34 C
Vientiane
Friday, July 18, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 2912

Seven Thai Mushroom Foragers Repatriated to Thailand

Seven Thai mushroom collectors returned to Thailand
The group of seven Thais return to Thailand (Photo: Workpoint Media)

Lao authorities have repatriated seven Thai citizens who illegally entered the territory of Laos while foraging for mushrooms earlier this month.

Laos Confirms 152 New Cases of Covid-19

Covid-19 Update

Laos has recorded 152 cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total number of cases to 12,621.

RICOH establishes strategic partnership with Macroview Telecom, a HGC Group Company and Check Point

Launches Ricoh Cyber Security Management Service – the New Security Operations Center and Cyber Security Solutions Dismantling the Fallacy of Digital Business, Blocking the Network Vulnerabilities, and Protecting Corporate Network Security for SMEs

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 23 August 2021 – RICOH Hong Kong, the leading pioneer of Smart Workplace services, is committed to providing a wide range of technology business solutions to enable companies to more effectively increase productivity in the prevailing era of online operations. Considering that remote and hybrid working modes are now commonplace, the establishment of a solid network and foundation for information security is increasingly important. Ricoh announces the launch of a more forward-looking network security solution by entering into strategic cooperation with well-known information security solution providers Macroview Telecom (Macroview), a HGC Group Company and Check Point Software Technologies Limited (Check Point). The cooperation brings new cyber security management services to enterprises, helping SMEs to be ‘safer on the road towards effective digital operations’ through the rich experience of a security analysis professional team with multiple information security professional qualifications, the experienced customer information security consultants, and complete network security technology solutions.

 
Left: Harry Wong – Director of Channel Business, Greater China, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd
Middle: Ricky Chong – Senior Director, Ricoh Hong Kong
Right: Alvin Wong – Commercial Director, Macroview Telecom of HGC Group

RICOH, Macroview and Check Point participated in the “Cyber Security Service Kick-off Event” on August 11, and formally joined hands to implement a strategic partnership to bring more professional information security services to SMEs.

Strategic cooperation across three parties for remote and cloud businesses:

Network, Device, Application and Cloud Security

RICOH Hong Kong understands that even in the era of digital business, wherein information is rapidly circulating constantly via technology, many companies still lack essential technological knowledge about complex network security threats. There is a common misunderstanding that networks and resources are well-protected by just a single firewall installed in a remotely-used computer; or that commonly available anti-virus software guarantees there are no worries post-installation. Additionally, in the era of the “new normal” as firms operate under the pandemic, large number of corporate employees around the world need to work from home or remotely and continual transmission of files and data via information technology systems are involved in their daily operations. This may result in backdoor-opening to hackers.

In response to this, RICOH Hong Kong, along with Check Point, the well-known Cyber Security solution provider from Israel, and Macroview, the cyber security and digital transformation solution arm of HGC Group, have joined forces. Together, they have created high-performance CyberSecurity solutions and services addressing complicated challenges from Ransomware, Malware, Phishing Email, etc. All these lead to demands on Unified Security Management, Intrusion Prevention, Sandboxing, as well as Detection and Filtering of malicious activities. This comprehensive offering brings new meaning to the term, “first line of defense” for information security of enterprises.

 

With over 90% of attacks on organizations originating in a malicious email, email security is a necessity for every organization. Our CyberSecurity solutions and services cater for challenges from Phishing, Malware, Data Leakage and Account Takeover risk of an organization’s email systems.  In addition, sophisticated endpoint services could also be integrated on commonly used operating systems such as Windows, Android and Mac OS, providing them simple and unified security management.

 

High-end solution to plug network security loopholes: a new Security Operation Center

Technology is changing with each passing day, and commonly relied-upon technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and operational technology (OT) that help companies automate and simplify daily tasks have been integrated into daily operations. However, the connections between these smart devices, such as smart constant temperature systems and conference room systems, are vulnerable to hacker attacks and intrusions, resulting in potential property or data loss.

 

RICOH Hong Kong is responding to the urgent requirement for improving and monitoring related high-end network security. Therefore, it has joined with Macroview to bring forward adoption of its new Security Operation Center, giving customers a 24/7 implementation of security maintenance. This advanced facility can be connected to the customer’s site via VPN to monitor the security of the customer’s back-end Internet system in real time. It can also install collectors on IoT hardware to gather data and collect logs on the Security Event and Event Management (SIEM) platform for precise and independent detection and analysis. Professional technical personnel will also provide customers with 24/7 hotline support to follow up and resolve security incidents for customers, anytime and anywhere.

 

RICOH to support the operations of SMEs under the pandemic: a tailor-made IT hosting service that saves resources and reduces costs

Realizing difficulties are intrinsic in attempting to operate as normal under the epidemic, RICOH Hong Kong enables customers to more effectively manage human resources, handle information technology and achieve cost control. Through the collaboration with Macroview and Check Point, RICOH Hong Kong provides customers with a one-stop IT hosting service, which covers necessities from daily antivirus, email and documents management to cloud backup, system and program monitoring, hardware device maintenance and updates, etc. Now client businesses can safely outsource much of the work of the IT department to the large back-up systems and professional team of Ricoh’s Network Security Management Services.

 

In addition, RICOH Hong Kong’s monthly subscription plan can build tailor-made plans for different customers, encompassing construction and design, procurement to installation, equipment updates and maintenance, all of which can save SMEs the time and money of self-development and intensive internal resource management. The Ricoh team will also provide employees with network security knowledge/training to help them achieve the prevention and ability to deal with threats to the organization’s information security.

About Ricoh (Hong Kong) Limited

Established in 1963, Ricoh (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. is a direct subsidiary of Ricoh Co., Ltd., focusing on document processing and imaging products, digital printing solutions, document management solutions and information technology services. It has provided Hong Kong and Macau enterprises with outstanding, diversified business operating solutions and services. According to the IDC market survey report, the overall sales of Ricoh digital photocopiers have steadily remained No. 1 in the Hong Kong market for 19 consecutive years (2000–2018) since 2000 *. In the era of digital transformation, Ricoh Hong Kong aims to be the premier supplier of smart workplaces. In recent years, it has actively developed professional ICT services, including business process management, cloud services, IT hosting services, and security monitoring solutions. In cooperation with IT professional support teams, it provides one-stop consulting, after-sales and professional services to SMEs and enterprises. In 2017, it launched the “Digital Office Planning” service, integrating ICT elements into the work environment, and designing and creating a new and efficient modern office for enterprises.

#Ricoh

AXA Hong Kong and HSBC jointly launch Overseas StudySurance

Offers top-notch medical expenses coverage of up to HKD2,500,000

Comprehensive coverage with tailored protection to give peace of mind

 

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 23 August 2021 – With the increasing popularity of overseas study, AXA Hong Kong (“AXA”) and HSBC launch a new insurance plan “Overseas StudySurance” to provide extensive care for students getting education abroad. With annual premium as low as HKD4,000, students can enjoy the comprehensive protection away from home with the following premium features:

  • Medical expense coverage up to HKD2,500,000
  • Personal accident protection up to HKD1,200,000
  • Emergency family reunion benefit up to HKD100,000 for 2 parents or legal guardians
  • Education fund up to HKD300,000

From now until 31 October 2021, customers purchasing “Overseas StudySurance” via HSBC website or HSBC branch will be entitled to a 10% premium discount in perpetual, applicable to policy inception and renewal afterwards; and HKD200 YATA gift certificate for each policy. Students who are Hong Kong residents and aged between 10 and 40 can be covered.

Kenneth Lai, P&C Distribution Director, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said,Education is the key to success. Many parents would provide their children with the best education by letting them study abroad. However, the best protection is also essential to ensure a holistic support and care during their overseas study journeys. As the largest general insurer in Hong Kong[1], we are delighted to partner with HSBC to offer the comprehensive student protection ‘Overseas StudySurance’ – a plan with market-leading medical expenses and personal accident coverage, to provide peace of mind for students and their parents when they pursue their overseas studies.”

 

Daisy Tsang, Chief Distribution and Customer Officer, Hong Kong, HSBC Life, said, “The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised parents’ awareness of the importance of comprehensive protection against unexpected situations for their children who are studying abroad. HSBC is pleased to collaborate with AXA to launch an affordable insurance plan to offer peace of mind to parents who are geographically distant from their children studying in overseas institutions. The insured students will enjoy multi-dimensional coverage for their medical wellness, personal belongings, as well as leisure travels or internships during the study trip, enabling them to focus on making the most of their overseas learning experience.”

Comprehensive protection with the top-notch medical and accidental coverage

“Overseas StudySurance” provides the top-notch medical expense coverage up to HKD2,500,000 including in/out-patient overseas medical treatment occurring during the study trip and follow-up medical expenses in Hong Kong within 90 days of insured student’s return from abroad. Medical expenses for vaccine-preventable diseases[2] will also be covered. “Overseas StudySurance” also brings extensive personal accident protection to the insured students with coverage up to HKD1,200,000 for accidental death or permanent disablement.  

 

Not only covering the city of study, “Overseas StudySurance” offers worldwide coverage in which internships are arranged or endorsed by the overseas education institution and incidental travels during the study trip as well as a non-manual part-time job outside Hong Kong. Conventional travel and various sports such as cycling, snow skiing, hiking, horse-riding, canoeing, rafting, windsurfing, scuba diving are also covered.

 

Immediate support to insured and family during emergencies

AXA and HSBC understand the stress for parents and students in case of emergencies abroad and tailored protection such as emergency family reunion and travel inconvenience are provided to alleviate the financial and mental stress. If the insured student is hospitalised for more than five consecutive days or in the unfortunate event of the insured student’s death, “Overseas StudySurance” covers up to HKD100,000 for 2 parents’ or legal guardians’ transportation and accommodation expenses for emergency family reunion, and offers HKD2,500 cash benefit for parents and legal guardians who take annual leave to visit the insured students.


Regardless of situations, it is always important for students to finish the curriculum especially when they are studying abroad. If the insured student’s parent or legal guardian suffers from accidental death or permanent disablement, an education fund up to HKD300,000 will be given to the insured student to ensure the continuation of his/her studies.

 

Moreover, “Overseas StudySurance” offers maximum HKD20,000 per trip for the irrecoverable transportation and accommodation expenses if the trip is cancelled or curtailed due to insured events.

 

Overseas home contents and personal belongings are widely secured

“Overseas StudySurance” provides protection to insured students’ overseas home contents with coverage up to HKD10,000 and HKD20,000 personal belongings including mobile phones and laptops on a worldwide basis (except in Hong Kong) during the study trip. Temporary accommodation expenses up to HKD5,000 will be reimbursed if the overseas residence is damaged and rendered uninhabitable as a result of insured events.

It also offers the storage cost for personal belongings up to HKD2,000 if the insured student needs to make an emergency departure, and cash allowance up to HKD2,000 for unexpected school closure for more than 3 consecutive days because of natural disaster or as mandated by local authority.

 

To learn more about the ‘Overseas StudySurance’, please visit: https://www.hsbc.com.hk/insurance/products/travel/overseas-studysurance/

 

The above information is for reference only. For details on the product features, content, terms and exclusions, please refer to the product brochure.



[1] According to the Insurance Authority Provisional Statistics on Hong Kong General Insurance Business in 2020

[2] Medical expenses and worldwide emergency assistance service are not covered if a claim is due to a vaccine-preventable disease, where (i) the insured student fails to obtain the related vaccine and (ii) such vaccine is mandatorily required by the government(s) of Hong Kong SAR and/or the country/region the insured student is travelling to/from during the study trip

AXA Hong Kong and Macau

AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 54 markets and serving 105 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.

As one of the most diversified insurers offering integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance, our goal is to be the insurance and holistic wellness partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve.

At the core of our service commitment is continuous product innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers and leveraging technology and digital transformation.

We embrace our responsibility to be a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first insurer in Hong Kong and Macau to address the important need of mental health through different products and services. For example, the Mind Charger function on our holistic wellness platform “AXA BetterMe”, which is available via our mobile app Emma by AXA, is open to not just our customers, but the community at large. We will continue to foster social progress through our product offerings and community investment to support the sustainable development of Hong Kong and Macau.

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited


The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the HSBC Group. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 64 countries and territories in its geographical regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa. With assets of $2,976bn at 30 June 2021, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause AXA’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Part 4 – “Risk factors and risk management” of AXA’s Universal Registration Document for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect AXA’s business, and/or results of operations. AXA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as part of applicable regulatory or legal obligations.

#AXA

China Provides 400,000 Doses of Sinopharm to Laos

Chinese military delivers more vaccines to Laos
Chinese military delivers more vaccines to Laos

Laos has received another batch of Sinopharm Covid-19 Vaccines containing 400,000 doses from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

Arup celebrates 45 years of transforming Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 23 August 2021 – Arup, a global built environment consultant, celebrates its 45th anniversary in Hong Kong with a series of initiatives, including a city story video series and a dedicated school programme, to envision a more sustainable Hong Kong with the local community.

 

Today, Arup’s influence can be felt everywhere across the city, from its tallest building to the longest bridge and railway, from the largest revitalisation complex to the smartest digital platform, and from the first waste-to-energy facility to new towns of the future.

 

“We are proud to see that people use and enjoy our work every day and many of our projects here have contributed to making our city more liveable and resilient. We will continue to shape a sustainable future for Hong Kong with our creative and technical excellence – delivering projects that bring values to our clients and the community and help Hong Kong achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.”  

– Michael Kwok, East Asia Region Chair

 

To celebrate the milestone, the firm has launched a video series on ViuTV (click here for English subtitle versions) looking at some of the most topical issues of Hong Kong’s built environment today: increasing connectivity with infrastructure, creating the new from the old, driving a paradigm shift in waste management, designing smarter and healthier buildings and planning for tomorrow.

 

A video competition will be organised among local secondary schools. It will allow students to curate creative videos to envision Hong Kong’s future city design, learn the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and explore their aspirations in engineering and design related professions. Alongside this, there will also be public and school talks to share and gather ideas for designing a better Hong Kong.

 

“People are always at the heart of our work. The spaces we create and the city we design should ultimately help people live simpler, easier and better lives. That’s why we’ve decided to co-envision the future of our city with the local community, especially the next generation, as we continue to develop with the city.”   

– Andy Lee, Region Chief Operating Officer

 

Over the past decades, Arup has grown and transformed with Hong Kong, delivering innovative projects of the highest quality and impact that contribute to the city’s development. Notable projects include the Hong Kong International Airport, Stonecutters Bridge, Two International Finance Centre, International Commerce Centre, Express Rail Link, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, T·PARK, Harbour Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2A, New Development Areas, Victoria Dockside, Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts, M+ and Kai Tak Sports Park.

About Arup

Arup is a global firm of more than 15,000 designers, engineers, architects, planners, consultants and technical specialists, working across over 90 disciplines, with projects in more than 140 countries.

Arup opened its Hong Kong office in 1976, and today it operates as the firm’s East Asia headquarters with more than 2,000 people, serving as a creative powerhouse that makes a difference in this part of the world.

Company website: http://www.arup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arup/mycompany/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArupGroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arupgroup/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/arupgroup

Weibo: https://weibo.com/arupinchina

Twitter: https://twitter.com/arupgroup

#ArupHK45 #SustainableDevelopment #TransformingHK #ReenvisioningOurCity

IT Block Introduces Data Centre Colocation Services

IT Block’s latest service helps enterprises design, install, provision, and maintain their server rooms, thereby allowing them to save on resources that can be invested in other areas of business development.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 23 August 2021 – IT Block, a specialist in outsourced IT support for enterprises, has introduced Data Centre Colocation Services. This new service takes on the complex responsibility of configuration, installation, and maintenance of server rooms in a single package, thus enabling companies to channel their resources into other areas and focus on expanding their business.

We know companies are facing enormous depletion of resources when attempting to build and manage their own data centres.  Their exorbitant upfront expenses include acquiring bandwidth, power, cooling, staff salaries, and machinery, among other things,” said Reza Nilofer, Vice President of Sales and Technology at IT Block. That’s why IT Block wants to provide companies with a secure and cost-effective alternative to house, manage, and maintain enterprise servers.”

 

With the ability to be structured  to meet specific business needs, IT Block Data Centre Colocation Services offer:

  • Procurement of equipment
  • Design and installation
  • Power and cooling
  • Security, management, and maintenance

For more information about Data Centre Colocation Services, visit: https://www.itblock.sg/data-centre/.

About IT Block

IT Block, formed in 2018, is an MSP that specialises in outsourced IT support for business enterprises. Customer service lies at the very heart of our company, and we pride ourselves on being able to provide 24/7 customer support to all our clients. Our range of services includes server hardware maintenance, hardware procurement, cybersecurity services, and office IT setup service. Learn more about our services at https://www.itblock.sg.

#ITBlock

Signitory: Digital Signatures to be Part of New Norm Post-Pandemic

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 23 August 2021 – Increased remote work requirements have prompted companies to embrace digital technology in order to meet new consumer demands and protect fragile supply chains in the last year. Furthermore, the Malaysian government encourages the use of digital signatures to reduce paper transactions and maintain physical distance during the Covid-19 epidemic. Signitory, a major blockchain-engineered digital signature solution provider, believes that digital signatures are here to stay beyond the epidemic. The firm released their app on Google PlayStore, aiming to improve document signing by ensuring simplicity, compliance, and security. Signitory’s low-cost digital signature solution allows millions of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to generate and legalise paperwork.

 

Signitory’s KYC (Know-Your-Customer) verification is a feature that is encouraged by both government agencies and financial institutions. It is powered by the most recent Blockchain and SaaS technology. By guaranteeing that signees are registered with their authentic identity cards, it enables real-time validation and eliminates fraud. Furthermore, Signitory’s blockchain technology ensures that all signed papers are tamper-proof and can be traced back to their time stamp. Its SaaS technology allows SMEs to use the Signitory app from anywhere in the globe.

 

“We are officially disrupting the digital signature business. Our blockchain-powered digital signature technology enables SMEs to sign documents remotely and securely”, KC Lai, CEO of Signitory, said “Because of the simplicity, effectiveness, and assurance that digital signatures provide, we believe it will become the standard.”

 

A free plan is being launched to entice SMEs to test out this innovative technology. From August 11th through September 30th, 2021, first-time users can generate, sign, and organise up to FIVE documents each month. Documents may be uploaded, modified, and submitted for signatures with no prior expertise, allowing anybody to create a completely legal e-contract in a matter of minutes.

 

Signitory is ideal for organisations of all sizes and industries looking to accelerate sales, transactions, new hiring, collaborations, and other business endeavours.

 

“A paperless method minimises client waiting times and aids in the development of consumer confidence. Furthermore, you may have e-contracts legally signed by international business partners anywhere in the globe using our SaaS blockchain built digital-signature solution. This is just another reason why we believe the digital signatures service will quickly spread outside the epidemic,” Carlo Chung, CTO of Signitory, also commented.

 

Most multinational corporations (MNCs) in Malaysia already use e-signature systems in their human resources departments for recruiting and job confirmation. From the mid-2020s, when the COVID epidemic initially caused Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO) to be established, usage rose tenfold. MNCs had made it essential for their workers to work from home by that point.

 

According to Fortune Business Insights, the digital signature industry will be worth USD7.99 billion by 2027. Larger organisations will push the rising adoption of digital signatures, as well as the digitization of corporate processes, as a result of the pandemic. It will have a cascading impact as SMEs improve their digital systems in order to do business with larger businesses. A digital signature solution will eventually become the standard. It’s logical. A paperless digital signature system can improve workflow efficiency, ease, and speed.

 

Signitory is now available on Google Playstore at https://www.signitory.com/. Signitory will launch an Apple App Store version soon.

About Signitory

In 2020 Kee Choy Lai and Carlo Chung established Signitory to create a more comprehensive experience with signing by infusing their system with blockchain. Signitory’s ultimate goal is to improve people’s quality of life by increasing the efficiency and coordination in their businesses. Signitory uses blockchain technology for this purpose, as well as other digital tools that can increase productivity and effectiveness in a business.

#Signitory