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Laos Sets Tourism Record Boasting 285 Percent Surge in 2023

By
Laotian Times
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Nam-Ou River, Luang Prabang (photo: Adventure Asia Travel)

Nestled amid the green landscapes of Southeast Asia, Laos finds itself at the epicenter of an extraordinary tourism surge, statistics by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism revealed.

The first nine months of this year have seen an astonishing influx of more than 2.4 million foreign tourists, marking a jaw-dropping 285 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This is a testament to Laos’s growing appeal on the global stage.

According to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, ASEAN countries contributed over 1.6 million tourists, with substantial numbers from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and the US.

This influx is attributed to improved accessibility facilitated by faster travel on highways and the Laos-China railway, which has become a popular means of transportation. But contrary to expectations, local tourist groups believe the majority of visitors came from Western countries.

“Most tourists this year came from America or Europe. We didn’t see as many visitors from Asia as expected,” said Soutthisak Sayasavanh, tour director at Discover Laos Today, a leading travel company in Laos. “We look forward to next year. I hope many more tourists will come visit Laos.”

While data shows outstanding growth in tourism across the country, according to Soutthisak, the world heritage city of Luang Prabang saw a lower influx of visitors compared to 2022.

“Last year was better for the tourism industry in Luang Prabang, I think. Visitors rushed here right after COVID-19,” he said. “2023 seems to be a little quieter.”

While Luang Prabang may be welcoming fewer visitors, less popular tourism destinations are experiencing fast growth. The emerging idea of “dispersed tourism” is gaining traction in the region. This fresh approach entails exploring less frequented destinations, especially in rural areas, where the allure lies in the natural beauty. In the southern part of Laos, for instance, the cluster of Four Thousand Islands captivates travelers with its stunning scenery and cascading waterfalls.

The promotion of new tourism destinations is also part of the Lao government’s strategy for the upcoming Visit Laos Year 2024 and the country’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.

The government and local businesses have been collaborating to boost tourism through international exhibitions and ASEAN tourism fairs. With a target of 4.6 million visitors, Laos aims to generate USD 712 million in revenue in 2024. Previous campaigns, including Visit Laos Years and Visit Laos-China Year, saw significant success, with Visit Laos Year 2018 witnessing a rise to 4.1 million arrivals (8.2 percent increase from 2017) and Visit Laos-China Year 2019 welcoming 4.58 million visitors, a 9 percent increase from the previous year.

Laos is also teaming up with the International Finance Corporation on a project to create a green city plan for Vientiane Capital. The goal is to set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, implement regional policies, and prioritize projects to turn Vientiane Capital into a low-carbon and climate-resilient city by 2030.

With a target of 4.6 million tourists and a revenue goal of USD 712 million for the next year, Laos is stepping onto the global stage with confidence.

Catch the lowest prices of the year at 11.11 Big Sale, Shopee’s biggest shopping festival of the year

By
Laotian Times
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Guess the Price of products at 11.11 Big Shopee Bag installations across Singapore and stand to win exciting prizes Stretch your dollar with 15% off brand vouchers and $350 cashback, and tune in to Shopee Live to catch celebrity influencers and enjoy 50% off

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 7 November 2023 – Shopee goes into full swing for the year-end shopping season with the biggest savings and lowest prices at its annual 11.11 Big Sale 2023. This 11.11, shoppers can expect an exciting line-up of deals, promotions, and vouchers from their favourite brands and sellers on Shopee, and also unlock greater savings and rewards when they shop on Shopee Live.

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11.11 Big Sale 2023 will present Shopee’s greatest selection of deals, fun, and entertainment for everyone, and shoppers can look forward to the widest variety of discounted products from over 25 categories, as well as 15% off brand vouchers, $350 cashback, and 50% off Shopee Live.

Shoppers can also look forward to the Biggest Price Drop of the Year. At selected timings of the day, shoppers can cart out shockingly low price deals from favourite brands like Dyson, SK-II, Medicube, Estee Lauder and more!* To sweeten the deal, shoppers can combine shop vouchers and Shopee vouchers at checkout to get the lowest prices.

This 11.11 Big Sale promises unbeatable deals and fun entertainment on Shopee Live, headlined by four well-known influencers:

  • Countdown to 11.11 Big Sale with Singaporean comedian and actress Patricia Mok from 11.30pm to 1am on 10 November
  • Catch popular influencers Hailey Teo and Mayiduo, as well as local personality Suhaimi Yusof as they bring shoppers exclusive deals on 11 November
  • Enjoy 50% off purchases made on Shopee Live and hourly voucher drops everyday throughout 11.11 Big Sale

Shopee will also unveil four Big Shopee Bag installations filled with popular products that users can win, from brands such as JBL, GoPro, Sterra, Logitech, New Moon, Paula’s Choice, Timberland, and more. To participate, users will need to guess the total value of products in the shopping bag and the user with the closest answer to the total value of each bag will win all the products within the installation. These Big Shopee Bag installations will be located at Jem, Parkway Parade, PLQ Mall, and 313@somerset from 1 to 11 November.

Shop the 11.11 Big Sale with $80 off with Citi Cards, exclusively on Shopee from 31 October to 11 November now: https://shopee.sg/m/1111-big-sale-23

Key items with price drop

Hashtag: #Shopee #1111 #BigSale #ShopeeBag #ShopeeLive #ecommerce

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

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee promotes an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem by enabling businesses to digitalise and grow their online presence, helping more people access and benefit from digital services, and uplifting local communities.

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping homegrown brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is part of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), a leading global consumer internet company. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology through its three core businesses: Shopee, Garena and SeaMoney.

‘Celebrate the Gift of Each Other’ at LANDMARK this Christmas

By
Laotian Times
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 7 November 2023 – LANDMARK celebrates all the traditions of gathering and giving this holiday season with all the pleasure of gifting, embracing exciting festive experiences and enjoying special shared moments together. Discover the heartwarming Christmas tale of little mouse Emma and Santa Paws, and meet a delightful community of over 115 animals and festive friends as they embark on a journey to catch the Wishing Star.

Experience Christmas Adventure at LANDMARK’s Mount Santa Paws

Experience Christmas Adventure at LANDMARK’s Mount Santa Paws


This year’s Christmas installation sees LANDMARK Atrium transformed into Mount Santa Paws, a gigantic Polar Bear snowy mountain where an adventurous band of animal friends gather together with Emma and Santa Paws, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to capture the Wishing Star that grants special Christmas wishes.

From November 19, 2023 until January 1, 2024, all are invited to join in the Christmas adventure and experience the true spirit of the holiday season on an exhilarating journey filled with over 10 exciting installation experiences set against a captivating ski-themed winter backdrop with Alpine Adventure Ski Lift soaring skywards to the mountain peak and a mesmerizing multi-coloured Northern Lights Aurora.

Enjoy the seasonal traditions of celebrating together with festive experiences at LANDMARK’s Mount Santa Paws.

Purchase a charity ticket to take a peek in the Santa Paws Ski Chalet where Emma, Santa Paws and their animal friends gather in friendship to make their heartfelt wishes to the Wishing Star atop their Christmas tree. Get together and pose for unforgettable selfies at the special Snow Turn and Tumble, Fuzzy Foxes Snow Spa and Alpine Adventure Ski Lift photo spots. Hold on tight and whizz through Mount Santa Paws on the exhilarating five metre long Snowy Sled Side and hop on Timmy’s Ski Adventure, for an amazing immersive skiing experience like no other.

Explore the LANDMARK website to reserve time-slots for all Christmas installation activities and spread the joy of the season with your loved ones.

Embrace Making Wishes Come True this Christmas!

The Wishing Star reminds us that the holiday season is also a time to remember the importance of extending kindness and generosity to others. LANDMARK is celebrating making wishes come true this Christmas, with proceeds from installation ticketing, festive merchandising and Christmas charity booths benefitting designated charity partners.

This year, LANDMARK is proudly supporting four Hong Kong charities including Changing Young Lives Foundation, providing support and inspiration to underprivileged youngsters with special needs through educational and developmental programmes; MINDSET which focuses on making a tangible and sustainable difference in the lives of Hong Kong’s mental health community; We R Family Foundation, providing educational programmes to economically disadvantaged children; and Make-A-Wish Foundation that makes critically-ill children’s dreams come true. All the charity organisations are beneficiaries of Hongkong Land’s HOME FUND, supporting youth and underprivileged children in Hong Kong society in realising their full potential.

LANDMARK, renowned for its timeless charm, is the ultimate Christmas destination for delightful shopping experiences and festive holiday surprises. From inspiring shops to captivating displays, every corner is adorned with the essence of the season. Celebrate in creating warm cherished memories together in embracing the festive cheer at LANDMARK.
Hashtag: #LANDMARKCHRISTMAS #LANDMARKHK #MOUNTSANTAPAWS #CELEBRATETHEGIFTOFEACHOTHER

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

About LANDMARK

LANDMARK represents the epitome of top-tier luxury shopping and lifestyle experiences. Drawing from a rich heritage which began in 1904 – LANDMARK today is the luxury shopping destination of Hongkong Land’s Central portfolio including 4 iconic connected buildings, LANDMARK ATRIUM, LANDMARK ALEXANDRA, LANDMARK CHATER and LANDMARK PRINCE’S. LANDMARK offers approximately 208 of the finest stores and restaurants, all seamlessly linked by pedestrian bridges. From high fashion and accessories to watches and jewellery, from luxury living to beauty and grooming, from international cuisine to authentic gourmet dining, LANDMARK brings the ultimate shopping experience to the discerning customer.

Official Website: Official Facebook:
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Official Xiaohongshu:_landmark_hk

About Hongkong Land

Hongkong Land is a major listed property investment, management and development group. Founded in 1889, Hongkong Land’s business is built on excellence, integrity and partnership.

The Group owns and manages more than 850,000 sq. m. of prime office and luxury retail property in key Asian cities, principally Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing and Jakarta. Its properties attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands.

The Group’s Central Hong Kong portfolio represents some 450,000 sq. m. of prime property. It has a further 165,000 sq. m. of prestigious office space in Singapore mainly held through joint ventures, four retail centres on the Chinese mainland, including a luxury retail centre at Wangfujing in Beijing, and a 50% interest in a leading office complex in Central Jakarta.

The Group also has a number of high-quality residential, commercial and mixed-use projects under development in cities across China and Southeast Asia, including a 43% interest in a 1.1 million sq. m. mixed-use project in West Bund, Shanghai. Its subsidiary, MCL Land, is a well-established residential developer in Singapore.

Hongkong Land Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing in the standard segment of the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Group’s assets and investments are managed from Hong Kong by Hongkong Land Limited. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

Bokeo International Airport to Start Operations By End of 2023

By
Chono Lapuekou
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Bokeo International Airport (Photo: Tourism Laos)

A brand-new international airport in Bokeo province, valued at USD 175 million, is gearing up to commence operations by the end of the year.

Financed by Greater Bay Area Investment and Development Limited, the project was initiated in September 2020. Since then, it has made significant progress, including the completion of the runway, taxiway, and parking lot. Currently, the focus is on the final touches, such as interior decoration and essential facility installations.

Strategically located near the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, the airport is poised to welcome a growing number of tourists, with a particular emphasis on visitors from China. Designed to accommodate larger aircraft like the Boeing 747 and Airbus 320, the facility operates under the Build-Operate-Transfer model, with the developer holding a 50-year concession.

The impending completion of this international airport marks a significant step forward for Bokeo province, opening doors to enhanced connectivity across the region and beyond.

Tourism, Hospitality in Focus as Lao Youth Embark on Japan Study Tour

By
Laotian Times
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JENESYS Tourism 2023. (Photo supplied)

Japan is set to welcome a delegation of 10 young people from Laos who
are participating in the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Tourism and OMOTENASHI Exchange, supported by the Government of Japan.

This program is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to deepen
understanding of both the Japanese tourism industry and Japanese-style hospitality,
while gaining knowledge and ideas for tourism development in Laos.

The participants were selected in cooperation with the Lao Ministry of Education
and Sports. Four of them participated in the JENESYS online program “Tourism & OMOTENASHI Exchange” in 2022 and are now making their long-awaited visit to Japan.

They will visit Japan’s capital, Tokyo, as well as Okinawa prefecture. In addition to attending lectures and visiting facilities and key industries, students will join cross-cultural events and workshops, and exchange ideas with their peers. They are also expected to share experiences, learning and insights with wider audiences through social networking services (SNS) during their stay in Japan and after returning home in Laos.

More than 2,200 Lao young people have been to Japan for such exchanges since JENESYS’ establishment in 2007. It is expected that these exchanges will continue to promote mutual trust and understanding among the younger generations to build strong foundations for long-term friendship and cooperation between Japan and Laos.

illum.e Announces New Eastern Branch & AI-Driven Learning Portal

By
Laotian Times
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Singapore-based tuition centre debuts new branch in the East and looks to facilitate technologically adapted learning experiences for students via a forthcoming AI-driven learning portal

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 7 November 2023 – Singapore-based MOE-registered tuition centre, illum.e, has declared the opening of a new branch at Parkway Centre, extending its footprint to the East of the city. This development comes amidst a series of initiatives and results that spotlight the tuition centre’s trajectory in the local education sector.

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Performance Metrics Indicate Quality Academic Outcomes

For the 2022 academic year, illum.e reported that 98% of its O-Level English students achieved a grade of B3 or above, while A and B grades were secured by 97% of its A-Level General Paper students. These results are tethered to the centre’s operational methodology, which involves the deployment of a handpicked team comprising former MOE teachers and scholars with a broad range of industry experience.

Timothy Joshua Chia-Lee, Head Tutor at illum.e commented, “The results from the previous academic year provide a quantitative glimpse into our quality student outcomes, reflecting a synthesis of their efforts and our unique educational framework at illum.e.”

Technological Strides with Learning Portals

In 2023, illum.e’s innovation department initiated the roll-out of a student learning portal, with an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Learning Portal also announced for launch in early 2024. This AI-driven portal is projected to integrate advanced technology into the tuition centre’s curriculum, aiming to provide immediate personalised feedback and differentiated learning pathways for students utilising the platform.

Holistic Educational Offerings: A Glance at illum.e’s Curriculum

illum.e’s upcoming branch at Parkway Centre is set to provide a range of tuition classes, extending across O-Level Humanities (including Social Studies, History, and Geography) and A-Level Economics. The tuition centre also delineates its offerings to accommodate various educational stages, providing English tuition for primary and secondary school students (through PSLE and GCE O-Level) and General Paper tuition for junior college students.

In reflection, the Head Tutor of illum.e shared, “The continuous refinement of our educational approach is anchored in our commitment to be the most student-centric educational company. We strive to put an end to students’ feelings of powerlessness by enabling diverse learning needs to be better met within our growing student community.”

For more information on their offerings and branches, please visit illum.e’s official website.Hashtag: #illum.e




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

About illum.e

Singaporean MOE-registered tuition centre illum.e emphasises adept English and General Paper proficiency by uniting experienced educators with innovative technologies. Strategically dispersed across various locales, the centre commits to structured, results-proven learning, prioritising tangible academic successes and steering students through personalised educational journeys.

Survey by JD – JustDating: Those with Better Looks Are More Likely to Be Single

By
Laotian Times
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Hong Kong People Meet in Person After Only 3.2 Hours of Online Chat: Technology and Aviation Industry Professionals Show Higher Willingness to Date

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 7 November 2023 – With the annual Singles’ Day approaching on November 11th (11/11), some singles are eager to escape singledom on this day, while others, humorously self-proclaimed as having a “perpetually single” disposition, continue to embrace solitude. In light of this, the popular dating app “JD – Just Dating” conducted a survey specifically targeting single users in Hong Kong. The findings were astonishing, with a staggering 77% of single men and women expressing the belief that simply shopping on the streets during Singles’ Day is not enough to fulfil their psychological needs. Instead, they actively seek companionship and the opportunity to “date” on this special day.

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The age group of these singles eager for dates ranges from 27 to 33 years old. They enjoy initiating conversations and invite online friends for in-person dates after chatting online for 3.2 hours on average. Those working in the technology and aviation industries are most willing to go on dates, and surprisingly, good looks have become a significant contributing factor to their single status.

Hong Kong Singles Meet for Dates to Soothe Loneliness After Just 3.2 Hours of Chat

The popular dating app, “JD,” conducted a statistical survey on the topic of “2023 Singles’ Day.” The survey took place from October 5th to 25th, 2023, and involved 1,300 users aged between 22 and 45 in Hong Kong. The analysis of the data from this user group found that a substantial 77% of single men and women believe that on Singles’ Day, they must engage in “pseudo-singleness,” actively inviting online friends for face-to-face dates to break free from the single life. This group of singles, eager for dates ranges from 27 to 33 years old, sending up to 20 dating invitations to friends on the app every day.

To successfully date on Singles’ Day, they have minimal expectations for suitable dates, valuing compatibility in personality and shared interests as the most important factors instead. On average, they would arrange in-person dates after chatting online for 3.2 hours. However, males aged 28 to 32 are the least content with solitude, initiating date invitations after chatting for an average of 2.5 hours and are willing to cover all date expenses for romantic dining experiences.

Better Looks May Increase the Likelihood of Being Single – Technology and Aviation Industry Professionals Are the Most Willing to Meet in Person to Escape Singledom

Could better looks be a reason for remaining single? According to a survey conducted by “JD,” individuals with good looks, both male and female, tend to stay single. An analysis of data from the app’s top 100 most popular users found that 71% of these users have been mistaken for being “in a relationship,” only to reveal the opposite, leading to a surprising result where individuals with better looks are single. Furthermore, nearly half of these users stated that they had been told by others that their “good looks make people feel insecure in a relationship,” which led to breakups. These individuals have long been troubled by the stereotype that good-looking people are always in relationships. Therefore, as the upcoming Singles’ Day approaches, these attractive single men and women are actively seeking to break free from singledom, eager to meet more online friends and arrange dates.

When it comes to professions, those in the technology and aviation industries in Hong Kong show the highest willingness to date. On average, they accept dates from four out of six online friends, which exceeds 60%. Public servants and healthcare professionals also actively seek to expand their social circles. It’s worth noting that 38% of the “JD” users prefer to have dates on Mondays over enjoying a full-day date on the weekend, believing that Monday evening dates are the best way to alleviate “Monday Blues.”

“JD – JustDating” offers hassle-free dating services that allow users to date and meet online friends anywhere, anytime. With unique location and dating features, young men and women can find their matches quickly and accurately. “JD” has members across the USA, Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and various parts of Asia.

Learn more about JD-JustDating: https://www.justdatingapp.com/invite.php

Hashtag: #jd #justdating #datingapp

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

BingX Publish Top AI Crypto Coins Comprehensive Guide

By
Laotian Times
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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 7 November 2023 – BingX, a leading crypto copy trading platform, has released an insightful guide highlighting the top AI cryptocurrency tokens projected for significant growth in the remainder of Q4 2023. This guide comes on the heels of Arthur Hayes’ speech at the Token 2049 conference in Singapore, where he predicted that the fusion of AI and cryptocurrency would catalyze a major bull market in 2024.
The guide explores the surge in AI tokens, which saw a 39% increase following Hayes’ speech, and emphasizes the critical need for decentralized computing power and storage in the AI sector. This need arises from AI’s heavy reliance on vast amounts of data storage and computing power, which, if centralized, could lead to exorbitant infrastructure costs and technological silos.
Highlighting the potential of projects like Render Network , Akash Network, and Bittensor, BingX’s guide provides a deep dive into the decentralized solutions these tokens offer. Render Network, known for its decentralized GPU computing power rental services, Render Network price seen an increase of 100% post-October due to AI’s growing demand. Akash Network, offering decentralized cloud services, has expanded to include GPU computing power services tailored for AI needs. Akash Network Price has seen a 5x increment since the launch of ChatGPT that rocked the AI world. Bittensor, likened to a decentralized version of ChatGPT, allows users to contribute computing power to run AI models, making the network more efficient.
The guide by BingX is a valuable resource for investors looking to understand the landscape of AI cryptocurrencies and their role in the anticipated bull market. It underscores the unstoppable trend towards decentralization in storage, computing power, and AI applications, expected to continue into 2024 and beyond.
Investors are encouraged to review the guide for detailed price predictions and analyses, which can be found in BingX Top AI Coins 2023. Visit BingX website to buy top AI coins.

Hashtag: #bingx #cryptoexchange

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

About BingX

BingX is a leading cryptocurrency exchange offering spot, derivatives, grid, and copy trading services to users in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. With a user base of over 5 million, BingX facilitates connections between users, expert traders, and the platform itself in a secure and innovative manner.

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