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International Day of Forests: Laos Tops Region in Forest Coverage

International Day of Forests: Laos Tops Region in Forest Coverage
International Day of Forests: Laos Tops Region in Forest Coverage

On 21 March, as the world celebrates International Forest Day, Laos stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s most natural landscapes. The country usually greets visitors with a vast green cover. 

Fun fact: Laos has the highest percentage of forest area in the region, according to the Global Resource Information Database.

However, rapid economic changes and industrial deforestation present serious challenges, the National Assembly said.

The International Day of Forests is observed globally to raise awareness about the importance of trees and their role in supporting human life. The day has been celebrated annually since a UN General Assembly resolution in 2012.

Almost a decade later, in 2021, as part of the global movement toward sustainability, Laos set a target to restore its forest cover to 70 percent of the country by 2025, up from 62 percent in the previous five-year plan.

According to data from the Lao Statistics Bureau, Laos has seen significant changes in its forest cover over the years.

In 1950, forests covered 70 percent of the country’s land area, which is equivalent to 16.6 million hectares. By 2019, the forest area had decreased to 13.2 million hectares, indicating a gradual decline in forest cover. 

This trend continued into 2022, when the forest area further decreased to 13.1 million hectares. Despite the reduction, forests remain a crucial part of Laos’ environmental landscape.

 

Hong Kong’s Low-altitude Economy gears up for take-off


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Neswire – 21 March 2025 – Hong Kong has unveiled its pioneering Low-altitude Economy (LAE) Regulatory Sandbox, marking the official start of pilot projects to promote development of the LAE with a view to creating new business opportunities, strengthening city management and bringing a new “smart city” experience to the public.

Speaking at the launch event yesterday (March 21), Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, pointed out that the LAE not only gives rise to a series of industries, but also brings a very wide scope of application scenarios with a tremendous potential for development.

“The LAE is one of our nation’s strategic emerging industries, as well as an example in exploring new quality productive forces,” Mr Lee said, adding that Hong Kong is dedicated to developing into an international innovation and technology centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent.

Hong Kong launches Low-altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox.
Hong Kong launches Low-altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox.

Among applications from 72 applicants, 38 projects will be implemented under the first batch of pilot projects to be rolled out starting from April 2025. They come from enterprises, universities/research institutes, public utilities and government departments. The projects cover a wide range of fields and application scenarios, including emergency and rescue, logistics and distribution, inspection and safety maintenance, surveillance and low-altitude infrastructure.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government, Mable Chan, said the trial of the sandbox projects would help the Government accumulate experience and data in order to enable the Government and relevant departments to map out and devise a comprehensive infrastructure support for the execution of various LAE activities.

“We hope that with all these projects launching, we would incorporate innovation and technology into our daily lives,” Ms Chan said.

She added that the Government would introduce a special provision in the relevant legislation enabling the Director-General of Civil Aviation to allow trials of even more sophisticated and heavier low-altitude equipment, so as to facilitate trials of state-of-the-art models, including those models which can carry passengers.

Promoting Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects is a major task of the interdepartmental Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy set up in 2024 to boost development of the LAE.

At the launch event, a number of organisations of the pilot projects set up booths to introduce the application scenarios and features of their projects.Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #innovation #technology





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Laos Approves Government Restructuring, Key Constitutional Amendments

Laos Approves Government Restructuring, Key Constitutional Amendments
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the 2nd Extraordinary Session on 20 March (photo credit: Pathet Lao Daily)

The National Assembly (NA) has approved a major restructuring of the government by merging several ministries to improve efficiency, strengthening anti-corruption by granting local administration more power, extending retirement ages for civil servants, and approving tax breaks for investors in Smart City Development areas.

On 20 March, all 156 members of the NA unanimously supported the plan, which reduced the number of ministries from 17 to 13. The decision followed a proposal by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone during the 2nd Extraordinary Session of the NA’s 9th legislature.  

Ministries Merged to Streamline Administration  

Under the new structure, the Ministry of Planning and Investment was merged with the Ministry of Finance, keeping the name Ministry of Finance. 

The Ministry of Energy and Mines was combined with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, which will continue to operate under the same name. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment was merged with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the new entity is now called the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.  

The Ministry of Home Affairs was dissolved, and its responsibilities were divided among different entities. It was placed under the Party Central Committee’s Personnel and Organization Committee, while governance, mapping, and religious regulation duties were transferred to the Prime Minister’s Office and other relevant ministries. 

Additionally, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism was restructured, with the information sector now managed by the Party Central Committee’s Propaganda and Training Board. This led to the ministry being renamed the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.  

The government expects the merger process to be completed by May, while restructuring at the local administration level is set to finish by July. The changes were made in line with a recent resolution passed by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee.  

Amendments to the Constitution  

During the same session, lawmakers approved all the draft amendments to the Constitution. Key changes include giving more power to local administrations, promoting the development of an autonomous economy, and strengthening anti-corruption measures by granting more authority to auditing and inspection agencies.  

Changes in Local Governance, Civil Servant Laws  

To align with the constitutional amendments, the NA also approved changes to the Law on Local Governance. The Law on Civil Servants was also revised, with two major updates; The retirement age for government employees has been increased from 60 to 65, and the maximum age for recruiting new civil servants has been extended from 35 to 40.  

Special Incentives for Smart City Development  

The NA also approved incentives to boost investment in the Amata Smart & Eco City project in northern Laos. These incentives include tax breaks for companies investing in the development, which aims to promote economic growth and innovation in the region.  

The Lao government believes these changes will improve efficiency, strengthen governance, and attract more investment, as officials aim to implement the restructuring to support the country’s long-term development.

Lao Government Grants Tax Exemption Up to 30 years for Amata Investment Zone

AMATA Smart and Eco City Namor Master Plan. (Photo: Amata Corporation PCL)

On 20 March, members of the National Assembly (NA) approved a special incentive package for investors in the Amata Special Economic Zone, granting them tax exemptions for up to 30 years. 

ONYX Hospitality Group Celebrates 1st Anniversary of Amari Bangkok’s “Nila” Coastal Indian Restaurant

Nila offers guests a rare taste of Indian coastal cuisine, bringing unique flavours and dining experiences to Thailand


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 March 2025 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a prominent management company in Southeast Asia specialising in hotels and resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences, is delighted to celebrate the first anniversary of Nila, a Coastal Indian restaurant on the 4th floor of Amari Bangkok. This premium property offers exceptional hospitality and world-class amenities, providing an unparalleled experience in the heart of the city.

Amari Bangkok Nila Atmosphere Artifact design2 (1)

Experience the rich, vibrant flavours of Coastal Indian cuisine, a culinary treasure from India’s coastal regions, beautifully infused with Portuguese influences for a distinctive and exquisite taste. In celebration of Nila‘s first anniversary, guests are invited to indulge in an 8-course Coastal Indian Tasting Menu, available with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and offered throughout the year.

ONYX Hospitality Group is driven by its vision to be “The Best Medium-Sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia.” Beyond accommodations, ONYX Hospitality Group also excels in spa services and the food and beverage industry. Nila is one of the highlights under ONYX Hospitality Group’s management, an Indian restaurant inspired by India’s Coastal culinary heritage. Nila showcases a culinary heritage deeply rooted in the cultural richness passed down from ancient artifact merchants, spice traders, and herbalists of Goa and the Malabar Coast of India.

Every aspect of Nila is a tribute to the land it represents—from its name, derived from Malayalam, meaning “blue like the sea,” to its décor, which evokes the warmth of a Goan home influenced by Portuguese heritage. The food and beverage menu stays true to Indian authenticity, featuring dishes crafted with Kerala’s fragrant coconut. A standout is the spicy seafood curry from Goa—a dish that blends contemporary culinary techniques with the adventurous spirit of ancient traders, delivering a unique identity and a delightful experience in every bite.

To celebrate its first anniversary, Nila invites guests to explore a culinary journey, indulging in the rich flavours of Indian coastal cuisine with a thoughtfully curated menu. The experience begins with three exquisite appetisers, including Phal Dhokla, a beloved dish from India’s west coast, particularly Gujarat. Made from soft, fluffy lentil flour, this delicacy is served with tropical fruits, sweet yogurt, and red chili jam, offering a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and spicy in every bite.

Next on the appetiser selection is Wada Bao, Mumbai’s most sought-after street food. This crispy, fried, spicy mashed potato is wrapped in soft steamed dough, delivering a perfect balance of crunch and warmth in every bite. Another highlight is the Khara Puff, a South Indian take on the classic puff pastry. Made with soft, fine dough and filled with a spiced vegetable mixture, it is perfectly complemented by a tangy cranberry chutney, delivering a well-balanced fusion of flavours and spices.

Another standout appetiser is Peri-Peri Jheenga, a Goan-style prawn marinated in fiery peri-peri chili peppers. Grilled over an open flame to perfection, it is served with smoked tomatoes and sweet chili chutney, creating an intense, tangy flavour. The peri-peri chili peppers, introduced to India by the Portuguese from Africa, give this dish a unique fusion of Goan and Portuguese influences.

Next comes Kozhi Chuttathu, a traditional Kerala dish featuring chicken drumsticks marinated in yogurt, red chilli, and Malabar spices. The chicken is then grilled and smoked to perfection, and served with pickled beetroot, shallots, and a refreshing mint sauce, offering a smoky, spicy, and aromatic flavour.

Next is the Truffle Madras Curry Chop, featuring grilled lamb chops topped with a rich Madras curry infused with the aromatic essence of truffle oil. Served alongside a tangy tomato sauce, this appetsier offers the freshness and aromatic flavours of Chennai with a touch of elegance.

For the main course, Machher Jhol offers a taste of Bengali tradition, where fish is an essential element. This classic Bengali sea bass curry is infused with bold, spicy flavours and is served with a velvety pumpkin puree seasoned in the aromatic panchphoran (a blend of five spices). The dish provides a comforting and aromatic experience, making each bite a satisfying journey.

Next, enjoy the Chicken Ghee Roast, a signature main course from Bangalore, Karnataka. Tender chicken is cooked in ghee and a flavourful red chilli sauce, creating a rich, spicy, and aromatic taste. Served with Kal Dosa, a crispy flatbread, this dish highlights the region’s love for ghee-roasted delicacies, offering a rich, spicy, and aromatic coastal flavour.

Mutton lovers will be in for a treat with Mutton Perattu, a rich Kerala-style mutton curry served with soft, flaky parotta. Packed with a generous amount of spices, this dish delivers a deep, aromatic flavour that is both hearty and impressive.

Filter Kapi Misu is a delightful fusion dessert that combines the bold, outstandingly rich flavours of Coorg coffee with the creamy smoothness of Tiramisu. This classic South Indian twist on the traditional dessert offers a perfect ending to a delicious meal.

For vegetarians, Nila has thoughtfully adapted its menu with plant-based ingredients such as beans, tofu, and mushrooms. Highlights include Wild Mushroom Ularthiyayhu, where wild mushrooms are stir-fried with Malabar spices, creating an aromatic and rich dish. The Tofu Jhol is a traditional Bengali-style spicy curry paired with panchphoran-tempered pumpkin mash. Another standout is Soy Perattu, a soy protein curry infused with aromatic spices, served with soft parotta.

Additionally, Nila offers a selection of signature cocktails inspired by coastal Indian ingredients and spirits. These drinks are crafted to provide a delightful drinking experience, allowing guests to enjoy their flavours, aromas, and beautiful presentation. The beverages at Nila range from refreshing, vibrant concoctions reminiscent of a bright seaside escape to bold, intense creations featuring cognac as the main ingredient, blended with traditional recipes—along with many more exquisite options.

Nila is more than just a restaurant; it’s a legacy that brings the rich recipes and delights of India’s coastal cities to life. The aromatic spices and contemporary cooking in every dish transport guests to a distant land, evoking the warmth of the sunshine and the refreshing waves of the blue sea. It’s an experience unique to Nila.

Indulge in Coastal Indian cuisine at Nila restaurant, located on the 4th floor of Amari Bangkok Hotel, every day from noon to midnight. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 0 2653 9000.

The 8-course Coastal Indian Tasting Menu starts from THB 1600 ++ per person (approximately USD 56).

Combine a stay at Amari Bangkok with an exceptional Coastal Indian dining experience at Nila through the exclusive Nila package, starting from 5,600 THB per night (approximately USD 165), based on two sharing a Deluxe Room. Also included is daily breakfast at Amaya Food Gallery and one complimentary Indian lunch or dinner set at ‘NILA’ restaurant per person per stay. Minimum two-night stay. For more information and to book: www.amari.com/bangkok/special-offers/hotel-packages/nila-package

For more information on Nila: www.amari.com/bangkok/dine/nila
For more information on Amari Bangkok: www.amari.com/bangkok

Hashtag: #ONYX

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London’s Heathrow Airport Closed After Fire Causes Major Power Cut

London’s Heathrow Airport Closed After Fire Causes Major Power Cut
Police officers and firefighters are seen near the scene where a fire broke out at a substation serving Heathrow Airport in Hayes, west London on 21 March (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP)

AFP/Helen ROWE – Britain’s Heathrow airport, Europe’s busiest, was shut down early Friday for 24 hours after a major fire at an electricity substation cut power to the sprawling facility west of London, officials said.

SonicWall Furthers its Commitment to Empowering Managed Service Providers (MSPs) by Introducing SonicSentry MXDR

  • SonicSentry MXDR empowers MSPs of all sizes to protect their customers across the entire attack surface with enterprise-grade security including CrowdStrike Falcon cybersecurity platform, delivering simplicity and cost-effectiveness

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 March 2025 – SonicWall today announced the introduction of SonicSentry MXDR, a managed solution for MSPs built to protect their clients across the entire attack surface with end-to-end managed threat protection. This unique set of offerings for network, endpoint and cloud security is backed by a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) that provides MSPs with advanced threat detection and response capabilities from the endpoint to the local network to the cloud. The SonicSentry MXDR service enables partners to deliver stronger, more proactive security services while helping customers enhance their cyber resilience at every step.

Most small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) depend on MSPs for their IT and information security needs. However, many MSPs need the extended resources of fully-staffed and trained 24/7 SOC and NOC facilities to help ensure customers are using best practices, to monitor networks, cloud applications and endpoints and to then quickly detect, investigate, and remediate cyber threats with greater context and accuracy. The overwhelming volume of security alerts alone make it difficult to distinguish between routine updates and critical threats. As cyber threats grow and compliance requirements become more complex, MSPs need a simpler, more effective approach to security practices and operations as they work to keep their clients secure.

SonicSentry is SonicWall’s MXDR suite of offerings, featuring managed detection and response (MDR), MDR for cloud, and MDR for Network. Each service can be purchased individually with no contracts or minimums; all of them together comprise MXDR. The goal is to provide a unified approach to cybersecurity by integrating endpoint security, cloud security, and network protection with expert SOC monitoring. By incorporating industry-leading endpoint protection from the CrowdStrike Falcon® cybersecurity platform, SonicWall customers benefit from AI-driven detection and response and stronger cybersecurity resilience.

“SonicWall has always been committed to delivering cost-effective, enterprise-level security solutions to small businesses, which are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks,” said SonicWall President and CEO Bob VanKirk. “That can only be accomplished by having the right people armed with the right tools. Our broad portfolio of solutions is now enhanced through our partnership with industry leading solutions like those from CrowdStrike. With CrowdStrike, we are ensuring that our SMB customers, and the partners who support them, have access to best-in-class endpoint protection. This effectively extends the bench of our MSP partners and meets them on their services journey to deliver stronger, more proactive security services while giving customers the confidence that their businesses are protected against cyber threats that were once a concern only for large corporations.”

SonicWall Vice President of Sales, APJ, Debasish Mukherjee said, “MSPs across the world, especially in APJ, are under immense pressure to safeguard against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, often with limited resources. SonicSentry MXDR gives them the enterprise-grade security, AI-driven threat detection, and 24/7 support needed to close this gap. By simplifying security operations and reducing response times, we’re enabling MSPs to strengthen their cybersecurity offerings and help businesses in the region stay resilient against evolving threats.”

“MSPs face mounting challenges – managing complex and oftentimes subpar – security stacks, countering evolving threats, and securing SMBs with limited resources,” said Daniel Bernard, chief business officer at CrowdStrike. “Through our SonicWall partnership, we’re simplifying security, enhancing threat protection, and enabling MSPs to focus on what matters most — keeping their customers secure and helping SMBs thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

As an additional benefit and for more peace of mind, customers of SonicSentry services who also are protected by a SonicWall firewall and Cloud Threat Analytics receive a cyber warranty and discounted, flat-rate cyber insurance, backed and managed by our partnership with Cysurance, provided the customer demonstrates best-practice controls are in place. Warranty coverages range from $500,000 for MDR customers using a firewall and Cloud Threat Analytics and coverage increase to $1,000,000 for those customers also deploying Cloud Email Security.

“SonicSentry is a great way for MSPs to differentiate themselves from their competitors,” said SonicWall partner Nick Sabatini, Vice President of Managed Services at Ubeo. “The SonicSentry SOC becomes an extension of your team as an MSP, allowing you to provide immediate threat mitigation for your clients without having to go to the expense of building your own SOC.”

To learn more about SonicWall and get details about SonicSentry, please visit https://www.sonicwall.com/products/sonicsentry-mxdr.
Hashtag: #SonicWall

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About SonicWall

is a cybersecurity forerunner with more than 30 years of expertise and is recognized as the leading partner-first company. With the ability to build, scale and manage security across the cloud, hybrid and traditional environments in real-time, SonicWall provides seamless protection against the most evasive cyberattacks across endless exposure points for increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled users. With its own threat research center, SonicWall can quickly and economically provide purpose-built security solutions to enable any organization—enterprise, government agencies and SMBs—around the world. For more information, visit or follow us on , , and .

‘Attitude Mom’ Marks Decade with New Hands-Free Breast Pump

‘Attitude Mom’ Marks Decade with New Hands-Free Breast Pump
‘Attitude Mom’ Marks Decade with New Hands-Free Breast Pump

New parents in Laos are increasingly turning to technology to support breastfeeding, making the process more convenient and manageable. Over the past decade, Thai breast pump brand “Attitude Mom” has been at the forefront of this shift, providing mothers with innovative solutions.

Marking its 10th anniversary, the company recently hosted the “Next Step in a Decade” event, bringing together customers, influencers, and honored guests to celebrate its journey and unveil its latest product. The event provided a space for mothers to share their experiences and learn about the latest advancements in breastfeeding support.

Suree Kunmongkolwut, Managing Director of Attitude Mom, spoke about the success of the brand, “The idea for our brand started when I had our first child and planned to breastfeed, but I couldn’t succeed because our baby had severe allergies, and I had no knowledge about breast milk.”

“This made it impossible for me to breastfeed. When I had my second child, I was determined to breastfeed and succeeded. This became the inspiration for developing the Attitude Mom breast pump brand, which provides high-quality products and has continuously evolved to meet the needs of mothers,” she said.

“We have always aimed to help mothers experience the joy of breastfeeding while making it easier for them to balance personal time and motherhood. Now, after 10 years in business, we are ready to continue developing the brand for many more decades. We are proud to be part of the movement that encourages more modern mothers to choose breastfeeding. One key feature of our products is the 100 percent authentic silicone breast shield , because we understand the feelings of mothers when using breast pumps. We are attentive to every detail and the quality of our products.”

Attitude Mom continues to innovate its breast pump products to address the evolving needs of mothers, ensuring that they can manage their work-life balance while taking care of their baby.

As the highlight of the 10th-anniversary event, Suree Kunmongkolwut took the opportunity to launch a new innovative product while revealing the brand’s commitment to building a strong customer base moving forward.

 “We are excited to introduce a new option for mothers – the Easy Life III  hands-free breast pump. This product is an advanced version of breast pumps, designed with features that suit the behavior of mothers. It can be controlled via a smartphone and is a hands-free breast pump that ensures thorough milk extraction, making breastfeeding easier than ever. This latest model will be another great choice for mothers looking for a portable breast pump that is lightweight, easy to use, and fits into all lifestyles. We encourage mothers to try this new experience, something they haven’t encountered with any other brand before.”

This was the foundation of the “Next Step in a Decade” event for Attitude Mom, as a way to thank all the mothers who have supported the brand with every purchase or product recommendation. 

“We have received both praise and feedback, which we have used to continuously improve and ensure that every mother’s experience with our breast pumps is the best possible. We assure you that we will continue to develop the brand so that every mother who breastfeeds can feel happy every day, living up to the trust you’ve placed in Attitude Mom as the number one brand for breastfeeding.”