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Covid Patient Flees Hospital in Khammouane Province

A woman who fled a field hospital in Khammouane Province has since returned to receive treatment.

A woman who fled a field hospital in Khammouane Province has since returned to receive treatment.

Disney+ To Launch In South Korea, Hong Kong And Taiwan In November 2021

  • Highly anticipated streaming service will feature a vast library of entertainment content from Disney’s iconic brands – Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic and Star
  • In October, Disney+ Japan will be expanded with additional general entertainment content

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 August 2021 – At the company’s Q3 earnings call this morning, The Walt Disney Company announced that Disney+, the highly anticipated streaming service, will launch in South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan in November 2021. Disney+ Japan will also be expanded to feature additional general entertainment content in October 2021.

 

The streaming service is currently available in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

 

“The response towards Disney+ across Asia Pacific has exceeded our expectations, as consumers seek diverse entertainment content and are drawn to our portfolio of brands and franchises,” said Luke Kang, President, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific. “We are pleased with the subscriber growth and partnerships forged in markets, and look forward to engaging with more consumers across the region – through unparalleled storytelling, creative excellence and cutting-edge content delivery.”

 

In Thailand, the streaming service has topped app store charts since its launch on 30 June 2021, and in Indonesia and Malaysia, it sits as a leading SVOD (subscription video on demand) service.

 

Disney+ offers an impressive selection of films and episodes of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star, which includes a growing stable of local and regional content. The streaming service is home to exclusive Disney+ Originals content and specials, including Marvel Studios’ WandaVision, Loki and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier; Star Wars’ series The Mandalorian; Disney and Pixar’s Luca, National Geographic’s Secrets of the Whales, along with Hamilton and more. Star offers thousands of hours of general entertainment, from favorites to brand-new originals and exclusives. Disney+ is currently available in 61 countries and 21 languages across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

More information on the launches in South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as the expanded service in Japan will be available soon.

 

About Disney+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the new general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ is part of the Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution segment. The service offers commercial-free streaming alongside an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as a standalone streaming service or as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Disney+ Hotstar is the brand launched in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and India. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes Disney Parks, Experiences and Products; Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution; and three content groups—Studios, General Entertainment and Sports—focused on developing and producing content for DTC, theatrical and linear platforms. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $65.4 billion in its Fiscal Year 2020.

Sekong Locks Down Four Districts After New Covid-19 Case

Sekong Province Locks Down Four Districts
The Sekong Monument.

Sekong authorities have placed four districts under lockdown including Lamam, Thateng, Kaleum, and Dakcheung, following one new case of Covid-19 recorded in the province yesterday.

A.S. Watson Launches Foundation Finder AI Tool To Help Customers Find the Perfect Match

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 12 August 2021 – A.S. Watson Group, the world’s largest international health & beauty retailer, has announced the launch of its Foundation Finder in its mobile app to help customers identify their perfect foundation colours and shade.

 

Launched firstly in Watsons Hong Kong and Malaysia, the flagship health & beauty brand of A.S. Watson, Foundation Finder will later be rolled out to other Asian markets including the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan. A.S. Watson is also exploring the possibility to launch in Europe. It is now offering customers up to 700 foundation products from over 30 brands. The function will first appear on the Watsons mobile app and then will extend to digital gadgets in-store.

 

According to Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe), “Most beauty lovers struggle to find the right shade as normally we apply foundation tester on hands. In most cases, the skin colour on hands is slightly different from the face. We know this is the pain point of customers and this inspires us to work on a solution. Our eLab digital team developed this together with Watsons makeup artists. I’ve tried it, and am confident that our customers will love it.”

Technology Enhances the O+O Retail Shopping Experience

Developed by A.S. Watson’s own in-house digital agency eLab, the Foundation Finder offers a seamless O+O retail shopping experience to its customers, thanks to its Advanced Facial Analysis Technology. The state-of-the-art technology helps customers to find the right foundation that matches perfectly to the customer’s skin type and skin tone.

 

Customers can simply take a selfie and answer a few simple questions about their skin conditions and makeup style preferences, and the app will recommend foundations that best suit the customers’ needs. It also gives the option for customers to then choose a lighter or darker shade based on their individual preference. The function is digitally connected to the Watsons online store, so customers can immediately order their recommended products and have it delivered to their homes or pick up in stores. They can also save the recommendation via email for later reference when visiting the stores.

Innovation Makes Shopping Fun and Easy

Ngai shares her experience, “We all have foundations at home which we’re not happy with the colour as they don’t give a perfect match. Making use of AR technology, we can help our customers to find a much closer match to give a perfect look.

 

“In fact, we’ve been pioneering the application of AR technology in our O+O experience for beauty lovers. Simply using our Watsons app on their smart phones, they can try on different colour cosmetics and hair colour. Customers are now addicted to their phones, and being able to build a relationship with them involves both our physical store touch point as well as digital is the essence of our O+O strategy. And being relevant and fun is key to add value to our customers’ daily lives.”    

Greater Bay Area commercial real estate market turns vibrant

Forecast total transaction volume to exceed RMB50 billion in 2021 Investors eye on tier 2, 3 cities with appetite for Industrial logistics, cold chain, data centers

  • Transaction volume in Guangzhou and Shenzhen exceeds RMB50 billion for four consecutive years, forecast similar volume for 2021 while transactions extend to tier 2 cities in the region.
  • Foreign investors increase investment in the Greater Bay Area especially low value assets in Southern China for geo-strategic asset allocation.
  • Though transactions are still dominated by traditional industries, the mature transport network favours the development of new property types, with industrial logistics, cold chain, and data centers preferred by investors.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 12 August 2021 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield announces Greater Bay Area Commercial Real Estate Investment Market Review and Forecast 1H 2021 today. The rapid development of the Greater Bay Area in recent years, coupled with a maturing transport network, has driven industrial transformation and shifts in real estate investment in the region. Apart from Shenzhen and Guangzhou, investors also set eyes on tier 2 cities. Investment portfolios are increasingly diversified to include new types of properties such as industrial logistics, cold chain and data centers, in addition to traditional office buildings and shopping malls.

 

Source: Cushman & Wakefield
Chart 1: Transaction value of CRE investment in the Greater Bay Area in recent years
Chart 2: Ratio of domestic and foreign investment
Chart 3: % of CRE transactions by property type in Greater Bay Area
Chart 4: Some of the transactions in warehouses, logistics and data centers in the Greater Bay Area in 2020 and 2021

Commercial real estate investment transaction value in the Greater Bay Area

The launch of the Greater Bay Area initiative in 2017 has drawn immediate attention from owner-occupiers, private investors and funds. Commercial real estate (CRE) investment transactions have turned vibrant, with Guangzhou and Shenzhen recording annual transaction value of over RMB 50 billions for four consecutive years. Such transactions include headquarters purchase by corporations such as Li Ning, Qiaodan Sports, and Shenzhen Expressway in Shenzhen. Driven by TMT (technology, media, telecom) companies, small scale single-block buildings in Guangzhou have also attracted owner-occupiers.

 

“Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area” was officially announced in 2019, setting a major development milestone for CRE investment market in the Greater Bay Area.With more CRE investment opportunities emerging in other Greater Bay Area cities, investors have been drawn to cities other than Guangzhou and Shenzhen since 2019. The transaction valule has increased from RMB2.7 billion (4% of the total) in 2019 to RMB3.4 billion (7% of the total) in 2020. Over RMB200 million (1% of the total) of such transactions were recorded in 1H21. Total transaction volume for the full year of 2021 is expected to exceed RMB 50 billion, proving investors’ persistent  interest in the region. (Chart 1)

Distribution of investors in the Greater Bay Area

Capitals in the Greater Bay Area used to be predominately domestic, accounting for over 80% of the investment considerations. Yet foreign investors also pay close attention to this market and their investment activities are increasing year after year, especially in Guangzhou. With an outstanding macro-economic performance and strong spending power, coupled with low availability of quality mixed-use commercial portfolio in core locations, Guangzhou has become the investment target of foreign investors.

 

Ms. Queeny So, Cushman & Wakefield’s Executive Director, Capital Markets, China, shares, “Foreign investors have strengthened their investment in the Greater Bay Area since 2018 and 2019. By 1H21, ratio of foreign investment has surged from below 20% in the past to 25% (Chart 2). We believe foreign investors have used to hold fewer assets in southern China. Yet CRE investment in the Greater Bay Area, as a key strategic zone of China, creates a golden opportunity for geo-strategic asset allocation, leading to a surge of such transactions. We believe foreign investors will continue to look for new investments in various Greater Bay Area cities. “

 

Types of CRE investment in the Greater Bay Area

Strong consumption power of the Greater Bay Area drives frequent CRE transactions (Chart 3). Of the various CRE types, traditional asset class like office buildings and shopping malls in the Guangzhou-Shenzhen area constituted the most transactions. With CRE asset value softened, many occupiers and private investors are acquiring their current rental premises and turn them into their headquarters. Key investments into major transactions are still dominated by insurance capital For instance, the biggest transaction in Shenzhen was the RMB6.6 billion purchase of Vanke Yuncheng project by Ping An Insurance. Number of CRE transactions in Shenzhen is expected to be record-breaking this year, with total transaction volume similar to that of previous year. Average transaction volume may decline to around RMB1 billion per transaction, slight drop from year 2020.

 

In Guangzhou, the scarcity of high-quality office buildings in core locations has steered investors to other projects such as shopping malls. In 1H21, the ratio of such transactions therefore rose to over 30% of overall CRE transactions. For instance, Link REIT acquired Happy Valley in Guangzhou this year at RMB 3.205 billion. Meanwhile, occupier-type investors are more drawn to single-block office properties.

 

As the public transport network in the Greater Bay Area matures, not only has commute time and distance greatly reduced, but it also results in industrial transformation and population influx. This has driven the rise of economy in tier 2 and 3 cities, resulting in new CRE investment types such as industrial logistics, cold chain, data centers, etc., all of which are favored by investors and have recorded perpetual transactions (Chart 4).

 

Mr. Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China, concludes, “Domestic investors in the Greater Bay Area and cash-rich real estate funds have turned active and kept close eye on opportunities in the market, resulting in an upsurge in CRE transactions in 1H21. However, as transport and infrastructure facilities in the region gradually complete and coupled with policy supportother Greater Bay Area cities are getting more traction from investors. We believe investors will turn to opportunities in tier 2 cities outside Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Investment projects will also extend from traditional office buildings and shopping malls to logistics, cold chain, and data centers, resulting in a more diversified CRE market in the region.”

 

Please click HERE to download the official photo and slide deck.

 

Photo captions:

Photo 1: Mr. Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China(Left), and Ms. Queeny So, Cushman & Wakefield’s Executive Director, Capital Markets, China (Right)

Photo 2: Mr. Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China(Left), and Ms. Queeny So, Cushman & Wakefield’s Executive Director, Capital Markets, China (Right)

 

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms in the world, with approximately 50,000 employees in over 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 22 offices serves local markets across the region, earning recognition and winning multiple awards for industry-leading performance. The firm had global revenues of $7.8 billion in 2020 across core services including valuation, consulting, project & development services, capital markets, project & occupier services, industrial & logistics, retail and others. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com or follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china)

#Cushman&Wakefield

Mothercare Supports Local Partners & Parents With SG Cribs 2021 Competition

Through partnerships with local businesses, Mothercare Singapore invites the community to share stories on parenthood and family for a chance to win a nursery makeover in their 2nd annual SG Cribs Competition. One lucky family will see their nursery revamped for their expecting or newborn child, ensuring assistance and support for parents in need.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 August 2021 – Leading baby retailer Mothercare is inviting its customers and community to share stories about parenthood and family life for a chance to win a complete nursery makeover. The SG Cribs programme was first started in 2020 by Mothercare to give relief to parents in Singapore, both familiar and new, while supporting local business partners at the same time.


As many families in Singapore have been affected by the changing economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mothercare is using SG Cribs to create a positive social change by giving back to the community, one project at a time.

Assisting Mothers and Families in need

Couples who are expecting or have just welcomed a new arrival into the family will often want to dedicate a space in their home as a nursery for their newborn. The SG Cribs programme is aimed at helping mothers and families in need who do not have the resources to build and furnish their child’s nursery the way they want to.

“I grew up in a low income family, whereby both my parents are unfit for work [due to health problems]. Given our family circumstances, we received support from the government and charity organisations,” shared 29-year-old Rong Rong back in 2020 before she became the first winner of the SG Cribs competition.

Recollecting her own memories of growing up in a low income family and using hand-me-downs, Rong Rong wished for her baby girl Kate, then eight months old, to enjoy a more comfortable childhood than her own.

“I hope this contest will allow my girl to experience a different childhood by having a room, a beautiful and nice room that she will be happy to come home to,” she added. Find out more about her story here.

By sharing such narratives about parenthood with Mothercare, parents stand a chance to win a nursery makeover including decor, soft sheets and swaddle, playmats, and crafted toys coordinated by a professional stylist. At the same time, Mothercare’s partnership with local businesses helps to showcase popular items and services from these brands that can enhance the nursery experience for both parents and the baby.

Sponsors for SG Cribs 2021 include:

  • Hello Circus
  • Enstories
  • Soft Spot
  • Wander Mats
  • Med Karlek Inc.

There are no requirements to enter the contest, although entrants can increase their odds of winning if they follow the listed sponsors on their Instagram accounts.

Register now for a Chance to Win


Interested parents can fill in an online form to share their stories of parenthood and family for a chance to win SG Cribs 2021. Friends and family can also join in and show their support by nominating someone they think deserves a nursery makeover. Registration is open until 16 Aug 2021 (Mon) and the winner will be announced on Mothercare’s Instagram account on 20 Aug 2021 (Fri).

About Mothercare

Mothercare has been a leading baby retailer worldwide for over 50 years, offering a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and advice to support parents through the experience of raising a family. Mothercare first opened in Singapore in 1984, and now has 11 stores islandwide including a flagship and Experience Store at Harbourfront Centre, Level 3. Mothercare’s products are carefully curated to meet the highest standards in quality, safety, and innovation to support parents and children throughout the years. Find out more at https://www.mothercare.com.sg/

https://www.instagram.com/mothercaresg/

https://www.facebook.com/mothercaresg

#Mothercare

Laos Confirms 202 New Cases of Covid-19, Clarifies Ninth Death

Covid update Champasack

Laos has confirmed 202 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 9,363.

State Enterprises to Be Reformed Under New Plan

Finance Minister Says Reform State Enterprises in Laos
Finance Minister Bounchom Ubonpaseuth speaks at the National Assembly.

State enterprises in Laos are to be reformed under a new plan outlined by the government that could see top executives sacked.