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Poly Auction Hong Kong Spring Auctions 2024 Officially Concludes

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 April 2024 – On April 9, Poly Auction Hong Kong Spring Auctions 2024 successfully concluded at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Hong Kong. The auction achieved a satisfactory total sales amount of HKD292 million, with a total sale of nearly HKD330 million including private sales. This season saw robust performances in nine special sales presented by four departments, with unprecedented enthusiasm from collectors and strong bidding activities. Among them, four highly anticipated special themed sales were hosted by Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, achieving high prices of over HKD10 million for three highlight lots. The magnificent carved celadon-glazed ‘archaistic’ vase from the Qianlong period from the “Stellar Effulgence: The Wang Xing Lou Collection of Imperial Qing Dynasty Porcelain” sale reached the highest sales total of HKD24 million. The Modern and Contemporary Art department achieved remarkable results, with Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin leading the sale with a sold price of HKD18 million. In addition, a series of highlight lots sold for several times their estimated prices, such as Izumi Kato’s Untitled and Sha Qi’s Emerald Beauty of Spring.

The Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy department also concluded successfully, with Zhang Daqian’s Misty Clouds at Mount Ali, created when the artist was 82, taking the top spot with a sales amount of HKD10.8 million. Another leading lot in the department, Gu Yanshou’s Calligraphy in Regular Script, sparked intense bidding among buyers and sold for HKD9.72 million. Wang Hui’s Snowy Landscape, featuring brushwork of the Yuan Dynasty and style of the Song Dynasty, achieved a sales amount of HKD2.496 million, showcasing a masterpiece that combines the essence of ancient styles. The Spring Auction also introduced a special sale titled “Unique Existence in True Void: The Highlights of Buddhist Art” in which Dong Qichang’s Calligraphy in Running Script sold for HKD2.16 million, far exceeding the high pre-auction estimate.

From the “Magnificent Jewels” sale, the leading lot, a 5.02-carat Fancy Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring, sold for HKD13.2 million. In the “Important Watches” slae, an exceptionally fine and rare 18k white gold Patek Philippe Nautilus perpetual calendar wristwatch Ref. 5740/1G, reached the top of the watches sale with a price of HKD1.74 million. The “Noble Handbags & Hype Collectibles” sale achieved solid results as well, the most sought-after item being the Limited-Edition Hermès Mauve Sylvestre, Chai, Nata & Lime Epsom Leather Kellydole Picto with Palladium Hardware, selling for over HKD450,000.

The mobile App and online bidding system of Poly Auction Hong Kong have witnessed enthusiastic bidding activities from collectors around the world, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and more. In order to track the collecting trends and satisfy the unique preferences of collectors locally and abroad, Poly Auction Hong Kong is excited to announce a significant milestone in business expansion with the launch of an official eShop, which allows collectors to easily browse and bid on a wide range of global sales items anytime and anywhere.

This Spring, Poly Auction Hong Kong again hosted the Masterpieces Appreciation and Guided Tours. During the tour, specialists at Poly Auction Hong Kong guided the guests in the exhibition venue, introducing them to a wide range of masterpieces of high investment and collectible value. Specialists from each department analyzed the art market overview and trends from a professional point of view, aiming to provide the guests with a better understanding of the art auction market through art appreciation, thereby helping the guests to cultivate and build a potential and personalized collection system, with the end goal of expediting the development of the Asian art collection community. Furthermore, Poly Auction Hong Kong collaborated with well-known institutions and industry professionals on the Masterpieces Appreciation and Guided Tours this season. The guest speakers shared their views on art appreciation, collection, and investment from diverse angles with guests.

Poly Auction Hong Kong’s Modern and Contemporary Art sale this spring achieved a strong sell-through rate of approximately 92% by lot and realized over 6.782 million. Works by some of today’s most popular international contemporary artists, 20th-century masters, and a well-curated lineup of Chinese contemporary artists all achieved outstanding results. Leading this sale was Yayoi Kusama‘s Red Pumpkin, which sold for a staggering HKD18 million, exceeding its high estimate by 2 times, and claiming the highest sales record for this department. Red Pumpkin is known for captivating viewers with its anthropomorphic characteristics: the vibrant fruit adorned with Kusama’s signature polka dots creates a sense of rhythm. Red Pumpkin even set a record for Kusama’s pumpkin-themed works of the same size. Yoshitomo Nara‘s milestone work, Cup Kids, created using fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), sold for HKD7.08 million. There are a total of seven pieces in the Cup Kids series and, one piece entered the Shanghai Long Museum’s collection and the remaining remain in private collections, thus will rarely be seen on the market. Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita‘s Roses in a Vase, created in 1952, achieved an impressive HKD3.84 million this Spring Sale. Featuring an array of flowers set against the artist’s characteristic milky-white background, Foujita portrays a moving story of life from bud to full bloom that resonated with collectors.

This season’s Modern and Contemporary Art sale also showcased classic and representative works of Chinese contemporary artists, achieving a sell-through rate of 91.7%. Highlights of the auction include Zhang Enli‘s The Forest (2) and Huang Yuxing‘s Welcoming Pine, both of which achieved an impressive HKD3.6 million and HKD3.06 million respectively. The sale achieved other remarkable sales, such as Izumi Kato‘s Untitled, which changed hands for HKD720,000, 3 times its high estimate, and Sha Qi‘s Emerald Beauty of Spring, which sold for around 6 times its high estimate, fetching HKD2.28 million.

Poly Auction Hong Kong’s Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art department meticulously organized four themed sales for the Spring Auction generating a total sale of approximately HKD 110 million. The highly anticipated single-owner sale, “Stellar Effulgence: The Wang Xing Lou Collection of Imperial Qing Dynasty Porcelain,” achieved a total sale of HKD 37.02 million. The leading piece, a magnificent carved celadon-glazed ‘archaistic’ vase, Qianlong mark and of the period, fetched HKD 24 million. This is also the highest sold price in the ceramics and works of art category in Hong Kong’s auction market this April. A Qianlong mark and period blue and white porcelain ‘archaistic’ hu-form vase and cover with ‘lotus scroll and eight Buddhist emblems’ design sold for HKD 5.4 million. The sale also saw several items far exceeding their estimated values. A pair of Kangxi mark and period eggshell white-glazed ‘gold-rim’ winecups, after an intense bidding war lasting 11 minutes, sold for HKD 2.76 million – surpassing four times the low estimate. Similarly, a Yongzheng mark and period Ge-type pear-shaped vase sold for HKD 2.7 million, exceeding three times the low estimate.

The “Important Chinese Works of Art” sale featured three top-selling lots in the categories of lacquerware, cloisonné, and porcelain. The highest transaction was achieved by a rare and important cinnabar lacquer ‘grapes’ dish carved in high relief from the Yuan dynasty, which sold for HKD 11.4 million, claiming the top spot in this sale. Its unusual begonia form is rarely seen on Yuan Dynasty lacquer dishes. The dish features a double-layered carving of intertwining grape motifs and exhibits a style that predates the Yongle carved cinnabar lacquer ‘grapes’ dish in the collection of the Palace Museum, making it exceptionally rare. Moreover, other notable lots include a large and impressive cloisonné enamel ‘dragon’ vase, tianqiuping, from the Yongzheng/Qianlong period, which achieved a sold price of HKD 6.48 million, while a rare small famille-rose green-ground moonflask, Qianlong mark and of the period, sold for HKD 2.88 million.

In the sale titled “Ethereal Attainment: Floral, Tea and Religious Artistic Treasures,” an important archaic bronze ritual wine vessel, zun, from the late Shang to early Western Zhou dynasty took the lead and set a remarkable record of HKD 12 million. This piece, accompanied by well-documented provenance and literature, perfectly encapsulates the spiritual essence of bronze ritual vessels from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Additionally, an extremely rare and fine famille-rose ‘peony’ vase with imperial inscription from the Qianlong period sold for HKD 6.36 million. A pair of sacrificial blue glazed and gilt-decorated famille-rose ‘birds and flowers’ vases fetched over seven times the low estimate, achieving HKD 2.16 million after multiple rounds of intense bidding.

Lastly, in the “Selected Chinese Works of Art from the Ten-Views Lingbi Rock Retreat Collection” sale, a ruby-pink glazed chrysanthemum dish from the Yongzheng period achieved an impressive result of HKD 3 million, which equals three times the low estimate.

The Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy department brought together exquisite works of calligraphy and renowned artists from various dynasties, including the Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing, and modern periods, with total sales amounting to nearly HKD60 million. The highlight of the sale was Zhang Daqian‘s Misty Clouds at Mount Ali, created when he was 82 years old. After a fierce bidding war lasting 15 minutes, it was sold for HKD10.8 million. Rich in color and with a serene and lush atmosphere, the work depicts an ethereal sea of clouds and mist swirling among the mountains, showcasing Daqian’s mastery in portraying the essence of reality and illusion.

Ancient calligraphy and paintings also garnered significant attention at the auction. Gu Yanshou’s largest surviving work, Calligraphy in Regular Script was sold for HKD9.72 million. Wang Hui’s Snowy Landscape was sold for HKD2.496 million, combining the brushwork of the Yuan dynasty, the landscapes of the Song dynasty, and the artistic charm of the Tang dynasty. Wang Yuanqi‘s Landscape After Yuan Masters, with an inscription by Xu Bangda, known as the top expert in Chinese painting authentication, achieved an impressive result of HKD1.8 million. Moreover, Dong Gao‘s Admiring the Moon Under the Shade sold for HKD1.08 million, surpassing the low estimate by twice, and it is recorded in a historically important book by John Calvin Ferguson.

The Spring Auctions also introduced a unique collection titled “Unique Existence in True Void: The Highlights of Buddhist Art” in which Dong Qichang‘s Calligraphy in Running Script sold for for HKD2.16 million, far exceeding the highest pre-sale estimate. In addition, over 20 fan-themed items were all sold at good prices, with Zhang Daqian, Qi Baishi, Chen Shaomei, and Tao Lengyue‘s works surpassing the expected estimates. Further successes included Shen Zhou‘s Calligraphy in Running Script which sold for HKD720,000, nearly 5 times the high estimate, while Chen Shaomei and Jin Liang‘s fan work, Lady Writing Under the Tree and Calligraphy in Bronze Script and Feng Zikai‘s Family Together Viewing Sunrise were all sold for several times their estimates.

Poly Auction Hong Kong’s Jewels, Watches, and Handbags department marked a good start to this year’s luxury goods auction, achieving a total of over HKD57 million across three dedicated sales. The “Magnificent Jewels” sale was led by a 5.02-carat Fancy Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring, fetching HKD13.2 million. The pink diamond boasts an exceptional color grade, achieving GIA’s ‘Fancy Pink’ category, and exceeds 5 carats in weight. This winning lot’s pure and intense pink color exhibits a captivating vibrancy, complemented by a pear-shaped cut and simple setting. Following a session of intense bidding, an 11.04 Carat Mozambique Ruby and Diamond Ring achieved a final sold price of HKD5.64 million, affirming the unwavering position of rubies in the colored gemstone market. Moreover, a Jadeite and Diamond Ring also achieved an excellent result of HKD4.56 million following multiple rounds of bidding.

The “Important Watches” sale presented top-tier brands such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, and other notable antique timepieces to collectors. The highlight of this auction was an exceptionally fine and rare 18k white gold Patek Philippe Nautilus perpetual calendar wristwatch Ref. 5740/1G, which sold for HKD1.74 million. This model is the first timepiece in the Patek Philippe Nautilus series featuring an automatic perpetual calendar function. Another notable lot, an exquisitely crafted and rare 18k gold, Diamond and Ruby-set Rolex Day-Date 40 wristwatch, Ref. 228398TRU, achieved an impressive result of HKD1.44 million. Following closely, a fine platinum Rolex automatic chronograph wristwatch with an ice blue dial, Daytona Model, Ref. 116506, sold for HKD600,000. Launched by Rolex to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Daytona model, it not only features a revolutionary ice-blue dial but is also the first Daytona in platinum which has attracted the attention of many collectors.

From the “Noble Handbags & Hype Collectibles” sale, a limited-edition Hermès mauve sylvestre, chai, nata & lime epsom leather Kellydole Picto with palladium hardware sold for over HKD450,000.
Hashtag: #PolyAuctionHongKong

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

About Poly Auction Hong Kong

Poly Auction (Hong Kong) Limited, (Poly Auction Hong Kong), established in 2012 by Poly Culture Group Corporation Limited, is a young but remarkable auction house in Hong Kong. Beijing Poly International Auction, a subsidiary of Poly Culture Group, is the largest auction house in China and holds the highest auction transaction volume of Chinese art globally.

Poly Auction Hong Kong has five departments: Modern and Contemporary Art, Fine Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Jewels, Watches and Handbags, Rare Wine, Whisky. With a professional team of specialists in each department, Poly Auction Hong Kong is strived to provide excellent and professional service of complimentary valuation, private sale and auction services to our vast collectors.

Since its debut auction in 2012, Poly Auction Hong Kong has been holding auctions and continue to set new records for artists, art pieces and artwork categories. In 2021, Poly Auction Hong Kong concluded with an impressive HKD 2.6 billion in total sales. In the first three quarters of 2022, Poly Auction Hong Kong achieved a remarkable auction sales total of HKD 1.63 billion. In July, Poly Auction Hong Kong 10th Anniversary Auctions proudly presented the first ever Evening Sale, successfully pulled off a white-glove sale, realising a total grand sale of over HKD 410 million.

In addition to auction events, Poly Auction Hong Kong is also committed to promoting art, culture and technology through exhibitions and events with leading artists, curated auctions with celebrated collectors and artists, online sales and NFT digital art auctions in recent years.

Four Restaurants at Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort Shine at Tatler Dining Awards 2024

Feng Wei Ju, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, Lai Heen and Saffron Now Rank Among the Top 20 Best Restaurants in Macau


MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 April 2024 – Continuing its tradition of culinary excellence, Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort announced that Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau™, Lai Heen at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau and Saffron at Banyan Tree Macau have been honoured among many to claim their Tatler Dining 20 Macau Awards in Tatler Dining Awards 2024. These accolades secure their places among the top 20 best restaurants in Macau, showcasing the unparalleled dedication to culinary artistry and recognition they have received from the industry.

(Start from left) Chinese Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau - Jackie Ho Hon Sing, Executive Chef of 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau - Riccardo La Perna, Executive Chinese Chef of StarWorld Hotel - Chan Chek Keong and Executive Chef of Saffron at Banyan Tree Macau - Jan Ruangnukulkit posed for a group photo.
(Start from left) Chinese Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau – Jackie Ho Hon Sing, Executive Chef of 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau – Riccardo La Perna, Executive Chinese Chef of StarWorld Hotel – Chan Chek Keong and Executive Chef of Saffron at Banyan Tree Macau – Jan Ruangnukulkit posed for a group photo.

Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel has been awarded Two Michelin Stars, Black Pearl Restaurant Guide – One Diamond, SCMP 100 Top Tables, staking its claim on authentic flavours of Hunan and Sichuan. At the helm is Executive Chinese Chef Chan Chek Keong, who has been dedicated to Sichuan and Hunan cuisines for more than 28 years. Introducing high-quality ingredients and seasonings sourced straight from their origins, Feng Wei Ju combines traditional and inventive techniques to infuse distinctive Hunan and Sichuan essence into its authentic spicy delicacies without using MSG. In addition to various signature dishes, the restaurant’s meticulous service and elegant settings have also been widely praised.

Executive Chinese Chef of StarWorld Hotel - Chan Chek Keong
Executive Chinese Chef of StarWorld Hotel – Chan Chek Keong
Executive Chef of 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau - Riccardo La Perna
Executive Chef of 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau – Riccardo La Perna



8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau headed by the talented Executive Chef Riccardo La Perna has been honoured One Michelin Star, Black Pearl Restaurant Guide – One Diamond, Forbes Five-Star Restaurant and SCMP 100 Top Tables. Adhering to his food philosophy of “The Luxury of Simplicity”, Chef Riccardo focuses on sourcing the finest seasonal ingredients with uncomplicated cooking methods that enrich the original flavours of the ingredients.

Chinese Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau - Jackie Ho Hon Sing
Chinese Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau – Jackie Ho Hon Sing
Executive Chef of Saffron at Banyan Tree Macau - Jan Ruangnukulkit
Executive Chef of Saffron at Banyan Tree Macau – Jan Ruangnukulkit



Helmed by Chinese Executive Chef Jackie Ho Hon Sing who brings over 40 years of culinary experience, Lai Heen at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau has garnered numerous awards including One Michelin Star, Forbes Five-Star Restaurant and SCMP 100 Top Tables. Situated on the 51st floor with a stunning view of the bustling city and Cotai skyline, Lai Heen boasts a reputation for showcasing classic Cantonese cuisine paired with The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service, delivering the ultimate indulgence for guests.

The new entry of Michelin Selected Restaurants, Saffron at Banyan Tree Macau presents contemporary and sophisticated Thai cuisine and has been a hit with diners from around the world. Executive Chef Jan Ruangnukulkit not only captures Thailand’s culinary essence with her deft use of spices, ingredients, herbs and color schemes, but also showcases her artistic and creative side.

For more high-resolution images, please download from the following link:
https://www.galaxymacaulibrary.com/gallery/TatlerDining2024/G0000_u156Zo.BiE
Password: galaxy
Hashtag: #TatlerDiningAwards2024 #GalaxyMacau #BOMBANA #FengWeiJu #LaiHeen #Saffron #MacauTravel #diningaward



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

About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort

Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million square metres of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide around 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Andaz Macau, Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5 meters high and 150-meter pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000 square meters, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, a 10-theatre 3D Cineplex boasting 4K laser projection; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 different Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000 sqm of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit , and .

HIDDEN.sg Partners National Heritage Board to Deliver Interactive Katong-Joo Chiat Heritage Experience

Through an adventure game that blends the physical and virtual worlds, players will discover hidden gems and uncover the rich history and culture behind an iconic Singapore neighbourhood.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 April 2024 – HIDDEN.sg, an award-winning game company on a mission to uncover the city’s hidden stories, has partnered the National Heritage Board (NHB) to deliver an interactive Katong-Joo Chiat experience as part of a national effort to promote the rich heritage of Singapore’s neighbourhoods.

Through a series of unique puzzles and clues, the HIDDEN.sg adventure game will prompt players to set out on a physical trail to discover various interesting landmarks, alleyways and streets that reveal the area’s much-celebrated history and culture.

Embarking from Haig Road Market and Food Centre, players will experience a game that offers a rare blend of the physical and virtual worlds, as they explore a number of hidden gems in the neighbourhood.

The HIDDEN.sg game is part of the NHB’s Heritage Activation Node (HAN) initiative that works together with local communities and volunteers to cultivate skills and co-create exciting heritage projects to uncover the untold stories that make communities special.

The Katong-Joo Chiat interactive experience kicks off with a competitive race on April 20, which will see teams of five set out to find hidden clues and uncover local landmarks in the shortest time possible. The first five teams to cross the finish line win vouchers and cash prizes up to S$800.

Thereafter, the game is open to all to play at their leisure. To get started, participants would need a mobile phone with the WhatsApp messaging app installed. They simply send messages to the Void Deck Cat and Hannie virtual characters over WhatsApp and receive instructions on where to find the next clues and solve intriguing puzzles.

For example, Void Deck Cat and Hannie would ask users to head to various parts of Katong-Joo Chiat to answer a riddle or a question with clues that are nearby. During the quest, each player is rewarded with a free gift. Expected to be completed in an hour or two, the game will cost S$9.90 for each ticket.

The latest interactive quest from HIDDEN.sg builds on the company’s earlier success in developing interactive games and activities in Singapore.

In November 2023, its popular adventure game was introduced at Changi Airport to enable users to explore the world-famous landmark through digital clues delivered to their phones.

Earlier last year, HIDDEN.sg also developed a free outdoor adventure game with SG Mobility Gallery that let players explore Tiong Bahru and Redhill.

The company’s unique chatbot-led games have already won multiple awards, including the TripAdvisor Best of the Best Award for 2023.

Since May 2022, more than 30,000 players have signed up for HIDDEN.sg games that help them explore various neighbourhoods in Singapore through a blend of history and fun.

From couples on a date to corporate teams gathered for a fun day out, users have been attracted to HIDDEN.sg’s adventure games by the rich content and interesting blend of the physical and digital worlds.

By bringing people on a trip to explore their neighbourhoods, the games also help local businesses gain more foot traffic and potential customers. At Katong-Joo Chiat, exclusive deals for players include a promotional offer at local popular coffee bar Kōhī.

“Our partnership with Hidden.SG to offer this unique interactive gaming experience in Katong-Joo Chiat, will give the public another fun and meaningful way to uncover the neighbourhood’s rich heritage and vibrant culture,” said Gerald Wee, Director (Education and Community Outreach) of the National Heritage Board.

“Through the HiddenSG @ Katong-Joo Chiat game, the public can not only deepen their understanding of the history of Katong-Joo Chiat, but also win attractive rewards while enjoying a memorable activity that can deepen their bond with family and friends,” he noted.

“The game is an innovative and refreshing addition to the traditional forms of heritage appreciation that we have in store for the Heritage Activation Node in Katong-Joo Chiat, and we hope the public will enjoy the experience as they learn more about the neighbourhood,” he added.

“While Katong-Joo Chiat is one of the most storied neighbourhoods in Singapore, many visitors will be surprised there is a lot more about the location that they have yet to discover,” said Loh Jun Wei, co-founder of HIDDEN.sg.

“Like other spots in Singapore where HIDDEN.sg has offered such adventure games, Katong-Joo Chiat can be discovered in new, exciting ways through this interactive game,” he noted.

To participate in the competitive race, please visit the signup website. To sign up for the heritage trail and game, please visit the trail website.

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

ABOUT HIDDEN.sg

HIDDEN.sg is an award-winning gaming company that combines the physical and virtual worlds to help players uncover hidden gems in a city’s iconic neighbourhoods. Set up in Singapore during the Circuit Breaker period in 2021, the company is the brainchild of two childhood friends who wanted to make the country’s rich history come alive and easily accessible through games and technology.

ABOUT the National Heritage Board

The National Heritage Board (NHB) was formed on 1 August 1993. As the custodian of Singapore’s heritage, NHB is responsible for telling the Singapore story, sharing the Singaporean experience and imparting our Singapore spirit. NHB’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the shared heritage of our diverse communities, for the purpose of education, nation-building and cultural understanding. It manages the national museums and heritage institutions, safeguards and promotes intangible cultural heritage, and sets policies relating to heritage sites, monuments and the national collection. Through the national collection, NHB curates heritage programmes and presents exhibitions to connect the past, present and future generations of Singaporeans. NHB is a statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Please visit for more information

Lao GDP Forecasted to Grow in 2024-2025, Says Asian Development Bank

Patuxay Monument (Photo: Laotian Times)

Laos is expected to see moderate economic growth this year and next year, largely driven by external demand fueled by tourism and trade, as outlined in the latest Asian Development Bank (ADB) report.

DHL Express introduces dedicated flight between Hong Kong and Sydney to cater to Oceania-North Asia trade demand

  • Operated by Tasman Cargo Airlines, the dedicated Boeing 777-200 flies five times a week, offering more than 500 tons of payload capacity
  • The flight further improves connectivity between Oceania and North Asia through next-day delivery services between Australia and Hong Kong, mainland China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 April 2024 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has introduced a dedicated flight between Hong Kong and Sydney, Australia. This direct flight replaces the current Hong Kong-Singapore-Sydney route to meet the rise in shipment volume between Hong Kong and Australia. Departing from DHL’s Central Asia Hub in Hong Kong, the dedicated flight leaves for Sydney Airport five times a week.

Supplied by Kalitta Air, the Boeing 777-200 is wet leased into Tasman Cargo Airlines which operates the flight. The freighter offers a maximum capacity of 105 tons, raising customers’ weekly total payload by over 500 tons.

Meeting intra-Asia trade demands between Australia and North Asia

The recent DHL Global Connectedness Report 2024 reveals that Australia has firm connections with North Asia countries, where China, India, Japan, and South Korea are among their top 10 global connections. Hong Kong, traditionally a gateway for flows between Mainland China and the rest of the world, holds a pivotal role in promoting trade flows throughout Asia. Additionally, at least 70 percent of the markets in Asia Pacific are closely connected with their Asian counterparts, including Australia and Hong Kong.

To tackle these increasing demands of intra-Asia trade, the dedicated flight from Sydney offers next-day delivery services to Hong Kong, mainland China, India, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam, upon shipment arrival in Hong Kong. Customers who want to expand their reach within Asia Pacific can expect quicker and more efficient shipping services.

“Hong Kong continues to hold a strategic position as a crucial regional logistics hub, instrumental in facilitating trade flows across Asia Pacific. By introducing new direct flights to Sydney, we are fortifying our network, reducing transit times, and responding to the robust demand from cross-border trade. This strategic move enables our customers to access the Oceania market faster, reaffirming DHL’s commitment to continually enhance connectivity and facilitate global trade. At DHL, we are not just delivering packages, we are delivering prosperity and growth,” said Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau, DHL Express.

“Tasman Cargo Airlines is proud to introduce another flight operation to our expanding aircraft network. The B777-200 freighter is a modern aircraft that delivers reliability, great capacity and transport options for different special commodities on top of general cargo and express products,” said Kim Rasmussen, Chief Executive Officer, Tasman Cargo Airlines.

Committed to delivering fast and reliable international time-definite shipments, DHL Express’s robust aviation network in Asia Pacific comprises over 30 dedicated aircraft, key partner airlines including Tasman Cargo Airlines and Air Hong Kong. Together, DHL Express operates over 710 daily flights across more than 220 countries and territories. The company also recently expanded its Central Asia Hub – one of its three global hubs – to facilitate the growth of intercontinental trade demand.

Hashtag: #DHLExpressHongKong

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

DHL – The logistics company for the world​

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.​

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 81.8 billion euros in 2023. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

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What to Know about the Real Estate Tycoon Sentenced to Death in Vietnam’s Largest Fraud Case

Business woman Truong My Lan attends a trial in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on 11 April. (Thanh Tung/VnExpress via AP)

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — A Vietnamese real estate tycoon was sentenced to death Thursday in the country’s biggest ever financial fraud case, a shocking development in an intensifying anti-corruption drive in the southeast Asian nation.

Truong My Lan, a high-profile businesswoman who chaired a sprawling company that developed luxury apartments, hotels, offices and shopping malls, was arrested in 2022. The 67-year-old was formally charged with fraud amounting to USD 12.5 billion –- nearly 3 percent of the country’s 2022 GDP, as reported by Vietnamese state media.

Death sentences are not uncommon in Vietnam, but it is rare in financial crime cases and for someone this well known.

Here is a look at the key details of the case:

WHO IS TRUONG MY LAN?

Lan was born in 1956 and started out helping sell cosmetics with her mother, a Chinese businesswoman, in Ho Chi Minh city’s oldest market, according to state media outlet Tien Phong.

She and her family established the Van Thinh Phat company in 1992, when Vietnam shed its state-run economy in favor of a more market-oriented one that was open to foreigners. Over the years, VTP grew to become one of Vietnam’s richest real estate firms.

Today, the company is linked to some of Ho Chi Minh’s most valuable downtown properties, including the glittering 39-story Times Square Saigon, the five-star Windsor Plaza Hotel, the 37-story Capital Place office building, and the five-star Sherwood Residence hotel, where Lan lived until her arrest.

Lan met her husband, Hong Kong investor Eric Chu Nap-kee, in 1992. They have two daughters.

WHAT IS SHE ACCUSED OF?

Lan was involved in the 2011 merger of the beleaguered Saigon Joint Commercial Bank, or SCB, with two other lenders in a plan coordinated by Vietnam’s central bank.

She is accused of using the bank as her cash cow, illegally controlling it between 2012 and 2022, and using thousands of “ghost companies” in Vietnam and abroad to give loans to herself and her allies, according to government documents.

Unearthing Luang Prabang’s Mysteries: The Legend of the Lost Treasure

Photo supplied by Sofitel and 3 Nagas Luang Prabang

Armed with nothing but a map and a set of clues, exploring Luang Prabang has transformed into a game where participants are tasked with unveiling the secrets of a lost fortune; it is “The Legend of The Lost Treasure.”

Walking through the ancient streets of the UNESCO Heritage Town in northern Laos can now feel like being transported to an ancient era where mystery awaits at every turn. Starting from Sofitel Luang Prabang, tourists are guided by whispers of local legends and tales passed down through generations of Lao families. 

Throughout the journey, participants encounter 12 riddles, each one offering a glimpse into the city’s past. From the streets of the old town center to the banks of the Nam Khan River, every clue brings the tourists one step closer to unlocking the secrets of the “lost treasure.”

Photo supplied

The roads of Luang Prabang are known for their distinctive style that blends French colonial architecture and Lao traditional housing. Strolling through its alleys gives the visitors a glimpse into authentic Lao life, where local residents, families, and elderly couples would often recount the most fascinating stories about the town and its inhabitants. This experience lets tourists connect directly with Laos, learning firsthand rather than reading about it or relying on tour guides.

The game, launched by Sofitel and 3 Nagas Luang Prabang, isn’t just an exciting challenge for foreign visitors; it’s also a chance for locals to see Luang Prabang in a new light. While the “hunt” under the hot April sun can be tough, the excitement of uncovering the town’s secrets motivates even the most laid-back participants.

For those who need a break, 3 Nagas Restaurant offers a blend of French and Lao ice cream flavors to enjoy while waiting for the hunters to finish their quest.

With Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year just around the corner, 3 Nagas Luang Prabang and its MGallery offer an exclusive “Pi Mai Ice Cream” from 10 to 16 April. Flavors like jasmine, pandan, and sticky rice aim to capture the spirit of the Lao New Year.

3 Nagas Luang Prabang: A Journey Through Time and Luxury

Photo supplied

Among the quaint streets and ancient temples, the 3 Nagas Luang Prabang stands out, boasting accommodations steeped in heritage and luxury.

At the forefront of this historic site are two distinguished properties: the Lamache House and the Khamboua House. The Lamache House, with its seven rooms dating back to 1898, was initially built for informal gatherings of the Royal Court. Later, it transformed into an ice-cream parlor, earning the title of the official supplier to the Royal Court. During restoration, essence extracts used for flavoring ice cream were unearthed, one now showcased in the main lobby. Preserving the original structure, restoration involved traditional techniques, with most woodwork crafted from May Pow wood. 

Across the road stands the Khamboua House, formerly known as the “Mantion,” dating back to 1903. Built by King Sisavangvong’s counselor, this building overlooks a garden that stretches toward the Nam Khan River. The Khamboua House, comprising eight uniquely traditionally styled rooms, also offers all modern comforts.

Results of the ixCrypto Index and ixCrypto Portfolio Indexes Quarterly Review (2024 Q1)


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 April 2024 – Today, IX Asia Indexes announced the 2024 1st quarter review of ixCrypto Index (“IXCI”), ixCrypto Portfolio Indexes and ixCrypto Stablecoin Index (IXSCI). The constituent changes will be effective on 19th April, 2024 (Friday). The results of the constituent review and exchange review are as follows:

1. Constituent Review – ixCrypto Index Series

1.1 ixCrypto Index
The number of constituents cryptos will decrease to 23 constituents with 2 additions and 4 deletions.

Additions

  1. Toncoin
  2. Internet Computer

Deletions

  1. Monero
  2. Hedera
  3. Lido DAO
  4. VeChain

After the change, the free float adjusted market capitalization coverage is 80.94%*, while the 90-day-average volume is 73.25%* (excluding stable coin which has 6.48% market capitalization coverage). The constituents change above and recapping at 40% will be effective on 19 April 2024 (Friday).

Since the last review, there has been an increase in the crypto total market capitalization from USD1.37tn to USD2.03tn (+48.05%)#, and an increase in the daily volume from USD52bn to USD89bn(+70.97%)#. Bitcoin remains as the largest crypto in the constituent list, with its price has gone up by 65.20% since the last review.

1.2 ixCrypto Portfolio Indexes
There’s no constituent change to ixCrypto 5 EW Index (“IXEW5”) and ixCrypto 5 SR Index (“IXSR5”).

Addition
No addition

Deletion
No deletion

The following constituent changes will be made to ixCrypto 10 EW Index (“IXEW10”) and ixCrypto 10 SR Index (“IXSR10”).

Addition

  1. Polkadot

Deletion

  1. Polygon


There’s no constituent change to ixCrypto Altcoin 10 EW Index (“IXAEW5”) and ixCrypto Altcoin 10 SR Index (“IXASR10”).

Addition
No addition

Deletion
No deletion

1.3 ixCrypto Stablecoin Index
The number of constituent cryptos will decrease to 3 with no additions and 2 deletions. Stablecoin comprises 6.64% of the total crypto universe, and ixCrypto Stablecoin Index covers around 97.48% of the 90-day average market capitalization in stablecoin universe.

Addition
No addition

Deletions
1. True USD
2. BUSD

2. Exchange Review
As a result of exchange review, the selected 10 exchanges to generate each of the fair average prices for the constituents are as follows:

Selected Exchanges

  1. Binance
  2. Upbit
  3. Bitrue
  4. DigiFinex
  5. Coinbase Exchange
  6. Huobi Global
  7. OKX
  8. P2PB2B (New)
  9. Gate.io (New)
  10. BitMart

For more details about our exchange selection criteria, please email info@ix-index.com

More details about the ixCrypto index, including their constituents, constituents’ weight are provided in the Appendices, or refer to the website https://ix-index.com/

*Exclude stable coins and exchange coins (based on conflict of interest rule methodology effective Oct 2, 2020)

#As of 31 March 2024, based on past 90 days average

Appendix 1

ixCrypto Index (“IXCI”)

Universe All crypto coins traded in at least two different exchanges around the world
Selection Criteria Cryptocurrencies ranking in the top 80% of cumulative full market capitalization (“MC”) coverage and within an acceptable range in accordance with the Volume Buffer Rule in terms of 90-day average trading volume
Number of Constituents Variable/23 in Q1 2024
Launch Date 12th December 2018
Base Date 3rd December 2018
Base Value 1,000
Reconstitution Rule If the coverage is below 75% or any of constituents is not within an acceptable range in accordance with the Volume Buffer Rule in terms of 90-day average trading volume, IXCI will be reconstituted to bring MC coverage back and do liquidity screening.
Reconstitution and Rebalancing Frequency Quarterly and with a fast entry rule
Weighting Methodology Free float adjusted market capitalization weighted with a cap of 40%
Currency US Dollar
Dissemination Every 5 seconds for 24×7
Website https://ix-index.com/


Appendix 2

Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto Index

Crypto 90-day-average- Market Cap 90-day-average-volume * Cut-off
Price
Cumulative
Market Coverage before Cap
Weighting (%) After 40% Cap#
1 Bitcoin $1,369,892,136,469 $17,130,241,883 $69,645.31 51.63% 40.00%
2 Ethereum $421,201,618,786 $9,389,066,783 $3,507.94 68.87% 33.16%
3 Solana $86,381,585,800 $2,999,311,846 $194.39 71.52% 6.80%
4 XRP $34,165,159,479 $1,042,947,263 $0.62 73.07% 2.69%
5 Cardano $22,931,580,978 $401,576,882 $0.64 74.11% 1.81%
6 Dogecoin $28,652,694,245 $2,403,795,719 $0.20 74.90% 2.26%
7 Avalanche $20,003,992,981 $370,817,943 $53.00 75.65% 1.58%
8 TRON $10,756,642,376 $236,560,785 $0.12 76.18% 0.85%
9 Polkadot $13,470,870,728 $173,787,689 $9.43 76.71% 1.06%
10 Chainlink $11,121,452,631 $299,629,003 $18.94 77.22% 0.88%
11 Shiba Inu $17,597,376,638 $712,109,187 $0.00 77.69% 1.39%
12 Toncoin $18,244,778,890 $178,324,742 $5.26 78.15% 1.44%
13 Polygon $9,713,655,454 $280,872,821 $0.98 78.60% 0.76%
14 Bitcoin Cash $11,753,575,672 $648,865,139 $597.11 78.91% 0.93%
15 Internet Computer $8,260,958,843 $240,356,456 $17.90 79.21% 0.65%
16 Litecoin $7,650,079,353 $729,886,796 $102.86 79.49% 0.60%
17 Uniswap $7,554,174,607 $120,951,795 $12.62 79.76% 0.59%
18 NEAR Protocol $7,312,370,081 $267,604,886 $6.94 79.98% 0.58%
19 Cosmos $4,796,249,922 $163,542,832 $12.27 80.18% 0.38%
20 Ethereum Classic $4,817,832,809 $229,532,049 $32.93 80.38% 0.38%
21 Aptos $6,606,298,820 $210,896,475 $16.63 80.58% 0.52%
22 Filecoin $5,005,364,209 $289,518,374 $9.44 80.76% 0.39%
23 Stellar $4,012,959,227 $91,989,525 $0.14 80.94% 0.30%

As of 31 March 2024
* 90-day-average-volume ranking in total market is shown in the parentheses
# Weighting (%) after 40% Cap is adjusted according to the cut-off price, the arrangement of order may not be the same as 90-day-average-Market Cap
Selection of index constituents is based on the past 90-day-average market capitalization and volume.
For the calculation methodology of the index, please refer to the “ixCrypto Index Methodology Paper” on our website.

Appendix 3

Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto Portfolio Indexes

Index Constituents ixCrypto 5 EW Index ixCrypto 5 SR Index ixCrypto 10 EW Index ixCrypto 10 SR Index ixCrypto Altcoin 10 EW Index ixCrypto
Altcoin 10
SR Index
1 Bitcoin 20% 47.78% 10.00% 37.93%
2 Ethereum 20% 26.49% 10.00% 21.03% 10.00% 32.23%
3 Solana 20% 12.00% 10.00% 9.53% 10.00% 14.60%
4 XRP 20% 7.55% 10.00% 5.99% 10.00% 9.18%
5 Cardano 20% 6.18% 10.00% 4.91% 10.00% 7.52%
6 Dogecoin 10.00% 5.49% 10.00% 8.41%
7 Avalanche 10.00% 4.58% 10.00% 7.02%
8 TRON 10.00% 3.36% 10.00% 5.15%
9 Polkadot 10.00% 3.76% 10.00% 5.76%
10 Chainlink 10.00% 3.42% 10.00% 5.24%
11 Polygon 10.00% 4.89%

Appendix 4

Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto Stablecoin Indexes

Crypto 90-day-average- Market Cap 90-day-average-
volume
Cut-off
Price
Cumulative
Market Coverage
before Cap
Weighting (%) After 40% Cap
1 Tether

USDt

$98,057,424,593 $64,125,609,077 $1.00 4.83% 40.00%
2 USDC $28,053,479,547 $7,215,847,406 $1.00 6.21% 40.00%
3 Dai $5,347,919,100 $318,999,728 $1.00 6.48% 20.00%

Appendix 5

ixCrypto Indexes Dissemination
Real time indexes are disseminated every 5-second interval for 24×7 since 23 June 2022. The real-time indexes are available for viewing on the IX Crypto Index official webpage. For IXCI, IXBI and IXEI, the indexes are also available through Nasdaq Global Index Data Service (GIDS) with the tickers “IXCI”, “IXBI” and “IXEI”, with dissemination interval kept at 15-second unchanged.

The vendor tickers are shown below:

Index Name Bloomberg Ticker Reuters Ticker
ixCrypto Index IXCI .IXCI
ixBitcoin Index IXCBI .IXBI1
ixEthereum Index IXCEI .IXEI1

For further information about ixCrypto Index and other available indexes including IX Crypto spot price index series, please visit company official webpage https://ix-index.com or subscribe to LinkedIn: IX Asia Indexes

For data licensing and product, please contact us at licensing@ix-index.com.

For free API use on academic research or trial, please contact enquiry@ix-index.com

Hashtag: #IXCapitalInternational

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

About IX Asia Indexes and IX Asia Index Advisory Committee

IX Capital International Limited is an award-winning index and investment advisory company. The index business arm- IX Asia Indexes, providing real-time digital asset and innovative indexes, disseminated 24×7 globally and built on robust infrastructure. Since the launch of the first crypto benchmark index (“IXCI”) launched in Hong Kong in December 2018, the ixCrypto index series expand into 27 indexes designed for exchange futures product, mark to market and fund managers’ portfolio construction purposes. To ensure the professionality and impartiality of the index methodologies and operations, IX Asia Indexes has established its index advisory committee with representation from different industries, including fund management, exchanges, brokerage, financial blockchain experts, crypto service providers, etc. The committee will meet quarterly a year to discuss matters relating to the IX Asia Indexes, including to review and to comment the data sources, methodologies, and operations of IX Asia Indexes, to provide guidance to the future development of new IX Asia Indexes and to handle other issues and decisions on an as-needed basis.

IX Asia Indexes was awarded the Fintech Award (wealth investment and management) 2019 and 2021 organised by ETNet. It as well won an award for Startup of the Year and Basic Technology (Big Data) from Hong Kong Fintech Impetus Awards 2022 by Metro Broadcast and KPMG. It also won Asia Pacific Enterprise Achievement Award 2024 by Echolade. IX Asia Indexes completed its IOSCO compliance statement and obtained ISO/IEC 27001:2013 UKAS certification.

Website:

Advisory Committee:

About IX Crypto Indexes

The ixCrypto index (“IXCI”) is the first crypto index launched in Hong Kong. It was launched on 12 December 2018. It is denominated in USD with a base value of 1000 and a base date on 3 December 2018. Designed to be easy to understand while providing a good representation of the crypto market, ixCrypto index aims to cover the top 80% of the cumulative free-float adjusted market capitalization in the crypto universe and, at the same time, the crypto currencies should fall within the top liquid cryptos ranked by trading volume in the 90 days preceding the review date. The index is to be reviewed quarterly and with a fast entry rule. Real time indexes are disseminated every 5-second for 24×7 since 23 June 2022. Real time index data together with ixBitcoin Index and ixEthereum Index can be obtained from IX Asia Indexes Data Services. For IXCI, IXBI and IXEI, the indexes are also available through Nasdaq Global Index Data Service (GIDS) with the tickers “IXCI”, “IXBI”, “IXEI”, with dissemination interval kept at 15-second unchanged.