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Avery Dennison launches AD XeroLinr DT™, its linerless label portfolio for variable information printing

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 20 March 2023 – Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY), a leader in global materials science and manufacturing, has launched AD XeroLinr DT™, its direct thermal (DT) linerless portfolio, as part of its growing Sustainable ADvantage offerings in Asia Pacific.

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AD XeroLinr DT™ is designed to increase sustainability and productivity, while reducing the overall logistics time and cost. As the backing material that carries the label face until its application stage, liners comprise 30-40% of the entire pressure-sensitive label construction. With the complete elimination of liners, AD XeroLinr DT™ offers huge sustainability advantages in comparison to the conventional DT labels with liners, including reduction in the use of raw materials, greenhouse gas emissions, and solid waste generation. Its construction enables more labels per roll and less frequent change-overs, providing more machine uptime.

Jitesh Mehta, Senior Product Marketing Director, Avery Dennison Asia Pacific, said, “We are excited to extend AD XeroLinr DT™ to our customers in this region. The linerless market is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, especially where variable information printing needs are high such as quick service restaurants, e-commerce, and weigh-scale applications. This is coming from increased demand for sustainable alternatives, and we believe our global reach, technical expertise, and innovative approaches will greatly support the sustainability landscape.”

Learn more about AD XeroLinr DT™ at label.averydennison.com.

Hashtag: #AveryDennison

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

About Avery Dennison

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company that provides branding and information labeling solutions, including pressure-sensitive materials, radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, and a variety of converted products and solutions. The company designs and manufactures a wide range of labeling and functional materials that enhance branded packaging, carry or display information that connects the physical and the digital, and improve customers’ product performance. The company serves an array of industries worldwide, including home and personal care, apparel, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive. The company employs approximately 36,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Reported sales in 2022 were $9.0 billion. Learn more at .

Where to Enjoy a Delicious Weekend Breakfast in Vientiane

Western breakfast.

While a bowl of rice porridge may be a breakfast comfort food par excellence, there’s just something about a Western-style breakfast that can’t be beaten on a weekend, writes Evan Dixon.

Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority Approves Pfizer’s Pneumococcal 20-Valent Conjugate Vaccine For Adults 18 Years Or Older

  • First pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against 20 serotypes responsible for the majority of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7]. In Singapore, pneumonia is the third leading cause of death[8] and fourth most common cause of hospitalisations[9]
  • Offers the broadest serotype coverage of any pneumococcal conjugate vaccine currently available, building on Pfizer’s more than 20-year legacy and innovation in developing pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
  • Approval of APEXXNAR in Singapore, the first in Southeast Asia, aligns with Singapore’s Healthier SG Strategy to place a sustained focus on preventive care in achieving overall healthier living
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 18 March 2023 – Pfizer announced today that the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved its 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) that protects against invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia caused by 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) serotypes. Marketed under the brand name APEXXNAR, this vaccine is approved for active immunisation for individuals aged 18 years and older, advancing the company’s ongoing commitment to help prevent certain potentially-serious infectious respiratory diseases.

The approval of APEXXNAR in Singapore, being the first in Southeast Asia, underscores Pfizer’s 20 years of growing legacy and experience in developing and supplying innovative pneumococcal conjugate vaccines that have had a pivotal impact on the global disease burden. This approval also supports Singapore’s Healthier SG initiative that focuses on improving population health and quality of life through proactive preventive care, regular screening and recommended vaccinations.

“Singapore’s approval of APEXXNAR today signals the importance of continually addressing the ever-evolving burden of pneumococcal disease. This is especially critical against the rapidly ageing landscape to ensure comprehensive coverage for the population,” said Erika Pagani, Country Manager, Pfizer Singapore. “As the country progresses towards a Healthier SG, Pfizer looks forward to continue playing a key role to protect adults from this widespread life-threatening disease.”

According to the Singapore Ministry of Health, pneumonia is the fourth most common cause for hospitalisation[9] and third leading cause of death[8], responsible for more than 4000 deaths annually[10]. Singapore continues to face a rising burden of the disease in light of the increasing prevalence of new infectious variants and a rapidly ageing population.

“Despite its severity and burden on the population, the awareness surrounding pneumococcal disease and the uptake of the vaccine in Singapore remains relatively low,” said Dr Leong Hoe Nam, Infectious Disease expert at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. “With the approval of APEXXNAR, and in line with the Healthier SG initiative, we encourage all adults to take proactive steps towards preventive care and vaccinate against this disease.”


[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Active Bacterial Core (ABCs) surveillance. National Center for
Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Atlanta, GA.
[2] Ladhani, SN, Collins S, Djennad A, et al. Rapid increase in non-vaccine serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal
disease in England and Wales, 2000–17: a prospective national observational cohort study. Lancet Infect Dis.
2018;18(4):441-451.
[3] Menéndez R, España PP, Pérez-Trallero E, et al. The burden of PCV13 serotypes in hospitalized pneumococcal
pneumonia in Spain using a novel urinary antigen detection test. CAPA study. Vaccine. 2017;35(39):5264-5270.
[4] Azzari C, Cortimiglia M, Nieddu F, et al. Pneumococcal serotype distribution in adults with invasive disease and in
carrier children in Italy: Should we expect herd protection of adults through infants’ vaccination? Hum Vaccin
Immunother. 2016;12(2):344-350.
[5] Pivlishi T. Impact of PCV13 on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) burden and the serotype distribution in the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. October 24th,
2018.
[6] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Invasive pneumococcal disease. In: ECDC. Annual
epidemiological report for 2016. Stockholm: ECDC; 2018.
[7] Beall B, Chochua S, Gertz RE Jr, et al. A population-based descriptive atlas of invasive pneumococcal strains
recovered within the U.S. during 2015-2016. Front Microbiol. 2018;19(9).
[8] Singapore Ministry of Health. Principal Causes of Death https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/singapore-health-facts/principal-causes-of-death
[9] Singapore Ministry of Health. Top 10 Conditions of Hospitalisation https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/singapore-health-facts/top-10-conditions-of-hospitalisation
[10] The Straits Times. What’s behind the recent rise in Covid-19 deaths in S’pore? Here are some facts you may not know https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/deaths-in-a-world-where-the-coronavirus-is-endemic

Hashtag: #Pfizer

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

About PCV20

PCV20—known as APEXXNAR in Singapore and the EU, and PREVNAR 20TM in the US—is Pfizer’s next-generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that includes capsular polysaccharide conjugates for the 13 serotypes (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F) already included in Singapore-registered PREVENAR 13® (Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine [Diphtheria CRM197 Protein]).The vaccine also contains capsular polysaccharide conjugates for seven additional serotypes (8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F and 33F) that cause invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), and have been associated with high case-fatality rates, antibiotic resistance, and/or meningitis. APEXXNAR contains the broadest serotype coverage of any available conjugate vaccine and helps protect against the 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in the vaccine.

About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/PfizerSG.

DISCLOSURE NOTICE:
The information contained in this release is as of March 18, 2023. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.

This release contains forward‐looking information about APEXXNAR® [pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (20-valent, adsorbed)] (PCV20), including its potential benefits, an approval in the European Union for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in individuals 18 years of age or older, a potential pediatric indication and a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to include data in the U.S. prescribing information for adults age 18 years or older regarding coadministration of PREVNAR 20 with a seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of PCV20; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when any biologics license applications may be filed in particular jurisdictions for PCV20 for the prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia in adults age 18 years or older or for any other potential indications; whether and when the sBLA pending in the U.S. may be approved and whether and when any such other applications that may be pending or filed for PCV20 may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product’s benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product’s efficacy and, if approved, whether PCV20 will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of PCV20; uncertainties regarding the ability to obtain recommendations from vaccine advisory or technical committees and other public health authorities regarding PCV20 and uncertainties regarding the commercial impact of any such recommendations; the impact of COVID-19 on our business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments. A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results”, as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at and .

Laos Offers Visa-Free Entry to Tourists from 16 Countries

Laos Offers Visa-Free Entry to Tourists from 15 Countries
Model airplane held by young adult.

If you’re planning a trip to Laos, it’s important to check the visa requirements before you go. Some visitors may be pleased to learn that Laos offers visa exemptions for tourists from certain countries.

Loca to Transition to Fully Electric Fleet by 2030

LOCA To Have Only EVs In Fleet By 2030
A fleet of LOCA's EV Cars and Motorbikes. ( Photo : LOCA )

As more businesses transition to environmentally conscious practices, the LOCA ride-hailing service is at the forefront of this movement, providing Electric Vehicle (EV) services to its customers since 2018.

Laos Records Trade Surplus of USD 48 Million in February

Laos Records Year-on-Year Trade Deficit of USD 48 Million in February
Representative image of containers at shipyard. (photo: RTE)

Laos recorded a trade surplus of USD 48 million in February, making for a better start to the year.

China Lilang Announces 2022 Annual Results

Revenue at RMB3,086 Million Net Profit at RMB448 Million
Total Dividend for the year at HK32 Cents Per Share

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 March 2023 – China Lilang Limited (“China Lilang” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries the “Group”; stock code: 1234) has today announced its 2022 annual results.

Mr. Wang Dong Xing, Chairman and Executive Director of China Lilang, said,

“In 2022, lockdowns and control measures were imposed one after another to address the fluctuating coronavirus pandemic, slowing down economic development and, at the same time, dampening consumer sentiment as in-store shopping and social activities were refrained, of which the apparel industry bore the brunt with negative growth recorded in retail sales of apparel for the year. Operating in such a challenging business environment, the Group actively responded to the changing market by continuously facilitating new retail business, promoting sales and driving store efficiency.”

In 2022, the Group’s revenue decreased by 8.7% year-on-year to RMB3,086 million. Net profit decreased by 4.3% year-on-year to RMB448 million, mainly due to the decrease in overall revenue as the Pandemic weighed heavily on the offline retail business, with certain stores being temporarily suspended due to the pandemic prevention and control measures, and rebates provided to distributors by the Group during the year. The gross profit margin was 46.0%, representing an increase of 4.1 percentage points year-on-year, which was primarily attributable to the inventory provision of RMB120 million recorded in 2021 and the writeback of inventory provision of RMB22.26 million during the year. Earnings per share were RMB37.42 cents, down by 4.3%.

During the year, the Group maintained a healthy financial position with sufficient cash flow. The Board of Directors recommended payment of a final dividend of HK9 cents per share and a special final dividend of HK5 cents per share, together with the interim dividend already distributed, the total dividend for the year amounted to HK32 cents per share, maintaining a stable payout ratio.

The Group actively develop the business in WeChat Mall during the year to take advantage of the interactive features of the social platform and capitalise on the complementary advantages of online and offline services, thus driving store efficiency growth. The Group gradually transformed its online sales service from a channel for off-season inventory clearance to a platform mainly for advertising its brand image, and promoted sales through sales promotion, e-commerce live streaming and other campaigns, such as the launch of pants hot products on e-commerce platforms during the 618 E-Commerce Shopping Festival and the premier launch of quality and hot items, hydrophobic downs, online prior to the Double 11 Shopping Festival. Although retail sales decreased by 0.4% under a stagnant market, a significant increase in gross profit was recorded mainly due to higher unit price of new product sales and sales proportion of new products increased. The new retail business started generating net profit.

However, physical stores’ sales were strongly affected by the Pandemic, the Group decisively closed certain underperforming stores and slowed down its plan to open new stores, thus falling short of the target of maintaining the same number of stores throughout the year as the beginning of the year. As of the end of the previous year, the Group had 2,644 stores, representing a decrease of 89 stores as compared to the end of 2021. The Group further optimised its nationwide sales network by relocating approximately 50 stores to premium locations of first- and second-tier cities, so as to enhance store efficiency and utilisation of store space.

Thus far, nearly 40% of core collection stores are operating under the consignment model. During the year, the Group continued to consolidate and develop its nationwide sales network through long-term partnership with distributors, in order to reach more consumers across China. At the same time, the Group pragmatically supported distributors in optimizing the retail network by opening stores in carefully selected quality shopping malls and prime shop locations. The Group also promoted increased usage of the WeChat platform in physical stores to achieve higher store efficiency. On the other hand, smart casual collection stores and online stores were converted to direct-to-retail mode in 2020 and 2021, respectively. By the end of 2022, the Group had a total of 251 smart casual collection stores, and other stores were operated the other stores were operated by distributors or sub-distributors respectively.

With respect to inventory management, despite weaker sales caused by the volatile Pandemic situation, the effort put into inventory clearance by the Group was effective, and the inventory balance during the year approximated that of last year.

On the brand promotion front, the Group has been on the forefront of the apparel industry by promoting its key products with the newly-created virtual ambassador, Li Li, so as to show China Lilang’s brand concepts with simple menswear and attract young consumers’ attention. Moreover, the Group continued to work with its brand ambassador, Han Han, by being the official menswear partner for his new film “Only Fools Rush In” and launching co-branding products with him and the Chinese National Geography magazine. China Lilang has also co-partnered with artist Cao Yu (Leo), and LESS IS MORE has formed a co-branding partnership with the science fiction, The Three-Body Universe, for its shop image.

Looking ahead to 2023, the Pandemic situation has gradually stabilised, foot traffic has increased significantly, and social and economic activities are picking up. Besides, multiple provinces and cities have introduced intensive policies to promote consumption, providing strong support to boost market confidence and consumption levels. The Group maintains a wait-and-see attitude towards the retail market in the first half of next year, but adopts a cautiously optimistic outlook on the full year.

China Lilang will adopt a prudent store opening approach to improve its sales network. The Group is aiming for a net increase of approximately 100 stores in the next year, and plans to continue to open stores in quality shopping malls in provincial capitals and prefecture level cities. The Group will also open more stores at outlet malls and use them as the default channel for inventory clearance. The Group aims to grow its total retail sales for the year 2023 by 10% or more.

The Group will step up efforts to promote its new retail business, cultivate the business model of selling at online stores and delivery to offline stores, and introduce better services, to provide more convenient and satisfactory shopping experiences to customers. Instead of being just a channel of the Group for inventory clearance, online stores will also become an important tool for the Group to launch new products. It is expected that in 2023, proportion of new products sold from e-commerce will further increase. Together with precise online promotions, the Group will drive traffic and cultivate customer loyalty, and thereby promote growth in online sales, striving to achieve significant growth in sales from e-commerce business during the year.

Chairman Wang Dong Xing concluded:

“The Pandemic has accelerated the market consolidation of the retail sector and realised the principle of the survival of the fittest. As a capable menswear enterprise, China Lilang will continue to adhere to its strategy of providing products that offer excellent value for money in the following year in a bid to strengthen its product competitiveness. The efforts made during the past few years enabled the Group to build internally a strong supply chain and inventory management capabilities and to add externally channels of consignment model, retail and e-commerce along with the original distributor model. All of the new channels have been on the right track and recorded profits. In the long run, the Group determines to further consolidate its leading position in China’s menswear industry and realise sustainable long-term growth, which in turn will enable it to reward shareholders, staff members and customers for their support.”

Hashtag: #ChinaLilang

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

About China Lilang

China Lilang is one of the leading PRC menswear enterprises. As an integrated fashion enterprise, the Group designs, sources and manufactures high-quality business and casual apparel for men and sells under the LILANZ brand across an extensive distribution network, covering 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in the PRC.

Lao-American Footballer Michael Vang to Represent Laos in Three Nations Cup

Michael Vang with coach Michael Weiss in Laos

Michael Vang, an American football (soccer) player of Hmong descent, will play for his homeland in the Three Nations Cup in Nepal this month.