Customs officials from Laos, China, and Thailand met in Vientiane Capital on Monday, 11 September, to discuss ways to streamline customs procedures at border crossings along the Kunming-Bangkok Highway and the Lancang-Mekong River.
Customs Officials from Laos, China, and Thailand Discuss Ways to Prevent Smuggling and Boost Trade

Molex Unveils New Connectivity Industry Report, Revealing a Robust Future of Technology Advancements and Product Innovations
- Contactless connectors slated to deliver increased reliability, durability and design advantages over physical, metal-to-metal contacts
- Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) antennas enable seamless communications between vehicles and infrastructure
- Power required for connected homes will drive innovations in energy management
- Hyperscale data centers built on 224G system architecture will enable unprecedented connectivity in the face of AI-driven data-processing requirements.
LISLE, IL – Media OutReach – 14 September 2023 – Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, has released a new industry report that highlights opportunities and obstacles facing product design engineers as the future of connectivity continues to unfold. The report, “Predicting the Connectivity of Tomorrow: Innovations Driving the Connected World,” offers compelling insights into the transformative powers of next-generation connectivity, which is poised to unlock ground-breaking product innovations.

“From factory floors and hyperscale data centers to self-driving vehicles and smart, energy-efficient homes, connectivity innovations are shaping our technology future,” said Joe Nelligan, CEO of Molex. “Every step forward requires cross-disciplinary engineering, world-class manufacturing and constant collaboration with customers to push the boundaries of high-speed, high-power connectors. We’re excited to serve as a catalyst in this global push to lead the evolution of connectivity while accelerating the evolution of life-changing solutions.”
Leading-edge connectivity is the cornerstone of new products and solutions found in every industry and application area. To help product designers and engineers prepare for what lies ahead, Molex subject matter experts took a closer look at innovations on the rise, including:
- Next-generation, contactless connectivity
- Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications
- Connected, energy-independent homes
- Centralized, hyperscale hubs of connectivity
Timely observations shed light on the trajectory of these important innovations, as well as their ever-increasing impact on automobiles, consumer devices, factories, medical wearables, smartphones, smart homes, data centers and more. Additionally, Molex experts offer perspectives on the critical role that connectivity plays in driving the creation of new business models, such as Transportation-as-a-Service, which challenges conventional vehicle ownership.
Paving the Way for Contactless Connectivity
Contactless connectors use miniaturized radio frequency (RF) transceivers and receivers to enable devices to communicate and exchange data without requiring physical contact between them. They also support much higher data rates than previously possible with existing wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Distinct reliability and durability advantages over physical, metal-to-metal contacts make contactless connectors ideal for video displays, harsh environments, sleek and light consumer electronics, as well as industrial robotics. The pace of development in this area is gaining momentum as companies realize opportunities for streamlined product designs, reduced costs and seamless device pairing.
Navigating the Road Ahead for V2X Antennas
Ongoing developments in antennas, sensors and connectors are among the most relevant enablers of evolving vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capabilities. Backed by a decade-long roadmap of 5G V2X projects and established industry leadership in shark-fin antenna development, Molex has set a steady pace of innovation in support of self-driving vehicles. Close collaboration with automakers and suppliers is essential to defining optimal antenna placement and performance. Additionally, advancements in non-conductive materials will allow future connected vehicles to incorporate seamless designs without sacrificing connectivity to satellites, Wi-Fi networks and other systems.
Powering Connected, Energy-Efficient Homes of the Future
Tomorrow’s connected homes will combine Internet of Things (IoT) functionality with battery storage systems to ensure greater control and visibility over energy production and usage. Innovations in energy management, such as mini-inverters for solar panels and smart battery management systems, will improve energy-usage efficiency and control. These storage systems are expected to play a crucial role in the intelligent monitoring and routing of power where it’s needed most. Molex’s continued focus in this area led to the development of the Volfinity Cell Contacting System, which was selected by BMW last Spring for its next-gen electric vehicle (EV) class.
Forming Connected, Hyperscale Hubs
Hyperscale data centers built on 224G system architectures will enable Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help consumers optimize energy consumption while empowering businesses to keep pace with relentless requirements for real-time data processing. The rapid adoption of generative AI is forcing hyperscale data centers to evolve, prompting Molex to pioneer 224 Gbps-PAM4 architecture. Molex’s first-to-market 224G product portfolio offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability, along with superior signal integrity and robust mechanical composition.
Hashtag: #Molex
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Molex
Molex is a global electronics leader committed to making the world a better, more-connected place. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex enables transformative technology innovation in the automotive, data center, industrial automation, healthcare, 5G, cloud and consumer device industries. Through trusted customer and industry relationships, unrivaled engineering expertise, and product quality and reliability, Molex realizes the infinite potential of Creating Connections for Life. For more information, visit www.molex.com.
Aon and TELUS Health release joint study on workplace mental health in Asia
- 82 percent of employees surveyed have moderate to high risk of developing mental health issues
- 54 percent believe their career options would be limited if their employer knew they had a mental illness
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 14 September 2023 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, in collaboration with global healthcare leader TELUS Health, has released the inaugural Aon TELUS Health Asia Mental Health Index report, which explores workplace mental health and the impact on productivity across 12 countries in Asia. The report revealed that 82 percent of workers in Asia have a high (35 percent) to moderate (47 percent) mental health risk, which highlights a growing concern of workplace wellbeing in Asia.
The insights from the report aim to improve understanding of the mental health risk of employees and help businesses make better decisions to manage employee mental health and increase workforce resilience. The strong likelihood of workers developing a mental issue – 30 percent of those who reported being high-risk and 7 percent of those with moderate risk – means there is increased risk of lower productivity and financial risk for organisations.
Stress, anxiety and burnout driving workplace productivity down
Key findings on workplace productivity showed that 45 percent of respondents across the region report that their mental health is negatively impacting their work while stress, anxiety and burnout are on the rise. Additional findings include:
- Fifty-one percent of employees reported feeling more sensitive to stress this year compared to last year.
- Forty-five percent of them believe their colleagues are showing more signs of stress this year.
- Further, thirty three percent of workers are currently finding it difficult to concentrate on their work.
- Forty-seven percent reported ending their day feeling mentally and/or physically exhausted.
Asian workers managing growing work, home and social pressures, stigma surrounding mental health and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the deterioration of mental health. Public and self-stigma is an overwhelming problem for workplaces and society across Asia. The report revealed that 54 percent of employees believe their career options would be limited if their employer knew they had a mental health issue, while 49 percent said they would worry that friends and family would treat them differently and 49 percent reported they would feel negatively about themselves.
“Organisations that do not implement support structures or choose to dismiss the impact of mental health in their workplace will realise there is a significant cost in doing nothing,” said Tim Dwyer, chief executive officer, Health Solutions, Asia Pacific, Aon. “Supporting employees’ wellbeing is necessary for organisations to maintain high levels of engagement and productivity to deliver measurable return on investment. Lack of support and the stigma attached to mental health issues are key barriers on why employee mental health issues remain unresolved. Organisations must therefore address these issues head-on while developing an integrated strategy informed by data and insights.”
Difficulties in accessing mental health support
Timely intervention and support could help avoid the consequences of poor mental health like absenteeism, or loss in productivity and talent attrition. However, several factors make it difficult for employees to reach out for support. The report revealed that 43 percent of respondents cited cost as the number one barrier to obtaining mental health support. Lack of information and knowledge of where to get help also ranked high among respondents, with nearly one third not knowing what type of care they need or where to go. This group also rated stigma in their top four responses about barriers to getting support and reported that they were concerned about what others would think of them for having a mental health issue.
“The prevalence of overwhelming and crippling levels of stress within the workplace simply cannot go ignored; far too many people in Asia are dealing with elevated stress, anxiety, isolation and depression, which has a direct correlation to workplace productivity,” said Jamie MacLennan, managing director of APAC, TELUS Health. “Many businesses are still not taking the mental health of their staff seriously and when not addressed and supported will lead to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism and presenteeism. Addressing the mental health and wellbeing of staff is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – rather, it is a commercial imperative.”
Hashtag: #Aon
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the survey
Aon and TELUS Health conducted an online survey of 13,000 people living across China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam in November 2022. More than 1,000 individuals responded to the survey from each location. All respondents are currently employed or were employed within the prior six months. Participants were selected to be representative of age, gender and industry, and were asked to consider the prior two weeks when answering each question.
The development of the TELUS Mental Health Index began in 2017, with validation and benchmarking continuing through 2019. In April 2020, the monthly Index was launched in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, offering a clear and near real-time measure of the mental health and wellbeing of the working population. In 2022, the TELUS Mental Health Index was expanded to Singapore and Europe, and in 2023 to New Zealand and Asia.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Our colleagues provide our clients in over 120 countries and sovereignties with advice and solutions that give them the clarity and confidence to make better decisions to protect and grow their business.
Follow Aon on LinkedIn,
Twitter,
Facebook and
Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting the
Aon Newsroom and sign up for News Alerts
here.
About TELUS Health
TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader serving people in more than 160 countries delivering both digital innovation and clinical services to improve total physical, mental, and financial health and wellness across the full spectrum of primary and preventive care. By leveraging the power of technology to deliver connected solutions and services both in-person and virtually, TELUS Health is improving access to care and revolutionizing the flow of information while facilitating collaboration, efficiency, and productivity for physicians, pharmacists, health authorities, allied healthcare professionals, insurers, employers, and people globally, progressing its vision of transforming healthcare and empowering people to live healthier lives.
Our clinical team is composed of renowned and passionate health professionals around the world delivering best-in-class people-centric care to hundreds of thousands of employers, professionals, and their families.
For more information, please visit: http://www.telushealth.com/.
Hanoi Apartment Building Fire Kills 10, Injures Over 50 People

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — A fire in a nine-story apartment building in Vietnam’s capital killed at least 10 people, including four children, and injured more than 50 others, state media reported Wednesday.
NA Member Calls on Tourism Police to Be More Helpful Towards Foreign Visitors

A National Assembly member from Vientiane Capital, Mrs. Valy Vetsaphong, called on tourism police to be more prompt in assisting tourists visiting Laos during her trip to Nongpanai village in Vientiane Capital last month.
Lao Ford City Donates Supplies to Hands of Hope School for the Deaf

On Friday, 8 September, Lao Ford City and Roger Dunn, an American volunteer who has lived in Laos for five years, visited the Hands of Hope School for the deaf in Vientiane Capital to donate much-needed kitchen supplies after the school’s recent break-in.
airberry’s ‘Smart Clothing Care Device’ Takes Singapore by Storm: Available Now

airberry Smart Clothing Care Device Up to 62% off Sale at official online store https://airberry.sg/
airberry stands as Korea’s premium home lifestyle brand, renowned for its innovative spatial solutions that elevate the essence of home living. With its signature matte white design, airberry’s small home appliances have become a favorite among those with a penchant for interior aesthetics. Since 2021, airberry has transcended the realm of standard compact appliances, augmenting its product line with clothing care devices, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers that elevate one’s living standards. The recent honor of receiving the ‘2022 South Korea’s No.1 Appliance Award’ in the smart garment care category is a testament to airberry’s unwavering commitment to excellence. The ‘South Korea’s No.1 Award’ recognizes businesses and brands actively contributing to economic growth through industry convergence, cutting-edge technology, and innovative solutions that serve the nation and humanity’s future advancement.
airberry’s flagship product, the ‘Smart Clothing Care Device,’ has taken the market by storm with over 500,000 units sold. This revolutionary device, priced affordably, effortlessly transforms your wardrobe into a garment care hub with a simple hang. Its compact size, roughly equivalent to an adult’s fist, exemplifies space efficiency. The eye-catching matte white finish, complemented by a leather strap, adds a touch of simplistic charm. Available in both dehumidifying and fragrant versions, it offers a quadruple effect—scenting, deodorizing, sterilizing, and dehumidifying. Additionally, the ‘Smart Room Dryer’ maintains optimal temperature and humidity in nuanced spaces like bathrooms and balconies, making it a popular choice among users.
Learn more via the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rieLJM4QK2o
A representative from airberry expressed, “We are ceaselessly developing new appliances that bestow fresh significance to the concept of ‘home,’ ensuring everyone can experience the leisurely life and pleasant spaces they dream of.” They further emphasized, “With our official online store launch in Singapore as a strategic precursor, we plan to expand the Asian market meticulously. We intend to broaden our horizons and expand into more expansive global markets by solidifying our brand recognition centered around Asia.”
Hashtag: #airberry
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Leading the Fintech Revolution: FORMS Syntron Presents Generative AI and Web 3.0 Financial Platforms
Empowered by Microsoft, FORMS Syntron unleashes Banking Copilot and FINNOSafe to transform the financial sector
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 September 2023 – Today, a leading fintech thought leader, incubator and enabler in the banking and finance industry, is set to redefine the financial landscape with the introduction of Banking Copilot and FINNOSafe as pioneering generative AI and Web 3.0 platforms in Hong Kong’s financial sector. Empowered by Microsoft Azure, these platforms stand as a testament to FORMS Syntron’s commitment to making banking and finance simpler, faster, smarter and safer.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards the future of banking,” said Mr. Frank Chow, Chairman of FORMS Syntron. “Both Banking Copilot and FINNOSafe platforms reflect our embrace of transformation within the financial services industry. As we enter the era of Web 3.0, characterized by the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC), virtual assets, and generative AI, we firmly believe that forward-thinking institutions must seize the opportunity to integrate these technologies into their strategies, business models, and adoption plans. We are proud to be at the forefront of this shift, enabling our customers to navigate the future of finance with confidence.”
Banking Copilot: Streamlining compliance processes
Banking Copilot, an AI-enabled compliance application platform, is designed to streamline compliance processes and tackle the challenges that arise from the compliance talent shortage. By leveraging Azure OpenAI, which provides enterprise-grade security and reliability for AI workloads, it automates compliance data collection and documentation, conducts risk assessment and mitigation, and improves overall governance. Banking Copilot compresses support document assessment tasks that would normally take six to eight weeks into hours via AI automation.
FORMS Syntron’s dedication to responsible AI ensures that its technical developments are both innovative and secure, enabling users to safeguard their data privacy. As a part of responsible AI, Banking Copilot does not use customer data to train, retrain or enhance the models under Azure OpenAI.
FINNOSafe: Simplifying the Web 3.0 digital money experience
An AI-powered Web 3.0 platform developed to simplify the digital money experience for mass adoption, FINNOSafe features two key services: the FINNOSafe Wallet and Tokenized Assets Custody. Backed by Microsoft Azure and enterprise-grade security functions, the FINNOSafe Wallet is a cold wallet enabling self-custody of digital assets and card payment, designed to securely store and transfer digital assets for financial institution’s clients and employees. FINNOSafe’s Tokenized Assets Custody Services, another key feature, will assist Hong Kong’s virtual assets key market participants in entering the market under the new Virtual Asset Service Providers Regime (VASP).
Leveraging over 20 years of financial industry experience, FORMS Syntron built these platforms to help businesses meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and adapt to the rapidly changing environment. The collaboration between FORMS Syntron and Microsoft aims to foster widespread and secure use of generative AI in the financial industry.
“We are delighted to support FORMS Syntron’s initiative, demonstrating our shared passion for driving innovation in the financial sector,” added Dr. Hou Yang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft Greater China Region. “With transformative cloud and generative AI solutions, Microsoft is harnessing the exciting innovation in Hong Kong’s finance industry and building a secure and efficient financial infrastructure platform with enterprise-grade security measures and Responsible AI practices. This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering Hong Kong’s digital economy and strengthening its position as a leading international finance center.”
FORMS Syntron’s early success with BEA in AI and Web 3.0 pilots
FORMS Syntron’s early success with The Bank of East Asia, Limited (“BEA”) in its AI and Web 3.0 pilot programs has laid the foundation for their continued innovation. Leveraging the Banking Copilot and FINNOSafe collaboration program, BEA successfully developed two visionary and first-in-Hong Kong initiatives.
BEA used FINNOSafe Wallet to pilot a highly user-friendly native digital asset wallet to manage its self-minted utility coin on blockchain as part of a staff reward program. BEA also utilized Banking Copilot to assist the bank’s cybersecurity team in conducting C-RAF assessments. Empowered by Azure OpenAI, Banking Copilot automated compliance data collection and documentation; conducted self-assessments, early risk identification and mitigation; as well as improved governance and raised regulatory and compliance maturity.
“At BEA, we recognize the tremendous significance of teaming up with FORMS Syntron under the Banking Copilot and FINNOSafe collaboration program and BEAST (BEA + Startups), BEA’s own fintech collaboration platform,” commented Mr. Stephen Leung, Head of Information Technology and Fintech Development Department, The Bank of East Asia, Limited. “This partnership has enabled us to leverage cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and Web 3.0 to drive innovation and reinvent the possibilities within the financial sector.”
As one of the leading companies in the Greater China region to introduce industry-specific generative AI and Web 3.0 platforms for the financial sector, FORMS Syntron remains at the forefront of the fintech revolution. With the philosophy of creating a safer environment for innovation in the banking and finance industry, these platforms enable banking and financial institutions to innovate and transform, ushering in a new digital era.
Hashtag: #FORMSSyntron
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About FORMS Syntron
Shenzhen FORMS Syntron Information Co., Ltd. (“FORMS”) was founded in 2003 and is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (300468.SZ). FORMS specializes in servicing the banking industry and boasts a 2,000+ strong team of banking and finance IT professionals in China and the region.
FORMS Syntron Information (HK) Ltd. (“FORMS Syntron HK”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of FORMS, was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Hong Kong. FORMS Syntron HK offers advisory and implementation services to help established banks change, virtual banks build, and FinTech companies innovate and thrive.
For more information, please visit https://forms-fintech.com/.
Disclaimer:
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to market conditions, competitive pressures, and technological developments. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.