Tropical Storm MA-ON is expected to hit Laos this week, bringing more rain to the country.
Lions & Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Charity Foundation Awarded with the “HKSAR 25th Anniversary Enterprise Outstanding Contribution Awards” for serving the Hong Kong elderly for 15 Years

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Metro Broadcast and Hong Kong Coalition jointly organised the “HKSAR 25th Anniversary Enterprise Outstanding Contribution Awards”, with the aim of acknowledging enterprises and organisations from different sectors which has contributed significantly to the economic growth and social good of Hong Kong over the past 25 years. The judging panel was formed by 12 renowned figures from different professions and sectors in the society.
Dr. Lam Hoi Ham, JP, Chairman of the Foundation said, “Lions Clubs International District 303 – Hong Kong and Macao, China and the School of Chinese Medicine of HKBU joined hands in 2007 to establish the Lions & HKBU Chinese Medicine Charity Foundation with the mission to enable elders aged 65 or above with financial difficulties and chronic illnesses to receive quality and professional Chinese medical service and care. We are pleased that our past efforts were recognised by the society through this award. Members of the Foundation will continue to give their best to serve elders in Hong Kong with passion and commitment.”
Quality Chinese Medicine Services for the Elderly in Hong Kong
Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Associate Vice-President (Chinese Medicine Development) and Tsang Shiu Tim Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicine Clinical Studies said, “the School of Chinese Medicine at Hong Kong Baptist University has been providing quality Chinese medicine service to the public since 1997 through its 17 clinics across the territory. Sharing the same philosophy as Lions Clubs International District 303 in serving elderly people, we joined hands in 2007 to establish a charity foundation to provide needy elders with quality Chinese medicine service.”
Professor Bian elaborated that the “Privilege Scheme of Chinese Medicine Service for Elderly” for the underprivileged senior citizens is an important initiative of the Foundation. Each privilege card carries vouchers with a total nominal value of HKD2,000. Holders can redeem the vouchers for service including a free general consultation plus two packs of herbal medicine provided by HKBU Chinese medicine clinics. Up to now, the Foundation has issued over 4,000 “Privilege Cards” and subsidised more than 40,000 visits to the clinics.
Serve the Hong Kong Elders with a Caring Spirit
Along with the rapid development of Chinese medicine, the mode of consultation evolves with time. Mr. Tse Yim Pui, Paulman, Board Director and the Chairman of the 15th Anniversary Organising Committee of the Foundation said, “over the past 15 years, the Foundation has continued to innovate its service in order to cope with the changing medical needs of elderly people. We have been working closely with our community partners to launch a variety of Chinese medicine services for the benefits of elders.”
With a view to promoting healthy living and diets, the Foundation collaborated with a community organisation to mobilise volunteers to provide door-to-door delivery of cooked Chinese herbal medicine soup to elders.
Upon the introduction of a Chinese Medicine Diagnostic Instrument in a HKBU Chinese Medicine clinic to analyse body constitution and health condition of individuals through examining their pulse, face and tongue, the Foundation subsidised 1,000 quotas for the geriatric health assessment programme. The programme was smoothly executed through multiple non-profit-making organisations in Hong Kong. Nearly a thousand of elders were benefited by receiving professional advice from Chinese medicine practitioners on health preservation and management.
15 years of commitment to provide diversified Chinese medicine service for elders especially during the COVID-19 pandemic
During the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, the Foundation launched the distribution of Chinese Medicine influenza prescriptions to elders and needy people in different communities through HKBU Chinese Medicine clinics and a number of non-profit-making organisations, with the aim of enhancing their immunity to fight against the virus.
In mid-2021, the Foundation introduced an online consultation programme in collaboration with various community partners to provide online consultation and free medicine delivery service for their elderly centers. Elders who lived alone and in remote area (e.g. Sha Tau Kok restricted area) were also covered by the programme. Such service saved the transportation time and reduced the risk of infection as the elderly did not need to commute to the clinics in person during the pandemic. This convenient service received an overwhelming response and nearly 1,000 elders were benefitted.
Growing demand for Chinese medicine service with an aging population
With an aging population and growing number of patients with chronic disease, increasing demand for Chinese medicine service is anticipated. In the past 15 years, the Foundation has raised over HKD 10 million to support various charitable Chinese medicine service initiatives. Looking ahead, Chairman Lam said members of the Foundation will continue their effort in fund raising in order to provide more innovative and effective Chinese medicine service for the betterment of elders in Hong Kong.
Hashtag: #LionsHongKongBaptistUniversityChineseMedicineCharityFoundation #Award #Elderlyservice #ChineseMedicine
About Lions & Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Charity Foundation
Lions & Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Charitable Foundation is a non-profit-making charitable organisation recognised by the HKSAR Government. It was jointly established by Lions Clubs International District 303 – Hong Kong & Macao, China and Hong Kong Baptist University in 2007. Its mission is to serve the underprivileged elders with quality Chinese medicine and healthcare service at a low cost. For details about the Foundation and its service, please visit the website: http://cmcfoundation.hkbu.edu.hk/
About School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University
Hong Kong Baptist University is the first tertiary institution funded by the University Grants Committee to offer undergraduate programmes in Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. Established in 1999, the School of Chinese Medicine offers quality teaching programmes, conducts cutting-edge academic and clinical research, and provides a comprehensive range of Chinese medical and healthcare service, striving to raise the professional and ethical standards of the Chinese medicine profession. Through the integration of teaching, research, medical service and technology, the School proactively fosters the modernisation, internationalisation and standardisation of Chinese medicine. The School now operates 17 Chinese medicine clinics, with 10 of them directly under the School and 7 jointly operated with Hospital Authority and other non-profit-making organisations. Located throughout Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories, the clinics are committed to serving the community and benefiting more people. For more information about the School, please visit the website: http://scm.hkbu.edu.hk/
Thai PM Prayut Ordered to Suspend Duties Pending Review of Term
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has ordered Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to temporarily cease his official duties until the court can review the legality of his eight-year term limit.
Hong Kong Baptist University scientists develop versatile compound for treating Alzheimer’s disease

AD is the most common cause of dementia. It accounts for nearly 65% of dementia cases in elderly Hong Kong Chinese. It is pathologically characterised by the abnormal aggregation of Aβ, the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins and neuroinflammation in the nerve cells in the brain, which cause progressive neuronal loss and cognitive impairment. Currently there is no cure for AD, and the available medicines can only relieve its symptoms. Inhibiting the abnormal aggregation of Aβ and the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins is considered the primary and a promising therapeutic approach to treat AD.
F-SLOH as theragnostic agent for AD
In the search for novel therapeutic and diagnostic methods for AD, a research team comprising Professor Li Min, Professor of the Teaching and Research Division and Associate Dean of the School of Chinese Medicine; Professor Ricky Wong Man-shing, Professor of the Department of Chemistry of the Faculty of Science; and Dr Iyaswamy Ashok, Research Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, demonstrated the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of a compound called F-SLOH in reducing the abnormal aggregation of Aβ, the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins and neuroinflammation in the nerves cells in the brain, thereby improving the learning and memory functions of mice with AD.
F-SLOH is a multi-functional cyanine probe synthesised by a team led by Professor Ricky Wong Man-shing for the detection of biological materials such as proteins and peptides. Its features include real-time visualisation of Aβ aggregation in brains, excellent permeability across the blood-brain barrier and low bio-toxicity. Previous studies showed that F-SLOH could inhibit the abnormal aggregation of Aβ species and provide neuroprotection against neurotoxicity induced by the abnormal aggregation of Aβ in vitro at the cellular level.
F-SLOH improves pathological features in AD mice
To determine the therapeutic efficacy of F-SLOH for AD, the researchers injected or fed F-SLOH to a group of transgenic AD mice. Histopathology and biochemical analyses showed that in mice treated with F-SLOH, Aβ oligomers (one of the Aβ species) and Aβ plaque deposits (the clumps of Aβ) were dramatically reduced in their hippocampus and their brains when compared with the AD mice in the control group who had not been fed F-SLOH.
The researchers also found that F-SLOH can reduce the levels of an amyloid precursor protein that generates Aβ and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. In an immunoblot analysis of the transgenic AD mice brian, the F-SLOH treatment group showed a significant reduction in the levels of the amyloid precursor protein and its metabolites compared to the control group.
In other experiments on the transgenic AD mice after F-SLOH treatment, the researchers separated the soluble and insoluble tau proteins in their brain tissue samples. The results showed that F-SLOH treatment significantly reduced the levels of insoluble tau protein in the brains of AD mice, which forms neurofibrillary tangles, one of the pathological features of AD.
F-SLOH improves memory and cognitive functions in AD mice
Aggregation of Aβ is closely related to the dysfunction of the links between nerve cells and memory decline. The researchers conducted two experiments to test the memory functions of AD mice. In the first experiment, mice were trained to swim in a water maze, reach a platform and remember its position. After the platform was removed, researchers observed whether the mice were able to recall and approach the original position of the platform. Compared to the control group, transgenic AD mice treated with F-SLOH spent more time swimming around the platform’s original position, showing that they can better memorise the platform’s location.
In the second experiment, mice were placed in a chamber and exposed to an audio tone followed by an instant small electric shock to their feet from the floor of the chamber. On the following day, they were put back in the chamber but without any electric shock. When the mice were exposed to the same audio tone, they “froze” their body movements due to the fear of an electric shock. The transgenic AD mice treated with F-SLOH exhibited a longer freezing time than that of the control group.
The results of the two experiments showed that AD mice treated with F-SLOH have better memories compared to the control group, suggesting that F-SLOH improved AD mice’s memory and cognitive functions.
F-SLOH shows early potential for treating AD
The researchers also revealed that F-SLOH degraded the abnormal aggregation of Aβ and reduced the levels of tau protein hyperphosphorylation, the amyloid precursor protein and its metabolites through the activation of the transcription factor EB. Transcription factor EB is the main regulator of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, a major mechanism for degrading ageing intracellular macromolecular proteins, including the intracellular metabolites such as Aβ aggregates.
Professor Li Min said: “AD patients lose their self-management abilities and require long-term care as the disease progresses. As the population is ageing in Hong Kong, the prevalence of AD is likely to increase. There is an urgent need to develop new drugs that can treat or slow down the progression of AD. The current study suggests that the compound F-SLOH has promising theragnostic potential for treating AD at an early stage.”
Professor Ricky Wong Man-shing said: “The study provides the first in vivo evidence that F-SLOH is an effective agent that can target and treat multiple neurodegenerative changes in an AD mouse model. The research findings can drive advancements in AD diagnosis and treatment in humans.”
Hashtag: #HongKongBaptistUniversity #HKBU
Traveloka supports Indonesia’s digital transformation acceleration through the G20 DEWG
- As the coordinator of the Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) Industry Task Force (ITF) in the G20 Indonesia 2022 Presidency, Traveloka is helping the Indonesia government in realizing an inclusive, and sustainable digital transformation.
- Through this initiative, Traveloka has undertaken various programs to upskill digital talents and strengthen the ecosystem in the tourism industry.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA- Media OutReach – 24 August 2022 – Digitization drives tremendous benefits by offering new economic growth opportunities across various sectors, including the tourism industry. According to Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company’s e-Conomy SEA 2021 report, the pandemic has generated up to 21 million new digital customers between 2020 and the first half of 2021. Digital activity in 2020 showed that Indonesia’s digital economy gross domestic product (GDP) surged 11%[1], while its tourism sector showed a good performance in the beginning of 2022, and is expected to grow up to 4.3% from 4.2%[2] in 2021.

Carrying the theme, “Recover Together, Recover Stronger”, the G20 Indonesia 2022 Presidency will seize the momentum to establish a sustainable and inclusive transformation while exploring new avenues to shape a more adaptive G20 against future crises. Focused on economic recovery through increased digital utilization, the Ministry of Communications and Informatics (Kominfo) is collaborating with 40 digital platform providers in Indonesia, collectively named the Industry Task Force (ITF), under the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG). This collaboration aims to contribute to the success of digital economy discussions toward an inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem.
“The G20 DEWG aspires to achieve digital transformation to generate added value in each sector supporting Indonesia’s national economy. Based on a Kominfo survey, conducted in collaboration with the Indonesia Internet Service Provider Association (APJII), 77% of Indonesians utilize the Internet for more than eight hours daily. Considering that digital adoption has become an integral part of daily lives, the optimization of digital skills and literacy is crucial. In addition, the continued partnership with the private sector is crucial in building a stronger economy foundation in our digital transformation efforts,” stated Mira Tayyiba, Secretary-General for the Indonesia Ministry of Communications and Informatics and Chair of G20 DEWG, during the G20 Digital Economy Working Group Industry Task Force Indonesia 2022 media discussion that was conducted on Friday, 19 August 2022.
Themed “Establishing Digital Ecosystem Synergy for Post-Pandemic Global Recovery“, the three priorities of this discussion are connectivity and post-pandemic recovery, digital skills and literacy, as well as cross-border data flows. The DEWG also invited experts to discuss the economic aspect in the three priorities and its alignment toward digital transformation and national economic growth.
Southeast Asia’s travel and lifestyle platform, Traveloka, was appointed by the Ministry of Communications and Informatics as the coordinator of G20 DEWG ITF 2022. As a technology company, Traveloka believes in the importance of synergy across sectors, and is committed to supporting the government in its efforts to increase digital literacy and talents in the country. This can be realized by encouraging industry players to adopt technology, in order to extend their service access, as well as support their businesses.
Widyasari Listyowulan, Vice President of Public Policy & Government Relations, Traveloka said, “We believe that collaboration in an inclusive, sustainable, and empowering digital ecosystem is the driving force for Indonesia’s post-pandemic economic recovery. Thus, through Traveloka’s involvement in the DEWG ITF, we actively coordinate discussions and strong partnerships between industry players to accelerate the nation’s digital transformation and economic recovery. Digital platforms enable an extended and simplified access for the ecosystem, including Traveloka’s partners and customers. Traveloka is committed to provide comprehensive end-to-end solutions to fulfill Indonesia’s travel and lifestyle needs, as well as contribute to the tourism ecosystem in collaboration with our partners and SMEs in Indonesia.”
Yose Rizal Damuri, Executive Director, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said, “The pandemic has become the momentum of change for Indonesia. In the past two years, digitization grew rapidly, forcing digital adoption across the country. It also changed the operational landscape across economic sectors. While the surge of digital utilization brings recovery and growth opportunities for Indonesia’s economy, there are many aspects that require further optimization, such as infrastructure, human resources and users’ literacy. This initiative led by the Ministry of Communications and Informatics and Traveloka through G20 DEWG ITF Indonesia 2022 encourages the collaboration between government, industry players, and the public through the extension of digital infrastructure, utilization, and also various forms of training and empowerment for the public and SMEs that will be the enabler for Indonesia’s economic recovery acceleration.”
As the coordinator of ITF, Traveloka actively encourages fellow digital platform players to accelerate digital literacy and talents through a series of G20 DEWG 2022 activities in the form of seminars on economy education, as well as the Digital Talent Scholarship program. This is a skills-training program for students at various levels of education, which is initiated by Kominfo. Moreover, to encourage the development of digital talent that is required by the industries, Traveloka has recently collaborated with Monash University in presenting MITRA 5.0, a knowledge sharing program to improve educators’ digital skills and capabilities.
“We are making continuous efforts to drive and distribute an even national economic recovery, through optimized digital transformation. With the support of all G20 DEWG ITF members, we will build a strong, sustainable, and inclusive digital economy in Indonesia together,” added Listyowulan.
The DEWG will continue its fourth meeting in Bali on August 28-30, 2022. During this meeting, G20 DEWG ITF will showcase Indonesia’s digital ecosystem to all delegates of the G20 member countries. G20 DEWG ITF members will also be attending the Digital Innovation Network, to share knowledge and insights in today’s post-pandemic economic recovery to the delegates of G20.
Hashtag: #Traveloka
About Traveloka
Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s travel and lifestyle platform, provides users access to discover and purchase a wide range of travel, local services, and financial services products. Traveloka’s comprehensive product portfolio includes transport booking services such as flight tickets, bus, trains, car rental, airport transfer, as well as access to the largest accommodation inventory in Southeast Asia, including hotels, apartments, guest houses, homestays, resorts, and villas, making Traveloka a booking platform with the widest selection of accommodation and packages.
Traveloka is also a key player in the local services category (currently specific to certain markets), offering reservations for a wide range of local attractions, activities, wellness and beauty clinics, culinary directories as well as food delivery. Traveloka also offers financing, payment, and insurance products to help Southeast Asian consumers fulfill their lifestyle aspirations. Traveloka provides 24/7 customer service in local languages as well as more than 30 different local payment methods. Traveloka travel and lifestyle platform has been downloaded more than 100 million times, making it the most popular travel and lifestyle booking application in the Southeast Asian region.
G2E Asia 2022, Special Edition: Singapore Reunites the Asian Gaming Industry
Special Edition Marks In-Person Return of G2E Asia
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 24 August 2022 – Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia will convene in-person for the first time since 2019 with the opening of the special edition in Singapore today. From August 24-26 at the Marina Bay Sands, more than 70 exhibitors and thousands of attendees from around the region will reconnect, network, and conduct business to propel the industry forward.
“G2E Asia is where the future of Asian gaming is defined. We are excited to bring the industry together once again and encouraged by the tremendous response from exhibitors and attendees to convene in Singapore,” said Chien Ee Yeh, President of APAC, Reed Exhibitions.
G2E Asia 2022, Special Edition: Singapore will feature content on the latest market trends, innovative products, and regulatory requirements and networking with technology specialists, investors, regulators, and top leaders in the field. On-site highlights include:
- The new Smart IR and Innovation Zone will demonstrate new products and solutions that help professionals to get first-hand information to operate more effectively in the new landscape.
- The Esports Connect Asia Regulatory Workshop is open to qualified attendees, targeting the regulatory and legal fields. Experts will share their knowledge and experiences on the challenges and opportunities in the regulation of esports and video games for consumer protection and economic development.
- The Future IR Tech Talk Forum features top industry expert talks on exciting innovations and product launches to drive business growth in different aspects of integrated resorts that include data analytics, cloud solutions, payment solutions, and marketing.
- The G2E Asia Conference Program returns for three content-rich days of sessions and forums led by high-level industry leaders, influencers, and experts. Highlights:
- o A keynote from Ed Bowers, President of Global Development for MGM Resorts International and President & CEO of MGM Resorts Japan
- o An in-depth look at the financial outlook for Asian gaming destinations as well as Asia’s integrated resorts in terms of regulation and future development opportunities.
- o Themes focused on What’s Next for Gaming and Entertainment in Asia, Win with Transformation, and Leveraging Innovation and Technology.
Segmented Industry Networking including the Table Games Networking Cocktails, Slots Networking Cocktails, eSports Networking Cocktails, and Future IR Technology Leaders Networking Cocktails.
To learn more about G2E Asia, visit www.g2easia.com.
Hashtag: #G2EAsia #G2EAsiaSingapore #Aug24-26 #MarinaBaySands
ABOUT G2E ASIA
G2E Asia is the international gaming trade show and conference for the Asian gaming industry. Organized by the American Gaming Association and RX, G2E Asia made its debut in 2007, defining itself as the preeminent show for the Asian gaming–entertainment industry.
About the American Gaming Association (AGA)
As the national trade group representing the U.S. casino industry, the American Gaming Association (AGA) fosters a policy and business environment where legal, regulated gaming thrives. The AGA’s diverse membership of commercial and tribal casino operators, sports betting and iGaming companies, gaming suppliers, and more lead the $261 billion industry and support 1.8 million jobs across the country.
About RX (Reed Exhibitions)
RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities, and organizations. We elevate the power of face-to-face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at over 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.rxglobal.com
Laos Among CNN’s Top Picks for Asian Street Food

Two delectable dishes from Laos have made CNN’s list of the 50 best street foods in Asia.
Brunei to Play International Friendly Football Matches against Laos and Maldives
The Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) announced this week that the country will host a series of international friendly matches to re-establish football activities after a hiatus caused by the pandemic.