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Nam Theun 1 Power Company Issues Statement on Leak Rumors

Nam Theun 1 speaks out about perceived leak
The Nam Theun 1 Hydropower Project.
The Nam Theun 1 Power Company has issued a statement in response to concerns by residents in Laos regarding seepage near the dam wall.

Miss Universe Thailand Partners With Upmesh To Make Interactive Pageantry The Future, Via SEA’s first mobile cross-platform streaming app

As the pageantry landscape continues to evolve, we are witnessing the rise of new integrations that make pageantry more interactive. Upmesh aims to bring the Miss Universe Thailand experience closer to fans by creating authentic connections through collaborative community-focused experiences.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 18 July 2022 – Upmesh, the leading live commerce enabler in Southeast Asia will join forces with Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) this 2022 to usher the pageant community into a new era of interactivity. As the official sponsor of MUT 2022, Upmesh will integrate live streaming into the pageant experience.

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Upmesh seeks to empower the pageant community to connect with and expand their fanbase through the collaborative power of live commerce. For the first time ever, overseas fans can participate in the voting process to extend their support for their favourite contestant. Through a fun and engaging liveselling competition, contestants will be able to showcase their charming on-screen personalities while devoted fans can interact with them in real time. Voting Channels include live videos and posts via https://www.facebook.com/missuniverse.in.th or https://missuniverse.in.th/ or https://mut2022.upmesh.io.

From live selling to live entertainment, MUT live selling competition will feature brand’ partners’ where buyers can engage with contestants in real-time and also contestants will earn more points when buyers endorse brand’ sponsors and will get a chance to be TOP10 fast-track in the competition.

“We’re excited to be pioneering the next era of e-commerce through this strategic partnership with Miss Universe Thailand. We are confident that through the use of Upmesh’s live interaction capabilities, the pageant community will be able to connect with their fans on a more personal level.”
– Wong Zi Yang, CEO and Co-Founder at Upmesh

**The Upmesh Live application is only compatible with Android 8.0 and above as well as ios 11.0 and above**

Upmesh’s suite of live commerce solutions provides e-commerce functions for merchants and enables them to leverage the power of community.

  • Sellers go live on either Facebook Live or Instagram Live
  • Upmesh captures orders through a merchant’s live stream comments and incentivises the buyers to share through discovery, giveaways and drip messaging
  • Upmesh is committed to constantly launching new engaging and interactive features that aim to enable live commerce merchants to reach their full sales and creative potential through multi-channel discovery and sharing to unlock value and virality

Upmesh also goes beyond just basic automation to being a sales tool to help merchants grow sales through its analytics to identify best selling items and patterns in buying behaviour as well as buyer loyalty programmes.

Ranging from mom-and-pop street shops selling on live streams to supplement foot traffic to specialised Live Commerce sellers moving thousands of SKUs a month, Upmesh is enabling trusted voices to be discovered by buyers.

Hashtag: #Upmesh

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

About Upmesh

Founded in 2020, Upmesh is a live commerce enabler that helps online merchants using live commerce build communities and achieve virality. Upmesh’s mission is to re-introduce trust in the eCommerce experience in Southeast Asia by transforming the static buying and seller experience from a static page with anonymous and empty five-star ratings to a meaningful two-way interaction with trusted reviewers using the power of livestreaming.

As seen on , and .

KPMG & HSBC’s Emerging Giants in Asia Pacific report identifies potential regional unicorns and their growth drivers

As the world’s growth engine, Asia Pacific’s technology-focused start-ups are leveraging innovations and new sector verticals to blaze a digital trail forward

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 18 July 2022 – KPMG and HSBC have released the Emerging Giants in Asia Pacific report, which examines new economy businesses across the region with strong potential to impact the global business landscape over the next decade. Over 6,472 technology-focused start-ups1 with valuations of up to US$500 million2 were studied across 12 markets, with ten leading Emerging Giant companies identified in each market3. The report also names 100 Leading Emerging Giants within the overall Asia Pacific region.

Maturing technology-focused ecosystems in the Asia Pacific are producing billion-dollar companies at a rapid rate. With the International Monetary Fund predicting that the region’s emerging markets and developing economies will grow 20 percent faster than the global average4, this year, Emerging Giants – fast-growing, influential and innovative start-ups with unicorn ambitions – are a leading indicator of the Asia Pacific’s growth trajectory.

According to the report, the emergence of new sector verticals is attracting record-breaking investments, leading to a proliferation of larger, more valuable start-ups in the region.

Beyond the traditional sectors associated with new economy businesses such as FinTech or software-as-a-service, the report identified around 120 technology-related industry subsectors among these businesses, with blockchain, smart city, and sustainability and ESG verticals being most prominent. Additionally, six out of the 12 markets studied had average valuations of US$300 million or more among their leading Emerging Giants5.

“Fast-growing technology start-ups are the new wave of SMEs contributing towards economic growth and more. Looking ahead, the global push towards carbon-neutrality will be a major driver of innovation as traditional sectors go green, and Emerging Giants will likely play a key role in developing the technologies that can reduce carbon emissions and promote more responsible stewardship of the environment. Asia will be a crucial battleground in the fight for a more sustainable future,” says Honson To, Chairman KPMG Asia Pacific and KPMG China.

Emerging Giants in Asia Pacific excites us because we see the start-up ecosystem as complimentary to the established end of the financial services industry: they’re a source of innovation, and invigorate both local and regional economies with their dynamism,” says Surendra Rosha, Co-Chief Executive of HSBC Asia-Pacific.

“Over 9,300 start-ups and 12 unicorns currently call Singapore home – this is the highest total of any country in Southeast Asia. Correspondingly, we can expect the entrepreneurial impact of these enterprises to be significant in catalysing innovation here, while also giving a shot in the arm to boost economic strength and market confidence. The challenge forward will be to continue attracting unicorns to reside here. Strong ecosystem support will be needed, such as public and private programmes and incentives for ‘hot sectors’, an environment that attracts and grooms top talent, as well as a strong purpose across industries and the nation to solve priority problems and create measurable change for the world,” says Ong Pang Thye, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore.

“From Singapore’s position as a global and regional financial centre, we’ve observed increased interest in venture capital participation in Series A and B rounds of innovative firms in either B2B software or financial services sectors across Europe and Asia. HSBC is well-placed to connect these Emerging Giants to opportunities locally and internationally. Backed by our deep local experience, global network, and customer-tailored banking solutions, we have a proven track-record of helping businesses to grow domestically and subsequently, across borders,” says Kee Joo Wong, CEO of HSBC Singapore.

Other key findings of the report include:

  • While a repeat of the record-breaking private investment levels in 2021 is unlikely, 1Q 2022 figures suggest that 2022 is on target to exceed both 2020 and 2019 funding levels in the Asia Pacific. Australia, Malaysia and South Korea have already seen deal values pass or nearly pass 2020 totals.
  • As the world’s biggest fintech adopter, the Asia Pacific region has experienced a boom in financial services transformation within the last two years as fintech applications progress in tandem with user uptake. Considerable interest in cryptocurrencies has also led to a surge in crypto financial services providers and blockchain players.
  • Growing pressure for an ESG focus in business and investment strategies in order to meet climate targets will likely drive an explosive demand for green technologies and services across every industry, creating significant opportunities for Emerging Giants.
  • Top challenges faced by Emerging Giants include navigating regulatory complexity and securing technology talent. Formulating effective ESG and tax strategies, as well as leveraging government incentives and implementing management processes for distributed workforces, will be cornerstones of future growth.

“As the world’s leading trade bank, we’re always looking for ways to help our customers innovate, develop the solutions of the future and add value. As up-and-coming leaders who will shape industries in the next decade, Emerging Giants represent a vital building block for a sustainable and prosperous future for the region,” says Dan Roberts, HSBC’s Global Head of Business Banking.

“Asia Pacific’s emerging giants are bold, ambitious and cutting-edge in the new platform and software applications they are offering. They are courageous about who they choose to partner with, which markets they are targeting, how they shape their business models, transforming company culture and mission statements. Perhaps most importantly, they are transforming and pioneering the technology landscape over the coming years, in addition to thinking about what is useful to their customers now,” says Darren Yong, Head of Technology, Media and Telecommunications, KPMG Asia Pacific.

The report also features interviews with start-up founders and executives across the 12 Asia Pacific markets, which offer insight into the challenges and opportunities that start-ups in the region face.

The Emerging Giants in Asia Pacific report can be downloaded at:
https://kpmg.com/emerginggiants
https://www.business.hsbc.com.sg/giants

1 Mainland China; India; Japan; Australia; Singapore; South Korea; Hong Kong (SAR) China; Malaysia; Indonesia; Vietnam; Taiwan and Thailand.

2 Valuations based on Pitchbook data current as of 30 April 2022

3 Consideration for these lists was based on estimated valuations and venture capital received based on Pitchbook data figures; as well as KPMG and HSBC analysis on the future growth potential of these companies.

4 7.3% vs 6.1% IMF, April 2022

5 Valuations based on Pitchbook data current as of 30 April 2022

Hashtag: #KPMG #HSBC

About KPMG

KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 144 countries and territories with more than 236,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients. For more detail about our structure, please visit home.kpmg/governance.

About HSBC Singapore
HSBC Group’s history in Singapore dates back to 1877 when its founding member, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, opened its first branch on the island. HSBC in Singapore offers a comprehensive range of banking and financial services including retail banking and wealth management; commercial, investment and private banking; insurance; forfaiting and trustee services; securities and capital markets services. One of the earliest banks to establish in Singapore, HSBC today is a prominent player in Singapore’s financial services sector serving the banking needs of multi-national corporations, home-grown businesses, private banking clients, institutional and retail customers.

LenovoPro and Microsoft collaborate with Bynd Artisan to launch limited-edition eco-friendly laptop sleeve

The limited-edition laptop sleeve is made of vegan leather and will be available to LenovoPRO business customers

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 18 July 2022 – Lenovo Singapore today announced its collaboration with Bynd Artisan to launch a limited-edition laptop sleeve made entirely from sustainable, eco-friendly materials. Committed to operate a globally sustainable business, this collaboration with Bynd Artisan not only reflects Lenovo’s continued commitment to its Climate Change Mitigation Goals for 2025, but perfectly aligns with Bynd Artisan’s ethos of creating perfect leather gifts and features the signature craftsmanship of the 70-year-old, Singapore-founded brand.

This limited-edition sleeve comes embossed with LenovoPro and Microsoft logos

Nigel Lee, Country General Manager, Lenovo Singapore, said, “Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the products we make or the services we provide, but also influences with whom we collaborate environmentally and socially. And we can’t be more excited to work with one of Singapore’s oldest and finest artisanal brands, Bynd Artisan.”

“Together, we set out to craft something truly special, yet remains true to our goal of building a better future for our customers, our communities, and our planet. And the result is a beautiful work of art and craftmanship that will hopefully touch not only the hands of our business customers, but their hearts as well when they use it daily, knowing that it was created sustainably in every single way possible.”

Stylish and versatile, the sleeve is made from vegan leather and designed with the lifestyle of a modern businessperson in mind. It features slim pockets that hold items essential to the professional on-the-go, like mobile phones and business cards, and serves as the perfect complement to Think laptop users, who appreciate fine craftsmanship, reliability, and sleek aesthetics.

The online exclusive laptop sleeve (worth S$158.00) is limited to the first 800 purchases and can only be redeemed with any THINK laptop purchased via the LenovoPRO site from 18 July 2022. LenovoPRO is a platform for businesses to enjoy myriad benefits including business pricing, early access to limited deals, complimentary IT consultation, discounted warranty upgrades, bulk deals, and free gifts.

With quality and sustainability in mind, the LenovoPro and Bynd Artisan laptop sleeve is built to protect Lenovo’s ThinkPad and ThinkBook laptops and features:

  • Belly band: Made from recycled food pulp paper, these distinctive and vivid papers are made from organic food by-products such as citrus fruits, coffee, hazelnuts, and corn, which would have been otherwise left as industrial residue in landfills. Incorporating these natural raw materials into the paper has effectively replaced up to 15 percent of virgin tree pulp normally required for paper making.
  • Vegan leather: Produced using process-controlled machines and eco-friendly methods, vegan leather is a great animal-friendly alternative to genuine leather. It offers the same supple touch and appearance of leather without the high carbon footprint, typically a result of the gallons of water required to process natural leather.
  • Felt: Produced from acrylic threads largely attained from post-consumer plastic, the felt material is highly durable with many layers interlocked in its construction. Although lightweight, it is highly water-resistant and provides great layered protection. Ultimately, the felt scraps and fibers can be further broken down and recycled towards the end of its lifecycle.

Sign up for a free LenovoPRO account now and enjoy a 10 percent welcome discount*. For more information on LenovoPRO, please visit the LenovoPro website.

*Terms and conditions apply

Hashtag: #Lenovo

About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$70 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #159 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 75,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s leading PC player by expanding into new growth areas of infrastructure, mobile, solutions and services. This transformation together with Lenovo’s world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and sustainable digital society for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit ,and read about the latest news via our .

LYK Mobile Opens New iPhone & Apple Device Independent Repair Provider Outlet In Woodlands

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 18 July 2022 – Singaporeans living in the North of the country can now enjoy a range of Independent Repair Provider (IRP) services at LYK Mobile’s latest outlet. Located at Woods Square Tower 1, this new Woodlands branch is LYK Mobile’s first outlet in the North of Singapore in 6 years and is located opposite Woodlands MRT station.

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Bringing Apple Independent Repair Provider services to more Singaporeans

This new Woodlands branch of LYK Mobile gives Singaporeans in the North of the country immediate access to reliable, timely, and qualified Apple service technicians and repair services.

LYK Mobile’s status as an Independent Repair Provider (IRP) means its technicians can perform out-of-warranty repairs and selected services on iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Mac computers using genuine Apple parts.

Prior to the opening of LYK Mobile’s new Woodlands branch, Singaporeans would have to travel to an Apple Authorised Service Providers (AASP) for similar services.

As many AASPs are located in Central or East Singapore, LYK Mobile’s new branch creates convenient alternative options for device repair for Singaporeans residing in the North.

Trusted and Reliable Repair Services for Apple Devices

Repairs done by an IRP allow customers to have faster repair turnaround times without the risk of losing existing phone or device data.

Apple parts, tools, repair manuals, and diagnostic devices used by IRPs are also identical to items used in official Apple stores and AASPs.

Other services offered by LYK Mobile’s technicians include genuine Apple parts supply, original iPhone and Mac repair, and complimentary diagnosis of applicable Apple devices.

LYK Mobile also offers drop-off and pick-up repair services where technicians will travel to a customer’s location to perform diagnosis and repair.

All repairs performed by LYK Mobile technicians are subject to LYK Mobile’s repair warranty guidelines and are not governed or certified by Apple.

Hashtag: #LYKMobile

About LYK Mobile

LYK Mobile is a mobile phone and device repair store in Singapore that specialises in Apple, Android, and personal electronic device repair. First opened in 2014, LYK Mobile now has 3 outlets across Singapore in Jurong, Tai Seng, and Woodlands. For more information please visit

Tiger Brokers (Singapore) extends Zero Commissions to Singapore and Hong Kong Stocks and China A-Shares

This offer serves to further lower barriers to entry for Tiger Brokers users and promotes portfolio diversification opportunities amidst today’s volatile markets

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 18 July 2022 – Online trading platform Tiger Brokers (Singapore) today announced the extension of its Zero Commission campaign, originally for unlimited trades on US stocks, to users trading Singapore and Hong Kong stocks as well as China A-Shares, for one year.

The extensions, the first of their kind in these markets, come at a time of continued macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty when maintaining a diversified portfolio is pivotal. Attaining a diversified portfolio will help investors meet their long-term investment objectives while helping to moderate volatility along the way. These extensions further simplify the trading and investment process for Tiger Brokers users and lower the barriers to entry for these markets. Currently, 21% of Tiger Brokers (Singapore) customer base actively trades stocks across all three markets.

This announcement follows the launch of the Tiger Brokers 8.0 next-gen mobile application released in celebration of the company’s 8th Anniversary. The 8.0 app allows users to further personalise their Tiger Brokers experience and provides investors with greater access to a broader range of education and community tools and features.

Eng Thiam Choon, CEO of Tiger Brokers (Singapore) said, “Tiger Brokers continuously seeks to understand the requirements of our customer base and we aim to address these by harnessing our strength in innovation to improve the range of offers on our platform. Having been the first in the market to offer our customers lifetime zero commissions for US stocks we are proud that we are again the first to extend this offer to Singapore and Hong Kong stocks and to China A-Shares. We aim to bring the best offers to our users by disrupting the financial markets and democratising the investment process, taking our customers one step closer to achieving financial happiness through financial freedom and inclusion. Our strength in innovation has been key to our growth and by leveraging our next-generation technology platform, we are able to provide our customers with a seamless experience at lower cost. With around 21% of our user base active in stocks across all three markets, we envisage the extension of the Zero Commissions campaign providing our customers with further significant cost saving opportunities.”

In addition to better capitalising on small price movements in the market, and unlocking cost savings with more efficient trading, investors who are new to these markets can also benefit from access at a lower cost.

“These extensions are also our way of expressing our gratitude to our loyal customer base,” adds Thiam Choon. “We seek to create a cohesive ecosystem of investors who share ideas and insights through community building platforms such as TigerOne, which is aligned with our goal of developing financial literacy for everyone by allowing investor education materials to be accessible to all. This latest offer, follows the recent launch of our 8.0 App, which serves to improve the user experience of Tiger Brokers customers while improving access to a deeper pool of financial literacy assets.”

More details on the Zero Commissions campaign can be found here.

Tiger Brokers (Singapore) currently has over 1.9 million customers worldwide, as of March 2022, with annual trading volume of more than US$404.3 billion, as of December 2021.

The Tiger Trade mobile application is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Any views shared with Prospective Clients (“Prospects”) are suggestive in nature and on a sample basis only. This may also be predicated on assumptions that are made by Tiger Brokers (Singapore) Pte Ltd about the Prospects’ investment objectives and risk profile. Our suggestive and sample views extended to Prospects are not to be considered as recommendations made by the Company. Suggestions provided are also based on information that may be shared by the Prospects, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of which Tiger Brokers in not in a position to verify.

Hashtag: #TigerBrokers

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

About Tiger Brokers (Singapore)

Tiger Brokers (Singapore) Pte Ltd (“Tiger Brokers (Singapore)”) is a brokerage firm operating with a Capital Markets Services (CMS) Licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Its trading platform, Tiger Trade, offers complimentary real-time stock quotes, dedicated multilingual customer service during trading hours and 24/7 finance news updates. The company launched the mobile version of Tiger Trade in February 2020 – accessible on Google Play Store and the Apple App Store – offering mobile-savvy generation of retail investors similar trading opportunities as their online users, such as Equities, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Futures, Stock Options, Warrants, and Callable Bull/Bear Contracts (CBBCs) on their mobile phones. Both online and mobile app allow users to invest across multiple asset classes traded on the Australian, US, Hong Kong, China and Singapore stock markets such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, Shanghai/Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

Tiger Brokers (Singapore) is the Singapore entity of UP Fintech Holding Limited, known as “Tiger Brokers” in Asia, a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors. Founded in 2014, Tiger Brokers (Singapore) became #1 in the U.S. equity trading by volume among trading platforms catered to Global Chinese investors in less than two years. Tiger Brokers (Singapore) was awarded “2017 Fintech 250” by CB Insights and shortlisted for “China Leading Fintech 50” for two years in a row by KPMG China. The company was listed on NASDAQ under “TIGR” in 2019 and has offices in China, United States, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Tiger Brokers (Singapore) has over 1.8 million customers worldwide, with an annual trading volume of more than US$404.3billion as of December 2021. For more information, please visit .

AUW Offers Hundreds of Scholarships for Afghan Women; Donates Essential Medicines for Kabul Hospitals

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN Media OutReach18 July 2022 – Asian University for Women (AUW), based in Chittagong, Bangladesh, offered hundreds of new scholarships for Afghan women who are eligible and qualified for admission to AUW’s undergraduate or graduate programs. During a four-day visit to Kabul, Kamal Ahmad, Founder of the Asian University for Women, met with Mr. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, Acting Deputy Foreign Minister of Afghanistan and former head of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, Qatar, and made the offer. He also handed over a gift of essential medicines for Kabul hospitals that was requested by the Afghan authorities. Deputy Foreign Minister Stanikzai welcomed the AUW initiative and committed his support for the proposal.

Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai presenting a gift of a plate of Lapis Lazuli to Kamal Ahmad for AUW as a token of his government's appreciation of AUW's support for Afghan women's education.
Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai presenting a gift of a plate of Lapis Lazuli to Kamal Ahmad for AUW as a token of his government’s appreciation of AUW’s support for Afghan women’s education.


Separately, Kamal Ahmad also held discussions with the Acting Minister of Higher Education; the Minister of Education; the Chancellor of Kabul University; and other senior government officials. He also called on the Ambassador of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) based in Kabul.

In addition to the scholarships, AUW has proposed to initiate a pilot online secondary school education program through which Afghan students studying at the AUW Graduate School of Education would run online classes following the Afghan national curriculum. A new MOU is being prepared in this regard to be entered into between AUW and the Afghan Ministry of Education. This pilot project would provide an opportunity for AUW Afghan Masters students to gain teaching experience while also enabling young girls to continue their education at home while the Afghan government determines its approach to girls’ and women’s education. The Afghan Acting Minister of Education invited AUW to make a formal proposal in this regard and noted that his Ministry will be soon initiating a Directorate of Online Education.

It may be noted that AUW has been deeply engaged in education of Afghan girls and women from its inception. Currently, about 170 Afghan women attend AUW on full scholarship.

Hashtag: #AUW #AsianUniversityforWomen

About Asian University for Women (AUW):

Founded in 2008 and located in Chittagong, Bangladesh, AUW is the first of its kind: a regional institution dedicated to women’s education and leadership development through liberal arts and sciences education. It is international in outlook but rooted in the contexts and aspirations of the people of Asia. Chartered by the Parliament of Bangladesh, AUW exists solely to support a rising network of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from across the region. It seeks out women who show significant academic achievement and potential, demonstrate courage and a sense of outrage at injustice, and are empathic to the woes of other people.

1160 students from 17 countries currently attend AUW: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Syria, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and Yemen. More than 85% of AUW students are on full or near-full scholarships funded by supporters from around the world. The University has graduated over a thousand students to date. A majority of AUW graduates secure employment in the private and public sectors in their home countries while about 25% go on to pursue graduate studies at other institutions of higher learning including Oxford, Cambridge, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, Columbia, Duke, Brandeis and Tufts, among others. To learn more about Asian University for Women, please visit .

The 14th Straits Forum was Held in Xiamen, Fujian

Straits Forum: Drinking the Same Bottle of Wine, We Belong to the Same Root

XIAMEN, CHINA Media OutReach18 July 2022 – On July 13, 2022, the 14th Straits Forum was held in Xiamen, Fujian. “Drinking the same bottle of wine, people from both sides of the Straits belong to the same root.” That was said by Yang Cheng-wu, Magistrate of Kinmen County when he addressed the Form before. Now it is quoted again at the Forum this year. The quotation best expresses the purpose of the Forum to promote people-to-people exchanges across the Straits.

Full of young people, the Forum also causes homesickness. The spectacles here remind Taiwanese singer Nini Wei of the hustle and bustle of the alley where she used to live with her grandmother. The performance of waving flag-tied bamboo poles originated in Fujian, where the roots of most Taiwanese lie.

Forum is focused on folk culture and future development. In addition to youth exchanges, the Forum has been valuing cultural and economic exchanges by holding events about agriculture, folk culture, and religions for the past 13 years. It also has been trying hard to meet the needs of the Taiwanese for development opportunities.

The dancing program Tea Fragrance poetically shows the beauty of the Cherry Blossom Tea Garden in Yongfu Town. As the hub of the National Taiwan Farmers Pioneer Park, Yongfu Town is where most Taiwanese farmers invest, and the mainland’s largest producer of Ruan Zhi Oolong Tea. Drinking tea brings together people from both sides of the Straits, and a growing number of Taiwanese farmers are now choosing to work in Yongfu Town.

The Forum is full of affectionate stories and best wishes. There will be a nostalgia program called “35 Years of Affectionate Stories”. In the program, stories about people who have helped promote cross-Straits exchanges will be shared. Many young people from Taiwan have been inspired to engage themselves in the rural revitalization drive of the mainland. Li Peizhen, a Taiwanese folk culture artist restores North-Song houses and runs a folk culture museum in Qingqiao Village, Haicang District, Xiamen.

Lin Shuren, a young man from Taipei, each year helps 5000 Yi people in Sichuan grow olives.

The Forum witnesses frankness as well as perseverance. Taiwanese man Yang Mingzhong once promised to cycle together with orphans to the mainland to see the Yellow River. He wanted to prove to the orphans that the Yellow River is not yellow. He has been cycling so for 10 years.

Over the past decade, he has cycled 12,000km through 50 cities . Along the way, he has helped 920 young people of both Taiwan and the mainland.

Like many Taiwanese attendees here, Yang Minzhong greatly values the friendship between the youth of both sides of the Straits.