The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted that Laos’ economy will grow by 4 percent this year and in 2024, thanks to China reopening its borders and removing travel restrictions.
Laos, Thailand Take Action as “Seven Deadly Days” of New Year Begins
A total of 687 accidents occurred across Laos and Thailand on 11-12 April, the first two days of the new year week, causing 71 deaths and 655 injuries.
Malaysian Female Sellers Uplift Other Women on Shopee
100% of Women-Owned Businesses Hire or Teach Other Women To Succeed
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 13 April 2023 – Shopee’s 2023 ShopeeSapotLokal Building Connected Communities study(1) finds that 100% of Malaysian women who achieve economic inclusion share their success by uplifting other women in B40 and rural areas. For 1,015 female sellers surveyed on the marketplace this Ramadan period: two-thirds hire single, rural, or impoverished women, or source directly from women-owned suppliers; a third facilitate networking opportunities and training programs.

These findings demonstrate that Malaysian women in the digital economy are not only supporting household dependents during peak Ramadan e-commerce sales(2), but are a driving force in giving back by lowering barriers to entry, widening access to customers, and providing more flexibility in time management to other women like themselves.
When asked “How has Shopee opened up new opportunities for women sellers like yourself?” – eight in ten respondents value the benefits and freedom of starting an online storefront easily with minimal investments and scaling it for sustainable growth, whereas two in ten respondents value the time they get to support their family, pursue their own aspirations, and enhance their skills.
Having achieved success for themselves this Raya, women on Shopee have been able to save time and effort in establishing alternative revenue streams, build relationships with resellers, vendors, and infrastructure partners they have no prior contacts with, and figure out how to invest in attracting their first customer base, especially for marginalised or impoverished women in rural and B40 communities. Not to mention, juggling their careers on top of household responsibilities and raising children.
#ShopeeSapotLokal’s community of women sellers have a sense of purpose and are capitalising on opportunities to drive greater inclusion by appealing to younger generations of Malaysian shoppers who shop purposefully online(3). When Generation Z choose to buy from women-owned stores, the survey helps them understand why these women think it’s important their business is supported: 60% of respondents are driven by career growth, financial empowerment, and long-term stability. 40% believe in making a positive impact with products that improve lives and by being role models for women and children.
Kenneth Soh, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia, said, “Our belief is that e-commerce should be accessible to all. With this survey, Shopee’s community of empowered business-women are getting their voices heard. They’re advocating for a multifaceted approach to uplift other women and encouraging online shoppers to support them. These women are playing a significant role in Malaysia’s digital economy, and we’re sitting up listening and giving them the platform to succeed.”
Their growing participation in e-commerce allows Malaysian women to give their point of view on how to upskill other women to unlock their growth potential. 70% of women surveyed identified understanding people and delivering on trust as critical to success — 30% prioritise marketing as important to improve store content and deliver on their brand story, 20% focus on engaging shopping experiences to increase orders, and 20% emphasise customer service for star ratings and positive reviews. Only a third think upskilling is needed in navigating the platform features or optimising operations.
When asked which Shopee marketplace feature they utilise most to grow given their specific needs and constraints as women entrepreneurs, 36% of women sellers want to become preferred sellers or achieve Shopee Mall status. 25% want to leverage influencers and Shopee Live for higher visibility, 23% seek Seller Education Hub and Shopee Bintang Komuniti support, and 18% would like to capitalise on Big Campaigns.
“Championing other women’s success means they can help each other define how Malaysian communities are built, communicated with, and how value-based businesses are run. 90% of women surveyed would recommend Shopee as a platform of choice to other women sellers promoting value-based shopping and inclusion,” Soh concluded.
Notes to Editor
Hashtag: #Shopee #RayaBersamaShopee #ShopeeSapotLokal
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Shopee
Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee promotes an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem by enabling businesses to digitalise and grow their online presence, helping more people access and benefit from digital services, and uplifting local communities.
Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping homegrown brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.
Shopee is part of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), a leading global consumer internet company. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology through its three core businesses: Shopee, Garena and SeaMoney.
89 Local Companies Recognised as “Consumer Caring Companies” by GS1 Hong Kong
Retail & Food Companies Attract New Consumers with Consumer-first Strategies as HK Returns to Normalcy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 April 2023 – With the full resumption of economic activities and return of visitors, Hong Kong’s retail sales surged for 2 consecutive months, beaming hope for a steady recovery. Celebrating companies’ tenacity to customer care, the 12th GS1 Hong Kong’s “Consumer Caring Scheme” has recognized 89 local companies this year. Several retail & food companies newly joined the Scheme to promote their commitment to consumer centricity, empowering them to tap into new sales opportunities with positive brand reputation. The award presentation ceremony will be held on 30 May 2023 at GS1 Hong Kong Solution Day.

Recognising local companies that implemented “consumer-first” strategies, “Consumer Caring Scheme” (the Scheme) also helps companies boost consumer confidence. 70% of consumers feel more confident in companies with “Consumer Caring Company” logos, according to a consumer survey conducted by KANTAR, commissioned by GS1 Hong Kong.
Companies across multiple sectors are recognised by the Scheme this year, in which over half of them are from food & beverage, household or pets products & services, beauty & personal care. Close to 70% of the recognized companies have been awarded for 5 years or above – 29 companies have been crowned for 10 years or more, 32 companies have been crowned with the “5 Years+” or “5 Years” recognition, demonstrating their long-standing commitment to consumer-first service. Well-established food & beverage and retail companies have also joined the Scheme this year, which further affirms the Scheme as a recognition widely acknowledged by multiple industries. (Refer to the Appendix for the Recognised Companies)
Participating companies were assessed based on 4 core principles: consumer centricity, conforming to commitment, strive for quality and caring for staff via self-assessment, interview, third-party consumer survey and field visits. In addition, GS1 Hong Kong has also taken reference to the internationally acclaimed Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) to evaluate companies’ service and performance on consumer care.
Anna Lin, Chief Executive of GS1 Hong Kong said, “Though the pandemic has driven people to shop online more often, physical retail is still important. Our joint survey with KPMG China & HSBC[1] revealed that over 80% interviewees cannot live without physical retail stores, whereas close to 30% of retailers consider integration between physical and online stores their priority. We are glad that many ‘consumer caring companies’ have been providing consumer-centric services in both online and physical channels – on online channels, they instantly respond to consumers’ request, whereas on physical channels, they provide new, immersive and diversified shopping experience, offer professional suggestions or launch new retail concept stores, etc. More encouragingly, a significant number of companies have continuously pursued consumer centricity and joined ‘Consumer Caring Scheme’ consecutively over the years to advocate their product & service excellence. This will ultimately strengthen the reputation of Hong Kong brands.”
Joining the Scheme for the first time, Tai Hing Catering Group is one of the recognised companies this year. Ms. Jo Jo Chan, Executive Director of the Group shared, “Our Group values both customers & employees. With our people-oriented and customer-centric approaches, we offer exceptional dining experience to customers; We also respond to customers’ feedback on social media platforms instantly to strengthen mutual communication & interaction. To protect our employees, automated equipment & machines are deployed to avoid chronic injuries, occupational accidents and ensure product quality. ‘Consumer Caring Company’ recognition reassures our service commitment and motivates us to continue providing customers with unmatched service excellence.”
Crowned as “Consumer Caring Company” for 10 consecutive years, Health Aims Organic Functional Products Specialty Shop is dedicated to providing professional service. Mr. Duncan Ko, Managing Director & Founder of the company said, “We always strive for excellence in product quality & service. Our organic food products are certified by accredited organisations, with product details listed clearly to protect consumers. We also make sure staff are knowledgeable of product functions & usage, so they can understand consumers and offer professional advice that meet their needs. We feel grateful to be honored with ‘Consumer Caring Company’ recognition for years, which helps propel our business forward with higher level of professionalism and service for consumers.”
Please visit our website for details of GS1 Hong Kong’s Consumer Caring Scheme:https://www.gs1hk.org/zh-hk/industry-recognition/consumer-caring-scheme
Appendix – List of Recognised Companies of Consumer Caring Scheme (in alphabetical order by brand or company name, please click here to view the company logos)
10 Years+ Award | |||||
1 | 3M Hong Kong Ltd | 2 | Autotoll Limited | ||
3 | Casablanca Hong Kong Ltd | 4 | Cherry | ||
5 | Chuan Chiong Co., Ltd | 6 | Colgate-Palmolive (H.K.) Ltd | ||
7 | Danny Catering Service Ltd | 8 | DCH ToolBox | ||
9 | Forewide Co (Retail) Ltd | 10 | Giormani | ||
11 | Hung Fook Tong Holdings Ltd | 12 | Linson Global Seafood Trading Ltd | ||
13 | Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd | 14 | Nestlé Hong Kong Limited | ||
15 | Royal Medic (Holdings) Ltd | 16 | Swire Coca-Cola HK | ||
17 | Tiger Mark (HK) Ginsengs Co Ltd | 18 | Vitasoy International Holdings Ltd | ||
10 Years Award | |||||
1 | AQ Bio Technology Group Ltd | 2 | Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd | ||
3 | CR Care Company Limited | 4 | Harmonic Health Pharmaceutical Co Ltd | ||
5 | Health Aims Organic Functional Product Specialty Shop | 6 | Hongkong Post | ||
7 | Morita Biotech (HK) Ltd | 8 | Original Taste Workshop Ltd | ||
9 | SWIPE (HK) Ltd | 10 | Taste of Asia Group Ltd | ||
11 | Watsons Water | ||||
5 Years+ Award | |||||
1 | 95 INTERNATIONAL CO LTD | 2 | Biogem Science Technology Ltd | ||
3 | CATALO Natural Health Foods Ltd | 4 | CHAISENTOMG PHARMACEUTICAL FACTORY LIMITED | ||
5 | Crown Gas Stoves (Holdings) Co Ltd | 6 | Deco Classic Limited | ||
7 | eprint Group Ltd | 8 | Hair Again 2000 | ||
9 | Hong Kong Zihua Pharmaceutical Limited | 10 | Imperial Parking (Hong Kong) Limited | ||
11 | Lee Kum Kee Company Limited | 12 | MaxiPro (Asia) Limited | ||
13 | Mead Johnson Nutrition (HK) Ltd | 14 | Nu Life International (Asia) Limited | ||
15 | Nu Skin Enterprises Hong Kong, LLC | 16 | Pricerite Home Ltd | ||
17 | Sinomax Health & Household Products Limited | 18 | Smartech | ||
19 | Tai Wo Tung Medicine Co Ltd | 20 | The International Medical Co Ltd – Ricqles | ||
21 | Tung Chun Soy Sauce and Canned Food Co Ltd | 22 | wishh! | ||
23 | Worldwide Cruise Terminals (Hong Kong) Ltd | 24 | Wyeth (Hong Kong) Holding Company Ltd | ||
25 | YesNutri | 26 | You Beauty | ||
27 | Yummy House International Ltd | ||||
5 Years Award | |||||
1 | Come In Enterprises Co Ltd | 2 | CSL Mobile Limited | ||
3 | Kwok Kam Kee (HK) Ltd | 4 | Purepro Water Hong Kong Limited | ||
5 | Zhong An Ya (Hong Kong) Trading Ltd | ||||
Award Winners (of 2 or more consecutive years) | |||||
1 | Aqua Plus Company Limited | 2 | Casa Republic (International) Limited | ||
3 | DIREACH CGA (H.K.) Limited | 4 | DSG Energy Limited | ||
5 | Golden Umee International Limited | 6 | Green World Pharmaceutical Limited | ||
7 | HOMEPLUS (HONG KONG) LIMITED | 8 | Imperial Enterprises Holdings Limited | ||
9 | International Warwick Limited | 10 | Kopen (Hong Kong) Company Limited | ||
11 | New Life Support Enterprises Limited | 12 | Oriole Food International Ltd | ||
13 | Premier Living (Enterprises) Co., Ltd. | 14 | Reckitt Benckiser (Hong Kong) Limited | ||
15 | Sa Sa International Holdings Limited | 16 | Simply Satisfied International Limited | ||
17 | Tung Wah Moving Services Company Limited | 18 | YHK Design Limited | ||
New Awardees | |||||
1 | Airland Holding Company Limited | 2 | DKSH HONG KONG LTD | ||
3 | LEARNING GEAR LIMITED | 4 | MAK MAN KEE NOODLE SHOP LIMITED | ||
5 | Matrixmiji International Company Limited | 6 | PARKNSHOP (HK) LIMITED | ||
7 | Pro Sky Corporation Limited | 8 | SHUN YI GROUP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED | ||
9 | Sincere Top International Limited | 10 | TAI HING WORLDWIDE DEVELOPMENT LIMITED |
Hashtag: #GS1HongKong
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About GS1 Hong Kong
Founded by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in 1989, GS1 Hong Kong (GS1 HK) is the local chapter of GS1®, which supports companies’ digitization to enhance supply chain transparency and efficiency, ensure product authenticity, and facilitate online and offline commerce with global supply chain standards (product identification key and barcode) and a full spectrum of standard-based platforms, solutions and services.
Currently, GS1 HK has around 8,000 corporate members covering close to 20 industries including retail consumer goods, food and food services, healthcare, apparel, logistics as well as information and technology. By engaging with communities of trading partners, industry organisations, government, and technology providers, GS1 HK is fostering a collaborative ecosystem with the vision of “Smarter Business, Better Life”.
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, GS1® is a not-for-profit, standards organisation that has 116 national chapters serving 150 economies globally. For more information, please visit www.gs1hk.org.
North Korea Fires ICBM That May Have Been New Type of Weapon
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Thursday conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile launch in a month, possibly testing a new type of more mobile, harder-to-detect weapons system, its neighbors said, in an extension of the North’s provocative run of missile tests.
GEODIS strengthens its capabilities for air freight temperature-controlled pharmaceutical shipments across Asia Pacific and Middle East
CEIV certification is an assurance of the quality of transportation for healthcare companies in the region.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 13 April 2023 – Leading global logistics operator GEODIS has announced that it has strengthened its air freight temperature-controlled pharma shipments capabilities in Asia Pacific and Middle East (APAC&ME) with the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) certification. The certification covers multiple locations in China (PVG), Indonesia (CGK), India (DEL & BOM), South Korea (ICN), Thailand (BKK), United Arab Emirates (DXB) and Singapore (SIN).

This certification supports GEODIS’ strategic goals of establishing Pharma Healthcare as a key organizational vertical and expanding its global network by accrediting sites in numerous countries throughout the APAC region.
According to Onno Boots, Regional President and CEO of GEODIS for APAC and Middle East, “With the CEIV Pharma accreditation, we can ensure our customers of our competence and commitment to handle pharmaceutical temperature-sensitive products with the utmost care and attention. Pharmaceutical businesses need to find logistics solutions that are dependable and effective, and GEODIS is in a perfect position to offer them the best services in the area.”
This series of certifications is a reflection of the tremendous investment GEODIS has made in guaranteeing the highest levels of quality and compliance in its Pharma Healthcare capabilities.
“Without a doubt, we are responding to the healthcare industry’s demand for options in the selection of global supply chain partners and we look forward to establishing GEODIS as a key service provider for pharma and healthcare companies, particularly in Asia Pacific and Middle East where we see the key hubs of production and distribution”, adds Boots.
The CEIV Pharma certification for GEODIS further demonstrates its dedication to offering customers supply chain transparency and visibility. GEODIS can provide customers with shipment location and temperature data using GPS data loggers controlled by a control tower, enabling more openness and visibility.
In addition, the capabilities of GEODIS in customs brokerage and contract logistics are of particular interest to the decision-makers in Pharma Healthcare in this region. The best illustration of GEODIS’ capabilities for contract logistics is in Singapore, where GEODIS has GDP, GMP, and ISO13485 in its warehouses. GEODIS is well-positioned to manage the trade compliance needs of the healthcare companies as they expand their operations into new markets.
Hashtag: #GEODIS
https://www.linkedin.com/company/geodis
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https://www.instagram.com/geodisgroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
GEODIS
GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and more than 49,400 employees, GEODIS is ranked world no. 6 in its sector. In 2022, GEODIS generated €13.7 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.
President of Laos Wishes Everyone a Happy New Year!
President of Laos and Party Secretary, Thongloun Sisoulith, gave a speech wishing prosperity and happiness to Lao citizens, expatriates, and foreign nationals living in the country for the upcoming Lao New Year on 14-16 April.
J.K. Rowling to Executive Produce New Harry Potter TV Series
Warner Bros. Discovery announced on Wednesday that a Harry Potter television series is currently in the works, with author J.K. Rowling coming on board as an executive producer.