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New Cross-Border Infrastructure Project to Strengthen Connectivity in Southern Laos

The ceremony (Photo: ຂ່າວສານອອນລາຍ ອັດຕະປື)

Authorities in Attapeu have officially launched construction of a major infrastructure project designed to improve cross-border transport and stimulate regional economic growth. The initiative includes the construction of a new road and bridge crossing the Xekaman River in Xanxay district, with a total investment of USD 149 million and a planned construction period of three years.

Le Méridien Saigon Wins Big in 2025 and Rolls Out Festive Programs to Celebrate

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Le Méridien Saigon has achieved numerous awards in the first half of 2025, thanks to its stunning vision, prime location, and diverse high-end dining options.

Situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City with a view overlooking the Saigon River, the hotel offers convenient access for guests to various attractions, business meetings, and events. Le Méridien Saigon also provides a modern stay experience with a variety of upscale dining options at its three restaurants: Akuna, BARSON, and Latest Recipe.

Le Méridien Saigon boasts panoramic views of the Saigon River and the Ba Son Bridge.
Le Méridien Saigon boasts panoramic views of the Saigon River and the Ba Son Bridge.

AWARDED WITH PRESTIGIOUS HONORS

Le Méridien Saigon is one of the few hotels that not only boasts a renowned brand under the Marriott International but also features acclaimed dining establishments, including the Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant Akuna, Latest Recipe, and the BARSON lounge.

The hotel has solidified its position with a series of prestigious awards in the first half of 2025: the Best Scenic View award recognized by the Haute Grandeur Global Awards; Tatler Asia’s Top 20 Best Restaurants and Best Sommelier awards for the fine dining restaurant Akuna; and 2025 marks the second consecutive year that Akuna has received the prestigious Michelin star.

Le Méridien Saigon holds the “Best Scenic View” award recognized by the prestigious Haute Grandeur Global Awards.
Le Méridien Saigon holds the “Best Scenic View” award recognized by the prestigious Haute Grandeur Global Awards.

A VIBRANT FESTIVAL SEASON AHEAD

With its prime location and distinguished dining options, Le Méridien Saigon is undoubtedly an ideal destination for travelers this festive season. The holiday season is known to be the busiest time of the year for the hotel, featuring a series of weekly events designed to provide guests with an exceptional and luxurious experience.

Mr. Lars Kerfin, General Manager of Le Méridien Saigon, shared: “We always prioritize delivering fresh and high-class experiences for our guests, so continuous creativity and exciting programming are our core principles. This holiday season, we’re excited to announce the return of the Advent Calendar – your favorite gift-hunting program, along with many enticing gifts and programs from our accommodation services, BARSON, Latest Recipe, and Akuna.”

Make your holiday complete with the perfect combination of relaxation, dining, and entertainment. Book your stay today to discover surprises at Le Méridien Saigon – where style and sophistication meet.

Stay updated on the latest programs at: facebook.com/lemeridiensaigon
Or book directly at: marriott.com/sgnmd

Download high-res photos here.

Accertify Now Offers Easy Integration for Shopify and Salesforce Commerce Cloud Merchants

ITASCA, Ill., Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Accertify, Inc., a leading provider of fraud prevention and digital identity solutions, today announced that merchants using, or considering a move to Shopify or Salesforce Commerce Cloud, can now connect quickly and easily to Accertify’s ecommerce fraud prevention platform.

With prebuilt integrations for both platforms, merchants can implement Accertify’s solution faster and start benefiting sooner from its advanced fraud protection – helping reduce fraud, protect revenue, and improve the customer experience.

“Our new integrations make it simple for Shopify and Salesforce Commerce Cloud merchants to access the same advanced fraud prevention capabilities trusted by leading global brands,” said Mark Michelon, President of Accertify. “It’s about getting up and running quickly so merchants can focus on growing their business while staying ahead of fraud.”

Accertify’s platform is designed to adapt to the needs of each merchant, supporting a wide range of ecommerce models and transaction volumes. The solution helps merchants approve more legitimate transactions while blocking fraudulent ones, reducing chargebacks and operational costs.

The integration eliminates lengthy custom builds, allowing businesses of all sizes to quickly adopt enterprise-grade fraud prevention tools.

About Accertify
Accertify, Inc., is one of the leading providers of fraud prevention, chargeback management, and payment gateway solutions to customers across diverse industries worldwide. Accertify’s suite of products and services helps e-commerce companies grow their business by driving down the total cost of fraud, simplifying business processes, and increasing revenue. To learn more, visit www.accertify.com.

Contact:
Neal Stein
Technology PR Solutions
Office: (321) 473-7407
nealjstein@techprsolutions.com

MIMARU Expands Same-day Luggage Delivery Service to Tokyo-Osaka/Kyoto Route

– Exceptional Japanese Service Impresses Visiting Families, Enhancing Comfort along Golden Route –

TOKYO, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., operator of the apartment hotel brand MIMARU, expanded its renowned “Luggage Delivery by MIMARU” service to cover the TokyoOsaka/Kyoto route from September 1, 2025.

Logo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mFYoAorxK8PTFN_ng2jRe77GaMbz65ig/view?usp=drive_link 

Launched in May 2024, the service enables guests to drop off luggage in the morning and receive it at their destination the same evening. Originally offered between airports and MIMARU locations in Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto, the service achieved a customer satisfaction rate of 96.1% and a delay rate below 0.1% from May 2024 to March 2025 — thanks to meticulous Japanese standards of reliability: No damage, no lost luggage, and without delay.

With this new intercity expansion, overseas families traveling the popular “Golden Route” can enjoy smooth, hands-free journeys while reducing congestion on tourist transport. Nearly 90% of MIMARU’s guests are families with children, and the company has developed services to ease the challenges of multi-city travel.

How It Works
-Reserve online by 11:00 p.m. the day before
-Drop off luggage at MIMARU front desks or designated airports in the morning
-Receive items at the destination the same evening
-Track delivery via email updates with photo confirmation

Image1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y4l8rWV8s71lEsugZiIA_hhHlkJF-q9h/view?usp=drive_link 

Image2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UkLdn-tDhU0u64q47kcl3cb3U8eQVXdc/view?usp=drive_link 

Pricing (per item, tax included)
-Between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto: JPY 5,000
-Within Tokyo: JPY 2,600
-Within Osaka/Kyoto: JPY 2,300
For More Details: https://mimaruhotels.com/en/luggage-delivery/ 

Image3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1urwnrEqCs19aSzPBEQwkbT5hrp637MzG/view?usp=drive_link 

Guest Feedback
-“We could head straight to sightseeing after landing.”
-“Traveling with children after a long flight was much easier with less trouble of carrying luggage.”
-“Without luggage, we explored Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto in one day.”
-“Photo updates by email gave us peace of mind.”

Image4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D7cuH2uug4nuZAIdxYjm1Idzpd07sqo6/view?usp=drive_link 

Family Focus, Beyond Stays
Looking ahead, MIMARU will continue expanding intercity delivery routes and enhancing services that make travel in Japan more comfortable for families. In April 2025, MIMARU also opened the ANO-NE Kids Club in Tokyo’s Ginza, providing a safe indoor play area, so parents can enjoy shopping and dining with peace of mind.

With initiatives like these, MIMARU remains committed to creating a new standard for family-friendly travel in Japan.

MIMARU Official Website: https://mimaruhotels.com/
Sustainability Website: https://mimaruhotels.com/sustainability/ 

Market Logic Software launches DeepSights Persona Agents: Turning customer data into interactive conversations

The latest breakthrough from Market Logic Software in AI-powered customer insight, scales deeper understanding of customer segments.

BERLIN, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Market Logic Software is proud to announce the launch of DeepSights Persona Agents, a revolutionary new capability that transforms static customer profiles into dynamic, AI-powered conversational personas. Designed to bring customer segments to life, DeepSights Persona Agents enable real-time, natural language interactions that empower marketing, insights, and product teams to explore and test ideas at scale.

 

Market Logic Software’s new “DeepSights AI Persona Agents” let you simulate customer feedback through synthetic personas built from your own data

Unlike traditional persona reports locked in PowerPoint decks, DeepSights Persona Agents are synthetic representations of customer groups, built from segmentation data and behavioural insights. Guided by detailed prompts, each Persona Agent reflects a specific segment’s mindset, behaviours, and preferences.

Business users can engage with personas to ask questions, test creative content, and ideate products or campaigns without waiting weeks for traditional live research. Conversations can be conducted with one Persona Agent at a time or with several Persona Agents simultaneously in a virtual focus group.

“With DeepSights Persona Agents, we’re turning segmentation data into living, breathing conversations. This is not just a technical innovation – it’s a leap forward in how organisations can develop products and services that are truly customer-centric. It complements qualitative research with feedback cycles at the speed of thought,” said Olaf Lenzmann, Chief Innovation and Product Officer, Market Logic Software.

Many synthetic personas technologies provide all business subscribers with access to a common set of persona profiles. By contrast, DeepSights Persona Agents are modelled on data that is unique to each business:

  • Summaries of the reports research teams have already built using quantitative and qualitative data can quickly be incorporated into the platform and accurately, transformed into interactive characters. 
  • Where companies do not have existing segment analysis, Market Logic can generate interactive personas from transcripts of interviews with their own human customers. Just five to ten transcripts grouped by segment type drive creation of the virtual persona.    

DeepSights Persona Agents are available now. Market Logic experts provide an end-to-end implementation service of less than two weeks incorporating setup, testing and rollout support. For more information, visit our website or contact your Market Logic representative.

About Market Logic Software:

Market Logic is the leading SaaS provider of market intelligence and insights solutions. Powered by our special purpose AI for Insights technology DeepSights, our platform allows insights teams and business decisions makers to turn trusted insights into business impact at scale and speed. We’ve helped hundreds of consumer-focused brands across the globe to transform into insights-driven businesses.  Market leaders such as Unilever, Vodafone, Bayer, and Tesco are driving innovation and making smarter market moves with the support of Market Logic. Find out more at https://marketlogicsoftware.com/ 

CONTACT:  Daniela Zuin. CMO, Market Logic Software.  Daniela.zuin@marketlogicsoftware.com,  tel: +447799113040

 

Market Logic Software launches DeepSights Persona Agents, transforming static customer profiles into dynamic, AI-powered conversational personas
Market Logic Software launches DeepSights Persona Agents, transforming static customer profiles into dynamic, AI-powered conversational personas

 

 

 

AIA Corporate Solutions partners with leading healthcare group to support employee wellness through more affordable access to cancer care


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2025 – AIA Hong Kong and Macau has announced a strategic partnership formed with Concord Healthcare1, a healthcare group in Mainland China which is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, on 11 September 2025. As part of the collaboration, eligible insured members of AIA’s designated group insurance can have access to more affordable designated cancer proton therapy and health screening packages2,3 at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center4 (廣州泰和腫瘤醫院)—one of the flagship institutions under Concord Group5 renowned for its advanced cancer treatment capabilities, including proton therapy. This partnership aligns with our strategies in supporting and enhancing holistic employee wellbeing under the WorkWell with AIA programme.

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges. In Hong Kong, a new cancer diagnosis occurs every 15 minutes6, underscoring the importance of prevention, early detection, and accessible treatment. For employers, this gives rise to the growing need to support workforce health through comprehensive and proactive wellness strategies.

While proton therapy offers relatively precise and non-invasive treatment for certain cancers, the cost of treatment in Hong Kong can be a critical factor in decision-making. Through this partnership, AIA enables designated group insurance’s eligible insured members to access more affordable cancer care at preferential rate2,3 at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, helping reduce financial stress while improving health outcomes.

Ms Amelie Shen, Chief Corporate Solutions Officer of AIA Hong Kong and Macau, said: “At AIA, we go beyond traditional employee benefits by delivering holistic and innovative solutions that support Hong Kong’s workforce and their families. This partnership is more than a healthcare solution – it represents our commitment to helping organisations and their employees access to more affordable advanced cancer care — when they need it most. By leveraging this collaboration, we’re helping employers build more resilient and healthier workforces. Together, we’re enabling employees and their families to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”

This initiative reflects AIA’s vision to build a proactive, integrated wellness ecosystem—one that supports prevention, resilience, and recovery for employees and their families.

Remarks:

  1. “Concord Healthcare” herein refers to Concord Healthcare Group Co., Ltd.
  2. The preferential rate on the medical expenses of the designated proton therapy and health screening packages offered by Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center (“Preferential Rate”) is only available to the eligible insured members of AIA’s designated group insurance plans. The Preferential Rate does not form part of the contractual benefit, and is not guaranteed.
  3. The medical expenses of the designated proton therapy and health screening packages shall be settled by the eligible insured members of AIA’s designated group insurance plan directly with Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center. Please take note that any claim reimbursement shall be subject to the provision of complete claim documents, the insured member’s benefits entitlement, the terms and condition of the policy of AIA’s eligible group insurance plan. For details, please contact AIA for enquiry.
  4. For identification purposes only.
  5. “Concord Group” herein refers to Concord Healthcare Group Co., Ltd. together with its subsidiaries.
  6. Hospital Authority Hong Kong Cancer Registry (2022)

Hashtag: #AIA

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

About AIA Hong Kong & Macau

AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have over 18,000 financial planners1, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers2, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.

1 As at 30 June 2025
2 Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as at 30 June 2025)

Billion Watts to Deliver its First Australian Solar-Storage Project by 2026

MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Billion Watts today announced the official commencement of its solar-plus-storage project in Victoria, Australia. The project integrates solar PV with advanced battery storage to support the National Electricity Market (NEM) and is scheduled to begin operations in Q1 2026.

Construction is now underway at the 5.8MW/11MWh project site, where heavy machinery has been deployed for land leveling and foundation preparation, signaling the start of substantive development.
Construction is now underway at the 5.8MW/11MWh project site, where heavy machinery has been deployed for land leveling and foundation preparation, signaling the start of substantive development.

Project Highlights

The project has received full Development Approval (DA) from the Victorian government, covering land planning, environmental assessments, fire safety, compliance, and construction management. Featuring dispatch and fast-response capabilities, the system will enable charging during low-price periods and discharging during peak-price or frequency deviation events. This operational flexibility will support energy arbitrage, contribute to grid stability, and maximize asset value, making the facility a model for future solar-storage integration in the region.

The project is jointly developed by an international consortium:

  • Smart Power System will supply the Energy Management System (EMS) for real-time monitoring, energy arbitrage, FCAS services, and operational optimization.
  • Lixma & Legacy will provide PV modules and EPC services, leveraging proven experience in large-scale projects in Taiwan and Australia to ensure timely and high-quality delivery.
  • Kingstone Energy Technology will act as legal and financial advisor, supporting cross-border investment, compliance and financing.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Once operational, the facility will deliver returns through a diversified revenue model, including participation in the wholesale electricity market and ancillary service markets. Beyond the financial benefits, the project is expected to cut approximately 6,896 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to planting more than 320,000 trees. This outcome directly supports Australia’s strategy and the broader global energy transition goal.

Growing Pipeline in Australia

Billion Watts is advancing six additional solar-storage projects in Victoria and New South Wales. The sub-5MW segment is particularly attractive as such projects connect at the distribution level, benefit from simplified approvals, shorter construction timelines, and faster grid connections.

With NEM spot prices ranging from –AUD 1,000 to AUD 20,700/MWh since July 2025, price volatility is increasing, providing strong opportunities for both merchant sub-5MW solar-storage and standalone storage assets to capture arbitrage value.

“With these developments, Billion Watts extends its expertise from Taiwan to Australia, showcasing its ability to deliver integrated solar and storage solutions that combine technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and long-term investment value,” said Elaine Chen, Director of Billion Watts Australia Pty Ltd.

For expert assistance and customized energy solutions, contact us at sales@billionwatts.com.tw or visit https://www.billionwatts.com.tw/en.

Laos, Friends International Expand Youth Programs, Vocational Training, Child Protection Efforts

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, together with Friends-International (Peuan Mit), organized a half-day meeting to review progress under the Phase 5 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The five-year plan, 1 year plan covers activities from 2025-2029, with an initial work plan extending through the final quarter of 2025. Vientiane Capital, Laos. 15 September 2025. (Photo credit: Friends International).

Social Welfare Centers across Laos will expand their vocational training and job placement programs as part of a new five-year initiative aimed at supporting at-risk youth and strengthening child protection systems nationwide.

The move comes under a joint plan between the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and Friends-International (Peuan Mit), which held a half-day review meeting on 15 September in Vientiane. 

The program, running from 2025 to 2029, focuses on creating safer environments for children and offering practical pathways for young people facing social and economic challenges.

In addition to scaling up vocational services, the initiative includes the development of child-friendly educational materials, including cartoon-based tools, to help children understand their rights and identify unsafe situations. 

These materials will be used in schools, temples, and community spaces as part of a broader child protection strategy.

The plan also prioritizes collaboration with local authorities, especially in target provinces such as Luang Prabang, where a follow-up meeting and reassessment are scheduled. Mapping activities will help identify new high-need locations for program expansion.

By combining vocational training, education, and community-based protection measures, the program aims to address both immediate risks and long-term development for vulnerable children and youth across the country.

Friends-International, through its Peuan Mit program, has worked in Laos for over 20 years, supporting marginalized urban youth through services that promote independence, employability, and social reintegration.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, together with Friends-International (Peuan Mit), organized a half-day meeting to review progress under the Phase 5 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The five-year plan, 1 year plan covers activities from 2025-2029, with an initial work plan extending through the final quarter of 2025. 15 September 2025. (Photo credit: Friends International)
The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, together with Friends-International (Peuan Mit), organized a half-day meeting to review progress under the Phase 5 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The five-year plan, 1 year plan covers activities from 2025-2029, with an initial work plan extending through the final quarter of 2025. 15 September 2025. (Photo credit: Friends International)