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Vientiane Residents Demand Action Amid Ongoing Water Shortages

Many households in Vientiane are struggling with water supply issues, including shortages and low water pressure. Residents are growing increasingly frustrated, as water disruptions continue despite repeated calls for conservation.

On 5 March, the Water Supply Department issued an announcement urging residents to save water due to high consumption, frequent power outages, and a prolonged heatwave. These factors have disrupted water production and caused delays in distribution, particularly in elevated and suburban areas.

In response to these challenges, the government has advised residents to store water in containers as a precaution against future disruptions. However, despite these efforts, frustration is mounting, and many residents have turned to social media to voice their dissatisfaction.

A Recurring Issue

Many locals argue that water shortages in Laos are not new. While the government has repeatedly called for conservation, critics say it has failed to address the root causes or improve infrastructure to prevent such shortages from happening again.

Davy Yiayengvang, a resident of Khamngoy village in Xaysettha district, shared her ongoing struggles with water supply issues. 

“My household has been dealing with low water pressure since December, and the situation has only worsened,” Davy said. “The water only flows for about an hour in the morning, from 6 to 7 AM, and then it’s cut off.”

Davy continued, “The water shortage has worsened, and it has completely stopped since 28 February until now. I have to go get some water from my friend’s house in Xokyai village, Saysettha district, which is about 6 km away.” 

She also mentioned that although small shops around her house sell bottled water, they are often forced to buy 20-liter bottles from a drinking water company. 

“When the drinking water company didn’t arrive, I had to go buy a 1.75-liter bottle of water from a nearby local store. Sometimes, nobody wants to waste money on a 20-liter bottle or even a 1.75-liter bottle.”

When Davy contacted the Water Supply authorities to inquire about the lack of water, their response was that the water pump did not have enough pressure to supply nearby residents. 

“When I asked them how they plan to solve the problem, they simply told me that I could buy water from them, and they would deliver it by truck,” she said.

Davy added that the situation this year is particularly severe, as the weather has become progressively hotter. 

“Even now, the authorities are still struggling. What will happen when the Lao New Year festival comes, which requires a lot of water, or when the hot season peaks in April?” she asked.

Rising Concerns on Social Media

Other residents are also sharing their frustrations online. One comment on Facebook from Nathom village in Xaythany district highlighted the ongoing water shortage, which has persisted since 11 February. “Although I have groundwater, I have to use my water pump, which has been working overtime since then. If my pump breaks, who will take responsibility?” the user asked.

In Sivilay village, also in Xaythany district, another Facebook user expressed frustration, stating, “The water hasn’t come for the past two weeks, yet I’m still receiving my water bills.”

Despite multiple reports on similar incidents in previous years, residents continue to face the same issue. 

A Facebook user responded to an announcement from the Water Supply State Enterprise Vientiane, asking, “Why don’t the authorities have any plans—short-term, medium-term, or long-term—to solve this problem?”

Government Efforts and Future Plans

In response to the ongoing shortages, the water supply company has acknowledged the challenge of meeting demand during the dry season. Currently, their production capacity is 348,000 cubic meters per day, while the demand stands at 520,000 cubic meters daily.

To address the shortfall, the government has signed a contract to build a water supply factory in Tha Dok Kham village, Xaythany district, with a capacity of 100,000 cubic meters. 

Additional factories are also planned: one in Houay Hom village, Sikhottabong district, with a capacity of 20,000 cubic meters, and another in Chi Nai Mo village, Siasttanak district, with a capacity of 40,000 cubic meters per day.

The government is also encouraging private sector investment in water infrastructure to help meet the growing demand. 

Cellini and Family Health Chiropractic Clinic Collaborate on Ergonomic Furniture Solutions

Improving sleep quality and well-being through ergonomic furniture choices.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2025 – In the lead up to World Sleep Day on 14 March 2025, Singaporean furniture brand Cellini is collaborating with Family Health Chiropractic Clinic (FHCC) to raise awareness about the importance of sleep health and ergonomic furniture choices.

Cellini is collaborating with Family Health Chiropractic Clinic (FHCC)
Cellini is collaborating with Family Health Chiropractic Clinic (FHCC)

The collaboration features a series of informative videos and reels designed to educate consumers on how to improve their spinal health, sleep quality, and overall well-being through proper furniture selection and usage, with a particular focus on the innovative Nightingale mattress collection.

Get Ergonomic Advice from the Professionals

Ergonomic furniture is designed to support the body’s natural alignment and movements, reducing strain and promoting comfort. This is crucial for maintaining good posture, preventing back pain, and improving overall well-being.

The 10 videos, developed in partnership with FHCC, cover various aspects of sleep health and ergonomics and offer practical advice and insights related to wellness. Topics include choosing the right mattress, optimising sleep hygiene, practicing safe sleep habits, how to use ergonomic furniture correctly, and selecting furniture for Asian profiles.

Cellini’s Nightingale Mattress Collection is further spotlighted in the videos, highlighting key features such as

  • Responsive micro spring technology for targeted ergonomic support
  • Premium pocketed springs for precise motion shock absorption
  • Natural latex material for even weight distribution and reduced pressure points
  • Natural materials for enhanced breathability and odour-free bedding

Watch the first episode on Cellini’s Instagram and YouTube channels this World Sleep Day, 14 Mar 2025.

Producing Transformative Furniture Collections for the Everyday Consumer

This collaboration with FHCC underscores Cellini’s commitment to creating furniture collections that inspire and transform how you live for the better. To encourage consumers to improve their ergonomic health and invest in better sleep, Cellini is offering 30% off all bed frames till March 2025. Customers may also visit Cellini’s furniture showrooms to try the Nightingale Mattress Collection in-person, experiencing its ergonomic benefits for themselves.

Find out more at https://cellini.com.sg/.
Hashtag: #Cellini


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

Cellini

Cellini is a designer furniture brand that curates inspiration for all modern homes. Founded in Singapore in 1986, Cellini has always been passionate about art, connecting people to the creative works of skilled artisans and local designers. Designed and produced by its team, Cellini offers quality craftsmanship, exclusive designs, and timeless furniture pieces, all powered and manufactured by new technology and top-quality materials. Cellini’s furniture showrooms boast specially curated pieces that are second to none in terms of quality craftsmanship. For more information, please visit: .

Ramadan 2024: Octa broker’s diverse charity agenda


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2025 – Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a festive time marked by family gatherings, communal bonding, and spiritual development. In 2024, a global broker Octa carried out several charity projects in various countries to celebrate Ramadan, driving education and long-term social benefits.

Octa Broker

Each year, the month of Ramadan comes forth as a unifying force for Muslims all over the world. Since the Ramadan state of mind is characterised by deep reflection and a sense of connection, Octa aimed its latest Ramadan charity initiatives at fostering education and building strong social bonds. Below are Ramadan-related charity projects implemented by Octa broker in 2024.

Indonesia
In the wake of the holy month of Ramadan in 2024, Octa funded the renovation of SD NEGERI DEPOK, a school in Depok City, West Java, Indonesia. On 27 April, Octa representatives and local officials held the opening of the renovated school and presented gifts to the children. The main stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the project’s outcome and offered their best wishes to the local students.

The project aimed to improve and expand the local educational infrastructure to address the increasing number of students in the region. Another key objective was to provide moral encouragement to students and motivate them to be proactive in pursuing knowledge and studying science.

Malaysia
To celebrate Ramadan in Malaysia, Octa sponsored STATUS 200, a coding bootcamp for students of Ideas International, an inclusive secondary school located in Kuala Lumpur.

STATUS 200 was held in three stages, from July to November 2024. Octa fully funded the project, allocating some slots to students supported by UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency). To promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, Octa also granted 50% of the slots within the programme to female students.

Twelve students achieved Stage 2 certification and enrolled in Stage 3, finishing it with impressive results. The graduates successfully completed their final assignments—each had to develop a fully functional webshop from scratch. Based on these individual projects, the graduates’ skill levels met the requirements for a junior web developer position.

With STATUS 200, Octa made another step towards its long-term social mission: to bring lasting positive change to local communities through small steps—incremental, targeted, and timely initiatives.

Nigeria
In 2024, Octa carried out three charity projects in Nigeria around the holy month of Ramadan:

  • Providing 300 children with educational supplies: due to a harsh economic crisis, many parents in economically challenged areas of the country cannot afford the basic school fees for their children and educational materials. Octa joined forces with a local charity, KIR Foundation, to provide students with much-needed supplies, including writing materials, dictionaries, and school bags, promoting accessible education and driving social development.
  • Training 25 youths in tech skills: Octa and KIP organised training courses to empower unemployed or underemployed youth with tech skills, including data science, cybersecurity, and graphic design.
  • Establishing yet another reading corner: reading corners are mini libraries set up in less-developed city areas or public primary schools. They enable children to improve their literacy skills and develop a lifelong love for reading. In 2024, Octa and KIR have set up 24 reading corners throughout 14 states, reaching 9,209 children and donating 3,763 books.

In 2024, Octa’s Ramadan-related charity initiatives contributed to long-lasting positive change in local communities, enhancing the career potential of local students of various age groups. In 2025, the global broker will keep up with the good tradition and carry out new dedicated charity projects to celebrate Ramadan. Stay tuned!

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Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision.

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

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charity and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

Unique “New Places in Edo/Tokyo” now connected with Virtual Edo-Tokyo!

Entries received for “New Places in Edo/Tokyo in metaverse”

TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2025 – From Wednesday, December 25, 2024 through Friday, January 10, 2025, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government called for submissions of cluster worlds created with the theme “New Places in Edo/Tokyo in metaverse” that showcase the best of Tokyo to a wider audience. We are pleased to announce that 12 eligible works we received are connected with the Virtual Edo-Tokyo world via warp tunnels.

New Places in Edo/Tokyo in metaverse

Check out the unique metaverse spaces showcasing the best of Edo-Tokyo, generated by diverse creators including those who created a cluster world for the first time.

■ How to visit submitted worlds

Access the Virtual Edo-Tokyo world using the URL below, and visit submitted worlds via warp points within the New Tokyo Area in the Virtual Edo-Tokyo world. Cluster app is required to visit worlds. If you don’t have the app, access Cluster’s official website (https://cluster.mu/) on your PC or smartphone, download the app, and sign-up for an account (free).

Virtual Edo-Tokyo Entrance|Cluster metaverse platform

* Virtual Edo-Tokyo is a central portal for metaverse and VR content from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Activities of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s bureaus are updated regularly. If you have already visited, please be sure to check again for the latest information.

Hashtag: #NewPlacesinEdo/Tokyo #VirtualEdo-Tokyo

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

British Influencer Jailed in Thailand Over Visa Overstay

Photos from Ellis Matthews Tik Tok page.

Ellis Matthews, a 32-year-old British influencer from Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, has been arrested in Thailand for overstaying her visa.

The woman left the UK four years ago and quickly gained online fame through her TikTok account, had built a large online following by sharing content about her life in Thailand, attracting 16,400 followers.

Her seemingly lavish lifestyle came crashing down when Thai authorities raided her Pattaya home, arresting her for visa overstay. She has since reported poor conditions in detention and pleaded for prayers for her three-year-old son, who remains in the country.

According to the British tabloid Daily Mail, Matthews shared advice on how to claim British benefits while living overseas. In one viral clip, she flaunted a wad of cash while wearing a bikini, stating she had been collecting Disability Living Allowance for four years despite living outside the UK. Matthews justified her GBP 2,300 (LAK 64.4 million) monthly benefits by citing mental health issues and the need for ongoing treatment.

In the UK, her claims have raised skepticism, as Thailand is not typically on the approved list for receiving UK benefits. British citizens can stay in Thailand for up to three months on a tourist visa, with an optional one-month extension. Those who overstay may face daily fines of THB 500 (approximately LAK 323,000 or GBP 11.40).

A GoFundMe campaign in Matthews’ name has raised GBP 150 (LAK 4.2 million), allegedly for her and her son. However, reports indicate that she did not authorise the fundraiser, further complicating the situation.

White House Cuts Funding to Radio Free Asia, Voice of America, Other Global Media Outlets

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures while speaking at the Justice Department 14 March in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

The Trump administration’s recent actions have led to severe budget cuts for the Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Asia (RFA), and other global media outlets. On 15 March, federal grants supporting RFA and its partner networks were officially terminated.

These cuts follow an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on 14 March, which mandates a reduction in non-statutory divisions within the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM).

USAGM, the federal entity responsible for funding RFA, VOA, and several other independent international news organizations, receives its budget through congressional appropriations. The agency then distributes these funds to its affiliated media outlets.

The executive order broadly calls for eliminating USAGM, along with six other unrelated government entities, including those focused on museums, homelessness, and minority business development.

The goal is to reduce or eliminate these agencies “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” 

As a result of the cuts, nearly all 1,300 VOA staff members were placed on leave, and news broadcasts have been halted. Some VOA stations have switched to playing music. 

In addition to VOA and RFA, USAGM oversees Radio Free Europe and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, all of which have had their contracts terminated. While the order primarily targets USAGM’s non-statutory components, RFA remains legally protected under the International Broadcasting Act.

RFA, which began broadcasting in 1996, serves audiences in countries with restricted press freedom, broadcasting in nine languages. Its parent agency, USAGM, oversees media outlets that broadcast in over 60 languages worldwide.

Critics warn that these cuts could diminish U.S. influence, leaving space for countries like China to dominate global media narratives.

The future of USAGM is now uncertain. The American Foreign Service Association has vowed to defend the agency and its journalists, while press freedom advocates are calling on Congress to restore funding.

The Committee to Protect Journalists called the cuts “outrageous,” and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul described them as a “giant gift to China.”

Sahm Capital Joins the Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM)


RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2025 – Sahm Capital is excited to announce its official membership in the Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM), further solidifying its commitment to the growth and development of the Arab capital markets.

Founded in 1978, AFCM aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of capital markets across the Arab region, including the GCC, Levant, and Arab African countries. With oversight of 18 exchanges and 8 Clearing Houses, AFCM works to harmonize regulations, promote market development, and adopt new technologies to advance securities trading in the region.

A Strong Partnership for Growth

This membership presents an exciting opportunity for Sahm Capital to collaborate with other market leaders, share expertise, and develop stronger investment strategies that will contribute to the continued growth of Arab capital markets. Sahm Capital is committed to playing a pivotal role in strengthening the MENA financial landscape and expanding its access to regional and international investors.

Sahm Capital’s Growth and Future Vision

Founded in 2022 and fully licensed by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) of Saudi Arabia, with license number [license no. 22251-25], Sahm Capital has rapidly grown into a leading player in the region. In October 2023, the company received licenses for Dealing, Advising, and Custody services, followed by the launch of the Sahm trading app in December 2023. The app, a first-of-its-kind platform, has already surpassed 1 million users, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing trading platforms in the region.

In addition to its brokerage licenses, Sahm Capital secured Managing and Arranging licenses from the CMA in October 2024, positioning the company to offer a wide range of financial services, such as investment banking, managing investments and operating funds.

After three years of deepening its roots in Saudi Arabia, Sahm Capital is now ready to expand its reach across the Arab world. With a focus on delivering high-quality financial services, Sahm aims to help investors realize their full potential in an opportunity-rich capital market.

Sahm Capital’s Chairman of the Board, Steven Chou, shared his thoughts on the significance of this achievement: “Joining the Arab Federation of Capital Markets is an important milestone for us as we continue to build upon our success in Saudi Arabia and extend our presence across the wider Arab world. We look forward to working closely with AFCM to drive innovation and development in the region’s capital markets.”

Hashtag: #Brokerage #Sahm




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

Sahm Capital

Sahm Capital, registered in Riyadh, holds full regulatory licenses from the Capital Market Authority (CMA) to provide Dealing, Advising, Custody, Arranging, and Managing Investments and Operating Funds Activities in the Securities Business services (license no. 22251-25). As the first fintech-driven financial company to achieve full CMA licensing, Sahm Capital has established itself as the fastest-growing member of the Saudi Exchange, leveraging proprietary technology and innovative financial solutions to deliver seamless, one-stop financial services. For more information, visit:

UU Wallet Secures U.S. MSB License, Embarking on a New Chapter of Global Compliance with Security at Its Core

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 March 2025 – UU Wallet, a leading global Web3 payment platform, recently announced that it has officially obtained the Money Services Business (MSB) license from the United States. This makes UU Wallet one of the few digital financial service platforms that combines robust security capabilities with global compliance credentials. The approval of this license signifies that UU Wallet can now operate compliantly within the U.S. regulatory framework, engaging in digital asset transactions, fiat currency exchange, and cross-border payments, further solidifying its position as the “most secure Web3 payment platform.”

Security and Compliance: Driving Global Strategy

The U.S. MSB license, issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) under the Department of the Treasury, is a critical entry requirement for international financial institutions to provide monetary services. Passing the license audit indicates that UU Wallet has met stringent U.S. regulatory standards in areas such as anti-money laundering (AML), risk control systems, and user asset protection.

Since its establishment in 2023, UU Wallet has rapidly grown into a Web3 payment ecosystem covering over 160 countries and regions, thanks to its technological innovation and commitment to security. With a team of over 100 professionals, UU Wallet focuses on four core businesses: digital currency and fiat exchange, prepaid cards, enterprise wallet services, and Web3 wealth management. Its daily transaction volume has surpassed $20 million.

Four Core Features Redefining Secure Payment Experiences

Instant Fiat Exchange, Secure and Frictionless

UU Wallet supports instant conversions between mainstream fiat currencies such as the Philippine Peso (PHP), South Korean Won (KRW), Japanese Yen (JPY), US Dollar (USD), Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), and Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), and digital currencies. Utilizing intelligent routing and multi-signature cold wallet technology, users can complete cross-border fund transfers within 5 seconds, with end-to-end data encryption and a zero-risk incident record.

Global Prepaid Cards: USDT Real-Time Circulation, Balancing KYC Efficiency and Security

Users can instantly recharge prepaid cards with USDT, which are accepted in over 160 countries and regions for both online and offline purchases. The platform supports both virtual and physical cards, as well as B2B client integration. UU Wallet’s unique “tiered KYC” mechanism allows basic consumption scenarios to complete identity verification in just 3 minutes, while larger transactions are secured through dynamic facial recognition and blockchain address tracking, striking a balance between convenience and security.

Enterprise Wallet Services: Comprehensive Fund Protection

For Web3 enterprises, UU Wallet offers payment and fund management solutions covering 50+ public chains and 10,000+ tokens. Through secure multi-party computation (MPC) technology, real-time risk warning systems, and monthly third-party audits, UU Wallet ensures transparent and traceable fund flows, mitigating risks of operational errors and hacker attacks.

Web3 Asset Wealth Management: Balancing Returns and Risk Control

The platform provides a variety of value-added services, including flexible staking, structured products, and compliant stablecoin wealth management. All products are executed automatically via smart contracts, with code security verified by top-tier auditing firms. Historical annualized returns range from 3% to 15%, ensuring users’ assets grow steadily and securely.

“Security is the lifeline of financial services,” said a UU Wallet spokesperson. “With the MSB license, we will accelerate collaboration with global regulators and traditional financial institutions, driving deeper integration of Web3 payments with mainstream economic systems.”

Hashtag: #UUWallet

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

About UU Wallet

UU Wallet is a security-focused Web3 payment infrastructure provider dedicated to lowering the barriers to digital asset usage through technological innovation. The company has obtained financial licenses in the United States and the Philippines, serving over 500,000 individual users and 2,000 enterprises with a zero-security-incident record.