WOC Asia - The Construction Exhibition in 2024 to Explore the Latest Products, Technologies and Solutions
WOC Asia - The Construction Exhibition in 2024 to Explore the Latest Products, Technologies and Solutions

SHANGHAI, May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Asian edition of the well-known World of Concrete series in the global concrete industry, World of Concrete Asia 2024 (WOCA) will be taking place on 14-16 August in Shanghai, China. Please click here to register for free visitor pass. WOC Asia 2024 is the only comprehensive exhibition for Concrete, Flooring and Mortar industries in Asia, showcasing high-quality products, leading technologies, and the latest solutions in concrete, flooring and mortar industries. Covering more than 50,000 square meters of exhibition space, WOC Asia 2024 is expected to gather over 720 exhibitors and will hold over 60 education sessions during the three-day event. And the event is expected to welcome 50,000 trade visitors home and abroad, including distributors, manufacturers, contractors, owners, developers, architects and designers. Click for Visitor Badge A comprehensive three-day event for one-stop efficient visit WOCA will create a one-stop efficient platform for manufacturers, real estate developers, owners, designers, contractors, distributors and engineering companies to source, network and generate new business opportunities. The event covers the whole industry chain, and adapt the evolving demands of different industry sectors, including industrial, education, residential, hospitality, healthcare, public space, office, commercial complex, retail and etc. Buyers from overseas are expected to increase significantly, such as Japan, Korea, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. Discover the pulse of China's construction industry, Register Now! And SAVE THE DATE! Some of the 2024 exhibitors: Concrete: QUATROMATIC, NL SCIENTIFIC, TENGZHOU STAR, NINGBO SHIKE, SHANGHAI DRAGON, YUTIAN ZHITA, SHANDONG ZHAOFAN, TIANJIN HENGFENG, GANSU SANYUAN Flooring: SHANGHAI ZHENGOU, WUHAN DELIGU, ZICHEN GROUP, SHANDONG VANSE, SHANGHAI SHUAITU, SHANGHAI ZHONGJIU, CONMEC ENGINEERING, ZHEJIANG JINGKUN, SHANDONG HUAANG, SHANGHAI YIYUE, SUZHOU TIANCHANG, SHANGHAI JIANSONG, NINGBO CHEERS, FUJIAN XINGYI, HUSQVARNA CONSTRUCTION, JIANGSU SANMU, GUANGDONG ZHISHENG, TIANJIN CFS, JIANGSU HUACAN, YAMU MECHANICAL, SHANGHAI JIEZHOU, DONGGUAN MERROCK, FUZHOU BONTAI, TAIAN LIANGTENG, CHANGGE QIUTIAN, HOUXIANG YOUPIN, NANTONG XINGCHEN, ASHINE DIAMOND Motor: TANGSHAN POLAR BEAR, SHANGHAI INSHINE, TIANJI HAVERN, AALBORGPORTLAND, TAIAN HUAWE, SHANGHAI GREENCHEM, SHUANGLONG GROUP, YINSHAN WHITE, NINGJIN WANQIANG, TOP-CELLU WOC Asia 2024 Education features 60+sessions Industrial and Commercial Flooring Application Case Forum New Advances in Flooring Engineering Technology Development of High Quality Concrete Flooring Conference Concrete Damage Repair Forum Floor Concrete and Admixture Application Technology Forum Key Technology and Production Application of Factory-Made Mortar Forum Technology Enhancement of Flowable Mortar Production Seminar Asia Public Space Flooring Conference Sports Flooring Technology Application Forum Urban Renewal and Commercial Interior Design Forum Onsite Events provides networking opportunities for you business Gold Trowel Award Asia Awards WOCA AWARDS Live Demonstration National Floor Industry Vocational Skills Competition Finals WOCA Business Matching Service WOCA 2024 pre-registration opens, and you can register for a free badge by registering now. Pre-registration can enjoy various benefits! 1. Online Registration Log in to the WOCA official website (https://en.wocasia.cn/)to fill out information or register online now (https://sourl.cn/q6EUd2); 2. Email Registration Call the audience hotline to register, the phone number: 0086 21 6157 7284; 3. Group Registration If your company has 5 or more colleagues visiting the WOCA, please contact: sophia.li@informa.com, to apply for group pre-registration.

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Vantage Foundation and Teach For Malaysia join forces to empower indigenous children through education
Vantage Foundation and Teach For Malaysia join forces to empower indigenous children through education

SINGAPORE, May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Foundation proudly announces its partnership with Teach For Malaysia (TFM) to empower indigenous Orang Asli communities in Malaysia through education. This collaboration underscores Vantage Foundation's mission to shine the spotlight on the invisible challenges faced by marginalised communities around the world. Vantage Foundation and Teach For Malaysia join forces to empower indigenous children through education Vantage Foundation will offer strategic support to TFM's initiatives addressing the educational challenges of Orang Asli students, aiming to raise awareness and empower them to reach their full potential. "Our partnership with Teach For Malaysia highlights our commitment to inclusive education and empowering marginalised communities, especially the Orang Asli, to thrive," said Steven Xie, Executive Director of Vantage Foundation. TFM's expertise in recruiting, training, and supporting teachers aligns with Vantage Foundation's mission of promoting social mobility and inclusive education. Together, they aim to break down systemic barriers and empower the Orang Asli community. "We're thrilled to collaborate with Vantage Foundation to empower our children through education," said Fam Li Ying, Director of Growth at Teach For Malaysia. "Together, we hope to realise a vision that all children in Malaysia will have access to quality education." One impactful example is Shawn Stanly, a teacher at a school in Banun. Shawn's innovative teaching methods create an immersive learning environment where imagination thrives and dreams take shape. His approach bridges the gap between students and unfamiliar concepts, fostering a love for learning. For instance, Shawn captivated his students by transforming the classroom into an airplane interior. Inspired by a student's longing to experience air travel, Shawn created a "flight simulation" to broaden their horizons. Despite limited resources, Shawn dressed as a pilot and turned the classroom into an airplane cockpit, complete with a makeshift window projector. Using a hailer, he guided his mesmerized students through a virtual journey on Air Banun to destinations like Paris and the Himalayas, sharing fascinating facts along the way. "This experience opened their minds to the world beyond their village," Shawn reflects, his passion for teaching evident. "It's not just a job; it's a calling," he adds with a smile, underscoring his commitment to empowering Orang Asli communities through education. The Vantage Foundation and Teach For Malaysia partnership marks a significant stride toward educational equity and social justice in Malaysia. Through collaboration and expertise, they aim to transform the lives of Orang Asal students nationwide. Discover more about Teach For Malaysia's initiatives at https://teachformalaysia.org/ About Vantage Foundation Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organisation launched at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK with the support of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the NEOM McLaren Extreme E team in 2023. For more information, please visit www.vantage.foundation

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Mitsui Bussan Secure Directions, Inc. launches Blackpanda IR Retainer, a cyber incident emergency response retainer service
Mitsui Bussan Secure Directions, Inc. launches Blackpanda IR Retainer, a cyber incident emergency response retainer service

SINGAPORE and TOKYO, May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsui Bussan Secure Directions Inc. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Daisen Suzuki; hereinafter "MBSD") will start providing a cyber incident response (hereinafter "IR") retainer service in collaboration with BLACKPANDA JAPAN K.K. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: David Yu Suzuki; hereinafter "Blackpanda").  The retainer service allows customers to proactively engage Blackpanda's elite cyber incident response services on standby in advance for potential cyber security incidents. Through the retainer service, customers can seize control of cyber incident response - enabling them to smoothly and quickly execute incident response protocols when triggered, thereby reducing the risks and costs of reactively engaging incident response services from IR vendors after incidents have occurred. When a company suffers a cyber security incident and it proves difficult to handle by the company's own internal Computer Security Incident Response Team (hereinafter "CSIRT"), the company will normally seek consultation with IR vendors for assistance. However, this approach puts the company in a reactive posture, and creates potential risks, delays, and higher costs.  Finding and negotiating with an available IR vendor in reaction to an incident involves navigating complicated contractual negotiations and procedures, and explaining the company's environment and incident details to a possibly unfamiliar vendor. This process requires substantial expenditure of time and effort, resulting in increased response costs and, most significantly, the greater risk of exacerbated damages to the company. Under the new IR Retainer service, MBSD will assist the customer to proactively prepare for potential cyber security incidents by setting up contractual arrangements, agreeing on procedures and communication channels, and collecting relevant information on the customer's technology environment.  In the event of a security incident, MBSD acts as a point of contact for consultation among the user and Blackpanda to execute the response. With protocols and preparation work already established, response time between the occurrence of the security incident and the initiation of response, including threat identification, containment, and recovery, can be significantly reduced – ultimately minimizing the damages and business impact to the customer.  As well, MBSD's IR Retainer, being a pre-arranged service, offers significant cost savings compared to on-demand incident response after an emergency has occurred. Furthermore, for the IR Retainer service, if incident response support remains unused throughout the contract period, customers have flexibility to reassign a portion of the contract fee to other security services. This flexibility is a notable feature, avoiding the "use it or lose it" situation that arises with prepaid contracts. For further information, please contact us below. Key Features of Our Service  Minimization of Damages by Reducing Time from Incident Occurrence to Response and Recovery By contracting in advance, we can expedite the time it takes to begin response and recovery. Following the establishment of the contract, we will proactively collect relevant information to develop a thorough understanding of the customer's environment. Compared to the traditional approach of identifying and engaging an IR vendor after the onset of a security incident, our IR Retainer service significantly shortens the overall incident response timeline from response initiation to threat identification, containment, and recovery, ultimately minimizing damages. Flexible Service Design If incident response is not executed during the contract period, unused fees can be reallocated to other cyber security services. In this way, customers can enjoy the dual benefits of standby cyber incident response as well as bespoke cyber security consulting services at no additional cost, contributing to the continual enhancement of customer's cyber resilience. Cost Effective Incident Response Support As this service entails pre-contracting for potential security incidents, it allows for cost reduction compared to rushed engagements with an IR vendor during emergencies. 【From Blackpanda】 Blackpanda expresses great pleasure for this collaboration with MBSD, which marks a significant milestone for us. This partnership enables us to immediately extend our coverage to the Japanese enterprise market alongside our traditional SMB customer base. In joining forces with MBSD, we will offer the cybersecurity industry's most sophisticated digital forensics and incident response services as an integral element of MBSD's comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for enterprises in Japan. This partnership is not just a testament to our advanced capabilities and MBSD's leading position in the Japanese cybersecurity market, but it also underscores our commitment to adding a critical capability for leading Japanese enterprise organizations to enhance their resilience against ever-evolving cyber threats. Together, we are setting a new standard in cybersecurity, ensuring Japanese businesses receive unparalleled protection and world-class crisis response. BLACKPANDA JAPAN K.K.  Representative Director  David Yu Suzuki 【From MBSD】We are delighted to announce the commencement of our IR Retainer service in collaboration with Blackpanda. While the advancement of digital technology has brought innovation to the entire economy, it has led to the daily increase in the threat of cyber attacks. MBSD has long been dedicated to providing services that address the cybersecurity needs of companies across various scales and industries. However, clearly, security incidents causing significant disruptions to business operations are becoming more frequent. With this IR Retainer service offered in partnership with Blackpanda, we aim to meet the specific needs of companies looking to prepare in advance for security incidents, therefore, aiding in the enhancement of cyber resilience. MITSUI BUSSAN SECURE DIRECTIONS, INC.Executive Officer Masaru Sekihara About BLACKPANDA GROUP Blackpanda is Asia's leading local cyber incident response firm, dedicated to delivering world-class digital emergency response services to businesses in the region. We help businesses strengthen their cyber resilience and secure their digital operations by supporting them with incident response delivered by local experts.  Our mission is to make cyber resilience achievable for all, with services and solutions designed for the Asian market.  For more details, please visit our website www.blackpanda.com About MBSD Established in 2001 as a cybersecurity specialist firm, we offer various diagnostics services such as penetration testing, TLPT, Red Team exercises, web application and web vulnerability assessments, malware analysis, advanced security technology services including integrated log monitoring and Managed XDR (Extended Detection and Response), as well as consulting services. We boast a large number of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals and are recognized as one of Japan's leading companies in this field. For more details, please visit our website. For more details, please visit our website www.mbsd.jp MEDIA CONTACT: Group Marketing Manager, may@blackpanda.com

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Casio to Celebrate 50th Watch Anniversary Inspired by a New
Casio to Celebrate 50th Watch Anniversary Inspired by a New "Sky and Sea" Concept

TOKYO, May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of five new "Sky and Sea" models spanning five of its watch brands — Casiotron, G-SHOCK, EDIFICE, PRO TREK, and BABY-G — to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Casio watches. The design theme features accent colors of blue and gold to evoke dazzling light illuminating the sky and sea. From left: BGA-S290SS, GMW-B5000SS, TRN-50SS, PRW-61SS, and ECB-2000SS Casio entered the timepiece business in 1974 with the release of the Casiotron QW02. As the first digital watch in the world with an automatic calendar function, the Casiotron was built on the concept of a fully automatic wristwatch, not only displaying hours, minutes, and seconds, but also the correct month, date, and day of the week. Building on this impressive start, Casio has continued to deliver advanced functionality inspired by a passion for usability with features including standard time radio wave reception, Mobile Link connectivity, and solar charging, while developing distinctive timepiece brands that complement diverse lifestyles. The new timepieces from five Casio watch brands inspired by the "Sky and Sea" concept commemorate 50 years of Casio watches. Each of the new watches is based on a popular design from one of the leading Casio brands, and they all share a common design theme with blue and gold accent colors evoking scenes of the sky and sea bathed in glowing light. This is the first lineup to feature watches from five different Casio brands with a common theme. The "Sky and Sea" design theme evokes the omnipresent yet ever-changing nature of the sky and sea to express the Casio commitment to constant innovation built on the company's original concept of creating a fully automatic wristwatch. All five watches incorporate eco-conscious design features, including the Tough Solar charging system, which converts sunlight and fluorescent light into energy to power all watch functions, and special packaging made with recycled materials.

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Samsung Electronics Unveils Month-Long Celebration of Esports Events for Students in Southeast Asia
Samsung Electronics Unveils Month-Long Celebration of Esports Events for Students in Southeast Asia

The campus edition of Galaxy Gaming Academy and Odyssey Cup brings together student gamers from across the region in a month-long celebration of competition, collaboration and community. SINGAPORE, May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Electronics announced the launch of its first month-long celebration of gaming excellence in Southeast Asia through its first campus edition of the company's Galaxy Gaming Academy, which focuses on mobile gaming and Odyssey Cup Campus League, which spotlights PC gaming. The campus edition of Galaxy Gaming Academy and Odyssey Cup brings together student gamers from across the region in a month-long celebration of competition, collaboration and community. Starting from 20 May 2024, the month-long festivity is dedicated to uniting the vibrant student gaming communities across Southeast Asia, its latest initiative arising from Samsung's steadfast commitment to shaping the future of competitive gaming. Galaxy Gaming Academy: A Platform for Aspiring ChampionsLaunched in 2023, Galaxy Gaming Academy aims to support amateur mobile gamers in their gaming journeys by providing them with training and a platform for them to elevate their skills. Targeted at student gamers, the Galaxy Gaming Academy Campus Series offers a unique platform for teams from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore, to showcase their abilities in the dynamic 5v5 Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) of Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB). The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra mobile phone, which features a powerful processor, vibrant visuals, and seamless connectivity to capture every strategic move and victory, ensures an immersive and highly engaging gaming experience. Odyssey Cup Campus League: Fostering Competitive SpiritBuilding on the success of the Odyssey Cup, the Odyssey Cup Campus League is dedicated to student PC gamers, and provides a platform for up-and-coming professional gamers to exhibit and sharpen their skills. Student teams from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam will pit against each other in a series of high-stakes challenges, and battle it out in intense 5v5 team clashes within the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) world of Dota 2. Samsung is committed to delivering the ultimate gaming experience with flagship gaming monitors: the Odyssey Neo G9 and Odyssey OLED G9. The Odyssey Neo G9 is Samsung's first dual UHD 57" curved wide screen gaming monitor, delivering stunning visuals and fast response times, while the Odyssey OLED G9 is Samsung's first DQHD OLED in curved screen of 49" with AI upscaling and incredible fast 0.03ms response time. These monitors aim to provide exceptional visuals and speed for all casual and hardcore gamers. A Month of Gaming GloryThroughout the month, participants will have the chance to engage in a variety of tournaments, workshops, and community events that are designed to enhance gaming skills, promote unity, and celebrate gaming culture. They can also enjoy in-game rewards from local gaming partners. "Samsung's dedication to innovation extends beyond our products and into the vibrant world of competitive gaming. We are proud to provide a platform through the Galaxy Gaming Academy Campus Series and the Odyssey Cup Campus League that not only showcase incredible talent from the Southeast Asian region, but also bring together a community of students passionate about gaming to compete with top-of-the-line gaming gear," says Chonhong Ng, VP & Head of Regional Marketing, Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania. Tournament DatesCountry Qualifiers: 1st and 2nd June 2024Country Finals: 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th June 2024Regional Playoffs: 21st, 22nd, and 23rd June 2024 Odyssey Cup Campus League Total Prize Pool: USD 10,000USD 4,000 - ChampionUSD 2,500 - 2nd PlaceUSD 1,500 - 3rd PlaceUSD 1,000 - 4th PlaceUSD 500 - 5th PlaceUSD 500 - 6th Place Galaxy Gaming Academy Total Prize Pool: USD 15,000USD 7,500 - ChampionUSD 3,500 - 2nd PlaceUSD 2,500 - 3rd PlaceUSD 1,500 - 4th Place For more details on Galaxy Gaming Academy and Odyssey Cup, or a live broadcast of the country finals and regional playoffs, please visit https://campusgamingacademy.com/ & https://odysseycup.gg/. About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

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Curated by teachers and students, exhibition of Asian Civilizations on Silk Roads opens at Zhejiang University
Curated by teachers and students, exhibition of Asian Civilizations on Silk Roads opens at Zhejiang University

HANGZHOU, China, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The exhibition Communication and Innovation: Asian Civilizations on The Silk Road inaugurated at Zhejiang University Museum of Art and Archaeology on May 10, 2024, is curated by the professors and students of the School of Art and Archaeology of Zhejiang University and will last until August 10, 2024. The exhibition brings together more than 210 pieces of artifacts from five museums, mainly from Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum in Japan, and Shaanxi Archaeological Museum in China. These artifacts dated back to between 3300 BC and AD 1800, show the emergence and development of Asian civilizations, and the mutual learning among them. The exhibition "Communication and Innovation: Asian Civilizations on The Silk Road" opens at Zhejiang University The exhibition is organized into three parts. The first part introduces the three cradles of human civilizations that originated in Asia, the Mesopotamian Civilization, the Indus Valley Civilization and the Chinese Civilization, through three aspects, mode of production, brief and symbols. The second part, named 'Objects and Art', shows the exchange of goods and the mutual borrowing of technology and artistic styles among different regions along the Silk Roads, particularly through metalwork, silk, ceramics, glass, and religious art. In the process of mutual learning, new techniques and styles are further developed. The third part, called 'City and People', presents how the four cities Baghdad, Samarkand, Chang'an, and Heiankyo, played the role as the hubs along the Silk Roads between the 7th and 10th centuries and witnessed the intersection of innovation, where international people exchanged products, knowledge and ideas, and create new ones. Compared to the exhibitions with the similar theme, this exhibition emphasizes more on the connections and interactions among Asian regions or cultures, rather than the uniqueness of particular Asian countries or cultures. The executive curator Dr Yi Fu said, more than 40 students majored in heritage and museum studies from the School of Art and Archaeology of Zhejiang University participated in the whole process of curating this exhibition, under the guidance of tutors. A roundtable discussion was held to discuss this exhibition after the opening of the exhibition, when the international museum professionals from Britain, France, Italy, Russia and South Korea shared their positive comments on the exhibition and the teaching-learning process in this practical curation project.

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Volkswagen Kicks Off High-Speed EV Charging Network in Taiwan, Powered by Noodoe EV OS
Volkswagen Kicks Off High-Speed EV Charging Network in Taiwan, Powered by Noodoe EV OS

TAIPEI, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen and Noodoe proudly celebrated the launch of VW's high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging network in Taiwan. Volkswagen unveiled the first of the upcoming 360kW DC fast charging stations, powered by Noodoe EV OS. Volkswagen Taiwan charging network 360kW DC EV charging station, Powered by Noodoe "We are bringing ultra-fast charging to all brands in Taiwan, as our intention is to electrify Taiwan and serve the growing number of electric vehicle owners," said Steffan Knapp, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars in Taiwan. "We chose to run our network with Noodoe EV OS because of its industry-leading uptime, ensuring the network always operates seamlessly and autonomously, providing drivers with the reliability and convenience they expect from Volkswagen." Powered by Noodoe EV OS, the new charging network offers high-speed charging with an industry-leading 98% uptime, ensuring unmatched reliability. The cloud-based system controls and operates the infrastructure, automating station management, payment processing, and station repair and recovery. This streamlines the charging experience for EV drivers, making electric mobility convenient and accessible. "We are delighted to collaborate with Volkswagen in pioneering the development of high-speed EV charging infrastructure," said John Wang, Chairman of Noodoe Group. "Drawing from our extensive experience, Noodoe is dedicated to empowering businesses worldwide to expand local EV charging markets through the development of the best EV charging operating system." Launching this first charging station marks a significant milestone for Volkswagen's charging network and for the country's transition towards cleaner transportation solutions. As Volkswagen leads the way with its Noodoe-powered charging network, the stage is set for a sustainable future where electric mobility plays a central role in reducing emissions and fostering environmental stewardship. About Noodoe: Noodoe is at the forefront of the EV revolution. Dedicated to facilitating the global transition towards sustainable transportation, Noodoe creates the custom-built EV Operating System (EV OS) that empowers businesses worldwide to seamlessly enter or expand in local EV charging markets. Noodoe EV OS offers comprehensive solutions that automate and streamline EV charging operations while enhancing user experiences. Dedicated to customer-centric design and continuous innovation, Noodoe sets the bar for intelligent management systems in the EV charging industry. https://www.noodoe.com/global

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Hisense Welcomes Goalkeeping Icon Iker Casillas to UEFA EURO 2024™ 'BEYOND GLORY' Campaign
Hisense Welcomes Goalkeeping Icon Iker Casillas to UEFA EURO 2024™ 'BEYOND GLORY' Campaign

QINGDAO, China, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global home appliance corporation Hisense is teaming-up former Spanish international and legendary Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas with another World Cup winning captain Manuel Neuer for the Hisense 'BEYOND GLORY' UEFA EURO 2024™ campaign. Icon Iker Casillas partners with Hisense as Global Brand Ambassador Renowned for his ability to produce spectacular saves, Iker Casillas is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. In joining Manuel as a Hisense Global Brand Ambassador, he will be adding support to the Hisense 'BEYOND GLORY' campaign and its iconic product line-up, celebrating the ultimate footballing achievement of winning EURO honors. "I am delighted to partner with Hisense and join the 'BEYOND GLORY' campaign which puts the spotlight on celebrating the world's best goalkeepers," explained Iker Casillas. "A goalkeeper's winning reputation is based on their reliability. I am pleased to be invited by Hisense as a Global Ambassador, representing a company relied on by its customers for creating innovative technology that improves their lives."   With host nation Germany buzzing during the competition, Hisense as an official partner of UEFA EURO 2024™ is joining the excitement with a 'Hisense BEYOND GLORY Tour', showcasing its innovative display technology delivering the perfect TV game-watching experiences, and latest smart-life home appliances. Fans visiting the roadshow, which tours five host cities, have the chance to test their goalkeeping skills against a series of shooting challenges, whilst also exploring a showcase of Hisense's cutting-edge TV products and home appliances. In his role as a Global Ambassador, Iker will be joining the footballing fun with personal appearances to meet fans at the Frankfurt stop of the 'Hisense BEYOND GLORY Tour' during the tournament. The Hisense 'BEYOND GLORY' campaign highlights the company's unwavering commitment to pioneering technology with unparallelled quality in the pursuit of a better life. The campaign marks the third consecutive UEFA European Championship™ that Hisense has partnered the event which provides a tremendous opportunity to continue to connect the Hisense brand with consumers around the world. About Hisense Hisense is a leading global home appliance and consumer electronics brand. Hisense's business covers multimedia products (with a focus on Smart TVs), home appliances, and IT intelligent information. Hisense Retains No. 2 Ranking Globally for TV Shipment in 2023. Hisense has grown rapidly, and now operates in more than 160 countries.

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JA Solar Supplies 480MW PV Modules to the Largest PV Project in Chile
JA Solar Supplies 480MW PV Modules to the Largest PV Project in Chile

BEIJING, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --The CEME1 480MW Project, now the largest photovoltaic (PV) installation in Chile, has successfully reached full capacity grid connection. PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited, the contractor of the project, utilized high-performance modules from JA Solar, emphasizing the pivotal role of JA Solar's technology and products in this landmark achievement. JA Solar Supplies 480MW PV Modules to the Largest PV Project in Chile Spanning approximately 400 hectares—an area equivalent to 370 football fields—the project represents about one-tenth of Chile's total installed renewable energy capacity. Located in the Atacama Desert, the driest nonpolar desert in the world, the project places exceptionally high demands on the reliability of the PV modules. Recognized for its superior product reliability and extensive experience in supplying PV projects in desert environments, JA Solar has been selected to provide all the modules for this project. The project is poised to generate one billion kWh of electricity annually. This substantial output will provide clean energy to approximately 400,000 households and is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 280,000 tons each year. The successful operation of the CEME1 Project marks a crucial step forward in Chile's energy transition, showcasing the significant impact of JA Solar's advanced PV technology in driving global sustainable development. At the outset of the project construction, JA Solar collaborated with builders from PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited to conduct a detailed analysis and assessment of local geological conditions and multiple challenges such as high temperatures, intense ultraviolet radiation, and strong winds and sandstorms, laying a solid foundation for the smooth execution of the Project. With its outstanding performance in several projects located in extreme geographical and climatic conditions, the JA Solar module has won high praise for its reliability and adaptability. Aiqing Yang, Executive President of JA Solar, said, "The CEME1 480MW Project marks a significant milestone in our commitment to renewable energy innovation and sustainability. This project not only underscores the exceptional synergy between PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited and JA Solar but also sets a new benchmark for large-scale solar initiatives in Chile. We are proud to contribute to the local energy transition, providing clean energy to hundreds of thousands of households and significantly reducing carbon emissions. We look forward to continuing our support for local sustainable development, addressing environmental challenges, and fostering a greener and more resilient future for communities in Chile and beyond." For more information, please visit www.jasolar.com.

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Innomix and World Castle Association Pioneer LBMR project at Zhangbi Fortress
Innomix and World Castle Association Pioneer LBMR project at Zhangbi Fortress

Transforming immersive cultural tourism with Location-Based Mixed Reality BEIJING, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Innomix and the Zhangbi Fortress in Shanxi have launched an immersive Location-Based Mixed Reality (LBMR) project, with the World Castle Association participating as a strategic partner. The collaboration aims to captivate audiences with its distinctive IP theme, "Oriental Ancient Castle Adventure + The Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions", delivering an unparalleled immersive experience. Zhangbi Fortress In 2023, LBMR, a revolutionary offline immersive entertainment experience, cultural tourism. By offering a multi-player, full-sensory virtual reality adventure in expansive spaces, LBMR pushes the boundaries of multidimensional exploration, creating unparalleled, engaging experiences for visitors. An LBMR project focused on the Egyptian pyramids has garnered significant popularity and attention in the market, boasting impressive visitor numbers and substantial revenue and profits. The application of LBMR in cultural tourism scenarios holds immense potential, igniting diverse expectations for elevating the cultural and entertainment experience to new heights. LBMR enables dynamic interactions between individuals, virtual characters, and the surrounding environment by seamlessly merging content from three distinct realms: gaming, film & television, and exhibitions. This innovative integration creates a richly immersive experience, allowing users to engage with diverse narratives and interactive elements in unprecedented ways, offering an extraordinary new way to enjoy culture and entertainment through its limitless potential for varied expression. The World Castle Association (WCA) is a global network of castles committed to raising awareness of cultural heritage, especially castles, and promoting the protection and research of castle-related cultural heritage. A member of the World Castle Association, the Zhangbi Fortress, is located in Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province, China. Boasting a rich history and culture spanning over 1,600 years, it is a melting pot of various cultural elements, including ancient architecture, folklore, Chinese astronomy, and Buddhism and Taoism. This strategic partnership aims to establish an international exchange platform, harnessing the cultural tourism resources of Zhangbi Fortress in tandem with Innomix's innovative "Content + Technology" solutions, to foster the exploration and preservation of the "digital essence" of Zhangbi Fortress, while advancing the global exchange of China's profound ancient culture and heritage. The WCA endeavors to expand international exchanges on cultural heritage preservation and inheritance, propelling innovative advancements in the global castle culture and tourism sector. This effort leverages the enhanced LBMR "Multi-dimensional Narrative" approach exemplified by Zhangbi Fortress as a compelling case study. Additionally, it aims to establish deep cooperation with global castle members to collaboratively develop immersive LBMR cultural experiences, rejuvenating cultural heritage and presenting it in innovative ways.

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Casio Presents a New Brand Statement for their Electronic Musical Instruments Named:
Casio Presents a New Brand Statement for their Electronic Musical Instruments Named: "Sound for Style"

TOKYO, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio Computer Co., Ltd. unveiled their latest brand statement "Sound for Style" during the JAPAN NIGHT event held during the Cannes International Film Festival, in order to clearly communicate the shared vision of the Casio electronic musical instrument brand. "Sound for Style" encapsulates Casio's enduring dedication to bringing the joy of music to everyone by offering a personalized approach to enjoying music that seamlessly integrates with a diverse range of lifestyles. With its roots based on Casio's ethos of innovation and accessibility, this new brand statement signifies Casio's ongoing mission to foster a vibrant musical culture that resonates with individuals across the globe and from all walks of life. Looking towards the future, Casio is poised to embark on a series of strategic initiatives based on this new brand statement, including: Spearheading the development of revolutionary electronic instruments that enhance lifestyles through their immersive musical experiences. Cultivating collaborative partnerships with renowned artists on a global scale, spanning regions such as Japan and North America, in an order to nurture creative discourse and expand cultural exchange. JAPAN NIGHT which set the stage for the introduction of "Sound for Style," serves as a testament to our commitment to showcasing Japanese artistry and innovation on a global scale. Serving as a beacon for superior craftsmanship, Casio proudly featured its signature digital piano, the PX-S7000HM, from the renowned Privia series, which is widely celebrated for its exceptional musical performance and sophisticated aesthetics. PX-S7000HM The PX-S7000HM took center stage during a captivating live performance that featured esteemed artist Jeanne Cherhal, who is widely acclaimed for her contributions to the French chanson genre. Reflecting on the qualities of the PX-S7000HM, she expressed, "Privia is an instrument of unparalleled creativity, that ignites and inspires with its exquisite sound and design." Her renditions of a number of songs that are a part of cinematic history, enthralled the audience, enthralled the audience that included luminaries of the international film industry as well as media representatives. JAPAN NIGHT https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CAqCR1b40Q0

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XCMG Machinery Unveils Groundbreaking ESG Report, Marking a Milestone in Sustainable Business Development
XCMG Machinery Unveils Groundbreaking ESG Report, Marking a Milestone in Sustainable Business Development

XUZHOU, China, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant stride towards sustainable development, XCMG Machinery (SHE:000425, "XCMG") releases its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report. This landmark document highlights the company's achievements in electrification and intelligent manufacturing within its strategic value chain. By reinforcing its green competitive edge, XCMG is spearheading the industry's transition towards sustainability. XCMG Machinery Unveils Groundbreaking ESG Report, Marking a Milestone in Sustainable Business Development. Keep Strengthening the Green Competitive Edge, Promoting the Green Transition of Industries In 2023, XCMG achieved a nearly 15% reduction in carbon emission intensity compared to 2020 while cutting energy costs by approximately RMB 30 million. The company reported total greenhouse gas emissions of 391,285.29 tons for the year—a decrease of 33,269.01 tons or 7.84% from the previous year—with new energy usage accounting for 19.64% of its total energy consumption. Continuously Explore the Forefront of Intelligent Equipment and Production in the Construction Machinery Industry In a significant stride towards the forefront of intelligent equipment and production within the construction machinery industry, XCMG has been named among the 2023 Intelligent Manufacturing Demonstration Factories by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. This accolade underscores XCMG's commitment to exploring an intelligent manufacturing model that spans product design, manufacturing, supply chain collaboration, marketing, and after-sales service. In 2023 alone, XCMG invested 501.87 million CNY in R&D, securing 1,672 new patents and setting 40 new standards while accumulating a total of 1,229 software copyrights. Investing in People for Sustainable Business Growth Recognizing talent as its primary resource, XCMG Machinery invested over 26 million CNY in global staff training during 2023, conducting more than 10,067 training sessions for nearly 400,000 participants across various domains, including technology management, marketing, and manufacturing. The company also conducted 964 safety hazard inspections, completed 12,320 corrective actions, and enhanced its safety operation and production management systems alongside occupational disease prevention training. Beyond internal support efforts, XCMG continues to shoulder responsibilities for improving social conditions. Since 2016, it has tackled extreme weather challenges due to prolonged droughts in Ethiopia by constructing family water cellars. Utilizing rooftop and groundwater collection technologies, provide filtered rainwater for drinking and agricultural use during dry seasons. By the end of 2023, 161 family water cellars and 20 school purification systems have been completed, significantly alleviating local water scarcity issues during dry periods. Please visit https://www.xcmgglobal.com/upload/file/2024/05/14/b158bff9b82a42379a788c881df76e62.pdf to read the report.

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Dahua Network Camera Series Obtains CC EAL 3+ Certificate
Dahua Network Camera Series Obtains CC EAL 3+ Certificate

HANGZHOU, China, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dahua Technology, a world-leading video-centric AIoT solution and service provider, is proud to announce that its network cameras have successfully obtained Common Criteria (CC) EAL 3+ certificate. This achievement demonstrates Dahua's dedication to delivering secure and reliable solutions that comply with the industry's highest information security standards and best practices. The Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) 3+ certificate, issued by the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation (CC), represents a widely used industry standard for evaluating the security features of IT products and systems. It has been recognized by 31 member countries of the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA) organization, which consists of the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan, etc. As the most authoritative and influential information security standard worldwide, obtaining the CC EAL 3+ certificate verifies Dahua's robust measures against potential security threats throughout the entire R&D, production, and delivery processes. This also signifies that Dahua's information security management capabilities meet internationally recognized industry standards. The certification process involves comprehensive testing and evaluation of Dahua's development environment, production environment, supply chain, vulnerability assessment, personnel security, as well as many other aspects. The security evaluation is completed by SGS Brightsight, a globally renowned security assessment laboratory in the Netherlands and approved by the Netherlands Scheme for Certification in the Area of IT Security (NSCIB). "At Dahua, we prioritize the security needs and trust of our customers above all else. With the addition of CC EAL 3+ certificate, customers can be confident that they are investing in a secure and reliable solution that delivers unparalleled peace of mind, safeguarding their assets and ensuring uninterrupted operations," stated Max Xiang, IPC Product Director at Dahua Technology. Dahua always follows best industry practices and maintains the highest standards of security across all aspects of the company's operations. In addition to product security and privacy protection, Dahua implements strict quality control measures to strengthen supply chain security. Forging ahead, Dahua will remain dedicated to advancing the security industry through innovative and secure solutions, further enhancing its cybersecurity and data protection capabilities, and working with industry partners to build a trustworthy AIoT environment. For more in-depth insights into Dahua's cybersecurity practices, please visit www. dahuasecurity.com 

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Portugal Icons and GBA Flying Dragon Put on a Show as Fans Treated to Dazzling Football Spectacle Presented by SJM
Portugal Icons and GBA Flying Dragon Put on a Show as Fans Treated to Dazzling Football Spectacle Presented by SJM

MACAO, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Football passion reached fever pitch in Macao as over 4,000 roaring spectators saw a glamorous Portugal Icons side beat the GBA Flying Dragon 11 - 4 in the late afternoon on 19 May in the "In Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao SAR: SJM Five-a-side Football Friendly: Portugal Icons vs. GBA Flying Dragon," a marquee match presented by SJM Resorts, S.A. in collaboration with the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, supported by Macao Government Tourism Office and technically supported by the Macao Football Association. This friendly match marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the SAR and showcases SJM's dedication to hosting top-tier international football stars, offering diverse sports tourism experiences for residents and visitors in the city. Luis Figo, the captain of Portugal Icons, and Natalis Chan, the captain of GBA Flying Dragon, exchanged pennants. With the Portugal Icons side featuring legendary players including Luis Figo, Tiago, Bosingwa, Maniche, Nuno Gomes, Pauleta, Hélder Postiga, and others, and a select GBA Flying Dragon team comprising players from the Greater Bay Area and the Hong Kong Star Football Team, fans were treated to a five-a-side sporting spectacle at 4:00 p.m., at the Macao East Asian Games Dome. Legendary player Luis Figo netted the opening goal. Nail-biting Twists and Turns during the Match Within the first two minutes of the game, Luis Figo netted the opening goal, followed by two goals each from his teammates Pauleta and Maniche. Wong Chin Hung then scored the first goal for the GBA Flying Dragon with a powerful shot, bringing the half-time score to 5 - 1 amidst loud cheering from the entire stadium. In the second half, the GBA Flying Dragon swiftly closed the gap, as Hu Zhijun demonstrated exceptional shooting prowess by scoring twice within a span of just 30 seconds. Portugal Icons captain Figo executed a skillful twist in front of the goal, passing the ball to teammate Hélder Postiga for a successful assist. The Portugal team's offensive pressure persisted, while the GBA Flying Dragon stood firm, with goalkeeper Chan Tat Sun consistently thwarting their advances. The excitement of the “SJM Five-a-side Football Friendly: Portugal Icons vs. GBA Flying Dragon” game kept the audience cheering non-stop. To enliven the atmosphere of the match, a team of dragon and lion dancers embodying Chinese traditions, an ensemble of young dancers from popular reality show Street Dance of China, and iconic Hong Kong rock band Tai Chi entertained the crowd before the game and during half-time with their dynamic performances. After the game, the players interacted with the audience. Throughout the match, both sides wowed fans with fancy footwork, close control and individual brilliance, as well as some intricate teamwork that is a hallmark of the beautiful game. At the final whistle, the match ended 11 - 4 to the Portuguese Icons. To the delight of fans across Macao and around the world, the game was also streamed live on SJM's Facebook and YouTube. SJM also invited over 300 underprivileged students, grassroots families, disadvantaged groups and college football team members from Macao to the game to experience the vibrant football carnival atmosphere. The 11 Portugal Icons star players enjoy the diverse facilities at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. The eagerly anticipated event was graced by the presence of notable guests, included Mr. Ho Iat Seng, Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Government; Ms. Ao Ieong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government; Mr. Wan Sucheng, Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Gao Yuan, Counselor and Director of the Department of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR; Mr. Manuel Ricardo da Silva, Chancellor of Consul General of Portugal in Macao and Hong Kong; Mr. Pun Weng Kun, President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr. Lai Pak Leng, President of the Administrative Board of Macao Football Association; and Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM. Before the match, a group of distinguished guests performed the eye-dotting ceremony to kick off the event, including Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM; Mr. Timothy Fok, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SJM; Ms. Angela Leong, Director of SJM; Mr. Eric Fok, Director of SJM; Ms. Maisy Ho, Director of SJM; Mr. Benjamin Toh, Chief Operating Officer of SJM; and Mr. Christopher Ip, Chief Financial Officer of SJM. Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, shared her excitement right after the event, "Football is a universal language that transcends boundaries. This friendly match was a success on both sporting and cultural levels, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR and centuries of Sino-Portuguese ties in Macao. It is the latest in a series of events presented by SJM, who have for years been committed to supporting the Macao government's goal of diversifying its leisure and tourism portfolio by hosting major sporting events, and to leverage on the 'Sports + tourism' model which has served the SAR well in enriching its tourism landscape. We are heartened by the raucous reception of our fans which goes on to show how showpiece events can serve as a platform to reinforce Macao's burgeoning status as a 'City of Sports' for international visitors." Luis Figo, captain of the Portugal Icons was overwhelmed by the reception of the fans. "Macao has always been a place that reminds me of home, with its deep Portuguese roots. We knew about the passion for football here, and were able to experience the electric atmosphere first-hand the moment we touched down, and with all the friendly staff and amazing fans we met in the bus tour and football clinic. We are happy to have brought joy to the fans, and would like to congratulate our wonderful opponents, the GBA Flying Dragon, who showed heart and skill in equal measure in an enjoyable game." His teammate Hélder Postiga echoed his sentiments, "The hospitality extended to us from Macao and SJM has been impeccable - everything from hotel reception to food is easily one of the best we have experienced. I'm impressed by Macao's vibrant cityscape - it exudes an energy and aura that set it apart from other Asian cities." Diversified Activities Enrich the Sports Tourism Experience SJM has organised a series of extension activities and exclusive offerings surrounding the competition, enhancing the overall experience for attendees. These include a nine-day football-themed carnival at the outdoor plaza of the Ponte 16 Resort, a welcome dinner for players from both teams, a collaborative effort with Portugal Icons and the Macao Football Association to host the "Legends of Tomorrow- Football Camp," Portugal Icons football stars taking a tour around Macao on an open-top bus, and a fan meet-and-greet session featuring legendary Portuguese football players prior to the game. Additionally, limited edition themed merchandise is available for purchase, an exhibition showcasing personal collections from the Portugal Icons is on display, and guests can opt for luxury accommodation packages, redeem tickets through specific purchases, enjoy the benefits of the "Kick off the game at SJM" scratch card, and indulge in football-themed food and cocktails. Over the years, SJM has attracted more international tourists to visit Macao through hosting major events. The diverse range of extension activities associated with this event has unfolded throughout the month of May, encompassing different districts of Macao. These initiatives have yielded significant results, laying a solid foundation for the development of Macao as a "City of Sports."

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RCEP to bring more vitality and certainty
RCEP to bring more vitality and certainty

HAIKOU, China, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership — a free trade agreement that has created the world's largest trading group — is sending a strong signal in favor of open markets, fair competition and rules-based trade at a time when protectionist tendencies and trade tensions are posing challenges to stable supply chains and global economic recovery, officials and experts said on Sunday. Members of the audience listen to an address on sharing the benefits of the RCEP and advancing international cooperation at the 2024 RCEP Media & Think Tank Forum in Haikou, Hainan province, on Sunday. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY China, as the largest economy within the RCEP framework, will work closely with other member countries to unlock the full potential of the agreement and ensure that its benefits are shared by all for win-win cooperation, they said at the fourth edition of the RCEP Media and Think Tank Forum in Haikou, Hainan province. The RCEP, with its vast regional population, substantial GDP and significant volume of goods trade, each accounting for approximately 30 percent of the global share, took full effect in June last year among its 15 signatory countries — China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Looking ahead, the RCEP is set to unleash more vitality as member countries make significant strides in enhancing connectivity and boosting trade and investment, said Hu Kaihong, a member of the Affairs Council of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. Thanks to provisions such as tariff reductions, cumulative rules of origin and streamlined customs procedures, the agreement has facilitated the continuous entry of high-quality products from member countries into the Chinese market over the past few years. Last year, the total import and export volume between China and other RCEP members reached 12.6 trillion yuan ($1.7 trillion), statistics from the General Administration of Customs showed. This accounted for 30.2 percent of China's total foreign trade, a 5.3 percent increase compared with 2021, the year before the agreement came into force. Yin Libo, vice-governor of the Hainan provincial government, said the agreement's multiple effects of trade creation, growth promotion and job generation have brought a rare sense of certainty to a world grappling with mounting uncertainties. Hainan, in particular, will capitalize on the combined advantages of the RCEP and the policies of its free trade port, to foster a base for Chinese companies venturing into international markets and a hub for overseas enterprises seeking entry into the Chinese market, Yin said. Last year, Chinese enterprises enjoyed a reduction of import duties worth 2.36 billion yuan within the RCEP framework. Importing enterprises based in the RCEP trading partners' economies also benefited immensely from preferential treatment, to the tune of 4.05 billion yuan, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed. Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the world today is far from being peaceful, with conflicts and disputes arising one after another. Narratives of a new Cold War or confrontation are all too common, and there are those who advocate "decoupling and severing supply chains" and creating "small yard, high fence", he said. The World Trade Organization said in April that it expected global trade in goods volume to increase 2.6 percent this year, indicating a decrease of 0.7 percentage point compared with the prediction made in October. It warned that geopolitical tensions continue to pose a significant risk to its outlook, as signs of trade fragmentation rise. The RCEP must further boost the utilization of its rules, upgrade rules and standards, and broaden the scope of cooperation, Qu said. By doing so, it can continue to unleash policy dividends and strengthen the efforts in building a better world, he added. The RCEP is projected to drive an annual increase of $186 billion in global GDP by the year 2030, according to the Washington-based Peterson Institute for International Economics. Chi Fulin, president of the China Institute for Reform and Development, said that due to the short implementation time and low awareness of enterprises, the rate of some members' use of RCEP rules is still low. Speeding up improvement of the rate of utilization of RCEP rules will further enhance the vitality of the large regional market, he said. With the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region playing a key role as an international trade center, international financial center and international arbitration center, its accession to the RCEP, if it becomes a reality, will play a unique role in promoting the RCEP regional market, Chi said. At the same time, research and communication on issues that concern India should be strengthened to attract the South Asian country's interest in rejoining the RCEP, he added. Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of ASEAN, said that the RCEP must work for all businesses, with a particular focus on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for on average more than 95 percent of registered businesses and provide between 30 percent and 85 percent of total employment in RCEP economies. The MSMEs must be furnished with the necessary know-how to take advantage of the RCEP and other free trade associations to grow our businesses and economies together and leave no one behind, he added. Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Center, said that against the backdrop of declining global openness, rising trade costs and bottlenecks of supply chains in the world, the RCEP could promote the free flow of production factors in a wider scope, realize the optimal allocation of production factors, promote the specialized division of labor and spur more new quality productive forces and innovations. Such efforts will help regional cooperation advance toward a more inclusive, modern, comprehensive and mutually beneficial direction, Shi said. The forum, themed "Shared Benefits, Win-win Cooperation" this year, was held by the Publicity Department of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, China Daily and the China Institute for Reform and Development.

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Congregating in the Lion City for a Win-Win Future of Intelligent Computing at the Global Data Center Facility Summit 2024
Congregating in the Lion City for a Win-Win Future of Intelligent Computing at the Global Data Center Facility Summit 2024

SINGAPORE, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 17, 2024, the Global Data Center Facility Summit 2024 was held in Singapore with the theme of "Power the Digital Era Forward." At the summit, over 600 data center industry leaders, technical experts, and ecosystem partners gathered to discuss new trends and opportunities of the global data center industry in the intelligent computing era. The attendees also got to experience all-scenario, all-ecosystem, and all-service end-to-end (E2E) solutions, share innovative practices of green data centers in the Asia Pacific and Europe, and experience the exhibition vehicle to unveil the mystery of Outdoor PowerPOD that features one power system per container. By fully embracing the intelligent computing era, Huawei strives to power the digital era forward. the Global Data Center Facility Summit 2024 Seizing Opportunities Brought by AI and Jointly Building Green & Reliable Computing Infrastructure At the opening speech, Charles Yang, Senior Vice President of Huawei and President of Marketing, Sales and Services, Huawei Digital Power, noted that since ChatGPT ushered in the AI era, large models keep pushing the limits of computing power and the intelligent computing industry is witnessing an unprecedented construction boom. As predicted, 100 GW will be added to the global data center installed capacity and the market value will exceed US$600 billion in the next five years. According to Charles, with opportunities come challenges. The primary challenge concerning the data center industry is reliability and electricity. Data centers are scaling up from the MW-level to the GW-level. E2E reliability of data centers is becoming even more important than ever. In response to the opportunities, Huawei will work with customers and partners to expand the industry space. Steering Data Centers to the AI Era with Product + Service + Ecosystem During the summit, Sun Xiaofeng, President of Huawei Data Center Facility & Critical Power Business, delivered a speech titled "Power the Digital Era Forward. " He stated that as AI large models are penetrating, the surging compute demands drive the expansive growth in data center. To address the challenges, Huawei strives to build product + service + ecosystem E2E data center solutions that feature fast deployment, flexible cooling, green energy, and ultimate reliability. Fast deployment: Data centers are fully modularized and prefabricated to ensure high quality and efficient construction. Flexible cooling: Air-liquid fusion and integrated cooling source emerges as the optimal cooling architecture for intelligent computing. Green energy: New generation-grid-load-storage integrated solution is built to ensure the sound operations of intelligent computing centers. Ultimate reliability: Data centers are safeguarded through reliable products and preventive protection. Currently, Huawei's global service network covers more than 170 countries with over 1800 professional engineers, providing 24/7 technical support. With N+ flagship service centers, Huawei has built a one-hour service radius for its customers. The ecosystem is a key part for a win-win future of intelligent computing. Huawei works with partners to develop comprehensive E2E solutions and provide customers with one-stop data center services. During the summit, Huawei and the ASEAN Centre for Energy released a white paper on "Building Next Generation Data Center Facility in ASEAN." The document provides insights into the status quo, challenges, and trends of data centers in the ASEAN region, and emphasizes that efficient and energy-saving products and solutions should be applied. It also proposes future-oriented policy recommendations for data center markets. In the ecosystem exhibition area, Huawei showcased scenario-based solutions for large-, medium-, and small-sized data centers, and demonstrated data center consulting, design, integrated development, and delivery capabilities with dozens of ecosystem partners including CIMC, Weichai, CSCEC, and Huashi. On a special note, the Huawei Outdoor PowerPOD exhibition vehicle made its global debut. The Huawei Outdoor PowerPOD features one power system per container, outdoor deployment, plug-and-play, and high protection rating and reliability. It has become the preferred choice for decoupling the power supply architecture. A single tree cannot make a forest. AI is presenting great opportunities. By delving into the industry, aggregating partner ecosystems, and making innovations applicable to transformations, Huawei will continue to help customers build reliable computing infrastructure, accelerating the industry to embrace AI and powering the digital era forward.

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"Riders Unite for Green: Segway-Ninebot 'GoGreenRideClean' Earth Day 2024 Challenge"

BEIJING, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Segway-Ninebot is thrilled to announce the successful wrap-up of the 'GoGreenRideClean' Earthday2024 Riding Challenge. This eco-friendly initiative, which ran from April 15th to May 5th, was not just a celebration of Earth Day but also a testament to the power of community and sustainable transportation. Under the inspiring theme 'GoGreenRideClean', participants across the Asia-Pacific region joined forces to make a significant environmental impact. Riders from the Golden Monarchs, Electric Navy, and Blaze Racers teams competed in a friendly mileage challenge, all in the spirit of cleaner, greener mobility. The event saw 1,547 riders from Asia-Pacific, Middle-east, and Russia come together to contribute an astonishing 1,973,387 points and cover a total distance of 79,378 kilometers. Their pedal power led to a reduction in carbon emissions by 95,117 kilograms, equivalent to planting 5,313 trees – a true embodiment of the 'GoGreenRideClean' ethos. Segway-Ninebot celebrates the collective effort of every participant who embraced the 'GoGreenRideClean' mission, proving that every rotation of the wheels contributes to a healthier planet. About Segway-Ninebot Segway-Ninebot is a leader in intelligent short-distance transportation and service robots, committed to innovation and eco-friendliness. The company is dedicated to revolutionizing personal transportation and contributing to environmental stewardship.  

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HoSkar Night, A Regional Premier Networking Event Is Coming Back To Phnom Penh On May 29th
HoSkar Night, A Regional Premier Networking Event Is Coming Back To Phnom Penh On May 29th

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The hospitality and real estate market in Cambodia has experienced rapid development in recent years, driven by foreign investment and urbanization, as well as the influx of many new investors. In line with this, WeHub has brought back HoSKar Night to Phnom Penh, aiming to support industry stakeholdes in Cambodia to come together, connect and discuss market updates. Recognized as the premier networking platform in the region, HoSkar Night is tailored for professionals in the Hospitality and Real Estate sectors to connect with real estate developers, hotels owners, designers, general managers, senior industry leaders, technology specialists, culinary innovators, and forward-thinking business entrepreneurs. The upcoming event, hosted at TRIBE Phnom Penh Hotel on May 29th, will kick off with the HoSkar Talk panel discussions at 4:45 PM, where local and international market experts will explore key aspects of the Cambodian hospitality  development. Renowned experts, including Mauro Gasparotti (Savills Hotels), Craig Douglas (Lodgis Hospitality Holdings), Rocky Khou (Khou Group), Edward Lee (Prince Real Estate Group) and Melita Koulmandas (Song Saa Collective) will provide insights on resort development, the future of Cambodia's condotels, the luxury market, operator strategies, brand expansions, and more. Following the discussions, the HoSkar Night networking session will start at 6 PM. Esteemed guests will have the opportunity to forge valuable connections, explore potential business partnerships, and enjoy socializing. Given the event's exclusive nature and limited capacity, priority access will be accorded to local developers, hotel owners, senior industry professionals, and esteemed members of the WeHub community. -  Inquir to attend both HoSkar Talk Panel Disucssion and Networking session:  https://forms.gle/awtpM6VaLKNp8gUMA  -  Inquire to attend the Networking session only: https://hoskarnight.com/register/  Co-hosted by Hafele Cambodia and Savills Hotels, in partnership with SALTO WECOSYSTEMS, Radisson Hotels Group and supported by Seara Sports Systems Cambodia, Archetype Reality, Cambodia Hotel Association, Architectural Engineering Consultants, Eurocham Cambodia, Confluences Trading, Cambodia Investment Reviews and PR Newswire, the HoSkar Night aspires to create an extraordinary networking experience for industry professionals in Phnom Penh. Following HoSkar Night Phnom Penh, a series of events is set to take place across Southeast Asia including HCMC (June 2024), Manila (July 2024), Hanoi (October 2024) and Bangkok (November 2024).   For more information about HoSkar Night in Phnom Penh and WeHub's upcoming events, please contact: Ms. Thi – Thi@wehubyou.com or follow WeHub official social media channels at: -  LinkedIn  -  Facebook 

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GC congratulates NatureWorks and Krungthai Bank on closing a significant financing deal for NatureWorks' Ingeo PLA Manufacturing Expansion worth 12.6 billion baht, Supporting Thailand's Ambitious Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Strategy
GC congratulates NatureWorks and Krungthai Bank on closing a significant financing deal for NatureWorks' Ingeo PLA Manufacturing Expansion worth 12.6 billion baht, Supporting Thailand's Ambitious Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Strategy

BANGKOK, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mr. Narongsak Jivakanun (Second from left), CEO of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) presided over the signing ceremony and extended his congratulations to Krungthai Bank and NatureWorks - a joint venture of GC and a leading manufacturer of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers made from renewable resources. This is the historic financial support from Krungthai Bank PCL, Thailand's third largest bank, to optimize the capital structure for the new fully-integrated Ingeo™️ PLA manufacturing facility in Thailand. The financing amounting to $350M USD (12,600M Baht Equivalent), is one of the singular largest loans in the bank's decades-long history to supporting loans for Green Field project in the Green/Bio businesses. It reinforces GC's core mission of operating sustainable business practices aligned with the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) Model for Thailand's sustainable development. Mr. Narongsak Jivakanun (Second from left), CEO of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) presided over the signing ceremony and extended his congratulations to Krungthai Bank and NatureWorks - a joint venture of GC and a leading manufacturer of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers made from renewable resources. The funding will not only support the construction of the plant and its ongoing operations but also enables NatureWorks to be competitive in the biomaterials market, pioneering new frontiers for bioplastic applications and advancing biobased solutions with sufficient capacity to capture packaging and fiber customers across the Asia-Pacific region and the rapidly growing global market. The NatureWorks plant, currently under construction, is the first bio-complex in Thailand, established in line with the government's BCG economic development strategy, located in Nakhon Sawan province. The project is progressing according to plan, with full-scale production expected to commence in 2025. The plant will have a PLA production capacity of 75,000 tons per year under the Ingeo™️ brand, using locally sourced sugarcane as the primary raw material from local farmers. For more details, please visit https://www.pttgcgroup.com/en/newsroom/news/1359/

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Analysis of 6.5 Billion Consumer Datapoints Reveals the Three Rules of Brand Growth
Analysis of 6.5 Billion Consumer Datapoints Reveals the Three Rules of Brand Growth

Blueprint for Brand Growth establishes a framework for marketing prioritisation. SINGAPORE, May 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kantar, the world's leading marketing data and analytics company, today introduces the Blueprint for Brand Growth, an analysis of more than 6.5 billion global attitudinal and shopper data points from the past decade. The year-long exploration reveals empirically the key drivers of brand growth, and provides a decision-making framework for marketers to better control the levers of growth that shape their brand future. Blueprint Diagnostic Approach The Blueprint is the result of collaboration between Kantar's experts, industry leaders and advanced analytics work combining Kantar's unique BrandZ and Worldpanel data assets. All focused on one question 'How can marketers better drive growth?'. It proves that brands grow through being meaningfully different to more people. Brands that are meaningfully different to more people command 5X market penetration today, and have a real advantage in penetration growth over the next two years. * To achieve meaningful difference, the three Growth Accelerators and decision-making frameworks Kantar recommends marketers activate are: Predispose More People: Creativity, advertising and experience builds meaningful difference as well as mental availability for your brand. When optimally executed, this drives 9X higher volume share, 2X higher average selling price, and a 4X likelihood of growing share in the future.  Be More Present: Optimising distribution, customer journey, range, pack, pricing and promotions wins 7X more buyers vs those present in only half of buying occasions. Find New Space: Innovation focused on identifying incremental spaces (motivations, occasions, tangential categories and services) doubles a brand's chance of growth. Increasing the number of usage occasions by 10% results in revenue growth of +17%. The Blueprint builds upon and enhances existing industry research on how brands grow. It importantly proves that while market penetration growth is crucial, solely focusing on this is insufficient to holistically drive sustainable brand, revenue and margin growth. Kantar's analysis underscores the role of differentiation – not just distinctiveness – in forging strong mental connections between consumers and brands as well as defending pricing power. On introducing Blueprint for Brand Growth, Jane Ostler, Kantar's EVP of Thought Leadership and Blueprint project lead, commented: "Our Blueprint for Brand Growth sets a new standard for strategic marketing understanding and excellence. Every marketing leader can use this framework to evaluate their brand's own competitive positioning and then shape their strategic response and marketing investment priorities. For the first time anywhere, we have combined a decade of attitudinal brand research with actual shopper behaviour to more holistically understand the tangible impact marketing has on growth. Among other elements, we see that emotional connections in advertising are crucial. When optimised, they build differentiation and predispose consumers toward a brand, boosting sales and loyalty. Our newly revealed Growth Accelerators will, instinctively, feel familiar to CMOs. They are now, though, underpinned with new quantifiable evidence of their impact on brand and revenue growth. These are universal truths that every brand can use to focus their strategy and secure the budget for their highest impact activities. " "At Heineken, we've been working with Kantar on the brand guidance system and looking at meaningful differentiation for a number of years now. This has helped us understand exactly how we can drive growth on our brands." Commented Tony Costella, Global Consumer & Markets Insights Director at Heineken. "A brand like Heineken is at a very different stage in different markets worldwide, so using the Meaningful Different and Salient Framework, we've been able to really get underneath the drivers of meaningful differentiation to understand and connect with certain consumer groups that deliver brand growth across different markets." END About Kantar: Kantar is the world's leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world's top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future. 

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Critical need for doctors to counsel couples on potential genetic burden in offspring of older dads
Critical need for doctors to counsel couples on potential genetic burden in offspring of older dads

MANILA, Philippines, May 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- An increasing trend of older fatherhood is potentially creating a global genetic disaster with devastating health consequences for offspring. A major conference of human reproductive health in the Philippines will hear of mounting evidence that paternal ageing is associated with a profound increase in sperm DNA damage that can burden offspring with mutational impacts including schizophrenia, autism and childhood cancers. Speaking at the 2024 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) in Manila today, Indian fertility specialist, Dr Ameet Patki, said that sperm DNA damage in older men also contributes to an increased risk of pregnancy loss and a decrease in live births. "It is imperative that clinicians advise couples where the man is aged 40 or more that there is an increased risk of adverse health outcomes in offspring, and potentially on future generations," Dr Patki said. "Over the past 50 years there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in children and an eight-fold increase in childhood cancers. It is reasonable to assume that advanced paternal age is a contributor to this disturbing global trend. "The average age of fathers is increasing, as it is among mothers as couples delay parenthood because of economic, social and lifestyle issues, and sperm counts in men in many countries are declining at an accelerated pace. "We know that sperm count, volume and motility decrease with age, but the focus should also be on genomic defects in sperm." Dr Patki, who is President of the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), said there had been major international studies on the impacts of maternal ageing and reproductive health, but research and clinical trials on paternal ageing were scant by comparison. "In many societies, infertility is perceived as a female issue and many men are unwilling to accept that they may be a contributor to adverse reproductive outcomes," he said. "However, the biological clock also ticks for men particularly in terms of sperm DNA fragmentation that occurs exponentially after the age of 40. "Paternal ageing is associated with a profound increase in sperm DNA damage, the appearance of multiple epigenetic changes in the germ line, and an elevated mutational load in the offspring. "The net result of such changes is an increase in the disease burden carried by the male and female progeny of ageing men including autism, attention deficit disorder and schizophrenia. "The impacts of male biological time keeping are entirely different than maternal ageing. "Genetic counselling should be considered for couples with advanced paternal ageing along with testing for sperm DNA fragmentation, particularly in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss." Dr Patki said treatment with antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C and CQ10, could improve sperm DNA integrity and enhance semen parameters in men above the age of 40. "Carefully designed clinical trials are now needed if we are to realise the therapeutic potential of this approach," he explained. Meanwhile, a major focus of the Fertility Counts initiative being advanced by ASPIRE at the Manila Congress is that raising a family at a younger age is medically desirable, while understanding and addressing social and economic barriers to couples seeking parenthood in their prime reproductive years. The ASPIRE Congress is being held at the Philippine International Convention Centre in Manila. For further information, go to the Congress website www.aspire2024.com   

The 10th World Water Forum Officially Begins, the President of the World Water Council Calls on Everyone to Become
The 10th World Water Forum Officially Begins, the President of the World Water Council Calls on Everyone to Become "Water Warriors"

BALI, Indonesia, May 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo officially opened the 10th World Water Forum on Monday (5/20/2024) at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC). In his speech, Jokowi introduced the Balinese Subak irrigation system, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2012. President Joko Widodo (front, left) posed for a photo with President of World Water Council Loïc Fauchon (front, right) and several committee of the World Water Council for the 10th World Water Forum 2024 in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Monday, (20/5/2024) At the opening ceremony, Loïc Fauchon, the President of the World Water Council, expressed gratitude to Indonesia for hosting the World Water Forum in Bali, highlighting Indonesia as the World Capital of Water. He also emphasized the urgent need for sustainable water management, technological innovation, and global cooperation. Fauchon called for action to ensure water security, promote water rights, and involve younger generations in the fight for water preservation and peace. Following the opening ceremony, President Jokowi chaired the High-Level Meeting where he stated that all countries should use this as a momentum to reinvigorate real action and collective commitment to address water challenges by sharing knowledge, promoting innovative solutions and implementing integrated water resources management. On the same day, the political sessions began with the Parliamentary Meeting which was officially opened by the Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives Puan Maharani. She stated that the Parliament will support the agenda to achieve water security through diplomacy.  On this occasion, the Bali Youth Plan has been hosting a series of side events, including the World Youth Parliament for Water Sessions and World Water Council Youth Delegates Session. The Forum's Fair and Expo also launched with a total of 160 participants from 17 countries. The day concluded with Leaders Visit to Ngurah Rai Forest Park, where President Jokowi highlighted the collective responsibility to conserve and protect the mangrove ecosystem.  Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono said, 10 Heads of state including from Indonesia, Timor Leste, Fiji, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Hungary, and Morocco, as well as Deputy Prime Ministers, from Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Slovakia, and three special envoys of the presidents of the Netherlands, France, and the United Arab Emirates are present and participate in the series of events.    

Lights On! Harbour City transforms for Vivid Sydney 2024
Lights On! Harbour City transforms for Vivid Sydney 2024

Download high-res images & broadcast-quality vision of Vivid Sydney 2024 HERE Tickets available from vividsydney.com SYDNEY, May 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivid Sydney 2024 has kicked off its 14th year with a spectacular opening night, as the festival transforms Sydney's glittering harbour, iconic landmarks and cityscape with a showcase of creativity and innovation for the next 23 nights.     The Southern Hemisphere's leading multi-artform festival will run from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June, featuring the world's most innovative artists, culinary talent, contemporary musicians and thought leaders as part of its 2024 program under the theme of Humanity. The 'Lights On' moment wowed onlookers with over 30 light installations and 3D projections across the famed 8km Vivid Sydney Light Walk, highlighted by the Sydney Opera House featuring the breathtaking new digital artwork, Lighting of the Sails: Echo (2024). Created by multidisciplinary Australian artist and 2023 Archibald Prize Winner Julia Gutman, with creative technologists Pleasant Company, the projection on the Sydney Opera House Sails digitises centuries-old fabric making techniques into an animated, modern epic. NSW Premier Chris Minns said: "The bright lights of Vivid Sydney are officially on. "For the next 3 weeks Sydney will showcase the magical lights, art and fun of Vivid Sydney. There is something for the whole family, so I encourage everyone to come along and make the most of Vivid Sydney this year." Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: "Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has been a global platform showcasing our vibrant culture, bustling nightlife and creative talents. "Going from strength to strength in its 14th year, Vivid Sydney shows the world our colourful creative side. Vivid Sydney shows the world we have big dreams. "With the majority of this year's festival being free, we're looking forward to welcoming visitors back again in the millions. "Tonight, we begin 23 days of Light, 23 days of Music, Ideas and Food. 23 days of shared experiences. For the next 23 days, Sydney will be beautiful by day, Vivid Sydney by night." Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: "Vivid Sydney is the original festival of light, art and culture, and we're proud to be celebrating its 14th year with an incredible line-up of light, music, ideas and food under 2024's theme of Humanity. "It is such a privilege and honour to direct this year's program and we're so excited to bring festival-goers a calibre of Australian and international talent that not only maintains the standard we've set in previous years but takes the program to new heights. Vivid Sydney 2024 is a must-see, and we can't wait to welcome all Australians and global visitors alike for the next 23 nights!" Staged across the Sydney CBD, Vivid Sydney festival locations and venues include Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, State Library of New South Wales, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, University of Technology Sydney, The Goods Line, Wynyard Tunnels, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Carriageworks, and more.  For more information and tickets visit vividsydney.com. VIVID SYDNEY HIGHLIGHTS VIVID LIGHT As the sun goes down each evening during Vivid Sydney, the city will transform with light installations, 3D projection artworks and ticketed events for visitors to immerse themselves in a new world of colour and light across the 8km Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Vivid Sydney has again partnered with Cinewav, enabling visitors to listen to the soundtracks to select projection artworks wherever they are on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk From almost anywhere in the city, visitors will witness a 40km stretch of rainbow lasers emanating from the Sydney Tower, a universal symbol of hope by US artist Yvette Mattern titled Global Rainbow One of Australia's most-beloved artists, Reg Mombassa will reimagine the classic Aussie road trip on Customs House for Gumscape with Road and Creatures Celebrated Chinese Australian artist Guan Wei's signature iconography will transform the Museum of Contemporary Art for Sea, Sand and Stars Nest, a collaboration between Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban, features a large-scale circular projection at the Stargazer Lawn in Barangaroo, spotlighting the ritualistic mating dance of the brolga and humanity's connection with nature Step up to the Omnivisu view finder in Tumbalong Park, and let your eyes become the literal windows to our city's soul Horizon from Spanish artists Playmodes is a hypnotic, full-body experience complete with trance-like sounds and strobing lights at Harbour Park, Barangaroo Towering over 15 metres tall, PORTAL from Lucid Creates frames Barangaroo Headland with a glowing display of light and atmospheric sounds The Vivid Sydney 2024 drone show Love is in the Air will feature more than 700 drones over three separate nights for another fan-favourite Vivid Sydney spectacle over the harbour Dark Spectrum: A New Journey returns to the Wynyard Tunnels in new and fantastic ways to take us on a journey of light and sound The internationally acclaimed multi-sensory experience of light, colour and sound, Lightscape, returns to The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney VIVID MUSIC Vivid Music will ignite the city with a curated program of live performances, concerts and DJ sets across diverse venues, with something for the whole family, at any age. Exclusive to Vivid Sydney, Tekno Train by Paul Mac is a one-of-a-kind event that will transform a Sydney Trains ride into a moving, sensory sound and light experience The reimagined 100-year-old substation Machine Hall will be open to the public for the very first time during Vivid Sydney 2024, pulsating with performances from Deerhoof, Jen Cloher, CLUB4A and No Fixed Address  On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights of the festival, Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour will become the Vivid Sydney go-to for free and contemporary music right in the heart of the Light Walk for Tumbalong Nights. The 12-night line-up features artists such as Christine Anu, Sneaky Sound System, Forest Claudette, Teenage Jones, , tiffi, Budjerah, grentperez, and more, plus DJs and kids programming on Saturday nights all free of charge Comedy darling Rhys Nicholson and ARIA award winning musician Georgia Mooney will transform Mary's Underground into an intimate cabaret lounge for the Vivid Sydney Supper Club featuring live performances and appearances from MO'JU, Don't Thank Me Spank Me, Montaigne, Brendan Maclean, Mark Humphries and more each Friday and Saturday from 9pm to 1am Diverse and multi-sensory experiences at Carriageworks, with an electrifying line-up including Electric Fields, Yves Tumor, Yasiin Bey and many more. The Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House line-up features more than 40 Australian and international artists. Arca, Air, Underworld, Fever Ray, Devonte Hynes, Snoh Alegra, Sky Ferreira, Thelma Plum and many more will take to the stages of the world-famous building in a program curated by Sydney Opera House's Head of Contemporary Music Ben Marshall VIVID IDEAS The Vivid Ideas program sparks curiosity with new ways to experience ideas through the exploration of humanity, community, authenticity, respect, love and lessons learnt from the natural world – with theatre, installations and engaging discussions just the beginning. From the football team that united Australia in 2023, Tony Gustavsson, head coach of the CommBank Matildas, and Mackenzie Arnold, celebrated CommBank Matildas goalkeeper and captain of West Ham United, will be hosted in an insightful conversation – Champions of Change - facilitated by Matildas alumni and now journalist Grace Gill at Sydney Town Hall Golden Globe® and Emmy Award® winning actress and comedian Amy Poehler will step inside the Sydney Opera House for a special and unmissable In Conversation Ideas event and a special first look at Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 After The Fact will offer opportunities to engage in free weeknight discussions on current affairs with writers, journalists, ex-politicians, social commentators, artists and academics – including Annabel Crabb, Rhoda Roberts AO, Kim Williams AM, Lucy Turnbull AO, Charles Firth and more Unique experiences including A THOUSAND WAYS: An Encounter, Window Dressing and Shifting Perspectives will offer immersive moments to connect with both strangers and ourselves The Golden Age of Humanity will showcase nine selected films over nine starry nights at Surry Hills' beloved Golden Age Cinema - curated by nine great Australians including Amar Singh, Saxon Mullins, Kylie Kwong AM, Kate McClymont AM, Craig Foster AM and more VIVID FOOD Vivid Chef Series returns to hatted restaurants Fred's, AALIA, The Porter House, Firedoor and The Charles Brasserie & Bar as they host unmissable foodie collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs including Max Coen, Ivan Brehm, Selassie Atadika, Niklas Ekstedt and Sally Abé Vivid Fire Kitchen is also back in 2024 with delectable offerings at its new location on The Goods Line, bringing together the world's hottest culinary concepts, curated drinks and cocktails from Archie Rose and Starward, and entertainment with demonstrations from local and international pitmasters including California-favourite Shalamar Lane, Christine Manfield, Mindy Woods, Lennox Hastie, Jess Pryles, and more Making its debut at Vivid Sydney 2024, the Messina Milk Bar will be an illuminated full-scale pop-up with a menu of gelato-infused chocolate bars, dixie cups, tailor-made milkshakes and spiders from the cult-gelato innovators at Messina A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez is set to showcase women in Australian gastronomy at the incredible Yallamundi Rooms at the Sydney Opera House Plates with Purpose will offer a taste of Ukraine at Kyiv Social, courtesy of head chef, Borys Chernyk who brings over 30 years of experience in Ukrainian fine dining Visitors can explore over 20 top chefs and restaurateurs at the VividPlace Food Trail or indulge in a bespoke bar snack and cocktail experience at Aurorae at Bennelong Bar, offering an incredible view of the lights across Sydney Harbour VIVID SYDNEY PARTNERS Vivid Sydney thanks its Partners for their support of Vivid Sydney 2024. Kia returns as major partner for a third year, presenting two visually immersive activations on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk – EV9 "Kia Kinetic" at Circular Quay and EV5 "Kia Kaleidoscope" at Darling Harbour. Australian Traffic Network (ATN) will partner with Vivid Sydney to deliver the Love is in the Air drone shows, with three shows on 8, 9 and 15 June planned to wow audiences during the festival. Sony Music Entertainment Australia returns for a second year and presents two ticketed immersive light events, Dark Spectrum: A New Journey, at the Wynyard Tunnels with Mandylights and Culture Creative, and Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, in collaboration with Culture Creative. Samsung also comes onboard as a Major Partner of Vivid Sydney 2024, presenting Chorus of Light, an immersive activation on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk, designed to tap into our desire for connection through the enablement of barrier-free communication, inspired by Samsung Galaxy AI technology.  Airbnb is the inaugural Vivid Sydney Community Partner, supporting the Vivid Sydney Volunteer Program. Official partner Sennheiser presents the Sennheiser Mirrorbox, an audio experience merging AI analysis, sound design and visual elements to explore the relationship between sound and human identity. Estee Lauder will partner with Vivid Sydney as an Official Partner, activating during the festival with Beauty Sleep, integrating elements of beauty and science. Supporting Partners include City of Sydney and Nova 96.9. Supplier partners include Cinewav, Event Engineering, Mandylights, Technical Direction Company, Transdev and Kennards Hire. Returning for the second year, the Local Business Program Partner is Experience Oz Australia. Vivid Sydney program partners include Carriageworks, Disney, Museum of Contemporary Art and Sydney Opera House. The Vivid Sydney 2024 Charity Partner is Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which translates to Doctors Without Borders.  Vivid Sydney locations include Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Barangaroo House, Golden Age Cinema, Machine Hall, University of Technology Sydney, State Library of New South Wales, North Sydney Council and Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. For more information and to keep updated about the program, go to vividsydney.com. NOTES TO EDITORS: Visit the Vivid Sydney News Room to download the full 2024 Vivid Sydney Lights On content package including a VNR with grabs from Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham, Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini and Vivid Sydney artists, as well as high-res imagery and broadcast-quality b-roll video footage: www.vividsydney.com/news-room. ABOUT VIVID SYDNEY Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere's leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange. The 2024 theme, 'Humanity,' sparks reflection and engagement, attracting visitors and fuelling economic growth. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW's cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation. ABOUT DESTINATION NSW  Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

URBAN SPORTS AND STREET ARTS MEET IN SINGAPORE AS PART OF A GLOBAL WARM-UP TO THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES
URBAN SPORTS AND STREET ARTS MEET IN SINGAPORE AS PART OF A GLOBAL WARM-UP TO THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES

The unique event, which is among the first global events created to build excitement for the upcoming Olympic Games, sees French and Singaporeans athletes and artists coming together to revitalise the iconic skate park in Singapore SINGAPORE, May 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In the lead up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Embassy of France in Singapore is organising a special two-day celebration of sports and arts aptly titled Artletics - making it among the first celebratory events organised around the world to drum up excitement for the global sports meet. In collaboration with local partner Art Outreach and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, the event happening on 25 and 26 May sees urban sports athletes and urban artists from both countries converging at the 18-year-old Somerset Skate Park to immerse Singaporeans in a joint showcase of their talents. The event's focus on urban sports gives a nod to the inclusion of the category into the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which includes sports like BMX, skateboarding and breaking. It also runs parallel to the plans to transform the Place de la Concorde in Paris into an urban sports space. The unique collaboration also serves as a bridge between France and Singapore, deepening cultural ties through a shared passion for artistic expression and athleticism. Ambassador of France to Singapore Her Excellency Minh-di Tang said, 'Artletics embodies the spirit of street culture and celebrates artists and athletes striving for excellence, creativity and team spirit in the city where they leave lasting legacies and drive positive change in society. These core values pay homage to what the Olympic Games stand for, which France is hosting for the third time this year. Through Artletics, we want to showcase the best of French and Singaporean artistry, athleticism and sportsmanship, strengthening the cross-cultural partnerships our countries have enjoyed for many years." The transformed Somerset Skate Park in Singapore will host exhilarating showcases by urban sports athletes and practitioners from Singapore and France, including Max Berguin, the champion of the France Street Skateboard 2023 (Image courtesy of Embassy of France in Singapore) Somerset Skate Park transformed into a vibrant urban playground Artletics caps off a month-long line up of programmes under the vOilah! France Singapore Festival - an annual cultural festival organised by the Embassy of France in Singapore to demonstrate French creativity and innovation through the power of cross-cultural collaborations. In the spirit of enabling cultural exchanges, the Somerset Skate Park in the heart of Orchard Road is transformed into a dynamic space as orchestrated by urban artists from Singapore and France. Three visual artists from Singapore - Zero, Spaz, and Simpleproblembeings - worked alongside French muralist Elsa Martino and graffiti artist Kekli to enliven the space by decorating the walls and the ramps of the skate park with vibrant designs. Supported by Singapore's urban art collective RSCLS, these artists also will lead the public in engaging art jam sessions to partake in a collaboration of community artwork. First to utilise the redecorated space are French skateboarding athlete Max Berguin, Champion of the France Street Skateboard 2023 and Singaporean urban sport communities in the field of skateboarding, breaking, BMX, bike trials, parkour and yo-yo who will be displaying their talents to spectators. The event also features adrenaline-inducing urban sports showcases, opportunities for the public to take part in workshops conducted by local urban sports groups, as well as music sets in the evening by Singaporean DJs Kiat and Intriguant. "Artletics is a vibrant celebration of the creative spirit that bridges French and Singaporean cultures through youth, urban sports and art," said Mae Anderson, Chairman of Art Outreach. "We are thrilled to see French and Singaporean artists and skateboarders come together, transforming Somerset Skate Park into a collaborative canvas. We hope this event serves as a great opportunity for everyone to experience the power of art, athletics, while fostering a sense of belonging, inclusion and community spirit." Singapore's Somerset Skate Park will be transformed with artworks by Singaporean and French artists as part of Artletics - one of the first celebratory events globally to create excitement for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games (Image courtesy of Embassy of France in Singapore) More details of the festival and the programme can be found at www.voilah.sg/artletics. -END- About vOilah! 2024 vOilah! 2024 returns from 25 April to 26 May 2024. Presented by the Embassy of France in Singapore, this year's edition will focus on celebrating the dreams and passions of artists and athletes, bringing experiences that make life more vibrant through strong connections between the French and Singaporean communities. This year, visitors can look forward to 19 programmes covering audiovisual arts, performing arts, visual arts, lifestyle, sports, education, science, music. With the support of more than 50 partners, vOilah! 2024 is a culmination of vibrant and dynamic experiences that will strengthen an appreciation of arts, culture and innovative collaborations between our countries. For more information, visit www.voilah.sg/artletics/ About Art Outreach Art Outreach, established in 2003, passionately promotes art appreciation and strengthens the local art ecosystem. We also empower practitioners through professional development support and an incubatory art space. Our year-round programmes, tailored to diverse audiences, include educational talks, art tours, exhibitions, and workshops, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of art and artists within the community. By supporting a wide range of artists and art shows, we actively promote plurality and advocacy within the arts, championing inclusivity and celebrating a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Art Outreach has been an IPC charity since inception, and has been a multiple-year recipient of the Commissioner of Charities governance award. We are led by a deeply committed board and nurture a dynamic and cohesive team culture. For more information, please visit www.artoutreachsingapore.org/