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Kaplan Singapore and Aston University Forge Landmark Partnership to Offer Doctorate and Other Postgraduate Degrees

Partnership also sees Aston Business School making its debut in Singapore

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – Kaplan Singapore1 (Kaplan) has today announced Aston University from the United Kingdom as its newest university partner. The partnership will see an exciting array of in-demand Postgraduate Degree programmes, including Doctor of Business Administration and a suite of Master of Science programmes being offered to students in Singapore by the last quarter of 2024. The collaboration also marks a historic milestone for Aston Business School as it establishes its first-ever presence in Singapore and Kaplan as its choice partner.

Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University explained the University’s strategic decision, “Under the Aston 2030 Strategy, we are creating a worldwide network of hubs by forming strategic alliances. It’s with great pride that we inaugurate our partnership with Kaplan in Singapore, setting it up as one of our key educational hubs in Asia. This signifies the beginning of a strategic collaboration that holds vast possibilities for global cooperation, encompassing business and industry engagement, as well as workforce development in crucial growth sectors within this significant global area.”

In response, Dr Susie Khoo, President of Kaplan Singapore added, “Kaplan Singapore is thrilled to embark on this momentous and transformative journey with Aston University, a highly reputable university ranked 25th in the UK2 and 106th in the world for Business and Management studies3 with Triple-Crown Accreditation4 for its Aston Business School. More importantly, the programmes to be offered are aligned to the current and future knowledge needs of the evolving workforce landscape as identified by the SkillsFuture Singapore’s Skills Demand for the Future Economy report5. This helps ensure that our students will be well-equipped and future-ready to thrive in the ever-changing environment.”

Programmes to be Offered
The programmes to be offered by Aston University in partnership with Kaplan Singapore are designed to cater to those who wish to advance their career or deepen their expertise in various fields and include the following:
  • Doctor of Business Administration
  • Master of Science Digital Marketing and Strategy
  • Master of Science Engineering Business Management
  • Master of Science Strategic Business Analytics
  • Master of Science Strategic Financial Management
  • Master of Science Strategic Supply Chain Management
Partnership Agreement Signing Ceremony
To commemorate the historic partnership launch between Kaplan Singapore and Aston University, a signing ceremony was held which saw Dr Susie Khoo, President of Kaplan Singapore, and Professor Zoe Radnor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the College of Business and Social Sciences, Aston University sealing the partnership agreement.

Grants & Programme Application
To celebrate the launch of the partnership as well as the new programme offerings, an inaugural intake grant of S$5,000 for the Doctor of Business Administration and S$3,000 for the Master of Science programmes will be offered to eligible applicants. Applications for the Doctor of Business Administration and Master of Science programmes are now open. Interested applicants can visit https://kaplan.com.sg/aston for more information.

Footnotes
1. Any reference to the term “Kaplan Singapore” is used to collectively describe the Kaplan entities in Singapore, Kaplan Higher Education Academy and Kaplan Higher Education Institute.
2. The Guardian Best UK Universities 2024
3. QS World University Ranking by Subject 2023
4. Triple-Crown Accreditation – AACSB (US), AMBA (UK) & EQUIS (Europe)
5. Skills Demand for Future Report 2023/2024

Hashtag: #KaplanSingapore #KaplanTheChoice #OpenToKaplan #AstonUniversity #AstonAtKaplan #LifelongLearning #IntegratedLearning #IndustryRelevant #Doctorate #Business #Masters #Science #Postgraduate #Degree





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

About Kaplan Singapore

Kaplan Singapore is part of Kaplan Inc., one of the world’s most diverse education providers. To date, Kaplan Singapore has students from over 35 countries and regions, and has served more than 100,000 graduates. With over 450 academic and professional certification programme options for higher learning and skills development, Kaplan provides opportunities for individuals to pursue lifelong learning. Find out more about Kaplan Singapore at

About Kaplan

Kaplan, Inc. is a global educational services company that helps individuals and institutions advance their goals in an ever-changing world. Our broad portfolio of solutions help students and professionals further their education and careers, universities and educational institutions attract and support students, and businesses maximize employee recruitment, retainment, and development. Stanley Kaplan founded our company in 1938 with a mission to expand educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Today, our thousands of employees working in 27 countries continue Stanley’s mission as they serve about 1.2 million students and professionals, 15,000 corporate clients, and 3,300 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities worldwide. Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC). Learn more at

About Aston University

For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.

Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham in the UK, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.

Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.

Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.

Tongcheng Travel Achieves Record High Results in 2023 Revenue Reaches RMB11.9 Billion Final Dividend of HK15 Cents Per Share

Continues to Penetrate Non-first-tier Cities in PRC and Taps into International Market Offers Diverse Travel Experiences to Develop Into New Generation National Travel Platform


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – Tongcheng Travel Holdings Limited (“Tongcheng Travel” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries the “Group”, stock code: 0780.HK), an innovator and leader in China’s online travel industry, today announced its audited consolidated results for the year ended 31 December 2023 (the “period under review” or “2023”).

2023 Results Highlights with Year-on-year (yoy) Change

Robust Financial Growth with Revenues Reaching New Highs

  • Revenue increased by 80.7% yoy to RMB11.9 billion, representing a 60.9% increase compared to 2019.
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased yoy by 117.4% to RMB3.12 billion; adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 4.5 percentage points to 26.3%. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 54.8% compared to 2019.
  • Adjusted net profit increased by 240.3% to RMB2.2 billion; adjusted net margin increased by 8.7 percentage points to 18.5%. Adjusted net profit increased by 42.4% compared to 2019.
  • The Board recommended payment of a final dividend of HK15 cents per share.

Committed to Penetrating Non-first-tier Markets

  • Average monthly paying users for 2023 rose by 39.1% to 41.3 million.
  • Annual paying users grew by 25.2% to a historic high of 234.7 million.
  • 72.7% of new paying users on the Weixin platform were from non-first-tier cities.
  • Registered users residing in non-first-tier cities accounted for 86.9% of the total registered users.

Major Businesses Recorded Strong Demand Rebound, Surpassing the Levels in 2019

  • Transportation ticketing services revenue rose by 78.5% to RMB6.03 billion, representing a 33.5% increase compared 2019.
  • Accommodation reservation services revenue rose by 61.5% to RMB3.90 billion, representing a 65.4% increase compared to 2019.
  • Revenue from others* increased by 148.6% to RMB1,996.7 million, representing a 280.3% increase compared to 2019.

* Revenue from others mainly includes revenues generated from (i) tourism services; (ii) advertising services; (iii) hotel management services; (iv) corporate travel services and (v) ancillary value-added user services.

In 2023, Tongcheng Travel capitalized on growth opportunities and outperformed the market with remarkable results. The Group’s total revenue amounted to RMB 11.90 billion. Adjusted net profit reached RMB2.20 billion, representing a significant yoy increase of 240.3%, with an adjusted net profit margin of 18.5%. In 2023, the Group’s average monthly paying users rose by 39.1% to 41.3 million and the annual paying users grew by 25.5% to 234.7 million. Gross merchandise volume achieved a record high and increased by 96.8% yoy to RMB241.5 billion.

Mr. Ma Heping, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tongcheng Travel, said, “China’s tourism industry achieved exceptional recovery momentum in 2023, which is set to continue into 2024. The Group’s revenue recorded robust growth to a record high in the year under review, surpassing the same period in 2019. The Group will continue to penetrate the domestic market to gain more market shares. Significant progress has been achieved in our hotel management and packaged tour businesses which will pave the way to a second growth trajectory. Furthermore, the resumption of international market development will bring new opportunities for business expansion going forward.”

Developing into a New Generation National Travel Platform to Propel APUs to New High

To expand its traffic sources, the Group continued to pursue various channels in both online and offline scenarios such as maintaining stable and effective traffic within the WeChat Mini Program and deepening strategic cooperation with Tencent. The Group explored various scenarios within the Tencent ecosystem to expand the user reach and made consistent efforts to refine the operations to enhance user acquisition efficiency. To attract young users, the Group collaborated with Tencent Games and launched e-Sports activities. It also optimized the entry point interfaces on QQ Browser and Weixin Search platform to deliver better user experience.

The Group also increased efforts in operating its mini-program on Alipay and explored the potential of the ecosystem. Moreover, it continued the partnership with a prominent handset vendor, offering its users convenient and reliable services for transportation ticketing and accommodation reservations. Simultaneously, the Group persisted in developing offline user acquisition channels. Throughout 2023, the Group was dedicated to crafting marketing strategies with creativity. It initiated a variety of innovative marketing campaigns, such as e-sports games, open-door marketplace and music festivals, to strengthen bonding with younger users.

As the coverage of service scenarios expands and users’ trust level increases, Tongcheng Travel has gradually grown into the “New Generation National Travel Platform”. During the period under review, the Group’s average monthly paying users for 2023 increased by 39.1% yoy to 41.3 million, representing a 53.5% increase compared to 2019. Annual paying users increased by 25.2% year-to-year to a historic high 234.7 million, representing a 54.0% increase compared to 2019.

Core Businesses Delivered Solid Growth while Other Businesses Expanded Rapidly

The Group’s revenue from transportation ticketing services increased by 78.5% yoy to RMB6.03 billion in the period under review, mainly driven by the strong rebound in demand for transportation ticketing services. For the fourth quarter of 2023, the group’s air ticket volume increased by over 16% compared to the same period of 2019, far exceeding the overall industry performance. The Group’s train ticketing business experienced a revenue growth that outpaced the increase in business volume, due to the strategic shifts to monetization enhancement. Moreover, Tongcheng Travel capitalized on the opportunities arising from the surge in local and short-haul travel demand and enhanced the operations of its bus and car-hailing businesses.

The Group’s accommodation business exhibited robust growth in both business volume and revenue. During the period under review, the revenue from the accommodation business increased by 61.5% yoy to RMB3.90 billion. In 2023Q4, the domestic room nights sold registered more than 70% growth compared with the same period of 2019 and the international room nights sold had fully recovered to the level in 2019.

Besides, the Group is committed to achieving business diversification. Others business includes tourism services, advertising services, hotel management services, corporate travel services and ancillary value-added user services. Revenue from other businesses increased by 148.6% yoy to RMB1.97 billion, representing a 280.3% increase compared to 2019. The proportion of other businesses revenue segments in total revenue has continued to increase, rising by 9.5 percentage points from 7% in 2019 to 16.5% in 2023. The increase in other revenue is mainly attributed to the Group’s further development of its tourism services, advertising services, and hotel management services.

Integrating Intelligent Travel with Sustainable Development to Shape the Future of the Tourism Industry

To ensure a gratifying experience for users, the Group has improved the intelligent Huixing system, which offers customized travel solutions according to their preferences. For customer services, the Group has persistently applied Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) to improve efficiency and quality. In 2023Q4, the Group signed a strategic agreement with Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, aiming to collaborate in establishing the airport as a regional transit hub. Tongcheng Travel also partnered with Changbai Mountain to develop an intelligent tourist service platform that consolidates local tourism information. Additionally, the Group has built a comprehensive portfolio of PMS brands to offer Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions to more individual and chain hotels as well as alternative accommodation to enhance their daily operation efficiency.

Tongcheng Tavel intensifies efforts to improve its ESG performance and has attained remarkable results. The Group’s MSCI ESG rating received AA rating for the second consecutive year in 2023 and was successfully included in The Sustainability Yearbook (China) 2023 by S&P Global. As a socially responsible enterprise, Tongcheng Travel is committed to supporting the sustainable development of the travel industry. The Group continued its contribution to the rural revitalization through projects such as the “Lindu Warm Village”. It has also launched a training program on digital operation and marketing of rural tourism for tourism professionals to foster the growth of the rural economy. Moreover, the Group is focused on the well-being of the community it serves. It cooperated with various hotels in China throughout the year, initiated a hotel alliance “Tongcheng Shelter”, to offer complimentary supplies and resting areas to users under diverse scenarios, such as during the college admission exam season and in response to extreme weather conditions in China.

China’s travel industry has obtained astonshingt recovery momentum, driven by diversified travel demand. This trend will continue into 2024. Looking ahead, the Group will continue to leverage its competitive strengths, including its solid market position, diverse traffic sources and advanced technological capabilities. The Group will focus on enhancing user loyalty and value, while broadening the user base. The Group will intensify efforts to enrich and refine products and services, thereby enhancing the user experience. In addition, the Group is committed to leveraging technology to transition from an OTA to an ITA. It will actively seek investment opportunities in line with its strategic objectives to foster future growth. It will integrate corporate governance, environmental protection and social responsibility into its operations and create long-term sustainable value for stakeholders.
Hashtag: #TongchengTravel

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

About Tongcheng Travel Holdings Limited (HKSE Stock Code: 0780.HK)

Travel is a one-stop shop for users’ travel needs. With the mission “make travel easier and more joyful”, Tongcheng Travel offers a comprehensive and innovative selection of products and services covering nearly all aspects of travel, including transportation ticketing, accommodation reservation, tourist attraction ticketing, and products including package tour, self-guided tour and cruise, including a wide array of transportation and leisure travel scenarios primarily through its online platforms, which comprise its Tencent-based platforms, its proprietary mobile apps, quick apps and other channels.

As a technology-driven company, Tongcheng Travel leverages big data and AI capabilities to better understand the preferences and behaviors of users, thereby offering users customized products and services. Tongcheng Travel has a strategic focus on lower-tier cities in China and seized opportunities there supported by its diversified traffic sources, product innovation capability and flexible operation strategies. Through the in-depth understanding of user experience and advanced technological capabilities, Tongcheng Travel has been revolutionizing what consumers expect from the online travel industry, making the entire travel process more convenient, personalized and enjoyable than ever. Tongcheng Travel aims to develop and apply its advanced technology to transform from an online travel agency to intelligent travel assistant.

THXNET. Announce Strategic Partnership With Coinweb To Accelerate Blockchain Adoption For Web2 Enterprise.


TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – THXNET., Japan’s premier Web3 enabler and a leading Web3aaS Plug & Play Blockchain Network ecosystem innovator, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Coinweb, a distinguished layer 2 interoperability platform. This collaboration signifies a transformative leap in the development of Web3 ecosystems, leveraging THXNET.’s innovative Web3 solutions alongside Coinweb’s powerful infrastructure. To support this integration, Coinweb Labs has extended its expertise, emphasizing the shared goal of enhancing interoperability and scalability across the blockchain sector.

Thxnet

The partnership introduces an array of advanced functionalities from Coinweb, such as Cross-Chain Token Issuance, Cross-Chain Routing, Optimized Load Balancing over multiple Layer 1 blockchains, Access to an Enhanced Wallet Library, Tailored Reactive Cross-Chain Smart Contracts, Gas Fee Abstraction and cost-savings through batching of transactions, and cross-chain transfers through Coinweb’s PACT. These features promise to provide businesses and Web3 initiatives with unparalleled agility and operational efficiency.

“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Coinweb, a seasoned and reputable enterprise in the blockchain industry. This collaboration represents a significant stride towards our shared vision of fostering innovation and scalability within the Web3 space.” Said Aro Kondo, Co-Founder and CEO of THXNET.

“We are excited to announce our integration with THXNET.,” stated Toby Gilbert, CEO of Coinweb. “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our journey to drive interoperability and scalability within the blockchain industry. By combining Coinweb’s advanced infrastructure with THXNET’.s innovative Web3 solutions, we will be able to speed up the creation of a much more advanced ecosystem of Web2 businesses converting to Web3.”

THXNET. boasts a proven track record of success, highlighted by the launch of its Layer 0 & Layer 1 Mainnet, the creation of over 136,000 unique wallets, the execution of 1.34 million transactions, partnerships with top-tier entities like Urawa Reds football club for NFT launches on its platform, and collaborations with more than 20 other partners. This demonstrates THXNET.’s capacity to drive the shift from Web2 to Web3.

This integration marks a pivotal moment for the Web3 community, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation among global users. The partnership will also encompass joint marketing campaigns, leveraging THXNET.’s strong community engagement and Coinweb’s technological advancements.

Hashtag: #THXNET #COINWEB

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

About THXNET.

THXNET. is at the forefront of the Web3-as-a-Service (Web3aaS) Plug & Play Blockchain Infrastructure, aspiring to be Japan’s leading Web3 ecosystem enabler. Specializing in seamless integration and cutting-edge solutions, THXNET. enables projects and enterprises to easily adopt blockchain technology, offering rapid deployment of dedicated Layer 1 blockchains and other Web3 services, facilitating cost reduction, scalability, and maximum security, even for developers new to blockchain. Visit:

About Coinweb

Coinweb stands as a leading layer 2 interoperability platform, transforming the cross-chain capabilities within the blockchain industry. Its innovative Layer 2 protocol enables seamless interactions between decentralized applications across various blockchains, enhancing interoperability and scalability within the Web3 ecosystem.

Visit:

About Coinweb Labs

Coinweb Labs is dedicated to designing and developing customized solutions for decentralized applications that interact with the Coinweb Protocol. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Coinweb Labs aims to accelerate the growth of projects in the Coinweb ecosystem, driving forward the advancement of blockchain technology.

Visit:

Freshippo’s Global Go Business More Than Doubles GMV

Retailer to adds new drivers to boost global product choice


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – Freshippo, Alibaba Group’s digital intelligence-powered new retail company, has announced that its Global Go business has recorded year-on-year GMV growth of over 100%. Global Go provides consumers in China with value-for-money import products, sourced at origin through Freshippo’s global supply chain network. To continue to grow its global shopping business, Freshippo will launch Global Go Offline Experience Zones in 66 existing stores, launch its first private brand for healthy living, and improve its product traceability system.

During its recent participation at ALIEXPO, which had the theme of Engaging Natural Beauty of Australia, in Sydney this year, Freshippo continued to integrate its global supply chain and seek direct strategic partnerships at origin. Major retailers, online platforms, and independent retail stores in Australia all showed interest in the innovative recipes and product designs of Freshippo’s own-brand products.

Melody Jia, General Manager of International Business at Freshippo said, “By sourcing goods directly from global origins and establishing direct partnerships with upstream suppliers, we are able to provide consumers with reliable and high-quality products while enhancing Freshippo’s price competitiveness. For consumers, the rich shopping experiences and interaction with professional shopping advisors available in our offline stores will help them gain a personal understanding of the new brands. For overseas brands, Global Go provides a platform where they can target high-quality consumers, thereby facilitating more precise and efficient sales conversions. By pioneering a new model for cross-border shopping, Freshippo Global Go creates a win-win situation for all.”

In addition, to the Global Go Experience counters in 66 Freshippo stores, Freshippo will continue to expand its Freshippo Supermarkets this year. Shopping advisors will be available at Global Go Offline Experience Zone to provide consumers with professional advice and personalized recommendations.

Freshippo also plans to launch its first Global Go brand specializing in healthy living in the second half of this year. The product will range from healthcare products to children’s nutrition and more, bringing health and nutritional products that are more suitable for Chinese customers. The brand will directly collaborate with reputable companies, factories, raw material suppliers, and patent holders to bring high-quality products with competitive prices to Chinese consumers in a safe and reliable manner.

Freshippo will further strengthen the traceability of its Global Go products. Earlier this year, Freshippo Global Go established a comprehensive cross-border beauty product origin-tracing system to regularly invite credible third-party authentication institutions worldwide to authenticate the products in Freshippo’s bonded warehouse, ensuring that consumers can purchase with peace of mind.

In terms of product categories, beauty and health products will be the focus for this year. Australian health supplements, natural foods, baby products, and pharmaceuticals will be one of the key areas. The market for organic and natural powders as well as mood-relieving health products in Australia is also growing rapidly. In addition, Freshippo will collaborate with international duty-free groups, and globally renowned manufacturers. Through direct-at-source procurement, strategic partnerships will be established with leading international companies to discover global high-quality products for consumers.
Hashtag: #Freshippo #newretail #technology #alibaba #supermarket #global

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

Freshippo

Freshippo is Alibaba Group’s digital intelligence-powered new retail company. Headquartered in Shanghai, Freshippo operates more than 360 stores across 28 cities in mainland China.

Cassava Leads Lao Exports in January 2024 Amid Trade Deficit

Cassava emerged as the leading export product in the initial month of this year,  according to reports from Lao government sources. Continuing a trend observed in 2023, Laos faced a trade deficit surpassing USD 188 million in January this year.

Malaysia Airlines Berhad Soars into KidZania Singapore as Official Airline Partner

Iconic Malaysia Airlines Brand Embarks on a Three-Year-Long Partnership to Instil Air Travel Awareness and Career Opportunities Among Youths


SINGAPORE & KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – KidZania Singapore, an award-winning interactive children’s edutainment park that combines inspiration, fun and learning through ultra-realistic role-playing experiences, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Malaysia Airlines. This three-year-long collaboration represents the first major marketing initiative undertaken by Malaysia Airlines since 2019.

Malaysia Airlines will brand the existing plane within KidZania's cityscape in Singapore, serving as the official airline partner for the coveted educational entertainment hot-spot.

Malaysia Airlines will brand the existing plane within KidZania’s cityscape in Singapore, serving as the official airline partner for the coveted educational entertainment hot-spot. This alliance symbolises a shared vision between two prominent brands in providing enriching life experiences for children and youths in Singapore and beyond.

The partnership will see fresh and intriguing programmes, aimed at exposing children to air travel’s nuances and endless possibilities of career paths within the airline industry. By integrating real-life scenarios and professions within KidZania’s fun-filled environment, Malaysia Airlines seeks to introduce children to various aspects of aviation, such as piloting, cabin crew responsibilities, and ground handling.

Malaysia Airlines will brand the existing plane within KidZania's cityscape in Singapore, serving as the official airline partner for the coveted educational entertainment hot-spot.

Founder and Executive Chairman of Sim Leisure Group, Dato’ Sim Choo Kheng, commented on this partnership, “We are delighted that an esteemed brand like Malaysia Airlines sees the potential in the KidZania project and recognises how it can play a vital role in introducing young minds to career possibilities within the aviation sector. We believe this will inspire them to form ambitions of their own.”

He further added, “This alliance complements our commitment to offering children holistic, engaging and experiential learning sessions. The integration of Malaysia Airlines into our Eduplay city will offer children insights into the aviation world, shaping their understanding of the industry and nurturing their interests.”

Chief Executive Officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group, the holding company for Malaysia Airlines, Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said: “We are thrilled to be part of the KidZania community, where we can actively contribute to the development of youth and future talents of the aviation industry. By sharing insights and empowering children to pursue their passions, we are committed to challenging stereotypes within the aviation industry and encouraging exploration of diverse job roles, fostering inclusivity and diversity from an early age.

Bringing the essence of Malaysian Hospitality to KidZania, we aim to cultivate an appreciation for both the diverse and shared cultures between our nations among children. We will continue to dedicate our efforts toward curating experiences and offerings that cater to our diverse and global audience. This includes the extension of Malaysia Airlines’ award-winning loyalty programme, Enrich, to children aged 2 – 12 years old via Enrich Junior; enabling them to enjoy a myriad of travel benefits and lifestyle privileges.”

KidZania Singapore is a part of the global edutainment brand, KidZania, that provides a safe, unique, and interactive environment where children can explore a city built for kids. They learn essential life skills through over 100 role-playing activities. KidZania Singapore reinforces the power of dreams, the importance of being responsible and independent, aiming to inspire and educate children through real-life experiences. KidZania Singapore will fully reopen in early Q2 2024.

Malaysia Airlines’ branding at KidZania Singapore signifies a milestone in the company’s commitment to fostering education and career awareness among youths. This alliance enables Malaysia Airlines to reach out to the next generation of aviation enthusiasts in a unique and immersive setting.
Hashtag: #Kidzania #MalaysiaAirlines






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

About KidZania Singapore

KidZania Singapore is an interactive city made for children aged four to twelve that combines inspiration, fun and learning through realistic role-play. Kids independently explore a safe and contained 81,000 square feet kid-sized city with over 60 exciting careers that they can try. From Surgeon to Courier and Firefighter to Chef, experience the power of role-play in your child’s development http://www.kidzania.sg/

About Sim Leisure Group

Sim Leisure Group Ltd is an international theme park developer based in Dubai, listed in Singapore and operating from Malaysia. Recognized as an international powerhouse in the theme park and leisure industry from Asia, Sim Leisure Group has garnered an impressive reputation for its expertise and innovation. With a track record of creating 300 international theme park projects worldwide, including renowned attractions such as DreamWorks, the John Wick ride in MOTIONGATE™ Theme Park Dubai, and Sea World Abu Dhabi and just recently Six Flags in Saudi Arabia, the group’s standing in the industry is unrivalled.

Sim Leisure Group’s portfolio includes award-winning ESCAPE parks in Penang (consistently rated as the No. 1 Theme Park in Malaysia over the last few years and recently the No. 3 Theme Park in Asia on Trip Advisor) and Petaling Jaya and Ipoh, which is currently under construction, with several upcoming projects both locally and internationally. In addition to its organic growth, the company has made strategic acquisitions, including the prominent edutainment facility KidZania Kuala Lumpur and more recently KidZania Singapore.

The group’s ESCAPE brand of nature-based, retro-eco theme parks showcases Sim Leisure Group’s expertise and forward-thinking approach, led by visionary founder and Executive Chairman, Dato’ Sim Choo Kheng, who was recently inducted into the list of the World’s Top 50 Theme Park Influencers by Blooloop, the world’s leading platform for visitor attraction professionals. ESCAPE offers a unique play experience, combining thrilling rides and games hosted within a natural environment, allowing guests to reconnect with nature through self-directed and self-powered play.

In recent times, Sim Leisure Group has emerged a trailblazer in the international arena, making history by spearheading the first Asian attraction brand to be exported globally. With ongoing projects under negotiation across the Asia Pacific and Middle East, the company aims to become the most successful leisure company worldwide.

Sim Leisure Group constantly strives for excellence and does not settle for anything less. This mantra stems from the founder’s obsession for upholding the highest quality & standards, consistently pushing boundaries and adopting an international global mindset. At Sim Leisure Group, it’s never business as usual.

About Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia, offering the best way to fly to, from and around Malaysia through its premium and full-service offerings. Malaysia Airlines carries up to 40,000 guests daily on memorable journeys inspired by Malaysia’s diverse richness. As the nation’s flag bearer, it embodies the incredible diversity of Malaysia; capturing its rich traditions, cultures and cuisines via its inimitable Malaysian Hospitality across all customer touch points.

Since September 2015, the airline has been owned and operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad. It is part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), a global aviation organisation that comprises of different aviation business and lifestyle travel solution portfolios aimed at serving global air travel needs. The airline is committed to facilitating safe and seamless travels by placing safety and hygiene as the anchor across all end-to-end consumer touchpoints in line with its MHFlySafe initiative. Via its alliance with oneworld®, Malaysia Airlines offers superior connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories across the globe. For more information, please visit www.malaysiaairlines.com and download the Malaysia Airlines app to get the latest promotions conveniently at your fingertips.

Prince Foundation Awards Third Batch of Chen Zhi Scholarship For 100 Recipients, Empowering Cambodia’s Next Generation


PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – Prince Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Prince Holding Group, has recently hosted the third Chen Zhi Scholarship Award Ceremony, marking a significant advancement in educational empowerment. This event celebrated the selection of 100 students who are set to begin a transformative educational journey.

His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport (6th from left), was the guest of honor at the recent award ceremony of the third batch of the Chen Zhi Scholarship. Also in the photo is Mr. Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer of Prince Holding Group (6th from right), alongside other government and university representatives, as well as several of the scholars.
His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport (6th from left), was the guest of honor at the recent award ceremony of the third batch of the Chen Zhi Scholarship. Also in the photo is Mr. Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer of Prince Holding Group (6th from right), alongside other government and university representatives, as well as several of the scholars.

Demonstrating Prince Holding Group’s dedication to cultivating future leaders, the ceremony featured His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, as the guest of honor. He commended Neak Oknha Chen Zhi, Chairman of Prince Holding Group, for the profound impact of the scholarship program on academic excellence and career exposure since its launch in 2021.

“Education is a transformative force for lives, communities, and our nation’s future, serving as the key to unlocking a brighter future,” stated H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron. “I encourage all students to seize this incredible opportunity provided by Prince Holding Group. Dedicate yourselves, harness the power of knowledge, and realize your dreams.”

He also urged the Chen Zhi scholars to utilize this opportunity to enhance their education and play a pivotal role in shaping Cambodia’s future, adding, “This scholarship not only fosters confidence but also empowers you to determine your destiny and contribute significantly to Cambodia’s success.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer at Prince Holding Group, expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. He highlighted the comprehensive nature of the Chen Zhi Scholarship, stating, “The Chen Zhi Scholarship extends beyond merely covering school fees; it encompasses a complete program that facilitates students’ learning and growth. It offers valuable training from Prince employees, internship opportunities, and potential job placements post-graduation.”

The ceremony also featured a heartfelt testimonial from Bo Lyza, a Batch 1 scholar and Year 3 student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), majoring in Media Communications. She highlighted the program’s transformative effect, stating, “The Chen Zhi Scholarship has not only provided financial support but also fostered our growth and expanded our perspectives.”

Another key highlight during the event is the presentation of a handcrafted watch by two graduate watchmakers from Prince Horology Vocational Training Center to H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, symbolizing the advanced skill sets developed under the mentorship of Swiss horology experts.

Among the attendees were notable government and university representatives, including H.E. Mak Ngoy, Director General of Higher Education; Mr. Kong Phoumka, Director of Higher Education Department; Dr. Seng Bunthoeun, Vice Rector of the National University of Management; Mr. Kean Tak, Vice Rector of the Royal University of Phnom Penh; and Mr. Soy Ty, Deputy Director of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia.Hashtag: #PrinceFoundation #PrinceHoldingGroup #ChenZhiScholarship2024

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

About Prince Foundation

Prince Foundation, founded in 2015, is one of Cambodia’s leading philanthropic foundations. A member of Prince Holding Group, which is one of the largest business groups in Cambodia, the Foundation aims to work with local communities to build thriving living and working environments that elevate people’s well-being and livelihoods following the vision: “Together, Building a Better Future for Cambodia”.

Focusing on education and youth development, healthcare, and community engagement and sports, and healthcare initiatives, Prince Foundation works with partners to deliver sustainable programs that enhance opportunities for Cambodia’s youths, build resilience in communities and contribute to sustainable infrastructure.

The Foundation’s flagship projects are the Chen Zhi Scholarship, offering full scholarships, stipends, internship and work opportunities to 400 Cambodian university students over a period of seven years, and Prince Horology, where aspiring Cambodian watchmakers learn the art of Swiss-style watchmaking in a state-of-the-art facility. Prince Foundation has launched more than 250 philanthropic initiatives, benefiting over 1.2 million people, with donations exceeding US$16 million.

About Prince Holding Group

Prince Holding Group is one of Cambodia’s largest business groups, spanning across real estate development, financial services, and consumer services.

Prince Holding Group’s key business units in Cambodia include Prince Real Estate Group, Prince Huan Yu Real Estate Group, Prince Bank, BR Capital Management, and Awesome Global Investment Group. Via its subsidiaries, Prince Holding Group has over 100 businesses in Cambodia operating in real estate development, banking, finance, tourism, logistics, technology, food and beverages, lifestyle sectors, etc.

Leveraging a network of industrial, business, and financial professionals across Asia, Prince Holding Group is firmly committed to the long-term development of Cambodia.

Moving forward, Prince Holding Group will continue to seek out opportunities to play an important role in Cambodia through partnerships or direct investments into key industries for the betterment of Cambodians and the local economy.

Lingnan launches LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA to attract top students from all over the world

The first tertiary institution in Hong Kong to use the metaverse for admissions


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – Lingnan University expects a significant increase in the number of non-local student applicants when publicly funded universities’ admission quota of non-local students doubles to 40 per cent in the 2024/25 academic year. To attract outstanding students from around the world, the University officially launched LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA on 18 March, making it the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to use the metaverse for admissions purposes. The main theme is Undergraduate Admissions as brand new LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA breaks through geographical and time constraints by providing a one-stop undergraduate admissions information platform that allows prospective students to visit the Metaverse campus any time and from anywhere to access the latest and most comprehensive admissions information, and to select their preferred programmes.

Photo 1. Prof Lau Chi-pang, Associate Vice-President (Academic Affairs and External Relations), and Ms Margaret Cheung Wai-fong, Registrar of Lingnan University. Photo 2&3. With the theme of undergraduate admissions, Lingnan University launches LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA, making it the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to use the metaverse for admissions purposes.
Photo 1. Prof Lau Chi-pang, Associate Vice-President (Academic Affairs and External Relations), and Ms Margaret Cheung Wai-fong, Registrar of Lingnan University.
Photo 2&3. With the theme of undergraduate admissions, Lingnan University launches LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA, making it the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to use the metaverse for admissions purposes.

Prof Lau Chi-pang, Associate Vice-President (Academic Affairs and External Relations) of Lingnan University, said that LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA will help to expand the University’s global reach and attract top students from all over the world. “Lingnan University is committed to establishing itself as a leading international research-intensive liberal arts institution in the digital era. Last year, we introduced Lingnan Metaverse, which provides virtual campus visits for secondary school students in Hong Kong, and has been well-received by the public as it allows them to obtain admissions information. This year, the university has launched LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA, which replicates our Tuen Mun campus, allowing users to explore Lingnan and gain a thorough understanding of the University’s rich history and cultural heritage since it was founded in 1888. The platform’s enrolment target has also expanded from Hong Kong to the rest of the world. Admission through LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA helps to reduce the use of printed promotional materials, and is in line with the global trend towards digitalisation and sustainable development.”

Prospective students from all over the world can invite their family and friends to visit this year-round open Metaverse campus with them for admission information, including programmes for the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business, Faculty of Social Sciences, and School of Interdisciplinary Studies in the four teaching buildings, as well as browsing undergraduate admissions information booths, and registering for various admissions activities. They can explore every corner of the Metaverse campus on a computer or smartphone with a personal avatar from a first-person perspective, and experience the University’s friendly, welcoming atmosphere. In addition, users can view the whole Lingnan campus from a bird’s eye view via the Skyway, a walkway system where users enjoy a panoramic view of the campus that cannot be seen in the real world. This year, a real-time communication feature has been added, allowing visitors to interact and take part in in-depth discussions with Lingnan’s undergraduate admissions team and departmental offices within the Metaverse campus.

Ms Margaret Cheung Wai-fong, Registrar of Lingnan University, said “Enrolling in a preferred university is one of the most important decisions in life, especially for students studying abroad. The learning and living environments are critical factors in deciding where to study. Therefore, Lingnan University has launched LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA in a proactive and innovative way to enrich overseas students’ understanding and experience of the university. We will invite faculty and staff to appear on the Metaverse campus from time to time to answer questions about hostels, exchanges, and internship opportunities. Staff and students will also act as tour guides to teach users about Lingnan. Games and activities will be available on the platform to further enhance the fun of applying, and we shall promote LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA through overseas networks to attract the attention of more students from around the world to Lingnan’s latest undergraduate admissions information.”

Having won the THE Awards Asia 2023’s Student Recruitment Campaign of the Year prize last year, Lingnan University will continue to upgrade its state-of-the-art Metaverse campus, adding additional undergraduate admissions information, as well as developing more interactive functions, games, and activities for the community.

For more information about Lingnan undergraduate admissions, please visit “LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA“.

Lingnan University
Website of Undergraduate Admissions Office, Registry: https://www.ln.edu.hk/admissions/ug

Hashtag: #LingnanUniversity

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