Authorities in the province of Luang Prabang have announced that vendors will be allowed to set up shops without permission at the Traditional Market Fair during the Lao New Year.
Luang Prabang Authorities to Manage Market Vendors Ahead of Lao New Year

Cambodia Makes SEA Games Free for All Attendees
Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Sen, has announced that the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games will be free of charge for all attendees.
First Hydrogen Unveils Next Generation Zero Emission Vehicle
The Generation I FCEVs have entered road trials with members of the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (AHFC), starting with vehicle management provider Rivus, the trials enable prospective customers and influencers for alternative fuel vehicles to experience the benefits of hydrogen powertrains. The vehicles will be tested across a range of industry sectors including parcel delivery, grocery, utilities, healthcare and roadside assistance, enabling First Hydrogen to trial the vehicles in a variety of real-world operational settings.
Presenting the Generation II LCV in an operational environment, these images showcase how function has been at the forefront of the design process. The modern, minimalist look will also ensure the vehicle has longevity and will continue to appeal to the market over extended periods of use. With good ground clearance, a large front windshield, and a spacious, easy-to-access load space, the Generation II design enables high levels of driver comfort, efficient operation and zero emissions. Expertly positioned lighting also makes the vehicle visible to other road users, an essential safety attribute in built up areas and urban landscapes, or for delivery and service vehicles that need to stop at the roadside.
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Close-up side view
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First Hydrogen will use data and feedback collected during the trial to optimise the performance of Generation I vehicles and inform the development of future product. This will ensure First Hydrogen’s Generation II series will support different operational duty cycles and fulfill the demand for zero emission commercial vehicles.
The global light commercial vehicle market is projected to reach USD $752 billion by 20301, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1% during the forecast period (2022-2030). First Hydrogen is targeting the commercial van market and light commercial vehicle sector to support fleet operators to move away from fossil fuels and invest in zero emission transport. As target dates for zero emission approach, growth for zero emissions vehicles is predicted to accelerate. Government and industry incentives will further boost market progress and it is expected to develop more as zero emissions technology improves and is rolled out at scale.
Steve Gill, CEO of Automotive for First Hydrogen, says: “These concept vehicles provide a glimpse of our company’s future and give a clear indication of our brand direction within the LCV space. A spacious and easy to access cabin gives drivers comfort as well as good visibility of the road ahead and enables them to move in and out of the vehicle quickly, which is vital for express delivery and time-sensitive operations that require drivers to make multiple stops. The clean and modern design is flexible to suit use in a range of industries; it secures First Hydrogen’s position as a developer of functional vehicles that will take operators into the zero emissions future.”
Bernat Costa, Design Director at EDAG Spain, comments: “The Generation II vehicles show how clean energy can be applied within everyday operations. We have also incorporated First Hydrogen’s signature style, which gives the vehicles a recognisable identity. They look modern and will boast high performance zero emissions technology but have a clean, minimalist design to ensure they work well in a range of commercial settings. The design accommodates a number of customisable elements, providing customers with a choice of sizes and bespoke elements to ensure the vehicle best fits their operations.”
1https://straitsresearch.com/report/light-commercial-vehicle-market
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.
About EDAG Group (EDAG.com)
EDAG Group is the world’s largest independent engineering service provider to the global mobility industry. We regard mobility as a fully integrated ecosystem, and offer our customers technological solutions for more sustainable, emission-free and intelligently networked mobility. With a global network of some 60 branches, EDAG Group provides engineering services in the Vehicle Engineering, Electrics/Electronics and Production Solutions segments.
With our interdisciplinary expertise in the fields of software and digitalization, we possess the key skills to help actively shape the dynamic transformation process the mobility industry is currently undergoing. Digital features, autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, alternative powertrains, new mobility concepts and the vision of a networked smart city have become an integral part of our portfolio. Embedded in EDAG’s own 360° degree approach to the development of complete vehicles and production facilities, we are a competent partner for sustainable mobility projects. It is in the DNA of the company to actively shape the future of mobility and transfer new technologies and concepts into series production. Today, EDAG is one of the TOP 20 IT service providers in the German mobility sector.
Our customers include leading international OEMs, tier 1 suppliers and startup companies from the automotive and non-automotive industries, all of whom we serve globally with our workforce of approximately 8,000 experts in 360-degree engineering.
In 2021, EDAG generated sales of €687 million and at December 31, 2021, EDAG employed a global workforce of 7,880 (including apprentices).
On behalf of the Board of Directors of
FIRST HYDROGEN CORP.
“Balraj Mann”
Chairman & Group CEO
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.
Man Charged for Vandalizing Sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple in Thailand

A 24-year-old man from Khon Kaen was arrested by Thai police on 28 March after being caught spray-painting an anti-112 message on the wall of Wat Phra Kaew temple in Bangkok.
South China Vocational Education Announces its 2022 Annual Results Revenue Grows Steadily to RMB516.3 million
Actively Supports and Serves Country’s Development Strategies Upholds “Empowering Industry-education Interaction and Creating Value” Philosophy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 April 2023 – South China Vocational Education Group Company Limited (“South China Vocational Education” or the “Group”, Stock Code: 6913), a leading private formal vocational education service provider in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (“GBA”), has announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2022 (“FY2022” or the “Year”).
During the Year, the Group maintained its position as the leading private formal vocational education service provider in the GBA by focusing on quality development and with active progress in establishing majors, school-enterprise cooperation and brand building. The Group’s revenue increased by approximately 3.3% year-on-year to RMB516.3 million, primarily due to an increase in tuition fees as a result of the increase in total full-time student enrollment and the increase in the average tuition fees, as well as an increase in continuing education programs during the Year. The Group’s gross profit amounted to approximately RMB196.8 million and profit for the year was approximately RMB142.9 million.
Continues to pursue stable development, improves operational efficiency
Mr. He Huishan, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of South China Vocational Education Group, said, “In 2022, we formulated our overall development strategies that agree with the 14th Five-Year Plan, insisting on enriching the content and special characteristics of vocational education, driving development of the new innovative industry-education integrated engine and, instead of the single academic qualifications structure, changing to adopting the “three-wheeled” strategy that stresses academic qualification education, open education and industry-education integration. Despite the challenges from the pandemic during the year, we are pleased to see the Group made significant progress in all its work and achieved overall stable performance. We will continue to uphold our philosophy of ’empowering industry-education interaction and creating value’, deepen organizational and management reform and improve operational efficiency, so as to inject new vigor to help the Group develop.”
The Group operates two schools in the GBA, namely, Guangdong Lingnan Institute of Technology (“Lingnan Institute of Technology”) and Guangdong Lingnan Modern Technician College (“Lingnan Modern Technician College”). As at 31 December 2022, Lingnan Institute of Technology had 13 secondary colleges and offered over 47 majors in a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to, electronic information engineering technology, e-commerce, computer network technology, cloud computing technology application, webcasting and operation, online marketing and livestreaming e-commerce, industrial internet, financial services and management, etc. Lingnan Modern Technician College had 7 departments and offered over 27 majors, including but not limited to, mechatronics, drones, vehicle inspection and maintenance, fire engineering, traditional Chinese medicine, rehabilitation, nursing, big data applications, advertising design, computer network application, computer program design and digital media application, etc.
Favorable policies to support vocational education development
During the Year, a number of national policies favourable to the development of vocational education were rolled out, providing a strong impetus to the long-term development of the industry and opening up wide room for the Group’s future growth. Among them, the newly revised “Vocational Education Law of the People’s Republic of China” was passed in April 2022. It states that “vocational education is of equal importance as general education”, promotes “the mutual integration of vocational education and general education”, and emphasizes that “the State encourages the development of various levels and forms of vocational education, promotes diversified school-running, supports broad and equal participation of social forces in vocational education”. Besides, in December 2022, the General Office of the Central Committee of CPC and the General Office of the State Council issued the Opinions on Deepening the Construction and Reform of Modern Vocational Education System (the “Deepening Opinions”). The Deepening Opinions have put forward that the promotion of the high-quality development of modern vocational education should be placed in a more prominent position. The policy also emphasizes that modern vocational education should insist on serving the overall development of students and economic and social development, based on enhancing the key competencies of vocational schools, cultivate more high-quality technical and skilled talents, and lay a solid foundation for accelerating the building of a strong country in education, science and technology and talent.
Notable increase in new enrollment in 2022/23 academic year, evidence of brand influence
During the year, with the Group actively building up course content and improving quality, new enrollments in the 2022/23 academic year achieved encouraging growth. As at 21 September 2022, new enrollments of Lingnan Institute of Technology increased by 15.4% year-on-year to 5,291, and that of Lingnan Modern Technician College climbed by a notable 66.5% to 5,638, reflective of the brand influence of the Group and that its strategies of driving high-quality and scalable development are bearing fruit. In aggregate, the full-time students enrolled at the Group’s schools numbered at 26,743 for the 2022/2023 school year. As at 31 December 2022, the average tuition fee of Lingnan Institute of Technology and Lingnan Modern Technician College were RMB17,348 and RMB12,667, respectively, and the average boarding fee of the two schools were RMB1,792 and RMB1,804, respectively.
Adopts “three-wheeled” approach of academic education, open education and industry-education integration
With regard to business development strategy, the Group will drive growth through the directions of promoting the endogenous growth of formal vocational education, expanding school networks by mergers and acquisitions, expanding ancillary education business and developing international cooperation. Firstly, the expansion and upgrade of Lingnan Institute of Technology will continue. Supported by the policy encouraging the establishment of undergraduate level vocational education, the Group will first focus on the establishment of certain undergraduate programs and then gradually develop the entire school into an undergraduate level vocational and technical college. In addition, Lingnan Modern Technician College will proactively identify new venues in the GBA for its new branches or new independent colleges, expanding its network of secondary vocational schools.
In addition, the Group will strive to expand its school networks through mergers and acquisitions, with priority given to high-quality technical schools and institutions providing non-formal vocational training in the Greater Bay Area. Furthermore, the Group will continue to proactively expand its ancillary education business, including adult continuing education programs, vocational skills certificate examination training, and training tasks for government institutions and industry associations. The Group will also explore cooperation with overseas colleges and institutions for higher education (focusing on colleges and institutions in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, the European Union and other countries and regions) so as to create a new pathway for global high-quality education.
Mr. He Huishan concluded, “Looking forward, South China Vocational Education will actively integrate into the country’s new development aspiration. It will push to tap investment and financing power, strengthen integration of internal and external resources, step up market-oriented development mechanism and bring in talent. On the foundation of pushing for steady development and raising the quality and standard of vocational education, the Group will actively explore mergers and acquisitions of training business and online education, build a provincial-level industry-education integration demonstration park, and improve the layout of the vocational education system and education-related industries. It will also gradually export its vocational education model to the Greater Bay Area and areas surrounding Guangdong, such as Jiangxi and Fujian, work hard on building an ecosystem that focuses on industry-education integration and development, so as to fortify its core competitiveness, improve employee well-being and its capability to serve the society. The Group will transform and upgrade in line with the country’s strategy and regional development needs, while aiming for high-quality growth.”
Hashtag: #SouthChinaVocationalEducation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About South China Vocational Education Group Company Limited (Stock Code: 6913)
Established in 1993, South China Vocational Education Group Company Limited operates Guangdong Lingnan Institute of Technology and Guangdong Lingnan Modern Technician College in Guangzhou and Qingyuan. It offers over 70 majors covering the TMT and health industries, such as next-generation information technology, e-commerce, healthcare and medicine, and is committed to nurturing young vocational talent in the Greater Bay Area. The Group is a leading private formal vocational education service provider in the Greater Bay Area.
Authorities Counsel Forest Fire Offenders in Vientiane
Last week, the Vientiane Province government counseled 65 locals who were caught burning forest land in Phou Phanang National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area to reeducate and raise awareness on the harmful long-term effects of illegal logging and deforestation.
ASEAN Vows Support in Tackling Cross-Border Haze Pollution
During his visit to Thailand on Thursday, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn pledged to assist in addressing the transboundary haze pollution that is affecting several member countries of ASEAN.
Vientiane Residents Block Road with Drainage Pipes to Speed up Repair

Residents of Chanthabouly District in Vientiane Capital, have resorted to using concrete drainage cement pipes to block a road in hopes of expediting the repair process.