VIENTIANE, LAOS – Media OutReach – 1 December 2022 – Laos has recently been in the global spotlight for being featured in the prestigious National Geographic magazine as one of the best places to ‘slow travel’ in 2023. It has also been selected by Wanderlust, UK’s leading independent travel magazine, among the 20 best places to visit in January 2023.
Alongside its surreal natural beauty with mountains and mighty rivers, the country is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites that were awarded this high honor for having “universal value to cultural or natural heritage”. Here are the three places which you absolutely must visit when you are in Laos.
1. The Town of Luang Prabang: According to the World Heritage Convention at UNESCO Luang Prabang is, “an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries.” Situated next to the Mekong river, the town is incredibly well preserved and is home to majestic temples, caves, and waterfalls as well as a lively night market, contemporary restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
2. Vat Phou: The Vat Phou temple complex is over a thousand years old and was a part of the Khmer empire that was predominant in Southeast Asia between the 10th and 14th centuries. Built to represent the relationship between humankind and nature, the temple flawlessly blends with its surroundings. It was built using an axis that perfectly aligns the temples, shrines, and waterworks extending over 10 km with Mount Phou Kao and the Mekong river.
3. The Plain of Jars: Located in northeastern Laos, the Plain of Jars stands on a plateau and gets its name from thousands of tubular-shaped megalithic stone jars used for funerary practices by an unknown civilization. Excavation of the site has turned up stone jar lids, secondary burials, tombstones, quarries, and funerary objects dating from 500 BCE to 500 CE and is one of the most lasting artifacts of the Iron Age in Laos.
This will be the largest indoor vertical farm in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the tallest in the Middle East region.
The farm will supply 2,000 kilograms of fresh leafy vegetables, daily, to consumers in Riyadh and the surrounding area.
Located 20 kilometers from central Riyadh, the farm will offer a low-carbon alternative to imported produce, saving countless food miles.
RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach – 1 December 2022 – Agtech companies, Mowreq (Mowreq Specialized Agriculture Co.) and YesHealth Group (YesHealth Agri-Biotechnology Co., Ltd.) have initiated a joint venture to develop a network of indoor vertical farms throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The JV, Vertical Farms Company, will begin by building the Kingdom’s largest indoor vertical farm in Riyadh. This first farm is slated to be fully operational by Q4 2023, providing jobs and healthy, sustainable produce to the local community.
YesHealth Group and Mowreq Specialized Agriculture
Mowreq already supplies vertically farmed produce to consumers in Jeddah, under the brand name Janafarm. It employs 15 people, producing healthy and fresh leafy vegetables around the year. In order to deliver on this next step in the Kingdom’s agricultural development, Mowreq aims to leverage its experience and know-how in the Saudi Market, combined with the technology and know-how of YesHealth Group.
YesHealth Group currently operates a profitable, large-scale indoor vertical farm in Taiwan, and cooperates across several indoor vertical farms in Europe. Its combined operations employ more than 150 people worldwide and produce over 2,500 tons of leafy vegetables, annually. The Riyadh farm will be operated jointly by Mowreq and YesHealth Group during a 3-year technology transfer phase, training local talent to take over the long-term operations.
Total investment in the Mowreq and YesHealth Group JV, Vertical Farms Company, is valued at more than 100 million Saudi Arabian Riyals, or approximately 28 million US dollars at the current exchange rate. The project is backed by Saudi venture capital and funds.
In line with the Saudi 2030 Vision, the partners will create 50 full time jobs at the Riyadh farm, and they aim to create more jobs over the next five to ten years, leading development of the controlled environment agriculture industry. Education will be provided to advance talent, giving the youth the skills they need for jobs of the future. Continued development of the industry’s infrastructure will further diversify the economy, helping to ensure food security, and promote healthy lifestyles.
“We built the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first indoor vertical farm and now we’re building the Kingdom’s largest indoor vertical farm,” says Modar Hisham Nazer, Co-Founder of Mowreq and Chairman of Vertical Farms Company. “This massive, new farm that we’re building in Riyadh, will enable more of our compatriots to benefit from locally-produced Janafarm products, which are always clean, fresh, and free of pesticides.”
“YesHealth Group has overcome the operational challenges of indoor vertical farming in Subtropical Asia,” says Jesper Hansen, CCO of YesHealth Group. “The Middle East is our next challenge. We will guide the Riyadh farm through its initial phase of operation, with the aim of maximizing output and efficiency at the high level we achieve in our Taiwan farm.”
Riyadh Farm Facts
Location: Riyadh Industrial Area (2)
Construction Timeline: Q1 2023 – Q4 2023
Built Area: 4,500 sq. meters
Height of Vertical Farm: 16 meters
Total Cultivation Area: 20,000 sq. meters
Max. Yield: 2,500 kg per day (based on lettuce) >900 tons annually
Expected Daily Yield: 2,000 kg per day, including a variety of lettuces, cruciferous vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers.
Automation: Full process automation from seeding to harvesting.
Number of Employees: 50 full time employees
Exhibition Area: Can accommodate >100 visitors per day to learn about indoor vertical farming and sustainable agriculture
Hashtag: #YesHealthGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Mowreq Specialized Agriculture
Mowreq Specialized Agriculture was co-founded by Dana Enany, Khder Al-Ghamdi, Modar Nazer, and Obeid Bin Zagr in 2019. Mowreq established the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first indoor vertical farm, with a mission of providing locally-grown, safe, clean, and nutritious food to families, communities, and the country. Learn more about Mowreq at the official website [www.mowreq.com].
About YesHealth Group
Founded in 2008 by Taiwanese technology entrepreneur Winston Tsai, and backed by Peter Liu of venture capital firm W.I. Harper and Tony Ho of Test Rite Group, YesHealth Group is a mission-driven company, pioneering clean technology for sustainable and pesticide-free vertical farming. The synergy inside YesHealth Group, between technology development and farm operation, has enabled multiple indoor vertical farms to scale and reach profitability. Learn more about YesHealth Group at the official website [www.yeshealthgroup.com].
Four tiger cubs, being cared for at a wildlife clinic in Thailand | Photo credit: today.line.me
The two countries are working together to prevent cross-border wildlife trafficking since four tiger cubs were rescued in Thailand after being smuggled from Laos.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas in The City
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 December 2022 – Celebrate the Christmas Season here at One Raffles Place shopping mall from 11 November till 27 December as the mall in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) goes full festive mode with exciting events such as a Christmas market, carolling sessions and festive prize giveaways amidst a whimsical Christmas backdrop!
Sing along while enjoying the ‘Hauliday Spree’!
As the shopping mall transforms into a wondrous Christmas Market from 28 November to 9 December (11am to 3pm), catch the buzz at Level 2 which will be festooned with stores clothed with Christmas cheer. Expect gift options ranging from handwoven bags and accessories to skincare gems and homeware decorations to doll up for the festivities. With something for everyone at One Raffles Place’s Christmas Market, mark the dates on your calendar and head down to fill your stockings with unique gifts!
Additionally, join the Nanyang Technological University Cultural Activities Club (NTUCAC) Choir to spread festive cheer with Christmas carols on 14 December and 21 December (Wednesday)from 1215pm to 1pm at Level 1 of the mall. The NTUCAC Choir has made astounding appearances at national events and performed for the likes of former President S. R. Nathan and other Members of Parliament. This is one event not to be missed!
Cheers for the Festivities
Ring in the festive cheer when you spend at One Raffles Place from 11 November to 9 December with a massive giveaway that you simply will not want to miss! All shoppers need to do is spend $50 in a single receipt, follow One Raffles Place on Facebook (@OneRafflesPlace) and send their receipt through direct message to the One Raffles Place Facebook page. Attractive prizes of up to $88 from selected stores stand to be won!
Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas
Look forward to different Jolly Deals with one-day-half-priced steals for selected stores including newly minted Drips Bakery Cafe (#01-08), where you can fulfill all your pastry cravings, and Little Fisher (#B1-04/05), for a satisfying savory meal! For Christmas parties, take your feasting a notch higher with umisushi’s (#B1-24/25) Merry Shepherd’s Pie (6-inch) which boasts of smooth and creamy mashed potatoes packed with juicy chicken or beef tucked in a golden-brown pastry crust. Deals are limited, mark your dates!
Spending Pleasures
Christmas is the season of giving. So shoppers will be pleased to know as they spend more on gifts for their loved ones, they can also earn rewards to cash in on their next purchase! Spend $130 and be gifted with $15 ORP e-vouchers. Stack your vouchers up while it lasts!
NetApp’s 22-year legacy in ANZ is boosted with a new leadership team to drive hybrid multicloud transformation
SINGAPORE– Media OutReach – 1 December 2022 – NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP) a global, cloud-led, data-centric software company today announced the appointment of its new Area Vice President and Managing Director for the business in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), Matthew Hurford, the former Vice President of Solutions Engineering and CTO of Asia Pacific at NetApp.
Matthew Hurford, Area Vice President and Managing Director for Australia & New Zealand at NetApp
“I am delighted to appoint Matt to drive the operations in Australia and New Zealand,” said Sanjay Rohatgi, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Asia Pacific and Japan (APAC) at NetApp. “Matt has been part of the NetApp family for nearly 14 years and has long standing relationships with many of our customers and partners here, advising and supporting them on their digital transformation journeys. With him at the helm, I am confident our ANZ business will scale greater heights.”
NetApp has driven tremendous innovation in the cloud space over the past few years, including the acquisition of several technology businesses which specialize in technical and business optimization of cloud services. At the same time, the company has continued to expand its market-defining position as a key partner and supplier in data center modernization, helping customers build powerful solutions for artificial intelligence, core business applications, smart factory, and containerization.
In Australia, NetApp has been delivering industry-leading services to local businesses and government agencies for more than two decades, enabling customers’ data services through innovative technology.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to drive a leadership team that puts the customer at the center of everything it does,” said Matthew Hurford, Area Vice President & Managing Director of ANZ for NetApp. “I’m looking forward to helping customers take advantage of the tremendous data transformation opportunities that lie ahead, supporting them as they embrace the cloud to boost their operational efficiency, data resiliency and rationalize costs.”
Matthew has more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry with demonstrated business acumen, client management and technological expertise. He holds a degree in science and still has a passion for ecology.
Hashtag: #NetApp
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About NetApp
NetApp is a global, cloud-led, data-centric software company that empowers organizations to lead with data in the age of accelerated digital transformation. The company provides systems, software and cloud services that enable them to run their applications optimally from data center to cloud, whether they are developing in the cloud, moving to the cloud, or creating their own cloud-like experiences on premises. With solutions that perform across diverse environments, NetApp helps organizations build their own data fabric and securely deliver the right data, services and applications to the right people—anytime, anywhere. Learn more at www.netapp.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
NETAPP, the NETAPP logo, and the marks listed at www.netapp.com/TM are trademarks of NetApp, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
GUERNSEY – Media OutReach – 1 December 2022 – For the first time in Skipton International’s history, the award-winning offshore bank has surpassed GBP1 billion UK buy-to-let mortgage lending. This was achieved through an increasing customer base, product refreshments, and overseas investors taking advantage of favourable exchange rates to add UK properties to their investment portfolios.
“Crossing the GBP1 billion lending threshold marks an important stage in our strategy to offer customers a comprehensive product and service portfolio together with competitive interest rates for both buy-to-let UK mortgages and offshore savings accounts,” said Jim Coupe, Managing Director, Skipton International.
The GBP1 billion announcement coincides with the launch of a brand new series of informative short videos hosted by the BBC’s Clive Myrie in conversation with Lord Digby Jones, a former UK Minister of State for Trade and Industry.
The videos give insights into Guernsey as a strong financial jurisdiction for global savers, offshore savings and buy-to-let mortgages.
Clive Myrie (left) and Lord Digby Jones
“As we end the year on a high note, we will continue to strive for excellence in service and product innovation and give investors the opportunity to invest in the vibrant UK property market. We are looking forward to continued growth in the buy-to-let mortgage business and helping our customers secure property assets,” added Coupe.
Skipton International and Connells, the UK’s largest property agency, are both subsidiaries of Skipton Building Society, a top ten provider of UK mortgages. Skipton gives customers access to offshore mortgage products and UK properties tailored for British expats and non-UK residents.
Buy-To-Let Mortgages
A Skipton International buy-to-let 5-year fixed mortgage starts at 4.99 percent (5.8 percent annual percentage rate (APR)). For more information about buy-to-let mortgages and rates, please visit www.skiptoninternational.com
Hashtag: #SkiptonInternational
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Skipton International
Headquartered in Guernsey, Skipton International is a bank wholly owned by Skipton Building Society, the fourth largest building society in the UK. We are a leading offshore bank and winner of multiple awards, including the Moneyfacts ‘Best Offshore Account Provider’ award 2022.
Our aim is to help customers achieve their property owning and savings goals, by offering quality products and excellent customer service.
Skipton International offers a range of offshore savings accounts and is one of the Channel Islands’ leading mortgage lenders for residential Channel Island mortgages and UK Buy-To-Let mortgages for expats and non-UK resident nationals. It is the winner of the Moneyfacts ‘Offshore Bank Account of the Year’ award 2022, and the Mortgage Introducer ‘Top Mortgage Employer’ Award 2022.
Skipton International Limited (Skipton), registered in Guernsey: 30112, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Skipton Building Society.
Skipton is licensed under the Banking Supervision (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law. Skipton is a participant in the Guernsey Banking Deposit Compensation Scheme. The Scheme offers protection for ‘qualifying deposits’ up to £50,000, subject to certain limitations. The maximum total amount of compensation is capped at £100,000,000 in any five-year period. Full details are available on the Scheme’s website www.dcs.gg or on request. To help maintain service and quality, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.
Skipton International has a customer service rating of 4.6 / 5 according to Feefo, an independent online assessor of customer service, and is a three-times Platinum award winner as a trusted provider.
Recognized as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” and “WeCare: HR Asia Most Caring Companies” in Hong Kong
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 December 2022 – Global technology-solutions provider Arrow Electronics, Inc. has been recognized by HR Asia as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” and “WeCare™: HR Asia Most Caring Companies Award” for 2022 in Hong Kong. Arrow has been acknowledged for its HR practices, high levels of employee engagement, and excellent workplace culture, while displaying demonstrable empathy and care for employees.
Arthur Jiang of Arrow Electronics to receive “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” and “WeCare: HR Asia Most Caring Companies” award
“This year’s recipients are excellent showcases of resilience and innovation of organizations in Hong Kong. We are delighted to see many organizations like Arrow Electronics continue to succeed despite the unprecedented challenges from the pandemic and stay committed to delivering workplace practices that make them role models in the region with how they value and support employees at all times,” said William Ng, group publisher of HR Asia.
“We are excited and honored to receive these two awards, which are particularly encouraging as it represents the trust and support of our employees. At Arrow, we believe that great ideas and technology have the power to change lives and transform society,” said Arthur Jiang, Arrow’s president for the Asia-Pacific components business. “Our people are committed to applying the power of technology and innovation to help address some of the world’s economic, social, and environmental challenges. We are very proud of our employees for their dedication and accomplishments. We look forward to cultivating a purpose-driven workplace and creating a better tomorrow, for our employees, and for all,”
As one of the examples for recognizing the resilience that Arrow has demonstrated since the pandemic, the company distributed health and wellness packs covering bicycles, gently heated eye massagers, laptop stands, and other ergonomic tools to its employees in the Asia-Pacific region to encourage self-care and wellness as the COVID-19 pandemic persists.
“We are grateful to our employees who have shown incredible resilience and commitment to serving the needs of our customers, business partners, and families during the pandemic. We have launched a series of region-wide and robust health and wellness programs to help employees improve their well-being and better cope with challenges both at work and at home. This award certainly motivates us to keep building a highly engaging and innovative workplace where our employees are proud to work, passionate about what they do, and empowered to thrive and excel,” added Vivian Kwok, Arrow’s vice president of human resources.
In addition, Arrow has been awarded the “10 Years Plus Caring Company Logo” by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. The logo is bestowed on companies which have fulfilled their commitment to caring for their staff and giving back to the community for ten consecutive years. Since 2013, hundreds of Arrow employees in Hong Kong have participated in a broad range of CSR programs, including charitable giving, community service, staff wellness, and sustainability.
Notes to editor:
Arrow has been awarded by HR Asia multiple times including:
“Asia’s Best Companies to Work for” inTaiwan in 2020
“Asia’s Best Companies to Work for” inHong Kong and China in 2018
“Asia’s Best Companies to Work for” in Malaysia in 2018
“Asia’s Best Companies to Work for” in Singapore and Malaysia in 2017
“Asia’s Best Companies to Work for” inHong Kong and Singapore in 2015
Hashtag: #ArrowElectronics
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Arrow Electronics
Arrow Electronics guides innovation forward for over 220,000 leading technology manufacturers and service providers. With 2021 sales of $34 billion, Arrow develops technology solutions that improve business and daily life. Learn more at FiveYearsOut.com
Tourism Bureau spokescouple Kim Jae-woo and his wife make a surprise appearance to promote tourism in Taiwan with Oh!Bear
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 1 December 2022 – To publicize the opening of Taiwan’s borders on October 13, the Tourism Bureau organized the itinerant Taiwanese gourmet food truck activity in Korea featuring a surprise appearance by the Tourism Bureau spokescouple Kim Jae-woo and his wife! They joined forces with Oh!Bear, the Tourism Bureau’s mascot, to support the Tourism Bureau, and their adorable interactions caused chuckles in the audience, bringing the first major offline event organized by the Tourism Bureau in Korea after the pandemic to an exciting and successful conclusion.
The Tourism Bureau recently concluded a 5-day Taiwanese gourmet food truck tour in Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Seoul. The event attracted at least 2500 people, generating 1,378 check-ins on social media, and 224 news had been released, as well as plenty of online discussions and interactions. A total of 2,500 meals were handed out, demonstrating Taiwanese people’s passion for traveling.
The Tourism Bureau served iconic Taiwanese dishes such as miners’ bento and bubble tea for the food truck experience. In particular, miners’ bento features abundant, nutritious ingredients such as spare ribs, a wide selection of side dishes, eggs, etc., making it a favorite delicacy of Jinguashi among travelers along the Yeshijinjiu route (Yehliu, Jinguashi, Jiufen, and Shifen)! After enjoying the delicious miners’ bento in Jinguashi, you may also take the lunch box and tableware home as souvenirs!
For the first major offline event held by the Tourism Bureau since the pandemic, it has spared expenses in introducing authentic miners’ bento and bubble tea to Korea and sharing them with the public, thereby demonstrating the Tourism Bureau’s emphasis on the Korean market.
According to the Tourism Bureau’s spokescouple, Kim Jae-woo and his wife are thrilled to partake in the event as the Tourism Bureau’s spokescouple. Speaking of Taiwan, images of night market delicacies immediately come to mind; however, a plethora of Michelin and Bib Gourmand-recommended gourmet foods are also available! Taiwan has opened up its borders since October 13, so everyone is welcome to visit the country and experience its diverse charisma! See you in Taiwan!
Hashtag: #TourismBureau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.