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CCICD Applauds 25th Anniversary of Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, US

BEIJING, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The China Center for International Communication Development (CCICD) issued a press release on Tuesday to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, recognizing the garden as a symbol of cultural bonds between China and the U.S.

According to the press release, a Chinese delegation from Suzhou also joined local guests and residents in a celebration that opened a new chapter for this classical Jiangnan-style Chinese garden.

Opened on September 14, 2000 as Portland Classical Chinese Garden, Lan Su is the result of a close collaboration with Portland’s sister city, Suzhou.

More than 60 Chinese artisans constructed the garden’s key structures in Suzhou before shipping the components to Portland for reassembly. Every detail—from the large Tai Hu rocks decorating the landscape to the thousands of individually laid stones forming mosaic pathways—has been meticulously planned and maintained over the years.

During the anniversary event, the garden was adorned with lanterns and ribbons. A scene from the Kunqu opera The Peony Pavilion was performed on a curved bridge, with its melodic tunes blending harmoniously with the murmuring streams and drooping willows.

Caption: a scene from the Kunqu opera The Peony Pavilion was performed
Caption: a scene from the Kunqu opera The Peony Pavilion was performed

In the intangible cultural heritage demonstration area, Suzhou embroiderers deftly plied their needles, stitching intricate patterns of apricot blossoms, flowing water, and traditional boats, much to the admiration of visitors.

Over the past 25 years, Lan Su Chinese Garden has attracted approximately 150,000 visitors annually and has consistently hosted events during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinese New Year, and Lantern Festival.

“The sister-garden relationship is one of the most vibrant ties between our sister cities,”said an official from the Suzhou delegation. He added that Suzhou will continue to promote exchanges in gardening artistry and displays of intangible cultural heritage to help peoples in North America further appreciate the beauty of Suzhou gardens and the depth of Chinese culture.

Gravity Officially Launches Hybrid Casual Game ‘Ragnarok Monster Kitchen’ in Indonesia!

  • A restaurant management game featuring adorable chef-themed Ragnarok Monsters
  • Available now for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global game company Gravity has officially launched its new hybrid casual title Ragnarok Monster Kitchen in Indonesia on September 18.

Ragnarok Monster Kitchen is a light and simple restaurant management game in the hybrid casual genre. With an intuitive user interface and fast-paced, repeatable gameplay, it enhances player immersion. Players progress by clearing themed restaurants, unlocking new dishes and recipes at each stage. Iconic Ragnarok monsters such as Poring, Savage Bebe, and Wild Rose appear as charming chefs, adding visual delight Beyond cooking and serving dishes, players can manage their restaurants while engaging in event modes such as handling unruly customers, delivery time attacks, and villain boss challenges for extra fun.

The game is now available for download and play via Google Play and the Apple App Store in Indonesia. Gravity also plans to roll out future content updates along with in-game and community events packed with rewards.

Jung In-hwa, PM of Ragnarok Monster Kitchen, commented,
“This new title combines the fun of running a restaurant simulation with the joy of seeing beloved Ragnarok monsters as chefs, delivering a fresh experience unlike any of our previous titles. We look forward to players’ support for Ragnarok Monster Kitchen and their anticipation for upcoming content and events.”

For more details on the official launch of Ragnarok Monster Kitchen, please visit the game’s official community (https://rmk.gnjoy.com/).

[Image]


[Gravity Official Website] http://www.gravity.co.kr 

[Ragnarok Monster Kitchen Official Community] https://rmk.gnjoy.com/

[Ragnarok Monster Kitchen Google Play Download Page]

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gravity.romk.aos

[Ragnarok Monster Kitchen Apple App Store Download Page]

https://apps.apple.com/id/app/ragnarok-monster-kitchen/id6749607765

[Ragnarok Monster Kitchen Official Discord] https://discord.gg/T6wNuERtW4

Vantage Launches First VantageXP Event with Lion Championship MMA

HANOI, Vietnam, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets proudly hosted its first VantageXP event in Vietnam, delivering an unforgettable evening in collaboration with Lion Championship, the country’s premier mixed martial arts competition.

Vantage Launches First VantageXP Event with Lion Championship MMA
Vantage Launches First VantageXP Event with Lion Championship MMA

VantageXP is the exclusive members-only arm of Vantage, created for the brand’s premium top-tier clients. More than just a loyalty program, VantageXP opens doors to money-can’t-buy experiences, unique opportunities, and a curated circle of prestige and influence. It brings together Vantage’s global partnerships such as Scuderia Ferrari HP with locally relevant collaborations, including Vietnam’s Lion Championship MMA, ensuring members enjoy access to truly one-of-a-kind experiences.

The inaugural VantageXP Hanoi event was designed to bring these values to life. It was an exclusive, invitation-only experience that gathered an impressive guest list of VIPs, celebrities, KOLs, and leading Vietnamese media outlets. The atmosphere was electric, with star-studded appearances from well-known personalities such as Shark Vinh, singer Diệp Lâm Anh, actor-singer Trương Thế Vinh, transgender beauty queen Đan Tiên, Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 Ngọc Châu, actor Tùng Min, Mister Vietnam Tuấn Ngọc, and M runner-up Ngọc Hằng. Their presence created a dynamic and energetic vibe that carried through the evening.

Guests were treated to cocktails crafted by World Class Vietnam 2024 Champion, Kim Uyên, while enjoying an immersive lineup of activities. The “Fastest Punch” challenge, which awarded a prize of 100 million VND, was one of the standout moments, as was the “Predict-the-Winner” contest tied to the night’s main MMA event between World Muay Thai Champion Trương Cao Minh Phát and Irish Kickboxing Champion Aaron Clarke. Winners received grand prizes sponsored by Scuderia Ferrari HP, making the evening even more memorable.

The event received widespread media coverage from leading outlets such as Tuoi Tre, Znews, Kenh 14, CafeF, Thanh Nien, Cafebiz, and others, ensuring the impact of VantageXP extended well beyond the venue itself.

By blending the thrill of combat sports with the prestige of its premium offering, Vantage introduced VantageXP as a platform for curated lifestyle experiences. The event marked an exciting new chapter for VantageXP, reinforcing the brand’s ability to connect global partnerships with meaningful, locally relevant collaborations.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a reliable trading platform, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that provide clients access to trading opportunities.

trade smarter @vantage

RISK WARNING: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or solicitation of any financial products or services. The content is not intended for residents of any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Readers are advised to seek independent professional advice before making any investment or financial decisions. Any reliance you place on the information presented is strictly at your own risk.

Royal Meteorological Society’s Public Vote Open: 25 Striking Images Compete in the Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year 2025 Competition

LONDON, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From 18 September to 16 October, weather photography lovers from around the globe are invited to cast their vote and select for their favourite image in the Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year 2025 competition.

Celebrating its tenth year, the competition is run by the UK’s Royal Meteorological Society and serves as a platform to raise awareness of environmental issues putting our planet at risk.

Highlights include stunning cloud formations, the effects of storms – from the north of the UK to the southern US, summer scenes and winter frosts, skies being painted by nature’s colours in the form of rainbows and the Aurora Borealis, as well as showcasing the results of climate change resulting in more unstable and intense weather.

Professor Liz Bentley, Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society, commented:

“Over the last ten years the Royal Meteorological Society has been inviting global photographers, from experienced professionals to amateurs with a mobile phone, to capture the weather and climate through their lens. It’s incredible to see the way entrants have documented the beauty of our weather, as well as highlighting the significant impacts of climate change, and increasingly, the effects it has on the weather – including more extreme weather events. A huge congratulations to those shortlisted and on behalf of the judges, I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the competition which aims to share a global story of our weather and climate – each image inspires and brings vital stories to the fore.”

Marisa Drew, Chief Sustainability Officer at Standard Chartered, commented:

 “As we mark ten years of the competition, the Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year competition celebrates the incredible images that continue to reveal both the power and fragility of our evolving world. Over the past decade we’ve seen photographers, across generations and geographies, capture the impacts of our rapidly changing climate, documenting how dramatically these shifts can affect communities and landscapes. I am delighted to celebrate this milestone year and to recognise the talent and creativity of photographers who are increasingly embracing new technologies and using their entries to inspire awareness and action. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted.”

Winner Announcement: 30 October 2025

The shortlist can be viewed here.

For media enquiries, contact weatherphotographer@rmets.org or Tel: +44 (0)118 2080 142

Images and captions, copyright information can be accessed here via Dropbox

 

Wasserman partners with Gig Life Pro to bring sports, music & entertainment professionals together in Singapore

THE PARTNERSHIP WILL UNLOCK NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES DURING BUMPER WEEK IN REGION

SINGAPORE, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global sports, music and entertainment company Wasserman has partnered with global networking platform, Gig Life Pro (GLP), to host a networking event for music industry professionals and creatives in Singapore.

Gig Life Pro is a platform built to support music industry professionals and creatives in expanding their connections. Its mixers bring together a curated community of music professionals, artists, and businesses worldwide, offering valuable connections with meaningful context.

Wasserman also has a rich heritage in music, following its acquisition of Paradigm Talent Agency’s music division in 2021, which then rebranded as Wasserman Music. Wasserman Music represents some of the world’s biggest names in music such as Chappell Roan, Imagine Dragons, KATSEYE, Marshmello, Skrillex, SZA, Travis Scott and Tyler, The Creator.

Wasserman and Gig Life Pro have teamed up for an exclusive networking event on 2 October during Singapore’s busiest week on the sporting calendar with the Singapore Grand Prix taking place during 3-5 October. The event will expand beyond music professionals to cover the sports and entertainment industries too.

Victoria Stickland, SVP & Regional Director – Asia, at Wasserman said of the partnership, “Hosting an exclusive GLP & Friends mixer event during Singapore’s most vibrant week — between All That Matters and Formula 1 — provides the perfect stage to foster authentic connections, strategic collaborations, and fresh opportunities. This partnership not only extends Gig Life Pro’s foundation but also highlights Wasserman’s role in Asia as a hub where sports, music and entertainment converge.”

Priya Dewan, CEO at Gig Life Pro said, “Our ‘Wasserman Presents’ mixer celebrates the union of two companies committed to fostering valuable connections for the music industry. Like with all our events, we look forward to seeing the incredible global projects that result from this one!”

Wasserman has been established in Asia since 2010, serving clients such as AIA, American Express and Mondelez and representing iconic talent across sports and media including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Derrick Rose and Rui Hachimura. Through Brillstein Entertainment, its iconic entertainment management business, the company manages the careers of Nate Bargatze and Courteney Cox among many others.

About Wasserman

Wasserman is a global sports, music and entertainment company that provides representation and marketing services to talent, brands and properties. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman’s presence spans 28 countries and more than 70 cities. For more information, please visit www.teamwass.com.

About Gig Life Pro

Gig Life Pro is a networking and educational platform designed to support all global music industry professionals and creatives in developing their connections and skills. Gig Life Pro supports members through curating industry panels, workshops, mixers, intimate dinners, after-parties, trade missions and online networking events to exchange highly specialised knowledge of a rapidly expanding industry. For more information, please visit www.giglifepro.com.

Contact:
Edward Tan
ed@giglifepro.com 

iHuman and Cricket Media Team Up to Launch Reading Stars

Reading Stars seamlessly merges Cricket’s award-winning content with iHuman’s cutting-edge technology, creating an entirely new way for children to engage with reading.

BEIJING and MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iHuman Inc. (NYSE: IH), a leading provider of tech‑powered, intellectual development products in China, and Cricket Media, whose magazines have delighted families for more than 50 years, today announced the global launch of Reading Stars. Drawing on iHuman’s expertise in content digitalization, edutainment and interactive learning design, along with Cricket Media’s extensive library, the app transforms traditional reading resources into a dynamic digital experience that builds children’s reading skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.

Reading Stars is the perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless storytelling,” said Dr. Peng Dai, CEO of iHuman. “With nearly three decades of experience, we are dedicated to creating immersive learning experiences that support children’s holistic growth. Partnering with Cricket Media allows us to offer a global reading platform that inspires joy and strengthens reading skills in just ten minutes a day.”

Eric Berger, CEO of Cricket Media, added,  “For more than fifty years, our magazines have set the standard for storytelling that sparks imagination and learning. Reading Stars extends that legacy into a groundbreaking interactive experience. By combining our award-winning content with iHuman’s proven learning technology, we’re creating a platform where kids don’t just read, they build a personalized city with earned stars, play mini-games to test their knowledge, and discover that reading is its own reward.”

A Dynamic Reading Journey Designed for Growth

Reading Stars transforms traditional reading into an exciting adventure through content-driven engagement mechanics. Children choose from a diverse range of Lexile®-level matched mini-books, curated by Cricket’s expert editors, spanning genres like science, art, history, poetry, comics, and fiction. Personalized recommendations based on age, reading level, and interests ensure that each child is appropriately challenged.

As they read, children shift from passive readers to active explorers, discovering fun facts, taking quizzes, and playing games that reinforce their skills. The Reading Buddy—a virtual companion—guides them with explanations, asks engaging questions, and celebrates milestones to keep readers motivated.

Each completed book helps grow a personalized virtual city, offering a tangible sense of progress, and reinforcing daily reading habits.

Additionally, QR codes in Ladybug, Spider, and Cricket Magazines link directly to the app, where children can access read-alouds, test their comprehension, play vocabulary games, and discover more stories, seamlessly bridging print and digital learning.

Availability

Reading Stars is available now in the Apple App Store and Google Play in more than 170 countries. Families can subscribe monthly or annually for unlimited access to all content.

About iHuman Inc.

iHuman Inc. is a leading provider of tech-powered, intellectual development products in China. Building on nearly 30 years of industry experience, original content, and advanced technologies such as AI, AR, and big data, it delivers engaging, interactive apps and smart devices that turn learning into an enjoyable and inspiring experience.  These offerings spark children’s curiosity and cultivate literacy, creativity, and critical thinking, while making child-upbringing more efficient for parents. Learn more at ihuman.com.

About Cricket Media

Cricket Media is a kids’ and family media company combining 50+ years of trusted storytelling with modern distribution, AI-driven curation, and brand-safe ad tech. Its IP powers advertising, subscriptions, and licensing across Sensical streaming, beloved magazines like Cricket, Spider, Ladybug, and Babybug, and interactive formats. Learn more at cricketmedia.com.

Media Contacts
Mr. Justin Zhangir@ihuman.com 
Ms. Sharon Cohenscohen@cricketmedia.com 

NETMARBLE’S NEW COLLECTIBLE RPG SEVEN KNIGHTS RE:BIRTH, CELEBRATES OFFICIAL GRAND LAUNCH WITH EXCLUSIVE EVENTS

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ –Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality games, has officially launched Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, its newest collectible RPG, globally on both mobile and PC platforms. Players can download the game via Google Play and the App Store for mobile version and through the official brand website for PC.

At launch, players of Seven Knights Re:BIRTH can collect and nurture over 120 heroes and more than 30 pets. They can also enjoy a variety of content such as Arena, Guild War, Raids, and more, beyond the main Adventure mode. 

To celebrate the grand launch, a range of exciting events is now underway: 

  • Daily Check-In Event: Rewards users with valuable in-game items, such as Gold, Key Chests, Rubies, and more. One Legendary Hero is guaranteed every 10 days of checking in.
  • New Adventure Buff & Check-In Events: Buffs are provided to help new players settle in, boosting the drop rates for heroes, gold, and equipment when playing Adventure mode. New Adventure Check-In Event will offer Tickets, Rank Up Materials, Gold, and more. 
  • Rate Up Summon Event: Newly joined players can participate in a limited-time rate up summon event featuring the Legendary Hero “Teo.” 

Additional launch events are also currently running, with full details available on the official forum. 

Seven Knights is Netmarble’s flagship IP that has surpassed 100 million cumulative downloads and has received immense love and support from fans around the world. The original title, launched in October 2015, was globally acclaimed for its dynamic visuals, strategic gameplay, and the joy of collecting and nurturing over 500 unique characters. 

Seven Knights Re:BIRTH inherits the key elements of the original – including its story, characters, combat systems, and core mechanics – while enhancing the gameplay experience with modern gameplay features and the latest trends. The game officially launched in Korea on May 15, 2025 and made a strong debut, reaching the number one spot on the App Store’s “Top Free Games” chart (in Korea) within just seven hours. It also topped both Google Play and the App Store’s “Top Revenue Games” charts in Korea within five days of release.

More details on Seven Knights Re:BIRTH are available on the official website. Fans can also stay up-to-date with the latest information on the game by following official social channels on Facebook and YouTube. 

About Netmarble Corporation

Founded in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading global game developer and publisher. Through acclaimed franchises and strategic partnerships with top-tier IP holders, the company delivers innovative and engaging gaming experiences to audiences worldwide. As a parent company of Kabam, SpinX Games, Jam City, and a major shareholder of HYBE and NCSOFT, Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling:ARISE, Seven Knights Idle Adventure, Tower of God: New World, Lineage 2: Revolution, MARVEL Future Fight, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.

 

Laos, Thailand Strengthen Trade Ties, Aim for USD 11 Billion Revenue by 2027

Lao-Thai Trade.

Laos and Thailand are set to strengthen the trading, following an agreement in February that includes improving infrastructure, improving transportation, and academic cooperation. The plan aims to reach a trade revenue of USD 11 billion by 2027.