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Local Authorities Tighten Grip on Gold Mining in Houaphanh Province

This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: Dominik Vanyi on Unsplash)

Local authorities in Houaphanh’s Xiengkhor district have issued an official order permanently banning the issuance of gold ore mining permits in all forms. The directive is effective from 24 June.

“The decision aims to address illegal mining activities, protect natural resources, and strictly enforce the laws against the violators,” the official notices state. “All unauthorized or improperly licensed gold mining, trading, and related business operations must cease immediately under the new directive.”

The move follows a separate provincial-level order issued by the province’s governor on 20 June, which also mandates a permanent halt to gold mining operations across the Houaphanh. 

Villages found allowing illegal gold mining will be held accountable. Machinery used for mining must be removed from all sites starting from the date of the order.

According to the directive, officials should intensify monitoring and enforcement to prevent and stop illegal mineral extraction in all forms.

These local and provincial measures are in line with a national directive issued by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on 7 March. 

The Prime Minister’s order calls for enhanced monitoring, inspection, and resolution of issues related to the extraction of gold, stones, and sand along rivers, streams, and mining areas across the country.

KGI: 2025 Mid-Year Market Outlook

Navigating the New Normal


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2025 – Today, KGI has released its 2025 Mid-Year Market Outlook.

(From left) James Chu, Chairman at KGI Securities Investment Advisory; James Wey, Head of International Wealth Management at KGI; Cusson Leung, Chief Investment Officer at KGI
(From left) James Chu, Chairman at KGI Securities Investment Advisory; James Wey, Head of International Wealth Management at KGI; Cusson Leung, Chief Investment Officer at KGI

Looking back over the first half of the year, Trump officially took office as President of the United States and started a trade war. At one point, he even threatened to levy tariffs on China of more than 100%, triggering massive market fluctuations. Since then, many countries have entered negotiations with the U.S., and positive signals have emerged. How will the ongoing tariff war affect global economic development? How will the economic uncertainty created by Trump’s policies influence interest rate trends? How will China respond to the increasingly tense trade relationship? And how will China achieve economic growth targets amid external economic instability?

Under this backdrop, for the second half of the year, we maintain the “ACE” strategy:

  1. Alternatives: Gold and other alternative assets are expected to be inflation-resistant and have lower correlation with traditional stocks and bonds.
  2. Credit Selection: Maintain a preference for high-grade bonds, as the market still presents opportunities to lock in yields.
  3. Elite Stocks: Diversify investment in quality stocks, balancing the allocation between cyclical and defensive stocks.


Cusson Leung, Chief Investment Officer at KGI,
says: “In terms of asset allocation, considering the economic and political developments in the second half of the year, investors can continue to follow the ACE strategy: A is Alternatives. The fiscal conditions of multiple governments have sparked controversy, coupled with central banks diversifying asset allocations and geopolitical instability, which will be favorable to gold prices. C is Credit Selection. We expect downside risks to the economy, thus maintaining a preference for quality bonds. Corporate bonds will provide opportunities to lock in yields. E is Elite Stock. Tariff expectations are anticipated to impact corporate earnings; cyclical stocks and defensive stocks can be balanced in the allocation. Outside the United States, focus on countries with minimal tariff impact or those that have already reached agreements.”

Macro & U.S. Markets
In 2H2025, the global economy will enter a slowdown mode, particularly in emerging markets, with the slowdown being most pronounced in the United States among mature markets. In the first half of the year, U.S. companies stockpiled goods in anticipation of tariff wars, resulting in decent economic performance. However, this situation will not continue into the second half, with GDP growth rates potentially falling below 1%, averaging around 1.35% for the year. The slowdown in the Eurozone and the UK will be less pronounced than in the U.S., but the negative impacts of the trade war cannot be underestimated. The economic outlook for Japan and China is also bleak.

In the first half of the year, the U.S. economy shone due to strong demand, but this demand is expected to wane in the second half, leading to weaker economic data. The uncertainty of Trump’s policies affects consumer confidence and corporate orders, with labor market data showing a downward trend, further impacting wages and consumption.

The Fed may cut interest rates by 25 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2025 and continue to lower rates by 50 to 75 basis points in 2026. As for U.S. stocks, the likelihood of entering a bear market this year is low, but a decline is possible in the third quarter, with annual profit estimates dropping from 14.1% to below 9%. Investors are advised to focus on defensive and high-quality stocks to weather the economic downturn.

In terms of bond investments, the weakening U.S. economy is expected to drive bond yields lower, with Treasury yields projected to fall to 4.0%-4.3% from the latter half of the third quarter to the fourth quarter. It is recommended to invest in higher-quality investment-grade corporate bonds and consider transitioning to non-investment-grade corporate bonds when the economy hits bottom.

James Chu, Chairman at KGI Securities Investment Advisory, says: “The easing of the trade war has reduced the risk of a U.S. economic recession, but its uncertainty has already affected economic confidence and will put pressure on hard data in the future. The recent rise in the stock market has brought valuations back to high levels. Investors need to be aware of the expiration of the tariff suspension and the subsequent economic and corporate earnings revisions that could bring volatility.”

Mainland China and Hong Kong Markets
Since early 2025, China’s economy has shown marginal improvement amid multiple internal and external factors. In the trade sector, after reaching a 90-day short-term tariff exemption agreement with the United States, market expectations for the full-year GDP growth rate have risen from the initially announced “Liberation Day” figure of 4.2% to 4.5% following the preliminary agreement; on the other hand, although exports to the U.S. continue to shrink, exports to ASEAN and India have increased significantly, with exporters actively expanding multilateral markets to mitigate external shocks, and the proportion of China’s exports to the U.S. continues to decline. Against this backdrop of external challenges, the Chinese government’s four economic priorities include: (1) maintaining liquidity in the banking system, (2) boosting consumer confidence, (3) supporting innovation and technology to drive high value-added production strategies, and (4) expanding trade alliances beyond the U.S.

China-U.S. relations will continue to play out in a “periodic tension and relaxation” new normal. Facing U.S. escalating high-tech export controls, China is accelerating the strengthening of domestic supply chains, diversified trade strategies, and independent R&D to promote core technology autonomy and control. The continued growth of gold reserves highlights the value of this safe-haven asset in uncertain environments. Regarding the Hong Kong stock market, the Hang Seng Index has performed strongly since the beginning of the year, reflecting sustained overseas capital allocation to Chinese assets and rising risk appetite. Overall, in the second half of 2025, China’s economy will continue to recover driven by policy support, domestic demand rebound, and manufacturing transformation and upgrading. However, attention should remain on uncertainties such as China-U.S. friction, geopolitical issues, and international demand fluctuations.

Hang Seng Index target price in the second half of 2025 is 25,500 points
We previously set a target of 23,200 points for the first half of 2025, when the biggest downside risk was Trump’s tariff policies. Considering the above factors, we believe the Hong Kong stock market will reflect more positive factors in the second half, which is also reflected in the market’s upward revision of earnings per share estimates for the Hang Seng Index. We raise this year’s Hang Seng Index target price to 25,500 points, corresponding to an estimated price-earnings ratio of about 11 times, with potential growth of 6.3% in the second half (as of June 17, 2025), and a total annual increase of 27.5%. In terms of sectors, we are optimistic on industry, Internet, raw materials, telecommunications, healthcare and utilities, including 13 selected stocks.

Cusson Leung, Chief Investment Officer at KGI, says: “Overall, in the second half of 2025, China’s economy will continue to recover driven by policy support, domestic demand rebound, and manufacturing transformation and upgrading. However, attention should remain on uncertainties such as China-U.S. friction, geopolitical issues, and international demand fluctuations. The Hang Seng Index year end target is at 25,500 points, with a positive outlook on 6 sectors and 13 stock picks.”

Taiwan Market
Trump’s erratic tariff policies have caused significant volatility in the Taiwan stock market during the first half of the year. However, with the recent easing of the trade war and stable short-term AI demand, the Taiwan stock market has seen some recovery. Looking ahead, we believe the negative impact of the trade war will gradually become evident, potentially leading to downward adjustments in the Taiwan stock market before the third quarter. Nonetheless, a moderate correction could help stabilize the market in the fourth quarter. Despite the temporary agreement between the U.S. and China, high tariffs continue to affect economic growth and inflation pressures. Given the close economic ties between Taiwan and the U.S., tariff impacts could lower Taiwan stock market profits. If adverse factors can be absorbed in the third quarter, the market is likely to stabilize in the fourth quarter, with AI demand remaining a crucial support for the Taiwan stock market.

James Chu, Chairman at KGI Securities Investment Advisory, says: “The demand for AI in the short term remains stable, supporting a continued rebound in the stock market. However, the trade war and exchange rate impacts have increased the uncertainty of corporate earnings. Early stockpiling has made the normally slow season in the first half of the year less sluggish for the Taiwanese stock market, but it may lead to a less prosperous peak season in the second half of the year.”

Singapore Market
In 2H25, Singapore’s economy is expected to experience cautious growth due to global trade uncertainties and a challenging external environment. While sectors like wholesale trade, manufacturing, finance, and insurance provide some support, geopolitical tensions and protectionism weigh on sentiment. Inflation remains manageable, but the labor market shows signs of strain. Trade activity, boosted recently by tariff suspensions, is expected to moderate.

Looking ahead, growth is influenced by external factors such as U.S. trade policies and China’s recovery. The government has revised growth expectations downward, but strengths in electronics and financial services persist. Strategic investments in AI, digitalization, and green technologies aim to future-proof the economy. Risks remain from potential trade conflicts and weakening global demand. Domestic measures to boost innovation and stabilize the property market are anticipated to support growth, though challenges for businesses and households may arise. Overall, Singapore’s economy is positioned to remain steady with limited near-term upside.

Chen Guangzhi, Head of Research at KGI Singapore, says: “Amid increasing global macroeconomic uncertainties, Singapore will further underscore its strengths in political and economic stability. Therefore, we remain cautiously upbeat about the outlook in 2H25.”

Hashtag: #KGI #MarketOutlook




Wechat: KGI 凯基

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

About KGI

KGI*has been a leading financial institution in Asia since 1997. Our scope of business encompasses wealth management, brokerage, fixed income, and asset management. We are committed to offering a comprehensive range of financial products and services to corporate, institutional, and individual clients throughout Asia. Backed by KGI Financial Group, we have a robust footprint in Asia, covering Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand^.

*KGI refers to KGI Asia Limited and its affiliates.
^an investee enterprise of KGI Securities, not a subsidiary.

Cat Paradise Hotel Launches Cat Sitting Service Amid Rescue Milestone


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2025 – Cat Paradise Singapore has launched a new cat sitting service, now available to the general public. This service provides in-home care by trained professional cat sitters in Singapore, expanding the centre’s support for cat owners who require assistance while away from home.

This development is part of Cat Paradise’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive feline care. The centre has also recently reached a milestone, with over 150 rescued cats adopted through its cageless adoption centre. The adoption model allows cats and potential adopters to interact in a homely, cage-free environment, helping reduce mismatches and returned adoptions.

Many of the cats available for adoption are surrenders, already socialised and litter trained, while others are stray rescues that have undergone medical screening and socialisation before entering the centre. The centre’s adoption process is thorough: visitors are guided through responsible pet ownership, screened for home readiness (such as meshing windows), and required to sign adoption contracts. This structured approach ensures each cat enters a stable, caring environment. Adoption donations go towards covering medical and upkeep costs, allowing the team to continue their rescue efforts. The process of integrating rescued cats into the café takes weeks to months, often requiring staff to rehabilitate cats from neglect or abuse before they are ready for adoption.

In addition to adoption services, Cat Paradise offers cat boarding services in Singapore. Some adopted cats return to board at the facility, reflecting continued relationships between adopters and the centre. To support future rescue efforts, the company has partnered with online pet retailer ExpressPetSupplies.sg, which donates a portion of proceeds to assist in funding care for more cats. Despite the challenges of rescue work, the team remains dedicated to giving each cat the time and space it needs to heal, socialise, and eventually find a loving, permanent home.

The new cat sitting service complements existing offerings by supporting cat owners who prefer their pets remain at home during their absence. It aligns with the centre’s approach to providing consistent, long-term support for feline welfare.

Cat Paradise is a cageless adoption centre and boarding facility in Singapore dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of cats. The centre offers a home-like setting where visitors can interact with adoptable cats. In addition to adoption and boarding services, Cat Paradise has expanded to include professional cat sitting.

To learn more about Cat Paradise Hotel’s boarding or newly launched cat sitting service, please visit https://catparadisehotel.sg/.

Hashtag: #CatParadiseSingapore

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

Hun Sen’s Facebook Flooded with Thai Hate Comments Amid Rising Border Tensions

Hun Sen’s Facebook Flooded with Thai Hate Comments Amid Rising Border Tensions

Thai Facebook users stormed the official page of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen shortly after he lifted restrictions on Thai IP addresses on 23 June, allowing users in Thailand to access his Facebook page.

The flood of activity prompted Hun Sen to partially disable comments after a wave of mockery and criticism over Cambodia’s recent border decisions.

It was on this platform that Hun Sen shared a full 17-minute phone call with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a move that sparked domestic controversy in Thailand and further escalated tensions between the two nations.

“The quality of this tourism video looks like it was filmed with equipment from 30-40 years ago,” one Thai user commented under a tourism promotional clip shared by Hun Sen.

“Cambodia ❌ Scambodia ✔️a country with a deceptive leader, brainwashing its citizens and lying to the world,” another user wrote, replying to a post originally from Prime Minister Hun Manet’s Facebook page, which showed him visiting evacuees near the border.

“You shut the borders, but now Thai people have assembled on your Facebook. Come reply to us, Uncle Vun Sen (Noodle in Thai slang),” read another mocking comment.

The flood of Thai comments on Hun Sen’s Facebook page also drew reactions from Cambodian users, some rushing to defend their leader, while others expressed dissent.

“Parents, brothers, and sisters, there are Thai people trying to write in Khmer. This shows they’re working hard to learn our alphabet,” one Cambodian user commented, interpreting the act as a sign of respect or effort.

“Don’t be fooled by what you see in the comments. Thai people are trying to make us turn against our leaders. Don’t fall for our neighbor’s manipulation, Khmer brothers and sisters,” they added, urging others to remain loyal.

“I feel sorry for the Cambodian people,” one user wrote. “The country still isn’t developed, yet the leaders continue to convince the public to see the world differently. Cambodia remains trapped in outdated nationalist thinking, while many citizens still suffer from hunger.”

These digital protests coincided with Thailand’s decision to close border crossings with Cambodia in six provinces, including Surin, Buriram, Si Sa Ket, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The move restricts entry to all vehicles and pedestrians, except students and individuals seeking urgent medical care.

The closures, effective immediately, also block tourists from using popular entry points such as the Aranyaprathet-Poipet crossing.

Changhong Unveils Smart Living Innovations at 2025 Jakarta Expo, Bringing AI-Driven Appliances to Indonesian Homes

Exclusive Shopee partnership brings cutting-edge smart living technology to Indonesian consumers


JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2025 – Changhong, a global leader in smart home technology, is making a bold statement at Southeast Asia’s premier trade show, the 2025 Jakarta International Expo. Showcasing groundbreaking AI-driven home appliances, Changhong is not only redefining smart living but also offering exclusive Shopee deals that make cutting-edge innovation more accessible to Indonesian families. By blending advanced AI technology with modern lifestyle solutions, Changhong solidifies its position as the premier brand for intelligent, connected homes.

Changhong Unveils Smart Living Innovations at 2025 Jakarta Expo, Bringing AI-Driven Appliances to Indonesian Homes

Revolutionary AI Innovation Takes Center Stage

Changhong’s showcase highlights its commitment to blending advanced AI technology with everyday convenience. Key innovations include:

This product lineup represents Changhong’s vision of an AI-powered ecosystem, where homes are intuitive, sustainable, and connected.

Complete Smart Living Solutions

Beyond flagship products, Changhong presents comprehensive options across all categories. Television sizes span 32 to 98 inches with QD Mini LED and QLED technologies. Air conditioners range from 0.5 to 5 HP for every home size. Refrigerators offer 50 to 600-liter capacities, while front-load washing machines handle 8 to 10 kilograms.

Exclusive Shopee Partnership Brings Innovation Home

From now until July 13, Changhong’s Shopee collaboration offers unprecedented value with flash auctions of up to 70% off, lucky spin wheels, and exclusive vouchers. This omnichannel approach seamlessly blends expo excitement with online convenience.

27 Years of Commitment to the Indonesian Market

Since entering Indonesia in 1998, Changhong has focused on delivering innovative solutions tailored to local needs. Over nearly three decades, the brand has evolved from traditional appliances to AI-driven smart living, enriching Indonesian homes with smarter, more connected solutions.

This long-standing commitment is showcased at the 2025 Jakarta Expo, where Changhong continues to shape the future of intelligent living.

Hashtag: #Changhong

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

China’s Neta EV Parent Company Enters Bankruptcy Amid Growing Financial Troubles

This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: NETA)

The parent company of Neta has entered bankruptcy proceedings, sending shockwaves through its oversea markets, including Laos and Thailand, including Laos and Thailand where customers and dealerships now face mounting uncertainty over vehicle servicing, spare parts availability, and dealership operations.

On 19 June, Zhejiang Hozon New Energy Automobile, the parent company of Chinese EV brand Neta, officially entered bankruptcy proceedings after a creditor filed a petition over unpaid debt of CNY 5.3 million (USD 730,000), according to the provincial state media outlet Xinhua Daily Media Group, with court documents revealing total liabilities exceeding CNY 10 billion (USD 1.4 billion).

Shanghai Yuxing Advertising submitted a bankruptcy petition against Hozon New Energy Automobile on 13 May. Later on 19 June, the court accepted and announced the start of bankruptcy proceedings.

Screenshot from China’s National Enterprise Bankruptcy Information Disclosure Platform of Hozon Auto being filed for bankruptcy.

The bankruptcy filing represents the culmination of months of mounting financial troubles for Hozon. The company reportedly stopped paying employee wages in late 2024, leading to production halts, mass layoffs, and protests by hundreds of workers demanding overdue salaries. 

Several Neta showrooms in Shanghai have been forced to close permanently as the financial crisis deepened, the report said.

Overseas Market Disruption

The collapse has exerted an impact on foreign markets.

In Thailand, the company’s dealership network has contracted from 60 to 40 outlets, with further closures expected due to liquidity problems, according to The Bangkok Post. Spare parts shortages have caused major delays in insurance claims and car repairs, some lasting up to 10 months.

Despite the challenges, the Facebook page of NETA Auto Thailand, posted a statement on 12 June that the company is undergoing debt restructuring and organizational changes. He reassured stakeholders by stating, “As long as Neta exists in China, it will continue to exist in Thailand.” 

Now that the parent company has entered bankruptcy proceedings, how can customers still trust those assurances?

NETA Auto Thailand, posted a statement on 12 June that the company is undergoing debt restructuring and organizational changes. (photo credit: NETA Auto Thailand)

Meanwhile in Laos, where Neta has gained traction among local consumers. Many Lao customers who purchased Neta vehicles now face uncertainty about ongoing service support, warranty coverage, and parts availability as the parent company navigates the bankruptcy process.

“The parent company’s gone bankrupt, how are we supposed to believe you can still support us?” one commenter wrote under a post published by Neta auto Laos on TikTok .

“If the parent company has shut down, how can Neta still supply spare parts?” another commenter wrote under the same post.

Under Chinese bankruptcy law, Hozon has six months to submit a reorganization plan. The outcome will decide whether the company restructures or faces liquidation, potentially leaving international customers and dealers unsupported.

Water Shortages Persist in Laos Amid Rising Demand and Weather Challenges

Water tap (Photo: Jouni Rajala)

The Water Supply Enterprise of Champasack issued a statement on 23 June addressing the ongoing water shortages affecting several villages.

SiegFund Transforms into SiegPath: A Strategic Rebrand Paving the Way for the Future of Professional Trading


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2025 – SiegFund, a fintech–driven proprietary trading platform, has officially completed its brand upgrade and will now operate as SiegPath, serving proprietary traders worldwide and ushering in a new chapter in global expansion. To further strengthen its rebranding, SiegPath has simultaneously launched its brand-new official website, built with a user-centric approach and equipped with a range of smart technologies to support the development of a distinctive and professional proprietary trading ecosystem.

The new slogan, “We Pave the Path to Professional Trading,” reflects SiegPath’s commitment to nurturing talent in the trading industry. While prioritizing regulatory compliance, the company is dedicated to providing professional support and offering clear career pathways toward fund manager-level roles, empowering every trader to build their own path to success.

Strategic Alliance with Licensed Private Equity Funds and DMA Brokers

To fulfill its vision, SiegPath has formed a strategic alliance with a licensed Cayman Islands private equity fund and DMA brokers, setting a new standard in proprietary trading. This model delivers a regulated environment and supports long-term trader growth through integrated resources, risk controls, and secure, efficient technology.

At the same time, grounded in a rigorous compliance framework, SiegPath leads the way in integrating cutting-edge intelligent technologies to create a professional trading environment that combines both security and high efficiency.

SiegAI™: Transforming Trading with Intelligent Solutions for Retail Clients, Institutions, and Brokerages

SiegPath representative stated, “A cornerstone of SiegPath’s transformation is the launch of SiegAI™, an advanced AI suit that redefines investment advisory, trading, customer support, and institutional research. It enhances service precision for retail clients, improves research efficiency and alpha generation for institutions, while cutting costs driving AUM growth for brokerages.”

SiegAI™ has been adopted by leading financial institutions and nominated for prestigious awards, including this year’s “Best AI Market Analysis System,” reaffirming SiegPath’s leadership in financial innovation.

Key features of SiegAI™ include:

  • AI-Advisor: An intelligent investment advisory system that enables clients to input investment preferences and goals, generating personalised strategies with 24/7 availability and reduced investment thresholds.
  • AI-Trader: A real-time trading and risk control platform that utilises predictive models to analyse historical data, market sentiment, and order flows. It offers real-time portfolio monitoring, stop-loss automation, and margin call alerts to optimise strategies and ensure compliance.
  • AI-Support: An intelligent customer service solution powered by NLP, delivering instant query resolutions, emotion analysis, and voiceprint fraud detection. It significantly enhances brokerage support efficiency, boosting productivity by 50%.
  • AI-Research: A tool for institutional clients, enabling in-depth report generation through AI and aggregated data, freeing analysts to focus on strategic initiatives while ensuring compliance through differential privacy protocols.
  • AI-Community: A regulated social investment network designed to foster user engagement by clustering communities, filtering misinformation, and ensuring compliance in discussions.

A Path to the Fund Manager Community

SiegPath equips traders with flexible plans, professional tools, expert training, and AI mentorship, supporting their journet to professional trading. SiegCertified™ Traders earn prestigious fund manager status, joining an exclusive community that offers access to top-tier managers, industry events, and expert guidance—unlocking unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.

A Global Vision for Expansion

SiegPath’s rebranding marks the first step in global expansion strategy, leveraging fintech innovation to strengthen its presence in key markets. By integrating advanced technologies and financial solutions, SiegPath empowers traders and brokers worldwide.

SiegPath: https://www.siegpath.com/
SiegAI™: https://www.siegpath.com/siegai

Hashtag: #SiegPath #SiegAI #AIAdvisor #AITrader #AISupport #AIResearch #AICommunity

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