BEIJING (AP) — The presidents of China and Belarus joined Wednesday in urging a cease-fire and negotiations to bring about a political settlement to the Ukraine conflict.
China, Belarus presidents call for Ukraine cease-fire, talks

Laos Has No Threats from Bird Flu, Say Authorities
Despite Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia putting measures in place against a potential bird flu outbreak, officials have assured that the bird flu does not present a significant threat to Laos at the moment.
OPPO Pledges Carbon Neutrality Across its Operations by 2050 at MWC 2023

OPPO believes that better environmental protection can only be achieved through the parallel advancement of science and technology. Following years of research and analysis, OPPO released the OPPO Climate Action Report: Climate Pledges and Low Carbon Development Strategy, at MWC 2023. In the report, OPPO pledges for the first time to achieve carbon neutrality across its global operations by 2050. With technical support from global consultancy Deloitte[1] , the report outlines five key areas in which OPPO will work towards achieving this goal: low-carbon manufacturing, reducing the carbon footprint of products, investing in options that generate less carbon, utilizing digital technology to manage carbon emissions, and collaborating on industry standards to address climate change.
Starting in 2020, OPPO has published a sustainability report each year to publicly disclose its plans and practical progress towards sustainability goals. In 2022, OPPO completed its first global inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and used this data as the scientific basis for its carbon reduction strategy. Now, in the new Climate Action Report, OPPO pledges to make its operations carbon neutral by 2050.
Commenting on this commitment, Tony Chen, OPPO Founder and CEO, said: “Achieving our goal of becoming carbon neutral will require both determination and patience. Guided by our mission of ‘Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World’, we promise to pursue carbon neutrality with the same zeal and commitment that we invest in our technological innovation.”

Promoting green manufacturing and operations through innovation
OPPO has held onto its global position as the fourth-largest phone manufacturer for two consecutive years,with users in over 60 countries and regions worldwide. As its business grows rapidly, OPPO is equally concerned about how to reduce its environmental impact.
Among the carbon emissions generated by OPPO’s various operations, factories and data centers are the two most significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 62% and 31.9% respectively. While continuing to drive commercial growth, OPPO is also exploring innovative ways to achieve greener manufacturing and business operations. Through energy saving and emission reduction initiatives, by the end of 2022, OPPO has managed to reduce 6000 tons of greenhouse gas emission from its operation each year. This is equivalent to the amount of greenhouse gas absorbed by 3,330 square kilometers of forest in a year.
Since 2020, OPPO has systematically carried out a series of energy-saving upgrades to key machinery in its factories. One such project has involved automating previously manually operated machines. Compared with manual control, the automated equipment can be set to operate precisely according to the real-time requirement, thus reducing power consumption to the bare minimum. For example, with the automation upgrades introduced to the corner cutting machines, power consumption has fallen by 54%.
In addition, OPPO is also working on the construction of carbon neutral data centers. Its first self-built data center, OPPO Binhai Bay Data Centre not only uses 100% renewable energy, but also continues to explore and apply cutting-edge, low-carbon technology. One of the key outcomes of this exploration has been the research and implementation of immersion cooling technology for GPU server clusters.
We are living in a digital era, with ever-increasing demand for data storage, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing. Thus, the power consumption of data centers and their GPU server clusters is also rising significantly. Not only does this increased power consumption present a major challenge, but we must also work out how to dissipate the heat produced as efficiently as possible. Most traditional data centers rely on mechanical equipment such as fans and air conditioners to cool the building, which in turn consumes more energy and produces higher levels of CO2.
In order to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, OPPO is deploying immersion cooling technology for GPU server clusters in its data center. Immersion cooling technology, which refers to the direct immersion of servers in a non-conductive liquid, directly draws the heat generated during operation away through the liquid, without the need for active cooling by devices such as fans and air conditioners. The liquid that has risen in temperature is cooled by circulation and then returned to continue absorbing thermal energy. The heat recovered is then put to good use in other areas such as heating and hot water provision, significantly improving the energy efficiency of the overall system. The deployment of immersion cooling technology leads to a 45% improvement in energy efficiency, and an industry-leading data center power usage efficiency (PUE) as low as 1.15.

Introducing sustainability into the product management life cycle
While constantly thinking about how to improve the user experience of its products, OPPO also aims to provide greener products. To this end, OPPO has made sustainability a key goal in the life cycle management of its products to minimize their impact on the environment.
While designing the packaging of its products, OPPO follows the internationally recognized green packaging principle of 3R+1D (reduce, reuse, recycle and degradable). In 2023, starting in the European market, nearly all plastics have been removed from the packaging of OPPO’s smartphones, making it 100% biodegradable and more eco-friendly. Approximately 45% is also made from recycled fibers, sourced from recycled wastepaper or plant-based materials (such as sugarcane and bamboo byproducts), helping to reduce the demand for raw materials.

The volume of electronic waste generated globally has grown by 21% over the past 5 years, making it the fastest growing category of household waste[2]. To tackle the problem of e-waste pollution, OPPO has established a number of product recycling systems and launched a trade-in service in both domestic and international markets to promote the recycling of used electronic devices. In 2021, 1.2 million phones were recycled in China, amounting to a total weight of 216 tons. This number rose to 1.3 million phones and 240 tons in 2022. In the EU and other regions, OPPO is involved in the Green Dot program as well as partnering with professional recycling firms to help recycle used products.

The road to a greener future is a long one, but with its Climate Action Report and low carbon development strategy, OPPO is already well on the way to achieving this goal. OPPO is committed to playing its part as it works with both partners and the public to build a better future for all.
To learn more about OPPO’s low carbon development strategy, please refer to the OPPO Climate Action Report: https://www.oppo.com/content/dam/oppo/common/mkt/footer/OPPO-Climate-Action-Report-EN.pdf
Hashtag: #OPPO
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About OPPO
Japan Donates 52 New Public Buses Worth USD 3.7 Million to Laos
Road safety and air quality in Vientiane Capital are set to benefit from better public transport options with the contribution of new and improved buses and related equipment from Japan.
Prudential Laos Launches Digital Life Insurance to Narrow Protection Gap
Prudential Life Assurance (Lao) Company Limited (“Prudential Laos”) has launched “PRULife Guard” and “PRULife Starter”, its first suite of digital life insurance products. These products are designed to provide personal accident benefits, coverage for accidental medical expenses as well as death benefits due to non-accidental or accidental causes.
ECOVACS ROBOTICS Offers Uncompromising Cleanliness with New DEEBOT N10 Family
The new DEEBOT introduced by the APAC No.1 robot vacuum brand gives all-rounded cleaning experience without sacrificing performance for budget.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 March 2023 – ECOVACS ROBOTICS, the world’s leading service robotics maker, today announces the launch of the DEEBOT N10 Family in Singapore. It sets a new standard for delivering uncompromising cleanliness by bringing a superior cleaning experience to every home.

The new DEEBOT N10 Family robots boast improved 4300 Pa suction power to remove dirt, dust, and debris from even the toughest crevices and deepest carpet fibers. The over-the-air (OTA) deep cleaning modes allow customers to use their mobile phones to enable simultaneous vacuuming and mopping of embedded dirt.
The DEEBOT’s floating main brush makes floor cleaning much more efficient. Together, they loosen dirt from carpets and direct it into the vacuum stream. This makes the robots ideal for homes with carpets and pets with long fur.
The OZMOTM Mopping System is a smart and efficient cleaning solution thanks to its leak-preventing feature. With micro-water pumps that automatically adjust, customers can enjoy spotless floors without worrying about over-wetting. The sensors on the DEEBOT also allow it to switch between vacuuming and mopping modes seamlessly, ensuring carpets stay dry and clean and the suction power remains powerful for a more extended period.
Auto-Empty Station brings 60 days hands-free dustbin cleaning
Most conventional robotic vacuum cleaners in the market require customers to manually empty the dustbin, which can be tedious and unhygienic. DEEBOT N10 PLUS’s Auto-Empty Station accessory, equipped with a large-volume 2.5L hypoallergenic dust bag and made with an all-natural paper handle, can store dust for up to 60 days, improving customer convenience and hygiene.
The suction inlets seal automatically when pulled out to ensure no dust is left behind at unintended locations at the customer’s home. The four-layer antibacterial dust bags keep the surrounding air clean by effectively filtering up to 99% of dust particles and allergens as small as 0.3μm. DEEBOT N10 PLUS also offers 5 dust collection modes to allow customers to select the most convenient mode for emptying the dustbin. DEEBOT N10 is also compatible with Auto- Empty Station, which is sold as separated accessory.
TrueMapping Technology maps homes with 2x better coverage and 4x accuracy
The DEEBOT N10 Family robots use TrueMapping laser-based mapping and navigation technology to map floors within seconds. They can intelligently navigate a user’s home, choose the right map for the floor, and find the most optimal cleaning path. With N10 Family, users can customize the cleaning mode, suction power, water flow, and cleaning times for each room. They can also use the ECOVACS Home App to set the order in which the robots clean the rooms, set up schedules, and create no-go zones.
Worry-free, high performance for longer hours
The new DEEBOT N10 Family robots feature a charging and mobility upgrade. The robots automatically return to the charging dock when the battery runs low. When fully charged, they resume operations where they previously stopped. A stride length of 20mm provides stronger mobility, allowing the robots to negotiate most sills and carpet edges. The N10 Family comes with a new 5200mAh battery, which extends use on a single charge and water fill.
Antibacterial designs remove foul odors
The DEEBOT N10 Family robots include an antibacterial dust bag and filter. The dual antibacterial design, which consists of a non-woven surface layer and an inner layer of melt blown with DuPont silver ion antibacterial agent, can filter large particles and 99.99% of bacteria. The use of four layers of high-quality materials prevents any dust leakage.
The antibacterial E11 filter captures 95% of 0.3μm dust and allergens. The use of two antibacterial agents for treatment eliminates bacteria, mold, and mildew growth on the surface, preventing unpleasant odors and discoloration. The activated carbon layer on the filter also absorbs odors produced by ordinary household wastes, keeping the air fresh and clean.
Pricing and Availability
The DEEBOT N10 Family includes the DEEBOT N10 and DEEBOT N10 PLUS models. Both are available today, for SGD 999 and SGD 1,299 retail price respectively, both models are up to 57% discount during Double 3 promotion. For more information, please visit our Lazada & Shopee flagship store for detailed information.
Hashtag: #ECOVACSROBOTICS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ECOVACS ROBOTICS
Innovating Since Day One – Creating the Intelligent Home.
With a new vision of “Advancing robotic technologies to serve the world to create a holistic ecosystem between humans and robotics in lifestyle and production,” ECOVACS ROBOTICS cares about innovating solutions to enhance your lifestyle and production. We aim to design and launch “Robotics for All,” using our deep understanding of use cases and consumer experiences.
With 25 years of design and industry-leading research, we have led the market as homes become more intelligent and responsive. We are building a world where your home asks less of your attention, becomes more seamless and powerful, and frees you to spend more time doing what you love.
Laos And China Sign MoU to Research Development of Artificial Intelligence
The Research Institute for Smart Technology, Ministry of Technology and Communications (MoTC) of Laos together with the Chongqing College of Electronic Engineering in China signed an MoU to discuss the possibility of further developing AI and Big Data.
Caldic joins the global top league in ingredients and specialty chemicals distribution following merger with Connell
On October 13, 2022, Advent International, financial sponsor of Caldic, and Wilbur-Ellis, owner of Connell, announced the agreement to combine their life sciences and material sciences distribution businesses focused on nutrition, (bio)pharma, personal care and industrial formulations. The partnership between Advent International and Wilbur-Ellis is founded on a long term shareholder commitment and a shared vision of building a fully integrated growth and innovation focused business.
Alexander Wessels, Group CEO, stated, “The global scale of our business will unlock multiple opportunities to create value with our business partners. Today’s worldwide reach will make our offering of unique value-added services and products more widely accessible to the food & nutrition, (bio)pharma, personal care and industrial formulation markets, which will fuel new business development potential across the supply chain. Our ambition is to redefine the parameters of added value in the ingredients and specialty chemicals distribution sector, offering our customers a new standard in customized solutions. We are thrilled at the prospect of partnering with the highly skilled and experienced Connell team to deliver these relevant and impactful solutions for our principals and customers alike.”
“We are very excited to embark on our joint journey as part of Caldic,” said Azita Owlia, CEO of Connell Caldic APAC. “Our customers are increasingly demanding customized solutions and extended supply chain services. We are committed to leverage the complementarity and synergies between both companies’ value-added product portfolio and broader manufacturing and distribution facilities, to the benefit of our principals and customers. Asia-Pacific is a high-growth region with tremendous potential and the joint expertise and capabilities will allow us to help our current and new customers to seize such opportunities. Together we can make a much bigger positive impact in the life sciences and material sciences markets.”
Key facts & figures consolidated Caldic as of 1 March 2023
Turnover | Euro ~ 3 billion |
FTE | ~ 3,500 |
Presence | Europe, Latin America, North America and Asia-Pacific: 43 countries |
Markets | Food, (bio)pharma, personal care and industrial formulations |
Value-add capabilities | Manufacturing services: repacking, filling, labeling, mixing, blending (e.g. under GMP conditions)
Technical and application support: formulation, application, product development and testing labs across 75 expertise centers around the world. Distribution: warehousing (e.g. cGMP), regulatory support, quality control |
Hashtag: #Caldic #Connell
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Caldic
“Because we care”, we touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every day. We inspire innovative and sustainable solutions in life science and material science for the food, pharmaceutical, personal care and industrial formulation markets around the world. Our solutions, carefully sourced and customized to exacting specifications whenever required, are backed by research & development, customer service, technical & regulatory support, ensuring that they meet precisely determined needs at every stage of the value chain.
Across Europe, Latin America, North America and Asia Pacific, our approximately 3,500 employees go the extra mile, day in and day out, to deliver value-added solutions to our customers. In our activities, we embrace the principles of sustainability, designing products, services and processes with these principles in mind. From formulation to delivery, from ingredient to packing, from supplier to customer, we care about every detail of what we do. Because every detail is in our care.