–  The NBA China Games 2026 Presented By Taobao 88VIP Will Feature the Mavericks and Rockets Playing Preseason Games on Oct. 9 and 11 at The Venetian Arena –

MACAU, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Sands China Ltd. (Sands) today announced that The NBA China Games 2026 presented by Taobao 88VIP will feature the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets playing preseason games on Friday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 11 at The Venetian Arena in Macao.

In addition to the two games, the NBA and Sands will host interactive fan events including NBA House and NBA Fan Day presented by Alibaba Cloud, youth basketball clinics, and a Community Impact Week hosted by NBA Cares and Sands Cares featuring social impact programming focused on health, wellness and sustainability.

The NBA China Games 2026 will reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media.  In addition to Presenting Partner Taobao 88VIP, the games and surrounding events will be supported by a roster of marketing partners, including Alibaba Cloud, Ant International, Amazon Web Services, Gatorade, Mengniu Group, Nike, and Tissot.  Sands China, the Official Integrated Resort Partner of NBA China, serves as the Official Promoter of the games.

Information about ticket sales and the fan, youth and community events will be announced at a later date.

Executive Quotes:

NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum:

“The games in Macao earlier this season showed how much passion and enthusiasm there is for the NBA among fans in China and across Asia.  We look forward to welcoming the Mavericks and Rockets to Macao and to once again engaging fans, aspiring players and the local community through the games and surrounding events.”

Sands China Ltd. President and Chief Executive Officer Grant Chum:

“Riding on the outstanding success of The NBA China Games 2025 last October, I am excited about the programme we are planning for The NBA China Games 2026 showcasing the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets.  We are confident and ready to welcome the teams, players, legends and fans from around the world to Macao for another amazing NBA week filled with unforgettable experiences of sports, entertainment and community.”

Dallas Mavericks Governor and President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp Patrick Dumont:

“It is a tremendous honor for Sands to host the games at The Venetian Arena next fall.  I could not be prouder of having the Mavericks come to Macao and have the team experience the incredible hospitality that Sands properties provide.  The success of The NBA China Games 2025 demonstrated the strength of the NBA in creating fan engagement and exciting experiences around the globe.  The NBA China Games 2026 will be another great opportunity to showcase the league, its world-class athletes and the excitement it brings.  I want to thank Commissioner Adam Silver and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum for their leadership and the Houston Rockets organization for their strong support of The NBA China Games 2026.”

Houston Rockets Alternate Governor Patrick Fertitta:

“The Houston Rockets are an iconic brand with support around the globe, and we are honored to be selected alongside the Dallas Mavericks to bring a Texas-sized matchup to Macao as part of The NBA China Games 2026.  Since drafting Hall of Famer Yao Ming first overall in 2002, we have received overwhelming love from the passionate basketball fans of China and built several cherished memories playing overseas.  We are excited to have another opportunity to represent the NBA abroad and showcase our team in front of the fans in Macao next preseason.”

BRUSSELS, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Radisson Hotel Group proudly unveils Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok, a stunning reinvention of one of the city’s most storied landmarks. Nestled in the prestigious Ploen Chit district, the hotel blends timeless European elegance with modern sophistication, offering 178 stylish rooms, three dining destinations and versatile event spaces for an elevated Bangkok experience.

A Modern Classic Reimagined

For over 30 years, the Chateau de Bangkok has stood as an iconic property in Soi Ruamrudee. Now relaunched under the Radisson brand, the hotel has been thoughtfully redesigned to meet the needs of today’s business and leisure travelers, while retaining the timeless character and charm that made it a city favorite.

Comfort and Convenience in the Heart of Bangkok

The hotel’s 178 spacious guest rooms and suites are designed with elegant interiors and modern amenities, many offering panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline. Suites with kitchenettes provide added convenience for long-stay guests, while the hotel’s pet-friendly policy ensures an inclusive experience for travelers with companions.

Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, says: “Thailand is one of our key markets in Southeast Asia, and we are delighted to strengthen our portfolio with the opening of Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok. This property has a special legacy in the city, and its reintroduction under the Radisson brand reflects both our growth ambitions and our commitment to creating memorable stays for our guests.”

Dining and Lifestyle Experiences

Guests can start the day at Larder & Lounge, a chic café serving artisanal coffee and locally inspired bites or indulge in refined Thai-French fusion at Château Botanique. As night falls, guests can sip handcrafted cocktails and enjoy light refreshments at View Pool Bar on the 12th floor, while soaking in panoramic city views from the rooftop oasis.

Wellness also takes center stage on the 12th floor. Guests can work out in the fully equipped fitness center, recharge in the serene spa room, or cool off with a swim in the outdoor pool while taking in panoramic city vistas.

Meetings and Events

With three versatile venues, the hotel is an ideal location for both corporate and social gatherings. The Crystal Lotus Hall accommodates up to 250 guests, while the Ploenchit meeting room and Ruamrudee boardroom offer more intimate spaces, all equipped with the latest audiovisual technology and supported by a dedicated events team.

Jean Pascal Bernet, General Manager, Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome guests back to the Chateau, now part of Radisson Hotel Group. Our team looks forward to delivering the personalized service and warm hospitality that this property has been known for, while offering a refreshed experience that reflects the energy of modern Bangkok.”

Discover Bangkok

Bangkok is a city that never stands still, vibrant, colorful, and endlessly captivating. Guests can wander through lively street markets, sample authentic Thai street food, or take in the city’s rich cultural heritage at temples and palaces. For those seeking modern thrills, luxury shopping malls, rooftop bars, and buzzing nightlife are around the corner. From dawn to dusk, Bangkok blends tradition with trendsetting energy, making every visit unforgettable.

The hotel is a 40-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and 30 minutes from Don Mueang International Airport. Its central location offers easy access to major transport hubs, top shopping and dining destinations, key business districts, and diplomatic offices. The BTS Skytrain Ploenchit station is 400 meters from the hotel, making the city’s highlights conveniently within reach.

Exclusive Opening Offer

To mark the opening, Radisson Rewards members will enjoy double points on stays, complimentary early check-in and late check-out, free upgrades (subject to availability), and a THB 500 dining credit per stay.

For more information or to book a stay, click here. 

For high resolution pictures, click here. 

ABOUT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP 

Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,580 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. 

The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.  

Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 25 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. 

Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.  

At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. 

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. 

For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on: 

LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X 

ABOUT RADISSON 

Radisson is an upscale hotel brand that offers Scandinavian-inspired hospitality that enables guests to find more harmony in their travel experience. With natural surroundings and unexpected delights, Radisson inspires the art of being in the moment, helping guests to find the right balance for their stay, switch off and relax. Radisson hotels can be found in leisure destinations, suburban and city settings, and near airports. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards. 

Radisson is part of the Radisson family of brands, which includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels. 

For reservations and more information, visit our website. Or connect with Radisson on: 

LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X 

Samsung begins its CES 2026 Tech Forums by convening leaders in smart home interoperability for an industry-defining discussion

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today convened leaders across industries in to discuss the importance of smart home interoperability in the first of its Tech Forum panels at CES 2026 at The Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the session, titled “When Everything Clicks: How Open Ecosystems Deliver Impactful AI,” experts discussed how cross-industry partnerships are transforming connected homes into intelligent environments that feel seamless, safe and genuinely supportive of people’s lives.

Samsung Highlights How Open Ecosystems Unlock the Real Promise of Home AI at CES 2026

Openness as the Foundation of Home AI

The panelists agreed that the next era of home intelligence must be built on open collaboration, not closed ecosystems. As homes increasingly rely on devices and services from many brands and industries, openness enables AI systems to work together in ways that create real-world impact. Samsung shared its belief that open connectivity allows appliances, energy systems, safety services and partners across industries to deliver experiences that would be impossible in siloed environments.

“Home is the most personal place in our lives, so home AI must earn trust — quietly, respectfully, and with value users can feel,” said Yoonho Choi, President & Chair of the Board of the Home Connectivity Alliance and Head of Strategic Alliances at Samsung Electronics. “That requires interoperability across brands, so the home works as one system instead of disconnected features. Through cooperation with HCA and across industries, we’re turning openness into outcomes: safer homes, simpler routines and measurable savings — built on consent and transparency.”

Powering the World’s Largest Connected Home Ecosystem

Samsung highlighted the scale and depth of its connected ecosystem, noting that more than 500 million users are already part of the SmartThings community. With over a decade of leadership in connected living, Samsung brings deep insight into how AI companionship in the home is evolving, from today’s smart devices to tomorrow’s system-wide intelligence.

This foundation allows Samsung to design AI experiences that coordinate across appliances and services, delivering value that feels natural rather than technical.

“It’s crucial to deliver tangible user benefits that make people’s lives better,” said Michael Wolf, founder and editor-in-chief of The Spoon. “Along these lines, there’s no area that will bring more benefit than a broadly connected kitchen — one that that allows users to understand what’s in their refrigerator while connecting to the water and heating networks, allowing for a more holistic understanding that takes preventative action.”

Turning Collaboration Into Measurable Consumer Benefits

The panel also examined how open ecosystems enable measurable benefits for consumers through cross-industry partnerships. Samsung highlighted its collaboration with Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB) as a first-of-its-kind example of how smart home data — used responsibly and transparently — can deliver meaningful outcomes.

“We’re at a point where the connected home can bring seamless integration into user lifestyles, which begins to develop trust in smart home equipment that results in direct benefits to consumers,” said Jed Usich, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth Solutions at HSB. “Through our partnership with Samsung, we’ve created a bridge to the insurance industry that takes simple datapoints and turns them into tangible savings for consumers.”

Designing AI That Feels Human, Not Intrusive

Throughout the discussion, the panelists emphasized that for home AI to succeed, it must feel emotionally intelligent and fit naturally into routines including cooking, relaxing, entertaining and caring for families. Design, storytelling and behavioral understanding all play a role in making connected devices feel like calm, reliable companions.

Together, the panelists agreed that the future of home AI depends on interoperability, responsible data use and collaboration across industries, ensuring intelligent homes deliver real value without compromising trust.

As AI becomes more ambient and system-wide, Samsung remains focused on building open ecosystems that make connected living simpler, safer and more meaningful, proving that when everything clicks, home AI can truly improve everyday life.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

Samsung Highlights How Open Ecosystems Unlock the Real Promise of Home AI at CES 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Perhentian Islands has emerged as the fastest growing destination for attracting international travelers in Malaysia, according to digital travel platform Agoda’s latest New Horizons ranking. The travel platform further reveals Sitiawan to be the top trending domestic destination and Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam) to be emerging among Malaysian travelers.

Agoda’s New Horizons ranking, which is released annually, compares the accommodation booking ranks of the two previous years to identify the highest climbers in international travel in Asia.

Fabian Teja, Country Director Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda said, “Travelers today are looking beyond the usual hotspots, and destinations like the Perhentian Islands, Sitiawan, and Phu Quoc reflect a growing appetite for authentic, nature-led, and culturally rich experiences. At Agoda, we’re excited to help travelers discover these rising destinations by making travel more accessible through great value deals across accommodation, flights, and activities, all in one easy-to-use platform.”

Perhentian Islands has climbed the ranks to 14 in the year 2025 from 16 in 2024, showcasing its growing appeal among international visitors. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, the islands offer exceptional snorkeling and diving experiences. The serene beaches and lush jungles provide a perfect escape for nature lovers.

Sitiawan, meanwhile, has become the top domestic destination, moving up to rank 43 in 2025 from 48 in 2024, indicating a rising interest among local travelers. This charming town is famous for its delicious seafood and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore traditional temples and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local community.

For Malaysians traveling abroad, Phu Quoc Island has seen a rise in popularity for outbound destinations, jumping to rank 21 in 2025 from 34 in 2024. With its stunning beaches and luxury resorts, Phu Quoc offers a tropical paradise for relaxation. The island’s vibrant night markets and fresh seafood make it a culinary delight for travelers.

Looking at the top emerging destinations for Asian travelers combined, Sapa (Vietnam) tops the list as Asia’s rising star. Vietnam’s scenic mountain destination is followed by Okayama (Japan), Bandung (Indonesia), Matsuyama (Japan), and Takamatsu (Japan) as the top five destinations in Asia showcasing the highest growth in international travel interest.  

Travelers making their 2026 plans are encouraged to check out Agoda’s great value deals on over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences that are available on the platform. The latest deals are available in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.

The module integrates a high-efficiency AI SoC with in-house software and peripherals to serve as a powerful Edge AI platform.

TAIPEI, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Innodisk, a leading global AI solution provider, announced the launch of its new AI on Dragonwing computing series, developed in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc^[1]. The flagship EXMP-Q911 COM-HPC Mini module delivers up to 100 TOPS of AI performance while maintaining low power consumption and wide-temperature reliability from -40°C to 85°C. The Qualcomm Dragonwing™ SoCs also offers longevity support through 2038, ensuring supply stability for long-term industrial deployments. As the first product line within Innodisk’s AI on ARM portfolio, the series opens a new chapter for customers seeking sustainable and scalable ARM-based Edge AI solutions.

The AI on ARM portfolio marks a key milestone in the collaboration between Innodisk and Qualcomm. The efficient architecture of the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ SoCs delivers exceptional AI inference TOPS within strict thermal and power constraints in edge environments. Combined with Innodisk’s extensive in-house expertise in driver porting and peripheral integration, the AI on ARM line-up elevates the SoC’s capabilities, making it a robust foundation for industrial edge AI deployments. This new line-up also reflects a deep co-development effort from both companies, uniting joint hardware–software engineering and early-stage system design to drive next-generation edge intelligence.

This collaboration centers on the EXMP-Q911 COM-HPC Mini module, powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ IQ-9075 processor featuring an 8-core Kryo Gen 6 CPU and an Adreno 663 GPU, supporting 100 TOPS of AI performance. Based on defined test scenarios^[1], the EXMP-Q911 can achieve up to 10× higher AI inference FPS relative to similar modules.

The EXMP-Q911 integrates 36GB of LPDDR5X memory and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage, along with a rich set of interfaces, including PCIe Gen4, USB 3.2, dual 2.5GbE LAN, dual DP1.2, MIPI CSI-2, CAN FD, and more, delivering strong connectivity for compact, performance-demanding edge systems.

Beyond hardware, Innodisk strengthens its offering with software tools, including IQ Studio, an open-source developer portal on GitHub that provides BSPs, reference code, benchmark tools, and a dedicated community space for developers. These resources help accelerate prototyping, testing, and system integration. In addition, Innodisk’s cloud-based management platform, iCAP, further enhances remote device and AI model management across distributed edge environments.

Built on the compact COM-HPC Mini form factor under the latest PICMG specification, the EXMP-Q911 offers next-generation expandability beyond COM Express Mini and streamlines OEM integration with faster development cycles. As a deployment-ready module, it can be directly embedded into customers’ self-designed carrier boards for seamless system integration and reduced development effort. For a fully optimized integration experience, the module delivers even greater capability when paired with Innodisk’s carrier boards and pre-validated peripherals, including MIPI and GMSL embedded cameras with fully ported drivers for VLM and computer-vision AI, along with modular M.2 expansion cards for networking, storage, and industrial I/O. This combination provides a ready-made solution for streamlined deployment.

“With Innodisk’s new AI on Dragonwing series, we’re making advanced edge intelligence more accessible and scalable for industrial customers,” stated Anand Venkatesan, Senior Director, Product Management and Head of Industrial Processors, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “By pairing Qualcomm Dragonwing™ SoCs with Innodisk’s in‑house software and peripherals, OEMs can accelerate development and deploy with the performance, efficiency, and reliability they need—today and over the long term.”

Looking ahead, Innodisk and Qualcomm Technologies will strengthen their collaboration across reference designs, demo kits, and go-to-market initiatives. The product portfolio will also incorporate Qualcomm’s Dragonwing™ IQX and IQ8 SoCs and future ARM platforms for industrial automation, defect detection, AGV/AMR, smart city applications, and a wide range of vertical markets.