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Vietjet to Boost Aviation Infrastructure in Laos

Vietjet to Boost Aviation Infrastructure in Laos
This image is used solely for representational purpose (photo credit: Independent)

Vietnamese airline Vietjet has signed an agreement to support Laos in advancing its aviation infrastructure. 

“Immersive Translate” by funstory.ai Delivers Instant Multi-Language Translation with Just One Click, Named Google Chrome’s Best Extension of 2024


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 January 2025 – Google recently announced its Best 2024 Chrome Extensions of the Year, with “Immersive Translate” developed by funstory.ai standing out for its innovative multi-platform integration and AI translation technology. The tool not only supports platforms including iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows but is also compatible with major browsers like Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox, delivering a translation experience that closely matches user needs.

Immersive Translate can accurately identify the main content areas of web pages, providing smooth bilingual parallel translations without needing to open multiple web pages
Immersive Translate can accurately identify the main content areas of web pages, providing smooth bilingual parallel translations without needing to open multiple web pages

Immersive Translate integrates leading AI translation engines including DeepL, OpenAI, Claude, and Gemini, breaking through the limitations of traditional single-engine translation tools. Users can freely switch between the most suitable translation engines based on different scenarios, achieving precise translation results.

The tool’s main feature is its intelligent bilingual comparison function, which accurately identifies the main content areas of web pages while preserving the original layout, allowing users to compare source text and translation on a single page. Additionally, it supports over 100 international video platforms including YouTube, Netflix, and TED, providing real-time bilingual subtitle translation services.

In terms of document processing, Immersive Translate supports nine document formats including Word and ePub, while also offering free PDF translation services that maintain the original document layout. Furthermore, its PDF PRO feature can intelligently recognize complex layouts, fully preserving mathematical formulas, tables, and mixed text-image layouts, solving the formatting issues common to traditional translation tools.

Notably, the tool is also a boon for manga enthusiasts, supporting over 50 international manga websites including Shueisha and MANGA Plus. Through AI image recognition technology, it can accurately translate dialogue box content while maintaining the integrity of the original images.

Immersive Translate not only provides professional support in the business sector but also creates an innovative learning environment in education. Through real-time bilingual comparison features, it perfectly integrates language learning with daily life, pioneering cross-language communication in the modern digital era.
Hashtag: #ImmersiveTranslate

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

Electricity Exports Lead Laos’ Trade Revenue in 2024

Electricity Exports Lead Laos’ Trade Revenue in 2024
Laos remains a key regional exporter of electricity, its top export commodity in 2024 (photo credit: UBN )

In 2024, electricity exports continued to lead Laos’ export revenues, generating nearly USD 980 million and accounting for 15.35 percent of total exports, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.

The “Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day” Extends Exhibition at CUHK until Jan 24

The exhibition will then move to London to commence its international tour


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 January 2025 – The “Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day” exhibition, at the invitation of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Library, has been extended to January 24th.

The “Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day” Extends Exhibition at CUHK until Jan 24


From September 2024 onwards, the exhibition has publicly exhibited the diaries and letters of Chinese naval officer Lam Ping-yu which reveal his participation in the Battle of Normandy (D-Day) on June 6th, 1944, aboard the British battleship HMS Ramillies during World War II. Lam’s 80-page diary was discovered by chance in 2015 in a soon-to-be-demolished tenement building in Hong Kong. The diary recounts his training in the United Kingdom with 23 other Chinese naval officers and his subsequent participation in D-Day. Lam’s written records are hitherto the only primary source of Chinese participation in D-Day.

By December 2024, the exhibition has attracted up to 8,000 visitors. The team has also received interest from over 40 secondary schools, organising 23 school tour groups, with a total of over 820 students visiting the exhibition. Students visiting the exhibition ranged across government schools, aided schools, schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) and international schools.

Moreover, the team has created an education program to foster initiatives for community-driven individuals. “The curatorial team hopes to encourage more like-minded individuals to enrich Hong Kong’s diverse cultural landscape, playing to their own interests and expertise,” said co-curator Angus Hui. “In striving to encourage young people to take action in cultural preservation, the team has launched the H-Infinity program to share our curatorial experience and resources, in order to nurture similar community engagement projects in Hong Kong”.

After the exhibition at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Library concludes, it will move to London in February as the first stop of the international tour. “With Lam’s participation in D-Day, our exhibition is committed to highlighting the long-standing connections, friendships, and solidarity between East and West”, opined co-curator John Mak. “Building on the momentum in Hong Kong over these past few months, we will continue to bring this fascinating Hong Kong story to Europe, offering a unique historical perspective to audiences worldwide.”

New Breakthroughs in Historical Research
After the exhibition launch, the curatorial team successfully contacted the family members of Lam Ping-yu, the owner of the diary, in Hong Kong, the United States, and Brazil. This helped the team’s research on Lam’s life from the 1920s to 2000, and his connections to Hong Kong. In mid-December last year, the co-curators travelled to the East coast of the United States to meet with Lam’s direct descendants, gathering more information to further historical research.

Exhibition Details
Date: September 23rd, 2024 to January 24th, 2025
Address: Digital Lab, G/F University Library, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Fee: Free Entry

Hashtag: #D-Day

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

About Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day

Aiming to highlight the enduring cooperation and connections between Chinese and Europeans, the exhibition showcases an overlooked piece of World War II history by uncovering the journey of a group of Chinese naval officers from Chongqing to the Normandy Landings (D-Day).

The project received support from nine universities and five museums in Asia and Europe, the Hong Kong consulates of France, Belgium, the UK, and the EU, as well as numerous local historians and NGOs. For more information, please see or follow their page.

About The Urban Studies Institute

The Urban Studies Institute (考城學社, “USI”) is a registered charity focusing on the research and participation of urban space issues, and the related evolution and development in built environment, construction, aesthetics, culture, and society. Contemporary methods would be employed to narrate the urban development of Hong Kong and realise various educational schemes. USI also engages in the conservation initiatives, architecture, and community design of Hong Kong.

Lao Authorities Dismantle Nine Illegal Call Centers in the Golden Triangle SEZ

Lao Authorities Dismantle Nine Illegal Call Centers in the Golden Triangle SEZ
Lao Authorities Dismantle Nine Illegal Call Centers in the Golden Triangle SEZ

The Lao authorities have reported the successful dismantling of nine illegal call center fraud operations within Bokeo’s Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in 2024. 

The year-long crackdown led to the arrest of 267 individuals from 16 different nationalities and the seizure of thousands of pieces of equipment, including over 10,000 computers, 11,000 mobile phones, and significant amounts of cash. The call centers were primarily involved in fraudulent activities such as cyber scams and financial fraud. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat telecommunications fraud in the region.

In June, 280 Chinese nationals were deported for their involvement in illegal call center operations. In August, authorities rescued 14 Indian nationals from a cyber-scam ring, bringing the total number of Indian nationals rescued in 2024 to 548.

The confiscated equipment was part of a broader strategy to dismantle and disrupt fraudulent units operating in the SEZ, an area known for its high concentration of illicit activities.

At a meeting on 7 January, Vanthone Sulisak, Deputy Director General of the Police Department, presented an overview of the efforts between 2022 and 2024. Authorities identified 306 call centers or fraud units operating in the SEZ, employing 15,970 individuals—6,120 Lao nationals and 9,868 foreign workers. 

Over the past two years, police dismantled 63 of these units. An additional 46 units  ceased operations either through fraud or self-closure, while 160 units shifted to authorized online gaming activities. Despite these successes, 37 units remain under inspection, according to Vanthone.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Public Security reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with agencies at central, provincial, district, and regional levels. 

Plans for 2025 include the development of detailed strategies and action plans aimed at enhancing the efficiency of efforts to combat telecommunications fraud. The ministry also emphasized the importance of ensuring all operations comply with laws and regulations to maintain effective management and oversight within the SEZ.

 

Senoko Energy Launches New LifeSteady Price Plan Offering Guaranteed Savings off SP Tariff


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 January 2025 – Today, Senoko Energy launches a new price plan that provides a fixed discount off the quarterly SP tariff. A first of its kind in the local market, this plan – LifeSteady – is designed to beat quarterly SP tariff fluctuations to deliver guaranteed savings for households.

Figure 1: LifeSteady provides fixed discount off quarterly SP tariff
Figure 1: LifeSteady provides fixed discount off quarterly SP tariff

“In today’s uncertain economic environment, Senoko Energy reaffirms our commitment to helping families “live smart, save smart” with guaranteed savings when they switch to Senoko Energy. Our aim is to deliver greater value to customers over the long term and be their preferred energy partner,” said James Chong, Senior Vice President, Senoko Energy Commercial Division.

Guaranteed Savings Against Uncertain Energy Prices
The LifeSteady plan comes amid higher cost of living concerns among Singaporeans and an increasingly unpredictable economic outlook[1]. With global economic uncertainty directly impacting global fuel and gas prices, which in turn affects quarterly SP tariff fluctuations[2], LifeSteady guarantees consistent monthly savings with a fixed discount of 1.64c/kWh (incl. GST) lower than quarterly SP tariff, providing households considerable savings overtime depending on the duration of the plan.

LifeSteady24 LifeSteady36
Average monthly electricity bills with SP Savings per month with LifeSteady Savings across 24 months Savings across 36 months
$150 $8.03 $193 $289
$300 $16.05 $385 $578
$450 $24.08 $578 $867

Figure 2: Example of Guaranteed Total Savings over 24 or 36 months

In addition to electricity bill savings, customers can look forward to promotional gifts or bill rebates worth up to $359 when signing up with recurring payment. These include a Xiaomi Robot Cleaner, PRISM+ Aura Air Purifier and Philips Air Fryer. No security deposit is required to sign up and households can continue to enjoy their U-Save rebates with Senoko Energy. Customers who switch from their existing provider can expect a seamless transition with no disruption to their electricity.

At the forefront of powering the nation’s growth since its inception, Senoko Energy is one of the largest power plants in Singapore. Committed to delivering safe, innovative, and sustainable energy solutions, the group dedicates themselves to powering Singapore’s journey towards carbon neutrality and supporting the nation’s environmental goals.

To find out more about LifeSteady, visit Senoko Energy’s website.


[1] Singapore economy beats forecasts in Q4 2024 but analysts see tougher 2025 growth outlook: https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/singapore-economy-grew-4-3-in-q4-slowing-from-previous-quarter

[2] Energy Market Authority. Factors Influencing Prices: https://www.ema.gov.sg/consumer-information/electricity/buying-electricity/electricity-prices
Hashtag: #SenokoEnergy

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

About Senoko Energy

Senoko Energy Pte Ltd provides energy for life to generations of Singaporeans, delivering safe, innovative, and efficient energy supply to customers since 1977. Integral to Singapore’s development, it is a pioneer in power generation and energy solutions, serving Singapore’s energy needs with proven reliable performance. As one of the largest power generation companies by installed capacity in Singapore, Senoko Energy has a licensed capacity of 3,300 megawatts (MW), providing about one-fifth of the nation’s electricity needs. It is owned by a consortium comprising Marubeni Corporation, Sembcorp Industries, The Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc., Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc. and Japan Bank for International Cooperation. Visit www.senokoenergy.com for more information.

Infinity Financial Advisory Unveils Enhanced Digital Capabilities to Transform Client Financial Planning Experience


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 January 2025 – Infinity Financial Advisory is pleased to announce the launch of the i-NITIATE® Client App 2.0, an upgraded platform designed to improve the wealth management experience for its clients. This new app provides easy access to your financial data, and insightful content – all while rewarding you for staying engaged.

i-NITIATE® Client App 2.0 Logo

i-NITIATE® Client App 2.0

The i-NITIATE® Client App 2.0 offers a unified platform for all your financial management needs. Exclusively for Infinity FA clients, the app enables easy access to your investment portfolio, policy details, and other exclusive benefits from our partners, all from a single user-friendly interface. You can find out more about i-NITIATE® Client App at client-app.infinityfa.com.sg.

Improved Financial Management

This updated app introduces a rewards system that encourages engagement through activities like logging in and attending seminars, with the option to earn and redeem Infinity Points. It also includes partnerships for high-yield savings accounts and premium services, aimed at simplifying and enhancing your financial strategy.

Key Features

The app’s user-friendly design supports efficient financial management, whether you are tracking investments or accessing personalised advice. It features robust security measures, including biometric authentication, to protect your data.

New features include the “Enquire Shortfall” tool, which helps identify and address gaps in your financial coverage, and the “Coin Frenzy” in-app game, which offers a fun way to earn rewards through monthly competitions.

Leadership Insight

Poh Choon Kia, CEO of Infinity Financial Advisory, said, “We are pleased to introduce this major revamp of our i-NITIATE® Client App. The i-NITIATE® Client App is an extension of our commitment to making your financial journey simpler, more secure, and highly rewarding for you.”
Hashtag: #InfinityFinancialAdvisory




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

Infinity Financial Advisory

Come As You Are, Leap Forward With Us.

Infinity Financial Advisory started in July 2023, and currently has a company size of almost 280 financial advisors and staff. At Infinity FA, our vision is to be our clients’ guiding light through the infinite financial universe, one that is filled with countless options and opportunities. We focus on advancing wealth management with innovative solutions and personalised service, striving to support our clients with effective tools and exceptional service.

For more information about the i-NITIATE® Client App or Infinity Financial Advisory, please contact:

reachus@infinityfa.com.sg

First Phosphate Reports University Research Reports Relating to the Geological Characterization of its Three Bégin-Lamarche Phosphate Zones


Saguenay, Quebec – Newsfile Corp. – January 10, 2025 – First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) (“First Phosphate” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce two research reports by Queen’s University and Université de Québec à Chicoutimi.

The purpose of these reports is to describe and interpret the mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry of the Mountain, North and South Zones of the Bégin-Lamarche igneous (anorthosite-hosted) phosphate deposit. The Bégin-Lamarche deposit is part of the 1.14 Ga Lac-Saint-Jean Anorthositic (LSJA) Suite, Québec, which is the largest anorthosite complex in the world. The studies are as follows:

Characterization of First Phosphate’s Bégin-Lamarche Phosphate Deposit (Mountain Zone), Lac-Saint-Jean Anorthositic (LSJA) Suite, Quebec, Canada: Implications for Supplying Lithium Ferro (Iron) Phosphate (LFP) Batteries

Drs. Sandeep Banerjee, Sarah Dare, Peir K. Pufahl
Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen’s University
Département des Sciences Appliquées/LabMaTer, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)

January 6, 2025

https://firstphosphate.com/MountainZone

Characterization of First Phosphate’s Bégin-Lamarche Phosphate Deposit (North and South Zone), Lac-Saint-Jean Anorthositic (LSJA) Suite, Quebec, Canada: Implications for Supplying Lithium Ferro (Iron) Phosphate (LFP) Batteries

Drs. Sandeep Banerjee, Sarah Dare, Peir K. Pufahl
Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen’s University
Département des Sciences Appliquées/LabMaTer, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)

January 6, 2025

https://firstphosphate.com/NorthSouthZone

Details on First Phosphate’s assets in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec, can be found at: https://firstphosphate.com/projects/begin-lamarche

Details on First Phosphate’s pilot plant for the purification of Quebec igneous anorthosite can be found at: https://firstphosphate.com/projects/pilot-plant

Details on First Phosphate’s pilot plant for the manufacture of PPA from Quebec igneous phosphate can be found at: https://firstphosphate.com/projects/ppa-production

Details on First Phosphate’s strategy for the creation of a fully integrated LFP battery supply chain in North America based on establishing an LFP battery valley in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec can be found at: https://firstphosphate.com/lfp-battery-strategy

First Phosphate believes that Quebec igneous anorthosite phosphate rock is an untapped source of high purity phosphate which can potentially be mined and transformed into large quantities of PPA to service North America’s need for LFP batteries.

Investor Outreach Engagement

The Company has engaged Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC (“Emerging Markets”) to provide investor relations and communications services to the Company. The services will include continuing social media consultation regarding engagement and enhancement, social sentiment reporting, social engagement reporting, corporate video dissemination, and investor relations services. The term of the agreement with Emerging Markets is for a period of 12 months beginning January 8, 2025. Emerging Markets is based in Florida, USA and can be reached at 321-206-6682. The cash compensation for the engagement is USD $150,000.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical disclosure for First Phosphate included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gilles Laverdière, P.Geo. Mr. Laverdière is Chief Geologist of First Phosphate and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).

About First Phosphate Corp.

First Phosphate (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) is a mineral development company fully dedicated to extracting and purifying phosphate for the production of cathode active material for the Lithium Iron Phosphate (“LFP”) battery industry. First Phosphate is committed to producing at high purity level, in a responsible manner and with low anticipated carbon footprint. First Phosphate plans to vertically integrate from mine source directly into the supply chains of major North American LFP battery producers that require battery grade LFP cathode active material emanating from a consistent and secure supply source. First Phosphate is owner and developer of the Bégin-Lamarche Property in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Quebec, Canada that consists of rare anorthosite igneous phosphate rock that generally yields high purity phosphate material devoid of harmful concentrations of deleterious elements.

For additional information, please contact:

Bennett Kurtz, CFO
bennett@firstphosphate.com
Tel: +1 (416) 200-0657

Investor Relations: investor@firstphosphate.com
Media Relations: media@firstphosphate.com
Website: www.FirstPhosphate.com

Follow First Phosphate:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FirstPhosphate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate

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Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements

This news release contains certain statements and information that may be considered “forward-looking statements” and “forward looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and other similar expressions. In addition, statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward looking statements, including, among other things: the Company’s planned exploration and production activities; the properties and composition of any extracted phosphate; the Company’s plans for vertical integration into North American supply chains; and the potential of the mining and transformation of Quebec igneous anorthosite phosphate rock into large quantities of PPA to service North America’s need for LFP batteries.

These statements and other forward-looking information are based on assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the various assumptions set forth herein and in the Company’s public disclosure record including the short form base prospectus dated June 5, 2024.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There can be no assurance that any opportunity will be successful, commercially viable, completed on time or on budget, or will generate any meaningful revenues, savings or earnings, as the case may be, for the Company. In addition, the Company will incur costs in pursuing any particular opportunity, which may be significant. These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company and, though they should be considered carefully, should be considered in conjunction with the risk factors described in the Company’s other documents filed with the Canadian and United States securities authorities, including without limitation the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis dated October 21, 2024 and Annual Report on 20-F dated July 8, 2024, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking information or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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

About First Phosphate Corp.