide reach and scale, along with its delivery and latency guarantees, as key differentiators.

Silvio Kutić, CEO at Infobip, said: “We believe the Gartner recognition of Infobip as a Leader in the CPaaS market reflects the investments we’re making to provide innovative new products and services alongside our global reach and scale. Moreover, our acquisitions of U.S. messaging heavyweight OpenMarket and VoIP provider Peerless Network have cemented our superior position in America alongside our market-leading offer globally.

“As a result, we offer a global one-stop shop for omnichannel interactions and communications. But we’re not stopping now. With the CPaaS market forecast to grow to $30.6 billion by 2026[2], we are keeping our foot on the gas to ensure we remain the leading full-stack omnichannel communications platform for every platform.”

Gartner’s Magic Quadrant reports are a culmination of rigorous, fact-based research in specific markets, providing a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the providers in those markets. Providers are positioned into four quadrants: Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries, and Niche Players.

Gartner disclaimer
Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

View a complimentary copy of the report at https://www.infobip.com/analyst-reports/gartner-mq-cpaas-2023.


[1] Gartner, “Magic Quadrant for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS)” by Lisa Unden-Farboud and Ajit Patankar, September 2023

[2] Gartner, “Competitive Landscape: Communications Platform as a Service report” by Brian Doherty, Daniel O’Connell, Lisa Unden-Farboud, Ajit Patankar, 17 March 2023

Hashtag: #Infobip



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

About Infobip

Infobip is a global cloud communications platform that enables businesses to build connected experiences across all stages of the customer journey. Accessed through a single platform, Infobip’s omnichannel engagement, identity, user authentication and contact centre solutions help businesses and partners overcome the complexity of consumer communications to grow business and increase loyalty. With over a decade of industry experience, Infobip has expanded to 75+ offices globally. It offers natively built technology with the capacity to reach over seven billion mobile devices and ‘things’ in 6 continents connected to over 9,700+ connections of which 800+ are direct operator connections. Infobip was established in 2006 and is led by its co-founders, CEO Silvio Kutić, Roberto Kutić and Izabel Jelenić.

Recent award wins include:

  • Infobip named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Communications Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) 2023 Vendor Assessment (May 2023)
  • Infobip named a leader in the CPaaS Leaderboard, Juniper Research (Feb 2023)
  • Infobip named a leader in the CCaaS Leaderboard, Juniper Research (Aug 2022)
  • Omdia Ranks Infobip as Leader in CPaaS Universe Report (May 2022)
  • Ranked the leading service provider in CPaaS by Juniper Research in its new Competitor Leaderboard CPaaS Vendors (October 2021)
  • Infobip named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Communications Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) 2021 Vendor Assessment (May 2021)
  • Best A2P SMS provider for the fourth year running by mobile operators and enterprises in ROCCO’s annual Messaging Vendor Benchmarking Report
  • Best CPaaS Provider of the Year, Best RCS Provider of the Year, and Mover & Shaker in Telco Innovation at the 2021 Juniper Digital Awards

Popular 90 Day Fiance Contestants Meet in Laos

Beloved 90 Day Fiance Co-Stars Meet in Laos
Annie (left) and David (right) in their debut season for the 90 Day Fiance reality TV show. (Photo: TLC)

As seen in a new Instagram post, a fan-favorite couple from the US reality show, 90 Day Fiance, met up in Laos with a former cast member for a surprise reunion.