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Key Vientiane Road to Be Closed at Night for Pedestrian Footbridge Construction

Pedestrian footbridge construction on Kaysone Phomvihane Road in the area inear Lao-Vietnam Friendship Secondary School. (Photo: Monlady Souliyavongsa)

The Department of Public Works and Transport (DPWT) of Vientiane Capital announced on Wednesday that Kaysone Phomvihane Road near the Lao-Vietnam Friendship Secondary School will be temporarily inaccessible from midnight to 5:00 AM from Thursday until August 22.

Court Clears Way for Thai Parliament to Pick New Prime Minister 3 Months After Elections

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Move Forward Party, speaks to media as he announces the victory in Sunday's general election at the party's headquarters in Bangkok on 15 May, 2023. Thailand's Constitutional Court cleared the way Wednesday, 16 August, for Parliament to vote for a new prime minister more than three months after national elections by declining to rule on a complaint over the rejection of the winning party's leader, Pita. (Photo: AP)

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Constitutional Court cleared the way Wednesday for Parliament to vote for a new prime minister more than three months after national elections by declining to rule on a complaint over the rejection of the winning party’s leader.

Vientiane Speeds Up Revamp of Roads for ASEAN Chairmanship 2024

Authorities in Vientiane Capital are trying to wrap up the construction and repair of roads in the rainy season as part of preparations to host the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.

HEYTEA’s London SOHO Store Officially Opens; Attracting Large Turnouts

SINGAPORE, HONG KONG SAR & MACAU SAR – Media OutReach – 17 August 2023 – Next stop, the UK. HEYTEA, the pionner and advocate of new-style tea beverages, as well as the originator of the Original Cheese Tea, officially opened its first UK store in London on August 4th. The store is located in the SOHO district, 93-107 Shaftsbury Avenue, London W1D 5DA, offering popular and signature beverages, such as the [Very Grape] series, [Roasted Brown Boba milk (Original)], [Aqua Green Cheese], amongst many others.

HEYTEA London SOHO store front
HEYTEA London SOHO store front

A buy-one-get-one-free special, along with a half-price discount on the second cup during the opening days of the new store, attracted numerous fans, customers and influencers to turn up and check-in at the store. On the first day of opening, the first customer was waiting outside the store at 9:40 am, with the queue stretching over several streets in either directions of the store. Some of these customers even traveled from major cities across the UK just to get their “first cup of HEYTEA for the autumn”. The price range for beverages at the HEYTEA London SOHO store ranges between £3.9 and £7.9, with popular drinks, such as [Very Grape] series and [Roasted Brown Bobo] series being priced between £5.5 and £6.9.

Long queues of people on the first day of opening.
Long queues of people on the first day of opening.

In light of the new store opening, HEYTEA launched a limited edition London City Inspired Magnet, drawing inspiration from London’s iconic Big Ben. Customers who take a photo with the ‘HEYTEA’ logo, raising their cups and drinking at a 45° angle, will have a chance to receive the HEYTEA City Inspired Magnet once they followed and shared their photos on HEYTEA’s official social media accounts across Instagram, TIKTOK and XiaoHongShu (Little Red Book). The HEYTEA City Inspired Magnet Series, which was a hit in China, became highly sought after with the store opening. Many London fans have shared photos of their visit at HEYTEA on social media to win the HEYTEA London City Inspired Magnet.

In 2012, HEYTEA began her humble beginnings along Jiangbianli Alley, Guangdong, China. Armed with the principal of using only REAL ingredients and NO artificial flavors or colorants, HEYTEA innovated the first Cheese Tea as she expands across China. In 2018, HEYTEA stepped out of China, bringing New-Style tea to her first overseas market – Singapore. With the official opening of the London SOHO store in August 2023, HEYTEA will make every effort to explore new overseas markets; bringing tea products made from REAL ingredients, i.e. REAL milk, REAL fruit, REAL tea, and REAL cane sugar, to more countries and regions, bringing joy to a larger global community.

Hashtag: #HEYTEA #newstyletea #HEYTEASOHO

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

Spackman Entertainment Group’s New Action Film, A MAN OF REASON, Produced By Studio Take, Opens At The Korean Box Office

  • A MAN OF REASON, an action feature film produced by the Group’s wholly‐owned indirect subsidiary, Studio Take, opened at the Korean theatres on August 15
  • The film premiered at the 42nd Hawaii International Film Festival in the US, invited to the 47th Toronto International Film Festival in Canada and the 55th Sitges Film Festival in Spain, and pre-sold to 153 countries including Singapore, the United States, Japan, Australia, Thailand, the Philippines, India, Russia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland
  • Marking the directorial debut of Korean star Jung Woo-sung, internationally known for his role in STEEL RAIN (2017) and the Group’s hit production, COLD EYES (2013), A MAN OF REASON also headlines Park Sung-woong and Kim Nam-gil, who starred in Spackman Entertainment Group’s previous films, FOR THE EMPEROR (2014) and LOVERS VANISHED (2010), respectively

SINGAPOREMedia OutReach16 August 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 the Group’s new action feature film, A MAN OF REASON, produced by the Group’s wholly‐owned indirect subsidiary, Studio Take Co., Ltd. (“Studio Take“), opened yesterday at the Korean box office on August 15.

The film was pre-sold to 153 countries including Singapore, the United States, Japan, Australia, Thailand, the Philippines, India, Russia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland, ahead of its official release in Korea.

The official trailer of A MAN OF REASON can be viewed at the Group’s website at spackmanentertainmentgroup.com.

Studio Take’s A MAN OF REASON received widespread international recognition, premiering at the 42nd Hawaii International Film Festival in the US, with invitations to the 47th Toronto International Film Festival (“TIFF“) in Canada and the 55th Sitges Film Festival in Spain. A MAN OF REASON was notably selected as the Special Presentation of the 2022 Official Selection at TIFF, one of the world’s four major international film festivals. The production was praised for its impressive cinematography and compelling performances of its actors.

The film features the story of Soo-hyeok (played by Jung Woo-sung), a man struggling to live a normal life after spending ten years in prison on behalf of his gang boss. The narrative unfolds as Soo-hyeok discovers he is a father and attempts to sever ties with his former gang, only to have the boss hire a notorious killer to take his daughter hostage. He decides to seek revenge, setting the stage for an intense, action-filled drama.

Co-starring in the movie are Park Sung-woong of FOR THE EMPEROR (2014) and Kim Nam-gil of LOVERS VANISHED (2010), both films previously produced by the Group. The main distributor of A MAN OF REASON is Acemaker Movie Works. North American distribution rights have been acquired by the independent film and television studio, Epic Pictures Group, known for distributing genre films in the US and Canada. Movie Cloud and Swift Productions are the distributors for the Taiwan and France markets respectively.

A MAN OF REASON further adds to Studio Take’s record of exceptional filmmaking, following in the footsteps of their previous works, including the musical film THE BOX (2021), featuring EXO’s Chanyeol, and the art film STONE SKIPPING (2020), which earned an invitation to the 23rd Busan International Film Festival.

Studio Take’s next project, THE GUEST (working title), is currently in post-production and scheduled to be released in the second half of this year or first half of next year. The Group remains confident in Studio Take’s ongoing commitment to delivering a steady stream of top-tier cinematography.

Hashtag: #SpackmanEntertainmentGroup

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

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.

A.S. Watson Group Triumphs with 12 Stevie® Awards in the 2023 International Business Awards® Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson, Honoured as Executive of the Year in Retail

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 August 2023 – A.S. Watson Group, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, has been recognised with an impressive 12 Stevie® awards at the 20th International Business Awards®. These includes 6 Gold, 4 Silver, and 2 Bronze accolades, with being named Company of the Year in Retail. The Group’s extraordinary performance is further exemplified by the achievement of its CEO, Malina Ngai, receiving the title of Executive of the Year in Retail.

A S Watson Group_Image.jpg

According to Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe), “We are incredibly proud to be the recipient of 12 esteemed Stevie Awards, acknowledging our commitment to O+O platform strategy, social media creativity and industry leadership. It is truly heartening to see the hard work and dedication of our incredible team of 130,000 colleagues from all over the world being recognised on such a global platform.”

Amongst 12 awards spanning multiple categories, Ngai’s recognition as the Executive of the Year in Retail is a testament to her visionary leadership and significant contributions to A.S. Watson Group’s success. Her dedication to fostering an innovative and customer-obsessed culture has led to significant achievements and growth for A.S. Watson Group.

Ngai added, “It’s also a great honor for me to receive the prestigious title of Executive of the Year in Retail. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every colleague of A.S. Watson Group and also our business partners who have been supporting me and our company throughout the growth journey.”

A.S. Watson Group received praise from the judges. One judge remarked, “A.S. Watson Group’s remarkable growth and resilience over 180 years make it a standout in the health and beauty retail industry. Their expansion into new markets, strong business results despite the pandemic, and unique O+O platform strategy demonstrate innovation and adaptability. Exceeding sustainability targets showcases their commitment to making a positive impact. Their impressive rise in the rankings further solidifies their position as a global leader in the retail sector. The Group sets an inspiring example for other companies, showcasing that success and sustainability can go hand in hand even during challenging times.”

Here are the 12 Stevie® awards won by A.S. Watson:

  • Company of the Year – Retail
  • Executive of the Year – Retail
  • Communications or PR Campaign of the Year – Influencer Management
  • Communications or PR Campaign of the Year – Influencer Marketing
  • Communications or PR Campaign of the Year – Environmental
  • Communications or PR Campaign of the Year – Community Engagement
  • Communications or PR Campaign of the Year – Sport
  • Cause & Green – Sustainable Event
  • Corporate & Community – Community Engagement Event
  • Mobile App – Shopping
  • Mobile App – Best User Experience
  • Technology Department of the Year

The International Business Awards are the world’s most prestigious business awards programme. All individuals and organizations worldwide – public and private, for profit and non-profit, large and small – are eligible to submit nominations. In 2023, International Business Awards® received more than 3,700 nominations from organisations in 61 nations and territories. Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of over 230 executives globally who participated in the judging process in June and July.

Details about The International Business Awards and the lists of Stevie Award winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

Hashtag: #ASWatsonGroup

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

Skyrocketing Vegetable Prices Highlight Cost of Living Crisis in Laos

Lao Aussie Fresh Market in Vientiane Capital (Photo: LSFM)

A social media post about the rising prices of basic vegetables in Laos went viral on Monday, calling attention to a real cost of living surge in Laos. The post listed the prices of five common vegetables, all of whose prices skyrocketed in recent weeks.

ViewQwest strengthens commitment to Information Security Management standards with ISO 27001:2013 certification

Globally recognised compliance standard affirms best practices in Information Security Management Systems

SINGAPORE – Media Outreach – 16 Aug 2023 – ViewQwest – an award-winning Telecommunications and Managed Security Services Provider, has achieved ISO 27001:2013 certification – a globally recognised security compliance standard outlining best practices for organisations to manage information security risks through the creation of an information security management system (ISMS).

Following a rigorous audit and certification process, which is repeated annually, the certification was issued by TÜV AUSTRIA CERT GMBH from Akkreditierung Austria, the Austrian National Accreditation Body – a leading provider of testing, certification, auditing and advisory services.

“We are proud to be ISO 27001:2013 certified. By achieving this certification, ViewQwest has demonstrated our ability to identify and manage risks related to data and information security. It underscores our commitment to security best practices and, most importantly, to protect our clients’ company and customer data,” said Vignesa Moorthy, ViewQwest Group CEO.

The certification affirms that ViewQwest has established and implemented, and maintains and continually improves their information security policies, procedures and systems to safeguard non-public (confidential and internal) data such as customer data, financial data and internal communications from external breaches or being leaked to the public, in compliance with ISO 27001 standards.

ISO 27001 is the best-known and most globally recognised standard for information security management systems, data protection, cyber resilience, and their requirements. Through the implementation of ISO 27001 standards, organisations take a systematic approach for managing the security of vital assets and sensitive information in a way that minimises risks and ensures confidentiality and integrity.

For more information on ViewQwest, please visit https://corporate.viewqwest.com/
Hashtag: #ViewQwest

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

About ViewQwest

ViewQwest is an award-winning Telecommunications and Managed Security Services Provider. Headquartered in Singapore and with operations in Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, it is a trusted partner of global MNCs and top companies in North and Southeast Asia. As a certified Managed Security Services Provider with expertise in leading cybersecurity technologies, it helps build and manage high-performing network and security infrastructure for the digital enterprise, securely connecting corporate sites and workforces across the world.

ViewQwest also provides Premium Residential & Business broadband & cybersecurity services in Malaysia and Singapore, and has been recognized as Singapore 2023 Broadband Telecom Provider of the Year by the Asia Telecom Awards.

For more information, visit