TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 October 2024 – ITB ASIA 2024, held from the 23rd to 25th October in Singapore, has successfully concluded. The tribal management team was pleased with the goals achieved at the exhibition. The team participated in the exhibition for the first time last year which centered on promoting Taiwan’s image overseas. This year, the aim was to establish a link between Taiwan’s tribal tourism and the global tourism industry, in the hope that more buyers would get first-hand information on Taiwan’s tribal tourism. In doing so, the team would be able to meet different types of buyers from all over the world, while also improving the management strategy for Taiwan’s tribal travels in the future.
Showcasing indigenous food and traditional culture, Discover the Tribes of Taiwan successfully attracted international buyers and established cooperative intentions at 2024 ITB ASIA.
More than 65% of buyers at ITB ASIA 2024 came from the Asia-Pacific region. Committed to building up the brand image and creating substantial benefits for Taiwan’s tribal tourism, the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) tirelessly participates in travel exhibitions at home and abroad. Consequently, the CIP has upgraded the software and hardware resources for tribal tourism and facilitated the collaboration between the tribes and travel agencies. This year, four tribal tourism groups, namely the “Dajili Culture and Art Association”, “Domeng Source Association – Mukumugi”, “Hualien County Ceroh Cultural Heritage Economic Development Association”, and “Cawi’ Tribe_Jingpu Community Development Association” were funded by the CIP to attend ITB ASIA 2024, with Lion Travel, to jointly promote Taiwan’s tribal charms to the Asian travel market. The “Discover the Tribes of Taiwan” Pavillion displayed the beauty of Taiwan’s tribal mountains and rivers in conjunction with a promotional video, successfully attracting global travel operators and professionals keen on finding out more.
At ITB ASIA 2024, our exhibitors made every effort to establish relationships with buyers from all over the world, averaging more than 80 buyers with business appointments per day. This has laid the foundation for future international market expansion. In addition, the groups also prepared snacks with tribal ingredients, such as mountain litsea, red quinoa, and roselle, to create fond memories for the exhibitors, sparking interest in the food culture of the tribes. To capture even more attention, the groups taught two traditional music and dance lessons on stage, showcasing the culture and art of the indigenous peoples of Taiwan, while at the same time making Taiwan’s tribal tourism known to the world.
For information on “Discover the Tribes of Taiwan”, please visit at https://explorethesun.tw/ Hashtag: #CouncilofIndigenousPeoples
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – EQS Newswire– 31 October 2024 –Activation Group Holdings Limited (“Activation Group” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”, stock code: 9919.HK), a leading marketing group for pan-fashion brands in Greater China, is pleased to announce that Joint-Chairman and CEO, Mr. Lau Kam Yiu and Joint-Chairman and CFO, Mr. Ng Bo Sing were honored with an invitation to attend the prestigious Forbes Asia “2024 The Region’s Top 200 Small and Midsize Companies” Awards Ceremony, held on 23 October. The inclusion in Forbes’ esteemed “2024 The Region’s Top 200 Small and Midsize Companies” (Forbes Asia 200 Best Under a Billion) list is a testament of Activation Group’s robust business growth and solid profitability, showcasing the Group’s commitment to delivering consistent value in the global market.
Forbes Asia “2024 The Region’s Top 200 Small and Midsize Companies” list recognizes top-performing listed companies in the Asia-Pacific region with annual revenues between USD10 million and USD1 billion. From 2019 to 2023, Activation Group achieved impressive revenue growth by 46.2%, basic earnings per share by 196.6%, and expanded net assets to approximately RMB 360 million, showcasing the Group’s consistent growth and solid financial position. Additionally, the Group’s ESG governance framework has advanced our commitments to environmental, social, and corporate governance responsibilities, further reinforcing the Group’s market position and resilience. This accolade not only acknowledges Activation Group’s market leadership and financial performance but also highlights the global community’s recognition of our corporate governance and growth potential.
Mr. Lau Kam Yiu, Joint-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Activation Group, said, “It is an honor to attend Forbes’ awards ceremony and connect with distinguished leaders across different industries. Receiving this award from Forbes, an international renowned financial media, not only represents the market recognition of Activation Group’s innovation and steady growth, but also to our distinctive competitiveness. With increasing demand for one-stop marketing solutions from global luxury brands and the overseas expansion demand of domestic brands, we remain committed to cater market needs with excellent services and to strengthen our ESG commitments, creating greater value for our clients, shareholders, and society.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Activation Group Holdings Limited
Activation Group Holdings Limited (9919.HK) is a leading marketing Group for pan-fashion brands in Greater China, focusing on providing i) experiential marketing services, ii) digital and communication services, and iii) IP development in Greater China region. The Group served more than 550 world-renowned branded clients, including (i) renowned premium fashion brand, (ii) renowned premium automobile brand and (iii) local Chinese brand. Headquartered in Shanghai, the Group was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 16 January 2020. According to the information from China Insights Industry Consultancy Limited, the Group is ranked number one among experiential marketing service providers for premium brands in Greater China in 2023 with a market share of 12.7%.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 October 2024 – Crown Worldwide Group is proud to announce its recognition, winning the Gold award for “Best Workspace Provider” and the Silver award for “Best Employee Development Consultancy” at the HR Vendors of the Year Awards 2024. These accolades underscore Crown Worldwide Group’s commitment to excellence in creating dynamic workspaces and supporting employees’ seamless mobility journey.
The HR Vendors of the Year Awards is one of Asia’s largest award programs dedicated to showcasing and recognizing the diverse portfolio of best-in-class HR solution providers who are well-placed to strengthen HR capabilities across Asia. The Awards received entries across 23 categories, and the independent judging panel, composed of HR leaders, commended the high standard of entries.
This year, Crown Worldwide Group stood out for its exceptional contributions in two key categories:
Best Workspace Provider:Crown Workspace has been recognized for its outstanding ability to support and deliver workspaces that enhance productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being. The company’s innovative approach to workspace solutions, including office relocation, project move management, storage, IT services, interiors, and recycling & disposal, has set a new standard in the industry.
Best Employee Development Consultancy: This achievement serves as a strong testament to Crown World Mobility‘s exceptional and agile mobility services for clients, significantly contributing to the professional growth and success of their employees. Crown World Mobility Hong Kong has maintained its winning streak in the Best Mobility & Orientation Consultant category at the Hong Kong HR Vendors of the Year Awards in 2018, 2019, and 2023, respectively.
“We are honored to receive these prestigious awards,” said Dennis Muldowney, Managing Director Hong Kong at Crown Worldwide Group. “These recognitions reflect our unwavering commitment to providing top-notch workspace solutions and tailored global mobility solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients. We remain committed to placing our clients at the heart of everything we do, working collaboratively with them to deliver simplicity in a dynamic and ever-changing business landscape. This is key to our success and the success of our clients.”
For more information, please visit Crown Workspace’s website at crownworkspace.com ; and Crown World Mobility’s website at crownworldmobility.com. Hashtag: #CrownWorldwide
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Crown Worldwide Group
Crown Workspace is dedicated to consistently supporting client’s workplace needs as they change and grow. We have been moving people and businesses for over 50 years and understand that no two projects are the same. Our objective is to provide clients with hassle free and sustainable workplace change projects.
We tailor our services to each unique project, be it corporate or specialist, with sustainability at the core of everything we do. Our services and expertise span commercial and specialist relocations, moves and changes, IT services, furniture, interiors, and storage.
Crown Workspace is dedicated to consistently supporting client’s workplace needs as they change and grow. We have been moving people and businesses for over 50 years and understand that no two projects are the same. Our objective is to provide clients with hassle free and sustainable workplace change projects.
We tailor our services to each unique project, be it corporate or specialist, with sustainability at the core of everything we do. Our services and expertise span commercial and specialist relocations, moves and changes, IT services, furniture, interiors, and storage.
Crown World Mobility provides strategic assignment management, immigration and relocation services for multinationals and international organizations.
We work with all stakeholders to find the right solution, making it simpler to move individuals, teams and entire businesses anywhere in the world, so they can get on with what they do best – take opportunities and grow.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 October 2024 – Chubb Life Hong Kong has been recognised as one of the top three winners of the “Most Innovative Product/Service Award – Life Insurance” at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2024. This award recognises the company’s groundbreaking Silver Life Insurance Plan, designed for seniors in the Hong Kong and Greater Bay Areas.
Mr. Wenyu Ji, Chief Customer Proposition Officer and Product Strategy, North Asia, Chubb Life Hong Kong, received the ‘Most Innovative Product/Service Award – Life Insurance’ at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2024.
As the aging population in Hong Kong grows, seniors’ concerns about life protection and rising medical costs are paramount. Designed to address these challenges, Chubb Life Hong Kong’s Silver Life Insurance Plan provides essential and accessible life protection, empowering seniors, a backup plan that can give our clients the peace of mind they deserve and protect their loved ones.
The Silver Life Insurance Plan offers customers flexibility to customize their coverage according to their lifestyle and goals. Providing cover up for customers up to 100 years of age, the product helps address the needs of the growing senior demographic and acknowledges challenges including health concerns and the rising costs of living. With a hassle-free application process and no medical examination required, customers are able to obtain coverage with an affordable ten-year premium while benefiting from a guaranteed cash value.
The Chubb Life Hong Kong team was proud to be recognised as the top three finalist of the “Most Innovative Product/Service Award – Life Insurance” at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2024.
Belinda Au, President of Chubb Life Hong Kong and Head of North Asia said, “This award recognises our unwavering commitment to understanding customers’ needs and creating innovative solutions. Aging is an inevitable reality for us all, and we believe that the Silver Life Insurance Plan offers secure and affordable lifelong protection for those in the ‘silver age’ and their loved ones. The plan not only protects your loved ones but also helps to enrich customers’ quality of retirement living.” Hashtag: #Chubb
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Chubb Life Hong Kong
Chubb Life is the international life insurance division of Chubb, establishing its presence in Hong Kong since 1976. To meet the financial protection and wealth management needs of its broad range of customers, Chubb Life in Hong Kong (Chubb Life Insurance Hong Kong Limited) offers a range of life protection, savings, accident and health insurance solutions through agents and brokers. The company has been a recipient of various awards for marketing, product innovation and commitment in corporate social responsibility. Additional information can be found at: https://www.chubb.com/hk-en/
About Chubb Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb employs approximately 40,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.
Severe flooding from July to September has damaged over 300 irrigation systems across Laos, impacting agricultural lands and delaying preparations for the dry season. (photo credit: LNR)
Recent flooding from July to September has heavily impacted Laos’ irrigation infrastructure, damaging 300 projects across 12 provinces and affecting nearly 15,000 hectares of agricultural land.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 October 2024 – Vietnam, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, has become an increasingly attractive destination for Indian travelers. Vinpearl’s focus on luxury wedding tourism and high-end MICE services has further enhanced the appeal of the country to this growing market.
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
Over the past decade, Vietnam has emerged as a prime travel destination for Indian tourists, offering a captivating blend of scenic beauty and a rapidly expanding luxury tourism market. At the forefront of this movement is Vinpearl, a premier resort brand catering to high-end travelers with a seamless mix of local culture and modern luxury.
With strategic investments in facilities for both business and leisure, Vinpearl has positioned itself as a top choice for affluent Indian tourists seeking memorable experiences and unique destinations for milestone events like weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Vietnamese Brands Riding The Indian Wave
Data from Vietnam’s National Tourism Administration highlights a striking increase in interest from India, with Indian tourist arrivals rising significantly over the last decade. In 2023 alone, Vietnam welcomed over 392,000 Indian tourists—a number expected to keep climbing as global travel rebounds.
Vietnam’s appeal is clear: it offers ample infrastructure and convenient direct flights (taking just 4-5 hours), making it a highly accessible getaway for Indian tourists. From families seeking a relaxing vacation to business travelers attending conferences and events like destination weddings, the country’s diverse landscapes, temperate year-round climate, and rich cultural heritage make it a compelling choice.
Within this surge in tourism, there is a notable trend toward high-end, niche tourism services, particularly destination weddings. “This year alone, Vinpearl has hosted over ten billionaire weddings from India, and this number is projected to double by 2025,” said Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Deputy CEO of Vinpearl. “Vietnam is fast becoming a prime destination for weddings, MICE, and golf tourism on the global stage.”
Vietnamese brands, like Vinpearl, a subsidiary of the giant Vingroup, are meeting this demand by creating custom, high-quality experiences. Recent high-profile events, such as the four-day wedding celebration of Pranay Karnawat and Sakshi Sanghvi, demonstrate this commitment.
Hosted at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, the wedding artfully blended Indian and Vietnamese cultural elements, from conical hats and lotus flowers to traditional lanterns. To further meet Indian tourists’ expectations, Vinpearl has taken special care to incorporate cultural nuances, ensuring that details like cuisine and decor are tailored to Indian preferences.
Vinpearl’s impact on positioning Vietnam as a luxury travel and event destination is undeniable. With 45 properties spread across top locations like Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vinpearl offers over 18,500 rooms, upscale entertainment zones, world-class golf courses, and two wildlife conservation parks. Through these luxurious, all-in-one resort ecosystems, which integrate both local and global flavors, Vinpearl has established itself as a central player in Vietnam’s high-end tourism market.
Shaping Vietnam’s MICE Tourism
In addition to high-end leisure tourism, Vinpearl has made remarkable progress in the MICE sector. Properties like Vinpearl Nha Trang and Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An have earned prestigious ASEAN MICE Venue accolades, which recognize them as premier locations for international business events.
These resorts provide a comprehensive suite of services for events of all scales, from direct and online international meetings to team-building exercises and client conferences. Events can be hosted in grand auditoriums accommodating thousands or in serene settings like beachfronts and secluded gardens, offering a range of experiences for guests.
One example is Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, which has become a favored destination for corporate events. Located in Vietnam’s culturally rich central region, this resort offers customizable packages that blend business and leisure seamlessly. Its Grand Ballroom, spanning 720 square meters, hosts up to 600 guests, while six modern meeting rooms and four high-end conference spaces provide ideal options for gatherings of varying sizes. After hours, guests can participate in team-building activities on the resort’s 1,300-meter beachfront or explore the adjacent VinWonders amusement park, which offers a range of interactive cultural and entertainment experiences.
Another standout property, Vinpearl Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island, provides an equally enticing venue for MICE tourism. This secluded resort ecosystem includes multiple Vinpearl hotels, an array of entertainment options at VinWonders, and Vinpearl Harbour, a world-class marina. Designed in a European palace style, the Vinpearl Convention Center can accommodate up to 2,500 guests, making it ideal for high-profile, large-scale events.
With global MICE tourism revenue projected to exceed $1.4 trillion by 2025, the World Tourism Organization has highlighted MICE as one of the most promising sectors in tourism. Recognizing this potential, Vietnam has made MICE development a strategic priority, with Vinpearl’s stronghold in MICE tourism playing an instrumental role.
Vinpearl’s dual focus on MICE and luxury wedding tourism has established it as a leader in Vietnam’s high-end hospitality sector, drawing affluent Indian travelers seeking exceptional experiences. Through its presence, Vinpearl exemplifies the future of Vietnamese hospitality, promising unique and captivating experiences to travelers from India and beyond. Hashtag: #Vinpearl
35 remarkable projects across Asia Pacific recognised
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 October 2024 –The MIPIM Asia 2024 Awards, widely regarded as the most prestigious honors recognizing excellence and innovation in Asia’s real estate industry, has unveiled its winners after a rigorous and thorough judging process. The winners of the coveted Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards will be announced at the highly anticipated MIPIM Asia Awards Gala Dinner to be held on December 4, marking the grand finale of the prestigious MIPIM Asia Summit 2024. Summit participants will be invited to cast their votes on site and online to determine the final ranking of the Gold, Silver and Bronze Prize winners.
The distinguished panel of 16 jurors, comprised of top executives and leading figures from the real estate industry across the Asia region, was chaired by Donald Choi, President of Hong Kong Institute of Real Estate Administrators. These industry experts dedicated significant time and expertise to carefully evaluating all the submissions covering various geographical regions, ensuring that only the most outstanding projects were shortlisted, representing the pinnacle of achievement in the real estate field. The winners reflect the best of the best, selected after thorough deliberation and consideration by this esteemed panel.
Members of the jury panel are:
Donald CHOI, President, Hong Kong Institute of Real Estate Administrators (Hong Kong) (President of the Jury)
George AGETHEN, Co-Head of Asia-Pacific, Ivanhoe Cambridge (Singapore)
Henry CHENG, CEO & Executive Director, Chongbang Group (China)
Stanley CHING, Senior Managing Director, Managing Partner & Head of Real Estate, CITIC Capital Holdings (Hong Kong)
Chris CHOW, Senior Managing Director, LaSalle Investment Management (Hong Kong)
Harvey COE, Senior Advisor, Ernst & Young (Hong Kong)
Alison COOKE, Managing Director – Real Estate, Starr International Investment Advisors (Asia) Limited (Hong Kong)
Christina HAU, Chief Executive Officer, Champion REIT (Hong Kong)
Alexandre HERIARD-DUBREUIL, Chief Investment Officer, LCatterton Real Estate Partner (Hong Kong & London)
George HONGCHOY, Executive Director & CEO, Link Asset Management Limited (Hong Kong)
Nicholas J. LOUP, Group Vice Chairman, CEO Asia, Chelsfield (Hong Kong)
Laurent JACQUEMIN, Head of Asia-Pacific, Real Assets, AXA IM Alts (Japan)
Joseph TANG, Partner, Townsend Group (Hong Kong)
Shuji TOMIKAWA, President, Mitsui Fudosan Investment Advisors, Inc. (MFIA) (Japan)
Richard YUE, CEO & CIO, ARCH Capital Management Company Limited (Hong Kong)
Jing ZHOU, Senior Director Alternatives and Strategic Transactions, Nuveen (Hong Kong)
The MIPIM Asia Awards 2024 Winners are (in alphabetical order according to categories): BEST CULTURAL, SPORTS AND EDUCATION PROJECT GEOMETRIC WONDERZOO, Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre (Hong Kong – China) Jingui High School, Guicheng, Nanhai (Foshan – China) Link Sustainability Lab (Hong Kong – China) Shiwan China, No.7 Ceramic Art Research Base (Phase One) (Foshan – China)
BEST HOSPITALITY, TOURISM AND LEISURE PROJECT Bauhinia Hotel & Apartments – BIPV Building in Hong Kong (Hong Kong – China) Radisson RED Guang Zhou South Railway Station (Guangzhou – China) TOWNPLACE West Kowloon (Hong Kong – China)
BEST MIXED-USE PROJECT One Dojima Project (Osaka – Japan) The Ring Chengdu (Chengdu – China) Two Taikoo Place (Hong Kong – China)
BEST OFFICE & BUSINESS PROJECT 83 KING LAM STREET (Hong Kong – China) KTR350 (Hong Kong – China) The Henderson (Hong Kong – China) TP Link Headquarters (Shenzhen – China)
BEST REFURBISHED BUILDING Kai Tin Shopping Centre Refurbishment, Lam Tin (Hong Kong – China) The Refurbished Nostalgia: Kin Sang Shopping Centre (Hong Kong – China) Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 Expansion (Singapore)
BEST RESIDENTIAL PROJECT Laurel at Navapark (BSD City – Indonesia) Oukas Setagaya Sengawa (Tokyo – Japan) Riverville (Shanghai – China)
BEST RETAIL PROJECT Lovi Center (Xian – China) Nanjing ifc (Nanjing – China) Suzhou Yanlord Cangjie (Suzhou – China)
BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AIRSIDE (Hong Kong – China) Shoppes at Londoner – The Londoner Macao (Macao SAR – China) #URBANHOOD at Hysan Place’ (Hong Kong – China)
BEST URBAN REGENERATION PROJECT Hong Shou Fang (Shanghai – China) Shiwan China, Xingguang Park (Foshan – China) Shiwan China, Hongwei Hill (Foshan – China)
BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT Atrium Place (Gurugram – India) Keppel South Central (Singapore) Suzhou Central (Suzhou – China)
BEST NEW MEGA DEVELOPMENT Huafa Snow World (Shenzhen – China) Shanghai Duolun Road Urban Renewal (Shanghai – China) West Bund Central (Shanghai – China)
The MIPIM Asia Summit 2024 This year’s MIPIM Asia Summit will gather C-suite executives and top leaders from over 20 countries, alongside renowned global investors. Key participants include prominent names such as APG, BEI Group, Champion REIT, Chinachem Group, PAG, Townsend Group, GIC Real Estate, and PIMCO PRIME Real Estate GMBH. The event will also feature a variety of end-user and retail representatives from global brands such as Victorinox, TUMI, Apple, Furla, Ralph Lauren, and Pfizer, making the Summit a premier platform for high-level networking and investment opportunities.
The two-day Summit will also feature engaging discussions and keynote speeches on diverse industry topics, with Wei Yao, Chief Economist for Asia-Pacific at Société Générale, delivering the opening address.
As a cornerstone of the Asia Pacific real estate calendar, the MIPIM Asia Summit continues to attract influential decision-makers and showcase the region’s most cutting-edge projects, solidifying its position as a leading platform for the property industry.
For more information about MIPIM Asia Awards 2024 Winners, please visit HERE. For more information about the Summit and Awards, please visit mipim-asia.com. For instant updates, please follow MIPIM: FacebookTwitterLinkedIn
Hashtag: #MIPIMAsia2024Awards
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About MIPIM Asia Summit
MIPIM Asia Summit is the annual property leaders’ summit in Asia Pacific organised by RX France. It is the major gathering where top-level decision makers gather to explore new business partnerships and investment opportunities. It features expert-led conference sessions, premium networking accelerators and an exclusive awards gala dinner over a two-day period. Distinguished speakers, senior executives, high-level business professionals and industry experts from around the world will discuss the latest developments and prevailing trends in the property and retail industry. MIPIM – the world’s property market – is the leading and largest global property event. The four-day event takes place annually in Cannes every March. 22,500+ delegates attended in 2023 with over 2,000 Investment & Financial companies, and more than 90 different countries being represented.
About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.
RX France creates high level, world-class and market leader meeting places, covering 15 industry sectors, including MIPIM, MAPIC, Batimat, Pollutec, EquipHotel, SITL, IFTM, Big Data & AI Paris, MIPCOM, Paris Photo, Maison&Objet*… and many more. RX France’s events take place in France, Hong Kong, Italy and Mexico. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.fr
*Organised by Safi, a subsidiary of RX France and Ateliers d’Art de France
About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.
The Use of AI in Retail. BRICS+ Fashion Summit. Moscow, Russia, 05 October. (Photo: Russian Fashion Council)
In early October, while Laos was immersed in ASEAN responsibilities, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow brought together over 80 countries, including several Southeast Asian nations. The summit spotlighted how fashion and textile traditions can drive cultural diplomacy and strengthen international ties.
With Asia’s textile market projected to hit USD 236.8 billion by 2024, ASEAN Fashion Week President Hayden Ng praised the summit as a “crucial communication platform for emerging nations, as it amplifies their voices on the global stage, fosters cross-cultural exchange, and enables collaboration in fashion innovation.”
Held alongside Moscow Fashion Week, from 3 to 5 October, the summit also aimed to highlight the rising influence of Asian designers in the global fashion scene.
A highlight of the summit was the “Heritage” exhibition, featuring cultural diversity from over 40 countries. Notable Asian brands included China’s KENSUN, which integrates traditional painting techniques into textiles, and Laos’s LeLao, which merges cultural heritage with sustainability. Designers like Indonesia’s RAEGITAZORO and India’s NITIN BAL CHAUHAN also spotlighted the creative power of emerging economies.
Cultural Appropriation Concerns Arise with Rising Interest in Southeast Asian Textiles
However, as global interest in Southeast Asian textiles and fashion grows, so do concerns over cultural misappropriation.
Traditional garments like the sarong, batik, and Ao dai hold deep significance, often disregarded by international brands, said Nguyen Vi Huu Canh, Head of Fashion Sector, VDAS Vietnam Design Association, and CEO of Cooper & Co., highlighting the event’s importance in enabling emerging countries to learn, access new technologies, and bolster their national brands for international competition.
“Cultural appropriation is a sensitive issue globally, including in Southeast Asia (SEA), where cultural symbols, attire, and traditions are often commercialized without acknowledging their roots,” he said.
International Exhibition Heritage at BRICS+ Fashion Summit. Moscow, Russia. (Photo: Russian Fashion Council)
Cultural appropriation became a focal point of the summit’s discussions, with smaller nations expressing concerns over the misuse of their deeply rooted traditions.
“There’s a real problem when cultural symbols are commercialized without recognition or respect for their roots,” Canh remarked.
A notable example is Victoria’s Secret’s 2017 runway show, which faced criticism for using Southeast Asian motifs without acknowledging their origins. Canh pointed to the inherent similarities in textile patterns across Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia, yet cautioned that each design carries a unique cultural narrative.
“When I randomly changed the colors of a Vietnamese pattern, it coincidentally resembled a Lao one. However, the three stories behind the patterns and garments are entirely different. I believe that the narrative conveyed behind them is what makes the difference when we talk about culture,” he explained.
ASEAN Designers Advocate for “Slow Fashion” to Preserve Cultural Integrity
In the globalized fashion industry, Southeast Asian nations increasingly advocate for ethical practices to honor their traditional patterns. Canh highlighted that cultural appropriation raises pressing issues around respect, ownership, and collaboration, pointing out that misusing cultural elements often reflects colonial patterns, where powerful groups benefit from marginalized communities without giving back.
The rapid advancement of technology, particularly AI, presents both challenges and opportunities for Southeast Asian fashion. While some worry that mass production or algorithm-driven designs could dilute cultural authenticity, others view technology as a means to preserve and innovate. For instance, Vietnamese designer Công Trí has experimented with using technology to enhance traditional hand-weaving techniques, incorporating Lanh My A, the traditional silk fabric from the craft village of Tân Châu, which is woven and dyed using a rare black fruit called ‘Mac Nua,’ to create contemporary collections.
Nguyen Huu Canh spoke more about the use of AI in retail and fashion in one of the BRICS+ panels on 5 October.
“As AI becomes more prevalent in design, there’s a concern that these cultural patterns may lose their authenticity if mass-produced or manipulated by algorithms without understanding their historical significance,” Canh said.
Nguyen Huu Canh, Head of Fashion Sector, VDAS Vietnam Design Association, and CEO of Cooper & Co. (Photo: Russian Fashion Council)
However, consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and cultural integrity in fashion. Southeast Asian designers are now advocating for “slow fashion,” where technology is used not to replace tradition, but to support artisans in keeping these cultural expressions alive, the Vietnamese designer noted.
This approach not only supports local artisans but also aligns with BRICS’ broader sustainable development goals.
Laos Seeks BRICS Membership to Bolster International Cooperation
In this context, Laos, along with other Southeast Asian nations, is leveraging cultural diplomacy to establish meaningful global partnerships. In its pursuit of BRICS membership, Laos aligns with a broader movement among developing countries aimed at joining the global market, focusing on cultural identity and modern sustainability.
The recent BRICS summit in Kazan, held from 22-24 October, marked a crucial moment for Laos, which sought to deepen international partnerships and promote multilateral collaboration among the BRICS community.
Through platforms like BRICS, Laos and its Southeast Asian neighbors are finding ways to navigate global pressures while remaining true to their cultural roots, making fashion, among other industries, crucial diplomatic instruments for both cultural expression and economic cooperation.
“Fashion also serves as a powerful geo-political tool in Southeast Asia. Traditional attire worn by leaders symbolized unity and cultural diversity, promoting cooperation among nations,” Canh remarked.