25 C
Vientiane
Friday, May 30, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 831

Burns Night: Celebrating Scottish Heritage in Laos

Burns Night: Celebrating Scottish Heritage in Laos
Man plays bagpipes at the event (photo credit: British Business Group in Laos)

Burns Night 2025, an annual celebration organized by the British Business Group in Laos (BBGL) to honor the life and works of renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns, took place on 1 February at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Vientiane Capital.

Meeting Australia’s Growing Demand for Sustainable Tissue Products: APP Group and Sorbent Paper Lead the Charge

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Consumer demands in Australia have shifted over the past few years. Based on the survey conducted by Monash University, it stated that almost half of Australian shoppers (46%) believe that sustainability has become an important factor when purchasing retail products.

When it comes to toilet paper, Australia is one of the largest markets in terms of volume growth. There is an expected volume growth of 1.8% for toilet paper in 2025, with a total 95.7 million USD import in 2023. The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly hygiene tissue & hygiene paper is steadily growing as consumers increasingly prioritize environmentally responsible choices.

Sorbent Paper is dedicated to producing sustainably sourced tissue products. This reflects on their production method, where they apply responsible sourcing from responsibly managed plantations and commit to zero deforestation. Sorbent Paper is undergoing assessment by an independent national forest management scheme to meet internationally recognized sustainable forest management standards. Further, Sorbent Paper’s goal is to ensure all raw materials are PEFC CoC certified or come from non-controversial sources under PEFC guidelines, thus providing customers with environmentally responsible products.

Together with APP Group, Sorbent Paper promotes responsibly grown and managed Rapidly Renewable Fibre (RRF) Plantations, which uses fast-growing Eucalyptus and Acacia Trees that reach full height and can be harvested every 6–8 years This demonstrates their commitment to environmental responsibility.

“As Australia increasingly prioritizes sustainability, Sorbent Paper is proud to offer tissue products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of quality and environmental responsibility. Our mission aligns with APP Group’s vision of a greener, more sustainable future,” stated Steve Nicholson, ANZ Director for Sorbent Paper Company

Sorbent Paper serves the away-from-home market, offering toilet paper, facial tissues, and hand towels designed for businesses and organizations prioritizing comfort and reliability. Distributed in bulk through trusted partners, these products ensure quality and thoughtful solutions for diverse needs.

About APP Group

APP is a leading pulp, paper, and forestry company based in Indonesia, supplying high-quality tissue, packaging, and paper to over 150 countries. With operations in Indonesia and China, we prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and the well-being of our employees, society, and the environment. Our Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030, aligned with ESG principles, guides our efforts in environmental protection, community support, biodiversity preservation, and carbon neutrality.

Address Advisors Setting Benchmarks for GCC’s Real Estate Solutions in India

SINGAPORE and BENGALURU, India, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Address Advisors, a leading real estate consulting firm in India, is offering the GCCs entering the Indian market comprehensive support. Through their occupier service solutions, the firm has become a trusted partner for organizations navigating India’s dynamic business environment.

India is firmly established as a global hub for setting up Global Capability Centers (GCCs), thanks to its unmatched talent pool, innovation-friendly ecosystem, and cost advantages. GCCs serve as centralized hubs for managing operations, driving innovation, and delivering services for global organizations. Of over 3,000 GCCs worldwide, India is home to over 1,600, accounting for over 50% of the total. These centers span critical sectors, including IT, BFSI, healthcare, and manufacturing. IT dominates the GCC landscape, representing 40% of the total. BFSI follows at 20%, healthcare at 15%, while the remaining 25% encompasses manufacturing, retail, and other industries. Major cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Pune, and Chennai have emerged as hotspots for GCCs, due to their robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and connectivity.

Amid this thriving ecosystem, Address Advisors is playing a vital role by providing strategic real estate solutions tailored to the specific needs of GCCs. Their expertise allows businesses to focus on growth and innovation while the firm handles the complexities of setting up and even managing offices. Recognizing the increasing interest from companies based in Singapore and Dubai, Address Advisors has made supporting businesses from these regions a priority. “As a hub for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), India has become a vital engine for innovation, and strategic growth for global enterprises. We have over 50 GCCs set up in India every year and they continue to drive demand for premium real estate in key markets across India. From large-scale office campuses to flexible, tech-enabled workspaces, the requirements of GCCs are evolving rapidly. As they diversify their operations and deepen their presence, there’s a growing focus on sustainability, employee well-being, and integrated infrastructure. Looking at it as a strategic opportunity to deliver tailored solutions that support GCCs’ long-term growth,” said Ms Bhawana Khetan, Co-Founder, Address Advisors.

With a deep understanding of local markets and unique requirements, the firm is adept at guiding international companies through the Indian market’s intricacies. Their tailored approach ensures seamless transitions for businesses looking to leverage India’s vibrant economy and abundant talent pool. This commitment underscores Address Advisors’ role as a bridge for global collaboration, empowering companies from Singapore and Dubai to establish a strong presence in India.

About Address Advisors

Address Advisors is a leading real estate brokerage house in India that specialize in commercial, residential, land & industrial, warehousing & logistics, facility management, project management, design & build, and hospitality. With their PAN India presence they look to set new benchmarks with client centric services.

For more information visit website.

Contact Details: 
Aman Kataruka
Email: marketing@addressadvisors.com
Phone: +91 9804445977

Caliway Announces CBL-514 Second Phase 2b Study Results (CBL-0205) Met Endpoints

  • CBL-514, the world’s first investigational drug for large-area localized fat reduction, has demonstrated significant efficacy in its second and the last Phase 2b study (CBL-0205) before Phase 3.
  • 54.2% of participants in the CBL-514 group achieved at least 20% fat volume reduction four weeks after treatment.
  • Nearly 80% of the CBL-514 treatment group achieved at least 1 grade improvement in CR-AFRS in the PP population. These study results align with the company’s previous Phase 2b (CBL-0204) results, demonstrating the consistency of CBL-514’s efficacy, safety, and tolerability.

NEW TAIPEI CITY, Feb. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Caliway Biopharmaceuticals (TWSE-6919) announced today that CBL-514’s second Phase 2b clinical study (CBL-0205), sprung across 15 sites in the U.S. and Canada, successfully met its primary and all critical secondary efficacy endpoints.

With this success, CBL-514 has now completed all Phase 2 clinical studies for localized fat reduction, positioned for the upcoming global multi-center pivotal Phase 3 studies.

CBL-514 Phase 2b: Study Design and Data Highlights

CBL-0205 Phase 2b is a multi-center, double-masking (Participant and Outcomes Assessor), randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study approved by the U.S. FDA and Health Canada. This was the largest CBL-514 study to date, enrolling 173 participants with moderate (Grade 3) or severe (Grade 4) abdominal fat accumulation, as assessed by the Abdominal Fat Rating Scale (AFRS). Each participant received up to 4 treatments of the allocated study drug administered subcutaneously to the abdomen, once every 3 weeks, followed by four and eight weeks of efficacy and safety follow-up visits after the final treatment. The key highlights of the study results include:

  1. Primary Endpoint Percentage of participants achieving at least 20% fat volume reduction compared to placebo.

    MRI data showed that 54.2% of participants in the CBL-514 group achieved at least 20% fat volume reduction at four weeks after the final treatment, significantly higher than 0% in the placebo group (p<0.00001). 

  2. Secondary Endpoints:

    (1)  Percentage of participants achieving at least 20% fat volume reduction compared to CBL-A1 and CBL-A2.

    MRI data showed that 54.2% of participants in the CBL-514 group achieved at least 20% fat volume reduction at four weeks after the final treatment, significantly outperforming compared to 17.4% in the CBL-A1 group (p<0.02) and 7.7% in the CBL-A2 group (p<0.0005).

    (2) 
    Absolute fat volume reduction (mL) compared to placebo, CBL-A1 and CBL-A2.

    The CBL-514 group participants achieved an average of 166.6 mL subcutaneous fat volume reduction four weeks after the final treatment, significantly greater than the 15.7 mL increase in fat volume observed in the placebo group (p<0.00001). Compared to CBL-A1 and CBL-A2 groups, CBL-514 demonstrated a significantly higher absolute reduction (CBL-514: 166.6 mL vs. CBL-A1: 69.9 mL, p<0.00005; CBL-514 vs. CBL-A2: 70.5 mL, p<0.00005).

    (3) 
    Percentage reduction in fat volume (%) compared to placebo, CBL-A1 and CBL-A2.

    The CBL-514 group participants demonstrated a mean fat volume reduction of 22.4% four weeks after the final treatment, significantly greater than the 1.8% increase in the placebo group (p<0.00001).  Compared to CBL-A1 and CBL-A2 groups, CBL-514 demonstrated a significantly higher percentage reduction in subcutaneous fat volume (CBL-514: 22.4% vs. CBL-A1:10.5%, p<0.0002; CBL-514 vs. CBL-A2: 11.7%, p<0.0005).

    (4) 
    Abdominal Fat Rating Scale (AFRS) improvement compared to placebo.

    • Four weeks after the final treatment, 75.7% of participants in the CBL-514 group achieved at least 1 grade CR-AFRS improvement as assessed by investigators, compared to 27.5% in the placebo group (p< 0.00005). • Similarly, 73.0% of participants in the CBL-514 group achieved at least 1 grade PR-AFRS improvement as assessed by participants, significantly higher than 20.0% in the placebo group (p<0.00002).  For Grade 3 (moderate) or Grade 4 (severe) participants, liposuction procedure would typically improve only 1-grade AFRS. These results highlight that CBL-514 effectively reduces subcutaneous fat and delivers noticeable improvements within four weeks, as reported by physicians and participants.

  3. Safety and Tolerability:

    Overall, the safety and tolerability profiles of CBL-514 demonstrated in the study were favorable and consistent with previous clinical studies of CBL-514, with no drug-related serious adverse event (SAE) or systematic side effects reported. The most TEAEs were mild to moderate ISRs (injection site reactions). 

Looking Ahead: Pivotal Phase 3 Studies to Begin

To date, Caliway has completed 7 CBL-514 clinical studies for localized fat reduction, covering 474 participants, with each study meeting its primary efficacy endpoint. These consistent and reproducible results demonstrated the product’s strong efficacy and safety profile, providing a solid foundation as the company moves toward global pivotal Phase 3 studies. Caliway plans to initiate subject recruitment for two pivotal global Phase 3 studies in the second half of 2025, with a total enrollment of approximately 600 participants. CBL-514 aims to set a new standard in the aesthetic medicine market by addressing unmet needs and providing a groundbreaking alternative to existing treatments.

For more information regarding CBL-0205 Phase 2b study (NCT06005441), please visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06005441?intr=cbl-514&page=2&rank=11

About AFRS

AFRS is a scale developed by Caliway and validated following U.S. FDA recommendations and relevant regulations. Following the FDA’s guideline of Patient-Focused Drug Development, the primary endpoint of this study was to assess the efficacy of CBL-514 in improving the abdominal fat level using the Abdominal Fat Rating Scale (AFRS). The AFRS includes the Clinician Reported-AFRS (CR-AFRS) designed for physicians and the Patient Reported-AFRS (PR-AFRS) designed for participants. They were used to assess the response rate based on the physician’s evaluation and the participant’s self-assessment, respectively. The scale categorizes abdominal fat into five grades from Grade 1 (None/Minimal) to Grade 5 (Very Severe), with higher scores indicating higher severity of abdominal fat, and different grades indicating clinically significant differences.

About CBL-514

CBL-514, a 505(b)(1) and first-in-class small-molecule drug, is a lipolysis injectable that can induce adipocyte apoptosis and lipolysis to reduce subcutaneous adiposity in treatment areas without causing any systematic side effects on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system. Caliway’s preclinical studies have shown that CBL-514 upregulates the apoptosis mediator caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and then induces adipocyte apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Caliway is investigating multiple indications for CBL-514, including non-invasive subcutaneous fat reduction, Dercum’s disease, and cellulite. To date, a total of 520 participants have been enrolled in CBL-514 clinical studies. According to 10 completed clinical studies of three indications, CBL-514 has demonstrated precise efficacy with a favorable safety profile. Caliway plans to initiate two pivotal global Phase 3 studies for non-surgical fat reduction in the second half of 2025.

About Caliway Biopharmaceuticals

Caliway Biopharmaceuticals (Caliway) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company driven to breakthrough drug discovery of novel small-molecule therapeutics. Listed on the Taiwan Exchange (TWSE-6919), Caliway aims to become an innovative pharmaceutical leader in aesthetic medicine and other diseases. For more information, please visit: https://www.caliway.com.tw/en

Disclaimer

This article and related information on this site contain forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information requires the Company to make numerous assumptions and is subject to inherent risks, uncertainties, and other factors that are beyond the control of the Company which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to timely inform, update, or revise the information on this site if circumstances should change.

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON BINTAN, LAGOI BAY CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING, INVITES GUESTS TO FULLY EXPERIENCE THE STUNNING BEAUTY OF BINTAN ISLAND

Embracing a harmonious blend of comfort and contemporary elegance,
the first Four Points by Sheraton in Bintan rises as a distinguished icon of the island.

Download high resolution press images here

BINTAN ISLAND, Indonesia, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay proudly celebrates its first anniversary today (10/2) with a Grand Opening, marking the hotel’s full provision of all guestrooms, oceanfront villas, spa, 24/7 fitness center, two restaurants, one beach-club, six meeting rooms and an outdoor events space, and other extensive facilities. With this milestone, the hotel solidifies its position as a top choice for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and warm hospitality in the serene heart of Bintan’s Lagoi Bay.

With direct beach access, Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay boasts a spacious tropical outdoor swimming pool and a vibrant beach club setting. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Singapore Strait, the hotel offers a seamless blend of ultimate comfort and tranquility. With beautiful ocean views and peaceful surroundings, completed by thoughtfully designed amenities for a truly memorable stay.
With direct beach access, Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay boasts a spacious tropical outdoor swimming pool and a vibrant beach club setting. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Singapore Strait, the hotel offers a seamless blend of ultimate comfort and tranquility. With beautiful ocean views and peaceful surroundings, completed by thoughtfully designed amenities for a truly memorable stay.

With direct beach access, Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay boasts a spacious tropical outdoor swimming pool and a vibrant beach club setting. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Singapore Strait, the hotel offers a seamless blend of ultimate comfort and tranquility. Its prime location provides guests with beautiful ocean views and peaceful surroundings, completed by thoughtfully designed amenities for a truly memorable stay.

The hotel features 300 stylist guestrooms and eight ocean-front villas. Over the past year, Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay has fully opened all its facilities, ensuring a complete and seamless guest experience. With every room now available for stay, guests can choose among various accommodations, including the standard Deluxe Room, Executive Suites, Cabana Ocean Suites with spacious terraces, and the luxurious Oceanfront Villas.

The Oceanfront Villa, in particular, offers an exclusive retreat with breathtaking sea views, perfect for honeymooners or those seeking greater comfort and privacy. Designed for ultimate relaxation, it features elegantly curated interiors with premium furnishings, a private pool for a secluded swim, and exclusive amenities, including high quality bath essentials, in-room dining, and personalized services. Guests can wake up to the soothing sights and sounds of the ocean, creating a serene and romantic ambiance—ideal for couples celebrating special moments.

Guests can savor authentic Indonesian flavors at Rempah Kitchen, the hotel’s signature restaurant, or enjoy light snacks and beverages at Ararinda Lounge. For a more vibrant experience, El Lagoi Beach Club offers a lively atmosphere with live DJ sets, fresh seafood, grilled favorites, and signature drinks, including Indonesian craft beer on tap as part of Four Points’ Best Brews™ program.

With 800 sqm of flexible function space including six meeting rooms and an outdoor events space, Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay offers venues for all types of corporate or social gatherings. For relaxation, guests can visit Sa’kai Spa, featuring specially curated Indonesian treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Those looking to stay active can enjoy the 24-hour fitness center, while families with children can take advantage of the complimentary and fully-supervised Kids Club.

A stay at Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay offers easy access to a variety of nearby attractions. Lagoi Bay Beach boasts pristine sands and clear waters, perfect for relaxation and water sports. Nature lovers can embark on the Bintan Mangrove Tour, exploring the island’s lush ecosystem, or visit Safari Lagoi, home to rescued endangered animals such as sun bears, Sumatran elephants, Komodo dragons, and estuarine crocodiles. For shopping and entertainment, Lagoi Bay Plaza offers a vibrant mix of retail and dining options. Those seeking cultural experiences can visit Patung Seribu Temple (Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva) in Tanjung Pinang, a stunning Buddhist temple renowned for its collection of over 500 intricately crafted statues.

Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay is easily accessible via daily ferry services. From Singapore, guests can take an-hour ferry service from Tanah Merah Port to Bandar Bentan Telani Port in Lagoi. Alternatively, guests can arrive at Sri Bintan Pura in Tanjung Pinang from Berjaya Waterfront (Johor Bahru, Malaysia) and Telaga Punggur (Batam, Indonesia). Daily flights from Jakarta are available to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport in Tanjung Pinang. To ensure a seamless journey, the hotel provides complimentary transfer services to and from Bandar Bentan Telani Port.

“We are thrilled to officially celebrate the Grand Opening of Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay,” said Andi Bagistav Oddek, General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay. “Over the past year, we have had the privilege of welcoming guests from around the world, and today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Our commitment remains the same—to offer the perfect blend of comfort and style while showcasing Bintan’s natural beauty and rich culture. With a dedicated team providing personalized and uncomplicated service, we aim to create lasting memories for every guests, whether they’re here for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a solo adventure.”

Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. Enroll for free here.

For more information or reservations, please visit fourpointsbintan.com or call +62 770-691899.

About Four Points

Four Points by Sheraton is a global brand with over 300 hotels in 46 countries and territories. At Four Points, travel is reinvented where timeless classics are woven with modern details, paired with genuine service in a casual environment—all around the world. Four Points hotels can be found in the heart of urban centers, near the beach, by the airport, or in the suburbs. Each hotel offers a familiar place to kick back and relax with an authentic sense of the local, where guests can watch sports and enjoy the brand’s Best Brews® program. Four Points is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To learn more about Four Points, visit us online.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations, offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable locations around the world. The award-winning travel program and marketplace gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

NX Hong Kong Receives Environmental Management, Occupational Health/Safety Management System Certifications

– Integrated Quality, Environmental and Safety Management Systems Now in Place –

TOKYO, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nippon Express (H.K.) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “NX Hong Kong”), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., obtained two certifications in November 2024: ISO 14001:2015 (for environmental management systems) and ISO 45001:2018 (for occupational health and safety management systems).

NX Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202501293507-O3-5Ryh6vrU

ISO 14001:2015 certificate: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202501293507/_prw_PI1fl_2bXgrNfr.gif

ISO 45001:2018 certificate: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202501293507/_prw_PI2fl_E97Q98m0.gif

The NX Group is committed to maintaining and improving quality in its various operations as a useful means of ensuring corporate sustainability and boosting performance to enhance customer satisfaction, and accordingly it is pursuing ISO certification on a global basis.

Having previously obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification (for quality management systems), NX Hong Kong has recently acquired the following two certifications and now has in place integrated management systems for the three areas of quality, environment and safety.

ISO 14001:2015 (for environmental management systems)
This certification is designed to help organizations establish and maintain environmental management systems to improve environmental performance, reduce environmental risks, and comply with laws and regulations.

In keeping with the NX Group Environmental Charter, the Group is working to reduce the variety of environmental risks surrounding its organizations, including those arising in their natural and labor environments, and to ensure it fulfills its collective responsibility for the global environment. The Group will continue actively engaging in environmental conservation efforts to help bring about sustainable societies.

ISO 45001:2018 (for occupational health and safety management systems)
This certification is designed to help companies establish and implement effective occupational health and safety management systems to ensure the health and safety of their employees and improve their safety management and comprehensive control levels.

In line with the NX Group Safety Philosophy that “safety takes precedence over everything else,” the Group will place the highest priority on ensuring safety and health in work environments to cut the risk of occupational accidents.

In preparing for certification, NX Hong Kong enhanced workplace safety and environmental protection by reviewing existing business processes and establishing new procedures. It also fostered a corporate culture of maintaining high safety standards by conducting all-hands training programs and encouraging the exchange of ideas. Going forward, NX Hong Kong will continue its efforts to improve operational efficiency and sustainability in order to provide safe and high-quality products and services to more customers.

The NX Group remains committed to working toward the realization of sustainable societies through its business operations, while striving to augment its trustworthiness and corporate value and provide valuable logistics services to its customers on a global scale.

Details of ISO certifications: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202501293507-O1-7157qqOq.pdf

About the NX Group: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202501293507-O2-tUkgwlH0.pdf

NX Group official website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/

NX Group’s official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/

Line Inspectors: Treading the Mountain, Crossing the Snow To Guarantee the Power Supply

SHIHEZI, China, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On February 4th, the seventh day of the first lunar month, the General Mountain in Shihezi City was enveloped in boundless whiteness. Early in the morning, Zhang Lin and Lü Yimeng, employees of the Transmission Operation and Maintenance Center of State Grid Kuitun Power Supply Company, set off with binoculars and drones to conduct special inspections on the 220 – kV Fengshixi I and II lines after the snowfall.

The 220 – kV Fengshixi I and II lines were put into operation in 2012. They are important power connection lines in the Eighth Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and Shihezi City, undertaking the power supply to Shihezi urban area and surrounding enterprises. There are 20 tower pylons of this line located in the mountains where few people set foot, and for many tower positions, vehicles cannot reach. Zhang Lin and Lü Yimeng can only rely on hiking and drones to complete the inspection tasks.

Recently, affected by the cold air, the Shihezi area has once again welcomed heavy snowfall, with the lowest temperature dropping to minus 25 degrees Celsius, and the electricity load has been continuously rising. To ensure the reliable power supply of the grid, State Grid Kuitun Power Supply Company has formulated a detailed special inspection plan, clarifying the inspection scope, personnel division of labor, and emergency measures. It has organized staff to conduct special inspections on 35 transmission lines above 35 kV, focusing on the inspection of tower poles and their foundations, guy wires, and wire – attached equipment. They promptly clean the snow, ice, and debris on tower poles, wires, etc., to ensure the safe and stable operation of the grid in extreme weather.

Entering the mountains, everything around was white, and on the quiet mountain road, only the sound of feet stepping on the snow, “creak, creak”, could be heard. “Be sure to step on my footprints. Don’t just look at the lines and ignore the road. Be careful not to sprain your ankle,” Zhang Lin said, walking forward and reminding Lü Yimeng behind him. Zhang Lin, who is nearly fifty years old, has been working for 30 years. This is the 25th year he has been on duty for line inspection during the Spring Festival. It is also the fourth year that Lü Yimeng has partnered with him to be on duty for line inspection during the Spring Festival.

“The road is much easier to walk on now. Most places can be reached by vehicles. When I first started inspecting the lines, there were almost no roads in the mountains. All the paths were stepped out by us line inspectors one footprint after another,” Zhang Lin said to Lü Yimeng behind him as he walked. Zhang Lin was like a tour guide. Every time he reached the bottom of a tower pole, he would tell Lü Yimeng its past and present. The tower poles that seemed identical to others were full of stories in Zhang Lin’s eyes. He was familiar with every tower base, every insulator, every screw, and every angle steel.

After arriving at the inspection point, Zhang Lin carefully checked the monitors on the tower, observed the sag changes of the conductors and ground wires with binoculars, carefully inspected whether the fittings, insulators, and wire clamps were in good condition, and checked the snow and ice conditions on the surface of the lines. Lü Yimeng recorded the icing conditions of the equipment in detail. As time passed, Zhang Lin and Lü Yimeng’s hats and eyelashes were already covered with “frost flowers”, and with each breath, puffs of “white smoke” came out of their mouths.

Since the beginning of winter, according to the characteristics of the jurisdiction, combined with the load operation curves of previous years and the load increase calculation of electric heating, State Grid Kuitun Power Supply Company has formulated a power supply guarantee plan for peak – winter periods. It has strengthened the monitoring of transformer areas, adopted methods such as load transfer and orderly power consumption to solve the problems of over – load and heavy – load. For construction sites, winter farmland irrigation areas, etc., it has carried out anti – external damage publicity through the “transformer area manager + grid – based service” to effectively reduce the risk of external damage, and has taken multiple measures to wage an “active battle” for power supply guarantee.

State Grid Kuitun Power Supply Company also pays close attention to the operation of the grid in extremely bad weather, timely analyzes the problems and weak links of the grid and equipment, increases the detection efforts of grid voltage quality and the carrying capacity of public transformers, and strengthens the special inspections of important places and lines for people’s livelihood guarantee such as heating, gas supply, and water supply.

In the vast white mountains, rows of winding footprints were left on the white snow. During this Spring Festival holiday, there are many power grid employees like Zhang Lin and Lü Yimeng who stick to their posts. They fulfill their duties, make silent contributions, and add a special “Spring Festival flavor” to the New Year with their dedicated attitude and hard work.

First Hong Kong Trader Wins the US Investing Championship! From Teacher to Trading Pro–J Law Achieves Over 353% Annual Return, Breaking Global Records

HONG KONG, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Law Wai-Sum (A.K.A. J Law) has made history as the first Hong Kong participant to win the prestigious US Investing Championship. Competing in the $1 million Money Manager Verified Ratings category, he delivered an astonishing 353.9% annual return, breaking the world record set in 2021 by legendary trader Mark Minervini. This milestone is a proud moment for Hong Kong’s financial community and an inspiration to aspiring traders.

A 40-Year Legacy of Legends: US Investing Championship Welcomes Its First Hong Kong Winner

The US Investing Championship (USIC), established in 1983 by Stanford University’s Dr. Norman Zadeh, is one of the world’s most prestigious investment competitions. Known for its rigorous standards, it requires participants to trade with real-money accounts and regularly submit statements for auditing.

Over the past 40 years, the competition has celebrated icons such as hedge fund titans Paul Tudor Jones, Louis Bacon, and David Ryan. With J Law’s unprecedented victory, Hong Kong has etched its name into the annals of this prestigious competition, proudly showcasing its first-ever champion.

From Teacher to Champion: J Law’s Journey as Hong Kong’s First Champion

J Law’s journey to becoming Hong Kong’s first US Investing Championship winner is a testament to passion and perseverance. Once a secondary school teacher, he discovered a deep interest in the stock market and boldly transitioned into the world of trading. With no formal training, J Law taught himself the strategies of renowned investment masters, applying their insights to real-world practice and refining his approach over years of hard work.

His unique trading strategy ultimately propelled him to the top of the leaderboard in 2024, making him the first Hong Kong trader to claim the title. J Law’s exceptional performance even earned congratulations from Mark Minervini, who praised him publicly for his historic achievement.

Hong Kong: A Launchpad for Its First Champion’s Success

J Law attributes his success to the unique advantages offered by Hong Kong as a global financial hub. The city’s world-class trading infrastructure, diverse investment options, and dynamic financial ecosystem provided the perfect foundation for his trading career. “Hong Kong is a land of endless opportunities,” J Law stated. “With dedication and the right strategy, anyone can achieve extraordinary results.”

J Law’s Message: “Hong Kong’s Financial Vibrancy Fuels Success—And I Hope to Inspire Future Champions”

As Hong Kong’s first champion of the US Investing Championship, J Law sees his victory as a beacon of hope for aspiring traders in the city. Despite the solitary and challenging nature of trading, he believes Hong Kong offers the ideal environment for success, with its robust financial systems, low tax regime, and diverse investment tools.

“Never underestimate the potential of this small yet powerful city,” J Law emphasized. “As the first Hong Kong trader to win this prestigious title, I hope my success inspires others to aim high and make their mark on the global stage.”

About Law Wai-Sum (A.K.A. J Law)

J Law, also the owner of J. Law Stock Limited, is a full-time investor from Hong Kong with over 15 years of trading experience. He became the first Hong Kong winner of the 2024 US Investing Championship in the $1 million Real-Money Account category, achieving an incredible 353.9% annual return and setting a new world record. In 2019, he founded a free Cantonese-language investment education platform on YouTube, which has grown to over 240,000 subscribers. Through his platform, J Law shares his expertise and encourages others to pursue their trading dreams.