28 C
Vientiane
Saturday, May 3, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 2185

Bybit’s World Series of Trading 2022 Entices Top Traders With a Record-Breaking $8M Prize Pool

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Media OutReach – 26 May 2022 – Bybit’s World Series of Trading (WSOT) has been blazing a trail in competitive digital assets trading, and this year is no exception with registrations set to open on May 26, 2022. Players will compete in the world’s largest crypto trading tournament for a share of the record-breaking prize pool consisting of up to 8 million USDT, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other perks and giveaways. To champion crypto as a force for empowerment for girls’ education, through the flagship event, Bybit will be donating $400,000 in Bitcoin to UNICEF.

Breaking down the barrier between virtual and physical sports this year, WSOT returns with an exciting arena to pitch participants in an adrenaline-filled race against gaming athletes from some of the world’s most formidable esports organizations. Competing on skills, speed and split-second judgment, the star guests will navigate the crypto sphere with traders from around the world, making WSOT 2022 the platform for crypto lovers to challenge world champions in esports.

“WSOT this year is all about racing to the next level,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “We want to encourage gamers, traders, and teams to join us in a spirit of competition and distinguish themselves at the world’s greatest crypto trading tournament. We also want to use this opportunity to amplify the positive impact of crypto: improving financial literacy and financial inclusion, and putting wealth back in the hands of the common people.”

Bybit’s WSOT was pioneered by the cryptocurrency exchange to recognize traders who could achieve the best profit/loss ratio regardless of the investment amount. Last year, WSOT 2021 saw 35,000 participants who unlocked a record $4.09 million of the prize pool and 1,339 NFT awards. Team players from 136 eligible regions formed or joined 196 troops in the main event, with the top team making 20x in earnings. Nearly 20,000 solo players took part in the individual competition, where the winner delivered a profit and loss ratio of 7,265.94%.

Racing to the Next Level

Doubling the prize pool to up to 8 million USDT for three tracks — Solo Race, Squad Race and Speed Zone Loot, WSOT 2022 is set to captivate crypto lovers worldwide.

“The global WSOT community has unlocked a total of over $5 million in prizes in the past two years. And we are presenting an $8-million prize pool this year to share our passion for crypto with as many people as possible,” Zhou said. “WSOT embodies what Bybit is all about: providing an honest, fair, level playing field for traders to capitalize on their talent. We built this ultra-fast platform trusted by the world’s most competitive traders and loved by crypto beginners, because we believe that in the new world of the digital economy everyone should have equal opportunities and the ability to capture wealth with the power of technology.”

Public registration for WSOT 2022 is open globally where Bybit services are available on June 10. While the trading contest period is from June 27 to July 17, 2022, participants can expect a series of perks, task-based and bonus rewards, fee waivers and lucky draws throughout the summer.

With Bybit’s significant market depth and best-in-class liquidity, participants can look forward to going further in trades and enjoy maximum profitability to rank higher on the leaderboards. Additionally, Bybit’s 24/7 multilingual customer support is available to ensure participants get the support they need and have a timely solution to their trading challenges along the way.

Giving Back

Through participating in WSOT, participants will be supporting UNICEF’s work to ensure all children have access to quality digital education. Bybit is committed to furthering its partnership with UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand to empower girls’ education in East Asia and the Pacific with another BTC donation equivalent to $400,000 at WSOT 2022, or 5% of the prize pool plus contributions from Bybit.

The donation is dedicated to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 towards “inclusive and equitable quality education” via UNICEF efforts. It helps fund, among other initiatives, digital education for girls in the region by making science and technology education within reach for marginalized groups with innovative education solutions.

“In order to overcome global challenges and ensure a level playing field for future generations, we must bridge the gender digital divide and support the further education of girls,” Zhou said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to use our platform and resources to support UNICEF’s efforts to ensure all children have access to quality education, especially the most vulnerable groups.”

Read more about WSOT and sign up here: https://go.bybit.com/e/g9Wrgxeajqb

About Bybit

Bybit is a cryptocurrency exchange established in March 2018 that offers a professional platform where crypto traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, excellent customer service and multilingual community support. The company provides innovative online spot and derivatives trading services, mining and staking products, an NFT marketplace as well as API support, to retail and institutional clients around the world, and strives to be the most reliable exchange for the emerging digital asset class. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One racing team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, esports teams NAVI, Astralis, Alliance, Virtus.pro and Oracle Red Bull Racing Esports, and association football (soccer) teams Borussia Dortmund and Avispa Fukuoka.

For more information please visit:

For updates, please follow Bybit’s social media platforms on









#Bybit

PolyU develops ultrasensitive and portable detection sensor for rapid, easy and low-cost COVID-19 antibody test

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach26 May 2022 – As the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has continued for over two years, a fast and accurate antibody detection method can help assess the antibody content of the human body, as well as provide reference data for healthcare departments to formulate appropriate vaccination measures. In the long run, the antibody content data can also contribute to epidemiological studies and vaccine development. In view of this, a research team from the Department of Applied Physics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has successfully developed an ultrasensitive and portable COVID-19 antibody detection sensor based on organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) technology. Fast and easy-to-use, the sensor is designed for testing the antibody levels of people who have either received vaccination or have been infected with the virus.

1.jpg
A research team from the Department of Applied Physics of PolyU has successfully developed an ultrasensitive and portable COVID-19 antibody detection sensor. Present at the press conference were Professor Feng YAN (left), Professor of the Department of Applied Physics, PolyU; and Dr Helen LAW (right), Associate Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU.

Currently, the detection of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) is based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing of serum samples. Such testing requires the use of bulky medical equipment and can only be performed in hospitals or specialised testing laboratories. It takes about two days to acquire the test results and the cost is high. There is an alternative rapid method based on lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) testing. However, the sensitivity of this method is lower and incapable of showing the actual level of antibody content.

2.jpg
The COVID-19 antibody detection sensor developed by the PolyU research team comes with an array of advantages – it is highly sensitive, portable, rapid, easy-to-use and low-cost.

The COVID-19 antibody detection sensor developed by the PolyU research team comes with an array of advantages – it is highly sensitive, portable, rapid, easy-to-use and low-cost. The testing procedure is very simple. First, turn on the sensor and connect it to the smartphone app via Bluetooth. Then, drop 10uL of a saliva (or serum) sample on the transistor test area to allow the antibody-antigen reaction. Wait for five minutes, then extract the saliva sample and add an electrolyte drop on the test area. Press the button on the smartphone app to start the test. After about 20 seconds, the app will display the antibody content level of the saliva sample.

The whole detection process takes less than six minutes and the cost per test is only about HK$10.

The antibody detection sensor can test the concentration of antibodies from lower than 10fM to higher than 100nM. The detection limit satisfies the needs of exquisite analytical sensitivity for saliva.

Principal Investigator of the study, Professor Feng YAN, Professor of the Department of Applied Physics at PolyU, said, “Our research team developed a novel technology by applying voltage pulses on the gate of the sliced transistor to accelerate the incubation process resulting in a significant decrease in the overall detection time. Since the detection process is non-invasive, using only saliva instead of blood, self-sampling is highly possible. Moreover, the operation and result reading are very simple with the use of a smartphone, and hence the sensor is suitable for instant detection and large-scale screening scenarios.”

The next plan of the research team is to apply for funding for clinical studies in collaboration with different medical and testing institutions. The research team expects that the novel device can be commercialised as soon as practicable and applied for antibody detection of other viruses, helping to fight diseases and making contributions to epidemiological studies and vaccine development.

#PolyU

Laos Monitors Monkeypox Among Tourists  

Monkeypox virus.

Following a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) that cases of monkeypox have emerged in several countries, health officials in Laos are on high alert.

Over 1 Million Meals Distributed by the Ministry of Health, WFP and World Vision in Savannakhet and Salavan Provinces

Officials provide meals for children and families.

After almost two years of restrictions, Lao PDR has fully reopened its borders on 9 May, recording a significant decrease of COVID-19 cases across the country in the past weeks. With this positive announcement, the Ministry of Health, WFP and World Vision have agreed to end the support provided to Quarantine Centres in Savannakhet and Saravane Provinces that was ongoing for 646 consecutive days.

Bonaqua® Officially Launches Its First Individual Sale Label-less Bottled Water Anywhere in the World

5-day “Bonaqua® Green Market Fair” Promotes Sustainability

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 26 May 2022 – Bonaqua®, the leading bottled water brand[1], is bringing its first individual sale label-less bottled water anywhere in the world to shelves across all channels in Hong Kong. The potentially game-changing design uses fewer packaging materials and improves bottle recyclability.

Officiating Guests (From Left to Right):Ms. Sally Cheng, Hydration & Sports Category Brand Director, GC&M (Greater China & Mongolia), The Coca-Cola CompanyMr. Tim Warwick, Vice President of Operations for Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and Mongolia at The Coca-Cola CompanyMr. Hunter Jin, Executive Director of Swire Coca-Cola HK & TaiwanMs. Connie Yeung , Director and General Manager of Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong

Officiating Guests (From Left to Right):
Ms. Sally Cheng, Hydration & Sports Category Brand Director, GC&M (Greater China & Mongolia), The Coca-Cola Company
Mr. Tim Warwick, Vice President of Operations for Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and Mongolia at The Coca-Cola Company
Mr. Hunter Jin, Executive Director of Swire Coca-Cola HK & Taiwan
Ms. Connie Yeung , Director and General Manager of Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong

Bonaqua® is celebrating the official launch of this innovative product at a five-day Bonaqua® Green Market Fair at Central Market. Featuring a series of exhibits and giant Bonaqua® bottled water photo spots, it will introduce the concept of Water For Tomorrow and encourage sustainable development in Hong Kong. The public can sign up for Eco workshops curated by local artists who use eco-friendly materials for sustainable lifestyles.

bon1.jpg

Mr. Tim Warwick

Bonaqua’s First Individual Sale Label-less Bottled Water Anywhere in the World

The locally produced Bonaqua® Mineralized Water uses 100% rPET for production, and makes its bottle 52.8%[2] lighter than the conventional PET bottle. Using laser incising technology to highlight product information on the bottle and having a bottle cap (also smaller than the conventional bottle cap) with a sales barcode enables individual sale of the products. The design and the products’ broader availability allows more Hong Kong consumers to participate in building a world without waste. The effort echoes Bonaqua®’s commitment to sustainable solutions and inspiring more consumers to adopt sustainable lifestyles.

New Green Community Program Is About to Start

Bonaqua® is committed to promoting sustainable development throughout the years, e.g. conducting community sustainability awareness campaigns, e.g., the ‘Power of Less’ campaign. This year, partnering with its bottling partner Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong, Bonaqua® will contribute HK$ 2 million for piloting a community packaging waste recovery program aiming to collect and recycle used bottles or cans in a more efficient approach.

Green Market Fair Promotes Sustainable Lifestyles

Bonaqua® is delighted to present the inaugural Green Market Fair, to be held at the Steam Hub on the first floor of Central Market from 26 to 30 May 2022. It will feature a series of exhibits and various workshops, allowing visitors to practice recycling and sustainable living. Four Eco workshops, curated by local artists to highlight the potential use of sustainable materials in handicraft, art, and fashion.

“As Hong Kong’s most popular bottled water brand, it’s a bold move for Bonaqua® to pilot the launch of its individual sale label-less bottled water anywhere in the world. We are indeed championing a potentially game-changing form of future packaging. By making the Bonaqua label-less bottled water available to a broader range of customers, we would like to invite more consumers to take part in building a world without waste. By going label-less, Bonaqua is enhabling the ‘Power of Less’,” says Tim Warwick, Vice President of Operations for Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and Mongolia at The Coca-Cola Company.

“As Coca-Cola’s bottling partner, we will continue to leverage our expertise and develop new manufacturing technologies so as to offer consumers even more eco-friendly beverage choices. We weave sustainability into the fabric of our endeavors, including design, sourcing, production and delivery. It is our mission to contribute to a more sustainable way of living,” says Connie Yeung, Director and General Manager of Swire Coca-Cola HK.

To learn more about the Bonaqua® label-less mineralized water, customers can contact the Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong customer service hotline at +852 2210 3888. They can also purchase the products via the current distribution channels and Swire Coca-Cola HK eShop (www.swirecocacolahk.com) and enjoy complimentary local delivery service when they spend a specific amount.

Details of “Bonaqua® Green Market Fair”

Dates: 26 – 30 May 2022
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Location : Steam Hub, 1/F of Central Market
Free workshops : “Art Print Drawstring Bags”

26 May, 4 to 5 pm

28 May, 12 to 1 pm

29 May, 12 to 1 pm

“Multi-Purpose Water Bottle Holders”

26 May, 6 to 7 pm

27 May, 12 to 1 pm

30 May, 12 to 1 pm

“Graffiti Art T-shirts”

27 May, 4 to 5 pm

30 May, 4 to 5 pm

“Eco-Friendly Double-Sided Shoulder Bags”

28 May, 4 to 6 pm

29 May, 4 to 6 pm

Registration :

Walk-in applications at the event venue are available on a first-come, first-served basis.


[1] 1 Nielsen MarketTrack Service data shows that Bonaqua® was ranked first in Sales Volume (Litre) in the Packaged Water category for the 15-year period ending November 2021 for Total Supermarkets, CVS, Drug Stores, Provision Stores and Soft Drink Outlets in Hong Kong.

[2] Bonaqua®’s 500 ml bottle weighs 11.8g, which is lighter than the typical PET bottle found in the market, which weighs 18 – 32g. (Source: New Life Plastics Ltd – https://www.nlplastics.com.hk/pet-hdpe/)

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is a total beverage company, offering over 500 brands in more than 200 countries. In Hong Kong, the company has a portfolio covering sparkling, sweetened and unsweetened tea, juice, sports drink, water, enhanced hydration beverages, etc. We have 15 brands offering 70 different variants such as “Coca-Cola”, “Coca-Cola No Sugar”, “Coke Plus”, “Sprite”, “Fanta”, “Schweppes”, “OOHA”, “Bonaqua” Mineralized Water, “Authentic Tea House”, “Minute Maid”, “Minute Maid Qoo”, “Glaceau vitaminwater”, “Yeung Gwong”, “Aquarius”, “Healthworks”, and “Kochakaden” CRAFTEA”. We are constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. Learn more at and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

#Bonaqua

One Injured Following Head-On Collision Near Vientiane Hospital 

Road accident near Mahosot hospital in Vientiane Capital.
Witnesses assist the driver in exiting the vehicle.

Two vehicles collided near Mahosot Hospital yesterday evening leaving one driver with minor injuries in Vientiane Capital.

Spackman Media Group Artist Son Suk-Ku To Star In Upcoming Netflix Original K-Drama, MURDEROUS TOY

  • Spackman Media Group artist Son Suk-ku is set to headline in new Netflix original K-drama, MURDEROUS TOY
  • Son Suk-ku’s latest film THE ROUNDUP, a sequel film to the 2017 hit THE OUTLAWS, achieved the highest ticket sales since FROZEN 2 (2019) and maintained its #1 position at the Korean box office as of May 24
  • Son Suk-ku of Spackman Media Group topped the most popular actor in Korea for four weeks in a row, and his drama MY LIBERATION NOTES, maintained its #1 spot in TV drama rankings in Korea for three consecutive weeks as of May 24

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 26 May 2022 Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that the Son Suk-ku of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“), is set to star in upcoming Netflix original K-drama, MURDEROUS TOY.

Other than Son Suk-ku of Spackman Media Group, MURDEROUS TOY also stars Choi Woo Shik of the film PARASITE (2019). Produced by Showbox, MURDEROUS TOY is a comedy thriller drama based on the popular webtoon series of the same name. The story revolves around an ordinary man (played by Choi Woo Shik) who murders a serial killer on the loose. After committing the crime, he runs for his life as he is chased by a skilled detective (played by Son Suk-ku of Spackman Media Group).

Filming for MURDEROUS TOY is scheduled to begin in the second half of this year. MURDEROUS TOY is directed by Lee Chang Hee of the drama HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE (2019) and the film THE VANISHED (2018).

Son Suk-ku is represented by SBD Entertainment Inc. (“SBD Entertainment“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spackman Media Group.

With the release of his latest drama MY LIBERATION NOTES and film THE ROUNDUP, Son Suk-ku topped the most popular actor in Korea for four weeks in a row, according to Good Data TV Popularity Research as of May 24. Based on the same data research, MY LIBERATION NOTES, starring Son Suk-ku of SBD Entertainment, maintained its #1 spot in TV drama rankings in Korea for three consecutive weeks.

Son Suk-ku’s film THE ROUNDUP, a sequel film to the 2017 hit THE OUTLAWS, achieved the best ticket sales since FROZEN 2 in 2019 and maintained its #1 position at the Korean box office as of May 24. The film was pre-sold to 132 countries around the world, including Singapore, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and France, as well as the regions of North America and Eastern Europe.

Other than 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 luxury brand Gucci in April 2021.

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 Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp“), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 79 films (58 Korean and 21 foreign) including ROSE OF BETRAYAL, THE OUTLAWS and SECRETLY, GREATLY, which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS, as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY. In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE, 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 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 100% equity interest in Take Pictures Pte. Ltd. (“Take Pictures“) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021), and shall release THE GUEST in the second half of 2022 and A MAN OF REASON, with the previous working title GUARDIAN in 2022 tentatively.

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 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 MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee), SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-hyun, Lee Cho-hee, Park Keun-rok), UAA&CO Inc. (Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Hye-ri, Kim Ji-young, Wang Ji-won), Play Content Co., Ltd. (Kang Min-ji, Hwang-hwi) and Kook Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Baek Si-won, Shin Ji-woong). 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

#SpackmanEntertainmentGroupLimited

7,000 Die Annually in Laos from Smoking

Laos sees some 7,000 deaths each year from smoking-related illnesses, or 19 individuals per day, including nonsmokers who inhale secondhand smoke.