The Lao-China Railway has surpassed expectations, transporting a total of 26.8 million tons of cargo as of 3 October, and carrying more than 2,700 types of goods since it began operating in December 2021.
Octa: U.S. unemployment is likely to decline in September
The U.S. is expected to add 150,000 jobs and bring unemployment down to 3.7.% in September.
The better labour market situation will give a reason for the U.S. Fed to be hawkish. In that case, the main upside target for USDJPY is 150.00–152.00.
The U.S. Labour Department is expected to report on Friday that the U.S. added 150,000 jobs in September, according to economists polled by Reuters, down from 187,000 added in August. They also expect the unemployment rate to fall from 3.8 per cent in August to 3.7 per cent in September.
This data will be an essential part of the Fed’s settlement as it assesses the current state of the U.S. economy and the appropriate course of monetary policy. An improving labour market will give the U.S. Fed a reason to be hawkish, while a decline in new jobs will suggest that the U.S. labour market is not strong enough, prompting the central bank to be more dovish in its decisions and statements.
‘According to the August data, the labour market is returning to normal with a gain of 187,000 jobs, and this trend is likely to continue in September,’ said Kar Yong Ang, the Octa financial market analyst. ‘Such an improvement in the U.S. labour market will support the U.S. dollar,’ he added.
The Fed’s recent announcement that interest rates will remain ‘high for longer’ has rattled global markets, adding strength to the U.S. dollar. It may strengthen even more if the U.S. labour market forecast is confirmed. For the currency market players, this may mean that USDJPY is likely to continue rising, breaking through the critical resistance level of 150.00. The main target is 150.00–152.00.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Octa
Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services already utilised by clients from 180 countries with more than 42 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
Octa has also won more than 60 awards since its foundation, including the ‘Best Educational Broker 2023’ award from Global Forex Awards and the ‘Best Global Broker Asia 2022’ award from International Business Magazine.
Lao Athletes Showcase Performance at Hangzhou Asian Games

A total of 94 athletes from Laos competed in 17 different disciplines in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, from 23 September to 8 October.
The Mills Fabrica Portfolio Companies Circ and Colorifix Shortlisted for Prince William’s 2023 Earthshot Prize
Championing innovations in the textiles, apparel, and agrifood industries as official nominator of The Earthshot Prize
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 5 October 2023 – The Mills Fabrica‘s portfolio companies Circ and Colorifix have been selected as Finalists – out of 1,100 nominees globally – for The 2023 Earthshot Prize, one of the most prestigious global environmental prizes in history.

Founded by Prince William in 2020, The Earthshot Prize leads a global search for extraordinary solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges. It considers solutions that make tangible progress towards one of the five Earthshots, including “Protect & Restore Nature”, “Clean Our Air”, “Revive Our Oceans”, “Build A Waste-Free World”, and “Fix Our Climate”.
Among the 15 Finalists announced by Prince William during New York Climate Week, Circ and Colorifix are two of the Finalists in the “Build a Waste-Free World” Earthshot. Under this category, Earthshot recognizes innovative solutions that eliminate food waste and single-use packaging, and inspire a new generation of people, companies, and industries to reuse, repurpose, and recycle.
Championing innovators with a unique solutions platform that goes beyond capital support
The Mills Fabrica, the go-to solutions platform accelerating techstyle (the intersection between technology and lifestyle) and agrifood tech innovations for sustainability, has been an Official Nominator of The Earthshot Prize since 2022. Each year, The Mills Fabrica is invited to nominate individuals, communities, businesses, and organizations whose solutions make the most progress towards achieving the five Earthshots.
In 2022, The Mills Fabrica nominated Hong Kong startup Ampd Energy, which became the first Hong Kong finalist of The Earthshot Prize. The company had invented an electric energy storage system using lithium-ion batteries that could power construction sites.
“As an Official Nominator of The Earthshot Prize, we are thrilled that Circ and Colorifix can further showcase how their ground-breaking solutions are transforming the techstyle industry. The Mills Fabrica is also pleased to be the official nominator for our capability and expertise in identifying and supporting solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges,” said Cintia Nunes, General Manager and Head of Asia, The Mills Fabrica.
“We will continue to be laser-focused on providing investments and tailored support to ambitious innovators and businesses within the textiles, apparel, and agrifood industries. As with our partnership with the Earthshot Prize, we are excited to continue our work with our network of NGOs, businesses, governments, funders and expert mentors to create a planet-positive impact,” she adds.
Circ and Colorifix are part of The Mills Fabrica’s continuous effort in supporting innovative and disruptive technologies in the techstyle and agrifood industries. The Mills Fabrica provided support to both companies through its venture capital fund, its startup incubator, Fabrica X, an innovation gallery and retail impact store, various labs, and co-working spaces across Hong Kong and London. In addition to leveraging its capital, it also deployed a team of global industry experts and connections to manufacturers, retailers, and other like-minded investors to bring their vision to the masses.
Circ – on a mission to save the planet from the cost of clothing
Circ pioneered a hydrothermal processing technology that utilizes water, pressure, and responsible chemistry to turn polycotton – what the majority of clothes are made of – back into its respective raw material. Preserving and separating the polyester without damaging the cotton Circ’s patented process allows both materials to be reused in the production of new textiles, while also reducing carbon emissions substantially.
This represents a breakthrough in chemical recycling technology, fundamentally changing the way textile waste is viewed, moving away from a source of pollution to a source of valuable raw material. As of June 2023, Circ has diverted 103 tonnes of textile waste from landfills back into circulation, preventing 130,000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions. In April 2023, it also launched a collection made from polycotton textile waste with Zara to bring sustainable fashion.
“The Mills Fabrica team has been a strong supporter of Circ since their initial investment. They have provided a robust network and helped us to spread the message of what we are doing far beyond our existing geographic reach. They embody a collaborative approach – regularly bringing us new opportunities to help further our mission of protecting the planet from the cost of clothing. The sustainable fashion startup community that The Mills Fabrica has fostered and built allows us, Circ, to extend our reach,” said Luke Henning, the Chief Business Officer of Circ.
Colorifix – the world’s first biological colorant that’s radically less polluting at every stage
Colorifix has developed the first-ever biological process to produce, deposit and fix pigments onto textiles. Using DNA sequencing, it identifies where the colour is coded in the genetics of an organism in nature, and then they translate the DNA code into Colorifix’s own engineered microorganisms, enabling them to produce the pigment and transfer it to the fabric. Their process offers a radically different solution to existing dyeing technologies that entirely cut out harsh chemicals and lead to huge reductions in water consumption, saving up to 79% water. Colorifix has brought their bio-based dyes to the mainstream with brands like Pangaia, H&M, and Vollebak.
“Ever since Colorifix was founded, we have been on a journey to harness the power of nature and create better solutions for the planet. Being named a Finalist for The Earthshot Prize 2023 is an incredible honour and milestone for us. Changing an industry requires a lot of collaboration and great partnerships, which is why we are so grateful for the continuous support from The Mills Fabrica. We look forward to continuing the journey of changing the fashion industry together,” said Orr Yarkoni, the CEO of Colorifix.
The five Winners will be announced on November 7, 2023 in Singapore and will receive £1 million in prize money to scale their impact.
Scouting for Innovative Startups with Planet-Positive Solutions for 2024’s Earthshot Prize
The Mills Fabrica is now calling for individuals, communities, businesses, and organizations with solutions that can help achieve the five Earthshots to join next year’s Earthshot Prize. Starting today, innovators can submit their applications through https://bit.ly/MillsFabrica_TEP2024.
Hashtag: #TheMillsFabrica
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Mills Fabrica
The Mills Fabrica is a go-to solutions platform accelerating techstyle and agrifood tech innovations for sustainability. Officially launched in Hong Kong in December 2018, The Mills is a landmark revitalization project by the Nan Fung Group, transforming their old textile factories into a new heritage, experiential retail, and innovation centre. With its business incubator, investment fund, spaces in Hong Kong and London, and community-building initiatives, The Mills Fabrica aims to create success stories of collaborations between innovators, entrepreneurs, and corporates, that together, will drive positive change for future generations.
http://www.themillsfabrica.com/
Amazon Singapore launches limited “Amazon Big Deal Suite” Staycation Experience for Prime Big Deal Days with the Mondrian Singapore Duxton
During Amazon Singapore’s Prime Big Deal Days, Prime members can purchase a luxurious staycation experience at the Mondrian Singapore Duxton.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 5 October 2023 – (NASDAQ: AMZN)— To celebrate the first Prime Big Deal Days in Singapore taking place from 10 to 11 October 2023, Amazon Singapore is unveiling an exclusive, limited-time collaboration with the newly launched Mondrian Singapore Duxton – the first Mondrian hotel in Southeast Asia. For an incredible price, Prime members can purchase the “Amazon Big Deal Suite” Staycation Experience at the Mondrian Singapore Duxton, which offers access to facilities such as a cinematic rooftop pool with unobstructed panoramic view of Chinatown, eclectic collection of bars and restaurants and more for the ultimate get-away staycation. Built as a luxury art deco hotel, this 5-star hotel offers stunning décor and IG – worthy spots at every corner.
Prime members can purchase a stay in the Mondrian Singapore Duxton’s Shophouse Suite, where the room will be specially decorated with items available on Amazon.sg, promising an immersive and unique staycation experience. During this 2D1N stay, Prime members will also get to enjoy a specially curated food menu by Amazon Singapore, as well as enjoy other Prime benefits such as Prime Video in the luxurious room. The special offer will be available on 10 October with only a limited number of rooms up for grabs, across the two sale days. To ensure that they don’t miss their chance to get their hands on this big deal, Prime members can follow Amazon Singapore’s Instagram account for updates, including the price reveal on 10 October at https://www.instagram.com/amazon.sg.
“We are thrilled to introduce the “Amazon Big Deal Suite” Staycation Experience in Singapore as part of Prime Big Deal Days, a distinctive offering that showcases our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our Prime members,” said Leo Laforgia, Country Manager, Amazon Singapore. “At Amazon, we continuously strive to enhance the value of Prime membership, and our collaboration with the iconic Mondrian Hotel Duxton reflects our dedication to providing the big deals on authentic experiences at the lowest prices.”
In addition to the exclusive “Amazon Big Deal Suite” Staycation Experience at Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Prime members can access a bonanza of deals across top brands during Amazon Singapore’s Prime Big Deal Days happening from 10 and 11 October at https://www.amazon.sg/primebigdealdays, making it the perfect opportunity to secure their favourite holiday season essentials ahead of time while enjoying a luxurious staycation. Not a Prime member yet? Anyone can join Prime or start a 30-day trial at Amazon.sg/prime for a chance to enjoy the “Amazon Big Deal Suite” Staycation Experience or participate in Prime Big Deal Days.
*Terms and conditions apply.
More ways to shop this Prime Big Deal Days
In the lead up to Prime Big Deal Days, members can enjoy great deals from trusted brands sitewide, across key categories including toys, books, electronics, home, and more. With deals dropping as often as every five minutes throughout the event across a wide selection of products with fast and convenient delivery options, Prime members can enjoy exclusive access to early holiday deals on 10 and 11 October.
- Amazon Vouchers: Discover more ways to save with Amazon Vouchers. Find discounts on everyday essentials, as well as gifts, electronics, beauty, toys, and more. Simply clip the voucher and the discount will be applied at checkout. Visit Amazon.sg/vouchers for information.
- Amazon.sg Gift Cards: Amazon.sg Gift Cards offer an easy, simple, and convenient gifting experience, providing access to an extensive selection of products on Amazon.sg at Amazon.sg/giftcard.
- Promotions: Enjoy greater savings when shopping on Amazon.sg. From 10 October, visit amazon.sg/bankpromotions for more information.
- Bank promotions
- Citibank MasterCard cardholders can get S$15 off S$160 or more when they spend on Amazon.sg.
- DBS cardholders can get S$12 off S$120 or more when they spend on Amazon.sg.
- UOB cardholders can get S$12 off S$120 or more when they spend on Amazon.sg.
- Looking for more payment promotions? Get 1% off your purchase when you use PayNow, with no minimum spend from 18 September.
- Buy Now, Pay Later with Grab and Atome on Amazon.sg
- Get S$15 off S$150 min spend with PayLater by Grab
- Get S$10 off S$150 min spend with Atome
*Terms and conditions apply to all promotions listed above.
Get Ready for the Big Day
Learn how to best prepare for Prime Big Deal Days to maximise your savings.
- Join Prime: New customers can enjoy a 30-day free trial when they register for Prime membership. For S$2.99 a month, Prime membership includes unlimited access to award-winning movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, unlimited access to video game benefits with Prime Gaming, access to epic deals on Prime Day, free delivery on selected delivery windows for orders of S$150 and above on Amazon Fresh, free 2-hour scheduled delivery for orders of S$60 and above on Watsons and Little Farms on Amazon.sg, and more.
- Set up personalised deal alerts: Prime members can subscribe to receive deal alert notifications related to their recent Amazon searches and recently viewed items. All they have to do is visit the Prime Big Deal Days event page on the Amazon app between now and Prime Big Deal Days to create deal alerts. Once Prime Big Deal Days arrives, members will receive push notifications on any available deals.
Access Prime Big Deal Days Globally
Prime Big Deal Days will kick off in 19 countries around the world on October 10, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the U.S., and the UK. Prime members in Japan can shop the Prime Big Deal Days event later in the month.
Every Day Made Better with Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime was designed to make your life better every single day. Over 200 million paid members around the world enjoy the many benefits of Prime, including the best of shopping and entertainment. In Singapore, Prime membership includes unlimited access to award-winning movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, unlimited access to video game benefits with Prime Gaming, Prime Day, and more. Prime was built on the foundation of unlimited fast, free shipping. Prime members enjoy access to free one-day delivery on domestic Prime eligible selection on Amazon.sg, free delivery on selected delivery windows for orders of S$150 and above on Amazon Fresh, free 2-hour scheduled delivery for orders of S$60 and above on Watsons and Little Farms on Amazon.sg, as well as early access to deals and exclusive deals. Prime is S$2.99 per month. Start a 30-day free trial of Prime at Amazon.sg/prime.
Hashtag: #Amazonsg #AmazonPrime #PrimeBigDealDays
http://www.facebook.com/Amazon.sg
http://www.instagram.com/Amazon.SG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Amazon Singapore
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, and Kindle are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit
Amazon.sg.
Laos, Russia Discuss New Moscow-Vientiane Flight Route to Boost Tourism

The Lao head of the Party Central Committee for External Relations, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, met with a Russian delegation led by an MP and Secretary of the Moscow Capital Party Committee Denis Andreevich Parfenov this week, to discuss economic cooperation, including the possibility of launching a direct flight route between Vientiane and Moscow.
Academic Labs and AsiaTokenFund Group Forge Groundbreaking Partnership in Harnessing Web 3.0 and AI for Education Advancement.
Academic Labs’ objective to bring about a revolution in the field of education, by delivering a more open, secure, and gamified learning experience powered by AI, is set to gain momentum from this alliance. The AI solution developed by Academic Labs is poised to provide a customized and adaptive learning experience, thereby enhancing the overall learning process. Utilizing the benefits of blockchain technology, Academic Labs will create a platform where learners and educators can interact within a decentralized environment, effectively dismantling the centralized control and information silos common in conventional education platforms.
On another hand, AsiaTokenFund Group, headquartered in Southeast Asia, is a conglomerate that operates in multiple areas including Web3 Media, NFT Media, Venture Capital, Media Agency, Tech Solutions, Events, and Accelerator. They possess extensive knowledge and industry experience in the cryptocurrency and financial sectors, which they will leverage to support the development and adoption of Academic Labs while expanding their reach and user base.
“Partnering with AsiaTokenFund is a significant step forward in realizing our goal of an education revolution,” said Terry Tan, CEO of Academic Labs. “Their knowledge of the cryptocurrency and financial spaces is invaluable in accelerating the adoption of this blockchain ecosystem that will change the face of education for good.”
Overall, AsiaTokenFund Group is optimistic that its collaboration with Academic Labs, a leading-edge online education platform harnessing the power of Web 3.0 and AI, will dramatically transform the Web3 sector in the region. Academic Labs’ innovative approaches to gamified learning, AI-powered evaluation systems, and community-driven incentives are set to spearhead this change.
“We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey alongside Academic Labs, a trailblazer in leveraging Web 3.0 and AI to reshape the landscape of education and learning. This strategic partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to innovation and signifies a pivotal moment in advancing global education. Together, we look forward to pushing boundaries and unlocking new opportunities for learners worldwide.” – Ken Nizam, CEO of AsiaTokenFund Group.
Committed to growth within the Asian blockchain industry, AsiaTokenFund Group ardently supports the real-world application and widespread adoption of Web3 projects. Through its partnership with Academic Labs, the group is fostering educational innovation, providing students and educators with access to quality resources, and promoting the practical use of blockchain technology in the educational landscape.
Access more information about Academic Labs from:
https://academiclabs.tech/ | https://academic-labs.org/
Official website: https://academic-labs.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Acad_Labs
Telegram: https://t.me/academic_labs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/academic-labs/
Access more information about AsianTokenFund from:
https://linktr.ee/asiatokenfundgroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsiaTokenFund
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AsiaTokenFund
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuP2h1OPlWdB1ZNV8oWk2-A
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asiatokenfund/
Hashtag: #AsiaTokenFund
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BingX Reveals Comprehensive Analysis on Potential Altcoins Growth for Q4 2023
1. Bitcoin Price Prediction: Despite Bitcoin’s impressive market capitalization of $550 billion, its price is unlikely to double in Q4 2023. The estimated probability of the highest price being at $28,300 is 80%, $29,761 at 21%, $31,000 at 5%, and the lowest price at $26,000.
2. Factors Influencing Token Growth:
- Market Capitalization: Tokens with market caps below $5 billion have a higher chance of increasing.
- Assessment of Utility: Utility is evaluated using three dimensions: “cheaper,” “better,” and “faster.”
- Hot Projects: The market trend in 2023 leans towards tokens with utility and value. Based on traders’ predictions, it foresees that DeFi and tokens with high utility value will be the hot sectors post Q4 2023.
3. Investment Background and Social Media Data: While these are considered secondary indicators, they can still influence a token’s popularity and growth potential.
4. Token Risks and Trading Strategies: BingX emphasizes the importance of setting stop-loss limit orders and using a Trailing Stop approach for spot investments. For those using BingX perpetual contract trading, an X2 leverage is recommended.
5. Future of Bitcoin: The analysis suggests that 2024 and 2025 could be the final bull markets for Bitcoin with over 100% price increases. Beyond that, Bitcoin’s growth may slow down, with potential price increases not exceeding 50%.
Hashtag: #bingx #cryptoexchange
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



