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PEI-Genesis Exhibits at Smart Energy Week in Tokyo, Japan

TOKYO, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PEI-Genesis, a global leader in the design and assembly of custom-engineered interconnect solutions, will exhibit at Smart Energy Week at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan, from February 19 to 21, 2025. Find PEI-Genesis at Booth E43-14 (East Hall 4) to explore their innovative solutions.

PEI-Genesis will showcase a diverse range of high-power interconnect solutions for Smart Energy applications, including EV charging (with liquid cooling capabilities), Energy Storage, Electrification, and Industrial Automation. Featured supplier partners include Amphenol, ITT Cannon, Anderson, and Positronic.

Visit PEI-Genesis booth E43-14 (in East Hall 4) at Japan Smart Energy Week 2025!
Visit PEI-Genesis booth E43-14 (in East Hall 4) at Japan Smart Energy Week 2025!

“We are excited to showcase our extensive capabilities at Battery Japan during Smart Energy Week. This event offers an excellent opportunity to connect with customers and partners in Japan and demonstrate how PEI-Genesis empowers the transition to smarter, more sustainable energy solutions. With a global presence and over 75 years of expertise, we are committed to delivering tailored interconnect solutions with industry-leading speed, flexibility, and quality,” said Alex Tsui, Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific of PEI-Genesis.

Smart Energy Week is a premier exhibition featuring cutting-edge technologies, insights, and industry collaboration to drive progress in the energy sector. The event highlights renewable energy advancements across hydrogen and fuel cells, solar power, rechargeable batteries, smart grids, wind power, biomass, zero-emission thermal power, and more.

Visit PEI-Genesis at Tokyo Big Sight, East Hall 4, Booth E43-14 from Wednesday, February 19, to Friday, February 21, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

About PEI-Genesis 

PEI-Genesis is one of the world’s fastest assemblers of precision connectors and cable assemblies. From the largest connector component inventory in the world, they develop engineered solutions that support the industrial, medical, aerospace, transportation, and energy sectors worldwide. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, PEI-Genesis has production facilities in South Bend, IN; Southampton, UK; and Zhuhai, China, as well as sales offices throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. More information may be found at www.peigenesis.com

Media Contact:  

Lisa Quek
7619288
lisa.quek@peigenesis.com 

Website: http://www.peigenesis.com     
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pei-genesis/  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PEIGenesis    
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PEIGenesis  
Blog: https://blog.peigenesis.com/   

Lunar New Year 2025 Trends by Trip.com Group: Travel Like A Snake — Longer Stays and Shedding Off the “Usual” Destinations

  • Rise in cross-border travel with stays up to 10% longer this holiday season
  • Growing interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations and cruises

SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This Lunar New Year (LNY) is shaping up to be a festive season of exploration and connection as celebrating families and friends worldwide embrace the holiday spirit.


This year marks the year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation — themes that reflect the everchanging travel landscape. While some choose to celebrate at home, others have taken the opportunity to create memories in destinations far and near. With travel back in full swing, Trip.com Group has unveiled its latest LNY trends for 2025, showcasing how travellers are prioritising longer stays, meaningful experiences and unconventional destinations this year.

Cross-Border Travel Hits New Heights with Extended Stays

Data reveals strong year-on-year growth for cross-border travel, with travellers combining public holidays and annual leave to increase their length of stay.

Notably, in the Chinese mainland, a key source of LNY travel, New Year’s Eve is officially recognised as a holiday in 2025. This allows travellers to take just two days of leave for an eleven-day holiday. Korean travellers need to take one day for a nine-day break, while Singaporeans can create a five-day holiday with a single day off. As such, extended stays are a hallmark of this year’s LNY. On average, Asia-Pacific travellers will stay up to 10% longer this festive period.

Popular destinations frequented by travellers who celebrate LNY include Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Chinese mainland.

Interest in Longer-haul Flights and Lesser-known Destinations Rise

Data shows a strong pick-up in travellers exploring destinations outside the Asia-Pacific region, with medium and long-haul flights surging, especially among the Malaysia market (55% and 60% respectively) and South Korean market (36% & 90% respectively).

Travellers are also seeking new experiences, with a noticeable buzz around off-the-beaten-path destinations this festive season. Lesser-travelled gems such as Giza (Egypt), famous for the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx; San Luis Obispo (USA), known for its wineries and scenic coastline; and Charenton-le-Pont (France), located southeast of central Paris, are catching the eyes of travellers seeking unique experiences beyond the usual tourist trail. This trend extends to popular Asian destinations, with more seeking out lesser-known cities, such as Funabashi, Ibaraki and Okinawa (Japan) and Seremban (Malaysia).

Short-haul flights remained a popular option among travellers with shorter national holidays. Malaysia and Thailand topped the charts for this in terms of booking volume growth.

Family Travel Takes Centre Stage

Family gatherings are central to Lunar New Year traditions, and this year, families are heading out together for festive fun – on the seas and on theme park rides.


Cruises are becoming an increasingly popular choice among Chinese mainland and Singaporean consumers, with data highlighting a triple-digit growth compared to last year. Among these, family-friendly rooms have risen by 400%, with the most popular ports including Shanghai, Singapore and Dubai, and attractive port destinations being Fukuoka (Japan), Jeju (South Korea) and Phuket (Thailand). Trip.com Group research reveals luxurious amenities and all-inclusive packages are emerging as the biggest motivators for APAC cruise travellers.

In a similar trend, child tickets for attractions have also risen by 42% in overall bookings this year, with family-oriented attractions like Universal Studios Japan, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland seeing notable increases. These theme park attractions, alongside aquariums and museums, are top choices for families seeking memorable experiences.

Millennials are increasingly seeking Instagram-worthy moments at attractions like Mount Fuji and Shibuya Sky, which offers panoramic Tokyo views. Meanwhile, the older generations are prioritising luxury and premium experiences, gravitating towards luxuries such as Studio City Macau casino resort and Niseko’s ski resorts.

Premium Travel or Value for Money?       

Travellers are adopting a mix of premium and value-driven approaches to maximise their holiday experiences.

There has been a strong pickup in bookings for 5 & 4-star hotels, with a rise in average bookings. Malaysian travellers lead this growth with close to a triple-digit surge in 5 & 4-star hotel bookings, followed by Singaporean and Thai travellers. 

Demand for alternative accommodations has grown significantly, especially in Japan, with traditional Japanese Ryokans, apartments, guesthouses and homestays topping the list for Chinese mainland, Thai and South Korean travellers.

Notably, the average traveller’s budget has seen double-digit growth, showcasing a willingness to invest in meaningful experiences during this festive season. Business class and first-class flights are trending this LNY, with strong double-digit growth across each segment. Singaporeans favour first-class air travel, with a 400% growth compared to last year, followed by South Korean and Chinese mainland travellers, also with strong triple-digit growth.

Inbound Travel to the Chinese Mainland Experiences Triple-digit Growth

Inbound travel bookings to the Chinese mainland have surged by over 200% Y-o-Y, with top bookings made by travellers from South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Australia, and the UK. 

Data shows that popular Chinese travel routes continue to find increased popularity, with searches hitting triple-digit growth. Travel is centred around key major cities, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing, with other lesser-travelled cities like Harbin, Chengdu, Xiamen, Zhuhai, Chongqing, and Hangzhou also making the list.

China’s increasingly traveller-friendly visa policies are fuelling this growth. Over 30 countries enjoy visa-free travel to the Chinese mainland, with 62% Y-o-Y growth in bookings from countries recently included in this policy. South Korea, Japan, Cyprus, Denmark and Croatia are benefiting from this recent policy.

Additionally, China’s expanded visa-free transit policy, now extending to stays up to 240 hours (10 days) for eligible international travellers, is injecting fresh vitality into its various sectors.

To provide an exceptional service for inbound travellers, Trip.com Group is providing its second free layover tour, following the success of its ‘Shanghai Express’ initiative. The ‘Beijing Express‘ allows travellers transiting in Beijing to choose one of two half-day tours to explore the beating heart of China’s capital. ‘Journey to the Great Wall’ takes travellers to one of the earliest and best-preserved parts of the Great Wall of China. ‘Highlights Half-Day City Tour’ guides travellers on a cultural trip to the ‘Temple of Heaven’, ‘Qianmen Street’ and ‘Tian’anmen Square’ to experience Beijing’s historical traditions and vibrant culture. Each tour includes free transportation, attraction tickets, internet access, and English-speaking tour guides. Travellers will need to register in person at Beijing Capital International Airport, with spots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

This initiative aligns with the growing demand for cultural experiences. Already, attraction and tour orders for the LNY have increased by over 200% Y-o-Y, with Beijing witnessing a 185% increase in inbound travellers compared to last year. Four out of five top attractions were cultural landmarks, such as the Great Wall of Badaling, the Great Wall of Mutianyu, the Forbidden City Museum and the Summer Palace.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

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CNOOC Limited Brings On-stream Dongfang 29-1 Gas Field Development Project

HONG KONG, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CNOOC Limited (the “Company”, SEHK: 00883 (HKD Counter) and 80883 (RMB Counter), SSE: 600938) today announces that Dongfang 29-1 Gas Field Development Project has commenced production.

The project is located in the Yinggehai Basin, with an average water depth of approximately 68 meters. The main production facilities include a new unmanned wellhead platform and a submarine pipeline. A total of 6 development wells are planned to be commissioned. The project is expected to achieve a peak production of 38 million cubic feet of natural gas per day in 2025.

The new unmanned wellhead platform of the project is constructed in a standardized and integrated manner. The equipment layout has been optimized to make efficient use of platform space and significantly reduce project investment. The oil and gas produced will be connected to the existing facilities of Dongfang gas fields through the submarine pipeline for processing. In recent years, CNOOC Limited has been continually tapping the resource potentials of the Yinggehai-Qiongdongnan Basin, to fully utilize the existing production facilities and thereby reduce the development cost of new projects.

The commissioning of Dongfang 29-1 will further release the production capacity of the Dongfang gas fields. The Company’s offshore gas fields around Hainan Island will continue to provide clean, reliable and stable energy supply for the Island.

CNOOC Limited holds 100% interest in this project and is the operator.

— End —

Notes to Editors:

More information about the Company is available at http://www.cnoocltd.com.

*** *** *** ***

This press release includes forward looking information, including statements regarding the likely future developments in the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as expected future events, business prospects or financial results. The words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company as of this date in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the current expectations and predictions of the Company is uncertain. Actual results, performance and financial condition may differ materially from the Company’s expectations, including but not limited to those associated with macro-political and economic factors, fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, climate change and environmental policies, the Company’s price forecast, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, HSSE and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws and regulations.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations.

*** *** *** ***

For further enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Cui Liu
Media & Public Relations
CNOOC Limited
Tel: +86-10-8452-6641
Fax: +86-10-8452-1441
E-mail: mr@cnooc.com.cn 

Mr. Bunny Lee
Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group
Tel: +852 3150 6707
Fax: +852 3150 6728
E-mail: cnooc.hk@pordahavas.com 

Saasyan Introduces New Reseller Partner Program

SYDNEY, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Saasyan, a leader in AI-powered online student safety, has announced the reintroduction of their reseller partner program after a three-year hiatus.

Focused solely on the K-12 segment, Saasyan’s partnership opportunity provides resellers with a niche market in which to operate, with online student safety solutions to fit schools of all sizes, locations and demographics.

Saasyan’s flagship online student safety solution Assure is a comprehensive suite of offerings, equipping schools with advanced web filtering, real-time safety and wellbeing risk alerts and detailed online activity reports.

The introduction of the Assure On-Device and On-Premises Web Filters further extends the reach of Saasyan’s online student safety capabilities by providing schools with advanced web filtering, deep inspection and single pane of glass management and reporting.

Supporting both Windows and MacOS, the Assure On-Device Web Filter allows schools to monitor student online activity both on and off school premises.

The modular nature of the Assure product suite enables resellers to tailor solutions to meet the online safety and web filtering needs of schools of all sizes and demographics.

“There’s increasing demand for a feature complete, K-12 centric Web Filtering and online safety solution. We’re thrilled to have launched our improved reseller program and are looking forward to addressing this demand with our partners.”- Greg Margossian, Saasyan Founder and Managing Director.

To learn more about Saasyan’s Reseller Partner Program, visit https://www.saasyan.com/partners

Spirit Advisors Client PicoCELA Inc completes its Nasdaq IPO

TOKYO and NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Spirit Advisors LLC proudly announces the successful completion of the initial public offering (IPO) of PicoCELA Inc. (Nasdaq: PCLA), a pioneer in wireless communication technology. As the first deep-tech OEM company from Japan to debut on the US market, PicoCELA’s IPO underscores the feasibility of US listings as pragmatic exit strategies for venture-backed companies amidst the congestion of alternatives in local markets.

PicoCELA raised $7 million in gross proceeds (before discounts and offering expenses), setting the stage for the company’s next phase of global growth and innovation. Backed by a robust capital stack that includes prominent venture capitalists, strategic investors, and operational partners, this IPO exemplifies the growing alignment between Japan’s entrepreneurial landscape and the opportunities offered by US capital markets.

“We are thrilled to have guided PicoCELA through this transformative milestone,” said Robert Yu, Founder and President of Spirit Advisors LLC. “This IPO not only validates PicoCELA’s disruptive technology but also serves as a template for other Japanese companies seeking to expand globally. With an impressive roster of investors and partners, PicoCELA is well-positioned to lead in redefining connectivity in high-density environments.”

PicoCELA’s technology, renowned for its advanced distributed wireless systems, addresses critical challenges in network reliability and scalability. Widely deployed in urban infrastructure, healthcare, and industrial operations, the company’s solutions enhance operational efficiency and unlock new possibilities in connectivity.

The proceeds from the IPO will fuel strategic initiatives, including next-generation wireless innovation, global market expansion, and solidifying the company’s competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry.

Additional Details

PicoCELA Inc. recently published its own announcement regarding the IPO pricing, which can be accessed here: PicoCELA Inc. Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering.

About Spirit Advisors

Spirit Advisors LLC specializes in guiding Japanese companies through the complexities of US IPOs, providing end-to-end advisory services from strategy formulation to execution. To learn more about Spirit Advisors’ services, visit https://spiritadvisors.jp/ or contact us at prospect@spiritadvisors.com.

Squid Game Teams Up with JINRO Soju for Season 2 & Exclusive Themed Merchandise

JINRO to appear again in the newest season; partnership to offer limited edition JINRO bottles, a Young-hee drinking game device, and more

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HiteJinro’s flagship soju brand, JINRO (Korean name ‘Chamisul’), is teaming up with Squid Game for a unique collaboration featuring exclusive themed merchandise and specially designed limited editions.

Netflix’s global phenomenon, Squid Game, is returning for its highly anticipated Season 2 on December 26, 2024. Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the first season of the series became Netflix’s most-watched show while introducing Korean dramas to a global audience. The new season brings back fan-favorites Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, and Gong Yoo, along with new cast members such as Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, and Lee Jin-wook.

JINRO Soju, fondly referred to as the “Green Bottle” in Squid Game Season 1, gained international attention when it was prominently featured on-screen. The memorable scene of Player 456, Seong Gi-hun, and Player 001, Oh Il-nam, sharing soju at a convenience store table became iconic, sparking a surge in global interest in Korean soju. Building on this momentum, HiteJinro has leveraged the opportunity to create a second major collaboration that integrates Squid Game characters and themes into its branding to cater to the hit show’s many fans.

Limited Edition JINRO

As part of the collaboration, JINRO will offer limited edition Squid Game-themed soju bottles. Creative label designs will feature beloved characters like Young-hee, the Pink Guards, and the Front Man alongside JINRO’s signature dew-drop logo. The label’s Korean letters “ㅁ, ㅇ, ㅅ” are accented in Squid Game‘s signature pink, symbolizing the guards’ shapes: circle, triangle, and square. These editions will be available for a limited time through channels:

  • Japan: Supermarkets such as MaxValu, Don Quijote, Maruetsu, AEON; convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart; Korean restaurants
  • Mexico: Convenience stores including 7-Eleven, major supermarkets, HEB, Soriana, Korean restaurants
  • Australia: Major EDG stores (Dan Murphy’s, BWS), COLES stores (First Choice, Liquorland), Korean restaurants


Exclusive Merchandise for Fans

HiteJinro is also releasing four limited-edition collectibles inspired by Squid Game 2 characters:

  • Young-hee drinking game device: A rotating Young-hee head, reminiscent of the “Red Light, Green Light” game, adds a playful twist to drinking games.
  • Pink Guard figurines: These collectible toads, modeled after the guards, come in three ranks – circle, triangle, and square – reflecting their hierarchy.
  • Participant apron: A stylish apron designed after the contestants’ iconic uniforms.
  • Character-themed soju glass: Adorable and functional, these glasses enhance any drinking experience.

These exclusive items will be available through special promotional events in Squid Game‘s most popular markets: Korea, Japan, Australia, and Mexico. Fans can follow HiteJinro’s official Instagram pages for event details.

A Collaboration That Breaks Boundaries

Uniting Squid Game, Netflix’s record-breaking show, and JINRO soju, the world’s best-selling spirit, promises to captivate fans globally just as Season 2 aims to make streaming history once again.

The game must go on. Stay tuned to experience JINRO’s role in the second chapter of the Squid Game saga.


Moldova to host 46th Congress of the International Organisation of Vine & Wine (OIV)

CHIȘINĂU, Moldova, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 46th World Congress of vine and wine, running in tandem with the OIV‘s 23rd General Assembly, will be held in Moldova from June 16-20, 2025.  This milestone event will provide an unprecedented opportunity for the nation’s wine industry, as Moldova enters a critical juncture in its journey towards sustainable development.  Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, in addition to the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV), the 46th edition promises to “address issues linked to the future challenges of the vine and wine sector” in Moldova’s capital, Chișinău. Flexing its viticultural muscles as the 2025 global capital of Vine and Wine, Chișinău has become a leading tourism destination in eastern Europe.

Republic of Moldova to host the 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine in June 2025
Republic of Moldova to host the 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine in June 2025

The Congress will address such pertinent concerns as “resilient viticultural practices for sustainable ecosystems”, in addition to grappling with “adaptive and innovative technologies in sustainable oenology”. Business resilience and healthy & safety will also be under the spotlight at the 46th Congress, situated at the heart of Moldova’s vignoble.

Meanwhile, attendees are invited to discover a unique wine culture, as estate tours, networking events and tastings highlight the country’s thrilling wines and original flavours. Buoyed by Wine of Moldova’s #10yearsofwinerevolution campaign, key stakeholders have united under a common goal: the creation of a modern wine industry, promoting sustainability, technological innovation, and galvanised by the overarching Wine of Moldova national brand. Meanwhile, stakeholders have invested significant capital in equipment and infrastructure projects, helping to build a modern tourism destination in the 21st century.  This sustainable development, allied to a burgeoning export (14th biggest) economy, now contributes around 3% of total GDP, helping rural communities to thrive in a globalised marketplace. Today, one in four Moldovans are connected to the industry, while local wines are now shipped to over 70 countries.

Entrusted with hosting a seminal event in the industry diary, the 46th Congress will strengthen Moldova’s position as an influential player in premium wine production. Both a land of technologies and cultural attractions, Moldova is now positioning as a leading country in the structural developments of the vine and wine sector, notably with a revolutionary AI project launched in 2024, which continues to draw international acclaim.

In June, the world will be watching Moldova and its remarkable wines.

In the first 11 months of 2024, the import and export of Tai’an, China increased by 18.5%

TAI’AN, China, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from the Shandong office of Hong Kong Business Daily.

From January to November 2024, Tai’an City in Shandong Province achieved a total import and export value of 48.21 billion yuan, accounting for 1.6% of the province’s total import and export value, a year-on-year increase of 18.5%, 15.4 percentage points higher than the province’s growth rate, ranking second in the province’s growth rate. Among them, exports amounted to 42.37 billion yuan, an increase of 19.8%, 12.9 percentage points higher than the provincial growth rate, ranking second in the province in terms of growth rate; Imports amounted to 5.83 billion yuan, an increase of 10.1%, 12.4 percentage points higher than the provincial growth rate, ranking second in the province in terms of growth rate.

From January to November 2024, the import and export of private enterprises in Tai’an City reached 42.83 billion yuan, an increase of 22.5%, accounting for 88.8% of the total import and export value. The import and export of major trading partners ASEAN, the United States, and the European Union have steadily increased, with imports and exports growing by 14.6%, 56.6%, and 34.1% respectively, accounting for 23%, 22.2%, and 11.5%, respectively. In addition, Tai’an’s import and export to countries jointly building the “the Belt and Road” and other RCEP member countries increased by 8% and 8.6% respectively, accounting for 49.4% and 36%.

Currently, Tai’an is taking the construction of the Yellow River Basin Ecological Protection and High Quality Development Pilot Zone in Shandong Province as an opportunity to fully promote green, low-carbon, and high-quality development. Implement the strategy of strengthening the city through new industrialization, build a modern industrial system of “441X”, and achieve new breakthroughs in kinetic energy transformation. Accelerate the construction of a green manufacturing system. At the same time, Tai’an will vigorously develop new energy industry, build a “ten million kilowatt energy storage city”, and build a “Mount Taishan Lithium Valley” and a “photovoltaic+new energy equipment manufacturing base”. Selected as a pilot city for establishing a sound ecological product value realization mechanism at the provincial level, initially establishing an ecological product value accounting system, and promoting high-quality local development.