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Trend Micro Partners with Paris Peace Forum to Drive Secure AI Adoption

Trend to join and support France’s much-anticipated AI Action Summit in February


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 November 2024 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today announced it will partner with Paris Peace Forum to play a pivotal role in guiding global leaders as they establish secure frameworks for AI adoption and implementation. Committed to advancing security for AI and emerging technologies, Trend is dedicated to ensuring AI’s safe and responsible integration across industries worldwide. As a long contributor to global security initiatives, Trend will be part of PPF’s multi-stakeholder ecosystem to advance the dialogue on secure AI.

Pablo Rice, Head of Program, Cyber and Emerging Technologies Governance at Paris Peace Forum: “In a time when geopolitical challenges and digital threats converge, the Paris Peace Forum is dedicated to fostering a global framework for responsible AI governance and digital security. By working with cybersecurity leaders like Trend Micro, we can bring impactful insights to the table, bridging policy with practical solutions to tackle the urgent challenges AI poses. Our common goal is to make AI serve as a force for good—strengthening protections, building trust, and securing a digital future where both people and nations from the North and the South can thrive.”

The Forum’s unique role in uniting government entities, NGOs, industry leaders, and academic experts makes it a critical partner in addressing the broader security implications of emerging technologies. PPF drives engagement on global initiatives, including the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace and The Pall Mall Process for combatting cyber-mercenaries, exemplifying its dedication to building a safe, resilient digital future—a mission Trend fully supports.

Kevin Simzer, COO at Trend Micro: “We lead the way in AI for the security team and security for the AI, which both are areas that our enterprise and government customers are increasingly prioritizing. We are proud to support global leaders in navigating the complexities of AI governance. Our goal is to contribute to a responsible AI framework for the world.”

The Paris Peace Forum’s work to establish governance implications for the nexus of AI and Cybersecurity makes it a crucial partner for Trend Micro to improve security outcomes of the AI transformation. On February 10 and 11, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron will convene heads of state and government and academic, NGO, and business leaders for the AI Action Summit, the third in the series of global AI Safety Summits.

At the Action Summit, Trend will outline this “sword vs shield” dynamic and share its expertise on AI threats and defenses. The hope is that it will help others to enhance AI adoption for the common good and build effective global AI governance models.

It’s critically important that robust policy frameworks emerge from summits like the AI Action Summit to bridge gaps in AI safety and complement technical solutions and standards. The Paris Peace Forum gathers diverse global experts, including Trend Micro, to collect their data and expertise to turn these aspirations into action.

To learn more about the Paris Peace Forum: https://parispeaceforum.org/2024-forum/
Hashtag: #trendmicro, #trendvisionone, #visionone, #cybersecurity, #parispeaceforum,#ai,#aisecurity




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

Trend Micro

Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s AI-powered cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, Trend’s platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 70 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world.

Creative Learning Program Sparks Change in Classrooms Nationwide, Engaging Over 27,000 of Malaysia’s Students and Teachers

  • Supported by the Ministry of Education, Faber-Castell’s Score A annual programme continues to revolutionize education, inspiring students nationwide through creative learning techniques and inclusive opportunities.
  • The Score A workshops saw a record-breaking three-year high in participation, reaching 6,714 teachers and 20,854 creative notetaking entries from students across Malaysia.
  • This year, Faber-Castell introduces the Educator’s Elite League, a new initiative with 322 participating teachers at present, to measure and enhance the program’s impact on student performance.
PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 November 2024 – Faber-Castell’s Score A program marked a major milestone this year as it wrapped up its third successful cycle, achieving a record 50% increase in participation, with 20,854 entries from students nationwide.

Mr. Andrew Woon, Managing Director of Faber-Castell Malaysia, with the Score A Creative Learning Student Olympiad Top Students across all categories, Pearl Liang Yee Herr, Liu Huan Xuan and Kee Yong Xuan (Standing, left to right).
Mr. Andrew Woon, Managing Director of Faber-Castell Malaysia, with the Score A Creative Learning Student Olympiad Top Students across all categories, Pearl Liang Yee Herr, Liu Huan Xuan and Kee Yong Xuan (Standing, left to right).

Launched in 2022, Score A aims to make education accessible and engaging through creative teaching methods. Supported by the Ministry of Education Malaysia, this initiative focuses on empowering teachers and students with innovative tools tailored to different learning needs. By fostering inclusive education, Score A helps teachers and students bridge learning gaps, creating a platform that empowers students of all learning styles to succeed.

Empowering Students and Educators with Creative Learning
The Score A program has introduced 11 transformative creative learning techniques such as mind maps, emojis for symbolizing concepts, and river-flow notes, making classroom learning more vibrant and inclusive. Through dedicated workshops, teachers learn to integrate these tools into lessons, bridging learning gaps and supporting students of diverse learning styles. Each workshop was recorded and made accessible on Faber-Castell’s website, allowing teachers and students across Malaysia to benefit from the content.
This year’s program featured a competition themed “Sustainable Evolution: Advancing ESG in Industries,” focusing on how Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles drive innovation in key sectors such as the automotive industry, manufacturing, healthcare and fintech. Students participated in four different missions designed to challenge their ability to think critically about sustainability in these transforming industries. The event culminated in the Score A Creative Learning Student Olympiad Grand Finale 2024, held at AVANTÉ Hotel, Petaling Jaya, where the top 10 students from primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary categories competed for the prestigious Top Student title.

Championing Future Leaders
This year’s Top Student of Category B (13 to 15 years old), Liu Huan Xuan from SMK Chung Hua, Kuching, who has participated in the Score A program for the past two years, shared the profound impact it’s had on her studies. “The creative techniques we learned have not only made studying more enjoyable but have also helped me improve my grades, especially in subjects I used to find challenging. My favourite method, river-flow note taking, has helped me break down complex topics in a way that makes sense. These tools have boosted my confidence in the classroom, making me more engaged and motivated to participate. Winning the Student Olympiad has shown me what I’m capable of, and now I even help my classmates use these techniques to succeed, too.”

Miss Lo Ming Jun, a physics teacher from SMK Methodist, Sibu
, who has incorporated Score A methods into her classroom over the past three years, noted, “Score A has completely transformed how my students approach learning. I’ve seen students who struggled to focus now enthusiastically participate, thanks to techniques like mind mapping and creative notetaking. Each student has a unique learning style, so it’s crucial for teachers to adapt their methods to make learning more engaging and enjoyable. This program has reached students who traditional methods couldn’t engage, and I’ve seen their grades and motivation improve significantly. Watching students take pride in their creative work and feel successful in subjects they once found daunting has been incredibly rewarding.”

Faber-Castell plans to further expand the Score A programme to ensure it remains an effective, invaluable resource for both students and educators that is attuned to student needs. To this end, the programme will continuously integrate innovative learning tools and strategies that will support diverse learning styles.

Strengthening Impact with the Educator’s Elite League
Faber-Castell’s commitment to supporting and quantifying the impact of Score A has led to the launch of the Educator’s Elite League.
“We’re thrilled to see the impact Score A has had on students and teachers, many of whom return year after year with great feedback on how the program has made a difference in their classrooms,” said Mr. Andrew Woon, Managing Director of Faber-Castell Malaysia.

“While the positive responses are encouraging, we also want to quantify this impact to better understand and support learning across Malaysia. That’s why we’ve launched the Educator’s Elite League in May 2024—to measure our program’s effectiveness and create an open channel for teachers to share feedback, collaborate, and build on these creative techniques throughout the year. Our aim is to continuously refine Score A, making it an evolving resource that supports educators and students well beyond the competition itself.”

The Faber-Castell Educator’s Elite League aims to facilitate greater teacher empowerment and professional development via free workshops. The League, currently with 322 teachers registered, provides a platform for educators to share best practices, innovative teaching strategies, and tools to continue coaching and inspiring their students with creative learning methods. To assess the programme’s impact on academic success, the League also encourages teachers to submit mid-year and final exam results, allowing insights into how the techniques enhance academic performance.
Faber-Castell remains dedicated to shaping the future of education in Malaysia, empowering students and teachers with tools for lifelong success and leaving a legacy of confident, future-ready leaders. As the Score A program expands, it aims to make quality education accessible to all, regardless of background or location, with a goal of reaching 100% of schools across Malaysia in the near future.

For a list of complete winners, log on to Score A Competition – Faber-Castell Score A.

Hashtag: #FaberCastell

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

About Faber-Castell Malaysia

Established in 1978 with just eight staff, Faber-Castell Malaysia has evolved into a global leader in eraser manufacturing, exporting 150 million pieces worldwide. Keeping up with the company’s philosophy of being innovative and competent, Faber-Castell holds certifications like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Recognized as a SUPER BRAND in 2002, it was also the Official Supplier for the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
In 2022, Faber-Castell launched the Fast Gel Z, a precision gel pen, and Erasure, an environmentally friendly PVC-free eraser. To cope with its rapid development, Faber-Castell Malaysia moved into its latest factory in Sept 2002, which housed the world’s Tallest Pencil, awarded by the Malaysia Book of Records. In 2018, Faber-Castell launched a 90,000 sq. ft distribution center in Subang Jaya to enhance operational efficiency.
Honoured with the bronze prize for The People’s Choice 2022 category at the Putra Brand Awards, Faber-Castell prioritizes staff welfare, pioneering a social charter in the stationery industry. Faber-Castell is also the first company in the stationery business to agree to a social charter that serves as a guiding principle for its staff welfare. In Malaysia, a collective agreement was signed between its staff union and Faber-Castell Malaysia in October 2004.

For more information about Faber-Castell, visit their website at

OPPO Takes ColorOS 15’s AI Capabilities to the Next Level with Google

  • OPPO enhances ColorOS 15 with Google’s leading AI capabilities
  • ColorOS 15 will include the Google Gemini app and Circle to Search with Google on OPPO devices

SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 November 2024 – OPPO is bringing advanced AI experiences, Google Gemini, and Circle to Search with Google, to its upcoming ColorOS 15.

OPPO Takes ColorOS 15’s AI Capabilities to the Next Level with Google

“With ColorOS, our goal has always been to create an easy-to-use, harmonious, powerful experience through intelligence and collaboration. By incorporating Google Gemini 1.5 Pro and 1.5 Flash across language, assistance, and search, ColorOS 15 is turbo-charged by AI to boost productivity and creativity, exceeding customers’ needs like never before.” Nicole Zhang, General Manager of AI Product at OPPO

Unlock Google’s AI Capabilities for Elevated Productivity

ColorOS 15 uses Google’s advanced AI capabilities, empowering users with a suite of advanced solutions.

Taking advantage of the Gemini models, ColorOS 15 boosts productivity directly within OPPO Notes and Documents by reworking structure and polishing language in seconds. And with AI Recording Summary, it intelligently summarises voice recordings, generating high-quality meeting notes or overviews and saving hours of manual work.

Google Gemini and Circle to Search with Google

ColorOS 15 also introduces Circle to Search with Google to OPPO smart devices. With a simple long press of the home button or navigation bar, users can instantly search for whatever’s on-screen without needing to switch apps. The ColorOS 15 also comes with the Google Gemini app. Chat with Gemini, your AI assistant from Google, to supercharge your productivity and creativity. Get help writing, learning, planning and more. You can also go Live with Gemini to brainstorm ideas, simplify complex topics, and rehearse for important moments with real-time responses.

ColorOS 15 featuring Google’s advanced AI capabilities, will debut at the global launch of OPPO’s upcoming Find X8 Series.

*Gemini mobile app available on select devices, languages, and countries. Internet connection required. Google, Android and Gemini are trademarks of Google LLC.
Hashtag: #OPPO

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

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

Laos Welcomes Over Five Million Tourists in 2024, Generating Over USD 1 Billion

Laos Welcomes Over Five Million Tourists in 2024, Generating Over USD 1 Billion
Tourism Soars in Laos with 5 Million Visitors in 2024

Laos has recorded over five million tourists this year, exceeding expectations and generating more than USD 1 billion in revenue, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone announced on 18 November.

Global ESG Monitor Partners Influential Brands & Mileage Communications To Roll Out A Global ESG Reporting Initiative To Help Singapore Companies In Their Sustainability Reporting Journey

10 Singapore Companies to be Assessed for the Inaugural Influential Brands Sustainability Awards in March 2025


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 November 2024 – Global ESG Monitor (GEM), a Think Tank for Corporate Sustainability, provides analysed, scored and comparable sustainability reporting data across 70 industries based on the latest reporting periods. Influential Brands is Asia’s premier platform for celebrating business excellence whilst Mileage Communications is Singapore’s largest strategic marketing communications consultancy.

Founded in 2020, GEM is an independent think tank and is funded by the German Government. It is dedicated to analysing and comparing the quality of sustainability reports. GEM has analysed over 1,300 reports from more than 500 companies worldwide. The operationalisation of quality (transparency and context) is based on the GEM ASSAY™ methodology, which integrates the principles and criteria of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), IFRS (IFRS S1 and S2), the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) In addition, findings from the dialogue with relevant stakeholder groups are incorporated into the methodology.

Mr Michael Diegelmann, Co-Founder of GEM, said: “One of GEM’s objectives is to measure and compare the quality of sustainability reporting. To this end, the GEM Assay™ was developed which is a specialised analysis tool & methodology that makes reporting measurable and comparable based on the quality criteria of empirical research (objectivity, reliability and validity). The GEM thus offers companies best practice / benchmark comparison, Peer group analytics and Gap lists which function as an independent second opinion for Boards and ESG Teams. Based on these analytics, companies can work in a structured manner to improve reporting.”

With this partnership in place, Influential Brands will launch the Top Sustainability Award at the 2025 CEO Summit & Gala Awards Dinner on March 28, 2025, at the Fullerton Hotel, Singapore with the presence of more than 300 C-Suites from Singapore and Asia. This prestigious gathering will bring together prominent business leaders and change-makers from across the region to recognise and honour outstanding contributions to sustainability.

Mr Jorge Rodriguez, Managing Director of Influential Brands, said: “Celebrating business excellence goes beyond traditional metrics. It is important that we acknowledge those driving transformative and sustainable practices. This award will encourage organisations to innovate and inspire a collective vision for a sustainable future.”

The Top Sustainability Award will honour organisations that exemplify excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices which are reflected in their ESG reporting. This will demonstrate the Company’s significant commitment to transparency, ethical operations and positive environmental and social impact.

Mr Yap Boh Tiong, Managing Director of the Mileage Communications Group, said: “The partnership with GEM will enable Mileage to help companies in Singapore and the region to align their reporting with the forthcoming European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) which are compulsory from 2027 for many Asian companies as well. Through this inaugural Sustainability Award, we hope to see more companies stepping forward to incorporate ESG reporting systematically and complying with the global standards.”

The initial assessment using GEM will include companies such as OCBC, UOB, City Developments Limited, Frasers Property, Sembcorp Industries, FairPrice Group, Banyan Tree, Singapore Airlines, UOL Group Limited and ST Engineering representing a strong cross-section of the corporate landscape.

The 2025 CEO Summit & Gala Awards Dinner is a hallmark event that celebrates leadership in business excellence, responsible governance, eco-friendly innovation and social responsibility. The Top Sustainability Award represents a pivotal addition to this platform, reinforcing a commitment to advancing sustainability and inspiring cross-industry change.

For more information on the Top Sustainability Award, please visit https://influentialbrands.com/

Hashtag: #GlobalESGMonitor #InfluentalBrands

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

About Global ESG Monitor

The Global ESG Monitor (GEM) is a unique research initiative to examine quality in non-financial reporting of the largest companies in the world. The GEM monitors, analyzes and reports on the transparency and context of non-financial ESG reporting using the GEM ASSAYTM, a proprietary research methodology adapted annually in response to evolving conditions and developments.

The operationalization of transparency underlying the GEM ASSAYTM is based on the relevant guidelines of the globally most important Frameworks and Standards like the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), IFRS (IFRS S1 and S2), the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)

The Global ESG Monitor is headquartered in Wiesbaden (Frankfurt), Germany.

About INFLUENTIAL BRANDS®

Influential Brands® is a think-tank, research and business recognition platform to celebrate “Champion of Excellence”.

Deeply embedded in our beliefs, is the need to foster a culture that honours the exemplary practices of leading brands in Asia, as well as their commitment to distinction. We delight in rejoicing with organisations over their successful brand efforts that have added value and left significant impression in their respective industries. Through this, we hope to contribute to the knowledge pool of best practices so that companies can produce quality and meaningful brands that influence and impact our environment, living standard, lifestyles and future.

The Influential Brands family of brands comprises global and regional brands from more than 15 countries worldwide.

Website: www.influentialbrands.com Facebook page: Influential Brands Facebook.

About Mileage Communications

Established in 1992, the Mileage Communications Group comprises 15 offices in 9 countries – Cambodia, India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai), Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar (Yangon and rep. Office in Mandalay), South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City). Headquartered in Singapore, the Group is a leading full-service strategic marketing communications consultancy. The company has an established track record in servicing clients across seven core strategic practices, namely Consumer / Lifestyle, Corporate / Financial PR / Investor Relations, Healthcare / Pharmaceutical, Technology, Shipping, Crisis Management and ESG. For more information, please visit

Prudential officially launches global AI Lab in Singapore

  • The AI Lab will collaborate with ecosystem partners including government agencies, research organisations, and technology firms.
  • The Lab will also work with institutes of higher learning to provide local students with hands-on experiences and internships.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 November 2024 – Prudential plc (“Prudential”) today launched the Prudential AI Lab in Singapore, with the aim of accelerating the adoption of AI, generative AI (gen AI) and machine learning organisation-wide. The launch ceremony, held at the Prudential Singapore office, was officiated by Mrs Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and Mr Anil Wadhwani, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential plc. As the Guest-of-Honour of the launch event, Mrs Teo gave a speech and toured a showcase of AI solutions in the health and wealth domains, presented by Prudential’s AI experts.

The Prudential AI Lab will incubate AI-powered solutions designed to deliver a better customer experience and meaningful business impact, while integrating AI capabilities into Prudential’s operations, services and products. Following its soft launch in August 2024, more than 100 AI use cases have been submitted to the Lab by employees across Prudential’s 24 markets in Asia and Africa.

The Prudential AI Lab was developed with support from the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), the Economic Development Board of Singapore (EDB) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). It has been launched in partnership with Google Cloud, which is providing Prudential employees with end-to-end technical support and access to advanced AI solutions.

The Lab will prioritise solutions that improve consumer access to quality healthcare and drive operational excellence at Prudential. AI will also enable financial representatives to serve customers better and faster with strengthened advisory capabilities. The Lab will be staffed by a dedicated team of AI engineers and data scientists based in Singapore.

Anil Wadhwani, Chief Executive Officer, Prudential plc, said: “Data, advanced analytics and AI are crucial to the delivery of our strategic priorities. The AI Lab will supercharge the development of exciting applications such as predictive analytics, hyper-personalised customer engagement, and real-time guidance for agents. I believe we are just beginning to explore the vast possibilities and value this technology offers. Prudential’s AI Lab will significantly enhance our ability to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers, agents and financial representatives, across all markets.”

Commenting on the collaboration with the Singapore government, Mr Wadhwani said: “Singapore was selected as the location of Prudential’s global AI Lab for its robust infrastructure and supportive environment for AI innovation, highlighted by its National AI Strategy (NAIS 2.0)1. Our partnership with EDB and MAS allows us to tap into Singapore’s rich network of resources and talent from academia, business and government. This collaboration will greatly support our ability to develop innovative solutions that address customer and business challenges while building even stronger AI capabilities.”

Ms Gillian Tan, Assistant Managing Director (Development and International) and Chief Sustainability Officer of MAS, said: “Prudential’s AI Lab is aligned with Singapore’s Smart Nation 2.0 goal to encourage businesses to utilise AI and technology to raise productivity, transform and serve customers better. MAS will continue to support financial institutions as they develop capabilities and harness AI to enhance their customer and advisory services, fraud detection, and risk insights generation.”

Nurturing AI innovators through a strong ecosystem

The Lab will collaborate closely with ecosystem partners, such as institutes of higher learning (IHLs), research centres, government agencies and technology partners.

It already has agreements with several IHLs including the National University of Singapore Asian Institute of Digital Finance, Singapore Management University School of Computing and Information Systems, Republic Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic. The Lab will engage students from these local schools to nurture the next generation of AI experts by offering hands-on experiences as well as fostering knowledge sharing and innovation.

Students on their internships with Prudential and those whose final year projects are selected will work alongside the Lab, its partner ecosystem, as well as Prudential’s business units to build proofs-of-concept for selected use cases.

Notes to Editor
About the Prudential AI Lab

The Prudential AI Lab mission is to enable Prudential employees and AI partners to co-develop advanced AI solutions in areas aligned to business priorities and to help tackle key challenges in insurance and accelerate AI adoption.

Vision for the Prudential AI Lab:

  • Reimagine the customer experience: Develop AI applications and products that create highly personalised and seamless interactions between agents and customers, driving measurable business value
  • Transform healthcare access: Implement AI-powered solutions that utilise data and advanced analytics, ensuring a smooth and well-connected customer journey
  • Increase operational efficiency: Streamline internal processes and enhance automation with AI to boost efficiency and effectiveness
  • Develop AI capabilities: Empower employees across the organisation to work smarter and faster by building robust AI capabilities and tools
Prudential is committed to the responsible application of AI and does so in line with the company’s AI Ethics Principles and the principles of fairness, ethics, accountability, and transparency (FEAT). It actively participates in the Veritas initiative, a collaborative project between the MAS and the financial industry which promotes responsible AI adoption. Prudential is also a member of the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore’s AI Verify Foundation and is participating in large language model (LLM) testing as part of project Moonshot2.

[1] For more information, please visit: https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/nais/
[2] For more information on Project Moonshot, please visit: https://aiverifyfoundation.sg/project-moonshot/


Hashtag: #Prudential

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

About Prudential plc

Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.

Family in Disbelief as 19 Years Old Holly Bowles Remains on Life Support in Thailand After Apparent Laos Methanol Poisoning

Family in Disbelief as 19 Years Old Holly Bowles Remains on Life Support in Thailand After Apparent Laos Methanol Poisoning
Holly Bowell (left) and Bianca Jones (right) who reportedly fell victim to tainted cocktails (photo credit: Facebook)

ABC News – The uncle of a young Melbourne woman who is on life support after drinking tainted cocktails in Laos says her family is struggling to come to terms with what has happened.

Green Tourism Sparks a New Era for Vietnamese Hospitality, with Vinpearl at the Lead

As travelers prioritize sustainability in a post-pandemic world, Vietnamese resorts are adapting. One leader in this trend is Vinpearl, a major resort chain in Vietnam committed to both environmental responsibility and guest satisfaction.


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 November 2024 – As the world moves on from the pandemic, its effects continue to linger, particularly in the travel and hospitality industry. One significant impact has been a shift in consumer mindset and behavior. Sustainability, once a secondary concern, has now become central to travelers’ priorities.

Vinpearl was recently recognized as one of the “Top 3 Strongest Brands” in Southeast Asia by Brand Finance, a leading global brand valuation firm.
Vinpearl was recently recognized as one of the “Top 3 Strongest Brands” in Southeast Asia by Brand Finance, a leading global brand valuation firm.

“Across the globe, sustainable travel as a concept and practice has moved from the back of travelers’ minds to claim a dominant position in the decision-making process,” wrote Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com in an essay last year.

In Vietnam, the trend is also moving toward sustainability and eco-friendliness, especially in the resort sector. Resorts have adapted by focusing on environmental preservation, renewable energy use, and plastic waste reduction, while also protecting local ecosystems. They also offer unique, culturally rich experiences by blending modern architecture with traditional elements and using locally sourced materials.

One standout name in Vietnam’s resort scene is Vinpearl, a subsidiary of Vingroup. Boasting a chain of hotels, resorts, spas, conference centers, restaurants, golf courses, and 5-star entertainment complexes, Vinpearl has become a household name. Over its 20-year journey, the brand has established 45 facilities across 17 provinces in Vietnam, offering over 18,500 rooms and villas, three theme parks, two amusement parks, two semi-wildlife conservation parks, and four golf courses.

Anticipating the green tourism trend, Vinpearl has made sustainability a central tenet of its strategy, balancing environmental responsibility with business growth objectives. All its facilities incorporate resource-saving and energy-efficient solutions, such as rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and closed-loop wastewater treatment systems that meet international standards.

Vinpearl actively promotes green tourism through initiatives like Green Tours to organic farms, workshops on cooking with eco-friendly ingredients, environmental awareness events such as runs, recycling workshops, and tree-planting activities. These initiatives not only enhance the guest experience but also foster community involvement and environmental awareness.

The efforts of Vinpearl and other hospitality brands have fueled a strong rebound in Vietnam’s travel industry. This year, inbound tourism has surged past pre-pandemic levels. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), nearly 1.6 million foreign arrivals were recorded in April alone, a 58.2% increase compared to the same period last year. In the first four months of the year, international arrivals totaled 6.2 million, a remarkable 68.3% year-on-year growth, surpassing the “golden era” of pre-pandemic tourism.

Vinpearl’s commitment to innovation has been widely acknowledged. The brand was recently recognized as one of the “Top 3 Strongest Brands” in Southeast Asia by Brand Finance, a leading global brand valuation firm. Vinpearl’s brand value grew an impressive 34% in the past year to reach $230 million, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 89.7 out of 100, earning the coveted AAA+ rating.

“[Vinpearl’s] significant rise in brand value was fueled by Vingroup’s launch of the new VinWonders theme park, which boosted its revenue. The brand’s BSI score also improved, driven by strong scores for the ‘recommendations’ and ‘reputation’ metrics,” wrote the report.

In 2024, Vinpearl has worked to refresh its offerings with new experiences and features. Highlights include the launch of a Vinpearl Horse Academy in Vũ Yên, and Vinpearl Harbour, an all-day entertainment, dining, and shopping complex. Unique features like the Indochine-inspired shopping streets, live-action seaside stunt shows, and Aquafield Nha Trang, Vietnam’s first high-end Korean-style spa and sauna, promise unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Vinpearl is also accelerating its global reach through strategic partnerships and promotional activities. In September, the brand signed memoranda of understanding with leading names in the U.S. music and film industries to promote Vietnamese culture and beauty globally. Additionally, Vinpearl organized customer appreciation events and signed strategic agreements to expand its presence in South Korea. Other promotional activities have targeted markets including India, China, Taiwan, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Poland, France, Italy, and Germany.

With its relentless drive for innovation and expanding global presence, Vinpearl is well-positioned to thrive beyond the post-pandemic “revenge travel” boom. Its commitment to sustainability and excellence ensures that it remains a leader in Vietnam’s travel industry and a promising player on the international stage.

Hashtag: #Vinpearl

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