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Laos to Graduate from Least Developed Country Status

World Bank Assists Laos with Covid-19 Recovery


The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution that will see the graduation of Laos from the least developed country category.

The King of African Sales Enters Southeast Asia; JD.ID exclusively sells TECNO’s latest Spark 7

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach – 25 November 2021 – Recently, Jingdong Indonesia (JD.ID) and TECNO have officially announced a strategic partnership. After JD.ID officially becomes the country dealer of TECNO brand, TECNO’s latest Spark 7 is also available exclusively on JD.ID.

 

TECNO’s parent company Shenzhen Transsion Holding Co., LTD. dominates the mobile phone market in Africa. TECNO is also the most popular mobile phone brand in Africa, with its Spark 7 hailed as “the best entry-level smartphone”.

 

For TECNO Spark 7, it is mainly positioned in the entry-level smartphone market. Its main focus is on feature phones, mainly sold to Africa and India, bringing more localized products to consumers there.

 

Spark 7 smartphone, whose main specifications include a 6.52-inch HD display, 2.5D curved glass, 6000 mAh battery and 16 million smart camera, is suitable for everyone. And in the design pursuit of better looking, the 2.5D curved glass makes this smartphone look quite full, visually much better than flat glass, but with strong impact resistance.

 

In addition, the exterior features a waterdrop screen (also known as waterdrop full-screen) design scheme, a rectangular camera module housing dual sensors and a LED flash, and comes with a physical fingerprint sensor. In fact, looking at the Chinese smartphone market in 2021, it is obvious that the water drop screen is not the trend. Most smartphone manufacturers familiar to Chinese people, such as Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO and Samsung, now adopt the design scheme of perforated screen.

 

In order to deepen the African market, Transsion conducted researches on the characteristics of Africa such as lack of electricity, and mainly promoted the feature of long battery life. It also supports multi-card and multi-standby, which is in line with the habits of consumers in Africa. In addition, Transsion also customized a set of selfie beauty algorithm for African consumers.

 

TECNO’s ambition is evident from its dominant market in Africa to its strategic cooperation with JD.ID. Due to the similarities between the Southeast Asian and African markets, where the consumption level is generally low, TECNO’s test run is expected. TECNO’s high price/performance ratio will most likely give it another edge, with many Southeast Asian consumers willing to pay for Spark 7.

#JD.ID

PolyU launches its 85th Anniversary celebration, pledging to help Hong Kong shine as an international innovation and technology hub

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 November 2021 – The celebration of the 85th Anniversary of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) commenced today with a kick-off ceremony held at the Jockey Club Auditorium.

 

The launch ceremony was officiated by Mrs Carrie LAM CHENG Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr LIU Guangyuan, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong SAR; Professor TAN Tieniu, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR; Professor JIANG Jianxiang, Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office; Mr Kevin YEUNG, Secretary for Education; Mr Carlson TONG, Chairman of the University Grants Committee; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and other University management.

 

Under the theme of “We Are PolyU * Together We Excel”, more than 600 distinguished guests, alumni, staff and students attended the occasion, which shared the accomplishments the University had made over the years and paid tribute to its supporters.

 

The 85th Anniversary milestone also represents a time when PolyU is embarking on a new journey aiming to strengthen its position as a leading university with world-class education and research, help Hong Kong shine as a leading innovation and technology hub, and further contribute to a better and more prosperous future for the Nation and the world.

 

Among the new initiatives in the years to come, the recently established PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) will spearhead the University’s interdisciplinary research efforts in cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence, carbon neutrality, deep space exploration, smart cities, and smart energy.

 

PolyU will also launch new education programmes in emerging technologies to meet the needs of society for interdisciplinary talents, while continuing to work together with the Government, the University Grants Committee and other key partners to nurture the next generation of socially responsible leaders.

 

The University will further promote and support entrepreneurship through education, seed funding programmes and the “GBA PolyVentures 2025” initiative in partnership with industries and investors to help translate PolyU’s research outcomes into real-world impact.

 

At Thursday’s ceremony, PolyU’s Orchestra and Choir performed the 85th Anniversary theme song, while current students from around the world performed a joint parade. The ceremony will be followed by a series of distinguished lectures, international conferences, concerts, art and cultural events, and alumni homecoming activities throughout the next twelve months.

 

Other highlights of the celebration in the coming months include the publication of a book on PolyU’s history edited by Professor Chu Hung-lam, Chair Professor of Chinese Culture of PolyU; the opening of a University history museum; the enhancement of the southern entrance at Core A as the University’s main entrance; and the hosting of an innovation and technology day. An anniversary gala dinner next November will wrap up the celebration on a high note.

 

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mrs Carrie LAM CHENG Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that PolyU has become a global powerhouse in university education and continues to attract gifted innovation and technology academics from around the world.

 

Mrs Lam added she fully supported the University’s initiatives to nurture innovation and technology talents and help young entrepreneurs to thrive in the GBA. Regarding PolyU’s plan to establish a new campus in Foshan, Guangdong, she said, “The new campus will, I am confident, spur innovation and entrepreneurship in Hong Kong and throughout the Greater Bay Area… I stand ready to offer my support and assistance to PolyU.”

 

Mr Carlson TONG, Chairman of the University Grants Committee, noted that PolyU had delivered a wide array of research outputs with tremendous positive impact on society. The latest Research Assessment Exercise rated 70 percent of PolyU’s research as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”. “We were all thrilled and proud of how the Surface Sampling and Packing System developed by PolyU played a vital part in the Nation’s first lunar sample return mission.  This is indeed one of the best testimonies of your leading status in applied research,” Tong said.

 

Both were joined by Mr LIU Guangyuan, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong SAR; Professor TAN Tieniu, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR; Professor JIANG Jianxiang, Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office; Mr Kevin YEUNG, Secretary for Education; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and other University management at the launch ceremony of the year-long celebration.

 

Dr Lam said that PolyU had nurtured more than 400,000 alumni, empowering the development of Hong Kong. He said, “PolyU will continue to work together with the Government and support Hong Kong’s integration into the Nation’s development, develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub, and make greater contributions to Hong Kong, the GBA and the Nation.”

 

Professor Teng said that PolyU is devoted to enhancing the long-term competitiveness of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area at the international level. He also said, “Over the years, I have proudly witnessed the development of the institution into a global top 100 university. The rich legacy of the University and its continued success is the outcome of the hard work, passion and perseverance of the PolyU community over the past years and decades.”

#PolyU

The Launch of the 2021 Taiwan Open of Surfing in Jinzun and Shanyuan, Taitung

TAITUNG, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 25 November 2021 – Taitung has hosted the Taiwan Open of Surfing, the largest of its kind in Taiwan, in Jinzun, Taitung County for 11 consecutive years. This year’s event kicked off on November 20. Due to the pandemic, the event will only feature domestic competitions. Nevertheless, the Taitung County Government has continued to collaborate with the World Surf League (WSL) to obtain WSL authorization to host high-level domestic competition. In addition, running the Taitung Challenge as a Specialty Event has made Taiwan the only country in APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) to put on a surfing competition in 2021.

Running the Taitung Challenge as a Specialty Event has made Taiwan the only country in APEC to put on a surfing competition in 2021.

For the first time ever, the Taiwan Open of Surfing will also host events at Shanyuan Bay this year. The East Wave Festival will utilize a dual-venue structure to launch 10 large-scale themed events such as the Large Kite Expo, Seaside Starry Night Movie Theater and Taiwan SUP Speed Challenge. These events will take surfing to the next level and change your preconceptions about the ocean. Additionally, Yang Chin-yuan, professor at Taipei National University of the Arts, has built the world’s only Stewart Surfing Platform. This device creates a lifelike simulation of real waves that allows people to enjoy the fun thrill of surfing indoors.

Taitung County Magistrate April Yao stated that Taitung’s 176  kilometer coastline, the longest in Taiwan, is a great place for developing water sports events such as surfing, kite surfing and SUP. In the future, Taitung will continue to utilize its geographic advantages to turn the east coast into a gateway for aquatic recreation on the Pacific Ocean. Taitung is also home to many Austronesian languages and has a vibrant maritime culture. The County hopes that competitors and visitors can do more than merely participate in an event when they come to Taitung. The Taiwan Open of Surfing is also a chance to get to know Taitung, a diverse maritime city, and experience the charm of the slow economy.

For more details, go to the 2021 Taiwan Open of Surfing official webpage and Facebook page.

Website: https://www.taiwanopenofsurfing.org/

Facebook page for the Taiwan Open of Surfing

https://www.facebook.com/taiwanopenofsurfing

Instagram: taiwanopenofsurf  https://instagram.com/taiwanopenofsurf?utm_medium=copy_link

WSL webpage: https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2021/spec/3827/taiwan-open-of-surfing

JD.ID and TECNO reached a deep strategic cooperation to help the new wave of overseas sales growth of Chinese brands

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach – 25 November 2021 – The Double Eleventh shopping spree has gradually radiated to Southeast Asia. Taking JD.COM as an example, there is an 11.11 shopping spree in China, and JD.ID has launched the Flash Sale 11X accordingly.

https://youtu.be/lZYH42ThuHg

 

With a population of 270 million, Indonesia is the most populous country in Southeast Asia, which is undoubtedly a hotly contested spot for Southeast Asian markets. Among them, JD.ID has naturally become a bridge for Chinese brands to go overseas, and TECNO is one of the Chinese brands that can not be ignored. Earlier, JD.ID and TECNO have announced a strategic partnership. Since then, JD.ID has officially become the national agent of TECNO.

 

Shenzhen Transsion Holding Co., Ltd., a parent company of TECNO, is mainly engaged in the design, research and development, production, sales and brand operation of smart terminals with mobile phones as the core. In 2018, Transsion Holdings became the leader of the mobile phone market in Africa, with a market share of 48.71%, accounting for almost half of the African market. In the Top 100 list of “Most Favourite Brands of African Consumers in 2020/2021” published by African Business, TECNO, itel and Infinix, the three major mobile phone brands of Transsion, ranked 6th, 21st and 25th respectively.

 

Under the difficult situation of epidemic, JD.ID hopes to open up a brand-new market for TECNO and realize further expansion based on Africa and looking at Southeast Asia.

 

It is worth mentioning that JD.ID was launched in Indonesia for the first time in November 2015, which is a cross-border e-commerce platform jointly established by JD.COM and local Indonesian companies. After several years of development, as of the end of June 2021, there were about 50 bonded warehouses and overseas warehouses in JD.ID, with a total management area of over 500,000 square meters. There were nearly 1,000 international transportation routes such as self-operated charter flights, international maritime, China-Europe railway express and international trucks, and the international supply chain network reached more than 220 countries around the world.

 

Since its establishment, JD.ID has always been committed to establishing a stable and efficient supply chain infrastructure in Indonesia, providing one-stop service of “fully furnished” for Chinese brands to enter Indonesia.

 

#JD.ID

Excess spending and hard feelings: expert tips on how to go through Black Friday without wasting time and money by OctaFX

The fintech company OctaFX called several international financial experts together and prepared a top-5 list of valuable tips on how to make your Black Friday experience as smooth as possible.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 25 November 2021 – The global Forex broker OctaFX continues the initiative for one of the major annual events in consumer economics—Black Friday.

Since Forex brokers worldwide are in a festive Black Friday mood, they have prepared many promotions and special offers for their clients. It stands to reason that OctaFX, with the help of some prominent financial advisors, went ahead and created a guide with five expert tips on how to get through the Black Friday season with as few bumps in the road as possible. The key principle is to prepare, plan, and act following a well-developed financial strategy.

 

Move your capital like chess pieces

That’s right. You have to strategically manoeuvre your funds in such a way that the sums you are ready to spend are available at the right time if you want to get in on these feverish Black Friday discounts. Moreover, as in Forex trading, you should develop an investment plan beforehand. The better you implement it, the more money you will have at your disposal since profits would enter the process midway through. These excess savings can then be used for further investment or withdrawn and spent.

 

The cost-benefit ratio of your purchased item plays a role, as well.

 ‘Always double-check other sites and compare item prices. To do that, I usually use Amazon. Remember, only buy what you think you will frequently use in the next six months. Black Friday Sales are generally targeting an impulsive purchase due to the discounts, which might not even be a huge sale at all’, says Vito Henjoto, founder and chief analyst at Zenifix.

 

‘To analyse’ is the name of the game

As alluded to above, complete preparation is vital. Be mindful of trends and markets. If you know your way around and scout for the best discount offers, your advantage over the competitors will be significant. Always look for products of interest in the markets you are used to analysing. Successful traders come to Forex well-prepared, and immediately distinguish themselves from traders who act on sheer luck and coincidence.

 

Regulate your emotions

Do not allow yourself to fall into a state of impulsive buying. Saying ‘no’ to items that weren’t originally on your shopping list is the same as sticking to a preconceived investment plan. If you take your time and be mindful of those emotions, you’re less likely to succumb to impulsive moves that ultimately lead to losses. Phases like these might appear suddenly, out of a rush of so-called ‘fear of missing out’. There will always be new opportunities to invest and buy..

 

Gero Azrul, the author of the bestselling ‘BBmastery The Game Changer’, reinforces this point by advising:

‘Bear in mind. This is a waiting game. You wait for the exact timing to get more value on your spending. So from now on, save money, remain patient, and maintain a crystal clear picture of what you want. “Impulse buying” is a state of mind you want to avoid at any cost’.

 

On the lookout for manipulations

Unsuspecting customers usually assume that any marketing campaign has only good intentions implanted in their offers. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Misdirection, and sometimes even outright fraud, is very much in play during such seasons.  You certainly don’t want to fall prey to them. Instead, investigate the trustworthiness, security, and track record of those online sellers and organisations you engage with. Make sure to compare retail prices before Black Friday sales.

 

‘I participate in sales myself. Discount is significant to justify more value to the customer. But as a customer, you must be able to see real value and real discount and compare the two. Often, these are being manipulated and operated as sales tools’, reiterates Gera Azrul, Speaker on the ‘International Trader’s Fair in Malaysia’.

 

So do not take steep discount prices for granted—even during Black Friday. Do the research beforehand and double-check prices all the time instead of blindly clicking the ‘buy’ button.

 

Getting rid of the fear of spending

Once your financial strategy is in place, it’s time to let go of the fear—namely, the fear of spending. Trust the time and intellectual labour you have invested in developing this blueprint of financial conduct and goals. Having that secured, the spending process will have natural boundaries and potentially new purposes even. One such purpose could prove that smart spending (akin to ‘investing’ at this point) is likely to lead to subsequent earnings, perhaps even to a constant income in the mid- or long-term.

 

Preparation is fundamental. The best practice is expressed in a well-elaborated financial strategy. Actually, this is as true for the consumer economy as it is for Forex trading. This plan is like a rock in a turbulent sea if by ‘turbulent sea’ we mean the utter chaos and opportunities that accompany sale seasons such as Black Friday, or periods of high market fluctuations related to the Foreign Exchange domain.

 

If you stick to your plan, your chances of success in achieving your goals will increase considerably. Of course, the plan should be flexible enough for adjustments if circumstances swing in different directions.

Therefore, at the risk of sounding overcautious or boring: Developing a plan ‘B’ and even a plan ‘C’ can help you profitably get through​​the Black Friday season and others like it.

 

About OctaFX

OctaFX is a global broker that provides online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers a state-of-the-art trading experience to over 6.6 million trading accounts worldwide. In addition, the company is well-known for its promotions and high service standards. OctaFX has won more than 45 awards since its foundation, including the Best ECN Broker 2020 award from World Finance and, more recently, the 2021 ‘Best Forex Broker Asia’ award and the 2020 ‘Most Transparent Broker’ award from Global Banking & Finance Review and Forex Awards, respectively. The company is well-known for its social and charity activity.

#OctaFX

Can Restaurants Serve Alcohol Under New Covid-19 Restrictions in Laos?

Service of alcohol


The service of alcohol in restaurants has long been a feature of Covid-19 restrictions in Laos since the pandemic began, however, the latest restrictions have left restaurateurs uncertain.

ECOVACS ROBOTICS Reimagines Household Cleaning in the Philippines With 9-in-1 DEEBOT T9 and DEEBOT N8 Launch

“The Best DEEBOT Lands in the Philippines”

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach – 25 November 2021 – ECOVACS ROBOTICS, the world’s leading home service robotics maker, today is bringing its world-renowned smarter cleaning experience to the Philippines with the launch of a brand new campaign, “The Best DEEBOT Lands in the Philippines.” It will introduce the DEEBOT T9 Family, the company’s flagship product family, and the DEEBOT N8 Family, ECOVACS’ advanced robotic vacuum cleaner, to help Filipino families enjoy hands-free and effectively superior cleaning with robotic vacuum cleaners that are more powerful and intelligent than ever before.



The new launch answers what Filipino consumers wanted: smart products to make homecare simpler and multi-tasking easier. With the DEEBOT T9 and DEEBOT N8 Families, ECOVACS answers their needs by offering the latest innovative and efficient cleaning experience.

The DEEBOT T9 Family is ECOVACS’ flagship robotic vacuum cleaner. It integrates cutting-edge features from other industries and the company’s industry-leading innovation to go beyond the conventional robotic vacuum cleaning experience. They include:

 

Upgraded ECOVACS HOME App Improves Obstacle Avoidance and Navigation:

o    The upgraded TrueDetect 3D 2.0 technology, with a range of 70-350 millimeters, quickly detects different obstacles at a distance. It allows the DEEBOT T9 to detect objects ten times more accurately than traditional infra-red technology.

o    The combination of TrueDetect 3D 2.0 and TrueMapping 2.0 with 3D Maps allows users to quickly locate the robotic vacuum cleaner and manage various cleaning tasks on the fly.

  • Built-in Air Freshener Provides Luxurious Cleaning Experience

o    The DEEBOT T9 is the first in the industry to clean floors and freshen the air simultaneously. The built-in air freshener eliminates musty and pet odors, while a fan at the bottom spreads the fragrance evenly. Users can operate the air freshener, which uses replaceable capsules that can last up to 60 days, via the ECOVACS HOME App.

  • OZMO Pro 2.0 and Auto-Empty Station Expands Cleaning Performance

o    The latest OZMO™ Pro 2.0 Electric Oscillating Mopping System has a newly designed motor and movement structure that minimizes noise while its 3,000 Pa suction power enhances cleaning performance. With a high-frequency vibration of up to 480 times per minute, the Mopping System is comparable to electric mops.

o    The DEEBOT T9 uses disposable mopping pads with specially-designed microfibers to absorb water evenly, efficiently capture dust, and reduce residual water stains. The composite structure removes stubborn stains on the floor. 

 

The DEEBOT N8 Family combines premium-grade features that continue ECOVACS’s commitment to superior cleaning but are more affordable. They include:

  • TrueDetect 3D Technology Adds Precision To Object Detection

o    DEEBOT N8 Family uses the ECOVACS’s TrueDetect 3D technology to avoid collisions and getting entangled with millimeter-level precision. It recognizes dark surfaces better and detects the smallest obstacles, including shoes, wire cords, and small toys. It is ten times more accurate than traditional infrared technology.

 

  • Maps With 2x Coverage and 4x Accuracy

o    The TrueMapping laser-based mapping and navigation technology creates floor maps in seconds, allowing the DEEBOT N8 Family to intelligently navigate and find the optimal cleaning paths for each home.

o    The DEEBOT N8 Family dToF laser detection doubles the distance recognition capabilities and improves object recognition by four-fold. It can detect objects as small as two millimeters 10 meters away. Using industry-leading algorithms, the N8 Family can scan, map, and plan an efficient cleaning path faster and with more precision — a welcome benefit for larger homes. The Virtual Boundary™ function via the ECOVACS Home App restricts robot movements for privacy.

  • More Powerful Cleaning With Upgraded Suction Power

o    The Revolutionary Pressure-Retention System delivers energy-efficient high vacuum pressure at a surprisingly low noise level. The Max+ mode increases the suction power of the DEEBOT N8 and N8+ to 2300 Pa for higher performance.

 

  • OZMO™ Vacuuming and Mopping all at Once

o    The ECOVACS signature OZMO™️ Mopping System can efficiently clean the whole house without repeatedly stopping to top up the water tank. Sensors on the DEEBOT N8 Family improve cleaning efficiency, and users can manually manage the water yield using the ECOVACS HOME App.

o    OZMO™️ Mopping technology uses upgraded disposable mopping pads to remove over 99% of bacteria.

  • Intelligent Control for Remote Cleaning Management

o    The ECOVACS HOME App allows users to set the optimal cleaning schedules using smartphones or smart home devices such as the Amazon Echo/Dot and Google Home. The upgraded advanced mapping function allows users to customize the cleaning plan for each room.

 

Enjoy Hands-free Cleaning With Auto-Empty Station

The Auto-Empty Station eliminates the need for users to manually empty the robot dustbins by storing the contents in its large-volume 2.5L disposable dust bag, which users all-natural paper materials and has space for up to 30 days of dust. Users can manage the Auto-Empty Station via their ECOVACS HOME App. It is compatible with all the DEEBOT T9 and N8 Family models.

 

Pricing and Availability

The DEEBOT T9 and DEEBOT N8 Families are available today on Lazada (https://www.lazada.com.ph/ecovacs-official-store). The suggested retail prices of DEEBOT T9: PHP49,990, T9 with Auto-Empty Station: PHP69,990, N8 PHP36,990, N8 with Auto-Empty Station: PHP56,990, and standalone Auto Empty Station: PHP19,990.

 

As part of the 12.12 Mega promotion on Lazada, the above models are available at up to 58% discounts from December 1, 2021. The promotion also includes DEEBOT OZMO 950 at discounted with PHP13,490.

 

For more information, please visit ecovacs.com or connect with us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ecovacs.ph) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ecovacs_philippines).

About ECOVACS ROBOTICS

Innovating Since Day One – Creating the Intelligent Home.

At ECOVACS ROBOTICS, we care about innovating solutions to enhance your lifestyle. Based on a deep understanding of use cases and consumer experiences, we design robots that help you “live smart, enjoy life.”

With over 20 years of design and industry-leading research, we have led the market as homes become more intelligent and responsive. We are building a world where your home asks less of your attention, becomes more seamless and powerful, and frees you to spend more time doing what you love.

#ECOVACSROBOTICS