OPENING TODAY: Cadogan Gallery | Sam Lock. Stanza | February 26, Milan
Totalmobile and Pro: Public Unite to Deliver Smarter Emergency Services
1st Italian Space Day in South Korea
Les Monstres Amis. Emilio Scanavino e la X Triennale curated by Michel Gauthier and Marco Scotini
miart 2025 - talks among friends | Thursday 28 November 2024, Pirelli HangarBicocca
Tracing the Cultural Links Between Korea and Pakistan, Through Gandhara Cultural Heritage
LG and the Step Challenge Association launch the ‘Kao Ta Jai 10K Thailand Championship 2024 Presented by LG’
Dusit Hotels and Resorts showcasing new and upcoming hotels at ATM 2024
HELLO KITTY · HAPPY 50 @Harbour City... Experience the Unforgettable 50th Anniversary Celebration
Hello Kitty takes on the role of “IFA” of Harbour City for Her 50th Anniversary Spectacular “HELLO KITTY · HAPPY 50 @Harbour City”
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WCCF Launched International Humanitarian Mission to Aid Children Affected by Conflict
The World War Children Care Foundation (WCCF) officially commenced its international humanitarian mission aimed at assisting children affected by war with a swearing-in ceremony of the foundation's committee today at Shang Ri La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The foundation, which was a registered non-profit organization in Malaysia, stated that its primary objective is to rescue and rehabilitate children residing in modern conflict zones while offering the said children educational opportunities that can nurture their physical and mental well-being. In the near future, the foundation is currently planning to lead the "Dove Aid Operation" (DAO) program in 2004 with close collaboration with several international organizations. The program will adopt a secure and holistic approach to safely extract children from war zones and provide them refuge in secure shelters. "Together, we will identify the most urgently required rescue areas, assemble teams comprising medical personnel, social workers, and dedicated volunteers, and distribute essential supplies such as food, medicine, and bedding," Linda Wong, WCCF President, emphasized during the launch of WCCF. The foundation plans to establish International Humanitarian War Children Schools in Malaysia and China, welcoming children from diverse backgrounds, races, religions, and cultures. These schools will implement the Caring Education curriculum, guided by the Yi Hai Education Group, with the goal of helping children gradually overcome the psychological trauma they have experienced, fostering confidence, and reigniting optimism. "We aim to showcase the incredible strength and courage of war children as they reintegrate into society, becoming compassionate individuals who contribute to rebuilding their homes and caring for others in need," Wong noted. Currently, tens of thousands of children worldwide endure the hardships of war. These children require not only care, support, and love but also urgent action. Therefore, WCCF passionately appeals to compassionate business organizations and individuals to join hands in this noble cause. In addition to its mission, the foundation unveiled a business charity campaign called "Healing the World Thru Business," with the first corporate donation initiated through Green Smart Planet Platform's continual business revenue, presented with a mock cheque for RM1,217,000. During the event, the foundation further introduced "Saving War Children with Your Cup of Coffee," where attendees voluntarily participated by adopting cups of premium coffee from Clemént Coffee Boutique, with all business profits donated to the foundation. Realizing the need of global support, during the launching ceremony, the foundation has also appointed representatives for various WCCF chapters in Malaysia, China, Serbia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Hong Kong, and Taipei. The launch was attended by Deputy Director-General of the Children's Division, Wan Noraidah Wan Mohd Zain, on behalf of Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. WCCF can be reach at https://warchildrencare.org
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Steak House Specially Launched 2 Christmas Party Packages
Steak House, a premium ingredients specialty store, is specially launching the "French Chef Gift Box" and "Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeye Sukiyaki Set". The sets include top-grade ingredients and condiments. There is no need to spend a lot of time preparing ingredients and cooking, and it is easy to get started with almost zero failure. You can become a chef in a high-end restaurant, bringing dual enjoyment of quality and flavor. In addition, there are more options available, including hot pot and barbecue sets, and Japanese direct-delivery party snacks. French Chef's Gift Box: Chef's Price $681-$781 It includes many prestigious ingredients, such as LS12-year-old Sturgeon Caviar (10g), each bite is a supremely high-end taste experience. You can freely choose a protagonist-level meat: Australian Wagyu, New Zealand Lamb Rack or Spanish Pork Saddle, accompanied by four flavors of Yelo seasoning butter, which sublimates the meat's taste to another level. It also includes cooking instructions. Follow the steps, and anyone can become a chef. Learn more: https://www.steakhousehk.com/products/oui-chef-gift-box SUKIYAKI Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Eye Package: Warm Heart Price $899 Featuring Japanese A5 grade Wagyu beef eye, paired with traditional wooden box packaging; ingredients include fresh Japanese scallops, Japanese eggs, snow crab claws, Japanese bamboo rings, shiitake mushrooms, and an abundance of vegetables and green onions, along with specially prepared sukiyaki sauce. Suitable for 2-3 people to share, it is the perfect choice for a warm family feast on Christmas Eve. Learn more: https://www.steakhousehk.com/products/sukiyaki-japan-a5-wagyu-set A Variety of Popular Barbecue and Hotpot Packages to Choose From In addition to the high-end packages, Steak House also offers other barbecue and hotpot packages, suitable for friends who like different flavors. For example, they have the "Premium Wagyu Hotpot Package", "Japanese A5 Superior Wagyu Barbecue Package", and a variety of high-quality and value-for-money hotpot and barbecue ingredients. They also have a variety of Japanese snacks delivered directly from Japan. You can purchase these from their website, for a different flavor feast at your party. Steak House welcomes group business collaborations or franchise inquiries: https://www.steakhousehk.com/
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Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, Khalid Al-Falih, Met with Zhu Gongshan, Chairman of GCL Group in Beijing
On December 10, Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment, who was attending the "Future Investment Initiative" PRIORITY Summit in China, met with Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Jin Zhuanglong, and Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, in Beijing. He also took the time to meet with Zhu Gongshan, Chairman of GCL Group, to have an in-depth exchange and dialogue on strategic cooperation, including the implementation of the GCL's FBR granular silicon project in Saudi Arabia. Khalid Al-Falih said that the current international community and economy are undergoing rapid changes, and the geopolitical landscape is getting complicated. How Asia, led by China, will influence and drive global development has attracted increasing global attention. At present, the international community is entering the era of carbon, digital, and AI, and new energy and digitalization will redefine globalization 2.0. The Saudi government and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia attach great importance to cooperate with GCL in the green new energy and high-tech materials industry. Hoping that the two parties will continue to expand exchanges and cooperation, actively engage in strategic alignment, and achieve mutually beneficial development in the future. Falih stated that GCL is a trusted strategic partner of the Saudi government, and the relevant Saudi departments will fully support GCL's investment in Saudi Arabia and accelerate the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia and GCL in constructing the FBR granular silicon facilities in Saudi, and strive to commence construction as soon as possible and to commission at the earliest possible time. At the same time, both parties will establish a special group for the GCL's Saudi project to provide all-weather support, ensure the early implementation and production of the project, and provide more green and low-carbon energy to Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region. Zhu Gongshan expressed that the deep advancement of China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative has brought an unique strategic opportunity for China's new energy industry in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, highlighting the importance of global connectivity. Currently, GCL Group is accelerating its internationalization progress. GCL is willing to work together with Saudi Arabia, relying on technology, innovation, talent, and other advantages to leverage the unique advantages of GCL FBR granular silicon and other "state-of-the-art PV technologies" to achieve energy conservation and carbon reduction, and provide an inexhaustible source of silicon-based green energy, contributing to Saudi Arabia's energy transition. Leaders from the Saudi Araba's Ministry of Investment and Lan Tianshi, Co-CEO of GCL Technology, attended the above-mentioned activities.
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President Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam: Catalyzing momentum for Vietnam-China agricultural, forestry, and fishery trade relations
China stands as Vietnam's foremost market for agricultural, forestry, and fishery (AFF) exports, poised to continuously facilitate the official export of a broader range of agricultural products to this dynamic market. The forthcoming visit to Vietnam by the Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping is anticipated to bolster the ties between the two nations, with a particular focus on enhancing agricultural trade. Nurturing the special traditional brotherly friendship between Vietnam and China Vietnam and China, as friendly neighbors, share a longstanding traditional relationship. In 2008, the establishment of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership marked a significant milestone aimed at expanding, fostering, and deepening the relations between Vietnam and China. This partnership serves the interests of both nations, contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region. Over the years, economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Vietnam and China has grown increasingly robust. Recent times have witnessed regular exchanges and collaboration between high-level leadership delegations from both countries, elevating the comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and China to new heights. Political trust has been reinforced, catalyzing enhanced cooperation in economy, trade, and investment. Notably, agriculture and rural development consistently garner close attention and direction from the leaders of both Parties, States, and Governments. China has maintained its position as Vietnam's largest trading partner for 20 years, with Vietnam reciprocally holding the title of China's primary trading partner in ASEAN and ranking as China's fourth-largest trading partner globally (following the United States, Japan, and Korea). As per the General Department of Vietnam Customs, the bilateral trade turnover between Vietnam and China is projected to reach USD 175.6 billion in 2022. This comprises Vietnamese exports totaling USD 57.7 billion and imports amounting to USD 117.87 billion. The colossal potential of the Chinese market is underscored by its GDP scale nearing USD 20 trillion, securing its position as the world's second-largest economy, trailing only the United States. Boasting a population 14 times larger than Vietnam's and consistently high GDP growth, Chinese consumers are interested in embracing Vietnam's distinctive agricultural products. Furthermore, China's rich cultural traditions, akin consumption habits to Vietnamese people, and a history of economic and trade relations spanning millennia further strengthen the symbiotic ties. Bilateral cooperation agreements and participation in multilateral accords, such as the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), the Regional Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (RCEP), and potential involvement in the Comprehensive and Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CTPP), underscore the economic and trade relationship between Vietnam and China, aligning with Vietnam's strategic foreign economic policy goals. China's demand for high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products During the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the 20th China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) held in Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China, in September 2023, discussions between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister Li Qiang, affirmed China's commitment to open its market to Vietnamese goods further. This emphasis particularly extends to high-quality agricultural and aquatic products. The commitment includes expanding market access, enhancing trade efficiency through border gate infrastructure upgrades, aligning policies, establishing smart border gates, and promoting transactions in local currencies. Prime Minister Li Qiang directed relevant Chinese ministries and branches to actively engage in discussions with Vietnam, fostering specific areas of cooperation and collaboratively constructing stable supply and production chains. This commitment was reaffirmed at the 12th Meeting of the Vietnam-China Joint Economic and Trade Committee, convened in November 2023 in Hanoi. Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao underscored the substantial demand in the Chinese market for high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products, expressing a warm welcome to further collaboration. Looking ahead, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce will persist in coordinating efforts to facilitate opening the Chinese market for Vietnamese agricultural products. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion people and a burgeoning middle class, China stands as a significant market for a myriad of high-quality AFF products. Despite this, the current market share of Vietnamese agricultural products remains relatively modest, accounting for less than 5% of China's total import value within this product category. This presents an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to expand their market share for high-quality AFF products in China. The post-pandemic economic recovery in China and support for market opening have propelled impressive growth in Vietnam's AFF product exports to China in 2023. The export trajectory is expected to maintain its robust momentum. A testament to this growth is evident in the results for the first 11 months of the year, with export turnover reaching USD 11.1 billion – an 18% increase over the same period and accounts for the highest export rate of 23.2%. China currently holds a substantial share in Vietnam's total fruit and vegetable export value, constituting nearly 54%, including 90% of lychee output, 80% of dragon fruit output, and over 90% of cassava output and processed cassava products. The positive outcomes can be attributed to China's strategic shift away from the Zero Covid policy, progressively easing and eventually abolishing stringent epidemic control measures. This move has unleashed pent-up consumer demand and expedited and facilitated the customs clearance process for import and export activities. Moreover, China's continued approval of official exports of new Vietnamese fruits to China has positively affected trade dynamics in recent times. The fruit protocols signed with China last year have provided substantial advantages to Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export activities from the outset of 2023 to the present. Presently, 14 varieties of Vietnamese agricultural products enjoy official export status to the Chinese market. These include dragon fruit, longan, rambutan, mango, jackfruit, watermelon, banana, mangosteen, lychee, black jelly, lemon vines, durian, sweet potatoes, and bird's nest. Furthermore, China has extended export licenses to cover 12 fruit and vegetable products, milk, 805 seafood processing facilities, 40 live crab and lobster packaging facilities, and 05 packaging facilities for black tiger shrimp and whiteleg shrimp, encompassing 128 species/product types and 48 aquatic species. The opening of the market for fruit and vegetable products, with a notable emphasis on durian, has propelled a remarkable surge in Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports to China in 2023. For the first ten months of 2023, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export turnover reached USD 3.2 billion, more than doubling compared to the corresponding period in 2022. Particularly noteworthy is the surge in durian exports, a fruit highly prized for its economic value and popularity among Chinese consumers. In the first half of the year, durian exports saw a staggering increase, reaching USD 876 million – a remarkable leap from the USD 44.2 million recorded in the same period last year, as reported by the General Department of Vietnam Customs. The export of AFF products to China is yielding impressive results, marking a highly positive development in light of the considerable challenges faced by Vietnam's overall trade in 2023. This achievement carries heightened significance, particularly given that agricultural products represent a traditional commodity group deeply intertwined with the livelihoods of millions of farming households in Vietnam. Elevating Vietnam's agricultural product quality to meet China's high standards Vietnam, boasting significant potential in agriculture, particularly in specialties, stands as a promising source of agricultural products for Chinese consumers. The country's advantageous geographical location lends itself to efficient trade and commerce, conferring a competitive edge in logistics compared to other nations. The swift transportation of fresh agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits, and seafood, from Vietnam to China ensures they reach consumers promptly, maintaining their natural quality and freshness. While the Chinese market presents abundant opportunities, the competition is intense. Vietnamese brands must demonstrate to Chinese consumers the exceptional quality and reliability of Vietnamese agricultural products in trade. Consequently, Vietnam has implemented various measures to enhance product quality, align with import requirements, and sustainably expand its export market share in China. Key strategies include: First, regularly updating information about market demand and Chinese regulations on quality standards, food safety, and disease safety. Collaborative efforts by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in conjunction with Chinese partners and localities, have involved organizing conferences and seminars to disseminate policy changes in the Chinese market, offering substantial support to businesses. Additionally, the dissemination of handbooks guides businesses in the export of agricultural products. Second, implementing strict quality management practices, tracing product origins, and ensuring compliance with Chinese regulations. Recent initiatives by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have decentralized the management of issuing codes for growing areas and establishments. Localities are now empowered to proactively carry this responsibility, from document reception and verification to issuing growing area codes. Vietnamese specialized agencies have provided active guidance and professional training on China's import regulations, reinforcing adherence to the new requirements. Simultaneously, it enhances guidance, supervision, and inspection of code issuance, management, and utilization at local levels. Coordination with ministries, branches, and localities in inspecting, examining, and addressing violations. Plant quarantine units at border gates intensify inspecting and controlling goods and information related to growing areas and packaging facilities. Swift detection and rigorous handling, including the refusal to issue plant quarantine certificates for non-compliant shipments, demonstrate the commitment to upholding regulations. Third, to ensure the uniformity and high quality of exported AFF products, emphasis is placed on achieving standardization across key dimensions, including quality, packaging, labeling, food safety and hygiene, traceability, logo, and national brand. With the visit of the General Secretary and President of China, Xi Jinping, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development coordinated with the General Administration of Customs of China to complete and sign the Protocol on plant quarantine requirement for watermelons exported from Vietnam to China; a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of foot and mouth disease-free zones using vaccines. In addition, the two sides are coordinating closely to complete procedures and soon sign a Protocol on exporting frozen durian, fresh coconut, medicinal herbs, and other Vietnam's fruits to China. Fourth, Vietnam is committed to standardizing border trade operations and regularly coordinates with the Chinese side to address traffic congestion. At the 7th China-ASEAN Agricultural Cooperation Forum in September 2023 in Nanning City, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien and leaders of the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation. The aim is to foster cooperative relationships in agriculture and rural development, promoting trade and investment in the agricultural sector. This Memorandum outlines specific cooperation areas, such as reinforcing collaboration in agriculture and rural development, expediting customs clearance for agricultural and aquatic goods, promoting trade and investment in agriculture and fisheries, and establishing mechanisms to support businesses and the market. This serves as a model for the Ministry's efforts to extend future AFF trade relations with other Chinese localities. Finally, a pivotal step towards fostering stronger ties involves the establishment of the Association of AFF Export Enterprises of Vietnam and China. During a May 2023 business trip by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam garnered consensus from the leaders of Guangxi and Yunnan provinces. The proposal for forming two Agricultural Business Associations, Vietnam-Guangxi and Vietnam-Yunnan, was well-received. This initiative aims to connect businesses on both sides, forming an integrated agricultural supply chain. In doing so, the authorities of both countries will facilitate conditions and promptly address any challenges that may arise.
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The Top 8 Best Places to Work in Philippines for 2023 revealed
Fujitsu, Novo Nordisk, KMC, Diageo, Universal Robina and Dragon Edge Group are recognized as the top 6 best places to work in Philippines for 2023 according to the annual prestigious "Best Places to Work" certification program. Fujitsu SDG Philippines came in the first position followed by Novo Nordisk, an affiliate of the global healthcare company with more than 100 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. KMC, a leading solution providers of premium office spaces and high-performing offshore teams for both Filipino and Multinational companies came in third position. Diageo Philippines, an affiliate of the global leader in beverage alcohol, came in the fourth position followed by Universal Robina one of the largest branded consumer food and beverage product companies in the Philippines. Dragon Edge Group came in the sixth position. Despite the challenges faced globally around employee turnover and declining engagement level, the average level of engagement of the top 6 companies is 85% and this is something to be proud of. Research from the certified companies showed that a number of leading organizations in the Philippines have transformed to become more agile and talent-centric, rethinking strategies, redesigning processes, reshaping culture and ultimately revitalizing their business. This has enabled them to navigate uncertainty and meet the evolving demands of their workforce and earned them a spot on this year's list of top workplaces in the Philippines. Best Places to Work is an international certification program, considered as the 'Platinum Standard' in identifying and recognizing top workplaces around the world, providing employers the opportunity to learn more about the engagement and the satisfaction of their employees and honour those who deliver an outstanding work experience with the highest standards in regards to working conditions. The assessment is based on a methodology to understand how well organizations engaged their employees and demonstrated Best HR Practices. Every year in Philippines, the program partners with a number of organizations, across different industries, to help them measure, benchmark, improve and certify their HR practices and use data-driven insights to add value, enhance agility, and increase organizational effectiveness. For more information about the certification program, please visit www.bestplacestoworkfor.org
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Freshippo Demonstrates Climate Resilience Measures at COP28
Freshippo, Alibaba Group's digital intelligence-powered new retail company, attended the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) and contributed a speech at the COP28 China Corner's Side Event, showcasing its climate resilience measures and proactive actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Freshippo has been leveraging digital technology and its new retail capabilities to address the effects of climate change. The company has developed scenario-based approaches to tackle different agricultural challenges, such as types of seeds, agricultural technology, plant protection, harvesting and transportation. Furthermore, Freshippo has established three agricultural methodologies to support climate adaptation. Firstly, selecting suitable species based on climate conditions to help agricultural enterprises build climate resilience through contract farming. Secondly, through climate disaster adaptive procurement, providing rapid response and maximum assistance to farmers to minimize their losses. Finally, implementing climate disaster adaptive agriculture, which will support contract farmers to resume production following climate disasters. Shen Li, Co-founder and Head of Sustainable Development at Freshippo, gave a speech at the COP28 China Corner's Side Event and said, "Climate change is a shared global challenge, and enhancing climate resilience and the consensus in the agriculture, industrial and retail sectors is our collective responsibility. Agriculture will continue to be heavily impacted by climate change, making it the common mission of global agriculture practitioners to address climate resilience in agriculture. We have explored various ways to enhance the climate resilience of agriculture sector and industry through practical experience. Freshippo is committed to leveraging the advantages of a retail enterprise to promote better climate consensus among the public, using products as a vehicle for climate education and helping consumers develop climate awareness in their daily lives." Freshippo highlighted a number of cases of climate adaptation at the event. For example, several peach farms in Beijing were unexpectedly hit by a hailstorm in 2022, resulting in direct economic losses of over RMB6 million. In response, Freshippo graded visually damaged peaches as "hail-damaged peaches" and processed those peaches into freeze-dried peach crisps. This initiative helped farmers sell the hail-damaged peaches, reducing waste by 200 kilograms per mu. Additionally, it enabled peach farmers to increase their income by RMB1,200 per mu. Freshippo has also been working to overcome the extreme effects of the hot climate by opening up a 200-mu Freshippo desert organic base in the Ulan Buh Desert in Inner Mongolia. Last year, it harvested 400,000 pumpkins, providing consumers with delicious and safe agricultural produce. The area of pumpkin fields has expanded to 1,000 mu this year. The growth of each pumpkin can help prevent water and soil erosion affecting about 43 square feet of surrounding soil, benefiting the local climate and environment. Freshippo also showcased the zero-carbon elephant honey it began to produce with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in March this year. The project aims to train villagers in the Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan Province to keep bees and collect and sell their honey, thus reducing the impact on Asian elephants caused by farmers cutting rubber in the mountains, and minimizing conflict between human beings and the elephants. By using solar water heaters, installing photovoltaic systems, and planting eco-friendly economic crops, the carbon footprint of the honey production is also being fully offset. In addition, Freshippo will donate RMB10 from the sale of each bottle of honey to support the sustainable development of local communities. Freshippo's practices received positive feedback from many participants. Zhou Fei, Chief Programme Officer of WWF-China said, "The agriculture industry plays an important role in carbon reduction as it is the industry most affected by climate change. The cases shared by Freshippo have brought greater attention to the industry's adaptability to climate change issues. The WWF was pleased to see Freshippo's measures to address climate change and enhance agricultural climate resilience during the COP28 China Corner's Side Event. Climate change is a shared challenge for all humanity, and we hope that more and more businesses will agree on this consensus." Fu Xiaotian, China Food and Natural Resources Program Director of World Resources Institute said, "Climate change poses enormous challenges to global agriculture, and it is urgent that the food system is the sustainable transformed. Freshippo is also an important partner in our research into improving agricultural climate adaptation. We hope to work together with Freshippo to help agricultural practitioners worldwide explore agricultural climate adaptation." Dr. Jimmiel Mandima, Vice President of Global Programs with IFAW said, "As the first zero-carbon honey produced in China for the conservation of wild Asian elephants, Freshippo is helping to connect elephants, local community members, and the whole society to address climate change. This initiative provides an innovative and sustainable solution, nurturing a sense of responsibility for climate change among individuals. The influence could go far beyond."
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SIBUR unveils climate solutions for rewetting drained peatlands and planting trees at COP28 in Dubai
On top of industry decarbonisation, participants at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP28 in Dubai, also discussed nature-based climate solutions to help combat global warming. Russian companies, including SIBUR, a petrochemical major, shared their relevant best practices. One of the culprits of GHG emissions and rising average air temperatures is the increasingly frequent forest fires that plague various regions, including North America, Southern Europe, Indonesia, and Russia. In Russia, forest fires are often caused by drained peatlands. Throughout the last century, the Soviet Union kept draining peatlands to extract peat, then an important type of fuel. Today, Russian companies including SIBUR, RUSAL, Severstal, and NOVATEK are planning to rewet peatlands in central Russia and are engaged in R&D efforts to this end. This initiative will help restore the peat bogs' ecosystem and make them natural carbon dioxide sinks again. SIBUR is also running Green Formula, a large-scale forestation initiative. As part of it, a total of 5 million trees will be planted in the regions of operation, which will contribute to carbon dioxide capture. The trees include cedars, pines, spruces, birches, fluffless poplars, common lilac, and rowan trees. Since 2022, SIBUR has already planted 3 million trees. Elena Myakotnikova, Head of SIBUR's Climate Initiatives and Carbon Regulation, said: "By investing in these projects – rewetting peat bogs and planting trees – SIBUR plans to obtain internationally recognised carbon credits, which can then be used in Russia and overseas. Carbon markets create economic incentives to fight global warming. Those who invest in reducing their carbon footprint can deliver resource savings or other benefits, while those who do not may face additional taxes."
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UAE royal family members attend China-UAE Youth Football Match during COP28
Recently, 198 Parties gathered in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to attend the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). Their aim is to find solutions for humanity in the race against time to combat the climate crisis. On Dec. 3, a spirited football match took place at the Football Academy Field, 20 kilometers away from the Expo City Dubai, where COP28 was ongoing. The competing teams were Dragon Twelve Football Club and Fair Play Club, representing youth from China and the UAE respectively. "We all love sports," said Sheikh Mohammed Jamal Al Qasimi, a royal family member of Sharjah, the UAE. Watching the match, he said that both sports and paintings are universal "languages" that can transcend cultural differences and language barriers, facilitating a shared understanding among people from different countries. After an intense match, the Chinese young players from the Dragon Twelve Football Club emerged victorious. An 11-year-old player from the Fair Play Club expressed his delight at meeting many Chinese friends and learning about environmental protection. "This is great!" he said. Other UAE royal family members including Sheihk Alharith Hamed Al Qasimi, Sheihk Sayed Bin Al Qasimi, and Ms. May Mohammad also watched the match. Before the match began, UAE royal family members, along with Chinese delegates including Zhao Yingmin, vice minister of Ecology and Environment of China and head of the Chinese delegation to COP28, visited the Climate Action Comics Exhibition. The Exhibition was displayed both online and offline at the China Pavilion during COP28. Artworks from artists aged 3 to 72, hailing from many countries, depicted their diverse understanding of low carbon across nations and generations. "All the comics at the exhibition look very good. We need to plant more trees to protect the Earth in the future," said Meng Xiangyun, a seven-year-old Chinese girl who lives in Dubai. Her artwork Protecting the Earth was also selected for the exhibition. Her innocent strokes delineate elements concerning ecological civilization including afforestation, green transportation, and garbage sorting. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, president of COP28 UAE, along with Xie Zhenhua, China's Special Envoy for Climate Change, paid their visits to the China Pavilion as well. Sheikh Alharith emphasized that the event showcased successful cooperation between China and the UAE in addressing climate change. "With COP28 underway, organizing such a green and low-carbon event is not only innovative but also encourages public participation," noted Sheikh Mohammed. The China-UAE Youth Football Match and Climate Action Comic Exhibition was hosted by Policy Research Center for Environment and Economy of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Dubai, China News Network, and BRI International Green Development Coalition, and co-organized by Bank of China Dubai Branch.
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SOPA 2024 Journalism Awards Open for Entries; Deadline Feb 22
The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in journalism, announced today that the SOPA 2024 Awards for Editorial Excellence are open for entries. The deadline for submissions is 3pm Hong Kong time on Thursday February 22nd, 2024. The SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence celebrate the best journalism in Asia and set the regional standard for quality, professional reporting. For the second year SOPA 2024 Awards will feature an “Excellence in Bahasa Indonesia News Reporting” award, honoring stories that set the domestic agenda in politics, business, or social/cultural affairs. A joint venture by Mongabay, BBC Indonesia and The Gecko Project, The promise was a lie: How Indonesian villagers lost their cut of the palm oil boom, won the top award in 2023. There are several noteworthy updates to this year’s SOPA Awards. Among them, the length limit in the category of Excellence in Video Reporting has been extended from 15 minutes to 20 minutes. Also, the SOPA Award for Young Journalists will now recognize both an English-language and a Chinese-language journalist. “The SOPA Awards are a celebration of excellence in journalism in the Asia Pacific region. These awards recognize outstanding journalism across all formats and demonstrate the diverse media space and unique stories being told in Asia,” SOPA Board Co-Chairs Danielle McGuigan from the Financial Times and Sunita Rajan of Bloomberg, said. Editorial Committee Co-Chairs Yi-Shan Chen, Editor-in-Chief of CommonWealth Magazine, and Bill Ridgers, Asia Digital Editor of The Economist, echoed that message and added: “Since 1982, SOPA has honored the brave journalists that have told Asia’s story. That recognition is now more important than ever.” The annual awards give smaller publications across the Asia Pacific region an opportunity to showcase their reporting on local grassroots issues as well as regional ones. In 2023, The World of Chinese received an award for excellence for a story on a brutal assault in Tangshan and how it highlighted the need for education on sexual consent in China. Myanmar Now, meanwhile, won an award for excellence for its fearless reporting on those standing up to the country’s vicious junta. The Journalism and Media Studies Centre at The University of Hong Kong, known as JMSC, has administered the awards since 2011. The Head of Judges, Senior Lecturer Ting Shi, will work with a judges panel of industry professionals from the region’s most influential media organizations, leading journalism schools, and past award winners. In 2023, more than 800 entries in English and Chinese were submitted and more than 100 awards were presented for outstanding journalism. For a limited time, SOPA is offering a 40% discount on the SOPA membership fee as well as a similar discount on up to five award entries. For the SOPA membership discount code, please request via email to mail@sopasia.com no later than Thursday February 8th, 2024. Details on submissions, eligibility requirements and application information can be found at www.sopawards.com. The finalists will be announced in May 2024, and the winners in June 2024. 2024 Award Categories • Excellence in Reporting on Women’s Issues • Excellence in Journalistic Innovation • Excellence in Audio Reporting • Excellence in Video Reporting • Excellence in Human Rights Reporting • Excellence in Feature Writing • Excellence in Technology Reporting • Excellence in Magazine Design • Excellence in Arts and Culture Reporting • Excellence in Bahasa Indonesia News Reporting • Excellence in Explanatory Reporting • Excellence in Business Reporting • Excellence in Infographics • Excellence in Reporting Breaking News • Excellence in Opinion Writing • Excellence in Reporting on the Environment • Excellence in Photography • The Scoop Award • Carlos Tejada Award for Excellence in Investigative Reporting • SOPA Award for Young Journalists • SOPA Award for Public Service Journalism
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Villa of the Italian intellectual elite for sale overlooking the sea of Positano | Lionard S.p.A.
Nestled in the heart of the Amalfi Coast, this extraordinary panoramic estate is one of the most beautiful villas on the entire coast, entrusted for sale exclusively to Lionard Luxury Real Estate (https://www.lionard.com/luxury-waterfront-villa-on-the-amalfi-coast.html) with an asking price of 26 million euros. Set in a private and quiet location, it offers over 800 sqm of internal spaces, divided between the main villa, an independent apartment, and a guest house, surrounded by splendid outdoor space measuring approximately 700 sqm. This property extends over several terraced levels that gently wind down between open spaces and gardens towards the sea below, offering a private sunbathing area and exclusive, direct access to the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Located in Positano, an extraordinary town of the "Divine Coast", this villa was built in 1963, standing out for the use of high-quality materials commissioned to various Italian excellences. The rooms are adorned with wrought iron, brass taps and majolica floors. A popular destination for prominent personalities, attracted by the incomparable beauty of this property, by the privacy it offers, guaranteed by its high position on the coast and its private access to the sea, this villa was the setting for the most memorable receptions of the 1970s and '80s. Over the years, it has hosted intellectuals, artists and illustrious figures of the Italian cultural scene and political figure such as Roberto Olivetti, Sergio Vacchi, Inge Feltrinelli and Alberto Moravia, who was so in love with the Amalfi Coast that he defined it as "a dream that doesn't seem real." The villa appears today as the result of a careful renovation and research project. Arranged on three levels, it offers precious and truly unique rooms, designed with attention to every detail, furnished with style and rich in details. The splendid hand-painted majolica tiles stand out, giving light and inspiration to every room. Outside, natural paths wind down towards the sea. Among pergolas of bougainvillea and splendid plants of a thousand shades, we pass through gardens with lemon trees, relaxation areas, a barbecue area and a covered fitness area. The private sunbathing area offers two furnished terraces and a bar area, with an intercom connected to the villa. From here, direct access to the sea is guaranteed, both to dive in and savor the touch of the crystal clear water and the sun on the skin, and to leave by boat and explore the hidden corners of the coast, thanks to the private dockyard. The management of such a prestigious property has lead its owners to rely exclusively on Lionard Luxury Real Estate S.p.A. (https://www.lionard.com) thanks to its leading role as an Italian PropTech in the ultra-luxury real estate market.
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Joan’s Kitchen: Refining Classic Homestyle Cantonese Cuisine with Heartfelt Creativity
Located in Kwun Tong, Joan's Kitchen (its e-commerce brand is well known as "Passion's Delight") is a characteristic local private restaurant in Hong Kong specialising in Georgian-flavored cuisine, offering authentic Cantonese dishes and nourishing soups that combine flavours and convenience. Joan's Kitchen focuses on researching and adopting frozen food technology. In addition to welcoming dine-in customers, it also collaborates with professional suppliers of high-temperature-resistant food packaging materials to provide a variety of convenient frozen dishes for takeout customers. The mission of Joan's Kitchen is to allow people to enjoy top-quality flavours without compromising on taste and nutrition; even in their busy work schedules, the feast is just a bag away. A wealth of ingenuity and heartfelt dedication lies behind the convenient food. Each meal, designed for convenience, is crafted with meticulous care and passion Joan's Kitchen strongly emphasises healthy and convenient food, which is why they have delved into the research of frozen food technology. Besides the commonly seen frozen soups in the market, they have exclusively developed and offered frozen Lamb Casserole, Catering Services, and Festive Basin Feasts. Joan's Kitchen also provides free delivery services for orders that meet the minimum purchase requirement, allowing customers to enjoy unique and delicious dishes anytime, anywhere. Joan's Kitchen strictly adheres to government food safety regulations and conducts multiple tests to ensure the quality and safety of its food and packaging materials. These tests include assessing the impact of high-temperature resistant materials and long-term frozen storage on the taste and texture of the food. Furthermore, they collaborate with licensed environmentally-friendly material suppliers, utilising high-quality eco-friendly packaging boxes and bags to guarantee that they not only provide superior food but also prioritise dietary health and environmental conservation. Founded for friendly gatherings, supported by the Chief Chef with a touch of Georgian artistry, private cooking workshops highlighting the rich heritage of Cantonese cuisine Joan and her friends co-founded "Joan's Kitchen" in 2016. As fellows who share a passion for delicacies, they originally intended to create a cosy restaurant to gather with friends and enjoy lovely meals and conversations. It is located in an industrial building with a tranquil ambience while still being close to the bustling city centre and easily accessible for sourcing fresh ingredients. Their exceptional Chief Chef, "Sang Gor", once worked at renowned restaurants such as Lei Garden and North Garden Restaurant, is also a culinary instructor at the Macau University of Science and Technology. With three decades of extensive experience in traditional Cantonese cuisine, Sang Gor skillfully blended conventional Cantonese cuisine and Georgian culinary style. He also frequently demonstrates his culinary expertise personally in private cooking workshops hosted in Joan's Kitchen, where guests can learn hands-on cooking experiences by immersing themselves in cosy vibes. Joan, the founder of Joan's Kitchen, states, "Our guiding principle is to prioritise quality over quantity. The Head Chef, Sang Gor, personally participates in ingredient selection and supervision to ensure the sourcing and cooking standards. We aim to become a pioneer and innovator in healthy and convenient dining in Hong Kong. And we are committed to developing and providing quality frozen food and diverse private dishes. Our culinary team never ceases to explore, innovate, and improve our dishes and products. Joan's Kitchen believes that healthy eating should be accessible to everyone. Therefore, we insist on offering a wide selection at reasonable prices to set an example in the F&B industry and promote healthy eating. We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals. Through our products and services, we aspire to bring convenience, health, and delectable dining experiences to our customers. Undoubtedly, food has the power to bring happiness and joy to people, and we strive to make that pleasure reachable to everyone effortlessly." Joan's Kitchen's frozen food and private dishes have received widespread acclaim. The ingredients are carefully selected and do not contain any artificial colours, preservatives, or MSG. The soups and dishes are known for their rich flavours, balanced nutrition, and convenient preparation, making them highly popular among busy urbanites. The team at Joan's Kitchen will continue to devote themselves to providing more fresh and creative dining options to meet the ever-changing needs of different customers.
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BTS X JAMES JEAN: SEVEN PHASES EXHIBITION Opens This December in Singapore
In an unprecedented showcase of artistic collaboration, acclaimed artist James Jean has joined forces with internationally renowned 21st century pop icons BTS (RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook) to create a collection of extraordinary exhibits. The <[HYBE INSIGHT] BTS X JAMES JEAN: SEVEN PHASES EXHIBITION>, which unveiled these captivating works alongside the original exhibits of HYBE INSIGHT, the museum of HYBE, has achieved great success in South Korea. After the successful showcases in Frankfurt and Manila, the exhibition will make its next stop in Singapore, starting from December 16, 2023. This highly anticipated event will invite visitors to immerse themselves in the unique and harmonious worlds crafted by these exceptional artists. Spanning two dedicated exhibition areas, the <[HYBE INSIGHT] BTS X JAMES JEAN: SEVEN PHASES EXHIBITION> will offer an exclusive opportunity to delve into the creative realms of BTS and James Jean. The first zone will showcase a remarkable series of 31 paintings by James Jean, capturing the essence of each BTS member. These exceptional artworks provide a window into the individuality and artistic spirit of each member, offering viewers an aesthetic connection with their favorite artists. In the second zone, visitors will encounter a mesmerizing BTS memorial exhibition, featuring a treasure trove of iconic artifacts and memorabilia from the group's illustrious career. Among the highlights are the actual audio equipment used by each BTS member during their tours such as microphones and in-ear monitors, coveted trophies, and exclusive wardrobes worn in music videos and stage performances. Notably, the awe-inspiring DIOR outfit, known for its breathtaking design, will be on display, captivating visitors with its significance and beauty. The <[HYBE INSIGHT] BTS X JAMES JEAN: SEVEN PHASES EXHIBITION> is an unparalleled opportunity for art lovers to gain unprecedented insight into the world of their beloved artists. It will offer a truly immersive experience, allowing admirers to explore the captivating and harmonious synergy between BTS and James Jean. The exhibition will take place at Science Centre Singapore, The Annexe, Hall 3. Tickets for this highly anticipated event will be available for purchase on Qoo10 and Sistic ticket websites (https://www.qoo10.sg/GMKT.INC/Goods/Goods.aspx?goodscode=902926167 https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/kfestbts0224) Visitors will also have the opportunity to acquire exclusive merchandise, including postcards, and photo cards featuring the group, as a cherished memento of this extraordinary experience. For further information and updates, please visit the official website https://www.bts-7phases.com and join us on social media. Prepare to embark on a breathtaking journey into the <[HYBE INSIGHT] BTS X JAMES JEAN: SEVEN PHASES_EXHIBITION>, where the worlds of music and art intertwine in a truly remarkable display. Event Details: Exhibition Title: [HYBE INSIGHT] BTS X JAMES JEAN: SEVEN PHASES_EXHIBITION in Singapore Dates: December 16, 2023 - February 25, 2024 Venue: Science Centre Singapore, The Annexe, Hall 3, 15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore (609081) Operating Hour: 10:00 AM - 8:50 PM (Everyday) Ticket Price: SGD50 (Inclusive of GST) (Science Centre Singapore access ticket is included) Ticketing : Qoo10 https://www.qoo10.sg/GMKT.INC/Goods/Goods.aspx?goodscode=902926167 Sistic https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/kfestbts0224 Organizers: HYBE INSIGHT, Paradise E&A and Mondaymorning Creativelab Co-promoter: KFS Exhibition Official Website: (https://www.bts-7phases.com)
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NielsenIQ: Hong Kong Leading the Vacation Bucket List for Mainland Tourists
In the post-pandemic era, Mainland outbound travelers are inclined towards Asian destinations as compared to Europe, North America and Oceania, with rising preference for a trip to Hong Kong. In a report titled - 'The Redefined Mainland Tourists' by NielsenIQ, the top three purposes for Hong Kong travel are shopping, followed by sightseeing and vacation, confirmed by 56%, 46% respondents respectively, as per the survey. Composition of visitors are diverse with 30% are looking for a splurge in the trip to Hong Kong while 70% keep it basic and seeking to satiate their craving for unique local experiences. This polarization of tourists is also fueled by social media engagement, promotional offers and ease of digital payments enabling unique experiences for tourists. Engagement marketing and retail experience: To stay relevant and connected Though shopping is still the key purpose visiting Hong Kong, Mainland tourists are coming back to Hong Kong with the focus is not just on product offering but also the retail experience. "The majority of Mainland Tourists are looking for retail experiences in their repeat visits. Unique product mix offered in Hong Kong or special edition for tourists would be important in attracting tourists. The impact of inflation globally has muted the price advantage for tourists indicating more opportunities by way of special promotions and retail experiences," said Mandy Tam, Vice President of Consumer Insights from NielsenIQ "Tourists these days are relying heavily on social media for information on trip and purchases, it would be a good opportunity to utilize social media platforms for engaging and targeted marketing to make the experience more unique and interesting." Tam suggested. Increased travel spending with shift in shopping demands According to the report, Mainland Tourists have increased travel spending by 21% in 2023 vs 2019, with average spending at HKD 33,000 per trip in 2023. Fashion and beauty have been the top two categories attracting spending Beauty products continue to remain the most planned category to purchase prior to the trip and cosmetics is observed as the fastest-growing category in FMCG, with a 33% sales increase compared to 2019[1]. From different sources, Mainland visitors are also showing good interest with finance services in Hong Kong. Despite shopping being the main reason factor to visit Hong Kong, the demand is shifted and 48% has substitution during the pandemic. On the other hand, spending in Macau has increased and visitors tend to stay longer in Macau. Categories noticed with more purchases in Macau such as fashion, supplements and personal care products. Omnichannel Dynamic: Online purchase continued the norms and expand opportunity in this AI-and tech-led era Mainland Tourists found substitutional online and offline channels to purchase under border restrictions. The study suggested that online purchase continued to be the norm, as 42% of shoppers claimed they have shopped via overseas e-commerce sites. Mainland tourists are claiming online purchases continue to stay. "The momentum in driving integrated omnichannel strategy needs to be strengthened to seize the opportunity with interchangeable online and offline channels." Tam suggested. ABOUT NIQ MAINLAND TOURISTS STUDY NIQ Mainland Tourist Study diagnosed travel patterns, shopping behaviour, and the visiting experience of Mainland Chinese visitors in Hong Kong on different tourist's attractions and the related since 2010. The research was conducted in August 2023, and the latest findings of the survey was based on online interviews of 1,000 mainland visitors from Greater Bay Area as well as other key cities, aged between 18 and 65, who travelled to Hong Kong in 2023. ### [1] Source: NIQ Retail Measurement Service, Moving Annual Total (MAT) September 2023 vs 2019
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The 5th Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival Kicks off
The 5th Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival kicked off in Quanzhou on the evening of December 8. The festival was hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Fujian Provincial People's Government, and organized by the Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and Quanzhou Municipal People's Government. The opening ceremony was graced by Wang Xudong, Member of the CPC Leading Party Members Group of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Director of the Palace Museum, Zhang Yan, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, Kang Tao, Member of the Leading Party Members Group of the Fujian Provincial Government, Zhang Yigong, Secretary of the CPC Quanzhou Municipal Committee, and Xiao Hanhui, Chairman of the Quanzhou Municipal Committee of the CPPCC, as well as guests from home and abroad and representatives from all walks of life. Wang Xudong announced the opening of the 5th Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival. Before the opening ceremony, Zhang Yan met with Chinese and foreign artists. He hoped that the artists would take the opportunity of attending the arts festival to experience the diverse culture of Refreshing Fujian, add luster to the scenic and blessed land of Fujian with their artistic imagination and creativity, and inject the power of beauty into the promotion of cultural exchange and mutual learning. In his speech, Kang Tao stated that the Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival focused on building a platform for cultural exchange and cooperation between China and countries and regions along the Belt and Road, adding a splendid touch to the joint construction of the Belt and Road, and contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Fujian will promote cooperation through culture, build consensus through exchange, and develop the arts festival into a "never-ending" event showcasing diverse culture and friendly exchange between people. Zhang Yigong presided over the opening ceremony. The large-scale music and dance performance "Afar Miles of Maritime Silk Road - Zayton Love Across Time" was held at the ceremony. China Central Television host Ren Luyu, as a modern traveler, had conversations with Chinese and foreign historical figures closely related to Quanzhou such as Wang Dayuan, Zheng He, He Chaozong, and Marco Polo in world heritage sites, presenting the thousand-year development of Quanzhou on the international stage. Themed "Appreciate the Beauty of Diverse Civilizations," this year's Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival consists of 12 activities in five main sections, including the "Beauty of Empathy", "Beauty of Music", "Beauty of Craftsmanship", "Beauty of Harmony", and "Beauty of Light," covering art, music, exhibition, dance, and artistic creations. It brought together 52 troupes and over 1,600 artists, experts, scholars, international friends, and media reporters from 43 countries and regions, sharing the platform of exchange, the arts event, and the festival for the people.
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Samsung Bespoke Collection Welcomes Winnie the Pooh and Friends
Some of your childhood favourites are here to bring a touch of whimsy, enchantment, and creativity to your kitchen décor! Samsung Singapore announces the Bespoke Winnie the Pooh Collection, which comes in 15 delightful designs, featuring beloved characters to instantly brighten your home and inspire the family's imagination. The collection features a variety of designs for homes of many styles – from vibrant colours that bring liveliness and expressiveness to eclectic homes, or a subtle pastel palette to bring cosiness and calmness to homes with muted aesthetics. The unique colour palette of the collection brings about a splendiferous kitchen transformation for homeowners, keeping their space fun and unique. Available for the Bespoke 4-Door Flex, Bottom Mount Freezer, and 1-Door Refrigerator, the collection offers curated designs of the beloved Winnie the Pooh characters to bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Samsung's partnership with Disney for its Bespoke refrigerators started in 2022, and has been growing since with a variety of design themes based on popular characters, including Mickey and Friends, and Marvel Super Heroes. The new Bespoke Winnie the Pooh Collection features the largest set of designs to date, giving homeowners a variety of 15 fun designs to cater to any home interior style. "The addition of the Winnie the Pooh designs is a testament to the popularity of the characters, and a delightful nod to our childhood nostalgia. The Bespoke Winnie the Pooh Collection is a great way for fans to integrate their love for the characters in an appliance that meets what they need in the kitchen through the modular options. Whether to showcase their love for these beloved characters or bring a unique flair to their kitchens, the new collection effortlessly integrates with any décor with sophistication. This collection also demonstrates how the Bespoke line empowers consumers by offering more diverse customisation options, making it an ideal choice for those with a clear vision of the unique style of their home," said Gavin Yeong, Head of Digital Appliances, Samsung Electronics Singapore. A refrigerator as unique as you For consumers seeking to customise their refrigerators, Samsung's MyBespoke customisation[1] offers an expanded range of choices for its wide selection of Bespoke refrigerators. Homeowners can choose to personalise their refrigerator with photos of precious moments, inspired art designs that reflect their personalities, or even personal works of art like paintings or doodles to make the refrigerator truly them. For those looking for a seamless aesthetic, MyBespoke lets homeowners customise their refrigerator as an extension of the existing cabinetry to blend into the kitchen interior design. The Bespoke experience truly allows homeowners to unlock their creative juices and transform their refrigerator into a masterpiece. With MyBespoke, consumers will be inspired to create a uniquely tailored refrigerator that seamlessly complements their home interior – be it Dark Academia, Japandi, or Maximalist. Local Availability and Pricing The Samsung Bespoke Winnie the Pooh Collection is now available at selected consumer electronics retailers stores, at the following starting prices: Model - Starting price[2] Bespoke 4-Door Flex - $4,749 (U.P. $5,909) Bespoke 1-Door Freezer - $1,769 (U.P. $2,539) Bespoke Bottom Mount Freezer - $1,669 (U.P. $2,429) From now until 31 December 2023, consumers who purchase any Bespoke refrigerator will also be entitled to complimentary door panels in selected colours[3]. While stock last. Terms & Conditions apply. In celebration of the holiday season, consumers can also choose to customise their own Bespoke refrigerator for only $100 (U.P. $550), available from now until 31 December 2023. Terms & Conditions apply. Consumers interested in a customised MyBespoke refrigerator can visit participating consumer electronics retailer stores to speak to our friendly service staff for more information. For more information, please visit the Samsung Online Store. ### [1] Featured MyBespoke (personalised) refrigerator design decals are for inspiration purposes only, and not for actual sale. [2] Prices are inclusive of the fridge panels and the fridge decal cost for the Bespoke Winnie the Pooh Collection. Price for each Bespoke Refrigerator will vary depending on the selection of colour panels and finish, and option for further customisation with designs from Bespoke Creators Collection, Bespoke Wallpaper Collection, Bespoke Disney Collection, Bespoke Marvel Collection, Bespoke Winnie the Pooh or Design Your Own. Top up cost for design customisation is fixed for each Bespoke Refrigerator type and applicable for full or partial design customisation. Colour of panels subject to stock availability. Check in-store for more details. [3] Free Bespoke Refrigerator colour panels only applicable for the following colours: Clean Peach, Clean Vanilla and Glam Navy. Promotion is applicable till 31 Dec 2023, while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
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Countdown to 2024: Amari Johor Bahru set to brighten your Christmas and New Year
Amari Johor Bahru, a 5-star hotel in the heart of the city, brightened the festivities with a Christmas tree light up event, featuring a large eco-friendly themed tree adorned and decorated with recycled and repurposed items, as well as choir performances and a wholesome community initiative. The event on 30th November kicked off with a choir performance at the hotel’s lobby by students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Infant Jesus Convent (IJ), followed by a Christmas tree light up event officiated by Pauline Chua, General Manager of Amari Johor Bahru. "We are excited to welcome guests to Amari Johor Bahru for our enchanting Christmas celebration," said Pauline Chua. "Our goal is to create a memorable festive experience for everyone who chooses to spend this special time with us, and we hope to brighten up your Christmas." she added. Embracing the spirit of generosity during this season of giving Amari Johor Bahru invited 30 children from Esther Home, an orphanage in Johor Bahru. Each child received presents in the form of stationary as a thoughtful gift. This was done as a gesture to give back to the community, with the children treated to a delightful meal, creating a memorable evening for them. The festive cheer does not end there, as events, performances and weekend sessions for the whole family will be available till the new year. Guests at Amari Johor Bahru will be able to experience the Christmas carolling and choir performances throughout December, with Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Infant Jesus Convent Choir performing on the 2nd and 9th of December from 3pm to 4pm, and Calvary Community Church Choir Group on the 3rd, 10th, 17th and 23rd of December from 12pm to 1pm. Weekend activities will also be prepared to engage guests of all ages. Families are invited to participate in an engaging gingerbread making session for kids that will be held on the 3rd, 10th, and 25th of December from 12.30 pm to 3 pm at Amaya Food Gallery. This promises to be a joy for the little ones and an opportunity for families to come together and dabble in the festive spirit. Those dining in at Amaya Food Gallery on the 24th, 25th and 31st of December can look forward to live performances by the Gentleman Band. Performance timings for Christmas eve will be from 6pm to 10pm, while Christmas day will be from 12pm to 3pm. For New Year's Eve, the band will be performing from 6pm to 9.30pm. As the clock ticks down to 2024, head over to the Terrace on New Year's Eve to welcome the new year with a bang. DJ E.T will be spinning the beats, ensuring a memorable end to the year with an unforgettable party. Make your year-end a spectacle of joy and celebration by immersing yourself in the magic of the festivities at Amari Johor Bahru. Embrace the season and create memories that will last a lifetime. For room bookings and inquiries, please contact 07-266 8888.
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Capture.HK Introduces The Frame, the First Digital Photo Frame Personalised with Artificial Intelligence
Capture Hong Kong, the leading service provider of analogue media digitisation, is launching its first digital photo frame, dubbed The Frame. It is the first digital frame of its kind to be paired with Capture.HK's digitisation service and personalised with artificial intelligence. By using AI-based facial recognition, Capture.HK is able to personalise The Frame to an individual. As an example, for the holidays, a son or daughter can gift a frame to their mother preloaded with digitised analogue photos of their mother. This unique offering is the first in the world and is provided as an end-to-end service. Made Possible with AI The Frame is made possible by harnessing the speed and efficiency of Artificial intelligence. Capture.HK's AI technology can now scan entire albums in high quality and extract just the most important parts of a photo album, cropping out hundreds of individual images. Customers no longer have to manually remove each photo and scan them which was prohibitively time-consuming. In addition, after the photos have been scanned, through advanced algorithms and machine learning, Capture.HK analyses and modernises each image, effectively bringing faded and yellowed photos back to the present day. Ultimate Personalisation The Frame can also be personalised with AI-based facial recognition currently in two Collection types. Star Collection - all of the digitised photos that contain a person or 'starred' by the customer are preloaded onto the frame. Album Collection - all the photos digitised in the customer's order are preloaded onto the frame. The Frame automatically displays the photos in a slideshow that can be customised, and photos can be added and subtracted from the slideshow easily from an on-screen touch menu. The Frame, the Perfect Gift A digital frame is an ideal gift as an expression of gratitude or to celebrate moments like these: Milestone Birthdays: Celebrate your parents' or grandparents' 60th, 70th, 80th, or even more senior birthdays with a gift that encapsulates a lifetime of memories. Wedding Anniversaries: Mark the 40th, 50th, or subsequent anniversaries by gifting a digital frame, perfect for showcasing the journey of a lifetime together. Mother's and Father's Day: Show appreciation for your parents on Mother's and Father's Day, thanking them for their support and love through a collection of cherished family moments. Weddings: Honour your past and the union of two individuals' histories coming together. Graduations: Celebrate this significant life milestone by showing how you got there. In these and many other occasions, a digital frame serves as a beautiful reminder of life's most precious moments. "Our customers have been asking us for a way to gift the joy of unlocking their precious memories," said Jason Law, Capture.HK's Chief Product Officer. "We designed The Frame as the most meaningful and personalised gift to celebrate special occasions like a birthday, anniversary, or a wedding." The Frame Bundle Pricing, Timing and Delivery To celebrate the launch of The Frame, Capture.HK is releasing The Frame Bundle for HK$988 which includes The Frame, The Bag with a free at-home pick-up of your photo albums, and the digitisation service for the first photo album. The Frame Bundle is valued at HK$1,738. The Frame Bundle is available in time for the holidays as a one-of-a-kind gift. It can be ordered online at http://www.capture.hk or in-person at the Capture Experience Centre located at 10/F, Sea Bird House, 22-28 Wyndham St., Central.
