The Lao government has allocated over LAK 215 billion (approximately USD 9.97 million) to strengthen the country’s education sector, with a focus on increasing school enrollment, reducing dropout rates, and improving support for both students and teachers.
Laos Commits LAK 215 Billion to Strengthen Education and Keep Students in School
Our Water Season 2 Launches in London, Advancing Shanghai-London Dialogue on Future Waterfronts
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2025 – The second season of Our Water: Flowing from Shanghai – Intercultural Dialogues Among World Cities officially launched on June 10 along the Thames River in London, ushering in a new chapter of collaboration between Shanghai and London focused on waterfront development, cultural exchange, and sustainable urban growth. More than 140 participants from both countries attended, including leaders in finance, urban planning and the creative industries.
Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River met the Thames, with water serving as a shared symbol of culture and urban identity, as the Shanghai-London Twin Cities Dialogue gathered momentum
Our Water Season 2 Launch Ceremony & The London Forum
Wang Qi, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in the UK, noted in his remarks that both Shanghai and London have flourished thanks to their rivers, prospered as port cities, and continue to be revitalized by culture and innovation. “Today’s event is not only an exchange between two cities, but also a meaningful cultural interaction and a collective step towards a better future,” he said.
During the event, representatives from London, Liverpool, and Shanghai jointly launched the World-class Waterfront Development Initiative, aiming to drive the comprehensive transformation of urban waterfronts worldwide—from spatial regeneration to the integration of ecology, economy, and culture. The initiative aspires to establish global demonstration zones and pioneering models of waterfront development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Julia King, Co-founder of Social Place and former Researcher at the Cities Research Centre at the London School of Economics, shared her perspective: “I think China broadly has done a lot more interesting projects around nature-based solutions for rivers in general. And I think the approach that Shanghai is taking to its river, to its principal attributes is something that I think we could probably learn a lot from and then have an exchange as to kind of around public realm.”
Michael Clifford, Economic Advisor at EY-Parthenon, added: “I think there’s already a good foundation of working collaboration between London and Shanghai. London has a real focus on investable propositions and opportunities and particularly in the development space, a whole set of kind of development opportunities around and alongside the river.”
Our Water Season 2 will launch a six-day program in London featuring six flagship events focused on cultural dialogue, historical and environmental renewal, Sino-British numismatic heritage, multimedia art, culinary exchange, and global innovation collaboration. Later this year, the season will return to Shanghai, where activities like the Shanghai–London “Poetry in Twin Cities Metro” campaign will be officially unveiled.Hashtag: #ShanghaiEye
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Save the Children Expands Mosquito Control Efforts Ahead of ASEAN Dengue Day
In commemoration of ASEAN Dengue Day on 15 June, Save the Children International in Laos announced the full rollout of its expanded ‘Driving Down Dengue in Laos’ (DDDiL) project, aimed at reducing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Lee Gardens Presents “Celebrate Every Bite”: A Joyful Culinary Celebration
Six Premier Restaurants Unveil New Exclusive Menus From Michelin-Starred Favorites to Japanese Artisanal Gems
Complimentary Décor & Crystal Balloons | Up to 50% Dining Offers and 13% Rewards
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2025 – Make every special moment count with a memorable dining experience at Lee Gardens. From now to July 13, the “Celebrate Every Bite” campaign invites you to savor authentic global flavors and exclusive new menus, paired with custom 2-meter-tall décor and sparkling crystal balloons (available upon booking*). Whether you’re dining with a partner, family, or friends, Lee Gardens sets the stage for unforgettable gatherings.
Lee Gardens Presents “Celebrate Every Bite”: A Joyful Culinary Celebration
Make every special moment count with a memorable dining experience at Lee Gardens. From now to July 13, the “Celebrate Every Bite” campaign invites you to savor authentic global flavors and exclusive new menus, paired with custom 2-meter-tall décor and sparkling crystal balloons (available upon booking*). Whether you’re dining with a partner, family, or friends, Lee Gardens sets the stage for unforgettable gatherings.
Elevate the celebration with exclusive rewards: spend HK$1,500 in a single dining transaction to receive a HK$200 Lee Gardens One-Six digital shopping e-Coupon, blending culinary joy with shopping delights.
Six Premier Restaurants Unveil New Exclusive Menus
Lee Gardens is Hong Kong’s premier destination for world-class dining, showcasing exceptional restaurants: Aire’s vibrant Spanish cuisine, Roganic’s Michelin-starred British fare, Leela’s creative Indian dishes, Kanizen’s Japanese crab mastery, Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa’s renowned eel creations, and Caviar House & Prunier’s storied caviar legacy. Each introduces exclusive menus to elevate your dining experience.
Aire
Aire captures the soul of Basque grilling with premium seafood and meats from Spain’s coasts and beyond, paired with handpicked Spanish wines. The new alfresco terrace blends Mediterranean charm with vibrant gatherings, featuring magic performances on select dates and warm ambient lighting that ignites lively evenings. Edgard Sanuy Barahona guides the kitchen’s bold flavors — savor the Galician Beef Prime Rib “Txuleta”, aged prime rib bursting with smoky depth; the Lobster Rice Caldoso, a soulful lobster rice steeped in rich, briny broth; Carabineros “Formentera Style” plated over crispy agria potato chips and topped with sunny side duck eggs creating a harmonious blend of textures; or a delicate White Chocolate & Yogurt Ganache with Passion Fruit Glace and Ginger Ice Cream.
Address: Shop No. 301B-302, 3/F, Lee Garden One
Tel: 2866 3286
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm
Celebration Services
Campaign Period: Magic performances on selected dates. Reserve seat 3 days in advance to enjoy a complimentary customised crystal balloon. Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters.
Regular: Instant photo, birthday card and platter message service for special occasions
Booking link: https://book.bistrochat.com/aire/
Kanizen
Kanizen specializes in Japanese crab cuisine, using premium snow crab to create dishes with unique flavors through varied cooking styles. The new 9-course Yoshi Set Menu (HK$1,080) showcases Taraba crab’s sweet, delicate taste, with highlights like the Taraba Crab Shabu Shabu, where a rich, savory broth enhances tender crab meat, and the Taraba Crab Tempura, crispy outside with a soft, succulent center. The new Enraku Set Menu (HK$1,500), debuting on June 16, showcases Taraba crab shabu shabu, Anago Tempura, Japanese Sake Steamed Clams, and Kyushu A5 Wagyu with vegetables steamed in a wooden box.
During the campaign period, Kanizen offers 50% off its special set menu on Tuesday nights.
Ingredients arrive fresh from Japan three times weekly (except caviar and select vegetables), ensuring purity of taste. The Zen-inspired dining room, accented with Buddhist bonsai, offers a tranquil backdrop for intimate moments, perfect for celebrating quiet connections with loved ones.
Address: Shop No. 301B-302, 3/F, Lee Garden One
Tel: 2866 1618 / 9683 1618
Whatsapp: 9683 1618
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12:00nn – 2:00pm (last order), 6:00pm-9:30pm (last order)
Celebration Services
Campaign Period: Reserve seat 3 days in advance to enjoy a complimentary customised crystal balloon. Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters.
Regular: Instant digital photo with photo frame, platter message service upon request
Booking link: https://inline.app/booking/-LqkoLJFLF92Y9drLLi-:inline-live-1/-LqkoL_sLixdDx6z75n6
Leela
Treat your loved ones to a royal experience at Leela, where the Royal Experience Menu (HK$1,188 per person) is a poetic ode to India’s imperial past, reimagined by Chef Manav Tuli. The star Qaliya Shirazi weaves slow-cooked meats with ripe tomatoes and fragrant spices, its warmth unfolding in layers of flavor.
Served in a palatial space designed by André Fu, the setting evokes the grandeur of ancient dynasties, perfect for an unforgettable evening. Each dish tells a story of heritage, crafted with modern finesse to captivate the senses. During the promotional period, enjoy a 10% discount on the minimum charge for private room bookings at Leela.
Address: Shop No. 301-310, 3/F, Lee Garden Three
Tel: 2882 5316
Opening Hours: Mon 5:30pm – 10:45pm，Tue-Sun 12nn – 3:30pm, 5:30pm -10:45pm
Celebration Services
Campaign Period: Reserve private dining room 3 days in advance to enjoy a complimentary personalised balloon / floral decoration and a customised crystal balloon. Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters.
Regular: Personalised platter message upon request
Booking link: https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/leela
Roganic
Helmed by British chef Simon Rogan MBE, Roganic—a Michelin Star and Green Star recipient—champions farm-to-table dining with local, organic ingredients. Its new menu showcases inventive dishes that celebrate Hong Kong’s seasonal bounty, served in a warm space crafted with recycled timber for a sustainable, earthy charm. In June, Roganic will introduce two innovative dishes: Seaweed Custard with Smoked Eel and Fermented Horseradish, and Stuffed Three Yellow Chicken with White Dragon Corn, Grilled Lettuce, and a Sauce Infused with Fats and Black Garlic Vinegar.
Roganic’s cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages reflect Simon Rogan’s ethos of fully utilizing every ingredient. The wine list showcases small-scale winemakers who honor nature, crafting distinctive wines. Organized by style rather than region, it invites guests to effortlessly explore their preferences. To complement the menu, Roganic provides three levels of wine pairing and a mixed pairing for those that might want a little less alcohol.
Address: Shop No. 402-403, 4/F, Lee Garden One
Tel: 2817 8383
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 12:00nn – 2:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Celebration Services
Campaign Period: Reserve private dining room 3 days in advance to enjoy a complimentary personalised floral decoration. Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters.
Regular: Receive a complimentary dessert, a personalized platter message, and a birthday card for special occasion upon request
Booking Link: https://www.roganic.com.hk/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeAmETWa6XRGd1ccELLSaAbOW4CSlrGc8WrIt49xG0sh-_y_7Z-5YvsNpwZag_aem_rWrwu_tQqefd7bx5-JOA-Q
Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa
Since 1932, Nagoya’s Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa, lauded by the Michelin Guide, has perfected charcoal-grilled eel. The signature Ippon Unagi—a whole live eel—delivers succulent flesh and crisp, caramelized skin, prepared before your eyes in an open kitchen.
The new Banquet Sets (HK$720–HK$895) feature Unagi Tamagoyaki, silken and savory; Shirayaki and Kabayaki Eel, pure and unadorned; sashimi; and nourishing soup. Hong Kong exclusives include Uni & Unagi Hitsumabushi, paired with three regional sake. Kids can join the celebration with a pioneering children’s menu featuring Unagi Spring Rolls, crisp and kid-friendly, alongside chicken wings, tempura shrimp, and creamy Hokkaido milk pudding.
During the campaign period, dine during weekday early sessions (11:30 AM–12:00 PM or 5:30 PM–6:00 PM) to enjoy set menus with no additional service charge.
To celebrate the Japanese Eel Festival, a special promotion will be offered on July 18. Customers can enjoy up to a 50% discount on this exclusive day.
Address: Shop No. 401A, 4/F, Lee Garden One
Tel: 3590 8997
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30am – 3:00pm, 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Sat & Sun, Public Holiday 11:30am – 3:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm
Celebration Services
Campaign Period: Reserve Banquet Set 3 days in advance to enjoy a complimentary personalized crystal balloon. Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters.
Regular: During your birthday month, enjoy a complimentary Japanese dessert
Booking Link: https://inline.app/booking/-OBUhcLkVgam_GPvhDXF:inline-live-3/-OBUhcSftKl6hZ1BlXsV?language=en
Caviar House & Prunier
With a 150-year legacy, Caviar House & Prunier sets the standard for luxury, sourcing from Bordeaux’s Prunier sturgeon farm and Swiss Alps-smoked Balik salmon. The Limited-Time Tasting Set for Two (HK$1,800) features three exquisite caviars, each a study in briny elegance, accompanied by chilled champagne, silky salmon, and velvety ice cream—perfect for spoiling someone special with a decadent treat. During the campaign period, customers can enjoy 10% off on dine-in food items.
Address: B1/F, Lee Garden One
Tel: 6119 3966
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00am – 8:00pm
Lee Gardens Restaurants – Personalised Celebration Services
Make your loved ones feel extra special with customized 2-meter-tall celebratory décor*, personalised crystal balloons and magic performances, adding a touch of wonder to your unforgettable moments. Decorations and crystal balloons can be tailored with style, color, and message of your choice.
Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters.
*Terms and conditions apply, please contact the restaurant for more details.
Special Culinary Experiences
Lee Gardens partners with Caviar House & Prunier to host two exclusive “Caviar & Champagne Appreciation Workshops” on June 18 and July 2 (7–8 PM) at their Lee Garden One shop, delving into the art of pairing exquisite caviar with fine champagne. Lee Gardens members can redeem a ticket in the app with 3,000 points.
Exclusive Dining Rewards at Lee Gardens
From now until July 13, customers can enjoy these rewards while dining at designated outlets at Lee Garden One-Six:
* Spend HK$1,500 in a single transaction for a HK$200 Lee Garden One-Six digital shopping e-Coupon.
* Spend HK$6,800 in a single transaction for HK$400 Lee Garden One-Six e-Coupons and a HK$100 Pret A Manger e-Coupon. (Club Avenue Members Exclusive Offer: Receive a HK$340 premium French caviar and champagne set e-Coupon in addition.)
To celebrate the occasion, select dining outlets at Lee Gardens offer up to 50% off.
| Kanizen | Enjoy 50% off on Hagi Set 萩 on June Tuesdays
Enjoy 50% off on Enraku Set 延楽 on July Tuesdays |
| Bow Artisan Cakery | Enjoy $300 off upon spending $600 or above on regular-priced items
Enjoy $500 off upon spending HK$1,000 or above on regular-priced items Enjoy a complimentary regular cupcake upon purchasing 3 regular cupcakes. (Discounted price: $165, Original price: $220) |
| Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa | Early bird menu without 10% service charge (Weekdays 11:30–12:00 / 17:30–18:00)
Jul 18 Eel Festival Celebration: Enjoy up to 50% off discount with exciting dice-tossing activities! |
| Caviar House & Prunier | Enjoy 10% off dine-in on food menu |
| Leela | Early 10% off private dining room minimum spending
– Lunch: HK$5,400+10% (was HK$6,000+10%) |
| Aroma Wine Bistro | Enjoy a special 10% off for selected champagnes for your special day |
| Feather & Bone | Father’s Day Special Beer Offer: On 15 June 2025, all dads may enjoy one free complimentary Coopers lager or pale ale.
Kids Eat Free Offer: Enjoy one complimentary kids menu with a small juice per table upon minimum spending of $180 for the accompanying adult, available between 2:30pm until 5:30pm every Monday to Friday. |
| La Maison du Chocolat | Enjoy a Chocolate Unhinged Spread upon purchasing over HK$1,000 until 15 June |
| Siam Noodle | Enjoy complimentary ice-lemon tea upon ordering steamed sea bass
Enjoy a complimentary mango sticky rice when you collect 10 stamps! |
| Venchi | Enjoy a complimentary key charm upon purchasing Gelato Family Pack 1000g including Coconut Red Bean Flavour until 15 June |
Hashtag: #LeeGardens
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About the Lee Gardens Area
The Lee Gardens Area in Causeway Bay consists of Hysan Place, Lee Gardens One to Six, Lee Theatre, Leighton Centre, One Hysan Avenue (I.T HYSAN ONE), and 25 Lan Fong Road. Located at the heart of Causeway Bay and surrounded by the bustling city centre, the premium destination offers first-class business and retail facilities, including exciting fashion, lifestyle products and dining. This high-energy zone truly stands among the most vital and dynamic journeys of discovery in the world, creating a choice location for people to work, shop and play.
Website： 
www.leegardens.hk/
Facebook： 
www.facebook.com/LeeGardensHK/
IG：
www.instagram.com/leegardenshk/
Weibo： 
https://weibo.com/leegardens
WeChat ID： LeeGardensHongKong
Visa advances digital payments in Vietnam with Cashless Day 2025 and innovative payment solutions
- Strategic partnerships and nationwide events make cashless payments more accessible and beneficial for all Vietnamese consumers
- The new Click to Pay solution, seamless e-wallet integration, and exclusive Visa promotions offer faster, easier, and more rewarding ways to pay every day
HCMC, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2025 – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is reinforcing its commitment to Vietnam’s national digital transformation by partnering with the Cashless Day 2025 campaign. This annual series of activities is organized by Tuoi Tre Newspaper under the direction of the State Bank of Vietnam.
At the conference themed ‘Cashless Payments Driving the Digital Economy’ on June 14, Visa will present regional case studies on a variety of solutions aimed at making cashless payments more convenient across the public sector, enterprises, and for individual users. These include the use case of Diia, the digital citizen application in Ukraine empowered with Visa credentials to enable the digitization of public services payment and to accelerate government support for underserved communities; Visa Accept, which enables micro-sellers to accept electronic payments easily; and the integration of Visa as a funding source in Vietnam’s most popular e-wallets enhancing the overall customer experience.
Visa’s involvement extends beyond the Conference, with a series of partner collaborations and communication initiatives throughout the campaign period. During the Cashless Festival – Ting Ting Day, to be held from June 14 to 15, Visa will co-host engaging activities such as digital experiences, voucher giveaways, and promotional gifts to encourage the adoption of cashless payments via the UrBox loyalty platform, alongside Starbucks promotions for contactless and mobile payments at the Ting Ting Life area. As a leading digital rewards provider, UrBox partners with Visa on the UP Rewards program, enabling cardholders to link their Visa card, earn up to 20% back in points at over 300 merchants, and redeem them for eVouchers from more than 600 brands. In the Ting Ting Wow space, in collaboration with Shinhan Bank Vietnam, Visa will also showcase solutions for small and medium-sized businesses at a dedicated booth, helping business owners better manage their finances, optimize spending, collect reward points, and access premium services.
“Digital payments and mobile solutions are playing a vital role in powering Vietnam’s booming digital economy, and we’re committed to driving this growth through our technology. Visa is proud to support the Vietnamese government, our clients, and partners in their digital transformation journey. Through our payment initiatives, we aim to help build an inclusive financial ecosystem where everyone can access safe and convenient digital payment services,” said Ms. Dung Dang, Visa Country Manager for Vietnam and Laos.
With its vision to be ‘the best way to pay and be paid,’ Visa continues to strengthen its partnerships in Vietnam, particularly with banks, leading technology companies and innovators in public services. Through Visa Government Solutions, Visa is enhancing transparency and efficiency in public sector transactions, supporting e-government services and smart transportation infrastructure.
Further demonstrating its commitment to digital security, Visa participated in the Vietnam Security Summit 2025. At the event, Abdul Rahim, Visa’s Head of Risk for Southeast Asia, discussed key regulatory priorities for the Asia Pacific region, with a focus on consumer protection, data security, and the resilience of national payment systems. The session also highlighted Visa’s ongoing efforts to improve payment security through advanced fraud detection, regulatory collaboration, and technological investment.
Visa recently unveiled several groundbreaking product innovations and strategic collaborations at the Visa Asia Pacific Media Showcase to usher in the next generation of commerce across the region. Notably, Click to Pay is now live in Vietnam, enabling Techcombank and VPBank Visa cardholders to enjoy seamless online shopping experiences with participating merchants. Visa also announced the upcoming launch of Flex Credential, a new solution for the Vietnamese market that offers consumers greater flexibility over their spending.
To coincide with the early launch of the Vietnam Grand Sale 2025 by the Department of Industry and Trade, Visa is offering exciting promotions, including 20% off when paying with a Visa card at six brands under the Golden Gate restaurant chain, discounts at ACFC brand stores, and special ride-hailing promotions with Be, Grab, and Xanh SM for travel between all stations on Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 1.
Through Cashless Day 2025, Visa once again affirms its role as a strategic partner in connecting stakeholders – ranging from Government and businesses to consumers – to realize the national goal of digital payments, while expanding financial access for the community.
Hashtag: #Visa #CashlessDay #FinancialInclusion #Digitalization
https://www.visa.com.vn/en_VN/about-visa/newsroom.html
https://www.linkedin.com/company/visa
https://www.facebook.com/visavn
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
Anchor Pastry Challenge 2025 Crowns Malaysia’s Next-Gen Pastry Talent
5 Finalists Each in the Bread & Viennoiseries and Cake Categories Compete for Top Honours
SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2025 – The Anchor Pastry Challenge 2025, organised by Anchor Food Professionals Malaysia & Brunei, celebrated Malaysia’s most promising young pastry chefs, offering them a platform to showcase creativity and technical mastery.
Winners of the Cake Category, alongside Chef Jean-François Arnaud, Head Judge and Anchor Brand Ambassador
The competition featured ten finalists; five each in the Bread & Viennoiserie and Cake categories, selected through rigorous assessments at UOW Malaysia located in Shah Alam. Judging was led by a distinguished panel of industry experts, including Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chef Jean-François Arnaud and Chef Judy Koh, Founder and Principal of Creative Culinaire The School; alongside media editors and food reviewers.
“Our aim is to nurture future pastry talents while demonstrating the versatility and reliability of Anchor’s premium dairy products from New Zealand, one of the best places to produce dairy in the world,” said Peter Quah, Food Service Director of Anchor Food Professionals Malaysia. “We’re proud to see such exceptional skill and passion on display.”
In the Bread category, participants showcased lamination and dough-handling techniques, focusing on precision, structure, and flavour. The Cake category challenged finalists to craft refined, visually stunning desserts highlighting artistry, texture, and balance.
Held in a live kitchen environment under time pressure, the competition pushed participants to deliver high-calibre creations that reinforced both their culinary prowess and the performance of Anchor’s professional-grade ingredients. Just like their brand vision, driving the future of dairy in foodservice.
6 winners were crowned at the end of the competition. The Gold prize winners received a solo demo showcase as the official Anchor winner along with a trophy, certificate and cash prize of RM2,500. The Silver and Bronze winners were awarded trophies, certificates and cash prizes of RM1,500 and RM 1,000 respectively.
Chef Jean-François Arnaud, Head Judge of the competition, emphasised that events like this are vital for the growth of young chefs. He explained that by working together in the same kitchen, under the same theme and time constraints, participants can be guided on how to improve. “That is how we elevate the level of pastry-making—not just in Malaysia, but globally,” he said.
In the Bread & Viennoiserie category, the Gold Award went to Ooi Kin Weng from the Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts Malaysia, followed by Ryan Ang Rui Yan from Taylor’s University, who received the Silver Award, and Sharifah Nur Adylla Binti Syed Zahirin, who earned the Bronze Award.
Gold Award winner for the Bread & Viennoiserie category, Ooi Kin Weng, said that Anchor’s butter and cream were incredibly versatile and high in quality, helping him produce his winning creation.
“When laminating the dough, the products were easy to work with and allowed me to achieve a beautifully soft texture,” said Ooi. Reflecting on his journey, he added, “Winning this category means a lot to me, especially after making the switch from a career in IT to pastry. It’s still the beginning of my journey, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing. One day, I hope to open my own place—something small to start with—and Anchor has truly fuelled my passion for viennoiserie.”
In the Cake category, Tan Jia Le from the Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts Malaysia took home the Gold Award, while Yap Jing Li from Taylor’s University won Silver, and Sandee Churme Jia Ying, also from Taylor’s University, secured the Bronze Award.
Tan Jia Le, the Gold Award winner in the Cake category, credited Anchor’s dairy products as a key component of her success. “Their creamy texture and consistency helped me achieve a smooth finish and clean flavour that truly brought out the best in my cake. As a Gold Winner, I hope to inspire the next generation to choose quality ingredients and to never stop learning,” she added.
Additionally, Ryan Ang Rui Yan and Yap Jing Li were selected for the Media Choice Awards in the Bread & Viennoiserie and Cake categories, respectively.
Hashtag: #AnchorFoodProfessionalsMY #AnchorPastryChallenge #PastryChallenge #MalaysiaChef #pastryart #petitegateau #vennoissorie #pastry #entremet
https://www.instagram.com/anchorfp.my/#
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Laos Among Highest for US Tourist Visa Overstays, But Lowest for Student Compliance
Laos is among the top countries with the highest overstay rates for The United States tourist and business visas, according to the latest data from the US Department of Homeland Security. However, when it comes to student and exchange visas, Lao nationals have the lowest overstay rate of any country reporting data.
Tropical Storm Wutip Unleashes Early Floods Across Central, Southern Laos
Tropical Storm Wutip is battering central and southern Laos, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that have triggered widespread and dangerous flooding. Originating in the South China Sea, the storm has now impacted thousands of residents as authorities race to respond and protect affected communities.
According to Sepone district authorities, the Xe Bang Hieng River has risen by 8.5 meters in just 20 hours.
As of 1:00 PM on 13 June, the river measured 14.80 meters, still below the official alert level of 16 meters and the danger level of 17 meters, but officials remain concerned about the rapid rise and ongoing rainfall.
In Savannakhet Province, the Xe Bang Hieng River surged to 11.90 meters at a monitoring point in Lahanam Village on the morning of 13 June, with water levels continuing to rise rapidly, according to the local news outlet Songkhone News.
Authorities warn that the river’s danger level is 14.50 meters, with 15.00 meters classified as “extremely dangerous.”
Several things are making the flooding worse: persistent rainfall, inflow from upstream tributaries, and water released from the Selanong Dam.
On 12 June, flash floods struck Laongam District in Salavan, which is now experiencing widespread inundation across multiple districts.
In Attapeu Province, officials have issued flood warnings along the Sekong River due to the planned release of water, up to 800 cubic meters per second, from Vietnam’s A Luoi Dam. The discharge could rapidly elevate river levels and inundate low-lying areas. Five districts, Xaysetha, Samakkhixay, Sanamxay, Sanxay, and Phouvong, are on high alert.
Sekong Province is facing an even greater threat from the same dam release, with expected discharge rates reaching 3,000 cubic meters per second. The Sekong River is projected to rise to between 8.50 and 9.50 meters from 12–16 June. Although these levels remain below the official danger thresholds (17.5 meters for warning and 18.5 meters for extreme danger), authorities are concerned about the rapid pace of the water’s rise.
Officials across all affected provinces are monitoring river levels and weather patterns closely. Residents are urged to follow updates from official sources, prepare for possible evacuation, and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their families.
