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FREED GROUP announces addition of Connexus Travel, Hong Kong’s first registered travel agent, to the FREED GROUP family

HONG KONG, Jan 31, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - FREED GROUP ("FREED"), an award-winning digital and smart merchandising solutions company, has announced that its Co-founder & CEO, Mr. Abel Zhao, has acquired Connexus Travel Limited ("Connexus Travel", formerly Swire Travel), a leading regional travel management company headquartered in Hong Kong. After the acquisition, Connexus will now become part of the FREED GROUP family. As a technology pioneer in the digital commerce sector, FREED believes that Connexus Travel has an excellent competitive edge in the industry given its considerable standing and dedicated team. Leveraging FREED's DNA in the travel industry, the acquisition is set to create technological & strategic synergies that will further enhance Connexus' overall capabilities and drive long-term business growth. (From Left to Right) Mr. Kenneth Lee, Co-founder & CPO of FREED GROUP, Mr. Eric Lau, General Manager of Connexus Travel, & Mr. Abel Zhao, Co-founder & CEO of FREED GROUPMr. Abel Zhao, Co-founder & CEO of FREED GROUPSince its inception in 2015, FREED has been connecting platforms, brands, and service providers to their customers with enhanced digital capabilities through its proprietary SAAS solutions, as well as services like end-to-end artificial intelligence digital transformation, smart merchandising & smart marketing. FREED has over 250 dedicated professionals, from 22 different regions around the world including Greater China, South Korea, Canada, Sweden, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and the United States of America, who combine their extensive experience and expertise in technology, tourism, commerce, hospitality, and other industries to operate in 10+ markets worldwide, serving 200+ high-profile clients and partners such as Samsung, China Mobile, China Life Insurance, City of Seoul (Smart City), The Private Office Of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, Google, FIFA World Cup, Match Hospitality, BMW and Hyundai Card.Meanwhile, Connexus Travel Limited, established in 1948, was the first travel agent registered in Hong Kong and now operates in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, specializing in corporate, leisure and MICE travel, offering a full range of travel services and digital booking applications to support seamless journeys. Mr. Abel Zhao, Co-founder & CEO of FREED GROUP, said, "We are very pleased with having Connexus Travel in our FREED family, as Connexus Travel is a name trusted by corporate, leisure and MICE travellers. We see tremendous growth potential for Connexus because of its long history of excellent services and the synergies that will be generated between Connexus and FREED. The positive outcomes we envisage include business opportunities spanning travel services, e-commerce, marketing services and brand loyalty programs, all of which will be underpinned by a comprehensive range of digitalized services and solutions. Ultimately, we anticipate Connexus Travel to follow in the footsteps of FREED GROUP and transform into a global brand."Mr. Eric Lau, General Manager of Connexus Travel, said, "Connexus has been committed to providing quality services to customers for the past 70 years. This acquisition will accelerate the digital transformation of our products through new signature customer-facing travel applications, which will include the provision of new user experiences and efficiencies for our corporate travellers. At the same time, we will leverage our position as a market leader and the development plans with FREED to expand our services not only in Hong Kong and China, but also to the markets where FREED currently operates. We look forward to embarking on a new chapter of development with the support of FREED GROUP." FREED GROUP's technology and services have been recognized globally in recent years, including the 2022 Technology Pioneer by World Economic Forum, the 2021 Deloitte Technology Rising Star, Grand winner of the 2021 United Nations UNWTO Global Start-up Competition and the 2018 APAC ICT Grand Award, among many others. In June 2022, FreeD Group raised USD$15 million in a new funding round led by Daiwa ACA APAC Growth Fund and ACA Partners Pte. Ltd..About FREED GROUP FREED GROUP is a technology innovator specializing in building proprietary Enterprise Application solutions. It pioneers the future of digital commerce by bringing the capability of multi-merchant, multi-platform networks onto one single backend system and database. With its end-to-end digital transformation and commerce empowerment solutions, FREED GROUP helps clients and partners from Fortune 500 corporations and brands to SMEs across regions to create new revenue streams, increase customer engagement and enhance servicing level. Headquartered in Hong Kong, FREED GROUP operates in more than 10 offices globally with over 250 staff. FREED GROUP supports clients and partners worldwide, including major names such as Samsung, China Mobile, China Life Insurance, BMW and LG. It is the winner of the 2022 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneers, 2021 Deloitte Technology Rising Star Award and 2021 United Nations UNWTO Global Start-up Competition, among many others.About Connexus Travel LimitedEstablished in 1948, Connexus Travel Limited, formerly known as Swire Travel, was the first travel agent registered in Hong Kong. Connexus Travel has offices in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, with a local licence in Beijing since 2009, serving corporate customers who demand excellence and high levels of travel services. The company provides a full range of travel services for domestic and foreign tourists, including flight and other travel ticket bookings, hotel reservations, travel tours and packages, and visa applications. After 70 years of excellent service, Connexus Travel has evolved into a leading regional travel management company, with a focus on customer service and technology for corporate, leisure and MICE travel. Connexus Travel has also met the international security standards in relation to managing personal data process and storage. Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Connexus Travel Appoints Eric Lau as General Manager

HONG KONG, Jan 18, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Connexus Travel Limited ("Connexus Travel" or "Connexus") is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Lau as its new General Manager, effective immediately, to drive digital transformation and the growth of its corporate travel business in the region, as well as global expansion. In his role as General Manager, Eric will lead Connexus team to take advantage of the growing corporate travel opportunities in the post-COVID era to drive the business forward and further strengthen the company's strategic development to achieve long-term, sustainable success. Eric has more than 18 years of experience in the travel and aviation industry, focusing on people management and strategic partnership. He joins Connexus from Travelport, where he held various senior positions for over a decade and served as General Manager, Agency Commerce for its Greater China operation since 2018. During his time at Travelport, he oversaw. and managed strategic commercial partnership with travel agencies including OTA, TMC and Leisure Travel agencies as well as off-shore partners including airlines in North Asia region. Prior to this, Eric also worked for Cathay Holidays and Cathay Pacific Airways. Eric holds a Master of Science degree in International Shipping and Transport Logistics from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of London. Founded more than 70 years ago as the first travel agent registered in Hong Kong, Connexus Travel, (formerly Swire Travel) now also operates in Beijing and Shanghai, specialising in corporate, leisure and MICE travel, offering a full range of travel services and digital booking applications for corporate travellers. About Connexus Travel Limited Established in 1948, Connexus Travel Limited, formerly known as Swire Travel, was the first travel agent registered in Hong Kong. Connexus Travel has offices in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, with a local licence in Beijing since 2009, serving corporate customers who demand excellence and high levels of travel services. The company provides a full range of travel services for domestic and foreign tourists, including flight and other travel ticket bookings, hotel reservations, travel tours and packages, and visa applications. After 70 years of excellent service, Connexus Travel has evolved into a leading regional travel management company, with a focus on customer service and technology for corporate, leisure and MICE travel. Connexus Travel has also met the highest international security standards in relation to securing personal data processing and storage.

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Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA)’s NusaTrip Opens Regional Office in Singapore to Service Booming Rebound in Southeast Asia Travel Market

SINGAPORE, Jan 4, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - NusaTrip, Indonesia's first IATA-certified online travel agency (OTA) and the travel vertical of Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA), today announces the opening of its first regional office in Singapore and first office outside of Indonesia. The office opening positions NusaTrip as the travel platform of choice for travelers desiring access to the booming recovery of Southeast Asia's (SEA) tourism industry and reflects NusaTrip's commitment to developing a wider range of marketing and commercial partnerships with airlines, hotels, and tourism boards. Customers in Singapore can now directly book flights and hotel rooms and pay in local currency on NusaTrip.com's dedicated website for Singapore travelers."Singapore's strategic location at the center of Southeast Asia (SEA) make it a preferred destination for travelers from around the globe. Ranked the third busiest airport in the world by Skytrax, Singapore's Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) plays an important and strategic role in SEA's travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. The presence of NusaTrip in Singapore is only the beginning of many significant advancements to come. It is an important step toward increasing our accessibility and credibility among our key stakeholders in SEA", said NusaTrip's CEO, Johanes (Joe) Chang.Leveraging SEA's soaring momentum of the travel and tourism industry recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic, NusaTrip is expanding its offering beyond air travel. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council's "Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2022" report, the Travel & Tourism GDP in Asia-Pacific is forecasted to grow at an average annual rate of 8.5% or twice the 4% growth rate for the regional economy. Against this backdrop, NusaTrip expects to significantly add to its supply of hotels beyond the current 200,000 registered hotels on its platform. NusaTrip connects worldwide flight content through streamlined integration with low-cost and full-service airlines from multiple points of sale and enables global distribution at ease via its proprietary technology, the NusaXchange platform.About NusaTripFounded in 2013, NusaTrip is an IATA-licensed, Indonesia-based online travel agency serving both local and global customers and partners by optimising cutting-edge technology and providing 24/7 customer-centric support team-as-a-service. NusaTrip is a member of Society Pass (Nasdaq: SoPa) ecosystem. For more information, please review: https://www.nusatrip.com.About Society Pass Inc.Founded in 2018 as a next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021. SOPA shares were added to the Russell 2000 index in December 2021.SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa's data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 205,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital advertising network; NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam's leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines; Handycart.vn, a premier online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam; and Mangan.ph, a leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines.For more information on Society Pass, please review the following online information which is not part of this press release:Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com orLinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass orFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass orTwitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may include "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company's filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company's initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.Media Contacts:Rosa Milyarna - NusaTrip IndonesiaRosa@nusatrip.comNusaTrip/Society Pass ID PR RepresentativesElisabeth (elisabeth.winiartati@gmail.com | +62813375150220)Angga (anggahadi@gmail.com | +6281213858388) Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA)/ NusaTrip Collaborates with Periksa.id to Promote Indonesia’s Wellness, Health, and Medical Tourism Recovery Strategy

SINGAPORE, Nov 22, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Nusatrip, the Indonesia-based Online travel agent (OTA) and travel platform of Society Pass Incorporated ("SoPa") (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia's (SEA) leading data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces an official partnership with Periksa.id, a Jakarta-based leading health-tech solutions company, to enable and introduce flight search engine services in over 200 hospitals and clinics across 13 provinces in Indonesia. Periksa's network covers over 200,000 doctors, medical workers, and over 1.5 million daily patients. The partnership strengthens NusaTrip's commitment to developing more vibrant travel services for all consumers, business partners, and stakeholders in Indonesia and throughout SEA.Wellness, Health, and Medical Tourism have been one of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy's strategies for industry revival since the pandemic of COVID-19 hits. According to Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd., the global Medical Tourism market is expected to be valued at US$ 5.2 Billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 30.5% between 2022 and 2032, totaling around US$ 75 Billion by 2032."We believe that our technology and services can serve a broader range of travel demands and purposes than just leisure. Our collaborations pave the way and build a roadmap in contributing to Indonesia's wellness, health, and medical tourism industry," says Johanes (Joe) Chang, NusaTrip's CEO. Joe further highlights NusaTrip's mission to become a world-class OTA and the most reliable partner that offers a wide range of travel and tourism-related products, services, and experiences to our customers and business partners globally. As the travel industry recovers, NusaTrip continues working within the larger digital ecosystem of Society Pass[1] to offer richer travel products and services for our consumers and partners across Indonesia and Southeast Asia.NusaTrip aims to improve the efficiency of the emergency travel or medical evacuation for patients in need and to support the home care or onsite health care services offered by many doctors, hospitals, and clinics. As NusaTrip's partner of choice, the Indonesian health technology company, Periksa.id has been providing an extensive solution to digitize and improve the quality of healthcare facility services in Indonesia.The Founder and CEO of Periksa.id, Sutan Imam Abu Hanifah explains, "Our new collaborative feature will help doctors and medical staff to easily check the airline's schedule and seat availability for various arrangements, from purchasing tickets for patients in care who are in need of emergency travel or medical evacuation, assisting doctors on business trips such as regular meetings and attending conferences, to helping medical staffs in finding good deals for their short break or recharge." He adds that through the collaboration, Periksa.id users can now use and exchange their loyalty points for travel-related products and services on NusaTrip, and the company has received positive feedback since its launch.The collaboration of NusaTrip and Periksa.id is one of many partnerships to come in gearing up towards the recovery of the travel industry in Indonesia and SEA by 2023/ 2024, following the OTA's acquisition in July 2022 by Society Pass, a global digital commerce ecosystem and loyalty platform company operating in 5 major markets in SEA. With strong support and the new digital ecosystem from Society Pass, NusaTrip enhances its capability to embark on regional expansion and unlimited avenues to grow more channels and revenue streams.[1] NusaTrip is the travel vertical and part of Society Pass Inc. next-gen digital ecosystem and loyalty platform. About Periksa.idPeriksa.id is an Indonesian health technology company that provides an end-to-end cloud-based web and mobile application-as-a-solution that digitize workflow, resources, services, payment, and medical record database management in small-to-large local general-to-specialist, private to state-owned hospitals and clinics in the 1st to 3rd tier cities across the country since its establishment in 20017. For more information, please check out: https://www.periksa.id.About NusaTripFounded in 2013, NusaTrip is an IATA-licensed online travel agency that serves both local and global customers and partners by optimizing cutting-edge technology and providing quality customer-centric support team-as-a-service. NusaXchange platform is the travel technology built to consolidate worldwide flight content through streamlined integration with low-cost and full-service airlines from multiple points of sale and enables its global distribution at ease. NusaTrip is a member of Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) ecosystem, with headquarters in Jakarta and representative offices in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. For more information, please check out: https://www.nusatrip.com.About Society Pass IncFounded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021. SOPA shares were added to the Russell 2000 index in December 2021.SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa's data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 205,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network; NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam's leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in the Philippines; Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam; and Mangan.ph, a leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines.For more information on Society Pass, please check out:Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com orLinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass orFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass orTwitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass orInstagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may include "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company's filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company's initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.Media Contacts:Rosa Milyarna - NusaTriprosa@NusaTrip.comPRecious Communicationssopa@preciouscomms.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Spartan Capital: Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA) – SoPa’s Nusatrip Cleared for Take-off

NEW YORK, Aug 27, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Spartan Capital Securities LLC ("Spartan Capital") issues Equity Research Report on Society Pass Inc. (Nasdaq: SOPA) ("SoPa").Click Here (on Society Pass website) to view the full Spartan Capital Equity Research Report. https://tinyurl.com/SpartanCapital-SOPA-25AugustSummary Points:- Society Pass recently closed on its acquisition of the Indonesian online travel site Nusatrip just as the Indonesian travel market is taking off with international travel up 525% year-to-date.- The deal was signed at an event on July 1st and just closed on August 15th with SoPa paying $620,000. Spartan Capital attended the closing event, visited Nusatrip's Jakarta offices, met with its founder and CEO, and met the president of the seller, PT Moratelindo in Jakarta. Moratelindo is a telecom juggernaut in Indonesia with strong government connections, but Nusatrip was not a core business. The two companies remain close, for example with Nusatrip utilizing Moratelindo data centres, so SoPa has gained a strong, valuable partner in the region.- Nusatrip is the third largest online travel agency in Indonesia, after Traveloka, which is independent, and Tiket.com, which is owned by the Indonesian conglomerate Djarum Group. According to recent press accounts, both have considered capital markets transactions in the last year which would value each in the billions of dollars. So Nusatrip could well be worth more than SoPa paid.- Indonesia is a democracy with the fourth largest population in the world. GDP growth is projected at around 5% this year and next and its rapidly growing young population is served by numerous ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs). In Spartan Capital experience, young emerging market adults tend to avail themselves of international travel as soon as they have some disposable income. The domestic market is huge as Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of 18,000 islands, so much travel is by air, not by car.- Nusatrip was EBITDA positive and growing rapidly before the pandemic with positive EBITDA from 2014, its second year in business, to 2018.- The Indonesian travel market is again booming with traffic up 92% over 2021 through the first six months of this year. Spartan Capital expects this rebound to continue as it began later than the US and European markets and traffic is only about half that of 2019, before the pandemic.- So, in Spartan Capital's view, SoPa has impeccable timing, buying a business that was loaded with debt incurred to cover operating costs during the pandemic but poised for rapid growth, and likely to return to profitability again soon.- Spartan Capital identifies six relatively straightforward synergies between Nusatrip and the other SoPa business units which should drive revenue across the ecosystem, furthering the founder's dream of creating the next billion-dollar Southeast Asia super-app.1. Expand Nusatrip to the other four countries where SoPa operates.2. Cross sell Gorilla travel eSIMs so Nusatrip international travel customers can use their phones abroad.3. Leverage Thoughtful Media social media/influencer marketing to market the service.4. Leflair, SoPa's luxury goods flash sale app, is launching in Indonesia later this year.5. Allow Nusatrip customers to earn points through the Society Pass loyalty program to purchase goods on any of the seven other SoPa businesses.6. Allow customers of the other seven SoPa businesses to use their loyalty points for travel booked through Nusatrip.About Society Pass IncAs a digitally-focused loyalty and data marketing ecosystem in Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, SoPa is an acquisition-focused e-commerce holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, lifestyle, F&B, telecoms, digital media, and travel), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.SoPa's business model focuses on analysing user data through its Society Pass loyalty platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points. The Society Pass loyalty platform drives customer acquisition and increases customer retention for merchants. Since its inception, SoPa has amassed over 3.3 million registered consumers and over 205,000 registered merchants/brands onto its platform. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture with cutting-edge components to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Leflair.com, Vietnam's leading lifestyle e-commerce platform, Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines, Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam, Mangan, the leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines, Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator, Thoughtful Media Group, a Bangkok-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network, and NusaTrip ("NusaTrip"), a leading Jakarta-based Online Travel Agency ("OTA") in Indonesia and across SEA. For more information, please check out: http://thesocietypass.com/.Media Contacts:PRecious Communicationssopa@preciouscomms.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Society Pass (Nasdaq: SoPa) Marks First Foray into Indonesia by Acquiring Jakarta-based NusaTrip, Indonesia’s First International Air Transport Association-Accredited Online Travel Agency

JAKARTA, Aug 15, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia's ("SEA") next generation digital ecosystem, announces the acquisition of NusaTrip ("NusaTrip"), a leading Jakarta-based Online Travel Agency ("OTA") in Indonesia and across SEA. The NusaTrip acquisition extends SoPa's business reach into the booming SEA regional travel industry and marks SoPa's first foray into Indonesia as well as adds to SoPa's growing ecosystem of technology-enabled companies located in Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.Established in 2013 as the first Indonesian OTA accredited by the International Air Transport Association, NusaTrip pioneered offering a comprehensive range of airlines and hotels to Indonesian corporate and retail customers. With its first mover advantage, NusaTrip has onboarded +1.2 million registered users, +500 airlines and +200,000 hotels around the world as well as connected with over 80 million unique visitors. Dennis Nguyen, Society Pass Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, explains, "We happily welcome NusaTrip into our ever-expanding SoPa ecosystem. NusaTrip seamlessly blends into our user and merchant growth strategy as we enter yet another leading SEA market. We combine the robust technology and operational breadth of NusaTrip's e-commerce travel platform with our extensive brand building experience in SEA. With this acquisition, SoPa now cross-pollinates and integrates our six verticals (loyalty, lifestyle, food & beverage, telecoms, digital media and travel) into one cohesive loyalty and e-commerce platform to provide enhanced products and services for our consumers and merchants throughout the largest countries of SEA. SoPa has grown from strength to strength in 2022 as we opportunistically acquire market leading companies and partner with visionary entrepreneurs, underlining our unique aggregator approach that reflects immediate returns in terms of increased revenue generation and cost optimisation."Patrick Soetanto, Society Pass Indonesia Country Manager, adds, "We will expand NusaTrip's services to support future growth pathways in more SEA countries in the very near future by integrating more travel product lines in its mix and developing more competitive products for a much larger international and regional audience." Well-positioned to benefit from a high-growth travel industry, Indonesia's and SEA's inbound and outbound travel revenues are expected to continue soaring as increasingly more consumers engage in post-pandemic travel. This marked increase in demand is driven by strong government initiatives to boost tourism, the rise of Indonesia's burgeoning middle class and strong internet penetration, which enables more Indonesians to easily book flights and hotels through OTAs."NusaTrip is proud to officially partner with SoPa. By joining forces with SoPa's extensive ecosystem and large user and merchant bases in SEA, we are thrilled about the combined marketing capabilities. With the revival of the travel market throughout SEA in 2Q/3Q 2022, NusaTrip aims to dramatically increase its customer base by offering the region's business and leisure travellers more competitive, no-surcharge hotel and flight fares, convenient payment methods, and speedy itinerary bookings with our user-friendly platform," comments Menak Galumbang, Co Founder, Nusatrip. About Society PassAs a digitally-focused loyalty and data marketing ecosystem in Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, SoPa is an acquisition-focused e-commerce holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, lifestyle, F&B, telecoms, digital media, and travel), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.SoPa's business model focuses on analysing user data through its Society Pass loyalty platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points. The Society Pass loyalty platform drives customer acquisition and increases customer retention for merchants. Since its inception, SoPa has amassed over 3.3 million registered consumers and over 205,000 registered merchants/brands onto its platform. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture with cutting-edge components to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Leflair.com, Vietnam's leading lifestyle e-commerce platform, Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines, Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam, Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator, Thoughtful Media Group, a Bangkok-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network, and Mangan, the leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines. For more information, please check out: http://thesocietypass.com/.Media Contacts:PRecious Communicationssopa@preciouscomms.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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2022 Travel Itinerary Competition: Official Call for Design Submissions to Discover Charm of Sanya Economic Circle

China, Sanya , June 28, 2022 – (SEAPRWire) – Channels for submitting designs for the “2022 Travel Itinerary Competition” were officially opened on June 21, 2022. The event, which was first released online on May 30, 2022, as a prelude to the official launch, was organized by the Sanya Tourism Promotion Board together with tourism bureaus from other cities and counties of the Sanya Economic Circle. Over 100 entries were received within just 4 hours after the official launch of the design submission page. Participants can follow the official WeChat account of the Sanya Tourism Promotion Board and input “Inspiring Trip Planner” or “Travel Itinerary Competition” to access the design submission page. There are five categories for the competition: four of these are categories for Chinese travelers, namely professional/corporate, university teachers and students, travel KOLs, Chinese domestic travelers, and one is a special category for Foreign Travelers. Participants in the Foreign Travelers category should be foreign passport holders. Participants are encouraged to submit designs based on their personal travel experiences in the Sanya Economic Circle. There are no restrictions on the format of designs, which can be in the form of images and text, cartoons, short videos, songs, or poems. Submissions can be in Chinese or English, and can cover themes such as outdoor sports, intangible cultural heritage, shopping and entertainment, couple trips, camping, rural trips, family-friendly educational excursions, gourmet tours, and self-driving trips. Travel routes should include at least one of the following regions: Sanya, Lingshui, Baoting, Ledong, and Wuzhishan. The competition offers participants the chance to win various prizes such as cash awards of up to CNY 12,000, special certificates of participation, honorary titles, and a chance to take part in the film project “Explore Sanya 360°” for international social media organized by the Sanya Tourism Promotion Board. The design submission channels for the competition will be open from June 21, 2022, to July 10, 2022. All designs that are submitted and received before the submission deadline will be evaluated in three stages: Preliminary Review (July 11—July 17, 2022), Online Voting (July 18—August 10, 2022), and Expert Review (August 11—August 15, 2022). During the period in which itineraries are on display (August 18—September 9, 2022), prize-winning designs will be announced publicly and displayed online, and awards will be given. The event seeks to gather high-quality travel routes and recommendations, attract more attention of global travel enthusiasts to the Sanya Economic Circle and its neighboring areas, and promote the tourism and cultural resources of the area. “Unleash your creativity and showcase the charm of Sanya and its surrounding areas.” The representative from the Sanya Tourism Promotion Board added that “The ‘2022 Travel Itinerary Competition’ welcomes people from all over the world who love to travel.”

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Verisk 携手安盛再保险在中国推出健康风险评级工具

SHANGHAI, Jun 7, 2022 - (亚太商讯 via SEAPRWire.com) - 全球领先的资料分析提供商Verisk（纳斯达克代码：VRSK）荣幸宣布，医疗（再）保险服务商AXA Life & Health Reinsurance Solutions使用Verisk的健康风险评级工具，为其中国保险合作伙伴提供自动化核保能力，将患有既往症的人群纳入可保范围。Verisk的健康风险评级工具将被AXA命名为Intelligent Medical Acceptance Tool（IMPACT）推向市场，后者是AXA Life & Health Reinsurance Solutions的承保平台，旨在服务与公司合作的保险公司和经纪人。 IMPACT和Verisk健康风险评级工具会自动评估投保人已有的疾病情况，说明保险公司和经纪人即时做出承保决策，如附加保费和除外责任。总部位于上海的安盛天平（AXA Tianping）是第一家在北亚市场采用IMPACT的保险合作伙伴。AXA Life & Health Reinsurance Solutions首席执行官Laurent Pochat-Cottilloux表示：“为患有既往症的人群提供保险过去一直是一项挑战，因为需要借助繁琐的人工核保流程。通过IMPACT引入健康风险评级工具后，我们的保险合作伙伴能够为分销商和投保人提供全面的数位化客户旅程，在中国市场上做出更高效、更复杂的承保决策。”在IMPACT平台的说明下，保险客户将能够使用健康风险评级工具的动态问题集合阐明自身医疗状况的详细资讯，随后健康风险评级工具会利用先进演算法生成相对风险评分，更全面的反映客户的健康风险状况。这一评分基于超过十年医疗索赔和资料情况计算得出，并且根据治疗和技术的最新发展进行了重新校准。Verisk Life, Health and Travel全球副总裁Rachel Edwards表示：“许多（再）保险公司都认识到，目前医疗保险市场存在明显的缺口，不符合投保条件但风险可控的客户难以获得合适的产品与服务。这是我们在中国市场的一项重要里程碑。我们希望这一发展能够鼓励更多保险公司降低对于患有既往症人群获取医疗保险的门槛。”Verisk Life, Health and Travel Solutions 可以帮助保险公司自动评估非标体人群的健康风险，从而加快承保速度，扩大产品组合。这些解决方案已经融入了全球各地保险公司、经纪人和分销商的工作流程，能够即时分析投保过程中的健康告知资讯，并提供关键分析意见，帮助保险公司承保健康、旅行和宠物保险。健康风险评级工具提供多种语言版本，包括简体中文、繁体中文和越南语。欲了解更多资讯，请发送电子邮件至riskrating@verisk.com。关于AXA Life & Health Reinsurance Solutions我们可以为您打开获得安盛集团人寿与健康再保险能力的大门。我们专注全球中低收入市场，提供独特的“360°全方位再保险”，将再保险、咨询和服务融为一体。无论您是保险公司、授权承保代理/管理型总代理 (MGA/MGU)、保险科技公司还是这些公司的再保险经纪人，我们都可以为您提供合适的解决方案，说明您实现目标。AXA Life and Health Reinsurance Solutions Pte. Ltd.注册地为新加坡。我们的注册地址为新加坡马吉街138号世服宏图#10-01, 邮编048946 )。我们是注册再保险经纪人，受新加坡金融管理局监管。我们是安盛集团旗下成员，仅针对安盛集团再保险产品提供建议。如果您希望获得全市场产品建议，请指定一家独立再保险经纪人，我们可以向其提供安盛集团再保险产品的资讯。如有任何疑问，请发送电子邮件至Enquiries.ALHRS@axa.com。关于VeriskVerisk（纳斯达克代码：VRSK）为保险、能源和专业市场以及金融服务行业客户提供预测分析和决策支持解决方案。超过70%《财富》100强企业采用Verisk的先进技术管理风险、做出更优决策、提高运营效率。 Verisk的分析解决方案涉及保险承保和理赔、欺诈、合规、自然资源、灾难、经济预测、地缘政治风险，以及环境、社会和治理事宜。 Verisk已成立五十周年，公司始终致力创造更美好、更安全、更强健的世界，培养包容和多元的文化，帮助所有团队成员建立归属感。 Verisk在近35个国家拥有100多个办事处，已获得多个“卓越职场”认证。欲了解更多资讯，欢迎访问：www.Verisk.com。 Copyright 2022 亚太商讯. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Asia Pioneer Entertainment Launches their first NFT series – Asia Tigers Club to enter the Metaverse

HONG KONG, May 4, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Macau leading gaming equipment supplier Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Limited ("APE Holdings" or the "Company", with its subsidiaries referred as the "Group"; Stock Code: 8400.HK) is pleased to announce the launch of Asia Tigers Club, the Group's first NFT to enter the metaverse.Photo 1: Asia Tigers Club NFT collections are uniquely drawn by renowned Portugal artist.Photo 2: The replica of the historical Ruins of St. Paul's in Mini-Macau.Photo 3: APE Holdings CFO and Executive Director Mr. Tony Chan.Asia Tigers Club is an NFT project consisting of 8,800 uniquely created and fashioned tigers' Picture For Profile (PFPs) based on the Ethereum block chain. The pre-launch will start by the end of May and the full series will be sold via the official website www.asiatigersclub.com via direct minting only. The art-work of Asia Tigers Club was developed by established Portuguese artist Pedro Lourenco, by using traditional Chinese ink drawings coupled with modern generative art techniques. The Tiger theme is not only representative of Asia, but the character embodies the spirit, strength, adaptability and determination to bring back Asia travel to resort destinations throughout the region. Holders of Asia Tigers Club NFTs will have priority access to metaverse offerings in Mini Macau on Sandbox to be launched around June as well as the Group's future Resortverse metaverse. Collectors of Asia Tigers NFT will receive Resortverse Tokens which will be redeemable into real-life resort travel, hospitality, entertainment and dining experiences in Macau and across Asia.For details, please visit the Asia Tigers Club Official Website: https://asiatigersclub.com and Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/asia_tigers_club . Experiencing Mini Macao by clicking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2VDmlszgFwAPE Holdings CFO and Executive Director Mr. Tony Chan said, "We are really proud to be one of Macau's first major NFT projects that is building a community of digital art collectors and links them back to travel and leisure in Macau. After many months of travel restrictions, we hope Macau would be the first holiday destination in travelers' minds. Asia Tigers Club will allow collectors to first experience a digital Macau via our metaverse offerings and when the travel restrictions are relaxing, be the first to come to Macau and gain real-life benefits via our Travel Token marketplace."Mr. Chan added, "As the worldwide environment changed and has stopped many travelers from coming to Asia, our vision is to build Asian travel destinations on the Metaverse, so our first foray is to build Mini Macau in the Sandbox Game Maker as a prototype for our upcoming Resortverse project."Please download the high resolution photos from https://rb.gy/ozrkcd.About Mini Macau on The Sandbox GameMini Macau is the Group's first project into the Metaverse built on The Sandbox Game. The metaverse experience comprises of digital representations of top tourist attractions of Macau such as The Ruins of St.Paul's, Macau Tower, Senado Square and Ah Ma temple. Visitors can play the interactive games in Mini Macau to win Travel Tokens, visit the art gallery, ride a ferry and visit shops of real-life retail brands in Macau. The experience builts in play to earn games to earn ResortVerse Tokens. For details, please visit www.mini-macau.com. About ResortverseResortVerse is the Group's future travel and hospitality focused metaverse platform where metaverse travel transforms into real life travel rewards. We plan to build digital resort experiences based on real-life resort destinations by replicating the world's most notable travel destinations on the Metaverse. This new type of travel and resort metaverse portal will be launched in 2H of 2022.About Asia Pioneer Entertainment Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Ltd. (APE) is a company listed on the Hong Kong Exchange's GEM Market with ticker symbol 8400.hk. APE's subsidiary APE Macau has been in the gaming supply industry for more than 15 years and supplies gaming equipment to land operators in Macau and across Asia. In 2021, it diversified into the operations of vending machines. In 2022, the Group started a new web3 project ResortVerse of which Asia Tigers Club NFT series and Mini Macau are the first part of the Group's plan to build a travel lifestyle metaverse. For details, please visit the Asia Tigers Club Official Website: https://asiatigersclub.com and Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/asia_tigers_club . About The SandboxThe Sandbox, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, is one of the decentralized virtual worlds that has been fueling the recent growth of virtual real-estate demand, partnering with major IPs and brands including Adidas, Snoop Dogg, The Walking Dead, Deadmau5, Atari, Rollercoaster Tycoon, Care Bears, The Smurfs, and more. Building on the existing Sandbox IP that has more than 40 million global installs on mobile, The Sandbox Metaverse offers players and creators a decentralized and intuitive platform to create immersive 3D worlds and game experiences, and to safely store, trade, and monetize their creations. For details, please visit www.sandbox.game. Media ContactsAsia Pioneer Entertainment:Candy ChanPublic Relations and Marketing Managercandy@apemacau.com(853) 2830 6196Bright Communications International Limited:Ashley KungSenior Managerashley.kung@brightcommns.com(852) 36117839 Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Myanmar Government to Re-Open Land Borders, Resume International Travel in Early 2022 After Achieving Vaccination Targets Amid Clear Signs of Economic Recovery

Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Nov 16, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The Myanmar Government announced today it will reopen land border crossings with China and Thailand next month ahead of a planned resumption of international air travel by the end of the first quarter of 2022, as vaccination rates have improved significantly amid clear signs of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister of Information Mr Maung Maung Ohn said travel restrictions will be eased by January 2022 at Muse which borders Ruili city in China’s Yunnan Province and at the three Myanmar towns of Tachileik, Kawthaung and Htee Kee which border Thailand. Travel at border crossings with Laos, India and Bangladesh are currently permitted due to lower incidences of infection. Status of COVID-19 Infection Rates, Deaths & Vaccinations Between the first case of pandemic infection in the country on 23 March 2020 to 12 November 2021 (20 months) Myanmar’s Ministry of Health has recorded a total of 511,717 cases of infection and 18,899 deaths due to COVID-19. In the week (to 12 November) a daily average of 919 new confirmed cases were detected with a positivity rate of 4.2% while 20 deaths were recorded – a fatality rate of 2.3%. These compare with 3,901 new confirmed cases (positivity rate of 30.8%) and 172 deaths (fatality rate of 8.1%) in the first week of August 2021. The numbers of new confirmed cases and deaths have fallen to 76.4 percent and 88.5 percent, respectively, over the comparative periods. The Government continues to receive vaccines through donations and national procurement programmes. Most of the vaccines are from China. As at 12 November 2021, the Health Ministry had administered at least one dose of vaccine each to 14.4 million citizens above the age of 18, or 42.5% of the population. This will increase to 50% of the population by end of 2021. To date more than 21 million doses of various vaccines have been administered. By April 2022 Myanmar would have sufficient vaccines to inoculate the entire population. “Our priority is the health and well-being of each citizen. The vaccinations are being carried out without any discrimination, including of prisoners and members of ethnic armed organisations. However, some individuals who had been involved in civil disturbance activities are reluctant to register for vaccination, especially in major cities,” said Minister Mr Maung Maung Ohn. Procedures To Prepare for Resumption of Air Travel in Q1 2022 With the fall in infection and fatality rates and the acceleration of the vaccination programme, the State Administration Council is accelerating resumption of social and economic activity to restore national stability following the challenges of the pandemic and the internal social unrest. To prepare to resume international air travel, six Government ministries are coordinating efforts to standardise testing and safety procedures such as social distancing, contact tracing and quarantine as well as vaccination status certification, the Minister said. “Air travel is important to facilitate the return of Myanmar citizens, expatriates, aid and development workers, and international business travel. We must ensure that hotels, transportation, health facilities, airports and airline operators are ready to meet the standard operating procedures. We will keep various embassies informed of progress,” he said. “We are cautiously assessing infection rates abroad ahead of the European winter. Once our vaccination programme reaches targets and if global infection rates drop, we intend to resume international air travel in the first quarter of 2022,” he said. “This will benefit not just tourism but also commercial activity and bilateral social, cultural and development activities and exchanges. In recent months we have received substantial foreign interest in investments and business opportunities. These parties are eager to travel to Myanmar to conclude transactions,” he added. Re-Opening of Schools & Universities With most students above 18 already vaccinated, the Ministry of Education has started to reopen schools. In the first phase that began 1 November 2021, all schools from Grade 1 to 11 (except those in 46 townships) – involving over 473,000 students – were reopened. About a quarter million tertiary students will resume studies next month when universities and colleges reopen. Since the re-opening of schools there has not been any incident of pandemic infection or fatality. This is due to the vaccination programme and health procedures. As some teachers have not returned to work due to social disturbances and fear of their safety, nearly 7,000 new teachers and over new 3,700 tertiary educators have been appointed in recent months to make up for the shortfall. Economic Recovery and Resumption of Social Activity Despite clear evidence of economic sabotage and the effects of the pandemic, economic activity has largely restarted across most parts of the country with the onset of the dry season last month, the Minister said. The Myanmar Government has introduced emergency economic relief in the form of grants to farmers, and to the fisheries and livestock sectors. It has also extended credit to rice exporters and offered assistance to small and medium enterprises. The Minister noted that the Myanmar currency has strengthened from as low as 2,500 kyat last month to about 1,800 kyat currently. This underscores the economic recovery and success of efforts to counter rumours about the currency. The Central Bank of Myanmar recently strengthened online transactions, introduced incentives and other measures to reduce regulatory red tape, and conducted regular dialogue with local banks to maintain trust. “Myanmar is recovering from challenges of a health pandemic, an economic downturn and social and political disturbances. The vaccination programme and the economic recovery efforts are gaining momentum. However, the police and security forces must abide by the law and carry out the duties. “Business confidence is returning especially in major cities where religious activities recently have all been well attended. The resumption of air travel will be an important catalyst for tourism, the return of foreign investments and international business activities,” Minister Maung Maung Ohn added. – Ends – Issued by Ministry of Information, Union Government of Myanmar For more information, please contact mediacontact@e-information.gov.mm or myintkyawmoi@gmail.com

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PR charged with making false declaration so he could serve SHN at home

SINGAPORE - A Singapore permanent resident who arrived at Changi Airport on July 14 allegedly lied on his declaration form for opt-out travellers so that he could serve his stay-home notice (SHN) at home. Taiwanese Lu Yi Yin, 48, is said to have declared that he would be occupying his home alone or with household members with the same travel history and serving their SHN during the same period. He was then told to serve his SHN from July 14 to 28. Enforcement officers conducted a check at his home the following day and found two other household members there who did not share his travel history. Lu, who appeared in a district court on Friday (Oct 15), was charged with an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act. Court documents did not disclose from where he had flown as well as details about his home address and household members. Since Aug 11 last year, all travellers serving their SHN outside of dedicated facilities are required to wear an electronic monitoring device throughout their SHN period. Among the criteria, the traveller has to occupy his or her place of residence alone, or only with household members who share the same travel history and are serving SHN of the same duration. In a statement, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said: "With this enhanced surveillance regime, the Government is able to adopt a more risk-based approach to allow travellers from selected countries or regions who by default have to serve SHN at dedicated facilities." Lu's bail was set at $5,000 and his case has been adjourned to Jan 7 next year. For committing the offence under the Act, a first-time offender can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. A repeat offender can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $20,000. More on this topic   Related Story Man sentenced to 3 weeks' jail for lying on travel declaration; he wanted to serve SHN at his residence   Related Story South Korean man fined $7k for making false SHN declaration on arrival at Changi Airport

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Digital Tools to Revitalize Global Tourism

MADRID, SPAIN, Jul 18, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) continues to energize the restart of tourism based on sustainability and innovation. An agreement with MUST Travel & Tech places a digital tool at the service of tourism, allowing users to share their experiences to promote the reactivation of the sector with a view to sustainability. Presented during the UNWTO Mayors' Forum in Porto, Portugal, MUST is an opportunity for the advancement of smart cities, as well as destinations that incorporate technology and innovation in their development. A World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) agreement with MUST Travel & Tech places a digital tool at the services of tourism, allowing users to share their experiences to promote the reactivation of the sector with a view to sustainability.The UNWTO continues to energize the restart of tourism based on sustainability and innovation. The UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, and Pablo Lopez, CEO and founder of MUST Travel & Tech in Porto, Portugal.Already operating in 60 countries, MUST aggregates all the information of interest to travellers in one place. By also integrating key information and analysis from UNWTO, it aims to become a leading tourism application and generate opportunities for destinations.Technology at the service of developmentVisibility provided through technological tools is an opportunity for those who, along the entire value chain of the sector, require support to restart their activity, from new destinations around rural communities to destinations with a high degree of infrastructure development."We welcome innovative ideas and technologies that allow the creation of global and regional innovation ecosystems aimed at accelerating the recovery of tourism for development," said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili upon signing the agreement.For his part, the CEO of MUST, Pablo Lopez, highlighted that "technology enhances the productivity and resilience of companies. The implementation of digital solutions in line with new trends in the tourism sector allows us to develop a differentiated, personalized and safe tourism product that is more focused on behaviour patterns and the management of spaces that will undoubtedly contribute to the recovery of a key activity for the economy in general".A distinctive element will be the contribution of tourism intelligence from the UNWTO to the users of the tool. In this way, relevant and verified social content is combined with data for making informed and evidence-based decisions. MUST provides the perfect ecosystem to stimulate both the supply and the demand of meaningful experiences through digitalisation, sustainability and social recommendations. As Katherine Hays (one of MobileMarketer's Mobile Women to Watch) expressed, "It is becoming increasingly clear that a major social + digital disrupter in the Travel & Experiences industry is imminent, especially once the effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the industry start fading away. Why can't that be Must?"Related links: https://discovermust.page.link/IGhttps://www.unwto.org/news/digital-tools-to-revitalize-tourismContact details:Pablo Lopez, Co- Founder & CEOOrganization of the PR: Must Travel & Tech SLWebsite URL: www.discovermust.comEmail: pablo@discovermust.com / info@discovermust.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Airlines, hotels and travel agents in S’pore hunker down for long haul

SINGAPORE - The travel sector remains in survival mode with business at rock bottom, staff morale in the basement and leisure jaunts showing no signs of recovery any time soon. As grim as it is, companies are still cautiously optimistic that the good times will roll again once the pandemic blows over. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.

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S’pore-Hong Kong air travel bubble to start on May 26: Ong Ye Kung

SINGAPORE - The much-anticipated air travel bubble to allow quarantine-free travel between Singapore and Hong Kong is set to take off on May 26 - six months after its initial planned launch. Originally planned to start in November last year, it was deferred by both parties due to the worsening Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong. Singapore's Ministry of Transport (MOT) said on Monday (April 26) that the travel bubble will have a cautious start. There will be one flight a day in each direction, capped at 200 passengers on each flight for the first two weeks. The numbers will be reviewed thereafter. Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble to start on May 26, with tighter set of rules | ST LIVE Rules for travel will also be tightened. Travellers must have remained in either Singapore or Hong Kong in the last 14 days prior to departure, and the 14 days period must exclude any time spent in quarantine or stay-home notice (SHN) arising from their last return to Singapore or Hong Kong from overseas. In addition, they must now download and install Hong Kong’s LeaveHomeSafe app on their mobile devices prior to leaving Singapore for Hong Kong. If the air travel bubble has to be suspended when the seven-day moving average of the unlinked community cases in either Singapore or Hong Kong increases to above five, it can resume only when the Covid-19 situation has stabilised. As earlier announced, travellers will have to undergo Covid-19 pre-departure and on- arrival polymerase chain reaction tests in lieu of quarantine or SHN; and travel on designated flights. Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said: "I am happy that Hong Kong got the Covid-19 situation under control. It has been a long few months, but the conditions are now ripe again to relaunch the ATB (air travel bubble). Both sides will need to stay very vigilant in the next one month, so that we can launch the first flights smoothly." Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said in the media release: "With gradual stabilisation of the fourth wave of epidemic in Hong Kong, we have been engaging in active discussion with Singapore on the relaunch of ATB. "The two governments have reached consensus on the latest arrangements and will put in place more stringent public health protocols in response to the latest epidemic development. "Our goal remains striking a right balance between public health and travel convenience so that the public will feel assured while providing certainty." Singapore and Hong Kong will closely monitor the Covid-19 situation from now to the targeted launch date of May 26, and will proceed with the launch if the situation continues to be steady and under control in both cities, the statement added. Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung speaking on April 26, 2021.  More on this topic   Related Story Australia eyeing S'pore for next travel bubble after quarantine-free travel with NZ takes off   Related Story Taiwan says Singapore next in line for potential Covid-19 travel bubble The travel bubble, which was initially scheduled to begin on Nov 22, was postponed on Nov 21 after a spike in Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong. Singapore and Hong Kong said then that they would update on the new launch date within two weeks. On Dec 1, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said that both cities had decided to defer the start of the travel arrangement to beyond 2020, given the high number of unlinked cases in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam had said on April 13 that she expects "an early indication of agreement between the two sides" on the travel bubble. The next update came on April 14 when Mr Ong announced that details of the arrangement were being finalised. Some experts have pointed out that such travel bubble arrangements are fragile and can easily burst given the uncertain Covid-19 situation. Australia and New Zealand had this month started a long-awaited quarantine-free travel bubble on April 18. But the arrangement was paused just five days later on April 23, after a Covid-19 outbreak in Australia. Singapore Airlines' air travel bubble flight schedule to and from Hong Kong. SOURCE: SINGAPORE AIRLINES More on this topic   Related Story Johor proposes travel bubble procedures for regular commuters to S'pore in push to reopen border

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MRT delay on North-South Line during peak hours due to platform door fault

SINGAPORE - Trains heading towards Marina South Pier on the North-South MRT Line were delayed by a screen door fault during peak hours on Friday morning (March 19). At 8.28am, operator SMRT told commuters on Twitter to add 10 minutes of travel time from Ang Mo Kio to Braddell due to a platform screen door fault. Mr Arjun Nair was on his way to work from Khatib MRT station to Tanjong Pagar MRT station when an automated announcement informed him around 8.20am that his train would be delayed because of the fault at Bishan. "The train slowed down at Yio Chu Kang station, where it started to jerk as it moved," said the 26-year-old health and safety officer. He alighted at Ang Mo Kio MRT station and waited for close to 20 minutes. He watched two "packed" trains go by before boarding one. "A lot of people were looking at the time," he added. "Some tried to jump the queue and board the train." Other commuters said on Twitter that the delays were longer than 10 minutes, with several lamenting that they were late for work. Twitter user yzfanggg said at 8.44am: "It took me 30 minutes travel time from AMK to Bishan and I'm late for work, it would be great if y'all don't lie about the travel time??" At 9.01 am, another user vaayadii said that the train was moving slowly and it took nearly 30 minutes to board the train. Another user travellingjes said at 9.21am that the train "took a good 30 min". In a tweet at 9.53 am, SMRT reduced the additional travel time from Ang Mo Kio to Braddell to 5 minutes. [NSL]: Due to a platform screen door fault, pls add 5mins train travel time from #AngMoKio to #Braddell towards #MarinaSouthPier.— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) March 19, 2021 More on this topic   Related Story Platform screen doors malfunction at Braddell MRT station during evening peak hour   Related Story 3-line MRT breakdown in October caused by cut in power cable insulation, rusted component

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Football: Leipzig’s clash with Liverpool threatened by new German Covid-19 travel rules

BERLIN (AFP) - Germany's strict new travel restrictions have cast doubt over RB Leipzig's Champions League last 16 meeting with Liverpool, after a government spokesperson told AFP on Monday (Feb 1) that the rules do not exempt professional athletes. The ban on travellers from countries hit by new, more contagious coronavirus variants such as Britain contains "no special provision for professional sportspeople", an interior ministry spokesperson told AFP. Introduced on Saturday and in place until February 17, the new rules could scupper Premier League champions Liverpool's trip to Leipzig's Red Bull Arena the day before. Unless they are granted special exemption, Liverpool staff and players would be unable to enter Germany from Britain according to the rules. While coach Jurgen Klopp would be allowed into the country as a German national, he would have to leave most of his team behind. Germany introduced the tougher travel restrictions on certain countries in a bid to limit the spread of new coronavirus variants. The countries affected by the ban are Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Brazil and South Africa, as well as the southern African kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini. The entry restrictions cover arrivals by air, bus, rail and sea, and allow exceptions for medical workers and others in key jobs. Yet the interior ministry spokesperson said Monday that there would only be "a few, narrow exemptions".

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