Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone held a meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and relevant businesses in Vientiane Capital on Friday, 15 September, to discuss ways to boost agricultural production in the country.
September Fed meeting: expected hawkish rhetoric may support the U.S. dollar
- According to the latest labour report, the unemployment rate rose sharply from 3.5% to 3.8%. The Fed is expected to hold the key rate hike at next week’s FOMC meeting.
- Due to the mixed August inflation report, the Fed will likely have to take a hawkish tone in its messaging.
- The U.S. dollar will likely rise significantly due to the expected hawkish tone—USDJPY could rise to the 148.50–149.00 range.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 18 September 2023 – The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the U.S. Federal Reserve will meet on 19 – 20 September to decide on changes to monetary policy. Market expectations indicate that the Fed will likely announce a pause, keeping the rate at 5.25%–5.5%, nearing a 22-year-high.
During the previous FOMC meeting in July, the Federal Reserve raised the key rate again after one break of 25 bps and now stands at 5.25%–5.5%. The Fed’s policy of raising rates aims at maximising employment and reducing and then holding inflation at 2%.
According to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released on 1 September 2023, the unemployment rate unexpectedly jumped to 3.8 % in August from 3.5% in July. The rising unemployment rate will add to expectations that the Federal Reserve will slow or pause rate hikes.
Fresh inflation data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics on 13 September 2023 reported that the U.S. consumer inflation rate increased sharply in August by 0.63% from 0.17% in July, and the annual inflation rate accelerated in August to 3.7% from 3.2% in July. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, fell to 4.35% in August, down from 4.65% a month earlier and matched the consensus.
‘According to the latest labour report, the Fed is widely expected to hold the key rate hiking at next week’s FOMC meeting,’ said Kar Yong Ang, the OctaFX financial market analyst. ‘But due to August’s mixed inflation data report, the Fed must keep a hawkish tone in its messaging. The core CPI is still too high and could accelerate,’ he added.
The key rate will likely remain unchanged at the September meeting of the U.S. Fed. Still, the accompanying rhetoric could be quite tough, signalling further possible monetary policy tightening. This will hurt capital markets, favouring the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. For example, this could impact currency pairs with the dollar, potentially leading to a rise in USDJPY to the 148.50–149.00 range.
Hashtag: #OctaFX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About OctaFX
OctaFX is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services already utilised by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 42 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
In the APAC region, OctaFX managed to capture the ‘Best Forex Broker Malaysia 2022’ award and the ‘Best Global Broker Asia 2022’ from Global Banking and Finance Review and International Business Magazine, respectively.
Judo Bank partners with Backbase to enhance digital customer experience
The adoption of Backbase’s EBP will enable Judo’s relationship bankers to dedicate more time to customers. The platform will also allow for monthly releases of additional features going forward.
Judo’s purpose-built, modern, cloud-based, flexible technology stack uses adoptive technology principles. Judo was looking for a global leading, digital platform capability that embraced both strong design and security principles, with the customer at the core. Backbase was selected after a comprehensive search with the build commencing in 2022.
Judo Bank is Australia’s first purpose-built challenger bank, uniquely focused on SMEs and on 1 November 2021, was the first commercial bank to list on the Australian Stock Exchange in 30 years. Relationship Banking is the core of Judo’s strategy. Technology at Judo is designed and built to enable banker and customer relationships. This differentiated, human-centered approach has seen Judo’s growth since inception reach a lending book of over $9B and a deposit book over $6B with over 35,000 customers.
Judo Bank’s Chief Operating Officer, Lisa Frazier, said: “Our vision is to become a world-class SME bank. Our unique, relationship-led operating model creates a sustainable and competitive advantage for our business.
“Through our partnership with Backbase, we have enhanced our high-tech, high-touch model, further empowering SME business owners with digital experiences related to their Judo portfolio. Our new digital experience will help our SME customers and bankers stay on top of business needs and support the exceptional service they receive from our relationship-led bankers. Partnering with Backbase enables us to deliver a superior digital experience to our customer base cost effectively with the build of the platform taking just on a year.”
Backbase Managing Director, ANZ, Iman Ghodosi, said, “We are thrilled to partner with an ambitious innovator like Judo Bank and look forward to continuing to leverage EBP for the success of Judo and their customers.
“The power of the Backbase EBP lies in its ability to provide the composable fabric, modularity, and options to banks, freeing them from the burden of building everything themselves.
“We’re proud to empower banks like Judo Bank to focus on building their innovation and differentiation in the market they are disrupting. With Backbase EBP as their foundation, Judo Bank can confidently navigate the market, leverage its capabilities, and drive their unique value proposition to new heights.”
Hashtag: #Backbase #digitalbanking #engagementbanking #smebanking #businessbanking #judobank
https://www.linkedin.com/company/backbase/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Backbase
Backbase is on a mission to re-architect banking around the customer.
Backbase created the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform – a unified platform with the customer at the center, empowering banks to accelerate their digital transformation. From customer onboarding, servicing, loyalty and loan origination. Our single platform — open and frictionless, with ready-to-go apps — improving every aspect of the customer experience. Built from the ground up with the customer at the heart, our Engagement Banking Platform easily plugs into existing core banking systems and comes pre-integrated with the latest fintechs so financial institutions can innovate at scale.
Industry analysts Gartner, Omdia, and IDC continuously recognize Backbase’s category leadership position. Over 120 financials around the world have embraced the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform. In APAC, the customers we serve include ABBANK, BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, EastWest Bank, HDFC, IDFC First, JudoBank, OCB, Techcombank, TPBank, and UBank.
About Judo Bank
Judo Bank is Australia’s first purpose-built challenger bank for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and on 1 November 2021, was the first commercial bank to list on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in 30 years.
Judo was founded by a small group of experienced lending professionals and its purpose is to be the most trusted SME business bank in Australia. The company’s relationship-led lending model, which brings back the craft of relationship banking, is enabled by its digital, cloud-based technology architecture.
Amazon Brings First Prime Big Deal Days to Singapore with Early Holiday Deals for Prime Members on 10 & 11 October
Prime members can save big—early—this holiday season with deep discounts on popular brands like Nespresso, Nintendo, and Philips Get Amazon Singapore’s lowest prices this year so far on Bosch, OPPO and Barbie.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 18 September 2023 – (NASDAQ: AMZN)— Prime members can start their holiday shopping early with Amazon Singapore’s first-ever Prime Big Deal Days available exclusively on Amazon.sg from 10 to 11 October. This new event offers Prime members the chance to access a bonanza of deals across top brands and grab their holiday season favourites early. With deals dropping throughout the event across a wide selection of products with fast and convenient delivery options, Prime members can enjoy exclusive access to early holiday deals at https://www.amazon.sg/primebigdealdays. Not a Prime member yet? Anyone can join Prime or start a 30-day free trial at Amazon.sg/prime to participate in Prime Big Deal Days.

“This is the first time that we are bringing Prime Big Deal Days to Singapore, and we are thrilled to offer our Prime members more exclusive savings ahead of the holiday season,” said Leo Laforgia, Country Manager, Amazon Singapore. “On top of Prime membership benefits which includes fast and convenient delivery, access to streaming entertainment and our international stores, Prime members can enjoy early access to amazing deals from the most sought-after brands during Prime Big Deal Days. Our aim is to help our customers spend less and smile more, by providing a seamless shopping experience with a wide selection of authentic products at great prices that customers can trust.”
Start Holiday Shopping Now
Prime members can enjoy exclusive early access to holiday deals now, ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, with over hundreds of deals from top brands including MUJI, Panasonic, Delonghi. Prime members can also easily discover products from the many small business brands at Amazon.sg/smallbusinesses. Find the best deals from small businesses, including from SPIGEN, Omnidesk, Beelink.
- First dibs on early holiday deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days: Prime members don’t have to wait to shop. In the lead up to Prime Big Deal Days, members can enjoy great deals from trusted brands sitewide, across key categories including toys, books, electronics, home, and more. Top deals and discounts include:
- Amazon.sg
- Up to 35% off on Smartwatches & Trackers from Fitbit, Garmin and more on Amazon.sg
- Up to 50% off books including children’s books, business books, self-improvement, fiction, and more on Amazon.sg
- Up to 50% off on Bose on Amazon.sg
- Up to 70% off International Toys such as Melissa & Doug and VTech, and get an additional S$10 off with min spend of S$100 from Barbie, HotWheels, Star Wars and more on Amazon.sg
- Up to S$500 off PC products from Acer, HP and MSI on Amazon.sg
- Amazon Fresh
- S$20 off S$120 spend on Baby, Grocery, Health & Personal Care and more on Amazon Fresh
- Up to 30% off carton deals on Amazon Fresh
- Up to 30% off, buy 4 get an additional 15% off on Kettle Chips, Coca-Cola, Lavazza, and more on Amazon Fresh
- Up to 35% off, buy more save more on Cadbury, Oreo, Marigold, Ritz, and more on Amazon Fresh
- International Store
- Up to 35% off on REVLON, Neutrogena, OGX on Amazon US
- Up to 35% off Fitbit, SanDisk on Amazon US
- Up to 50% off storage drives & accessories on Amazon US
- Amazon.sg
*Terms and conditions apply to all promotions listed above.
More ways to shop this PBDD
- Amazon Vouchers: Discover more ways to save with Amazon Vouchers. Find discounts on everyday essentials, as well as gifts, electronics, beauty, toys, and more. Simply clip the voucher and the discount will be applied at checkout. Visit Amazon.sg/vouchers for information.
- Amazon.sg Gift Cards: Amazon.sg Gift Cards offer an easy, simple, and convenient gifting experience, providing access to an extensive selection of products on Amazon.sg at Amazon.sg/giftcard.
- Promotions: Enjoy greater savings when shopping on Amazon.sg. From 11 October, visit amazon.sg/bankpromotions for more information.
- Bank promotions
- Looking for more payment promotions? Get 1% off your purchase when you use PayNow, with no minimum spend from 18 September.
- Buy Now, Pay Later with Grab and Atome on Amazon.sg
- Get S$15 off S$150 min spend with PayLater by Grab
- Get S$10 off S$150 min spend with Atome
*Terms and conditions apply to all promotions listed above.
Get Ready for the Big Day
Learn how to best prepare for Prime Big Deal Days to maximise your savings.
- Join Prime: New customers can enjoy a 30-day free trial when they register for Prime membership. For S$2.99 a month, Prime membership includes unlimited access to award-winning movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, unlimited access to video game benefits with Prime Gaming, access to epic deals on Prime Day, free delivery on selected delivery windows for orders of S$150 and above on Amazon Fresh, free 2-hour scheduled delivery for orders of S$60 and above on Watsons and Little Farms on Amazon.sg, and more.
- Set up personalised deal alerts: Prime members can subscribe to receive deal alert notifications related to their recent Amazon searches and recently viewed items. All they have to do is visit the Prime Big Deal Days event page on the Amazon app between now and Prime Big Deal Days to create deal alerts. Once Prime Big Deal Days arrives, members will receive push notifications on any available deals.
Access Prime Big Deal Days Globally
Prime Big Deal Days will kick off in 19 countries around the world on 11 October, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the U.S., and the UK. Prime members in Japan can shop the Prime Big Deal Days event later in the month.
Every Day Made Better with Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime was designed to make your life better every single day. Over 200 million paid members around the world enjoy the many benefits of Prime, including the best of shopping and entertainment. In Singapore, Prime membership includes unlimited access to award-winning movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, unlimited access to video game benefits with Prime Gaming, Prime Day, and more. Prime was built on the foundation of unlimited fast, free shipping. Prime members enjoy access to free one-day delivery on domestic Prime eligible selection on Amazon.sg, free delivery on selected delivery windows for orders of S$150 and above on Amazon Fresh, free 2-hour scheduled delivery for orders of S$60 and above on Watsons and Little Farms on Amazon.sg, as well as early access to deals and exclusive deals. Prime is S$2.99 per month. Start a 30-day free trial of Prime at Amazon.sg/prime.
Hashtag: #AmazonSG #AmazonPrime
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, and Kindle are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit Amazon.sg.
SOCIAL HANDLES:
Instagram: @Amazon.sg
Facebook: @Amazon.sg
Twitter: @AmazonSG
Lao PM Gives Interview to Chinese Media, Says Debt Trap Not Real
During his visit to Nanning Province, China, Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone sat down for an interview with CGTN, a state-run English news channel, to discuss Laos-China relations, along with Laos’ mounting foreign debt, on Sunday.
Semula Pte Ltd: Partnerships and Upcycling Initiatives to Inspire a More Sustainable Future for Singapore
Semula aims to be a key player in sustainability. Since boot-strapping its own operation, Semula has been largely focused on reimagining plastic waste. Through its own research and experimentation, Semula has adopted a unique process to transform discarded HDPE plastic waste into a reusable alternative material, reducing the need for businesses to rely on new resources. Semula’s approach to sustainability and minimising waste is very much in alignment with Singapore’s Zero Waste Masterplan.
In collaboration with like-minded partner Roger&Sons, Semula created cafe furniture from used HDPE milk bottles collected from Foreword Coffee Roasters’ for its own outlet at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore. This proudly showcased how, with a little imagination and the right processes in place, plastic waste can be turned into one-of-a-kind creations. Today, Foreword Coffee continues to provide Semula with empty plastic bottles to turn into an alternative material which can be reintroduced into the marketplace. The partnership has inspired Foreword’s staff to actively participate in the collection and cleaning of empty milk bottles from their various outlets.
In June 2022, Semula won the Grand Prize award in the annual Singapore Design Awards organised by the Design Business Chamber Singapore. Semula is also a proud recipient of the Sg Eco Fund set up by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment to support projects that advance environmental sustainability and involve the community.
Jeryl Yep, Co-founder of Semula Pte Ltd, said : “We are thankful for the ongoing support from the government, community and businesses. While it feels good to be recognised for the work that we have done, at the end of the day, it means more to us to know that we are making a positive contribution towards changing behaviour. We believe that long lasting change can happen when we band together to create a collective conscience and take responsibility for our environment, for the sake of our present and future generations.”
Semula’s initiatives are not limited to production of its upcycled Semula plastic and finished products. The company also offers talks aimed at building awareness of the environment and sustainability, hands-on upcycling workshops to create memorabilia from plastic waste and nature trails through some of Singapore’s beloved parks and nature reserves.
Hashtag: #Semula #PlasticUpcycling #PlasticRecycling #EcoFriendly
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Semula Pte Ltd
Semula Pte Ltd is a plastic upcycling company dedicated to transforming waste materials into reusable products. With a strong commitment to environmental action, Semula seeks to preserve our natural resources while inspiring change and progress within the plastic recycling industry.
My Play For Asia launches “GOH – The God of Highschool,” the latest version of the beloved game that has taken the mobile gaming world by storm first launched in 2015 in Korea.
Engage in epic battles in the latest version of GOH – The God of Highschool, a full 3D action RPG adapted from the popular Webtoon “The God of High School.”
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 18 September 2023 – MY PLAY FOR ASIA announces the official launch of “GOH – The God of Highschool,” the latest and most exciting version of the beloved game that has taken the mobile gaming world by storm. Based on the original Webtoon with an astounding 5.4 billion cumulative views worldwide, “GOH – The God of Highschool” promises to deliver an immersive gaming experience like no other.

The God of Highschool Webtoon
Dive headfirst into the captivating world of Mori Jin, a high school student and Taekwondo specialist, as he embarks on a tumultuous journey in “The God of High School,” a fighting tournament that promises the victor anything they want. Brace yourselves for growth, epic battles, and world-saving missions as Mori Jin and his competitors go on to fight against some divine forces.
Key Features of “GOH – The God of Highschool”
- Experience the Entire Original Webtoon
Adapted from The God of Highschool Webtoon, this mobile RPG lets fans of the comic and new players relive the thrilling saga of Mori Jin and other protagonists. Through the game, players can expect a unique and exciting adventure as they unravel the mysteries and challenges that await.
- Collect and Battle with Iconic Characters
With a diverse cast of characters inspired by the original Webtoon, players can collect and engage in epic battles with their favourite characters. The fate of the world rests in your hands as you assemble your dream team.
- Infinite Possibilities with In-Game Currency
“GOH – The God of Highschool” sets itself apart by offering players the ability to continuously and infinitely earn premium currency within the game. This means that players can collect all characters and top-tier gear by playing instead of paying real money. As players acquire new characters, strategy becomes key to conquering each stage’s challenges. You’ll need to make use of the right combination of characters, type, element, and skill in order to advance.
- Missions Tailored for New Users
This new version released in the SEA region features the “Beginner’s Carnival” where new users are offered missions tailored to them. Clearing these missions will enable you to obtain various characters and attractive rewards.
Prepare for an exhilarating journey that will redefine your mobile gaming experience. Immerse yourself in thrilling battles, captivating storytelling, and countless hours of adventure as you step into the shoes of the main character and embark on a quest to safeguard the world.
“GOH – The God of Highschool” will be available on both iOS and Android platforms
Hashtag: #mypla
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About MY PLAY FOR ASIA
MY PLAY FOR ASIA PTE. LTD. is a gaming powerhouse founded by experts with years of experience in game development and publishing. Through the pursuit of technological development and innovation, MY PLAY FOR ASIA has achieved continuous growth and released various game services that cater to the diverse demands of passionate players.
Among the titles under MY PLAY FOR ASIA’s banner are the hardcore action idle RPG Bacchus, the free-to-play fantasy MMORPG Lime Odyssey, and the clicker-based café simulation game Paka’s Coffee.
OctaFX: Most crucial economic events in the second half of 2023. Part 2
In this article, OctaFX experts describe three events investors and traders should be aware of. Learn more about the ongoing food crisis, the state of the European economy in case of energy shortages, and the impact of OPEC decisions on oil prices.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 18 September 2023 – With the global economy weakening, you may wonder what will impact capital markets in the second half of 2023. Will the food crisis worsen again? What factors will influence European currency this winter? What will be the key themes of the year ahead? Several vital stories in the remainder of 2023 are worth considering when investing in global markets.
The food crisis of 2022–2023 worsens again
One of the most significant food crises in history, affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide, continues into the second half of 2023. Over a quarter of a billion people are estimated to suffer from acute hunger, and some are on the brink of starvation. The situation has not improved now. Economic factors have added to climate problems, the effects of the pandemic, and the Ukrainian conflict.
In 2022, there were disruptions in global supply chains due to the coronavirus pandemic. Subsequently, with the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict, they worsened—there was a sharp jump in food prices (wheat, rice, corn, vegetable oil, and others). The world was cut off from the supply of goods, primarily grain—a food crisis broke out.
In 2023, the world is still in a situation of low cereal availability. Still, it is exacerbated by a strong U.S. dollar, which has strengthened due to the tightening of monetary policy in the U.S. Low-and middle-income countries importing food (mainly countries on the African continent) are unable to do so because of high prices and devaluation of local currencies against the dollar.
Reduced availability of grain crops is a fact of life. The current harvest season in July–August promises severe grain shortages and maise worldwide. Key importers are already buying in anticipation of future needs. In the autumn-winter period, prices for major grain crops will likely rise, which can be used for speculative transactions in grain futures.
Europe’s energy crisis is not over
The energy crisis in the EU is still being felt in the gas market. Gas prices in 2022 were significantly higher than in the previous year. Although the period of wild prices last year is over, this does not mean the problem has disappeared.
Gas demand is down in 2023, but not due to efficiency improvements or structural changes in the energy sectors. The main reason for the decline in demand is the fall in production in energy-intensive industries, especially in the chemical one. This has reduced the need for gas and lowered its cost.
Although the EU has accumulated significant gas reserves, a cold winter could pose a challenge to the region’s energy security. If reserves are depleted, prices will start to rise again. In addition, the lack of reliable pipelines, including Nord Stream, is forcing a turn to more expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG). This creates additional problems and financial costs for consumers in Europe.
‘This puts the ECB in a difficult position. On the one hand, there’s a falling production and on the other—high prices. You have to choose between low inflation and recession on the one hand and a weak euro and high inflation on the other hand‘, said Kar Yong Ang, the OctaFX financial market analyst. ‘And, therefore, it is possible that euro currency will once again go to parity with the dollar’, he added.
The meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC members on 26 November in Vienna will determine the oil prices
On 26 November, the 36th semi-annual OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting will be held in Vienna. The meeting will discuss the extension of the oil production cut agreement. From May until the end of 2023, many OPEC+ countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria, Gabon, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Oman) decided to further voluntarily reduce oil production by another 1.2 million bpd, while Russia extended its voluntary restrictions also until the end of the year. As a result, the total voluntary reduction from May to December should amount to 1.66 million bpd.
Depending on the decision made at the meeting, the overall oil supply may change. In case of its stronger reduction, the price of oil will rise. If there are no changes due to the meeting, or they decide to increase production, the cost of oil will fall. Therefore, it is recommended to make all trading decisions related to Brent and WTI trades with the upcoming meeting in mind.
We live in an unstable economic and political environment of challenge and turmoil. However, amidst the challenges, there are opportunities for those investors who keep their finger on the pulse of the action. From September 2023 onwards, there will be many opportunities, starting with the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision and OPEC meeting in Vienna. How to utilise the opportunities we have described is up to you. The only thing is that they should not be ignored.
Hashtag: #OctaFX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About OctaFX
OctaFX is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services already utilised by clients from 180 countries with more than 42 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
OctaFX has also won more than 60 awards since its foundation, including the ‘Best Online Broker Global 2022’ award from World Business Outlook and the ‘Best Global Broker Asia 2022’ award from International Business Magazine.