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Tadej Pogačar Appears at KuCoin EU Launch Event in Vienna

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Advertorial Desk
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VIENNA, Austria, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World-class cyclist Tadej Pogačar appeared in Vienna alongside KuCoin leadership at the official KuCoin EU launch event, marking his first public appearance in connection with the platform’s recently announced partnership.

The event brought together KuCoin CEO BC Wong, KuCoin EU Managing Director Sabina Liu, KuCoin EU COO Christian Niedermüller, senior executives, media representatives, and invited guests to celebrate the launch of KuCoin EU and introduce the partnership to a European audience.

Pogačar joined KuCoin’s leadership team during the press conference and later attended the VIP gala, underscoring the collaborative nature of the relationship. His presence reflected the shared values at the center of the partnership — discipline, consistency, and long-term performance.

“At the highest level of cycling, success comes from preparation and staying focused over time,” Pogačar said during the event. “Performance is built step by step, and trust is earned the same way.”


KuCoin CEO BC Wong noted that the partnership represents a shared belief in professionalism and sustained excellence.

“Tadej’s approach to elite sport reflects discipline and consistency at the highest level,” BC said. “Those qualities resonate strongly with how we think about long-term development.”

Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished cyclists of his generation, Pogačar has earned global recognition for sustained success on cycling’s most demanding stages. His emphasis on preparation, safety, and consistency has made him one of the defining athletes of modern professional cycling.

The Vienna launch event marked a public milestone for the partnership, bringing together sport and digital innovation in a setting that emphasized professionalism and long-term commitment rather than short-term visibility.

KuCoin stated that the collaboration will continue to evolve through value-driven engagement, highlighting shared principles of performance, discipline, and credibility.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform trusted by over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. The platform delivers innovative and compliant digital asset services, offering access to 1,000+ listed tokens, spot and futures trading, institutional wealth management, and a Web3 wallet.

Recognized by Forbes and Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, underscoring its commitment to top-tier security. With AUSTRAC registration in Australia and a MiCA license in Austria, KuCoin continues expanding its regulated footprint under CEO BC Wong, building a reliable and trusted digital-asset ecosystem.

Learn more: www.kucoin.com

About Tadej Pogačar

Tadej Pogačar is one of the world’s leading professional cyclists and among the most accomplished athletes of his generation. A four-time Tour de France champion and the current UCI Road World Champion, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest riders of the modern cycling era. Known for his discipline, consistency, and technical precision, Pogačar has achieved sustained success at the highest level of professional cycling.

 

Phemex Completes Full Integration of Ondo Finance Tokenized Equity Suite

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Advertorial Desk
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APIA, Samoa, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Phemex, a user-first crypto exchange, has announced its integration for the full suite of Ondo Finance tokenized equities. This positions the platform at the forefront of the Real-World Asset (RWA) revolution, offering its 10 million global users seamless exposure to a comprehensive lineup of 14 blue-chip traditional assets in a tokenized format.

Phemex Completes Full Integration of Ondo Finance Tokenized Equity Suite
Phemex Completes Full Integration of Ondo Finance Tokenized Equity Suite

The expanded offering encompasses a diverse range of market leaders, including technology giants such as NVIDIA (NVDAon), Tesla (TSLAon), Apple (AAPLon), and Amazon (AMZNon), alongside foundational financial instruments like the Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQon) and the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPYon). By providing a centralized gateway to these institutional-grade, on-chain instruments, Phemex enables traders to diversify their portfolios with the stability of global equities while maintaining the liquidity and efficiency of the digital asset ecosystem.

This strategic initiative underscores Phemex’s commitment to accelerating the convergence of Traditional Finance (TradFi) and Web3. By bringing premium global equities into the tokenized economy, Phemex provides users with a unified window across asset classes, significantly enhancing capital efficiency and portfolio diversification, paving the way for a more transparent, efficient, and integrated global financial system.

About Phemex
Founded in 2019, Phemex is a user-first crypto exchange trusted by over 10 million traders worldwide. The platform offers spot and derivatives trading, copy trading, and wealth management products designed to prioritize user experience, transparency, and innovation. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to user empowerment, Phemex delivers reliable tools, inclusive access, and evolving opportunities for traders at every level to grow and succeed.

For more information, please visit: https://phemex.com/

Laos Launches Nationwide Citizen Feedback Survey to Improve Public Services

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Advertorial Desk
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QR code to scan for a nationwide Citizen Feedback Survey to share their experiences with public services and contribute to strengthening service delivery. (Photo by UNDP)

The Government of Laos has launched a nationwide Citizen Feedback Survey, inviting people across the country to share their experiences with public services and contribute to strengthening service delivery.

Announced on 9 February in Vientiane Capital, the initiative encourages citizens to provide input on their interactions with government services, including document applications, local administrative services, and visits to public offices. 

The survey aims to gather feedback on areas that are working effectively, as well as aspects that require improvement.

All citizens aged 18 and above are invited to participate by completing a short and anonymous questionnaire, which takes only a few minutes. The survey will remain open until 15 April.

Participants can access the survey by scanning QR codes displayed at government offices and public locations, through links distributed via SMS, banking applications, and official digital platforms, or with assistance from staff at One Door Service Centres (ODSCs).

A nationwide outreach campaign supporting participation through digital media, radio broadcasts, and community-level dissemination to ensure inclusion of rural and hard-to-reach communities.

The survey is part of the “Lao PDR Efficiency and Accessibility of Public Services” Project, implemented by the Lao government with technical support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and funding from the Government of Ireland.

The results will inform efforts to improve service quality and accessibility, strengthen transparency and accountability, and support ongoing public administration reforms. 

By collecting feedback directly from citizens, this initiative seeks to promote more responsive, inclusive, and people-centred public services nationwide.

Citizens are advised to use only official links: https://odsc.gov.la/cf or QR codes provided by authorized government organizations to ensure data security. 

For further information or assistance, the Government hotline is available at 020 9905 3988. UNDP Lao PDR Focal Point Contact Information: Armaan Khan, Governance Officer, armaan.khan@undp.org

North Korea Opens Party Congress After Kim Unveils Nuclear-Capable Rocket System

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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Delegates to North Korea's Ninth Party Congress receive certificates at Pyongyang's Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. | Image: KCNA (February 18)

North Korea has opened the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang, marking its most significant political meeting in five years and setting the stage for a new five-year development strategy.

The congress began on 19 February and is expected to outline policy direction on economic management, rural reform, and party restructuring. Authorities have not announced how long the meeting will last.

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), delegates are reviewing the work of the Central Committee, revising party rules, and electing new central leadership bodies. Beyond these procedural matters, the congress is expected to define economic priorities for the next five years, with state media highlighting plans to boost growth, promote regional development, improve living standards, and modernize rural and industrial infrastructure.

The gathering has drawn around 5,000 delegates, including central leadership members and representatives from party organizations nationwide.

The event comes amid heightened military messaging. A day before the congress opened, state media showed Kim Jong Un inspecting and driving a 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launcher in Pyongyang. 

KCNA described the system as capable of carrying tactical nuclear warheads and incorporating advanced guidance technology. 

Foreign media reported that such displays ahead of major party meetings are often intended to reinforce domestic support and signal deterrence to regional rivals.

Review of the Past Five Years

In his opening address to the congress, Kim Jong Un described the congress as a “new milestone” in strengthening party control and advancing state development, signalling an effort to consolidate authority while resetting economic priorities.

He claimed that the earlier economic plan had been fulfilled, citing infrastructure projects and construction initiatives in Pyongyang and provincial areas. At the same time, he acknowledged shortcomings within party and state institutions, including bureaucratic rigidity and lack of accountability, and called for stricter discipline and more systematic economic planning.

Further announcements, including potential leadership reshuffles and detailed policy measures, are expected as the congress continues in Pyongyang.

Similarly, party congresses in Laos and Vietnam have recently served to review economic management and governance priorities, serving as platforms to consolidate leadership authority and outline medium-term development strategies

Yiwu Invites Global Guests to a “Spring Festival Gala Style” New Year

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Advertorial Desk
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YIWU, China, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Yiwu Media Convergence Center:

On February 19th, Yiwu held a press conference titled “Spring Festival Gala Style New Year in Yiwu”. This time, the event transformed from a one-time announcement into an immersive exploration journey through real-life settings, inviting guests to discover the same experience as seen on the Spring Festival Gala. It extended a warm invitation to audiences nationwide and around the globe.


During the 12 minutes on New Year’s Eve, Yiwu captivated the world. The presentation showcased the majestic momentum of rowing races under the Fotang Floating Bridge, the patriotic fervor of the army of Qi Jiguang embodied in their vow for “peaceful seas and tranquil years”, the century-old reminiscence of Chen Wangdao’s “taste of happiness is exceptionally sweet”, the festive spirit of spiraling Bench Dragon dances, the intelligent coolness of golden-armored robots, and above all, the open-mindedness of Yiwu connecting the world through the Global Digital Trade Centre. Those 12 minutes were magnificent, dazzling, and left the audience wanting more. Though the Spring Festival Gala has concluded, the “Spring Festival Gala Style New Year in Yiwu” is now unfolding.

The Global Digital Trade Centre—the dazzling main stage of the Gala, themed “Silk Road Songs of Joy”, exudes grandeur and magnificence, where the graceful Tea-Picking Dance and cross-continental songs of the century resonate together. Ximen Old Street—a realistic model of Spring Festival Gala aesthetics, freezes moments in time such as Jackie Chan gently catching a feather, the captivating glimpse of the rattle-drum stage, and the impassioned departure of the Qi’s army.

Beyond the two main stages, visitors can also explore the ancient charm and new vitality interwoven at Fotang Ancient Town, where green bricks, black tiles, and the floating bridge’s shimmering reflections create a captivating contrast; witness the lively and joyous Children’s Bench Dragon parade at Fenshuitang Village and taste the sweetness of faith as imbued in the happy life as Chen Wangdao; feel the dynamism of rural entrepreneurs at Lizu Village; or discover the story of common prosperity at Dachener Village. These beautiful rural villages are all competing to showcase their unique splendor.

From “Captivating Moments” to “Urban Prosperity”, every frame within those stunning shots encapsulates the essence of everyday life and patriotic feelings. Each scene is photogenic and unmissable. Explore Yiwu with the Spring Festival Gala. We sincerely invite everyone to come to Yiwu, savor global cuisines, shop for world-class goods, and make friends from all over the world.

Source: Yiwu Media Convergence Center

Experience Essence of Japan: Villa Fontaine Premier Haneda Airport Launches All-inclusive Luxury Stay Featuring Rickshaws, Kimonos, and Fine Dining

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Advertorial Desk
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TOKYO, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sumitomo Fudosan Villa Fontaine Co., Ltd., a member of the Sumitomo Realty & Development Group, has introduced a new all-inclusive experience at Villa Fontaine Premier Haneda Airport, directly connected to Haneda Airport Terminal 3. Starting April 2026, travelers can experience a curated “Wonderful Japan” itinerary designed to simplify travel by combining multiple services into one stay.

Images: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202602134102?p=images

Links and Media Kit: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202602134102-O1-oN0Owz7j.pdf

A Seamless Airport Stay

As a primary entry and exit point for Japan, Haneda Airport Garden Complex provides a convenient setting for travelers. This plan combines traditional culture with modern hotel amenities, allowing guests to transition smoothly between their flight and their stay. From arrival until departure, guests can experience Japanese hospitality in a relaxed environment.

By integrating services–including private transport, cultural activities, and dining–into a single itinerary, the hotel aims to reduce the logistical effort of coordinating separate bookings and navigating language barriers. This allows guests to focus on their journey with greater ease.

Plan Inclusions

Accommodations: Stay in Executive rooms or higher categories
Dining: Daily breakfast, dinner, bar access, and selections of Washoku (Japanese) cuisine
Natural Hot Spring: Access to “Izumi Tenku no Yu” facilities
Wellness: An “ELLE SPA” treatment session
Arrival Service: Meet-and-greet at the arrival lobby
Private Chauffeur: Access to a private hire car during the stay
Cultural Experiences: Private indoor Rickshaw ride and professional Kimono styling

Campaign Overview

In conjunction with the launch, a 20% discount early-bird coupon “BL46” is available for bookings made via the official website by March 31, 2026.

Booking: Until March 31, 2026
Stay: From April 1, 2026
Promo Code: BL46
https://booking.hvf.jp/booking/result?code=cc1d554a-7115-4033-a7a6-c8a965997bfc&hotel_plan_codes=11323239

About the Hotel

Connected to Terminal 3, this hotel features river-view rooms and provides a quiet environment away from the airport’s main activity. With 24-hour room service and various dining options, it offers a convenient base for travelers.

About HANEDA AIRPORT GARDEN

Haneda Airport Garden is a commercial complex that redefines the airport experience. It features Japan’s largest* airport hotel with 1,691 rooms, diverse shops, a rooftop onsen, and a bus terminal.

*As of Nov. 2024, researched by JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co.

Türkiye Strengthens Newborn Healthcare in Laos

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Türkiye provides medical equipment and training local medical staff to strengthens newborn healthcare in Salavanh Province. (Photo supplies).

Türkiye, through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), provided medical equipment to the Newborn Unit of Salavanh Provincial Hospital, in a coordinated push to reduce newborn mortality in Laos.

A handover ceremony was held on 12 February at Salavanh Provincial Hospital, following a two-day national newborn health training at Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane on 10 to11 February. Over 50 medical professionals received on-site training in neonatal treatment and intensive care, equipping doctors and nurses to care for high-risk newborns.

The efforts address a pressing public health challenge.

Laos records a newborn mortality rate of 12 deaths per 1,000 live births and an under-five mortality rate of 28 per 1,000, according to UNICEF 2023 data. 

Often, newborn deaths are linked to limited access to specialized proper healthcare, shortages of medical equipment, and gaps in trained staff, particularly in provincial hospitals.

Recent support from international partners, including medical equipment donations and capacity-building programs, seeks to address these gaps. 

In Salavan Province, the new equipment and training are expected to strengthen the hospital’s neonatal care capabilities, helping more newborns survive critical early days.

Since 2023, Türkiye has provided health assistance to Laos, which has included hospital construction in Paksong district, ambulance donations, medical equipment for Mittaphab Hospital, and doctor training programs in Türkiye. 

Turkish Ambassador Oya Yazar and Lao Minister of Health Baykham Khattiya agreed to deepen cooperation, strengthen medical capacity and institutional ties between two countries.

Hansung ebusiness to Participate in Cosmobeauté Vietnam 2026, Accelerating K-Beauty Expansion in Southeast Asia

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Advertorial Desk
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SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hansung ebusiness, a Korea-based K-beauty distribution and trading company, is accelerating its expansion into the Southeast Asian market.

The company announced that it will participate in Cosmobeauté Vietnam 2026, scheduled to take place in the second half of 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. At the exhibition, Hansung ebusiness plans to showcase its K-beauty distribution achievements along with a newly expanded brand lineup.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the company has secured exclusive on- and offline distribution rights for a fast-growing functional skincare brand in Korea, covering Vietnam and other Southeast Asian markets. Through this agreement, Hansung ebusiness aims to establish Vietnam as a strategic hub for the stable supply and long-term growth of K-beauty brands across the region.

Founded in 2014, Hansung ebusiness is a K-beauty-focused distribution venture with proven sales performance on major Korean e-commerce platforms such as Naver Smart Store and Coupang. Internationally, the company has strengthened its presence through its Vietnam subsidiary, where it oversees local distribution and marketing for leading Korean indie beauty brands, including Aprilskin.

“Vietnam represents a strategic market with a young consumer base and rapidly expanding demand for beauty products,” a company spokesperson said. “By participating in Cosmobeauté Vietnam 2026 and expanding our exclusive distribution partnerships, we aim to significantly enhance brand awareness and drive sustainable sales growth for K-beauty brands in the local market.”

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