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VINEXPO ASIA 2025 ROADSHOW HIGHLIGHTS INDUSTRY SHIFTS ACROSS 4 KEY ASIAN CITIES

From fluctuating tariffs and evolving trade regulations to changing consumer preferences and the emergence of new markets, industry experts shared valuable insights during the 2025 Vinexpo Asia roadshow held in Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai.

SINGAPORE, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/Vinexposium successfully concluded its Vinexpo Asia 2025 roadshow, with events hosted in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China. The roadshow gathered regional experts and thought leaders to examine the ongoing transformation of the global wine and spirits industry.

Key topics included the impact of shifting trade dynamics and tariff fluctuations, changing consumer expectations, growing demand for no/low alcohol products, and the implications of climate change on wine production.

Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium shares, Vinexpo Asia reflects the agility and ambition of the wine and spirits industry as it navigates an increasingly complex global environment. Market shifts—whether geopolitical or consumer-driven—are reshaping our sector at speed. Through this roadshow and ahead of our Singapore edition in 2025, we reaffirm our position as a strategic meeting point for professionals seeking to better understand Asia’s dynamics and expand their reach. 

Through this roadshow, the Vinexpo Academy and upcoming initiatives such as Voice of the Industry, Vinexposium reinforces its role not only as a business facilitator, but also as a curator of expert-led content and market intelligence for the global wine and spirits community.

Market trends across Asia 

The 4 events were helmed by Rodolphe Lameyse (CEO of Vinexposium) along with Rob Temple (Managing Director, Sinowine Ltd) in Singapore and Malaysia, and with Natalie Wang (Founder & Editor, Vino Joy News) in Thailand and China. 

In a context of continuous global wine consumption decline, particularly among younger demographics, key insights shared across the Vinexpo Asia roadshow highlighted market shifts, emerging opportunities, and regional dynamics. 

During such uncertain times, the wine world looks to Asia, where growth and opportunities can be seized. Today, Asia’s population of 4.8 billion makes up 60% of global population, with 3.5 billion middle class by 2030 (as compared to only 689 million in U.S.). 

The ASEAN region alone, with a population of 677 million and a combine GDP of $3.8 trillion as of 2023, represents an immense potential.

Emerging Markets: Thailand, Vietnam and India

 “Wine imports to Thailand, Vietnam and India are around 2 million, 1.8 million and 1.4 million cases (9L) respectively but are growing. These emerging markets of Asia are some of the fastest growing economies in the World with rapidly expanding middle classes. This new spending power and high per capita alcohol consumption levels present a substantial opportunity to wines and premium spirits brands“, shares Rob Temple of Sinowine Ltd.

Thailand: Thailand’s GDP is projected to increase 3% in 2025, with optimistic forecasts of tourism recovery, increased consumer confidence, investment growth in infrastructure projects, digital economy and export expansion. The hospitality market size is also projected to grow from US$1.42 billion in 2024 to a healthy US$1.87 billion in 2029.

Thailand’s wine import market has also shown resilience and potential for long-term growth. After the post pandemic boom in 2022 and market correction in 2023, the renewed growth in 2024 indicates the stabilizing of the market.

One of the key reasons driving the growth is the drop of wine import tariffs from 54% to zero indefinitely. The reduction of excise tax to 5% has also set the stage for an exponential growth similar to Hong Kong’s sweeping decision in 2008. This has led to a lowering of prices, and when combined with promotions and on-the-ground activations, this has shaped demand for multi-bottle purchases in supermarket as well as a general move towards the premiumization of wine, Champagne and whisky.

India: India’s GDP and population growth, especially in the middle class, has opened a massive market for whisky and beer, with considerable opportunity for wine.

According to IWSR data, spirits, wine and RTDs in India see rising demand as consumers trade up, explore new formats and explore premium offering in the growing on trade and luxury off trade outlets.

As the number of consumers continue to rise, a considerable focus is on younger consumers. This category of drinkers is mindful about consumption and has a preference for choosing quality over quantity. This will lead to lesser, but better curated alcoholic choices.

Vietnam: Vietnam imported US$35 million worth of wine in 2022, mainly from Italy, France, Chile, Australia, which had made it a country to look out for. However, news of the government’s plans to double the wine taxes in 2030 has resulted a more cautious approach about the potential of Vietnam’s wine market.

Mature Markets: South Korea, Mainland China, Hong Kong 

“We are living in a time marked by unprecedented market volatility and unpredictable trade barriers; Asia, in contrast, offers stability through free trade and is poised to shape the future of the global wine trade. Established markets like Japan, Mainland China and Hong Kong provide a solid foundation for growth, while rapidly expanding markets in Thailand and India are emerging as vital drivers—making Asia indispensable to any forward-looking wine strategy,” explains Natalie Wang of Vino Joy News.

South Korea :  Despite the contraction in value and volume as compared to 2023, the import value for South Korea is still 47.1% higher than in 2020, indicating that the market has not regressed to pre-pandemic levels and still holds long term potential.

Mainland China : For the first time in five years, Mainland China’s wine market has rebounded. In 2024, wine imports totaled US$1.59 billion. With wine purchases moving away from gifting to consumer driven consumption, this has led to a trading down of price points and a white wine boom, with a focus on Riesling and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Hong Kong : Consumers are becoming more cost conscious, with many Hong Kong residents wining and dining in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, where prices are lower. With import figures falling every year since 2021, the value of wine imports has shrunk 61.01% of its 2021 value – the lowest since 2010.  Despite this, Hong Kong is still the centre of fine wine auction, and according to vivino data, Hong Kong still has the highest per capita spend on wine consumption.

Vinexpo Asia 2025 – What’s Ahead 

Vinexpo Asia 2025 will feature the launch of a special market insights report, a collaboration between YouGov, an international online research data and analytics technology group and wine consultancy SinowineLtd.

The study focuses on consumer trends, challenges and opportunities for the wines & spirits industry, deep diving into the markets of Hong Kong, The Greater Bay Area, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. This will cover topics such as top influencing factors when choosing wine and spirits, consumption frequency of red and white wines, the actual number of consumers for each drinks category and more. 

Alongside the show, the second edition of Vinexposium’s Voice of the Industry will be unveiled, delivering expert analysis, market trends, and strategic reflections shaping the future of wine and spirits in Asia.

Also, more details on the Vinexpo Academy programme will be unveiled shortly, offering a deep dive into key market trends and expert knowledge-sharing sessions.

Vinexpo Asia 2025 will take place in Singapore from May 27 to 29, where the momentum built during this roadshow will continue through in-depth discussions, business meetings and market insights.

For more information, visit the website of Vinexpo Asia
https://vinexpoasia.com/newfront/page/media

and register online
https://vinexposium.mybadgeonline.com/Pro-Login-en-US?trk=GPRONEW

Click to access photos of Vinexpo Asia 2023
https://public.joomeo.com/users/Vinexposium/albums/64468f379891f 

About Vinexpo Asia

Vinexpo Asia is a premier event for wine and spirits professionals, offering exclusive access to key stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. Taking place alternately in Singapore and Hong Kong, two major business hubs, it serves as a strategic platform for networking, discovering industry innovations, and fostering business opportunities in one of the most dynamic markets worldwide.

About Vinexposium

Vinexposium is the year-round ally to the global wine and spirits trade. Through international business events and editorial content, it brings together every segment of the industry to foster growth and visibility. By combining market insight and connection opportunities, including Voice of the Industry, Vinexposium helps professionals, around the world, navigate change, unlock opportunities, and stay aligned with emerging trends in sustainability, innovation, and consumer expectations.

VINEXPOSIUM MEDIA CONTACT

 

Jenny Tan

FoodCult Pte Ltd 

Email: words@foodcult.com.sg 

Tel: +65 9836 7653

 

Rachel Raeburn

FoodCult Pte Ltd 

Email: vinexpoasia@foodcult.com.sg 

Tel :  +65 9742 5770

 

Amelia Kwek 

Vinexposium

Email: amelia.kwek@comexposium.com 

Tel: +65 9797 7712

 

 

 

Danang Emerges as Asia’s MICE Star with Ariyana Convention Centre Danang at the Forefront

DA NANG, Vietnam, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In April 2025, Ariyana Convention Centre Danang proudly participated in The Meetings Show Asia Pacific in Singapore, connecting directly with MICE partners—particularly from the Singapore market—and strengthening its presence in the regional event landscape. As a member of the Asia Venue Alliance (AVA), Ariyana Convention Centre Danang continues to align with international standards and foster global collaboration.

Danang Emerges as Asia’s MICE Star with Ariyana Convention Centre Danang at the Forefront
Danang Emerges as Asia’s MICE Star with Ariyana Convention Centre Danang at the Forefront

The centre has an impressive legacy of hosting major international events, most notably the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2017 (APEC 2017) meetings, which drew global attention to Danang as a capable and welcoming host city. Other key events include the The Music of ABBA – ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN show, the Osstem World Meeting 2025 and GHI Conferences, and the Asia Pacific Society of Interventional Radiology Congress.

A New MICE Hub in Southeast Asia

Danang is rapidly emerging as a new MICE hub in Southeast Asia, gaining recognition for its vibrant event scene and modern infrastructure. In the first four months of 2024 alone, the city welcomed over 12,600 MICE visitors, with a remarkable increase in international delegates. Supported by flexible policies and state-of-the-art MICE facilities, Danang is confidently asserting its position as a preferred destination for large-scale international events.

At the heart of this transformation lies Furama – Ariyana Danang International Tourism Complex, which encompasses the prestigious Ariyana Convention Centre Danang and the luxurious Furama Resort and Villas Danang. Together, they form a comprehensive ecosystem that seamlessly integrates world-class conference facilities with luxury resort experiences, delivering diverse and premium services tailored to meet the full spectrum of MICE demands.

A Pioneer in Event Technology

Ariyana Convention Centre Danang is a pioneer in leveraging technology to elevate event quality. With international-standard LED screens, hybrid meeting systems, and AI-powered support services, the venue provides a seamless, high-tech environment for professional gatherings. Features such as QR code check-in and the intelligent service robot Ms. Ariyana ensure a smooth, connected experience that harmonizes work and leisure. These innovations reinforce Ariyana’s position as a top-tier venue for MICE tourism, where advanced technology meets premium hospitality.

Danang itself is advancing rapidly, with major projects in smart city infrastructure, airport expansion, and enhanced transportation connectivity. Beyond its urban development, the city is home to breathtaking natural landmarks such as Son Tra Peninsula and the Marble Mountains, offering an inspiring backdrop for business travel and events.

With its strategic location, advanced facilities, and dedication to innovation, Ariyana Convention Centre Danang is more than a venue—it is an integral part of Danang’s vision to become a leading MICE destination in Asia. As global demand for connected, meaningful event experiences grows, Ariyana Convention Centre Danang stands ready to be a trusted partner in delivering excellence.

Choose Ariyana Convention Centre Danang – where global standards meet Vietnam’s coastal charm.

Ariyana Convention Centre Danang – Vietnam’s Leading Events Destination

T: (+84)236 651 8888
E: events@ariyanacentre.com
W:  www.ariyanacentre.com

 

 

Dorsett Wanchai and Dorsett Mongkok Promise a Fantastic Summer Vacation for Families

Enjoy up to 35% off for family rooms with complimentary breakfast and delightful amenities for the little ones


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 May 2025 – As summer approaches, the award-winning Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong, and Dorsett Mongkok, Hong Kong under Dorsett Hospitality International, are thrilled to introduce the Family Stay & Play experience for family travelers. With the Fantastic 4 Family package, guests can enjoy up to 35% off family rooms, complimentary breakfast for the entire family, and a wide range of thoughtful and delightful amenities for the little ones.

Dorsett Wanchai and Dorsett Mongkok Promise a Fantastic Summer Vacation for Families

A Beyond Thoughtful Family Stay & Play Experience

From the moment guests step into the hotel, they are welcomed by a complimentary candy bar (available daily from 6-7 pm). Upon check-in, children receive a surprise “Little Foodies” snack box and the hotel’s signature Jasper teddy, providing adorable companionship throughout their stay in Hong Kong.

Inside the rooms, families will find a range of kids’ amenities, including kid-size slippers and branded shower products. For families traveling with babies, the hotels offer complimentary rentals of baby cots, feeding amenities, and bathing and hygiene essentials, ensuring a hassle-free stay. To keep kids entertained, Teddy Jasper’s Adventure Kit, complete with board games and a music night light, is also available.

At Dorsett Wanchai, children will be delighted with an in-room piñata surprise (for selected bookings) and the Star Wars pinball machine in the hotel lobby.

Enjoy up to 35% off stays in our spacious family rooms, including Triple Rooms, Family Quad Rooms, and Interconnecting Rooms with our Fantastic 4 Family package. Additional benefits include:

  • Complimentary daily breakfast for the whole family
  • Flexible check-in/out times and a full 26-hour stay (exclusive to official website bookings)^
  • Branded bath amenities and personalized slippers for kids
  • Welcome gifts such as the “Little Foodies” Snack Box, Jasper Teddy and in-room surprise sweet treats
  • Free Baby Gear Rentals, including baby dining essentials, bathing and hygiene amenities, and Jasper’s Adventure Kit for a fun stay experience

BOOK NOW to take advantage of these fantastic offers and enjoy a truly memorable stay! For more information and reservation, please visit:

^Not applicable to Family Quad Room bookings at Dorsett Mongkok. Above offers are available from now until December 31, 2025. Please refer to the hotel website for details.

Hashtag: #DorsettWanchai #DorsettMongkok

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

Vessira Announces Global Debut at Dubai INDEX 2025: Italian-Asian Luxury Furniture Brand Targets Southeast Asian Growth


SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 May 2025 – Vessira, the Shanghai-rooted luxury furniture brand blending Italian craftsmanship with refined Asian aesthetics, will make its international debut at the Dubai INDEX Exhibition 2025, held from May 27–29 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event marks a pivotal launchpad for the brand’s expansion across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, including key markets such as Indonesia and Singapore.

Ms. Lim
Ms. Lim

Positioning itself at the intersection of global luxury and cultural craftsmanship, Vessira offers collections that unite the precision of Italian materials—including Carrara marble, walnut, and brass—with a design language inspired by Asian minimalism and warmth. The result: timeless, curated furniture that elevates space through elegance, subtlety, and intention.

Design Without Borders Vessira’s entry into the Middle Eastern market is a critical milestone in its global strategy. “Dubai is the gateway,” says a company spokesperson. “It connects East and West, and reflects the kind of cross-cultural fluency Vessira stands for.” Following its showcase at INDEX, the brand plans to build regional partnerships in hospitality, luxury residential, and boutique design, supported by future showrooms and curated project collaborations.

With operations based in Shanghai, Vessira draws on its strategic location to work closely with Asia’s design capitals, while maintaining its commitment to quality through longstanding relationships with Italian ateliers and global artisans.

Crafted for a New Era of Luxury Vessira isn’t just a brand—it’s a philosophy of modern living. Each piece is created with enduring value in mind: sustainable, ethically sourced, and crafted to age gracefully over time. The brand avoids short-term trends, opting instead for designs that reflect calm sophistication and architectural depth.

Its signature aesthetic embraces soft silhouettes, creamy marbles, earthy tones, and artisanal joinery, curated for clients who seek more than decoration—they seek identity and emotion in every detail.

Legacy Reimagined Founded by Fransisca Lim, a Chinese-Indonesian entrepreneur with family roots in luxury property and hospitality development across Shanghai and Jakarta, Vessira channels a legacy of refined living into tangible form. While Lim’s name is not the focus of the brand, her vision—shaped by both heritage and a global perspective—continues to guide its direction.

Looking Ahead Following its debut in Dubai, Vessira will continue expanding into markets with a strong appetite for design-led luxury, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Long-term plans include establishing regional showrooms and flagship experiences that bring the brand’s cross-cultural ethos to life.
Hashtag: #vessira #vessiradubai #vessirainternational #luxuryliving #homeliving #italianfurniture #indexexhibitiondubai #indexexhibition2025


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

About Vessira

Vessira is a Shanghai-based luxury furniture brand that fuses Italian materials with Asian design sensibilities. Focused on sustainable craftsmanship and global storytelling, the brand serves high-end residential and hospitality markets with a vision rooted in heritage and shaped for the future of living.

‘Buy gold, ask questions later’. Octa broker comments on Trump’s first 100 days in office


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 May 2025 – Donald Trump’s rise to the U.S. presidency was marked by a series of bold and unconventional policy proposals that many pundits deemed radical at the time. Given the length of the campaign and the public nature of his platform, one would think that the market had plenty of time to prepare and price in the potential policy shifts well in advance. However, it turned out that investors were caught off guard by the extent of the upheaval that ensued. Indeed, the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency were characterised by extreme volatility and uncertainty for the global financial markets. In this article, Octa broker reviews Trump’s policies and analyses their consequences for the global financial markets.

Photo credit: Shutterstock
Photo credit: Shutterstock

Donald Trump assumed office on 20 January 2025, and market volatility has been rising ever since. Some of Trump’s initiatives, particularly his aggressive trade policies, have sent shockwaves through equities, currencies, and commodities, leaving retail forex traders scrambling to adjust. Meanwhile, larger investors struggled to adapt to the rapid pace of proposed reforms and their far-reaching consequences. Overall, the first 100 days of President Trump saw heightened risk aversion and widespread uncertainty, which resulted in sharp fluctuations in asset prices and currency exchange rates as traders reacted to every policy announcement, tweet, and speech from President Trump and his new administration. Below is a list of just a few of the notable days that shook the markets.

Major currencies’ performance since Donald Trump took office

Source: Octa
Source: Octa

Major market-moving events

  • 20 January. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) dropped by more than 1.20% after news surfaced that the new administration will not immediately impose trade tariffs, prompting a rally in the currencies of some U.S. trading partners: notably, the Mexican peso (MXN), the Euro (EUR) and the Canadian dollar (CAD). It should be noted that prior to the sharp decline, the greenback had been rising almost uninterruptedly since September 2024, almost reaching a three-year high ahead of Trump’s inauguration as the market assumed that higher tariffs would spur inflation, prompting the Federal Reserve (Fed) to pursue a more hawkish monetary policy.
  • 1–3 February. In the future, historians may label 1 February as the official start of a global trade war. On this day, Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, along with an additional 10% tariff on China. The market’s reaction was highly negative. U.S. stock futures slumped in early Asian trading on Monday, 3 February, with Nasdaq futures down 2.35% and S&P 500 futures 1.8% lower. U.S. oil prices jumped more than $2, while gasoline futures jumped more than 3%. Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso weakened substantially, with USDCAD surging past the 1.47900 mark, a 22-year high, and USDMXN touching a 3-year high as economists warned that both countries were at risk of recession once the tariffs kick in. Later that day, Trump agreed to delay 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a month after both countries agreed to take tougher measures to combat migration.
  • 3–5 March. This is when the market began to seriously worry about the health of the global economy and a risk-off sentiment became evident. As fresh 25% tariffs on most imports from Mexico and Canada, along with the 20% tariffs on Chinese goods, were scheduled to take effect on 4 March, investors started to sell-off the greenback and flock into gold (XAUUSD) as well as into alternative safe-haven currencies, such as the Swiss franc (CHF) and the Japanese yen (JPY). In just three trading sessions (from 3–5 March), DXY plunged by more than 3% while the gold price gained more than 2%.
  • 6 March. Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a U.S. cryptocurrency reserve. However, it was unclear how exactly this reserve would work and just how much it would differ from Bitcoin holdings already in place. Many crypto enthusiasts were disappointed, which triggered a five-day downturn in BTCUSD, culminating in Bitcoin briefly dipping below the crucial $80,000 level on 10 March.
  • 2 April. The trade war entered the next stage when Trump unveiled his long-promised ‘reciprocal’ tariffs strategy, essentially imposing import duties on more than a hundred countries. The market route began with equity markets losing billions of dollars in valuation. S&P 500 lost more than 11% in just two days, while DXY dropped to a fresh six-month low.
  • 9–11 April. Trade war drama continued to unfold. Financial markets were stunned by President Trump’s abrupt reversal on tariffs. Duties on trading partners, which had taken effect less than 24 hours prior, were largely rolled back as the President announced a 90-day freeze on the reciprocal tariffs. However, a 10% blanket tariff was still applied to most nations. In contrast, the trade conflict with China escalated sharply. Following China’s 84% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods, the U.S. increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%. This, combined with existing duties, brought the total U.S. tariff burden on Chinese imports to 145%. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, comments: ‘I will remember that day for a long time. Traders were stunned by Trump’s sudden U-turn on trade policy and really struggled to make sense of it all. A knee-jerk reaction was to simply buy gold and ask questions later.’

Apart from country-based tariffs, Trump also introduced additional import tariffs on aluminium and steel and ordered a probe into duties on copper imports. Overall, his aggressive trade policies have fueled speculation about the global recession, which explains why gold has been one of the best-performing assets since Trump took office. Kar Yong Ang comments: ‘We are dealing with a rather unusual situation. Even a global depression is not out of the question as tariffs may disrupt supply chains, hurting global output while also contributing to stronger inflationary pressure. This will certainly complicate monetary policy decisions. If I were to describe Trump’s first 100 days in just two words, it would be “run for safety”.’ Indeed, Trump’s recent public criticism of Jerome Powell, the Fed’s Chairman, added more fuel to the fire of nervous investor sentiment.

Overall, the full effect of Trump’s policies is yet to materialise, but the potential impact on global trade and the macroeconomy is substantial. The IMF, citing escalating trade tensions, downgraded its 2025 global growth forecast to 2.8% and warned of potential stock market crashes and a 7% contraction in the world economy should trade wars persist. Although Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, hinted at de-escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, it is clear that investors should still get used to living in a period of heightened volatility and uncertainty. Kar Yong Ang has this advice for an average retail trader: ‘Focus more on short-term trades with tight stop-losses as opposed to long-term position-trading, cut exposure to U.S. equities, diversify into gold and other safe-haven currencies like Swiss franc and most importantly, keep your mind clear and be ready to quickly switch from one position to another’.

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Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Confessions Wraps Filming: Eastern Dark Aesthetics Meet the Abyss of Human Nature, Elevating Chinese Drama to New Heights


SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 May 2025 – Confessions, a psychological suspense series written and directed by Wong Ching-Po and starring Ethan Juan, Gingle Wang, Alyssa Chia, Yi-Wen Chen, and Vivian Sung, officially wrapped filming on May 3. Hosted by Bowie Tsang, the press conference gathered the full cast and creative team. The set, featuring tree root installations and a Mondrian-inspired carpet, was meticulously designed. With a stellar team including multiple Golden Horse and Golden Bell Award winners, Confessions has drawn strong interest from international markets.

Creative Roundtable: Elite Team Continues the Legacy, Delving Into the Gray Areas of Human Nature
Creative Roundtable: Elite Team Continues the Legacy, Delving Into the Gray Areas of Human Nature

The series, from the creative team behind The Pig, The Snake, and The Pigeon, underwent four months of preparation and 120 days of filming. Building on the “violent aesthetics and philosophical musings” of its predecessor, Confessions adds socially conscious suspense elements that heighten the narrative’s intensity and complexity. It delves deeper into psychological issues such as family trauma and moral conflict.

Ethan Juan shared that his character, Lin San, has a complex inner journey that mirrors many aspects of his own life. He described the experience as if he were stepping into Lin San’s shoes, not only portraying the character’s life but also undergoing a personal choice of his own throughout the process.

First Teaser: Stark Aesthetics Hit Home

At the press conference, the teaser trailer “Destined Suspense” was unveiled. With chilling lighting and intense sound design, it builds a bold aesthetic that amplifies suspense. The trailer reveals the characters’ psychological unraveling as they navigate family feuds and moral entanglements across two generations, drawing viewers into hidden truths and the abyss of human nature.

Eight character stills and a themed poster were unveiled, using black-and-white tones to evoke a sense of psychological warfare and mystery, deepening the audience’s immersion in the characters’ minds. The series will be introduced to mainland China by Youhug Media and Youku, and exclusively streamed on Youku.

Following the event, Confessions entered post-production. The team will fuse Eastern and Western cultural elements, using sharp editing and visual effects to help Chinese drama cross linguistic and regional borders. With its striking dark aesthetic and universal moral themes, the show aims to leave a bold mark on the psychological suspense genre and redefine the peak of Chinese storytelling.

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

Toys”R”Us Asia Launches “Live Toyful”: A New Era of Play for All Ages

HONG KONG, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With 40 years as a leading name in toys and play, Toys”R”Us Asia proudly unveils its bold new brand promise, Live Toyful, marking the exciting culmination of a two-year transformation. Launching regionally this month, this campaign expands the brand’s appeal beyond families and children to embrace “kidults”, celebrating play as a vital part of everyday life for all ages.

Toys“R”Us Asia unveils its bold new brand promise, Live Toyful, aiming to redefine play as a lifestyle.
Toys“R”Us Asia unveils its bold new brand promise, Live Toyful, aiming to redefine play as a lifestyle.

Our new brand promise, Live Toyful, strategically positions Toys”R”Us Asia as more than a toy retailer—we’re redefining play as a lifestyle,” said Leo Tsoi, CEO of Toys”R”Us Asia. “This evolution reflects our commitment to becoming an integral part of our customers’ daily lives, creating meaningful experiences that inspire joy and resonate across generations.”

Grounded in extensive consumer insights from the 2024 consumer study, the Live Toyful philosophy responds to a cultural shift where modern consumers seek playful moments amidst their busy routines. Gen Z in particular views play as essential for stress relief, self-expression, and forming social connections, embracing toys, collectibles, wearables, and nostalgic items. Toys”R”Us Asia aims to integrate itself into daily life not just as a retailer but as the premier destination for toys, play, and lifestyle products that enhance everyday experiences.

To meet the needs of this evolving customer base, Toys”R”Us Asia has undergone a two-year transformation, introducing seven generations of concept stores designed with immersive layouts, curated experience zones, and cross-generational appeal. In May 2025, the Live Toyful spirit will debut in Shenzhen and Taiwan, with stores transformed into magical wonderlands for IP fans and kidults, creating a whimsical wonderland filled with thrilling surprises for fans of all ages. This marks the beginning of Live Toyful’s expansion, as its joyful spirit is set to spread across the region in the coming months.

Beyond the immersive store experience, Toys”R”Us Asia is bringing the spirit of Live Toyful into every aspect of life. Through its exclusive private label, playpop, the brand now extends beyond traditional toys into lifestyle products—thoughtfully designed to spark joy in everyday moments. From playthings to daily essentials, every touchpoint is crafted to inspire a truly holistic Toyful lifestyle.

Adding to the excitement, Toys”R”Us Asia teamed up with globally loved brands to engage fans across the region. In partnership with Minecraft and Mattel, the retailer offered a special range of products tied to the Minecraft movie. To further enhance the experience, customers who purchased Mattel’s Minecraft items, including Minecraft Movie Feature Roleplay and Minecraft 3.25″ Core Figures would receive a complimentary DLC code featuring a unique Minecraft character—bridging physical and digital play in a fresh and engaging way.

Toys”R”Us Asia has also teamed up with Zuru to introduce an exciting range of Mini Brands, showcasing miniature collectibles from various popular IPs. This new offering inspires limitless play and creativity for fans everywhere, inviting them to immerse themselves in imaginative adventures.

With Live Toyful, Toys”R”Us Asia signals its readiness to navigate the next phase of retailtainment. As the brand moves forward with new concepts, partnerships and product lines, it continues to build on its legacy while opening new opportunities for growth in an increasingly dynamic and diverse market environment.

About Toys”R”Us Asia (Holding) Limited

Toys”R”Us Asia’s vision is to fuel imagination and inspire our next generation through the power of toys and play. The company’s mission is to be the trusted toy leader, providing premier toys and inspiring play experiences for both kids and kidults.

Toys”R”Us Asia is headquartered in Hong Kong and currently operating approximately 470 stores across Asia, including mainland China, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Brunei – and licenses more than 90 stores in the Philippines and Macau (China). The company also operates across leading Asian eCommerce platforms as well as its own online stores in each market.

Toys”R”Us Asia (Holding) Limited is an independent legal entity that operates separately from all other Toys”R”Us current or former operating companies around the world.

bolttech and Sumitomo Corporation announce strategic partnership

The partnership will form a joint venture to deliver technology-enabled embedded solutions  to distribution partners in Asia

SINGAPORE, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — bolttech, the fast-growing global insurtech, today announced its partnership with Sumitomo Corporation, one of Japan’s largest trading houses. The two companies will enter a joint venture to deliver technology-enabled embedded solutions to distribution partners across a number of markets in Asia.

The technology-enabled embedded solutions will enable distribution partners to provide end-to-end device lifecycle management services, such as device upgrade, enhancing their ability to offer seamless and comprehensive solutions to customers in the region.

With smartphone prices rising and penetration increasing in emerging markets, the global demand for device protection services is on the rise. This trend is particularly pronounced in South Asia and Southeast Asia, where the demand for affordable, high-performance used smartphones is growing, driven by the growing proportion of young consumers. With the market for device protection expected to grow faster than the global average, there is a growing need for technology-driven device insurance and protection solutions.

The partnership will kick off with a launch in Southeast Asia focusing on a device upgrade programme, leveraging bolttech’s distribution capabilities and Sumitomo Corporation’s vast network of financing and guarantees capabilities.

Shinichi Kato, Group CEO of Media & Digital Group at Sumitomo Corporation, said, “We are thrilled to join forces with bolttech, a partner with proven track record in offering technology-enabled solutions to address consumer needs. We are confident that this partnership will enable us to leverage our combined expertise and resources to deliver industry-leading device lifecycle management services, driving growth and innovation across the Asia region.”

Rob Schimek, Group Chief Executive Officer, bolttech, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sumitomo Corporation as our strategic partner. We are confident that Sumitomo Corporation’s expertise in devices and vast network, combined with our distribution capabilities, will drive us forward in creating a better protection experience for consumers in Asia. We are excited to continue our journey in shaping the future of insurance, working towards our vision of connecting people with more ways to protect the things they value.”

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Accompanying photo:

Name and titles of individuals in photo

Front Line (from left to right): 

1.  Kshitij Chitransh – Director, New Business Development, SC-Nex
2.  Shun Ohishi – Deputy Director, Device Solution Team No.1
3.  Liam Riley – General Manager – bolttomo
4.  Takehiko Kotani – Director, Device Solution Team No.1

Second Line (from left to right): 

5.  Yuya Hasebe – Senior Associate, Device Solution Team No.1
6.  Kazushi Awa – Executive Officer, Group CFO, Media & Digital Group
7.  Eisuke Takenaka – Executive Officer, General Manager, Smart Communication Platform SBU
8.  Shinichi Kato – Senior Managing Executive Officer, Group CEO, Media & Digital Group
9.  Rob Schimek – Group CEO
10. Fi Fi Lu – Group Head of Embedded Device and Head of Product, Asia
11. Akiko Anzai – General Manager, Japan

Third Line (from left to right): 

12. Alister Musgrave – Regional General Manager – Hong Kong, Taiwan & Japan 
13. Yusuke Nakajo – Senior Associate, Device Solution Team No.1 
14. Hirano Yuki – Senior Executive, Smart Communication Platform SBU 
15. Tomoyuki Shionoya – Head, Smart Service Business Unit 
16. Stephan Tan –  Group Chief Investment Officer, and CEO, Europe & Africa 
17. Makiko Eda – Managing Executive Officer, Chief Sustainability & DE&I Officer, Deputy Group CEO, Media & Digital Group 
18. Andy Ho –  Group Head of Mergers and Acquisitions 
19. Eric Lai – Group Deputy General Counsel