In a recent government notice, the Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced new uniforms for village chiefs and deputy village Chiefs, catering to both male and female officials.
Ministry of Home Affairs Unveils New Uniforms for Village Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs

Financing secured to complete Taiwan’s 640 MW Yunlin offshore wind farm project
- Extended financing agreement secured
- Amended installation schedule on track
HAMBURG, GERMANY – EQS Newswire – 30 August 2023 – Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn), and its partners in Yunneng Wind Power Co., Ltd., TotalEnergies, Electricity Generating Public Company Ltd. (EGCO) and Sojitz Corporation (Sojitz), have successfully secured an extended financing agreement to complete the construction of the 640 MW Yunlin offshore wind farm project in Taiwan.

“This is a major milestone for the Yunlin project and the offshore wind industry in Taiwan. It demonstrates our commitment to Taiwan’s clean energy transition and underlines our project management capability” said Thomas Karst, CEO of Skyborn. Commenting on the progress of the project, Karst added, “Thanks to the good cooperation of all stakeholders and the tenacity and dedication of the project team, the 2023 installation campaign is well on track and preparations for the 2024 installation campaign are almost completed.”
The Yunlin offshore wind farm project is a key priority for Skyborn and its partners. Electricity from the project is provided to Taipower under two 20-year power purchase agreements. Once completed, the 640 MW project will be one of the largest offshore wind farms in Taiwan, producing enough clean energy to serve the energy needs of more than 600,000 Taiwanese households.
The Yunlin offshore wind farm project is located in the Taiwan Strait, between 8 and 17 kilometers off the west coast of Taiwan, in water depths ranging from 7 to 35 meters. The 82 km² project area consists of 80 wind turbine generators whose generated electricity is fed into the Taiwanese power grid via two onshore substations near the townships of Taixi and Sihu in Yunlin County.
Partners of Yunneng Wind Power Co., Ltd.
Skyborn Renewables
Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn) is an accomplished offshore wind developer and operator with more than 20 years’ experience, headquartered in Germany. Our capabilities cover the entire offshore wind value chain, including greenfield development, project engineering and design, procurement, financing, corporate power purchase agreements, construction management and asset management. Skyborn is a portfolio company of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a leading infrastructure investor headquartered in New York, USA.
TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company, active in more than 130 countries, that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. As part of its ambition to get to net zero by 2050, TotalEnergies is building a portfolio of activities in electricity and renewables. At the end of June 2023, TotalEnergies’ gross renewable electricity generation installed capacity was 19 GW. TotalEnergies will continue to expand this business to reach 35 GW of gross production capacity from renewable sources and storage by 2025, and then 100 GW by 2030 with the objective of being among the world’s top 5 producers of electricity from wind and solar energy.
The Electricity Generating Public Company Ltd. (EGCO)
EGCO Group, the first Independent Power Producer in Thailand, is focused on clean and socially responsible power businesses in Asia and North America. The Company’s facilities generate electricity using a variety of fuel sources and the Company has established an internal target to achieve carbon neutrality within its businesses by 2040.
Sojitz Corp. (Sojitz)
Sojitz Corporation is a major investment and trading firm in Japan conducting its wide-ranging operations in approximately 50 countries around the world through approximately 440 consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies located in Japan and overseas. Sojitz was formed out the union of Nichimen and Nissho Iwai Corp. both with long world-wide investment histories of more than 160 years, Sojitz is a publicly listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
This press release and press photos are available at
www.skybornrenewables.com/newsroom/financing_secured_to_complete_Yunlin_offshore_wind_farm_project
Hashtag: #SkybornRenewables
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Skyborn Renewables
Skyborn Renewables is driving global decarbonization by accelerating offshore wind energy across the world. We believe offshore wind is a cornerstone of the clean energy transition and an enabler for achieving net-zero targets, ensuring energy security and developing a sustainable energy supply for future generations. Skyborn is an accomplished offshore wind developer and operator with more than 20 years’ experience. Our capabilities cover the entire offshore wind value chain, including greenfield development, project engineering and design, procurement, financing, corporate power purchase agreements, construction management and asset management.
For more information, visit www.skybornrenewables.com
Laos Labor Shortage Plagues Local Industries, Hurts Foreign Investment Drive
Lao workers are leaving the country in large volumes, searching for employment opportunities abroad amid the skyrocketing cost of living. But in a delicate balancing act, the government of Laos is also trying to attract foreign investment in a bid to increase domestic production.
Chartered Institute of Housing Asian Pacific Branch Presents Annual Convention Themed “Intelligent Building: Integrating Technology & ESG for Wellness”
To Nurture Property Management Talent and Create Liveable Cities
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 August 2023 – The Chartered Institute of Housing Asian Pacific Branch (CIHAPB) will hold its annual convention on 31 August 2023 during the 3rd International Property Management and Procurement Expo. The Expo, staged from 30 August to 1 September 2023 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, provides an exceptional platform for the latest property management services and products while fostering new business partnerships for property professionals and industry players in Hong Kong, mainland China and across Asia.

As one of the key supporting organisations of the Expo, the CIHAPB seizes the opportunity to gather its members and guests to share current trends and views in housing and property management with a particular focus on wellness and environmental to promote a healthier liveable city for all.
In the run-up to these two significant events on the profession’s calendar, Mr Romulus Wong, Chairman of the CIHAPB, and Mr Edmond Cheung, Deputy Chairman of the CIHAPB, appeared on Metro Radio’s “Smart People Smart City” program to discuss property management trends and introduce the diverse content of the CIHAPB convention. Highlighting the importance of the Expo, Mr Wong said: “The International Property Management and Procurement Expo has grown exponentially over the years, gathering together a wealth of industry professionals to showcase various technologies, facilities and systems related to property management. It provides an important forum for property management professionals to share knowledge, exchange ideas and improve work efficiency within the industry.”
Mr Cheung addressed the challenges encountered by the property management industry in Hong Kong during the Covid-19 pandemic. He explained that while the pandemic had aggravated a manpower shortage within the profession, it also raised public expectations for service quality, particularly in the areas of hygiene and epidemic prevention. This has changed the face of Hong Kong property management, which is now seeing an increase in the use of technology such as robotics, sensors and contactless equipment to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on human resources.
Mr Cheung further furnished a preview of the annual convention. In line with the industry’s people-oriented approach, and reflecting its ambition to serve the public and adapt to the times, this year’s theme is ‘Intelligent Building: Integrating Technology & ESG for Wellness’. The aim is to strengthen understanding within the profession of modern housing design and management trends that prioritise a healthy environment and satisfy residents’ daily needs.
Distinguished guests have been invited to speak on a range of topics at the convention. These include Mr Alan SIU, Chief Executive Officer, Property Management Services Authority; Dr WU Yicheng, Vice Chairman (Mainland China Affairs) and Chair, Mainland China Affairs Committee of the CIHAPB; and Mr Dennis CHAN, Partner and GBA (Greater Bay Area) Lawyer, Gallant, as well as Mr Norman CHENG, Chairman, Hong Kong Waste Management Association.
Summarising the work of the CIHAPB for listeners, Mr Wong said: “As a professional organisation in the field of property management, the Chartered Institute of Housing Asian Pacific Branch has a long history and is committed to nurturing talent in property management. In addition to collaborating with universities to offer relevant professional courses to prepare a new generation of property managers, we also regularly organise seminars, visits and exchange programs to enhance the professional competence of our members.”
Chartered Institute of Housing Asian Pacific Branch Annual Convention 2023
Date: 31 Aug 2023
Time: 1:45pm – 5:30pm
Venue:Hall 3C-E, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Topic: Intelligent Building: Integrating Technology & ESG for Wellness
Speakers:
Harnessing PropTech for Sustainable Future
Mr Alan SIU
Chief Executive Officer
Property Management Services Authority
Green and Healthy Operation Under Sustainable Development of Property Management Industries
Dr WU Yicheng
Vice Chairman (Mainland China Affairs) and Chair, Mainland China Affairs Committee
Chartered Institute of Housing Asian Pacific Branch
Pitfalls in Personal Data Handling for Building Practitioners
Mr Dennis CHAN
Partner & GBA Lawyer
Gallant
Turning Waste into Resources
Mr Norman CHENG
Chairman
Hong Kong Waste Management Association
Hashtag: #CIHAPB
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Prudential Plc Half Year 2023 Results: Delivering A Strong Performance And Strategic Update
Performance highlights on a constant (and actual) exchange rate basis1
- New business profit2 up 39 per cent (36 per cent) to $1,489 million, with 17 of our life markets delivering growth3, 16 of which by double digits. Excluding the effect of interest rate and other economic movements, new business profit was up 52 per cent (48 per cent)
- APE sales4 up 42 per cent (37 per cent) to $3,027 million
- Adjusted operating profit5 up 6 per cent (4 per cent) to $1,462 million
- Operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management business6 down (2) per cent ((4) per cent) to $1,438 million
- EEV operating profit7 up 22 per cent (19 per cent) to $2,155 million. EEV shareholders equity is $43.7 billion, equivalent to 1,588 cents per share
- GWS shareholder capital surplus over GPCR of $15.5 billion8, equivalent to a cover ratio of 295 per cent8 (31 December 2022: 307 per cent)
- Adjusted IFRS equity9 of $36.4 billion, up 4 per cent10 from 31 December 2022, equivalent to 1,324 cents per share. Annualised Contractual Service Margin11 growth of 8 per cent.
- First interim dividend of 6.26 cents per share, up 9 per cent10 with guidance for 2023 and 2024 of expected annual growth between 7-9 per cent
Strategic update
Alongside interim results, CEO Anil Wadhwani announced a new purpose and strategy following the completion of his strategic and operational review.
Prudential’s new purpose statement – For Every Life, For Every Future – reflects its mission to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions.
Prudential’s new strategy will build a sustainable growth platform, through targeted investment in structural growth markets across Asia and Africa by:
- Enhancing customer experiences to drive higher acquisition and loyalty for lifetime value creation;
- Technology-powered distribution with a focus on agency and bancassurance productivity and activation;
- Unlocking the health opportunity by disciplined implementation of best practices across all our markets;
- More consistent execution across each of our markets, driven through changes in our organisational model and technology platform; and
- Prioritising value creation, focusing on the generation of free surplus that can be used to invest in new business at attractive returns, core capabilities and strategic opportunities, as well as return capital to shareholders via dividends.
We believe our new strategy will accelerate value creation for all our stakeholders through operational and financial discipline, with two key financial objectives:
- Growing New Business Profit at 15-20 per cent compound annual growth between 2022 and 202712;
- Achieving double-digit compound annual growth in operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management business between 2022 and 202712.
Summary financials | Half year
2023 $m |
Half year
2022 $m |
Change on
AER basis1 |
Change on
CER basis1 |
New business profit2 | 1,489 | 1,098 | 36% | 39% |
Operating free surplus generated13 | 1,024 | 1,224 | (16)% | (15)% |
Operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management business6 |
1,438 | 1,503 | (4)% | (2)% |
Adjusted operating profit5 | 1,462 | 1,411 | 4% | 6% |
IFRS profit (loss) after tax | 947 | (1,505) | n/a | n/a |
30 Jun 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 | |||
Total | Per share | Total | Per share | |
EEV shareholders’ equity | $43.7bn | 1,588¢ | $42.2bn | 1,534¢ |
IFRS shareholders’ equity | $17.2bn | 623¢ | $16.7bn | 608¢ |
Adjusted IFRS shareholders’ equity9 | $36.4bn | 1,324¢ | $35.2bn | 1,280¢ |
Commenting on his first Interim results and strategic update, CEO Anil Wadhwani, said: “The interim results demonstrate the power of our multi-engine, multi-channel business model across Asia and Africa. The business performed strongly in the first half of 2023, with new business profit up 39 per cent14. (up 52 per cent14 on an ex-economics basis – i.e. excluding the effect of interest rates). APE sales were up 42 per cent14 to $3,027 million and this sales momentum continues into the current third quarter.
“Our agency channel has rebounded strongly in all segments as Covid restrictions ended, reporting 89 per cent14 growth in new business profit on an ex-economics basis. The bancassurance channel maintained margins (on an ex-economics basis) despite lower sales in Singapore, Vietnam and the Chinese Mainland.
“13 of 22 life markets3 recorded positive Health & Protection new business profit growth. We continue to see increased agency adoption of digital tools. In 2022 agents using PRULeads, our activity and leads management engine, were 30 per cent more productive15.
“Prudential has a great franchise with 175 years of history, top three positions16 in 12 of our 14 Asia life markets and 4 of our 8 Africa life markets, scale in both agency and bancassurance, and more importantly the trust of our 18 million customers. We also have in-house investment capabilities with Eastspring managing over $220 billion of assets.
“We have today announced that we will do things differently in the way we run Prudential. With a clear strategy, operational and capital allocation priorities, we are focused on delivering sustainable value for all our stakeholders: employees, customers, shareholders and our communities.
“We are excited to write the next chapter of growth at Prudential.”
Market overview and outlook
In the first half of 2023, in Hong Kong, both domestic and Chinese Mainland Visitor segments performed particularly well. APE sales from the Domestic segment grew 68 per cent and the Chinese Mainland Visitor segment has seen a significant increase in sales following the opening of the border with the mainland in February 2023. Prudential increased market share across segments and achieved the number one position in both the offshore business and in the agency channel17. Demand for savings products across the Hong Kong business continues to be strong with volumes reflecting increased savings case sizes compared to 2019. Product mix in terms of new policy count has started to normalise. Customer experience improvements in digital onboarding and underwriting and enhanced multi-currency options have improved both health and protection and savings offerings. In Macau, the recruitment of agents has commenced, following the opening of the branch. The new licence completes Prudential’s footprint in all 11 cities in the Greater Bay Area, which has a population of over 85 million18.
In the Chinese Mainland, the company’s focus in the first half of 2023 was taking decisive steps to drive a more balanced product mix. At the start of the second quarter we actively withdrew certain guaranteed savings product from both agency and bancassurance channels. As a consequence, both agency and bancassurance channels reduced the proportion of short-term pay non-participating products sold in favour of higher quality and higher margin annuity and longer premium payment term products, particularly affecting volumes in the bancassurance channel in the second quarter. Agency still performed very strongly with APE sales up 25 per cent14 and productivity18 up 53 per cent. Overall, new business profit was marginally down by (3) percentage points14 on an ex-economics basis. Margins for both agency and bancassurance improved, and in aggregate rose by 7 percentage points, on an ex-economics basis. In Taiwan, APE sales grew by 28 per cent14 and new business profit increased with good performances from both existing and new bank partners. Participating products and tailored customer segmentation led to the business significantly outperforming the market.
Our businesses in ASEAN reflect our leading positions and the strength of our diversified multi-channel distribution franchise in this region.
- Malaysia grew APE sales by 12 per cent14 and new business profit by 11 per cent14 and had a leading net promoter score in both conventional and Takaful business.
- Indonesia APE sales grew 42 per cent14 and new business profit grew 22 per cent14 – with agency APE up particularly strongly at 51 per cent14 and with new business profit per active agent in the period up 77 per cent. Customer medical benefits were upgraded contributing to margins reducing by 6 percentage points.
- The Philippines delivered 13 per cent14 growth in new APE sales, with strong growth in active agents and new business profit. In Q1 2023, it was the number one player by sales in the market19.
- Singapore showed a resilient performance with APE sales down (3) per cent14 and new business profit down (20) per cent14 as we maintained market positioning, despite challenging operating conditions.
- In Vietnam, industry sales fell 31 per cent largely due to weakness in the bancassurance channel20. We outperformed the market, reporting APE sales down (18) per cent14, with agency APE sales up 34 per cent14. New business profit was down overall.
In India, there was continued strong momentum and high quality growth: new business profit was up in the first half, reflecting APE sales growth of 15 per cent14 and an improvement of margin. Agency APE Sales grew 29 per cent14, with over 17,000 new agent recruits and over 100 new distribution partners secured.
In Africa, we delivered a strong performance with new business profit up reflecting broad based growth across all channels and all eight African markets recorded double digit13 APE sales growth. Overall Africa saw 31 per cent14 APE sales growth and an 18 per cent increase in the number of active agents since the equivalent period in the prior year. It had over 220 members qualifying for ‘million dollar round table’ status in 2022.
At Eastspring, funds under management increased to $228 billion, reflecting net inflows of $3.3 billion (excluding money market funds and net redemptions from funds managed on behalf of M&G plc) and positive market movements. Operating profits were up 14 per cent14 to $146 million.
Consumers in Asia remain resilient despite the challenging environment. While the outlook for Asian markets is mixed, our momentum in the first half has continued into the third quarter. This underscores the strength of our multi-market growth engine backed by our diversified channel mix, which is key to driving sustainable value in the long term.
Notes
1 Further information on actual and constant exchange rate bases is set out in note A1 of the IFRS financial statement. All results are presented in US dollars.
2 New business profit, on a post-tax basis, on business sold in the period, calculated in accordance with EEV Principles. See the basis of preparation to the EEV basis results for further explanation.
3 Of our 14 Asia life markets and 8 Africa life markets
4 APE sales is a measure of new business activity that comprises the aggregate of annualised regular premiums and one-tenth of single premiums on new business written during the year for all insurance products, including premiums for contracts designated as investment contracts under IFRS. It is not representative of premium income recorded in the IFRS financial statements. See note II of the Additional financial information for further explanation.
5 ‘Adjusted IFRS operating profit’ refers to adjusted IFRS operating profit based on longer-term investment returns from continuing operations and is stated after excluding the effect of short-term fluctuations in investment returns against long-term assumptions and other corporate transactions. This alternative performance measure is reconciled to IFRS profit for the period of $947 million (2022: $(1,505)million) in note B1.1 of the IFRS financial results.
6 Operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance business represents amounts emerging from the in-force business during the year before deducting amounts reinvested in writing new business and excludes non-operating items. For asset management businesses, it equates to post-tax operating profit for the year. Restructuring costs are presented separately from the business unit amount. Further information is set out in ‘movement in Group free surplus’ of the EEV basis results.
7 EEV operating profit is based on longer-term investment returns and is stated after excluding the effect of short-term fluctuations in investment returns and other corporate transactions, and excludes the effect of changes in economic assumptions and the mark-to-market value movement on core borrowings.
8 Estimated GWS capital position reflects eligible Group capital resources in excess of the Group prescribed capital requirements (GPCR) attributable to the shareholder business, before allowing for the 2023 first cash interim dividend. Further detail on the estimated GWS capital position, including the basis of preparation, is included in note I(i) of the Additional financial information.
9 IFRS shareholders equity plus contractual service margin net of reinsurance and related tax adjustments. See note C3.1 in the IFRS financial results for further information.
10 On an actual exchange rate basis.
11 Net of reinsurance.
12 The objectives assume exchange rates at December 2022 and economic assumptions made by Prudential in calculating the EEV basis supplementary information for the year ended 31 December 2022, and are based on regulatory and solvency regimes applicable across the Group at the time the objectives were set. The objectives assume that the existing EEV and Free Surplus methodology at December 2022 will be applicable over the period.
13 Operating free surplus generated from insurance and asset management operations after investment in new business but before restructuring costs. Definition and further information is set out in ‘Movement in Group free surplus’ of the EEV basis results.
14 On a constant exchange rate basis.
15 Measured by cases per agent
16 As reported at full year 2022 unless specified. Sources include formal (e.g. competitors results release, local regulators and insurance association) and informal (industry exchange) market share. Ranking based on new business (APE sales, weighted full year premium or full year premium depending on availability of data) or total weighted revenue premiums, except for Hong Kong based on in-force premiums. Ranking for FY2020 for Cameroon.
17 Source: HKMA Q1 2023 market statistics.
18 Source: The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office.
19 Q1-2023 based on Weighted First Year Premium, Philippines Insurance Commission.
20 H1 2023 Vietnam Actuarial Network.
Hashtag: #PrudentialPlc
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Prudential plc
Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.
Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.
https://www.prudentialplc.com/
CloudMile Wins 2023 Google Cloud Sales Partner of the Year for Greater China
Recognizing Its Innovative Thinking and Outstanding Customer Service in the Greater China Region
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 August 2023 – CloudMile, a leading AI and Cloud technology company in Asia that focuses on digital transformation and growth for its corporate clients, has proudly announced it has been awarded the 2023 Google Cloud Sales Partner of the Year for the Greater China region, recognizing its innovative thinking, outstanding customer service, and best-in-class use of Google Cloud products and services. The Google Cloud Partner of the Year Awards 2023 celebrates partners who prioritize customer-centric approaches and deliver industry-leading solutions in collaboration with Google Cloud.

Driving Digital Transformation Across APAC
CloudMile is at the forefront of empowering customers with digital transformation in many countries across the APAC region. Serving as a key MSP partner in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, the exclusive partner in Taiwan, and one of the few Google Cloud-only partners spanning multiple APAC countries, CloudMile caters to a diverse clientele. Its esteemed clients include government organizations, world-leading semiconductor companies, major retail and banking corporations in Asia, and digital-native clients across various markets. Having a team of over 140 certified Google Cloud engineers, CloudMile has witnessed remarkable revenue growth of nearly 70% in the last financial year, underscoring its momentum and success.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award from Google Cloud. Everyone at CloudMile has worked exceptionally hard to maximize our customers’ growth to benefit their businesses through our AI services and better data management,” said Spencer Liu, Founder and Chairman at CloudMile. “The Google Cloud partnership has allowed us to accelerate the growth of our services and provide customers with exciting new business opportunities.”
“Google Cloud’s partner awards recognize the significant impact and customer success that our partners have driven over the past year,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, Corporate Vice President, Global Ecosystem and Channels at Google Cloud. “We’re delighted to recognize CloudMile as a 2023 Google Cloud Partner Award winner, and look forward to a continued strong partnership in support of our mutual customers.”
Hashtag: #CloudMile
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cloudmile/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CloudMile
CloudMile, a leading AI and cloud technology company in Asia, focuses on digital transformation for its corporate clients and driving growth. Leveraging machine learning and big data analysis, CloudMile assists over 700+ clients corporates with business forecasts and industrial upgrades.
CloudMile has earned 200+ accreditations, with 60+ Google Cloud professional certifications. Being a Google Cloud Premier Partner, CloudMile is qualified for the Machine Learning – Services Specialization, the Data Analytics – Services Specialization, the Cloud Migration – Services Specialization, the Infrastructure – Services Specialization, and the Work Transformation – Enterprise Specialization. The company has become Google Cloud Managed Service Provider (MSP) covering Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore as well as the Google Cloud Public Sector Partner of the Year for the APAC Region in 2020. For more information, visit https://www.mile.cloud/ or follow CloudMile on LinkedIn
CloudMile Inc.
Vientiane Traffic Police to Deploy 423 Officers to Manage Traffic During Start of New School Year

The Vientiane Capital Traffic Police Department plans to station 423 traffic police on roads in front of educational institutions in Vientiane Capital at the start of the new school year in early September. This will help prevent accidents and ease the flow of traffic during an expected increase of vehicles in the area.