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Lao-Vietnam Ties Deepen as Leaders Exchange Congratulations, Delegation Visit Approaches

To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, was elected president of Vietnam on Tuesday by lawmakers at the 16th National Assembly session. (Photo credit: VCG)

Laos and Vietnam are reaffirming their close bilateral relationship this week, marked by an exchange of congratulations following To Lam’s re-election as President of Vietnam and an upcoming high-level party delegation visit to Vientiane.

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith was among the first regional leaders to extend congratulations to To Lam after the 16th National Assembly (NA) confirmed his re-election as President of Vietnam during its first inaugural session on 6 April. 

In his message, Thongloun noted that To Lam’s re-appointment strongly reflects the continued trust that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people place in his leadership, recognizing his significant achievements and dedication to the nation throughout his career.

Thongloun expressed confidence that To Lam will lead Vietnam toward greater successes under the Communist Party of Vietnam’s 14th National Congress Resolution, while pledging to further strengthen the two countries’ friendship, solidarity, and strategic partnership for the benefit of both nations and regional peace and stability.

High-Level Visit to Vientiane

Adding to the diplomatic momentum, Tran Cam Tu, Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Communist Part of Vietnam (CPV), will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation on an official visit to Laos on 9 April, at the invitation of Vilay Lakhamphong, Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP). 

The visit is expected to further cement the close Party-to-Party ties between Vientiane and Hanoi.

To Lam’s Re-Election

To Lam’s re-election marks his second time serving as president. 

He had previously held the position from May to October 2024, stepping in after the resignation of Vo Van Thuong, who stepped down amid Vietnam’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign. He now simultaneously holds the country’s two most powerful positions, President of Vietnam and General Secretary of the CPV. 

The leadership changes come weeks after Vietnam concluded its 2026 general election on March 15, in which more than 73 million voters elected 500 members of the NA,  a vote held every five years in the one-party state of more than 100 million people.

New PM Le Minh Hung

On the same day, the NA also unanimously elected Le Minh Hung as Vietnam’s new Prime Minister for the 2026-2031 term, succeeding Pham Minh Chinh, who had served in the role since 2021. 

Born in 1970 in Ha Tinh province, the 56-year-old economist previously served as Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam and head of the Party’s Organization Commission. 

In his oath speech, Le Minh Hung pledged to prioritize economic growth and reform.

Laos to Curb Social Media Content Eroding Lao Culture, PM Says

Laos to Curb Social Media Content Eroding Lao Culture, PM Says

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has urged the Ministry of Culture and Torurism to introduce new legislation to curb and monitor content online that violates Lao customs and traditions.

Speaking at the National Culture and Tourism Work Summary Conference on 7 April, PM Sonexay said social media is damaging how Lao culture is portrayed, and that young people in particular are bearing the brunt of it.

According to him, negative content on new media platforms is pulling young Lao people toward foreign practices and away from their own traditions.

He called on the ministry to put in place legal measures to manage and limit what he described as a phenomenon of cultural degradation.

The push for updated legislation comes as digital and social media platforms continue to grow rapidly across the country.

Beyond media regulation, the PM also laid out other priorities for the ministry this year, including tightening up political and ideological work, trimming down government bureaucracy, and working more closely with local authorities to strengthen cultural values at the community level.

Tourism

On tourism, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of integrating culture into tourism as an experience that can be sold and enjoyed by visitors, rather than just preserved.

He called for the renovation and development of services at national museums across provinces to make them living places of learning for both local communities and international visitors.

He also directed the ministry to promote Lao tourism potential, including cultural, historical and natural attractions, in a sustainable and community-inclusive way, and to plan activities with the participation of multiple stakeholders to stimulate tourism growth.

Explore Asia’s Hidden Trails: Agoda’s Top Picks for Trail Runners

SINGAPORE, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda unveils a selection of trail running destinations across Asia, appealing to those seeking adventure and natural beauty. In 2026, trail running continues to gain popularity as more people embrace outdoor activities that combine fitness with exploration. Agoda’s curated selection of destinations provides both unique terrains and cultural experiences, making them ideal for trail running enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves while discovering new environments.

Moc Chau, Vietnam is a trail runner’s paradise with its diverse landscapes, including lush orchards, expansive tea plantations, and remote areas that remain largely unexplored by tourists. The region’s natural beauty is complemented by the warm hospitality of local villagers, who often cheer on runners. The occasional marathons held here add to its appeal, and present organized events that allow participants to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture and stunning scenery.

Selangor, Malaysia features the challenging terrain of Gunung Nuang, the highest peak in the region. The dense jungle, steep inclines, and diverse wildlife create an adventurous environment for trail running. Runners can expect to encounter a variety of flora and fauna, adding an element of excitement to their journey. The natural beauty and occasional sightings of wildlife make it a compelling destination for those seeking both challenge and serenity.

Victoria Peak in Hong Kong provides a unique trail running experience with its stunning panoramic city views and accessible location. The narrow forest paths offer a challenging yet rewarding run, with the added convenience of being close to the bustling city center. The area is known for its well-organized races, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned runners who wish to enjoy the blend of urban and natural landscapes.

Siem Reap, Cambodia offers trail runners the chance to explore the breathtaking surroundings of the Angkor archaeological site. The area’s picturesque rice fields, quaint villages, and the majestic Angkor Temples provide a scenic and culturally rich backdrop for running. Local marathons enhance the experience, allowing runners to connect with the region’s deep historical roots while enjoying the support of enthusiastic local communities.

Betong, Thailand, a border town near the Thailand-Malaysia border, plays host to trail running races such as the Amazean Jungle trails. The steep ascents and breathtaking views make it a captivating destination for trail runners seeking a more rugged experience. The presence of wildlife, including playful monkeys and exotic birds, adds to the allure of this natural setting.

Jeju Island in South Korea is renowned for its volcanic landscapes and lush forests, providing a diverse terrain for trail running. The island’s mix of rocky paths and serene forest trails offers a unique running experience that challenges and delights runners. The occasional trail races on the island attract participants eager to explore its natural wonders, from dramatic cliffs to tranquil beaches, all while enjoying the island’s refreshing sea breezes.

Jun Dong, Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, “Trail running is a fantastic way for seasoned runners and beginner enthusiasts alike to explore Asia’s diverse landscapes. At Agoda, we are passionate about helping travelers discover these hidden gems, offering them the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of each location. With our extensive network of accommodations and travel options, we make it easy for runners to plan their adventures and find the best deals.”

Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. For more information on these trail running destinations, visit Agoda’s website and find the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app.

 

Lumonus launches strategic collaboration with leading global cancer center to advance radiation therapy treatment planning

SYDNEY and NEW YORK, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lumonus, the company behind Lumonus AI, a platform for radiation oncology clinical workflow and automated treatment planning, today announced a collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), one of the world’s premier cancer centers and a leader in radiation therapy treatment planning research.

Through this relationship, Lumonus will license and co-develop MSK’s ECHO mathematical optimization engine into the Lumonus platform and will invest in joint research focused on advancing automated radiation therapy treatment planning.

“Over the last twenty years, automated planning systems have demonstrated real clinical value — improving dosimetric quality, consistency and efficiency across multiple studies. But scaled adoption has remained elusive. The core challenge is that each plan must navigate complex, competing constraints that are specific to the individual patient, and there has been no robust way to consistently produce the optimal solution and confirm it meets the treating physician’s clinical intent,” said Tim Fox, Chief Product Officer at Lumonus.

“Our strategic collaboration with MSK represents a decisive step forward. The next generation of planning automation requires a mathematically principled solver capable of consistently delivering the optimal plan, working in concert with intelligent review tools that capture the nuanced clinical judgement of physicians in real-world practice. Together with MSK, we are building the infrastructure to move automation from promising results to scaled, routine deployment.”

MSK’s ECHO optimization engine uses constraint-based mathematical methods to compute radiation therapy treatment plans from first principles. Developed over nearly a decade of clinical use and supported by an extensive body of peer-reviewed research, ECHO represents one of the most rigorously validated approaches to automated treatment planning in radiation oncology

“Our goal in developing ECHO has always been to improve the quality, consistency, and efficiency of radiation therapy treatment planning,” said Masoud Zarepisheh, PhD, Associate Attending and lead developer of ECHO at MSK. “Our collaboration with Lumonus creates an important opportunity to combine clinically validated optimization methods with modern workflow tools and help expand the adoption of automated treatment planning in radiation oncology.”

About Lumonus

Lumonus is a healthcare technology company building Lumonus AI for radiation oncology. Built in partnership with leading cancer centers, the Lumonus AI platform is transforming cancer care through AI-native clinical workflows. The platform automates and orchestrates critical oncology tasks to improve quality, accelerate delivery and reduce administrative burden. Lumonus operates across the United States, Australia and Europe.

Sigenergy Enters Utility-Scale Market with 506kW Inverter, Delivering Optimized LCOE and Lifecycle Value

SHANGHAI, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following the commissioning of its 136,000-square-meter Smart Energy Center, Sigenergy has officially launched its inaugural utility-scale PV inverter. By integrating high-density hardware with millisecond-level control algorithms and AI-driven analytics, the solution addresses the industry’s shift toward simplified system architectures and granular management for large-scale projects.

Ultimate LCOE: Redefining System-Level Efficiency

Sigenergy’s utility solution leverages Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs to optimize thermal management and power conversion efficiency. Delivering a maximum output of 506kW, the unit enables a structural reduction in the number of inverters required per site, streamlining overall project scale.

  • Cost Optimization: The platform supports a 1000V AC output, which lowers current levels and significantly reduces cabling expenses compared to traditional 800V systems. For 9.2MW block configurations, this design slashes BOS and installation costs by over 10% while simplifying field execution.
  • Maximum Energy Harvest: While traditional high-power solutions often force a single MPPT to manage over 600 panels , Sigenergy’s 18 MPPT Design ensures each channel manages only approximately 60 panels (two strings per MPPT). This granular control minimizes mismatch losses from shading or varying orientations, increasing annual energy yield by 1.5% to 2%.
Safe & Reliable: Proactive Protection in Extreme Environments

Safety is the cornerstone of the Sigenergy platform, which utilizes a comprehensive protection suite to safeguard every critical electrical node.

  • Comprehensive Safeguards: The system features utility-grade AFCI technology with an industry-leading 500m detection distance for rapid arc-fault and fire risk identification. Enhanced safety features also include on-board terminal temperature monitoring, reverse polarity protection, and Type I+II DC-side lightning protection to ensure maximum plant uptime and prevent reverse current damage.
  • Industrial-Grade Durability & Thermal Mastery: To ensure 25-year operational reliability, the inverter features an IP66 rating and C5-H anti-corrosion coating for long-term stability in harsh coastal or industrial environments. Internal thermal management is driven by directed airflow to eliminate interference, paired with zigzag heat exchange technology to maintain peak performance under high-load conditions.
Optimized O&M: 15x Faster Troubleshooting

Sigenergy transforms maintenance from a reactive task to a prescriptive strategy through the integration of intelligent hardware and software.

  • Precision Diagnostics: By refining control to just two strings per MPPT, the system isolates faults instantly, making troubleshooting 15 times faster than traditional systems where one MPPT manages dozens of strings.
  • Millisecond-Level Intelligence: The proprietary MPPT algorithm utilizes multi-factor prediction to adjust at the millisecond level, ensuring the system remains locked onto the highest possible output during rapid weather fluctuations.
  • Rapid Scanning: During partial shading events, the multi-peak scanning identifies the true global maximum in just 10 seconds—up to 6 times faster than the 40–60 seconds required by conventional solutions.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Engineering for Sustainability

Embracing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) philosophy, Sigenergy optimizes value throughout the project’s lifespan. High power density reduces raw material consumption per kilowatt during manufacturing. In the operational phase, precision MPPT management and intelligent O&M reduce both the carbon footprint and the resource demands of onsite services. By focusing on lowering LCOE through precise engineering, Sigenergy provides the global market with a robust foundation for the clean energy transition.

Sigenergy utility-scale PV inverter
Sigenergy utility-scale PV inverter

Global Employee Engagement Falls to Lowest Level Since 2020

Low engagement costs global economy more than $10 trillion in lost productivity

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global employee engagement fell to 20% in 2025, down from a peak of 23% in 2022, marking the first time Gallup has recorded two consecutive years of decline in global engagement. Despite long-term gains, including an eight-point increase since 2009, the recent downturn signals growing challenges for organizations worldwide, according to Gallup’s latest State of the Global Workplace report.

Each percentage point of engagement represents approximately 21 million employees globally. While the long-term trend shows improvement in the quality of work for millions, recent declines are cause for concern.

Low engagement continues to carry a significant economic cost. In 2024, disengagement resulted in an estimated $10 trillion in lost productivity globally — equivalent to 9% of global GDP.

The 2025 global decline in engagement was geographically widespread, with no region experiencing an increase. South Asia (-5 points) saw the largest drop.

Managers Continue to Drive Declines in Global Engagement

The recent drop in global engagement is largely driven by declining manager engagement. Since 2022, manager engagement has fallen by nine percentage points, including a five-point drop in 2025 alone (from 27% to 22%). In contrast, engagement among individual contributors has remained largely stable.

Managers have historically been more engaged than the employees they lead, but that gap has narrowed significantly. Today, managers are no more engaged than individual contributors, signaling a critical shift in workplace dynamics.

Regional data underscores the trend. In South Asia — driven largely by India — manager engagement declined by eight points in 2025, alongside a reduction in the number of managers, suggesting organizational flattening may be contributing to lower engagement.

Managers also play a pivotal role in emerging workplace trends, including artificial intelligence adoption. Gallup research in the U.S. finds that manager-led initiatives and system integration are key drivers of frequent AI use within organizations.

“This report establishes a global baseline for management effectiveness in the AI era,” says Gallup CEO Jon Clifton, “Businesses are investing heavily in AI, but the results are not showing up in the bottom line. Gallup’s data points to an answer the corporate world has largely ignored: the manager.”

Global Job Market Perceptions Hold Steady Amid Regional Shifts

About half of employees (52%) say it is a “good time” to find a job, up one percentage point in 2025. Job market optimism rose among fully on-site workers but declined among remote and remote-capable employees, likely reflecting reduced availability of remote opportunities.

Regionally, Australia/New Zealand (-12 points) and the United States and Canada (-10 points) experienced the sharpest declines in job market optimism.

While Australia/New Zealand remains above the global average, the U.S. and Canada now rank among the least optimistic regions globally.

Employee Wellbeing Improves Slightly but Remains Under Pressure

Global employee wellbeing improved for the first time in three years, with 34% of employees classified as thriving, up one percentage point from 2024. Gains were led by increases in Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe.

However, daily negative emotions — including stress, anger and sadness — remain elevated compared with pre-pandemic levels, suggesting a lasting shift in how employees experience work and life.

Leaders report higher overall wellbeing and engagement than individual contributors, but they are significantly more likely to experience daily stress, anger, sadness and loneliness. Despite these challenges, engagement plays a critical protective role: Engaged managers report lower levels of negative emotions and are substantially more likely to be thriving than their less engaged peers.

About Gallup
Gallup delivers analytics and advice to help leaders and organizations solve their most pressing problems. Combining more than 80 years of experience with its global reach, Gallup knows more about the attitudes and behaviors of employees, customers, students and citizens than any other organization in the world.

 

ADA Enables Security Agencies and Facilities Management Companies to Cut Security and Facility Costs by 50% with Autonomous AI Technology

SINGAPORE, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In response to rising labour costs, manpower shortages, and increasing operational demands, ADA AI Pte Ltd, Autonomous Virtual Guarding Technology (AVGT) a proven AI-driven solution that enables Security Agencies and Facilities Management companies to reduce guarding and operational costs by up to 50% while improving service performance.

AVGT transforms traditional security operations by replacing manual guard patrols with fully autonomous, AI-powered virtual patrols. Built to operate on existing CCTV infrastructure, the solution automates inspection, anomaly detection, and reporting — delivering consistent, scalable, and measurable outcomes across multiple sites.

From Cost Burden to Competitive Advantage

Traditional guarding models are no longer sustainable.

  • Rising wages continue to inflate operational costs
  • 24/7 coverage requires multiple manpower shifts
  • Human fatigue leads to missed incidents and inconsistent reporting

AVGT changes the equation entirely.

By automating patrol operations, organizations can:

  • Reduce guarding costs by up to 50%
  • Eliminate repetitive manual patrols
  • Redeploy manpower to higher-value tasks
  • Improve operational margins and competitiveness

For Security Agencies, this means winning more contracts with better pricing and stronger service differentiation.

For Facilities Management companies, it means delivering higher service levels while reducing operational overhead.

24/7 Performance. Zero Fatigue. Total Consistency.
Unlike human patrols, AVGT operates continuously with no fatigue, no downtime, and no inconsistency.

  • Every patrol is executed without fail
  • Every checkpoint is inspected with standardized criteria
  • Every report is generated automatically

This ensures reliable, audit-ready performance across all sites — every hour, every day.

Scale Without Increasing Headcount

AVGT enables organizations to expand operations without linear cost increases.

  • Monitor multiple sites simultaneously
  • Increase coverage instantly
  • Eliminate dependency on manpower availability

This allows both Security Agencies and Facilities Management providers to scale their business without scaling workforce costs — a critical advantage in today’s labour-constrained market.

Real-Time Detection. Instant Response.

AVGT enhances operational effectiveness through AI-driven real-time monitoring:

  • Immediate anomaly detection
  • Instant alerts with visual evidence
  • Faster decision-making and response

The result is reduced risk exposure, improved incident handling, and stronger client confidence.

Fully Documented, Transparent, and Audit-Ready.

Every AVGT patrol generates:

  • Time-stamped records
  • Structured inspection reports
  • Visual evidence for each checkpoint

This ensures full transparency, compliance readiness, and accountability — eliminating disputes and improving trust with clients.

From Manpower to Autonomous Intelligence

AVGT represents a fundamental shift in how security and facility operations are delivered:

  • From labour-intensive to AI-driven automation
  • From reactive patrols to proactive detection
  • From cost centre to measurable value driver

By integrating AVGT, organizations can transform their operations into data-driven, scalable, and outcome-based systems.

Fully Autonomous. Fully Scalable. Fully Proven.

AVGT executes a complete patrol lifecycle autonomously:

  • Auto-initiates patrols
  • Evaluates every camera using AI
  • Detects abnormalities instantly
  • Generates structured, audit-ready reports

This is not a concept. This is proven technology already delivering real cost savings and operational improvements.

The Future of Security and Facilities Management
As industry pressures intensify, the shift toward automation is no longer optional — it is inevitable.

This is not just a smarter patrol. This is guarding without guards.
Organizations that adopt AVGT today will lead the next generation of efficient, scalable, and intelligent operations.

About ADA AI
ADA AI is a Singapore-based technology company specializing in artificial intelligence for security, surveillance, and operational intelligence. Its solutions transform traditional CCTV systems into autonomous, data-driven platforms that deliver measurable business outcomes across security and facility management sectors.
For more information, visit: www.ada-ai.ai

Kamet Capital Hosts 2026 Market Outlook Luncheon, Marking First Large-Scale In-Person Gathering in Nine Years

SINGAPORE, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kamet Capital, a Singapore-based multi-single-family office, hosted its 2026 Market Outlook Luncheon on February 22, bringing together ultra-high-net-worth families, fund investors and portfolio company founders for discussions on the 2026 market environment, asset allocation opportunities and key sector trends such as AI and healthcare. As Kamet’s first large-scale in-person gathering in nine years, the luncheon reflected the firm’s expanding client base, growing presence as one of the region’s leading family offices and evolving capability to meet clients’ demands for high-quality insights, meaningful dialogue and network access.

“Kamet was established in 2017. We stayed low-key for years and usually engaged with families in a more private setting,” said Kerry Goh, founder, CEO and CIO of Kamet Capital. “This year, in response to interest from many new clients, we organized our first large-scale in-person gathering, reflecting our willingness to engage more openly with a broader group of investors. But we will keep our original principles to build long-term trust.”

A Framework-Driven Outlook for 2026

At the event, Kamet shared that its outlook is based on a systematic assessment of macro conditions, policy factors and valuations, rather than short-term market fluctuations. Many of the most important data points only become clear in early February. That is why it typically publishes the assessment by then.

This year’s theme centered on how investors can make decisions that remain resilient amid heightened volatility and increasing market divergence. Kamet specifically highlighted its high-conviction (and non-consensus) views that precious metals had topped out in early February with high odds of a considerable pullback in the short term. It also shared the long-term de-dollarization theme but found the recent USD weakness appeared overdone. In March, these views had largely played out, with gold prices correcting and USD strength reasserting itself. On equities, while Kamet remained constructive on both U.S. and Hong Kong SAR markets, heightened geopolitical tensions had led to increased volatility in the near term.

“In today’s complicated market environment, our investment decisions adopt a disciplined, framework-driven approach designed to filter out short-term market noise,” said Chong Sze King, Head of Portfolio Management of Kamet. “Our framework focuses on key drivers and, more importantly, on the specific conditions within these drivers. As long as these underlying conditions remain intact, we do not allow market fluctuations or headline-driven sentiment to dictate portfolio positioning. This approach enables us to remain aligned with our core investment principles while identifying selective opportunities across major markets and helping clients navigate uncertainty with a long-term, resilient portfolio strategy.”

Growth in 2025 and Looking Ahead

The event also highlighted Kamet’s progress in 2025, with a growing number of ultra-high-net-worth families and fund investors, expanded office space, and the continued development of differentiated investment solutions.

Kamet received positive client feedback on its Income-Optimizer Portfolio strategy launched last year, reflecting continued interest in resilient solutions. This year, Kamet will launch its put-write strategy through the Kamet Put Option Premium Fund, expanding its investment offerings in response to demand for strategies designed for a more volatile market environment.

Featured speakers from Kamet’s investee companies, Jensen Wu, founder and CEO of Topview, and Wai Mun Lim, founder and CEO of Doctor Anywhere, also shared sector insights on AI and healthcare, adding broader industry perspectives to the day’s discussions.

Kamet noted that AI remains a key area of interest for investors, but access to high-quality opportunities depends on trusted networks, strong sector understanding and close collaboration with founders and partners. Through Kamet’s Founders Network, it aims to help clients gain earlier visibility into emerging themes and selective opportunities in sectors with limited access. Kamet also continues to support innovation through its broader role as a long-term strategic partner to emerging companies and founders.

About Kamet Capital

Kamet Capital is a Singapore-headquartered wealth management firm and a pioneer of the multi-single-family office model in Asia. The firm serves ultra-high-net-worth families and individuals with integrated services spanning investment management, wealth planning, international mobility, household support, administration and philanthropy. Combining the tailored approach of a single-family office with the scale and capabilities of a multi-family office, Kamet Capital helps affluent families and founders across Asia manage and grow their legacies.

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor an offer or solicitation for any financial products or services. It is not intended for residents of jurisdictions where such distribution would violate local laws or regulations.