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Citi Signs Multi-year Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement with CLP Power

First bank in Hong Kong to power entire operations using renewable energy locally-sourced from CLP Power

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 March 2023 – Citi announced today that it has entered a multi-year agreement with CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) to purchase up to 106,400,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity generated from local renewable energy sources over a six-year period until 2027. The purchase makes Citi the first bank in Hong Kong to be powering its entire operations using renewable energy locally-sourced from CLP Power, and will result in a reduction of 41,496 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Citi has long been partnering with CLP Power on numerous environmental sustainability initiatives in Hong Kong. It is one of the largest buyers of CLP Renewable Energy Certificates and a major corporate participant of CLP Power’s energy efficiency programs to drive carbon footprint reduction.

In 2021, Citi installed an on-site renewable energy system consisting of 360 solar panels on the rooftop of Citi Tower in Kowloon East. The system is connected to CLP Power’s electricity grid.

‘As a longstanding corporate citizen of Hong Kong, we have a commitment and responsibility to create a positive impact in the community where we live and work. This includes our ongoing effort to reduce the environmental footprint of our operations,” said Aveline San, CEO of Citi Hong Kong and Macau.

“Having achieved our global goal to be 100% powered by renewable energy in 2020, we are proud to be taking our environmental sustainability commitment to the next level by sourcing local renewable energy through our partnership with CLP Power. We look forward to further deepening our collaboration with CLP Power on driving a more sustainable future through innovative solutions and initiatives,” she added.

“The 2050 carbon neutrality target is an important milestone for Hong Kong,” CLP Power Managing Director T K Chiang said. ‘We see more businesses exploring ways to manage energy demand to deliver their decarbonization agenda. Purchasing CLP Renewable Energy Certificates is one of the effective ways for businesses to offset their carbon emissions, and we are delighted that there has been an upward trend in larger purchases of Renewable Energy Certificates in recent years.’

‘All along, CLP Power has been collaborating with Citi, and we are committed to supporting Citi on its journey to carbon neutrality. We look forward to providing more sustainable energy solutions to Citi in the near future,’ he said.

Globally, Citi made a commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. This includes the emissions related to Citi’s own operations and those financed by its banking activities. For Citi’s own operations, the goal is to achieve net zero GHG emissions globally by 2030.

Since 2001, Citi has been working to measure and reduce the direct environmental impact of its own operations through a centralized system and report annually on global energy use, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions, water use, waste-to-landfill, and green building initiatives.

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Photo Caption: (Left) Aveline San, Citi Hong Kong and Macau CEO, (right) T K Chiang, CLP Power Managing Director

Hashtag: #Citi

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

About Citi

Citi is a pre-eminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in nearly 160 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.

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China Eases Covid Regulations for Travelers from Laos

China to Ease Regulations On Lao Citizens Entering The Country
Passengers with face masks wait in line in March 2021 at a ticket booth in the main terminal at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, New York. Passengers with face masks wait in line in March 2021 at a ticket booth in the main terminal at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, New York. ( Photo : CNN )

The Embassy of the Republic of China to Laos has issued a statement to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform them that starting Wednesday, passengers from Laos will no longer need to provide a negative RT-PCR test result, as an Antigen test will be sufficient.

IES inks USD692 Million loan agreement for the iconic 600MW “Monsoon Wind Power Project” as the first wind project in Lao PDR, the largest renewable energy plant in Southeast Asia positioned as a key platform for regional connectivity and decarbonization

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 1 March 2023 – On 24 February 2023, Impact Electrons Siam Limited (IES), Asia Pacific’s leading renewable energy solutions provider, as the developer of the Monsoon Wind Power Project (Monsoon Wind), signed USD692 Million financing documents for a non-recourse project financing for Monsoon Wind together with other shareholders among them are ACEN Renewables International Pte. Ltd., STP&I Public Company Limited and SMP Group. Customary CPs are expected to be satisfied shortly. Monsoon Wind will construct, own, and operate a 600MW wind power plant and its dedicated 500kV transmission line in the Sekong and Attapeu provinces located in southeastern provinces of the Lao PDR. Monsoon Wind is the first wind power project in Lao PDR and the first cross-border project in Southeast Asia. Under the 25-year power purchase agreement, the electricity generated will be sold to Vietnam Electricity (EVN) through the Project Company’s 500kV transmission line.

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The project will be co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as lead arranger, Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (Thai EXIM), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC), Kasikornbank, and Siam Commercial Bank.

Mr. Peck Khamkanist, CEO of IES, said, “As a pioneer of sustainable solutions, we are keen to be a part of the global fight against climate change by embarking on a green energy journey starting from our home region. Laos possesses natural resources for renewable energy generation. This project also shows the carbon credentials of Lao PDR. We are part of the journey to uplift the well-being and happiness of the local communities in which we operate.”

Monsoon Wind is one of the key projects in the Vietnamese government’s electricity development plan. The project will contribute to the strengthening of connectivity in the ASEAN region through the provision of cross-border electricity sales. The Lao government will benefit from the project in various ways such as receiving revenue in foreign currency from royalty fees and other sources based on the Concession Agreement. The project will also promote local employment during both the construction and operation periods. Furthermore, the sponsor’s community and ethnic group development program will uplift people’s livelihoods by targeting measures in the health, education, and economy sectors.

Mr. Nat Hutanuwatr, MD of Monsoon Wind, said “Under the 25-year Power Purchase Agreement of Vietnam Electricity and the Concession Agreement with the Government of Laos PDR, the 600MW Monsoon Wind Power will be the largest wind farm and the first of its kind to trade wind power across the border in the region. Monsoon Wind Power Company is very proud to represent all sponsors, to have a close collaboration with the lender group, and be able to execute the extra-ordinary non-recourse financing documents in such a short period of time.”

IES plans to expand an additional 1,000MW nearby the existing Monsoon Wind’s site. The project, including the expansion, has potential to offset over 50 million tons of carbon dioxide throughout its lifetime. Wind energy projects will diversify Lao PDR’s main source of renewable energy generation, hydropower, which is mainly generated during the wet season. By building and integrating renewable sources with complementary generation profiles, coupled with regional connectivity network, the combination can supply stable, clean, and affordable electricity to ASEAN nations throughout the year.

Hashtag: #IES

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

About Impact Electrons Siam Limited

Impact Electrons Siam Limited (IES), is a regional renewable energy solution firm headquartered in Thailand with over 1,900 MW of wind, solar energy and regional connectivity projects in development and operation in Thailand, Japan, Lao PDR and Vietnam. IES is a privately owned company that was established in 2011. IES develops clean, affordable and reliable renewable energy solutions and is a pioneer of visionary innovation in the renewable energy sector with a vision to build a better future for local communities across the region.

For more information, please visit and

Gaw Capital Partners Recognized as ‘Firm of the Year: Japan’ at the PERE Global Awards 2022

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 March 2023 – Real estate private equity firm Gaw Capital Partners is pleased to announce that it was named ‘Firm of the Year: Japan‘ at the PERE Global Awards 2022 after receiving the largest number of votes in a public ballot of the real estate industry.

Gaw Capital Partners was highlighted for the US$3 billion privatization of Office J-REIT Inc. and the acquisition of Japanese residential assets primarily in Tokyo and other major cities in Japan. The firm was also highlighted for its acquisition of IDC and logistics projects closed in Japan.

Ms. Christina Gaw, Managing Principal, Global Head of Capital Markets and Co-Chair of Alternative Investments of Gaw Capital Partners, said, “We are delighted to be recognized as ‘Firm of the Year: Japan’ at the PERE Global Awards 2022 and we would like to express our gratitude to our investors, partners, our dedicated team and PERE magazine.”

She added, “As we transition into the post-Covid era, 2022 presented us with growth opportunities across Asia arising from the behavioral change carried forward. As digital connectivity and agility become the new normal, we are well-positioned to seize the opportunity and unlock values in quality assets such as data centers and logistics properties. The award is a testament to our investors and partners’ faith in Gaw Capital’s expertise. We remain committed to carrying out value adding strategies on a diverse range of real estate assets across Asia Pacific and delivering consistent returns to our investors.”

Ms. Isabella Lo, Managing Director, Principal – Investments and Head of Japan, said, “We are honored to be recognized as Firm of the Year: Japan in 2022. Thanks to the support and trust from our partners, brokers, consultants, lenders and investors, we now manage $3.7 billion of assets in Japan with track record across office, retail, residential, hospitality, data centers and logistics. We look forward to working closely with our partners to collectively grow our businesses in Japan.”

The PERE Global Awards recognize significant achievements in the global real estate industry and is highly respected across the global real estate private equity industry.

Hashtag: #GawCapitalPartners


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

About Gaw Capital Partners

Gaw Capital Partners is a uniquely positioned private equity fund management company focusing on real estate markets in Asia Pacific and other high barrier-to-entry markets globally.

Specializing in adding strategic value to under-utilized real estate through redesign and repositioning, Gaw Capital runs an integrated business model with its own in-house asset management operating platforms in commercial, hospitality, property development, logistics, IDC and education. The firm’s investments span the entire spectrum of real estate sectors, including residential development, offices, retail malls, serviced apartments, hotels, logistics warehouses and IDC projects.

Gaw Capital has raised seven commingled funds targeting the Greater China and APAC regions since 2005. The firm also manages value-add/opportunistic funds in the US, a Pan-Asia Hospitality Fund, a European Hospitality Fund and a Growth Equity Fund, and it also provides services for credit investments and separate account direct investments globally.

Since 2005, Gaw Capital has commanded assets of US$33.6 billion under management as of Q3 2022.

Ministry of Health Issues New Rules to Keep Medicine Prices Stable

Ministry of Health Set Forths New Ruling To Keep Medicine Prices Low
A person putting medicinal products back into cabinet.

The Ministry of Health has issued a new regulation to be put into action 45 days after being posted on the Lao Official Gazelle due to surging prices of medicine and medical products.

FIFA President Meets First Laotian Council Member in France

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Ms. Kanya Keomany, General Secretary of the Lao Football Federation (LFF) and a new council member of FIFA met at a recent meeting.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Ms. Kanya Keomany, General Secretary of the Lao Football Federation (LFF) and a new council member of FIFA met at a recent meeting.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently met Ms. Kanya Keomany, General Secretary of the Lao Football Federation (LFF), and a new FIFA council member to discuss football development progress and future opportunities around the sport in the country.

Ceramique Aesthetics Wins Multiple Awards At The 2023 Beauty Insider Spa & Salon Awards

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 March 2023 – Esteemed local beauty and wellness spa, Ceramique Aesthetics, is delighted to announce that they have received multiple awards in the prestigious 2023 Spa & Salon Awards by Beauty Insider Singapore. Ceramique Aesthetics has won the following categories: Best Contouring / Sculpting Treatment, Best Body Acne Treatment, and Best Hair Removal ; Best SHR.

The Best Contouring / Sculpting Treatment recognises Ceramique Aesthetics’ INDIBA Bio-Stimulation Treatment, which is only available at Ceramique Aesthetics’ outlet on New Bridge Road, Chinatown. The treatment is medically-backed, CE-marked, and FDA-approved, having been found to improve aesthetic issues like cellulite and sagging skin by more than 80%.

Another body treatment awarded is the Bye Bacne Treatment, under the Best Body Acne Treatment. The Bye Bacne Treatment is designed to reduce signs of acne, hyperpigmentation, and ageing on the back that occur due to a buildup of dead skin cells and sebum. Aside from exfoliating the skin, the treatment also stimulates collagen and elastin production, paving the way for a moisturised back.

Ceramique Aesthetics’ Super Hair Removal was awarded Best Hair Removal ; Best SHR. The treatment applies the innovative SHR technology, which combines traditional IPL and Laser, to carry out a painless hair removal procedure suitable for sensitive areas of the body.

Established in 2017, Ceramique Aesthetics provides an oasis to refresh the mind, body, and soul. Its range of services caters to both the face and body, such as Breast Lifting treatment, Detoxifying Facial treatment, Body Slimming treatment, Naval Ear Candle therapy and Meridian Womb Rejuval therapy, to name a few. Ceramique Aesthetic’s adherence to the science of dermatology has garnered them numerous other awards besides Beauty Insider Singapore’s. In 2022, Ceramique Aesthetics clinched 3 awards in L’Officiel Singapore Spa Awards, namely Best Aesthetic Clinic, Best Acne Clearing Aesthetic Treatment for its Anti-Imperfect Extraction Facial, and Best Lifting Facial for its INDIBA Proionic Facelift Therapy, in addition to Harper’s Bazaar Spa Awards’ Best Pain-free Hair Removal – Brazilian for its Super Hair Removal service.

These awards in 2023 officially validate Ceramique Aesthetics as one of the leading aesthetic beauty centers in Singapore, and the brand aims to continue bringing personalised aesthetic solutions to the community with ever-changing skin and aesthetic needs.

For more information, please visit https://www.ceramique.com.sg/ or call +65 8699 6286 / +65 8890 3358.
Hashtag: #CeramiqueAesthetics #Beauty #Wellness #Spa #AestheticClinic

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

Kaia Gerber, Viola Davis and Mindy Kaling Shine in De Beers Jewellers

LOS ANGELES, US – Media OutReach – 1 March 2023 – De Beers Jewellers natural and responsibly sourced diamonds dazzled on model Kaia Gerber, actress Viola Davis and actress, writer and producer Mindy Kaling.

From left to right: Viola Davis, Kaia Gerber and Mindy Kaling in De Beers Jewellers

From left to right: Viola Davis, Kaia Gerber and Mindy Kaling in De Beers Jewellers

Recent recipient of the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony winner) distinction, actress Viola Davis shined in Frozen Capture diamond earcuff and bracelet from The Alchemist of Light High Jewellery collection at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards as she took home the award for Best Actress in a Film.

Mindy Kaling chose to wear Idalia High Jewellery diamond necklace and Enchanted Lotus cocktail diamond ring to the 2023 Producer’s Guild Awards.

Model Kaia Gerber dazzled in De Beers classic diamond earrings, bracelet and ring at the W Magazine Best Performances party.

Hashtag: #DeBeers #DeBeersHK#naturaldiamonds

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

About De Beers Jewellers

Founded in London, with a flagship store on Old Bond Street and a presence in the most exclusive locations around the world, De Beers Jewellers is the pinnacle of luxury diamond jewellery. Building on De Beers’ 130 years of expertise, the House glorifies the world’s most beautiful diamonds through creativity and craftsmanship in bold, distinctive designs.

De Beers is invested in ensuring all the diamonds it discovers create a lasting positive impact for people and the places where they are found. This comes with a pledge to build a better future – one that is fairer, safer, cleaner and healthier, in which communities thrive, ethical practices are maintained, and the natural environment is protected. We call this long-term commitment Building Forever.

De Beers Jewellers has 37 stores globally and ships to 15 markets via debeers.com.

FB: @DeBeers
IG: @debeersofficial