The Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos has issued a notice regarding the adjustment of fees and service charges for passport issuance, effective on 4 March, to simplify passport procedures and ensure the sustainability of service provision.
ATD Solution Set to Launch All-New Upskilling and Reskilling Programme on 29 February for Aspiring Enterprise Architects

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2024 – In the fast-paced landscape of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Singapore, the wave of digital transformation is reshaping industries at an unprecedented rate. More and more companies are embracing technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and data analytics, highlighting the need for skilled professionals who can navigate and drive these transformations. In direct response to this pressing need, ATD Solution, a consulting firm specialising in Digital Enterprise Architecture (EA), proudly unveils its innovative Upskilling and Reskilling Programme. Scheduled to launch on 29 February 2024, this initiative is designed for individuals seeking a career upgrade or transition into the role of a Certified Enterprise Architect.

Navigating the Digital Era: Overcoming Challenges in Enterprise Digital Transformation
Businesses are now acutely aware of the role that digital transformation plays in their survival and success. As such, staying competitive and achieving organisational goals are intricately linked to the ability to adapt, innovate, and harness the power of digital technologies. But while these transformations hold the promise of substantial benefits, organisations often encounter challenges that can impede their progress. These challenges that are faced by enterprises embarking on their digital transformation journey include:
1. People
- Mismatched Skills – The rapid evolution of technology often outpaces the skills of the workforce, leading to a significant skills gap. This mismatch between the skills employees possess and those required by the organisation creates inefficiencies in day-to-day operations.
- Communication Breakdown – Ineffective communication and collaboration among team members can result in misunderstandings, delays, and errors. These communication challenges hinder the smooth flow of information critical for decision-making and problem-solving.Technology
2. Technology
- Systems and Integration Challenges – Many organisations grapple with outdated systems that hinder technological advancements. Integrating new technologies becomes a complex task, leading to compatibility issues and reduced agility in responding to market demands.
- Cybersecurity Concerns – With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, organisations face the daunting task of securing their digital assets. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, compromising sensitive information and damaging the company’s reputation.
3. Process
- Inefficient Workflows – Complicated and inefficient processes can result in delays, errors, and increased operational costs. Streamlining workflows and optimising processes are essential for enhancing productivity and ensuring the timely delivery of products and services.
- Lack of Scalability – Organisations often struggle to scale their operations to meet growing demands. Inflexible processes can hinder the ability to adapt to market changes, making it challenging to seize new opportunities and remain competitive.
Elevating Business Architecture Excellence – ATD Solution’s Upskilling and Reskilling Programme
Understanding these organisational efficiencies, the demand for individuals skilled in Enterprise Architecture is more important than ever, especially since the success of any business architecture depends on the proficiency and expertise of the professionals leading its implementation.
ATD Solution recognises this demand and is set to address it through its all-new Upskilling and Reskilling Programme. This programme serves as a strategic pathway for individuals aspiring to advance in their business architecture careers, providing them with the essential skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-changing ICT industry successfully.
Aligned with current industry standards, ATD Solution’s programme mirrors the findings of the Workforce Singapore report, which identifies Business Analyst as the #1 emerging job opportunity in the ICT sector. Furthermore, Glassdoor’s 2022 report acknowledges Enterprise Architect as the top job in America. The Upskilling and Reskilling Programme, with its focus on producing Certified Enterprise Architects, directly addresses these industry needs and demands.
Additionally, the soaring demand for Enterprise Architects in both the local and international job markets underscores the relevance and significance of ATD Solution’s initiative. By offering a programme that blends technical skills with critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning capabilities, ATD Solution ensures that participants are well-equipped to excel in their roles as Enterprise Architects.
”ATD Solution’s Upskilling and Reskilling Programme stands at the forefront of cultivating excellence in Business Architecture. As the ICT landscape rapidly evolves, our programme not only acknowledges but actively embraces the demand for proficient leadership in key areas like support engineering, infrastructure management, security analysis, and quality assurance” said Alecia Heng, Chief Business Architect at ATD Solution.
As the business landscape continues to transform, ATD Solution’s commitment to providing a robust platform for skill development and knowledge enhancement stands as a testament to its dedication to shaping the future leaders of the ICT industry. The Upskilling and Reskilling Programme not only meets the immediate demands of the industry but also prepares professionals to proactively adapt to future advancements, making it a valuable investment for individuals seeking to thrive in the competitive field of business architecture.
ATD Solution also offers specialised Enterprise Architecture courses and training programmes tailored to empower your team. These programmes are supported by the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) and SkillsFuture Singapore. Avail up to a 70% course fee subsidy for Singaporeans and Singapore PRs through these programmes.
Hashtag: #businessarchitecture #managementconsultingservices #DigitalEnterpriseArchitecture
https://atdsolution.com/?utm_source=article&utm_medium=news-release&utm_campaign=upskilling-reskilling-programme
https://www.linkedin.com/company/atd-solution/
https://www.facebook.com/atdsolution/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIkHSRCcluTxd_xdo_T_alw
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ATD Solution
ATD Solution, established in 2006, is a leading consulting firm specialising in Digital Enterprise Architecture (EA). Widely known as an industry leader in Asia, ATD Solution provides management consulting and training services. With a focus on driving continuous transformation in the digital era, ATD Solution encourages businesses to integrate EA into their operations.
Find out more about what ATD Solution does here.
Delivery Hero Ends Talks to Sell Foodpanda in Southeast Asia
Following months of negotiations, Berlin-based multinational online food ordering and delivery company Delivery Hero has ended talks of the potential sale of its Southeast Asian market with an undisclosed third party.
Octa – Safety comes first: 4 reasons to invest with a global broker

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2024 – In search of a consistent source of supplementary income, many ambitious investors opt for trading Forex and CFDs (contracts for difference), which offer quick potential returns and a low entry threshold. But choosing a secure financial platform with a wide range of tradable assets and secure withdrawal of funds remains a problem. The current investing landscape is highly diversified, and the number of brokerage houses available to traders is larger than ever. Another point to consider when opening a Forex account is the safety of your funds and personal data. Here, we offer some valid reasons why it’s a good idea to trade with a globally recognized Forex broker.
While the conservative wealth management options offer modest interest rates barely sufficient to outpace the inflation, people in Southeast Asia tend to look for more profitable approaches such as investing. A transparent, dynamic, and legitimate way to protect and multiply personal funds, retail investing is especially attractive due to its low entry threshold and high control over personal capital.

Choosing between a wide variety of available options, ambitious investors who have to make do with limited resources opt for contracts for difference (CFDs) and Forex market trading. But before this journey starts, it’s important to take the first—and one of the most crucial—steps towards your future financial goals: choosing a reliable broker.
Here, our experts at Octa, an investment platform that operates in over 180 countries, put forward four arguments why choosing a globally recognisable Forex broker will help you build a solid foundation for a successful trading experience.
1. Advanced security capabilities
The fear of losing their funds to fraud or not being able to withdraw their gains is looming over many current and prospective traders. There is only one way to get rid of this fear once and for good: find an experienced and trustworthy broker with a holistic approach to the security of user data and clients’ funds. With that in mind, traders would be better off with choosing a broker with a long and successful track record, which serves as an especially reliable safety guarantee. If these conditions are met, you will be able to fully rely on your broker and invest without a shadow of a doubt in your mind.
A globally recognised and time-proven broker since 2011, Octa uses segregated user accounts to differentiate between its working capital and its clients’ investments. By keeping them in segregated accounts, the broker ensures that the clients’ trading capital is not used for any purpose other than to meet the trading or margin requirements. Octa also offers a seamless and quick withdrawal experience that gives traders full control over their capital.
Being exposed to international security standards and practices is instrumental for brokerage businesses in providing a safe trading experience to their customers. To ensure state-of-the-art anti-fraud protection, secure and fast withdrawal of funds, and compliance with the latest cybersecurity protocols, a financial platform needs to regularly update its knowledge bases, follow the latest recommendations from international institutions, and actively research the most recent industry-specific cases. Global brokers have a much easier access to these advantages.
2. Superior investing experience
Imagine a famous athlete who has gained an international renown by successfully playing in some of the best leagues on the planet. Such a player would be regarded as a highly desirable asset by any team because his diverse experience is matched only by his outstanding achievements. The same is true for financial brokers: the more international experience they have, the better. By adopting best international practices and adhering to international standards, they improve user experience to drive better customer satisfaction.
Globally recognised brokers have the resources and incentives to invest in developing and implementing new technology. They can scale these solutions to drive efficient international operations and customise them to meet the specific needs of users in each region.
With their extensive, well-rounded experience, globally recognised financial brokers boast quite a few advantages over their competitors, including cross-platform support of their applications, continuous improvement of user experience, and establishing the highest standards in customer service.
3. Higher liquidity
Brokers serve as intermediaries between financial institutions and retail investors, helping the latter get into the markets even with a modest amount of funds under their belt. Brokerage houses also provide leverage, an essential tool for those traders who are pressed for time and go after immediate profits. Given that, global presence and a variety of licences held by a broker in various regions allows it to connect with more liquidity providers, which means more trades, higher liquidity, and, as a result, better quotes for individual investors.
By accessing multiple regional financial markets, brokers gain the opportunity to offer more instruments to their customers by engaging with a wider variety of financial institutions. In its turn, a broader range of assets offers a more diversified investing landscape for traders, enabling them to customise their portfolios according to their long-term financial goals, opening capital, and investing style.
To sum up, the wider the geographical reach, the better terms and a wider variety of tradable assets a broker can offer to the customers.
4. A wider range of resources
Reputable brokers use their global expertise to offer a variety of information resources to their clients, help them make smarter decisions, and improve their trading by introducing additional features to financial platforms. Geographical reach plays an important role in broker’s ability to provide supplementary tools and educational materials to traders, since each region serves as a testing ground and yields invaluable data.
The interchanging of ideas and practices between different regions also plays the role of a catalyst to develop proprietary tools and courses. For global brokers, the process of making their clients’ trading experience smoother is a natural consequence of their wide reach and exposure to various mindsets and specific regional features.
Investing in the Forex market is a solid and comprehensible way to protect and increase your personal savings. One of the first—and most important—steps on your investing journey is choosing a Forex broker, and this choice should be made based on your personal financial goals and other factors. Having said that, companies with global recognition and multiregional experience have an upper hand in comparison with others. International presence allows financial brokers to step up their security practices, improve user experience, and offer their clients better trading conditions.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Octa
Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services already utilised by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 42 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Most Secure Broker Indonesia 2022’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from International Business Magazine and Global Forex Awards, respectively.
First Phosphate Project Receives Letter of Support from Mario Simard, Canadian Parliamentary Deputy for the Riding of Jonquière, Québec

SAGUENAY, QUEBEC – Newsfile Corp. – 22 February 2024 – First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTC: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) (“First Phosphate” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received a letter of support for its mining project and planned purified phosphoric acid plant from the Hon. Mario Simard, Member of Parliament (BQ) for the Riding of Jonquière, Québec.
Mr. Simard, first elected to Canadian parliament in 2019, is the vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and is the critic for natural resources for the Bloc Québécois.
“The team at First Phosphate appreciates the support that Mr. Simard and his staff have provided to us since the very beginning of our concept of establishing the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec as the LFP Battery Valley of North America,” says First Phosphate CEO, John Passalacqua. “In Canada, we need leadership that backs major projects and that supports job creation in local economies, especially an economy with the potential of Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Quebec.”
Mr. Simard’s letter of support for the First Phosphate project may be found at:
https://firstphosphate.com/mariosimard.pdf
Mr. Simard states the following in his letter:
“In the current context of climate change, all efforts to undertake the energy transition in a concrete way must be supported and encouraged. In this respect, phosphate is a key element in the development of the battery industry. Not only are lithium iron phosphate (“LFP”) batteries non-toxic and have the advantage of superior fire protection, but they also contribute directly towards the green-energy transition. They provide the electric vehicle sector with environmentally-friendly batteries through their production process powered by our clean Quebec hydroelectric grid.”
“Thanks to the availability of phosphate (amongst the purest 1% in the world), our region has the potential to establish itself as a true leader in the energy transition, all through the development of a LFP battery industry. What’s more, the development of First Phosphate’s project facilities could contribute to the diversification of our regional economy with the potential to help create an additional 1,000 to 10,000 jobs in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.”
“This is why, as MP for the federal riding of Jonquière, I support a project as important as that of First Phosphate for the development of LFP battery in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.”
Canadian Federal Riding of Jonquière Québec and Locations of the First Phosphate Project
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8917/198819_78a7aa0564790804_001full.jpg
About First Phosphate Corp.
First Phosphate is a mineral development company fully dedicated to extracting and purifying phosphate for the production of cathode active material for the Lithium Iron Phosphate (“LFP”) battery industry. First Phosphate is committed to producing at high purity level, in responsible manner and with low anticipated carbon footprint. First Phosphate plans to vertically integrate from mine source directly into the supply chains of major North American LFP battery producers that require battery grade LFP cathode active material emanating from a consistent and secure supply source. First Phosphate holds over 1,500 sq. km of royalty-free district-scale land claims in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Region of Quebec, Canada that it is actively developing. First Phosphate properties consist of rare anorthosite igneous phosphate rock that generally yields high purity phosphate materially devoid of high concentrations of harmful elements.
For additional information, please contact:
Bennett Kurtz, CFO
bennett@firstphosphate.com
Tel: +1 (416) 200-0657
Investor Relations: investor@firstphosphate.com
Media Relations: media@firstphosphate.com
Website: www.FirstPhosphate.com
Follow First Phosphate:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FirstPhosphate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate
-30-
Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements
This news release contains certain statements and information that may be considered “forward-looking statements” and “forward looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and other similar expressions. In addition, statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward looking statements, including, among other things, the Company’s planned exploration and production activities, the properties and composition of any extracted phosphate, the Company’s plans for vertical integration into North American supply chains and the establishment of the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec as the LFP Battery Valley of North America.
These statements and other forward-looking information are based on assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, expectations of the Company’s long term business outcomes given its short operating history; expectations regarding revenue, expenses and operations; the Company having sufficient working capital and ability to secure additional funding necessary for the exploration of the Company’s property interests; expectations regarding the potential mineralization, geological merit and economic feasibility of the Company’s projects; expectations regarding drill programs and the potential impacts successful drill programs could have on the life of the mine and the Company; mineral exploration and exploration program cost estimates; expectations regarding any environmental issues that may affect planned or future exploration programs and the potential impact of complying with existing and proposed environmental laws and regulations; receipt and timing of exploration and exploitation permits and other third-party approvals; government regulation of mineral exploration and development operations; expectations regarding any social or local community issues that may affect planned or future exploration and development programs; expectations surrounding global economic trends and technological advancements; and key personnel continuing their employment with the Company.
There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include: limited operating history; high risk of business failure; no profits or significant revenues; limited resources; negative cash flow from operations and dependence on third-party financing; the uncertainty of additional funding; no dividends; risks related to possible fluctuations in revenues and results; insurance and uninsured risks; litigation; reliance on management and key personnel; conflicts of interest; access to supplies and materials; dangers of mineral exploration and related liability and damages; risks relating to health and safety; government regulation and legal uncertainties; the company’s exploration and development properties may not be successful and are highly speculative in nature; dependence on outside parties; title to some of the Company’s mineral properties may be challenged or defective; Aboriginal title and land claims; obtaining and renewing licenses and permits; environmental and other regulatory risks may adversely affect the company; risks relating to climate change; risks related to infrastructure; land reclamation requirements may be burdensome; current global financial conditions; fluctuation in commodity prices; dilution; future sales by existing shareholders could cause the Company’s share price to fall; fluctuation and volatility in stock exchange prices; and risks related to market demands. There can be no assurance that any opportunity will be successful, commercially viable, completed on time or on budget, or will generate any meaningful revenues, savings or earnings, as the case may be, for the Company. In addition, the Company will incur costs in pursuing any particular opportunity, which may be significant.
These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company and, though they should be considered carefully, should be considered in conjunction with the risk factors described in the Company’s other documents filed with the Canadian securities authorities, including without limitation the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Information Form dated November 29, 2023 which is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking information or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About First Phosphate Corp.
Classy Kiss and Uni-China Group Enter into Strategic Cooperation Team Up to Venture into the Yogurt Product Market in Hong Kong
The first three products are now available at more than 1,000 points of sales in Hong Kong
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 February 2024 – Classy Kiss, the number one yogurt brand in Southern China, has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Uni-China Group, under which Uni-China Group will serve as Classy Kiss’s sole distributor in Hong Kong to launch Classy Kiss’s yogurt products in the Hong Kong market. The signing and launch ceremony was held today. According to the cooperation agreement, Uni-China Group will introduce Classy Kiss’s iconic products to local consumers through its retail network across Hong Kong and its high-end cold chain logistics distribution system. The first three products to be launched in the Hong Kong market, including “007 Probiotic Family Pack Yogurt (Original)”, “One Hour After Meal”, and “Natural Yogurt”, are now available at designated retail outlets across the city, including ParknShop, Wellcome, U Select, Bao Dim Sin Seng, and FRESH, and will also be available at Circle K Convenience Stores and 7-Eleven at the end of February and March, respectively, totaling over 1,000 points of sales.

Classy Kiss is the number one yogurt brand in Southern China in terms of sales volume. It has been focusing on the research and development of low-temperature dairy products since its establishment 24 years ago. Classy Kiss’s yogurt is made from top international strains fermented with high-quality fresh cow’s milk, which meets EU standards. The products have been awarded the SGS Global Dairy Industry Gold Standard Certification and The Superior Taste Award. Classy Kiss products lead the market in four aspects: source of milk, bacterial strains, craftsmanship, and quality.
The first three products launched in Hong Kong will be transported to various points of sales across the city by Uni-China Group’s dedicated cold chain logistics team. The team’s logistics solution combines nearly HK$100 million in investment in artificial intelligence and automation system equipment, making it the first service provider in Hong Kong to offer seamless automated cold chain logistics solutions to customers, effectively ensuring the preservation of quality and food safety of products to the highest standard.
Wang Weijia, Founder and General Manager of Classy Kiss, said, “Hong Kong is an important member of the Greater Bay Area and a window to the international market. Classy Kiss’s entry into the Hong Kong market not only complements our strategic plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, but also enhances our brand’s competitiveness and prepares us for future overseas market development. We are pleased to cooperate with Uni-China Group, which provides reliable support with its sizeable retail network, extensive experience in food trading, and seamless cold-chain logistics system. As travelling to Mainland China has become a trend for Hong Kong people in recent months, weare introducing our flagship products directly to Hong Kong to give its consumers the freshest and safest high-quality product experience through the most convenient shopping channels.”
Jackie Ling, Chairman of Uni-China Group, said, “We are honored to become Classy Kiss’s strategic partner to capture the business opportunities in the rapidly growing yogurt market and bring quality yogurt products that are renowned in Southern Mainland China to local consumers. With our experience in retail and food trading, extensive distribution network, and a seamless automated cold chain logistics system, we can ensure that the yogurt products are in the best quality and the most stringent food safety is upheld throughout the cold chain transportation process. This strategic cooperation fully leverages the Group’s advantages in various aspects. Going forward, we will continue to source and introduce different food brands from around the world to provide consumers with a wider range of high-quality food options.”
Classy Kiss products are now available in designated retail outlets across Hong Kong, including ParknShop, Wellcome, U Select, Bao Dim Sin Seng, and FRESH, and will also be available at Circle K Convenience Stores and 7-Eleven by the end of February and March, respectively, totaling over 1,000 points of sales.
Hashtag: #UniChinaGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Classy Kiss
Established in 1999, Classy Kiss is a modern professional dairy product enterprise that integrates research, production, sales, and cold chain logistics. It is the only large-scale dairy product enterprise in China that focuses on yogurt production. Classy has been focusing on low-temperature yogurt for 24 years, with a professional product team, logistics team, production factory, and leading quality systems including ISO9001 and HACCP certifications. Over the years, Classy Kiss has adhered to a product strategy of “high grade, high quality, high standards”, successfully creating the Classy Kiss range of yogurt product and becoming the preferred brand in the white-collar consumer market and high-end dairy product market.
About Uni-China Group
With nearly 25 years of experience in Hong Kong, Uni-China Group has been playing an important role in the operation and management of different sectors based on the local business landscape. The Group has evolved from a commercial entity to a diversified business with a consistent commitment to excellence. The Group has a wide range of businesses, including retail, food and beverage, food trading, asset management, integrated marketing and marketing. Today, the Group manages about 1,000 stores in Hong Kong, and is not only a leader in various industries, but also plays a key role in promoting traditional culture and future development. Uni-China currently employs around 5,000 employees, and the entire team is dedicated, professional and committed to achieving excellence in all aspects. Uni-China is committed to promoting the sustainable development of its business scope and community services, fulfilling its corporate social responsibility, and maintaining its leading position in the industry.
Orbis Flying Eye Hospital Returns to Hong Kong After 8 Years Collaborates with Hip Shing Hong to Promote Global Sight-saving Efforts

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 February 2024 – Orbis, an international nonprofit dedicated to global blindness prevention for over 40 years, is pleased to announce the return of its iconic Flying Eye Hospital to Hong Kong after an eight-year hiatus. To express gratitude for the generous support from Hong Kong, Orbis, in collaboration with Hip Shing Hong (Holdings) Company Limited (referred to as “Hip Shing Hong”), is hosting the “Orbis * Hip Shing Hong Flying Eye Hospital See Love Tour 2024” event. Orbis and Hip Shing Hong join forces in 2024 to launch their one-year partnership with the objectives to promote eye health awareness within the local community. Hip Shing Hong is the title sponsor of this event signifying the kickoff of the year-long partnership.

During the nine-day event, the public could take a look at the interior of the aircraft cabin, which has been transformed into a small-scale eye hospital equipped with a classroom, operating room, and recovery room for treating patients and teaching medical staff in developing countries. This tour would also offer visitors an opportunity to witness firsthand how Orbis transforms the lives of countless individuals with eye diseases.
Provided 400,000+ trainings over the past 9 years
Orbis has established 63 sight-saving programs in 11 countries globally through the Flying Eye Hospital. Over the past 9 years, it has provided more than 400,000 training sessions to healthcare professionals, distributed over 500,000 pairs of corrective eyeglasses to patients, and conducted over 28 million eye screenings. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic in the past 3 years, the Flying Eye Hospital adapted by transitioning training programs online to continue their sight-saving missions in different regions. Following its visit to Hong Kong, the Flying Eye Hospital will proceed to Mongolia and Bangladesh, furthering its commitment to fight avoidable blindness.
Mr. Derek Hodkey, CEO of Orbis, expressed his gratitude to the people in Hong Kong for their long-term support. “For over 40 years, Orbis has been visiting various regions worldwide through the Flying Eye Hospital. Other than providing training to healthcare professionals in remote areas, we also invite patients to board the Flying Eye Hospital for surgeries and treatments, successfully restoring sight for many people in need. Through the Flying Eye Hospital tour during its stay in Hong Kong, I hope to encourage interactions between the local community and the crew team, allowing the public to gain a deeper understanding of Orbis’s work. In the future, we are dedicated to lead the global fight against avoidable blindness and develop long-term blindness prevention strategies in collaboration with various stakeholders.”
Hip Shing Hong is committed to giving back to the society. Together with two family foundations, Hip Shing Hong has participated in around 600 charitable projects. Mr. David M.H. Fong, BBS, JP, Managing Director of Hip Shing Hong (Holdings) Company Limited, shared his company’s parallel philosophy with Orbis of empowering individuals through training and skills transfer. “We believe in shared human wellness and happiness, and fulfilling dreams for people, is the true meaning of business existence. In January 2024, we launched a new branding motto, ‘Growing Together’ with the aim of working and growing together with our stakeholders to build a win-win future and give back to society. Sharing a similar philosophy, we have embarked on a year-long collaboration with Orbis, making it the first large-scale community project after our rebranding. Through this collaboration, we hope to promote eye care education to the public and create a brighter future filled with colors for those in need.”
Special thanks to Title Sponsor Hip Shing Hong (Holdings) Company Limited, Vision Sponsor Rusy and Purviz Shroff Charitable Foundation, Caring Sponsor Mentholatum (Asia Pacific) Limited, Sponsor The Divine Grace Foundation Ltd and Wilson Group, Services and Venue Sponsor Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited, Supporting Organization Airport Authority Hong Kong, Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre and Hong Kong Airport Services Ltd for supporting Orbis’s mission.
More photos
Hashtag: #HipShingHong #Orbis
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Orbis
Orbis is a nonprofit, organization that prevents and treats blindness through hands-on training, public health education, improved access to quality eye care, advocacy and partnerships with local health care organizations. By building long-term capabilities, Orbis helps its partner institutions take action to reach a state where they can provide, on their own, quality eye care services that are affordable, accessible, and sustainable. To learn more about Orbis, please visit www.orbis.org.
About Hip Shing Hong (Holdings) Company Limited
Our vision is creating human wellness and fulfilling dreams for society which we believe is the true meaning of business existence. We are committed to going beyond the basics to grow together.
Since 1948, Hip Shing Hong has deep roots in the city. Today, as one of Hong Kong’s reputable private real estate developers, Hip Shing Hong will continue to deliver sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant dreams.
Growing Together, Hip Shing Hong!
For more information, please visit www.hshd.com.hk.
A Blooming Spectacle: The 20th Taiwan International Orchid Show and the 23rd World Orchid Conference will be held in Tainan, Taiwan

TAINAN, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 February 2024 – The excitement is palpable as the 20th edition of the Taiwan International Orchid Show is set to bloom spectacularly alongside the 23rd World Orchid Conference. For the first time, this prestigious event will extend from the Taiwan Orchid Technology Park to the ICC TAINAN, forming an impressive exhibition layout of ‘5 Halls and 6 Zones’.

During the promotional press conference in Taipei, attendees were delighted by a slew of new attractions, including the enchanting ‘Pink Orchidsaur’, orchid-shaped egg pancakes, and the delightful ‘Orchidsaur Family Dolls’. These creative and engaging elements promise an experience that is eye-catching, fun and flavorful. The event will be held in Tainan, Taiwan from February 24th to March 10th.
The Orchidsaur, the two-story tall mascot, has already made a grand appearance in the main hall of Taipei Station. Artist Chen Pu’s dinosaur-themed creation symbolizes that the ancient origins of orchids possibly date back to 65 million years ago, the era of dinosaurs.
In addition to admiring the creatively designed installations, visitors can also savor the freshly baked egg pancakes. The organizing committee has specially created molds featuring the Orchidsaur, as well as many orchids, such as Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, Vanda, etc. The egg pancakes come in six shapes. Baked to a crispy exterior with soft interior, they’re bursting with irresistible aroma, and their deliciousness is matched only by their stunning visual appeal.
The 20th Taiwan International Orchid Show, in tandem with the 23rd World Orchid Conference, adopts the theme ‘2024 Orchid Together’. The five halls will demonstrate the versatile applications of orchids through thematic landscapes, lifestyle utilizations, digital interactions, live sales, and multi-billion-dollar orders. The six zones will focus on native orchid exhibits, floral competitions, expanded participation, cross-industry collaborations, a hundred conferences, and diverse industry integrations.
The Taiwan International Orchid Show builds on the foundation of Tainan 400, incorporating 7major themes, ‘culture, crafts, rituals, festivals, mythology, cuisine, and architecture’ to recreate the bustling atmosphere of Tainan 400. Starting from Tainan, this 16-day event will showcase the exquisite beauty of Taiwan’s orchids to the world, connecting dot, line and plane.
Those who want to attend the 20th Taiwan International Orchid Show and the 23rd World Orchid Conference can purchase tickets through ibon, Fami, KLOOK, and other ticketing platforms. For more information, please visit the official website of ‘2024 Taiwan International Orchid Show’ (https://tios.tw/) or ’23rd World Orchid Conference’ (https://www.woc23.com/)
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.