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Laos and Cambodia Renew Commitment to Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

Foreign minister Prak Sokhonn (second right) and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith (second left) at a meeting in February (Cambodia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Internal Cooperation)
Foreign minister Prak Sokhonn (second right) and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith (second left) at a meeting in February (Cambodia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Internal Cooperation)

Cambodia and Laos have said they are committed to exploring opportunities to develop and advance their “close and comprehensive collaboration” for the mutual benefit of each country.

Dachser announces new Managing Director for its Hong Kong Business Area

Marcel Schmidt has been named Managing Director Air & Sea Logistics Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach6 July 2022 – German-based logistics service provider Dachser is pleased to announce a new appointment. On July 1, 2022, Marcel Schmidt started his new role as Managing Director of Dachser Hong Kong. He reports to Kevin Chen, Managing Director Air & Sea Logistics Greater China.

Marcel Schmidt, Managing Director Air & Sea Logistics Hong Kong

Marcel Schmidt, Managing Director Air & Sea Logistics Hong Kong

Schmidt started his career at Dachser with a work-study program in Germany in 1997. After years working in the local and national branches in Germany, he joined the company’s Head Office in Kempten in 2008. He then made an international move to Hong Kong in 2015, working at the company’s Regional Head Office Asia Pacific. During his long tenure at Dachser, he has held various positions in Business Process and Organization, Operations Management, Air Freight and Controlling in the Air & Sea Logistics Business Field. His previous position was Department Head Controlling, Asia Pacific.

With his wealth of experience, Schmidt now leads the Hong Kong Business Area with a strong team of 110 employees. The German industry expert is responsible for ensuring reliable service with high quality, working hand in hand with the regional and global product organization to further develop the services. He aims to take the company’s performance to the next level.

About Dachser:

Headquartered in Germany, Dachser is one of the world’s leading logistics providers. Using its own in-house developed IT-systems, the company incorporates transport, warehousing, and value-added services to provide comprehensive supply chain solutions. Thanks to some 31,800 employees at 376 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 7.1 billion in 2021. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 83.6 million shipments weighing 42.8 million metric tons. The logistics service provider is represented by its own country organizations in 42 countries.

In Asia, Dachser has branch offices in 43 locations across 12 Business Areas. Its Asia Pacific Regional Head Office is located in Hong Kong. For more information about Dachser, please visit

#Dachser

Laos Becomes Member of World Baseball Softball Confederation

The WBSC Congress

Laos was voted in and introduced as a new member of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) this week.

Mr. Mark Chan, Chairman of Wisdomcome Group, satisfied the Offer to acquire Easy Repay

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach5 July 2022 – Best Richest Management Company Limited, a direct wholly and beneficially owned company of Mr. Mark Chan, Chairman of Wisdomcome Group (“Wisdomcome” or “the Group”), has received valid acceptances in approximately 16.00% of the entire issued share capital of Easy Repay Finance & Investment Limited (“Easy Repay”, stock code: 8079.HK). Together with the 34.24% equity interest acquired earlier, Mr. Mark Chan currently holds approximately 50.24% of the of the total issued share capital of the Company. Accordingly, the condition of the Offer has been satisfied and the Offer has become unconditional.

Easy Repay is principally engaged in the money lending business, retail and wholesale business. It has actively participated in money lending business for eight years and has built up a wide solid client base. It operates four “People’s Market” retail shops which are located in Wanchai, Lai Chi Kok, Tai Po and Kowloon Bay and an online business for the sales of grocery products. Wisdomcome has extensive experience in operating retail businesses in health food, pharmaceutical products and pet food and supplies with substantial retail network in Hong Kong. The acquisition is expected to create synergetic effect which strengthens the Group’s retail businesses in Hong Kong.

About Wisdomcome Group

Wisdomcome Group was founded by Mr. Mark Chan in Hong Kong in 2003. Its brands include Wisdomcome Real Estate, Wisdomcome Investment, and Petmacy, and its businesses include but are not limited to: 1) pet product research, manufacturing and distribution; 2) health care product research, manufacturing and distribution; and 3) property investment. Another well-known brand founded by Mr. Mark Chan is Royal Medic, which is a health care brand listed in Hong Kong with market capitalization at one stage exceeding HK$5.8 billion. He retired from this company in 2020 and has since ventured into the pet category and other businesses and investments.

#WisdomcomeGroup

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

PolyU launches the largest interdisciplinary research platform in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to advance the development of an international innovation hub

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach5 July 2022 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has established the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) – the largest research platform of its kind in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to foster interdisciplinary research, partnership with world-renowned scholars, and the transfer of technologies to stakeholders.

PAIR focuses on research in frontier areas such as artificial intelligence, carbon neutrality, deep space exploration, smart cities, smart energy, and many more. The Academy will make impactful contributions to the development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology hub.

Comprising 16 research institutes and centres with over 400 highly qualified PolyU senior researchers from all over the world, the interdisciplinary research platform is the largest among its peers in the Greater Bay Area. It pools top brains with a wealth of investigative and professional experience to conduct PAIR’s cutting-edge interdisciplinary research programmes.

The Academy aspires to offer solutions to unprecedented societal challenges arising from climate change, food safety, an ageing population, disease, energy shortages, etc. It will also aim to promote sustainable development and growth. The PAIR research institutes and centres will furthermore address the opportunities brought about by the emerging technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that will change how people work and live, such as artificial intelligence, data science, the Internet of Things, and robotics.

PAIR’s innovative research projects are supported by PolyU’s world-class laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities, including the State Key Laboratories and the Chinese National Engineering Research Centres (Hong Kong Branches).

Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said the University is committed to developing innovations across disciplines and cultivating impactful solutions to the global challenges of today. He said, “PAIR will also promote and facilitate the establishment of close partnerships with industries and the community, ensuring the real-world significance and impact of its research. Furthermore, the Academy will play an important role in developing and supporting research collaboration activities with counterparts in the Mainland and around the world. PolyU will leverage its leading research and innovation capability and capitalise on the Greater Bay Area’s manufacturing strength to build the region into an international innovation and technology hub.”

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said the expansion of interdisciplinary research over the past decade has brought about a fundamental change in the basic concepts and practices of a scientific discipline. He added, “New disciplines may also emerge from the extensive research currently being performed by scientists in this interdisciplinary environment. Their research may have a wide-ranging positive impact, expanding knowledge and improving the quality of life.”

The Academy is headed by Prof. Qingyan CHEN, Director of PAIR, Global STEM Professor, and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science in the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU. He is Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, United States, after a distinguished stint of two decades at the prestigious university. He also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Building and Environment journal since 2008.

Prof. Chen said, “Interdisciplinary research can be one of the most productive and inspiring of human pursuits to produce solutions to the profound issues that society is facing. PAIR researchers are expanding knowledge and solving challenging problems through basic and applied interdisciplinary research, integrating disciplines not only from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, but also from business, design, social science, humanities, and management.”

The official inauguration of PAIR will be held on 16 July 2022 at the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus and is one of the key events at the PolyU InnoTech Open Day.

Appendix

PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
Research Institutes and Centres

Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM)
Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT)
Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood)
Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR)
Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS)
Photonics Research Institute (PRI)
Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA)
Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI)
Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE)
Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports)
Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD
Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI)
Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE)
Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC)
Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE)
Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV)

Bolikhamxay to Close Pubs During Student Examinations

Partiers in a pub.

Authorities in Bolikhamxay Province will close entertainment establishments in the main district to prevent distractions from final examinations from 14-16 July.

Police in Laos Search for Notorious Fraudster Phonethip Xaypanya

Victims of a fraudulent investment scheme gather outside a jewelry store owned by Phonethip.
Victims of a fraudulent investment scheme gather outside a Vientiane jewelry store owned by Phonethip Xaypanya.

Police are searching for a Lao fraudster and her husband who fled the country after defrauding a number of people of large sums of money.

Qurio Education Introduces English Immersion Programme (EIP) with Putonghua in a 15,000 Sq Ft Modern Learning Facility to Encourage Children’s All-Round Growth

Combining the Advanced Pedagogies of Local and International Schools to Welcome the New Academic Year

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 5 July 2022 – The pandemic has remained unpredictable for the last two years, having a significant impact on children. According to a series of reports produced by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) in April 2022, children’s growth in basic abilities such as speaking, writing and social-emotional control has been hampered after long-term prevention measures. Qurio, one of Hong Kong’s largest local education centres, launched the English Immersion Programme (EIP). The programme is designed for children aged 3 to 6, with the goal of enhancing academic performance through an innovative learning approach that combines the advanced local school curriculum with the best international school pedagogies. Moreover, to instil the social-emotional and life skills required for children to succeed in 21st-century society, for example, communication, creative and critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, etc., which help children to reach their full potential and encourage their all-round growth.

Qurio2022-photo.jpg

Through experiential learning, children are eager to assist one another and acquire excellent interpersonal skills.

Since its opening, Qurio has been committed to its “Children-Oriented” mission, which aims to inspire curiosity for lifelong learning, as well as equip each child for life beyond academic success. Ms Merian Lee, Vice Principal of Qurio, mentioned, “Our vision is to promote transformational families where every child is equipped to reach their full potential and thrive in life.” Therefore, Qurio designed a variety of experiential activities using an innovative learning approach that blends cutting-edge pedagogies from both local and international schools for young children. Children can learn English, Chinese, mathematics, social-emotional management, and other life skills in a stress-free setting with engaging and enjoyable immersion learning. This allows children to increase their social-emotional intelligence, increase their learning efficiency and capture the golden era of growth.

English Immersion Programme (EIP)

Strengthen the Language Foundation from Childhood

The optimal age for language development in children is three years old. Immersive language learning, on the other hand, is not equivalent to watching English TV channels, listening to English or Mandarin in one-way, or even staying in an English-speaking setting. In view of this, Qurio launched the English Immersion Programme (EIP), which aims to provide a three-times-a-week English and Mandarin immersion learning environment for children aged 3 to 6. The English Immersion Programme is taught by teachers who are qualified and experienced in teaching at kindergartens and primary schools, both locally and internationally, to offer children a solid foundation in language and prepare them for an interview or transition to the new academic year.

Understand Children’s Learning Progress through Preschool Assessment

Children’s learning schedules and progress have been disrupted by the pandemic. As children cannot learn face-to-face at school, parents are worried it is causing delays in their children’s learning progress and hindering their future growth. Qurio conducts a pre-school evaluation prior to enrollment to evaluate each child’s potential and follow up on their future learning development. After one academic year, children will be given a certificate and invited to the annual graduation ceremony.

International Experiential Learning x Advanced Learning Facilities

To meet the diverse learning needs of children, a 15,000 sq ft state-of-the-art learning facility is used for group-based experiential teaching. On Qurio’s campus, advanced learning facilities such as Thematic Classrooms, STEM Lab, Library and Zen Room have been specially designed to boost learning efficiency and create an immersive learning environment, allowing children to discover their unlimited possibilities.

Improve Social Skills through Interactive Learning

Qurio’s interactive learning approach enables children to adapt to a proper social environment while acquiring their language skills. Growth skill sets such as adaptability, self-confidence, self-knowledge, self-management, etc., can be fostered in a stress-free environment before the start of the new academic year.

Information of English Immersion Programme (EIP)

Face-to-Face Classes (Open for Enrollment)
Level: K1 – K3
Age: Aged 3 to 6
Location: Qurio campus in Kowloon Bay
Medium: In-Person
Duration: 1.5 hours per class
Days: 3 days per week
Total Weekly Hours: 4.5 hours

About Qurio Education

Qurio is one of Hong Kong’s largest local education centres, dedicated to providing outstanding after-school enrichment programmes and delivering a customised international school teaching model to children in local schools. The spoon-feeding education system in Hong Kong has emphasised mechanical training while ignoring the crucial advanced skills required after entering society, such as communication, creative and critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. In light of this, Qurio is determined to deliver innovative experiential learning to local students, instilling the social-emotional and life skills required for them to thrive in a 21st-century society.

Currently, Qurio is organising a range of exciting and interactive courses for children aged 3 to 12, including kindergarten, primary and secondary school preparation courses in Chinese, English and mathematics. Children will recap previously acquired concepts while previewing the next semester’s learning content. Qurio will continue to adhere to its purpose of delivering high-quality after-school programmes, teaching fundamental subjects and equipping children with key life skills to prepare them for the future.

Official website:

#QurioEducation