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China Eases Covid Regulations for Travelers from Laos

China to Ease Regulations On Lao Citizens Entering The Country
Passengers with face masks wait in line in March 2021 at a ticket booth in the main terminal at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, New York. Passengers with face masks wait in line in March 2021 at a ticket booth in the main terminal at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, New York. ( Photo : CNN )

The Embassy of the Republic of China to Laos has issued a statement to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform them that starting Wednesday, passengers from Laos will no longer need to provide a negative RT-PCR test result, as an Antigen test will be sufficient.

IES inks USD692 Million loan agreement for the iconic 600MW “Monsoon Wind Power Project” as the first wind project in Lao PDR, the largest renewable energy plant in Southeast Asia positioned as a key platform for regional connectivity and decarbonization

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 1 March 2023 – On 24 February 2023, Impact Electrons Siam Limited (IES), Asia Pacific’s leading renewable energy solutions provider, as the developer of the Monsoon Wind Power Project (Monsoon Wind), signed USD692 Million financing documents for a non-recourse project financing for Monsoon Wind together with other shareholders among them are ACEN Renewables International Pte. Ltd., STP&I Public Company Limited and SMP Group. Customary CPs are expected to be satisfied shortly. Monsoon Wind will construct, own, and operate a 600MW wind power plant and its dedicated 500kV transmission line in the Sekong and Attapeu provinces located in southeastern provinces of the Lao PDR. Monsoon Wind is the first wind power project in Lao PDR and the first cross-border project in Southeast Asia. Under the 25-year power purchase agreement, the electricity generated will be sold to Vietnam Electricity (EVN) through the Project Company’s 500kV transmission line.

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The project will be co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as lead arranger, Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (Thai EXIM), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC), Kasikornbank, and Siam Commercial Bank.

Mr. Peck Khamkanist, CEO of IES, said, “As a pioneer of sustainable solutions, we are keen to be a part of the global fight against climate change by embarking on a green energy journey starting from our home region. Laos possesses natural resources for renewable energy generation. This project also shows the carbon credentials of Lao PDR. We are part of the journey to uplift the well-being and happiness of the local communities in which we operate.”

Monsoon Wind is one of the key projects in the Vietnamese government’s electricity development plan. The project will contribute to the strengthening of connectivity in the ASEAN region through the provision of cross-border electricity sales. The Lao government will benefit from the project in various ways such as receiving revenue in foreign currency from royalty fees and other sources based on the Concession Agreement. The project will also promote local employment during both the construction and operation periods. Furthermore, the sponsor’s community and ethnic group development program will uplift people’s livelihoods by targeting measures in the health, education, and economy sectors.

Mr. Nat Hutanuwatr, MD of Monsoon Wind, said “Under the 25-year Power Purchase Agreement of Vietnam Electricity and the Concession Agreement with the Government of Laos PDR, the 600MW Monsoon Wind Power will be the largest wind farm and the first of its kind to trade wind power across the border in the region. Monsoon Wind Power Company is very proud to represent all sponsors, to have a close collaboration with the lender group, and be able to execute the extra-ordinary non-recourse financing documents in such a short period of time.”

IES plans to expand an additional 1,000MW nearby the existing Monsoon Wind’s site. The project, including the expansion, has potential to offset over 50 million tons of carbon dioxide throughout its lifetime. Wind energy projects will diversify Lao PDR’s main source of renewable energy generation, hydropower, which is mainly generated during the wet season. By building and integrating renewable sources with complementary generation profiles, coupled with regional connectivity network, the combination can supply stable, clean, and affordable electricity to ASEAN nations throughout the year.

Hashtag: #IES

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

About Impact Electrons Siam Limited

Impact Electrons Siam Limited (IES), is a regional renewable energy solution firm headquartered in Thailand with over 1,900 MW of wind, solar energy and regional connectivity projects in development and operation in Thailand, Japan, Lao PDR and Vietnam. IES is a privately owned company that was established in 2011. IES develops clean, affordable and reliable renewable energy solutions and is a pioneer of visionary innovation in the renewable energy sector with a vision to build a better future for local communities across the region.

For more information, please visit and

Gaw Capital Partners Recognized as ‘Firm of the Year: Japan’ at the PERE Global Awards 2022

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 March 2023 – Real estate private equity firm Gaw Capital Partners is pleased to announce that it was named ‘Firm of the Year: Japan‘ at the PERE Global Awards 2022 after receiving the largest number of votes in a public ballot of the real estate industry.

Gaw Capital Partners was highlighted for the US$3 billion privatization of Office J-REIT Inc. and the acquisition of Japanese residential assets primarily in Tokyo and other major cities in Japan. The firm was also highlighted for its acquisition of IDC and logistics projects closed in Japan.

Ms. Christina Gaw, Managing Principal, Global Head of Capital Markets and Co-Chair of Alternative Investments of Gaw Capital Partners, said, “We are delighted to be recognized as ‘Firm of the Year: Japan’ at the PERE Global Awards 2022 and we would like to express our gratitude to our investors, partners, our dedicated team and PERE magazine.”

She added, “As we transition into the post-Covid era, 2022 presented us with growth opportunities across Asia arising from the behavioral change carried forward. As digital connectivity and agility become the new normal, we are well-positioned to seize the opportunity and unlock values in quality assets such as data centers and logistics properties. The award is a testament to our investors and partners’ faith in Gaw Capital’s expertise. We remain committed to carrying out value adding strategies on a diverse range of real estate assets across Asia Pacific and delivering consistent returns to our investors.”

Ms. Isabella Lo, Managing Director, Principal – Investments and Head of Japan, said, “We are honored to be recognized as Firm of the Year: Japan in 2022. Thanks to the support and trust from our partners, brokers, consultants, lenders and investors, we now manage $3.7 billion of assets in Japan with track record across office, retail, residential, hospitality, data centers and logistics. We look forward to working closely with our partners to collectively grow our businesses in Japan.”

The PERE Global Awards recognize significant achievements in the global real estate industry and is highly respected across the global real estate private equity industry.

Hashtag: #GawCapitalPartners


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

About Gaw Capital Partners

Gaw Capital Partners is a uniquely positioned private equity fund management company focusing on real estate markets in Asia Pacific and other high barrier-to-entry markets globally.

Specializing in adding strategic value to under-utilized real estate through redesign and repositioning, Gaw Capital runs an integrated business model with its own in-house asset management operating platforms in commercial, hospitality, property development, logistics, IDC and education. The firm’s investments span the entire spectrum of real estate sectors, including residential development, offices, retail malls, serviced apartments, hotels, logistics warehouses and IDC projects.

Gaw Capital has raised seven commingled funds targeting the Greater China and APAC regions since 2005. The firm also manages value-add/opportunistic funds in the US, a Pan-Asia Hospitality Fund, a European Hospitality Fund and a Growth Equity Fund, and it also provides services for credit investments and separate account direct investments globally.

Since 2005, Gaw Capital has commanded assets of US$33.6 billion under management as of Q3 2022.

Ministry of Health Issues New Rules to Keep Medicine Prices Stable

Ministry of Health Set Forths New Ruling To Keep Medicine Prices Low
A person putting medicinal products back into cabinet.

The Ministry of Health has issued a new regulation to be put into action 45 days after being posted on the Lao Official Gazelle due to surging prices of medicine and medical products.

FIFA President Meets First Laotian Council Member in France

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Ms. Kanya Keomany, General Secretary of the Lao Football Federation (LFF) and a new council member of FIFA met at a recent meeting.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Ms. Kanya Keomany, General Secretary of the Lao Football Federation (LFF) and a new council member of FIFA met at a recent meeting.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently met Ms. Kanya Keomany, General Secretary of the Lao Football Federation (LFF), and a new FIFA council member to discuss football development progress and future opportunities around the sport in the country.

2023 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report Casts New Light on Shifting Front Lines, Threat Actor Behavior

  • Overall malware up 2%, with surges in IoT malware (+87%) and cryptojacking (+43%)
  • Ransomware attacks dipped 25% globally, but 2022 still second-highest year on record for global ransomware attempts (493.3 million)
  • Education (+157%), finance (+86%) and retail (+50%) verticals hit hardest by malware
  • Ukraine saw record levels of malware (25.6 million) and ransomware (7.1 million)
  • In APAC, malware climbs (+38%), with cryptojacking spiking (+129%) and IoT Attacks up (+73%)
  • SonicWall discovered 465,501 ‘never-before-seen’ malware variants in 2022
  • Intrusion attempts against Log4j vulnerabilities eclipsed 1 billion

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 March 2023 – SonicWall, publisher of the world’s most quoted ransomware data and trusted cyberattack intelligence, today released the 2023 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report. The bi-annual report details an increasingly diversified cyberattack landscape amid shifting threat actor strategies. SonicWall recorded the second-highest year on record for global ransomware attempts, as well as an 87% increase in Internet of Things (IoT) malware and a record number of cryptojacking attacks (139.3 million) in 2022.

“The past year reinforced the need for cybersecurity in every industry and every facet of business, as threat actors targeted anything and everything, from education to retail to finance,” said SonicWall President and CEO Bob VanKirk. “While organizations face an increasing number of real-world obstacles with macroeconomic pressures and continued geopolitical strife, threat actors are shifting attack strategies at an alarming rate.”

Threat Actors Shift Strategies, Opt for Covert Cyberattack Methods

Global malware volume increased 2% year-over-year, but it was jumps in IoT malware (+87%) and cryptojacking (+43%) that offset the decline of overall global ransomware volume (-21%), signifying a strategic shift. Threat actors have embraced slower and more stealthy approaches to achieve financially-motivated cyberattacks.

“Cyberattacks are an ever-present danger for companies of all sizes, putting their operations and reputation on the line,” said SonicWall Threat Detection and Response Strategist Immanuel Chavoya. “It is crucial for organizations to understand attackers’ tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs), and commit to threat-informed cybersecurity strategies to defend and recover successfully from business-disrupting events. This includes stopping sophisticated ransomware attacks as well as defending emerging threat vectors, including IoT and cryptojacking.”

In addition to cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and covert, threat actors are showing clear preferences for certain techniques, with notable shifts toward weak IoT devices, cryptojacking and potentially soft targets like schools and hospitals.

Prominent ransomware attacks impacted enterprises, governments, airlines, hospitals, hotels and even individuals causing widespread system downtime, economic loss and reputational damage. Following global trends, several industries faced large year-over-year increases of ransomware volume, including education (+275%), finance (+41%) and healthcare (+8%).

“Organizations today face an evolving threat landscape where threat actors are finding new and creative ways to stay ahead of the enterprise,” said Debasish Mukherjee, Vice President, Regional Sales, Asia Pacific Japan at SonicWall. “Cyber risks and their impacts on organizations globally continue to dominate headlines and boardrooms. The 2023 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report helps elevate us as a credible source and strengthens our ability to provide sound security measures to our customers.”

Diverse Attacks Offset Global Ransomware Decline

Cybercriminals are using increasingly advanced tools and tactics to exploit and extort victims, with state-sponsored activity growing as a concern. While ransomware continues to be a threat, SonicWall Capture Labs threat researchers expect more state-sponsored activity targeting a broader set of victims in 2023, including SMBs and enterprises.

The 2023 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report provides insight on a range of cyber threats, including:

  • Malware – Total volume was up 2% in 2022 after three straight years of decline — just as SonicWall predicted in the 2022 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report. Following that trend, Europe as a whole saw increased levels of malware (+10%) as did Ukraine, which had a record 25.6 million attempts, suggesting malware was used heavily in regions impacted by geopolitical strife. In APAC, the cyber landscape continues to remain gloomy with all tracked metrics rising in severity, including a surge in malware (+38%). Interestingly, malware was down year-over-year in key countries like the U.S. (-9%), U.K. (-13%) and Germany (-28%).
  • Ransomware – Although overall ransomware numbers saw a 25% decline globally, the total volume in 2022 was higher than 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. In particular, total ransomware in Q4 (154.9 million) was the highest since Q3 2021.
  • IoT Malware Global volume rose 87% in 2022, totaling 112 million hits by year’s end. With no corresponding slowdown in the proliferation of connected devices, bad actors are likely probing soft targets to leverage as potential attack vectors into larger organizations.
  • Apache Log4j – Intrusion attempts against the industry’s Apache Log4j ‘Log4Shell’ vulnerability eclipsed 1 billion in 2022. The vulnerability was first discovered in December 2021 and has been actively exploited since.
  • Cryptojacking – Use of cryptojacking as a ‘low and slow’ approach continued to surge, rising 43% globally, which is the most SonicWall Capture Labs threat researchers have recorded in a single year. In APAC, cryptojacking continues to see an accelerated reconfiguring of the international cyber frontlines with a spike of 129%. The retail and financial industry felt the sting of cryptojacking attacks, seeing 2810% and 352% increases, respectively, year-over-year.

“Cyberattacks of all varieties continue to hinder organizations worldwide,” said Logically Chief Operating Officer Keith Johnson. “SonicWall’s annual intelligence report gives us a deeper understanding of the current threat landscape and helps breakdown why cyberattacks continue to be successful, as well as the drivers and trends behind them. By making this report available to partners, SonicWall helps elevate us as trusted advisors and strengthens our ability to provide sound security measures to our customers.”

Patented RTDMI Discovered more than 465,000 ‘Never-Before-Seen’ Malware Variants in 2022

SonicWall’s patented Real-Time Deep Memory InspectionTM (RTDMITM) technology identified a total of 465,501 never-before-seen malware variants in 2022, a 5% year-over-year increase and an average of 1,279 per day. Dating to 2019, this is the fourth straight year RTDMI increased its total of malware discoveries.

To learn more about SonicWall and get the complete 2023 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report, please visit SonicWall.com/ThreatReport.

Hashtag: #SonicWall

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

About SonicWall

SonicWall delivers Boundless Cybersecurity for the hyper-distributed era in a work reality where everyone is remote, mobile and unsecure. SonicWall safeguards organizations mobilizing for their new business normal with seamless protection that stops the most evasive cyberattacks across boundless exposure points and increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled workforces. By knowing the unknown, providing real-time visibility and enabling breakthrough economics, SonicWall closes the cybersecurity business gap for enterprises, governments and SMBs worldwide. For more information, visit or follow us on , , and .

BenQ’s GW90 Series Eye-care Monitors Revitalize At-Home Workspaces with Ergonomic Style for Programmers and Hybrid Workers

USB-C QHD Displays Support Multitasking Productivity, Flexible Ergonomics, and Health-Conscious Lifestyles

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 March 2023 – BenQ, the global leading innovator of displays and digital lifestyle devices, today unveiled the GW2790QT and GW3290QT, 27- and 32-inch 2K QHD monitors designed for maximum efficiency for any task and easy switching between devices and work activities. GW90 Series Eye-care monitors featuring eyecare technology, ergonomic design, USB-C data transfer, charging plus integrated USB-hub connection, as well as unique coding mode to enhance efficiency of programming work and visual comfort.

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With over 9 in 10 employers in Singapore allowing flexible work arrangements, the nation has been labelled as one of the “strongest champions” of hybrid work. In the new era of workplace flexibility, BenQ seeks to provide hybrid employees and desk workers with a comfortable and productive set up to improve the work-from-home experience.

“GW90 Series monitors help personalise modern hybrid-working lifestyles,” said Conway Lee, President of BenQ Corporation. “Their USB-C architecture simplifies multitasking productivity in traditional workspaces, at home, or even on the go. Software developers can benefit from specialized coding mode to ensure eye comfort and enhance work efficiency. Additionally, GW90 series facilitates remote collaboration with noise-cancelling communication and promoting holistic well-being via eye-care and fun aesthetic functionality.”

In exclusive coding mode, users can see an increased productivity of programming work and visual comfort by optimizing the contrast and saturation of dark mode. With distinguishable shades of color, coding mode can support software developers to focus more on work and relieve eye strain in workspace or dime surroundings. Starting from previous version of GW85TC series, the coding mode has been well-received on Amazon and e-commerce platforms. Users have left numerous positive comments on coding mode, saying it reduces symptoms of eye strain and supports work for long hours.

Pioneering BenQ Eye-Care innovations including TUV Rheinland-certified Flicker-Free and Low Blue Light Technologies and Brightness Intelligence Gen2, which adds customizable settings to auto optimization of screen brightness. The color weakness mode compensation and simulated e-paper reading mode are also easily-navigated with BenQ Eye-CareU software for convenient and prolonged vision health protection.

Further promoting work-life balance and well-being, GW2790QT and GW3290QT provide height adjustability and pivot rotation to arrange vertical screen viewing for easy coding and multiple daisy-chained monitors in comfortable productivity-enhancing orientations.

Equipped with USB-C connection for data and video transmission and up to 65 watts of power delivery for charging laptops and phones, GW2790QT and GW3290QT monitors provide an integrated USB hub and comprehensive HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, and audio ports for fast switching between peripherals and smart devices. Integrated Noise Filter Speakers and Noise Cancellation Microphone ensure crystal-clear remote conferencing for added versatility and productivity.

Desktop devices, their cables, and office materials can be neatly organized using the optional GC01 base cover kit, which comes with two base cover inserts: a light grey cover with grooves and niches for smartphones, cables, pens, and office paraphernalia, and a green studded platform for setting up fun building blocks and brick figures.

Helping professionals reduce clutter and easily switch between work and leisure, BenQ GW90 Series monitors promote better physical and mental health through ergonomic designs to enhance today’s busy lifestyles.

BenQ GW90 Series is available for purchase at $479 and $639 for the 27-inch and 32-inch monitors respectively and $29 for the base cover. The GW90 Series is available on Shopee and Lazada from 1 March onwards.

To learn more about BenQ GW90QT Eye-care monitors, please visit here.

Technical Specifications

Model GW2790QT GW3290QT
Product Colour White White
Panel Type IPS IPS
LCD Size (in) 27″ 31.5″
Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:9
Resolution QHD (2560X1440) QHD (2560×1440)
Display Area (mm) 596.74 x 335.66 698.11 x 392.69
Pixel Pitch (mm) 0.2331(H) x 0.2331(V) 0.2727(H) x 0.2727(V)
Typ. Brightness (cd/m2) 350 350
Typ. Contrast 1000:1 1000:1
Viewing Angle (L/R; U/D)
(CR>=10)
178°/178° 178°/178°
Refresh Rate 75Hz 75Hz
Display Colors 16.7 million 16.7 million
Color Bit 8 Bits 8 Bits
Color Gamut 99%sRGB 99%sRGB
Color Mode Standard / Coding / Care Mode / M-Book / Movie / Game
/ ePaper / User
Standard / Coding / Care Mode / M-Book / Movie / Game
/ ePaper / User
Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions (W x H x D) 14.7 x 24.2 x 2.4 inch

372.3 x 614.0 x 62.0 mm

without stand

16.9 x 28.1 x 2.5 inch

428.7 x 714.6 x 62.6 mm

without stand

Net Weight 8.4 kg
18.52 lbs
10.1 kg

22.2 lbs

Net Weight without Stand 5.5 kg

12.13 lbs

7.2 kg

15.8 lbs

Gross Weight 10.5 kg

23.15 lbs

12.6 kg

27.8 lbs

I/O
Built-in Speaker 2Wx2 2Wx2
HDMI Input (1.4) Yes Yes
DP in (1.2) V V
DP out (MST) V V
USB C Upstream PD 65W x1 (DP alt)
Downstream with BC1.2
charging x1
Upstream PD 65W x1 (DP alt)
Downstream with BC1.2
charging x1
USB 3.2 gen1 Type A x3 Type A x3
Headphone Jack V V
Other Accessories – Power cord (1.5m)

– USB-C cable (1.5m)

– HDMI 1.4 cable (1.5m)

– Power cord (1.5m)

– USB-C cable (1.5m)

– HDMI 1.4 cable (1.5m)

Ergonomic
Height Adjustment Base + 110mm Base + 110mm
Tilt (down/up) -5˚ / +20˚ -5˚ / +20˚
Swivel (left/right) 20˚ / 20˚ 20˚ / 20˚
Pivot -90˚ / +90˚ -90˚/ +90˚

Hashtag: #BenQ

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

About BenQ Corporation

Founded on the corporate vision of “Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life”, BenQ Corporation is a world-leading human technology and solutions provider aiming to elevate and enrich every aspect of consumers’ lives. To realize this vision, the company focuses on the aspects that matter most to people today – lifestyle, business, healthcare and education – with the hope of providing people with the means to live better, increase efficiency, feel healthier and enhance learning. Such means include a delightfully broad portfolio of people-driven products and embedded technologies spanning digital projectors, monitors, interactive large-format displays, digital cameras and camcorders, mobile computing devices, and lighting solutions. Because it matters.

Ceramique Aesthetics Wins Multiple Awards At The 2023 Beauty Insider Spa & Salon Awards

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 March 2023 – Esteemed local beauty and wellness spa, Ceramique Aesthetics, is delighted to announce that they have received multiple awards in the prestigious 2023 Spa & Salon Awards by Beauty Insider Singapore. Ceramique Aesthetics has won the following categories: Best Contouring / Sculpting Treatment, Best Body Acne Treatment, and Best Hair Removal ; Best SHR.

The Best Contouring / Sculpting Treatment recognises Ceramique Aesthetics’ INDIBA Bio-Stimulation Treatment, which is only available at Ceramique Aesthetics’ outlet on New Bridge Road, Chinatown. The treatment is medically-backed, CE-marked, and FDA-approved, having been found to improve aesthetic issues like cellulite and sagging skin by more than 80%.

Another body treatment awarded is the Bye Bacne Treatment, under the Best Body Acne Treatment. The Bye Bacne Treatment is designed to reduce signs of acne, hyperpigmentation, and ageing on the back that occur due to a buildup of dead skin cells and sebum. Aside from exfoliating the skin, the treatment also stimulates collagen and elastin production, paving the way for a moisturised back.

Ceramique Aesthetics’ Super Hair Removal was awarded Best Hair Removal ; Best SHR. The treatment applies the innovative SHR technology, which combines traditional IPL and Laser, to carry out a painless hair removal procedure suitable for sensitive areas of the body.

Established in 2017, Ceramique Aesthetics provides an oasis to refresh the mind, body, and soul. Its range of services caters to both the face and body, such as Breast Lifting treatment, Detoxifying Facial treatment, Body Slimming treatment, Naval Ear Candle therapy and Meridian Womb Rejuval therapy, to name a few. Ceramique Aesthetic’s adherence to the science of dermatology has garnered them numerous other awards besides Beauty Insider Singapore’s. In 2022, Ceramique Aesthetics clinched 3 awards in L’Officiel Singapore Spa Awards, namely Best Aesthetic Clinic, Best Acne Clearing Aesthetic Treatment for its Anti-Imperfect Extraction Facial, and Best Lifting Facial for its INDIBA Proionic Facelift Therapy, in addition to Harper’s Bazaar Spa Awards’ Best Pain-free Hair Removal – Brazilian for its Super Hair Removal service.

These awards in 2023 officially validate Ceramique Aesthetics as one of the leading aesthetic beauty centers in Singapore, and the brand aims to continue bringing personalised aesthetic solutions to the community with ever-changing skin and aesthetic needs.

For more information, please visit https://www.ceramique.com.sg/ or call +65 8699 6286 / +65 8890 3358.
Hashtag: #CeramiqueAesthetics #Beauty #Wellness #Spa #AestheticClinic

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