29 C
Vientiane
Sunday, June 8, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1866

Cedrus Group Signs Investment And Advisory Collaboration Agreement With Xiuzheng Pharmaceutical Group

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach – 16 May 2023 – Cedrus Group (“Cedrus”), a global Swiss financial group, is pleased to announce that it has signed a collaboration agreement with Xiuzheng Pharmaceutical Group (“Xiuzheng”) in March 2023. Xiuzheng is a renowned Chinese pharmaceutical major; namely, it engages in R&D, production and marketing of patent medicine, chemical and biological medicine, franchise operation of pharmacies, and standardized cultivation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Xiuzheng owns 130 subsidiaries, employs a workforce of over 100,000 and has more than 2,000 references of medicines and health foods.

Central to the collaboration, which jointly aims to assess and conduct direct investments in the life sciences industry, is the eagerness to invest in the world’s leading innovators in the sector and become their trusted partner in their expansion into the Greater China Region. Bringing these innovative companies to the region will yield a plethora of benefits for the already highly sophisticated Chinese life sciences sector. Cedrus will leverage its connectivity across the life sciences industry globally, along with its deploying its distinguished investment banking services and capitalizing on its European headquarters in Zurich, to act as a holistic enabler and connector between Xiuzheng and overseas technologies and products in the course successfully executing cross-border transactions. Additionally, Cedrus will advise Xiuzheng in order to establish itself on a global-scale and write further chapters in its success story. In addition to investment, Xiuzheng will provide valuable support to the opportunities brought to China, namely in the form of clinical trials advisory, access to manufacturing partners and utilizing its experienced work force to market and distribute products.

For over a decade, Cedrus has been actively engaged in bringing foreign innovative technologies, products and treatments from across the life sciences space, in particular from Switzerland and other European countries to the Greater China region. Cedrus, in its capacity as an investor and advisor, identifies visionary companies looking to gain early access to one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in the world and partners with them, offering investment and ongoing advisory in their market entry and growth in China.

Mr. Rani Jarkas, Chairman of the Cedrus Group, said that “We are proud to be working closely with Xiuzheng to invest and bring innovative life sciences companies to China. An investment committee has been formed and regular meetings are held to assess to robust pipeline of opportunities. Combining the unique domain expertise of Cedrus and Xiuzheng, we are creating an unparalleled and momentous win-win situation where we bring unique technologies to China and build on the esteemed reputation of our partner Xiuzheng in China and support its transition into a world-class Chinese global pharmaceutical group.”
Hashtag: #CedrusGroup

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

About Cedrus Group

is a private Swiss financial group with integrated investment banking and investment capabilities. In addition to offering Private Wealth Management, Investment Management and Financial Advisory Services, Cedrus, through its group companies, invests directly and globally in businesses and projects by leveraging its specific expertise in life sciences, natural resources, nanotech and innovative technologies. Cedrus’ Greater China Region headquarters are in Beijing, with European headquarters in Zurich and further offices strategically positioned across the globe.

Rive Gauche Unveils New Brand Look and Feel to Commemorate 30th Anniversary

Customers wowed by new brand experience at opening of first rebranded store in Serangoon Nex

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 16 May 2023 – Rive Gauche Patisserie (“Rive Gauche”), the Singapore patisserie brand known for its artisanal Parisian cakes and pastries, is excited to unveil a new logo and completely revamped brand look as it commemorates 30 years of establishment.

RG press release image.jpeg

Rive Gauche – now part of the F&B portfolio under MUGINOHO GLOBAL PTE. LTD., franchiser of Beard Papa’s – following a business transfer from Kimly in December last year – is a household pastry name best known for its exquisite French pastries and delectable cakes well-loved by Singaporeans and tourists. Its patisserie is crafted with passion and finesse by expert pastry chefs using only the finest and freshest ingredients, for the customers’ ultimate enjoyment.

Its signature Guanaja Cake, made from Valrhona’s Guanaja chocolate layered with luscious chocolate glaze, chocolaty ganache, aromatic chocolate sponge, and crunchy feuilletine, is widely regarded as one of the best chocolate cakes in Singapore.

The new brand look encapsulates the essence of sophistication and timeless elegance, reflective of the premium quality products that Rive Gauche offers, yet updated to incorporate contemporary sensitivities and experiential preferences of the modern consumer audience.

To kick off the new brand unveiling, Rive Gauche’s first rebranded store look opened its doors in Serangoon Nex shopping mall yesterday, enchanting consumers with a new experience and new pastry creations to savour.

“We are excited to unveil our new branding initiative that reflects our evolution as a brand over the last three decades,” said Ms. Sanae Inada, the General Manager of Rive Gauche. “Our customers can look forward to a refreshed experience, including the relaunch of our website with a new online experience in two months and rollout of the revamped store design across all our other 7 outlets by the end of September this year.”

“Besides upgrading the brand look, we’re committed to delighting our customers with the introduction of new cake and pastry items gradually throughout all our outlets, so there’s always something interesting to discover at Rive Gauche with every visit,” Ms. Sanae added.

New products that customers can look forward to include:

Strawberry and Basil Tart, a refreshing indulgence, featuring fresh strawberries and basil-infused crème pâtissier – a sublime choice for Singapore’s balmy weather.

Miso Mixed Nuts Tart, with a harmonious marriage of rich, caramel-esque miso and a medley of crunchy nuts, offering a delightful combination of flavours and textures.

Matcha Raspberry Entremets, a multi-layered mousse cake that combines a velvety matcha mousse with tangy raspberry jelly, creating a complex yet harmonious flavour sensation.

Chocolate lovers can also expect more creations from the Guanaja series such as tarts, cupcakes, cookies and macarons to be available in the coming months.

Rive Gauche is dedicated to celebrating the art of French pastry making and elevating the indulgence experience of its customers, and the new brand look is an affirmation of that promise and commitment.

Be among the first to experience the new Rive Gauche, and visit its first rebranded store in Serangoon Nex, at #B1-16 from today onwards.

Hashtag: #RiveGauche

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

About Rive Gauche

Rive Gauche is an established patisserie brand in Singapore dedicated to the fine art of crafting delight. Inspired by the French tradition, Rive Gauche creates cakes and pastries by hand with heart and skill, to fill everyone and every occasion with joy.

For more information on Rive Gauche, visit .

Laos and Australia Partner on Sustainable Energy

Laos and Australia Partner on Sustainable Energy
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong (left) anf Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Saleumxay Kommasith (right).

The new Laos-Australia Sustainable Energy Partnership (LASEP) will expand cooperation to support Laos’ sustainable energy transition, with a focus on stronger planning and a greater understanding of renewable energy technology.

Swipe2Trade Impresses at Coindesk’s Consensus Event

VILNIUS, LITHUANIA – Media OutReach – 15 May 2023 – Respected crypto and blockchain entrepreneur Herbert Rafael Sim, has big plans to merge social features and crypto trading functionality into one accessible package with his newest venture, Swipe2Trade.

Herbert ‘The Bitcoin Man’ Sim, CEO of Swipe2Trade, was in Austin, Texas to showcase the platform and present it to the media.
Herbert ‘The Bitcoin Man’ Sim, CEO of Swipe2Trade, was in Austin, Texas to showcase the platform and present it to the media.

The CEO presented a conference at Coindesk’s influential Consensus event, introducing the key features of Swipe2Trade, and took part in interviews discussing his plans to create a platform that makes crypto accessible to everyone.

Speaking about his appearance at Consensus, Sim said: “We’ve already been gathering a lot of momentum for Swipe2Trade across the platform’s social media channels, but it was great to finally present it in person. It’s a unique project that I’m proud to take the lead on, so it was great to talk about it at my first ever appearance at Consensus!”

Hashtag: #swipe2trade #Consensus #Trading


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

About Swipe2Trade

Swipe2Trade simplifies crypto trades with one swipe while providing social features for experienced users to guide newcomers and be rewarded for their advice. It addresses the complexity that keeps many people from entering the crypto world.

Swipe2Trade will have the kind of robust features and trading options that you would expect from a top tier exchange, but with convenient search and selection; easily accessible charts and statistics; fast deposits and withdrawals; convenient portfolio tracking and the ability to execute complex orders with a single swipe, making it easy for anyone to use!

To support people beginning their crypto journey, will utilise a suite of social features. This will allow advanced crypto users to monetise their knowledge and engage with new crypto users, allowing them to subscribe to their favourite experts and replicate deals they advise with a simple click, giving those who aren’t crypto native the ability to make informed decisions while those who are giving advice can monetise subscriber activity.

Swipe2Trade made waves at Consensus, with CEO Herbert Sim engaging with Coindesk’s media team and popular crypto influencers like CryptoWendy0 and Crypto Lifer. This will surely boost the platform’s social media presence, with a growing community eagerly following the project.

| |

The Social Trading Platform Swipe2Trade debuts at Consensus 2023

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 May 2023 – Coindesk’s latest iteration of its long-running and influential Consensus event, which took place on April 26 to 28 in Austin, Texas, held a conference for the blockchain-based social trading platform, Swipe2Trade, in what was the first official, live public service presentation.

In development social trading platform, Swipe2Trade, was showcased at Coindesk's Consensus '23 Event
In development social trading platform, Swipe2Trade, was showcased at Coindesk’s Consensus ’23 Event

The in-development platform, led by a well-known Web3 entrepreneur and the chief executive officer Herbert Rafael Sim, has big plans to merge social features and crypto trading functionality into one accessible package.

Talking about the project, Sim said: “The whole concept behind Swipe2Trade is to make crypto accessible to everyone, allowing people who have never traded before to complete deals they feel comfortable and confident making with one swipe!”

Hashtag: #swipe2trade #Consensus #Trading

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

About Swipe2Trade

Despite the impressive number of 400 million users engaging in such transactions worldwide, a significant portion of the global population still does not participate in the world of crypto.

Issues such as a lack of knowledge and understanding, as well as non-intuitive and complex DEX and CEX interfaces turn off many who would otherwise be advocates of cryptocurrency. Swipe2Trade aims to address this by simplifying crypto trades, so they can be executed with one swipe. The service provides social features that allow experienced users to guide newcomers (while being rewarded for doing so).

Swipe2Trade’s hybrid platform will feature trading options such as stop/limit orders; convenient search and selection; easily accessible charts and statistics; portfolio tracking and the ability to execute complex orders with a single swipe.

At its core, creates a framework for advanced crypto users to monetize their knowledge and engage with new crypto users, allowing them to subscribe to their favorite experts and replicate deals they advise with a simple click. Newcomers get the ability to make informed decisions while advisers can monetize subscriber activity.

All this is built around an intuitive framework — with things like fast and easy deposit/withdrawal features and ease-of-use trading tools.

The platform has been building its social media presence ahead of its full launch, and the conference at Coindesk’s Consensus event was the next big milestone in Swipe2Trade realizing its ambitions of creating a hybrid social trading platform that welcomes people around the globe who have yet to begin their crypto journeys.

| |

ASEAN Leaders Commit to Tackling Online Human Trafficking

ASEAN Leaders Commit to Tackling Online Human Trafficking
Criminal Organizations are profiting from forcing people to work on boats, in brothels and other demeaning and dangerous jobs. ( Photo : Tang Chhin Sothy / AFP )

Leaders from ASEAN member countries have vowed to tackle human trafficking and identity theft during the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, with Laos and Cambodia called out as hotspots for such crimes.

The rise of conflicted consumerism: Cost-of-living prompts Hong Kong shoppers to weight up price versus principles in buying decisions

  • 44% of shoppers in Hong Kong place price as top spending consideration
  • Yet, despite cost-of-livings pressures, 76% remain ‘sustainably-minded’
  • Next day delivery or fast format fulfilment tops ‘sustainable’ shoppers’ eco vices
  • 42% would pay more for fast fulfilment, but 26% would pay more for carbon-neutral deliveries

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 May 2023 – A price versus principles paradox is creating a new cohort of ‘conflicted’ shoppers in Hong Kong, who are simultaneously demanding value for money as well as products and services from retailers that tap into their sustainable values, the latest research from Asendia, the leader in international e-commerce and mail delivery solutions, reveals.

Original research of over 8,000 global shoppers in Asendia’s ‘How To Sell Direct In The Age Of The Conflicted Shopper’ Report, including research of over 1,000 shoppers in Hong Kong, showed that price now tops consumers’ key considerations for 44% in their buying decisions, followed by value for money (41%). Yet, despite cost-of-living pressures, over three quarters (76%) of Hong Kong shoppers considered themselves to be sustainably-minded in their consumption habits.

Reduced consumption is both price and environmentally motivated

While 56% of shoppers in Hong Kong said they planned to cut back on spending in 2023 due to economic uncertainty, consumers are also re-evaluating how and what they buy to minimise their environmental impact.

Almost a third (32%) plan to consume less but more sustainably by purchasing pre-loved or second-hand items in 2023, rising to 37% of Gen Z, while a further 40% intend to buy less by extending the life of the products they own by using retailers’ repair or upcycling and circular retail initiatives.

Renaud Marlière, Global Chief of Business Development of Asendia, commented: “There’s little doubt that cost-of-living pressures are forcing consumers to weigh up what values, such as sustainability and greener consumption, they can afford to maintain. But while household budgets remain squeezed, shoppers aren’t prepared to put price entirely before principals in their consumption habits.”

“This is creating what we’ve coined the conflicted shopper; consumers who seek value for money – acting with price-sensitivity and spending-caution – on one hand, but want to consume in line with their values on the other, opting for eco-conscious decisions across their buying journey, from product choice to fulfilment methods. Despite this seeming paradox, it means retailers now need to cater for both polar ends of the conflicted shoppers’ value spectrum if they are going to win custom, loyalty and lifetime value,” Renaud Marlière continued.

The value paradox

While 76% of shoppers in Hong Kong consider themselves to be sustainably-minded, the same consumers who are consciously shopping ‘green’ – with 44% buying eco-friendly products, 40% buying organically and 35% choosing low-carbon goods – are also displaying sustainability ‘vices’ within their consumption habits.

A quarter (24%) were still choosing next day deliveries or fast fulfilment options, while a further 24% who identified as sustainably-minded shoppers admitted to still buying fast fashion, despite being renowned for its damaging impact on the planet. 21% of ‘green’ consumers in Hong Kong were also choosing to buy denim, widely considered to be an environmentally-poor fashion choice.

Delivering on sustainability demands

And this value paradox is being exhibited not just in what consumers buy, but also in how they want their orders to be delivered. Hong Kong shoppers’ top consideration around international fulfilment was knowing whether grouped deliveries which saved on fuel across multiple orders were available (36%), followed by 31% who wanted to know the air miles associated with their delivery to try and reduce carbon emissions.

While 42% would pay more for faster fulfilment, 26% would pay more for 100% carbon neutral deliveries, while 23% would pay more for greener fulfilment options, even if the item took longer to arrive.

In 2022 Asendia announced it had reached 100% carbon neutrality through its carbon offsetting projects. It now offers carbon neutrality across all shipments carried out for international retail customers via its e-PAQ solution, a specialist range of international packet and parcel services designed for online retailers.

For further information on how brands can address demands around value and build international consumer relationships that better meet the needs of today’s conflicted shoppers, download the full report: ‘How To Sell Direct In The Age Of The Conflicted Shopper’.

Asendia is committed to putting the customer at the centre of everything it does, which is why it stands for trust, friendliness and ease of use as the key pillars representing its core values.

Research methodology

Original research of over 8,000 global shoppers in the UK, U.S., Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland and Hong Kong. Each individual market polled had a sample size of over 1,000 shoppers. The research was conducted via online polling by Savanta on behalf of Asendia in February 2023.
Hashtag: #Asendia

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

About Asendia

Asendia is one of the world’s leaders in international e-commerce and mail, delivering packages, parcels and documents to more than 200 destinations across the globe.

Combining the experience and expertise of our founding companies, La Poste and Swiss Post, Asendia brings together a wealth of international and local know-how. Asendia’s expertise is broad reaching encompassing different aspects of e-commerce, from webshop software and marketplace management to international logistics. Asendia is committed to sustainability, offsetting all carbon emissions including first-mile collection, last-mile delivery, returns, and building emissions, machinery, and business travel.

Asendia employs over 1,500 people in Europe, UK, Asia Pacific and the USA – a global network blended with a local presence.

Bank of Laos Warns of Counterfeit Banknotes

Bank of Laos Urges Public to Be Vigilant Against Fake Banknotes.
A pile of Lao banknotes (photo: The culture trip)

The Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) has issued a warning to citizens about counterfeit banknotes of LAK 100,000 and LAK 50,000 denominations.