30.8 C
Vientiane
Thursday, July 17, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 2135

LOHAS EXPO x Natural, Organic, Green Life Expo 2023

Asia’s largest LOHAS Expo Including commerce and public

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 February 2023 – The ” LOHAS EXPO x Natural, Organic, Green Living Expo 2023″ (referred to as LOHAS Expo) hosted by the Exhibition Group Co. Ltd. opens today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for three days until February 5th, 2023. This year’s LOHAS Expo is the largest ever, with over 1,000 brands participating, and aims to showcase sustainable products and trends in the industry and to consumers.

The opening ceremony of LOHAS Expo 2023 was attended by Dr. CHAN Pak Li, Bernard, Under Secy for Commerce and Economic Development, and Mr. LIU Chun San, JP, Under Secy for Transport and Logistics, and Hon Benson LUK Hon Man, Legislative Council Member, and Mr. Cary Wong, Chairman of the Exhibition Group Co. Ltd.

Mr. Cary Wong, Chairman of the Exhibition Group Co. Ltd, said: “In recent years, the world has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and every industry and individual has been affected to a certain extent, making people pay more attention to health. Whether it is the focus on preventative medicine by the Chinese, or the natural and herbal remedies promoted by Western countries, they are all closely related to daily life. In recent years, the government has also been promoting a green and sustainable lifestyle, which is in line with the goals of the exhibition. With the joint efforts of the government and the industry, we can promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.”

Since the first LOHAS Expo was held in Hong Kong in 2012, the expo dedicated to promoting natural, organic health food, health products, beauty products, and daily necessities in Asia to bring the concept of a sustainable lifestyle. This has attracted over 1,000 well-known companies and brands from around the world to participate. The expo has also drawn buyers from the Asia-Pacific region and is highly regarded in the industry.

In addition to shopping, this year’s LOHAS Expo also features a variety of exciting events for on-site spectators, including the “Student Culinary Competition” co-sponsored by the Chinese Culinary Institute, “Healthy Cooking” hosted by star chefs, and multiple business exchange forums. In addition, this year’s event will feature different award ceremonies, such as the “Hong Kong LOHAS Award” and “Green Beauty Salon Award.”

For more information on LOHAS Expo events and products, visit https://lohasexpohk.com or the Facebook page “LOHAS Expo Natural Organic Green Living Expo.”

LOHAS EXPO x Natural, Organic, Green Life Expo 2023

Date: 3 – 5 February, 2023 (Friday – Sunday)
Time: 3 – 4 February: 11:00 a.m – 8:00 p.m.

5 February: 12:00 a.m – 7:00 p.m.

Venue: Hall 3F – 3G, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

1 Expo Drive, Wanchai

Website: https://lohasexpohk.com

Hashtag: #LohasExpo

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

New Vientiane Skatepark to Offer Free, Public Space to Build Skills, Camaraderie

The Laotian Times interviews the organizers of Vientiane Skate Park, which will open to the public with a celebration on Sunday, February 5. 

On a small residential street just off Chou Anou Road in Vientiane’s Northwestern Nongtha Neua Village, nestled behind Hi5 Football Field, Laos’ first skatepark to meet international standards is taking shape. The scene – with smooth, poured concrete and stable, professional-grade ramps – is a far cry from the small, do-it-yourself skateparks that have cycled in and out of Laos’ capital city.

One such park near the night market, a popular meeting point for young skaters, consisted of moveable handmade rails and ramps made from discarded wood. Skaters were repeatedly told to dismantle the handmade parks because of safety concerns, but those skaters’ efforts made it clear that Laos wants – and can benefit from – a more permanent public skatepark. Thanks to international fundraising efforts and the expertise of the organization Make Life Skate Life, those Lao skaters are about to have their often dashed hopes for safe, permanent skate infrastructure met.

Tom Drury, who made a name for himself by skateboarding across Australia to raise funds for this new park in Laos, says that the new Vientiane skatepark will offer new challenges and opportunities for already street-smart Lao skaters. Drury’s 4,000 kilometer ride helped him to raise more than AUD 42,000 (LAK 502 million), all of which has gone toward the creation of the Vientiane Skate Park.

“Many Lao skaters are incredible street skaters. I’ve seen them landing some really impressive tricks. But these ramps and half pipes will offer them a whole new opportunity for learning. Dropping in. Transitions. These are all new skills for people who haven’t had access to this kind of skate infrastructure.”

Architectural plans for the new park, including a skater’s path (photo credit: Make Life Skate Life)

These skills also potentially open up the door for Lao skaters to compete on an international stage. Dropping in (the process of entering a half-pipe from the top edge) and transitions (areas of the park with angles between 0 and 90 degrees) are essential parts of both the men’s and women’s park competitions at the Summer Olympics, which began including skateboarding in 2020.

When 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya won gold at those Olympics for Japan, she ignited a new generation’s interest in skateboarding for both girls and boys alike – a popularity surge that was certainly felt in Laos, where youth can often be seen carrying around boards and landing impressive jumps.

While skating, like most sports, certainly promotes health and athleticism, Drury emphasis the unique support, egalitarianism, and kindness inherent in skate culture.

“Skaters really compete against themselves, not each other. Because of that, and because it encourages a kind of flow state, skating helps with all kinds of mental issues and neurodivergence. It even helps people with ADHD to concentrate in the rest of their lives. It’s a lot like meditation.” 

Skating has even been found to encourage youth resiliency and foster acceptance across racial and gender differences. The mental and social benefits of skating are perhaps most noteworthy because skating, unlike some other sports, doesn’t require a lot of expensive gear. Moreover, any gear that is necessary will be available at the new, volunteer-run park. The Vientiane Skatepark will be free to use and include free-to-rent safety gear, like helmets and knee pads. 

(Photo credit: Vilaxay Chandara)

The decision to build the park in a more residential area, rather than in the center of the city, makes it an asset for locals rather than just an attraction for tourists. Crucially, alcohol won’t be allowed on the premises, making the park an oasis for local youth who are increasingly likely to start drinking too soon. Underage drinking is a serious problem in Laos, and this decision to make the space booze-free makes it a welcome alternative for anyone looking to socialize while sober. The park will also be closed and locked at night to discourage safety issues like skaters going out alone.

The opening day celebration (2pm- 6pm, Sunday, February 5) will include live music, competitions, demonstrations, and skateboarding workshops led by professional skaters. Local artists are also strongly encouraged to come and paint areas of the park with murals in order to make it their own.

”This isn’t meant to be a foreigner-run space. Instead we hope that the community will take ownership of it – to make it a reflection of what they want the space to be. We’re not sure how Laos will make this park their own, but we’re excited to find out.”

Lao Friends Hospital for Children Celebrates Eight Years

The Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC) in Luang Prabang celebrated its 8th anniversary on January 27, 2023.

Applications Now Open for Australia Awards Scholarships for Study in 2024

Prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships on Offer for Study in 2024

The Australian Embassy in Laos is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships for study in Australia commencing in 2024.

Hollywood’s Hmong Film to Hit Theaters This February

Hollywood's Hmong Film to Hit Theater This February
A screenshot from The Harvest's trailer showing an emotional scene of two women in their Hmong tradtional uniform

Hollywood movie The Harvest – a film focused on a Hmong-American community – is set to release in Theaters on 12 February 2023.

Metamorphosis By De Beers: Prelude

Introducing the first chapter of De Beers’ magnificent new High Jewellery collection, inspired by Mother Nature’s transformation through the seasons

PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach – 3 February 2023 – In nature, change is the only constant. Seasons shift as flower buds blossom, bloom and fade. A caterpillar forms a chrysalis, preparing for its magical transformation into a butterfly. Beneath the earth’s crust, billions of years ago, a slow tectonic alchemy created ancient deposits of rough diamonds, the fruits of which are still being revealed. And it is through gradual adaptations that we achieve our innermost potential. De Beers pays homage to Mother Nature’s constant evolution with Metamorphosis by De Beers, a High Jewellery collection dedicated to the transformative power of natural diamonds.

Launching in January 2023 during Paris Couture Week, Prelude is the first chapter of the new collection, with a further chapter to be revealed in July 2023. Prelude explores the cyclical rhythm of time, harmoniously capturing the four seasons within nine one-of-a-kind designs.

With a focus on exceptional craftsmanship, Metamorphosis by De Beers encapsulates the transformation at the heart of De Beers, the only global luxury brand that begins at the source. De Beers realises the potential of rough diamonds, transforming these treasures of nature into one-of-a-kind High Jewellery that radiates magnetic beauty. The collection continues the evolution of the House itself, with artistic and technically ambitious designs that celebrate artisanal skills as well as the rare beauty of the raw materials.

The Prelude set showcases an array of expert goldsmithing and diamond-setting techniques, including serti neige (snow setting), fil couteau (knife-edge) and perlage (gold beading). Spring, summer, autumn and winter collide, with each season represented through different design signatures, coloured metals, diamonds and settings. The collection combines white, yellow and rose gold with white, brown and fancy-coloured diamonds, selected to evoke the hues of each season.

Nature’s metamorphic power is mirrored by an element of transformability in four of the nine pieces. A majestic transformable necklace features four diamond strands – one for each season – strung between two removeable clasps. Bead-set white diamonds and star-set yellow diamonds are joined by fil couteau to mimic the fledgling buds of spring; a twisted rope of diamond-set yellow gold evokes ripples on summer sand; brown diamonds set in rose-gold triangles conjure autumn’s russet leaves; and white gold serti neige represents the glacial beauty of winter.

In a contemporary ear cuff, each diamond strand is finished with a coloured-titanium chrysalis, hinting at the beginnings of nature’s most magnificent metamorphosis. The chrysalises can be removed and worn on a charm bracelet. Elsewhere, the four strands form a ring jacket for a 3.06 carat D-Flawless diamond solitaire from the De Beers Natural Works of Art collection, which can be interchanged with a pavé-set diamond ring. Another necklace features a detachable pear-shaped clip which can be worn as a brooch.

“In Metamorphosis by De Beers we have transformed the spontaneous beauty of nature into our most complex and innovative designs yet,” says Céline Assimon, CEO of De Beers Jewellers. “Each design in our Prelude set showcases a masterclass of artisanal savoir-faire – we have honed in on the details, combining antique-inspired settings with contemporary techniques such as coloured titanium. We have pushed the boundaries with the ear cuff, which has a mesmerising sense of movement and volume. It’s a very modern approach to classical High Jewellery, reflecting De Beers’ DNA of excellence through experimentation and constant innovation.”

Hashtag: #DeBeers #DeBeersHK #naturaldiamonds

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

About De Beers Jewellers

Founded in London, with a flagship store on Old Bond Street and a presence in the most exclusive locations around the world, De Beers Jewellers is the pinnacle of luxury diamond jewellery. Building on De Beers’ 130 years of expertise, the House glorifies the world’s most beautiful diamonds through creativity and craftsmanship in bold, distinctive designs.

De Beers is invested in ensuring all the diamonds it discovers create a lasting positive impact for people and the places where they are found. This comes with a pledge to build a better future – one that is fairer, safer, cleaner and healthier, in which communities thrive, ethical practices are maintained, and the natural environment is protected. We call this long-term commitment Building Forever.

De Beers Jewellers has 37 stores globally and ships to 15 markets via .

FB: @DeBeers
IG: @debeersofficial

RGE closes inaugural US$550 million Sustainability-Linked Derivative with MUFG

  • Sustainability-Linked Derivative (SLD) supports RGE’s strategy of pivoting its financing towards SLLs, a total of US$1.6 billion secured in 2022
  • Besides hedging the interest rate risk of its latest SLLs, the SLD shows RGE’s confidence in delivering on its SLL’s sustainability KPIs

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 3 February 2023 – Royal Golden Eagle (“RGE”), a global group of resource-based manufacturing companies, has announced that its member company Apical Group (“Apical“), a global leading processor of vegetable oil, has closed a two-year US$550 million Sustainability-Linked Derivative (“SLD“), its first SLD, with MUFG Bank, Ltd (“MUFG“).

In November 2022, Apical successfully secured a total of US$787 million in SLLs from a consortium of banks, with MUFG, First Abu Dhabi Bank, National Bank of Kuwait and Chang Hwa Bank among the Mandate Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners. The SLD will be used to partially hedge (US$550 million of the US$787 million) the interest rate risk of Apical’s latest round of sustainability-linked loans (“SLLs“).

The SLD allows Apical to fix its interest rate for US$550 million of its latest round of SLLs for a period of two years. This agreement is tied to the same set of key performance indicators (“KPIs“) under the SLLs and penalties will be incurred under the SLD in the event the KPIs are not attained. These KPIs include raising the level of verified traceability to its plantations, increasing engagement of suppliers to promote sustainable practices and traceability, increasing the number of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certifications among smallholder farmers, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through methane capture facilities.

Tey Wei Lin, President, RGE, said:

“Sustainability is at the core of our business model and sustainable financing is the way forward for RGE. We have the support and interest from our banking partners and secured a total of US$1.6 billion in SLLs in 2022. We are now going one step further with the sustainability-linked derivative which imposes a second penalty on us if we do not meet the same set of KPIs for the SLLs. Acting on a belief that ‘well done is better than well said’, we have opted for this tool that facilitates an even greater level of accountability from us and we are confident that we will continue to deliver on our commitments.”

In 2021, RGE was among the first non-property players in Singapore to secure an SLL and the second largest borrower of SLLs in Singapore. In 2022, it raised approximately US$1.6 billion in SLLs including US$700 million under its pulp and paper business in China, Asia Symbol; US$120 million under Apical, and another US$787 million under Apical’s latest SLL to which the SLD is tied.

Nick Yee, Managing Director and Head of Global Client Solutions Sales for ASEAN, India and Oceania, MUFG, commented:

“MUFG is proud to have partnered RGE in structuring our inaugural Sustainability-Linked Derivative that linked the Interest Rate Swap to RGE’s sustainability commitments. With our market-leading Solutions and ESG Financing expertise, we have created a bespoke structure for RGE to achieve its sustainability targets and hedge its interest rate exposure concurrently. This collaboration demonstrates our collective sustainability commitments towards decarbonisation and tackling climate change, while managing financial risks.”

Hashtag: #RGE

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

About RGE

Headquartered in Singapore, RGE is a group of resource-based manufacturing companies with global operations. We produce sustainable natural fibres, edible oils, green packaging and clean natural gas used to create products that feed, clothe and energise the world. We help improve billions of peoples’ lives through sustainable products they use every day. With more than US$30 billion in assets and 60,000 employees, we are creating a more recyclable, biodegradable and lower carbon future.

Committed to sustainable development, conservation and community development, we strive towards what is good for the community, good for the country, good for the climate, good for the customer, and good for the company. With current operations spanning across Indonesia, China, Brazil, Spain and Canada, we continue to expand and engage new markets.

About Apical Group

Apical Group is a leading vegetable oils processor with an expanding global footprint. Apical’s vertically integrated mid-stream refining, downstream processing capabilities and capacity makes Apical an integral supplier that supports the food, feed and fuel needs across industries. Its business includes downstream processing into functional and specialty fats, oleochemicals and biodiesel among others, for domestic use and international export. Its operations are located in Indonesia, China and Spain, and include eight refineries, four biodiesel plants, four oleochemical plants and three kernel crushing plants. Through its joint ventures, Apical also has processing and distribution operations in India, Pakistan, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brazil, Dubai and USA.

Laos Hesitant to Raise Minimum Wage

Garment factory in Laos (Photo: ILO)
Garment factory in Laos (Photo: ILO)

The Lao government remains unable to raise the minimum wage, despite rampant inflation the country faced in 2022.

The current minimum wage in Laos is LAK 1,200,000, which was raised from LAK 1,000,000 in August of 2022. At that time the government claimed it would raise the minimum wage again to Lak 1,300,000 in May of 2023.

However, the minimum wage may not be raised, according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare recent annual meeting. According to the Vientiane Times, the government may be unable to raise the minimum wage because of a lack of supporting data.

The minimum wage was raised by 20 percent in 2022, however, according to the Bank of Laos, the average inflation for 2022 was 22.96 percent. According to the World Bank, consumer price inflation had risen to 37 percent by October 2022, with food inflation reaching a higher 39 percent.

This inflation has made the previous substantial minimum wage hike moot, and for the poorest, who spend the majority of their income on food, it results in a net loss.

The World Bank also reports that “two-thirds of households report spending less on health and education, which could undermine long-term human development. Although employment had risen by mid-2022, earnings did not keep pace with inflation.”

Another obstacle holding back a minimum wage increase, as reported by the Vientiane Times, is that many Lao people have increased their skills, but employers still pay them the minimum wage – not giving raises to those who have higher skill levels.

Therefore, because employers are not paying workers a rate equal to their skills, the government can’t increase the amount workers have to be paid.

Despite admission from the Ministry of Labour and Socia Welfare that a pay increase would be vital to the improvement of working conditions, employers have been resistant to an increase.

In light of these facts, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare told the Lao Federation of Trade Unions that Lao workers are not skilled. However, as pointed out by the Vientiane Times, “Unfortunately, many of those who win the [National Skills Competition] in Laos are unable to find work.”

As the labour authorities continue to work with the private sector on labour issues, they shine light on an important problem that Laos faces moving forward. The fastest way up the income ladder is attaining skills required for a modern economy.

Education is essential to new generations of Lao workers who will enter the labour force, but a recent education study found that Laos has the lowest scores in math, reading and writing of the six ASEAN countries tested.