Upon China's National Table Tennis Team returning with five gold medals at WTT Singapore Smash, some people deserve to be thanked behind the glor
Havfram Wind to install turbines at Ørsted`s Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm
Tongcheng Travel Sailed Through Pandemic with Strong Base to Embrace Growth
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International Business Mentor from Australia, Deborah Morandin from Entrepreneurs Paradise, Launches book with virtual mentoring - Shine Bright Like A
The Founder of WeTrade Attended the Navruz Festival at the Embassy of Uzbekistan of China to Discuss Cooperation Opportunities
"COLOURFUL JIANGNAN, DREAM ASIAN GAMES" PROMOTION MEETING SUCCESSFULLY HELD IN KUALA LUMPUR
The 23rd China Qingdao Plum Blossom Festival kicks off in Licang, Qingdao
Taiwan to Host Third World Indigenous Tourism Summit in 2024, Minister Icyang Parod Leads Delegation to Australia for Handover
Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts Draws Back the Curtain on the Debut of Le Méridien Melbourne
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Trip.com Group hosts China Traveler's Forum, focusing on Chinese travel revival in post-pandemic times
WENZHOU, China, March 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading travel service provider Trip.com Group hosts its China Traveler's Forum (CTF) in Wenzhou, China, on March 17, 2023, focusing on the post-pandemic future of Chinese tourism, and promoting world-class tourism destinations in China. China Traveler's Forum is an annual event hosted by Trip.com Group, offering cross-border communication opportunities for tourism industry leaders, experts, and professionals. This year, the event comes to Wenzhou, a historic city located in southeastern China, known for its vibrant business environment and unique culture. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, comments, "In a time when Chinese mainland is welcoming back international travellers, CTF provides a great opportunity for the tourism industry to look forward to the post-pandemic future of Chinese tourism, and further boost and promote more Chinese destinations." Chinese mainland's reopening for international travellers has been a major focus of the Forum, with the event held two days after the country announced the resumption of all visa types to international visitors. In a panel discussion focusing on the return of Chinese inbound travel, Kimi Liu, the CEO of Tripadvisor China, shares, "We are ready and eager to welcome our international travelers back to China. As the first stop for many international travelers to look for travel inspirations, Tripadvisor China will continue to provide the most helpful travel guidance for travelers coming back to the country." Tripadvisor China is a travel guidance platform helping millions of travellers to plan their best trips to China. The platform not only provides travel information of more than 350,000 attractions, hotels, and restaurants in China, but also presents over six million reviews made by users who have visited the country. Trip.com Group's Traveler's Forum has been held in various cities across China, including Lijiang, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chongqing, Guiyang, Anyang, and Sanya. The Forum has become a significant platform for local tourism authorities, industry leaders, and experts to exchange insights on emerging trends in Chinese tourism, and strengthen cross-border cooperation.
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Subin Dharman Appointed General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali
DENPASAR, Indonesia, March 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ritz -Carlton, Bali is delighted to announce the appointment of Subin Dharman as the new General Manager. Subin brings more than 20 years of illustrious experience in the hospitality industry to guide and nurture the five-star property in Nusa Dua. Subin Dharman - General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Subin first started his hospitality journey in the F&B industry as the F&B Supervisor of Sheraton Schiphol, Netherlands. Over the years, he steadily grew and gained prestigious stints in pivotal positions, such as the Director of Food & Beverage at Hotel Missoni in Kuwait, the Executive Assistant Manager of F&B at The Ritz-Carlton Doha in Qatar and The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas in the United States. In July 2017, Subin's career expanded beyond F&B as he was appointed Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan. Less than two years later, he was announced the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place, where his hands-on approach led the hotel to achieve the Gold Standard of Hospitality for guests' and employees' satisfaction. During his leadership at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place, the property was also awarded Best Hotel for Business Travelers in Asia Pacific by CNBC International in 2022. Prior to joining The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, Subin also gained coveted achievements, including being named APEC Luxury GM of the Year in 2022, and appointed Co-Chair for Marriott Business Council in Indonesia. Subin's passion for the hotel industry is rooted in the dynamic nature of the job, including the opportunity to travel and see the world, as well as learning from meeting and interacting with different people from around the world. As a General Manager, Subin is thrilled to inspire and bring out the best in his team. "It is an honor to be at the helm of this exceptional property. Ladies and gentlemen at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali will continue to present the timeless charms of Indonesian hospitality and especially the warm welcome that Bali has to offer." says Subin. "I am excited to commence my new endeavor at this property and I look forward to working together with my team to write a new chapter, as well as showing new and long-time guests what makes The Ritz-Carlton, Bali special." As a husband and father, off the clock, Subin enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also has a penchant for fitness training for both physical and mental health, as well as traveling and reading in his spare time. ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON, BALI.Built on a sprawling 12.7 hectares white beach front and elevated cliff top settings, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali feature 313 oceanfront suites and villas, enjoying the unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean and the resort's lush garden. Completing the experiences, a glass elevator connects the cliff and the beach-front, five restaurants and bars, The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom and meeting facilities, a wedding chapel, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Ladies and gentlemen at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is proudly presents the timeless charms of Indo-Balinese hospitality. ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C.The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 88 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR)
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ASEAN Tourism Ministers Approve Professional Standards to Strengthen MICE
BANGKOK, March 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ASEAN's 10 Tourism Ministers have agreed to establish a common professional standard for MICE professionals and event professionals with the goal of enhancing ASEAN's competitiveness as a destination for MICE. The ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (ASEAN MRA on TP) for MICE Professionals and Event Professionals was approved during the 26th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Implementation of the approved standards will begin later this year. Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said: "ASEAN member countries have long prioritised professional development in tourism. Since its establishment in 2012, the ASEAN MRA on TP has guided ASEAN countries in the development of their tourism workforce in two areas: 1) Hotel Services and 2) Travel Services. In 2021, the scope of the MRA was expanded to include two new categories: 1) MICE Professionals and 2) Event Professionals. The move was aimed at fostering cooperation and promoting mobility among ASEAN's MICE professionals. Each category was assigned a host country whose task was to formulate a set of professional standards specific to that category. "On behalf of Thailand, TCEB accepted the role as host for the Event Professionals category. We worked with partner agencies such as Thailand's Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, MICE-related associations, and educational institutions to draft a professional standards proposal for 11 job roles – 1. Project Manager, 2. Production Manager, 3. Show Manager, 4. Event Coordinator, 5. Marketing Coordinator, 6. Event Registration Supervisor, 7. Event Administration Supervisor, 8. Event Registration Staff, 9. Event Transportation Staff, 10. Liaison Officer, and 11. General Support Staff. We value the input we received from industry and tourism authorities from all ASEAN member countries in the process and are glad that TCEB's proposal was approved at the 26th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers." At the same meeting, ASEAN's Tourism Ministers also approved the proposal by Indonesia for the category of MICE Professionals which covered 21 job roles. Mr. Chiruit added that with the approval of ASEAN MRA on TP for MICE Professionals and Event Professionals, TCEB has begun promoting the idea of certification for event professionals. For that reason, a forum was organised on 2 March 2023 at The Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok. It attracted more than 500 participants and brought to life the newly developed professional standards as private- and public-sector industry players discussed the mechanics of organising an international event and the specialist roles involved. To further promote the professional standards in the region, TCEB has launched an "ASEAN Grand Master Training" programme to grow a pool of Master Assessor who can support the new standards' implementation in all ASEAN countries. The programme will kick off in Bangkok and run until September 2024. A "Thailand Assessor Training" programme will follow suit in 2025 to ensure there are enough qualified assessors for Thailand's domestic demand. Thailand's target is to produce 50 certified Event Professionals by 2026. This is part of a broader goal for ASEAN as a whole to produce more than 1,000 certified MICE Professionals and Event Professionals. "The MICE industry in ASEAN is not only a growing sector but also an economic driver for many member countries. By adopting a unified standard for MICE Professionals and Event Professionals, we will be able to improve mobility for our MICE workforce and further liberalise trade and services as we harmonise learning, instruction and capacity training," added Mr. Chiruit. Related pictures: https://we.tl/t-7AH9L1B8Sv About TCEB A LEADING AGENCY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAILAND'S MICE INDUSTRY Established in 2004, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB – the government agency under the supervision of the Prime Minister – has been assigned a role to promote, support and develop business events industry – corporate meetings, incentive trips, conventions, exhibitions, mega events and world festivals. Serving as a strategic partner, TCEB helps deliver creative ideas and solutions to bring success and fulfill the requirements of business events. The overarching goal is to drive Thailand to become a global MICE and mega events destination that can drive the country's strategic industries and national economy.
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ARTOTEL GROUP ACQUIRES ANOTHER LOCAL MANAGEMENT HOTEL OPERATORS & OPERATES 100+ HOTELS
ARTOTEL Group has again strengthened its position to become a leading Indonesian hotel operator management by acquiring hotel operator management Milestone Pacific Hotel Group (MPHG). PT. Milestone Pacific Hotel Group (MPHG) is a hotel operator management which has 6 brands namely Maxone, Nite & Day, Zia, Ruma Ruma, Marc, and One of a Kind by managing 45 hotels located in several provinces and second-tier regions in Indonesia. The hotels managed by MPHG target the middle and economy-class markets. By controlling the majority stake in MPHG, ARTOTEL Group officially manages more than 100 properties with different hotel brands, namely ARTOTEL, DAFAM, KYRIAD, and MAXONE, which are spread throughout Indonesia from Aceh to Papua. In addition, ARTOTELGroup now not only specializes in boutique hotels with art and lifestyle concepts, but also provides a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxury, boutique, to economical hotels that can meet the accommodation needs of Indonesia's large domestic market, both for business and leisure needs. The rapid development carried out by ARTOTEL Group can be achieved within 3 years where in 2020 the company has only managed 17 hotels and is experiencing a period full of challenges due to the impact of the Covid19 Pandemic which has hit the tourism sector in Indonesia and the world. However, thanks to the faith that the Indonesian tourism industry has a strategic position in increasing the country’s foreign exchange because of Indonesia’s natural beauty and the friendly cultural heritage of its world-famous people, ARTOTEL Group has managed to gain support from investors who believe in its ability as a reliable local hotel operator management and can become an Indonesian company that competes in the international arena. Therefore, ARTOTEL Group has managed to rise by carrying out various aggressive business expansion actions since 2021 such as acquiring the Indonesia franchise of Kyriad, as well as carrying out acquisition strategies for leading Indonesian local brands, such as Dafam and Maxone. This success will not stop here even though it has managed more than 100 hotels because there are still 50 other new hotel projects that will soon be managed by the ARTOTEL Group from the first quarter of 2023 to 2025. Erastus Radjimin, Founder & CEO of ARTOTEL Group said "The success we have achieved by managing more than 100 hotels does not make us forget ourselves, in fact, it makes us a bigger responsibility to provide the best service to our stakeholders, not only to our customers. guests or customers, but also to hotel owners, employees and partners. Therefore, we have prepared a sustainable business strategy for increasing hotel revenues and the welfare of our stakeholders by prioritizing technology-based infrastructure so that hotel operations become efficient and effective for guest satisfaction, as well as expanding our hotel’s distribution network to increase the revenue of each hotel we manage.” In supporting this business strategy, we promote the Loyalty Program, ARTOTEL Wanderlust, as a form of appreciation for our guests. The loyalty program is not new to our hotel chain because this program has been implemented since early 2022 under the name ARTOTEL Circle which has gathered 250,000 loyal guests in one year. Now, through ARTOTEL Wanderlust, we will provide many conveniences for guests in terms of booking rooms and places to dine with very good price offers. Guests will also get various other benefits, from reward points to various privileges that can be enjoyed at our hotel network," said Erastus. Along with the integration process being carried out to align the 100 hotels that are managed, ARTOTEL Group has updated its official website, artotelgroup.com to make it a site that is more easily accessed and used by guests in making room reservations and guarantees the best room rates.
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Sungrow Signs MOU with Amp at PV Expo 2023 in Japan
TOKYO, March 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading inverter and energy storage system solution supplier, announced that the Company signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Amp Co., Ltd., one of Japan's largest renewable energy Independent Power Producers (IPP) at PV Expo in Japan during March 15-17. The Company displayed diversified solar and storage applications tailored to various Japanese applications; thus, fueling the transition to a low carbon economy and overshooting Japan's 2050 carbon neutrality target. Sungrow Booth at PV EXPO 2023 in Japan Cutting-edge inverter solutions for solar projects Japan sees a large number of utility-scale solar plants being built in mountainous areas. Sungrow offers the 1+X Modular Inverter tailored to this application, which is an innovation combining the advantages of both central and string inverters. The product can be configured up to 8.8 MW with 1.1 MW modular capacity and one MPPT for each unit, making the plant design unprecedentedly flexible and easier for operation and maintenance (O&M), especially for hilly terrains. Optimized to address the Japanese growing demands for distributed PV plants, Sungrow offers a broad product portfolio including the 1500V string inverter SG125HX-JP. The product which is rated at 125 kW streamlines the configuration and maximizes the LCOE significantly. A comprehensive ESS portfolio for diversified installations The energy storage system (ESS) is an ideal solution to tackle the issue of the current rising electricity price and power failure in Japan. Sungrow offers a comprehensive ESS portfolio for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential energy storage applications in Japan. Japan's utility-scale energy storage market holds great potential, especially for the demand for frequency regulation. Sungrow offers its liquid cooled ESS PowerTitan tailored to this market. Through liquid cooled thermal management, the system has a superior lifespan. The DC-DC controller can charge and discharge battery racks individually, increasing the overall system performance. Thus far, Sungrow already signed nine gigawatt hours of orders with PowerTitan globally. Japan has an economically beneficial environment and a relatively matured residential solar-plus-storage market. Sungrow's residential Hybrid and Battery Solution comprises the single-phase hybrid inverter SH5.5RS-JP and the high voltage SBR battery, featuring higher yields, simplicity, enhanced safety, and intelligent O&M. The solution enables seamless switch to the off-grid mode during power outages due to natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes. All of the Sungrow's solutions can be monitored and managed via the Company's iSolarCloud platform. "We're ready to embrace increasing opportunities and challenges in the Japanese market, expanding our presence and providing cutting-edge products and localized services to facilitate the energy transition," said Michael Zhang, Country Manager of Sungrow Japan. The company has spent years in Japan and was involved in many local solar and energy storage projects, such as the 100 MWp Azuma Kofuji solar project, and the 21 MWh DC-coupling solar-plus-storage in Hokkaido, Japan. About Amp Energy Amp Energy is a well-established global energy transition development platform, which delivers renewables, battery storage, and hydrogen at scale, together with proprietary AI-enabled grid flexibility through its Amp X platform. Since its inception 14 years ago, Amp Energy has fully developed 7GW of assets and is backed by major investments from institutional capital partners including global private equity firm the Carlyle Group, who has invested over US$440 million. The company has global operations throughout North America, the UK, Australia, Japan, and Spain. About Sungrow Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. ("Sungrow") is the world's most bankable inverter brand with over 340 GW installed worldwide as of December 2022. Founded in 1997 by Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions, NEV driving solutions, EV charging solutions and renewable hydrogen production systems. With a strong 26-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power over 150 countries worldwide. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting www.sungrowpower.com.
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K11 Group's Flagship K11 MUSEA Ushers in a New Era ofCultural Commerce at the Iconic Global Landmark Victoria Dockside
10 years in the making with 100 creative powers, anchored by the museum-retail pioneer – K11 MUSEA HONG KONG, March 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- K11 Group, the pioneering concept brand uniquely combining culture and commerce, is ushering in a bold new era of cultural commerce offering unparalleled art, culture, retail, leisure, hospitality and work experiences centred around its ground breaking project at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade - Victoria Dockside. As one of the newest mega projects in Hong Kong, the US$2.6 billion, 3 million-square-foot mixed-use district has transformed the Victoria Harbourfront into a sought-after destination for both locals and international visitors, marking a turning point in Hong Kong's cultural and tourism development. K11 Group is ushering in a bold new era of cultural commerce offering unparalleled art, culture, retail, leisure, hospitality and work experiences centred around its Victoria Dockside. An architectural marvel 10 years in the making traversing three generations, the masterplan that brought the grand vision of Victoria Dockside to fruition was spearheaded by Adrian Cheng, K11 Group Founder and Chairman, in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers across the globe. Acclaimed architects and designers such as Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), James Corner Field Operations (JCFO), local design firms LAAB and OMA have contributed to this shining testament to K11 Group's aspiration to become a global enterprise that pioneers cultural commerce and champions the soft power of contemporary Chinese culture. This revolutionary art and design district seamlessly blends culture, creativity, and innovation changing the way people interact with art and culture. Creating unique experiences through the power of innovation, culture and creativity Victoria Dockside's rich portfolio of offerings leads visitors on "a journey of imagination" that immerses them in a uniquely dynamic experience catering to their every need: At its heart is K11 MUSEA, Hong Kong's "Silicon Valley of Culture", a revolutionary cultural-retail destination that transcends traditional shopping malls with its avant-garde design fused with a year-round celebration of arts and culture. Work productivity is optimised at K11 ATELIER, as the first-ever office building to pioneer the "Vertical Creative City" Concept that transforms the design, purpose and culture of workplaces. K11 ARTUS, the Asia's first luxury residences with a social mission to preserve and promote fast-disappearing Chinese artisanship, redefines the ultra-luxury residential experience with the pioneer "Artisanal Home" concept, that is infused with marvellous design and a world-class art collection. The sophisticated and modern urban sanctuary Rosewood Hong Kong offers gastronomic journeys, exceptional service, wellness experiences and breathtaking views; along the seaside, the revitalised Avenue of the Stars celebrates Hong Kong's film industry as a popular hot spot that adds glitz and glamour to the district. True to its core values, Victoria Dockside has been at the forefront of incubating the local cultural scene by hosting a top-notch rotation of art events, collaborations and workshops throughout the year. Just to name a few: K11 Art Karnival, the Group's annual flagship programme, is on its third run in March this year since 2021. The highlight of this year is "City As Studio", China's first major exhibition of graffiti and street art, Curated by Jeffrey Deitch. The event will be extended to 7 K11 sites in 6 mainland cities. Asia's Met Gala "K11 Night", one of the most prestigious fashion and cultural events in Hong Kong, returned for the second year to Victoria Dockside last December. Together with the K11 MUSEA's annual couture exhibition "The Love of Couture: Artisanship in Fashion Beyond Time" held last year in collaboration with London's Victoria and Albert (the "V&A") Museum and co-chaired by internationally acclaimed Production Designer William Chang Suk Ping, Victoria Dockside became the focus of the City. Hong Kong's first large-scale NFT art showcase "METAVISION" in 2022 uphold its commitment to promoting and preserving art and culture. It was Hong Kong's most diverse NFT exhibition to date featuring a curation of the most iconic and coveted NFT creations. Over 150 prestigious awards and international recognition Attesting to its world-class standards, Victoria Dockside has received over 150 prestigious awards and accolades as well as international recognition for its architecture, services, art and design, hospitality, marketing, sustainability excellence and more since its opening in 2019. Among the notable accolades it has garnered in recent years are the MIPIM Asia Awards 2020 Best Mixed-Use Development (known as the "Oscars of the Asian real estate world"); RICS Awards 2021 Property Management Team of the Year; RICS Awards 2020 Sustainability Achievement of the Year and Retail in Asia Best Retail Experience Awards 2019. Commenting on the success of Victoria Dockside, Adrian Cheng said, "Victoria Dockside marks a momentous milestone of K11 Group in introducing a new phase of cultural commerce not only in Hong Kong but also globally. The premier destination has continuously made waves by offering an invaluable platform for artists, designers and businesses to unleash their creativity and create one of the most promising neighborhoods' for the future." K11 MUSEA, Hong Kong’s “Silicon Valley of Culture”, is the centrepiece of Victoria Dockside, a shining testament to K11 Group's aspiration to become a global enterprise that pioneers cultural commerce. K11 ARTUS, the Asia’s first luxury residences with a social mission to preserve and promote fast-disappearing Chinese artisanship, redefines the ultra-luxury residential experience with the pioneer “Artisanal Home” concept, that is infused with marvellous design and a world-class art collection. Hailed as “Asia’s Met Gala”, the prestigious K11 Night is celebrated at Victoria Dockside as one of the top-notch events to incubate the local cultural scene. K11 Night is chaired by Adrian Cheng (right), while in 2022, the internationally acclaimed production designer William Chang Suk Ping (left) was one of the co-chairmen. Please download high-resolution photos with the following link:https://nwdrive.nwplatform.com.cn:443/link/70247132BBEC467AFDCD1DC7FF5F59A7 Valid Until: 2023-03-29 23:59Password: i0kE About K11 Group K11 Group is a unique concept brand that combines culture and commerce, sustaining an ecosystem that caters to all walks of life. Founded in 2008 by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng, the Group encourages a deeper look at the interconnectivity between creativity, culture and innovation. Through K11 Group, Cheng's aim is to enrich the daily lives of next-generation consumers and create a new global identity for Chinese millennials, as well as cultivate opportunities for communities to thrive, connect, work and shop. K11 Group is based in Hong Kong SAR with operations in Greater China and investments in Europe and the US. By 2026, K11 Group will have gained a footprint of 38 projects (GFA 2.80 million sq m) in 10 cities across Greater China. In addition to its flagship K11 MUSEA, 11 SKIES and K11 Art Malls, the Group operates K11 ATELIER, K11 ARTUS and K11 Select. In addition, it cultivates cultural richness through the Hong Kong non-profit K11 Art Foundation and the K11 Craft & Guild Foundation, alongside educational platforms like K11 KULTURE ACADEMY & K11 Future Taskforce.
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Link's Fresh Markets to Launch the "Eat Fresh, Live Loud" Campaign with Mister Softee
Cook creatively to revolutionise mindful dining culture and foster green living Link partners with Mister Softee to create unique and exclusive Mister Softee Ice Cream-themed check-in hot spots Link designates various fresh markets for Mister Softee ice cream flash giveaway activities, providing shoppers with the chance to sample a range of refreshing, delightful treats for free Vegetarian guru Elvis Chan will craft unique, innovative sauces using simple ingredients to encourage everyone to eat better and healthier HONG KONG, March 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Link's fresh markets have long provided customers with high-quality, fresh ingredients and daily household items. Since launching its asset enhancement programme, Link has steadily upgraded its fresh market facilities and amenities to prioritise customer well-being. By creating enhanced shopping environments aimed at safeguarding health and safety, Link continues its effort towards creating better communities. Link’s Fresh Markets to Launch the “Eat Fresh, Live Loud” Campaign with Mister Softee To create a future of community growth, Link and Mister Softee, Hong Kong's favourite ice cream brand, are joining forces in the "Eat Fresh, Live Loud" campaign – the first such campaign of its kind. From 17 March until 30 April, designated Link fresh markets will feature a Mister Softee ice cream-themed décor. In addition, exclusive merchandise designed by Mister Softee is available by redeeming e-stamps received via e-spending at participating fresh markets. To add an extra dose of fun, the much-loved Mister Softee ice cream truck will make its way to shoppers at selected markets for flash giveaways of delicious free samples of unique ice cream flavours. In line with Link's commitment towards promoting low-carbon living and a sustainable green lifestyle, vegetarian guru Elvis Chan will craft unique, innovative sauces using simple ingredients, in support of a zero-waste diet. Shoppers can also trade in clean Mister Softee ice cream cup or water bottles at selected fresh markets for eco-friendly basil seed paper to plant at home, helping our environment. Redeem e-stamps for exclusive merchandise Hong Kongers have always been fond of the iconic Mister Softee ice cream truck – its recognisable white and blue body, topped by a distinctive red roof, is a sight to behold. During the event period, Link Up members are entitled to receive one e-stamp for every $20 spent at designated fresh markets. These e-stamps can be redeemed in different quantities for a portable yet practical Mister Softee foldable basket or a special-edition Mister Softee trolley that is capable of storing every kind of fresh produce. Show off your fashionable side with these chic and practical items – it's time for a style upgrade! Mister Softee gourmet ice cream exhibition truck rolls into town Link is getting ready for the summer season by rolling up its sleeves to decorate eight designated fresh markets with Mister Softee ice cream-themed décor. To add an extra dose of fun, an replica of the much-loved Mister Softee ice cream truck will make its way into Nam Cheong Place Market, TKO Market and Wo Che Market, bringing nostalgia and joy to shoppers. Culinary connoisseur Elvis Chan will be showcased, delivering expert tricks and techniques on how to masterfully add an extra dimension of flavour and texture to home recipes using ice cream. Shoppers can redeem their receipts showing same-day electronic spending at designated Link fresh market of $50 or more to collect a special-edition ice cream. Experience a Limited-Time "Whole Town Link" Flash Event: Try Our Delicious, New and Fresh Ice Cream! Indulge in the amazing flavours of Mister Softee Ice-cream with our Mister Softee Ice-cream Flash Event! Link Up members with same-day electronic spending receipt of $50 or more at designated Link's fresh market to redeem a special-editioned ice cream or Mister Softee Ice Cream Cup. Act soon to savour this delightful treat! During the promotion period, Link Up members can show their empty ice cream cups and water bottles for special eco-friendly basil seed paper at designated Link fresh markets, giving these cups and bottles a second life, and encouraging everyone to plant herbs for a greener earth. Link x Mister Softee Ice Cream "Eat Fresh, Live Loud" event details Event Date: 17 March to 30 April Event Time: 11am to 7pmVenue: 15 Link fresh markets (Butterfly Market, Choi Wan Phase 3 Market, Fu Tong Market, Fung Tak Market, Hin Keng Market, Ho Man Tin Market, Lok Fu Market, Nam Cheong Place Market, Oi Man Market, Sau Mau Ping Market, Spot Market, Tai Yuen Market, Tin Shing Market, TKO Market, Wo Che Market) Terms and conditions apply. The programme is subject to change without prior notice. For more details about the event, please visit Linkhk.com Download photos: http://bit.ly/3yF5kj4 About Link Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Hong Kong stock code: 823), is the largest REIT in Asia by market capitalisation#. It is managed by Link Asset Management Limited, a leading real estate investor and asset manager in the world. Since its listing in 2005 as the first REIT in Hong Kong, Link REIT has been 100% held by public and institutional investors. It is a constituent of the Hong Kong securities market benchmark Hang Seng Index, as well as a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index, the FTSE4Good Index Series and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index. From its home in Hong Kong, Link Asset Management Limited owns and manages a diversified portfolio including retail facilities, car parks, offices and logistics assets spanning from China's Beijing, Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen), and Yangtze River Delta centred around Shanghai, to the UK's London, Australia's Sydney and Melbourne and Singapore*. Link Asset Management Limited seeks to extend its portfolio growth trajectory and grasp expansion opportunities in different markets in pursuit of sustainable growth. For details, please visit https://www.linkreit.com. *Proposed acquisition announced on 28 December 2022; Pending completion # Electronic payment methods include credit cards, EPS, Octopus, PayMe from HSBC, Tap & Go, WeChat Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, AlipayHK, or other mobile payment applications.
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THE 'BALTIC', A RARE 292-YEAR-OLD GUARNERI VIOLIN, SOLD FOR $9.44 MILLION AT TARISIO NEW YORK
A NEW GLOBAL AUCTION RECORD FOR ANY GUARNERI INSTRUMENT THIRD-HIGHEST PRICE ACHIEVED FOR ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENT AT AUCTION 18 NEW AUCTION RECORDS ACHIEVED FOR MAKERS OF INSTRUMENTS AND BOWS NEW YORK, March 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A rare 292-year-old Guarneri violin known as the 'Baltic' sold for US$9.44 million at Tarisio, the global auction leader for rare stringed instruments and bows. The final sale price smashed the previous auction record of $3.6 million for any Guarneri instrument and marked the third-highest price ever achieved for a musical instrument at auction. With the sale of the 'Baltic', Tarisio has now sold the three most expensive stringed instruments at auction: the 'Lady Blunt' Stradivari for $15.9 million in 2011, the 'da Vinci' Stradivari for $15.34 million in 2022, and the 'Baltic' Guarneri del Gesù for $9.44 million in 2023. Front and back views of Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù’s the ‘Baltic’ of c. 1731, which sold for US$9.44 million at Tarisio New York on March 16, 2023. The 'Baltic' was hand-made circa 1731 by master luthier Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, the scion of one of the three great violin-making families in Cremona, Italy whose stringed instruments are among the world's most rare and prized musical instruments. Only about 150 Guarneri violins are known to exist, as compared to about 600 by Stradivari. Guarneri violins are prized by musicians for their deep and sonorous tone. Isaac Stern, Jascha Heifetz, and Itzhak Perlman are among the great artists who have performed on the world's stages with Guarneri violins. The 'Baltic' was crafted from beautifully-flamed, high-quality maple wood that is among the finest ever used by violin-makers of the era. As a singular example of the luthier's innovative craftsmanship, the 'Baltic' has been exhibited twice at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was offered for sale at Tarisio after nearly 50 years in the family collection of the late Asian-American businessman Sau-Wing Lam (1923-1988), a musician and noted collector of rare musical instruments who generously supported young musicians throughout his lifetime. Carlos Tomé, Director and Head of Sales at Tarisio, commented: "To sell this extraordinary violin for nearly triple the previous auction record price for a Guarneri demonstrates the strength of global demand for rare and historic musical instruments. The top three auction prices for stringed instruments have now all been realized at Tarisio, cementing our status as the premier global auction partner for the sale of important Guarneri and Stradivari violins. We are delighted to have been entrusted with the sale of the 'Baltic' and to celebrate the legacy of Sau-Wing Lam, one of the great benefactors and collectors in the field of classical music." The 'Baltic' was the star lot of an online auction of over 100 rare and important stringed instruments and bows at Tarisio New York on Thursday, which achieved over $11.1 million – the highest total yet for a winter season sale at Tarisio New York. Eighteen new auction records were realized for individual makers of bows and instruments featured in the sale. About TarisioTarisio is the leading international venue for fine and rare stringed instruments and bows. Launched in 1999, Tarisio revolutionized the instrument market by combining first-class expertise, the efficiency of internet bidding and a firm commitment to ethics and professionalism. Tarisio strives to increase the accessibility of buying and selling instruments for musicians, collectors and members of the trade. To view Tarisio's full calendar of winter and spring sales at its global locationsin Berlin, London, Paris and New York, visit tarisio.com Website I Instagram I Twitter I Facebook
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Midea Comes to ISH Frankfurt 2023 with its Latest Water and Space Heating Solutions
FRANKFURT, Germany, March 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Midea Group ("Midea") showcases its innovations for green lifestyles at the ISH Frankfurt 2023. Midea Building Technology Division introduced a wide range of products covering R290 ATW Heat Pump, carbon-neutral ATW Heat Pump, Midea Kong Energy Solution, and Atom T. With R290 refrigerant GWP=3, R290 ATW Heat Pump is A+++ energy efficiency and capable of delivering a maximum outlet water temperature of 75°C. Stephen Meng, Dean of MBT Research Institute launched Carbon Neutral ATW Heat Pump. He mentioned MBT first Carbon Neutral Heat Pump units( M thermal Mono 4, 6, 8, 10kw), which certified Carbon Neutrality Commitment by TUV, will be firstly launched at German Market that realize 0% CO2 emission on production, distribution phase, installation phase. Midea Energy Solution, providing one-stop energy management that including PV, Energy Storage, ATW Heat Pump, and Flexibility. Among the newest solutions that made a global debut at ISH also included Atom T, a hybrid innovation of VRF&ATW heat pump that comes with variety of applications to meet the diverse needs of global customers. Midea Kitchen and Water Heater Appliance Division demonstrated how its whole-house water supply solutions empower homeowners to manage their water needs with greater efficiency and sustainability while reducing energy bills. Covering central heating, bathroom facilities, and drinking water, the new product line-ups alongside the introduction of multiple innovative green features promise a safe, comfortable, and low-carbon smart home experience. Taking the central stage is its Electric Water Heater in Solar System, a low-cost and energy-saving water heating solution that can be connected to photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems with multiple connection options. Another Midea signature product is the R290 Heat Pump Water Heater, which features the eco-friendly refrigerant R290 and provides an A+ level of energy efficiency. The wall-mounted hybrid heat pump is also easy to install, making it a great choice for those seeking a simple solution to trim down their electricity costs and carbon footprint. Under the banner "A One-Stop Air Solution All Year Round", the new multi-split system integrated with heat recovery technology – CirQHP has made a global debut at the exhibition. Ingeniously designed by Midea Residential Air Conditional Division, CirQHP is a single outdoor unit that supports up to four indoor units including a water-heating device, air-conditioner, and space-heating facility, streamlining homeowners' split system set-up while ensuring all-year hot water supply with no extra expenses. During the sweltering summer months when the air-conditioner operates for prolonged periods, the system recycles the energy used for powering the in-door climate control devices to heat up water, significantly reducing the use of electricity for domestic hot water. The system is available in two options, one outfitted with a coil water tank designed for families prioritizing hot water supply and the other one equipped with a hydro unit making both space and water heating cheaper and greener.
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Trip.com Group and Mastercard APAC Sign Memorandum of Understanding
Through the collaboration, travelers will enjoy more premium benefits and enhanced travel experiences SINGAPORE, March 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global travel service provider Trip.com Group and leading global technology company Mastercard Asia/Pacific Pte Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") to enhance travel experiences and offerings for customers. Mr. Yunsok Chang (left), Executive Vice President of Market Development, Mastercard Asia Pacific and Mr. Bo Sun (right), Trip.com Group's Chief Marketing Officer) The MOU was signed by Mr. Bo Sun, Trip.com Group Chief Marketing Officer and Mr. Yunsok Chang, Executive Vice President of Market Development, Mastercard Asia Pacific at Mastercard's regional headquarters in Singapore. Collaborating under the MOU, both parties will design and launch joint marketing events to offer travellers a comprehensive range of products, services, member privileges and benefits when they book their trips with Trip.com Group and Mastercard payment options. Such travel-related services and premium privileges include access to airport VIP lounges, hotel room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out and priority bookings. The Trip.com Group and Mastercard APAC teams to collaborate and offer enhanced travel experiences and travel privileges, led by Mr. Bo Sun, Trip.com Group's Chief Marketing Officer (third from right) and Mr. Yunsok Chang (fourth from right), Executive Vice President of Market Development, Mastercard Asia Pacific Mr. Bo Sun said, "With the reopening of China's borders, we have seen a significant increase in outbound travel-related bookings and searches in the past two months. Our ongoing 'Super World Trip' series of livestream sessions aimed at promoting travel products across different destinations have been well-received by Chinese mainland customers, as evident from the number of room nights sold during these sessions. "We are pleased to collaborate with Mastercard and empower our customers with premium offerings and privileges as they enjoy the wonders of travel. This MOU underscores both parties' shared commitment to promote tourism and enhance the travel experience for travellers. We look forward to collaborating with Mastercard to create new opportunities, value-adds and unique experiences for our customers who are ready to rediscover the world." Mr. Chang said, "As the pace of China's outbound travel recovery gathers momentum, we are delighted to continue our long-term partnership with Trip.com to offer travelers unique and priceless experiences. The pandemic has accelerated not just the pace of digitalization but also consumers' expectations for digitalized, trusted, and frictionless experiences. Together with Trip.com Group, we are looking forward to innovating and reimagining the travel landscape enabled by data-driven insights." In addition to travel privileges, both parties will launch joint promotions on Trip,com Group's Global Shopping Platform, through which Mastercard cardholders from Chinese Mainland may enjoy instant discounts and offline spending promotions. About Trip.com Group Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, Qunar and TrainPal. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission "to pursue the perfect trip for a better world". Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com. Follow us on: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. About Mastercard Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.
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The 7th Design Intelligence Award Global Ceremony - 2022 Award Ceremony & 2023 Call for Entry Launched
SHAOXING, China, March 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 7th Design Intelligence Award (DIA) Global Ceremony - 2022 Award Ceremony & 2023 Call for Entry was held in Zhejiang province, China on the evening of March 12. The winners of the highest award - the Gold Award were IFBOT X3 Solar Panel Cleaning Robot from Suzhou Ifbot Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. and the Pangu Drug Molecule Model to Accelerate Drug Discovery with AI from Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. At the ceremony, the China Academy of Art (CAA), the international designer organizations connected by DIA, Chinese and foreign art academies and digital technology and advanced manufacturing firms jointly launched the International Design Intelligence Union (DIU). On April 9, 2022, the 7th DIA kicked off globally. Themed "Design Collaboration", the award aimed to break the barriers to the growth of people, things and the world and establish a new international integration relationship, attracting considerable attention and numerous participants in the design sector and beyond. The 7th DIA received 8,010 entries from 70 countries and regions worldwide. In particular, the DIA focuses on implementing the "DIA Design United Nations Program". Now, it has international work offices in 13 countries and 12 sub-contest areas, which have pooled 600 experts in many fields from nearly 37 countries/regions in its innovative talent bank. At the Award Ceremony, 322 award-winning works were announced, and the top 29 design works competing for the Gold Award, Silver Award, and Copper Award from the Product Group as well as the Future Talent Award and Young Talents Award from the Concept Group were highlighted. On the occasion of the 8th Anniversary of DIA, the China Academy of Art, the international designer organizations connected by DIA, Chinese and foreign art academies and digital technology and advanced manufacturing companies jointly launched the DIU. Adopting a vision on high-quality innovation and development in the new era and upholding the principles of "openness, innovation, collaboration and sharing", DIU pursues the ultimate goal of "focusing on the industry, embracing the world and shaping the future". Driven by smart and information technologies for the integration of art, technology and business, DIU promotes the integration and innovation of smart designs and attracts diverse participation in collaborative innovation between "governments, enterprises, universities research institutes and end-users", thus creating an exchange and synergy platform with global influence, building a cross-sectoral network that deeply integrates design innovation into intelligent manufacturing, advancing industrial upgrades and social progress. Ifbot, the developer of the Gold Award winner IFBOT X3 Solar Panel Cleaning Robot, pioneers the concept of "PV intelligent cleaning robot". It includes the design of a "crawler-type" mobile sucker for the cleaning of PV arrays. The vacuum PV cleaning robot is free of the many demerits of traditional cleaning equipment, such as heavy weight, poor portability, inconvenient deployment and short battery life. This product has broken the constraints of established concepts and redefined the portable PV cleaning robot. Being small in size, light in weight, smart and eco-friendly, it is capable of waterless cleaning. It is a PV cleaning robot accessible to thousands of households. Pangu Drug Molecule Model to Accelerate Drug Discovery with AI, another Gold Award winner, is a platform to assist researchers in accelerating drug research and development with AI. With the strong computing power supported by the cloud and AI model, it makes the whole process of drug R&D visible and perceptible. Its multi-dimensional visual designs improve the readability of complex medical data. Powered by computer simulation technology and molecular dynamics, the product can minimize the knowledge and skills required for researchers. The intelligent recommendation of medical knowledge map and path record design enable scientific research and exploration to be more efficient, and the saved path records of research become visual and traceable. The 2023 Call for Entry of the 8th DIA concurrently commenced with the core theme of "Design Evolution". The evolution of design represents the evolution of human life, and design evolution is not only the qualitative change of practices but also the evolution of values and design thinking patterns. With the ongoing interconnection of tech and design concepts, design has shifted from satisfying basic needs to creating new needs and from independent existence to integration. In an ever-changing era, the 8th DIA invites designers around the world to explore and reveal new forms of design evolution amidst the ongoing evolution of the world. Design firms, design teams, employed designers, independent designers and young designers can submit their entries before the deadline of June 30, 2023 (24:00, UTC+8) at DIA website (www.di-award.org ). Participants will have an opportunity to grab a share of the RMB 5 million award fund. Winners will receive a prize of up to RMB1 million. In an ever-changing era, the 8th DIA invites designers around the world to explore and reveal new forms of design evolution amidst the ongoing evolution of the world.
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Midea Introduces the Latest Multi-Split Systems, An All Year Round One-stop Heat Pump Solution
FRANKFURT, Germany, March 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The ever-mounting climate and energy crisis presents new challenges for companies to think beyond conventional design concepts and create innovative products that will pave the way for a sustainable future. One company committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology is Midea, an innovator and pioneer of smart home solutions. Paolo Lorini, Head of Midea RAC Design Milan (MRDM) has teamed up with Matteo Nunziati, a top Italian interior designer, to introduce Midea's new multi-split system with a focus on innovating heat recovery technology, an all year round one-stop heat pump solution. Matteo Nunziati is considered one of the most talented interior designers of his generation. He specializes in luxury hotels, residential projects and has completed many interior design projects across the globe. For Matteo Nunziati, a holistic design takes into account not only sustainability but also functionality and aesthetics, promoting the interrelationships between objects and the environments that surround them. While creating a home with the best air solution and water heating solution, Matteo Nunziati introduced that his focus was on aesthetic appeal, durability, and sustainability while keeping it economical. Midea's new multi splits system with integrated water heating exemplify this approach. The idea is echoed by Paolo Lorini, who said that Midea clearly identified the European market demand for an all-in-one, compact, and green solution that minimizes both the running costs and space required for end users. As he explained, most homes today are installed with several independent systems, with an air conditioner for the summer, floor heating for the winter, and a gas boiler for all-year water heating, which are inefficient, cost too much to run and maintain, and take up a lot of home space. "Midea has created something completely different: we have integrated all the above systems into a multi-spilt solution that supports up to four indoor air conditioning units, capable of cooling and heating the space, and a water heating module, all connected to a single outdoor unit with heat recovery technology. In summer, free domestic hot water is available when the air-conditioner is running, as its energy can be recovered and reused for water heating. The system comes in two options for households with different priorities. The model equipped with a hydro unit is designed for users who need both the space heating and hot water supply at no additional cost, while one the with a coil water tank allows for fast air cooling and heating while providing hot water the whole year." said Paolo. "Environmentally friendly, versatile, and easy to install, the new all-in-one system is a game changer that will push Midea to the forefront of residential split system development. Midea is excited to offer this revolutionary system to our global customers, and we are confident that it will set a new standard for the industry," he added. In an introduction video created by award-winning independent creative agency F5 Shanghai collaborating with Italian multidisciplinary creative studio Mybosswas, Matteo Nunziati and Paolo Lorini discussed interesting topics like sustainability, aesthetics and energy saving. These are the topics highly mentioned nowadays and to which the Midea Multi Splits System has given a solution. About Midea Residential Air Conditioner Division The Midea Residential Air Conditioner Division ("Midea RAC") offers a full range of residential AC products from splits, window, and portable ACs to dehumidifiers and light commercial units. With 11 manufacturing bases in China, Vietnam, India, Egypt, Brazil, and Argentina, Midea RAC's air conditioner annual production capacity exceeds 67 million sets.
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WowGo Board's 2S Max: A Game-Changer for Electric Skateboards
HONG KONG, March 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WowGo Board, a leading provider of electric skateboards, offers affordable and innovative electric skateboards to riders worldwide, and is dedicated to providing eco-friendly transportation options that reduce carbon emissions while providing riders with a safe and fun way to commute. WowGo Board's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in its newest product, the WowGo 2S Max. It is one of the best electric longboards under $500, offering an incredible combination of power, speed, and range. With a powerful motor and a 216wh battery, 2S Max can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour and can travel up to 14 miles on a single charge. In addition, it uses enhanced foam and increased thickness of the grip tape, effectively absorbing vibration. Its sleek design and sturdy construction make it perfect for riders of all skill levels, and its intuitive remote control makes it easy to operate. WowGo 2S Max has also been widely praised in the E-skate industry by experts and influencers alike. Upon its launch, it quickly made a name for itself, being named one of the best electric longboards under $500 by Electric Skateboard HQ. Its impressive features and affordable price point have kept it as a top contender in the market, and it doesn't seem like it will lose its position anytime soon. About WowGo Board "We believe that everyone should have access to affordable, high-quality electric skateboards," said Jason, the CEO of WowGo Board. "That's why we offer a range of products to suit every need and budget, from entry-level models to high-performance longboards. With our WowGo 2S Max, riders can experience the thrill of electric skateboarding without breaking the bank." In keeping with its brand slogan, "Passion on the go," WowGo Board is committed to providing riders with a thrilling and convenient way to experience the world around them. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, WowGo Board offers a range of products to suit every need and budget, from entry-level models to high-performance longboards. For more information, please visit wowgoboard.com. Contact:Frank Andersoninfo@wowgoboard.com
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Adidas and Callaway join world-first Play Today golf metaverse, ahead of NSW Open Golf Championships
SYDNEY, March 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Web3 golf company Play Today has added two of the world's largest golf equipment brands, Callaway and Adidas Golf, to its world-first golf metaverse as it launches to a global audience, beginning with the NSW Open Golf Championships. Play Today Metaverse Both companies will launch innovative new interactive brand experiences in the metaverse during the NSW Open, which will be held at the Rich River Golf Club in Moama NSW, from 16 to 19 March. They are joining other high profile brands such as Drummond Golf, Bushnell, and Tour Edge, as the golf industry demonstrates steadily rising interest in the next generation of interactive and immersive digital experiences. Visitors to the Play Today metaverse (called "Players") will be able to use augmented reality to virtually view the latest, cutting-edge physical golf products inside their own homes. The event is predicted to bring in over 20,000 viewers a day, or 80,000 over the course of the four day tournament, all of whom will be able to virtually experience in 3D the two largest golf brands in the world, plus so much more: Watch live-streaming of the NSW Open Golf Championship, and other professional golf tournaments from around the world interactively controlling the broadcast to follow their player of choice and view live scores, Walk around the Metaverse and collect up to six NFT's to win prizes and unlock digital brand experiences provided by Drummond Golf, Callaway, Adidas, Bushnell, Rich River, and Golf NSW, Join golf communities, connecting and sharing stories with other golfers from around the world, Watch the latest on-demand golf content including the exclusive Ricky Fowler golf super series. According to Play Today, the golf metaverse itself and the livestream of a professional golf event within a metaverse opens new possibilities and avenues for how golf, and sports as a whole, will be consumed, merchandised, and innovated in the future. Clive Mayhew, Play Today CEO, said: "The incursion of digital technologies into sport is giving us a glimpse of an exciting new sporting future in which geographies are transcended. In this future, fans shift beyond their televisions and can instead immerse themselves fully into the game, engage with other fans, and explore merchandising brands in a far more experiential manner. "What's amazing is that the industry itself is so open to this new wave of sports innovation. For Play Today, this is an affirmation of the work we do to reimagine how we interact with and consume sports entertainment." Matt Meredith, Callaway Golf Australia MD, said: "We are excited to join this world-first golf metaverse with Play Today, and bring our Industry leading products to a new audience through ground breaking technology. We see experiences like this as a truly innovative new channel which truly aligns with Callaway and our Modern Golf strategy." The NSW Open Golf Championship to be held at the Rich River Golf Club, Moama NSW 16-19 March. Play Today (www.playtoday.cc), the web3 golf company, has developed a consumer digital wallet integrated into a golf scoring app, a golf NFT Marketplace, and a golf metaverse, which is a world's first use of web3 technology connecting the physical game of golf with digital wallets and an immersive online community experience.
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Artprice by Artmarket.com publishes its 26th annual report. "The Art Market in 2022" reveals a 16% increase in Western art auction turnover as the Uni
PARIS, March 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Artprice's 26th Annual Report, "The Art Market in 2022", offers a global analysis of public sales of fine art, i.e. paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, printmaking, videos, installations, tapestries, and NFTs (excluding antiques, anonymous cultural property and furniture), and covers the period between 1 January and 31 December 2022. Global Fine Art & NFT auction turnover All prices indicated in this Artprice by Artmarket report refer to results from public auctions, including buyer's fees. All uses of the $ sign refer to US dollars. The results of the 2022 Art Market are excellent, despite the pandemic which will remain etched in the history of the modern world and which fortunately seems to be coming to an end. Despite ongoing negative impacts from the pandemic, the figures show a 16% increase in Western auction turnover compared with the previous year (2021). In China, the government's zero-COVID policy caused a sharp 34% contraction in fine art auction turnover to $3.9 billion versus $5.9 billion in 2021. However, art market professionals are expecting a very substantial rebound in China's art market in 2023 and much fiercer competition with the United States. As part of their collaboration to produce truly global art market reports, Artprice, and its Chinese state publishing partner, Artron, are monitoring this fierce competition very closely. In this report, Artprice presents, among other elements, its famous rankings, including the Top 500 Artists by fine art and NFT auction turnover in 2022, and the Top 100 fine art and NFT works sold at auction in 2022. The dematerialization of the art market and its increasing reliance on the Internet is today a reality on all five continents of the world, a reality that will eventually relegate physical auction rooms to the history of the 20th century. According to Thierry Ehrmann, CEO of Artmarket.com and founder of Artprice, "the migration to the Internet of auction houses has taken on spectacular proportions with, on the one hand, a 2,700% increase in the advertising of auctions on the Internet and, on the other hand, and 810% increase in the live-stream sales over the three years of the COVID pandemic. Such figures were generally not expected before 2025-2027". Artprice by Artmarket is pleased to announce the publication of its 26th annual report "The Art Market in 2022", available free of charge, in full and in three languages, both as a consultable online document and as a downloadable PDF: www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2022 English: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/pdf/rama/the-art-market-in-2022.pdfFrench: https://fr.artprice.com/artprice-reports/pdf/rama/le-marche-de-lart-en-2022.pdf Mandarin: https://zh.artprice.com/artprice-reports/pdf/rama/zh-the-art-market-in-2022.pdf Global synopsis In the West, fine art auction turnover reached a new high at $12.6 billion, up 16% versus the $10.9 billion total in 2021. Including China, the global art auction market totaled $16.56 billion versus $17.08 billion in 2021, a 3.1% contraction primarily due to the sharp fall in China's turnover (-34%) as a result of its zero-COVID policy. The volume of transactions reached a new historic level with 705,000 lots sold, compared to 672,000 in 2021. The proportion of unsold lots progressed from 31% in 2021 to 35% in 2022, suggesting the market became slightly more selective. The average auction price for artworks was $23,500 in 2022 compared with $25,730 in 2021. The median auction price was $760 in 2022 versus $930 in 2021. In 2022, 80% of the artworks sold for less than $4,500 at auction (versus $4,800 in 2021). The overall art price index fell by -18% between 1 January and 31 December 2022. The Artprice100© index of blue-chip artists was up 3% over 2022 vs. -19% for the S&P 500. Contemporary Art accounted for 16% of the art market compared with 20% in 2021 and only 3% in 2000. Six artworks crossed the symbolic threshold of $100 million, all in New York, compared with just one in 2021. In 2022, a total of 1,682 fine artworks plus 1 NFT crossed the $1 million threshold compared with 1,709 fine artworks plus 25 NFTs in 2021. The United States in pole position In 2022, the United States posted its best-ever fine art auction turnover total with 158,000 lots generating $7.34 billion, representing 44% of the global art market (compared with 140,000 lots and $5.8 billion, representing 34% of the global art market in 2021). Paralyzed by its zero-COVID health policy, China generated only $3.91 billion, or 24% of the global art market (vs. $5.9 billion in 2021, or 35% of the global art market). The UK's art auction turnover rose 8% in 2022 to $2.16 billion, consolidating its third place with 13% of the global art market (vs. $2 billion in 2021, or 12% of global turnover). France's art auction market generated $991 million (6% of global turnover), down 3% vs. 2021 ($1.02 billion or 6% of the global art market) due to an unfavorable Euro/Dollar exchange rate. Germany continued to grow (+6%) totaling $379 million and accounting for 2.3% of global turnover (vs. $359 million in 2021 or 2.1% of the global market). Italy (-11%) and Japan (+10%) finished 2022 neck and neck with $190 million and $185 million respectively (vs. $211 million for Italy and $167 million for Japan in 2021). Germany posted a new record price for a work of art at auction when Max Beckmann's self-portrait fetched $24.4 million. Japan's art auction market also posted a new record price when a work by Andy Warhol sold for $20.8 million. Top 10 countries by Fine Art + NFT auction turnover (and market share) in 2022 Action Turnover Market share 1 United States $7,339,083,284 44.31 % 2 China (Artron) $3,913,799,723 23.63 % 3 UK $2,156,700,023 13.02 % 4 France $991,549,591 5.99 % 5 Germany $379,443,977 2.29 % 6 Italy $190,674,079 1.15 % 7 Japan $185,463,014 1.12 % 8 Switzerland $154,773,773 0.93 % 9 South Korea $139,234,350 0.84 % 10 Australia $118,278,877 0.71 % Auction Houses and Collections In 2022, Christie's set a historic new record for its Fine Art & NFT auction activities around the world with a total turnover of $5.8 billion in twelve months (compared with $4 billion in 2021). Sotheby's was the world's second-largest fine art auctioneer with $3.9 billion (compared to $4.4 billion in 2021). Sotheby's may have taken second place behind Christie's in New York, London, and Paris, but it dominated in Hong Kong and Milan in 2022. Having hammered 35% and 24% of global art auction turnover respectively, Christie's and Sotheby's accounted for more than half of the total global value of the secondary art market. In 2021 they accounted for 23% and 26% respectively). On 9 and 10 November 2022, the Paul G. Allen Collection became the most expensive collection of all time, generating $1.6 billion at Christie's in New York. New York was also carried by sales of collections belonging to Anne H. Bass, Thomas Ammann, and David M. Solinger, amongst others. The fine art elements in Hubert de Givenchy's Collection took $59 million at Christie's in Paris. China Guardian was the leading Chinese auction house with $362 million (compared with $677 million in 2021). Artcurial ($92 million in 2022 vs. $91 million in 2021) was the leading fine art auctioneer in France. Artworks and artists by period Old Masters (artists born before 1759) In 2022, Artworks by Old Masters represented 11% of the total number of art lots sold at auction throughout the world and 7% of the year's global art auction turnover (versus 11% of lots sold and 9% of turnover in 2021). In January and November of 2022, two Botticelli paintings exceeded $40 million in New York. In France, a still life by Jean-Baptiste Siméon Chardin and a drawing by Michelangelo sold for $27 million and $24 million respectively. 19th Century Art (artists born between 1760 and 1859) In 2022, works by 19th Century artists accounted for 10% of all the lots sold during the year and 14% of the total global art auction turnover (vs. 10% of the lots sold and 10% of global turnover in 2021). The top-3 results for this period were all hammered in 2022 at over $100 million each. These paintings by Seurat, Cézanne, and Van Gogh were all in the Paul G. Allen Collection. In 2022, Claude Monet was the world's 2nd most successful artist with an annual auction turnover total of $539 million (in 2021 the French artist was 4th with $305 million). Modern Art (artists born between 1860 and 1919) In 2022, Modern Art was the leading segment of the art auction market accounting for 35% of its lots sold and 37% of its value (vs. 37% of lots sold and 37% of turnover in 2021). Pablo Picasso was the third most popular artist of the year at auction, generating $494 million (In 2021, he was the most popular with $672 million). Gustav Klimt's Birch Forest (1903) became the 10th most expensive Modern artwork ever sold at auction when it fetched $104 million. With no less than 30 million-plus auction results (in USD) during 2022, René Magritte ended the year among the world's five top-selling artists. Magritte's The Empire of Light (1961) fetched the year's best Modern Art auction result at $79 million in London. Zhang Daqian's Landscape after Wang Ximeng (1947) fetched the Chinese art auction market's best result in 2022 at $47 million. Two photographs set new world records for that medium: one by Man Ray at $12.4 million and the other by Edward Steichen at $11.8 million. Post-War Art (artists born between 1920 and 1944) Post-War Art accounted for 26% of lots sold and 26% of overall turnover (25% of lots sold and 23% of turnover in 2021). Andy Warhol was the most successful artist of the year at auction, with 2,160 lots sold generating $590 million (he was 3rd in 2021 with $348 million). Warhol's Shot Sage Blue Marilyn (1964) becomes the second most expensive work of all time when it fetched $195 million. Lucian Freud's Large Interior, W11 (1981/83) fetched a new auction record for the artist at $86 million. Gerhard Richter was the top-selling living artist of the year at auction with a total turnover of $226 million ($246 million in 2021). Three Alighiero Boetti tapestries become the most expensive tapestries ever sold at auction, at more than $5 million each. Yayoi Kusama was the only woman in the top 10 artists: In 2022, 900 of her lots sold generating a total of $195 million (vs. 778 lots sold for $178 million in 2021). Contemporary Art (artists born after 1945) Contemporary Art sales accounted for 18% of lots sold and 16% of global auction turnover. Jean-Michel Basquiat dropped to 7th place in the Artprice ranking with an annual turnover of $221 million (he was 2nd in 2021 with $439 million). Jeff Koons' sculpture Jim Beam (1986) sold for $17 million in 2022 but was worth $33 million in 2014. Yoshitomo Nara marked Hong Kong auctions when Oddly Cozy (2013) fetched $14.3 million. Ultra-Contemporary Art (artists under 40) Two works by Matthew Wong and a painting by Avery Singer crossed the $5 million threshold at auction. Artist Ayoko Rokkaku (1982) ranked 75th in Artprice's global ranking with $32 million (she was 97th in 2021 with $21.5 million). Flora Yukhnovich (1990) generated $14.6 million with a new personal best of $3.6 million. Njideka. A. Crosby's The Beautyful Ones (2012) sold for $4.7 million in 2022 versus $3.1 million in 2017. Anna Weyant set a new auction record for a woman artist under 30 at $1.6 million. Refik Anadol (1985) elicited the best price of the year for an NFT when his Living Architecture: Casa Batlló (2022) fetched $1.4 million (compared to an NFT record price of $69.4 million for Beeple in 2021). In conclusion, somewhat counter-intuitively – given the current geopolitical and economic context – the art market has in fact demonstrated insolent health, with regular auction records being hammered for artworks from all artistic periods in a large number of the market's key hubs. Primary indicators of the art market's health, we have not seen any cancellations of Classic and/or Prestige cataloged sales in 2022 or 2023. The major auction houses and investors are well aware that the art market is a solid safe haven investment, as proved by the Artprice100© index, which clearly outperformed traditional stock market indices last year. This current period of uncertainty on the stock markets therefore also redirects new funds and investments into the art market. Artprice had already noted that during the main crises of the recent past – the Nasdaq crash in 2000, the nine-eleven attacks in 2001 September, the Afghan war in 2001, the Iraq war in 2003, the subprime and CDS crisis in 2007, the negative interest rates era that began in 2011 and the Covid 2019 crisis – the art market was less impacted than the financial markets and the overall economy. As proof, a new page in the history of auctions has just been turned: the highly-anticipated dispersion of the art collection acquired by Paul G. Allen – who founded Microsoft along with Bill Gates in 1975 – was the first-ever private collection to take over $1 billion at auction, generating a staggering total of $1.62 billion with five works selling for prices substantially above the $100 million threshold at Christie's New York. Thanks to Christie's and Sotheby's remarkably well-conducted sales of exceptional American collections, the year 2022 became a significant milestone in the history of public auctions. Neither the war on European soil nor fears of an economic recession have not got the better of the art market. As regards 2023, in view of the initial results and the anticipated uptick in China's art auction activity after the end of its zero-COVID policy, the outlook is distinctly positive. Images:[https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2023/03/image1-global-fine-art-and-nft-auction-turnover.png] [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2023/03/image2-principal-marketplaces-fine-art-and-nft-auction-turnover-in-2022.png] Copyright 1987-2023 thierry Ehrmann www.artprice.com - www.artmarket.com Don't hesitate to contact our Econometrics Department for your requirements regarding statistics and personalized studies: econometrics@artprice.com Try our services (free demo): https://www.artprice.com/demo Subscribe to our services: https://www.artprice.com/subscription About Artmarket: Artmarket.com is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris, Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF. Discover Artmarket and its Artprice department on video: www.artprice.com/video Artmarket.com is owned by Server Group, which is the main shareholder and founder. Artmarket.com is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 810,000 artists. Artprice Images® allows unlimited access to the largest Art Market image bank in the world: no less than 180 million digital images of photographs or engraved reproductions of artworks from 1700 to the present day, commented by our art historians. Artmarket with its Artprice department accumulates data on a permanent basis from 6500 Auction Houses and produces key Art Market information for the main press and media agencies (7,200 publications). Its 7.2 million 'members log in' users have access to ads posted by other members, a network that today represents the leading Global Standardized Marketplace® to buy and sell artworks at a fixed or bid price (auctions regulated by paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article L 321.3 of France's Commercial Code). Artmarket, with its Artprice department, has twice been awarded the State label "Innovative Company" by the Public Investment Bank (BPI), which has supported the company in its project to consolidate its position as a global player in the art market. Artprice by Artmarket's Global Art Market Report, "The Art Market in 2022", published in March 2023:https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2022 Artprice releases its 2022 Ultra-Contemporary Art Market Report:https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2022 The Artprice 2022 half-year report: the art market returns to strong growth in the West:https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/global-art-market-in-h1-2022-by-artprice-com Index of press releases posted by Artmarket with its Artprice department:https://serveur.serveur.com/artmarket/press-release/en/ Follow all the Art Market news in real time with Artmarket and its Artprice department on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom/ (over 6.1 million followers) twitter.com/artmarketdotcom twitter.com/artpricedotcom Discover the alchemy and universe of Artmarket and its artprice department www.artprice.com/video headquartered at the famous Organe Contemporary Art Museum "The Abode of Chaos" (dixit The New York Times): https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013 L'Obs - The Museum of the Future: https://youtu.be/29LXBPJrs-o www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999 (over 4.2 million followers) https://vimeo.com/124643720 Contact Artmarket.com and its Artprice department - Contact: Thierry Ehrmann, ir@artmarket.com Principal marketplaces by Fine Art + NFT auction turnover in 2022
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Beyond-Expectation Experience: Hisense Marks Its Third Year with Paris Saint-Germain
Hisense brand awareness in France has increased by 8 percentage points since the outset of the partnership. QINGDAO, China, March 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hisense, a leading global home appliance and consumer electronics brand, and Paris Saint-Germain recently celebrated their third year of partnership with a new commercial. Hisense marks its third year partnership with Paris Saint-Germain The commercial, which showcases Hisense's latest ULED & Laser TV and smart refrigerator, features Marco Verratti, Nuno Mendes and Fabio Ruiz, and welcomes back World Cup winning captain Lionel Messi for the second time, after the spot in which he appeared last year received an overwhelmingly positive reception. The three years of partnership and the return of some of Paris Saint-Germain's top players to a Hisense spot, reflect the Club's recognition and support of Hisense, helping prove that the Hisense brand is respected and valued throughout the world.   Hisense & Paris Saint-Germain promise to take you Beyond Your Expectations The content of the advertisement reinforces Hisense and Paris Saint-Germain's overarching theme for the partnership this year: Beyond Your Expectations. The slogan aims to show consumers and fans how Hisense's products and technology, and Paris Saint-Germain's star-studded football team, both go Beyond Your Expectations. In the clip, Marco Verratti, Fabian Ruiz and Nuno Mendes are transported pitch-side after they witness the skills of young footballers playing a match through the sports-mode technology on their Hisense televisions. As the game intensifies, Lionel Messi is brought on to save the match, bringing the young players and Paris Saint-Germain stars an experience Beyond Their Expectations. Hisense launches this ad off the back of a successful overseas performance in past year. New analysis from Ipsos, a leading market research firm, has found that brand awareness of Hisense in France increased by 8 percentage points since it signed its partnership with the Parisian football club, rising every year since 2020. Hisense and Paris Saint-Germain have executed numerous projects together in what has been an exciting three-year partnership, from the new LED displays surroundings Parc des Princes to charitable endeavours like the donation of smart equipment to improve digital training experiences for teens in need through the Paris Saint-Germain Endowment Fund. As Hisense continues to push the barriers of display technology and expand its international growth, this milestone with Paris Saint-Germain showcases its commitment to build strong, sustainable relationships with consumers throughout the world.
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Curtain Goes Up on "Songs of the Earth: Artistic Documentary for a Better China"
HANGZHOU, China, March 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Songs of the Earth: Artistic Documentary for a Better China, an exhibition hosted by China Academy of Art, featured the most significant amount of case studies on the Beautiful China Initiative. The exhibition kicked off at the China Millennium Monument on March 1. Through interviews with more than 300 artists, scholars, designers, entrepreneurs, and practitioners in 34 provinces and autonomous regions, researchers from the CAA Research Institute of the Beautiful China Initiative have accumulated a wealth of documents and video materials, successfully founding the country's first Beautiful China Case Study Database. During the research, these case studies were sorted into four categories: Ecology, Village, Community, and Digital. In the exhibition, nearly 100 cases, selected from a pool of more than 300, vividly showcased the social, artistic, demonstrative, innovative, sustainable, and representative practices taking place across China since the reform and opening-up, especially in the past decade, demonstrating how a beautiful China is coming into being. The Beautiful China Online Interactive Archive System also debuted in the exhibition. Still in its initial stage, the system allows the viewers to find cases from their hometowns when sorted by region. The viewers can also select specific cases based on categories and practice attributes. Moreover, the system will go through constant upgrades to include a variety of functions, such as digital twins of the exhibition and research, the digital map and family tree of the cases, and the records of follow-up research of the proposals. The exhibition connected an army of practitioners to form an "action network", collecting over 100 "future-oriented proposals" on how to build a better life. Such "network of intelligence", gathering talents to create border-crossing innovation in the Beautiful China Initiative, illustrated the multiple dimensions involved in building a beautiful China. And bit by bit, the network pooled efforts from countless practitioners to write magnificent songs of the earth for the Beautiful China Initiative. The Beautiful China Initiative involves ecology, production, and life, affecting natural environment, urban and rural features, industrial innovation, humanistic aspects, social ethics and more. From regional development to community-level governance, from urban and rural planning to community empowerment, from ecological restoration to rural revitalization and eventually to the physical and mental health of every individual, all of these are included in the great cause of building a beautiful China. The Academy has taken action to promote the Beautiful China Initiative over the last few years. Committed to the principle of "taking the fields as a classroom", the Academy has established more than 100 "rural colleges" in different cities, towns, and villages. As a result, a nationwide network for practical education has taken root in China. In the past decade, about 80,000 students have traveled to 28 provinces to participate in people-oriented art activities. While contributing to social development through artworks, these young students also gained a deeper understanding of China's society and a stronger sense of social identity, thus becoming more concerned about our society and country. In 2021, China Academy of Art established the Research Institute of the Beautiful China, creating new possibilities of art and life by crossing boundaries and inspiring new ways to create artworks through practices. The institute serves as a platform for research and innovation, through which artist think tanks, public aesthetics, and social innovation converge and new practices empowering social development via art and culture are developed.
