Laos and Japan are set to deepen their economic partnership, with a focus on enhancing Laos’s connectivity and sustainability.
Laos, Japan to Boost Cooperation on Green Energy, Infrastructure

Formalin Detected in Food Products in Champasack

On 9 October, authorities in Champasack Province discovered the presence of formalin in food products following an inspection conducted by the Department of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Sector of the Provincial Health Department in Pakse district.
2024 China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) to Take Place November 15-17
The CCBF is approved by the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration and organized by Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group Co., Ltd., China Education Publishing & Media Group Ltd., and China Universal Press & Publication Co., Ltd., with co-organization by Ronbo BolognaFiere Shanghai Ltd. and support from the BolognaFiere Group.
As a pivotal bridge connecting Eastern and Western cultures, CCBF is dedicated to maintaining its role as a trendsetter in the children’s book industry. The Fair will strengthen its relationships with both domestic and foreign publishing institutions and continue to promote Chinese original titles globally. CCBF cordially invites colleagues from the global industry and friends who love to read to join in this vibrant and innovative celebration of children’s books!
Celebrating Global Diversity and Creativity in Children’s Publishing
CCBF 2024 will showcase a wide range of genres and themes, emphasizing the diversity and creativity of the Asia Pacific children’s book market. The Fair is an essential platform for discovering new trends and content in the children’s publishing industry.
Countries including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States will participate. Key sections like the Bologna Best Children’s Publishers (BOP) Lounge, Strega Prize Lounge, Asia Pacific New Entry Lounge, and Rights Centre will return.
The BOP Lounge will feature publishers from Asia, Europe, South America, North America, and Oceania, including Baobab (Czech Republic), Corraini Edizioni (Italy), EK Books (Australia), Fukuinkan (Japan), Libros Silvestres (Argentina), Poplar Publishing (Japan), Solisluna (Brazil), and Yambow Al Kitab (Morocco). The Strega Prize Lounge will host winners and shortlisted publishers from the Premio Strega Ragazze e Ragazzi, Italy’s premier children’s literary award, including Italian publishing houses such as Camelozampa, Edizioni EL, Giunti/Bompiani, Salani, Terre di Mezzo, Topipittori, and Tunuè. The Asia Pacific New Entry Lounge will feature Sekaibunka-sha Group (Japan), Five Mile Press (Australia), and Wizard Within (Malaysia).
Notable international institutions like Bayard (France), Clavis Publishing (Belgium), La Coccinella (Italy), Gloyeon (Korea), Hachette Children’s Group (UK), Hungry Tomato (UK), Oxford University Press (UK), and VLP Agency (Chile) will also be present.
Chinese publishing houses such as Shanghai Century Publishing Group, China Children’s Press & Publication Group, China Education Publishing & Media Group, CITIC Press Group, 21st Century Publishing Group, Jieli Publishing House, Phoenix Juvenile and Children’s Publishing Ltd., New Buds Publishing House, and Xinjiang Juvenile Publishing House, along with Post Wave Kids, Dandelion Children’s Book House, Lelequ, Caldecott Book, and Jojo Reading, will engage in enlightening discussions.
The 2024 CCBF promises a stellar lineup of distinguished guests, including luminaries such as Cecile Alix, Alessandro Barbero, Anne Crahay, Ivan Canu, Cai Yidong, Gui Tuzi, Jon Klassen, Maeva Rubli, Emily Sutton, Wu Bingrong, and Xiong Liang.
Leverage Professional Expertise and Discover Innovative Trends
CCBF is hosting eight professional Conferences and Seminars aimed at fostering cross-cultural exchanges. Some will explore original content from around the world, while others will present industry outlooks. The children’s book market, the largest segment in the book industry, will be closely examined in the “2024 Chinese and Global Children’s Book Retail Market Analysis.” The “Award Winners’ Series” will feature discussions with renowned authors, exploring the inspiration behind their creations. The “New Channels of Children’s Book” conference will gather industry leaders to discuss opportunities in emerging channels for children’s book publishing. The “Challenge and Opportunity of AI in the Children’s Publishing Industry” session will provide insights into the evolution of AI. The “Social Emotional Books” conference will explore how children’s books can support emotional intelligence, empathy, and social development.
Children Plus: A Fabulous Wardrobe
As one of the highlights of the CCBF program, Children Plus identifies a different category of books each year, relevant from both international and local perspectives. In collaboration with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, this year, Children Plus will spotlight fashion-themed picture books with the special exhibition “Children Plus: A Fabulous Wardrobe”, curated by a professional team.
An international collection of 150 captivating picture books will invite readers of all ages to explore stories celebrating the everyday magic of clothing, ancestral memories woven into threads, the wonders of fashion history, and the enduring power of textiles. The exhibition invites children to feel like authors, creators, and seekers of their own style, voice, and way of participating in the great game of fashion design, bridging memory and unexpected visions.
Marco Polo’s Legacy: A Journey Through Books and Cultures
In commemoration of the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death, CCBF is partnering with the Cultural Office of the Italian Consulate General in Shanghai to host a special event. The centerpiece will be an exhibition of 50 children’s books chronicling Marco Polo’s legendary journey, accompanied by a series of themed lectures. Featured speakers include Professor Dario Rinaldi, Director of the Cultural Office at the Italian Consulate in Shanghai; renowned historian Professor Alessandro Barbero; and Ivan Canu, Director of the Mimaster Milan International Illustration School. Together, they will delve into the rich history of cross-cultural exchanges between Europe and Asia.
Spotlight on the Next Generation of Illustrators
The Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition (Golden Pinwheel) is an international illustration contest held annually as part of CCBF. Since its creation in 2015, the competition has provided a platform for emerging illustrators to showcase their talent. It aims to build bridges between them and children’s publishers, both locally and globally. In 2024, Golden Pinwheel received 2,584 valid submissions from 72 countries and regions across six continents, representing 2,228 illustrators. The jury, composed of eight international experts—Yukiko Hiromatsu (Japan), Jon Klassen (USA), Morgane Vasta (France), Xiao Aozi (China), Yao Hong (China) as Book Publishing jurors, and Hadi Barkat (Switzerland), Giacomo Benelli (Italy), Tango (China) as Commercial jurors—made the final selection of 66 exceptional finalists, which will be showcased at CCBF. Additionally, their works will be featured in the 2024 Golden Pinwheel Yearbook, to be published in November.
The Illustrators Survival Corner, in partnership with Mimaster Illustrazione, will feature 10 masterclasses, 9 creative workshops, and 27 one-on-one portfolio reviews, empowering young illustrators to showcase their skills, improve their craft, and engage in valuable exchanges.
Registration Now Open for Professional Visitors
Online registration for professional visitors is now open. Professionals in children’s book publishing, education, entertainment, and related fields are invited to attend free of charge. Visit www.ccbookfair.com/en.
Visa Information & Travel
International visitors are encouraged to apply for a visa in advance. From July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, China will offer a visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from 16 countries. Nationals from 54 countries can also take advantage of Shanghai’s 72-hour or 144-hour transit visa-free policy.
For more information, please contact:
Yvonne Sun
T: +86-33683186*8044
E: yvonne.sun@bfchina.net
Hashtag: #CCBF
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CCBF
The China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) is approved by the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration and organized by Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group Co., Ltd., China Education Publishing & Media Group Ltd., and China Universal Press & Publication Co., Ltd., with co-organization by Ronbo BolognaFiere Shanghai Ltd. Launched in 2013, CCBF has quickly become an important event for the global publishing industry. It is the leading fair dedicated entirely to children’s books and content in the Asia Pacific region.
In 2023, CCBF hosted 478 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions, with 42,733 visitors, including 19,086 professionals, attending over the three-day event.
Bay Of Lights: Unlocking High-yield Investment Opportunities In 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO)

NANNING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 October 2024 – In an exciting new chapter for Cambodia, the Bay of Lights, a 934-hectare development in the Kingdom, has successfully unlocked a vibrant new market by making its debut at the 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Attended by over 220,000 visitors, CAEXPO provided a pivotal platform for Bay of Lights to showcase its innovative offerings and forge significant partnerships. More than 100 Memorandum of Understandings were signed during the expo, cementing the event’s role as a catalyst for economic cooperation and growth.
The CAEXPO is an annual international trade event that serves as a critical platform for promoting economic cooperation and fostering trade relations among China and the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The expo underscores the importance of initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement 3.0, as highlighted by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, during his opening remarks.
Bay of Lights is strategically positioned as a gateway to the combined markets of China and ASEAN, providing access to more than 2 billion consumers. By leveraging the business matching services at the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), Bay of Lights aims to increase its visibility and strengthen its credibility among investors and trade delegates. This initiative aligns with the project’s broader goal of tapping into two of the world’s most dynamic economic regions.
The city of Sihanoukville, Cambodia—where Bay of Lights is rooted—has transformed into the Kingdom’s fastest-growing business hub, experiencing an impressive 18% annual growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from 2018 to 2023. Infrastructure enhancements, such as the $2 billion airport expansion and new expressways, are furthering accessibility and economic development. These developments position Bay of Lights to capitalize on regional growth and investment trends.
As Bay of Lights continues to make strides in its ambitious journey, the partnerships formed at the 21st China-ASEAN Expo are set to drive unprecedented economic growth and innovation, cementing the project’s role as a cornerstone of regional development.
Hashtag: #BayOfLights #Sihanoukville #CambodiaInvestment #FinancialHub #ChinaASEANExpo #InvestmentOpportunity #SoutheastAsia #SihanoukvilleDevelopment
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Bay of Lights
Bay of Lights is a pioneering development reshaping the skyline of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. With an investment of USD 16 billion, this sprawling 934-hectare beachfront project has been meticulously master-planned to feature nine distinctive districts supporting the initiative’s six core pillars: Financial Services, Tourism, Education, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Health & Wellness, as well as Art & Culture. Driven by a vision to create a world-class financial and tourism hub, Bay of Lights design encourages a sense of connectivity between diverse sectors and stimulating economic growth.
Connect with us to discover investment opportunities at Bay of Lights.
The University of Macau Unveils Pioneering Global Initiatives to Cultivate Future Talent

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 October 2024 – As the global higher education landscape continues to evolve, the University of Macau (UM) has launched a series of forward-thinking initiatives designed to cultivate world-class talent. These innovative programs, firmly aligned with the world’s top academic standards, aim to equip students with the skills and competencies essential for thriving in today’s increasingly interconnected world.
Expanding Global Reach through Strategic Collaborations
In a bold move to foster global competence, UM has established strategic partnerships with leading universities across mainland China, Europe, and beyond. Notable collaborations include dual bachelor’s degree programs with Zhejiang University, and “1+3” master’s and PhD dual degree programs with Imperial College London, University of Bristol, and University of Edinburgh.
UM has also partnered with Queen’s University Belfast on a “3+2” dual bachelor’s degree program in food science and nutrition, opening new doors for students to gain international exposure. These initiatives reflect UM’s commitment to creating a global network of knowledge exchange and innovation, enhancing students’ employability and positioning them as global leaders in their fields.
“The partnerships we’ve established with universities and industry partners worldwide are key to enhancing our research capacity and equipping students with the skills needed for global competitiveness,” said Yonghua Song, rector of UM.
Strengthening Global Standing through Research Excellence
UM’s reputation as a research powerhouse has grown significantly, driven by its unique “3+3+3+3” strategic research layout, which prioritises disciplines with both local importance and international relevance. This approach has earned UM a place among the top 1% in the Essential Science Indicators (ESI) database for 14 subjects, including engineering, computer science, and economics.
UM’s sustained commitment to research excellence has cemented its position as a key player in global academic rankings:
- 180th in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
- 245th in the QS World University Rankings
- 262nd in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities Rankings
- 14th in the THE Young University Rankings
- 36th in the THE Asia University Rankings
These rankings underscore UM’s growing influence on the global academic stage and its status as an invaluable partner in cutting-edge research.
Innovating Education: The “4-in-1” Collaborative Model
A cornerstone of UM’s educational philosophy is its innovative “4-in-1” collaborative education model, which integrates discipline-specific learning, general education, research and internship education, and community and peer education. This holistic model, inspired by the residential college systems at Oxford and Cambridge, ensures that UM graduates are not only academically proficient but also well-rounded individuals equipped with moral values, critical thinking skills, and a global perspective.
“By enhancing our ‘4-in-1′ model and residential college system, we aim to foster students’ all-round development, independent thinking, and social responsibility,” said Song.
Building a World-Class Faculty
UM’s success in cultivating talent extends to its faculty, with 80% of its academic staff recruited from outside Macao. Through initiatives such as the UM Talent Programme and the UM Macao Fellow scheme, the university has attracted experts from prestigious academic institutions worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing future leaders and contributing to the development of Macao, China, and the global community.
Hashtag: #universityofmacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Macau University
Founded in 1981, the University of Macau (UM) is an international public comprehensive university in Macao, with a multicultural campus and a system of whole-person education underpinned by faculties and residential colleges in an international education setup. 80 percent of its faculty members are from outside Macao. With English as the main medium of instruction, the university is committed to producing creative and socially responsible graduates with a global mindset and international competitiveness.
Website:
https://www.um.edu.mo/
Kronos Research Appoints Former Tower Research Exec, Vincent Wang as Chief Technology Officer
Kronos Research has strengthened its leadership team with a focus on enhancing the firm’s commitment to innovation through collaboration and technical excellence

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 October 2024 – Kronos Research, a leading quant-trading firm and market maker, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Vincent Wang as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), a pivotal role focused on enhancing the firm’s commitment to innovation through collaboration and technical excellence.

With over 20 years of technology leadership experience, Vincent has a proven track record of driving transformative success in the finance and technology sectors through key roles at Tower Research, Optiver, and ProTrak.
Before joining Kronos, Vincent served as Co-head of China at Tower Research, where he played a crucial role in shaping the firm’s strategic vision and leading innovative IT initiatives that significantly enhanced trading returns while reducing operational costs. His tenure was marked by successful projects that dramatically improved latency and efficiency in complex trading systems. Prior to this, before being promoted to Technical Director at Optiver China, Vincent held the role of IT manager at Optiver Taiwan and IT Infrastructure Manager at ProTrak in the U.S. Vincent demonstrated a strong ability to align IT initiatives with strategic business objectives, developing and maintaining trading environments that ensured compliance and optimised performance.
Vincent’s appointment signifies a major advancement for Kronos as it seeks to cultivate a dynamic culture of technical excellence. In his new role, he is committed to building a cohesive, cross-collaborative team dedicated to executing projects efficiently across various domains. He will spearhead the design and architecture of major software systems while mentoring team members on best practices in design and coding.
Leveraging his technical expertise, Vincent is poised to enhance operational efficiency and optimise trading performance by implementing effective trading strategies. Ultimately, his efforts aim to foster a culture of creativity and innovation, contributing to our goal of becoming a leading trading firm in a competitive landscape.
Hank Huang, Chief Executive Officer of Kronos, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition: “As an engineering and technology-driven quantitative trading firm, we are excited to welcome Vincent. His leadership will drive greater success in our major projects and enhance trading performance.”
Vincent holds a Master’s degree in Information Science and Telecommunications from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Science from National Central University in Taiwan.
Hashtag: #managmentexpansion #CTO #Quanttrading #kronosreserch
https://kronosresearch.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kronosresearch/
https://x.com/KronosResearch
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Kronos Research
Kronos Research is a technology and data-driven trading firm transforming the digital asset landscape by cultivating a dynamic financial ecosystem with exceptional trading performance, advanced cryptocurrency investment strategies, and extensive liquidity provision capabilities.
Our advanced machine-learning techniques and state-of-the-art trading infrastructure form the backbone of our quantitative trading operations. These enable us to deliver precise data and insights, bolster risk management, develop effective trading strategies, and empower informed investment decisions.
By leveraging our expertise, we strive to foster strong partnerships and deliver significant value through continuous advancement and innovation.
CLP, BASF, and Envision Energy Sign Long-Term Power Purchase Agreement to Provide 100% Renewable Energy at BASF’s Manufacturing Sites in Jiangsu Province

NANJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 October 2024 – CLP China (CLP), BASF, and Envision Energy signed a 10-year power purchase agreement to support BASF’s adoption of 100% renewable energy at its manufacturing sites in Nanjing, Rudong, and Zhenjiang in Jiangsu province. The agreement will contribute to BASF’s corporate goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and accelerate the low-carbon energy transformation of Jiangsu.

The three companies reached the agreement under the renewable energy trading rules in Jiangsu province and have adopted an innovative sleeved long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) model. CLP, as a green power supplier in this cooperation, will provide renewable energy to BASF’s three manufacturing sites in Jiangsu from its solar projects in Wuxi, Huai’an, and Yangzhou within the province.
CLP Holdings Managing Director – China Mr Roger Chen said, “CLP is honoured to cooperate with BASF and Envision Energy in the fields of renewable energy and green electricity, and to support the leading chemical company BASF in achieving its net-zero carbon emissions goal. As one of the largest external investors in the energy sector in Mainland China, CLP focuses on developing clean and renewable energy, and providing green energy solutions to corporate customers. We look forward to working with more companies and contributing further to Jiangsu’s low-carbon energy transformation.”
BASF Senior Vice President, Operations & Site Management Greater China Mr Jan Peter Bredehoeft said, “The rapid development of China’s renewable energy market provides a foundation to support us in increasing the use of renewable energy. Today, our three manufacturing sites in Jiangsu province will complete the signing of a 10-year renewable power purchase agreement, enabling carbon emissions reduction in our operations. This will also allow us to launch products with reduced carbon footprint, and support our downstream customers’ green transformation.”
Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, will serve as the power retailer in this cooperation, helping achieve green electricity settlement between power generators and users. Dr Dipeng Chen, head of Envision Energy’s power market said, “As the load management and balance service provider in this sleeved long-term PPA, Envision Energy will fully leverage the resource adjustment and custodial operating capabilities of the company to help power generation companies and power users reduce market risks. We are excited to partner with BASF and CLP to promote the development of renewable energy through this innovative business model.”

CLP is one of the largest investor-owned power businesses in Asia-Pacific and has entered Mainland China’s power market since 1979. It invested in the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station, the nation’s first commercial nuclear power station, in 1985 and has participated in its operations since then. CLP currently has more than 50 power generation projects in 15 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, and non-carbon assets account for around 70% of its total capacity in Mainland China.
CLP began investing in Jiangsu in 2014 with the Sihong solar power project and continues to invest in renewable energy projects in the province. Its Jiangsu operations focus on solar and wind power projects while exploring new businesses, including energy storage and virtual power plants, in support of the nation’s dual carbon goals and to help customers achieve their sustainability goals.
Hashtag: #CLP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CLP Group
The CLP Group is one of the largest investor-owned power businesses in Asia Pacific with investments across Hong Kong, Mainland China, Australia and India. Hong Kong-listed CLP Holdings Limited is the holding company for the CLP Group, which has a diversified portfolio of generating assets that uses a wide range of fuels including coal, gas, nuclear and renewable sources.
Through CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, the Group operates a vertically integrated electricity supply business that provides a highly reliable supply of electricity to 80% of Hong Kong’s population. The CLP Group is one of the largest external investors in the energy sector in Mainland China. The Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary EnergyAustralia is a leading integrated energy company in Australia, providing gas and electricity to about 2.42 million households and businesses. Apraava Energy, in which CLP has a 50% interest, is one of India’s biggest renewable energy producers with operations in power generation and transmission.
CLP Holdings is included in the Global Dow – an index of the world’s leading blue-chip companies, in addition to sustainability-focused indices including the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index (DJSI Asia Pacific), the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series and the FTSE4Good Index series.
CLP China website: www.clp.com.cn
Innocraft Earns Best Place to Work Certification in New Zealand for 2024

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 October 2024 – Innocraft, the company behind the leading web analytics platform Matomo, is proud to announce its recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in New Zealand for 2024. This esteemed certification is a testament to Innocraft’s dedication to fostering a workplace environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and supported in both their personal and professional growth.
Matthieu Aubry, Chief Executive Officer of Innocraft, expressed his gratitude for the achievement: “We are honoured to be Best Place to Work Certified. This achievement substantiates our commitment to building an amazing workplace culture and future together with our employees. We are proud that our employees have a consistently positive experience with their co-workers and leaders and find personal satisfaction in their jobs.”
Lauren Bardebes, Head of People and Culture, emphasized the importance of the feedback that contributed to the certification: “I am deeply humbled by this outcome, especially as it reflects the anonymous feedback from our valued employees. Every day, we strive to create an environment where our team can thrive and enjoy their work. This award is proof of the dedication and contributions of every one of our employees.”
Caroline Khouzam, Talent Manager at Innocraft, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the company’s people-first approach: “It’s rare to find a workplace where your voice is heard, and your contributions are not only acknowledged but celebrated. I’m proud to be part of a company that consistently puts its people first, and I can confidently say that Matomo is truly one of the best places to work.”
Innocraft’s commitment to employee well-being is reflected in its robust support programs, professional development initiatives, and a work culture that celebrates diversity and innovation. The company continuously seeks to enhance the employee experience, creating a workplace where individuals are motivated to contribute their best.
The Best Places to Work certification further solidifies Innocraft’s position as a leader not only in the technology and analytics industry but also in creating an outstanding environment for its people.
For more information about the certification program, please visit www.bestplacestoworkfor.org.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-places-to-work-program/
Twitter: http://www.twitter/bptw4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bptw4all/
Hashtag: #BestPlacesToWork
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.


