Thailand has officially relaxed its long-standing ban on alcohol sales during major Buddhist holidays, marking a significant shift in policy that takes effect immediately.
Hong Kong Life as the Title Sponsor of the “Greater Bay Area Snooker Culture Challenge”
Promote the spirit of “Serious, Focused, Strive for Excellence”
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 May 2025 – Hong Kong Life is pleased to announce its title sponsorship of “Greater Bay Area Snooker Culture Challenge”, in collaboration with organizers – Ming Snooker Club, Sum Supreme Media and Sum Supreme Sport, to present an exciting snooker event. The challenge will take place on 10 and 11 June 2025 at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong, featuring the snooker stars, including the “World No. 1”, Judd Trump, renowned player Jack Lisowski, Thai player Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, Chinese snooker star Zhang Anda, and the rising talent Chen Qien.
The event will also invite Mr. Andy Lam and Mr. Jackey Ma, the representatives from the Hong Kong Phab Snooker Association, to team up with world-class players for an exhibition match. Andy and Jackey both won the bronze medals in the G3 and G1 classification group respectively at the 2025 World Disability Snooker Championship in March 2025. The event aims to further raise public awareness of para-athletes.
Hong Kong Life aims to promote the spirit of “Serious, Focused, Strive for Excellence” through its sponsorship of the snooker challenge. During competitions, snooker players need to maintain intense concentration, adjust their tactics based on their opponents’ rhythms, while also demonstrate the harmony of mind and body to pot balls in sequence for accumulating points to win. Similarly, Hong Kong Life is dedicated to developing comprehensive life insurance products and keenly responding to evolving customer needs and market dynamics. By continuously enhancing the products and services, Hong Kong Life strives to support customers in achieving different life goals for a better future.
Moreover, Hong Kong Life has always been committed to promoting the development and inheritance of sports culture. This snooker competition can create a platform for players from various regions to exchange their expertise while allowing the public to watch the matches, encouraging more people to develop a habit of doing exercise and foster physical and mental wellness. Hong Kong Life also hopes to create a stage for the para-athletes through the demonstration matches, allowing them to showcase their talents, and to convey a positive message about inclusivity.
Mr. Jonathan Ko, Chief Marketing Officer of Hong Kong Life, said, “Hong Kong Life is delighted to be the title-sponsor of the ‘Greater Bay Area Snooker Culture Challenge’, partnering with the organizers to bring an exciting snooker event to Hong Kong citizens, allowing everyone to experience the charm and positive energy of sports. This competition not only provides citizens with the chance to participate in and watch the performance of world-class snooker players, but also builds a stage for Hong Kong’s para-athletes to interact with top snooker talents, creating an ideal environment for inclusivity. Hong Kong Life hopes to promote the spirit of ‘Serious, Focused, Strive for Excellence’ through this event. We have always focused on developing diversified and high-quality life insurance products, persisted in innovation and improvement and also continuously enhanced our products and services, to help our customers create greater value in their life journeys.”
Information about the “Greater Bay Area Snooker Culture Challenge”:
- Ticket Sale Dates:
- 9 May: Priority sale at Trip.com
- 19 May: Public sale at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk)
- For more information about “Greater Bay Area Snooker Culture Challenge”, please visit “Greater Bay Area Snooker Culture Challenge” Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Greaterbaysnooker
Hashtag: #HKLife #Snooker
https://www.hklife.com.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/9038828/
https://www.facebook.com/hklifeinsurance/
https://www.instagram.com/hklifeinsurance/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Life
Established in 2001, Hong Kong Life Insurance Limited (“Hong Kong Life”) was founded by five local financial institutions including Asia Insurance Company Limited, Chong Hing Bank Limited, CMB Wing Lung Bank Limited, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, which laid their foundations and have been serving people in Hong Kong for more than 50 years in average. Through our extensive network of around 130 distribution points comprising Chong Hing Bank, CMB Wing Lung Bank, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) and Shanghai Commercial Bank, we offer an integrated one-stop service of insurance and financial planning to customers.
Create Your Own Journey by the Sea at Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay
An Ideal Phu Quoc Family Resort for a School Break Getaway
PHU QUOC, Vietnam, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With the school holiday season fast approaching, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay invites families to reconnect, recharge, and create unforgettable memories in a tropical paradise. Positioned on the tranquil northwestern coast of Phu Quoc Island, this beachfront resort blends relaxation and adventure, offering the perfect escape for families seeking quality time under the sun.
Experience adventure and relaxation at Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay with a private beach, restaurants, and spa, ideal for families, couples, weddings, & corporate events.
Whether looking to dive into exhilarating attractions or simply unwind by the ocean, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay is designed for all ages. Conveniently located near top destinations such as Phu Quoc’s largest theme park and safari, Grand World Night Market, and Phu Quoc’s premier golf courses and casino, families enjoy seamless access to the best things to do in Phu Quoc.
Family-Friendly Experiences Await
Young explorers will be thrilled by Tribe Kid’s Club & Games Room, which offers supervised indoor and outdoor activities. Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay also provides all-day children’s activities located in various spots throughout the resort.
For more extensive fun, families can venture to VinWonders – Vietnam’s leading theme park packed with thrilling rides, immersive cultural exhibits, and engaging entertainment zones for all ages. Just a 5-minute drive from the resort, it is perfect opportunity to experience Vinpearl Safari – Vietnam’s largest wildlife conservation park, which is ranked second among zoos and aquariums in Asia, as recognised by Tripadvisor.
After a day of island adventure, unwind with the whole family in the spacious Two Bedroom Suite. Just steps from the pool, kid’s club, spa & gym, this spacious 200 square metre retreat offers a private garden terrace, a king room adjoined to a twin room, and a separate living area—ideal for shared moments and family relaxation.
For those who wish to embrace the sea breeze, the Ocean View Room and Oceanfront Suite provide a tranquil space to soak in the panoramic beauty of Phu Quoc’s sparkling coastline.
Savour Every Moment with Memorable Dining
No getaway is complete without memorable dining. At Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, families can indulge in global flavours at two signature restaurants.
- Horizons Restaurant & Bar: Mediterranean-inspired dishes, daily buffet breakfasts, and BBQ nights.
- Amber Sands Beach Club: A stylish beachfront dining experience featuring fresh Vietnamese seafood and international cuisine, complemented by Phu Quoc’s breathtaking sunsets.
IHG One Rewards members enjoy even more benefits, with 20% off dining, plus earn 100 bonus points for every USD 10 spent.
Family Adventure by the Sea
While parents unwind at Hoa Sim Spa, children can engage in a variety of activities at the resort. From playful moments in the Games Room through free PlayStation battles and Monopoly competition, to the beach activities like water gun fights, kite flying, and volleyball, there is plenty to keep children entertained. For those who love to get creative, paid creative workshops is a chance to explore Finger Drawing Art, Origami, and Coconut Leaves Art.
Stay energised at the 24-hour gym, thoughtfully designed to provide a refreshing fitness environment. Enjoy state-of-the-art equipment in a serene space filled with natural sunlight, which helps maintain focus and promote refreshed feeling throughout workout.
Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay ensures every stay is seamless, comfortable, and welcoming by providing complimentary scheduled airport shuttles and multilingual service.
To make the family holiday even more memorable, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay is offering a selection of exclusive summer packages designed with comfort, convenience, and unforgettable experiences in mind, including the School Break Getaway (starting from VND 3,000,000++/night), which includes daily breakfast for two adults and two children (under 12) and a VND 600,000 credit for Tribe Kids Club and resort activities.
For those seeking relaxation, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay offers the Relax & Rewards package (starting from VND 4,100,000++/night), featuring daily buffet breakfast, a 60-minute tension soother treatment for two adults, and 3,000 IHG One Rewards Points per night.
Experience adventure and relaxation at Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay with your loved ones now by mailing us at reservations.cppq@ihg.com.
About Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts
Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts is one of the fastest growing hotel brands globally. At Crowne Plaza® we’re expert in helping guests to do business better, combining empowered colleague service, always-on connectivity, innovative rooms and flexible co-working spaces. All this helps guests to be productive, feel energised and build meaningful relationships with their clients and colleagues, or travelling companions. Beautifully equipped rooms, signature Sleep Advantage® programme, 24-hour fitness facilities, stylish meeting & event facilities and on-site restaurants & bars. At Crowne Plaza hotels we deliver an experience that’s design-led, tech-enabled and culturally relevant to the world of modern business & leisure travel; meaning guests can recharge and be inspired in their downtime and worktime.
For more information, visit www.crowneplaza.com, and connect with us on:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crowne.Plaza
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/crowneplaza
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/crowneplaza
About IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, voco, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, avid hotels, Staybridge Suites, Atwell Suites, and Candlewood Suites.
IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns nearly 6,000 hotels and 890,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries, with approximately 1,900 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG Rewards, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members.
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 400,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.
Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewards.com for more on IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
Bybit P2P: Three Ways to Win Rewards for Block Traders
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DUBAI, UAE, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to renew its 10,000 USDT giveaway for P2P block trading users. The fresh round of Bybit P2P Block Trade Giveaway starts on May 8 until July 11, 2025 and comes with three tasks for specific user groups.
Exclusive on Bybit P2P, eligible users may register for the event, start their block trading journey, or become a P2P advertiser to unlock three prize pools.
Event period: May 8, 2025, 8AM UTC – Jul. 11, 2025, 11:59PM UTC
- New Users Exclusive: The first 20 new users will get to claim 175 USDT instantly by completing their first block trade.
- Existing Users: Users who trade 20,000 USDT or more in Block Trade (except existing Block Trade Advertisers) will get to share in a 3,500 USDT prize pool, with up to 100 USDT each in prizes up for grabs.
- Block Trade Advertisers Exclusive: A 3,000 USDT prize pool is reserved for Block Trade Advertisers—the first 20 eligible Block Trade Advertisers stand to earn 150 USDT when they trade at least 50,000 USDT.
Bybit’s P2P Block Trading platform enables private transactions of substantial volumes through Bybit’s intuitive interface. Customized for large digital asset purchases sales, the service streamlines regular order placements into a single order for bulk transactions, minimizing slippage and typically offering reduced fees on top of Bybit’s enterprise-grade security.
The marketplace presents earning potential for users with diverse cryptoholdings. With generous transaction limits ranging from 10,000 to 200,000 USDT per order, Bybit P2P Block Trading serves as a reliable solution for traders looking to scale up their P2P trading.
Rewards are on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrictions apply. For the detailed terms and conditions, users may visit: Bybit P2P Block Trade
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
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GIGABYTE EVENT Unveils Comprehensive AI Solutions with “LEADING EDGE” at COMPUTEX 2025
TAIPEI, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GIGABYTE, the world’s leading computer brand, today unveiled a series of brand-new AI solutions under the theme, “LEADING EDGE,” at the GIGABYTE EVENT, aiming to redefine what’s possible in gaming, creation, and AI. These solutions include the debut of AI devices, AI software, and advanced AI-enhanced performance technology. Through these cutting-edge innovations, GIGABYTE reaffirms its commitment to delivering accessible AI at the edge.
AI Devices Bring Supercomputing to the Edge
Leading the AI devices showcase is the AORUS RTX™ 5090 AI BOX, the world’s first and fastest eGPU, designed to boost laptop performance for gaming, creation, and AI inferences. The AORUS RTX™ 5090 AI BOX redefines portable performance with versatile connectivity and next-gen GPU capability, delivering 1.5 times the gaming power and up to 10 times the AI application performance compared to the previous-gen RTX™ 4090 GAMING BOX, providing unprecedented flexibility and speed.
AI TOP ATOM, a personal AI supercomputer powered by the NVIDIA GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, features a tightly integrated CPU-GPU platform purpose-built for large-scale AI workloads. It supports fine-tuning and inference of AI models with up to 70B and 200B parameters, and can even scale through clustering to run models up to 405B parameters, ensuring data privacy and security.
AI Software Transforms Gaming, Creation, and Productivity
To fully unlock the AI device’s potential, GIGABYTE unveiled its next-gen software suite. AI TOP Utility 4.0 enables machine learning with core capabilities like image classification, object detection, segmentation, and optical character recognition, supporting various industrial applications. It also handles local inference for models with up to 685B parameters, while its built-in Model Converter streamlines deployment to the edge devices, ensuring flexibility and scalability across different hardware configurations.
GiMATE, a built-in AI agent on AORUS MASTER, GIGABYTE AERO, and GIGABYTE GAMING Series AI gaming laptops, enhances productivity under various scenarios through a Press and Speak feature with numerous AI capabilities and the GiMATE Creator. Now, the newly introduced feature GiMATE Coder, which makes coding accessible to beginners with intuitive, prompt-based code generation, debuted alongside two AI gaming laptop models, GIGABYTE GAMING A16 PRO and GAMING A18, and an all-rounder choice, GIGABYTE AERO X16, for optimal performance and superior functionality on the go.
GIGABYTE extends its AI innovation to gaming monitors with AI Tactical Features, AI-optimized Visuals, and AI Protection, delivering faster reactions, sharper visuals, and smarter tools. New models include the 4K 160Hz M27UP and M27UP ICE, which can switch to FHD 320Hz with flexible resolution options, the 280Hz MO27Q28G featuring the latest Meta 3.0 WOLED panel, the smart M27QS, and various models offering refresh rates from 200Hz up to an incredible 500Hz.
AI Redefines Design to Deliver the Optimal Performance
The all-new AORUS X870 X3D Series motherboards, X870E AORUS MASTER, PRO, and ELITE X3D ICE, come in both iconic black and pure-white ICE finishes and feature the AI-enhanced X3D Turbo Mode 2, delivering a market-leading 35% performance boost by intelligently adapting to real-time workloads, all without the need for manual overclocking or interruption. For Intel platforms, Z890 motherboards with Ultra Turbo Mode, a performance enhancement BIOS feature, unlock up to 38% more performance compared to factory settings to boost memory performance and system efficiency across diverse applications.
Furthermore, blending performance and aesthetics, the Z890 AORUS TACHYON ICE achieved a world-record memory speed through AI-enhanced overclocking, while the STEALTH ICE Series, featuring X870 AORUS STEALTH ICE and B850 AORUS STEALTH ICE motherboards, AORUS GeForce RTX™ 5090 STEALTH ICE graphics card, and the C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH ICE chassis, offers a reverse-connector layout for cleaner cable management, seamless compatibility, and pure-white minimalist builds.
These innovations underscore GIGABYTE’s dedication to providing AI solutions across its product lines, empowering both individual users and enterprises to unlock new levels of productivity and creativity in the AI era. GIGABYTE will further elaborate on these technologies and showcase its full LEADING EDGE vision at COMPUTEX 2025: GIGABYTE EVENT.
Beijing Central Axis Exhibition Opens During Beijing Week at Expo 2025 Osaka
BEIJING, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On May 8, Beijing Week at Expo 2025 Osaka officially commenced, with the Beijing Central Axis Exhibition offering visitors a unique lens into the cultural legacy of the ancient capital.
The exhibition features three zones—Panoramic Axis, Digital Axis, and Cultural Axis—presenting Beijing’s rich history and its dynamic evolution across eras. The Panoramic Axis zone guides visitors through scenic landscapes and ancient red-walled architecture, revealing historical narratives and the wisdom of harmony between humanity and nature. In the Digital Axis zone, visitors traverse a digital timeline, experiencing the deep integration of technology and culture. The Cultural Axis zone continuously screens promotional videos on the Beijing Central Axis and showcases award-winning children’s artworks from the Cultural Heritage Innovation Contest.
The Central Axis is both the backbone of Beijing and a symbol of global cultural heritage. The exhibition presents a Chinese approach to promoting world heritage, pioneering new modes of international cultural exchange and breathing new life into ancient civilization through modern expression. Running through May 10, the exhibition invites more visitors to explore the distinctive charm of the Beijing Central Axis.
Laos Records Over 730 Accidents in April, Claiming 109 Lives
Laos experienced a rise in road accidents in April, with 734 incidents reported nationwide, resulting in 109 fatalities, according to the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security.
Envu Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia Forge Strategic Collaboration to Advance Sustainable Rodent Management
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The partnership advances innovation in environmentally responsible pest control and supports Malaysia’s oil palm industry through science-backed field solutions
PENANG, Malaysia, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Envu Malaysia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), formalizing a long-term collaboration aimed at strengthening sustainable rodent control practices through applied research and field validation.

From left to right: Mr. Saipulilah, Mr. Kamarul Hassan (from Envu), Mr. Mark Ooi (from Envu), Mr. Tan Eng-Kooi(from Envu), Mr. Lee Teck Peng(Managing Director of Envu Malaysia and Export Countries), Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed(FASc, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia(USM)), Associate Professor Dr. Amir Hamzah Ahmad Ghazali (from USM), Professor Emeritus Dr. Abu Hassan Ahmad(from BORG), Associate Professor Dr. Hasber Salim (from BORG). Leaders from Envu and Universiti Sains Malaysia came together on 8 May 2025 to formalize a strategic partnership focused on advancing sustainable rodent management solutions.
The partnership connects Envu’s leadership in professional pest management with USM’s academic expertise, particularly through the Barn Owl and Rodent Research Group (BORG), a specialist research team under the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, dedicated to sustainable rodent management and ecological pest control. Together, the organizations will develop and promote best practices that address rodent management challenges across both plantation and urban settings.
“This partnership builds on a strong foundation of collaboration and signals our shared commitment to delivering locally validated, science-driven solutions,” said Lee Teck Peng, Managing Director of Envu Malaysia and Export Countries. “In sectors such as oil palm plantations, where pest pressure and workforce shortages are a growing concern, this collaboration enables us to support customers with tools that are both effective and environmentally responsible.”
Recent collaborations between Envu Malaysia and BORG have focused on the development and field validation of Envu’s Racumin® Wax Block, a first-generation rodenticide designed for use in both oil palm plantations and urban environments. The partnership also explored innovative multiple baiting strategies with Racumin® Wax Block, yielding promising initial outcomes. These approaches demonstrated practical ways to reduce labour reliance, enabling plantation teams to focus more effectively on other critical maintenance activities.
By promoting more efficient and sustainable rodent management, these efforts align with Envu’s commitment to advancing Healthier Spaces and People, as well as Nature Positive Innovation.
Building on these practical outcomes, the collaboration continues to strengthen the academic-industry partnership aimed at sustainable pest management excellence.
The MoU outlines opportunities for the co-development of educational materials, training initiatives, and additional research projects that contribute to high standards of effective and responsible pest management practices across Malaysia. The collaboration also supports knowledge-sharing and talent development between academia and industry. It represents a significant step forward in combining scientific insight with field expertise to address evolving pest control challenges. The collaboration reflects a shared vision to advance responsible, nature-positive innovation grounded in local needs and global relevance.
Envu Malaysia and USM invite industry partners, researchers, and innovators to join us in shaping the future of sustainable pest management through science, collaboration, and shared purpose.
About Envu :
Envu was founded in 2022, a company built on years of environmental science experience, for the sole purpose of advancing healthy environments for everyone, everywhere. Envu offers dedicated services in: Professional Pest Management, Forestry, Ornamentals, Golf, Industrial Vegetation Management, Lawn & Landscape, Mosquito Management, and Range & Pasture. Envu collaborates with customers to design innovative solutions that meet their requirements today and well into the future. The Envu portfolio consists of more than 180 trusted and well-known brands. The company employs over 900 people, operates in 100 countries, and has four global innovation hubs. For additional information, visit https://www.my.envu.com/
- EcoVadis Gold Rating: Envu ranks among the top 5% of over 70,000 companies assessed globally for sustainability, supporting customer ESG and procurement standards.
- Alignment with UN Global Compact: Envu upholds globally recognized ethical labor principles, advancing decent work and labor conditions across its operations.
- Commitment to Climate Action: Envu is aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and has committed to near-term net-zero targets.
- Sustainability as a Differentiator: Envu’s sustainability leadership enables customers to strengthen their own corporate responsibility and ESG commitments.
- Great Place to Work® Certified: Envu has earned certifications in key markets including India, the USA, and France, reflecting a strong, motivated global workforce
About Universiti Sains Malaysia :
UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA, a public institution of higher learning established under the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, is Malaysia’s premier public university with research and teaching facilities, experience, and a multi-disciplinary team of experts from among its staff members to undertake the creation, development, dissemination and application of knowledge that can contribute towards achieving the Malaysian Government’s goal of nation building. USM has set its mission to be “a pioneering, trans-disciplinary research intensive university that empowers future talents and enables the bottom billions to transform their socio-economic well-being”.
For more information, visit www.usm.my
For further information, please contact:
Mark Ooi Chuan Sen
Technical Services Manager, Envu
mark.ooi@envu.com
Sumit Maurya
Marketing Communication and Events
Manager, Envu
sumit.maurya@envu.com