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Spackman Media Group Artist Son Suk-Ku’s BIG BET Season 2 Achieves The Highest Viewing of All Time For Korean Content On Disney+

  • BIG BET Season 2, starring Spackman Media Group artist Son Suk-ku, broke the record for the highest viewing ever in the first week of its release among all previous Disney+ Korean original content
  • Season 2 of BIG BET surpassed the record established by BIG BET Season 1 as the top-rated Korean OTT series on IMDb among those released concurrently
  • Son Suk-ku also secured the top spot in the 2023 MALE ACTORS TO WATCH survey conducted by Cine21, a weekly film magazine in Korea, surpassing Pak Seo-joon, Song Joong-ki and Lee Jung-jae

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 16 March 2023 – Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by global media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that BIG BET Season 2, headlined by Son Suk-ku of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“), set a new record for the highest viewership in its first week of release, surpassing all previous Disney+ Korean original content.

BIG BET Season 2 broke the record previously set by BIG BET Season 1, which attained the highest rating of 8.4/10 among Korean OTT series released concurrently on IMDb, the world’s largest content rating site. In BIG BET Season 2, top Korean star Son Suk-ku of Spackman Media Group reprises his role as a cop who further tightens his grip on a legendary king of the casino in the Philippines.

Last month, Son Suk-ku was also ranked #1 in the 2023 MALE ACTORS TO WATCH survey conducted by Cine21, a weekly film magazine in Korea, surpassing Pak Seo-joon, Song Joong-ki and Lee Jung-jae in the survey. The top five in the 2023 MALE ACTORS TO WATCH were Son Suk-ku, Pak Seo-joon, Koo Gyo-hwan, Lee Do-hyun, Song Joong-ki and Lee Jung-jae. The top five in the 2023 FEMALE ACTORS TO WATCH are Park Eun-bin, Kim Tae-ri, Han So-hee, Song Hye-kyo, Kim Hye-soo and Lee Hanee.

In January this year, Son Suk-ku also took the top spot in movie star reputation, according to the Korea Corporation Reputation Research Institute. Moreover, in December 2022, Son Suk-ku won the JTBC Grand Prize at the 2022 TV Drama Acting Awards held by Good Data Corporation, an online competitive analysis agency for K-content in Korea.

The top ranking of Son Suk-ku and the highest viewership of BIG BET Season 2 of all time for Korean content on Disney+ continue to underscore his star power in the Korean entertainment sector.

Last year, Son Suk-ku dominated both the big and small screens in Korea with his lead roles in the 2022’s top box office performing film, THE ROUNDUP, and the most popular K-drama in May 2022, MY LIBERATION NOTES.

Son Suk-ku is represented by SBD Entertainment Inc. (“SBD Entertainment“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spackman Media Group that represents and manages the careers of 12 artists. In addition to Son Suk-ku, SBD Entertainment also represents one of Korea’s rapidly rising young actors, Han Ji-hyun of popular K-drama THE PENTHOUSE 3, who won the Best Rookie Female Actor in the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards in Korea and endorsed Shiseido in 2022.

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 and .

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 and at theatres in Korea in the first half 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

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

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

BTS Skytrain Workers in Bangkok Threaten Strike Over Unpaid Debts

BTS Skytrain Workers in Bangkok Threaten Strike Over Unpaid Debts
BTS protesting at the city's Government House. ( Photo : Bangkokbiznews )

Over 300 employees of the BTS Skytrain said they were willing to stop working and bring the city’s mass transit system to a standstill in seven days if the government doesn’t clear the THB 50 billion (USD 1.5 billion) debt it owes to operators.

Kenanga Investors Wins Best Mixed Assets – Malaysia Provident Fund Group At 2023 Refinitiv Lipper Fund Awards

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 16 March 2023 – Kenanga Investors Berhad (“Kenanga Investors”) received five awards at the Refinitiv Lipper Fund Awards 2023 (“Awards”). The firm was recognized for its exceptional performance and was awarded best Mixed Assets – Malaysia Pension Funds Group for the fourth consecutive time

From left to right: Felicia Tai, Head of Fixed Income & Credit, Investment, Kenanga Islamic Investors BerhadBrandon Ong, Portfolio Manager, Investment, Kenanga Investors BerhadDatuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director & CEO, Kenanga Investors BerhadChristopher Kok, Head of Equities, Investment, Kenanga Investors Berhad
From left to right:

  • Felicia Tai, Head of Fixed Income & Credit, Investment, Kenanga Islamic Investors Berhad
  • Brandon Ong, Portfolio Manager, Investment, Kenanga Investors Berhad
  • Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director & CEO, Kenanga Investors Berhad
  • Christopher Kok, Head of Equities, Investment, Kenanga Investors Berhad

Accompanying this were individual fund wins for:

  • Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund (“KMIF”) for best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 Years
  • Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF”) for best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Provident Funds over 3 Years
  • Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF”) for best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Provident Funds over 5 Years
  • Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF”) for best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 Years

“These awards demonstrate the firm’s capabilities despite the backdrop of reduced trading activities and prolonged turmoil due to a degree of volatility over the last two years.

We attribute this success to the application of our stock picking strategy over the long term; it involves a comprehensive research process from understanding industry dynamics to individual company business models and drivers of return on equity. Some of the key areas include management quality, the sustainability of the business model, industry dynamics and balance sheet strength. By consistently applying this strategy, our funds have outperformed throughout the last 3, 5 and 10 years”, says Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.

KMGF pulled ahead to pick up its first major award since its inception in 2004. As at 31 December 2022, the Fund has returned 232.38% since inception, thus achieving its investment objective of achieving long-term capital growth through diversified investments in equities and bonds. “On the equity front, the fund increased its exposure into large capitalisation stocks such as financials as well as quality small capitalisation stocks and reopening names. On fixed income, the fund remained overweight on corporate bond as yields are attractive relative to Government and quasi-Government bonds”, he explains.

A return winner, KMIF swept its third title at the awards by delivering returns of 116.13% (10 years), 22.52% (5 years) and 23.38% (3 years) as at 31 December 2022. KMIF aims to provide consistent annual returns and medium to long-term capital appreciation by investing in Malaysian securities with a global reach

On the firm’s ESG roadmap thus far, he shares “Following the integration of ESG screening assessments into our investment process in 2021, we expanded upon our ESG framework to cover the fixed income asset class. where an in-house ESG assessment and scoring was developed to perform positive screening for bonds/sukuk. On the equity front meanwhile, we established a more comprehensive sector/industry focused assessments for sectors with high ESG risks such as palm oil, oil & gas, banking & finance, power and mining. We also added to our suite of Kenanga Sustainability Series products with the launch of Kenanga Sustainability Series: High Yield Bond Fund, Kenanga Sustainability Series: World Quality ESG Fund and the Kenanga Sustainability Series: Emergency Waqf Musa’adah Fund”.

Moving forward Datuk Wira De Alwis says that the firm will adopt a more balanced strategy to continue delivering outperformance. “The team will focus on selecting companies with strong fundamentals and cash flow generation abilities. Sector wise, we prefer domestic demand beneficiaries such as consumer and financials. For structural growth themes such as technology, we are buyers on market weakness for its longer-term growth potential”.

For more information about Kenanga Investors, please visit www.kenangainvestors.com.my

Hashtag: #Kenanga

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

About Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358 (353563-P)

We provide investment solutions ranging from collective investment schemes, portfolio management services, and alternative investments for retail, corporate, institutional, and high net worth clients via a multi-distribution network.

The Hong Kong-based Asia Asset Management’s 2023 Best of the Best Awards awarded KIB under the following categories, Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager, Malaysia Best Equity Manager, Malaysia CEO of the Year, Malaysia Best House for Alternatives and Malaysia Most Improved Fund House.

The Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 won Best Malaysia Large-Cap Equity Fund at the 2022 Morningstar Awards Malaysia.

At the Refinitiv Lipper Fund Awards Malaysia 2022, KIB won overall best Mixed Assets – Malaysia Pension Funds Group award for the third time. Accompanying this were individual fund wins awarded to:

  • Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund (“KMIF”) for best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 Years
  • Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF”) for best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Provident Funds over 3 Years
  • Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF”) for best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Provident Funds over 5 Years
  • Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF”) for best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 Years.

Additionally, the FSMOne Recommended Unit Trusts Awards 2022/2023 named Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 as “Sector Equity – Malaysia Focused” and Kenanga Shariah Growth Opportunities Fund as “Sector Equity – Malaysia Small to Medium Companies (Islamic)”.

The Asset Benchmark Research has ranked KIB as Highly Commended on its list of ‘Top Investment Houses’ in the Asian Local Currency Bond Awards for Asset Managers.

At the United Nations Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (“UNGCMYB”) Sustainability Performance Awards 2022, we received the “Sustainable Products” award for our launch of sustainable products, which cover the Kenanga Sustainability Series – a suite of multi-asset class products rooted in sustainability considerations to advance long-term financial growth for investors and to generate social and financial value for surrounding communities. The award also recognised the first SRI-qualified high yield bond fund in Malaysia, the Kenanga Sustainability Series: High Yield Bond Fund.

For the sixth consecutive year, KIB was affirmed an investment manager rating of IMR-2 by Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad, since first rated in 2017. The IMR rating on KIB reflects the fund management company’s well-established investment processes and sound risk management practices. During the first half of 2021, KIB’s 20 largest unit trust funds outperformed its benchmarks for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods

This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group’s Marketing & Communications department.

Disclaimer: Investors are advised to read and understand the Master Prospectuses (“MPs”), the Supplemental Master Prospectus (“SMP”) (if any), Information Memorandums (“IM”) (if any), Product Highlights Sheets (“PHS”) as well as consider the fees, charges and risk factors involved before investing. The MP, SMP (if any), IM (if any) and PHS have been registered and/or lodged with the Securities Commission Malaysia (“SC”), who takes no responsibility for its contents and related advertisement or marketing materials, does not indicate that the SC has recommended or endorsed the product/service. The advertisement has not been reviewed by the SC. Investors have the right to request for a copy of PHS and other relevant product disclosure documents which are available at our office, at any authorised distributors and our corporate website before making investment decisions. If you are in doubt when considering the investment or any of the information provided, you are advised to consult a professional adviser. A Fund’s track record does not guarantee its future performance. Kenanga Investors Berhad is committed to prevent conflict of interest between its various businesses and activities and between its clients/director/shareholders and employees by having in place procedures and measures for identifying and properly managing any apparent, potential and perceived conflict of interest by making disclosures to Clients, where appropriate. Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358.

Lao Airlines Ready to Restart Direct Flights to Danang

My khe beach in Da Nang, Vietnam. ( Photo: Klook).

Lao Airlines expects more demand from visitors wanting to travel from Laos to Danang, Vietnam after it resumes direct flights to the popular coastal city after 10 years.

SAUDIA Signs an Agreement with Boeing to Order 49 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

In support of its strategic objective to bring the world to the Kingdom

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Newsfile Corp. – March 15, 2023 – Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Boeing announced the order of 39 fuel-efficient 787s with options for 10 more airplanes. The national flag carrier will grow its long-haul fleet with the selection of up to 49 787 Dreamliners, utilizing the outstanding efficiency, range and flexibility of the Dreamliner to sustainably grow its global operation.

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Figure 1
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The agreement was signed yesterday in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser and Her Royal Highness Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States. It was signed by His Excellency the Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar and the Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales and Marketing of Boeing, Mr. Brad McMullen. The agreement will include both 787-9 and 787-10 models; The Dreamliner reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.

His Excellency Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser said, “The expansion in SAUDIA’s fleet supports the continuous growth witnessed by the aviation sector in the Kingdom. The agreement will also contribute to achieving the objectives of the National Transport and Logistic Strategy and the Saudi Aviation Strategy, as well as other national strategies in tourism and Hajj and Umrah. SAUDIA is committed to further strengthening its role by providing high-quality, advanced services in the aviation industry and connecting the world to the Kingdom, in alignment with the Vision 2030.”

His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, commented, “SAUDIA continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of the airline; whether it’s introducing new destinations or increasing the aircraft fleet. The agreement with Boeing delivers on this commitment and the newly added aircraft will further enable SAUDIA to fulfill its strategic objective of bringing the world to the Kingdom.”

“The deal is in addition to the existing order of 38 new aircraft SAUDIA is expected to receive by 2026, which will increase the current fleet of 142,” he added.

Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said, “The addition of 787 Dreamliners will enable SAUDIA to expand its long-haul service with outstanding range, capacity and efficiency. After more than 75 years of partnership, we are honored by SAUDIA’s confidence in Boeing products and will continue to support Saudi Arabia’s goal to expand sustainable air travel.”

SAUDIA currently operates more than 50 Boeing airplanes on its long-haul network, including the, 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner. The additional 787s perfectly complement SAUDIA’s existing fleet, enabling it to effectively harness the value of both the 777 and 787 families to help realize Saudi Arabia’s strategic goal of becoming a global aviation hub.

The increase in SAUDIA’s fleet will create new job opportunities for pilots, cabin crew, and other operational positions. It’s worth noting that Saudi Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), a subsidiary of SAUDIA Group, will contribute to providing various types of maintenance for the B787 through its capabilities and expertise. SAEI is certified by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) for performing preventive maintenance, line maintenance, and heavy maintenance, including A-check. Their capabilities extend to B787 engine maintenance as well. The new MRO Village being built at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah will provide the necessary facilities and capacity to increase the maintenance capabilities for the B787 and other aircraft types.

Fleet expansion is one of the objectives of SAUDIA’s strategic transformation program “SHINE” which focuses on excellence in operational efficiency through the development and management of the network and fleet as well as the integration of maintenance systems. It also focuses on digital transformation with several initiatives aimed at improving the guest travel experience and innovation in providing the best digital products, services, connectivity and infrastructure that enable the continuous growth of the aviation and logistics sectors.

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Media Office:
Saudi Arabian Airlines Headquarters
Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Email: mediacenter@saudia.com

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

About Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA)

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company is one of the Middle East’s largest airlines.

SAUDIA is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO). It has been one of the 19 member airlines of the SkyTeam alliance since 2012.

SAUDIA has received many prestigious industry awards and recognitions. Most recently, it was ranked a Global Five-Star Major Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the carrier was awarded the Diamond status by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying.

For further information on Saudi Arabian Airlines, please visit .

COVOS Launches Global Digital Economy Investment Management Platform

NEW DELHI, INDIA – Media OutReach – 15 March 2023 – COVOS launched a global digital economy investment management platform for Southeast Asia, which recently went live in the region. This is the world’s first one-stop service platform for digital asset investment management. It unites millions of people to explore the world of DeFi and Web3 simply, clearly, and interestingly.

In 2018, the World Health Organization launched the Global Action Plan for Promoting Physical Activity 2018-2030. COVOS Group’s technical team combines health with blockchain technology based on the core distributed technology of Web 3.0 and establishes an innovative NFT platform.

In 2020, COVOS submitted business proposals to the World Health Organization Fund. And it is supported by the World Health Organization Fund and the World Sports Organization Fund. At the same time, many venture capital institutions are involved. We currently raise funds of more than $ 100 million. COVOS Group’s funds will be used to expand the ecological community of COVOS.

COVOS is expected to establish branches in major areas in the southeast region in 2023. And the COVOS Sports Cup will be held in the area.

More than 400 media have documented COVOS in the United States. Many influential people, authors, and opinion leaders have been brought together, with a total audience of more than 100 million. And the community number is increasing steadily every day.

COVOS’s managing director said in a statement: “COVOS has opened up a new path on the intersection of games, health, and e-commerce.” As the beginning of development, it combines real life with the virtual world.

COVOS is about to occupy a leading position in this rapidly growing virtual world by providing unique health consumption experiences with virtual, social, and physical games with special attractions.

COVOS is preparing to launch a unique NFT series in the near future. Players will be able to collect NFT sneakers and transfer them to others, hoping to pass health and profit.

Since the advent of COVOS virtual health running shoes, they have been loved by people who care about health and movement around the world.

COVOS chief technical officer said that it is expected to extend from sports shoes to other clothing this year. COVOS is expected to host a global fitness competition in 2023 to stimulate people’s enthusiasm for fitness activities involving games.

Hashtag: #COVOS

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

Cambodia’s SEA Games Will See Athletes Compete in 37 Sports

The performance in Cambodia after the country announced to host 32nd SEA Games in March. ( Photo: The Khmer Times).

Cambodia will host competitions for 37 sports in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA) in May including three traditional games of Ouk Chaktrang (chess), Bokator, and Kun Khmer, the Cambodian martial arts.

DHL Global Connectedness Index: Globalization resilient even as U.S.-China decoupling advances

  • Global flows of trade, capital, information stronger than pre-pandemic; people flows recovering
  • No shift from global to regional trade flows
  • No compelling evidence of global economy disintegrating into blocs
  • Share of U.S. flows involving China decreased in 8 out of 11 examined areas, including merchandise exports and imports, and specific capital flows
  • Netherlands remains the most globalized country, followed by Singapore and Belgium

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 15 March 2023 – DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business today released the new DHL Global Connectedness Index 2022, an in-depth report on the state of globalization and its prospects. Analyzing data from 171 countries and territories, it reveals how flows of trade, people, capital, and information move around the world.

The report shows that international flows have been remarkably resilient in the face of recent shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. After a slight decline in 2020, the composite DHL Global Connectedness Index rose back to above pre-pandemic levels in 2021. The currently available data points to a further increase in 2022, despite slower growth in some flows. International trade in goods was 10 percent above pre-pandemic levels in mid-2022. International travel remained 37 percent below 2019 levels in 2022, but doubled compared to 2021.

“The latest DHL Global Connectedness Index data clearly debunks the perception of globalization going into reverse gear,” John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, concludes. “Globalization is not just a buzzword, it’s a powerful force that has transformed our world for the better. By breaking down barriers, opening up markets and creating opportunities, it has enabled individuals, businesses and entire nations to flourish and thrive like never before. As we continue to embrace globalization, we can build a brighter future that benefits us all, creating a world that is more interconnected, more prosperous and more peaceful than ever before.”

U.S. and China: Geopolitical rivalry frays connection

The DHL Global Connectedness Index provides evidence that the U.S. and China are decoupling in many fields. Looking at 11 types of trade, capital, information, and people flows (such as merchandise exports, M&A transactions, and scientific research collaboration), the share of U.S. flows with China declined for 8 out of 11 types since 2016. In the same period, the share of China’s flows with the U.S. decreased for 7 out of 10 types with data available for China. Several of these were large declines. Nonetheless, the U.S. and China are still linked by far greater flows than any other two countries that do not share a border. Further, the data shows that, so far, the decoupling between these two countries has not led to a broader fragmentation of global flows between rival blocs of countries.

No evidence of trend towards regionalization – average distance of international flows increased

Analyses in the DHL Global Connectedness Index also show that predictions of a shift from globalization to regionalization have not – at least yet – come to fruition. The average distance traversed by trade, capital, information, and people flows has increased over the past two decades, and trade flows even stretched out over longer distances during the Covid-19 pandemic. The only category that displays a clear recent shift toward regionalization is people flows. This is due to the dramatic change in travel patterns during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It remains an open question whether trade patterns will become significantly more regionalized in the future,” says Steven Altman, Senior Research Scholar and Director of the DHL Initiative on Globalization at NYU Stern’s Center for the Future of Management. “Many companies and governments are focused on nearshoring to regionalize supply chains, and there are substantial business benefits that can come from regionalization. On the other hand, more than half of all trade already happens within regions, and the benefits of long-distance trade are still important, especially as inflation remains high, economic growth has slowed, and container shipping rates have come back down.”

Ranking of most globally connected countries: Netherlands at the top

In the country ranking of the DHL Global Connectedness Index 2022, the Netherlands was again the most globally connected country. Singapore ranked second overall and first in terms of the size of international relative to domestic flows. The UK has the most globally distributed flows. Among the 55 most globally connected countries, there are representatives from every world region.

The DHL Global Connectedness Index

Published regularly since 2011, the renowned DHL Global Connectedness Index provides reliable findings on globalization trends by analyzing 13 types of international trade, people, capital, and information flows. The 2022 edition is based on over four million data points from 171 countries, accounting for 99.7 percent of the world’s gross domestic product and 96 percent of its population. A collection of 171 one-page country profiles provides concise summaries of individual countries’ globalization patterns.

The report was commissioned by DHL and authored by Steven A. Altman and Caroline R. Bastian of New York University Stern School of Business.

Note to Editors: For more details, please visit: Global Connectedness Index 2022 and download the full DHL Global Connectedness Index 2022 Report and relevant infographics via this link here.

Hashtag: #DHL #DHLGCI2022 #DHLGlobalConnectednessIndex #Globalization



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

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 94 billion euros in 2022. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

New York University Stern School of Business

New York University Stern School of Business, located in the heart of Greenwich Village and deeply connected to the City after which it is named, is one of the United States’ premier management education schools and research centers. NYU Stern offers a broad portfolio of transformational programs at graduate, undergraduate, and executive levels, all of them enriched by the dynamism and profound resources of one of the world’s business capitals. NYU Stern is a welcoming community that inspires its members to embrace and lead change in a rapidly transforming world. Visit www.stern.nyu.edu.