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The Best of Laos: Must-Visit Spots According to Lonely Planet

Lao Tourism 2023 Highlights A Year of Recovery, Growth
FILE: Hot air balloons in Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province (photo: Asia Property Award)

Laos might not be the first name that comes to mind when planning a Southeast Asian adventure, but Lonely Planet’s latest roundup proves it’s a country brimming with hidden treasures.

Often overlooked, Laos offers a variety of natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. From ancient archaeological sites to peaceful river journeys, Lonely Planet’s latest list of the top ten places to visit highlighted some of the best spots to explore across Laos. According to the tourism magazine:

1. Luang Namtha: Ideal for adventures and outdoor activities. The Nam Ha National Protected Area provides opportunities for trekking, kayaking, and cultural experiences with local ethnic groups.

2. Vang Vieng: Known for its natural landscapes, Vang Vieng is perfect for tubing along the river, rock climbing, or taking in the views from a hot air balloon.

3. Plain of Jars: This archaeological site in Xieng Khouang features hundreds of large stone jars scattered across a plateau. Their origin remains a mystery, making it a fascinating place for history buffs.

Xieng Khouang Province to Lease Plain of Jars to Boost Tourism
Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos. (Photo: Remote Lands)

4. Phongsali: Located in northern Laos, Phongsali is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination. Here, tourists can enjoy mountain views and see traditional life among local ethnic groups. The area is also known for its tea plantations, making it a peaceful escape from more crowded spots.

5. Luang Prabang: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mix of traditional temples and colonial architecture.

6. The Mekong River: Tourists can experience local life and scenic views on a slow boat journey down the Mekong. The trip can be a relaxed way to see rural Laos and visit small riverside villages.

MRC Makes Strides to Promote Responsible Water Resources Management and Development
Mekong River in Laos’ Luang Prabang (photo: iStock)

7. Si Phan Don: Also known as the “Four Thousand Islands,” this area in southern Laos boasts a laid-back atmosphere and several local waterfalls.

8. Elephant Conservation Center: Located near Nam Tien Lake in Xayabouly Province, this center focuses on protecting Laos’ elephants. Visitors can learn about conservation efforts and observe the elephants in a natural setting.

Elephant Conservation Ongoing Priority for Wwf-Laos Following Devastating Deaths
Elephants in their natural habitat at the Elephant Conservation Center in Xayaboury. (Photo: ECC)

9. Nong Khiaw: A small town surrounded by mountains and the Nam Ou River. It’s a typical spot for hiking and kayaking while exploring local villages.

10. Vieng Xai: These caves, used as a refuge during the “Secret War,” offer a look into Laos’ wartime history. Touring the caves provides insight into this period and the challenges faced by those who lived there.

Lonely Planet’s list brings Laos into focus. Each listed location offers a unique experience, from adventure and relaxation to cultural discovery.

The National University of Singapore Postgraduate by Coursework Fair Returns in 2024, Offering a Wealth of Programmes and Expert Insights

The NUS Postgraduate by Coursework Fair 2024 showcases a diverse array of postgraduate coursework programmes featuring expert-led information sessions, interactive booths for in-person attendees, and exclusive incentives for prospective students.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2024 – The much-anticipated National University of Singapore Postgraduate by Coursework Fair 2024 (NUS PGCF 2024) returns, showcasing the various postgraduate programmes and opportunities offered by the University.

The National University of Singapore Postgraduate by Coursework Fair 2024 (NUS PGCF 2024) is back, and happening on 28 Sep 2024.
The National University of Singapore Postgraduate by Coursework Fair 2024 (NUS PGCF 2024) is back, and happening on 28 Sep 2024.

Scheduled to be held on 28th September at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, the fair offers prospective students the flexibility of attending either in-person or virtually through our comprehensive event portal. As a hallmark event in the academic calendar, NUS PGCF 2024 provides a seamless experience for participants, ensuring they can explore a wealth of postgraduate opportunities regardless of their location.

The theme of NUS PGCF 2024, “Shaping Your Future,” encapsulates the transformative potential of postgraduate education at the National University of Singapore. This event is a clarion call to prospective students, encouraging them to take proactive steps towards realising their academic and career aspirations. At the heart of this theme is the belief that the decisions made today can profoundly influence one’s future. The fair provides an invaluable platform for those considering postgraduate education to delve into the diverse programmes available at NUS and gain first-hand insights from experts in various fields.

Shaping a Future Through Advanced Learning

The NUS PGCF 2024 promises an enriching day filled with rich academic opportunities and networking, featuring a series of information sessions and booths onsite hosted by participating schools, faculties, colleges and institutes, designed to provide comprehensive insights into the University’s offerings. Attendees can expect:

  • Information Sessions
    The fair will host 12 information sessions, each focusing on distinct areas of study and research. These sessions are led by distinguished faculty members and industry experts who will offer in-depth discussions on programme specifics, potential career paths, and the unique advantages of studying at NUS. For instance, Ms Faith Yong from NUS Business School will delve into its various Master of Science (MSc) programmes, detailing how these courses are designed to prepare students for a dynamic business environment. Special sessions also feature Mr Benjamin Tey from the School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE), who will be discussing multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary MSc programmes offered through SCALE. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive real-time responses, making these sessions an invaluable resource for anyone considering postgraduate education.
  • Booths and Direct Engagement
    In addition to the information sessions, the fair will feature 12 booths representing various NUS Schools, Faculties, Colleges, and Institutes at the event. These booths provide a platform for in-person attendees to engage directly with programme consultants and faculty members, offering a personalised touch to the exploration of potential academic paths. This direct interaction allows prospective students to gain a deeper understanding of the curriculum, admissions processes, and the support available throughout their academic journey at NUS.

The fair will feature representatives from the following 13 NUS Schools/ Faculties/ Colleges/ Institutes:

  • College of Design and Engineering
  • Duke NUS Medical School
  • Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Law
  • Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
  • NUS Business School
  • NUS Graduate School
  • NUS-ISS
  • Risk Management Institute
  • Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
  • School of Computing
  • School of Continuing and Lifelong Education
  • Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

  • Exclusive Incentives and Lucky Draw
    Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents can benefit from the recently announced 40% tuition fee rebate for more than 80 Master’s Degree programmes. In addition, attendees who provide feedback on the event stand a chance to win Amazon vouchers.

The fair allows for prospective postgraduate students to discover the full range of programmes offered at one of the world’s top universities to gain valuable insights and make meaningful connections that can help shape their academic and professional futures.

Event Details
NUS Postgraduate by Coursework Fair 2024
Date: 28 September 2024, Saturday
Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
Venue: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

To register, please visit: https://www.gevme.com/site/NUS-PGCF-2024
Hashtag: #NUS

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

National University of Singapore

National University of Singapore (NUS) is Asia’s leading global university, renowned for excellence in education, research, and innovation. Established in 1905, NUS offers a diverse range of programmes across disciplines, blending rigorous academic theory with practical application. Our inclusive community fosters a rich exchange of ideas, preparing students for global challenges. NUS is a hub for cutting-edge research, addressing key issues from health to sustainability. Committed to holistic education and social responsibility, we empower students to become well-rounded leaders who contribute meaningfully to society.

Interactive Gaming Company, INMERS, Reveals Managers Increasingly Turn to Escape Rooms for Team Building


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2024 – Leading by fear has taken on an entirely new meaning in the age of immersive experiences and active gaming.

Introducing escape rooms, a game where participants attempt to break out of locked rooms by finding clues and solving puzzles. First originating in Japan in 2007, the concept has gained traction over the past decade—and now has over 50,000 rooms worldwide.

INMERS is one such provider of escape rooms in Singapore. Unlike conventional escape rooms, the newly opened interactive gaming facility integrates China’s advanced technology to distinguish its gameplay.

“Imagine guiding players through a virtual landscape where every step is an adventure, where agility, strategy and teamwork are the keys to triumph,” says Jia Wei, founder of INMERS. “What we offer isn’t just games, it’s a captivating digital phenomenon that’s redefining indoor entertainment.”

The idea of sharing a thrill sounds like an activity reserved for friends and family. But this view is changing, according to Jia Wei. More and more corporate brands are starting to explore escape rooms as a modern team building activity.

Records over the past 6 months show that 50% of escape room bookings were made to function team building events. Escape room sessions are popular not only because they are exhilarating, but also because they are short and intense—a package perfect for desk-bound workers at busy, thriving organisations.

“It’s a lot packed into a short duration. It’s an indoor sport that allows team members to play and management to observe them from a different perspective,” Jiawei, director of INMERS says. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

More than fun and games, some out-of-the-box employers view escape rooms as an alternative means of discovering and honing leadership talent. Imperative to workplace success, both critical thinking and problem solving are just some skills that can be fostered through escape rooms.

These rooms are designed for up to eight players and balance leadership and collaborative opportunities. Moreover, the shared experience of embarking on an adventure and overcoming challenges together creates lasting memories.

Experts in the field believe that social bonding activities like this trigger the release of hormones linked to long-term memories. Interestingly, such emotions are also responsible for stronger group cohesion.

INMERS wastes no time in acting on these observations. Apart from the locked room experience, which includes captivating storylines, mind-boggling puzzles and carefully planted clues, the immersive “5D” escape room also employs theatrical elements such as non-player characters (NPCs) and proprietary special effects.

Their reservations peaked at an all-time high in end-2023 as corporate firms scrambled for unique team building events before the year came to a close. Asian horror-themed escape rooms, alongside their first-in-Singapore Floor is Lava room, are among hot-selling activities to celebrate organisational achievements and boost employee morale.

In response to the surge in demand, INMERS has announced franchise opportunities for all to be a part of this exciting revolution. The open invitation extends to businesses looking to pack maximum action into a minimal 100m2 space—whether it’s in shopping centres, entertainment complexes or others.

“Players sign up for a scary escape room, only to leave with a smile on their faces,” says Jia Wei. “There’s something paradoxical but fulfilling about being able to witness that.”

Hashtag: #inmersplay #floorislava #escaperoomsingapore




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

INMERS

INMERS is one of the newest interactive gaming facilities offering thematic 5D escape rooms with NPCs and binaural audio technology. Located in ORTO West Coast, the brand is also home to the first-ever laser Floor is Lava experience in Singapore. Participate in adrenaline-pumping activities that blur the line between fantasy and reality at INMERS, where fun is made for friends, family, colleagues and more.

Music injects vitality to Guanshanhu District, southwest China’s Guizhou Province


GUIYANG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2024 – Guanshanhu is a modern urban area in the capital city of Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. It integrates ecology, culture and economy, and boasts rich tourism resources and powerful urban functions.

Music Festival held in Guanshanhu District, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
Music Festival held in Guanshanhu District, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China

In recent years, Guanshanhu, one of the core urban districts of Guiyang, has been committed to injecting new vitality to its development, with music as its IP to improve openness, vitality, and the market activity level. British Vlogger Jason Lightfoot expressed his excitement on YouTube after taking a tour to China’s Guanshanhu District. “There’s just music, art, culture all over the city, everywhere you look!”. As well as the festival’s music and artists, Lightfoot praised the cities pubic transport and infrastructure saying in the video that “it’s just on another level”.

“In Guiyang, I went to the concerts of my favourite singers Zhou Shen and JJ, attended the music festival that invited foreign singers like Faouzia Ouihya and Ari Abdul, as well as Chinese singers like Chen Chusheng, Xu Wei, Wang Sulong, Wei Chen, Ma Siwei…… All of my favourite singers have come to Guiyang. I gained a lot in Guiyang,” said a tourist Xiaotian on the popular social media platform Douyin.

Another tourist left a message under Xiaotian’s post, “Come to Guanshanhu, where there are more interesting entertainment activities.”

During Lightfoot’s trip to Guanshanhu, he enjoyed the music, the festival and watching different artists, having a good time there. Besides, he took the subway to hang around and visited a market. “China’s public transport and infrastructure is just on another level,” he said in the video.

With music as its core, Guanshanhu is aimed at using its own resources of famous music festivals and well-known singers’ performance, to boost music plus economy. Taking seasonal changes and traditional festivals into consideration, it invites bar bands, street performers and music enthusiasts into the flower fields, the parks and the roadside. The district held concerts on different spaces and with different topics, with natural stages and humanistic arts, Guanshanhu resorts to music to light up a beautiful life and a more artistic city.

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

Beijing E-Town Accelerates the Construction of a National Robotics Industry Innovation Hub

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2024 – Recently, at the press conference for the 2024 World Robot Conference (WRC 2024), it was announced that Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA or Beijing E-Town) will focus on key segments of the industrial chain, intensify efforts in tackling critical technologies, implement 50 demonstration projects for application scenarios, launch a series of “Robotics+” application demonstrations, expand typical application scenarios, and accelerate the construction of a national robotics industry innovation hub.

“Technological breakthroughs are the driving force of industrial development,” said Wang Lei, a member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of BDA. Beijing E-Town is committed to supporting critical technological advancements, focusing on key segments of the robotics industry chain. It supports eco-friendly enterprises in collaborating with universities and research institutes to establish common technology platforms, enhancing the platforms’ capabilities in common technology research and application services. Additionally, Beijing E-Town supports upstream and downstream enterprises in the industrial chain in jointly tackling product challenges and building production lines, fostering simultaneous growth in various types of robots, including those for healthcare, special purposes, and logistics.

Particularly in the field of humanoid robots, E-Town is leveraging the leadership role of the “One Center”—the Embodied Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center—to establish a high-level innovation center. This center is supported in its collaboration with major research institutions and upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry chain, driving key technological breakthroughs in areas such as humanoid robot prototypes, general-purpose humanoid robot models, motion control systems, toolchains, open-source operating systems, and developer communities. In April of this year, the center released “Tiangong,” a self-developed general-purpose humanoid robot platform, and achieved the world’s first anthropomorphic running by a full-size, all-electric humanoid robot.

Wang Lei further explained that E-Town is focusing on expanding typical application scenarios, enabling the orderly deployment of robots across various industries and fields. It will implement 50 demonstration projects for application scenarios, launch a series of “Robotics+” application demonstrations, and accelerate the formation of iconic scenarios, services, models, and formats. This will drive the specific demonstration and application of robots in intelligent manufacturing, education, training, healthcare, elderly care, and safety emergency response scenarios.

Previously, E-Town released a plan to build a city-wide artificial intelligence hub, according to which it will launch the construction of ten benchmark application scenarios including “AI + Healthcare,” “AI + Transportation,” and “AI + Humanoid Robots,” and promote the incubation, city-wide application, and comprehensive empowerment of AI technologies.

Moreover, E-Town will also focus on promoting industrial clustering and strengthening the guarantee of key elements. “We are elevating the level of ‘One Park’ by leveraging the 250,000-square-meter E-Town Robotics Industrial Park to host key projects in the robotics field, attracting upstream and downstream ‘Robotics+’ enterprises to settle,” Wang Lei said. Additionally, E-Town will activate the roles of “One Fund,” “One Group of Platforms,” and “One Cluster of Talents,” such as establishing a 10-billion-yuan government-guided investment fund to support the continued development of robotics enterprises. The BDA will also establish high-level innovation platforms, and fully utilize urban renewal spaces and vacant industrial land to create a robotics industry expansion zone and meet the needs of large-scale production. Furthermore, E-Town will cultivate high-level industry talents, support leading robotics enterprises in enhancing industry-education integration, and enhance the training of highly skilled robotics talents.

Through a series of strategic deployments, E-Town is now home to over a hundred robotics ecosystem enterprises, half of which are specialized and innovative enterprises. It has attracted leading humanoid robot companies such as Ubtech and key robotics component companies like SMC, with a production scale nearing 10 billion yuan, accounting for about half of the city’s robotics industry. This has essentially formed a full robotics industry chain covering chips, operating systems, core components, complete machines, and application scenarios. “We will accelerate the construction of a domestically leading and internationally advanced robotics industry cluster, creating a ‘Beijing model’ for the innovation and development of the robotics industry,” Wang Lei stated.

Hashtag: #BeijingE-Town

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

Avenir Group Becomes Top Institutional Holder of Two Major Bitcoin ETFs in Asia Bitcoin ETF Holdings Totaled US$384 Million in Q2


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2024 – Avenir Group, a global institutional family office focused on multi-strategy investment trading powered by financial technology (FinTech), has become the largest institutional holder of two major Bitcoin exchange traded-funds (ETFs) in Asia in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024. According to its 13-F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 2 August this year, Avenir Group’s cumulative investment in two Bitcoin ETFs amounted to approximately US$384 million, demonstrating its extensive and dedicated investment in emerging technologies, as well as its expertise and strong deployment in the crypto asset space.

Avenir Group Becomes Top Institutional Holder of Two Major Bitcoin ETFs in Asia Bitcoin ETF Holdings Totaled US$384 Million in Q2

According to the data released, Avenir Group holds a total of 3.847 million shares of the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), with an approximate market value of US$202 million, as well as 5.319 million shares of the BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), with an approximate market value of US$182 million.

Jason Lan, Chief Executive Officer of Avenir Crypto Business, commented, “We are optimistic about the long-term prospects of bitcoin and other crypto assets. As the U.S. enters a rate-cutting cycle and regulatory frameworks become clearer, it is expected that mainstream institutions will increase their presence in the crypto asset space, attracting more investors to enter the market quickly and share the benefits of its growth. This will further deepen the integration of blockchain with the traditional financial system. Avenir Group will continue to improve its risk management of crypto asset investments and expand the depth and breadth of its investment products through continuous investment and research, so as to better tap into and expand overseas markets and go global.”

Founded by Mr. Li Lin in 2023, Avenir Group is a pioneering institutional family office and investment management group dedicated to building an innovative, diversified and robust investment platform and ecosystem. Through the integration of financial technology, technology-driven investment methodologies in today’s digital assets and traditional financial systems, Avenir Group envisions to empower the industry by providing and developing more accurate investment strategies and better risk management capabilities. Avenir Group makes multi-strategy investments in the global marketplace, including public market investments, private equity and venture capital investments, in the traditional financial and digital asset sector. Avenir Group strives to maintain a leading position in the industry with deep insights and excellence in the Web3 and crypto asset space.

Public data from 13-F filings by major institutions reveal a growing enthusiasm for Bitcoin ETFs among mainstream financial institutions and pension funds in Q2. According to industry analysis, Bitcoin ETFs saw a 27% jump in acceptance by institutional investors in Q2 of 2024, bringing the total number of professional bodies holding these ETFs to more than 1,000. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley together purchased over US$600 million of spot bitcoin ETFs in Q2, while pension funds also accelerated their participation, with the State of Michigan Retirement System purchasing US$6.6 million of spot bitcoin ETFs in Q2. Furthermore, a significant number of advisory firms, family offices, and select institutional investors are joining the race. The continued increase in Bitcoin ETF holdings by mainstream financial institutions and pension funds reflects the further integration of the emerging digital asset market with the traditional financial market, which will have a profound impact on the long-term development of the Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency market. Avenir Group is capitalizing on these new market opportunities by leveraging its investment expertise in blending the new with the traditional.

Hashtag: #AvenirGroup

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

About Avenir Group

Founded by Mr. Li Lin and inspired by the French word for “a better future,” Avenir Group is a pioneering institutional family office and investment management group dedicated to investing in emerging technologies through the financial technology innovation. With a global footprint in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, Avenir Group engages in an extensive range of multi-asset class, multi-strategy investments, including cryptocurrency trading, quantitative trading, public market investments, private equity, and venture capital in both traditional financial and digital asset sectors. Avenir Group strives to maintain a leading position in the industry with deep insights and excellence in the Web3 and crypto asset space.

Hong Kong Successfully Bids for the “Lions Clubs International Convention 2026” will attract a large number of visitors, expected to boost the local economy and promote intellectual exchange among international cities and GBA cities


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2024 – Hong Kong, as a leading international metropolitan city in Asia, has stood out among numerous candidate cities and been elected as the host city for the “Lions Clubs International Convention 2026.” This successful bid signifies Hong Kong’s high international reputation, with its outstanding attractions in transportation infrastructure, legal system, personal safety, and tourism facilities. As the coordinating body, Lions Clubs International, District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China will actively prepare over the next two years to welcome Lions and companions from around the world, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique charm as an international metropolis.

Group photo

“Lions Clubs International Convention” attracts a significant number of Lions and their families to the host city, directly stimulating local economic activities. Simultaneously, it promotes the spirit of “We Serve,” fostering a more harmonious society. Past host cities for the convention include Montreal, Canada; Milan, Italy; Fukuoka, Japan and Melbourne, Australia, among others.

Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages and convenient transportation links with cities in the Greater Bay Area, it is believed that aside from the five-day convention and events, many visiting tourists will seize the opportunity to explore nearby cities and gain deeper insights into their development.

One of the most anticipated events at the “Lions Clubs International Convention” is the grand parade, where Lions from around the world showcase local cultures in the city. In the past two conventions held in Hong Kong in 1992 and 2005, the city center was chosen for the parades, with enthusiastic participation from the citizens, making it a major event in Hong Kong.

Dr. Tam Wing-kun BBS MBE JP, Honorary Chairman, LCIcon2026 cum Past International President, Lions International: Hong Kong as a vital international hub can effectively connect exchanges worldwide

Dr. Tam Wing-kun, as the first and only Chinese former president of the Lions International, dedicated his life to promoting the spirit of “We Serve” to various parts of the world, especially mainland China. During his tenure, he actively promoted environmental awareness, encouraging Lions members globally to plant trees, resulting in the planting of seventeen million trees worldwide within a year. Dr. Tam also strongly advocated for the “Vision First China Action,” which to date has treated 5.2 million cataract patients domestically, assisted in eliminating blinding trachoma within the country, and trained over fifty thousand medical personnel across the nation, ensuring that knowledge and services are implemented in every corner of the motherland. Dr. Tam also devoted efforts to establish Lions Club organizations domestically, with over thirty-five thousand Lions Club members in China currently.

He stated, “Hong Kong is one of the very few among over 200 member countries and geographical areas that have had the opportunity to host the Lions International Convention three times. Hosting such conventions can bring various economic benefits to the host city. Due to the highly praised International Conventions held in Hong Kong in 1992 and 2005, the global Lions Club community holds Hong Kong in high regard. Hong Kong’s reputation as an international city, its conference facilities, its comprehensive international and local transportation networks, and its accommodations have received high praise from the Council, leading to its victory over other contenders. This reflects the advantages of Hong Kong’s exhibition industry and once again affirms the world’s recognition of Hong Kong as an outstanding international city. It also shows the proactive response of Lions International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China to the government’s call for important conference and exhibition events to be held in Hong Kong.”

Dr. Tam actively participated in hosting the Lions Club International Convention in Hong Kong in 1992, 2005, and 2026, leveraging the city’s strengths and the efforts of District 303 Lions Club members, ensuring the success of the convention.”

Caption

Lion Sammy Shum, District Governor, Lions Clubs International District 303, Hong Kong and Macao, China: Showcasing the advantages of Hong Kong as the “City of Mega Events,” aiming to solidify Hong Kong’s status as an “International Metropolis”

Lion Sammy and his team dedicated substantial time during the bidding process to present Hong Kong’s advantages to the Lions Clubs International Board, ultimately succeeding among six candidate cities to host the “Lions Clubs International Convention 2026.” Reflecting on this experience, he stated, “Lions Clubs, as the world’s largest service organizations, always prioritize local societal needs. District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China has been rooted in Hong Kong for around 70 years, with keen attention to the city’s livelihood and economy. This successful bid aligns with the SAR government’s efforts to enhance coordination of mega events, promoting a wider array of events in various themes and forms in Hong Kong, which is the primary reason for our bid for hosting the Lions Clubs International Convention this time.” He anticipates that the “Lions Clubs International Convention 2026” can attract over 20,000 overseas visitors, conservatively estimating to generate over HK$400 million in direct income for Hong Kong, and hopes to enhance external promotion of Hong Kong’s social stability and prosperity.

Dr. Pang Yiu-kai GBS JP, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board :700,000 recorded for overnight MICE arrival in the first half year

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will fully support the event being held in Hong Kong. Dr. Pang Yiu-kai stated that the HKTB has been actively bidding for and facilitating the hosting of large-scale international Meetings, Incentive trips, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) events. He mentioned that in the first half of this year, Hong Kong recorded 700,000 overnight MICE arrivals, equivalent to 80% of the level in the same period in 2018, making it the fastest recovering segment. The average expenditure per person is around HK$8,000, which is about 20-30% higher than the overall tourists. As of today, the HKTB has successfully bid for and facilitated over sixty large-scale international business events in Hong Kong to be staged this year through 2026, with an expected total attendance of at least 220,000 people, including at least 180,000 visitors from mainland China and overseas.

Dr. Pang emphasized, “Hong Kong has significant advantages in MICEtourism, with its unique geographical location, well-developed infrastructure, and comprehensive professional services, which will undoubtedly attract more world-class business events to be staged in Hong Kong and provide enriching experiences for tourists.” Dr. Pang calls on Lions and companions from around the world to come to Hong Kong to participate in this conference, experience the joy of traveling in Hong Kong, and witness the warm hospitality of its citizens, taking the opportunity to showcase the charm of Hong Kong to the world.

Mrs. Gianna Hsu, Chairman, Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong:

“Learning that Hong Kong has successfully secured the hosting rights for the 108th Lions International Convention, as a Lion and a member of the tourism industry, I am 200% excited. It is truly inspiring and something to look forward to! I believe that the five-day convention in 2026 will showcase Hong Kong’s unique advantages and charm to participants from around the world. It will effectively boost the development of industries such as hotels, tourism, exhibitions, dining, and retail, creating economic benefits. It is understood that the convention held in 2005 generated over 100 million HKD in consumer spending. Travel agencies play a significant role in the industry’s development, especially in actively exploring local rich tourism resources and developing diverse tourism products post-pandemic, continually enhancing service quality. This ensures that every visitor to Hong Kong experiences the spirit of “Hong Kong, a place where everywhere is for travel, and everyone is hospitable, as mentioned by the Chief Executive, turning popularity into prosperity.”

Mr. Caspar Tsui, Executive Director, The Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners

At today’s briefing, seeing the entire tourism industry personally attending to show their support indicates that the industry greatly values the Lions Club’s successful bid to host the 2026 International Convention. This is an absolutely significant event for Hong Kong. The biggest challenge is to invite friends from around the world to come to Hong Kong in person to experience and share the wonderful stories of Hong Kong. Many friends who have recently visited Hong Kong have mentioned that it is currently very enjoyable and safe, with many new attractions and exhibitions. Through the participation of travelers in exhibitions and events, the focus lies on showcasing the authentic experiences of Hong Kong. It is hoped that the organizers, the Tourism Board, the government, and the industry can work together to prepare and promote this event, showcasing the beautiful side of Hong Kong to friends from all around the world.

Mr. Freddy Yip MH, Chairman, Hong Kong Travel Agent Owners Association:

The Hong Kong Government, together with the industry, is working hard to attract global airlines to resume flights to Hong Kong after the pandemic. The Hong Kong Tourism Board is stepping up its efforts to promote Hong Kong, and the government is organizing many events to attract tourists, hoping to revitalize the economy. This time, we have successfully secured the hosting of the Lions Clubs International Convention in Hong Kong in July 2026, attracting tens of thousands of Lions Club members from around the world to attend the event. We in the industry are very much looking forward to participating in this large-scale event and convention hosted by the Lions Clubs.

Angela Sau-Ling, Yuen, Convener of the briefing session and Second Vice District Governor Lions International District 303 Hong Kong Macao, China: The five-day conference will require a significant number of hotel accommodations and dining facilities. We hope that various industries provide the necessary support.

The preparations for the “Lions Clubs International Convention 2026” are in full swing, as announced by Angela Sau-Ling Yuen, Second Vice District Governor. “The five-day conference is tentatively set to take place at the AsiaWorld-Expo. Based on past statistics, approximately 60% of participant come from Europe, America, Australia, and other regions, while 40% come from Asian countries. The days before and after the conference will likely see a peak in travel to nearby cities. During the conference, we will need to reserve a minimum of 6,000 to 8,000 rooms per night, spread across over 30 hotels. There will be a large-scale parade with around 20,000 Lions members participating. Approval from the police department will be required for the parade route, which we hope will take place in Tsim Sha Tsui or Wan Chai. We are currently discussing the parade route with consulting companies, and substantial railway and road transportation support will be needed on the day of the parade. Discussions with the MTR and bus companies for further arrangements will also follow.”

She urges collaboration with various sectors including tourism, retail, and food and beverage industries to make appropriate arrangements during the conference. Regarding the need for a large number of volunteers at the time, she continued, “We have reached agreements with several higher education institutions with tourism-related departments, including Thei and Chu Hai College. Students will be involved in the work, and we are in discussions with other educational institutions for volunteer arrangements. We hope to promote prosperity for Hong Kong, as well as bring more care and love to the community!”

Ms. Enid Low, Chief Strategy Officer: AsiaWorld-Expo:

AsiaWorld-Expo has always been a preferred venue for numerous international large-scale events. We are committed to providing top-notch venue facilities and excellent services. The venue has undergone extensive facility upgrades in recent years, covering exhibition halls, meeting rooms, and public spaces. The majority of the construction projects have been completed this year, and we hope to bring everyone a refreshing and state-of-the-art intelligent experience.

Hong Kong is a hub for the international exhibition industry, possessing a unique blend of Eastern and Western city charm, with unquestionable tourism reception capabilities. AsiaWorld-Expo is close to the airport, reaching half of the global population within a five-hour radius. Adjacent to the venue is the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and it houses an Airport Express station, allowing easy travel between the Greater Bay Area and the city center of Hong Kong. We believe this will provide Lions Club members with the most comfortable and convenient journey. AsiaWorld-Expo eagerly looks forward to offering a fantastic and extraordinary exhibition experience for Lions Club members worldwide.

Hashtag: #LionsClubs

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About Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China

Lions Clubs International was established in Chicago, USA in 1917 and is spread across over 208 countries and regions. The first Lions Club in Hong Kong was founded in 1955, with several clubs subsequently established. In 1960, Lions Clubs International approved the establishment of the “Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China.” There are a total of 123 clubs in Hong Kong and Macao, providing social and charitable services in various regions and areas. Currently, District 303 has over 3,500 members. The Lions Clubs is also recognized by the Chinese government as one of the international charitable service organizations.

The services provided by District 303 are diverse. In the field of education, they have established the “Lions Club Chiang Tsui King Secondary School,” “Lions Club Ho Tak Sum Primary School,” “Lions Club Sister School Program,” “Community Youth Club,” “Lions Club Music Fund,” and “Lions Club Anti-Drug Fund.” In terms of environmental protection, we established “Lions Club Nature Education Center.” In youth services, some examples are “Hong Kong Macao Youth Lions Fund,” “Lions Club Hong Kong Macao Leo Fund,” “Lions Club International Youth Camp and Exchange” “Tseung Kwan O Lions Club Youth Camp,” “Lions Club Lam Tsuen Youth Recreation Center,” and “International Peace Poster Design Competition.” In the field of medical service, we work in “Lions Club Kidney Disease Education Center and Research Fund,” “Hong Kong Lions Club Eye Bank,” “Deaf Center,” “Challenging Diabetes and AIDS Awareness Campaign,” “Lions Club and Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Charity Fund,” “Lions International Osteoporosis Education and Research Fund,” “Lions Club Community Service Fund,” and “Lions Club Youth Innovation Fund.” We continue to effectively support various service developments in Hong Kong, expand multi-district Lions Club activity centers, and serve both Hong Kong and Macao.

Hong Kong Wins 2026 Lions International Convention

Energises 20,000 Attendees with City’s Unique Charms


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2024 – Hong Kong has secured the hosting right of the prestigious Lions International Convention in 2026, one of the world’s largest service club events. With an estimated 20,000 attendees from over the globe expected to descend upon the city, this annual gathering of Lions Clubs International members promises to be a truly global and significant event.

Hong Kong Wins 2026 Lions International Convention

The 2026 Lions International Convention will be held in July 2026, at the AsiaWorld-Expo, strategically located next to the Hong Kong International Airport, the venue will provide a first-class and seamless connectivity for Lions community activities and an extensive convention programme.

Hong Kong has twice been the host city for the Lions International Convention in 1992 and 2005. This massive win marks the triumphant return of one of the biggest conventions and the event also underlines Hong Kong’s excellent ability to host large-scale international events and reinforces its position as a leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) destination in the region.

“Hong Kong is ready to roar with excitement as we support the Lions Clubs International District 303 to host the 2026 Lions International Convention,” said Dr. PANG Yiu-kai, GBS, JP, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), which is one of the supporting organisations of the event. “This event aligns with our mission to grow the MICE sector and bring the world’s most prestigious events to our vibrant city and drive social and economic benefits for Hong Kong. We can’t wait to welcome the members of the Clubs to our city once again with much new attractions and excitements developed in the past and coming years.”

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service organisation, with more than 1.4 million members in more than 48,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographic areas around the globe, where members benefit their communities through social and humanitarian services.

“We’re thrilled to host 2026 Lions International Convention in Hong Kong. The city’s diverse culture and dynamic energy will fuel ‘Lionism’ by providing a robust platform for members from around the world to come together and interact with each other as they enjoy making a difference in their communities,” said Mr. Sammy Shum, District Governor, Lions Clubs International District 303.

During their stay in Hong Kong, convention guests will be treated to a dazzling array of experiences that demonstrate the city’s diverse charms. Hong Kong’s infectious energy and warm hospitality will leave a lasting impression on all the Lions Clubs International members in attendance.

Hong Kong Wins 2026 Lions International Convention

Hashtag: #MEHK #MeetingsandExhibitionsHongKong #events #TheWorldsMeetingPlace #conference #HongKong #InternationalMeeting #InternationalConference #BusinessEvents #Conferences #LCICON #LionsInternationalConvention2026 #LionsClubInternational

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