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Inflation Rate Increased by Nearly Four Percent in June this Year

Inflation and cost of living in Laos

The inflation rate in Laos increased in June this year compared to the same period last year, climbing 3.96 percent.

World Breastfeeding Week: A Wind of Change is Blowing in Southern Laos

Did you know that breastfeeding your baby until it is 6-months old supports them to grow healthy and strong?

Laos Confirms 267 New Cases of Covid-19

Covid-19 Update

Laos has confirmed 267 new cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total number of cases to 6,566.

Vang Vieng Locks Down Villages Amid Community Spread

Vang Vieng, Laos (Photo: Jason Rolan)
Vang Vieng, Laos (Photo: Jason Rolan)

Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province has become the latest locality to lock down villages amid fears of community spread.

Laos Reaches Over 6,000 Cases of Covid-19 as Imported Cases Surge

Covid-19 Update

Laos has confirmed 380 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases to 6,299.

Vientiane’s Sangthong District Locks Down Amid Covid-19 Outbreak

Sangthong District under lockdown
Sangthong District (Photo: Jason Rolan)

Sangthong District in Vientiane Capital has locked down certain villages following the community spread of Covid-19 earlier this week.

VP Bank Announces Organisational Updates and New Appointments in Asia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 30 July 2021 – Leading international wealth manager and private bank, VP Bank Ltd, today announced several key changes within its Asia organisation. These appointments further affirm the bank’s dedication towards Strategy 2026, to grow its client relations and enhancing its competitive edge to seize opportunities in the region.

 

VP Wealth Management (Hong Kong) Ltd

 

Organisational Updates

 

1.       After a 15-year career with the bank, Clare Lam will be retiring from her role as Chief Representative/Head of Hong Kong on 30 September 2021. Clare will assume the role of Senior Advisor, effective 1 October 2021 (subject to the official appointment of the new Chief Representative/Head of Hong Kong). We thank Clare for her dedication and continued support for our Hong Kong office.

 

2.       As testament to the depth of VP Bank’s internal talents, Reto Marx will move from his current role as Head of Intermediaries and Private Banking Singapore to assume the responsibility of Chief Representative/Head of Hong Kong, effective 1 October 2021. Reto is a highly regarded financial professional with strong experience in private banking, asset management and intermediaries business. In his new role, Reto will relocate to Hong Kong and report to Chief Executive Officer Asia, Pamela Hsu Phua.

 

VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch

 

New Appointment

 

1.       Esther Fung joins as a Senior Wealth Planning Specialist in the rank of an Executive Director, with immediate effect. Given her extensive experience across Singapore and Hong Kong, Esther will support the development and broadening of VP Bank’s wealth and succession planning solutions in Asia. She brings over two decades of experience serving ultra-high net worth individuals and families providing sound advice and expertise to meet their wealth planning and family office needs. Prior to joining VP Bank, Esther worked for DBS, Equity Trust and BNP Paribas, and is a full member of the STEP organisation.

 

Organisational Updates

 

1.       Thomas Jost will be leaving the bank from his role as Head of Intermediaries Singapore to pursue other opportunities, with Markus Wolf stepping in to take over the role ad interim, effective 1 August 2021. Markus joined VP Bank Singapore in 2019 and was supporting the firm’s strategic plans in Asia. He has more than 15 years of Asia private banking experience in strategy development and business management. He will be reporting to the interim Head of Singapore, Thomas Rupf.

 

2.       Luca Kast will assume the newly created role of Business Manager Asia, reporting to Chief of Staff Asia, Heline Lam, effective 16 August 2021. Currently as Deputy Head of Operations Singapore, Luca has been with VP Bank for 4 years and in his new capacity, he will work closely with Heline to drive the strategic business initiatives for the region.

 

3.       Karen Tan, Head of Private Banking Singapore, will continue to lead the Private Banking business, reporting to interim Head of Singapore, Thomas Rupf.

 

“Through strengthening our team in Asia, VP Bank continues to be in a solid position to accelerate our growth in line with Strategy 2026. With Asia being a market of immense opportunities for VP Bank, we look forward to achieving greater success within the region,” highlighted Pamela Hsu Phua, CEO Asia of VP Bank.

 

VP Bank has geared its Strategy 2026 towards becoming an international Open Wealth Service pioneer for intermediaries and private clients.

About VP Bank Group

VP Bank established in 1956, is a leading bank in Liechtenstein with an international presence in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Singapore, Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands. VP Bank Group offers comprehensive wealth management solutions for intermediaries and private individuals. VP Bank is listed on the Swiss stock exchange. It has an “A” rating from Standard & Poor’s as a well-capitalised and secure bank. It provides independent advice and access to leading investment houses through its open architecture. A standout feature of VP Bank is its strength in working with financial intermediaries and wealth managers to offer best in class solutions for clients.


About VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch


VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch is a boutique private bank with a client-centric business philosophy. With a presence in Singapore since 2008, it is the Asian branch of the Liechtenstein-based VP Bank Group.

VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch provides specialised wealth management solutions and family office services for high-net-worth clients and professional asset managers and is dedicated to the protection and growth of clients’ wealth. The bank offers a holistic suite of services in wealth management. Apart from private wealth management, VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch provides comprehensive services for asset managers and other financial intermediaries. The service offering comprises a trading platform, banking services – including e-banking and mobile banking – and operational support. Partnership arrangements with professionals include tailor-made investment advisory, discretionary management solutions, and custodian services.

VP Bank was awarded Best External Asset Manager Service Provider and Best Private Banking Regional Partnership at Greater China WealthBriefingAsia Awards for Excellence 2020 and Best Asia EAM Service Desk at Citywire Asia EAM Desk Awards 2020. In 2021, VP Bank was named Best Private Bank – Intermediary Services by Asian Private Banker and ‘Best Boutique Private Bank’ at the 9th annual WealthBriefingAsia Awards 2021.

#VPBank

Explore Discovery Bay with the brand new “FUNtastic DB Guide” and enjoy FUNtastic Summer Rewards

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach –  30 July 2021 – Discovery Bay launches a new “FUNtastic DB Guide” tailored for summer explorers who want to dive deep into the destination. One can also spending rewards while unwinding in Discovery Bay for a total FUNtastic Summer holiday.

 

Explore Discovery Bay & Experience FUNtastic Summer x Keigo Family Photo-Hunt

At Discovery Bay, you can show-off your skating skills at the international-standard DB Ice Rink, have a leisure stroll along Tai Pak Beach, seek an outdoor adventure various hiking trails or enjoy a wide range of international cuisines at D’Deck and take a staycation at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong resort hotel. The Guide has featured three popular itineraries – Family Day Out, Island Romance and The Great Outdoors for those who are planning for a memorable getaway with loved ones . So turn the pages and discover a world of possibilities at Discovery Bay!

 

This summer, the crocodile, giraffe, rabbit, sloth, Mr. Baguette and more characters created by famous Japanese illustrator Keigo have landed Discovery Bay!  They will show up at various photo spots around Discovery Bay to share their sense of humour and positivity, and offer FUNtastic photo-taking opportunities to all. 

Endless Fun and Offers!  FUNtastic Summer Rewards x Summer Lucky Draw

During 1st to 31st August 2021, each electronic payment of HKD500 or above (maximum two same-day receipts) at designated Discovery Bay outlet(s) will be entitled to ONE FUNtastic Summer Pass#, which includes one HKD50 F&B voucher, one HKD50 shopping voucher # and one pass to participate in the Keigo Family mobile game. A limited-edition Keigo x Discovery Bay premiums can be redeemed upon completion of the mobile game. Payment via AliPay, Octopus, WeChat Pay or Tap & Go will be rewarded with an extra HKD50 Discovery Bay F&B voucher#.

 

FUNtastic Summer Rewards Redemption Details

Redemption period: 1st to 31st August 2021

Time: 12:00 – 21:30

Location: Concierge, DB Plaza

# Terms and conditions apply. Limited daily quota for the gifts and vouchers,

 once per person per day, first come first served. Available while stock lasts.

 

FUNtastic Summer Lucky Draw

From now on until 31st August, 2021, each electronic payment of HKD200 or above (one same-day receipt) at selected retail shops from Monday to Friday, or electronic payment of HKD800 (one same-day receipt) at selected retail shops on Saturday and Sunday will be entitled to one lucky draw ticket^ and have a chance to win valuable prizes as part of the FUNtastic summer fun!

 

10 winners will be drawn on 1st September 2021. Each of them will receive the following prizes:

  • Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong Mountain View Suite two days one night accommodation with buffet breakfast (two sets)
  • Discovery Bay shopping voucher HKD1,000
  • Discovery Bay dining voucher HKD1,000
  • Discovery Bay Ice Rink Skating voucher HKD400 

     (Total prize valued at HKD 68,000)

FUNtastic Summer Lucky Draw Ticket Redemption Details

Redemption period: now till 31st August 2021

Time: 12:00 – 21:30

Location: Concierge, DB Plaza

*Trade promotion competition license number: 54586-7

#Terms and conditions apply ^One ticket per person per purchase

 

For more information of Discovery Bay FUNtastic DB Guide and Summer promotions, please visit:

Website :

www.visitdiscoverybay.com

Facebook :

@VisitDiscoveryBay

Instagram :

@visitdiscoverybay

Email ﹕

explore@visitdbay.com

 

Official Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PoCkHXhm7BI2TgyQZqFtDlFbm-iLytq0?usp=sharing

 

Appendix 1: Discovery Bay FUNtastic DB Guide (download link)

Appendix 2: Specialty Shops and Check-in Spots at Discovery Bay

Retail Shops:

European Touch

European Touch is passionate about bringing the flavours of Europe to consumers. It offers goods that reflect our vision – making it possible for everyone to Eat Better and Feel Better. The picks of “european touch’s choice” consist of products that are fairly and sustainably produced or products that have earned the choice for their premium quality. When the catalogue is curated, it strives for creating Value for Value.

 

felix & mina

The concept of “felix & mina” together with our philosophy “live the moment, live with consciousness” originated in Frankfurt Germany, by passionate mums who love “Mini ” Fashion. We wanted to create children’s wear that has great design, but is also safe for both kids and the environment. The family concept store by felix & mina in Discovery Bay merges fashion, art, design and fun, creating a sensory experience, punctuates with curated spaces of stunning visual merchandising and collaborations. It provides customers with a great selection of modern children’s wear and family orientated lifestyle products which ensure every family member can enjoy shopping in the store.

Islandwake

Established in 1995, ISLAND WAKE is the first one-stop shop for extreme sports shop equipment in Hong Kong specialized in water sports and skiing equipment and apparel. It carries 100 brands including Billabong, Roxy, Quiksilver, Reef, Sun Bum, Smoothstar, Havaianas, Liquid Force, Hyperlite, Thirtytwo, Gentemstick, K2 Snowboarding, MasterCraft, Fliteboard, etc.

 

Lareina

Stylish collection of fashion and products that fit the need of any modern ladies in town. Targeting at bringing out the pride and style in all women, Lareina offers tailored consultation advice to shoppers at large.


Polishfood.hk

Featuring a vast selection of food and groceries sourced directly from Poland, Polishfood.hk is your one-stop boutique for Polish meats, dairy products, confectioneries, ethnic Polish cuisines and organic produce. With products flown to Hong Kong weekly, the newest and the best gourmet of Poland awaits your discovery.

 

Red Velvet Designs

Delicately designed by shop owner and designer Kavita Mathur, every piece in store is a bespoke piece of art that can be personalized in every way for you. Kavita loves sharing home decoration insights with customers and is a master in custom designed homeware, carpets or even furniture. Regardless of the size, pattern, style and space, Red Velvet is here to help you effortlessly build your dream home.

 

Slowood

Slowood is an eco-friendly lifestyle store that makes sustainable shopping so easy for you. Browse from a wide range of imported European homeware, personal care products, sundries, healthcare goods, groceries and more.

 

Tree of Joy

Promoting “Play, Learn & Grow in Joy”, Tree of Joy boasts a vast and high-quality selection of educational toys, interactive storybooks and specialty wooden toys imported from Europe to let children’s imagination take off.

YOPE

A family-friendly brand from Poland — YOPE continues to create wonders for ladies and gentlemen with sustainable personal care and home care products formulated with skin-safe, natural, environmentally friendly ingredients and distinctive fragrances.

Gourmet Dining:

Bones and Blades

A premium specialty butcher shop featuring grain-fed meat, with a wide range of cuts and grades for beef, as well as other gourmet meats. Select your favourite cut and have it prepared perfectly to your taste. Excite your palate with the rich and juicy Italian gourmet sausages made exclusively in-house. After a sumptuous meal, bring home meats and cold cuts for culinary fun with your family. Bones and Blades’ experienced team is here to provide professional advice according to your taste and recipe.

The Coffee Academïcs

The Coffee Academïcs Discovery Bay is the latest café concept by The Academïcs Group, the first dining outlet on the outlying island. The unique concept ties together a coffee dispensary and retail corner with a dine-in café & restaurant space.  For the very first time, The Coffee Academics will feature a one-stop self-ordering system, customers can scan, order and enjoy at their own pace with ease.  The Coffee Academïcs Discovery Bay is a new destination for coffee, nature, and lifestyle lovers.

 

 

Other check-in spots:

Seaside dining at D’Deck

Treat yourself with a feast at D’Deck, the renowned seaside alfresco dinning spot. Most of the restaurants have outdoor seating areas allowing you to enjoy cuisine with spectacular seaviews. Lovers of spicy Mexican delicacies must not miss the exquisite Mexican cuisine at Coyote Mexican Cantina. Its homemade nachos and traditional dishes will wake every taste bud up. Embrace yourself in sentiments français with the fine French cuisine and European cocktails at 22° North. The recently renovated Italian restaurant iL Bel Paese cooks fresh imported ingredients which refresh your taste and sight. Solera Spanish Restaurant near the pier is famous for its classic Spanish seafood and traditional dishes. Its innovative cuisine will surprise Spanish cuisine lovers.

 

New ice rink with international standard facility

Discovery Bay Ice Rink creates wonderful and unique memories for you. Whether you look for leisurely family time or a thrilling competition, this “Ice Dreamland” is here for you to explore. An international standard ice rink, DB Ice Rink is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a world-class professional coaching team which will take your skating experience to another level. The DB Ice Rink is just a starting point for your leisure and entertainment journey. A day of beach fun in Discovery Bay, or dining experience in open space is just a step away. Now head to DB Ice Rink and experience the wonder of Discovery Bay!

 

Discovery Bay North Love Lock Promenade

As the bus from Discovery Bay Pier arrives, the first landmark you see is the European style clock tower, and next you will arrive at the Love Lock Promenade. Parents may wish to relive their dating memories and seal their names here with their own love locks. The seaside promenade offers scenery of southern European architectures and coastline of sea and sky, you will feel if you are in Europe.

The Pavilion and Central Park

Along the seaside promenade past Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, you will find this glass-walled white pyramid. This seaside auditorium has hosted countless romantic weddings and brought back sweet wedding day memories of many couples. After only 10 minutes’ walk from Discovery North Waterfront, you will reach Central Park surrounded by large green patches, artificial lakes and fountains and verdant trees. The tranquil and pretty environment is perfect for walks and taking pictures or running and discharging for children.

About Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay is located in the northeast of Lantau Island. With a land area of approximately 650 hectares and surrounded by mountains and oceans, it is Hong Kong’s foremost premium international residential community and a unique leisure destination, boasting a quiet environment, sophisticated urban planning and a variety of waterfront facilities.

Situated next to Discovery Bay Pier, D’Deck is Hong Kong’s renowned oceanfront al fresco dining destination with numerous themed restaurants with spectacular views of the sea. The 400-metre-long Tai Pak Beach is an excellent venue for outdoor activities with related facilities. Featuring a shopping arcade, restaurants, an open piazza and Love Lock Promenade, DB North serves as the second social hub for the Discovery Bay community and visitors alike. Adjoining is Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, home to 325 superbly appointed rooms and suites, a seaside Pavilion with a one-of-a-kind design, offering a unique leisure experience.

Discovery Bay is served by a comprehensive transport network that includes ferry services to Central, bus services to Tung Chung MTR Station, Sunny Bay MTR Station and Hong Kong International Airport. A Free Ride is offered to diners at designated restaurants1 at Discovery Bay. Both urban and Lantau taxis can access Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong through the Discovery Bay Tunnel, providing a convenient alternative for residents and visitors alike.

1 Designated restaurant include: 22˚North, Cali-Mex, Coyote Mexican Cantina, Ebeneezer’s, Figos, First Korean Restaurant, Shanghai Breeze, Hemingways, iL Bel Paese, Island Cafe, Koh Tomyums, McSorley’s Ale House, Mirch Masala, MooFish, Pascucci Italian Caffe & Fine Food, PizzaExpress, Solera Spanish Restaurant, Taste of Thai, Three Sheets Marquee Bar, Viet Bu Tong Kitchen & Bar and Zak’s

2 Dine ‘N Ride offer is valid only for dinner consumption (6pm to 11:30pm) from Monday to Friday, and for lunch / dinner consumption (12 noon to 11:30pm) on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Customers should redeem and use the offer within the day of consumption. The “Dine ‘N Ride Service Counter” is located at the glass house near Discovery Bay Pier.

#DiscoveryBay