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Prudential plc included in the Shanghai – Hong Kong Stock Connect Programme

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 March 2023 – Prudential plc (“Prudential”) today announced that Prudential’s shares, which trade on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, are now included in the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

The expansion comes after Prudential’s inclusion in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Hang Seng Composite Index last year.

James Turner, Group Chief Financial Officer, Prudential said: “This inclusion signifies another milestone for Prudential. This additional southbound trading mechanism will allow more investors in the Chinese mainland to share our growth and help lift our profile and shareholder base in China further.”

Prudential provides life and health insurance and asset management in 23 markets across Asia and Africa. The business helps people get the most out of life, by making healthcare affordable and accessible and by promoting financial inclusion.

Prudential is due to report its 2022 Full Year results on 15 March 2023.

Hashtag: #prudential

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

About the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Programme

The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect is a mutual stock market access programme through which investors in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong can trade and settle shares listed on either market via the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong or clearing houses in their home market.

Investors in the Chinese mainland need to maintain a total balance of securities and cash account of not less than CNY500,000 to participate in the programme.

About Prudential plc

Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 23 markets across Asia and Africa (at 31 December 2022). The business helps people get the most out of life, by making healthcare affordable and accessible and by promoting financial inclusion. Prudential protects people’s wealth, helps them grow their assets, and empowers them to save for their goals. 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 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.

Forward-looking statements

This document contains ‘forward-looking statements’ with respect to certain of Prudential’s (and its wholly and jointly owned businesses’) plans and its goals and expectations relating to future financial condition, performance, results, strategy and objectives. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Prudential’s (and its wholly and jointly owned businesses’) beliefs and expectations and including, without limitation, commitments, ambitions and targets, including those related to ESG, and statements containing the words ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘continue’, ‘aims’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘expects’, ‘plans’, ‘seeks’ and ‘anticipates’, and words of similar meaning, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on plans, estimates and projections as at the time they are made, and therefore undue reliance should not be placed on them. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty.

A number of important factors could cause actual future financial condition or performance or other indicated results to differ materially from those indicated in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to:

  • current and future market conditions, including fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates, inflation (including resulting interest rate rises), sustained high or low interest rate environments, the performance of financial and credit markets generally and the impact of economic uncertainty, slowdown or contraction (including as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and related or other geopolitical tensions and conflicts), which may also impact policyholder behaviour and reduce product affordability;
  • asset valuation impacts from the transition to a lower carbon economy;
  • derivative instruments not effectively mitigating any exposures;
  • global political uncertainties, including the potential for increased friction in cross-border trade and the exercise of laws, regulations and executive powers to restrict trade, financial transactions, capital movements and/or investment;
  • the longer-term impacts of Covid-19, including macro-economic impacts on financial market volatility and global economic activity and impacts on sales, claims, assumptions and increased product lapses;
  • the policies and actions of regulatory authorities, including, in particular, the policies and actions of the Hong Kong Insurance Authority, as Prudential’s Group-wide supervisor, as well as the degree and pace of regulatory changes and new government initiatives generally;
  • given Prudential’s designation as an Internationally Active Insurance Group, the impact on Prudential of systemic risk and other group supervision policy standards adopted by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors;
  • the physical, social, morbidity/health and financial impacts of climate change and global health crises, which may impact Prudential’s business, investments, operations and its duties owed to customers;
  • legal, policy and regulatory developments in response to climate change and broader sustainability-related issues, including the development of regulations and standards and interpretations such as those relating to ESG reporting, disclosures and product labelling and their interpretations (which may conflict and create misrepresentation risks);
  • the collective ability of governments, policymakers, the Group, industry and other stakeholders to implement and adhere to commitments on mitigation of climate change and broader sustainability-related issues effectively (including not appropriately considering the interests of all Prudential’s stakeholders or failing to maintain high standards of corporate governance and responsible business practices);
  • the impact of competition and fast-paced technological change;
  • the effect on Prudential’s business and results from, in particular, mortality and morbidity trends, lapse rates and policy renewal rates;
  • the timing, impact and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or combinations within relevant industries;
  • the impact of internal transformation projects and other strategic actions failing to meet their objectives or adversely impacting the Group’s employees;
  • the availability and effectiveness of reinsurance for Prudential’s businesses;
  • the risk that Prudential’s operational resilience (or that of its suppliers and partners) may prove to be inadequate, including in relation to operational disruption due to external events;
  • disruption to the availability, confidentiality or integrity of Prudential’s information technology, digital systems and data (or those of its suppliers and partners) including the Pulse platform;
  • the increased non-financial and financial risks and uncertainties associated with operating joint ventures with independent partners, particularly where joint ventures are not controlled by Prudential;
  • the impact of changes in capital, solvency standards, accounting standards or relevant regulatory frameworks, and tax and other legislation and regulations in the jurisdictions in which Prudential and its affiliates operate; and
  • the impact of legal and regulatory actions, investigations and disputes.

These factors are not exhaustive. Prudential operates in a continually changing business environment with new risks emerging from time to time that it may be unable to predict or that it currently does not expect to have a material adverse effect on its business. In addition, these and other important factors may, for example, result in changes to assumptions used for determining results of operations or re-estimations of reserves for future policy benefits. Further discussion of these and other important factors that could cause actual future financial condition or performance to differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in Prudential’s forward-looking statements can be found under the ‘Risk Factors’ of Prudential’s 2022 Half Year Financial Report and any subsequent filing Prudential has made with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including any subsequent 2022 Half Year Report filed on Form 6-K. Prudential’s Prudential’s 2022 Half Year Financial Report is available on its website at .

Any forward-looking statements contained in this document speak only as of the date on which they are made. Prudential expressly disclaims any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this document or any other forward-looking statements it may make, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise except as required pursuant to the UK Prospectus Rules, the UK Listing Rules, the UK Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Hong Kong Listing Rules, the SGX-ST Listing Rules or other applicable laws and regulations.

Prudential may also make or disclose written and/or oral forward-looking statements in reports filed with or furnished to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the UK Financial Conduct Authority, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and other regulatory authorities, as well as in its annual report and accounts to shareholders, periodic financial reports to shareholders, proxy statements, offering circulars, registration statements, prospectuses, prospectus supplements, press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by directors, officers or employees of Prudential to third parties, including financial analysts. All such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed under the ‘Risk Factors’ heading of Prudential’s 2022 Half Year Financial Report and any subsequent filing Prudential has made with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including any subsequent 2022 Half Year Report filed on Form 6-K.

Cautionary statements

This document does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase, acquire, subscribe for, sell, dispose of or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase, acquire, subscribe for, sell or dispose of, any securities in any jurisdiction nor shall it (or any part of it) or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefor.

Road Accidents in Laos Claim 85 Lives in February

Road Accidents Kills 85 Throughout Laos in February
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo: Tonamcha News)

According to the Traffic Police Department, 85 people died in road accidents in Laos in February, a decrease from the previous month’s figure of 114 casualties.

Digital 2023 Report on Laos Released: Internet, Mobile, and Social Media

Digital 2023 Report on Laos Released: Internet, Mobile, and Social Media
A woman livestreams on her smartphone during a boat cruise in Luang Prabang. (Photo: Teng).

Internet penetration and social media use increased in Laos in 2023, with internet speeds increasing and more adoption of mobile phones. 

Dachser expands footprint with two new offices in South East Asia

Chiang Mai, Thailand and Da Nang, Vietnam offices are now in service

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 March 2023 – International logistics service provider Dachser today announced the openings of its two new offices in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Da Nang, Vietnam. The new offices further expand the company’s footprint and strengthen its position in the region to serve growing customer demands, especially from the electronics, and fashion and sports industries.

Oliver Cierocki, Managing Director of Dachser Vietnam (right) and our sales professional Duc Pham (left) are dedicated to addressing customers' needs.

Oliver Cierocki, Managing Director of Dachser Vietnam (right) and our sales professional Duc Pham (left) are dedicated to addressing customers’ needs.

“Dachser in South East Asia has experienced strong growth in the past few years, and we see increasing needs from customers based outside the capital cities. Strategically located in Chiang Mai and Da Nang, the latest openings enable us to provide better support to our customers with technology-driven logistic solutions and expand our market presence,” said Jesper Larsen, Managing Director Air & Sea Logistics South East Asia.

Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is home to a number of electronics, fashion and sports, and food companies. With industry expertise, Dachser provides customized solutions with efficient and high-quality services to customers.

“Da Nang is an important traffic hub for the Central Vietnam Region with an international airport and deep sea port. The company’s new office, located in a prime area of Hai Chau District, serves customers spread across eight industrial parks and clusters, covering all major industries in the city,” said Oliver Cierocki, Managing Director Air & Sea Logistics Vietnam. “We are committed to growing with our customers and meeting their stringent requirements on reliability, efficiency and quality.”

Chiang Mai is Dachser’s fourth location in Thailand in addition to Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport and Laem Chabang. Da Nang is the company’s third location in Vietnam, besides Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Gateway to the well-established global network

With solid expertise in automotive, electronics and fashion and sports industries, Dachser is dedicated to providing comprehensive logistics solutions with excellent services and well-established global network to customers in Chiang Mai and Da Nang.

Hashtag: #Dachser

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

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 31,800 employees at 376 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 7.1 billion in 2021. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 83.6 million shipments weighing 42.8 million metric tons. Dachser is represented by its own country organizations in 42 countries.

In Asia Pacific, DACHSER has operations in 43 locations across 12 Business Areas with its Regional Head Office located in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit

BCEL Customers Raise Alarm After Losing Money Due to ATM Skimming

BCEL Bank has issued a statement warning customers of ATM skimming operations that have occurred at some of its machines around Laos.

Island Shangri-La Launches Themed Room Experiences in the Hotel’s Newly Enhanced Guest Rooms and Suites

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 March 2023 – Following on from the introduction of its newly enhanced guest rooms and suites, Island Shangri-La has launched a series of unique themed experiences that are sure to delight guests of all ages.

Northern Lights experience at Island Shangri-La’s enhanced guest rooms and suites
Northern Lights experience at Island Shangri-La’s enhanced guest rooms and suites

As well as enjoying a host of upgraded features and amenities, families checking into the newly renovated rooms can choose from four themed experiences—Princess World, Space Travel, Safari Park and Northern Lights—each of which features a captivating set-up that includes an in-room tent, special decorations and an overhead projector, transforming the room into a magical wonderland that kids will be thrilled to explore.

The recent renovation of the rooms and suites was led by renowned French designer Tristan Auer, whose previous projects include the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, the Mahanakon Sky Bar in Bangkok and the Cotton House hotel on the private island of Mustique in the Caribbean. Drawing inspiration from Hong Kong architecture and culture while deftly blending contemporary Asian and Parisian aesthetics, Auer has succeeded in creating rooms and suites that are as distinctive as they are sophisticated, and which inspire an exalted sense of calm and well-being.

Perfectly reflecting the modern traveller’s desire for luxury and convenience, the generously proportioned rooms and suites include multifunctional in-room pantries, adaptable desk tables and seamlessly integrated technology, all of which help to create a versatile space that is ideal for families. Each room also has a beautifully upholstered, made-to-measure daybed that provides the ideal space for parents and kids to unwind upon while also offering the flexibility to accommodate two additional guests.

Colour palettes, meanwhile, have been chosen to harmonise with the different vistas visible from the windows, with each room “Framing the View” in a way that heightens the interplay between the exterior landscape and the interior decor.

The newly renovated rooms and suites are available from HK$ 4,800+ per night, which includes a complimentary hotel credit of up to HK$ 2,000 (depending on room type) and a free upgrade to a themed experience. Bookings can be made online through the hotel website. For more information or reservations, please contact our Reservations Team via e-mail at reservations.isl@shangri-la.com or call (852) 2820 8333.

Hashtag: #IslandShangriLa

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

About Shangri-La

Shangri-La, an iconic flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, puts heartfelt service at the core of its distinctive Asian hospitality experience. Through imaginative and nature-inspired design, delightful culinary and cultural experiences, and its authentic and thoughtful service, the brand enables guests to realise their own moments of Shangri-La.

Today, the brand experience is brought to life in over 90 deluxe hotels and resorts at destinations around the world, including Australia, Canada, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Shangri-La Circle is a transformation of Shangri-La Group’s award-winning Golden Circle loyalty programme – a new contemporary Asian travel lifestyle platform built on the idea that life is meant to be fun, limitless and full of possibilities. Shangri-La Circle offers members a world of enhanced benefits at every point of their journey at over 100 Shangri-La, Kerry, JEN and Traders properties worldwide, along with the Group’s portfolio of restaurants, wellness facilities and family experiences. Specific details of these new benefits and enhancements can be found . For more information, please visit .

To enroll as a member or stay up to date with the latest Shangri-La Circle announcements and offers, visit , connect with us on , , and , or simply download the Shangri-La mobile app .

For more information, please visit .

Ballard Power Test Drives First Hydrogen LCVs

Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – March 10, 2023 – First Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: FHYD) (OTC Pink: FHYDF) (FSE: FIT) (“FIRST HYDROGEN” or the “Company“) welcomed Ballard Power Systems (“Ballard”) to test drive its first-generation zero emission light commercial vehicle (“LCV”) at AVL Powertrain’s engineering facility in Basildon, UK. Ballard partnered with First Hydrogen to develop these first-of-their-kind hydrogen powered LCVs. The two Generation I vehicles use a combination of Ballard’s latest LCS fuel cell stack and First Hydrogen’s proprietary technology.

The First Hydrogen vehicles will be deployed with major fleet operators that have already enrolled to drive the hydrogen zero-emission LCV’s. One of the UK’s largest fleet operators will start the test drive process imminently. A total of 15 major fleet operators have registered to participate as part of the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (“AHFC”). The trials give commercial operators from a range of sectors – including grocery, express delivery, utilities, and roadside assistance – the opportunity to test hydrogen-powered-fuel-cell electric vehicles alongside their existing fleets and compare different technologies.

The Generation I vehicles act as proof of concept and enable fleet operators, refuelling services and prospective customers to test fuel cell vehicles in real-world conditions. The LCVs are currently undergoing vehicle evaluation and mileage accumulation, which will support optimised vehicle efficiency. The data collected enables First Hydrogen to accurately calculate fuel consumption and vehicle range under different driving conditions and inform future vehicle development.

Importantly, the findings enable the Company to provide total cost of ownership (“TCO”) data to prospective customers. Ballard’s LCS fuel cell stack technology was chosen for its maximum performance and lifetime durability, which helps to further optimise TCO and make the transition to zero emission vehicles financially competitive. To support the move to net zero, First Hydrogen is also developing an end-to-end ‘Hydrogen-as-a-Service’ solution, providing fleets with green hydrogen fuel, fleet aftercare and zero emission vehicles.

The global LCV market is projected to reach USD 751.86 billion by 2030, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1% during the forecast period (2022-2030). To meet the market’s need to achieve emissions targets and to capitalise on improving zero emission infrastructure, First Hydrogen is leading the change in the LCV sector with functional, clean fleet solutions.

David Mucciacciaro, CCO at Ballard Power Systems, commented: “We were pleased to experience First Hydrogen’s LCV first-hand and delighted to see how our leading fuel cell technology performs on the road in a light-duty application. Our plans to expand Ballard’s fuel cell production will enable the scale-up of the fuel cell market as we see continued investment and customer interest.”

Robert Campbell, CEO of First Hydrogen Energy, added: “Our close working relationship with Ballard has played a key role in developing First Hydrogen’s first generation of zero-emission LCVs. This was Ballard’s first visit to see the vans and we were keen for their team to see the vehicles in action before they enter our key fleet trial programme in the coming weeks.”

On behalf of the Board of Directors of
FIRST HYDROGEN CORP.
“Balraj Mann”
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Contact:
Balraj Mann
First Hydrogen Corp.
604-601-2018
investors@firsthydrogen.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains information or statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by words such as “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.

Forward-looking information may include, without limitation, statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, milestones, strategies and outlook of First Hydrogen, and includes statements about, among other things, future developments and the future operations, strengths and strategies of First Hydrogen. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results.

The forward-looking statements made in this news release are based on management’s assumptions and analysis and other factors that may be drawn upon by management to form conclusions and make forecasts or projections, including management’s experience and assessments of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Although management believes that these assumptions, analyses and assessments are reasonable at the time the statements contained in this news release are made, actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Examples of risks and factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from forward-looking statements may include: the timing and unpredictability of regulatory actions; regulatory, legislative, legal or other developments with respect to its operations or business; limited marketing and sales capabilities; early stage of the industry and product development; limited products; reliance on third parties; unfavourable publicity or consumer perception; general economic conditions and financial markets; the impact of increasing competition; the loss of key management personnel; capital requirements and liquidity; access to capital; the timing and amount of capital expenditures; the impact of COVID-19; shifts in the demand for First Hydrogen’s products and the size of the market; patent law reform; patent litigation and intellectual property; conflicts of interest; and general market and economic conditions.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of First Hydrogen as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. First Hydrogen undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

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

About First Hydrogen Corp. (FirstHydrogen.com)

First Hydrogen Corp. is a Vancouver and London UK-based company focused on zero-emission vehicles, green hydrogen production and distribution and supercritical carbon dioxide extractor systems. The Company is designing and building hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered light commercial demonstrator vehicles (“LCV”) under two agreements with AVL Powertrain and Ballard Power Systems Inc. The LCV will have a range of 500+ kilometres. At the same time, the Company has launched its bespoke vehicle design phase which will develop its fleet of proprietary zero-emission vehicles. First Hydrogen is also developing refueling capability working with FEV Consulting GmbH, the automotive consultancy of FEV Group of Aachen Germany. As well, the Company is pursuing opportunities in green hydrogen production and distribution in the UK, EU and North America.

Restrictive Visa Policies Make Vietnam Less Attractive to Tourists

Foreign tourists in Vietnam
Foreign tourists in Vietnam.

Officials in Vietnam say the country’s restrictive visa policies have affected foreign tourist arrivals and have pushed for more open regulations.