26.8 C
Vientiane
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Home Blog Page 4

PolyU study reveals effectiveness of GBGI infrastructure in mitigating urban heat, proposing nine-stage framework for development of a sustainable city

0

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2024 – Primarily due to the impact of urbanisation and global warming, urban heatwaves have become a challenging issue worldwide, with Hong Kong persistently experiencing record-breaking high-temperature days. Mitigating urban heat through green and blue infrastructures is essential for creating a sustainable environment. Prof. Hai GUO, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and global researchers have conducted a first-of-its-kind study on the effectiveness of green interventions in cooling urban heat across various regions that can assist policymakers in prioritising effective interventions to develop sustainable cities. The study findings have been published in the international interdisciplinary journal The Innovation.

A study by Prof. Hai Guo, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at PolyU and global researchers shows the effectiveness of green interventions in cooling temperatures across various regions.
A study by Prof. Hai Guo, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at PolyU and global researchers shows the effectiveness of green interventions in cooling temperatures across various regions.

Globally, the most efficient air cooling was observed in botanical gardens, wetlands, green walls, street trees and vegetated balconies. In light of this, the research team conducted a global review of the effectiveness of green-blue-grey infrastructure (GBGI) in air cooling. GBGI refers to green infrastructures that encompass naturally vegetation-based elements like trees, grass and hedges; blue infrastructures are related to water-based features like pools, lakes and rivers; and grey infrastructures comprise engineered structures including green walls, green facades and roofs.

The Study revealed regional and city-specific variations in the effectiveness of GBGI for mitigating urban heat. In Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, the overall cooling effect of GBGI is up to 18.9°C, 17.7°C, 12°C and 9.63°C respectively. In addition, the implementation of green and blue infrastructures has proven to be highly effective in lowering air temperatures globally. While green infrastructures can regulate urban heat through evaporation, transpiration, shading and thermal insulation, blue infrastructures absorb heat and cool the surrounding area through evaporation.

In Asian cities, constructed grey infrastructures, especially roof gardens and pergolas, are found to be the most effective for urban cooling. Roof gardens in Singapore achieved the most significant temperature reduction of 17.7°C. Pergolas and green roofs in Japan and South Korea also had substantial impact, resulting in cooling temperatures by 16.2°C and 10.8°C, respectively. Linearly planted hedges and street trees contributed to lowering temperatures by up to 10.8°C. Authorities are advised to plant more street trees, not only for their impressive cooling efficiency but also for their substantial potential to create other positive environmental impacts.

The Study also showed notable effects of various GBGI features in mitigating urban heat in Mainland China cities. The most effective means include botanical gardens, wetlands, green walls and attenuation ponds which exhibited temperature reductions of up to 10°C, 9.27°C, 8°C and 7°C respectively. Although the cooling effect ranges are generally similar in the north and south of China, there is variability within the same region. For example, in Beijing, botanical garden could result in up to 10°C temperature decrease while that in Shaanxi province only contributed to 2.7°C. In Hong Kong, parks, green roofs and golf courses were found to play substantial roles in cooling urban heat, resulting in temperature reductions of 4.9°C, 4.9°C and 4.2°C respectively.

A “Shining City Project” was proposed by the Hong Kong government in last year’s Policy Address to enhance urban green space. This initiative includes the greening of riverbanks to turn them into flower viewing points and the extensive planting of trees in government venues and at roundabouts on major roads.

Prof. Guo said, “With their distinctive location and natural environment, the types of GBGI in Hong Kong are unique. The city features a network of oceans, rivers, wetlands and reservoirs, with remarkable vegetation cover, encompassing approximately 70% of its land area of which country parks occupy around 40%, and possesses a precious natural asset in the Victoria Harbour. Meanwhile, the Government actively promotes GBGI in new development areas and the adoption of green building design in new government projects. These forward-looking initiatives highlight Hong Kong’s dedication to sustainable and resilient urban development.”

Globally, the types of GBGI vary significantly across continents due to diverse regional contexts, climate conditions and urban planning priorities. The Study’s GBGI heat mitigation inventory can assist policymakers and urban planners in prioritising effective interventions to reduce the risk of urban overheating and promote community resilience. At this point, the research team has introduced a nine-stage framework to facilitate the implementation of GBGI that outlines stages of stakeholder engagement, feasibility studies, design, policy development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and eventual upscaling and replication.

Prof. Guo emphasised, “This framework serves as a strategic roadmap, optimising GBGI implementation to maximise benefits. Policymakers should conduct thorough investigation and planning tailored to the specific context and needs of their cities. In Asia, the extensive development of GBGI is a response to challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and cultural preferences that prioritise green areas for community activities, together with environmental goals focused on biodiversity conservation, improved air quality and mitigation of the urban heat island effect. It is crucial for future GBGI implementation to adopt a holistic approach, optimising their multifunctional benefits to effectively address sustainability goals.”

Hashtag: #PolyU

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

VinFast Receives 27,649 Pre-Orders for the VF 3 in Vietnam after 66 Hours of Accepting Deposits

0

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2024 – VinFast Auto (Nasdaq: VFS) today announced that it received a record-breaking number of 27,649 non-refundable and non-transferable pre-orders for the mini-SUV VF 3 within 66 hours, setting a Vietnamese automotive record, demonstrating the impressive appeal of the VF 3 and its potential to become a “national car” in Vietnam.

VinFast VF 3 receives a record number of orders in the Vietnamese market
VinFast VF 3 receives a record number of orders in the Vietnamese market


In addition to record sales, the VF 3 became a social media phenomenon in Vietnam, topping trend rankings and sparking the most online discussions since VinFast opened pre-orders.

The VF 3’s record-breaking pre-orders are credited by its special introductory price of only 235 million VND (approximately $9,248, battery subscription) and 315 million VND (approximately $12,390, battery included) for customers who placed deposits from May 13 to May 15. This is an ideal price point that makes it feasible for more consumers to own a vehicle and improve their quality of life at a reasonable cost.

For a down payment, customers only need between 50-70 million VND (approximately $1,965-$2,750). The remaining balance can be financed through affordable installments with a total monthly payment of just over 2 million VND (approximately $78.5) over 8 years. Notably, paying for the VF 3 in full upfront costs only half the price of the cheapest gasoline car model currently available in the Vietnamese market.

In addition to its attractive price, the record-breaking number of pre-orders can also be attributed to the innovative sales approach VinFast piloted for this model. For the first time in Vietnam, vehicles were sold on e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, VinID, and orders could be placed through 9 livestream sessions conducted by 15 influencers.

This revolutionary sales approach made the VF 3 the first vehicle in Vietnam to achieve over 50% of its total orders online, marking a momentous development in the online to offline business model and emphasizing VinFast’s pioneering role in the Vietnamese automotive market.

In response to the strong support from customers, Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang, CEO VinFast Vietnam, said: “The 27,649 pre-orders received within 66 hours is a testament to the strong support and trust of the Vietnamese people for VinFast. We are extremely grateful for our customers’ endorsement for the VF 3 and our brand, and we will strive to continue to earn their support as we grow into a world-class Vietnamese automaker”.

Similar to other VinFast electric vehicles, the VF 3 comes with the best warranty policy in the Vietnamese market, with a 7-year or 160,000 km warranty for the vehicle (whichever comes first) and an 8-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery.

The first VF 3 cars are expected to be delivered to customers starting in August 2024, with at least 20,000 vehicles expected to be delivered this year.Hashtag: #VinFast

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

About VinFast

VinFast – a member of Vingroup – envisions driving the advancement of the global smart electric vehicle revolution. Established in 2017, VinFast owns a state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing complex with globally leading scalability that boasts up to 90 percent automation in Hai Phong, Vietnam.

Strongly committed to the mission of a sustainable future for everyone, VinFast constantly innovates to bring high-quality products, advanced smart services, seamless customer experiences, and pricing strategy for all to inspire global customers to jointly create a future of smart mobility and a sustainable planet. Learn more at:

TUMI Broadens Asia-Pacific Travel Retail Footprint

0

New stores in Korea’s Incheon International Airport and Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport are among several recent and upcoming openings across the region


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2024 – TUMI, the leading international travel, lifestyle and accessories brand, is redefining and reinvigorating travel retail with an expanded and refreshed presence at major international airports throughout Asia. The store openings on May 1, 2024 at South Korea’s Incheon International Airport and Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport precede those at Indonesia’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport and India’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, reaffirming TUMI’s commitment to creating sleek, sophisticated and inviting spaces that deliver an exceptional customer experience.

TUMI store at Incheon International Airport in Seoul with the nearly 19-feet-tall façade
TUMI store at Incheon International Airport in Seoul with the nearly 19-feet-tall façade

Located in one of the most important and high-traffic travel retail locations in Asia-Pacific, the new 50 sqm store at Incheon International Airport in Seoul boldly showcases TUMI’s evolution as a global performance luxury brand through the first-of-its-kind, large-scale architectural façade. The nearly 19-feet-tall façade, created by design firm CJ2 and local South Korean studio Design POOM, incorporates a T-icon pattern with raised 3D aluminum panels enhanced by a logo-inspired lighting effect.

TUMI store at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok
TUMI store at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok

The new TUMI store at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, also located in a high-traffic area, welcomes shoppers with an elegantly illuminated façade featuring a T-icon pattern. Both locations boast sleek and sophisticated interiors that bring to life the brand’s iconic design language while providing a comfortable and easy-to-navigate environment to browse the wide range of products curated to meet the needs of discerning travelers.

“The latest openings at Incheon International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport are a testament to TUMI’s ongoing commitment to creating unique and exceptional experiences for our international customers through our high-performance products and stores. With more launches coming soon at Soekarno–Hatto International Airport in Jakarta and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, which are also among the busiest in the region, travel retail will continue to be a key focus through thoughtfully planned and skilfully executed designs that bring customers into our world and speak to the way they travel today,” said Aris Maroulis, Vice President for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East at TUMI.

Scheduled to open in late May, the new store at Soekarno–Hatto International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, joins various duty-free shops and restaurants inside its largest and newest Terminal 3. The airy, sophisticated space occupies a highly visible location, where up to 25 million international travelers pass through each year. The new store at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, India, slated to open in mid-June, will feature a similarly sleek design in a high-traffic location inside the country’s second-busiest airport.

TUMI Incheon International Airport Store (Seoul)
Opening hours: 6:30am – 9:30pm daily
Address: 3F Hyundai Duty Free Incheon Airport Terminal 2

TUMI Suvarnabhumi Airport Store (Bangkok)
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Address: T1 DE4-38, Level 4, Main Terminal, East Concourse, International Departures Hall

TUMI Soekarno–Hatta International Airport Store (Jakarta)
Opening hours: 6:30am – 11:30pm daily
Address: Gate 7, Jakarta Duty Free (JDF), Terminal 3

TUMI Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Store (Mumbai)
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Address: No. 4054, International Departures, Integrated Terminal 2

Hashtag: #TUMI

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

About TUMI

Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel, and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. For more about TUMI, visit and follow on , , , and .

TUMI and TUMI logo are registered trademarks of Tumi, Inc. © 2024 Tumi, Inc.

Hong Kong’s Financial Innovation Advances —Evolving Capital’s Keynote Spotlights Hong Kong’s Opportunity for Virtual Assets

0

Forum Co-hosted by King & Wood Mallesons, UWEB, and EmergentX Focuses on the Future Development of Hong Kong’s Virtual Asset Spot ETFs


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2024 – Amidst historic breakthroughs in Hong Kong’s financial technology sector, Mr. Leica Cai, co-founder of Evolving Capital, delivered a keynote speech titled “Opportunities of Hong Kong’s Virtual Asset Spot ETFs” at a high-level forum. The forum, co-hosted by King & Wood Mallesons, UWEB, and EmergentX, and supported by OSL, aimed to explore the future development of Hong Kong’s virtual asset spot ETFs.

Mr. Cai highlighted the new opportunities for Hong Kong in the field of virtual assets, especially following the official listing of Hong Kong’s first batch of virtual asset ETFs on April 30th. These ETF products not only provide Asian investors with new investment options but also signify a significant step for Hong Kong in establishing itself as an international financial center for virtual assets. Mr. Cai emphasized that the listing of Bitcoin spot ETFs provides traditional capital with new liquidity and a fast track into the virtual asset domain, injecting new vitality into the market.

The forum brought together many industry experts, including Dr. Yu Jianing, founder of Uweb, Romeo Wang, Co-founder of Uweb, as well as specialists from King & Wood Mallesons, OSL, Hashkey Group, EmergentX, Harvest Global Investment, and BOCI-Prudential Trustee Limited. They engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as tokenization, the future of cryptocurrency ETFs, and how to embrace the current bull market.

The content of Mr. Cai’s speech and the provided materials offered participants a comprehensive perspective to grasp the opportunities in Hong Kong’s virtual asset spot trading. The successful holding of this forum not only provided valuable knowledge resources for participants but also painted a bright blueprint for the future development of Hong Kong’s virtual asset field.

With in-depth exchanges and cooperation among industry experts, Hong Kong’s leading position in the field of virtual assets is expected to be further consolidated. The listing of Hong Kong’s virtual asset spot ETFs, along with the in-depth discussions at this forum, heralds a more open and innovative future for Hong Kong’s financial market.
Hashtag: #VirtualAssets #web3 #BTCETF #Uweb

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

Record Surge in Individuals Crossing Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Early 2024

0

In the initial months of 2024, a total of 85,871 people crossed the Third Thai-lao Friendship Bridge, which links Khammouane Province, Laos, and Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand, according to Soukthong Vongsa, the head of cross-border immigration police in Laos.

These figures show a surge of 3,937 people compared to the same period in 2023.

Soukthong noted the diligence of local authorities in enforcing regulations on individuals’ entry and exit. However, challenges persist, notably the absence of modern inspection tools like X-ray machines, hindering the detection of illegal items concealed in luggage, personal belongings, and vehicles entering and exiting.

Efforts to bolster tourism during Visit Laos Year 2024 include enhancing document notification services, expanding service availability, and ensuring peace and order at checkpoint locations, meticulously mapped out to monitor the orderly flow of tourists and passengers entering Laos.

As the country aims at fortifying tourism initiatives throughout Visit Laos Year 2024, government authorities are stepping up efforts in infrastructure development. The projects include renovation of buildings, workplaces, offices, electrical systems, and street lights. Furthermore, improvements extend to the interior of buildings and the checkpoint courtyard, aiming to enhance convenience, cleanliness, and appeal to attract more visitors to Khammouane Province.

To further promote tourism in Laos, the country is set to launch the fifth bridge in November, connecting Bueng Kan Province, Thailand, with Paksan district, Bolikhamxay Province, Laos. The bridge is currently at 95 percent completion.

The first Australian National University Official Information Day in Hong Kong

0

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2024 – For the first time, the Australian National University will be organising an official information day in Hong Kong.

The Australian National University is a member of the Group of Eight Australia Universities, will be holding an official information day on 19th May 2024 in Cordis Hotel, Mongkok, Hong Kong. It is definitely an event not to be missed for DSE candidates and those who want to study in Australia.

On the information day, The Australian National University (ANU) will have representatives from various faculties to introduce the course content and teaching models of each college including:

  • College of Arts and Social Sciences
  • College of Health and Medicine
  • College of Asia & Pacific
  • College of Business & Economics
  • College of Science
  • College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics

Through explanations by the representatives, we can have a deeper understanding of the diversified course content and academic environment of world-class universities. In addition, during this information day, the representatives will introduce the university’s scholarships, share about the university’s dormitory arrangements and university life. This event will provide comprehensive information that allows everyone to have more idea of the diverse and high-quality courses offered by ANU and the advantages of its academic environment.

【ANU Information Day details】
Date: May 19, 2024 (Sunday)
Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Address: Level 8, Shanghai I, Cordis Hotel Hong Kong
Registration link: Click here to register

This is a unique opportunity. Interested participants please sign up through the link above. People from different parties and backgrounds, current HKDSE, IB, and AL candidates are welcome to participate and explore the palace of knowledge together. Participants who participate in this official information day will receive an application fee waiver code.

Hashtag: #ExpertEducationandVisaServices


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

About the Australian National University

is located in Canberra, the capital of Australia. Its excellent teaching quality and faculty have cultivated many elite talents over the years, including 6 Nobel laureates and 2 Australian Prime Ministers. It is ranked 34th in the world. Whether in academic fields or research projects, ANU has obtained outstanding achievements, allowing you to enjoy a world-class academic environment and a diverse course content.

About Expert Education & Visa Services

was established in 2003. It has more than 15 professional study migration centres in Australia and has more than 20 years of experience in study and migration. We cooperate with more than 100 education institutions in Australia and is one of the official representatives of the Australian National University. In these years, we assisted numerous students to achieve their dreams of studying abroad. As an expert in overseas study and migration, EEVS provides one-stop services including study abroad consultations, school applications, visa applications, accommodation applications, career plannings, skilled immigration applications and many other related services.

Man Arrested in Khammouane Province for Illegal Consumption of Endangered Species

0
Man Arrested in Khammouane Province for Illegal Consumption of Endangered Species
The arrested Phaiboon Thammavong and the dead Laotian langur (photo credit: the People's Police Academy)

Authorities in Khammouane Province arrested Phaiboon Thammavong on 15 May after he posted a collection of photos on his personal Facebook account depicting the corpse of a Laotian langur, an endangered species, as he cooked and consumed it.

Thai Prime Minister Promises Investigation After Activist Died in Detention

0
A portrait of Netiporn Sanesangkhom, a member if the activist group Thaluwang (Photo: AP)

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s prime minister on Wednesday, 15 May, offered his condolences to the family of a young activist who died in detention after a monthslong hunger strike, amid a public debate on the country’s justice system.