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LANZAJET SELECTS TEESSIDE’S WILTON INTERNATIONAL FOR ITS NEXT SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL PRODUCTION FACILITY – PROJECT SPEEDBIRD

TEESSIDE, England, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LanzaJet, a leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)1 technology and producer of SAF, today announced the selection of the site for their next production facility, Project Speedbird, in Teesside’s Wilton International.

LanzaJet has partnered with Sembcorp Utilities (UK) Limited, a wholly-owned entity of Sembcorp Industries Ltd, to develop an ethanol-to-SAF facility at Wilton International in Teesside, UK. Through a collaboration with British Airways, Project Speedbird will produce over 90,000 tonnes (30 million gallons) of SAF and renewable diesel annually.

Project Speedbird, a recipient of grant funding by the UK government under the Advanced Fuels Fund, is likely to generate significant regional benefits and create around 30 highly skilled, long-term roles within LanzaJet’s operations. The fuel produced is expected to reduce the net carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 230,000 tonnes per year – equivalent to 26,000 British Airways UK domestic flights.

“Wilton International was selected for its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, essential for SAF production. This selection underscores Teesside’s pivotal role in the UK’s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation efforts. By leveraging Wilton International’s capabilities, the project enhances the region’s status as a leader in alternative energy initiatives, contributing significantly to the UK’s clean energy objectives,” said Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet.

“Through our collaboration with British Airways, we are building a local supply chain for SAF – a critical solution for reducing lifecycle net carbon emissions in aviation – while supporting the UK’s ambition to lead the energy transition. Project Speedbird demonstrates the potential of aligning technology, investment, and partnerships to address the aviation industry’s carbon emissions.”

The facility will utilise LanzaJet’s proprietary alcohol-to-jet technology, deployed at its Freedom Pines Fuels facility in Georgia, USA, the world’s first commercial ethanol-to-SAF production plant. Project Speedbird will produce SAF from sustainably sourced ethanol. Project Speedbird will also establish key collaborations across the region to further bolster the local economy.

Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, said: “We are delighted that LanzaJet has selected Wilton International in Teesside as the site for Project Speedbird. This milestone paves the way for the next stage of this innovative project, which is an important step towards scaling up sustainable aviation fuel production in the UK. SAF will be crucial in helping us reach our net zero goals by 2050, and this development marks significant progress towards producing UK SAF, whilst also supporting local communities and creating green jobs.”

“We are pleased to welcome LanzaJet to our Wilton International site in Teesside. By providing ready-to-go infrastructure, energy and utilities services, we support their efforts in developing sustainable and low-carbon solutions. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to accelerating the UK’s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation. We look forward to partnering with LanzaJet as they play a pivotal role in transforming the aviation sector towards net zero,” said Mike Patrick, Chief Executive Officer of Sembcorp Energy UK.

ABOUT LANZAJET

LanzaJet is a leading alternative fuels technology and engineering company dedicated to accelerating the transition in aviation. As a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology provider and producer with patented ethanol-based alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology, LanzaJet is creating an opportunity for future generations by accelerating the deployment of SAF and other technologies critical to transforming the aviation fuel market. LanzaJet was named TIME100 Most Influential Companies for 2024. Further information is available at https://www.lanzajet.com/.

1Defined in the Refuel EU Aviation Regulation as aviation fuels that are either synthetic aviation fuels, aviation biofuels or recycled carbon aviation fuels. SAF produces similar levels of carbon dioxide to conventional aviation fuels when burned, but the carbon dioxide generated is already part of the carbon cycle and is not extracted from the ground specifically for creating aviation fuel. This means that using SAF results in a reduction in carbon emissions compared to the traditional jet fuel it replaces over the lifecycle of the fuel.

Trina Storage Releases Insightful White Paper on Advanced Battery Cell Technology for Energy Storage Systems

MUNICH, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trina Storage, a global leader in energy storage solutions, proudly unveils its latest White Paper: Advanced Battery Cells for Energy Storage Systems. This forward-looking publication delivers an in-depth examination of state-of-the-art battery cell technologies and their transformative role in shaping the future of energy storage. By addressing key innovations, market trends, and technical advancements, the white paper provides a valuable resource for industry stakeholders navigating the rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Trina Storage Releases Insightful White Paper on Energy Storage Battery Cell
Trina Storage Releases Insightful White Paper on Energy Storage Battery Cell

Key Insights into Energy Storage Battery Cell Technology

Technological Features and Market Trends

The white paper explores the specialized features of energy storage cells, including extended cycle life, high consistency, and enhanced safety. These advancements are shaping the future of energy storage, making systems more efficient and cost-effective while ensuring compatibility with diverse application scenarios such as utility-scale storage, industrial systems, and residential solutions.

Large-Capacity, High-Performance Battery Cells

As the demand for energy storage grows, the industry is seeing a shift toward large-capacity and long-lifespan battery cells. The white paper delves into how these innovations minimize project footprints, reduce costs, and optimize system performance, providing scalable solutions for the growing renewable energy market.

Innovation Driving Safety and Performance

The paper explores innovations in materials, including advancements in electrolytes, separators, and structural designs, which collectively enhance safety and energy efficiency. By combining material innovation with optimized structural approaches, the industry is achieving solutions that align with evolving standards and market requirements.

Comprehensive Testing and Validation

The white paper underscores the critical role of rigorous testing and validation in battery cell development. Adhering to stringent international safety standards ensures that modern energy systems deliver exceptional reliability and performance, meeting the diverse demands of a rapidly growing market.

“As the energy storage market accelerates toward larger capacities and enhanced safety standards, our White Paper on Energy Storage Battery Cells is designed to provide actionable insights for industry stakeholders. At Trina, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring our solutions meet the highest performance and safety standards.” Said Shawn Deng, Head of Global Product at Trina Storage.

Backed by decades of experience in the renewable energy sector, Trina Storage is committed to advancing the global energy transition with sustainable, efficient, and reliable energy storage solutions.

Click here to view and download the complete white paper: [Free Whitepaper Download for Advanced Battery Cells]

Yum China Announces Disclosure under Hong Kong Stock Exchange Rules in Relation to a Possible Quarterly Dividend

SHANGHAI, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yum China Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987, “Yum China” or the “Company”) today announced, in compliance with the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “HKEX”) which require advance notice of board meetings at which a dividend is expected to be declared, that its board of directors (the “Board”) will consider the declaration and payment of a quarterly dividend (the “Dividend”). If the Board decides to proceed, the declaration will be adopted by Board resolution on or around February 6, 2025 (Beijing/Hong Kong Time) and will be promptly disclosed by the Company.

The Company makes available through the Investor Relations section of its internet website at http://ir.yumchina.com its filings with the HKEX as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such materials with the HKEX. These filings may also be obtained by visiting the HKEX’s website at http://www.hkex.com.hk.

As no Board resolution in relation to the Dividend has been adopted as of the date of this press release, there is no assurance that the Dividend will be declared.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend all forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as “expect,” “expectation,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “could,” “intend,” “belief,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “predict,” “project,” “likely,” “will,” “continue,” “should,” “forecast,” “outlook” or similar terminology. These statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations, estimates or assumptions will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. Numerous factors could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. You should consult our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) for additional detail about factors that could affect our financial and other results.

About Yum China Holdings, Inc. 

Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China with a mission to make every life taste beautiful. The Company has approximately 400,000 employees and operates over 15,000 restaurants under six brands across around 2,200 cities in China. KFC and Pizza Hut are the leading brands in the quick-service and casual dining restaurant spaces in China, respectively. In addition, Yum China has partnered with Lavazza to develop the Lavazza coffee concept in China. Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang specialize in Chinese cuisine. Taco Bell offers innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China has a world-class, digitalized supply chain which includes an extensive network of logistics centers nationwide and an in-house supply chain management system. Its strong digital capabilities and loyalty program enable the Company to reach customers faster and serve them better. Yum China is a Fortune 500 company with the vision to be the world’s most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com.

Investor Relations Contact
Tel: +86 21 2407 7556
E-mail: IR@yumchina.com

Media Contact
Tel: +86 21 2407 8288 / +852 2267 5807
E-mail: Media@yumchina.com

CPA Australia calls on Hong Kong government to increase revenue and reduce expenditure


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2025 – With CPA Australia estimating a fiscal deficit of HK$96.1 billion for 2024-25 and fiscal reserves of HK$638.5 billion, today, we submitted recommendations for the government to consider including in Budget 2025-26, with the major focus areas being tackling the deficit and building Hong Kong’s prosperity.

(from left to right) Mr Janssen Chan, Co-Chairperson of Taxation Committee and Chairperson of SME Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Ms Karina Wong, Divisional President 2025 and Deputy Chairperson of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Anthony Lau, Co-Chairperson of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Adam Chiu, Member of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China
(from left to right) Mr Janssen Chan, Co-Chairperson of Taxation Committee and Chairperson of SME Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Ms Karina Wong, Divisional President 2025 and Deputy Chairperson of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Anthony Lau, Co-Chairperson of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Adam Chiu, Member of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China

Explore strategies to increase revenue and reduce costs
CPA Australia emphasises the need to explore innovative strategies for increasing revenue and optimising public expenditure. One suggestion is expanding the application of the user-pays model to a broader range of government services, provided fees remain affordable.

Ms Karina Wong, 2025 Greater China Divisional President stated, “Our proposals are designed to help the government navigate fiscal challenges, attract investment and strengthen Hong Kong’s global competitiveness. A cornerstone of Hong Kong’s success has been its low and simple tax system, and this must be preserved. Therefore, we encourage the government to prioritise raising revenue from non-tax sources, such as modestly raising fees on some government services.

Ms Wong highlighted that unlike Hong Kong, other advanced economies generate significant revenue through various levies, fees, and charges. She noted for example that Hong Kong generates only about 1 per cent of the revenue Australia does from visa processing fees and Hong Kong’s passport fees are much lower than many jurisdictions. “While we are not suggesting the government raise fees to match those of other advanced economies, there is scope for modest adjustments to better reflect their costs,” she said.

To support this, CPA Australia recommends the adoption of standardised cost-recovery policy, provided fees are set at affordable rates and increases limited. To drive efficiencies, the cost-recovery fee should be set at the cost of efficient service delivery rather than the actual cost, which could be higher.

Additional revenue-generating proposals include raising fines and penalties, such as illegal parking fines and increasing tobacco duty from 65 per cent of the cost of a packet of cigarettes to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended 75 per cent. We also suggest exploring highly targeted new taxes, such as a digital services tax on large digital providers and a carbon tax on major greenhouse gas emitters.

Attract foreign investment and corporations
To attract more investment funds and family offices to Hong Kong and encourage them to invest locally, we recommend further enhancements to the tax regimes for investment funds and family offices.

Mr Anthony Lau, co-chairperson of CPA Australia’s Greater China Taxation Committee suggested “To boost the property market, Hong Kong should include local real estate investments, both residential and non-residential with a minimum investment requirement of HK$50m, as tax exempt assets under unified fund exemption and single family office concession regimes, capped at 30 per cent of total assets under management. Another measure related to supporting the property sector is to give first home buyers a temporary stamp duty reduction of 50 per cent. This could help young Hong Kongers buy their first home, which not only benefits them but the broader economy and society.”

Mr. Lau also said “The Hong Kong Government can initiate consultations with the Central Government to establish a “Family Office Connect” channel to facilitate cross-border investments by Mainland high-net-worth individuals through family offices established in Hong Kong. The first step in implementing this scheme would be to pilot it in the Greater Bay Area before extending it to the rest of the Mainland.

On infrastructure, Mr Lau emphasised the importance of timely delivery of major projects despite fiscal constraints. “To maintain Hong Kong’s competitiveness, we suggest the government consider the broader use of public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects. This approach helps to reduce the government’s share of costs and risks.”

Support SMEs and attract talent
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have faced numerous challenges in recent years. Mr Janssen Chan, co-chairperson of CPA Australia’s Taxation Committee for Greater China proposes, “In light of the difficulties faced by SMEs, it is crucial for the government to continue supporting them to foster their growth and success. We suggest increasing the threshold for the half profits tax rate from HK$2 million to HK$3 million, and provide a 100 per cent tax rebate on the 2024/25 final profits tax, capped at HK$10,000.”

To address talent shortages and support an ageing workforce, Mr Chan proposes incentives for employers hiring older workers. “We recommend offering companies an additional tax deduction on salaries paid to employees aged 60 or above, or a direct wage subsidy to employers hiring eligible older employees.”

To support the government’s “Study in Hong Kong” initiative, we suggest incentivising developers to convert industrial buildings into student accommodation and extending the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) visa duration to four years for graduates pursuing further studies abroad.

Improve living standards and encouraging childbirth
Acknowledging the need to balance fiscal responsibility with financially supporting residents, Mr Adam Chiu, a member of CPA Australia’s Taxation Committee for Greater China said, “Though we need to manage our expectations on the sweeteners for the coming fiscal year, we recommend the government maintain the 100 per cent tax rebate on the 2024/25 final salaries tax, subject to a ceiling of HK$10,000, and salaries tax allowances should be increased at least in line with the inflation.”

Mr Chiu also noted the potential for Hong Kong to adapt international examples on encouraging childbirth. “Hong Kong’s ageing population and low birth rate pose significant long-term consequences for the city. To help address these issues, the government should consider measures that help alleviate the financial burden of raising children, such as a childcare expense allowance with a maximum deduction of HK$60,000 and increase the child allowance to HK$150,000 per child and childcare and early childhood education subsidies,” Chiu added.

CPA Australia’s budget recommendations reflect a comprehensive approach to fostering sustainable economic growth while addressing the pressing challenges facing Hong Kong’s economy.
Hashtag: #CPAAustraliaHongKong


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

CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 173,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 22,500 members in Greater China. CPA Australia is celebrating its 70th anniversary in Hong Kong this year. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on issues affecting the accounting profession and the public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at

Vertice raises $50 million Series C to simplify procurement

Lakestar leads round with participation from existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners and 83North

LONDON and NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vertice, the spend optimization platform, today announced $50 million in Series C funding led by Lakestar. This investment brings the total raised to over $100 million. Additional participants include Perpetual Growth and CF Private Equity, alongside existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners and 83North.

 

Roy and Eldar Tuvey, Vertice Founders
Roy and Eldar Tuvey, Vertice Founders

 

This oversubscribed round is the latest milestone in Vertice’s 2.5 year growth journey, exponentially scaling its worldwide revenue and customer base whilst maintaining best in class capital efficiency. The company has grown revenue 13x over the past 2 years. The Series C investment will further accelerate Vertice’s mission to create the go-to unified backbone for modern procurement teams. In 2025, Vertice will open several new regional offices and drive product development by tripling its engineering team. New automated product capabilities and integrations will help enterprise procurement and finance teams improve visibility, streamline processes, reduce costs, and make better decisions.

Procurement teams struggle every day with opaque approval processes, rising prices, compliance threats and a lack of clarity over best pricing. The market’s current response is disparate and disconnected point solutions, including procurement workflow builders, contract negotiation, benchmarking data and SaaS spend optimization. Vertice has seized a recognised leadership position in procuretech by delivering all of this within a single, unified platform.

Vertice offers fully customizable procurement workflows that deliver AI-supported insights into spend optimization, usage and risk management directly within the workflow itself. These insights are based on Vertice’s negotiation experience across $3.4bn of SaaS and cloud spend on behalf of hundreds of enterprise customers globally, plus the unmatched benchmarking data Vertice has on 16,000+ software vendors. Vertice workflows have consistently more than halved purchasing cycles, curtailed maverick spending, while reducing SaaS and cloud costs by as much as 30%.

“We created our own unfair advantage,” commented Roy Tuvey, Founder and CEO at Vertice. “After spending two years perfecting our SaaS and cloud spend optimization, achieving product-market fit and taking market share from established players, we’ve brought all of our data and insights directly into the workflow experience. All employees can now initiate any purchase, quickly, transparently and at the best price, while procurement can fully customize the workflows to their needs and embed granular approvals.”

Vertice’s proposition has been eagerly adopted by hundreds of finance and procurement leaders including the teams at ASML, Euronext, Grant Thornton, and Santander. In the last 12 months, Vertice has significantly grown its enterprise customers in the US, EMEA and APAC – the only spend optimization platform to have significant presence and customer base in all three regions.

Stephen Day, CPO at Kantar and a member of Vertice’s Advisory Board, commented, “The curse and the blessing of procurement is that it is the only business process that any employee could perform – with or without authorization. Control and visibility of every purchase therefore becomes essential, but it can be painfully difficult when data and intelligence is disparate. Unifying these data sources and processes into a single platform that is built with the stakeholder experience in mind, as much as for procurement leaders, solves so many challenges – and is a huge opportunity for Vertice.”

Georgia Watson, Partner at Lakestar, said “Vertice has consistently demonstrated its ability to execute, innovate, and drive key growth metrics year after year, all at scale. We firmly believe there is no organization better positioned to become the unified platform of choice for the modern procurement team.”

Vertice was founded by serial entrepreneurs Roy and Eldar Tuvey. The brothers have two decades of experience running enterprise SaaS companies, most notably founding ScanSafe and Wandera, which exited for $200 million (Cisco) and $400 million (JAMF).

About Vertice:

Vertice is the spend optimization platform enabling businesses to simplify their procurement workflows, gain granular control and visibility of their spend, and realize cost savings of as much as 30%. Vertice manages $3.4 billion in spend worldwide for hundreds of enterprise customers in over 30 countries and is headquartered in London with additional offices in New York, Sydney, Brno and Johannesburg. Learn more at www.vertice.one.

Media contact: press@vertice.one

About Lakestar

Lakestar is one of the leading pan-European venture capital firms. Lakestar’s mission is to find, fund and grow disruptive businesses that are enabled by technology and founded by exceptional entrepreneurs in Europe and beyond. Founded by Klaus Hommels in 2012, Lakestar manages an aggregated volume of over €2bn across four early stage funds and two growth funds. The team actively advises and supports portfolio companies in marketing, recruitment, technology, product development and regulatory insight, accompanying founders from seed to early stage, growth stage or exit.

Lakestar currently has the privilege of holding investments in Aleph Alpha, Auterion, Blockchain, Builder.ai, Colossyan, GetYourGuide, HomeToGo, IsarAerospace, Neko Health, Revolut, sennder and Terra Quantum to name a few. A long-standing champion for Europe’s digital sovereignty, Lakestar has a presence in London, Berlin and Zurich with a team of 40 talented individuals from 18 countries. Visit us on LinkedIn and our website www.lakestar.com

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/roy_and_eldar_tuvey_vertice_founders.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vertice_logo.jpg

 

 

 

New Year, New Horizons: Discover Why Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort is the Ultimate Getaway

VUNG TAU, Vietnam, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Now that the new year is here, it’s the perfect time to plan your next escape to Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, a top destination for those seeking a mix of luxury, natural beauty, and vibrant activities. Here’s why this premier resort should be on your radar for an extraordinary year ahead:

Welcome to a place where everything has soul!
Welcome to a place where everything has soul!

  1. Ocean Breeze Retreats 
    Kick off the year at Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, located just a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. This stunning 31-hectare coastal sanctuary offers panoramic ocean views and lush tropical gardens. With a 2-way complimentary shuttle service or airport transfer from the city, your journey to relaxation and rejuvenation is both smooth and convenient.
  2. Nearby Attractions
    Enhance your stay with nearby attractions such as Hamptons Pier & Mall for shopping and dining, and the ocean view rooftop bar. For additional relaxation and adventure, explore local hot springs, a golf course, traditional fishing markets, and more.
  3. Elegant Accommodations
    Choose from 152 beautifully designed rooms with lake or sea views or indulge in one of 86 The Level 1-to-4-bedroom villas featuring private pools and terraces. Guests at The Level enjoy exclusive benefits, including personalized services, access to a private lounge and pool, and more.
  4. All-Inclusive Convenience
    The ALL-INCLUSIVE simplifies your vacation experience by providing comprehensive access to amenities, activities, and dining options. This hassle-free approach allows you to fully immerse yourself in relaxation and enjoyment.
  5. Gourmet Dining
    Experience a range of dining options: SASA offers a diverse selection of Asian cuisines, MUOI provides authentic Vietnamese dishes, and BREEZA BEACH CLUB serves Mediterranean fare with live music and themed events. ELYXR CAFÉ is ideal for light refreshments and intimate conversations.
  6. Diverse Activities
    Stay engaged with a variety of activities. Enjoy the 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour sports courts (including tennis & basketball, pickleball), and biking. Enjoy exciting poolside activities with direct beach access or embark on a unique adventure with an underwater scooter or electronic keyboard. Engage in unique experiences like exploring WILLOW’S FARM, where you can plant, fish, cook, or feed animals. Families can explore KIDSDOM, while evenings feature sunset cocktails, bonfires with marshmallow roasts, board game nights, or open-air movies.
  7. Spa & Wellness 
    Refresh at YHI SPA with a range of treatments, hair and nail services, or indulge in the 4-step and 7-step WELLNESS packages and pathway. The tranquil environment is perfect for escaping everyday stress and revitalizing your body and mind. For villa guests, enhance your stay with our WELLNESS IN-VILLA amenities, including meditation essentials, yoga gear, a Vitamin C showerhead, and body mist, all designed for relaxation and balance. 
  8. Ideal for Special Occasions
    For events and conferences, Meliá Ho Tram offers fully equipped, a lavish ballroom and modern meeting spaces. The resort’s outdoor areas, such as the Beach Garden and Lake Garden, provide beautiful settings ideal for various types of events, including weddings, engagements, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and anniversaries.
  9. Pet-Friendly Luxury
    Meliá Ho Tram is pet-friendly, with a pet park, pet pathways, and in-room dining options for your furry friends, making it a true family getaway. 

    Make Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort your top choice for this year and enjoy a blend of luxury, natural beauty, and exciting activities. Book now for an unforgettable getaway.

Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort:

Media Contact: [Nguyen Mai-Tea], [nguyen.mai@melia.com]

LEE KUM KEE CELEBRATES ASIAN CUISINE AND CULTURE IN GLOBAL “FLAVOURS THAT BIND” CAMPAIGN

Beloved brand unveils new global brand positioning at Chinese New Year,
highlighting the universal power of togetherness, tradition, and shared culinary experiences

HONG KONG, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Iconic Asian culinary brand Lee Kum Kee today introduced its new brand positioning – “Enabling Superior Experiences through Asian Cuisine” – and launched its first global brand campaign. The centerpiece of the FLAVOURS THAT BIND campaign is an impactful brand film that celebrates Lee Kum Kee’s values of culinary heritage and culture while inviting the world to experience new traditions and togetherness at Chinese New Year and beyond.

Iconic Asian culinary brand Lee Kum Kee launches its first global brand campaign, FLAVOURS THAT BIND. The centrepiece is an impactful brand film that celebrates Lee Kum Kee’s values of culinary heritage and culture while inviting the world to experience new traditions and togetherness at Lunar New Year and beyond.
Iconic Asian culinary brand Lee Kum Kee launches its first global brand campaign, FLAVOURS THAT BIND. The centrepiece is an impactful brand film that celebrates Lee Kum Kee’s values of culinary heritage and culture while inviting the world to experience new traditions and togetherness at Lunar New Year and beyond.

“Founded 137 years ago, Lee Kum Kee remains true to its mission of promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide while advancing the reach and influence of Asian cuisine to meet the growing global appetite for new and exciting flavours. As Asian food, music, and cinema increasingly resonate with people around the world, Lee Kum Kee is seizing this moment to further champion Asian culinary traditions and culture,” Jet Jing, Chief Executive Officer of Lee Kum Kee Sauce, explains. “Through our new brand positioning, we aim to inspire creativity and foster connections to enable superior experiences for people everywhere through Asian cuisine.”

The FLAVOURS THAT BIND film captures cherished moments from Chinese New Year tables worldwide. From dumpling-making with a much-loved grandmother to laughter and cheers with friends and family, it celebrates the role of food in connecting generations and communities. It is an invitation from Lee Kum Kee for everyone to savour the richness of culture, reconnect over meals, and create memories that last a lifetime.

“With the launch of our new brand campaign, Lee Kum Kee celebrates its evolution as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture, representing the diversity, richness, and expressivity of Asian flavours on a global stage,” Doreen Cheng, Chief Marketing Officer of Lee Kum Kee Sauce, says. “For us, ‘global’ is not restricted to geography – it’s an attitude of authentic inclusiveness, where the flavours, traditions, and togetherness we celebrate resonate universally, this spirit is at the heart of our campaign. Through the brand film, we aim to preserve our heritage while inspiring chefs and food lovers to connect with Asian cuisine in meaningful ways.”

The FLAVOURS THAT BIND campaign is being rolled out from today across traditional and social media platforms, with the evocative brand film taking over global landmarks in New York, London, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
The FLAVOURS THAT BIND campaign is being rolled out from today across traditional and social media platforms, with the evocative brand film taking over global landmarks in New York, London, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

The FLAVOURS THAT BIND campaign is being rolled out from today across traditional and social media platforms, with the evocative brand film taking over global landmarks in New York, London, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

With a richly flavourful heritage of 137 years, Lee Kum Kee is synonymous around the world with the authentic tastes of Asia. In the 1920s, it travelled alongside immigrants from China to the U.S., providing a taste of home in an unfamiliar land and also enabling their entrepreneurial dreams, with ingredients and sauces that were the building blocks of modern Chinese-American cuisine. The brand continues to promote culinary culture and support the global food industry’s growth and innovation to this day. In June 2024, it became the first Official Sauce and Condiment Partner of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

As the conversation around Asian food and culture continues to evolve, Lee Kum Kee aims to stay at the forefront of this dialogue by celebrating Asian heritage while welcoming new consumers to explore the vibrant and sensorial flavours of Asian cuisine. With a growing presence in more than 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee remains a global gateway for professional and home chefs alike to explore, innovate, and create superior culinary experiences in kitchens and restaurants worldwide.

With the launch of its new brand campaign, Lee Kum Kee celebrates its evolution as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture, representing the diversity, richness, and expressivity of Asian flavours on a global stage.
With the launch of its new brand campaign, Lee Kum Kee celebrates its evolution as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture, representing the diversity, richness, and expressivity of Asian flavours on a global stage.

Watch the FLAVOURS THAT BIND brand film here.

Chinese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erRmLiDB5S0

English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euBOWvjDVIQ  

Please download the hi-res photos here.

ABOUT LEE KUM KEE

Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions, and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create, and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices, and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.

XAG and Chia Tai Present Smart Agriculture Solutions to Enhance the Capabilities of Thai Farmers

KANCHANABURI, Thailand, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — XAG made a noteworthy debut at the 10th Chia Tai Fair, showcasing a comprehensive suite of smart agriculture solutions, including the autonomous drones, autopilot consoles, and the smart fertigation system. This landmark event also saw Chia Tai officially announced as the Thailand sole distributor and national platform for XAG, strengthening its role as an exclusive provider for XAG products and services in the region.

This strategic collaboration between XAG and Chia Tai, Thailand leading innovative agricultural company, is set to redefine farming practices in Thailand through accelerating the adoption of drones, robotics, and AI technologies. The partnership aims to advance productivity, reduce costs, and improve crop quality, offering farmers innovative tools to overcome modern agricultural challenges.

XAG and Chia Tai collaborate to showcase smart agricultural solutions at the 10th Chia Tai Fair
XAG and Chia Tai collaborate to showcase smart agricultural solutions at the 10th Chia Tai Fair

Chia Tai Fair 2025, held from 15-19 January, has turned Chia Tai Kanchanaburi into a hub for displaying modern agricultural practices. Visitors could experience eight fully immersive zones that featured over 600 varieties of high-quality plants alongside cutting-edge technologies, while also raising awareness about the critical role of Thai agriculture. The fair also encourages the younger generation to explore careers in agriculture, which are fundamental to food security.

Prominent figures, including Thailand’s Director-General of the Department of Agriculture Rapibhat Chandarasrivongs and Chia Tai CEO Manas Chiaravanond, attended the opening ceremony. The delegation also visited the booth jointly presented by XAG and Chia Tai, where they experienced live demonstrations of advanced agricultural technologies and discussed their transformative potential.

At the heart of XAG’s exhibits were the well-acknowledged P100 Pro Agricultural Drone and its newly launched XAG P60. They are both designed to address labor shortages and boost farming efficiency, setting new standard for the industry.

The XAG P100 Pro, equipped with a remarkable 50 kg payload capacity, offers farmers exceptional precision in spraying and spreading operations across various field conditions. By significantly reducing operational time and labor intensity, the drones become a great help for farmers to grow more with less.

As a more cost-effective option, the XAG P60 features a 30 kg maximum payload and a modular, collapsible design for easy transportation and quick setup. Based on centimeter-level RTK navigation, the small but mighty P60 can conduct safe and accurate crop protection tasks, making it an ideal entry-level option for precision farming.

During live demonstrations, the drone pilots simply tapped on their smartphones to preset operational parameters. Shortly, the drones ascended, autonomously executing even spraying over the rice paddy and granule spreading on cornfields.

On the ground, rice transplanters and tractors showcased the future of autonomous driving in agriculture through the XAG APC2 Autopilot Console. This automated steering system converts traditional machinery into self-driving vehicles, capable of navigating pre-programmed routes with centimeter-level accuracy. It can significantly reduce operator fatigue while maximizing land use.

By the cornfield, XAG’s Co-founder Justin Gong demonstrated the Smart Electric Valve to Mr. Chandarasrivongs. As an essential component of the XAG Smart Fertigation System, this intelligent yet simple solution enables farmers to control irrigation remotely via a smartphone, optimizing water use and minimizing manual intervention.

Since formalizing their partnership in 2013, XAG and Chia Tai have combined cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of the local market to deliver practical, sustainable solutions across Thailand.

“This new mission marks an important milestone for Chia Tai and reinforces our position as a leader in agricultural innovation that is continuously evolving. We are ready to offer smart agricultural products, services, and solutions to make it easier and more convenient for Thai farmers,” said Ms. Supaporn Kietisirikajorn, Assistant CEO of Agricultural Technology Business at Chia Tai.

Together, XAG and Chia Tai have been working to address critical challenges such as an aging population, labor shortages, and climate change. The shared mission is to empower local farmers with innovative solutions, driving Thailand’s agricultural sector toward a more sustainable and resilient future.