Laos has confirmed 131 new cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total number of cases to 3,426.
Laos Confirms Fifth Covid-19 Death
Laos has confirmed its fifth death as a result of Covid-19 in Savannakhet Province.
Three Border Officials Among New Infections in Champasack Province
Three border officials are among the new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Laos as the country records 108 new cases of Covid-19 today.
Over 1 Million Covid-19 Vaccines Donated by United States through COVAX Facility Arrive in Laos

Laos has received a new shipment of Covid-19 vaccines donated by the United States through the COVAX Facility.
The Community-based Social Innovation for Youth Program in Hong Kong
The Third “Social Innovation • Community 4.0” Competition Prize Presentation Ceremony
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 July 2021 – A team of four Form 3 students from True Light Girls’ College was crowned champion at this year’s “Social Innovation * Community 4.0” Competition. Their winning solution “EGames Truck”, a mobile entertainment center featuring different educational and entertaining games, aims at tackling the mental health issues of the increasing population of elderly citizens living in remote areas in the North District by regularly bringing educational and entertaining games to their doorsteps. The winning team will join a Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS)-organized tour to Bali next year to visit a cluster of innovative start-ups and social enterprises.
Supported by Citi Foundation and organized by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the “Social Innovation * Community 4.0” Competition is a pioneering challenge open to all secondary schools to find sustainable solutions to community problems. Mr. Ivan Lee Kwok Bun, JP, Hong Kong’s Commissioner for Efficiency, Innovation and Technology Bureau; Mr. Wayne Fong, Head of Corporate Affairs, Citi Hong Kong; and Mr. Chua Hoi Wai, Chief Executive, HKCSS and Miss Gloria Lam Tsz Yan, Assistant District Officer, North District Office, Home Affairs Department, officiated at the award presentation ceremony today. Also attending were representatives of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), competition’s partnering and supporting organizations, as well as teachers and students from the finalist teams. Five award prototypes were showcased at the ceremony.
Each year a district in Hong Kong is selected as the focal area – Central and Western District in its first year, Kowloon City District was next, then this year North District was the focus. Through experiential learning in the community and comprehensive training in design thinking, technology, and making prototypes, as well as interaction with local citizens with the support of the District Office and NGOs in the area, participating students are challenged to identify a community issue and come up with solutions to address it. This year, 45 teams from 28 secondary schools submitted their proposals. 15 finalist teams were invited to produce prototypes, which, together with remaining teams’ concept boards, are now being exhibited to the public at North District Town Hall until July 18.
Mr. Ivan Lee Kwok Bun, JP, Hong Kong’s Commissioner for Efficiency, Innovation and Technology Bureau called upon members of different sectors to model on this competition and join hands to drive social innovation, “I look forward to seeing more organizations and bodies engage in such cross-sector collaboration to foster youth participation in social innovation and devise related programs and projects that bring impact to society.” He also encouraged students to continue to care about society, “In this competition you have demonstrated your creativity, affection, empathy, as well as commitment to society. At a time when our society is facing different challenges, I truly hope you will keep caring about the community and other people and get yourselves well equipped to contribute to building our splendid home with your positive energy.”
Mr. Wayne Fong, Head of Corporate Affairs, Citi Hong Kong, said, “Young minds are key to shaping a brighter future for all, and Citi Foundation aspires to equip them with the skills and networks which will contribute to their success in our ever-changing world. This competition is an example of Citi’s commitment to sustainability and we are pleased to see our vision to advance youth empowerment for the holistic and inclusive growth of the community come to fruition.”
Mr. Chua Hoi Wai, Chief Executive of HKCSS, said, “I am so happy to see that students are able to walk through their journey of design thinking and produce innovative solutions to address the community needs of North District with empathy. With the extensive support of concerned government departments, community partners, village groups and expert groups, the competition provided a series of community visits, community pitching, technological and technical support to students. It is hoped that the ‘Social Innovation * Community 4.0’ Competition is not only a student competition, but also an action-oriented experience that delivers real community solutions and puts social innovation into practice.”
The finalists’ prototypes will undergo four rounds of testing in the community on July 19 and 22 this year. Teams will demonstrate on-site how their prototypes operate in practice, while residents in North District will be invited to provide user feedback in order to improve the feasibility and practicality the prototypes.
The fourth “Social Innovation * Community 4.0” Competition will be open for applications in mid-October, and the new cohort will focus on social issues in Sham Shui Po District. It is hoped that the competition inspires the students to turn their ideas into action for the betterment of the community, advancing social innovation in our society.
Mr. Ivan Lee Kwok Bun, JP, Hong Kong’s Commissioner for Efficiency, Innovation and Technology Bureau (first from left), joined by Mr. Wayne Fong, Head of Corporate Affairs, Citi Hong Kong (first from right), presents the award of the third “Social Innovation * Community 4.0” Competition to the champion team from True Light Girls’ College for their innovation “EGames Truck”.
Award prototypes were showcased at the ceremony.
15 prototypes and 45 concept boards are now being exhibited to the public at North District Town Hall until July 18.
About HKCSS
The HKCSS is an umbrella organization of about 490 agency members that provide over 90% of the social welfare services in Hong Kong. HKCSS launched the Caring Company Scheme in 2002 to build a cohesive society by promoting strategic partnership among business and social service partners and inspiring corporate social responsibility through caring for the community, employees and the environment. HKCSS puts much effort in building capacity of social enterprises through the Social Enterprise Business Centre (SEBC) to advance social entrepreneurship and mobilize social innovation.
Additional information may be found at www.hkcss.org.hk |
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HKCSS1947
About Citi Foundation
Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfil our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com
#HKCSS #CitiFoundation
China Dongxiang Announces Operational Results for FY2021/22 Q1
Retail Performance for the Overall Platform Registered Mid-to-Low Teen Growth yoy Same-Store-Sales Grew by Mid-to-High Single-Digit yoy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 July 2021 – The leading international sportswear brand enterprise in the PRC, China Dongxiang (Group) Co., Ltd. (“China Dongxiang” or “the Company”, together with its subsidiaries, “the Group”, HKEx stock code: 3818) announces the operational data for the three months ended 30 June 2021 (”FY2021/22 Q1”)
For the FY2021/22 Q1, the retail performance of Kappa stores (including Kappa kids’ apparel business) for the overall platform registered a mid-to-low teen growth on a year-on-year basis.
The same-store-sales (“SSS”) for the FY2021/22 Q1 for the overall platform registered a mid-to-high single-digit growth on a year-on-year basis, based on Kappa stores (including Kappa kids’ apparel business) which have been in operation since the same quarter the previous year.
As at 30 June 2021, the number of retail stores of the Group under the Kappa brand was 1,386 (including Kappa kids’ apparel business), representing a net increase of 34 as compared with to those as at 31 March 2021 (”the end of FY2020/21”).
Mr. Zhang Zhiyong, Executive Director, CEO and President of China Dongxiang, said, “In the first quarter of FY2021/22, the Group reported stable growth in the retail performance and the same-store-sales, demonstrating the effectiveness of the channel reform. The Group is fully confident in the prospects of sportswear industry this year. We will seize the market opportunities ahead and strive to achieve sustainable development for the Group.”
About China Dongxiang (Group) Co., Ltd. (Stock code: 3818)
China Dongxiang (Group) Co., Ltd. is a leading international sportswear brand enterprise in China which has been listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 10 October 2007. The Group is primarily engaged in the design, development, marketing and wholesale of branded sportswear in China. Currently, China Dongxiang owns all rights to the internationally renowned Kappa brand in Mainland China and Macau. Since April 2008, the Group became the owner of the brand PHENIX. PHENIX is a well-known skiing brand in the international market.
#ChinaDongxiang
Cyberport Community Dedicated to Developing 5G Solutions to Enhance Lifestyle Experience and Business Applications
Over 30 projects awarded funding totalling around HKD15 million under the “Subsidy Scheme for Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G”
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 July 2021 – As Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship, Cyberport is committed to leading the development of state-of-the-art technology applications. Following the widespread coverage of 5G networks, Cyberport has been playing an active role in supporting community start-ups to develop innovative solutions using 5G technologies. Cyberport is also coordinating with a number of telecom operators and enterprises to provide opportunities for the commercialisation of the 5G solutions, so as to enhance the lifestyle experience and business applications in the city. In addition, more than 30 projects from over 20 Cyberport start-ups have been awarded subsidies totalling around HKD15 million under the “Subsidy Scheme for Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G” launched by the Hong Kong government.
More than 30 projects from over 20 Cyberport start-ups have been awarded subsidies totalling around HKD15 million under the “Subsidy Scheme for Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G” launched earlier by the Hong Kong government.
Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, said: “5G wireless technology enables ultra-high data speed, low latency, massive network capacity, increased availability and more reliability. We are glad to see that many Cyberport start-ups grasped the opportunities presented by 5G technology to develop cutting-edge applications. We support start-ups in the development, testing and launch of their 5G solutions by utilising our infrastructure, as well as the Cyberport’s Partner Networks. We welcome the government’s announcement to increase the funding for the “Subsidy Scheme for Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G”, and to extend the application deadline to July 31, 2022. Cyberport will continue to encourage applications of the start-up community and build a smarter city together.”
Cutting-edge Entertainment and Food and Beverage (“F&B”) Experience
5G accelerates the development of Internet of Things (IoTs) application, which overcomes geographical barriers in the entertainment and F&B sectors while sparking new enjoyment. For example, Formula Square, a digital entertainment start-up, has leveraged the ultra-high-speed and low latency of 5G to take virtual car racing to the next level. 5G network allows players to watch high-resolution visuals captured by the camera of 1/10 RC vehicle on a real-time basis, which allows them to control the vehicles remotely in driving simulators with realistic racing experience. This also enables racers from different locations to compete in the same racetrack. Wada Bento, another Cyberport start-up, focusing on the development and operation of bento vending machines, has used 5G technologies to adopt remote management of the machines, which makes early alert of malfunctioning and fast repairing possible, and reduces maintenance costs while enhancing customer experience.
Promoting Green Living
Apart from entertainment and F&B, start-ups also utilise 5G in green technology projects. For example, the high speed and low latency of 5G has enabled Carbon World, a green technology company, to upgrade its self-developed PET bottle recycling machines which can now identify different bottles within 5 seconds instead of 20. The new technology has also made real-time machine inspections possible. Such advancements have made recycling more efficient and encouraged citizens to “go green” in everyday life.
Innovative Business Applications and Exhibition Experiences
5G delivers substantially faster speed which support real-time transmission of videos for live streaming on mobile devices. Some start-ups take advantage of the advancement to enhance the quality of their businesses and exhibition experience. Cyberport start-up Ark Space has developed a unique 5G-based smart glasses software system. High-resolution visuals captured by the built-in camera of the glasses will be transmitted to backstage engineers and maintenance staff in real time for more accurate instructions from a perspective of frontline personnel.
Another start-up SyZyGy has developed a movable video display box that adopts 5G technologies to conduct live streaming of 1:1 holographic videos under different settings. This not only extends the mixed reality experience of the event industry to outdoor venues, but also paves way for brand displays in shopping malls and shops. In addition, Unissoft has leveraged 5G’s edge computing feature to transmit 4K camera videos with 5G signals. The videos are not only uploaded for cloud-based storage, but also sent to nEdge, its locally-deployed edge equipment product, for real-time analysis and alert onsite management staff earlier to prevent accidents.
Strengthened Interactive Learning
MAD Gaze, a local supplier of smart glasses, adopted the maturing 5G technologies to develop innovative applications in different industries, including interactive learning. Using specially designed applications, teachers can prepare dynamic course content for students equipped with smart glasses to learn from AR teaching materials. Coupled with classroom teaching, the interaction between teachers and students will be significantly enhanced to deepen learning experience and efficiency. 5G supports high speed transmission and fast processing of large amount of data and low latency. The combination of 5G and AR computing can strengthen the interaction offered by AR teaching materials to improve the quality of presentations.
Cyberport Provides 5G Development Kits
With an aim to help start-ups save development costs, Cyberport offers a testing environment with 5G network in its campus area. 5G development kits, including 5G SIM cards, receivers and other necessary equipment, are available for rent to enable new technology applications in different areas. 01 Tech Limited, a Cyberport community member, plans to take advantage of 5G technology to develop its wheelchair maintenance system for social welfare organisations to improve convenience for needy. The project is non-profit-making and the company has rented Cyberport’s 5G development kit for product development and testing to reduce the development cost.
Multiple start-ups within the Cyberport community also provide 5G applications. If members of the press wish to learn more about them, please get in touch with Cyberport’s Communications and Stakeholder engagement team.
About Cyberport
Cyberport is an innovative digital community with over 1,650 start-ups and technology companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, which is wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government. With a vision to be the hub for digital technology thereby creating a new economic driver for Hong Kong, Cyberport is committed to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem by cultivating talent, promoting entrepreneurship among youth, supporting start-ups on their growth journey, fostering industry development by promoting strategic collaboration with local and international partners, and integrating new and traditional economies by accelerating digital transformation in the public and private sectors.
For more information, please visit www.cyberport.hk.
#Cyberport
OctaFX claims the Best ECN Broker award for the second year in a row
World Finance magazine, a leading global financial publication, proclaimed OctaFX the Best ECN Broker for the second time.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 16 July 2021 – According to World Finance, while people spent much of 2021 locked down, the increase in digital communications was promising for the Forex industry. Brokers went out of their way to provide excellent services and keep the attention of their clients, who became more active online. The publication decided to recognise these efforts, and OctaFX was not left unnoticed.
The company managed to sustain the title of the Best ECN Broker for the second year in a row. OctaFX considers its clients’ feedback and follows financial news closely to stay at the top of the industry.
‘OctaFX is one of the key Forex providers leading the pack and pushing through superior services, best-in-class digital tools and a safe, secure environment for retail FX investors’, the award committee said.
ECN is all about innovation, the best trading conditions and a platform’s speed and security. In this regard, the company is indeed among the market leaders.
Best ECN Broker is one of the nine categories World Finance distinguished this year, including Best FX Broker, Best FX Research and Education Provider, and Best Crypto Broker.
World Finance magazine has acknowledged the accomplishments of OctaFX before with the Best ECN Broker and Best Islamic FX Account both in 2020.
About OctaFX
OctaFX is a global broker that provides online trading services since 2011. It offers a state-of-the-art trading experience to over 7 million trading accounts globally. OctaFX has won more than 40 awards since its foundation, including the 2021 ‘Best Forex Broker Asia’ award and the 2020 ‘Most Transparent Broker’ award from Global Banking & Finance Review and Forex Awards, respectively. The company is well-known for its social and charity activities. It is also committed to educating its clients about trading and investing in accessible and appealing ways.
#OctaFX