The Nam Song River has seen an alarming rise in water level since last week.
Due to a recent bout of heavy rains, the Vang Vieng district is on high alert for possible flooding, which has led to the district administration notifying tourism operators to suspend a number of activities for the safety of tourists, particularly those located near waterways.
In this photo provided by the Foundation For Slum Child Care, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, center back, visits the daycare center in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, 8 August 2023. The estranged son of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn visited the daycare center for underprivileged children in Bangkok on Tuesday following his surprise return to the country after 27 years of living abroad. (Photo: Foundation For Slum Child Care via AP)
BANGKOK (AP) — The estranged son of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn visited a daycare center for underprivileged children in Bangkok on Tuesday following a surprise return to the country after 27 years of living abroad.
Traveling during the wet season in Laos requires extra caution and preparation due to the increased risk of heavy rain, flooding, and potential disruptions. The wet season in Laos typically lasts from May to October. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, consider the following tips:
Sone, the woman in labor, being lifted from one side of the road to the other. (Photo: Somchit Khamphouvieng)
In the heart of the tumultuous flood that engulfed part of a road in Nam Kat Village, Muang Xai District, Oudomxay province, an awe-inspiring story unfolded on Monday as Sone, a pregnant woman in labor, who was unable to get to the hospital, was miraculously rescued to safety by relatives and villagers with the help of a crane.
Laos’ imports and exports totaled over USD 1 billion in July; exports were valued at USD 429 million, while imports were approximately USD 595 million, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 166 million, the highest reported this year.
Women More Proactive Than Men in Seeking Romance, Preferring “Mature Men”
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 9 August 2023 – The advancement of smartphones has indeed created a world where anything is possible. Modern people constantly check their phones, and with just a swipe on dating apps, singles can meet new friends or even find their ideal partners.
A recent statistical survey conducted by the popular dating app “JD-Just Dating” has unveiled several interesting online dating phenomena in Hong Kong. 78% of singles aged 25 to 45 have met their online dates in person, with 1 out of every 6 of them having intimate relationships with online friends for the first time. Moreover, women in Hong Kong invite somebody on a date 1.22 times more than men.
Further analysis reveals that over half of Hong Kong males seek partners who are “easy to talk to” and of a similar age, whereas women prefer “Mature Men,” even finding men with a slight belly more attractive and protective. It is worth noting that 60% of women with this preference are primarily young ladies aged between 22 and 28.
78% of Hong Kong People Have Met Online Dates; 1 out of 6 Experience Intimate Relationships on First Meeting
When it comes to dating needs, men and women have different preferences. According to a survey conducted by an online dating app “JD” from 25th June to 20th July 2023, which analyses data from 1,500 Hong Kong users aged between 20 and 45, 78% have met their online dates, and on average, 1 in 6 have had intimate contact with someone they met online for the first time.
Hong Kong Women Invite Someone on a Date 1.22 Times More Than Men
Interestingly, data analysis from “JD” app’s “Dating Invitation” feature reports that women initiate dating invitations 1.22 times more than men, with an average of 11 invitations sent by each woman daily, showing that females in the user group are more proactive than males. While women mostly invite for “romantic candlelit dinners,” men often suggest “car rides,” each expressing different romantic notions.
Desirable Qualities in a Partner: Hong Kong Women Prefer Men with Slight Belly Over Muscles
What qualities should one possess to be popular in online dating? Analysis by “JD” discovered that over half of Hong Kong men seek partners who are “easy to talk to” and of similar age, with physical appearance only as a secondary factor. However, 30% of men admit to seeking “long-legged women.”
In contrast, 62% of Hong Kong women prefer “Mature Men,” wanting partners 7 to 12 years older. Surprisingly, most women find men with a slight belly more attractive than those with six-pack abs. Young women aged between 22 and 28 especially perceive such men as more appealing, who provide a better sense of security.
“JD-JustDating” is a casual dating app, offering 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.
KEELUNG, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 9 August 2023 – The Keelung City Government of Taiwan will participate in the NATAS Holidays, a travel exhibition for the fall season, from August 11th to 13th, 2023, in Singapore. Through this travel exhibition, the delegation aims to showcase Keelung’s stunning beauty of mountains, sea, traditional culture, and distinct cuisine to the people of Singapore, thereby attracting Singaporeans to consider Keelung as a travel destination. Interactive activities will be organized on-site, and participants will be gifted a set of versatile and charming Keelung-themed tissue bags showcasing imagery of local cuisine, with the hope that visitors will enthusiastically visit the Keelung City Government booth at the exhibition to participate in the activities.
Chengbin Fishing Harbor Colorful Houses
In recent years, the Keelung city government has been actively promoting tourism to the Singapore market, hoping to introduce Keelung, a mountainous harbor city with the best cruise ship homeport in Asia, to the Singapore public and let them know about Keelung’s rich tourism resources and splendid nature, such as the Waimushan Seaside Scenic Area, which was selected as one of the “Top 10 Attractive Waters” in Taiwan, and the Heping Island Park, which is rated as one of the 21 most beautiful sunrise scenes in the world, etc. What’s more, for Singapore foodies who love Taiwanese food, a visit to Keelung’s Miaokou Night Market can practically cover almost all of Taiwan’s classic culinary delights, offering a rich travel experience for those who visit Keelung, Taiwan.
At the exhibition, the Keelung City Government will also prepare highlight videos accompanied by a variety of bilingual promotional materials in Chinese and English as a reference to visitors to the travel show, hoping to introduce and familiarize the people of Singapore with Keelung. The Keelung City Government enthusiastically welcomes Singaporean visitors to explore this city full of surprises and encourages them to embark on a fascinating journey to Keelung.
Hashtag: #KeelungCity
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 9 August 2023 – EquitiesFirst proudly announces the launch of the brand-new series II in its acclaimed podcast series, in continued collaboration with The Economist Impact. The opening episode, ‘How to Invest in Artificial Intelligence in Asia-Pacific?’ is set to dive into the intricacies of AI investment.
Our collaborative effort aims to navigate the nuanced financial landscapes, highlighting challenges and opportunities, thereby empowering listeners to make well-informed investment decisions based on EquitiesFirst equities-based financing insights.
EquitiesFirst Financing: Riding the Wave of Asia-Pacific Investments
With the brand-new series, we continue our exploration of the finance world, examining various aspects of the Asia-Pacific investment ecosystem. Our opening episode takes a focused look at AI investment, exploring the emerging opportunities and risks associated with this revolutionary technology.
With Asia-Pacific’s AI spending set to hit $49.2 billion in 2026, led by China, Australia, and India, we explore the diverse industry applications of AI, from agriculture to e-commerce. As the rise of generative AI heralds new investment opportunities, we also address governance and ethical considerations and discuss strategies for businesses and investors to improve returns while mitigating risks.
In the following EquitiesFirst Podcast episodes, we will delve into the impact investing landscape, along with the thriving start-up ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific. These compelling topics continue to underline EquitiesFirst equities-based investment as the key commitment to navigate this rapidly evolving region.
EquitiesFirst Partnership: Insights and Intelligence from the Experts
In tandem with The Economist Impact, EquitiesFirst is primed to offer its audience an insightful exploration of the Asia-Pacific investment landscape. This unique partnership continues our commitment to providing the most compelling, up-to-date insights on EquitiesFirst funding opportunities, potential risks, and the evolving dynamics in this region.
EquitiesFirst remains a leading player in risk management and equities-based financing, with a proven track record in fostering robust investment strategies. Through this podcast series, we reaffirm our mission to guide investors as they explore and navigate the dynamic investment landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Equities First Holdings
Founded in 2002, EquitiesFirst is a global investor specializing in long-term equities-based financing. EquitiesFirst’s approach overcomes traditional limitations and redefines the financing experience through providing efficient access to capital for listed companies, entrepreneurs and investors against publicly traded securities. The total value of loans transacted is more than US$4.5 billion as of January 2023.
Headquartered in Indianapolis, USA, EquitiesFirst maintains an international footprint of twelve offices in eight countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, China (Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing), South Korea, Thailand, Singapore and Australia (Sydney, Perth and Melbourne). EquitiesFirst is licensed and/or registered in all jurisdictions where required.
EquitiesFirst is the pioneer of Progressive Capital – a partnership approach to investment, rooted in respect, mutual interest and understanding. EquitiesFirst delivers liquidity solutions that are vital, transformative and move partners forward.
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