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Are dating apps over? Gen Z is ditching ‘swipe-by’ culture for meaningful connections in the kitchen

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  • Gen Z singles spend 156 hours per year on dating apps for only six connections
  • Knorr is turning up the heat on dating culture by blending food and friendship
  • #ServingSingles encourages friends to recommend single cooks

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — After clocking up roughly 156 hours a year on dating apps, equivalent to six and a half days, yet securing on average just six meaningful connections, Gen Z and young Millennial singles are officially breaking up with the “swipe-by” culture that leaves them feeling burnt out.

This cultural shift reflects a growing trend among young singles who are embracing more authentic dating methods, such as friend referrals and shared experiences, instead of relying on the impersonal nature of dating apps.

 

Knorr’s new study reveals a growing appetite for authenticity, as singles swap curated profiles for the unfiltered connection of a shared meal.
Knorr’s new study reveals a growing appetite for authenticity, as singles swap curated profiles for the unfiltered connection of a shared meal.

 

New research commissioned by the food company, Knorr, found that nearly three quarters (72%) of Gen Z singles question the authenticity of dating profiles, while two thirds (65%) admit they struggle finding someone whose priorities match their own. Swipe-fatigue is sky high, but one thing is sizzling through the noise: the irresistible charm of cooking.

According to the survey, more than four fifths (82%) find an interest in cooking highly attractive in a potential partner, with 78% charmed by kitchen confidence and 76% melting for anyone who cooks for others. In fact, for three quarters (74%) of Gen Z singles, cooking tops the list of attractive traits, beating those who own a flashy car (47%) and fitness fanatics (59%).

Check out #ServingSingles, where Knorr is empowering people to spotlight their single foodie friends. Flipping the script on “swipe-by” culture, it champions cooking as the new secret ingredient to real romance, swapping endless scrolling for trusty friend referrals. By blending food, friendship and modern love, it keeps authenticity at the heart of modern dating.

Inspired by the viral #DateMyFriend trend #ServingSingles invites people to hype up their single friends with a passion for cooking, to prove love truly starts in the kitchen.

Gen Zs can refer their single friends who love to cook on TikTok, sharing their first name, age range, and signature dish using the #ServingSingles hashtag and branded filter. Knorr will boost standout referral videos to reach even more singles turning the kitchen into the ultimate stage for romance.

The survey further revealed that cooking is seen as appealing because it brings you closer together (35%) shows genuine effort (32%) and heats up the romance (34%) – qualities that no dating profile can capture.

Additionally, friends and family play a bigger role in modern dating than ever before, with nearly two thirds (64%) of singles saying they’d trust a date recommendation from a friend while more than a third (36%) look to siblings for love life advice.  

Evidently, the need for a dating sidekick has never been higher as the research shows Gen Z singles swipe past more than 29 profiles a week, on average. Over the past 12 months, nearly half (48%) have been on less than 5 first dates, while the average relationship from a dating app lasts just six months.

Nicky Neerscholten, Global Head of Digital and Masterbrand at Knorr, said: “With #ServingSingles, Knorr is championing singles by spotlighting cooking as the ultimate dating superpower. We’re on a mission to make single cooks unmissable – because whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your cooking journey, sharing a homemade meal is a powerful way to show creativity, care, and individuality – traits that go far beyond a filtered profile picture.

“Our research proves that simply highlighting your love of cooking can dramatically boost your chances of landing a date. Food has always been the universal language of love, so if you’re looking for sparks join the #ServingSingles movement and let your signature dish do the talking.”

Got a single best friend who cooks?! Create a video introducing them and their tastiest signature dish, using Knorr’s #ServingSingles branded filter on TikTok (@knorr). Don’t forget to tag #ServingSingles and @Knorr, who will boost profiles of everyday single cooks, giving them a better shot at finding a romantic connection.

Survey info: The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 14,503 respondents (aged 18-35) who are open to dating and using dating apps, across the UK, US, Germany, Mexico, France, Benelux (Netherlands & Belgium), Philippines, Indonesia, Argentina, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria and Italy. The data was collected between 24.12.2025 – 30.01.2026. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles.

Amazon, Temu and Shein to Dominate Australia’s Marketplace Sector at the Expense of Local Competition

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Pattern’s 2026 Marketplace Consumer Report reveals a sector under pressure, with global giants tightening their grip and the era of local marketplaces at risk

MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Australia’s marketplace sector is being redefined as global ecommerce giants use their international scale and advanced infrastructure to grow their share of consumer spending at the expense of local marketplaces, according to new research from Pattern.

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

The ‘2026 Marketplace Consumer Report‘ highlights a sector that looks markedly different to just a few years ago. With fewer local Australian marketplaces following the closures of Catch and MyDeal, and pressure on Kogan to maintain its competitiveness as consumers increase their spend with global platforms, data suggests a long-term shift in how marketplace competition will play out in Australia.

Amazon now reaches 60% of Australian shoppers, growing its customer base by 3.45% year on year. Temu continues to expand rapidly with A$2.6 billion in sales last financial year and 47% of Australians purchasing from the platform, while Shein has lifted its reach to 30%, recording the fastest growth (15%) among major marketplaces. Australia’s last remaining dedicated local marketplace, Kogan, however, is losing ground. Just 15% of consumers now shop on the platform, reflecting a 6% year-on-year decline.

“The pressure on Australian born and bred marketplaces from global giants like Amazon and Temu is no longer theoretical. What we’re seeing is a sector shaped by international scale, logistics sophistication and global ecosystems. This isn’t a temporary cycle, it’s a structural shift and could signal the end of the local Australian marketplace era as we once knew it,” said Merline McGregor, Managing Director for Pattern Australia.

Amazon Leads as eBay loses ground

Amazon continues to lead the Australian marketplace sector with 8.8 million active shoppers and 66% of consumers planning to shop on the platform. eBay, however, is sliding in the opposite direction, declining 7% to 51% of shoppers planning to use the platform in 2026.

The research shows Amazon purchase decisions are broadening and no longer price-led, with price as a motivator falling by 42%. Shoppers now point to speed (35%), Prime benefits (31%) and overall preference for Amazon (28%) as key reasons for purchasing on the platform. The growing role of product reviews, now cited by 24% of shoppers, highlights Amazon’s advantage in trust and community validation, an edge eBay has struggled to match.

“Amazon has moved beyond competing purely on cost. While price still matters, its advantage today is also about removing friction at every stage of the shopping journey. Faster delivery, trusted reviews and habitual usage are what has made it the dominant marketplace in Australia and what keeps customers coming back,” said McGregor.

Temu and Shein rebuild trust and expand beyond price

Shopper perceptions of product quality and trust have improved sharply for Temu and Shein, marking a significant shift in how these platforms are viewed in Australia. Over the past year, Temu recorded a 50% increase in product quality and trust perception, while Shein saw a 36% increase.

Historically criticised for inconsistent quality, in 2025 Temu was trusted by just 12% of shoppers and Shein, 11%. However, sustained investment in supplier standards, range expansion beyond fast fashion and brand partnerships with established global brands is beginning to change sentiment. 

“Temu and Shein have worked hard to shed their reputations as low-cost disruptors and are now emerging as serious players in the marketplace landscape,” said McGregor. “Temu now serves 4.7 million Australians, with its customer base growing at 24% annually. With trust levels rising, these platforms are no longer competing on price alone, firmly positioning them for sustained, long-term relevance in the Australian market.”

Product discovery fragments across platforms

Product discovery behaviour is fragmenting rapidly. While Google has regained ground, with 54% of shoppers beginning their product searches on the platform since the rollout of AI-generated answers that ease discovery, social media is disrupting search.

Social media is now one of the fastest-growing starting points for product research, with 67% more consumers beginning their search on social platforms compared to 2025. Today 78% of Australians are active on social media and with near-universal mobile use, discovery is increasingly shaped by feeds, creators and short-form video.

“Social platforms are collapsing the long bridge between inspiration and transaction,” said McGregor. “With the imminent launch of TikTok Shop in Australia, this shift will accelerate. Brands that invest in creator-led content and seamless in-platform shopping will be best positioned as social becomes a central pillar of modern product discovery.”

Convenience and delivery speed emerge as key differentiators

With 93% of Australians purchasing from marketplaces in the past 12 months, convenience has become a defining factor in how consumers choose where to shop. One in three Australians now cite ease of use and delivery speed as the primary reason they turn to marketplaces. Amazon exemplifies this shift, with 36% of shoppers naming convenience as the main driver of their purchasing behaviour.

“Delivery performance has become a core brand asset for marketplaces today. Many Australians are choosing to order products through a marketplace, even if the same product is more expensive than elsewhere, simply because it could be delivered faster,” said McGregor.

What products will consumers buy from which marketplace in 2026?

Pattern’s research reveals clear category distinctions across marketplaces, with each platform establishing dominance in specific shopping categories:

  • Amazon leads in Books & eBooks (30%), Electronics & Computer (25%), and Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (22%).
  • eBay shows strength in Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (17%), Automotive Parts (15%), and Electronics & Computer (14%).
  • Temu captures consumer interest in Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (22%), with notable investment in Home & Kitchen Products (13%).
  • Shein’s primary appeal lies with Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (21%), but is beginning to spark interest beyond this in Home & Kitchen (7%) and Toys, Kids & Baby Products (7%).
  • Kogan holds some ground in Electronics & Computer (8%), Home & Kitchen Products (7%), and DIY/Home Improvement (5%).

“While the future of local marketplaces is uncertain, the opportunity for brands has never been greater. With 93% of Australians shopping on marketplaces, these platforms are where purchase decisions happen. Brands that understand category dynamics, build tailored strategies for each marketplace, and work with ecommerce specialists like Pattern will be positioned to capture a share in this consolidated but growing market,” concluded McGregor.

For more information and to download the full report please click here: ‘2026 Marketplace Consumer Report’

About Pattern Inc

Pattern accelerates brands on global ecommerce marketplaces leveraging proprietary technology and AI. Utilising more than 46 trillion data points, sophisticated machine learning and AI models, Pattern optimizes and automates all levers of ecommerce growth for global brands, including advertising, content management, logistics and fulfillment, pricing, forecasting and customer service. Hundreds of global brands depend on Pattern’s ecommerce acceleration platform every day to drive profitable revenue growth across 60+ global marketplaces—including Amazon, TikTok Shop, Walmart.com, Target.com, eBay, Tmall, JD, and Mercado Libre.  For more information, visit https://au.pattern.com/

 

Valentine’s Day Meets Summer-Ready Homes: Tineco’s Smart Cleaning Gifts for Modern Living

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SEATTLE, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Valentine’s Day arrives in Australia at the height of summer. During this season, cleaning shifts from a routine obligation to something that quietly supports a modern way of living. From sandy floors and pet hair to post-gathering messes, summer living calls for intelligent solutions that adapt seamlessly to everyday life. This Valentine’s Day, Tineco invites couples to rethink traditional gifting with smart cleaning solutions that keep homes fresh through the warmer months, while making daily living feel lighter, calmer, and unmistakably modern.


Smart Gifts for Summer-Ready Homes

FLOOR ONE Stretch S6
Valentine’s Day Offer: AUD 429 (RRP AUD 899)
Designed to reach where everyday cleaning often misses, the FLOOR ONE Stretch S6 features a 180° lay-flat design that easily slides under beds, sofas and low furniture. Triple-sided edge cleaning tackles skirting boards, while iLoop™ Technology automatically adjusts power based on the mess detected. The FlashDry™ Self-Cleaning System rinses and dries the unit after use for low-effort upkeep.

FLOOR ONE Switch S7 Stretch
Valentine’s Day Offer: AUD 849 (RRP AUD 1,198)
The FLOOR ONE Switch S7 Stretch offers flexible, whole-home cleaning in one streamlined solution. Its 5-in-1 design switches seamlessly between floor washing and vacuuming, handling wet and dry messes across floors, furniture and tight spaces. Anti-tangle brush systems reduce hair wrap, while the upgraded FlashDry™ Self-Cleaning System delivers a more hygienic, low-maintenance clean.

FLOOR ONE S9 Artist & S7 Artist
Valentine’s Day Offer: AUD 999 (RRP AUD 1,199) & AUD 679 (RRP AUD 899)
Blending everyday performance with design-led appeal, the FLOOR ONE S9 Artist delivers smooth handling, edge-to-edge reach and a 180° lay-flat design for easy movement throughout the home. A dynamic 3D display and LED headlight provide real-time guidance, supported by up to 75 minutes of runtime.
For smaller homes, the FLOOR ONE S7 Artist offers the same refined design with up to 50 minutes of runtime.

PURE ONE Station 5
Valentine’s Day Offer: AUD 559 (RRP AUD 799)
Designed for low-maintenance vacuuming, the PURE ONE Station 5 features a 3-in-1 Smart Station that charges, stores and automatically empties the dustbin, holding up to 45 days of debris. With strong suction, a LED headlight and a ZeroTangle brush head, it handles dust and pet hair across floors and elevated surfaces with ease.

Valentine’s Day promotional pricing is available from February 16 to March 1. To explore Tineco’s full range of intelligent cleaning solutions, visit Tineco Amazon Store.

About Tineco
Tineco (“tin-co”) was founded in 1998 with its first product launch as a vacuum cleaner and, in 2019, pioneered the first-ever smart vacuum. Today, the brand has evolved into a global leader in intelligent appliances spanning floor care, kitchen, and personal care categories. With a growing user base of over 23 million households and availability in approximately 30 countries worldwide, Tineco remains committed to its brand vision of making life easier through smart technology and continuous innovation. For more information, visit au.tineco.com.

 

Cyberpunk Chongqing: How a philosophy of coexistence shaped this surreal city

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CHONGQING, China, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This report is from Chongqing.China.com.cn: When searching for Chongqing online, the most common keywords are “mountain city,” “magical,” and “cyberpunk.” But are these visually striking descriptors merely spectacles, or do they also serve practical purposes? With this question in mind, foreign vlogger Jason was recently invited to visit Yuzhong District,Chongqing, to experience firsthand the city’s surreal architecture and uncover the unique philosophy of symbiosis that defines this “8D Magical City.”

 

E’ling Trestle: Making Way for the Landscape

Jason’s first stop was the E’ling Trestle, which officially opened to the public on November 12, 2025. Stretching 460 meters, the steel-structured walkway is built along natural cliffs, resembling a ribbon that connects nearly 30 cultural landmarks. While it appears to be a striking visual landmark, it is in fact an “aerial corridor.” Each carefully engineered curve navigates around rail transit lines below and high-voltage cables above. At its highest point—28 meters above ground—the unobstructed view of the Jialing River stands as a testament to the ingenuity behind the project.

Liziba Station: A Monorail Running Through a Residential Building

At Liziba Station, Jason visited China’s first straddle-type monorail station integrated with a residential and commercial building. Completed in 2004, the station was designed with complete structural separation between the rail columns and the building’s support columns, minimizing vibration as trains pass through the structure. Sun Caifu, a resident who has lived there for 20 years, responded calmly when Jason tested the noise levels in his home: “It’s not very loud.” After boarding the train himself, Jason remarked, “We’re passing right through a building, yet you can hardly feel it.”

Bai Xiang Ju: A 24-Story Building Without Elevators

Bai Xiang Ju, a 24-story residential complex without elevators, left Jason thoroughly “lost.” Built along the mountainside, the six interconnected buildings span a vertical height difference of up to 38 meters. Designers took advantage of the terrain by creating entrances on the 1st, 10th, and 15th floors, linked by elevated walkways. Xie Lei, a shop owner originally from another province, chose to settle here after visiting Chongqing more than a decade ago. “I was drawn by the food, the scenery, and the people,” he said. When Jason asked how to reach the ground floor, Xie replied with a smile: “There are more than ten ‘first floors’ here—which one are you looking for?”

Underground Ring Road: From Air-Raid Shelters to Urban Arteries

One of the most “unbelievable” moments for Jason was riding in what he described as an “elevator taxi.” Local driver Chen Dalin drove his vehicle into an elevator, descended to an underground garage, and entered the city’s underground ring road. “These were air-raid shelters built during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression,” Chen explained. “After renovation, they were connected into a loop. During rush hour, when traffic is congested above ground, it flows smoothly down here.” As the car navigated the winding route, Jason exclaimed, “With all these turns, it feels like riding in a Ferrari.”

Yangtze River Cableway and Crown Escalator: Turning Terrain into Opportunity

From the Yangtze River Cableway—operating for over 30 years and known as the first aerial corridor across the Yangtze River—to the Crown Escalator, the longest escalator in China and the second longest in Asia, Yuzhong has transformed mountainous constraints into spatial advantages, maximizing every inch of land. The 13-story stilted buildings of Hongyadong break traditional limits of faux-ancient architecture, converting dramatic cliffside elevation into structural support and earning the nickname “Cliffside City of China.”

Hongyadong: Dancing with Nature

“Being in Yuzhong feels like stepping into a magical world,” Jason concluded at the end of his tour. “But more than the spectacle, what truly moves me is the wisdom of the people here. They do not seek to conquer the mountains and rivers—they have learned to dance with them. The magic here is not a cold, futuristic illusion; it is warm, lived-in life that grows from the land itself.”

This is Yuzhong—a city where humanity and nature coexist in harmony, telling China’s story to the world.

/C O R R E C T I O N — PayJoy/

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In the news release, PayJoy Launches in Indonesia to Advance Inclusion through Credit Access, issued 26-Nov-2025 by PayJoy over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the boilerplate, first sentence, should read “PayJoy expands credit access across emerging markets through point-of-sale financing and card offerings” rather than “PayJoy expands credit access across emerging markets through point-of-sale financing and card products” as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows:

PayJoy Launches in Indonesia to Advance Inclusion through Credit Access

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PayJoy, a leading emerging-markets credit provider, today announced its official launch in Indonesia through a strategic partnership with PT Bank Sahabat Sampoerna (Bank Sampoerna). Building on its successful operations in the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and other markets, PayJoy is introducing its inclusive credit solutions to Indonesia to further expand access to affordable and responsible credit across the region.

“There’s a significant gap in credit access across Southeast Asia, and PayJoy is committed to helping close it responsibly,” said Rene Payan, Philippines Country Manager and PayJoy’s lead for new-market launches.

As Indonesia accelerates its digital transformation and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) targets 98% financial inclusion by 2045, PayJoy’s entry supports national efforts to expand access to credit responsibly and sustainably.

After scaling to 17 million customers worldwide, PayJoy is growing at an annualized 40 percent while maintaining profitability in 2025. PayJoy is on track to reach about US$650 million in revenue and US$110 million in profit by the end of 2025.

Since its founding in 2015, PayJoy has become one of the world’s most trusted innovators in alternative credit infrastructure. The company’s expansion into Indonesia underscores its long-term commitment to creating open, equitable, and inclusive financial systems worldwide.

About PayJoy

PayJoy expands credit access across emerging markets through point-of-sale financing and card offerings. Its proprietary secured-credit technology enables first-time borrowers to responsibly build financial stability and participate fully in the modern economy.  Through its cutting-edge machine learning, data science, and anti-fraud AI, PayJoy has financed over $3.5 billion of loans with over 17 million people and employs over 1,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.payjoy.com/.

Contact:

Ivy Yang | Wavelet Strategy | ivy@waveletnyc.com

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/payjoy_logo.jpg

Inference Research announces $20 Million Seed Round Led by Avenir Group to Build the AI-Native Quantitative Franchise

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HONG KONG, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Inference Research, an AI-native quantitative trading franchise architected to capitalize on the convergence of Digital Assets and Traditional Finance, today announced its launch and the anticipated closing of a $20 million Seed funding round. The round was led by Avenir Group, a pioneering investment group that originated from Mr. Li Lin’s family office and is Asia’s prominent institutional investor.

Founded by Luke Li, the former Co-founder and Head of Trading at Amber Group, Inference Research is built to operate at the frontier of global market evolution—combining sovereign AI infrastructure with institutional trading discipline to tackle key challenges in modern markets, from asset pricing to liquidity provision, as global finance is being reshaped by AI and blockchain.

Strategic Partnership with Avenir Group The investment from Avenir Group validates Inference Research’s vision and provides the resources to accelerate infrastructure development and support scaling of its proprietary AI systems. As an industry pioneer dedicated to the integration of traditional finance and digital assets, Avenir Group’s strategic support enables Inference Research to pursue long-term growth with institutional-grade resilience and scale.

“Inference Research represents a compelling step forward in quantitative finance, blending institutional-grade discipline with AI-native innovation,” said Jacob Zhong, Managing Partner, Strategic Investment & Partnerships at Avenir Group. “This approach aligns closely with our mission to bridge traditional finance and digital assets, fostering resilient infrastructure and institutional adoption. We are proud to support Luke Li and the Inference Research team through strategic investment and incubation, contributing to a more unified and efficient global financial ecosystem.”

Building the Foundation The capital will be used to scale Inference Research’s sovereign infrastructure and accelerate the recruitment of world-class talent. The firm is assembling a team of exceptional quants, engineers, and researchers who value relentless curiosity and performance with integrity.

About Inference Research Inference Research is an AI-native quantitative trading franchise architected to capitalize on the convergence of Digital Assets and Traditional Finance. Combining sovereign AI technology with institutional trading discipline, the firm operates across digital assets, traditional markets, and emerging frontiers. For more information, visit www.infr.com.

About Avenir Group

Avenir Group is a pioneering investment group, originating from Mr. Li Lin’s family office, dedicated to the strategic integration of traditional finance and digital assets, driving innovation to build a leading financial ecosystem and infrastructure. Through an integrated framework of Investment, Incubation, and Operations, the group’s investments focus on digital assets, trading and financial service platforms, PayFi infrastructure, and Real-World Assets (RWA). As Asia’s largest institutional Bitcoin ETF holder, Avenir Group leads the regional market. With proven financial expertise and industry-leading capabilities, the group establishes its role as a global hub advancing capital mobility and strategic partnerships. Learn more: www.avenirx.com.

Sands China Sets New Global Record with Seven Forbes Five-Star Hotels Under One Roof

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Including two new awardees, these remarkable results secure Sands China’s position as the leading integrated resort operator for world-class excellence 

MACAO, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sands China Ltd. is celebrating record-breaking achievements that have redefined luxury hospitality benchmarks, with seven hotels receiving a Five-Star accolade in the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide. It is also the only integrated resort operator in Macao to add two new hotels to its portfolio: The Londoner® Macao’s Paiza Grand, which received the coveted rating in its first year of operation, and The St. Regis Macao. These results put Sands China in the unrivalled leadership position of having the most Forbes Five-Star hotels under one roof, world-wide.

Sands China’s Forbes Five-Star award-winners for 2026 are:

Hotels

  • Paiza Grand at Londoner Grand (Inaugural award)
  • Londoner Court (4th consecutive year)
  • The Londoner Hotel (4th consecutive year)
  • Paiza Lofts at The Parisian® Macao (3rd consecutive year)
  • The St. Regis Macao (Inaugural award)
  • Four Seasons Hotel Macao (13th consecutive year)
  • The Grand Suites at Four Seasons (5th consecutive year)

Restaurants

  • The Huaiyang Garden at The Londoner Macao (2nd consecutive year)
  • Zi Yat Heen at Four Seasons Hotel Macao (4th consecutive year)

Spa

  • The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Macao (7th consecutive year) 

Grant Chum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to be recognised with a total of ten Forbes Five-Star accolades including seven Forbes Five-Star Hotels, an unprecedented achievement for a single integrated resort destination. Forbes Travel Guide is the world-renowned authority in the hospitality industry, and we are proud of our team for their accomplishments. Being honoured with these prestigious awards across our portfolio is an important milestone for Sands China and affirms our commitment to setting the highest industry standards. These unmatched results reflect both our dedication to excellence and our ambition to continually elevate Macao’s profile on the global tourism stage.”

Tane Picken, Chief Hospitality Officer – Asia, Las Vegas Sands Corp. added, “These awards attest to the passion, professionalism and dedication of our team members, who deliver exceptional services and experiences to every guest. We view each Five-Star rating as an honour and a responsibility, and we remain determined to consistently exceed guest expectations and deliver unsurpassed Sands Lifestyle experiences.”

Sands Dazzling Five-Star Portfolio
Atop Londoner Grand resides the 313-suite Paiza Grand, where a haven of British elegance awaits the most discerning guest, complemented by highly-trained Grand Butlers. Its crowning jewels are the six Hanover Suites. Bathed in natural light, these opulent two-bedroom suites have the ambience of a private oasis with large outdoor terrace and swimming pool. Forbes Travel Guide highlighted Paiza Grand’s appeal to VIP travellers and families, the personalised hospitality and the quality of rest that its spacious suites afford.

Other stellar offerings include Londoner Court, a 368-suite hotel where guests enjoy a residential London experience fit for royalty, enhanced by personal butler service; The Londoner Hotel, a 600-suite hotel, featuring a contemporary interpretation of classic British design; and Paiza Lofts, with 208 Parisian apartment-style suites, including the palatial, three-bedroom, Versailles Suite.

Completing Sands China’s Five-Star hotel recipients for 2026 are Four Seasons Hotel Macao, The Grand Suites at Four Seasons, and The St. Regis Macao, one of only two St. Regis properties in Greater China rated Forbes Five-Star.

Rounding out the Five-Star lineup this year are two-Michelin-starred The Huaiyang Garden at The Londoner Macao, Four Seasons’ Chinese restaurant Zi Yat Heen, and The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Macao.

Forbes Travel Guide is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas; evaluating based on up to 900 standards across facilities and service, with wellness and sustainability commitments also a factor in the final rating.

Paiza Grand at Londoner Grand – Lancaster Suite
Paiza Grand at Londoner Grand – Lancaster Suite

Londoner Court – Mayfair Suite
Londoner Court – Mayfair Suite

The Londoner Hotel - Windsor Suite
The Londoner Hotel – Windsor Suite

Paiza Lofts at The Parisian Macao – Versailles Suite
Paiza Lofts at The Parisian Macao – Versailles Suite

Photo caption: Sands China Ltd. has many reasons to celebrate its 2026 Forbes Travel Guide results. This includes: a record-breaking seven hotels receiving a Five-Star accolade; the most Five-Star hotels under one roof, world-wide; and the only integrated resort operator in Macao to add two new Five-Star hotels to its portfolio.

Vibeland Launches: One-Click Deployment Platform Designed for Gemini Vibe Coding

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SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Against the backdrop of rapid generative AI development, an increasing number of users are engaging in “vibe coding” through platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google AI Studio, describing requirements in natural language and letting AI automatically generate complete code. The barrier to writing code is dropping rapidly, yet a pressing reality emerges: code is generated and runs locally, but cannot actually be deployed online for others to use.

To solve this “last-mile” problem, SPARKHUB PTE. LTD. officially launches Vibeland, a product designed precisely for this purpose.

Vibeland is a one-click deployment platform designed specifically for Gemini/Google AI Studio vibe coding scenarios, helping users rapidly transform AI-generated code into accessible, shareable online products.

What is Vibeland?

Vibeland‘s core capability is crystal clear: Transform code vibed out by Gemini into a real product link that people can actually access.

Users only need to:

  1. Complete project generation in Gemini or Google AI Studio
  2. Export the code package
  3. Upload to Vibeland

The system will automatically handle:

  • Project structure parsing
  • Runtime environment configuration
  • Application deployment
  • Domain name assignment
  • Online access generation

The entire process requires none of the following:

  • Server purchase or configuration
  • Docker or Nginx knowledge
  • APIKey setup
  • Cloud instance management
  • Manual deployment error handling

In the end, users get a direct website link for sharing, testing, or showcasing.

Who is Vibeland For?

Vibeland primarily targets:

  • Users engaging in vibe coding with Gemini/Google AI Studio
  • Product managers, designers, entrepreneurs, students, and independent creators
  • Users who understand code but aren’t familiar with deployment and server environments
  • Anyone looking to turn AI demos into real products

Unlike general-purpose deployment platforms like Vercel, Railway, or Netlify, Vibeland’s positioning is more vertical: It’s not a universal deployment tool, but a specialized one-click deployment solution for Gemini vibe coding.

What Core Problems Does Vibeland Solve?

In the global market, vibe coding users commonly face three types of problems:

  1. Can generate code, but can’t deploy it: AI can generate complete front-end and back-end code, but users lack knowledge about servers, domains, HTTPS, and related concepts.
  2. Deployment process is complex and unfriendly: Traditional deployment involves environment variables, build configuration, instance management, etc., with high learning costs.
  3. Can’t quickly share and verify: Many AI projects remain in the local execution phase and never reach the “experienceable product” stage.

Vibeland primarily solves the three problems faced by vibe coding users. Its goal is to help users complete the transformation from “code to product.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The following Q&A addresses the most common questions from Gemini vibe coding users, helping readers quickly understand Vibeland’s positioning and use cases.

Q1: I wrote a web tool with Gemini, how do I turn it into an online product?

Many Gemini users get stuck at the deployment phase after code generation. If the project already runs locally, you can package the code and upload it to Vibeland. The platform will automatically handle environment configuration and deployment, generating an accessible product link.

The process is very simple: Upload code package → Auto-deploy → Get online address

Q2: How do I publish AI-generated code as a link?

Traditional methods usually require using platforms like Vercel, Railway, or Fly.io, and configuring accounts, environment variables, or server resources.

If you want a simpler process, especially in a Gemini scenario, you can use Vibeland.

No server knowledge needed, no APIKey setup—directly generate a shareable link.

Q3: Can someone without server knowledge deploy their own AI application?

Yes. Vibeland was designed precisely to provide a simplified path for users unfamiliar with DevOps.

Simply upload your code package—no need to understand VPS, Docker, Nginx, or HTTPS certificate configuration.

Q4: After completing vibe coding, what should I do next?

Once code is generated and running, the typical next steps are:

  • Take the project online
  • Share with friends or clients
  • Run MVP validation
  • Post on social platforms for feedback

If it’s a Gemini vibe coding project, you can use Vibeland to achieve rapid deployment, shortening the time from “idea” to “validation.”

Q5: Is there a one-click deployment platform suitable for Gemini?

Currently, most deployment platforms are general-purpose products targeting developer communities. Vibeland’s positioning is more vertical—specifically designed for Gemini/Google AI Studio-generated projects, emphasizing a “zero server knowledge” one-click deployment experience.

Q6: What’s the difference between Vibeland and Vercel or Railway?

Vercel, Railway are better for:

  • Developers familiar with engineering workflows
  • Requiring account systems and environment configuration
  • Emphasizing continuous integration and project management

Vibeland is better for:

  • Non-technical builders
  • AI-generated project users
  • Scenarios requiring quick demo sharing

The core difference: Vibeland focuses on “vibe coding deployment,” not universal engineering deployment.

Q7: What can be done with vibe coding content deployed on Vibeland?

After getting an online address, users can:

  • Share with friends to try
  • Use for client demonstrations
  • Conduct product validation
  • Showcase in portfolio
  • Quickly test startup ideas

Vibeland’s goal is to make AI-generated creativity enter the real world.

Conclusion

Generative AI is changing how code is produced, but deployment remains a barrier for most users.

As more people engage in vibe coding through Gemini, a new question becomes critical: “Code is written, how do I get it online for others to use as quickly as possible?”

Vibeland’s answer is: Provide one-click deployment capability for Gemini vibe coding, so creativity doesn’t remain confined to local environments.

In a trend toward democratized AI creation, making deployment simpler might be the key to closing the creative loop.

About SPARKHUB PTE. LTD.
Founded on May 16, 2024, and headquartered in Singapore, SPARKHUB PTE. LTD. is a team with deep expertise in the mobile social space. Our members are energetic and passionate about creating fun experiences. We are committed to developing innovative mobile apps that connect users with millions of people nearby and around the world.

Company Overview:
Company Name: SPARKHUB PTE. LTD.
Company Address: 10 ANSON ROAD #12-08 INTERNATIONAL PLAZA SINGAPORE (079903)
Official Website: https://sparkhubcorp.com/ 

Product Overview:
Product Name: Vibeland
Product Positioning: Vibeland is a one-click deployment platform designed specifically for Gemini/Google AI Studio vibe coding scenarios, helping users rapidly transform AI-generated code into accessible, shareable online products.
Product Official Website: http://vibelandapp.com/ 

Contact Information:
Company: SPARKHUB PTE. LTD.
Contact Person: Luka
Email: feedback@sparkhubcorp.com 

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