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China Focus: Technology sows seeds of hope in combating desertification


HOHHOT, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 December 2024 – China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration recently announced 40 forestry industry standards, among which the “Technical Specifications for Desertified Grassland Control” compiled by M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co., Ltd. was included, providing technical support for the ongoing Three-North Shelterbelt Program.

This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2024 shows a chamber for accelerated seed breeding at M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co., Ltd. in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2024 shows a chamber for accelerated seed breeding at M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co., Ltd. in Hohhot, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

In the sparse, sandy grasslands of Jarud Banner in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, machinery is filling wind-eroded pits and laying sand barriers while workers are busy supporting the comprehensive management of Horqin Sandy Land.

“Our independently developed sand-fixing machine processes raw materials like reeds and straw into grass mats for sand barrier installation,” said Yu Dongjiang from M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co., Ltd.

The sand-fixing machine is simple in structure, easy to operate, and highly adaptable to various terrains. It improves raw material utilization efficiency, enabling the installation of nearly 30,000 meters of sand barriers daily, according to Yu, who is also the project manager for the comprehensive management of the northern central Horqin Sandy Land.

Previously, the manual weaving of grass mats required significant labor and time.

Yu’s project shows China’s wider push to advance ecological restoration. In the arid landscapes of northern China, cutting-edge technology is transforming the fight against desertification into a story of hope and renewal.

From satellite monitoring systems to innovative tree-planting tools, the integration of advanced equipment has elevated traditional reforestation efforts.

In Inner Mongolia’s Kubuqi Desert, for example, drones have been employed to plant seeds across vast stretches of barren land, significantly improving efficiency and survival rates. These seeds, combined with specially developed nutrient packs, ensure saplings thrive in challenging environments.

While in northwest China’s Gansu Province, solar energy projects are being combined with afforestation programs at the southern edge of the Tengger Desert, creating a synergy that not only restores ecosystems but also boosts local economic development.

Local villagers are also finding employment in these initiatives, blending green technology with grassroots participation.

“I never would have imagined that as a farmer, I could find work in the sand dunes,” said Qin Zhaoping, a resident of Hengliang Township in Gansu’s Gulang County. His job involves adjusting the sprinkler irrigation systems beneath photovoltaic panels and tending to the thriving sand plants.

For Qin, photovoltaic-based desert control is a meaningful effort that benefits future generations. “It generates electricity, combats desertification, and provides me with an income from working here,” he said.

According to official data, 53 percent of China’s treatable desertified land has been restored, leading to a net reduction of approximately 4.33 million hectares of degraded land.

One of the country’s landmark ecological projects is the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. Since 1978, China has expanded its afforestation area by 32 million hectares under the program.

Meanwhile, China’s desertification control technologies and equipment are making their way onto the global stage, sharing ecological restoration expertise with other countries and regions.

To join the efforts of the Global South, China has launched desertification control centers with Arab states and Mongolia, created demonstration sites in Central Asia and Africa, and provided satellite technology and big data support for Africa’s Great Green Wall initiative.

In December, Yu’s company signed a memorandum of understanding with the municipal government of Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia to enhance the country’s ecological environment and promote practical cooperation.

The collaboration includes conducting ecological restoration in desert areas surrounding the city, and jointly developing, maintaining, and cultivating plant resources.

“Through smart machinery, innovative research on grass species, big data analysis, and seed packages, the company has developed a scientific and efficient path for ecological restoration,” said Yu.

“The integrated use of these technologies not only improves the success rate of ecological restoration but also significantly reduces the cost of restoration,” Yu added.

This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2024 shows the smart warehouse at M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co., Ltd. in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2024 shows the smart warehouse at M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co., Ltd. in Hohhot, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

China’s global cooperation in combating desertification also won praise from experts and officials during the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) held in December.

“We’re incredibly proud to be a partner with China. China has been a pioneer in showing how to create prosperous areas in areas that were once desertified and degraded. And we are proud to partner with you (China) to bring those lessons to other countries,” said Valerie Hickey, global director for the environment at the World Bank, at the conference.

Hashtag: #TheInformationOfficeofInnerMongoliaAutonomousRegionalCommittee

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

Novautek Honored with the “Outstanding SME ESG and Business Performance Award”


HONG KONG SAR – EQS Newswire – 23 December 2024 – Novautek Autonomous Driving Limited (“Novautek“), a Hong Kong-based innovation technology company specializing in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technology innovation, is pleased to announce that it has awarded the “Outstanding SME ESG and Business Performance Award 2024” organized by the Start-up and SME Resource Centre of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, in recognition of Novautek’s outstanding performance in terms of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), as well as its achievements in promoting sustainable development.

Mr. Wang Chunsheng, the Chief Executive Officer of Novautek received the award
Mr. Wang Chunsheng, the Chief Executive Officer of Novautek received the award

The “Outstanding SME ESG and Business Performance Award” is organized by the Start-up and SME Resource Centre under The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, with the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association as the co-organizer. The award aims to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to continuously invest resources in practicing ESG upgrades and transformation, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and expanding their green business opportunities. It also emphasizes that the society should pay more attention to SMEs and support them, and advises SMEs to incorporate effective ESG practices in their businesses to help them identify different business risks and effectively provide solutions for these risks, while focusing on the benefits of different stakeholders.

Novautek is a subsidiary of Applied Development Holdings Limited (HKEX stock code: 519.HK), specializing in the areas of artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technology and innovation. It dedicates to building a complete ecosystem across key areas like AI robotics, autonomous driving, and large AI models. Addressing pain points in traditional industries, it has introduced five core applications of autonomous driving robots including cleaning and sanitation, security patrol, transportation, delivery, and smart warehousing. Novautek actively applies cutting-edge technology to society to assist in alleviating social challenges such as aging populations and labor shortages, enhancing the quality of social life. Its cleaning and security patrol robots have been deployed in local housing estates, receiving high appreciation from citizens.

Mr. Wang Chunsheng, the Chief Executive Officer of Novautek stated, “we are honored to receive the award, which not only recognizes Novautek’s performance in business and ESG practices but also encourages us to continue making greater contributions to innovation and sustainable development. In the future, we will remain committed to technological innovation, environmental protection, and social responsibility, upholding the concept of sustainable development in our business operations, while giving back to society and create greater value for the general public and all our stakeholders.”

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

About Novautek Autonomous Driving Limited

Novautek Autonomous Driving Limited is a Hong Kong-based innovation technology company focusing on the R&D and applications of autonomous driving technologies. It invests in related enterprises and possesses professional capabilities in technology R&D, product commercialization, and high-quality after-sales service. Its products span various fields, including patrol inspections, cleaning and sanitation, logistics transportation, engineering construction, intelligent warehousing, and professional services. In the future, Novautek will continue to leverage its cutting-edge AI and autonomous driving technology to tailor products that meet the specific needs of the Hong Kong market. By harnessing its localized service advantages and providing high-quality products and services, Novautek aims to promote Hong Kong’s technological products on a global scale.

This press release is issued by DLK Advisory Limited on behalf of Novautek Autonomous Driving Limited.

V-GREEN and Xanh SM Indonesia sign MoU with Lippo for comprehensive green ecosystem in Indonesia


JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 December 2024 – V-GREEN and PT Xanh SM Green and Smart Mobility Indonesia (Xanh SM Indonesia) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lippo Karawaci, a prominent Indonesian real estate development company. This strategic partnership aims to leverage Lippo Karawaci’s established reputation and extensive real estate network to develop a green ecosystem that integrate seamlessly into the daily lives of Indonesian citizens. The primary goal of this collaboration is to significantly accelerate the adoption of electric transportation across the region.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh – Global CEO of GSM (left), Mr. Marlo Budiman – President Director of PT Lippo Karawaci Tbk (center), and Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duong – CEO of V-GREEN (right).
Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh – Global CEO of GSM (left), Mr. Marlo Budiman – President Director of PT Lippo Karawaci Tbk (center), and Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duong – CEO of V-GREEN (right).


Under the MoU, the three companies will engage in cooperative research and development initiatives to expand the EV ecosystem and promote a green transformation within Indonesia’s transportation sector. These collaborative efforts will include the operation of V-GREEN EV charging stations and Xanh SM Indonesia taxi stands at properties developed and operated by Lippo.

The partnership will also explore investment and business models for future collaboration. All parties are committed to supporting promotional, marketing, and sales programs related to this agreement, aligning with sustainable development goals in accordance with ESG standards.

Mr. Marlo Budiman, President Director of PT Lippo Karawaci Tbk. stated: “Lippo is proud to join V-GREEN and Xanh SM Indonesia as a pioneering strategic partner in building a greener future for Indonesia. We recognize the critical importance of ESG standards in sustainable business practices and value V-GREEN’s expertise in deploying charging infrastructure. Together, we aim to create a green transportation ecosystem that delivers tangible benefits to the Indonesian people and contributes to a cleaner future for all.”

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duong, CEO of V-GREEN, remarked: “This strategic collaboration with Lippo will leverage the company’s extensive real estate portfolio to establish a robust foundation for V-GREEN’s development of a comprehensive electric vehicle charging station network throughout Indonesia. This joint effort will facilitate the creation of a seamless EV ecosystem, designed for integration into the daily lives of Indonesian citizens. This significant partnership plays a vital role in realizing our shared mission of ‘For a Green Future‘, actively pursued by VinFast, V-GREEN and Xanh SM within the Indonesian market.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, CEO of GSM, added: “The growing demand for sustainable and smart mobility solutions in Indonesia presents a compelling opportunity for Xanh SM to advance our mission of pioneering the regional electric transportation revolution. With the signing of this MoU, Xanh SM Indonesia aims not only to provide convenient and efficient transportation experiences, but also to contribute to the development of a comprehensive EV ecosystem, fostering a more sustainable future for Indonesia and the region.

Under the leadership of founder Pham Nhat Vuong’s, V-GREEN, VinFast, and Xanh SM have established a comprehensive ecosystem aimed at pioneering electric transportation. Indonesia is a key market in this global strategy, where the three companies seek to create a sustainable transportation network.

To support this goal, V-GREEN has signed a strategic MoU with the multi-industry conglomerate Prime Group, through its UAE subsidiary, to develop a network of approximately 100,000 VinFast electric vehicle charging stations throughout Indonesia in the next three years, representing a projected total investment of up to $1.2 billion USD.

Simultaneously, at its official launch event in Indonesia, Xanh SM Indonesia has signed MoUs with nine partners across key sectors, including banking, telecommunications, real estate, and retail.

Since its launch in Indonesia, VinFast has delivered the VF e34 and VF 5 models, expanded its dealer network, implemented attractive sales policies, and broken ground on an assembly plant in Subang, West Java, as part of ongoing efforts to bolster its global production capacity.

Hashtag: #VGreen #XanhSM

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

About Xanh SM

Xanh SM is a pioneer in all-electric transportation, offering a high-tech and sustainable mobility ecosystem proudly rooted in Vietnam. With a bold vision, Xanh SM strives to accelerate the world’s green, sustainable transportation transformation, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding the planet for generations to come.

About Lippo Karawaci (“LPKR”)

Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, PT Lippo Karawaci Tbk is Indonesia’s largest real estate company by total assets and revenue. With a diversified business portfolio, Lippo Karawaci is involved in urban development, healthcare, hospitality, and property management. The Company is committed to delivering sustainable value to its shareholders and customers through innovation and excellence in all its operations.

As a leading real estate developer and township operator with 1,398 ha of landbank ready for development, LPKR develops and manages urban development primarily in Java and Sulawesi, including at our flagship township Lippo Village in Tangerang. Through LPKR’s two publicly listed subsidiaries, PT Lippo Cikarang Tbk and PT Gowa Makassar Tourism Development Tbk, of which we own 83.99% and 62.69% respectively, we also develop and manage the townships of Lippo Cikarang in Bekasi and Tanjung Bunga in Makassar.

In addition, LPKR owns 29.09% of PT Siloam International Hospitals Tbk, Indonesia’s leading private hospital network, with 41 hospitals and 73 clinics in 23 provinces nationwide. Aside from healthcare, we manage 59 malls across Indonesia and hold a 47.29% stake in Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust, a Singapore-listed REIT with SGD 1.5 billion of assets under management as of 31 December 2023. We also operate 10 hotels under the Aryaduta brand, and a country club and golf course.

www.lippokarawaci.co.id

Molex Anticipates Steady Growth in High-Speed Connectivity in 2025, Driving Electronics Design Innovations Across Diverse Industry Sectors

  • Increase in opportunities predicted for high-speed optical transceivers and miniaturized connectivity solutions to address data-intensive applications
  • Advances in thermal and power management require investment and innovation in next-gen technologies and emerging industry standards
  • Cross-industry collaborations and supply optionality continue to streamline design flexibility and adaptive decision making


LISLE, IL – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 December 2024 – Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, predicts an uptick in reliable, durable, high-speed interconnects over the next 12-to-18 months as the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and cloud solutions intensifies across every sector, including data centers, automotive, consumer electronics and medical technology. Increased collaboration among electronics product designers, manufacturing engineers and supply chain specialists also will be needed to address ever-increasing requirements for innovations in thermal and power management, material science, and battery technology, among other pressing priorities.

Molex Anticipates Steady Growth in High-Speed Connectivity in 2025, Driving Electronics Design Innovations Across Diverse Industry Sectors

“We anticipate a consistent rise in connectivity-related solutions in 2025 that will drive advancements in hyperscale data centers and software-defined vehicles while reducing obstacles and barriers for smaller, yet more powerful consumer and MedTech devices,” said Mike Deppe, VP of Global Product Development, Molex. “The growing demand for data and instant access to information will continue to create both opportunities and challenges in connectivity, which we are prepared to address on behalf of our customers, suppliers and technology partners worldwide.”

Top 10 Predictions for 2025

1. Continued use of high-speed optical transceivers for hyperscale data centers
The rapid adoption of generative AI is escalating demand for massive processing and capacity scaling in hyperscale data centers. In response, operators are increasing their use of high-speed optical transceivers for both inter- and intra-rack connectivity to offer additional port density, greater signal integrity and reduced power consumption.

2. Spike in 224 Gbps PAM-4 interconnects requires thermal management improvements
With deployments of 224 Gbps PAM-4 interconnects growing and the path to 448 Gbps PAM-4 coming into view, it is clear that air-cooled data center solutions are reaching operational limits. This reality is driving the emergence of new thermal-management solutions, including liquid cooling solutions, such as direct-to-chip and immersion cooling. Molex is working closely with customers, power-ecosystem partners and groups like OCP to speed development of next-gen cooling technologies and standards.

3. Momentum in 48-Volt systems propels advancements in automotive functionality
By quadrupling system voltage, 48V technology boosts electric turbocharging, regenerative braking, infotainment systems, and battery preconditioning for auxiliary charging. The delivery of higher current and voltage also is crucial to increasing power efficiencies in sensors, actuators and control units needed for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

4. Power systems remain one of the biggest product design engineering challenges

Unrelenting demand to balance power capacity, functional safety, efficiency, and cost and performance monitoring is driving aggressive investment and innovation in battery technology, along with solutions designed to reduce signal and power interference.

5. Slow pace of 5G rollouts will continue to stall as consumers await “killer apps”
The arrival of Meta’s Orion illuminates the future of AR glasses but will take time to drive 5G momentum. As “killer apps” emerge, the pace of 5G rollouts will gain speed accordingly amid rising requirements for high-speed wireless connectivity, along with the need for small, dense connectors, such as the millions of miniaturized connectors Molex supplies to leading mobile device manufacturers.

6. Convergence of ruggedized, miniaturized connectors will fuel cross-industry innovations
Use of compact, durable connectors with a pitch of 2.54mm or less will dominate in electric vehicles and zonal architectures while gaining major traction in other areas, including consumer electronics, medical devices, industrial automation and smart agriculture. Blending the best of miniaturization and ruggedization improves space efficiency, signal integrity and thermal management.

7. Advancements in material science balance strength, weight and sustainability
The use of digital twins, AI and material databases will continue to play ever-increasing roles in material characterization, processing innovation, selection, application engineering and testing. Expect more material science breakthroughs in building miniaturized connectors, especially in balancing strength, weight, conductivity, chemical resistance, sustainability, the use of bio-based materials, and more.

8. Mass customization and consumerization of the automotive experience varies by market
Vehicle architecture development will align with different driving preferences and experiences worldwide. In China’s dynamic market, ongoing experimentations will drive innovation while the European market, led by German automakers, considers a mix of technologies. American OEMs will advance software-driven architectures, particularly in passenger and sport utility vehicles.

9. Cross-Industry collaborations to thrive as design engineers tap different experiences
Continued cross-industry collaborations are expected to increase at an accelerated pace as design engineers leverage expertise in hyperscale data centers to address concerns and challenges in power and thermal management, sensor fusion and signal integrity in automotive and consumer electronics.

10. Ongoing supply chain volatility requires inventory rebalancing and supply optionality
Operationalizing intelligence and data to gain faster, more precise access to real-time insights will lead to better forecasting and risk management, with a shift toward predictive, scenario-based supply chain planning and faster, more adaptive decision making.

Hashtag: #Molex

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

About Molex

Molex is a global electronics leader committed to making the world a better, more connected place. With presence in more than 40 countries, Molex enables transformative technology innovation in the automotive, data center, industrial automation, healthcare, 5G, cloud and consumer device industries. Through trusted customer and industry relationships, unrivaled engineering expertise, and product quality and reliability, Molex realizes the infinite potential of Creating Connections for Life. For more information, visit .

Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence: DYXnet Embarks the New Chapter of Digital Transformation


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 December 2024 – DYXnet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VNET Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: VNET), is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2024, marking a quarter-century of excellence in supporting enterprises on digital transformation journeys. DYXnet hosted the Annual Luncheon 2024 in December, themed “Each Chapter a Milestone, Each Step a Leap Forward”, to kick off a new era of transformation. With over a hundred guests in attendance, DYXnet reaffirmed its commitment to intelligent transformation through emerging technologies such as AI with its network, security, and cloud services. Its stable and extensive connectivity helps businesses navigate change and explore emerging opportunities.

Senica Chen (center), CEO of DYXnet, and the management team celebrated the company’s 25th anniversary with over a hundred VIP customers and partners in attendance.
Senica Chen (center), CEO of DYXnet, and the management team celebrated the company’s 25th anniversary with over a hundred VIP customers and partners in attendance.

Integrating Cloud, Network, and Security Services to Build the “Digital Canal”

DYXnet was founded in 1999 and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of VNET Group in 2014. It has transformed from a carrier-neutral enterprise network service provider into a one-stop ICT solutions provider, offering a comprehensive range of services, such as MPLS, SD-WAN, and SASE. With reliable and extensive connectivity, alongside expert technical support from consulting and deployment to operations management, DYXnet customizes solutions to fit each client’s unique needs, aiding businesses in managing change and seizing new opportunities.

Senica Chen, CEO of DYXnet, emphasized that DYXnet has remained committed to innovation over the past 25 years, adhering to its customer-centric philosophy, dedication to quality service, and expansion of global coverage. She stated in her welcome address, “In addition to our existing deployments in Southeast Asia and Europe, this year we have launched new network PoPs (points of presence) in Dubai and Mexico, broadening our network coverage. This enables our clients to leverage seamless connectivity and gain advantages in emerging markets.” With the growth of the global market and the expanding needs of clients, DYXnet operates over 200 PoPs worldwide, covering more than 700 cities and establishing over 30,000 client sites.

Senica expressed profound gratitude to the DYXnet team for their unwavering dedication and the continuous support and trust of partners and clients over the years. She stated, “We believe that only by working hand in hand with our clients and partners can we overcome challenges together and build the ‘Digital Canal’ to achieve today’s successes!”

AI Innovation: Embracing a New Chapter in Intelligent Transformation

In light of the rapid evolution of AI, businesses strive to keep pace with the technology, leading to changes in ICT infrastructure, networks, and security domains. To address this, DYXnet hosted a panel discussion titled “The Next Chapter of Transformation” at the annual luncheon, inviting partners to discuss the latest trends in the AI era, yielding fruitful results.

In recent years, DYXnet has proactively integrated AI technologies into its products and solutions, including the enhancement of network services, the next-generation intelligent network “InsightNet,” which combines AI with network operations management to enable artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps), making network management more efficient. This innovative technology has been recognized in the industry, winning the Gold Award for “Innovation in Digital Transformation” at the Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards earlier this year, showcasing DYXnet’s excellence in the AI field.

Additionally, DYXnet has launched an innovative AI series, which includes the enterprise-grade GenAI assistant “DYXnet ChatV” and an AI multimedia solution, “Digital Human Platform,” developed in collaboration with Tencent. The former seamlessly integrates with powerful models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and SenseTime’s SenseChat AI, allowing clients to build customized knowledge bases and intelligent assistants, while the latter leverages cutting-edge AI technology to quickly generate AI anchor videos, creating brand ambassadors and unlocking real-time scenarios of digital humans in conjunction with DYXnet ChatV.

Looking ahead, DYXnet will continue to drive innovation in network, security, cloud, and AI services while staying attuned to technological advancements and market demands. It is committed to seeking breakthroughs that help clients maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing marketplace and uncover limitless opportunities. DYXnet looks forward to providing reliable technical support in every chapter of digital transformation, connecting innovative ideas, and driving change across various sectors.
Hashtag: #DYXnet #第一線

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

DYXnet

DYXnet, established in 1999 in Hong Kong, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of VNET Group (NASDAQ: VENT) in 2014. It is a leading ICT service provider in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region, delivering innovative technologies and solutions to enterprises of all sizes and helping them fully embrace digital transformation. DYXnet offers a comprehensive portfolio of services, including enterprise networks (MPLS and SD-WAN), cloud solutions, data center services, cybersecurity, and AI solutions, empowering businesses to realize their full potential.

As a pioneer in the ICT field, DYXnet operates over 200 PoPs worldwide, covering more than 700 cities and serving over 30,000 client sites. DYXnet was among the first ICT service providers in the region to obtain prestigious ISO certifications, including ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 20000-1, and ISO 9001. Additionally, DYXnet is one of the inaugural official members of the China Cross-border Data Telecommunications Industry Alliance and has played a crucial role as one of the initial drafting units for SD-WAN service standards.

To learn more, please visit DYXnet’s website at: .

Korea Funds Bridge, Road Safety Upgrades on National Road in Laos

Korea Funds Bridge, Road Safety Upgrades on National Road in Laos
Korea Funds Bridge, Road Safety Upgrades on National Road in Laos

On 19 December, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) announced a grant of USD 13 million to upgrade six bridges and improve road safety on National Road No. 8 which connects Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.  

Korean Ambassador Jung Yung Soo highlighted the project as a symbol of Laos-Korea cooperation and announced plans to upgrade their bilateral ties to a “Comprehensive Partnership” in 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

National Road No. 8, part of the Asian Highway 15, is a critical route connecting Laos with Thailand and Vietnam. Built in the 1980s, several bridges along the route no longer meet international standards.The initiative focuses on enhancing the road’s infrastructure to meet modern safety and quality requirements.

Key components include design and construction consultancy for upgrading six bridges (including improvements to two accident-prone areas), installation of road safety equipment, promotion of highway safety awareness, provision of necessary equipment, and capacity-building training programs.

 

Vientiane Surpasses Poverty Reduction Target, 99.43% Progress Achieved

Patuxai Monument (Photo: Passport Pilgrimage)

Almost the entirety of Vientiane’s population is now above the poverty line, according to Sengaloun Souliyavong, the Head of Vientiane’s Department of Agriculture and Forestry. 

The Top 10 Best Places to Work in Egypt for 2024 revealed


CAIRO, EGYPT – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 December 2024 – Eand, Novo Nordisk, BSH, Schneider Electric, Viatris, Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts, Sinai White Cement, Magrabi, AstraZeneca, and Vodafone have been named among Egypt’s top workplaces for 2024.

In the Best Places to Work ranking, Eand, a global technology group, secured the top position for its unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and employee empowerment. Coming in second is Novo Nordisk, a healthcare leader dedicated to driving purpose and well-being for employees while revolutionizing diabetes care. In third place is BSH, a global leader in home appliances, recognized for fostering a culture of inclusion and excellence. Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation, earned the fourth position for prioritizing sustainability, professional growth, and a positive work environment. Ranking fifth is Viatris, a healthcare company committed to empowering employees and delivering access to vital medicines worldwide. Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts, a renowned name in the hospitality industry, secured sixth place for its efforts in creating rewarding and engaging opportunities for its workforce. Sinai White Cement came in the seventh position, recognized for its strong workplace culture and dedication to operational excellence in the industrial sector followed by MAGRABi Retail Group, a leading eyewear and optical retailer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, known for its innovative approach to eye care and luxury eyewear.

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca, and Vodafone have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive work environments where they have earned prestigious accolades in the categories of Best Places to Work for Working Parents and Best Places to Work for Women.

This year, Egypt’s leading organizations have stood out for their dedication to fostering supportive, dynamic, and innovative workplaces that empower employees to excel and succeed.

Best Places to Work is an internationally recognized certification program that identifies and honors exceptional workplaces across the globe. By evaluating HR practices and employee experiences, the program provides valuable insights for companies to enhance engagement, improve organizational effectiveness, and celebrate their achievements.

For more information, please visit the program website: www.bestplacestoworkfor.org.
Hashtag: #BestPlacesToWork

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