A white SUV rear-ended four vehicles at a traffic light in Phonesart Village, Vientiane Capital, on Wednesday night. The crash disrupted traffic and caused one severe injury.
Drunk SUV Driver Recklessly Rear-Ends 4 Vehicles in Vientiane Capital

CR Construction Announces Interim Results
Net profit increased by 10% YoY, Proposed an interim dividend of HK1.5 cents per share
Highlights:
- Revenue generated from environmental operations increased by 132.1% to approximately HK$114.8 million.
- Gross profit increased by 10.8% to approximately HK$150.5 million.
- Net profit increased by 10.3% to approximately HK$46.0 million.
- Basic earnings per share was HK9.1 cents. The Board recommended the payment of interim dividend of HK1.5 cents per share.
Financial Highlights:
For the 6 months ended 30 June | ||||
HK$’000 | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |
Revenue | 2,832,073 | 2,919,864 | -3.0% | |
|
2,717,304
114,769 |
2,870,415
49,449 |
-5.3%
+132.1% |
|
Gross profit | 150,480 | 135,756 | +10.8% | |
Gross profit margin
Net profit |
5.3%
45,954 |
4.7%
41,668 |
+0.6 ppts.
+10.3% |
|
Earnings per share (HK cents) | 9.1 | 8.3 | +9.7% |
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 August 2023 – CR Construction Group Holdings Limited (“CR Construction” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; stock code: 1582.HK), a building contractor in Hong Kong, announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023 (the “Reporting Period”). During the Reporting Period, the revenue recorded by the Group amounted to approximately HK$2,832.1 million representing a decrease of approximately 3.0% as compared to approximately HK$2,919.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 (the “Corresponding Period Last Year”).
Net profit of the Group during the Reporting Period was approximately HK$46.0 million, representing an increase of 10.3% as compared to the Corresponding Period Last Year.
During the Reporting Period, gross profit of the Group was approximately HK$150.5 million, representing an increase of approximately 10.8% as compared to approximately HK$135.8 million for the Corresponding Period Last Year. The Group’s gross profit margin was approximately 5.3% and 4.7% for the six months ended 30 June 2023 and 2022, respectively. The gross profit margin of the Group increased slightly by approximately 0.6 percentage points by comparing the six months ended 30 June 2023 against the six months ended 30 June 2022.
During the Reporting Period, earnings per share of the Group was approximately HK9.1 cents (for the six months ended 30 June 2022: HK8.3 cents). The Board recommended the payment of interim dividend of 1.5 cents per share.
BUSINESS REVIEW
Construction Operations
Building Construction Works
For the six months ended 30 June 2023, the revenue generated from the building construction works was HK$2,455.9 million, representing an increase of approximately 9.9% as compared to approximately HK$2,235.5 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022.
During the Reporting Period, the gross profit of building construction works was approximately HK$130.6 million, representing an increase of approximately 98.2% as compared to approximately HK$65.9 million for the Corresponding Period Last Year. The gross profit margin increased to approximately 5.3% for the six months ended 2023. The increase in gross profit and gross profit margin was mainly due to additional cost incurred for variation orders for projects during the prior period, while the respective revenue were only certified during the Reporting Period.
Repair, Maintenance, Alteration and Addition (“RMAA”)
The revenue generated from the RMAA works decreased by approximately 58.8% from approximately HK$634.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 to approximately HK$261.4 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023.
During the Reporting Period, the gross loss of RMAA works was approximately HK$1.4 million, representing a decrease of approximately HK$56.3 million from the gross profit of approximately HK$54.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022. The gross profit margin decreased to approximately negative 0.5% for the six months ended 30 June 2023. The decrease in the gross profit and gross profit margin for the six months ended 30 June 2023 was mainly due to additional cost incurred for variation orders for a project during the Reporting Period, while the respective revenue is expected to be recognised at a later stage.
Environmental Operations
For the six months ended 30 June 2023, the revenue generated from the environmental operations was approximately HK$114.8 million, representing an increase of approximately 1.3 times as compared to approximately HK$49.5 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022.
During the Reporting Period, the respective gross profit was approximately HK$21.3 million, representing an increase of approximately 42% as compared to approximately HK$15.0 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022. The gross profit margin decreased to approximately 18.5% for the six months ended 30 June 2023. The increase in the gross profit and decrease in gross profit margin for the six months ended 30 June 2023 was mainly due to increase in revenue from construction and rehabilitation services which contributed lower gross profit margin during the Reporting Period.
Contract Costs
The Group’s contract costs primarily consisted of subcontracting costs, material costs, direct staff costs and site overheads. For the six months ended 30 June 2023, the contract costs recorded by the Group were approximately HK$2,681.6 million, representing a decrease of 3.7% compared to approximately HK$2,784.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022. Such decrease was attributable to the decrease in subcontracting costs, material costs and direct staff costs for new projects and existing projects, which was partly offset by increase in provision of rectification works and claims, during the Reporting Period.
Other Business Development
Acquisition of entire equity interest in Zhejiang Construction Investment Environment Engineering Company Limited
As disclosed in the announcement of the Company dated 31 January 2023, the Company and China Zhejiang Construction Group (H.K.) Limited (the “Seller”), one of the controlling shareholders of the Company, entered into the share purchase agreement, in relation to the Company has conditionally agreed to acquire the entire equity interest in Zhejiang Construction Investment Environment Engineering Company Limited (the “Target Company”) at the Consideration of RMB201,000,000 (equivalent to approximately HK$228,409,090).
All the conditions precedent under the Share Purchase Agreement have been fulfilled, the completion took place on 8 May 2023 and the Target Company has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company since then.
PROSPECTS
Subsequent to 30 June 2023, the Group has been further awarded 2 new projects in relation to RMAA contracts with an original contract sum of approximately HK$10.6 million.
The Group has also placed great emphasis on technological innovation to enhance its core competitiveness in the construction industry. The total expenditure for the research and development is approximately HK$10.7 million during the Reporting Period. Our self-developed Digital Works Supervision System (“DWSS”), SmarTick Pro has obtained the ISO27001 Certification for Information Security Management System, meeting the requirements of this international standard, and becoming the first company to obtain this certificate for DWSS in Hong Kong. As construction digitalization continues to accelerate, the Group are keeping pace with the industry by adopting more digital tools at our sites to enhance management and construction safety. Meanwhile, the Group also developed new sewage treatment membrane to be used in sewage and reclaimed water treatment services in the PRC.
In the second half of 2023, the city’s economic activities will have returned to normal levels, while the const pressures will be increased alongside the recovery. As the government recently introduce labour importation schemes for the construction industry, we expect that it may help alleviate some of the challenges associated with the skilled-labour shortages. The Company will continue to put in dedicated efforts in seeking out new and promising construction business opportunities that can generate profitable growth for the Group. Meanwhile, leveraging on our industrial knowledge, the Company is keen to explore suitable business opportunities in the Construction area locally or overseas.
Hashtag: #CRConstruction #華營建築
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CR Construction Group Holdings Limited
CR Construction Group Holdings Limited, which is carrying out construction business for over 55 years locally, is one of the leading building contractors in Hong Kong. The Group principally act as a main contractor in building construction works and RMAA works projects across public and private sectors in Hong Kong. As a main contractor, the Group is responsible for (i) overall management of the projects; (ii) formulating work programmes; (iii) engaging subcontractors and supervising their works; (iv) sourcing construction materials; (v) communication and coordination with the customers and their consultant teams; and (vi) safeguarding compliance with safety, environmental and other contractual requirements.
Flagship Collector Brand TAMASHII NATIONS announces its first flagship store in the USA: TAMASHII NATIONS STORE NEW YORK
Opening Friday, September 8, 2023
Offering fans hands-on fun in the heart of the world’s greatest entertainment district, Times Square NYC!
TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach – 24 August 2023 – Bandai Spirits Co., Ltd. (President and Chief Executive Officer : Hiroshi Sakakibara, HQ: Tokyo Minato Ward, Japan) is proud to announce the new flagship store opening of TAMASHII NATIONS which offers a wide range of high qualities figures. , TAMASHII NATIONS STORE NEW YORK, in Times Square on Friday, September 8, 2023 (local time).

Starting with the globally popular S.H.Figuarts and CHOGOKIN series, TAMASHII NATIONS has been offering high-quality action figures and robot toys to fans around the world. April 2023 marks the fifteenth anniversary of the brand’s launch in 2008, commemorated by a special world tour event delivering new products to fans all over the globe. https://tamashiiweb.com/special/tour/
The flagship TAMASHII NATIONS STORE opened in June 2022 the TAMASHII NATIONS STORE TOKYO, followed by the opening in January 2023 of the TAMASHII NATIONS STORE SHANGHAI. Now, TAMASHII NATIONS is proud to announce the opening of its third flagship store, and first in USA, TAMASHII NATIONS STORE NEW YORK. It is located in Times Square, the heart of New York City.
The store will utilize large digital display monitors to showcase the latest product imagery. It will also feature human-size statues of our products which characters are popular in the USA.
Including S.H.Figuarts Monkey.D.Luffy -The Raid on Onigashima- (ONE PIECE) and THE ROBOT SPIRITS <SIDE MS>GUNDAM AERIAL ver. A.N.I.M.E. (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury). Roughly one hundred types of samples and products will be displayed regularly, including retail products with products prototypes as well. For the opening, prototypes of upcoming releases in the S.H.Figuarts “Dragon Ball” series and MEISHO MOVIE REALIZATON “Star Wars” and other lines will be displayed. The store will also carry limited edition items* only sold in “TAMASHII NATIONS STORE”. *TAMASHII NATIONS STORE Limited Products may sold at Events and Online etc.
TAMASHII NATIONS STORE NEW YORK is a place of connection and celebration for fans all over the world, offering the latest products and new experiences.
◆TAMASHII NATIONS STORE NEW YORK Product lineup
The store will also carry limited edition items only sold in “TAMASHII NATIONS STORE”.
Information about how products will be sold will be announced at the official website (https://tamashiiweb.com/store/new-york/) or official Instagram (tns_newyork).
【『TAMASHII NATIONS STORE』 Limited Products】

[Store Information]
Name | TAMASHII NATIONS STORE NEW YORK |
Opens | Friday, September 8, 2023 (Local time) |
Address | 1500 Broadway New York, 10036 |
Hours | 11:00AM~9:00PM
※Hours may change due to local conditions such as crowding. ※Hours may change depending on facility needs, weather, etc. (For the latest information visit the official TAMASHII NATIONS STORE NEW YORK |
【Map】

[Image Downloads]
https://global.gigacc.com/user/~sh/637u6c044udt3su98fdth0oq98
(URL valid until Oct. 25, 2023)
TAMASHII NATIONS STORE NEW YORK official site:https://tamashiiweb.com/store/new-york/
TAMASHII NATIONS official site(Tamashii Web):https://tamashiiweb.com/
BANDAI SPIRITS corporate site:https://www.bandaispirits.co.jp/
*All information accurate as of August 24, 2023. Subject to change without prior notice.
*Some imagery may differ from actual products and/or locations.
*Products are for ages 15 and up.
©EIICHIRO ODA/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION ©SOTSU・SUNRISE・MBS ©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION
© 2023 Legendary. All Rights Reserved. GODZILLA TM & © TOHO CO., LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary、© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.
Hashtag: #TAMASHIINATIONS #BandaiSpirits
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Bandai Spirits Collector Brand: Tamashii Nations Overview
Established in 2008, Tamashii Nations has produced many well-known product series, such as S.H.Figuarts and Chogokin. With a rich lineup of quality figures, robots, and more, it has earned itself a worldwide following. Today, it continues to expand its global outreach. Official website (Tamashii Web): https://tamashiiweb.com/
Breaking Through will be released in Thailand on September 7th 2023 by Thongkham Films

The film is inspired by the breakthrough of China’s Winter Olympics gold medal zero, telling the story of Winter Olympics athletes striving and striving for glory for their country. In order to achieve a breakthrough of zero, Qin Shan formed the Chinese Short-track speed skating national team represented by Yang Fan, and was appointed to resolve to overcome the humiliation when faced with danger. The two of them launched an attack on the gold medal, and the master apprentice relationship also faced fierce collisions and numerous tests.
The movie will be released in Thailand on September 7th 2023 and in other Southeast Asian countries in September.
Hashtag: #BreakingThrough
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Speed, Art, and NFTs Converge: Bybit and Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Velocity Series Collaboration
On Aug. 24, Dutch artist Rik Oostenbroek will release two NFT collections for the Velocity Series, including an exclusive NFT collection only available for purchase by Velocity Pass NFT holders, and a limited edition exclusively gifted to Velocity Pass holders.
“Momentum” will be available for sale to Velocity Pass holders via a Dutch auction. Marking Rik’s debut in the realm of 3D-generated artistry, this collection ventures into uncharted territory, allowing data and machines to dictate the final outcome.
The second collection: “Flow State,” is a limited edition of 1000 NFTs — all of which will be gifted to the 1000 Velocity Pass NFT holders via an airdrop. To enhance its exclusivity, this collection will not have a public sale beyond the airdrop.
The Velocity Pass is a premium NFT that grants art enthusiasts access to four Bybit-powered NFT releases from the Velocity Series, coinciding with the Dutch, Japanese, United States, and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The pass also provides holders chances to win rare prizes from Oracle Red Bull Racing and Bybit.
The first collaborating artist from the Velocity Series, Rik Oostenbroek’s signature lies in his dynamic shapes, abstract forms, and meticulously chosen color palettes. Having crafted visual wonders for brands such as Nike, Apple, and Paramount Pictures, Rik now steps into the NFT realm, garnering widespread acclaim from collectors and fellow artists alike for his mesmerizing creations.
“This collaboration is all about combining technological advancement and artistic imagination, opening a space for connoisseurs of art, collectors, and motorsport aficionados to converge,” said Anndy Lian, Head of Partnerships at Bybit. “The Velocity Series intertwines the realms of high-octane racing and NFT creation, delivering an experience that captures the essence of both worlds.”
“We are so pleased to see this first and very exciting NFT collaboration drop as part of the Velocity Series,” said Caroline Buckland, Head of Fan Engagement at Oracle Red Bull Racing. “It celebrates the combination of art, innovation, the thrill of racing, and Rik’s mesmerizing creativity.”
For more information and updates about the Velocity Series, please visit Bybit’s official website or follow Bybit and Oracle Red Bull Racing on social media platforms.
Hashtag: #Bybit #VelocitySeries #RedbullRacing #BlockchainArt
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Bybit
Bybit is a top-five cryptocurrency exchange established in 2018 that offers a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.
For media inquiries, please contact: press@bybit.com
For more information please visit:
https://www.bybit.com
For updates, please follow:
Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
Workato aims to onboard 1,500 SMEs with Singapore’s first digital automation offering under IMDA’s Advanced Digital Solutions scheme
Workato collaborates with IMDA and tech ecosystem partners, HReasily, SGTech, Stone Forest, to support SMEs in automating and integrating workflows.


Other partners include SGTech, a trade association for Singapore’s tech community which will introduce Workato’s ADS programme to suitable technology partners and SMEs via the association’s digital transformation programmes such as ‘DT-SME, as well as Stone Forest, a business solutions firm who provides digital consultancy to SMEs under IMDA’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO)-as-a-Service programme. Workato is also seeking to invite more technology partners to join its ecosystem to help SMEs derive value from their digital transformation efforts.
“We are seeing companies use multiple applications today. Without workflow automation and integration, SMEs will experience inefficiencies in business processes that cover different applications in HR, finance, operations and sales,” said Sharon Lee, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of HReasily. “Our aim in partnering with Workato is to empower SMEs with tools they need to streamline their operations and drive growth. We are excited to offer integration and automation solutions under HReasilyPro, which we are launching today. HReasilyPro, with its richer features and ecosystem of platform integrations supports SMEs in navigating these fragmented complexitie. We see this as the next wave in digital transformation.”
Annex A: Workato’s Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS) Programme
Hashtag: #Workato
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Workato

- Blog:
https://www.workato.com/the-connector/
- Business Systems Community:
https://systematic.workato.com/
- Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/workato
- LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/workato
ASEAN Ministers Meet in Vientiane Capital to Strengthen Cooperation on Environmental Issues

The ASEAN Ministerial Meetings on Environment Protection took place in Vientiane Capital on this week to further strengthen cooperation on environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control in the ASEAN region.
Laos Chairs ASEAN Meeting on Commitment to Tackling Transboundary Haze

Laos hosted an ASEAN ministerial meeting on Wednesday that saw environmental ministers come together to address the issue of transboundary haze.