Hong Kong – Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices at medicine shop

Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices at medicine shop

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     Hong Kong Customs today (January 14) arrested two salesmen of a medicine shop suspected of engaging in unfair trade practices involving misleading omission in the course of selling a Chinese herbal medicine, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that staff members of a medicine shop in Mong Kok were suspected to have misled a customer to believe the unit price of a Chinese herbal medicine was calculated per catty. After the Chinese herbal medicine was ground into powder, the staff members revealed that the medicine was priced per mace. The charged price was 160 times higher than what was expected.

     After an in-depth investigation, Customs officers today arrested two salesmen, aged 31 and 33, of the medicine shop concerned.

     An investigation is ongoing and the two arrested men were held for inquiry.

     Customs has all along been concerned about visitors being misled to make purchases by unfair trade practices and has established a Quick Response Team to handle urgent complaints lodged by short-haul visitors. The complaints will be promptly referred to investigators to handle with priority.

     With Lunar New Year approaching, Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to vigorously combat unfair trade practices.

     Customs reminded traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to purchase products from reputable shops. Consumers should also be cautious about the unit price and ask for more information, including the total price of the goods selected, before making a purchase decision.

     Under the TDO, any trader who engages in a commercial practice that omits or hides material information or provides material information in a manner that is unclear, unintelligible, ambiguous or untimely, and as a result causes, or is likely to cause, an average consumer to make a transactional decision commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong – 18th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to open January 15 to 18

18th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to open January 15 to 18

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     The Transport Department today (January 14) reminded members of the public that the 18th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (January 15) to 11.59pm on January 18, and the ballot result will be announced on January 19.
      
     Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated date and time randomly allocated by the computer system.

Hong Kong – Community space eases family stress

Community space eases family stress

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     The recently opened Sham Shui Po Community Living Room provides additional living space to grassroots families and enhances their interpersonal networks, helping to improve their living standards.
 
     News.gov.hk spoke with Ms Liang, a user of the Community Living Room, to learn more about how the facilities and services offered there are able to alleviate pressures and bring positive benefits to her household.
 
     Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Social Welfare (Youth & Corrections) Chan Lai-chu explained the policy objectives behind the Government’s Pilot Programme on Community Living Room.
 
     The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature today (January 14) in text and video format.

Mango creates a new brand management division and appoints Blanca Mu�iz as its new Chief Brand Officer

WEBWIRE

  • he new management division, which will promote the Mango brand worldwide, will be led by Blanca Muiz, who in the company hierarchy will report to the Chief Executive Officer, Toni Ruiz, and will form part of the Steering Committee.
  • Her appointment will allow Mango to consolidate an innovative brand strategy that will strengthen its differentiated value proposition, committing to design, innovation and sustainability as the key pillars of its products.
  • The new brand management will foster closer ties and greater recognition and loyalty of its customers, whom the company places at the centre of its business operations.
  • Muiz has more than 25 years experience developing strategies and products in international companies, consolidating brands with a digital and sustainable vision that is always focused on the consumer.

Mango, one of Europes leading fashion groups, has announced the creation of a new brand management division in order to strengthen its executive leadership in all areas related to the companys image, brand and customer experience. The new management division will be led by Blanca Muiz, who will join the group as its new Chief Brand Officer, reporting directly to Toni Ruiz, Mangos Chief Executive Officer, and will form part of the companys Steering Committee.

The new brand management, which will cover the areas of image, communication, brand and Customer Experience, will allow Mango to consolidate an innovative brand strategy that will strengthen its differentiated value proposition, committing to design, innovation and sustainability as the key pillars of its products. The new director will also complete its image, brand and product strategy by promoting strategic collaborations with key players in the fashion industry.

With womens fashion at the centre of its business model and as the driver of its creativity and expansion, Mango has, since it was founded, had a clear DNA and a unique design and style proposition, whose main attribute is a quality positioning above that of its competitors. A differentiated value proposition, 100% designed in Barcelona thanks to a team of more than 500 people working in the Product area, which the company has taken to every corner of the globe and which it has diversified over time with its entry into new fashion segments, such as the launch of its menswear line, Mango Man (2008), Mango Kids (2013), Mango Teen and Mango Home (2021).

Throughout 2023, Mango has strengthened its commitment to quality with the launch of Capsule, its events collection for women characterised by the quality of its materials and finishes, as well as the exclusivity of its garments. In the future, the company plans to continue strengthening said value proposition with its new 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, which it will present next March.

As well as the value proposition, the new brand management will foster closer ties and greater recognition and loyalty of its customers, whom the company places at the centre of its business operations. To respond to the needs of its customers in any moment, location or format. This is the goal of Mango. To achieve this, the company has a network of close to 2,700 stores worldwide, which it considers a privileged meeting point between the brand and its customers where it can offer unique and personalised experiences.
In the words of Toni Ruiz, We are very happy and excited about the appointment of Blanca Muiz as the new Chief Brand Officer and member of the companys Steering Committee. I am convinced that Blanca will help us promote the new 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, which will focus on strengthening our differentiated value proposition. We want to get closer to our customers by offering them the best shopping experience, in order to consolidate our position as one of the leading fashion groups.

For her part, Blanca Muiz, the new Mango Chief Brand Officer, says I am very excited to be able to join Mango, a global company with design and creativity at the heart of its business model, which in 2024 celebrates its 40th anniversary and which is a leading fashion group in Europe. I am convinced that, in the next few years, we will be able to meet the challenges facing the fashion industry, while continuing to inspire the world with our passion for fashion and our differentiated value proposition.

With a degree and an MBA in Business Administration and Management from ESADE and a postgraduate degree in Company Culture from Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Muiz has more than 25 years experience in marketing and product and spent much of her career at Puig, leading the company strategy for the different brands in the group, before becoming Vice-President of the Lifestyle brand division, a post she occupied from 2015. Previously, the director had been Vice-President of Marketing Intelligence (2010-2015) and Global Retail Marketing Director (2003-2010) at Puig, having also occupied Marketing positions in companies including COTY INC, Bimbo and Danone.

About Mango

Mango, one of Europes leading fashion groups, is a global company with design, creativity and technology at the centre of its business model, and a strategy based on constant innovation, the search for sustainability and a complete ecosystem of channels and partners. Founded in Barcelona in 1984, the company closed 2022 with a turnover of 2.688 billion euros, with 36% of its business originating from its online channel and with a presence in over 115 markets. More information atmangofashiongroup.com

BGC inks agreement with BT to boost secure connectivity

WEBWIRE

BT and Basrah Gas Company (BGC), Iraqs largest gas flare reduction company and a joint venture among the Iraqi Government, Shell and Mitsubishi, announced a new agreement to securely connect the companys operations in Iraq and help accelerate its digital transformation.

The new network will provide secure and reliable connectivity for BGC sites across multiple locations (gas fields, processing plants and offices). It will also provide enhanced connectivity to hyperscalers and delivery of cloud-based applications such as Microsoft 365 and SAP.

This new high-performance, secure network will lay the foundation for BGCs goal of a future proof, cloud-enabled secure infrastructure in the coming years.

Andrew Wiper, Managing Director of BGC said: Collaborating with BT is an important milestone for BGC. In forging this alliance, we propel BGC towards global excellence. The bedrock of our operations lies in robust and efficient connectivity, and this contract reinforces our commitment to efficiency and safety.

Eyad Shihabi, Managing Director, Global Industries and Government, Business, BT said: Were very proud of our relationship with JV BGC. This partnership represents a new chapter in this relationship by delivering the high standards of quality and reliability of services directly to BGC in Iraq.

About BT Group

BT Group is the UKs leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications and related secure digital products, solutions and services. We also provide managed telecommunications, security and network and IT infrastructure services to customers across 180 countries.

BT Group consists of three customer-facing units: Consumer serves individuals and families in the UK; Business covers companies and public services in the UK and internationally; Openreach is an independently governed, wholly owned subsidiary wholesaling fixed access infrastructure services to its customers – over 650 communications providers across the UK.

British Telecommunications plc is a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For more information, visitwww.bt.com/about

Drăgușin joins from Genoa

WEBWIRE

We are delighted to announce the signing of Radu Drăgușin from Serie A side Genoa, subject to international clearance and a work permit.

The Romania international has signed a contract with the Club which will run until 2030 and he will wear the number six shirt.

Born in the Romanian capital of Bucharest, the central defender spent his early years with local sides Sportul Studentesc and Regal Sport Bucuresti before he made the move to Italy in 2018 to join Juventus.

Arriving at the Old Lady as a 16-year-old, Radu quickly advanced through the youth teams in Turin, appearing for their Under-23 side who compete in Serie C at the age of 17 before making his professional and European debut as an 18-year-old in December, 2020, with a substitute appearance in Juves 3-0 UEFA Champions League group stage win over Dynamo Kyiv a game in which he played alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski. His Serie A debut followed soon after as he made a late cameo appearance against Genoa later that month.

Making four first-team appearances that debut campaign, he joined fellow Serie A side Sampdoria on loan ahead of the 2021/22 season, where he played 15 games before he signed for US Salernitana 1919 at the start of 2022, whom he helped survive relegation from Serie A in their first season back in the Italian top flight since 1999.

He enjoyed a highly successful loan move to then Serie B side Genoa during the 2022/23 campaign as he played all bar 45 minutes of their league season, and scored his first four professional goals, as the Italian side secured an instant return to Serie A, finishing second to Frosinone to secure promotion. Midway through the season, the Griffin moved to make Radus switch permanent, and he has continued to flourish in Liguria having played every minute of the current campaign so far, scoring twice, as Genoa have enjoyed an encouraging start to life back in the top flight.

Internationally, after progressing through Romanias youth ranks, the 21-year-old received his first call-up for the senior side in March, 2022, and made his debut that same month in a friendly clash with Gus Poyets Greece, playing alongside Vlad Chiriches at the heart of defence. He has earned 13 caps to date.

“Aged to Perfection:” A Tale of Aging, Family, Friendship, and Justice

A gripping tale that defies age and demands justice.

Author Joyce Henricks unveils a riveting novel, Aged to Perfection, a compelling story that explores the difficulties of aging, family dynamics, and the pursuit of justice. This emotionally charged story takes readers on a journey through the life of recently widowed Hannah Lowenstein as she struggles with aging and navigates the complexities of a corrupt nursing home while trying to protect her vulnerable friend.

After losing her husband, Hannah Lowenstein embarks on a life-changing journey, leaving her home in New York to live with her daughter in the Midwest. This move forces Hannah to confront the realities of aging and plunges her into the heart of a crisis involving her friend and a seemingly corrupt nursing home where her friend resides.

The story explores her friend’s son’s questionable actions, leaving readers to think if he has ulterior motives or is genuinely concerned for her mother’s welfare. Is Hannah’s friend right in fearing for her life, or is she just imagining things?

Aged to Perfection is also a multi-generational tale that explores the challenges faced by her daughter, her granddaughter’s transition to womanhood, and her grandson’s gaming obsession. These interconnected stories provide a rich tapestry of family dynamics. Motivated by her desire for justice and commitment to maintaining her independence, Hannah makes a life-altering decision that will impact her family and friends, compelling Hannah to a powerful introspection of her life’s purpose.

Joyce Henricks weaves a poignant narrative reflecting the joys, struggles, and profound moments that make up life’s journey. Aged to Perfection explores aging, family, friendship, and the search for justice. This story, which demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring bonds of family, will captivate readers. You can find Aged to Perfection on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major bookstores, and is also currently available in different formats.

For media inquiries, author interviews, and review copies, please contact:
JOYCE HENRICKS
E-mail: joyce.henricks@cmich.edu
Phone: 989 400 9743

Andrew Roby Events Designs Conference for Exclusive International Exchange Program

The black-owned event planning company shined in its execution of the cultural exchange conference in downtown Washington, D.C. The conference hosted 250 alumni of the youth exchange program representing more than 60 foreign countries.

Andrew Roby Events, a premier event planning company in Washington, Dallas, and Los Angeles, was tasked with executing a conference for an exclusive gathering of alumni from two federally funded international exchange programs. The event brought together 250 alumni from the youth exchange programs to hear from keynote speakers and discuss ways to enhance international relations.

“We do a lot of corporate conference planning, but this event was particularly meaningful because you could see the long-term effects of these outstanding cultural exchange programs,” said Roby. “After coming to the U.S. on exchange, youth have gone on to serve in their respective countries’ government, business, education, and journalism sectors. They are leading the way to a brighter global future, and it was an honor to host them.”

The exchange programs are funded by the U.S. Department of State. One brings accomplished youth from over 21 countries across Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia to the U.S. to attend high school for one year. The second program is similar but draws on youth from 45 countries with significant Muslim populations. The aim of both programs is to help these exceptional youth learn firsthand about the U.S. and foster better relationships between the U.S. and other countries.

The event was held at the Residence Inn Washington Downtown Convention Center. Andrew Roby Events was a natural first choice to plan the event, not only because of the company’s reputation for impeccably planned corporate conferences in the D.C. area, but also because of their commitment to diversity as a black owned event planning company.

“One of our specialties is bringing people of all backgrounds together for unforgettable events and helping them feel seen and valued,” said Roby. In addition to leading Andrew Roby Events, Roby is the founder of the National Events Council, which works to end racial inequality within the events industry.

The cultural exchange conference included breakout sessions and panel discussions for the 250 alumni in attendance. The throughline was a focus on promoting understanding across cultures, respecting diversity, and fostering leadership skills in attendees.

In addition to planning corporate and government conferences, Roby creates parties and luxury weddings. Eventex named Roby one of the 100 most influential people in the events industry, and Biz Bash named him one of America’s Top 500 Event Professionals. Roby also won Wedding Wire’s Couples’ Choice Award and was named one of America’s Best Wedding Planners by Brides. To learn more about Roby’s services for organizing the cultural exchange conference and other events, visit www.AndrewRobyEvents.com.

About Andrew Roby Events

Andrew Roby Events is a one-stop-shop that offers a wide array of Event and Wedding planning services. Whether it’s a wedding, a government or corporate event, or any social event, they know what to do and how to make the event perfect and memorable.

Elo Launches Sleek New I-Series 3 Slate with Intel

Fresh from announcing the powerful I-Series 3 with Intel, Elo is excited to the launch the new compact Slate

Building on the I-Series 3 with Intel, the new Slate from Elo offers customers even more versatility with its thinnest, commercial-grade Intel-based touchscreen computer to date. Packed with many of the features of the powerful I-Series 3 devices, the Slate interactive display can be combined with the Z30 POS stand to create a stunning EloPOS Z30 point-of-sale solution.

The I-Series 3 Slate with Intel offers a new way for merchants to engage with consumers through an ultrathin, sleek, and stylish new interactive device. The Slate features Intel’s 11th-generation processors, Trusted Platform Modules (TPM), and compatibility with Windows, Linux (SuSE, Ubuntu, and Red Hat), and ChromeOS Flex operating systems.

Offering fantastic performance and versatility, the Slate is Elo’s thinnest Intel-based commercial-grade touchscreen to date, measuring just 14.8mm. With a brilliant 15.6” 1080p IPS display and responsive 10-touch, TouchPro® PCAP touchscreen, the device is easy to clean and maintain thanks to its edge-to-edge glass screen and fanless and ventless design.

Additionally, I-Series 3 Slate with Intel offers a built-in VESA mount, making it easy to install into a variety of settings, including point-of-sale, digital signage, self-service, healthcare, manufacturing, warehouse, and automation controls.

To help provide a seamless experience for both businesses and consumers alike, the Elo I-Series 3 Slate with Intel is equipped with a USB-C connector. Additionally, an I/O hub provides four USB-A 3.0 ports, an RJ45 Ethernet LAN port, and a DC input connector.

Designed for modularity, the I-Series 3 Slate can be transformed into the stylish and compact EloPOS Z30 point-of-sale system. The connectivity-rich POS terminal offers 4x USB-A 3.0 connections, a cash drawer port, a 24V powered USB, Ethernet, and a USB-C, which will be used for stands with an integrated customer-facing display or available for stands without.

In addition to its razor-thin design, the I-Series 3 Slate also features a powerful customer-facing 8 MP camera. This unique addition adds another layer of performance for businesses, allowing them to utilize the camera as part of their customer service interaction and analytics. When combined with additional third-party software, the camera can play an essential role as a security feature and even a scanner.

Alongside robust performance and security, Elo has designed the Slate to be energy-efficient, reducing power usage by up to 55% vs prior platform generations.

The sleek and stylish Slate will be making its public debut later this month at the National Retail Federation Expo 2024 – retail’s biggest show. Held in New York, the conference will see Elo showcasing its entire range of retail solutions throughout the three days at booth #5803.

“The I-Series 3 Slate with Intel is an exciting addition to our product range,” said Craig Witsoe, CEO at Elo. “The stylish design is our thinnest device to date and combines a stunning design with exceptional performance, allowing our customers to create a durable and versatile POS system that improves customer engagement and elevates their brand.”

For more information on the new I-Series 3 Slate with Intel, visit EloTouch.com. To book an appointment with the team at NRF 2024, visit EloTouch.com/NRF.

About Elo

As a leading global supplier of interactive solutions, #EloIsEverywhere. With over 30 million installations in more than 80 countries, Elo has established a significant global footprint. In fact, a new Elo touchscreen is installed somewhere in the world every 21 seconds. Built on a unified architecture, Elo’s broad portfolio allows its customers to easily Choose, Configure and Connect & Control to create a unique experience. Choose from all-in-one systems, open-frame monitors and touchscreen monitors ranging from handheld to 65 inches. Configure with Elo’s unique Elo Edge Connect® peripherals that allow use-specific solutions. Connect & Control with EloView®, a secure cloud-based platform for Android-powered devices. EloView enables secure deployment and management of a large network of interactive systems designed to reduce operating costs while increasing up-time and security.

Consumers can find Elo touchscreen solutions in self-service kiosks, point-of-sale terminals, interactive signage, hospitality systems, point-of-care displays, and transportation applications—to name a few. Learn more at EloTouch.com.

Elo, the Elo logo, EloView, and Elo Edge Connect are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Elo Touch Solutions, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Doug Dvorak to provide Guest Experience Training to Tamarack Resort on December 14, 2023, in Donnelly, ID

About Tamarack Resort :
Tamarack is an independent, all-season destination situated on 3,500 acres, located 90 miles north of Boise in Tamarack, Idaho. From on-site lodging, dining, and event space to the full range of outdoor recreation in the Idaho mountains, there is adventure for any season. The winter brings 2,800 feet of vertical on 2,000 mountain acres for skiers and snowboarders, along with Nordic and snowshoe trails. During the summer, the resort is home to mountain biking, ziplining, hiking, rafting and watersports on Lake Cascade.

The well-known sales coach and motivational speaker, who has delivered presentations and workshops in more than 100 countries to over a million people, will be working with Tamarack Resort to help its team by covering the importance of guest experience training and leadership.

In his workshops, Dvorak discusses issues, such as helping teams work together, allowing them to have fun without sacrificing efficiency and productivity, resulting in improved overall morale, increases in productivity and reductions in overall turnover.

To learn more about Doug Dvorak and his workshops, visit his site online dougdvorak.com or contact him directly at (847) 359-6969.

About Doug Dvorak : Doug Dvorak is the worlds leading motivational speaker, sales trainer & sales coach. He speaks over 50 times per year around the globe. Dvorak is a member of the motivational speaker hall of fame, is a CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) and holds a BS, MBA & Doctor of Laws, hc. Dvorak is also a graduate of Second City, the oldest & most prestigious improvisational comedy school in the world.

Company : Doug Dvorak
Address : 1061 W. 16th St. #306, Chicago, IL 60608
Phone : (847) 359-6969
Website : https://dougdvorak.com

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