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A Sole Mobile Operator’s Race to Reconnect Myanmar After Earthquake

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the wake of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that rocked Myanmar on March 28, a sole mobile operator – Mytel has emerged as a cornerstone of recovery, swiftly restoring communication networks and delivering critical aid to millions impacted by the disaster.

A Sole Mobile Operator’s Race to Reconnect Myanmar After Earthquake
A Sole Mobile Operator’s Race to Reconnect Myanmar After Earthquake

The operator’s response was immediate and far-reaching. Within a day, its engineers deployed dozens of mobile broadcasting stations and activated backup systems, reviving network coverage in the heavily affected cities of Mandalay and Naypyitaw.

This effort was led by Mytel, a leading telecommunications provider in Myanmar and a brand of Viettel Group, known for its commitment to the nation’s connectivity. By April 1, international connectivity was fully restored, and over 90% of the mobile network in the disaster zone was operational again, despite initial damage to more than 2,100 base stations. This rapid action kept essential communication lines open for residents and rescue teams.

Alongside technical efforts, the operator launched an emergency relief initiative within hours of the quake, offering over 4 million customers free access to 1GB of data, 300 call minutes, and 300 SMS messages to reconnect with loved ones and access vital updates. To counter widespread power outages, it set up over 500 mobile charging stations across affected regions. The company also distributed 10,000 meals and nearly 5 tons of food, with plans to expand aid in the coming days.

As Myanmar appealed for global support and international rescue teams arrived, the operator provided crucial assistance. It supplied nearly 1,000 SIM cards to responders, along with 20,000 additional SIMs and 100 Wi-Fi hotspots to streamline coordination. Five mobile base stations were deployed, and 46 existing sites were optimized to boost connectivity for field hospitals and search-and-rescue operations in Mandalay and Naypyitaw. Staff from the operator joined Vietnamese and international teams in hands-on recovery efforts.

A spokesperson emphasized the operator’s commitment: “Our goal is to empower Myanmar’s people through connectivity and support, especially in times of crisis.” Rooted in a mission to advance the nation’s socio-economic development, this mobile operator continues to play a pivotal role in Myanmar’s resilience and recovery.

About Mytel

Mytel is a leading telecommunications operator in Myanmar and a brand of Viettel Group. Launched with a mission to empower the people of Myanmar through digital connectivity and services, Mytel is committed to investing in robust infrastructure and initiatives that contribute to the nation’s progress and the welfare of its citizens.

Farrer Park Hospital and Alliance Healthcare Group Limited Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Patient Care and Promote Sustainable Healthcare Models

SINGAPORE, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Farrer Park Hospital and Alliance Healthcare Group Limited (Alliance) had on 27 March 2025 entered into a strategic partnership to drive innovation in healthcare delivery, strengthen collaboration between providers, payers, and physicians, and improve patient outcomes. The partnership will focus on developing a sustainable model for inpatient care while enhancing the quality of patient care.

As part of this collaboration, the two entities will introduce a new Home Recovery Programme for patients at Farrer Park Hospital, aimed at reducing the length of hospitalisation and enabling patients to recover comfortably in the comfort and safety of their own homes. This programme will be managed by Jaga-Me Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Alliance working closely with Farrer Park Hospital’s specialists to support patients receiving treatment at home. Key homecare services offered include remote monitoring, blood tests, ultrasound imaging, nursing procedures, and intravenous medication administration. The Home Recovery Programme is designed to help patients recover from a variety of conditions, including surgeries, medical treatments, and illnesses, with a focus on safety, comfort, and convenience.

This innovative approach aims to reshape the traditional healthcare delivery model by reducing length of hospitalisation, improving patient satisfaction, and offering cost-efficient care for patients. Both Farrer Park Hospital and Alliance Healthcare Group Limited are committed to the long-term success of this partnership, which will pave the way for more collaborative healthcare initiatives in the future.

About The Farrer Park Hospital

Farrer Park Hospital is the latest private tertiary acute care hospital in Singapore. The facility includes Farrer Park Medical Centre with specialist clinics, medical technology, nuclear medicine, and radiology services to support a wide range of surgical specialties in oncology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, and cardiology. Designed by healthcare professionals and conveniently built above an underground train station, the hospital is a carefully created environment to enable modern yet holistic care for all its patients.

The hospital shares numerous calming gardens and inspiring artworks with its related hotel, One Farrer Hotel. Synergies between the hospital and hotel provide families and visitors with enhanced experiences in food and beverage, choices of accommodation, lifestyle programs and conference facilities. Farrer Park Hospital and One Farrer Hotel are part of The Farrer Park Company Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based company.

TAL Education Group to Announce Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results on April 24, 2025

BEIJING, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TAL Education Group (“TAL” or the “Company”) (NYSE: TAL), a smart learning solutions provider in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 ended February 28, 2025, before the market opens on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

The Company will host a corresponding conference call and live webcast at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 p.m. Beijing Time) on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Please note that you will need to pre-register for conference call participation at
https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI775d26b88d684bfd81abe62dd23861a6

Upon registration, you will receive an email containing participant dial-in numbers and unique Direct Event passcode. This information will allow you to gain immediate access to the call. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time.

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of TAL’s website at https://ir.100tal.com/.

About TAL Education Group

TAL Education Group is a smart learning solutions provider in China. The acronym “TAL” stands for “Tomorrow Advancing Life”, which reflects our vision to promote top learning opportunities for students through both high-quality teaching and content, as well as leading edge application of technology in the education experience. TAL Education Group offers comprehensive learning solutions to students from all ages through diversified class formats. Our learning solutions mainly cover enrichment learnings programs and some academic subjects in and out of China. Our ADSs trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TAL”.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Jackson Ding
Investor Relations
TAL Education Group
Tel: +86 10 5292 6669-8809
Email: ir@tal.com

Piacente Financial Communications
Helen Wu
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
Email: TAL@thepiacentegroup.com

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Phone: +1-212-481-2050
Email: TAL@thepiacentegroup.com

 

The 2025 Industrial Technology Innovation and Investment Promotion Conference held in Nanjing

NANJING, China, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On March 26, 2025, the 2025 Industrial Technology Innovation and Investment Promotion Conference was held in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.


The event extended a warm invitation to global entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators, urging domestic and international stakeholders to “Choose Nanjing, Grow with Nanjing” under the theme “Innovate for Excellence, Invest in the Future.”

Approximately 800 attendees participated, including representatives from globally renowned enterprises, universities, innovation platforms, foreign embassies, and international organizations.


The conference comprehensively showcased Nanjing’s industrial investment environment, case studies of technological and industrial innovation, and achievements in technology and innovation financial reform.

A series of new initiatives to advance technological innovation and investment were announced. During the event, 102 major projects were signed, with a total planned investment exceeding 130 billion yuan (RMB; approximately $18 billion USD).

Several innovation platforms were inaugurated, including Jiangsu Provincial Concept Validation Center, Nanjing Academy for Scientific and Technological Achievements Transformation, and Nanjing (Jiangbei New Area) Disruptive Technology Innovation Center.

 These initiatives underscored Nanjing’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge and transformative technologies.

Additionally, four industrial task forces—dedicated to AI (software), robotics, biopharmaceuticals, and next-gen ICT—were established, alongside the Nanjing Industrial Investment Promotion Center, highlighting the city’s resolve to concentrate resources on developing new-quality productive forces (innovative, high-end, and sustainable productivity).

 Industry leaders and academic experts actively proposed strategies and shared insights to empower Nanjing’s innovation-driven growth.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Xiangyang Shen, Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Hermann Simon, renowned as the “Father of Hidden Champions”; Dr. Nicolas Peter, Senior Vice President of BMW Group; Wu Wensheng, Chairman of Great Wall Strategy Consultants; Liu Suhua, President of Shenzhen Capital Group; and Liu Shuang, Chairman of Nanjing TetraBOT Electronic Technology. 

Outside the venue, 52 high-tech exhibits from Nanjing’s eight pillar industries were prominently displayed, featuring “world-first innovations” “domestic substitution achievements,” and products leading in global market share.

The signed projects primarily focus on leading industries and high-quality initiatives with strong demonstration effects.

Moving forward, Nanjing will leverage the global resource connection platform established through this conference to continuously deepen collaboration with cutting-edge technologies and industries, accelerate the construction of an open innovation ecosystem, transform more scientific achievements into new-quality productive forces, and build itself into a globally influential primary hub and carrier zone for industrial technology innovation.

Vientiane to Get Real-Time Bus Tracking with ViaBus

The traffic in Vientiane (Photo: Mimi Oulayvanh)

The Lao government is teaming up with Thailand to introduce ViaBus, a real-time bus tracking system designed to improve the efficiency of public transportation in Vientiane.

ARAL CULTURE SUMMIT 2025: UZBEKISTAN’S LANDMARK EVENT ALIGNING CULTURE, ECOLOGY, AND REGIONAL COOPERATION ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL PROGRAMME

LINK to images

  • An emergent initiative dedicated to the social and environmental transformation of the Aral Sea region through art, culture, design and science debuts 4-6 April 2025.
  • To be inaugurated during the first Global Climate Forum in Samarkand on 4th April, attended by EU and Central Asian leaders and reinforcing Uzbekistan’s commitment to green development and global cooperation.
  • A multidisciplinary programme in Nukus, Karakalpakstan (5-6 April) with global and regional experts on culture, architecture, ecology, food security and water resource management to foster dialogue and call to action.
  • A masterplan to revitalise Istiqlol, the Summit’s future headquarters – a former amusement park and one of few remaining green spaces in Nukus – will be unveiled on 5th April 2025.

NUKUS, Uzbekistan, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aral Culture Summit (ACS), a cultural and environmental initiative to revitalise the Aral Sea region in Central Asia will take place from 4-6 April 2025. Organised by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), the Summit seeks to foster dialogue and action through art, culture, design, and science.

 

Amu Darya, Aral Sea Basin. Aral Culture Summit 2025.Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan and ACDF, all rights reserved
Amu Darya, Aral Sea Basin. Aral Culture Summit 2025.Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan and ACDF, all rights reserved

 

ACS will bring together leading cultural figures, policymakers, artists, and environmental experts across two cities to explore and implement sustainable solutions that address the Aral Sea crisis and global climate challenges. Aral Culture Summit 2025 will be inaugurated during the first Global Climate Forum in Samarkand (4th April), attended by regional and European heads-of-states and reinforcing Uzbekistan’s commitment to the regional cooperation for environmental and social development.

Programme Highlights and Themes
Aral Culture Summit continues in Nukus, Karakalpakstan near the Aral Sea on 5-6 April and will host a multidisciplinary programme with panel discussions, keynotes, artistic performances, and exhibitions, addressing critical issues such as environmental regeneration, creative economy, and cultural diplomacy. On 5th April, Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF will announce a preliminary masterplan for the regeneration of Istiqlol, a former amusement park in Nukus, reimagined by Ludi Architects as a permanent cultural and ecological hub.

Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF, comments:
Aral Culture Summit is a platform for change. By integrating cultural dialogue with the climate agenda, we are ensuring that the arts contribute to our collective commitment to long term sustainable development. Our participation in the first Global Climate Forum underscores the critical role of culture to drive environmental transformation.”

aralculturesummit.uz | @aral.culture.summit

Press Kit: LINK (including hi-res images)

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/aral_culture_summit_1.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/aral_culture_summit_2.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/aral_culture_summit_3.jpg

 

Myunaq. Aral Culture Summit 2025.Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan and ACDF, all rights reserved
Myunaq. Aral Culture Summit 2025.Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan and ACDF, all rights reserved

 

Sudochye Lake, Aral Sea Basin. Culture Summit 2025.Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan and ACDF, all rights reserved
Sudochye Lake, Aral Sea Basin. Culture Summit 2025.Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan and ACDF, all rights reserved

 

 

ZENCE OBJECT Announces Additional RMB10 Million Investment, Forms Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Green Technology Expansion


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – ZENCE OBJECT, a pioneering eco-materials company, has secured an additional strategic investment of over RMB10 million from AB Global Opportunities LPF, a fund under Hong Kong-listed AB Builders Group Limited (Stock Code: 1615.HK) and Gobi Partners. The deal was successfully closed at the end of last year. Notably, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on the overseas expansion, R&D and marketing promotion of its flagship eco-materials project, CHAZENCE.

ZENCE OBJECT, AB Builders Group and Gobi Partners signed a MoU focusing on overseas expansion.
ZENCE OBJECT, AB Builders Group and Gobi Partners signed a MoU focusing on overseas expansion.

Accelerating global expansion with green materials solutions

As part of the MoU, AB Builders Group has placed a RMB30 million purchase order with ZENCE OBJECT to drive innovation in green technology development. These three parties will work closely to penetrate international markets; AB Builders will integrate ZENCE OBJECT’s eco-materials into large-scale infrastructure and construction projects, while Gobi Partners will provide strategic guidance and resources for global expansion.

This collaboration strengthens ZENCE OBJECT’s ability to scale operations in Asia, the United States, and other major international markets. The company is setting up overseas offices and teams to provide sustainable material solutions across industries. Over the past year, the company has actively participated in key initiatives such as the Hong Kong Science Park Accelerator Program, the US BOOSTER Program, and a series of international exhibitions in major markets, including Singapore. These efforts have strengthened the company’s global reach and positioned it for further growth.

Dedicated to addressing global waste and carbon emission challenges, ZENCE OBJECT continues to innovate in bio-based material technology, transforming waste into commercially viable, eco-friendly materials while integrating Eastern cultural aesthetics with cutting-edge design concepts. The company is particularly focused on construction and engineering applications, expanding its international business reach in this sector. This not only aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National 14th Five-Year Plan but also leads the market toward a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.

(From left to right) Mr Henry Mio, Chief Financial Officer of AB Builders Group Ltd; Mr David Cheang, Executive Director of AB Builders Group Ltd; Ms Athena Lao, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of AB Builders Group Ltd; Ms Jessy Wang, Regional Partnerships and Channel Development Executive of HKSTP; Mr Fred Li, Managing Director of Gobi Partners; Mr Bob Lei, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Zence Object; Mr David Chan, Chief Strategy Officer of Zence Object; and Mr. Kenneth Wong, Investment Manager of AB Builders Group Ltd attended the 2025 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF).
(From left to right) Mr Henry Mio, Chief Financial Officer of AB Builders Group Ltd; Mr David Cheang, Executive Director of AB Builders Group Ltd; Ms Athena Lao, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of AB Builders Group Ltd; Ms Jessy Wang, Regional Partnerships and Channel Development Executive of HKSTP; Mr Fred Li, Managing Director of Gobi Partners; Mr Bob Lei, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Zence Object; Mr David Chan, Chief Strategy Officer of Zence Object; and Mr. Kenneth Wong, Investment Manager of AB Builders Group Ltd attended the 2025 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF).

Empowering multiple industries with green innovation

ZENCE OBJECT is pioneering the development of the “ZENCE ECOSYSTEM”, a comprehensive waste upcycling platform that combines carbon data analytics, biotechnology, and industry-specific applications to advance circular economy solutions, providing carbon footprint assessment, carbon trading, and consulting services.

This system has already been adopted across multiple industries, providing sustainable solutions to prominent clients, including MGM Macau, Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) and Andaz Macau and Four Seasons Hotel Macao in hospitality, TCL, CASIO in electronics, HEYTEA, Nayuki, CHAGEE and Starbucks in F&B, Macau Science Center in construction, and spaceflight industry, etc. With ongoing advancements in eco-materials, the company is expanding into the beauty and automotive sectors, driving sustainability in the Greater Bay Area and global markets.

“CHAZENCE” offers “tea paper”, “tea board”, and “tea plastic”, made from biodegradable waste like tea leaves, bamboo, bellflower, and Chinese herbs, providing sustainable alternatives to plastics, paper, and wood. The company is advancing green regenerative technology, fibre processing, and bio-based composites, promoting agricultural waste reuse. Recent breakthroughs in material transparency, durability, and eco-friendly production have enhanced efficiency and expanded applications across consumer goods, tech, construction, and hospitality, solidifying the company’s leadership in sustainable materials innovation.

Hashtag: #ZENCEOBJECT #CHAZENCE


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

ZENCE OBJECT HOLDING (HONG KONG) LIMITED

ZENCE OBJECT is a pioneering enterprise in the Greater Bay Area dedicated to addressing global waste and carbon emission challenges. Through advanced green regeneration technology, including bio-based purification, degradation, synthesis, and modification techniques, the company transforms waste into sustainable materials and develops the ZENCE ECOSYSTEM to provide low-carbon solutions across industries.

The company has secured multiple rounds of funding and formed strategic partnerships with leading brands. Its smart factory has obtained ISCC PLUS certification for international sustainability and carbon verification and has collaborated with Sumitomo Group to establish China’s first and only bio-based material molding R&D center. With a mission to leverage regenerative technology from the East, ZENCE OBJECT is committed to reshaping the future with sustainable innovations. For more details, please visit:

About Gobi Partners

Gobi Partners is a leading Asia-focused venture capital firm with US$1.6 billion in assets under management (AUM), headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. Founded in 2002, Gobi now has a network of 15 locations, raised 21 funds and invested in over 400 startups, with 62 companies focused on the circular economy. The firm supports entrepreneurs from early to growth stages, with a particular focus on emerging markets.

As a UN Global Compact Participant, Gobi aligns its strategies with universal principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. In June 2024, the firm released its third sustainability report. For more details, please visit:

About AB Global Opportunities LPF

AB Global Opportunities LPF is an innovative investment fund registered under Hong Kong’s Limited Partnership Fund Ordinance, focusing on high-growth global opportunities with a tax-efficient structure. Managed by Delphinium Capital Partners Ltd, a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission-licensed asset management firm, and a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-listed AB Builders Group Limited (Stock Code: 1615.HK), the fund primarily targets the renewable energy sector. Leveraging the group’s expertise in infrastructure, real estate development and green technology, the fund provides comprehensive risk management, industry insights and access to global markets.

Exclusive Interview with CLOU Energy Storage’s Overseas GM Songyu He: Key Strategies for Global Expansion

SHENZHEN, China, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, Sohu Finance interviewed Songyu He, General Manager of CLOU Energy Storage Overseas, to discuss the company’s global expansion and competitive strategies. Here are the key insights from the conversation.

How is CLOU expanding its overseas markets?

Songyu He: CLOU is focusing on three main regions: strengthening its presence in the Americas, expanding rapidly in Europe, and exploring opportunities in Belt and Road countries. In the Americas, CLOU has built strong local teams across sales, technical support, and after-sales service. In Europe, Germany, the UK, and Italy are key markets, with Spain emerging as a potential new focus.

What challenges does CLOU face in new overseas markets?

Songyu He: Securing the first large-scale project with a reputable local client is often the biggest hurdle. Beyond that, managing the full lifecycle of an energy storage project—from production and logistics to installation, commissioning, and ensuring 20 years of reliable operation—is crucial. CLOU prioritizes long-term brand building and sustainable market development.

How does CLOU navigate intense price competition?

Songyu He: CLOU adopts two key strategies:

1. Advancing Product Innovation with String Energy Storage Systems

The market is shifting from centralized to string energy storage systems. CLOU is developing AC storage cabinets that integrate string inverters and batteries into a single unit, improving efficiency and flexibility. Only a few companies globally can deliver mature string solutions, and CLOU is among them, with a focus on the Americas, Europe, and Japan.

2. Strengthening After-Sales Service

A robust after-sales network is crucial for long-term success. In the U.S., CLOU collaborates with over ten third-party engineering firms to provide maintenance and support across multiple states. In Chile, CLOU has established local service partnerships to support ongoing projects.

How does CLOU view the trend of overseas manufacturing?

Songyu He: While offshore manufacturing presents challenges such as labor costs and supply chain complexity, it can ultimately lower costs, especially when factoring in tariffs. CLOU is actively evaluating this approach.

What are CLOU’s advantages compared to other energy storage companies?

Songyu He: CLOU stands out in two key areas:

1. Deep Technical Expertise – With roots in smart metering and inverter (PCS) manufacturing, CLOU has a deep understanding of battery storage, power conversion, and grid integration.

2. Extensive Global Experience – CLOU has been active in the U.S. since 2018 and launched ERCOT projects in 2019, gaining strong expertise in international standards and regulatory compliance.

How has Midea supported CLOU’s global expansion?

Songyu He: Midea has strengthened CLOU’s global expansion by improving financial bankability, optimizing digital management, reducing costs, and leveraging its extensive global service network to accelerate market penetration.

Songyu He, General Manager of CLOU Energy Storage Overseas
Songyu He, General Manager of CLOU Energy Storage Overseas