Connect with us

Media OutReach

Vietnam pushes for prompt removal of the ‘IUU Yellow Card’

Published

on

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 December 2024 – Vietnam continues its robust efforts to implement the European Commission’s (EC) recommendations for combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with a commitment to securing the removal of the ‘IUU yellow card’ in the coming months.

Following the EC’s fourth inspection in October 2023, the government of Vietnam has maintained close oversight in addressing IUU fishing practices. The Secretariat issued a directive to strengthen Party leadership in combating IUU fishing and fostering sustainable fisheries development on April 10 2024.

The government of Vietnam has instructed ministries, agencies and localities to focus on rectifying shortcomings in the management of fishing vessels and cracking down on IUU violations, including VMS disconnection and illegal fishing in foreign waters.

It has also introduced revised decrees to regulate seafood imports from container vessels, impose stricter penalties for fishing beyond designated zones and deploy six means and technical techniques for administrative enforcement in the fisheries sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam has amended regulations to address no registrations, no checks, no licenses fishing vessels. On June 12 2024, the Supreme People’s Court issued a resolution guiding the application of specific Criminal Code provisions to penalise those facilitating illegal fishing in foreign waters.

Vietnam has identified and documented its nationwide fishing fleet, totalling 84,752 vessels, of which 77,717 are registered. Among 15 metres or longer vessels, 98.62 per cent have installed vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and 98 per cent have been marked for compliance.

The offshore fishing license quota for 2024–2029 has been announced, with 29,552 permits issued. Local authorities have compiled and managed lists of high-risk vessels, ensuring rigorous monitoring through vessel monitoring systems, port entries, and dock operations.

Specialised agencies have also tightened regulations on seafood traceability. For domestically harvested seafood, authorities have implemented and required localities to report and update the daily output of aquatic products unloaded at fishing ports via Google Sheets for monitoring.

An electronic traceability system (eCDT) has been established to ensure transparency and legality in certifying, verifying and tracking the origins of seafood exports. As of now, 80 fishing ports and landing points have adopted these measures.

For imported seafood, new regulations have been rolled out to control products brought into Vietnam via container vessels in accordance with Article 70a and updates under the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA). To date, the EC has recognised Vietnam’s progress in enforcing regulations to monitor imported seafood, highlighting full compliance with PSMA requirements.

Moreover, Vietnamese authorities have intensified law enforcement efforts to address IUU fishing, yielding significant outcomes. 12 criminal cases were prosecuted, involving falsification of documents, manipulation of VMS, illegal departures and brokering activities that facilitated the deployment of fishing vessels for illegal operations in foreign waters.

Additionally, 4,237 administrative violations in the fisheries sector have been penalised, amounting to over VND109 billion in fines. Of which, since the beginning of this year, authorities have handled 3,387 administrative violations, imposing fines exceeding VND75 billion, an increase of about 30 per cent year-on-year.

Violations related to VMS alone accounted for fines of over VND38 billion, while 21 cases of illegal fishing in foreign waters resulted in fines totalling VND23 billion.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Le Minh Hoan, emphasised to the European Commission (EC) that combating IUU fishing remains a core priority for Vietnam’s fisheries sector. It is not solely aimed at ensuring compliance for seafood exports to the European Union but also serves to promote sustainable aquaculture and fisheries, reflecting Vietnam’s responsibility and maintaining its global reputation.

Vietnam also considers the issue of ‘yellow card’ as an opportunity to foster more sustainable fishing practices. Through its ongoing efforts, the country is optimistic about the EC’s timely removal of the ‘yellow card’ warning.

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

Media OutReach

Monash IVF Singapore Spotlights Male Factor Infertility for National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)

Published

on

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 April 2026 – In conjunction with National Infertility Awareness Week (19–25 April 2026), Monash IVF Singapore, alongside partners like Fertility Support Singapore, is shifting the spotlight to a long-overlooked narrative: male factor infertility.

Monash IVF Singapore National Infertility Awareness Week

While fertility discussions often centre on women, statistics show that male factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases. Male factor infertility can arise from a range of factors, including low sperm count, reduced sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, or underlying medical issues. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and environmental exposures may also affect sperm quality over time.

Despite its prevalence, male factor infertility is often less discussed in Singapore, which can lead to delays in assessment and treatment. Early evaluation, including semen analysis and medical consultation, can help identify potential concerns and guide appropriate next steps for couples.

To support greater awareness, Monash IVF is launching a series of digital educational content aimed at de-stigmatising male reproductive health and providing actionable insights for men to take charge of their fertility. These resources will cover common causes of male infertility, when to seek medical advice, and the types of assessments and treatment options available. By making this information more accessible, the clinic aims to encourage earlier evaluation and more open conversations about male factor infertility, both within relationships and in the wider community.

As Singapore’s demographic landscape evolves, Monash IVF Singapore is contributing to broader discussions on reproductive health. With the national Total Fertility Rate (TFR) reaching a record low of 0.87 in 2025, the need for comprehensive and patient-centred fertility care continues to grow.

Understanding Modern Fertility Challenges: Beyond Biological Factors

The decline in fertility is not merely a biological hurdle but a reflection of the intense pressures that Singaporeans face today. The “workplace rat race”, high-stress environments, and environmental factors have contributed to a trend of delayed parenthood. Many individuals are choosing to start families later due to career progression, financial considerations, and evolving life priorities. At the same time, age remains a key factor, as both egg and sperm quality may decline over time.

As such, these same pressures do not just delay parenthood; they also make it more difficult for individuals to pursue fertility treatments in Singapore. Managing appointments, coping with the physical and emotional demands of treatment, and balancing work responsibilities can become an added strain for many.

“Fertility is often treated as a private struggle, but it is a societal challenge,” says June Jonet, Marketing and Business Development Head of Monash IVF Singapore. “We are calling for greater understanding and support within the workplace. Employees undergoing fertility treatments or preservation need an environment that recognises the physical and emotional toll of this journey, rather than one that penalises them for it.”

Monash IVF’s Approach to Assisted Reproductive Care

Monash IVF Singapore’s clinical and laboratory team is led by Chief Embryologist Ng Pei Hui, supported by a team of senior embryologists and Fertility Specialists, including Dr Kelly Loi, Dr Suresh Nair, and Dr Yap Lip Kee.

The clinic applies a range of established assisted reproductive techniques to enhance success rates, tailored to individual clinical needs. These include:

  • Piezo-ICSI: A fertilisation method that uses a blunt needle with high-speed vibration to gently penetrate eggs and assist sperm injection. It may be considered in cases involving fragile oocytes or advanced maternal age.
  • IMSI: A technique that uses high-magnification imaging to support sperm selection, enabling embryologists to identify and avoid sperm with morphological abnormalities, such as vacuoles.
  • PICSI: A method of biological sperm selection using hyaluronic acid to help identify mature sperm with a lower likelihood of DNA damage.
  • Embryoscope+: A time-lapse imaging system that continuously monitors embryo development without disrupting stable culture conditions, supporting the selection of embryos with strong developmental potential for transfer.

The Power of Planning: Fertility Preservation

Alongside treatment, Monash IVF Singapore highlights the importance of proactive planning. As more women and couples choose to delay parenthood, elective egg freezing (a form of fertility preservation) has become a vital tool. At the same time, early assessment of male factor infertility, including semen analysis, can identify potential concerns and help couples prepare more confidently.

“Even with the range of treatments available today, timing still matters,” says Chief Embryologist Ng Pei Hui. “Early consultation allows patients to better understand their options and make informed decisions.”

With infertility affecting approximately 1 in 6 individuals, it is now recognised as a relatively common medical condition rather than a rare exception. This is why at Monash IVF Singapore, fertility care is not only about addressing challenges as they arise but also about supporting early planning for both men and women. With options such as elective egg freezing, male fertility assessment, and fertility health checks, the clinic aims to help Singaporeans better understand their reproductive health and make informed decisions at different stages of their journey.

For more information about Monash IVF Singapore and what they do, visit their website.
Hashtag: #MonashIVF #malefertility #mensfertility #reproductivehealth #fertilityawareness #menswellness

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

About Monash IVF Singapore

Monash IVF Singapore is part of the global Monash IVF Group, a pioneer in reproductive medicine since achieving the world’s first IVF pregnancy in 1973. We provide a full suite of fertility services, combining compassionate patient care with the latest scientific breakthroughs.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

VinFast signs partnerships with 14 e-scooter dealers in the Philippines, accelerating nationwide network expansion

Published

on

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 April 2026 – VinFast today announced the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on strategic cooperation with 14 e-scooter distributors in the Philippines. The agreements demonstrate VinFast’s ability to rapidly scale its retail network, while further affirming its long-term commitment to advancing green mobility and building a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem in the Philippines.

VinFast continues to collaborate with leading motorcycle distributors in the Philippines in support of the upcoming June 2026 product launch.

To support its planned product launch in June 2026, VinFast has continued to partner with leading motorcycle distributors in the Philippines, including Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation; Gentrade International Phils., Inc. (Transcycle); Superbikes Corporation; Motoxpress Sales Corporation; FMN Industrial Corp.; Eduhome Enterprise, Inc.; Keymotors Incorporated; Motorpro by Abenson Ventures Inc. and Aserco; Moto Atelier Inc.; Ciclo Suerte; HG Motorzone; HGC Main Marketing (Motorboy); BLC Cycle Parts Supply; and Auto Ten Trade & Services Corp. Similar to the partners signed in January 2026, these partners have extensive networks, demonstrate strong operational capabilities, and possess longstanding experience in the motorcycle business, alongside a clear orientation toward the green transition.

VinFast and its partners will collaborate to rapidly roll out a showroom network across the market, with many outlets expected to be launched in parallel at the time of product introduction, laying the foundation for accelerated expansion of nationwide sales and after-sales services. The showrooms will be developed in high-demand areas with strong potential for green transition such as Metro Manila, Metro Davao, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Metro Cebu, Bulacan, and other major urban provinces, and will adhere to VinFast’s global standards for operations and brand identity.

In the initial phase, the network will distribute a portfolio of swappable-battery e-scooters, including Evo, Feliz II, Viper, and other models expected to be launched in the near future, alongside upcoming models that will be further adapted to local infrastructure conditions and consumer usage patterns in the Philippines.

The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s largest motorcycle markets, characterized by strong demand for personal mobility and rapid urbanization. Amid fuel price volatility and a growing shift toward sustainable solutions, e-scooters are emerging as a promising pathway, particularly when supported by an integrated ecosystem.

VinFast is pioneering the development of a comprehensive e-scooter ecosystem in the Philippines, encompassing dealer networks, after-sales services, financing solutions, and energy infrastructure. Notably, the company aims to deploy approximately 30,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide in the near term, in collaboration with infrastructure partners, to deliver a convenient and flexible user experience.

Earlier in 2026, VinFast announced plans to expand its e-scooter business across five key international markets, including the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, as part of its global strategy to scale a green mobility ecosystem.

Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-Scooters Overseas Market, said: “Our partnerships with 14 major dealers in the Philippines mark an important step in rapidly establishing a strong distribution and service foundation from the outset. We are not only introducing products tailored to local needs, but also developing an integrated ecosystem, from battery-swapping infrastructure to after-sales services, enabling consumers to access and adopt e-scooters in a convenient, efficient, and sustainable manner.”

In recent years, VinFast has steadily built its presence across key Southeast Asian markets, including the Philippines, through a diverse electric vehicle portfolio and strategic partnerships in infrastructure and services. The expansion into e-scooters further completes its green mobility ecosystem in the market and the region, while providing consumers with more flexible options in the transition to sustainable transportation.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

4,680 young Chinese volunteers called “Little Deer” ready for Asian Beach Games

Published

on

SANYA, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 April 2026 – As the 6th Asian Beach Games draws near, 4,680 youth volunteers, affectionately known as the “Little Deer” (Xiao Lu Lu), have completed their general training and are now intensively honing their foreign language skills and job-specific practical abilities in final preparation for the event.

4,680 young Chinese volunteers ready for Asian Beach Games.

Recruited from 12 universities, including Hainan University and Hainan Normal University, as well as other local organizations, the volunteers share the common nickname “Little Deer.” The name is derived from Sanya’s nickname, “Deer City,” and is meant to reflect the volunteers’ lively, warm, and friendly spirit.

“See ya in Sanya” is both the slogan of the Asian Beach Games and the guiding principle for its volunteers. Liang Zihan, a student from Hainan Tropical Ocean University, said: “Since the launch of the volunteer recruitment drive, whether it is learning about the Games, mastering multilingual communication, or taking part in scenario-based drills and emergency exercises, I have given it my all. I hope to convey Sanya’s warmth, openness, and inclusiveness to every friend who comes from afar.”

Alongside local students, the volunteer team also includes many young people from across China brought together by the Games. Wu Yujia, a sophomore at the Hospitality Institute of Sanya, is one of them. “I want to show a warm, caring, and energetic Sanya,” she said. When asked about her future plans, she did not hesitate: “I want to stay in Sanya.” In her eyes, the city’s pleasant climate and beautiful scenery have deepened her affection for it and strengthened her commitment to volunteering.

The 6th Asian Beach Games will be held in Sanya, Hainan, from April 22 to 30, 2026. Delegations from all 45 member countries and regions of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) will take part in what is the largest and most influential beach sports event in Asia. As the first major international sporting event to be held in Hainan after the independent customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the Games are not only a celebration of Asian sport but also an important opportunity for Hainan to present an open and welcoming face to the world.

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

Continue Reading

Trending