The Government of Japan is providing grant assistance worth approximately USD 200,000 for two education projects in Savannakhet Province and Oudomxay Province for the benefit of their students through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).
DFA Design for Asia Awards 2023 – Call for Entry
Showcase the Power of Asian Design on the Global Stage
Open for International Submission on 1 April, Limited-Time 50% off Entry
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 March 2023 – With Asia’s growing influence in the international arena in various aspects, the Asian ways of design thinking and social betterment aspiration can inspire new and comprehensive solutions to global issues. The “DFA Design for Asia Awards” (DFA DFAA), with its focus on Asia, is one of the reputable international annual design events enabling global eminent design projects to propagate Asian values and perspectives. Its 2023 Edition will open for online submissions on 1 April 2023 (Hong Kong Time).

Launched by Hong Kong Design Centre in 2003 with Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as the lead sponsor since 2009, the DFA DFAA aims to recognise projects in Asia that demonstrate design excellence and highlight the impact of the design-led approach on addressing social issues and contributing to the betterment of society and the design industry. Thus far, more than 2,000 impactful design projects with an Asian focus have been awarded under the DFA DFAA.
“Being one of the globally acknowledged awards in the design industry, the ‘DFA Design for Asia Awards’ has never stopped promoting Asian design excellence to the world. With the Awards serving as a catalyst, we continue to honour and celebrate Asian design’s contributions to the globe, and at the same time foster cultural exchanges and encourage cross-disciplinary collaborations. We are excited to see the creative and innovative solutions from designers who cut across borders to drive positive impacts all over the world,” said Prof. Eric Yim, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre.
The DFA DFAA 2023 accepts entries from 30 design categories spanning across six design disciplines, including Communication Design, Digital & Motion Design, Fashion & Accessory Design, Product & Industrial Design, Service & Experience Design, and Spatial Design, aiming to honour even more noteworthy designs in Asia. Entrants can save 50% on the entry fee by making submissions on or before 30 April 2023 (Hong Kong Time).
DFA Design for Asia Awards 2023 – Submission Details
Date: 1 April – 30 June 2023 (Hong Kong Time)
Entry fee: HK$2,000 per entry
Promotion: 50% off on entry fee for submissions on or before 30 April 2023 (Hong Kong Time)
Online Submission: https://dfaa.dfaawards.com/en/online_submission/
Calling for Award Entries from Six Design Disciplines:
(1) Communication Design
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(2) Digital & Motion Design
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(3) Fashion & Accessory Design
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(4) Product & Industrial Design
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(5) Service & Experience Design
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(6) Spatial Design
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Awards Structure
All design projects submitted will be assessed by an international judging panel comprised of world-leading design experts and professionals. The panel will determine the Grand, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit Awards’ winners.
Entry Requirements
Design projects launched in one or more Asian markets# between 1 January 2021 and 31 May 2023 are eligible for submission by their design owners, clients, brand owners, designers or design consultancies.
# Asian markets include: Afghanistan / Bangladesh / Bhutan / Brunei Darussalam / Cambodia / Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) / Hong Kong / India / Indonesia / Islamic Republic of Iran / Japan / Kazakhstan / Korea / Kyrgyzstan / Laos / Macau / The Mainland / Malaysia / Maldives / Mongolia / Myanmar / Nepal / Pakistan / The Philippines / Singapore / Sri Lanka / Taiwan / Tajikistan / Thailand / Timor-Leste / Turkmenistan / Uzbekistan / Vietnam
Judging Criteria
The judging panel will assess each entry based on the criteria below (as applicable):
(1) Creativity and Human-centric Innovation
(2) Usability
(3) Aesthetic
(4) Sustainability
(5) Impact in Asia
(6) Commercial & Societal Success
Winners’ Entitlements*
- Trophy & Certificate (Merit Award winners will get a certificate only)
- Awards Publication:
Each winner will receive a complimentary copy of the DFA Awards 2023 Publication, featuring all the winning projects and the teams behind them. The publication will also be disseminated to media, global industry leaders, and design associations, etc., to increase the winners’ exposure.
- Exhibition & Online Showcase:
Winning projects will be exhibited at relevant exhibitions and the DFA Awards’ Online Showcase platform: https://dfaawards.viewingrooms.com/
- Awards Presentation Ceremony & Other Events:
Invitation to the DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony and the Business of Design Week (BODW) events to establish connections with international and local designers and business leaders. Selected winners will also be invited to speak at global and regional talks, forums or other events to increase their global exposure.
- Awards Endorsement Mark:
Winners will be authorised to use the globally recognised DFA DFAA Endorsement Mark for further promotion.
*A mandatory Publication and Promotion Fee will apply to all winning entries.
Learn more about our 2022 Awards winners: https://dfaawards.viewingrooms.com/
Revisit the glorious moment – DFA Awards 2022 TV Special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF-2BqRmqfg
Visit our website and social media pages for more information:
Website: dfaawards.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HKDC.Awards
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dfa_awards
WeChat: DFA设计奖
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dfaawards5572
Hashtag: #DFAAwards
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About DFA Design for Asia Awards (www.dfaa.dfaawards.com)
Since 2003, the “DFA Design for Asia Awards” honours design excellence and acknowledges user-centric design projects which embrace the unique Asian perspectives to enhance and improve the quality of life for people in the region. Organised by Hong Kong Design Centre as one of the five programmes of the “DFA Awards”, the “DFA Design for Asia Awards” has been a platform for design talent and corporates to showcase their design projects internationally.
About Hong Kong Design Centre (www.hkdesigncentre.org)
As a non-governmental organisation registered in 2001 and established in 2002, Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as an international centre of design excellence in Asia. Our public mission is to promote wider and strategic use of design and design thinking to create business value and improve societal well-being. Our initiatives are anchored by five major work directions: CONNECT, CELEBRATE, NURTURE, ADVANCE and ENGAGE.
About Create Hong Kong (www.createhk.gov.hk)
Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated office set up by the HKSAR Government in June 2009 to spearhead the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. From 1 July 2022 onwards, it is under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community. CreateHK sponsors HKDC to organise “Business of Design Week” (BODW), “BODW City Programme”, “DFA Awards”, “Knowledge of Design Week”, “Fashion Asia Hong Kong”, “Design Incubation Programme” and “Fashion Incubation Programme”, among other projects, to promote Hong Kong design.
Disclaimer: Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Shanghai Tang x Fine Artist Gao Ludi Limited Edition Fashion & Art Collaboration Series “Fresh SHEEN”

We invited Fine Artist Gao Ludi to reinterpret Shanghai Tang with a unisex limited capsule collection. Bringing the artist’s bold use of colour from his paintings, Gao Ludi created a series of intricately hand-crafted vests and jackets inspired by industrial protective garments accentuated with reflective material within the innovative design features. Reflective ropes create hidden light waves within the garment, and an Oriental touch is expressed through the matching frog buttons and the contrasting colour edging. The design elements perfectly combine and express themes of construction, art, and craftsmanship, bringing a fresh new style to Shanghai Tang that yearns to Make Life A Party.
The “Fresh SHEEN” collection took inspiration from senses of taste and smell in the use of colour. Gao Ludi incorporates the “freshness” from nature, giving tableware a light color scheme, imitating abstract water and imagery of grass to provide a scenic and tranquil atmosphere.
For the home fragrance diffuser, Gao Ludi created a series of abstract mushroom umbrella tops, which were used as the main visual element on the bottles in different sizes. The confrontation of the two concepts creates a unique sensory association that resonates with the artist’s creative lineage of colliding colors and forms.
Click to see the preview of the collection here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqaU9G1BbkK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Since its inception in 1994, Shanghai Tang has been committed to supporting the development of Chinese contemporary art by collaborating with artists in different fields to launch limited-edition products, dedicated to transmitting the light of art to a wider community. Through collaborative collections with renowned artists such as Liu Ye, Jacky Tsai, Xu Bing, Chen Wei and Zhou Yi Lun, Shanghai Tang has witnessed the explosion of artistic power among different generations, and art has also witnessed key points in Shanghai Tang’s brand development. When art and fashion meet, a more profound interpretation of the contemporary oriental aesthetic concept arises.
Hashtag: #ShanghaiTang
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Shanghai Tang
SHANGHAI TANG’s collections lie in an unorthodox interpretation of Eastern philosophies in a westernized context, skillfully gathering elements of East and West with passion and creativity. At the heart of SHANGHAI TANG is Sir David’s sophistication in contemporary art and design, playful and eccentric spirit, and yearning to “Make Life A Party.” Design inspiration came from the glittering lifestyle and aesthetics of 1930s Shanghai when it was the glamorous Paris of the East. Offering impeccable craftsmanship served with a dash of humour and irreverence. Its instantly recognisable style with innovative fabrication on traditional qipao and the five-button Tang jacket in unconventional, eye-popping bright acid colour provides more authentic offerings that strongly reflect individuality at the best of Chinese contemporary art and design. Through its Imperial Tailoring collection, ready-to- wear, accessories, homeware, and designer collaborations, Shanghai Tang is committed to presenting the exquisite oriental lifestyle. Over the years since 1994, the brand has cultivated international loyal celebrity following that included the late Princess Diana, Kate Moss, Nicole Kidman, Gong Li, to name a few and discovered art talents to collaborate such as Liu Ye and Xu Bing.
Flagship Store Address: Shop 105B, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong
Website ships worldwide: shanghaitang.com
Follow us:
https://www.instagram.com/shanghaitang/
https://www.facebook.com/shanghaitang/
Thailand Uses Helicopters to Fight Mountain Wildfires

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai authorities used helicopters Thursday to try to contain a fire that overnight engulfed two mountains on largely undeveloped forest land in a province northeast of the capital Bangkok.
Farmers in Savannakhet Report Water Shortage for Crop Production
Farmers in Savannakhet are facing a significant challenge this dry season as provincial authorities report a lack of water resources that is hindering crop production.
Traffic Police Urge Motorists to Follow Rules During Lao New Year
Police are urging motorists to comply with traffic regulations during the Lao New Year period in a bid to maintain safety and reduce traffic accidents during the festival.
Religious Ceremony Held at Pakse Bridge After Three Suicides

Monks and laypeople gathered at Pakse Bridge on Thursday, performing a religious ceremony to bless the bridge following a wave of suicides.
China SCE Group Stayed Resilient in 2022 with Robust Financial Performance
Profit Attributable to Owners of the Parent Amounted to RMB24.5 Million
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 March 2023 – China SCE Group Holdings Limited (“China SCE” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”, HKEX Stock Code: 1966), an integrated property developer in China, announced its audited annual results for the year ended 31st December 2022 (the “Year”).
Over the past year, in the face of industry risks and the impact of the pandemic, the confidence of domestic property purchasers has plummeted, dealing a blow to contracted sales. During the year, the Group recorded a contracted sales amount of approximately RMB59.023 billion, with a contracted sales area of approximately 4.91 million sq.m. The average selling price was RMB12,016 per sq.m. The Group together with its joint ventures and associates had an aggregate of over 120 projects for sale in over 50 cities, mainly in second-tier cities and core areas of high potential in third- and fourth-tier cities. As a result of the popular sales of Woven City in Hangzhou and the launch of a number of new properties by the Group in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone, this region has accounted for the largest share of contracted sales of the Group together with its joint ventures and associates, amounting to RMB24.609 billion or approximately 41.7% in 2022.
Balanced Land Bank and Liquidity While Maintaining a Record of “No Breach of Contract”
During the Year, the Group recorded a revenue of RMB26.71 billion and a profit attributable to owners of the parent of RMB24.5 million. The financial position remained robust and maintained a record of “no breach of contract”. The Group has also successfully implemented financing strategies to optimize the capital structure. Since December 2022, the Group has successively signed strategic cooperation agreements with several commercial banks to provide necessary financing services for the Group, receiving more than RMB43 billion in loans. In addition, benefited from national policies, the Group became one of the first private real estate enterprises backed by China Bond Insurance Co., Ltd. (“CBIC”) in 2023 and successfully issued bonds, which was a mark of the confidence of both investors and regulators in the Group’s development. The Group will keep communicating with financial institutions and stepping up its efforts to secure financing guarantee from CBIC and bond issue, so as to ease the pressure on cash flows through various channels.
As a result of the continued sluggish contracted sales of commodity house and difficulties in financing in the capital market, the Group suspended land acquisition in 2022 in order to maintain sufficient liquidity. Nevertheless, the Group together with its joint ventures and associates had a land bank with an aggregate planned GFA of approximately 33.87 million sq.m as of 31st December 2022, which is expected to be available for the Group’s development in the next two to three years.
Going forward, as the central government optimizes and adjusts real estate policies, the industry is poised to adopt a new development model. The Group will be committed to raising the operational safety margin, building a commercial business driven by cash flow and operational quality in order to maintain a solid financial foundation. At the same time, the Group will develop its asset management model, lower its reliance on financing, increase synergy with the property industry, as well as strengthen the symbiotic operational model with Funworld. Mr. Wong Chiu Yeung, Chairman and CEO of China SCE Group, said, “Looking ahead, the Group will continue to adhere to the ‘Dual Track’ synergistic development strategy and strengthen the synergy between shopping malls and rental apartments with residential development, concentrating on core cities and dominant regions. We will focus on our market, our clients and our products. The Group will also take heed of clients’ needs and attach greater importance to product research and development with the aim of further expanding its differentiated competitiveness to create greater value.”
Hashtag: #ChinaSCEGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About China SCE Group Holdings Limited (HKEX Stock Code: 1966)
China SCE Group Holdings Limited was established in 1996, with a key value proposition of “We Build to Inspire” and a mission of “Creating Smart Living to Help Achieve Happiness”. The Group’s main businesses include property development, commercial management, property management, and apartment leasing. The Group’s business headquarters is in Shanghai, while implementing a key focused strategy in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Bohai Rim Economic Zone, the West Taiwan Strait Economic Zone, and Central Western Region. Its property projects are located across 63 cities, covering a wide range of properties including high-rise residential buildings, offices, shopping malls and long-term rental apartments. In 2022, China SCE Group was honoured as the “2022 Best 30 of China Real Estate Listed Companies with Comprehensive Strengths”, “2022 TOP 50 of China Real Estate Developers”, and “Fortune China 500”. The Group will continue to be committed to the “Dual-track” strategic plan to secure its regional leading position by implementing more proactive and prudent development strategies, striving to become a more competitive property developer in China.
For more information, please visit China SCE Group’s website: www.sce-re.com