Thailand will require all visitors to show proof of at least two Covid-19 vaccinations under new regulations that coincide with the revival of travel from China.
Thai Police Impound Assets Worth THB 230 Million From Drug Trafficking Gang
Thai police arrested members of a prominent narcotic gang and seized assets worth THB 230 Million (about USD 6790670.19) on Tuesday.
HDBank’s earnings growth to be 16 and 20 per cent in financial year 2023- 2024

Securities firm VNDirect said the State Bank of Vietnam has increased policy rates by 200 basis points and this rate hike would inevitably put pressure on banks’ net interest margin this year as the cost of funds rises and they are unlikely to pass on the entire burden to lending rates.
Meanwhile, the stagnant property market and sluggish recovery in the corporate bond market will stress asset quality and liquidity.
All in all, the tightening of monetary policy and macro uncertainties are expected to affect the outlook for the sector in 2023.
In this context, VNDirect estimates HDBank’s earnings growth to be 16 and 20 per cent in financial year 2023- 2024 compared to a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30 per cent for FY2019-2021.
This figure is higher than the industry forecast (10.4 per cent) as HDBank is likely to get a higher credit growth quota than other banks.
In the event, its credit growth will top 20 per cent in 2023.
Over the long term VNDirect remains upbeat about the outlook for HDBank as it adopts a lending model focused on the high demand in rural areas.
Meanwhile, its strong insurance operations can support its fee income growth. Along with good asset quality, the bank also posted a good return rate of 23 per cent compared to the 20 per cent average for the industry in 2020-2022.
VNDirect expects VIB’s credit growth to slow down to 10-15 per cent over the next two financial years.
In the current higher interest rate environment and with the ongoing liquidity constraints, VIB’s earnings growth will soften to 15-18 per cent across FY2023-2024F (CAGR for FY2019-2021 of 40 per cent).
However, in the long run analysts still like VIB for its strong position in Vietnam’s retail banking arena.
Similarly, VNDirect also predicts that in 2023-2024 VietinBank (HSX:CTG) will achieve credit growth of about 10 per cent, 1-2 percentage points lower than the expectation for the industry as a whole.
VietinBank’s net profit is expected to grow by 10.2 per cent in 2023 and 18 per cent in 2024, with return on equity being 15.5 percent and 16 per cent.
MB Securities forecasts VietinBank’s consolidated pre-tax profit in 2023 to grow by 13.8 per cent to $983.64 million, almost equivalent to 2022 growth rate.
VNDirect also has a conservative prediction for Techcombank (HSX:TCB) in FY2023-2024 due to industry obstacles and close oversight of the bond and real estate markets.
Techcombank’s credit is expected to grow at 10 per cent in 2023 (CAGR FY2019-2021 of 25 per cent).
The bank will have to increase provisioning to prevent bad debt risks.
All in all, VNDirect expects Techcombank’s net profit to grow at 12-14 per cent for the next two years.
With regard to Vietcombank (HSX:VCB), MBS forecasts total operating income in 2022 and 2023 to rise to nearly $2.67 billion and $2.97 billion, up 10.8 per cent and 11 per cent respectively.
Pre-tax profit for 2022 is expected to reach $1.43 billion and could hit $1.75 billion in FY 22-23, up 22.7 per cent and 22.2 percent.
MBS projects ACB’s pre-tax profit to top $722.32 million in 2022, up 41.7 per cent from the previous year. However, this figure could decelerate to 8.6 per cent in 2023 to $782.24 million.
Hashtag: #HDBank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Singapore Polytechnic transforms laboratories for immersive science learning with Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Dear Media Friends, Microsoft Singapore and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) are enhancing the world of education with the Microsoft HoloLens 2. The school will be using this holographic technology to empower their students of selected diplomas in the School of Chemical & Life Sciences (CLS) and its new Common Science Programme. If you would like additional comments from Microsoft or Singapore Polytechnic, feel free to reach out to us directly. Thank you!
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 5 January 2023 – Microsoft is using its holographic technology to support Singapore Polytechnic (SP)’s School of Chemical & Life Sciences (CLS) in hybrid learning and empowering students of selected diplomas and its new Common Science Programme. The adoption of the HoloLens 2 is part of SP’s focus to create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment where students can develop critical skills to thrive in the real world.
The mixed reality technology will benefit over 500 CLS learners annually including Pre-Employment Training (PET) and Continuing Education & Training (CET), which focuses on mid-career professionals and jobseekers.
Fostering a culture of continuous learning and future-readiness
The HoloLens 2 technology allows students to interact with virtual representations of physical lab instruments, science concepts, and learning scenarios. These interactive simulations are critical in helping them acquire industry-relevant knowledge and build confidence in using the instruments and applying the lab processes before competency assessments.
Mixed reality technology also helps to improve knowledge retention and encourages engagement for students with different learning styles. The sensory, auditory and visual input from the VR simulations provides students with experiences that closely resemble interactions in the real world. For kinesthetic learners who rely on physical interaction for better learning, the HoloLens 2 allows them to familiarise with the instruments before they enter into a quality assurance / quality control laboratory. This also enables SP students to take greater ownership in their learning without needing to be in physical contact with the equipment in the real world.
“Holographic technology tools are very useful in building the confidence of users who are new to analytical instruments. The majority of the users are graduates from secondary school, and have never had to perform laboratory works with such complexity. To date, SP has developed a suite of digital solutions for the training of analytical instrumentation. As part of our continual efforts to enhance the learning experience of our students, we have transited from the use of simple e-learning packages to the holographic 3D teaching tool today,” said Dr Charmaine Tan Yen Ling, Course Chair, Common Science Programme, School of Chemical & Life Sciences.
Transforming learning environments with trusted technology
In a hybrid-learning environment, technology plays a critical role in enabling remote learning and assessment. With the HoloLens 2, educators can bring textbook science to life effortlessly and enrich learning curricula with immersive content. Beyond the classroom, this technology allows lecturers to demonstrate extreme parameters and show how it will affect the results and data accuracy.
The HoloLens packages enable SP to expand their lab facilities beyond physical laboratories to the virtual mixed-reality realm, enabling training that was previously limited by the availability of instruments.
“Equipping the next generation with relevant skills and knowledge is key to ensuring the readiness of our workforce as we focus on closing the gap between skilling and employability. Through partnerships with institutes of higher learning like Singapore Polytechnic, we can help to relentlessly drive innovation and steer Singapore toward broad, inclusive economic growth,” said Lum Seow Khun, Director, Public Sector Group, Microsoft Singapore.
Shaping the future of hybrid education
Apart from the Common Science Programme, HoloLens 2 will be used in other academic courses including Applied Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Food Science & Technology and Perfumery & Cosmetic Science. The introduction of this technology to its curriculum is part of SP’s ongoing efforts to help its educators do more with less and empower students to learn actively across a hybrid environment.
To go a step further, SP plans to create more learning opportunities in the virtual space such as ‘over-the-shoulder coaching’ and ‘e-assessment tool’. SP aspires to have technological solutions that cater to a wide spectrum of students with different learning needs, as well as to explore the possibilities in how we can conduct hands-on assessment remotely and fairly.
Hashtag: #Microsoft
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Spackman Media Group Artist Lee Min-Jung’s Latest Comedy Film SWITCH Opens In Korean Theatres
- Starring Spackman Media Group artist, Lee Min-jung, SWITCH opens in Korean theatres as the first local film released in the new year
- Marking the comeback of Lee Min-jung to theatrical films, SWITCH is a family comedy movie, receiving a high audience satisfaction score of 4.46 out of 5 at its premiere
- Represented by MSteam of Spackman Media Group, Lee Min-jung won the Top Excellence Award at the 2020 APAN Star Awards for her role in ONCE AGAIN (2020)
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 5 January 2023 – Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that the comedy film SWITCH, starring Lee Min-jung of MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (“MSteam“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“), opened in Korean theatres as the first local film released in the new year and received a high audience satisfaction score of 4.46 out of 5 at its premiere yesterday.
Distributed by Lotte Entertainment, SWITCH marks the return of Spackman Media Group artist Lee Min-jung to theatrical films since her last appearance in the rom-com, WONDERFUL RADIO (2012). In addition to Lee Min-jung, SWITCH stars veteran actor Kwon Sang-woo of MY TUTOR FRIEND (2003) and Oh Jung-se of SWING KIDS (2018).
SWITCH depicts the story of a popular but scandal-ridden actor, who enjoys a splendid single life, facing a 180 degree life-changing moment on Christmas Eve when he meets a taxi driver. The comedy is directed by Ma Dae-yun and produced by Hive Media Corp.
In addition to Lee Min-jung, MSteam also represents iconic Korean actress Son Ye-jin, who starred in hit romance drama CRASH LANDING ON YOU (2020), and internationally recognized actor Wi Ha-jun of Netflix’s top show ever SQUID GAME (2021), who won the Rising Star Award in 2023 Korea First Brand Awards.
Hashtag: #SpackmanEntertainmentGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited
Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group“), is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea.
The Company was founded in 2011 by renowned media and technology investor Charles Spackman who served as the Company’s Executive Chairman until 2017. For the past two decades, Mr. Charles Spackman has been a powerhouse in the Korean entertainment industry starting in the early 2000’s with the pioneering success of Sidus Pictures, the largest movie production company at the time and the first to be listed in Korea. Mr. Spackman is also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the global investment firm, Spackman Group. For more information, please visit http://www.charlesspackman.com and
https://spackman-group.com/charles-spackman.
Since its founding, SEGL had produced more than 30 major motion pictures including a number of the highest grossing and award-winning films in Korea, namely #ALIVE (2020), CRAZY ROMANCE (2019), DEFAULT (2018), MASTER (2016), THE PRIESTS (2015), SNOWPIERCER (2013), COLD EYES (2013) and ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012).
Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. Generally, we release our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.
The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.
Production Labels
SEGL owns a 100% equity interest in Studio Take Co., Ltd. (“Studio Take“) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021). Its latest film, A MAN OF REASON, is set to be screened theatrically and digitally in North America in the first quarter of 2023 and at theatres in Korea in the fourth quarter of 2022 or first quarter of 2023. A MAN OF REASON premiered in the US at the 42nd Hawaii International Film Festival. The film was also invited to the 47th Toronto International Film Festival, the largest film festival in North America, and the 55th Sitges Film Festival, one of the world’s top three genre film festivals. Studio Take shall also release an upcoming film, THE GUEST, in 2023 tentatively.
SEGL owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp“), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 80 films (59 Korean and 21 foreign) including OKAY MADAM (2020), LONG LIVE THE KING (2019), MY FIRST CLIENT (2019), ROSE OF BETRAYAL (2018), THE OUTLAWS (2017) and SECRETLY, GREATLY (2013), which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS (2013), as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY (2013). In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012), a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand (“VOD“) sales records in Korea. For more information, please visit http://novusmediacorp.com
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited (“Greenlight Content“) which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group’s first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited (“Simplex Films“) which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).
The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST’S WAIL, a comedy horror film.
Talent Representation
The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL“). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-hyun, Park Keun-rok), MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee, Lee Cho-hee), UAA&CO Inc. (Kim Sang-kyung) and Play Content Co., Ltd. (Hwang-hwi). Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company. For more information, please visit http://www.spackmanmediagroup.com
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency“). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory“) and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG“), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.
Strategic Businesses
The Company also operates a café-restaurant, Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.
For more details, please visit http://www.spackmanentertainmentgroup.com/
Police Confirm Death of Boy Trapped in Narrow Concrete Pile in Vietnam
A 10-year-old boy who fell into the narrow open shaft of a concrete pile at a construction site on New Year’s Eve in Dong Thap’s Thanh Bình district has been declared dead by Vietnamese Police.
Jumpstart the New Year With Up to 80% in Savings on iShopChangi’s Deals!
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with iShopChangi as you enjoy great savings all throughout January 2023 with a weekly themed set of deals to jump on.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 5 January 2023 – Spanning the months of January to February, hop on down to iShopChangi for amazing weekly deals as it welcomes the Year of the Rabbit. With exciting deals on wines & spirits, beauty, electronics and more for both travellers and non-travellers, kickstart the new year with great savings with iShopChangi.

Leap for Joy With these Amazing iShopChangi Sitewide Vouchers
From January to February, iShopChangi has exciting Chinese New Year (CNY) themed sitewide vouchers to grab all that your heart desires at a bargain. Extending to a wide range of products, enjoy CNY staples like the New Moon South Africa Abalone Bundle Deal, retailing now at S$148, a 46% discount from its usual price of S$274.80. Have an easier time in the kitchen this CNY when cooking for loved ones with the Mayer 3.5L Digital Air Fryer, which now retails at S$88, a 58% off from its usual price of S$209. Alternatively, get the best gifts for visitation this year from iShopChangi! The Trulife Premium Bird’s Nest With Rock Sugar 10 Pack Gift Set is not only a great way to impress hosts but also a steal at just S$48.80, a 40% off the usual price of S$80.90! Access these deals and more by simply locking in the following discount codes below at checkout.
CNY (Sitewide vouchers) |
From 3 Jan – 5 Feb: |
12% off* no min. spend, capped at S$50. Use Code: <CNYHUAT12> |
15% off* a min. spend of S$350 capped at S$100. Use Code: <CNYHUAT15> |
CNY Gifting and Last Dash Flash Sale |
From 11 – 15 Jan and 20 – 24 Jan: |
20% off* with a min. spend of $800 capped at $200. Use Code: <CNYFLASH20> |
Ramp Up with these Deals for the Coming Year and Festivities
This festive season, relish the weekly themed deals with iShopChangi, with each week taking you through the different aspects of CNY traditions.
Beginning with Reunion Essentials (week of 2 Jan to 8 Jan), look forward to get-together must-haves like the PowerPac Bear Steamboat with BBQ Grill, 2 in 1 Multi Cooker. Retailing at S$78, a 63% discount off the usual price of S$209, this duo-cooking steamboat will surely be a treat with the variety of cooking options it offers. The Barton & Guestier B&G Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Bundle of 6, retailing at S$142, a 30% off the usual price of S$204, will also be a great addition to reunion parties with not only great flavour, but volume too.
From 9 to 15 Jan, expect amazing deals on spring cleaning essentials, such as electronics from the versatile PowerPac. Refresh the air and your senses with the PowerPac X Bear 2-in-1 Humidifier & Water Air Purifier 5L Large Capacity Desktop Dual Purification Aroma Diffuser. Retailing at S$32.90, a 67% off the usual price of $99, it will be certain to freshen up any home for visitors! The PowerPac Handheld Garment Steamer will be a great addition to your festivity preparation essentials. Now retailing at just S$19.90, it is 64% off its usual price of S$55.90!
With the CNY festivities fast approaching, iShopChangi has dedicated the last two weeks’ deals to festive gifts. From 16 Jan to 22 Jan and 23 Jan to 29 Jan, look forward to gift sets like Kinohimitsu [Bundle of 2] Essence of Chicken Gift Sets of 8 retailing at S$35.80, 40% off the usual price of S$59.80, and the Ést.Lab Glowing ést.perience Kit On-The-Go retailing at S$79.00, a 15% off the usual price of S$93. Gifted separately or together, these items are sure to have you feeling or looking great for the coming festivities!
Hop into the New Year
New travelling and non-travelling users of iShopChangi will get a warm welcome with S$20 off with a minimum of S$79 spent. From 3 Jan to 5 Feb, simply use the code <ISCNEW20> to enjoy more savings on iShopChangi’s wide selection of brands.
Travellers may place their orders between 30 days in advance and up to 12 hours before flying, and pick up their purchases from the Collection Centres across the departure and arrival halls of all terminals at Singapore Changi Airport. Alternatively, provide a Singapore residential address for delivery. Till 31 January, travellers can also enjoy 20% off when carting out, with no minimum spend, capped at S$20, with the code <REVENGE20>.
Non-travellers can cart out at tax and duty-absorbed prices on iShopChangi and have their items delivered to them for free when they spend at least S$59 and provide a local residential address for delivery.
New registrants to Changi Pay can also enjoy an exclusive S$5 welcome voucher.
Hashtag: #iShopChangi
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
iShopChangi
iShopChangi was launched in 2013 as an extension of Changi Airport’s promise to deliver greater comfort and convenience to travellers in its suite of airport retail offerings. Passengers can browse and purchase tax- and duty-free products across all terminals between 30 days to 12 hours pre-flight on the e-store – and choose to collect their items at Collection Centres within departure, upon arrival or have them delivered free in Singapore. Providing easy access to over 30,000 products across 900 brands and exclusives such as Changi First product launches, the site has since received global recognition with its award for Best Website – Retail Customer Facing at The Moodies: the Airport and Travel Retail Digital Media Awards 2018. In early 2020, the e-commerce store started to retail a selection tax- and duty-absorbed products to Singapore-based residents without the need to fly.
Three Nepali Women Rescued from Laos, Still Feel Unsafe at Home
The women who left Nepal to pursue supposedly well-paying jobs in Laos, fell victim to a human trafficking scheme, where they were expected to work in call centers and scam unsuspecting affluent people in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK.