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SINOVAC joins hands with HKU-CTC research team and Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong to kick off a clinical trial of an Omicron-specific inactivated vaccine for booster use in Hong Kong, China

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 July 2022 – A kick off ceremony was held at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong (Gleneagles or GHK) for initiating a clinical trial to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the SINOVAC’s Omicron-specific COVID-19 inactivated vaccine used as a booster shot in healthy adults, in anticipation of providing scientific evidence for future immunization strategy. This study is led by a medical research team of the University of Hong Kong Clinical Trials Centre (HKU-CTC) in collaboration with Gleneagles.

[From right to left] Professor Ivan Hung Fan-ngai, Ru Chien & Helen Lieh Professor in Health Sciences Pedagogy, Clinical Professor and Chief of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Assistant Dean (Admissions), LKS Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong; Dr Kenneth Tsang, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong; Ms. Cheryl Law, International Business Development Director, Asia Pacific of SINOVAC; Mr. Henry Yau, Managing Director of The University of Hong Kong Clinical Trials Centre.
[From right to left] Professor Ivan Hung Fan-ngai, Ru Chien & Helen Lieh Professor in Health Sciences Pedagogy, Clinical Professor and Chief of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Assistant Dean (Admissions), LKS Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong; Dr Kenneth Tsang, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong; Ms. Cheryl Law, International Business Development Director, Asia Pacific of SINOVAC; Mr. Henry Yau, Managing Director of The University of Hong Kong Clinical Trials Centre.

In this study, a total of 300 healthy adult volunteers aged 18 and above who have been vaccinated with two or three doses of inactivated or mRNA COVID-19 vaccine will be recruited.

“As we know, vaccination is one of the most effective ways to cope with infectious diseases. Currently, Omicron continuously sweeps the world. I hope the clinical trial could strengthen and effectively promote vaccine research and vaccination administration,” Professor Ivan Hung Fan-ngai, Ru Chien & Helen Lieh Professor in Health Sciences Pedagogy, Clinical Professor and Chief of Infectious Diseases, and Assistant Dean of Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Assistant Dean (Admissions), LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), stated in the ceremony.

“As one of the research sites of HKU, we are pleased to be part of this clinical trial project and contribute to the continuous research and development of vaccines and immunization strategies to help enhance health protection for people,” said Dr Kenneth Tsang.

“It is of great significance to cooperate with Professor Ivan Hung, HKU-CTC and Gleneagles to carry out the clinical trial of the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine as a booster shot against the Omicron strain. We hope to find a solution for Hong Kong and the globe to fight against the new viruses with the results of this trial,” said Ms. Cheryl Law, International Business Development Director of SINOVAC.

SINOVAC obtained the sample of the Omicron variant in early December 2021 and then actively promoted research and development of its inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Omicron specific strain). Preclinical research demonstrated that the vaccine is safe and effective in animals. The Omicron strain booster immunization clinical trial was then approved by the HKU GHK Institutional Review Board (IRB) on 12th April 22 and by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong on 14th April 22, allowing the carrying out of the clinical study on boosting the immunity of people against the new coronavirus strain in Hong Kong.

For more details and recruitment criteria of the clinical trial, please visit:
https://gleneagles.hk/promotions/research-on-sinovac-vaccine-booster-for-adults

About Sinovac Biotech Ltd.

SINOVAC Biotech Ltd. (SINOVAC) is a China-based leading biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the research, innovation, manufacture, and commercialization of vaccines that protect against human infectious diseases. SINOVAC’s product portfolio includes vaccines against emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19, H5N1 pandemic influenza (avian flu), H1N1 influenza (swine flu) and enterovirus 71 (EV71), and other common infectious diseases such as viral hepatitis, seasonal influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, poliomyelitis, varicella and mumps. SINOVAC is also exploring opportunities in the international market and is exporting it vaccines to tens of countries and international organizations. More information about SINOVAC can be found at

About HKU Clinical Trials Centre

The University of Hong Kong Clinical Trials Centre (HKU-CTC) is a one-stop clinical research management platform dedicated to facilitating the professional conduct of clinical research projects under HKUMed. Since its establishment, HKU-CTC has already facilitated over a thousand of sponsored clinical studies and investigator-initiated clinical studies in collaboration with sponsors and investigators around the world. More information about HKU- CTC can be found at

About Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong

Located at Wong Chuk Hang on Hong Kong Island South, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong (Gleneagles) is a multi-specialty private hospital, providing 500 beds, cutting-edge medical technologies and a comprehensive range of clinical services spanning more than 35 specialties and subspecialties. As Hong Kong’s top-notch private teaching hospital, Gleneagles also contributes to the training and development of healthcare professionals and advancement of clinical research. Gleneagles is a joint venture between IHH Healthcare and NWS Holdings Limited, with The University of Hong Kong as its exclusive clinical partner. More information on Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong can be found at .

#SinoVac

Happy Balloons Popular as Party Drug in Laos

Happy balloons being sold on the street in Vietnam (Photo: City Press Guide)

Nitrous oxide balloons have emerged as a popular new party drug at entertainment venues in Laos.

Laos-China Railway Company Fed Up With Trespassers and Domestic Animals

The Laos-China Railway Company has again urged residents to refrain from entering restricted areas or allowing domestic animals to graze in areas near the railway tracks.

Government of Lao PDR and IOM Strengthen Anti-trafficking Partnerships Under New MOU

The Government of Lao PDR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on “Building the National and Local capacity to Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic” on 30 June at Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane Capital.

YouTrip launches in-app travel insurance with major savings for travellers in Singapore

  • Singaporean YouTrip users can now purchase travel insurance powered by HL Assurance directly in the YouTrip app
  • Users are guaranteed a 15% cashback and up to 50% in additional savings on each single-trip policy
  • This move marks a significant step in YouTrip’s work to integrate the most affordable overseas payments and protection on a single platform

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 4 July 2022 – Singapore’s leading neobank, YouTrip, announced today that it has launched a new travel insurance product on its multi-currency app for all local users. Rolled out in conjunction with online insurance provider, HL Assurance (HLAS), travellers can now purchase a single-trip policy directly and conveniently on the YouTrip app, and enjoy up to 65% in savings on their plan.

This roll-out follows the rapid travel comeback among Singaporeans, and business for YouTrip has grown an exponential 4X this quarter (Q2) compared to 2021. With international travel only expected to rise, this expansion into insurance is timely in helping to simplify users’ trip preparation process.

“In this post-pandemic travel, getting well-covered with comprehensive insurance is an essential on every travellers’ checklist. Likewise, this integration of insurance in our suite of financial services gives users a peace of mind as they embark on new adventures overseas. As a company, this is also a significant step in our work to build a borderless banking product for travellers in the region – from promising the most affordable and convenient multi-currency payments, and now protection,” said Caecilia Chu, CEO and Co-founder, YouTrip.

A rewarding and convenient way to stay protected

To ensure all users are well-protected, YouTrip has curated the most comprehensive plan from HLAS with enhanced benefits to cover medical treatments as well as trip cancellations and/or postponement due to COVID-19.

YouTrip is also rewarding users for protecting themselves, with a guaranteed 15% cashback on every purchase of a single-trip policy from their HL Assurance COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Enhanced Plans. The plans are some of the most comprehensive and flexible travel insurance products in Singapore covering COVID-related situations, with enhanced features such as flexibility in travel date changes, overseas hospital cash benefits and quarantine allowance, as well as reimbursements on travel delay, postponement and disruptions.

This comes on top of an additional 40% discount off the premium, and an up to 10% No Claim Discount (NCD) for customers who do not make a claim. These additional discounts (40% premium discount + 10% NCD) will only be valid until 31 July.

Application is extremely easy and convenient on the YouTrip app. Pre-stored user information means basic personal details are auto-filled during the process, reducing the hassle of repeatedly filling up online forms. To close the loop, payments are deducted securely from the YouTrip wallet.

Travel safe and easy with YouTrip

  1. Select ‘Insurance’ on the homepage of the YouTrip app.
  2. Select your travel region and dates.
  3. Review your travel insurance details and price. The amount of cashback will be indicated in-app.
  4. Once ready, check your personal details before making payment.
  5. The travel insurance purchase confirmation and policy details will be sent to your email.

This new travel insurance also builds on the Mastercard Flight Delay Pass travel benefit launched earlier this year. With this Pass, each YouTrip user and a travel companion will be able to access over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide in the event their pre-registered flights are delayed for at least two hours.

About YouTrip

YouTrip is a Southeast Asian neobank dedicated to creating the next-generation of digital financial services for consumers and businesses. In 2018, it launched the region’s first and leading multi-currency payment app.

With its consumer and corporate products, YouTrip and YouBiz, the company empowers users with the most affordable and convenient financial innovations to transact in any currencies worldwide. The company is a Major Payment Institution licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and owns principal memberships and issuing licences with two of the largest card schemes, MasterCard and Visa. For more information, please visit

#YouTrip

About Hong Leong Assurance

Founded in Singapore in 2013, HL Assurance is a licensed general insurer approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and a member of the General Insurance Association in Singapore.

Through a wide range of products and services including critical illness, personal accident, car, critical illness, fire, home, mobile phone, maid and travel insurance for personal needs and business packages, casualty, engineering, keyman and property insurance for business needs of corporations and SMEs, HL Assurance provides quality customer-centric products to protect every customers’ valuable assets.

HL Assurance is a member of Hong Leong Group, a leading conglomerate with diversified businesses in banking and financial services, manufacturing and distribution, property development and investments, hospitality and leisure, and principal investment with presence in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania.

For more information, please visit

Rhenus Air & Ocean appoints new Co-CEOs, Jan Harnisch and Tobias König

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 4 July 2022 – Jan Harnisch and Tobias König have been appointed as the new global Co-CEOs for Rhenus Air & Ocean. The leadership team will focus on spearheading transformational growth and operational excellence across all areas including digitalisation, human resources development, sustainability and scalability.

Under the new co-leadership structure, Jan Harnisch and Tobias König will jointly chart the strategic direction to further accelerate Rhenus Air & Ocean growth globally.

Specific key areas for Tobias König include strategic customer relationship development, industry verticals and marketing as well as positioning Rhenus as the forwarder of choice. Jan Harnisch’s duties will include leading the direction for volume growth, product and service innovation as well as enhancing operational excellence.

“Rhenus has grown tremendously to be regarded as one of today’s top global logistics players, with some of the best people in the industry driving this success. To propel Rhenus to the next level, we have conducted a critical review to reexamine conventional organisational structures, find ways where our talent can best flourish creatively, and align ourselves as a truly global company to offer end-to-end solutions to our customers around the world,” said Tobias König.

“We will continue to lead by example and innovate, both through how we support our customers through our products and services, as well as being one of the best workplaces in the world. By tapping on technology to drive sustainability and build a more resilient supply chain, we are confident of expanding our footprint significantly. At the same time, we will double up on our employer branding efforts to attract the right talent to build diverse and effective teams,” added Jan Harnisch.

Jan Harnisch joined Rhenus as a Business Development Manager in China in 2012 before moving to Singapore to take up the role of regional product Ocean Freight Head of Asia and the CEO of Far East Asia region. He was then promoted to Global COO of Products Air & Ocean in Germany prior to this latest role.

Tobias König started his career with Rhenus in 2008 in Rhenus Port Logistics as an assistant to the board and moving fast onto the sales role in 1.5 years. In 2011, Rhenus Projects Logistics was founded and Tobias König became the Managing Director. From 2020 onwards, he took over the position of Global CCO of Rhenus Air & Ocean before being named as the CEO.

Recent developments by Rhenus include its announcement to achieve carbon neutral global LCL services by 2030, as part of its strategy to spearhead the industry’s transition to sustainable logistics.

About Rhenus

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 7.0 billion. 37,500 employees work at 970 business sites and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

#Rhenus

MSIG Hong Kong engages with Intellect to provide holistic mental health support to their policyholders

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 July 2022 – MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited (“MSIG Hong Kong”), today announced a new engagement with Intellect, Asia’s largest and fastest-growing mental health tech company. The agreement will provide accessible, end-to-end employee wellbeing support to the insurer’s medical clients. MSIG Hong Kong saw the need for a personalised and comprehensive platform that would address the issue of mental health and the timely need for mental wellbeing support in Hong Kong.

From 4th July 2022 till 31st December 2022, applicants for MSIG Hong Kong’s SME Group Medical Insurance can enjoy exclusive access to Intellect’s mental health platform for FREE. This benefit is extended to all existing members of SME Group Medical Insurance. Aside from offering comprehensive coverage in the extensive SME Group Medical Insurance plan, MSIG Hong Kong believes that access to a holistic mental wellness platform will equip its clients’ ​​workforces with a clinically-validated approach to provide the right care for their employee’s needs.

Philip Kent, Chief Executive Officer of MSIG Hong Kong, said: “Now, perhaps more than ever before in Hong Kong, employers are paying more attention to the mental well-being of their people. The pandemic ushered in new levels of anxiety for many in Hong Kong, which is why it is so important that we, as a society, work to promote good mental health. We are delighted to be collaborating with Intellect on this initiative by offering free access to the Intellect platform to members of our SME Group Medical Insurance plans. Through our work with Intellect, we are contributing not just to the success of businesses by helping their employees, but are also helping to break down challenges around access to mental health support in society.”

Intellect offers a proactive and inclusive approach to mental health, accessible to anyone – from anywhere. With Hong Kong being one of the most overworked cities in the world according to studies, workplace stress and a lack of work-life balance can lead to mental health issues. Leaving these unchecked can lead to burnout, stress, low morale, and consequently, low productivity and employee absenteeism.

Theodoric Chew, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer of Intellect, said “We live in a time where it’s never been clearer that mental healthcare and support is strongly needed across Asia. We’re beyond proud to continue leading the conversation on mental health and expanding our presence with MSIG Hong Kong, to scale our offerings in Hong Kong and beyond.”

Backed by clinical and behavioural health experts, Intellect offers an end-to-end, 24/7 mental healthcare system that features one-on-one coaching, guided journals, rescue sessions, and other proactive and inclusive mental health services to its users all from the privacy of a downloadable app.

About MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited (“MSIG Hong Kong”)

MSIG Hong Kong is a subsidiary of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited within the MS&AD Insurance Group, Asia’s leading general insurance brand with presence in 50 countries and regions globally. The Group is amongst the world’s top 10 non-life insurance groups based on gross revenue*. It is the number one Japanese insurer with an A+ Stable credit rating. With over 40,000 employees world-wide, MSIG is represented in all ASEAN markets as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea, India, and Taiwan.

MSIG Hong Kong offers a wide range of solutions and services through an extensive distribution network including agents, brokers, and bancassurance alliances with leading banks. It has been providing general insurance solutions to customers in Hong Kong for more than 160 years, dating as far back as 1855.

*2021 Fortune Global 500, Property & Casualty Insurance Category

#MSIGHongKong

About Intellect

Intellect’s mission is to make mental healthcare & wellbeing support accessible for everyone.

We do this by marrying technology with a human touch in a single platform, delivering end-to-end wellbeing support for individuals and organisations alike.

For organisations who are looking to safeguard employee wellbeing amidst the new hybrid workspace, Intellect equips workforces with our clinically-validated approach to personalise the right care your employees need.

Today, Intellect is the largest and fastest-growing mental health tech company in Asia Pacific. Over 3 million members and leading organisations globally trust Intellect to provide personalized, evidence-based wellbeing support. Intellect was also selected as one of Google’s Best Apps of 2020.

MRC: Maximize Advantages and Minimize Impact of Hydropower Projects

MRC Secretariat CEO Dr. Anoulak Kittikhoun speaks at the MRC Regional Stakeholder Forum
MRC Secretariat CEO Dr. Anoulak Kittikhoun speaks on hydropower and other issues at the 12th MRC Regional Stakeholder Forum.

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has urged the six countries along the Mekong River to maximize the advantages of hydropower projects while minimizing their impact on the environment and the tens of millions of residents living in the basin.