Explore the Forgotten Role of Oyster Reefs in Protecting Our Shores and Supporting Biodiversity

HONG KONG, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the city prepares to welcome the Year of the Horse, a traditional Lunar New Year symbol takes on new significance, the golden oyster – long associated with prosperity, abundance, and good fortune — now carries a deeper message

Beyond its festive glow, the oyster tells a story of ecological power and quiet loss. Once thriving along Hong Kong’s coastlines, oyster reefs played a vital role as natural water filters, wave buffers, and biodiversity hotspots. Today, they have all but vanished — and with them, a crucial part of the city’s marine heritage.

This January, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) ) invites the public to reconnect with this forgotten ecosystem through the finale edition of its interactive exhibition series: Reviving Hong Kong’s Ocean Heritage: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs. The exhibition will take place at the linkbridge at Lincoln House, Taikoo Place, from January 12 to 23, 2026 (weekdays only).

Located in one of the Hong Kong’s most vibrant business districts, the exhibition offers professionals and the public alike a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and discover how they can make a tangible impact on ocean conservation.

From Festive Symbol to Ecological Reality

In Chinese tradition, oysters have long symbolized wealth and longevity — their golden form representing luck and blessings for the year ahead. But the oyster’s real-world role is just as powerful. Beneath the surface, oyster reefs anchor entire marine ecosystems: filtering water, stabilizing shorelines, and supporting biodiversity.

Globally, over 85% of oyster reefs have been lost, making them one of the most endangered marine habitats. In Hong Kong, they once supported local livelihoods and coastal resilience — yet their disappearance has gone largely unnoticed.

This exhibition brings their story back into focus, showing how restoring oyster reefs is a nature-based solution that supports climate adaptation, biodiversity recovery, and sustainable economic development.

“Biodiversity loss is no longer an abstract concept — it’s a material risk for business, communities, and long-term economic stability,” said Anthony Gao, Executive Director for Hong Kong and Regional Partnerships.

“Restoring oyster reefs is more than conservation. It’s a practical, nature-based solution that strengthens coastal resilience, supports ESG goals, and helps build a blue economy that benefits both people and the planet. Through this exhibition, we hope to inspire Hong Kong’s business community to take the lead — by integrating nature into strategy, and turning sustainability commitments into tangible action.”

Immersive Learning Experience and Highlights

The exhibition offers a multisensory journey designed to educate and inspire:

• A Virtual Reality Journey to restoration sites in Deep Bay and Pak Nai.
• A full-scale Traditional Oyster Farming Model, featuring authentic poles from Deep Bay.
• A Water Filtration Video Demonstration, showcasing the oysters natural ability to clean water.
• A Coastal Resilience Simulation showing how oyster reefs reduce wave impact and protect shorelines from storm surges.
• Marine Specimens & AR Games inviting participants to rebuild digital reefs.
• Screening of City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs, a documentary tracing 1,000-year oyster heritage.

Special Lunar New Year Surprises

To celebrate the new year with hope and prosperity, visitors will have the chance to receive a limited-edition Oyster BB’s Lucky Scroll — a creative Lunar New Year fai chun that blends festive charm with a call to protect nature. A special red pouch will also be available to selected visitors through on-site engagement, while supplies last.

These efforts would not be possible without the invaluable support and collaboration of our partners. TNC extends its sincere gratitude to the Swire Group Charitable Trust for its generous support, to Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) and the Explorer Club Hong Kong (ECHK) for their continue expertise and collaboration; and to our venue sponsor, Taikoo Place, for providing a vibrant and accessible platform for public engagement in the heart of one of Hong Kong’s most dynamic business communities.

Exhibition Details

Dates: January 12–23, 2026 (Mon–Fri only)
Time: 10:00 – 19:00
Venue: 1/F, Lincoln House linkbridge, Taikoo Place
Admission: Free

About The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong (TNC)

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. TNC has been in Asia Pacific for over 30 years with projects in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. In 2019, TNC was awarded the Lui Che Woo Prize for Sustainable Development. To learn more. please visit:

Website: http://www.tnc.org.hk
Facebook: TNC HK 大自然保護協會 
Instagram: @tnc_hk
LinkedIn: The Nature Conservancy in Hong Kong

About TNC’s Reef Resilience Network

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of TNC’s Reef Resilience Network — a global platform that has trained over 55,000 marine professionals in 92 countries and provides science-based tools to more than 1 million users annually. From Hong Kong’s oyster beds to coral reefs worldwide, TNC is committed to building a more resilient future for our oceans.

For photos download, please visit: LINK

Welcoming the Year of the Horse in Bali’s leading luxury family resort.

BALI, Indonesia, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Ritz-Carlton, Bali invites guests to embrace the auspicious spirit of the Lunar New Year with a curated collection of festive dining experiences designed to unite families in an atmosphere of warmth, celebration, and refined indulgence. This year’s highlights include a sumptuous Lunar New Year’s Eve Dinner and an elegant Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea, each thoughtfully crafted to honor cherished traditions while elevating the holiday with contemporary flair.

The Lunar New Year’s Eve Dinner at Senses presents a vibrant culinary celebration overlooking the resort’s beautifully manicured garden. Guests are welcomed to savor an abundant buffet featuring freshly steamed dim sum, golden spring rolls, decadent roast duck, fragrant wok-fried specialties, and symbolic dishes representing prosperity, longevity, and good fortune. Complemented by live carving stations and traditional festive desserts, this memorable evening invites families to gather in the spirit of unity and abundance. Available on 16 February 2026 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., priced at IDR 1,000,000++ per person.

For those seeking a more leisurely celebration, the Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea offers a refined experience inspired by timeless Asian traditions. Guests can indulge in handcrafted sweet and savory delights, including mandarin orange cake, crispy vegetable money bags symbolizing good fortune, dried fruits, plums, and other festive treats. Paired with premium loose-leaf teas and enjoyed against panoramic ocean views, this elevated experience sets the tone for meaningful moments shared with loved ones. Available from 15–20 February 2026, priced at IDR 1,100,000++ for two people.

“We are delighted to welcome guests to The Ritz-Carlton, Bali for this meaningful celebration of the Lunar New Year,” said Go Kondo, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. “Our culinary teams have thoughtfully crafted experiences that honor cherished traditions while showcasing the richness of Asian flavors.”

For more information, please visit the website at ritzcarltonbali.com or email rc.dpssw.restaurant.reservation@ritzcarlton.com.

About The Ritz-Carlton, Bali

Built on a sprawling 12.7 hectares white beach front and elevated cliff top settings, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali feature 313 oceanfront suites and villas, enjoying the unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s lush garden. Completing the experiences, a glass elevator connects the cliff and the beach-front, five restaurants and bars, The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom and meeting facilities, a wedding chapel, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Ladies and gentlemen at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is proudly presents the timeless charms of Indo-Balinese hospitality.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

Delivering the Gold Standard in service in coveted destinations around the world, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC currently operates more than 120 hotels in over 35 countries and territories. From iconic urban destinations to stretches of paradise in untouched corners of the earth, The Ritz-Carlton offers the opportunity for true discovery and transformative escapes that stay with guests long after they depart. Committed to thoughtful innovation, The Ritz-Carlton encompasses two groundbreaking brand extensions, Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a collection of rare estates set apart from the world, where personalized care and cultural immersion are paramount. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection translates the brand’s legendary service and hospitality for sea, reimagining the ultra-luxury cruising category. For more information or reservations, visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. The Ritz-Carlton is committed to supporting the destinations where it operates through Community Footprints, the company’s social and environmental responsibility program.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Roborock, the global leader in home robotics engineered to simplify daily life, became the most awarded Robotic Vacuum Brand at CES 2026, after announcing its new product line-up for the first half of the year. Under the theme “The Greatest Meeting the Greatest”, the brand’s keynote presentation led by Roborock’s President, Quan Gang, unveiled the Saros Rover, the world’s first robotic vacuum with AI-powered wheel-leg architecture that can both navigate stairs and slopes with human-like agility while cleaning them.

Announcements also included the Roborock Saros 20, Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, Roborock F25 ACE Pro, and Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow. These launches happened in partnership with Real Madrid Football Club for the Vacuum Cleaner category, announced ahead of the show’s starting date.

Roborock also announced separate to the Real Madrid partnership its entry into the US market for lawnmower products, including the new RockMow X1 LiDAR. Consumers, clients, and interested parties can visit Roborock’s Booth #52632 at Venetian Expo CES 2026 from January 6 to January 9th during show hours.

Roborock Saros Rover – The World’s First Wheel-Leg Robovac

In a world-first, Roborock introduced at CES 2026 the Roborock Saros Rover, featuring the world’s first two-wheel-leg architecture in a robovac. Each wheel-leg provides reach, lift, height, and imitates human mobility, enabling the robot to raise and lower each one of the wheel-legs independently, execute small jumps, agile turns, sudden stops, and directional changes, all while maintaining a level body as the ground changes.

At a software level, Saros Rover harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence algorithms, in conjunction with complex motion sensors and 3D spatial information to understand its environment and make its wheel-legs react with precision.

The Saros Rover excels in multi-storey homes, where it is able to clean each one of the steps of a staircase as it goes to the second floor, dramatically reducing “no-go” zones and transitioning into cleaning areas previously inaccessible for homes with a single robovac.

The Saros Rover is able to tackle several types of non-flat surfaces, with staircases being the most obvious one. This includes not only traditional staircases but also curved staircases, or even carpeted staircases with bullnose fronts, all while cleaning each one of their steps as it navigates through them. Other types of surfaces that Saros Rover is able to tackle include slopes as well as complex multi-level room thresholds requiring height and power.  Saros Rover is a real product in development with an unconfirmed launch date.

The Greatest Meeting The Greatest – Roborock and Real Madrid Football Club join hands

Announced days before the show’s beginning, Roborock presents at CES its first activation within the strategic global partnership with Real Madrid Football Club’s First Men and First Women teams, widely ranked as one of the greatest football clubs in history. The partnership is solely related to Roborock’s extensive portfolio of Vacuum Cleaner products and excludes other product lines from the brand. Under the umbrella theme of “The Greatest Meeting The Greatest”, the partnership responds to a deep affinity between the brand ethos of both organizations, which have achieved remarkable historical performance with innovation as common denominator. The partnership will bring Roborock’s smart-cleaning innovations to life through stadium exposure, campaigns and player-led storytelling that translate the meaning of “Real Smart Cleaning” from the pitch to the home.

Roborock’s early 2026 Robovac line-up: Roborock Saros 20, Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, and Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow

At its keynote, Clarbi Lu, product marketing lead at Roborock, unveiled new smart cleaning products launching in the first half of the year. Leading the lineup are the Roborock Saros 20 and Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, the latest flagship models in the Saros Series. Saros 20 upgrades the StarSight™ Autonomous System 2.0 with enhanced AI object recognition and a new AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 for improved threshold climbing. Saros 20 Sonic adds RetractSense™ Navigation, an ultra-slim body, and the VibraRise® 5.0 Mopping System. Both use a 35,000 Pa HyperForce® motor and a new RockDock®. The Qrevo Series also expands with the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow.

Rockmow X1 LiDAR, X1, RockNeo Q1 lead the Roborock North American Roll-Out of Lawnmowers

Roborock has announced its North American expansion into the lawnmower category with three key models. The flagship RockMow X1 LiDAR features Sentisphere™ LiDAR Environmental Perception, 4WD traction, and Active Steering for flawless coverage. Alternatively, the RockMow X1 utilizes RTK and VSLAM navigation alongside a Dynamic Suspension System for industry-leading edge cutting. For smaller gardens, the entry-level RockNeo Q1 makes smart care accessible by combining RTK + VSLAM navigation with Stereo Vision Obstacle Avoidance.

For pricing and availiability, please contact your local Roborock sales or communications representative.

About Roborock

Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. Having become the #1 best-selling robotic vacuum cleaner brand according to IDC*, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robotic, cordless, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, robotic lawn mowers and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in millions of homes across more than 170 countries and regions. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and South Korea, Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. As of 2026, Roborock serves more than 22 million households. For more information, visit https://global.roborock.com/.

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A world-famous annual ice fishing festival kicked off Saturday in a remote mountain town in the northeastern province of Gangwon, offering weeks of ice fishing and seasonal activities.

The 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival will run through Feb. 1 in Hwacheon, just 25 kilometers south of the inter-Korean border and about 90 km northeast of Seoul.

“Sancheoneo” is a species of trout known to live only in very clean fresh water.

Visitors from all over the nation arrived at the 300,000-square-meter festival ground — roughly the size of around 40 football pitches — from early morning.

“(We) will do our best to ensure safety and so that the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival can become a winter festival enjoyed by everyone around the world beyond the Republic of Korea,” Hwacheon Gov. Choi Moon-soon said at the opening ceremony.

This year’s festival is expected to attract more than 100,000 foreign visitors, turning Hwacheon, with a population of 22,370, into a global wintertime festival city.

Launched in 2003, the event was chosen as the nation’s best festival by the culture ministry in 2010 and had drawn more than 1 million visitors for 13 straight years, from 2006 to 2019.

Last year’s event attracted over 1.86 million visitors, surpassing the previous record of 1.84 million set in 2019. Among the attendees, 122,000 were foreign visitors — significantly higher than the 85,000 recorded the previous year.

The annual winter festival has previously made headlines worldwide, with thousands of tourists trying to fish for sancheoneo through holes cut into the surface of a vast frozen river and taking part in bare-hand fishing, sledding, ice soccer and other events.

Other hands-on activities that allow visitors to fully enjoy the snow and ice this year will include sledding on a 40-meter slope and on a 60-meter section of a frozen river, riding a family-friendly “ice bobsleigh” made by the Hwacheon County Office down a spiral-shaped tube, curling and figure skating.

The Seohwasan Multipurpose Indoor Plaza, another key venue of the festival, will feature a miniature version of the Harbin Ice and Snow World, a world-renowned ice and snow festival, while about 30 ice lantern makers from Harbin will showcase the pinnacle of ice art at the Indoor Ice Sculpture Plaza.

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PERTH, Australia, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Artemis SailGP is pleased to announce Sandmark as an Official Partner, ahead of the team’s debut in the Rolex SailGP Championship in Perth, Australia this weekend (17–18 January).

Artemis SailGP announce Sandmark as an Official Partner

Sandmark has joined Artemis SailGP as an Official Partner, supporting the Swedish team as it competes in SailGP’s high-tech 50-foot foiling catamarans at iconic venues worldwide. As an Official Partner, Sandmark supports Artemis SailGP in its pursuit of innovation, speed, and performance at the forefront of racing.

Built for an audience that values clarity, credibility, and depth, the Sandmark platform takes a new and serious approach to global crypto market news and analysis. Sandmark delivers high-quality journalism and informed perspectives in a fast-evolving digital and financial landscape.

Both brands share a dedication to precision and innovation. While Artemis SailGP leverages data, engineering, and analytics to maximize performance on the water, Sandmark applies the same technology-led rigour to providing clear, credible insights in the fast-moving world of global crypto markets.

Commenting on the partnership, Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis SailGP, said:

“We are pleased to welcome Sandmark as an Official Partner. Their commitment to credible, high-quality analysis complements our pursuit of performance and precision on the water. Partnerships like this help us connect with audiences who share our passion for innovation and excellence, and we look forward to showcasing this collaboration as we prepare to compete in the championship.”

Giles Broom, Editor-in-Chief at Sandmark, added:

“We’re thrilled to support Artemis SailGP for the 2026 season and we take great inspiration from a world-class team competing in one of the fastest-growing sports globally. That mirrors Sandmark’s own trajectory as we enter the crypto media space, drawing on deep experience and knowledge to bring rigour and clarity to this evolving asset class. We’re honoured to join Artemis SailGP on this journey, where speed, technology, and teamwork converge in pursuit of excellence.”

Artemis SailGP will make their highly anticipated SailGP debut this weekend (17–18 January) in the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG. Helmed by Driver Nathan Outteridge and joined by Andy Maloney, Chris Draper, Julia Gross, Brad Farrand, and Julius Hallström, the team is marking Sweden’s entry into the league.

Follow Artemis SailGP:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

ABOUT ARTEMIS SAILGP | Artemis SailGP marks the first time Sweden is participating in the SailGP championship. Building on the world-class legacy of Artemis Racing, from RC44 victories to America’s Cup campaigns, Artemis SailGP continues that tradition of excellence, innovation, and ambition. Now, Sweden enters the SailGP championship with a new era of speed, skill, and global competition.

ABOUT SANDMARK | Sandmark is an independent, family-owned media platform with a new and serious approach to global crypto market news and analysis. Sandmark enables crypto investors and enthusiasts to understand the evolving world of crypto markets through regular and actionable insights: we seek to define this increasingly mainstream asset class with clear reporting and analysis. Meanwhile, Sandmark’s Research and Technology teams work hard to address the reliability gap in digital asset markets through an innovative approach to data and tools.

ABOUT SAILGP | The most exciting racing on water, the Rolex SailGP Championship sees national teams battling it out in identical high-tech, high-speed 50-foot foiling catamarans at iconic venues around the world. Racing faster than the wind at speeds in excess of 100 km/h (60 mph), SailGP is driven by the sport’s top athletes, with national pride, personal glory, and total prize money of US$12 million at stake. Powered by nature – wind, sea, and sun – driven by purpose, SailGP races for a better future. Visit SailGP.com to find out more.