With total investment of US$4 billion, the project will become Vietnam’s second largest casino resort after the Grand Ho Tram Strip resort and casino in the southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Do Xuan Dien, head of the management board for the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, told Vietnam News.

Dien said the project was issued an investment certificate in 2010, but it was still delayed, especially after Genting Malaysia Berhad, a member of Malaysian Genting Group, announced its withdrawal from the project in September 2012.

This made it difficult for the remaining investors, including major stakeholder VinaCapital, to mobilise funds for the project. Not until early last year were the latest co-investors identified, comprising two Chinese firms: Chow Tai Fook from Hong Kong and Sun City from Macau.

The first phase of the Nam Hoi An project will cost $500 million and cover an area of 160ha.

VinaCapital told Dau Tu newspaper that it would co-operate with Chow Tai Fook and other co-investors to map out a plan in raising capital to hasten the implementation of the project, adding that the company would increase its investment capital from 22.5 per cent to 32 per cent.

The agency reported from Hong Kong that China’s largest e-commerce operator will pay $500 million for new shares in Lazada and also purchase stock from existing investors, Alibaba said in a statement Tuesday. Lazada is currently controlled by Germany’s Rocket Internet SE.

“With the investment in Lazada, Alibaba gains access to a platform with a large and growing consumer base outside China, a proven management team and a solid foundation,” Alibaba President Michael Evans said in the statement.

The inaugural flight was officially launched on Saturday (April 9) at Attapeu International Airport, attended by Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport Vilaykham Phosalath, Attapeu provincial authorities; information, culture and tourism sector officials along with travel agents and company staff.

Lao Airlines had planned to commence flights to Attapeu on various occasions but the flights were cancelled according to the company officials.

The new flights run every Tuesday and Saturday, departing from Vientiane at 8am, arriving in Attapeu province at 9:45am, departing Attapeu province at 10:30am, arriving in Pakxe at 11am and then departing Pakxe at 11:40am before arriving back in Vientiane at 12:55pm.

The new flights will help facilitate travel in Laos especially for Attapeu province, vice president of Lao Airlines Sengpraseuth Mathouchanh said at the official launch ceremony.

“It will be also bring more visitors to Attapeu province as well as investors that will help contribute to economic development in the future,” he said.

Attapau is a southern province of the country, which comprises rich natural resources, interesting traditions and many existing natural and historic tourism sites.

The economy of the province is expanding well, drawing the interest of domestic and foreign business operators.

After the launch ceremony, officials visited the provincial museum and prayed at Vat Pha Xaysettha.

Lao President Choummaly Sayasone and Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang opened the new Attapeu International Airport on May 30 last year.

At present it takes one and a half days by bus from Vientiane to Attapeu but the flight takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The new flight has been added to Lao Airlines’ domestic routes with the aim of boosting investment and trade, especially as Attapeu is developing commercially due to its shared border with Vietnam.

The airport is fully equipped to accommodate domestic and international flights. The runway is 1,850m long and 30m wide and can accommodate aircraft that have 70 to 100 seats.

It is expected the airport will help spur socio-economic development in the area by attracting investment and boosting tourism, as it will link Attapeu to other regions through public transport and air freight services.

In a report submitted to National Assembly delegates for approval, the government said high engine displacement vehicles use a lot of fuel, their large sizes are not suitable for the country’s traffic infrastructure, and the cost of such vehicles and gas for them strains people’s financial resources. These vehicles also produce high amounts of exhaust fumes, which pollute the environment.

Meanwhile, the reduction in the special consumption tax for low engine displacement vehicles will create opportunities for middle-income people to buy their own vehicles, thus boosting the development of the country’s automobile industry.

The changes are part of the revised Law on Special Consumption Tax approved by a majority of National Assembly delegates on April 6. The new rules will go into effect on July 1.

The Special Consumption Tax tariff on autos will see lot of changes with the new regulations.

Imported vehicles with nine seats or less – and engine displacement of 1,500cc or less – will enjoy a cut from the current tax rate of 45 per cent to 40 per cent. The tax rate will be further reduced to 35 per cent on Jan 1, 2018.

Tax on vehicles with engine displacement of more than 1,500-2,000cc will remain at 45 per cent of the car’s value until December 31, 2017. The tax rate on this category of vehicles will then decrease to 40 per cent on January 1, 2018.

As for vehicles with engine displacement of more than 2,000-2,500cc, the tax rate will remain at the current rate of 50 per cent.

Lawmakers decided to raise taxes on vehicles with engine displacement of more than 2,500-3,000cc. The current tax rate of 50 per cent will rise to 55 per cent. The tax rate for this category of vehicles will rise to 60 per cent on January 1, 2018.

Vehicles with high engine displacement of over 3,000cc will see their tax rate increase sharply from their current tax rate of 60 per cent.

A tax rate of 90 per cent will be levied on vehicles with engine displacement of more than 3,000-4,000cc. And a tax rate of 110 per cent will be levied on vehicles with engine displacement of more than 4,000-5,000cc. Vehicles with engine displacement of more than 5,000cc will be taxed at 130 per cent. And vehicles with engine displacment of 6,000cc will be taxed at 150 per cent.

Meanwhile, motorhomes will be taxed at 70 per cent as of July 1 this year. The motorhome tax rate will rise to 75 per cent on January 1, 2018.

The Viet Nam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA) predicts that about 260,000 autos will be sold this year, a 10 per cent increase from last year.

His major is becoming increasingly popular as the Lancang-Mekong cooperation continues to gain momentum.

Ren still remembers that his undergraduate classmates had already been fully “reserved” by employers even before they graduated. Ren himself was offered the job of Cambodian language teacher by Yunnan Normal University,

Since the 1990s, Lancang-Mekong regional cooperation has started in diverse forms. Currently, pertaining cooperation mechanisms include the Lancang-Mekong Subregional Economic Cooperation, the ASEAN-Mekong Development Cooperation, the Mekong Commission and more. On March 23, the first LMC Leaders’ Meeting was held in Sanya, Hainan, during which leaders of the six countries had an in-depth exchange of views on the promotion of LMC mechanism, all-round cooperation in GMS countries and regional integration.

Professor Liu Xiaorong, who has been teaching at Yunnan Minzu University for 37 years, believes that as the GMS regional cooperation mechanism deepens, the demand for talents in Southeast Asian languages will grow drastically. As early as 2013, Yunnan Province had set up a language education board to strengthen the training of Southeast Asian and South Asian languages.

As of the end of 2014, Yunnan has established 11 international training bases in its colleges and universities, with a total of 55,000 students enrolled in related majors. At present, these majors includes Thai, Burmese, Lao, Hindi and more, and are training a large number of talents of Southeast Asian and South Asian languages every year with promising employment prospect.

Meanwhile, a number of scientific and technical personnel from Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and other countries will carry out training regarding the demonstration and promotion of new varieties and new technologies of upland rice in the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

This is another pragmatic measure for the agricultural science & technology cooperation among countries in the Mekong River basin.

The cross-border agricultural cooperation between countries in the Lancang-Mekong River basins is time-honored. Agricultural science & technology experts hold that Yunnan is advanced in agricultural production technologies, especially the R&D of main improved crop varieties like rice and corn, as well as high-yield & high-efficiency saving cultivation technology, rural energy technology and construction technology of water conservancy works, so the countries from both river basins are highly complementary. Since the 1990s, various cooperation mechanisms have been established. Since 2008, a number of cross-border cooperation platforms including the “Agricultural Science & Technology Exchange and Cooperation Team in the Greater Mekong Sub-region” led by the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences have been established. Centered on these platforms, a number of exchange and cooperation projects have been carried out.

Statistics show that in recent years, the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences has achieved the exchange of over 260 varieties among six countries and trained nearly ten thousand person-times of scientific & technical personnel and peasants via the platform – “Agricultural Science & Technology Exchange and Cooperation Team in the Greater Mekong Sub-region”. Such high-quality rice varieties as “Yunguang 14” and “Yunguang 17” of Yunnan have realized the extension area of over 1 million hectares in Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Pakistan and other countries. The advancement and adaptability of the agricultural science & technology of Yunnan has a huge influence on the countries in the Mekong basin.

Analysts said that the establishment of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism has infused a new impetus for the agricultural cooperation in the sub-region. Xiao Yi, Director of the Foreign Exchange & Cooperation Division, the Department of Agriculture of Yunnan Province, said that Yunnan is trying to propel the mutual benefits, win-win results and sustainable cooperation & development of regional agriculture, rural economy and society in all the countries and regions through “agricultural priority” to benefit the masses in partner countries.

“We are proud to present to the Filipino motoring public SsangYong’s three core global products in the Rodius, the Korando and the Tivoli,” says Dave Macasadia, SBMP Managing Director. “All these models are designed to address Filipino families’ needs for stylish, durable, economic and dynamic modes of transportation,” adds Macasadia.

SsangYong Philippines’ initial offerings will cater to families and individuals who are looking for trendy designs amidst the commonality prevalent in industry products today while at the same time hoping to achieve this without breaking the bank.

“SsangYong Philippines has studied the growing Philippine automotive market and has seen an opportunity in the Sport Utility Vehicle genre,” shares Macasadia.

The 2016 SsangYong Rodius is a dynamic and elegant Multi-Purpose Vehicle with true Sport Utility Vehicle functionality that allows one to go anywhere and carry everything in comfort and style.

It redefines the established norm by delivering all the necessary features and amenities of a luxurious MPV while at the same time displaying the ruggedness and functionality of a full-sized SUV. The 2016 SsangYong Rodius is perfect for families that require the ultimate in space, versatility and comfort.

Powered by a precision-engineered 2.0-liter turbocharged Direct Injection diesel, the 2016 SsangYong Rodius is designed to provide a relaxed journey for the whole family. And with its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension and rear-wheel drive layout, superior handling performance and a comfortably superb riding feel typical of high-end saloon cars are realized.

The 2016 SsangYong Korando is a compact crossover teeming with style, elegance and functionality dressed in a complete package that epitomizes true SUV performance. It symbolizes the forward-thinking direction that SsangYong has set out to traverse. Donning Italian-designed contemporary styling, class-leading creature comforts and unparalleled engine and drivetrain performance, the 2016 Korando comes in four variants to cater to the varied tastes and amenities of the discerning Philippine market.

Three engine options are available for the SsangYong Korando: a 2-liter gasoline and 2-liter CRDi diesel both with 149ps; and a 2-liter CRDi with 175ps. All these are wrapped under a rigid monocoque structure that offers car-like handling, ride and comfort. The 2016 SsangYong Korando variants achieve distinct levels of drivability, functionality and fuel efficiency.

Finally, the SsangYong Tivoli is a smart, modern everyday urban vehicle designed to dynamically deliver and standout with youthful confidence. Its bold, stylish and decidedly different design is the main quality that makes it a standout on the road.

Handsomely equipped with the latest features essential to fast-paced modern day living, the all-new SsangYong Tivoli is packed to the brim and ready to answer to the needs of those who value functional, dynamic and modern design.

Motivated by a 1.6-liter Dual-CVVT gasoline that is mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox, the all-new SsangYong Tivoli makes for a fun yet comfortable drive around town.

Supporting the day-to-day operations of the newly formed business is parent company Berjaya Auto Philippines. This is the same company that distributes and promotes the Mazda brand in the country.

Macasadia adds, “Our aim is to provide the best service as we uplift the SsangYong brand in the consciousness of the Filipino motorist.” Thus, SsangYong Philippines is welcoming owners of earlier released SsangYong models to visit the upcoming showrooms for servicing and parts requirements. According to Macasadia, this is how SsangYong aims to establish a strong connection with its former and future customers. SsangYong Philippines will further expand its network to address the wants and needs of the growing market.

Accordingly, Vietnamobile will have a total adjusted capital of US$1.28 billion with an implementation period of 50 years.

The new company will have three shareholders. Ha Noi Telecom JSC will hold 50 per cent of charter capital, Hutchison Telecommunications (Vietnam) S.À.R.L will hold 49 per cent and Hà Nội Telecom General Director Trinh Minh Chau wil hold the remaining one per cent.

Foreign investors will hold no more than 49 per cent of Vietnamobile’s charter capital.

The company inherits all rights and legitimate interests, and will be responsible for all debts, including tax debts, labor contracts and foreign debt related to the BCC.

Vietnamobile JSC, established in 2009, is the fourth largest network provider in Việt Nam.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Information and Communication, Vietnamobile has 11 million subscribers nationwide in 2015.

Less than two weeks ago, a 46- year-old woman with a four-year- old son asked for help to support them financially as she battles ovarian cancer. Since then, she has raised nearly US$40,000 (S$54,000).

A campaign to raise money for the families of two SMRT trainees who died after being struck by a train last month has amassed S$46,975.

The act of appealing to the kindness of strangers online has been catching on in Singapore, as more turn to sites such as Giveasia and Indiegogo – two of the more popular sites – to raise money for anything from medical treatment, education and even to fix a home razed by fire.

Giveasia, set up by National University of Singapore students in January 2010, has helped 50,000 people here and in Asia raise more than S$9.25 million since going online.

Indiegogo has facilitated US$240 million in donations for social campaigns globally. Its social fund-raising arm, Generosity, which was set up last October, now hosts nearly 100 campaigns from Singapore.

Charities too have hopped on such platforms, which offer an easy way to extend their presence online.

“In 2010, we had 25 local charities. Now we have over 250,” said Give- asia co-founder Aseem Thakur, 29.

TTSH Community Fund, the charity arm of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, uses it as an extra platform to reach out to donors for funds to help needy patients with their bills.

TTSH Community Fund executive Deborah Wong said it decided to get on board the Giveasia platform as it offers donors an easy way to give – by using their credit cards – and also draws more eyeballs to its cause.

Last December, the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre launched Giving.sg, a one-stop crowdsourcing platform for local charities to appeal for funds. It currently hosts more than 380 causes.

Those who go to these crowdsourcing platforms to raise money instead of going to a charity say crowdfunding brings in more funds.

There is also less red tape. Anyone above the age of 13 – with supervision requirements in Indiegogo’s case – can create a campaign. But the websites can shut down campaigns that violate guidelines, such as those involving illegal activities.

Giveasia charges a 2 per cent bank fee to process credit or debit card transactions. Generosity charges 3 per cent and 30 US cents on each donation to manage the fund transfer.

For 38-year-old corporate lawyer Isabelle Claisse, who launched a Generosity campaign to help her maid’s 11-year-old son, who had bone cancer and needed surgery, this meant an easier time collecting funds. “I didn’t have to get people to send cheques or cash,” said the Briton.

Instead, the platform transferred the money to her personal bank account. “I then transfer that money to the hospital,” said Claisse, who has been posting updates on how the money has been used.

Such accountability is critical for a successful campaign, and also helps the public feel more connected to the campaign.

Charity rules here require fund- raisers to keep a record of what has been received and how it is disbursed. And the Office of the Commissioner of Charities advises donors to be cautious and give to individuals or organisations they know.

A spokesman for Generosity told The Sunday Times what makes a successful campaign. “It’s important to start with a personal story, tell the world who you are so they can feel connected. Explain why you care about what you’re doing. Focus on the resources you need, and what your impact will be.

“Transparency will build trust with your contributors.”

US$1 = S$1.35