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Vientiane Province Police Officer Found Shot Dead

A dirt road in Meun district.

Authorities are searching for clues in the shooting death of a Meun District police officer found by the roadside. 

Quantum Power Asia and Germany’s ib vogt Announce Partnership to Construct a US$5 Billion 3.5 GW+ Solar Plant and Storage Facility in Riau, Indonesia; Plans to Export Renewable Energy to Singapore

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 19 April 2022Quantum Power Asia (“Quantum Power”), the developer of Indonesia’s first utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, and German solar energy turnkey solutions provider, ib vogt, announced today a partnership to build US$5 billion solar generation and storage facility which can export up to 4TWh of renewable energy to Singapore annually.

The project covering over more than 4,000 hectares in the Riau Islands south of Singapore will be capable of generating more than 3.5 GW of solar PV and storing 12 GWh of renewable energy which is intended for export to Singapore via an undersea cable.

Quantum Power designs, finances and operates renewable energy systems across Asia, and developed Indonesia’s first unsolicited utility-scale solar PV power plant which is now in operation. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, ib vogt focuses on the global development of PV plants and the intensified development of battery storage projects with a global project pipeline of more than 40,000 MW. The company offers all integral services of the value chain from development, financing, EPC and O&M to asset management in house. Ib vogt is firmly committed to supporting the decarbonization of the global electricity sector.

Anantara Energy Holdings Pte Ltd (“Anantara”), its joint-venture with Berlin-based ib vogt, is a long-term partnership to develop renewable energy in Indonesia and support Singapore’s call to import such clean energy.

Singapore-registered Anantara has responded to Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) request for proposals (RFP) to obtain licenses to supply and import clean energy from neighbouring countries including Indonesia. The RFP is part of Singapore’s ongoing initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. When fully commissioned in 2032, the proposed Anantara project is expected to deliver about 8% of Singapore’s annual electricity generation, thereby reducing the grid’s current reliance on liquefied natural gas.

Anantara has in turn partnered with Union Power Pte Ltd (a subsidiary of Union Energy Corporation), an electricity retailer in Singapore, which will handle connectivity of imported clean energy and related services to residential, industrial and commercial customers. EMA-licensed Union Power currently retails electricity to about 22,000 retail customers in Singapore.

Anantara has secured agreements from corporates in Singapore, including MNCs and local businesses, to supply more than 4TWh a year of imported clean energy to meet their energy needs and achieve sustainability goals in line with RE100 commitments.

The formal joint-development agreement for the Anantara partnership, Anantara’s Memorandum of Understanding with Riau Islands Province, and the agreement between Anantara and Union Energy Corporation were signed today in the Indonesian embassy in Singapore in the presence of Ambassador His Excellency Mr Suryo Pratomo and the Governor of the Province Mr Ansar Ahmad.

The JV is expected to benefit Indonesia and Singapore by supporting new businesses, creating up to 30,000 new jobs in Riau Islands and opening up fresh opportunities in the renewable energy sector in the region.

Emphasising corporate social responsibility, Anantara team members have spent extensive time in the Riau Islands to develop programmes to empower local communities and incorporate sustainability as a cornerstone of the project. Key focus areas include developing hyper-local supply chain linkages and providing skills training to the local community.

Anantara will also initiate business activities to involve local micro, small and medium enterprises to achieve deep impact on the local communities. These initiatives will help build and rehabilitate the necessary facilities, improve energy efficiency and open up opportunities to develop infrastructure while improving access to clean water, sanitation, education and employment.

Simon G. Bell, Managing Director and CEO, Quantum Power Asia, said: “We are excited to partner ib vogt and present this major integrated initiative to EMA. Should we be successful in being awarded an import licence to Singapore, we will bring up to US$5 billion of capital into Indonesia from Singapore, creating more than 30,000 jobs to build what will become the largest PV-Storage System globally to date. It will also contribute significantly to Singapore’s journey towards carbon neutrality.”

Anton Milner, Managing Director (CEO), ib vogt, said: “This bilateral energy import initiative is a landmark project globally and will be a catalyst for the region’s transformation towards clean, carbon-free energy. Based on the work done together with Quantum Power Asia and Union Energy Corporation, we are confident we have submitted a compelling proposal to EMA in order to create sustainable long-term value both for Singapore and Indonesia.”

Ellen Teo, CEO of Union Energy Corporation and Executive Director of Union Power, said: “The recent volatility of energy prices and challenges faced by Singapore’s electricity market underscores the urgent need to review our supply of renewable energy. We are honoured to partner Quantum Power Asia and ib vogt in this transformational project which will greatly benefit Singapore homes, businesses and the nation at large as we progress towards net zero.”

About Quantum Power Asia

Quantum identifies and develops projects, designs, finances and operates renewable energy systems across Southeast Asia and is focused on delivering high-quality and reliable electricity that is generated by clean and renewable energy. The Quantum Team has a track record of successfully executing renewable energy and direct investments in Indonesia for more than 50 years. In addition, the Quantum Team has closed deals in Asia in excess of US$5 billion. Quantum developed the first unsolicited utility scale solar PV power plant in Indonesia which is now in operation. This plant is one of the largest single axis tracking projects in South-East Asia. For more information on Quantum, please visit .

#QuantumPowerAsia

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

CYOTC (陳大怡加密貨幣找換店)has been awarded the 「Superme Brand Awards – Cryptocurrency」by CAPITAL and open its Second Branch Shop

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 19 April 2022 – Cryptocurrency should be no stranger to people nowadays especially many people who are thirsty for seeking more financial resources in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic downside, which has made “Cryptocurrency” and “Bitcoin” one of the top search results in search engines in recent years. In 2021, CYOTC has been awarded the 「Superme Brand Awards – Cryptocurrency」by CAPITAL, gaining trust and confidence from its customers with unswerving efforts. In view of more and more investors playing a part in the cryptocurrency market, CYOTC(陳大怡加密貨幣找換店) has made relentless efforts to open its second branch shop in Yuen Long in late March this year, following the grand opening of its first shop in East Tsim Sha Tsui in March 2021.

Investment involves risks and careful study before the investment is essential. CYOTC holds regular talks for beginners to equip them with the necessary knowledge of cryptocurrency investment. The talks focus on introducing blockchain and cryptocurrency, the transaction processes, benefits and drawbacks of different investment means of cryptocurrency. Moreover, CYOTC offers complimentary one-on-one tutoring to help customers better understand their own investment products.

With two physical shops in Hong Kong, CYOTC(陳大怡加密貨幣找換店) was established by YouTuber Ms Yee Chan. Chan has shared about cryptocurrency on her Channel since July 2020, prior to the time that the world’s wealthiest man Mr Elon Musk hasn’t embraced cryptocurrency yet. It has showed Chan’s strong foresight in cryptocurrency investment.

Cryptocurrency transaction is not processed by cash directly but is supported by USD Tether, which is pegged to the US dollar and redeemable as a cryptocurrency. There are various ways to buy USD Tether and the safest and most cost-efficient way is through Over-the-Counter (OTC). OTC is a cryptocurrency exchange platform, allowing investors to exchange cash and cryptocurrencies in a convenient way. Considering the crucial role that OTC plays in cryptocurrency investment, Chan has made determined efforts to open the second branch shop of CYOTC amid the pandemic.

The second branch shop of CYOTC is located in Yuen Long, which is a two-storey on-street shop. The shop is decorated with a concise and modern style that is comfortable and spacious with a total floor area of 2,000 square feet, offering plenty of space to organise talks for beginners and help more people to learn about cryptocurrency.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyotc.crypto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyotc_crypto/?hl=en

#CYOTC

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

EdgePoint enters Philippine market with purchase of tower portfolio from PLDT Group

Sale and leaseback agreement with Smart and Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. for 2,934 towers across the Luzon Island group

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 19 April 2022 – EdgePoint Infrastructure (“EdgePoint”), a leading ASEAN-based independent telecommunications infrastructure company backed by DigitalBridge, has entered the Philippine market, following the signing of a Sale & Leaseback agreement between Smart Communications Inc (“Smart”), Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. (“DMPI”) and Comworks Infratech Corporation (“EdgePoint Philippines”).

The agreement entails the sale of 2,934 towers in the Luzon Island group by Smart and DMPI – wholly-owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiaries of PLDT Inc., the Philippines’ largest integrated telecommunications company, to EdgePoint Philippines. Following the sale, Smart will lease the towers from EdgePoint Philippines to serve its mobile communications and high-speed internet connectivity needs in the region. The sale of the towers to EdgePoint Philippines also cements EdgePoint’s position as the fastest growing towerco in ASEAN, with a portfolio of 13,000 towers upon closure of the deal.

EdgePoint Philippines is a joint venture between EdgePoint, SMS Global Technologies Inc (“SMS-GT”) and ComWorks Inc. SMS-GT has been a leading provider of site acquisition, power solutions and tower construction for over 25 years in the Philippines while ComWorks Inc is one of the country’s largest wholesalers of telecommunications services and mobile network equipment.

“We are excited about EdgePoint’s expansion into the Philippines, one of the most interesting wireless growth markets we’ve seen in recent times. EdgePoint’s entry into this market further strengthens its position in the high growth Southeast Asia region, and represents another significant milestone for its development into one of the leading digital infrastructure providers in the 5G age. DigitalBridge is committed to supporting EdgePoint’s growth ambitions and we are excited about the opportunity set we see ahead,” said Justin Chang, Managing Director, Head of Asia, DigitalBridge Investment Management.

Suresh Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer of EdgePoint, concluded, “EdgePoint is delighted and honoured by PLDT’s faith in our capabilities. We look forward to working with PLDT in true partnership. We also look to bring to bear the vast experience of our local partners, Comworks Inc. and SMS-GT. We are committed to building a world class operation to expand next-generation connectivity solutions, bridging the digital divide in the Philippines and creating new job opportunities in the sector. The Philippines telecoms sector has tremendous potential, and we look forward to being part of its future.”

For more information on EdgePoint, please visit the website at https://edgepointinfra.com/

About EdgePoint Infrastructure

EdgePoint Infrastructure is a telecommunications infrastructure company that aspires to power Digital ASEAN via Next Generation Infrastructure. With operations in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, through EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, PT Centratama Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk and Comworks Infratech Corporation respectively, the company is focused on providing sharable and leading-edge telecom structures, small cells and in-building systems. EdgePoint aims to be an industry leader through scale and innovation, driving operational efficiencies through the adoption of analytics and digital technologies.

#EdgePointInfrastructure

About DigitalBridge

DigitalBridge (NYSE: DBRG) is a leading global digital infrastructure investment firm. With a heritage of over 25 years investing in and operating businesses across the digital ecosystem including cell towers, data centers, fiber, small cells, and edge infrastructure, the DigitalBridge team manages a $45 billion portfolio of digital infrastructure assets on behalf of its limited partners and shareholders. Headquartered in Boca Raton, DigitalBridge has key offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Singapore. For more information, visit: .

#DigitalBridge

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

TONGRENTANGCM (Hong Kong Stock Exchange: 03613) 2021 performance bucks the trend and rises Net profit reached HK$651 million, overseas business revenue increased by 30.6%

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 19 April 2022 – Traditional Chinese medicine has played an important role in the prevention and control of the epidemic in recent years. In addition, the national policy has vigorously promoted the development of the industrial chain. Tongrentang, which has a brand history of more than 300 years, is actively seizing development opportunities. TONGRENTANGCM (03613), which is rooted in the Hong Kong market, revealed in its recently announced 2021 annual results announcement that its net profit reached HK$651 million, with its overseas market business revenue growing at a rapid rate of 30.6% against the trend. Both local and overseas business revenue in Hong Kong maintained high growth under the epidemic, demonstrating a stable business strategy and strong overseas development potential.

The performance bucked the market and rose
Strong internal and external operations

The overall revenue of TONGRENTANGCM in 2021 was HK$1.556 billion, an increase of 18.3% over the same period last year, and its annual net profit reached HK$651 million, a year-on-year increase of 14.7%, of which the net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company was HK$607 million, a year-on-year increase of 12.1%. The performance of the Hong Kong market maintained a steady growth rate, with a total revenue of HK$688 million, an increase of 26% over the previous year. The business in the overseas market achieved rapid growth, up 30.6% despite the raging global epidemic, fully demonstrating the capabilities of TONGRENTANGCM in the face of difficulties. It also reflects the potential of the Chinese medicine market overseas and in the future.

Turning Crisis into Opportunity
Innovating the TCM Services for International Markets

Riding on the state’s policies on traditional Chinese medicine business, TONGRENTANGCM seized the development opportunities, turned the crisis into an opportunity under the influence of the global epidemic, and actively explored the new ways in which traditional Chinese medicine can serve the world. Specialized in the prevention and control of the COVID19 epidemic, Tongrentang prescribed various TCM treatment programs and products for the prevention and control of the epidemic, successfully establishing a good brand reputation and image for overseas potential customers. In 2021, TONGRENTANGCM has won a number of international awards, including the 2021 Chinese Medicine Industrial Award issued by Chinese Medicine Industry Council of Australia Ltd., and the 2021 Most Influential Brand in Asia : Traditional Chinese Medicine Most Trustworthy Brand by Influential Brands, etc. Many international honors have certified the credibility and accreditation of Tongrentang’s traditional Chinese medicine business overseas, which greatly enhances the confidence of foreign consumers in the brand.

Fulfill social corporate responsibility
Continue to contribute to epidemic prevention

TONGRENTANGCM has always adhered to the corporate spirit of “Nurturing kindness and virtue, Preserving tranquility and wellness””, and have made various contributions to the society before and during the epidemic in Hong Kong. On March 2 this year, 100,000 boxes of Huoxiang Zhengqi Pian (lophanthus antifebrile tablet) worth nearly 6 million Hong Kong dollars were donated to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and successively TONGRENTANGCMalso donated a total value of nearly HK$700,000 of epidemic prevention and control materials, including COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test kits, N95 anti-epidemic masks, Tongrentang traditional Chinese medicine, health drugs and food to various social welfare organizations, including Hong Kong’s century-old charity organization Sik Sik Yuen, Self Help Group For the Brand Damaged, Neuro United, The Hong Kong Stroke Association, providing the social groups and the general public with the much needed anti-epidemic and health care assistance.

Tongrentang donated 100,000 boxes of lophanthus antifebrile tablets worth nearly HK$6 million to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Meanwhile, TONGRENTANGCM also took the initiative to offer purchase discounts on anti-epidemic products to many Chinese institutions and launched a special package of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder capsules to provide the public with more choices of anti-epidemic products. Currently, it is also planning to donate Antigen Rapid Test kits for COVID-19 to many nursing homes in Hong Kong, so that the elderly with limited mobility can also conduct self-testing, and further checking the epidemic situation in Hong Kong.

Website︰https://cm.tongrentang.com/

This press release is issued by Beijing Tongrentang Chinese Medicine Co., Ltd.

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

Recharge With 7-Eleven’s New Comfort Food Menu of Ready-to-Eat Local Delights

7-Eleven is launching a brand-new selection of Asian ready-to-eat dishes to help you satisfy your local food cravings 24/7! Take your pick from zi char favourites, hearty curries and delicious dim sum. Quick, easy to eat and full of flavour, this all-new range of delectable meals can be enjoyed around the clock!

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 19 April 2022 – If you’re burning the midnight oil or just need a break from a busy day, the comforting and familiar tastes of our own local cuisine is sometimes all you need to get back on track. This all-new range of local delights now available at 7-Eleven lets you conveniently enjoy a mouth-watering variety of Asian flavours anytime, anywhere!

7Eleven-image.jpg

Zi char favourites and sedap classics

7-SELECT Seafood Pao Fan (U.P. $6.50) is Asian comfort food at its best. In Mandarin, pao fan means ‘submerged rice’ and this Teochew-style dish is exactly that! Cooked rice is served in a light seafood-based broth, soaking up all that delicious goodness. Fish cake slices, fried fish and a juicy prawn complete this wholesome hug in a bowl.

7-SELECT Seafood Hor Fun (U.P. $5.80) is our version of one of the most popular, crowd-favourite zi char dishes. Silky smooth hor fun noodles tossed in a rich, thick gravy and topped with fish cake slices, prawn, squid and cai xin. Wok hei can be savoured in every bite, making this dish a satisfying meal at any time of the day!

7-SELECT Black Bean Chicken with Rice (U.P. $4.50) is also on the menu, featuring succulent pieces of chicken with red and green peppers covered in a delightfully aromatic and savoury black bean sauce. The fermented black beans give this dish that unmistakable umami flavour that will have you going back for more. Pop it into the microwave and enjoy the flavours of this comforting dish at home or the office in a matter of minutes!

Looking for something spicy? Taste Asia Kapitan Chicken with Blue Pea Rice (U.P. $5.50) is a seriously sedap and super convenient meal for one. Kapitan Chicken is an iconic Peranakan dish well adored by curry lovers for its distinctive flavours and aromatic blend of Southeast Asian spices. A generous serving of striking blue pea rice prepared using butterfly pea flowers, aromatic coconut milk and pandan leaves, makes for the perfect accompaniment. You can also treat yourself to Taste Asia Assam Fish with Jasmine Rice (U.P. $5.50)! Tender pieces of fried fish complement the exquisitely spicy and sour Assam gravy along with tomatoes and ladies’ fingers (okra).

Dim Sum on the go!

Normally, you’d only get to savour this traditional comfort food at a sit-down meal. But now you can get your dim sum fix quickly and conveniently with the latest range from SMH Food Enterprise, a trusted local heritage brand founded back in 1961. Simply pop into the microwave and enjoy! 7-Eleven is launching an array of dim sum delights that are perfect for one, making them the ideal complement to any meal or a tasty snack on its own morning, noon or night!

Choose from Sing Mui Heng (SMH) Har Kao (U.P. $2.90), plump prawn dumplings in a translucent wrapper that are juicy yet firm to the bite or SMH Seafood Siew Mai (U.P. $2.90), delicious morsels made with quality shrimp. If you’re in the mood for rice, opt for the SMH Purple Rice Glutinous Rice (U.P. $2.50), a special edition version of the classic loh mai kai made instead with wholesome purple rice. Or, grab some SMH Lotus Leaf Rice (U.P. $2.50), an aromatic dim sum classic of steamed lotus leaves stuffed with pieces of chicken and mushrooms in seasoned glutinous rice.

Pair these local delights with a cup of Fresh Coconut Juice (U.P. $4.70) – the perfect drink to not only keep you hydrated but also help you cool down in this warm weather. This natural 100% coconut juice from Thailand contains no added sugar or preservatives so it’s a great guilt-free option to beat the heat!

Check out the other exciting goodies also available including Gourmeat Smoked Sweet & Spicy Chicken Sausage, Bakehouse Double Chocolate Muffins and more! All these items can be found in the open chiller in selected 7-Eleven stores – for store list, please refer to Tinyurl.com/rtefavourites

Please refer to this summary table for the full list of new ready-to-eat items:

Product RSP
7-SELECT Seafood Pao Fan $6.50
7-SELECT Seafood Hor Fun $5.80
7-SELECT Black Bean Chicken with Rice $4.50
Taste Asia Kapitan Chicken with Blue Pea Rice $5.50
Taste Asia Assam Fish with Jasmine Rice $5.50
Fresh Coconut Juice $4.70
SMH Har Kao $2.90
SMH Seafood Siew Mai $2.90
SMH Purple Rice Glutinous Rice $2.50
SMH Lotus Leaf Rice $2.50

All items are halal-certified except Fresh Coconut Juice.

More promotions and updates can also always be found on the official 7-Eleven Singapore Facebook and 7-Eleven Singapore Instagram pages.

About 7-Eleven

Established in Singapore in 1983, 7-Eleven has since expanded to more than 400 stores island-wide to become the leading 24-hour convenience chain store. We take pride in serving the Singapore community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 7-Eleven emphasises convenience and value by offering a wide array of quality products, food and services to satisfy the needs of its customers. Think 7-Eleven and what comes to mind are the refreshing Slurpee, 7CAFÉ as well as a wide range of quality ready meals and sandwiches under 7-SELECT. 7-Eleven is also a 24/7 one-stop destination for customers who need to access bill payment services in their own time. Our services cover payment of utilities, courier services, and even cash withdrawal. For more information, visit

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

Linkflow Capital: Average SME Loan Quantum Dropped 28% to $224k in 2021

Research conducted by Linkflow Capital shows that more SMEs were not eligible for financing in 2021, with lower average loan amounts approved.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 19 April 2022 – In the latest annual SME financing research conducted by Linkflow Capital, more than 60% of SMEs were not eligible for financing in 2021, a significant increase from 48% in 2020.

According to Linkflow Capital, average loan quantum secured within their platform in 2021 fell to $224,398, a 28% drop from a high of $310,909 in 2020 during the height of the pandemic.

“We observed a higher number of young SMEs with smaller revenue and weaker credit profile seeking financing in 2021, compared to 2020 during the onset of the pandemic. Together with the gradual unwinding of various Covid-19 relief support schemes, this could explain why financing eligibility and average loan amounts secured last year decreased.” said Ben Teo, a spokesperson for Linkflow Capital.

Research data and statistics are derived from Linkflow Capital’s SME loan comparison portal. For this latest survey, data was generated from over 2176 unique users for the period January to December 2021.

Although financing eligibility and average loan quantum dropped on a year-on-year basis, it is noted that credit conditions remain accommodative. Average 2021 SME loan size secured is still 69% higher than 2019 pre-pandemic. Interest rates remain at a historical low from the past 12 years. Total government assisted loans disbursed in 2021 was S$8.6 billion, four times that of pre-pandemic years 2019 and 2018.

For more figures and data on Linkflow Capital’s research survey, kindly visit their webpage at https://smeloan.sg/blog/2021-sme-finance-accessibility-survey.

Linkflow Capital expects overall credit environment to remain accommodative for SMEs this year until the end of third quarter 2022 when the main government assisted financing scheme, the Temporary Bridging Loan, is scheduled to end in September. Cost of financing for SMEs is expected to head north sharply after 3Q 2022 in line with escalating interest rate market conditions.

About Linkflow Capital

Founded in 2012, Linkflow Capital is a SME loan consultancy firm providing business loan financing advisory to SMEs in Singapore with their extensive network of capital providers.

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#LinkflowCapital

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

Thailand to Push for Mango Sticky Rice UNESCO Listing

Thai rapper Milli eats mango sticky rice at Coachella.

Thailand is to push for UNESCO heritage listing for mango sticky rice following international interest in the dish after 19-year-old Thai rapper Milli was seen eating it at Coachella.