32.7 C
Vientiane
Friday, June 6, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1883

Vegetables Get More Expensive in Laos After New Year Celebration

A woman purchases vegetables at a market in Laos (Photo: Lao Economic Daily).

Vegetable prices in Laos have increased following Lao New Year celebrations primarily due to the country’s soaring inflation rate.

Cyber-Risk Declines But 78% of Organizations Predict Successful Attacks in Coming Year

Trend Micro’s Cyber Risk Index finds preparedness is slowly improving

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 May 2023 – Trend Micro (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today announced that cyber-risk levels have improved from “elevated” to “moderate” for the first time, but that insiders represent a persistent threat for global organizations.

To read a full copy of the Trend Micro Cyber Risk Index (CRI) 2H 2022*, please visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/en_hk/security-intelligence/breaking-news/cyber-risk-index

Jon Clay, VP of threat intelligence at Trend Micro: “For the first time since we’ve been running these surveys, we saw the global cyber-risk index not only improve but move into positive territory at +0.01. It means that organizations may be taking steps to improve their cyber-preparedness. There is still much to be done, as employees remain a source of risk. The first step to managing this is to gain complete and continuous attack surface visibility and control.”

The CRI found that cyber-preparedness improved in Europe and APAC but declined slightly in North and Latin America over the past six months. At the same time, threats declined in every region bar Europe.

Most organizations are still pessimistic about their prospects over the coming year. The CRI found that most respondents said it was “somewhat to very likely” they’d suffer a breach of customer data (70%) or IP (69%) or a successful cyber-attack (78%).

These figures represent declines of just 1%, 2%, and 7%, respectively, from the last report.

The top four threats listed by respondents in the CRI 2H 2022 remained the same from the previous report:

  1. Clickjacking
  2. Business Email Compromise (BEC)
  3. Ransomware
  4. Fileless attacks

“Botnets” replaced “login attacks” in fifth place.

Global respondents also named employees as representing three of their top five infrastructure risks:

  1. Negligent insiders
  2. Cloud computing infrastructure and providers
  3. Mobile/remote employees
  4. Shortage of qualified personnel
  5. Virtual computing environments (servers, endpoints)

Dr. Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of Ponemon Institute, said: “As the shift to hybrid working gathers momentum, organizations are rightly concerned about the risk posed by negligent employees and the infrastructure used to support remote workers. They will need to focus not only on technology solutions but people and processes to help mitigate these risks.”

Based on the global survey results, the greatest areas of concern for businesses related to cyber-preparedness are:

People: “My organization’s senior leadership does not view security as a competitive advantage.”

Process: “My organization’s IT security function doesn’t have the ability to unleash countermeasures (such as honeypots) to gain intelligence about the attacker.”

Technology: “My organization’s IT security function does not have the ability to know the physical location of business-critical data assets and applications.”

*The six-monthly Cyber Risk Index was compiled by the Ponemon Institute from interviews with 3729 global organizations. The index is based on a numerical scale of -10 to 10, with -10 representing the highest level of risk. It is calculated by subtracting the score for cyber threats from the score for cyber-preparedness.

Hashtag: #TrendMicro


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

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world.

Hong Kong Baptist University joint research suggests that urine cytomegalovirus test facilitates early prediction of AIDS end-organ diseases

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 May 2023 – A Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) collaborative research team has shown that urine tests for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can identify the risk of end-organ diseases such as pneumonitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, hepatitis and myocarditis, earlier in patients who have been infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The findings suggest that HCMV detection in urine should be implemented as a routine test for HIV-1 patients who are progressing towards acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as anti-HCMV treatments could reduce the incidence of lung and cardiovascular end-organ diseases by half.

The research findings have been published in the Journal of Clinical Virology, an international scientific journal.

No routine HCMV check-ups for HIV-1 patients

HIV-1 infection is divided into four clinical stages. In the first stage, patients are infected and some experience mild illnesses such as a cold without any apparent symptoms. HIV-1 infection then slowly progresses towards AIDS in the second and third stages of infection. These two stages, collectively regarded as the “developing” stage, usually last several years if they are comprehensively controlled by a range of medications before developing into AIDS, which represents the fourth stage of HIV-1 infection.

HCMV is a DNA virus found in more than half of the human population. It is controlled by an intact immune system and remains dormant in healthy individuals. However, it can be reactivated in patients with poor immune systems, such as those in the fourth stage of HIV-1 infection, and as a result it can become one of the major opportunistic infections that cause life-threatening end-organ diseases. In Hong Kong, HCMV detection is not part of the routine check-ups for HIV-1 patients unless they suffer from apparent end-organ diseases. In such cases, blood tests are the preferred method of detection.

A research team co-led by Dr Allen Cheung Ka-loon, Assistant Professor of the Department of Biology at HKBU, and Professor Chen Zhiwei, Professor of the Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with researchers from the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, investigated the detection of HCMV in urine for the continuous monitoring of end-organ disease risk in HIV-1 patients. They also examined the relationship between HCMV detection and end-organ diseases in HIV-1 patients in the “developing” stage.

Easier to detect HCMV in urine than in blood

The team screened the records of more than 130,000 HIV-1 patients in Shenzhen between January 2011 and June 2022, and selected about 13,700 patients with relevant blood and urine test records. They were grouped according to the four stages of HIV-1 infection, and the results of their HCMV blood and urine tests were then compared.

It was discovered that in all the four patient groups, the proportions of patients found to be HCMV-positive were higher in the urine samples than in the corresponding blood samples. The situation was particularly obvious for HIV-1 patients in the “developing” stage. Urine tests showed that 5.8% of second-stage HIV-1 patients were HCMV-positive compared to only 0.9% using blood tests. The proportions of third-stage HIV-1 patients found to be HCMV-positive using urine and blood tests were 12.8% and 1.4%, respectively. This suggests that HCMV is more easily detected in urine than in the blood, especially during the “developing” stage of HIV-1 infection.

The researchers further filtered 233 “developing” stage HIV-1 patients with detailed clinical and disease records to evaluate the association between HCMV and the onset of different types of end-organ diseases. Statistical analysis revealed that there is a significant association between the incidence of lung and cardiovascular end-organ diseases and the detection of HCMV in urine.

Early anti-HCMV treatment lowers the risk of end-organ diseases

To study the effect of early interventions with anti-HCMV treatments, the team tracked the data of 54 “developing” stage HIV-1 patients who had been hospitalised at least once. They were divided into three groups: those who received no anti-HCMV treatments, those who received treatments but not during each round of hospitalisation, and those who received treatments during all rounds of hospitalisation.

The data showed that those who received anti-HCMV treatments in all rounds of hospitalisation had the lowest incidence of lung and cardiovascular end-organ diseases. Furthermore, compared to those who had not received anti-HCMV treatments, the incidence of such end-organ diseases in patients who had received the treatments was reduced by half. This suggests that continuous anti-HCMV treatments are effective in reducing the onset of lung and cardiovascular end-organ diseases in patients who are progressing towards AIDS.

Dr Allen Cheung said: “Patients have to face a difficult journey once they have tested positive for HIV. They are often at risk of developing end-organ diseases without any apparent symptoms. Our study shows that routine urine tests for HCMV can monitor the development of end-organ diseases more effectively, which signals the need for early medical intervention. We thus recommend that HCMV detection in urine should be implemented as a routine test for HIV-1 patients.”

Hashtag: #HIV #HKBU

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

Asia Poised to Drive Global Economic Growth, Boosted by China’s Reopening

Asia Poised to Drive Global Economic Growth, Boosted by China’s Reopening
Walking street in China (photo: China Dialogue)

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), China and India together are forecast to generate about half of global growth this year.

Sustainable Tourism Can Conserve Environment, Says Tourism Official

Sustainable Tourism Can Conserve Environment, Says Tourism Official.
Attendees at a sustainable tourism awareness raising event (photo: Pasason)

Ms. Sengsoda Vanthanouvong, Deputy Director of the Tourism Promotion Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT) recently spoke about the impact of tourism on the environment at an event aimed at raising awareness for sustainable tourism.

Thai Workers Protest in Demand of Higher Wages

Thai Workers Protest in Demand of Higher Wages
Thai workers during a protest.

Labor and Human rights advocates in Thailand gathered in front of the Government House earlier this week to protest for an increase in the minimum daily wages to THB 700 (USD 20.48) and to set up a fund to support laid-off workers.

SDMC Becomes an Affiliate Member of The Hong Kong 4As

The Hong Kong 4As recognizes SDMC’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and business ethics in the advertising industry.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 May 2023 – SDMC, a leading full-scope digital marketing company in Hong Kong, proudly announces its affiliate membership with Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Hong Kong (The Hong Kong 4As). This membership recognizes SDMC’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and business ethics in the advertising industry.

SDMC x The Hong Kong 4As

SDMC x The Hong Kong 4As

As an affiliate member, SDMC looks forward to actively contributing to the industry and forging long-term development partnerships with fellow members. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, SDMC aims to drive innovation and elevate the advertising and marketing landscape in Hong Kong.

With a diverse range of services, SDMC supports businesses in navigating the complexities of the digital landscape. Their tailored solutions, which encompass SEO, media buying, social media management, China marketing, and micro-influencer marketing, focus on delivering results and meeting clients’ unique needs.

Hashtag: #digitalmarketingagency #SDMC #seocompany #sem #socialmedia #digitalmarketing #The4As



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

Strategic Digital Marketing Company

is a full-scope digital marketing company. We dissect Search Engine information and user behavior through the insight of “Big Data” from the digital market. Provides Goal-oriented, Tailor-made, Sustainable optimization of online marketing solutions to any business industry.

Reimagine Our Community: Communal spaces disappear as a result of rapid urban-redevelopments

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 May 2023 –

Exhibition & Workshop Details:

Exhibition Venue: 11 PEEL STREET, CENTRAL
Exhibition Duration: 06.05 – 21.05.2023
Opening Hours : SUN – WED 11:00-18:00 / THUR – SAT 11:00-20:00
Workshop Date: 6th/ 13th/ 20th May, 2023
Workshop Time Slot :14:30-15:30/ 16:00-17:00/ 17:30-18:30

REIMAGINE OUR COMMUNITY

REIMAGINE OUR COMMUNITY

EXHIBITION SUMMARY

“Reimagine our Community” – a project designed to seek an alternative. Good urban spaces are created through time, and are closely related to our everyday life.

Through observing, extracting and articulating urban fragments, we imagine new, yet strangely familiar communal spaces that speak our utopian imaginations for our neighbourhoods.

The research project is an attempt to extend our design methodology to urban context. Given the fast pace and current framework of development in Hong Kong, many communal spaces have disappeared or lost their communal roles.

In 2021, with the support of Design Trust, we started the research project which aims to address the essential role of communal spaces in the city, and to improve the atmospheric condition of our neighbourhood by extracting the distinct urban characteristics and connecting them to people’s daily living experiences.

The findings will be showcased in a series of photographs, collages, drawings, physical models, videos and stories.

SOCIAL LANDSCAPE

The exhibition also showcases 3 education projects from Eureka, which we first coined the word “Social Landscape” and used this methodology.

Reimagine Our Community | Writing Workshop

Eureka and Music Playground enjoy daydreaming freely. They use different means to express their imaginations and rediscover the city.
They invite you to daydream alongside them, paying attention to the little things in life and recalling good memories to turn your city life into a fairytale adventure.
“Fiction is the lie that tells the truth. We all have an obligation to daydream. We have an obligation to imagine.” — Neil Gaiman

About the workshop:

Your five senses will be brought to life by a reimagining of the city, and you’ll be able to explore and observe the things nearby you in a way that turns your everyday life into something unforgettable.

About Eureka

Eureka is a Hong Kong based architectural design studio aiming to create a multi-layered experience. Believe in script-writing and the idea of “polytropic”, we explore existing typologies, observe, change, and redefine design parameters prior to design.

Established in 2011, we have created a diverse portfolio ranging from small installations to commercial interiors, private houses, schools, art gallery and cycling parks. In particular, we have a strong portfolio in education from early childhood to tertiary education spaces. Currently, we are building an intergeneration housing for young people and retirees in Kowloon City, and international schools in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing.

We work closely with our clients and end users to fully explore beyond the design requirements. We dream, and at the same time we care about the process of materializing our dreams.

Curator

ANNETTE CHU

Annette is a Belgium and Hong Kong architect. She is the founder of Eureka, an architectural studio that focuses on the concept of “Social Landscape” – how space connects people and encourages social interactions. Since its establishment in 2011, Eureka has built up a strong portfolio on education projects, ranging from early childhood to secondary education. The studio has also taken on a wide variety of meaningful urban projects, covering tenement houses, cycling hubs, elderly home, intergeneration housing and renovation of columbarium.

Annette graduated from Cambridge University and Architectural Association, London. She worked in Brussels before returning to Hong Kong. She is a wanderer, likes to walk around in the city and scribble down her thoughts. She continues her

interest in exploring another spatial narration and its effect on design language.

GABRIEL LEE

Gabriel gained his first degree in Architecture from London Metropolitan University and completed his master degree at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London in 2012. Upon graduation, he took part in a variety of projects, including exhibition design, private house, primary school campus development, façade design, various interior renovation projects and development of an elderly complex. He likes to seek for interesting ingredients from the city, and explore spatial experience by challenging preconditioned perception of space.

CURRENT TEAM

CHEUNG Timothy CHU Annette DUNGEY Natalie LEE Gabriel PANG Matthew TAI Jacqueline WONG Joyce YEUNG Tommy YUNG Louis

SPECIAL THANKS

MA Owen
CHAN Hugo HEUNG Winnie LAM Willy
SU Chloe

About Music Playground

Music Playground supports the well-being and resiliency of people throughout their lives. At Music Playground Constance and her colleagues offer a range of professional mental health services, including counselling for individuals, couples, and families. They provide a safe space for clients to explore themselves and empower them to cope with challenges to reach their full potential.

Instructor of writing workshop

Constance Lin

You may know Constance Lin for her work as author, columnist, and lyricist, but by trade she is also a counsellor, child educator in social and emotional learning as well as a writing workshop instructor. Constance’s passion projects include the “Music Playground” which she founded and the “More Than Animals” music project where she is creative director.

Constance is a University of Toronto graduate, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce and minor in psychology. She then went on to pursue her passion for counselling by completing a master’s degree in the subject at Monash University in Australia.

A career as school counsellor and parenting & education columnist followed. With plenty of experience and inspiration, Constance then embarked on her own entrepreneurial journey and launched “Music Playground”.

In 2021, Constance published “If You Are Tired – Listen to Animal Stories”, a heart-warming book with a collection of stories, songs and illustrations from the “More Than Animals” music project.

Writing has always been an important part of Constance’s career and has developed into a true passion. To help others explore their creative writing skills, Constance co-writes the column “Write Freely” in Ming Pao with Dr. Ho. Her articles can be found in various magazines and media platforms, including FreShMAn Music Magazine, re:spect music magazine, 亂UP24, and Music Hotpot. Constance also gives talks and workshops on reading and writing in primary and secondary schools. Here she shares valuable insights and encourages young people to listen to themselves and express their emotions through writing.

Hashtag: #REIMAGINEOURCOMMUNITY #城市人的白日夢 #exhibition #展覽 #workshop #工作坊


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