This is the fourth consecutive year that OnePlus and IPA have collaborated to host the OPA
SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 February 2024 – Global tech brand OnePlus today launched the 2024 OnePlus Photography Awards (OPA) in partnership with the International Photography Awards (IPA) — the global platform that encourages photographers to discover and share artistic creations — together bringing premium smartphone imaging experiences to more photography enthusiasts worldwide.
To provide an even more open platform for all mobile photography enthusiasts, Hasselblad ambassadors and Hasselblad masters will join the professional judges of OPA 2024 alongside OnePlus imaging product experts and the professional IPA jury team. This year, OnePlus is introducing even more exciting rewards including prize money of up to US$10,000 plus a complimentary OnePlus device for the winner of the Photo of the Year award to encourage photography enthusiasts around the globe to participate in OPA 2024.
“OnePlus believes that photography is more than simply passively documenting what exists in front of the lens; it must actively seek to create and capture moments that leave a lasting impact. Our goal is to empower users to transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary experiences through the art of photography,” said Emily Dai, Head of Global Brand and Marketing at OnePlus. “Building on our long-term collaboration with IPA, we are looking forward to working even more closely together to explore the future of professional photography on mobile phones. By co-hosting photography contests, we aim to enable more photography enthusiasts around the world to amplify their distinctive tone and unique emotion and elevate moments into unforgettable masterpieces on their mobile phones.”
“We are delighted to once again be partnering with OnePlus in 2024. Our collaboration has helped drive huge leaps in mobile photography over the past three years, and we are thrilled to continue working alongside an organization that puts creativity and quality so clearly at the forefront. OnePlus’ continued role as the Official Smartphone of IPA reinforces our shared passion for advancing the craft of photography through innovation,” said Hossein Farmani, President and Founder of the International Photography Awards. “OnePlus consistently pushes boundaries to reach for the impossible in mobile photography. Through its cutting-edge technology and commitment to providing its global community with the best possible products, OnePlus provides users with a platform for unlimited creative expression, and we look forward to taking this collaboration to new heights in 2024!”
As the Official Smartphone of IPA 2024, the OnePlus 12 is a photography master with a professional-grade camera system built on flagship hardware and advanced image processing algorithms developed in collaboration with Hasselblad. Featuring the 4th Gen Hasselblad Camera for Mobile, the OnePlus 12 is equipped with an industry-first Sony LYT-808 wide angle sensor, 64MP 3x periscope telephoto camera, 114° field of view 48MP ultra-wide camera, the latest RAW HDR algorithm, and the newly upgraded Hasselblad portrait mode. Together, these features deliver an effortless pro-level camera that forms the foundation for the best ever mobile photography experience.
For further details about OnePlus’s partnership with IPA in 2024 and OPA 2024, please visit the official OnePlus website.
Hashtag: #oneplus
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About IPA
The International Photography Awards™ conducts an annual competition for professional, amateur, and student photographers on a global scale, creating one of the most ambitious and comprehensive competitions in the photography world today.
For more information, please visit www.photoawards.com.
About OnePlus
OnePlus is a global mobile technology brand that challenges conventional concepts of technology. Founded on the “Never Settle” mantra, OnePlus creates exquisitely designed devices with premium build quality and high-performance hardware. OnePlus thrives on cultivating strong bonds and growing alongside its community of users and fans.
With about 950 properties across over 220 cities and counting, Ascott will be offering Unlimited Opportunities, Unlimited Choices, Unlimited Freedom, and Unlimited Good, to springboard to next chapter of growth as a global hospitality company
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 February 2024 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), today announced the launch of ‘Ascott Unlimited‘, a year-long medley of initiatives to mark its ambitions to break new ground as it celebrates 40 years in hospitality service. Unveiled at the Southeast Asia debut of the Asian Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE) 2024 held in Singapore, this launch signifies a new era as the hospitality company navigates a future of unlimited possibilities against a backdrop of global change and evolving perspectives of travel. A leading development, investment, and operations forum, AHICE SEA 2024 was attended by many key prominent investors, owners, and operators in Southeast Asia, representing over US$500 billion in assets.
Ms Tan Bee Leng, Ascott’s Chief Commercial Officer, unveiled the launch of ‘Ascott Unlimited’ at AHICE SEA 2024
In 1984, Ascott pioneered Asia Pacific’s first serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore. Over the years, it has been building its own brands, and making strategic acquisitions to fast-track market penetration. Today, Ascott is a vertically-integrated lodging operator of about 950 properties across more than 220 cities globally, represented by a portfolio of 14 distinctive brands. Through an asset-light strategy, Ascott targets to achieve more than S$500 million in fee earnings by 2028.
Having established its reputation as a market leader in corporate travel within the extended stay sector, Ascott has taken the definition of global living into the transient leisure market. As Ascott pivots its business operations through its flex-hybrid “hotel-in-residence” model to respond to the changing needs of the market, it is on a growth trajectory stronger than ever. In 2023, Ascott achieved a record year of fee earnings at S$331 million, as well as highest number of property openings with nearly 9,600 units turning operational.
Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer for Ascott and CLI Lodging, said: “The journey in the evolution of Ascott’s business is a natural one. We have spent the last four decades building the relationship we have with our guests, owners, and partners. We have put in significant investment to develop systems and infrastructure to support our growing business. We have been nurturing a culture of hospitality amongst our associates. Laying the foundation through disciplined growth over the years now paves the way for us to ensure that Ascott will continue to be that preferred accommodation of choice for our guests. We remain committed to quality growth and partnership with our owners and investors for the decades to come.”
“In a world that is changing, we recognise the importance for Ascott to stay relevant and in tune with what travellers look for. There is no better time than now, to push boundaries and go beyond for our future. Our legacy of successes has seen us through growth trajectories where we doubled in units every five years since 2008. Several transformative deals have fuelled Ascott’s position in the hospitality industry amongst established players. 2024 will be our launchpad – one that will propel Ascott into an era of greater ambition, as we go unlimited. Unlimited with enhanced value for our owners, unlimited with myriad experiences for our guests, and unlimited with growth opportunities for our associates,” added Mr Goh.
Ascott Unlimited (https://www.discoverasr.com/ascottunlimited) Transcending traditional limits, Ascott is embarking on a transformative journey to go ‘unlimited’ for its guests, owners, partners, and associates. Ascott Unlimited is guided by four key pillars:
Unlimited Opportunities With an expanding global footprint, Ascott delivers enhanced value to owners and investors, while providing career growth opportunities for associates
Unlimited Choices With a diverse portfolio of brands, Ascott offers guests myriad stay experiences, for whatever the purpose of travel and wherever the destinations may be
Unlimited Freedom With a flex-hybrid hotel-in-residence model, Ascott offers owners compelling flexibility to realise potentials, and travellers unparalleled possibilities to stay their way
Unlimited Good With a commitment to a culture of care and hospitality, backed by a spirit of innovation, Ascott grows responsibly as a changemaker with an unlimited purpose to impact the future of travel
Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott said: “Ascott has been at the frontier of providing serviced living for 40 years now. In recent years, we have been accelerating our journey in the hospitality space. Through listening to our guests and clients, as well as internal surveys conducted with our associates from around the world, we saw Ascott’s 40th anniversary milestone as an unprecedented opportunity to share the profound changes that the company has gone through. As we mark Ascott’s corporate coming of age, this is a timely occasion for us to celebrate our present, while shining a light to the future.”
“Building on our foundation in an increasingly blended world of travel, Ascott is breaking new ground so our guests can work, stay, and play even better. With Ascott Unlimited, we are offering our guests more experiences for their next stay, with more value to enjoy, underpinned by our purpose to make a meaningful difference to travel – tomorrow and beyond. As we go Unlimited, we are excited to be launching initiatives that have been curated to deliver one-of-a-kind stay experiences for our guests. This will be exemplified in everything we do – from free night stays and complimentary membership tier upgrades to signature experiences and programmes unique to each brand. All to ensure our guests unlock a gateway to unlimited possibilities, wherever they are in the world,” Ms Tan added.
Towards a Future of Unlimited Possibilities with Ascott Unlimited ‘Can we have everything, everywhere, all at once when we travel?’ A brand film that answers to this call kickstarts the launch of Ascott Unlimited, a year of unlimited possibilities.
Commemorating this major milestone, a campaign microsite features the latest updates on events, offers and happenings that guests may enjoy or participate in. An interactive game also allows guests to put their knowledge on Ascott to the test, with a chance to win stay vouchers and Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) points to unleash their wanderlust.
With a suite of 14 brands offering a multitude of stay experiences, guests will enjoy a complimentary fourth night with a minimum of three nights booked using the promotional code “ASCOTT40” from now till 31 December 2024. Unlimit Your Stay with One Free Night.
Loyalty members can look forward to enhanced benefits and elevated experiences as ASR celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. Offering guests even more value, all new or Classic tier ASR members will be gifted with an instant status upgrade to the Silver tier upon their first login to the Discover ASR mobile app, with additional reward points to be earned.
For more information on the Ascott Unlimited campaign, please refer to the Appendix here. To view Ascott’s 40 years of milestones, take a walk down memory lane here. Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #Hospitality #Anniversary
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Ascott Limited
Since pioneering Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with about 950 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott’s presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.
Ascott’s diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, coliving properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott’s loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.
A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
This year, Ascott marks 40 years in hospitality service with the launch of Ascott Unlimited, a full year campaign that will offer Unlimited Opportunities, Unlimited Choices, Unlimited Freedom, and Unlimited Good. Navigating a future of unlimited possibilities against a backdrop of global change and evolving perspectives of travel, Ascott Unlimited marks Ascott’s ambitions to break new ground, and springboard to its next chapter of growth as a global hospitality company. Find out more about Ascott Unlimited at www.discoverasr.com/ascottunlimited.
About CapitaLand Investment Limited (www.capitalandinvest.com)
Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 December 2023, CLI had S$134 billion of assets under management as well as nearly S$100 billion of funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and more than 30 private vehicles across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics, self-storage and data centres.
CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and commercial management, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand’s development arm.
As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith (Photo: Pasaxon News)
President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste and his delegation arrived in Vientiane for an official state visit from February 27 to March 2 to strengthen diplomatic ties.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 February 2024 – J-Long Group Limited (Nasdaq: JL) (the “Company” or “J-Long”), today announced that its board of directors has declared a special dividend of an aggregate of US$6,000,000.00 out of the distributable funds of the Company, to be paid to all holders of record as of March 11, 2024, of its outstanding shares of common stock. The special dividend will be payable on March 12, 2024.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company’s proposed Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions in this prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Hashtag: #JLongGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Encourage enterprises to establish regional headquarters to attract capital, companies, and talent holistically
The Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year announced a full withdrawal of all demand-side management measures for residential properties with immediate effect, bringing positive factors to the economic recovery.
KPMG advises the government to conduct a comprehensive review of the tax system, taking into consideration Hong Kong’s future economic positioning, and to make corresponding adjustments to the tax policy.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 February 2024 – KPMG welcomes the Hong Kong government’s Budget, recognising it as taking a balanced approach to development, addressing the needs of both citizens and businesses, which will effectively create opportunities and drive high-quality economic development in the city. Despite the forecast fiscal deficit being larger than expected, the government’s fiscal reserves remain healthy.
John Timpany, Head of Tax in Hong Kong, KPMG China, says: “The government proposes various strategies to increase revenue and contain expenditure. For example, the recently announced Productivity Enhancement Program is expected to trim 1% of recurrent government expenditure in each of the next two fiscal years, with the saved resources being reallocated internally. These stringent expenditure control measures are a prudent step. While unlikely to be welcomed, proposals such as resuming the collection of Hotel Accommodation Tax and introducing a two-tiered standard tax rate regime for salaries tax and tax under personal assessment will increase government revenue in the short term without significantly impacting the majority of citizens and businesses.”
Alice Leung, Tax Partner, KPMG China, says: “KPMG previously raised suggestion to the government regarding the profits tax allowances for industrial and commercial buildings and structures. We are pleased to see that the government has proposed optimizations in the Budget, including the removal of the time limit for claiming the allowances. Additionally, we welcome the government’s decision to completely eliminate the demand-side management measures for residential properties. These measures were originally implemented to curb speculative trading, which is no longer a critical concern. Since the Policy Address in October last year, which dialed back the measures, we have not seen a resurgence in speculative activity in the property market. Eliminating these cooling measures could bring positive momentum to the economy.”
Stanley Ho, Tax Partner, KPMG China, says: “KPMG welcomes the measures in the Budget, which aim to attract businesses, capital, and talent. This includes investing in innovative technologies and nurturing talent in the innovation and technology sector. To promote Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre, we are pleased to see the government’s continuing support and assistance to enable high value-added technology industries and enterprises to establish a foothold in the city.”
KPMG welcomes the reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to optimising tax incentives for funds and family offices, and recommends that the government launch and implement relevant plans as soon as possible to further promote the development of asset management in Hong Kong. In addition, KPMG recommends that the government comprehensively review the tax system to allow Hong Kong to maintain its competitiveness.
KPMG believes that the government could provide further tax incentives and exemptions to attract global companies to establish regional headquarters in Hong Kong, such as adopting 50% of the normal tax rate (i.e. 8.25%) for profits derived from regional headquarters in the city. Additionally, KPMG recommends introducing special tax loss measures, promoting investment in start-ups and scientific research projects, and easing the current stringent tax deduction conditions for interest payments to enhance the tax system.
Hashtag: #KPMGChina
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About KPMG China
KPMG China has offices located in 31 cities with over 15,000 partners and staff, in Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Dongguan, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wuhan, Wuxi, Xiamen, Xi’an, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. Working collaboratively across all these offices, KPMG China can deploy experienced professionals efficiently, wherever our client is located.
KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.
KPMG firms operate in 144 countries and territories with more than 236,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.
KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.
In 1992, KPMG became the first international accounting network to be granted a joint venture licence in the Chinese Mainland. KPMG was also the first among the Big Four in the Chinese Mainland to convert from a joint venture to a special general partnership, as of 1 August 2012. Additionally, the Hong Kong firm can trace its origins to 1945. This early commitment to this market, together with an unwavering focus on quality, has been the foundation for accumulated industry experience, and is reflected in KPMG’s appointment for multidisciplinary services (including audit, tax and advisory) by some of China’s most prestigious companies.
FILE: this image is used only for representational purpose (photo: Flickr)
Consider those moments when the thought crosses your mind: “If only there were more time today.” Today, however, presents us with precisely that: “more time.” This year, we’re granted an extra day—a leap day—appearing on our calendars every four years.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 February 2024 – TUMI, the leading international travel, lifestyle and accessories brand, is venturing further into the world of performance luxury with the launch of a premium collection of golf bags and accessories. An extension of TUMI Sport, the new Golf collection delivers strength and hyper-functionality, fueling peak performance for golf competitors and enthusiasts alike.
Encompassing a total golf-travel solution, the assortment enables players to enjoy the brand’s legacy of flawless functionality, unmatched quality and uncompromising attention to detail both on and off the course. Offered in black and off-white/tan, the collection includes the Golf Cart Bag, Golf Stand Bag, Golf Range Bag and Golf Hardside 2 Wheeled Travel Case as well as duffels, totes, club covers and more. Select items can be monogrammed for an additional element of personalization.
(L to R): TUMI Golf Cart Bag in Black and Golf Stand Bag in Off-White/Tan.
“At TUMI, we are committed to perfecting customers’ journeys as they pursue their passions. We know a lot of our customers are avid golfers, whether conducting business outside of the boardroom or enjoying the challenge of the game. We wanted to ensure all the details and qualities that draw people to TUMI are encompassed in a golf collection that is as durable and functional as any of our travel pieces, without sacrificing the luxury that is emblematic of the sport,” said Victor Sanz, Global Creative Director of TUMI.
Featuring ultra-protective FXT Ballistic Nylon and a multitude of interior and exterior organization pockets, TUMI’s Golf bags are designed with all the game-enhancing features golfers need and more. The Golf Cart Bag fits up to 14 clubs with room for additional golf essentials. The utility-driven design includes a variety of pockets for gear, drinks, valuables, a USB-C charging port, and protective rain cover.
For the golfer who walks or carts the course, the Golf Stand Bag comes equipped with removable padded backpack straps for comfortable one-shoulder or dual-shoulder carry. With room for 14 clubs, it provides ample organization and USB-C charging capabilities.
When traveling, the Golf Hardside2 Wheeled Travel Case accommodates the Cart or Stand Bag with room to spare for additional apparel or accessories. The ultra-durable polycarbonate shell absorbs impact while the top and side grip handles make it easy to transport. Other highlights of the collection include the Golf Duffel, which also converts to a backpack, and the 3 Pack Golf Club Cover Set made to fit a Driver, Wood and Hybrid club – perfect for gifting with their premium packaging and monogrammable capabilities.
In a testament to TUMI’s ongoing commitment to providing quality products for the world’s top athletes, along with the launch of the Golf collection the brand has been named the “Official Luggage” of the PGA TOUR and the LPGA. The multiyear partnerships with the world’s premier golf organizations follow TUMI’s affiliation with other leading sporting groups such as Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, McLaren Racing and the Professional Tennis Players Association.
Golf enthusiasts and TUMI fans alike can experience the full Golf collection from February 29 to March 3, 2024 at the LPGA Tour’s HSBC Women’s World Championship at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore. TUMI will be hosting its first-ever on-site experience at the tournament featuring product previews, VIP and influencer appearances, and additional on-site programming.
“We are thrilled to partner with the PGA TOUR and the LPGA to support their organizations and athletes in pursuit of excellence. With TUMI being an international lifestyle brand, we value these two global partnerships and it gives us great pleasure to be involved with the LPGA’s HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore, as well as other global events around the world in the future. We are committed to empowering our customers and athletes alike with the best in performance luxury wherever their journeys take them,” said Jill Krizelman, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and eCommerce at TUMI.
Shop the new Golf collection at TUMI stores worldwide and at TUMI.com. Keep up with TUMI on Instagram and Facebook.
Hashtag: #TUMI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About TUMI
Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions.
China police officers escort telecommunications fraud suspects from a charted plane arriving from Laos at the Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan Province in this file picture from 11 September, 2023. (photo: Li Hao)
Lao and Chinese authorities collaborated to dismantle seven online fraud operations entrenched in Laos, resulting in the arrest of 268 Chinese telecom fraud suspects who were subsequently transferred to China, as announced by China’s Ministry of Public Security on 28 February.