Latest news with #Kip
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
GSM launches Xanh SM platform, officially distributes VinFast VF 3 and VF 5 electric vehicles in Laos
VIENTIANE, LAOS - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 May 2025 – Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM), the operator of Xanh SM – Southeast Asia's first all-electric ride-hailing service – has officially launched the Xanh SM Platform in Laos. In tandem, GSM announced the official distribution of two electric vehicle models, the VinFast VF 3 and VF 5, in the country. Laos is the second international market, following Vietnam, where GSM is deploying its comprehensive model that integrates electric vehicle distribution with eco-friendly ride-hailing services. This expansion marks a strategic milestone in GSM's 'Go Green Global' vision, underscoring its pioneering role in bringing Vietnam's sustainable transportation model to the regional stage. Following more than a year of successful operations in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Savannakhet, and Champasak, Xanh SM has earned strong support from Laotian users. Millions have embraced the service, traveling over 8 million electric kilometers and collectively reducing carbon emissions equivalent to what 70,000 trees absorb in a year—highlighting the model's compatibility with and impact on the local market. Building on this foundation, GSM is now introducing the Xanh SM Platform – an open technology solution that empowers VinFast VF 5 owners in Laos to become ride-hailing partners and generate sustainable income. With a highly competitive revenue-sharing model offering drivers up to 87% of fare income—among the highest in the Laotian market—the Xanh SM Platform not only ensures attractive earnings but also provides access to a large customer base through the Xanh SM ecosystem. Partners will benefit from comprehensive training programs aligned with international standards for green transport services. Coinciding with the platform launch, GSM also opened its first VinFast showroom in Laos, located on Kaysone Phomvihane Road, Phakao Village, Xaythany District. The company officially introduced and commenced sales of the VinFast VF 3 and VF 5, with GSM serving as the exclusive distributor for VinFast vehicles in Laos. The VinFast VF 5 is a compact urban SUV, ideal for service operations with its spacious interior, smart design, and optimized performance. It is listed at 450,297,000 Kip (approx. USD 20,690, VAT included). Customers placing deposits before May 31, 2025, will receive a direct discount of 9,794,000 Kip (USD 450) and enjoy 50% off charging fees for two years (until June 30, 2027). Alternatively, the charging benefit can be converted into a USD 1,000 cash discount on the vehicle price. This brings the total incentive package to 31,558,000 Kip (USD 1,450), lowering the effective cost to just 418,740,000 Kip (USD 19,240). The VinFast VF 3 is a four-seat mini electric car designed for everyday personal use—perfect for young drivers and first-time car owners. The VF 3 is priced at 269,656,000 Kip (USD 12,390, VAT included). Early customers depositing by May 31, 2025, will receive a discount of 5,440,000 Kip (USD 250) and 50% off charging costs for two years (until June 30, 2027). Customers may also convert this benefit into a USD 250 cash deduction from the purchase price, bringing the total incentive value to 10,880,000 Kip (USD 500), reducing the effective price to around USD 11,890. Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Global CEO of GSM, shared: 'The launch of the Xanh SM Platform in Laos is not merely a market expansion—it represents a strategic export of a comprehensive sustainable development model where technology, environmental responsibility, and economic opportunity converge. We believe Vietnam is not only capable of producing green vehicles, but also of leading the global mobility transition. Xanh SM is living proof of that vision.' The simultaneous launch of the Xanh SM Platform and the official distribution of the VF 3 and VF 5 in Laos further strengthens the presence of Vietnamese innovation on the global green mobility map. It also reflects GSM's long-term commitment to supporting the Laotian people in building a modern, environmentally friendly, and sustainable transportation infrastructure.
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Costco puts food-court favorites on shelves in surprising twist
One of the things people tend to love about Costco is the element of surprise. Sure, Costco is known for its almost unbeatable prices. And there's nothing like being able to load up on free samples in the course of doing your grocery shopping. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter But one thing that sets Costco apart from its competitors, aside from its staunch commitment to excellent customer service, is the treasure hunt aspect of shopping there. Related: Trader Joe's copies Costco, delights fans Costco not only likes to introduce new inventory, but it sometimes likes to hide it throughout the warehouse. And if customers know there are hidden treasures to be found, they're more likely to spend time roaming the aisles. That could lead to more purchases per shopping trip, which is exactly what Costco wants. Image source: Brown/AFP via Getty Images Another thing Costco has going for it is its food court. Some supermarkets have their own food courts where shoppers can take a break or grab a quick bite on the way out the door. And Target has had success with its store-in-store Starbucks locations. Related: Costco members pounce after warehouse club makes pricing mistake But Costco's food court is in a class by itself. Not only is the food court loaded with favorite items such as smoothies and the warm, gooey chicken bake, but it's also loaded with deals. There's perhaps no more iconic a deal than the inflation-proof $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. And while it doesn't tend to get quite as much attention, the pizza is a real bargain, too. An oversized slice costs just $1.99, while an entire pie costs $9.95. And Costco doesn't charge extra for pepperoni topping, which is a huge money-saver for customers. Some of Costco's food-court items are available in take-home versions. The giant food-court chocolate chip cookie, which is sold for $2.49, is available in 24-packs in Costco's bakery section. Costco also sells a frozen version of its beloved chicken bake. Related: Costco members reject high-end food product Now, Costco is bringing even more of its food-court favorites to its warehouse club shelves. Only instead of introducing them in edible form, the company has created a lineup of dog toys. The lineup, called BARK Food Court Dog Toys, features plush foot court-themed items. Costco is selling a set of five that includes: Pepperoni Pete, which looks like a smiling pizza sliceChocolate Kip, which mimics the famous chocolate chip cookieHot Dog Donny, an ode to the perpetually affordable hot dogSoda Sid & Brice Cube, a plushie shaped like a sodaA plush Executive membership card While the item is reportedly popping up in Costco stores, members who can't find it on the shelves can try ordering it online. Of course, like any dog toy, the durability of these items will hinge on the pet they're being given to. But while their staying power may be questionable, it's clear that dog owners are excited, with many taking to Reddit to share their enthusiasm. "I want it!" one user posted. "This is amazing. I hope our store gets them soon!" said another. More retail: Walmart CEO sounds alarm on a big problem for customersTarget makes a change that might scare Walmart, CostcoTop investor takes firm stance on troubled retail brandWalmart and Costco making major change affecting all customers This latest addition is a smart play by Costco, given how obsessed people tend to be with their dogs, and amid consumers cutting back on non-essential spending to cope with higher living costs. At a time when members are spending their money more carefully, Costco knows its new discretionary products need to have strong appeal. By combining people's love for the store's food court with their love for their pets, Costco has done a great job of putting the ultimate impulse purchase on its shelves. Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Arabian Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Laos Charts Bold Course to Lead Asia's Gold Trade
Laos has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform itself into a central hub for gold trading and refining in Asia by 2030, spearheaded by the Lao Bullion Bank . This initiative aims to bolster the nation's financial stability and elevate its standing in the global precious metals market. At a strategic meeting held on 2 May, LBB's Chief Executive Officer, Chanthone Sitthixay, detailed the bank's vision to establish Laos as a leader in the precious metals sector. The plan encompasses the development of comprehensive gold trading platforms, refining capabilities, and secure storage solutions, aligning with international standards to attract both regional and global investors. The Lao Bullion Bank, officially launched in December 2024, represents a significant step in the country's economic strategy. The bank's establishment is a collaborative effort between the Lao government and PTL Holding, with the government holding a 25% stake and PTL Holding owning the remaining 75%. This partnership underscores a commitment to enhancing the nation's gold reserves and stabilising the local currency, the Kip. Since its inception, LBB has introduced various services, including gold deposit accounts, loans backed by gold collateral, and gold vending machines. These offerings aim to integrate gold more deeply into the financial system, providing citizens with alternative investment options and contributing to economic resilience. To strengthen its position in the regional market, LBB has entered into strategic partnerships with key industry players. In October 2024, the bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Bullion Market Association , focusing on knowledge exchange and regulatory collaboration to enhance Laos's bullion market infrastructure. Additionally, a partnership with StoneX APAC was established to leverage technological expertise and develop new financial products tailored to the precious metals sector. In March 2025, LBB further expanded its network by partnering with Samlane Jewelry, a prominent local gold retailer. This collaboration aims to standardise gold trading practices within the country and facilitate smoother transactions for investors and consumers. As part of this initiative, a promotional campaign was launched, offering incentives to customers who deposit gold with the bank, thereby encouraging public participation in the formal gold market. The bank's efforts are also directed towards refining unmined gold ores, transforming them into valuable assets that can contribute to the national budget and reserves. By doing so, Laos seeks to maximise the value derived from its natural resources, ensuring sustainable economic growth and financial independence. LBB's establishment and its subsequent initiatives reflect a broader governmental strategy to integrate Laos more fully into the global financial system. By positioning itself as a central player in the precious metals market, Laos aims to attract foreign investment, enhance its economic stability, and offer its citizens diversified financial services.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists rediscover rare species thought to be extinct with help from specially trained dogs: 'A career highlight'
Daisy, the wildlife detection dog, found her first dragon after months of training and searching. As part of a program run by Zoos Victoria in Australia, Daisy and her canine teammate, Kip, have been on a mission to locate Victorian grassland earless dragons — extremely rare reptiles that had not been seen for about 50 years and were assumed to be extinct before a rediscovery in 2023, the Guardian reported recently. The dogs have found at least 13 of the critically endangered creatures. The challenge for the dogs — and their human collaborators — is that there are likely fewer than 200 of the reptiles in the wild, and they often hide in spider burrows or under rocks, per the news outlet. The zoo's search team uses the dogs' skills in tandem with technological and traditional methods of surveying. "If something is hidden, or camouflaged, in a burrow, and just difficult to see, it might be easy to smell," Emma Bennett, a detection-dog trainer and researcher not involved with the project, explained to the Guardian. Dr. Nick Rutter, who trained Daisy and works with her in the field, described her first find as "a career highlight" for him and told the news outlet he felt "an overwhelming cascade of joy." He added that the light-brown, distinctively banded lizards are "bloody gorgeous." According to the news article and accompanying video, the dogs appear happy doing their duty of finding reptiles. They take payment in the form of "treats, cuddles, ball games, and praise." This doesn't change the fact that the team does important work. A 2023 Australian government report called the Victorian grassland earless dragon "nationally significant for being the most imperilled reptile on mainland Australia." Understanding more about threatened and endangered species, the roles they historically played in their habitats, and what it takes to protect them can lead to positive outcomes for animals and their surroundings. One 2023 study documented how 29 formerly threatened species in Australia are thought to have recovered from immediate risks after investments in conservation. Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The Guardian reported that only about 0.5% of suitable grassland is left for the dragon, as its habitat has been encroached on by housing and farmland expansion. The effects of a warming planet are also having impacts on various habitats and animals in Australia. Yet the discovery of the lizard species hanging on is a reminder of nature's persistence, argued Jane Melville, a senior curator at the Museums Victoria Research Institute, per the Guardian. "They've shown amazing resilience," Melville said. "This little dragon has managed to hold on under really difficult circumstances." Meanwhile, the cooperative approach of humans and dogs taking action to locate the reptiles is an inspirational interspecies story. Detection dogs — along with other animal hero species — have helped humans in Australia and elsewhere, as the Guardian noted, finding threatened species, sniffing out viruses and disease-carrying organisms, and surveying for birds and bats at wind farms. As for the dragon detectors, Rutter said in the video that they are training additional dogs and expanding their search areas. They also want to see if their current team can generalize from their training to search for similar species that also "haven't been seen for quite a long time." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Guardian
07-04-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Earless dragons were presumed extinct in Australia – now Daisy and Kip have sniffed out 13 of them
Wildlife detection dogs successfully sniffed out 13 critically endangered earless dragons in previously unknown burrows in Melbourne's west, after a training program launched by Zoos Victoria in 2023. The Victorian grassland earless dragon – Australia's most imperilled reptile – had not been seen for 50 years and was thought extinct before its remarkable rediscovery on privately owned grassland in 2023. Given this 'second chance' at survival, Garry Peterson, the zoo's general manager of threatened species, said the organisation launched intensive training and search efforts the same year. 'We're really lucky to have a second opportunity with this species that was presumed extinct,' Peterson said. But it wasn't going to be easy to find them. It's thought there are probably fewer than 200 dragons left in the wild and the short, nuggetty and extremely rare dragons often hid inside wolf spider burrows or under rocks, making them challenging to find using traditional survey techniques. That's where the zoo's dogs came in. After a year of training, Daisy, a 6-year-old lagotto romagnolo and Kip, an 8-year-old kelpie cross, had sniffed out a total of 13 of the wild dragons by March this year, in return for treats, cuddles, ball games and praise. Daisy mostly works with wildlife detection dog officer Dr Nick Rutter, who said it was a 'career highlight' when she finally found a dragon on her own in May 2024, making him feel 'an overwhelming cascade of joy'. The palm-sized reptiles were 'bloody gorgeous', he said, with intricate patterns down their backs and striking colours during the breeding season. Sign up to get climate and environment editor Adam Morton's Clear Air column as a free newsletter Daisy and Kip were chosen for their safe behaviour around small animals, and experience surveying for threatened species, like Baw Baw frogs and freshwater turtles. Each undertook about 80 days of scent-based training and survey work, initially sniffing out a small number of captive animals and graduating to opportunistic lessons in the field when biologists came across a wild dragon. When assessed, the dog-handler teams detected earless dragons with speed and accuracy, according to results published on the National Environmental Science Program's Resilient Landscapes hub. Emma Bennett, who has researched the effectiveness of detection dogs in searching for rare species, said dogs provided a scent-based search method that was complimentary to traditional surveys using visual cues. 'If something is hidden, or camouflaged, in a burrow, and just difficult to see, it might be easy to smell,' she said. Sign up to Clear Air Australia Adam Morton brings you incisive analysis about the politics and impact of the climate crisis after newsletter promotion Detection dogs were being successfully used in Australia, as well as globally, for finding threatened species, searching for invasive viruses and pathogens, and conducting bird and bat surveys at wind farms. Bennett, who has worked with detection dogs for 20 years and was not involved with the zoo project, said success relied on a strong partnership between human and hound. 'From the dog's perspective, the role of the human is to carry the ball around for when they do find something, and then to throw it,' Bennett said. Zoos Victoria also trained two other dogs, Sugar and Moss, to search for dragon scats – droppings roughly the size of corn kernels. While the dogs were effective at finding them, they were limited by how quickly scats were scavenged by ants and other invertebrates in the wild. Historical records show the Victorian grassland earless dragon was once recorded in St Kilda, Moonee Ponds and Sunbury, habitat that disappeared as housing and farmland expanded. Approximately 0.5% of suitable grassland habitat remains. Dr Jane Melville, senior curator of terrestrial vertebrates at Museums Victoria Research Institute – who named the Victorian grassland earless dragon as a distinct species in 2019 – said its rediscovery was a reminder that animals could still persist, even in places where they hadn't been seen in decades. 'They've shown amazing resilience,' she said. 'This little dragon has managed to hold on under really difficult circumstances.'
