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Michelle Yeoh Wins Best Actress Award, Making Oscar History

Michelle Yeoh wins best actress award, making Oscar history
Michelle Yeoh accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. ( Photo : AP Photo/Chris Pizzello )

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michelle Yeoh has won the Academy Award for best actress and made history all at once.

VHIS is more than tax deductions, be mindful of the calculation and get insured wisely

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 March 2023 – Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) policyholders are eligible to claim up to HK$8,000 for tax deduction. If we use a tax rate of 17% for calculation, the total tax deduction exceeds HK$1,300. However, many policyholders focus on saving the most tax, but neglecting the actual premium paid, and end up saving less money.

VHIS Tax Deduction Claimable Limit & Calculation

Each policyholder and taxpayer can claim up to HK$8,000 of VHIS premium for tax deduction. If the annual VHIS premium exceeds this amount, only HK$8,000 can be claimed.

The tax deduction amount is calculated as below –

Formula
VHIS premium paid during the assessment year X Tax Rate = Actual Tax Deduction Amount
Example
HK$8,000
(Tax Deduction Claimable Limit )
X 17%
(Assuming the Tax Rate is 17%*)
= HK$1,360

*The tax rate varies between policyholders, depending on the salary.

Many may think choosing a VHIS with higher premium allows them to enjoy higher tax deduction, and save more money. However, it is not the case.

Instead of saving tax, you spend more for a more expensive VHIS plan with similar Protection

Formula shows policyholders could enjoy higher tax deduction with more expensive plans.

However, Bowtie’s calculations show that the most cost-effective way is to purchase a Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) Policy with a lower premium but adequate protection.

Case 1: Purchase a more expensive VHIS plan^ Case 2: Purchase a more affordable VHIS plan^
Tax Deduction Claimable Limit HK$8,000 HK$3,372
Tax Deduction Amount
Assuming the Tax Rate is 17%*
HK$8,000 x 17%
= HK$1,360
HK$3,372 x 17%
= HK$607
Yearly Expenses
Actual Paid Premium – Tax Deduction Amount
HK$8,000 – HK$1,360
= HK$6,640
HK$3,372 – HK$607
=HK$2,765

*The tax rate varies between policyholders, depending on the salary.
^ VHIS with similar protection

From the yearly expenses, we could see case 2 saved two times more money than case 1.

Most money is saved when the family member with the highest income applies for the tax deduction as the Policyholder

Higher the income, higher the tax rate. If the family member with the highest income purchases VHIS for the whole family, and applies for tax deduction, most money will be saved.

Bowtie will demonstrate the internal calculations with an example from Case 2.

Case 2 Case 2 – Family Member a Case 2 – Family Member b Case 2 – Family Member c
Tax Deduction Claimable Limit HK$3,372 HK$4,476 HK$1,920 HK$2,196
Tax Deduction Amount
Assuming the Tax Rate is 17%*
HK$3,372 x 17%
= HK$607
HK$4,476 x 17%
= HK$761
HK$1,920 x 17%
= HK$326
HK$2,196 x 17%
= HK$373
Yearly Expenses
Actual Paid Premium – Tax Deduction Amount
HK$3,372 – HK$607
= HK$2,765
HK$4,476 – HK$761
= HK$3,715
HK$1,920 – HK$326
= HK$1,594
HK$2,196 – HK$373
= HK$1,823

*The tax rate varies between policyholders, depending on the salary.

From the above demonstration, we could see that if one member of the family purchased VHIS for the other three members, they could save HK$1,460 more tax than before (versus saving only HK$607 for one member).

Last Tip – The most “money-saving” way is to…

The family member with the highest salary should purchase VHIS for the entire family and claim for tax deduction. Then, when choosing a plan, choose a plan with similar protection but a lower premium.

Hashtag: #Bowtie #vhis #insurance

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

About Bowtie

The Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorised life insurance company and Hong Kong’s very first virtual insurer approved under the Fast Track pilot scheme. Through the use of modern technology and medical expertise, Bowtie offers a commission-free convenient online platform for customers to quote, apply and claim for health insurance plans certified by the Health Bureau under the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS).

In addition, Bowtie has also gone into everyday life by creating the One-stop Primary Care Centre and the Asian Health Hub . Bowtie is backed by Sun Life Financial, Mitsui & Co., Ltd and supported by leading international reinsurers.

Stay up to date at .

Prudential plc included in the Shanghai – Hong Kong Stock Connect Programme

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 March 2023 – Prudential plc (“Prudential”) today announced that Prudential’s shares, which trade on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, are now included in the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

The expansion comes after Prudential’s inclusion in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Hang Seng Composite Index last year.

James Turner, Group Chief Financial Officer, Prudential said: “This inclusion signifies another milestone for Prudential. This additional southbound trading mechanism will allow more investors in the Chinese mainland to share our growth and help lift our profile and shareholder base in China further.”

Prudential provides life and health insurance and asset management in 23 markets across Asia and Africa. The business helps people get the most out of life, by making healthcare affordable and accessible and by promoting financial inclusion.

Prudential is due to report its 2022 Full Year results on 15 March 2023.

Hashtag: #prudential

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

About the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Programme

The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect is a mutual stock market access programme through which investors in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong can trade and settle shares listed on either market via the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong or clearing houses in their home market.

Investors in the Chinese mainland need to maintain a total balance of securities and cash account of not less than CNY500,000 to participate in the programme.

About Prudential plc

Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 23 markets across Asia and Africa (at 31 December 2022). The business helps people get the most out of life, by making healthcare affordable and accessible and by promoting financial inclusion. Prudential protects people’s wealth, helps them grow their assets, and empowers them to save for their goals. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.

Forward-looking statements

This document contains ‘forward-looking statements’ with respect to certain of Prudential’s (and its wholly and jointly owned businesses’) plans and its goals and expectations relating to future financial condition, performance, results, strategy and objectives. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Prudential’s (and its wholly and jointly owned businesses’) beliefs and expectations and including, without limitation, commitments, ambitions and targets, including those related to ESG, and statements containing the words ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘continue’, ‘aims’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘expects’, ‘plans’, ‘seeks’ and ‘anticipates’, and words of similar meaning, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on plans, estimates and projections as at the time they are made, and therefore undue reliance should not be placed on them. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty.

A number of important factors could cause actual future financial condition or performance or other indicated results to differ materially from those indicated in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to:

  • current and future market conditions, including fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates, inflation (including resulting interest rate rises), sustained high or low interest rate environments, the performance of financial and credit markets generally and the impact of economic uncertainty, slowdown or contraction (including as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and related or other geopolitical tensions and conflicts), which may also impact policyholder behaviour and reduce product affordability;
  • asset valuation impacts from the transition to a lower carbon economy;
  • derivative instruments not effectively mitigating any exposures;
  • global political uncertainties, including the potential for increased friction in cross-border trade and the exercise of laws, regulations and executive powers to restrict trade, financial transactions, capital movements and/or investment;
  • the longer-term impacts of Covid-19, including macro-economic impacts on financial market volatility and global economic activity and impacts on sales, claims, assumptions and increased product lapses;
  • the policies and actions of regulatory authorities, including, in particular, the policies and actions of the Hong Kong Insurance Authority, as Prudential’s Group-wide supervisor, as well as the degree and pace of regulatory changes and new government initiatives generally;
  • given Prudential’s designation as an Internationally Active Insurance Group, the impact on Prudential of systemic risk and other group supervision policy standards adopted by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors;
  • the physical, social, morbidity/health and financial impacts of climate change and global health crises, which may impact Prudential’s business, investments, operations and its duties owed to customers;
  • legal, policy and regulatory developments in response to climate change and broader sustainability-related issues, including the development of regulations and standards and interpretations such as those relating to ESG reporting, disclosures and product labelling and their interpretations (which may conflict and create misrepresentation risks);
  • the collective ability of governments, policymakers, the Group, industry and other stakeholders to implement and adhere to commitments on mitigation of climate change and broader sustainability-related issues effectively (including not appropriately considering the interests of all Prudential’s stakeholders or failing to maintain high standards of corporate governance and responsible business practices);
  • the impact of competition and fast-paced technological change;
  • the effect on Prudential’s business and results from, in particular, mortality and morbidity trends, lapse rates and policy renewal rates;
  • the timing, impact and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or combinations within relevant industries;
  • the impact of internal transformation projects and other strategic actions failing to meet their objectives or adversely impacting the Group’s employees;
  • the availability and effectiveness of reinsurance for Prudential’s businesses;
  • the risk that Prudential’s operational resilience (or that of its suppliers and partners) may prove to be inadequate, including in relation to operational disruption due to external events;
  • disruption to the availability, confidentiality or integrity of Prudential’s information technology, digital systems and data (or those of its suppliers and partners) including the Pulse platform;
  • the increased non-financial and financial risks and uncertainties associated with operating joint ventures with independent partners, particularly where joint ventures are not controlled by Prudential;
  • the impact of changes in capital, solvency standards, accounting standards or relevant regulatory frameworks, and tax and other legislation and regulations in the jurisdictions in which Prudential and its affiliates operate; and
  • the impact of legal and regulatory actions, investigations and disputes.

These factors are not exhaustive. Prudential operates in a continually changing business environment with new risks emerging from time to time that it may be unable to predict or that it currently does not expect to have a material adverse effect on its business. In addition, these and other important factors may, for example, result in changes to assumptions used for determining results of operations or re-estimations of reserves for future policy benefits. Further discussion of these and other important factors that could cause actual future financial condition or performance to differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in Prudential’s forward-looking statements can be found under the ‘Risk Factors’ of Prudential’s 2022 Half Year Financial Report and any subsequent filing Prudential has made with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including any subsequent 2022 Half Year Report filed on Form 6-K. Prudential’s Prudential’s 2022 Half Year Financial Report is available on its website at .

Any forward-looking statements contained in this document speak only as of the date on which they are made. Prudential expressly disclaims any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this document or any other forward-looking statements it may make, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise except as required pursuant to the UK Prospectus Rules, the UK Listing Rules, the UK Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Hong Kong Listing Rules, the SGX-ST Listing Rules or other applicable laws and regulations.

Prudential may also make or disclose written and/or oral forward-looking statements in reports filed with or furnished to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the UK Financial Conduct Authority, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and other regulatory authorities, as well as in its annual report and accounts to shareholders, periodic financial reports to shareholders, proxy statements, offering circulars, registration statements, prospectuses, prospectus supplements, press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by directors, officers or employees of Prudential to third parties, including financial analysts. All such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed under the ‘Risk Factors’ heading of Prudential’s 2022 Half Year Financial Report and any subsequent filing Prudential has made with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including any subsequent 2022 Half Year Report filed on Form 6-K.

Cautionary statements

This document does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase, acquire, subscribe for, sell, dispose of or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase, acquire, subscribe for, sell or dispose of, any securities in any jurisdiction nor shall it (or any part of it) or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefor.

Road Accidents in Laos Claim 85 Lives in February

Road Accidents Kills 85 Throughout Laos in February
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo: Tonamcha News)

According to the Traffic Police Department, 85 people died in road accidents in Laos in February, a decrease from the previous month’s figure of 114 casualties.

Digital 2023 Report on Laos Released: Internet, Mobile, and Social Media

Digital 2023 Report on Laos Released: Internet, Mobile, and Social Media
A woman livestreams on her smartphone during a boat cruise in Luang Prabang. (Photo: Teng).

Internet penetration and social media use increased in Laos in 2023, with internet speeds increasing and more adoption of mobile phones. 

Dachser expands footprint with two new offices in South East Asia

Chiang Mai, Thailand and Da Nang, Vietnam offices are now in service

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 March 2023 – International logistics service provider Dachser today announced the openings of its two new offices in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Da Nang, Vietnam. The new offices further expand the company’s footprint and strengthen its position in the region to serve growing customer demands, especially from the electronics, and fashion and sports industries.

Oliver Cierocki, Managing Director of Dachser Vietnam (right) and our sales professional Duc Pham (left) are dedicated to addressing customers' needs.

Oliver Cierocki, Managing Director of Dachser Vietnam (right) and our sales professional Duc Pham (left) are dedicated to addressing customers’ needs.

“Dachser in South East Asia has experienced strong growth in the past few years, and we see increasing needs from customers based outside the capital cities. Strategically located in Chiang Mai and Da Nang, the latest openings enable us to provide better support to our customers with technology-driven logistic solutions and expand our market presence,” said Jesper Larsen, Managing Director Air & Sea Logistics South East Asia.

Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is home to a number of electronics, fashion and sports, and food companies. With industry expertise, Dachser provides customized solutions with efficient and high-quality services to customers.

“Da Nang is an important traffic hub for the Central Vietnam Region with an international airport and deep sea port. The company’s new office, located in a prime area of Hai Chau District, serves customers spread across eight industrial parks and clusters, covering all major industries in the city,” said Oliver Cierocki, Managing Director Air & Sea Logistics Vietnam. “We are committed to growing with our customers and meeting their stringent requirements on reliability, efficiency and quality.”

Chiang Mai is Dachser’s fourth location in Thailand in addition to Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport and Laem Chabang. Da Nang is the company’s third location in Vietnam, besides Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Gateway to the well-established global network

With solid expertise in automotive, electronics and fashion and sports industries, Dachser is dedicated to providing comprehensive logistics solutions with excellent services and well-established global network to customers in Chiang Mai and Da Nang.

Hashtag: #Dachser

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

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 31,800 employees at 376 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 7.1 billion in 2021. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 83.6 million shipments weighing 42.8 million metric tons. Dachser is represented by its own country organizations in 42 countries.

In Asia Pacific, DACHSER has operations in 43 locations across 12 Business Areas with its Regional Head Office located in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit

BCEL Customers Raise Alarm After Losing Money Due to ATM Skimming

BCEL Bank has issued a statement warning customers of ATM skimming operations that have occurred at some of its machines around Laos.

Island Shangri-La Launches Themed Room Experiences in the Hotel’s Newly Enhanced Guest Rooms and Suites

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 March 2023 – Following on from the introduction of its newly enhanced guest rooms and suites, Island Shangri-La has launched a series of unique themed experiences that are sure to delight guests of all ages.

Northern Lights experience at Island Shangri-La’s enhanced guest rooms and suites
Northern Lights experience at Island Shangri-La’s enhanced guest rooms and suites

As well as enjoying a host of upgraded features and amenities, families checking into the newly renovated rooms can choose from four themed experiences—Princess World, Space Travel, Safari Park and Northern Lights—each of which features a captivating set-up that includes an in-room tent, special decorations and an overhead projector, transforming the room into a magical wonderland that kids will be thrilled to explore.

The recent renovation of the rooms and suites was led by renowned French designer Tristan Auer, whose previous projects include the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, the Mahanakon Sky Bar in Bangkok and the Cotton House hotel on the private island of Mustique in the Caribbean. Drawing inspiration from Hong Kong architecture and culture while deftly blending contemporary Asian and Parisian aesthetics, Auer has succeeded in creating rooms and suites that are as distinctive as they are sophisticated, and which inspire an exalted sense of calm and well-being.

Perfectly reflecting the modern traveller’s desire for luxury and convenience, the generously proportioned rooms and suites include multifunctional in-room pantries, adaptable desk tables and seamlessly integrated technology, all of which help to create a versatile space that is ideal for families. Each room also has a beautifully upholstered, made-to-measure daybed that provides the ideal space for parents and kids to unwind upon while also offering the flexibility to accommodate two additional guests.

Colour palettes, meanwhile, have been chosen to harmonise with the different vistas visible from the windows, with each room “Framing the View” in a way that heightens the interplay between the exterior landscape and the interior decor.

The newly renovated rooms and suites are available from HK$ 4,800+ per night, which includes a complimentary hotel credit of up to HK$ 2,000 (depending on room type) and a free upgrade to a themed experience. Bookings can be made online through the hotel website. For more information or reservations, please contact our Reservations Team via e-mail at reservations.isl@shangri-la.com or call (852) 2820 8333.

Hashtag: #IslandShangriLa

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

About Shangri-La

Shangri-La, an iconic flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, puts heartfelt service at the core of its distinctive Asian hospitality experience. Through imaginative and nature-inspired design, delightful culinary and cultural experiences, and its authentic and thoughtful service, the brand enables guests to realise their own moments of Shangri-La.

Today, the brand experience is brought to life in over 90 deluxe hotels and resorts at destinations around the world, including Australia, Canada, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Shangri-La Circle is a transformation of Shangri-La Group’s award-winning Golden Circle loyalty programme – a new contemporary Asian travel lifestyle platform built on the idea that life is meant to be fun, limitless and full of possibilities. Shangri-La Circle offers members a world of enhanced benefits at every point of their journey at over 100 Shangri-La, Kerry, JEN and Traders properties worldwide, along with the Group’s portfolio of restaurants, wellness facilities and family experiences. Specific details of these new benefits and enhancements can be found . For more information, please visit .

To enroll as a member or stay up to date with the latest Shangri-La Circle announcements and offers, visit , connect with us on , , and , or simply download the Shangri-La mobile app .

For more information, please visit .