ACROFAN

7UP® ELEVATES ITS MIXOLOGY GAME WITH A NEW GLOBAL CAMPAIGN AND REFRESHING BRAND PLATFORM

iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited Announces Execution of Definitive Agreement for Disposal of Its Demand Side Marketing Solutions Business in Main

Xinhua Silk Road: E. China's Shandong Zaozhuang seeks more job opportunities for disabled through intangible cultural heritage training

Let Your Contribution Shine on the Global Stage: Distinguished Contribution Award Now Open for Global Applications

Assembly Strengthens India Scale with In-Market Client Growth Team

Promote Mutual Learning among Civilizations through the 2024 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week, a Two-way Bridge Connecting Guizhou and Young Peo

Bruce Lee, LeBron James, and Global Icons Highlight Julien's Auctions "Legends in Motion" Exhibition in Hong Kong

Announcement of ICAIRE's Classification as a UNESCO Category 2 Center at the Global AI Summit

SDAIA Launches Initiative to Advance Ethical AI Research and Applications

Jockey Club closes fourth Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum, launches Commission on Asian Philanthropy

Cooperation urged to grow innovation

SHANGHAI, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from english.shanghai.gov.cn Shanghai forum aims to attract more financial capital to eastern metropolis Stronger cooperation between different entities and regions, as well as a continuous flow of capital into emerging industries, are crucial to the facilitation of technological innovation, which serves as a major driver for China's high-quality economic growth, according to officials and industry experts. Their remarks were made during the 17th Pujiang Innovation Forum, which started on Sept 7 in Shanghai. This year's forum, jointly held by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai municipal government, was themed "Sharing Innovation and Shaping the Future Toward an Open Environment for Scientific and Technological Innovation". A 10-billion-yuan ($1.4 billion) Shanghai Future-oriented Industries Fund was launched during the opening ceremony of the forum. Projected to promote disruptive innovation, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary innovation, as well as cutting-edge, platform-based technologies, the fund will focus on the health, information technology, manufacturing, energy, space and material industries, according to the Shanghai government. The fund will also connect to the industrial fund of funds for Shanghai's three pioneering industries of integrated circuits, biomedicine and artificial intelligence to form a fund cluster. In this way, a complete technology innovation investment system will be developed in Shanghai, facilitating early-stage technology incubation and industrial integration, the city's government said. During his speech delivered at the opening ceremony, Chen Jining, Party secretary of Shanghai, said the city will advance international cooperation on major scientific issues in areas of life and health, new energy and human development. Shanghai will also better integrate into the global innovation network and participate in global governance in areas such as AI. Xie Min, director-general of the department of policy, regulation and innovation at the Ministry of Science and Technology, said during the forum that innovation centers in China will be better guided to break barriers in terms of geography, administration and markets. As a result, innovation capabilities will be better coordinated, retaining the distinctive strengths of different centers while addressing shortages. China will also step up cooperation on a global scale by facilitating the free flow of various innovative elements, he said. Liu Dongmei, Party secretary of the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development, explained that the national-level technology innovation center, which covers a larger area, should focus on applied research to support the development of key industries and high-quality development. A regional technology innovation center may cover one province or several adjacent provinces. Such a center focuses on the application of technologies by making the most of its resource endowment, she said. According to Liu, the Yangtze River Delta region has set up a model regional innovation center. The region accounts for over 30 percent of China's research professionals, patents and fiscal expenditures for technology development, and it contributes nearly half of the country's technology income from the international market. Shanghai has played an important role in improving the region's innovation capabilities, she said. The next round of technology reform will be more complex, dealing with sectors such as brain science, quantum technology, synthetic biology, aerospace and controlled nuclear fusion, according to Mi Lei, founding partner of venture capital investor Casstar. The development of these technologies, which cover various disciplines, will take longer and require significant investment. Long-term capital is of greater importance against that backdrop, Mi said. Ge Liang, deputy general manager of the technology finance department at Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, said investing in companies focused on hard technology at an earlier stage has been more frequently emphasized in the market. But it is not an easy task, as there are various uncertainties regarding technological innovation. For more information: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-17thPujiangInnovationForum/index.html

Exploration of technology's impact on humanity -- Shanghai summit wraps up

SHANGHAI, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from english.shanghai.gov.cn The 2024 Inclusion Conference on the Bund concluded on Sept 7, attracting over 52,000 attendees to Shanghai for a three-day exploration of technology's impact on humanity. Hailed as "one of the most anticipated global innovation and technology conferences in the second half of 2024," the event featured a dynamic blend of insightful forums, cutting-edge technology showcases, and engaging interactive experiences. Over 500 speakers, comprised of industry leaders, renowned academics and policymakers, convened across 37 forums to discuss critical topics, such as new practices in the artificial intelligence industry, the evolving relationship between technology and humanity, and the latest advancements in fintech. Attendees witnessed the unveiling of 35 groundbreaking technologies, including Ant Group's AI-powered life assistant "Zhixiaobao", their AI health manager services, and the "Magic Box" intelligent agent development platform. Other highlights included Fudan University's nanowired artificial retina for vision restoration and Westlake Xinchen's Lingo, an end-to-end speech model. The exhibition hall buzzed with excitement as over 105 tech companies from around the world showcased their latest innovations. Fifteen leading AI model developers demonstrated their capabilities, while over 20 AI assistants captivated attendees with applications ranging from digital avatars for work assistance to cyber pets designed to combat loneliness. The interactive exhibition, featuring technologies like brain-computer interfaces for sleep enhancement and artificial muscle fibers for warmth and comfort, was lauded for its fresh and engaging approach to showcasing technological advancements. The conference highlighted six key trends shaping the AI industry: the rise of edge intelligence, heterogeneous computing driving large-scale model applications, the strategic importance of high-quality data, specialized domain applications accelerating AI development, intelligent agents as the next generation of super platforms, and the impact of embodied intelligence on intelligent care and future manufacturing. International attendees recognized the conference as a crucial window into understanding the implementation and future development of China's burgeoning AI industry. American scholar Kevin Kelly, during his speech at the conference, stressed the importance of acknowledging that the true challenges often stem from the unforeseen unknowns rather than the issues currently in focus. He highlighted the necessity of actively engaging in shaping this future to realize the AI-driven world we aspire to. For more information: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-2024inclusion/index.html

Fun88 Launches 'Fun88 x Evolution: Life-Changing Wins' Promotion

HYDERABAD, India, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fun88 has launched its latest thrilling contest, 'Fun88 x Evolution: Life-Changing Wins', offering participants a chance to win extraordinary prizes. In collaboration with Evolution, Fun88 is giving away 15 Thar cars, 150 iPhone 16 Pro Max smartphones, and 150 gold chains as part of this exciting promotion. Fun88 x Evolution: Life-Changing Wins The contest is open to all Fun88 users; more the player plays, higher are the chances of winning. For every bet made on Evolution games, players will earn tickets for the lucky draw, which offers these fantastic rewards. Participants can earn tickets by following these simple steps: Playing for ₹15,000 on Evolution games, such as Blackjack or Baccarat, participants will receive 1 lucky ticket. Playing for ₹10,000 on other Evolution games, such as Crazy Time, Dragon Tiger, and others, participants will also receive 1 lucky ticket. Higher the tickets collected, higher are the chance of winning a prize. The lucky draw will take place on October 7, 2024, where the winners will be announced. Winners could get a brand-new Thar car, an iPhone 16 Pro Max, or a gleaming gold chain. Fun88 continues to stand out as one of the top online gaming platforms, offering a vast array of games and exciting promotions. The platform provides an easy and secure experience, allowing users to make quick deposits, withdraw winnings effortlessly, and access customer support at any time. Trusted by millions of players, Fun88 is recognized for its safe and enjoyable gaming environment. Fun88 encourages players to take advantage of this unique promotion and begin collecting tickets for the lucky draw. Every ticket increases their chance of winning one of the amazing prizes on offer. By participating in Fun88 x Evolution, players can enjoy their favorite Evolution games, while vying for life-changing rewards. With new and varied promotions throughout the year, Fun88 ensures there is always something exciting happening for its players. About Fun88 Fun88 is a leading online gaming platform known for its safe and fun gaming environment. Represented by cricket legend Dale Steyn, Fun88 provides a user-friendly platform that features a wide range of games, secure transactions, and exciting promotions. Registration on Fun88 is easy and quick, allowing players to start enjoying their gaming experience immediately. Contact Information:Email: marketing@fun88india.com Website: https://link.fun88-india.com/fun88Instagram: https://link.fun88-india.com/fun88indofficial-isTelegram: https://link.fun88-india.com/fun88indofficial-tgTwitter: https://link.fun88-india.com/fun88indofficial-twYouTube: https://link.fun88-india.com/fun88indofficial-ytFacebook: https://link.fun88-india.com/fun88indofficial-fb

Crowds of 80,000 Gather for Worship at Shincheonji Church of Jesus

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In Cheongju, South Korea, around 80,000 people gathered in one place for Sunday worship on September 8th. Believers and more than 100 pastors from across the country arrived to listen to the words of Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman Lee Man-hee. The gathering coincided with the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Cheongju Church. Crowds of 80,000 Gather for Worship at Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman Lee is well known for his ability to explain complex content in the Bible that pastors and theology scholars find challenging. So far this year, he has traveled to 40 churches in Korea and around the world testifying about the fulfillment of the Book of Revelation. "We should be immensely grateful that God has revealed to us the words of the Book of Revelation, which had been unknown for 2,000 years," Chairman Lee said. "This word is life. We must have faith that is 100% aligned with this word, for it is the way to unite with God." Attendees were impressed by Chairman Lee's crystal-clear explanation of Revelation. "I moved from church to church, attending sermons, early morning services, and small group meetings, but I never felt spiritually satisfied. Then, I attended a two-hour lecture by Chairman Lee on the entirety of Revelation, which was a shock to me," said Mr. Lee, a believer who spent 30 years in the Presbyterian Church. "When I set aside my preconceptions and focused solely on the word itself, I began to find answers to the questions that had long troubled me," Mr. Lee added. "I believe that many others across the country and around the world have had similar experiences, which is why over 100,000 people have graduated from the church's courses each year." A representative from Shincheonji Church explained, "The core of Chairman Lee's teachings is that the prophecies in the Book of Revelation, long considered merely stories, have actually been fulfilled and have a tangible reality. Shincheonji offers indisputable evidence alongside a structured curriculum that educates people of all ages and backgrounds. This is why so many acknowledge the church."

ZEASN Is Now Whale TV

Leading Independent TV OS Maker Rebrands to Build Industry and Consumer Awareness SINGAPORE, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Whale TV™ today announced its new brand identity as part of the company's initiative to establish itself as a consumer-facing brand. With 41.1M+ monthly active users of its TV operating system, Whale TV enables consumers around the globe to seamlessly discover and watch entertainment. Since the company's inception in 2011, Whale TV was previously marketed solely to TV brands and factories. The leading independent TV OS now has set sail to drive awareness and preference among TV brands and consumers and popularize its smart and simple TV operating system. ZEASN is now Whale TV "We aim to provide better TV for everyone and strongly believe that smart TVs should provide viewers with a smarter, more personalized and intuitive viewing experience. By crafting a more seamless, intuitive, and consumer-centric experience, our TV operating system makes finding, discovering and enjoying TV infinitely better," said Jason He, CEO of Whale TV. Concurrently, Whale TV is folding its owned and operating free TV streaming services rlaxx TV and Whale Live into a new service named Whale TV+. Whale TV+ will be fully integrated in the next iteration of Whale TV with the launch of Whale OS 10, over time Whale TV+ will also be available across various other TV streaming platforms. The deeper integration into the OS makes it easier for consumers to find free entertainment and helps content providers drive meaningful engagement for their entertainment slate. Whale TV+ will enable viewers to stream thousands of hours of free TV, both live and on demand. The Whale TV brand identity was designed to position the brand as approachable, friendly and fun. While its engineers leverage complex technologies to solve consumer pain points in the TV-viewing experience, its vibrant color palette, tone of voice and design helps make users feel at home instantly. "The market for licensable TV operating systems is heating up quickly and Whale TV is probably one of the best-kept secrets in the industry. To position us well for the future, I believe that next to building scale we need to build a brand that is recognized and preferred by TV brands, content providers, advertisers and consumers. Instead of making incremental changes, we made the bold decision to start with a blank canvas. As a result, the core of the Whale TV brand narrative is so simple that it will travel faster," said Mike Duin, VP Marketing & Communications at Whale TV. Visit www.WhaleTV.com for more information. About Whale TV Whale TV is an independent TV operating system that makes TVs smart and simple to use. Since its inception in 2011, the company has worked with 400+ TV brands and enables 41.1M+ monthly active TVs around the world to help consumers discover, find and watch their favorite entertainment. With its easy-to-use TV OS, the company connects consumers, TV brands, content providers and advertisers. Whale TV is headquartered in Singapore and has teams collaborating across the globe to make TV better for everyone. Media Contact Mike Duinmike.duin@whaleTV.com+31652529519

What two major developments regarding foreign investment access in one day signal: Global Times editorial

BEIJING, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sunday, China's National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce released the Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access (2024 Edition). The total number of items on the negative list, or restricted sectors for foreign investment, has been reduced from 31 to 29, and all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector have been lifted. This means that going forward, foreign investment in China's manufacturing sector will face no restrictions that differ from those applicable to domestic investment. In addition, the Ministry of Commerce, together with the National Health Commission and the National Medical Products Administration, recently issued a circular on further expanding pilot programs for opening-up in the medical sector. Some media outlets referred to these two bold opening-up measures as "two major developments in one day." The further easing of foreign investment access demonstrates China's unwavering commitment to promoting investment liberalization and facilitation, as well as its responsibility in advancing global openness and cooperation. Frankly speaking, the current global investment environment is far from ideal. The recently released Chinese version of the World Investment Report shows that global foreign direct investment (FDI) dropped by 2 percent in 2023. If transit hubs for foreign investment are excluded, global FDI has declined by more than 10 percent for the second consecutive year. While investment liberalization and facilitation expand the economic pie, some major countries that should be leading this effort are clearly falling short. News headlines in those countries frequently focus on various restrictions they adopt. As the world's second-largest economy, China firmly stands on the side of openness, proactively widening the doors of opening-up. This not only offers substantial support for economic globalization but also serves as a significant boost to global confidence. Attracting investment is a hallmark of China's opening-up. In the early stages of the reform and opening-up period, foreign investment in China was primarily attracted by low-cost advantages such as land, labor, and energy. However, foreign investors now continue to be optimistic about China due to its massive market size, high-quality labor force and comprehensive industrial chain, which have been developed over decades of growth, as well as the high-quality business environment fostered by China's high-level institutional opening-up. These advantages are more sustainable and reliable. Since China released its first negative list for foreign investment in 2013, it has undergone several revisions and reductions over more than a decade. This reduction is not simply a matter of crossing off items on a list; each reduction signifies a more open sector. While these sectors may face fiercer competition, they also present significant opportunities. China continues to make "subtractions" in terms of foreign investment access while making "additions" to the business environment. Foreign investors can share the dividends of an open China, and Chinese enterprises that can withstand the competition will emerge stronger. Confidence in opening-up has become a firm consensus throughout China. Regardless of changes in the external environment, China's commitment to the logic of opening-up has remained unwavering. From promoting the integration of domestic and foreign trade, optimizing the business environment at ports, to deepening the opening-up of the service industry and advancing the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, China's steps toward opening-up to the outside world have been bold while maintaining stability. In addition, China's ability to manage and coordinate these two aspects has further improved, which, in turn, is more conducive to expanding high-level opening-up and creating a virtuous cycle of "opening-up promoting further opening-up." Currently, foreign investment in China encompasses 20 industry categories and 115 major industry sectors. From 2017 to 2023, China's actual utilization of foreign capital grew by 25 percent, with the proportion of foreign investment in high-tech manufacturing rising to 37.4 percent. This growth is not only rapid in quantity but also effective in quality. Currently, there is significant attention, both domestically and internationally, regarding the new regulations on the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals and the entry of foreign investment in the manufacturing sector. China has reached, or is close to reaching, an internationally advanced level of opening-up in these two areas, gaining the initiative. This not only marks a step forward in China's commitment to a higher level of opening-up but also conveys China's determination to participate deeply in the global division of labor in manufacturing and services. In today's era of economic globalization, the development of others does not equate to a loss for you; the fundamental truth is that we must work together to expand the pie.

The Gumball 3000 Rally celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a spectacular route from Saigon to Singapore (14-22 September, 2024)

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Timo Vietnam demonstrated its dynamism and boldness when attending and accompanying the Gumball 3000 event held in Saigon Thật Đẹp as the starting point of a special journey celebrating the 25th anniversary. International superstars and supercars come together to participate in the 25th Anniversary Gumball 3000 Rally. Starting from Saigon (HCMC), the 3,000km route crosses the finish line 6 days later in Singapore on F1 weekend, driving through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, hosting a festival of cars, music and VIP parties each night! Maximillion Cooper, Gumball 3000 Founder shared "This route is a truly spectacular way to celebrate Gumball 3000's 25th Anniversary, embracing new cultures and uniting people from all nationalities on an incredible adventure through this beautiful region - whilst also supporting charity programs to give youth greater opportunities in life!" "Gumball 3000 is about fun, about following a crazy idea - while being responsible and respectful to the communities you touch. That perfectly matches Timo's spirit so we're super excited to team up for their 25th year anniversary!" - Jonas Eichhorst - CEO of Timo Vietnam shared. Over 100 spectacular cars participate, driven by an international who's who of celebrities, royalty, influencers, sports and music stars, gamers, YouTubers and business leaders from over 40 countries, driving everything from vintage Porsches to Bugatti and Koenigsegg hypercars. Hosted by British Gumball 3000 Founder Maximillion Cooper (Mr Gumball 3000), driving a Lamborghini SVJ alongside automotive influencer Mr JWW - the entry grid showcases an incredible line up of superstars including US streamer IShowSpeed in his Lamborghini Huracan STO; Manchester United & France football Legend Patrice Evra driving a Rolls Royce Cullinan; Australian YouTubers Lazarbeam, Lachlan and UK Sidemen influencer Vikkstar in a Land Rover Defender; US automotive YouTubers DailyDrivenExotics (DDE) in their famously loud Lamborghini SVJ; along with US rappers Ja Rule and Bun B, MLB Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr and ex-NFL star Jimmy Graham… amongst many more! Gumball celebrations kick off in Saigon's city centre on Saturday 14th September with an evening of Gumball 3000 entertainment free for fans to attend featuring DJs Martin2Smoove, Andy Purnell, CJ Beatz and special VIP guests performing live! IShowSpeed will wave the start flag at midday on Sunday 15th September on Le Loi Boulevard in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City to set drivers off on the first stage of their adventure to the famous Cu Chi tunnels before entering Cambodia for a spectacular welcome in Phnom Penh featuring Cambodia's biggest music artists performing live! About Gumball 3000 Gumball 3000 is a lifestyle brand and entertainment group, founded in 1999 by British entrepreneur Maximillion Cooper. Over the following two decades the rally has evolved into one of the biggest automotive lifestyle brands and popular culture events in the world. Each year, the 3,000 km rally partners with Governments and corporate sponsors including the likes of Nike, Google, Vodafone and LVMH to host a weeklong festival of cars and music. The event attracts an international who's who of participants driving everything from Bugattis to the Batmobile, generating global media attention, and millions of fans to attend and follow the adventure online. About Maximillion Cooper Born in 1972 in England, Maximillion Cooper is the Founder & CEO of Gumball 3000. During the 1990s he was represented by Elite model agency and appeared in advertising campaigns for global fashion brands including Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren. Modeling funded an ambition to become a racing driver, racing successfully for privateer McLaren and Porsche teams throughout Europe. Cooper has acted as guest Creative Director, ambassador and designer for multiple brands within the automotive and fashion sectors, including LVMH, adidas and Aston Martin; and was voted into the 'Top 50 Most Influential People in the Automotive Industry' by US lifestyle publication Complex magazine. About Timo Vietnam As the pioneer, Timo is committed to elevating our customers' lives and accompanying them in the journey of living a richer life, not just financially, but through lifestyle, sports, and entertainment for the Vietnamese, contributing to a wealthy and beautiful Vietnam. This time, Timo will be the official partner, with "Tram Song Hanh with Thu Tran" serving as the media unit to promote Gumball 3000 in Vietnam. Together, we aim to leave a lasting impression on Gumballers, car enthusiasts, and the youth across the country.

WHITE SCORPION, Music Video for Lead Song “Ugoku Kuchibiru” from 1st Mini Album Caution Premieres

WHITE SCORPION, an 11-member idol group produced by Yasushi Akimoto, was formed after a six-month audition process. On September 4th at 21:00, they released the music video for “Ugoku Kuchibiru,” the lead track from their debut mini-album Caution. The music video was directed by Ryohei Shingu, following their previous work “Satisfaction graffiti”. The music video opens with all 11 members emerging from darkness in front of a cracked black wall in an abstract setting. In this shadowy, stage-like world, each member performs while facing the wall. The wall symbolizes an emotional boundary, a major obstacle for the girls who hesitate to move forward, serving as the central motif of the music video, representing their separation from others. The members’ sharp, questioning gazes in the wall’s shadows leave a strong impression, making the music video a profound work. The song symbolically echoes the message, “If you don’t express your feelings, nothing will begin,” serving as a response to their debut single, “Manazashi Sniper” When viewed as a series, the two songs connect and deepen the narrative. During live performances of “Ugoku Kuchibiru,” the group even incorporated the “sniper pose” from their debut single “Manazashi Sniper” during the “Your flickering eyes (Yureru Manazashi)” segment. This song represents a perfect culmination of the group's early days. ACE of WHITE SCORPION shared, “This music video highlights the individuality and strengths of each member. Compared to previous videos, there are more close-ups showing each person’s expression. The added choreography only for the MV enhances both the dance and lip-sync scenes. I hope viewers appreciate the effort and passion all the members put into these performances.” Director Shingu commented, “I crafted the music video with a focus on defining WHITE SCORPION’s character. The girls convey their intense passion in pure honesty and the fleeting nature of youth, resulting in a work with strong theatrical quality. The challenge of dancing side by side highlights WHITE SCORPION’s unity and their strength in overcoming obstacles together.” On September 11, WHITE SCORPION will release their first mini-album Caution, featuring the song “Ugoku Kuchibiru.” Just before the album drops, their sold-out debut solo concert will take place, promising fans a chance to be captivated by WHITE SCORPION’s irresistible charm.

The 29th BIFF Announces Lineup for Actors' House

The 29th Busan International Film Festival has unveiled this year’s lineup for Actors’ House, a flagship BIFF event program. Marking its 4th year, Actors' House is a special event that offers an in-depth look into the works of actors who represent the contemporary film industry, sharing their candid stories. This year's event draws attention with prominent figures' participation, including Sul Kyung-gu, Park Boyoung, Hwang Jung-min, and Chun Woo-hee. First, actor Sul Kyung-gu, known for his limitless transformations through various roles, will be featured at the Actors’ House. Continuously expanding his spectrum by navigating different themes, genres, and characters, Sul Kyung-gu has consistently garnered praise from audiences for his solid acting skills. Most recently, he crafted a new iconic character in the 2024 Netflix series The Whirlwind (2024). At the Actors’ House, Sul Kyung-gu is set to showcase his true essence as an actor. Actor Park Boyoung will also meet with the audience in Busan. After skyrocketing to fame as a rising star in Chungmuro with the success of the film Scandal Makers (2008), she has showcased her diverse charm across both film and TV in works such as Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017) and On Your Wedding Day (2018). Recently, Park Boyoung delivered impressive performances in Concrete Utopia (2023) and Daily Dose of Sunshine (2023), further proving her wide acting range. She is set to share her rich acting experiences with the audience in Busan, offering them a particular time. One of the highest-grossing actors Hwang Jung-min, who has conquered genres from noir to romance, will also attend this year’s Actors’ House. Known for surpassing 10 million admissions with films such as Ode to My Father (2014), Veteran (2015), and 12.12: The Day (2023), Hwang Jung-min consistently leaves a lasting impression with each role. Through this program, he will share candid stories about his acting career and personal experiences. Actor Chun Woo-hee, who made a strong impression and gained attention through Sunny (2011), will also meet with the audience. She has won the hearts of many with her intense yet delicate performances in both films and dramas, such as The Wailing (2016), Be Melodramatic (2019), and The 8 Show (2024). Chun Woo-hee is expected to share meaningful stories during this year's Actors' House with the audience. The Actors’ House program is open to the public with an entrance fee of 10,000 KRW. All profits from the event will be donated to the international relief organization Save the Children. Tickets can be purchased on the BIFF website from Sept 24 (Tues), 14:00 KST.

Introducing ESR's New-Generation Stash Stand Cases for iPhone 16 Series

Renowned and award-winning ESR Stash Stand Cases seamlessly combine style, functionality, and durability, allowing iPhone users to protect devices without compromising on design. WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ESR, an award-winning brand and the top-selling MagSafe accessories brand on Amazon, is excited to announce the launch of its latest iPhone 16 cases, based on its award-winning Stash Stand design. The new lineup features the Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand, Cloud Soft Case with Stash Stand, and the all-new Cyber Tough Case with Stash Stand. Pair these cases with the Armorite® Screen Protector for unmatched device protection. Introducing ESR’s New-Generation Stash Stand Cases for iPhone 16 Series "Stash Stand is a revolutionary phone case by ESR, offering an improved viewing experience while charging wirelessly with MagSafe," said Tim Wu, ESR's CEO. "In today's world, our smartphones are essential for work and leisure. With MagSafe's popularity and increased video viewing, a case enhancing both is a game-changer. That's where Stash Stand comes in." Unlimited MagSafe, Ultimate Protection Designed specifically for the iPhone 16 series, ESR's Stash Stand collection redefines what a phone case can offer. Featuring a sleek design and a slim yet durable build, this provides reliable protection without compromising on fast MagSafe charging speeds. The standout feature is the ingeniously designed stand that seamlessly folds around the camera module. When not in use, it sits flush against the case, doubling as a protective camera guard, ensuring zero obstruction when using MagSafe accessories like chargers, wallets, or power banks. When needed, the stand unfolds effortlessly, transforming into a sturdy kickstand with adjustable viewing angles from 15° to 85°—perfect for hands-free viewing, streaming, gaming, or video calls. This clever design allows complete functionality without compromising the slim profile or MagSafe compatibility. Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand: Combining sleek design with ultimate durability, this case features a slim 1.6 mm back and a shock-absorbing structure that exceeds military-grade protection standards. Air Guard corners, a 1.2 mm raised screen edge, and 0.7 mm camera guard protect your iPhone 16 from every angle. Available in 6 colors on Amazon now. Cloud Soft Case with Stash Stand: Crafted from premium liquid silicone, this case offers a luxurious feel with superior protection. Its 5-layer structure withstands drops from up to 11 feet, and the strong 1,400-g magnetic lock guarantees a secure fit. Available in 5 colors on Amazon now. Cyber Tough Case with Stash Stand: Engineered with a robust 3-layer design, this case is the ultimate in drop protection, withstanding impacts from heights up to 23 feet. A strong 1,500-g magnetic lock—more than double the strength of most Apple MagSafe cases—keeps your device secure in any scenario. Available in 8 colors on Amazon now. Armorite® Screen Protector with UltraFit Tray To complement the Stash Stand cases, ESR introduces the Armorite® Screen Protector, crafted from ultra-strong 9H glass with a triple-strengthening process that withstands up to 110 lb of edge pressure. The innovative UltraFit tray ensures a perfect fit with automatic dust removal and electrostatic adsorption, making applying easier than ever. In addition to cases and screen protectors for the new iPhone 16 series, ESR offers a range of other protective solutions for the new AirPods 4. The Cyber FlickLock Case (HaloLock) features an innovative magnetic opening mechanism, allowing for effortless one-handed operation with their staggered magnet alignment, while the Orbit Hybrid Case (HaloLock) provides powerful drop protection with its 1,100g magnetic lock lid to keep AirPods safe and protected. Pricing and Availability The ESR Stash Stand cases for the iPhone 16 series—Classic Hybrid Case, Cloud Soft Case, and Cyber Tough Case—are available for purchase today, starting at $18.99. Explore ESR's entire iPhone 16 collection, along with its range of MagSafe chargers and accessories on ESR's official website or Amazon. Image Gallery The full press kit can be found Here. For more information on ESR, review sample requests, or additional assets, reach out to media@esrgear.com. About ESR: 15 Years of Trusted Reputation Founded in 2009, now with a user base of 100 million people worldwide, ESR is a leading brand of tech accessories. From cases that do more than protect to wireless chargers that reimagine what's possible with MagSafe, we're on a mission to make tech easier to use.

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE EMERGING ON INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION, HSBC DATA FINDS

LONDON, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 51% of respondents surveyed aspire to send their child overseas for study, or already have a child studying internationally More than two thirds of Gen Z and Millennials are keen for their children to study closer to home, compared to just over half of Boomers 82% of Millennials and 77% of Gen Z believe that an innovative education is important, compared to 30% of Boomers A generational divide in attitudes towards international education and where to study is emerging, according to a new report from HSBC. HSBC's Quality of Life report suggests emerging preferences as younger generations are shifting towards new academic destinations HSBC's Quality of Life report, which surveyed more than 11,200 affluent adults in 11 markets around the world, reveals that while the US, UK and Australia remain the top study destinations, younger generations of current and future parents, such as Gen Z (68%) and Millennials (67%), are more likely to prioritise a university closer to their home region. The report found new emerging destinations for overseas university education: Mainland China is increasingly popular among younger Singaporean parents Singapore is emerging as a top destination for younger parents from Mainland China, India, Malaysia and Taiwan Continental Europe is emerging as the top region for parents from the United Kingdom Canada is growing in popularity with parents from the United States Commenting on the study, Katie Wilkins, Global Head of International Propositions, HSBC, said: "We're seeing a shift in attitudes towards international education in younger generations of parents, who are looking to balance their child's education with global aspirations and proximity to home, compared to their older counterparts. "More families are coming to us as they begin their international education journey, as the complexity of choice means they need a globally-connected financial services partner to help them navigate decisions with clarity and confidence." Most parents (78%) would select a university if it allowed their child to pursue their passions, with Millennials (83%) 10 per cent more likely to prioritise their child's interests when selecting a university compared to Boomers (73%). Millennial (81%) parents are 15 per cent more likely than Boomer (66%) parents to 'strongly or somewhat agree' with an education option that allowed their child to explore an entrepreneurial path if it had a positive impact on their child's overall well-being while studying overseas. Younger generations of parents also prefer institutions with future-focused curricula; with 82 per cent of Millennials and 77 per cent of Gen Z respondents agreeing that an innovative education is important, compared to 30 per cent of Boomers who 'strongly agreed' it was important. The majority (66%) of parents believe that an international education will lead to global exposure for their child and enhance their future opportunities. Commenting on the research, Dr Wanying Zhou, University of Oxford, Wellbeing Research Centre, Research Fellow, specialising in Adolescence Well-being and International Education, said: "HSBC's report comes when the international higher education landscape is witnessing a period of rapid change and diversification. Families are considering 'satellite campuses,' and as digital transformation within the education sector gathers pace, parents and students are also exploring new avenues, such as online learning which can allow students to study independently while being close to home. Whichever educational path a student chooses to take, study abroad can bring both rewards and challenges and it's important for families to be prepared for this period." HSBC's global network, suite of resources and partnerships equip parents and students with the tools to navigate the world of international education. Find out more about HSBC's services available for international students by visiting this site.

Zhihu Inc. Commences Tender Offers to Buy Back Up to US$54.8 Million of Its Class A Ordinary Shares and American Depositary Shares

BEIJING, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zhihu Inc. (NYSE: ZH; HKEX: 2390) ("Zhihu" or the "Company"), a leading online content community in China, today announced that it has commenced all cash tender offers (the "Offers") to buy back up to 46,921,448 Class A ordinary shares of the Company (including in the form of American depositary shares (the "ADSs")) at an offer price of HK$9.11 per Class A ordinary share (equivalent of US$3.50 per ADS). Assuming that the maximum number of securities that can be accepted are tendered and accepted, the aggregate purchase price payable by the Company upon the consummation of the Offers would be approximately HK$427.5 million or US$54.8 million, excluding related transaction fees, costs, and expenses. The Offers consist of a U.S. offer (the "U.S. Offer") and a non-U.S. offer (the "Non-U.S. Offer") on equivalent terms and conditions set forth in the U.S. offer to purchase dated as of September 9, 2024 in connection with the U.S. offer (the "U.S. Offer to Purchase") and offer document dated as of the same date in connection with the non-U.S. offer, respectively. The U.S. Offer will expire at 4:00 a.m., New York City time, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, unless extended. ADSs and Class A ordinary shares tendered pursuant to the U.S. Offer may be withdrawn at any time before 4:00 a.m., New York City time, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, or as otherwise provided by applicable law. As required by SEC rules, the Company is filing a tender offer statement on Schedule TO today. ADS holders and U.S. shareholders wishing to tender their securities must follow the instructions described in the U.S. Offer to Purchase and other related materials, including the ADS letter of transmittal and the form of acceptance, which the Company is filing together with the Schedule TO with the SEC today. These documents contain important information about the terms and conditions of the U.S. Offer. ADS holders and U.S. Shareholders may not tender their securities in the Non-U.S. Offer, and non-U.S. shareholders may not tender their Class A ordinary shares in the U.S. Offer. The U.S. Offer is not subject to any financing or minimum tender condition, but is subject to independent shareholder approval. An extraordinary general meeting of the Company's shareholders (the "EGM") will be held at 10:00 a.m., Beijing time, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Room Landing, Floor 1, Zone B, China Industry-Academy-Research Achievement Transformation Center, 18A Xueqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China for the purposes of considering and, if thought fit, passing the resolution in respect of the Offers as defined and set forth in the notice of EGM. The notice of EGM and the form of proxy for the EGM are available on the Company's website at http://ir.zhihu.com. The Offers are conditional upon the approval by more than 50% of the votes cast by the independent shareholders in attendance either in person or by proxy by way of a poll having been obtained at the EGM. Holders of record of ordinary shares of the Company at the close of business on September 23, 2024, Hong Kong time, are entitled to notice of, to attend and vote at, the EGM or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Holders of record of ADSs as of the close of business on September 23, 2024, New York City time, who wish to exercise their voting rights for the underlying Class A ordinary shares must give voting instructions to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the depositary of the ADSs. The board of directors of the Company is of the opinion that the terms of the Offers are fair and reasonable so far as the independent shareholders are concerned. However, none of the Company, its board of directors, or its executive officers is making any representation or recommendation to any holder as to whether or not to vote in favor of the resolution to be proposed at the EGM approving the Offers and whether or not to tender in the Offers. Instead, an independent board committee recommends the independent shareholders to vote in favor of the resolution to approve the Offers at the EGM and is of the opinion that the Offers should be accepted. The information agent and tender agent for the U.S. Offer is Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC. The U.S. Offer to Purchase, the ADS Letter of Transmittal, the Form of Acceptance, and other related materials will be distributed to all ADS holders (wherever such ADS holders are located) and U.S. shareholders and will be furnished to brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies, and other nominees whose names appear on the Company's stockholder list or, if applicable, who are listed as participants in a clearing agency's security position listing for subsequent transmittal to beneficial owners of the ADSs and Class A ordinary shares. For questions or assistance in connection with the U.S. Offer, please contact the information agent and tender agent at +1 (855) 793-5068 (toll-free from the United States) and +1 (888) 789-8409 (from other countries) from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., New York City time, Monday to Friday. Certain Information Regarding the U.S. Offer This press release is for information only and is not an offer to purchase, a solicitation of an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of the Company. The U.S. Offer will be made only pursuant to, and ADS holders and U.S. shareholders may only tender in the U.S. Offer in accordance with, the U.S. Offer to Purchase and other related materials. ADS HOLDERS AND U.S. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE COMPANY'S SCHEDULE TO, U.S. OFFER TO PURCHASE, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ZHIHU INC. AND THE U.S. OFFER. Materials filed with the SEC will be available electronically without charge at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov. Documents filed with the SEC may also be obtained without charge at the Company's website, https://ir.zhihu.com. ADS holders and U.S. shareholders also will be able to obtain a copy of these documents, without charge, from Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC, the information agent for the U.S. Offer. About Zhihu Inc. Zhihu Inc. (NYSE: ZH; HKEX: 2390) is a leading online content community in China where people come to find solutions, make decisions, seek inspiration, and have fun. Since the initial launch in 2010, we have grown from a Q&A community into one of the top comprehensive online content communities and the largest Q&A-inspired online content community in China. For more information, please visit https://ir.zhihu.com. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to," or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Zhihu Inc.Email: ir@zhihu.com Piacente Financial CommunicationsHelen WuTel: +86-10-6508-0677Email: zhihu@tpg-ir.com In the United States: Piacente Financial CommunicationsBrandi PiacentePhone: +1-212-481-2050Email: zhihu@tpg-ir.com

SDAIA to Unveil Key AI Strategies and International Collaborations at Global AI Summit Press Conference

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA) will hold a press conference on Sunday, September 8, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center. The press conference will highlight key aspects of the upcoming third edition of the Global AI Summit, taking place under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of SDAIA's Board of Directors. The summit is scheduled for September 10-12, 2024, and will feature over 300 speakers, attracting global thought leaders, policymakers, and AI experts from more than 100 countries. The press conference will feature remarks from prominent figures, including H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of SDAIA, H.E. Dr. Esam bin Abdullah Alwagait, Director of the National Information Center (NIC), and H.E. Dr. Yaser bin Mohammed Al-Onaizan, CEO of the National Center for AI (NCAI) in SDAIA. Key topics to be covered during the press conference will include the significance of the Crown Prince's patronage, the summit's focus areas, and its anticipated impact on the good of humanity, particularly amid the rapid development of AI technologies. It will also showcase how AI is driving economic growth, creating new sectors and industries, and addressing global challenges. Furthermore, the press conference will spotlight Saudi Arabia's leadership in promoting responsible AI use and ethics on the international stage, while addressing both the opportunities and challenges AI presents. For more information about the GAIN Summit, please visit: https://globalaisummit.org/en/default.aspx

Guideline Launches First Cross-Media Ad Spend Visibility into China

Advertisers, Media Now Able to Track Chinese Ad Demand with Guideline SYDNEY, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Guideline, the world's leading provider of advertising intelligence and media planning solutions, has today delivered the first cross-media visibility into Chinese media expenditure with the launch of its single-source Chinese ad spend solution. China boasts the largest share of digital revenue amongst Guideline Pool markets. This expansion of Guideline into China gives all media stakeholders the first cross-media view of ad spend into one of the world's largest ad markets. China is the sixth country in which Guideline publishes ad spend data sourced from its unique partnerships with the world's leading media agencies, giving global advertisers, media owners, and platforms the ability to gain an accurate, single-sourced view of media and product category demand across the US, UK, Australia, Canada, NZ markets, and now China. Designed in partnership with Guideline's SMI China Agency Advisory Board, comprised of senior leaders from each contributing media agency, the offering is specifically curated for international advertisers and others with interests in the Chinese Mainland media market. "We are very excited about the insights we have created with our global partners. Our data delivers the first cross-media view of ad spend trends in China, and with such a large proportion of ad spend going to China, Guideline is the only solution for industry players who need to understand how to maximize their investments in this important market," said David Hahn, Guideline COO. In Guideline Spend, Chinese ad expenditure is reported in RMB and updated monthly. According to Guideline Pool contributors, Digital Media's share of total Chinese ad spend outpaces any other major international market at 82% Social Media gains the largest share of ad spend across all media sectors, at 40.5%. It continues to grow with the value of ad spend to Social Platforms, +7.4% so far this year to July, while bookings to Social Video sites increased +12.7% Outdoor Media is the second largest media in China, with 13% of all ad spend year-to-date Beauty/Grooming and Clothing/Fashion Accessories are the market's largest product categories, followed by Consumer Electronics Beauty/Grooming's share of ad spend to Social Platforms (such as Xiao Hong Shu, Weibo and WeChat) dipped 3.4 percentage points in the first half of this year to 29.6% "The media marketplace in China is more digitally focused than in other countries and this has seen huge growth in social media, influencer marketing, and live streaming within ecommerce platforms so we're providing great insights to multinational advertisers about how their own markets may evolve,'' Hahn said." With Guideline now delivering the first view of product category spend across Chinese media owners, multinational advertisers can finally gain an accurate view of their share of ad spend within this market.'' Guideline has appointed Doug Pearce, the former CEO and chairman of OMG China, to lead its China-based operations. To learn more about Guideline Spend in China, please contact China Managing Director Doug Pearce: Doug.Pearce@guideline.au or APAC Managing Director Jane Ractliffe: Jane.Ractliffe@Guideline.ai. About Guideline Guideline was formed with the combination of Standard Media Index, SQAD and Lumina. Guideline is the leading source of advertising pricing and spend data as well as media planning solutions. SMI accesses actual spend from the world's largest media buying groups, as well as leading independents, and then organizes that data to create a clear, granular, and easy-to-use database for our clients and agency partners. By aggregating this data, Guideline offers detailed ad intelligence across all media types, including Television, OTT, Digital, Out of Home, Print and Radio. Data can be segmented by ad types, publishers, product categories, and many other dimensions.

The 16th DMZ Docs Holds Official Press Conference

The 16th DMZ International Documentary Film Festival (Festival Director, JANG Hae Rang), which will be opening on the 26th of this month, held an official press conference. The press conference was held at GCV Myeongdong Cine Library in September 4th (Wed) 4:30 p.m., and CHANG Hae Rang (festival director), JANG Byungwon (program director), and KANG Jinseok (Programmer) participated in the press conference to introduce this year’s film festival characteristics, main screening films, and programs. In the press conference, the festival director, CHANG Hae Rang, commented that “We thought about the roles of documentary film festival in the globally worsening war, climate crisis, hatred, and inequality. To answer this question, we decided “Act Out for Friendship and Solidarity” as the slogan of this year’s film festival.” He also described the characteristics of this year’s film festival with five keywords and expressed the vision by saying that “in the 16th DMZ Docs, we will unite with domestic and international documentary filmmakers, and broaden the point of contact with audiences, and connect film producers and citizens together.” Opening Film : <Farming The Revolution> Protest of Indian Farmers During Pandemics Closing Film : <Filmlovers!> Love Toward Films and Theaters <Farming The Revolution> (Director Nishtha JAIN, Akash BAUMATARI) is selected as the opening film of the 16th DMZ Docs. Amidst COVID-19, thousands of Indian farmers gathered to protest against the Farm Laws that represented interests of only the ruling class. The program director, JANG Byungwon, said that “this documentary is full of scenes that show wisdom and courage of grassroots. The documentary will impresses more people under the film slogan of Act Out for Friendship and Solidarity.” <Filmlovers!> is a film about an autobiographical story of Arnaud Desplechin about cinephilia, and this film mixes documentary and fiction together. It provokes love toward films and nostalgia of theater watching, and it makes the audiences think again about the presence of cinema. Screening 140 Films (80 Feature Films, 60 Short Films) from 43 Countries Extended Screening Throughout Gyeonggi-do… Featuring “DMZ Docs Plus+” Non-Theatrical Program Exhibition at LAKINS MALL This year, DMZ Docs will be screening a total of 140 films (80 feature films, 60 short films) from 43 countries. It maintains the program reorganization tone from the last year while quickly reflecting the latest documentary trends at the same time. It is also encouraging to see that the opening film and a considerable number of films funded by DMZ Docs Industry are selected as the screening films. The 16th DMZ Docs moved the main theaters to MEGABOX KINTEX and Lotte Cinema Juyeop. The festival road named “DMZ Docs City Walk” is arranged at the path connecting from Subway Line 3 Juyeop Station to theater to hold a variety of events where citizens and audiences can participate together. There also will be “DMZ Docs Plus+” to expand the screening venue from Goyang Special City to Gyeonggi-do areas. There will be screening at Suwon Special City’s Suwon Media Center, Paju-si Heyri Cinema, Ansan-si Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art, and Yongin City Nam June Paik Art Center. The Non-Theatrical Program was newly opened last year and celebrates the 2nd anniversary this year. The program will be held at the main film festival space, LAKINS MALL. In this program, 9 scenery films demonstrating the world from the perspectives of scenery, geography, and landscape under the topic of “The Landscape as the State of World” will be screened in the form of non-theatrical installation. DMZ Docs Focus Heinz EMIGHOLZ -Filmography as Autobiography, Modern Korea Cinema , Chronicle of Solidarity Like the previous film festival, there will be three forms of special Program Section, Focus, including Heinz EMIGHOLZ -Filmography as Autobiography, Modern Korea Cinema , Chronicle of Solidarity. The Heinz EMIGHOLZ -Filmography as Autobiography is about a German architecture documentary director, Heinz EMIGHOLZ. It screens “Filmography as Autobiography” consisting of his 14 films and features a drawing exhibition, “Oblique Vision,” with installations of hundreds of drawing works. The “Oblique Vision” will be held at Goyang Artist Residency Haeum, and there also will be a drawing master class with Heinz EMIGHOLZ. The Modern Korea Cinema, is arranged to commemorate KBS archive project, Modern Korea, and the theater version will be first released in the film festival. The Chronicle of Solidarity, spotlights the video activism of Korea, and it also focuses on the omnibus project made in solidarity of documentary Korean documentarists. The documentary streaming platform, docuVoDA, will be holding an online exhibition, ‘Short is Beautiful’. It will be screening 30 short films included in the Korean Competition Section, Non-Competition Section, and Heinz EMIGHOLZ Artist Exhibition. There also will be a special artist exhibition on a globally famous experimental documentary artist, Tomonari NISHIKAWA. New Establishment of DMZ Docs Forum This year, DMZ Docs will be newly presenting “DMZ Docs Forum” that covers various issues, such as beauty of documentary, support policies, social roles, and living right of producers. It sets five forum topics as an action plan for this year’s slogan, Act Out for Friendship and Solidarity, and arranges a debate with experts in documentary production and various fields. The DMZ Docs Forum will be held during the film festival period, and it will play a role as the open debate forum where all creators and audiences can share their opinions candidly. 2024 DMZ Docs Industry 2024 DMZ Docs Industry discovers and supports outstanding documentaries of Korea and Asia, and it will be held from September 28 to October 2nd. The DMZ Docs Fund (Korean POV 2024, THE VODA FUND) supports projects in planning, development, and early production stages, and DMZ Docs Pitch supports projects in product and editing stages. The winners will be granted benefits of showcase, open pitching, and business meeting during the film festival period. Documentary Market also will be held during the film festival to encourage active interaction of global documentary industry and creators. To discover intangible asset documentaries, UNESCO ICHCAP and ICHCAP Award are newly established to select one winner and support 10 million won. Program for Educating and Supporting Future Documentary Creators There also will be continuing education and support programs for future documentary creators. Youth Documentary Production Workshop celebrates its 14th anniversary this year, and it provides media literacy education, discovers outstanding contents, and fosters future creators. The worship will be screening a total of 12 films during the film festival period. Asian Docs Co-Production Network Project celebrates the 5th anniversary. In this project, young documentary creators from Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore co-produce documentaries about Asia. A total of four films will be screened during the 16th film festival period. The opening ceremony of the 16th DMZ Docs will be held at Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Outdoor Theater in September 26, and DMZ Docs will be running DMZ Film Festival Special Train from Seoul Station to Imjingang Station for the convenience of audiences attending the opening ceremony. For details, please refer to the official website (www.dmzdocs.com) of the film festival.

Actors PARK Boyoung and AHN Jaehong to host the 29th BIFF Opening Ceremony

Park Boyoung and Ahn Jaehong will be hosting the opening ceremony for the 29th Busan International Film Festival, which will take place from Oct 2 (Wed) to Oct 11 (Fri). Actors Park Boyoung and Ahn Jaehong, who are known for portraying unique and lovable characters across various genres and also have a broad fan base, have been confirmed as the hosts for the opening ceremony of the 29th Busan International Film Festival, which will be held on Oct 2 (Wed), 19:00 KST, at the Busan Cinema Center BIFF Theater. Actor Park Boyoung made her debut in the drama series Secret Campus (2006), and rose to prominence as a leading rookie in the Korean cinema after the successful Scandal Makers (2008). She has showcased a wide range of talent and gained recognition for her excellent performance, appearing in both films and TV series such as A Werewolf Boy (2012), Oh My Ghost (2015), Strong Woman Do Bong-soon (2017), and On Your Wedding Day (2018). More recently, her outstanding performance on Concrete Utopia (2023) and Daily Dose of Sunshine (2023) earned her the Female Star of the Year at Buil Film Awards 2023 and Best Actress at Blue Dragon Series Awards, thus proving her wide acting spectrum. Park Boyoung also attended Busan International Film Festival 2015 and met with the audience for her films Collective Invention (2015) which was invited to the Open Cinema section and The Silenced (2015) which was invited to the Korean Cinema Today – Panorama section. Actor Ahn Jaehong left a strong impression to the public with his distinctive performance in The King of Jokgu (2014). He gained great popularity for his versatility, such as TV series Reply 1988 (2015-2016), Fight for My Way (2017), Be Melodramatic (2019) and many more. He once again delivered a shocking performance to the public in Mask Girl (2023), earning him Best Supporting Actor in the TV category at the Baeksang Arts Awards 2024 and the Best Actor of the Year in the series category at the Director’s Cut Awards 2024. Ahn Jaehong first visited Busan International Film Festival as early as 2013, for Sunshine Boys (2013). Last year, he revisited Busan for the On Screen section invitation LTNS (2024). This year, he will continue his journey with Busan International Film Festival as a host. The 29th Busan International Film Festival will open on Oct 2 (Wed) with the opening ceremony, and will continue for ten days until Oct 11 (Fri) at the Busan Cinema Center. ■ Actor PARK Boyoung Filmography - Films: Our School’s E. T. (2008), The ESP Couple 2008), Scandal Makers (2008), If You Were Me 4 (2009), Don’t Click (2012), A Werewolf Boy (2012), Hot Young Bloods (2014), The Silenced (2015), Collective Invention (2015), You Call It Passion (2015), On Your Wedding Day (2018), Concrete Utopia (2023) and more. - Drama: Secret Campus (2006), Witch Yoo Hee (2007), Mackerel Run (2007), The King and I (2007-2008), Jungle Fish 1 (2008), Oh My Ghost (2015), Strong Woman Do Bong-soon (2017), Abyss (2019), Doom at Your Service (2021), Daily Dose of Sunshine (2023) and more. ■ Actor AHN Jaehong Filmography - Film: The King of Jokgu (2014), The King’s Case Note (2017), Microhabitat (2018), Secret Zoo (2020), Rebound (2023) and more. - Drama: Reply 1988 (2015-2016), Fight for My Way (2017), Be Melodramatic (2017), Mask Girl (2023), LTNS (2024), Chicken Nugget (2024) and more. ▶ The 29th Busan International Film Festival | Oct 2 (Wed) – Oct 11 (Fri) ▶ The 19th Asian Contents & Film Market | Oct 5 (Sat) – Oct 8 (Tues)

From a Djembe drum dance - a peek into China-Africa cultural exchanges

BEIJING, Sept. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from China.org.cn on the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation: &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;From a Djembe drum dance - a peek into China-Africa cultural exchanges Before sunset, dancers prancing to the brisk beats of the Djembe drum on the playground, with teachers and students cheering and running around in excitement. This was a performance by Abbe Dance Company in an international school in Beijing. To pick a word that best describes it, that would be "integration": It was performed by a troupe founded by a Chinese lady and her African husband; the performance featured a dance with typical African Djembe drums in a school in China; dancers and drummers from both China and Africa were dressed in traditional African attires; the teachers and students with various skin colors were in high spirits… The Chinese culture has been magically blended with the African culture and the global culture as a whole. It was Chinese performing artist Jiang Keyu and her husband, Cameroonian dancer Simon Abbe who founded the Abbe Dance Company. In 2005, Jiang Keyu was selected into a Chinese-Cameroonian cultural collaboration project as a dance teacher, and took on the job of revitalizing the Cameroon National Ballet. She embedded elements of Taichi and Chinese folk dance in her teaching, along with thoughts rooted in ideas and philosophies from Taichi and Daoism. Simon Abbe was one of the dancers who entered the training program tutored by Jiang Keyu. After three years of dedicated efforts, the Cameroon National Ballet has rejuvenated itself from the brink of bankruptcy. In 2008, the young troupe performed an original dance in the Africa Night event around the time of the Beijing Olympics, as a special gift for China. Of course, such bonds are not limited to dance or a few decades. The scroll that records Chinese-African cultural communication and collaboration unfolds back to the Han dynasty. Back in the 14th century, Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta started his exploration in China along the ancient Silk Road. He wrote about busy Chinese ports, and the fine bamboo crafts, lacquerware, and silk of China. In the 15th century, Chinese admiral Zheng He sailed to as far as the east coast of the African continent, and his close and direct interactions with local residents have left warm memories there. Since the 21st century, along with the establishment of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, the two sides have seen more extensive and in-depth cooperation in people-to-people exchanges. Chinese TV series like Minning Town have been welcomed in African countries, projects including the Shaolin Temple cultural center in Zambia and the Luban Workshop have won applause; exchange activities like the China-Africa Youth Festival have become increasingly influential. In these, people can see closer bonds between China and Africa. The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has been held on schedule. Leaders of China and African countries have gathered in Beijing again after six years. We expect this meeting to open a new and more colorful chapter in the era of cultural communication between China and Africa. How can we not be delighted to have friends coming from Africa? We dance with joy, and find our hearts connected. China Mosaic http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm From a Djembe drum dance - a peek into China-Africa cultural exchangeshttp://www.china.org.cn/video/2024-09/06/content_117411945.htm

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