In an exclusive interview with the Laotian Times, Peter Haymond, the outgoing US Ambassador to Laos, offers insights into his diplomatic tenure in the country, shedding light on US-funded programs, UXO clearance progress in Laos, and his profound affection for the nation.
Fostering Relations with Asia’s Hidden Gem, US Ambassador to Laos Reflects on His Tenure

Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia PMs Meet to Discuss Cooperation Efforts During ASEAN Summit

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet for a working breakfast on Tuesday, 5 September, while attending the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Jakarta.
Preface Launches Up-to-date Coding Class Featuring AI Application
How AI Revolutionises the Way of Education
Traditional educational methods are gradually giving way to more innovative and AI-driven approaches. The conventional “one-size-fits-all” model is being replaced by personalised learning paths that consider individual strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences. Other than designing course outlines for a vast array of topics such as AI art tutorial, AI video course and robotics course, AI algorithms can also analyse vast amounts of data to identify the most effective teaching methods, helping educators optimise their approach and tailor content to suit each student’s learning pace.
Furthermore, AI enhances collaboration and communication between teachers, students, and parents. Real-time data and insights allow educators to monitor progress and address learning challenges promptly. This collaborative ecosystem nurtures a supportive learning environment that boosts children’s confidence and academic performance.
Understanding the Impacts of AI for Kids
As AI increasingly becomes an integral part of society, it is a must for everyone to embrace this technology and understand its potential. Take the trending ChatGPT as an example, in order to fully leverage its responsiveness, some might consider taking a prompt engineering course. By adopting AI mindfully and responsibly, children can harness its power to enhance their learning experiences and shape their future positively.
Preface in Full Support of AI-powered Education
Preface is committed to empowering the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Preface’s Regular Programme together with AI bootcamp for children offers a comprehensive tech learning experience to unlock your child’s potential. With a T-shaped development approach, Preface provides a range of core and elective subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education. Preface’s programme consists of four streams that cater to different interests and aspirations.
In the Core stream, Preface equips students with essential knowledge and skill sets for success in the modern world.
- Code Engineering focuses on building a solid foundation in coding and practical application development, nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities from an early age.
- For those interested in AI, Preface’s AI Prompt Engineering Course centres around AI tools like ChatGPT combined with coding languages, teaching students how to create interactive applications and co-pilot with AI for next-level coding.
Preface’s Elective stream encourages creativity and innovation with a breadth of knowledge.
- In Creative Media Design, students explore generative AI tools, create innovative art portfolios, and develop video skills for compelling content.
- On the other hand, the Aerospace Course & Robotics Engineering Course take students on an exciting journey into space and robotics, teaching astronomy theories and applications, and challenging them to build a fully functional satellite.
Preface is keen to ensure the curriculum remains up-to-date, offering milestone checkpoints to track their progress continuously.
Known for the immersive Coding Bootcamp in Hong Kong, Preface goes beyond traditional coding schools by providing real-world projects, hackathons, and global exposure to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
Join today and witness how Preface empowers innovators everywhere to turn today’s problems into tomorrow’s solutions.
Hashtag: #preface #artificialintelligence #technology #chatgpt #coding
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About Preface
Preface is where creativity meets technology, offering hands-on learning and real-world skills that prepare future innovators for a successful tomorrow.
To learn more about the programmes and how Preface can help your child future-proof their tech skills, click here for personalised guidance. Preface is dedicated to making a difference in your child’s educational journey.
Lao-American Grandmother Dies After Dog Attack in Modesto, California
“Maetu” (grandmother) Chanty Philavong, a 93-year-old Lao-American woman living in Modesto, California was attacked and heavily wounded by a neighbor’s dogs after returning from a doctor’s visit last week, and she later succumbed to her injuries.
Spackman Media Group Artist Wi Ha-Jun’s Upcoming Disney+ Original Series, THE WORST OF EVIL, Set To Premiere On September 27
- Starring Spackman Media Group artist Wi Ha-jun, the original crime action drama series, THE WORST OF EVIL, will be released exclusively on Disney+ on September 27
- Represented by Spackman Media Group, Wi Ha-jun is also set to reprise his role in the highly anticipated second season of the international breakout hit, SQUID GAME, alongside the original cast comprising Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun and Gong Yoo
- Emerging as an international star, Wi Ha-jun of Spackman Media Group won the rising star award in the 2023 Korea First Brand Awards in December last year, following his chart-topping Netflix drama, LITTLE WOMEN (2022), which was filmed in Singapore and Korea
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 6 September 2023 – Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by global media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that Wi Ha-jun of MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (“MSteam“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“), will star in the upcoming original crime action drama series THE WORST OF EVIL, which is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Disney+ on September 27.
Set in the 1990s Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea, THE WORST OF EVIL follows undercover police investigators who infiltrate the Gangnam Alliance, a massive criminal organization responsible for the illegal drug trade between Korea, China and Japan. Wi Ha-jun takes on the role of the charismatic leader of the Gangnam Alliance. Alongside Wi Ha-jun, Ji Chang-wook portrays a police officer while Lim Se-mi plays his wife. Created by Kakao Entertainment, THE WORST OF EVIL is directed by Han Dong-wook and written by Jang Min-suk.
Wi Ha-jun of Spackman Media Group became a worldwide sensation with his role as Hwang Jun-ho, a policeman in the first season of SQUID GAME. He is set to return in the highly anticipated second season of the international breakout hit alongside the original cast comprising Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun and Gong Yoo.
In December last year, Wi Ha-jun won the rising star award in the 2023 Korea First Brand Awards, following his chart-topping Netflix drama, LITTLE WOMEN (2022), which was filmed in Singapore and Korea. According to Flixpatrol.com, the drama took the top spot in Taiwan, Indonesia and Japan and ranked 8th globally on Netflix as of October 8, 2022. The series featured iconic landmarks in Singapore such as Marina Bay Sands and The Fullerton Hotel.
In February 2022, he was selected as the South Korea ambassador for Swiss luxury watchmaker, TAG Heuer. He was also appointed as the ambassador for his hometown, Wando-gun of South Korea in January 2022.
Wi Ha-jun starred in highly popular K-drama BAD AND CRAZY (2021), which reached first place in viewership ratings for consecutive weekends after its release on 17 December 2021.
Wi Ha-jun was also selected as the brand ambassador for the American premium casual brand BEENTRILL and released a beauty pictorial with YSL beauty in December 2021. Notably, he headlined the Korean crime thriller film, MIDNIGHT (2021), which received the Best Feature Award at the 13th UK Grimmfest Film Festival.
In addition to Wi Ha-jun, MSteam represents iconic Korean actress Son Ye-jin, who starred in the hit romance drama CRASH LANDING ON YOU (2020), and top actress Lee Min-jung, who won the Top Excellence Award at the 2020 APAN Star Awards.
Hashtag: #SpackmanEntertainmentGroup
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About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited
Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group“), is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea.
The Company was founded in 2011 by renowned media and technology investor Charles Spackman who served as the Company’s Executive Chairman until 2017. For the past two decades, Mr. Charles Spackman has been a powerhouse in the Korean entertainment industry starting in the early 2000’s with the pioneering success of Sidus Pictures, the largest movie production company at the time and the first to be listed in Korea. Mr. Spackman is also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the global investment firm, Spackman Group. For more information, please visit charlesspackman.com and spackman-group.com/charles-spackman.
Since its founding, SEGL had produced more than 30 major motion pictures including a number of the highest grossing and award-winning films in Korea, namely #ALIVE (2020), CRAZY ROMANCE (2019), DEFAULT (2018), MASTER (2016), THE PRIESTS (2015), SNOWPIERCER (2013), COLD EYES (2013) and ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012).
Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. Generally, we release our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.
The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.
Production Labels
SEGL owns a 100% equity interest in Studio Take Co., Ltd. (“Studio Take“) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021). Its latest film, A MAN OF REASON, premiered in the US at the 42nd Hawaii International Film Festival. The film was also invited to the 47th Toronto International Film Festival, the largest film festival in North America, and the 55th Sitges Film Festival, one of the world’s top three genre film festivals. Studio Take shall also release an upcoming film, THE GUEST (working title), which is at the post-production stage and scheduled to be released in the second half of 2023 or first half of 2024.
SEGL owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp“), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 80 films (59 Korean and 21 foreign) including OKAY MADAM (2020), LONG LIVE THE KING (2019), MY FIRST CLIENT (2019), ROSE OF BETRAYAL (2018), THE OUTLAWS (2017) and SECRETLY, GREATLY (2013), which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS (2013), as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY (2013). In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012), a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand (“VOD“) sales records in Korea. For more information, please visit novusmediacorp.com.
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited (“Greenlight Content“) which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group’s first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited (“Simplex Films“) which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).
The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST’S WAIL, a comedy horror film.
Talent Representation
The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL“). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-hyun, Park Keun-rok), MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee, Lee Cho-hee), UAA&CO Inc. (Kim Sang-kyung) and Play Content Co., Ltd. (Hwang-hwi). Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company. For more information, please visit spackmanmediagroup.com.
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency“). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory“) and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG“), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency, which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.
Strategic Businesses
The Company also operates a café-restaurant, Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.
For more details, please visit spackmanentertainmentgroup.com.
Amari Johor Bahru Wins Best Halal Destination Award At The Majestic Johor Tourism Awards 2023
Johor Bahru city centre hotel demonstrates ongoing proactive endeavours in providing halal hospitality.
JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 6 September 2023 – Amari Johor Bahru, a 5-star hotel situated in the heart of Johor Bahru accepted the Best Halal Destination Award at the recent Majestic Johor Tourism Awards 2023. The annual event took place at Puteri Harbour, Iskandar Puteri, on August 27, 2023, highlighting over 40 award categories encompassing the vibrant local tourism scene.

Ms. Pauline Chua, the General Manager of Amari Johor Bahru was present at the ceremony to receive the acknowledgement. “We are pleased upon attaining this award and it reflects on the effort Amari Johor Bahru has put in order to be an inclusive hub not only limited to food services but also other facilities like the designated prayer rooms that we provide at the hotel. As a key player in the Johor tourism industry, I believe that our hotel has become a prominent contributor to its development in making halal tourism effortless and we will be continuing these pivotal initiatives.” Ms. Chua remarked on Amari Johor Bahru’s role in providing a Muslim-friendly destination.
Catering to the needs of Muslim guests, the city hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant, Amaya Food Gallery offers a variety of Muslim-friendly menu options. Despite the hotel’s specialisation in Thai food, the chefs assimilate the authentic Thai dishes with halal options, ensuring that Muslim guests could relish the genuine flavour of Thailand while adhering to their religious obligations. In addition to this award, Amari Johor Bahru has also been accredited the Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Recognition (MFAR) by the Islamic Tourism Centre of Malaysia (ITC).
Notably, Amari Johor Bahru holds a halal certificate in its efforts to be inclusive in the city centre. Those seeking venues for Muslim-friendly events, from weddings to corporate gatherings, will find the hotel’s offerings to be in line with halal standards.
Just recently, the hotel introduced new wedding packages that include halal menu options to be served at the reception. The respective bundles were curated to be hosted at Amari Johor Bahru’s function rooms.
Hashtag: #HalalEvents #MuslimFriendlyHotel #HalalCertification #HalalCertified #JohorBahru
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About Amari Johor Bahru
Amari Johor Bahru is conveniently located only steps from Komtar JBCC, City Square and the Persada Johor International Convention Centre. Offering easy access, it is a 30-minute drive from Senai International Airport, and a five-minute walk from JB Sentral Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex. To find out more, visit www.amari.com/johor-bahru. For inquiries, reach out to +60 7 266 8888.
Laos, Brunei Only Members of ASEAN Without Cable Car
Cable cars are often a staple to a country’s tourism development and modernization, yet Laos and Brunei remain the only two countries in ASEAN to not have one.
Everyday Curtains To Open Multimillion State Of The Art Manufacturing Facility In Singapore and Adoption Of Matter
Hashtag: #EverydayCurtains #CurtainsAndBlinds
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