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New Samsung research reveals Australians’ passion for art persists despite cost-of-living pressures

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Advertorial Desk
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SYDNEY, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Australians continue to feel cost of living pressures[1], new research from Samsung Australia indicates that the nation’s appetite for art remains strong, suggesting that in challenging times people turn to art for inspiration. A third (34%) of Australian respondents – rising to almost half (48%) for those aged 25-35 years old – are currently dreaming of the day they get to travel to Paris to visit The Louvre, while nearly half (48%) of 25-35 years old respondents aspire to own a famous piece of art, even if they admit it’s unrealistic[2].

The new insights also highlight a growing desire to be exposed to fine art every day, despite the finer things in life feeling increasingly out of reach for many Australians. Nearly half (45%) of respondents say they’d like to have more art in their home[3], while over a third (38%) of respondents say they enjoy visiting art galleries on the weekend to relax and feel inspired.

According to Simon Howe, Director of Audio Visual at Samsung Australia, bringing world-class art into Australians’ homes has been a long-standing mission for the company. Since pioneering the concept of Art TVs via The Frame TV and Samsung Art Store[4] in 2017; Samsung has continually evolved its Art TV offering to help more Australians curate their own collections, enhance their home décor, and feel inspired, all through their Samsung TVs at home. In fact, in 2025, 90% of Samsung’s TV line-up features the Art Store[5], transforming more TVs into beautifully curated pieces of art when not being watched.

“The Frame TV and the Art Store were a revolutionary pairing that brought the calibre of MoMA, The Met, and Tate Modern into Australian living rooms,” said Mr. Howe. “The aim was to provide Australians with a virtual pass to access works from the world’s most talented artists spread across various countries, all from the comfort of home. Today, Australians purchase more Frame TVs per capita than any other country[6] reflecting a local appreciation for fine arts and culture steeped in human creativity.”

Mr. Howe added that for Samsung, the goal has always been to make world-class art more accessible, personal, and part of everyday life. “Australians are increasingly looking to the technology in their homes not just for function, but to elevate their living spaces and reflect personal style. We also know people want to feel relaxed and inspired at home — and art plays a huge role in creating that atmosphere.”

While generative AI art capabilities are increasingly available, Samsung insights reveal 60% of Australians worry that AI-generated art could pose a threat to human creativity and culture[7]. This further highlights the strong value Australians place on authentic, human-made works of art.

Today, Samsung’s Art Store features over 3,000 pieces of curated artworks from more than 800 artists and 70 world-class galleries and museums[8]. With the Art Store available on Samsung’s range of Neo QLED, 8K & 4K, and select QLED 4K TVs, artists like Australia’s Mulga and Sarrita King can be showcased alongside new curated collections from the 2025 Art Basel Paris Fair in TV sizes spanning 43″ up to 115″. Continuing to enhance art experiences, Samsung has also released new innovations such as the Wireless One Connect Box[9] and Glare-Free[10] coating, both available on The Frame Pro and Neo QLED QN990F models, enabling Australians to display art via the Art Store cable-free like a true gallery piece.

“With almost half (46%) of our research respondents saying they like when they receive compliments on the art in their home[11], Samsung will continue to drive the Art TV category forward, bringing new ways for more Australians to feel inspired in their homes,” Mr Howe concludes.

Samsung has been the Global No. 1 TV brand for 19 consecutive years[12] and was recently voted the Best TV Brand via Finder’s Most Satisfied Customer Awards for the fifth consecutive year. To find out more about Samsung’s Art TVs and Samsung Art Store, visit samsung.com/au/tvs  

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.  

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com 

[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics, “Selected Living Cost Indexes, Australia, June 2025,” released 6 August 2025, Price Indexes and Inflation, https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/selected-living-cost-indexes-australia/latest-release

[2] Samsung commissioned research by Pure Profile, conducted August 2025. N= 1,040

[3] Samsung commissioned research by Pure Profile, conducted August 2025. N= 1,040

[4] Samsung Art Store is a premium digital art platform exclusively available on select Samsung TVs. Fees apply to subscription service. Art pieces in the Art Store are subject to change without prior notice.

[5] Definition of Samsung’s 2025 TV line up includes models and SKUs spanning 2025 Neo QLED 8K and 4K, QLED 4K, The Frame TV, UHD, and Samsung OLED models. Excludes Samsung projector models.

[6] As at July 2025 based on Samsung Electronics Australia’s internal sales.

[7] Samsung commissioned research by Pure Profile, conducted August 2025. N= 1,040

[8] Stream complimentary curated art or additional artworks available via subscription. Internet connection required. Offering 30 refreshed artworks monthly through Art Store Streams and over 70 ambient content supported complimentary throughout the year.

[9] TV requires a separate power cable connection. Operating distance can vary depending on the surrounding environment. Wireless One Connect may not function if there is an obstruction, such as a wall, hindering its connection to the TV within your home. Wireless One Connect box may not function if placed inside a closed metal cabinet.

[10] The QN990F and LS03F have each been independently verified as Glare Free: Reflection Glare UGR <10, Discomfort Glare UGR <22, Disability Glare UGR <34 by UL LLC. (UL Solutions), Certificate Number: V166045 – Exp. 31/12/2025.

[11] Samsung commissioned research by Pure Profile, conducted August 2025. N= 1,040

[12] Omdia, Feb 2025. Based on overall TV market share by manufacturer on an annual unit & revenue basis.

 

BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel: Winner of multiple awards in the hotel, restaurant and spa categories at the World Luxury Awards 2025

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Advertorial Desk
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For more information, click here: https://www.bellustartokyo.jp/en/topics/awards2025/

TOKYO, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel (Shinjuku, Tokyo; General Manager: Katsushi Nishikawa) has won a total of seven awards at the World Luxury Awards 2025, which are given to luxury hotels that offer world-class services and facilities: two in the hotel category, three in the spa category, and two in the restaurant category. This marks the second consecutive year that the hotel has received awards in the hotel and spa categories, and it continues to earn high praise.

List of Awards
List of Awards

The 2025 award in the restaurant category is the first for the hotel, representing international recognition of the quality and hospitality of the entire property.

Award Ceremony - Bellustar Tokyo
Award Ceremony – Bellustar Tokyo

■ Award Details

BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel – Global Winner
Best Architectural Design – East Asia

SPA Sunya 

Best Luxury Urban Escape – Global Winner
Best Luxury Boutique Spa – East Asia
Best Luxury Beauty Spa – East Asia

Restaurant Bellustar 

Best Panoramic Views – Japan
Best Luxury Scenic Setting – Asia

■ Comment from General Manager Katsushi Nishikawa, BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel

General Manager, Mr Nick Nishikawa
General Manager, Mr Nick Nishikawa

We are deeply grateful for the recognition we have received in the hotel, spa, and restaurant categories at the World Luxury Awards 2025. We are truly pleased and humbled to receive such an honorable recognition, thanks to the efforts of our customers who regularly support BELLUSTAR TOKYO and our associates who work sincerely every day.

As a luxury hotel located in the heart of Tokyo, it is our mission to provide sophisticated stay experiences that satisfy both domestic and international guests.

Encouraged by this recognition, we will continue to strive to further improve the quality of our services and provide hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.

We will continue to strive to meet your expectations, so we appreciate your continued support.

■ About the World Luxury Awards

The World Luxury Hotel Awards are prestigious awards given to businesses from around the world that offer outstanding services and facilities in four categories: hotels, spas, restaurants, and travel. Established in 2006, the awards recognize the world’s top luxury hotels, selected each year by over 300,000 guests and industry professionals, including travel agencies. The World Luxury Spa Awards were established in 2011 for the luxury spa industry. Each year, the awards are selected based on the evaluations of approximately 250,000 travelers from around the world.

Official website: https://www.theworldluxuryawards.com

■ About BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel

Hotel Awards
Hotel Awards

A luxury urban hotel where you can enjoy a special space away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The spacious guest rooms on the 39th floor and above feature interiors that incorporate traditional Japanese culture and offer panoramic views of Tokyo. On the top floor, you can enjoy a unique dining experience in a one-of-a-kind space, a spa where you can experience the bounty of the Japanese earth, and five penthouse suites “Private Villas in the Sky” where you can spend time returning to yourself with spectacular 360-degree views.

Address: Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Floors 18, 39–47)
Tel: 81 3 6233 8800 (Main line)
https://www.bellustartokyo.jp/en/

■About Restaurant Bellustar

Restaurant Bellustar
Restaurant Bellustar

The restaurant’s concept is “a restaurant that takes you on a journey through ingredients.” It serves modern French cuisine, using ingredients from all over Japan, while capturing the local climate. It expresses expectations for future travel destinations and memories of past travels through ingredients and tableware, inviting guests to a constantly evolving culinary experience while preserving French tradition and culture. This restaurant is a symbol of the hotel, which is both the destination and departure point for your journey.

Floor:              45th
Hours:             Dinner 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Last order 9:00 p.m.)
                        Lunch 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Last order 2:00 p.m.)
Seats:              36 (including one private rooms for up to 8 guests)
Tel:                  81 3 6233 7388 (Direct)
https://www.bellustartokyo.jp/en/restaurant-bar/restaurant-bellustar.html

■ About SPA sunya 

Spa sunya Award
Spa sunya Award

Located on the top floor of the hotel, this heavenly spa takes its name from “sunya,” which means “sky” in Sanskrit. By purifying both body and mind, you will empty yourself completely and be released from the stresses of everyday life in a state of deep relaxation. All treatment rooms and the relaxing spa lounge offer special views far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world above. Personalized treatments incorporating seasonal ingredients from all over Japan will stimulate your senses and fill your body and mind with renewed energy.

Floor:               47th
Hours:             11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Last entry 8:00 p.m.)
Tel:                  81 3 6265 9110 (Direct)
https://www.bellustartokyo.jp/en/spa/

*Hours of operation and other information contained in this press release are subject to change.

*Information contained in this press release is current at the time of its release. Details may differ from the most up-to-date information.

For press-related inquiries concerning this release, please contact

BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel
Chika Ayabe・Narumi Chiba (Public Relations/Brand Management, Marketing Department)
E-mail：pr.ppbtk@panpacific.com / Tel: 81 3 6233 7693

HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARK ROYAL Hotel: First-time winner in both hotel and restaurant categories at the World Luxury Awards 2025

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Advertorial Desk
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― From Shinjuku to the world, first international award recipient ―

See here for details: https://www.hotelgroove.jp/en/topics/awards2025/

TOKYO, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel (Shinjuku, Tokyo; General Manager: Katsushi Nishikawa) has won a total of five awards, two in the hotel category and three in the restaurant category, at the World Luxury Awards 2025, an international awards program for luxury hotels around the world.

List of Awards
List of Awards

This award, the first since the hotel opened in 2023, is a result of the hotel’s unique accommodation experience and the internationally acclaimed dining experience at JAM17 DINING, which focuses on stone oven cuisine and incorporates seasonal elements and a story-driven approach.

Award Ceremony - Bellustar Tokyo
Award Ceremony – Bellustar Tokyo

■ Award details

HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARK ROYAL Hotel

Luxury Design Boutique Hotel – East Asia
Luxury LGBTQ-Friendly Hotel – Global Winner

JAM17 DINING

Best Locally Sourced Produce Menu – Japan
Luxury Entertainment Restaurant – Asia
Italian Cuisine – East Asia   

■ Comment from General Manager Katsushi Nishikawa, HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARK ROYAL Hotel

General Manager, Mr Nick Nishikawa
General Manager, Mr Nick Nishikawa

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for being recognized in the hotel and restaurant categories at the World Luxury Awards 2025. 

Since its opening, HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU has aimed to create spaces that embody the diversity and creativity of the city as a “hotel that lets you fully enjoy the city.” This award is a great honor, as it is the culmination of the passion of our hotel guests and each of our staff who work together with the community. At JAM17 DINING and other facilities within the hotel, we are constantly striving to create new value so that we can provide visitors with experiences that stimulate their senses. Encouraged by this recognition, we will continue to hone the quality of our service so that we can deliver “memorable stays.”

■ About the World Luxury Awards

The World Luxury Awards are prestigious awards for businesses that offer outstanding services and facilities from around the world in four categories: hotels, spas, restaurants, and travel. Established in 2006, the World Luxury Awards recognizes the top luxury hotels from around the world, with the winners selected each year by a panel of over 300,000 guests and industry professionals, including travel agencies.

Official website: https://www.theworldluxuryawards.com

■ About HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU

Hotel Awards
Hotel Awards

This lifestyle hotel serves as a base for enjoying the town of Kabukicho to the fullest. Located on floors 20 to 38, the 538 guest rooms offer a space where you can bask in the excitement and joy of the entertainment venues. Choose from a variety of layouts to suit your travel purpose, and enjoy the mid-century modern design that evokes the history of the area. The public areas allow you to enjoy the art, music, and other culture that emerges in Shinjuku Kabukicho, and JAM17 DINING & BAR on the 17th floor connects the hotel to the town, providing a fun way to connect with the charms of the town.

Tel: 81 3 6233 8888(Main)
Official website: https://www.hotelgroove.jp/en/ 

■ About JAM17 DINING

Restaurant Awards
Restaurant Awards

JAM17 DINING offers a vibrant dining experience with a sense of groove, set in a dining space that features the dynamism of an open kitchen. The signature stone oven, located at the heart of the kitchen, offers gentle yet strong heat. We pride ourselves on using ingredients sourced from the Kanto region, including Miura vegetables delivered fresh from the farm, embracing the region’s seasonal bounty, and locking in the flavors in the stone oven.

Hours: 11:30 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. (Last order 9:00 p.m.)
Seating: 132 seats (Maximum of 15 guests per room)
Tel:81 3 62338217(Main)
Official website: https://www.hotelgroove.jp/en/jam17/dining.html

*Please note that operating hours and other information may be subject to change.

*Information contained in this press release is current at the time of its release. Please note that details may differ from the most up-to-date information.

For press-related inquiries concerning this release, please contact:

HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel
Contact person: Chika Ayabe・Narumi Chiba (Public Relations/Brand Management, Marketing Department)
E-mail: pr.ppbtk@panpacific.com/ Tel: 81 3 6233 7693

LG Innotek Reaffirms World-Leading Automotive Lighting Innovation for Second Consecutive Year

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Advertorial Desk
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  • New ‘Ultra Thin Pixel Lighting Module’ wins CES 2026 Innovation Award.
  • Silicon optical components reduce thickness by 71%, offering customers greater design freedom.
  • Delivers diverse text and animated effects, advancing V2X communication capabilities.

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LG Innotek (CEO Moon Hyuksoo, Korea: 011070) announced on November 7, 2025, that it has been honored with a CES 2026 Innovation Award for its newly developed ‘Ultra Thin Pixel Lighting Module’ for automobiles.

LG Innotek’s ‘Ultra Thin Pixel Lighting Module’, winner of the CES 2026 Innovation Award
LG Innotek’s ‘Ultra Thin Pixel Lighting Module’, winner of the CES 2026 Innovation Award

LG Innotek has achieved the remarkable feat of receiving the CES Innovation Award for its automotive lighting solutions for two consecutive years, reaffirming its world-leading technology in the field. At CES 2025, the company won the award for ‘Nexlide A+’, the industry’s first application of a surface light source to a front lighting module in automobiles.

Unveiled for the first time at CES 2026, the ‘Ultra Thin Pixel Lighting Module’ offers dramatically reduced thickness, size, and weight compared to existing lighting solutions.

Traditional vehicle lighting modules incorporate plastic lenses or reflective optical components in the LED, inevitably resulting in heavy and bulky modules. To overcome these drawbacks, LG Innotek independently developed the industry’s first reflective optical component made from white silicone material.

Designed with a structure that maximizes the light-reflecting properties of the color white, this component can achieve uniform brightness. It also means that additional plastic lenses or separate components for light reflection are no longer necessary.

The ‘Ultra Thin Pixel Lighting Module’ incorporating this component is 0.12inch thick, 71% thinner than existing products. This reduced thickness has also significantly lowered the product’s weight. Despite this, luminous efficiency has improved by 30% compared to previous models.

The slim, flexible silicone material allows the module to bend. Consequently, it enables the design of vehicle lighting in various shapes, such as curves, and also permits the application of lighting in locations where installation is technically challenging due to features such as front grilles or bumpers.

An LG Innotek representative said, “This automotive lighting module greatly enhances design flexibility for our automotive manufacturers while contributing to better fuel efficiency through reduced component weight. The use of silicone material also substantially reduces the risk of pedestrian injuries from impacts or shrapnel during traffic accidents.”

Furthermore, the module features a reduced pixel size that is one-quarter that of conventional products. The resulting higher pixel density and quantity allows for improved lighting resolution and enhanced visibility.

In addition to all of this, the ‘Ultra Thin Pixel Lighting Module’ significantly enhances the V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication capability of vehicle lighting. In particular, it enables the transmission of text and high-definition images via vehicle lighting and supports animated effects.

For example, during an emergency, the lighting can display text messages to communicate what is going on inside the vehicle to the outside world using the lettering function or use custom emoticons to reflect the driver’s personality.

With the goal of beginning ‘Ultra Thin Pixel Lighting Module’ mass production in the second half of 2027, LG Innotek is promoting the technology to global customers.

CEO Moon Hyuksoo stated, “Winning the CES 2026 Innovation Award once again demonstrates LG Innotek’s world-leading innovation in automotive lighting solutions.” He added, “We will continue to present new automotive lighting solutions that deliver distinguished customer value and expand our market presence beyond North America to Europe and Japan.”

Meanwhile, LG Innotek will showcase its ‘Ultra Thin Pixel Lighting Module’ along with next-generation automotive lighting modules and the latest sensing solutions and communication modules for AD/ADAS at CES 2026, scheduled for January next year.

Marriott International Announces Termination of Agreement with Sonder

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Advertorial Desk
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BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced that its licensing agreement with Sonder Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SOND, “Sonder”) is no longer in effect due to Sonder’s default. As a result, Sonder is no longer affiliated with Marriott Bonvoy, and Sonder properties are not available for new bookings on Marriott’s channels.

Marriott’s immediate priority is supporting guests currently staying at Sonder properties and those with upcoming reservations. Marriott will be contacting guests who booked directly through Marriott channels, including marriott.com, the Marriott Bonvoy App and Marriott’s worldwide reservation centers, to address their reservation and booking needs.  Guests who booked through a third-party online travel agency should contact those organizations. Marriott remains committed to minimizing disruption to guests’ travel plans.

Guests with questions about current or future reservations at a Sonder property booked through Marriott channels can contact Marriott customer service here.

ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of over 9,700 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 143 countries and territories, as of September 30, 2025. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to Marriott International, Inc.’s plans and expectations following the termination of its licensing agreement with Sonder Holdings Inc.; Marriott’s plans to support impacted guests and minimize disruption to travel plans; and similar statements concerning anticipated future actions and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors identified in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

MEDIA CONTACT
Maggie McNerney
Director, Media Relations
Marriott International
Maggie.McNerney@Marriott.com

IRPR#1

OSL Biz Pay Partners with Morph to Power the Next Generation of On-chain Payments

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, Nov. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —  OSL BizPay, global digital asset payment solution for enterprises, today announced a strategic partnership with Morph, a settlement layer for global payments network that seeks to make stablecoins function seamless, borderless, and practical as true everyday money.

The collaboration marks a significant step toward bridging traditional finance and digital assets by combining OSL BizPay’s regulated fiat gateway and custody infrastructure with Morph’s fast, low-cost Layer 2 settlement technology. Together, the two companies aim to make payments seamless, compliant, and ready for real-world adoption at scale.

Ben Yu, Head of OSL Biz Pay said : “OSL Biz Pay is committed to building the trusted foundation for digital payments by bringing regulatory assurance and institutional standards to the crypto ecosystem. Partnering with Morph allows us to extend that trust directly into on-chain environments, creating a unified, powerful bridge between fiat and Web3 payments. This is about making global finance truly borderless and secure.

Colin Goltra, CEO of Morph said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with OSL BizPay, a true leader in regulated digital asset services. This collaboration provides Morph with a crucial, trusted gateway into regulated markets and enterprise use cases, significantly strengthening our brand as the infrastructure layer for real-world money movement. Together, we are unlocking the potential for mainstream adoption by making onchain payments accessible, compliant, and ready for global commerce.”

The collaboration underscores the companies’ shared goal of advancing global digital finance infrastructure by integrating trusted compliance frameworks with cutting-edge blockchain technology, aligned with OSL Group’s mission to reshape the global financial system and make money move as freely as information.

About OSL BizPay OSL BizPay is a next-generation digital asset payment solution designed for enterprises, enabling seamless crypto collections, payouts, and on-chain settlements worldwide. Supporting major stablecoins like USDT and USDC, it integrates effortlessly with leading wallets to deliver instant transactions, eliminate chargebacks, and offer flexible settlement options such as rate locking and T+1 bank settlement.

With on-chain automation for bulk payments and transparent reconciliation, BizPay combines stablecoin technology with OSL’s regulated Canadian MSB framework to offer a secure, low-cost, and compliant global payment pathway. As part of the OSL Group, it leverages deep expertise in digital asset infrastructure, compliance, and custody to bridge traditional finance with the Web3 economy.

For more information, visit osl.com. For media inquiries, please contact media@osl.com. 

About Morph

Morph is revolutionizing the future of payments by building a dedicated ecosystem that transforms stablecoins into everyday currency. We provide seamless, borderless payment solutions and unlock the potential of over 120 million Bitget and Bitget Wallet users in both payments and DeFi. Morph is committed to bridging the gap between cryptocurrency and real-world utility, democratizing on-chain payments for everyone.

iQIYI Partners with Digital Wallet Snaplii to Launch VIP Memberships in North America

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Advertorial Desk
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iQIYI International VIP memberships will be available for purchase in the Snaplii app starting November 1

SINGAPORE, Nov. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iQIYI, a world-leading online entertainment service, and Snaplii, a leading digital wallet platform, today announced a strategic partnership to launch iQIYI International VIP memberships in North America. Starting November 1, users in the United States and Canada can purchase Quarterly or Annual membership cards directly through the Snaplii app.


This collaboration provides Snaplii users with seamless access to iQIYI’s extensive premium content library. Subscribers will enjoy ad-free viewing of award-winning original Asian dramas, movies, variety shows, and innovative vertical drama content. The partnership comes just in time for the holiday binge-watching season, offering entertainment including major series like Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty and new titles from iQIYI’s popular “Theater” brands spanning suspense, romance, and mobile-optimized micro-dramas.

“Expanding accessibility for our global fans is a key priority,” said Mr. Leo Geng, Executive Vice President of iQIYI. “Our collaboration with Snaplii allows us to connect with North American audiences through an innovative and user-friendly platform. We’re excited to offer our content to Snaplii’s community and help viewers discover their next favorite show.”

Mr. Spencer Xu, CEO of Snaplii, added: “We are thrilled to partner with iQIYI. This initiative perfectly aligns with our core belief that financial and lifestyle benefits should be accessible to everyone. By integrating iQIYI’s premium VIP memberships, we’re enriching our users’ lives with top-tier entertainment.”

About iQIYI
iQIYI is the world’s leading online streaming service, founded in 2010 and specializing in Asian entertainment. The platform offers an extensive portfolio of Asian dramas, movies, variety shows, and animation, establishing itself as one of the largest creators of award-winning original Asian content. Listed on NASDAQ since 2018, iQIYI launched its international service in 2019, providing subtitles in multiple languages and accessibility in over 200 countries through its website www.iQ.com, mobile apps, and smart TV platforms.

About Snaplii
Snaplii is a digital wallet committed to making wealth management simple and accessible. The platform helps users achieve steady financial growth through features including purchase rebates and multi-currency asset flexibility, providing a secure and transparent environment for financial management.

Global Times ‘Overseas China Week’ photo exhibition in Johannesburg highlights China-Africa joint pursuit of modernization

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, Nov. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Times’ “Overseas China Week” event arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday. During the holding of the “Global South Dialogue • China-Africa Roundtable Forum,” the photo exhibition themed “Joining Hands – China-Africa Joint Pursuit of Modernization” was successfully launched. A large number of representatives from mainstream media, scholars, and people from the business community of China and South Africa visited the exhibition, which received an enthusiastic response.

The exhibition was held alongside the “Global South Dialogue • China-Africa Roundtable Forum.” In his opening remarks, Zhang Wei, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Global Times, said that this past October had witnessed the successful convening of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. China’s efforts toward high-quality development, high-standard living, high-efficiency governance, and high-level opening-up have attracted global attention. The scale, resilience, and potential of China’s economy – likened to a “vast ocean” – along with China’s confidence, resolve, and capability to address risks and challenges, serve as a “reassurance pill” for the world economy. This will inject new impetus and bring new opportunities into the joint pursuit of modernization by China and Africa. 

As the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit is expected to be held in South Africa, the Global Times organized this photo exhibition in Johannesburg focusing on three core themes: “Connecting Peoples’ Hearts, Walking Together on the Grand Path, and Joint Development for Common Prosperity.” The exhibition showcases documentary works by Chinese photographers, project photos of Chinese companies who have cooperation with Africa, and selected pages from the Global Times. It presents a vivid picture of China’s high-quality development and China–Africa’s joint pursuit of modernization, and also highlights the sincere friendship between the two sides that transcends geographical distances, featuring mutual learning and win-win cooperation in various field.

The first theme of exhibition “Connecting Peoples’ Hearts” shows that China has always prioritized the people’s interests. By building a solid development foundation through “small and beautiful” livelihood projects, it has ensured that basic human rights such as the right to development, to health and to education take root across the continent.

The second theme “Walking Together on the Grand Path” showcases that as a crucial member of the Global South, China has always used concrete actions to advance the evolution of the international order toward greater equality and inclusiveness, injecting Chinese wisdom into world multipolarity.

The third theme “Joint Development for Common Prosperity” illustrates that China and Africa are adopting a trinity model of “industrialization + agricultural modernization + green development” to address the development challenge of the “resource curse.” This model provides a Chinese solution for the modernization transformation, helping the seeds of win-win cooperation flourish in Africa.

Busani Ngcaweni, director at the Centre for Public Policy and African Studies with the University of Johannesburg, told the Global Times that the photo exhibition struck a strong chord with him. By showcasing various implemented development projects, China–Africa relations have been given a more concrete and perceptible form, enabling the public to grasp their significance.

Carmen Domingo-Swarts, chief director of the Service Delivery and Compliance Evaluations Office at the Public Service Commission of South Africa, told the Global Times that these photos demonstrate the practical results of the implementation of China–Africa cooperation projects. “The photo exhibition is a true reflection of the in-depth penetration of China–Africa investment and cooperation at the grass-roots level. Many people mistakenly believe that such cooperation only exists in policies and plans, but in reality, they are earnestly changing people’s lives and allowing us to rediscover boundless possibilities – for both South Africa and China, this proves that as long as we unite as one, we can achieve great things.”

Renowned South African sinologist Paul Tembe said he was deeply touched by the images showing Chinese enterprises providing safe drinking water and quality education for children. “These pictures may seem ordinary, but they actually present a vision of a world pursuing long-term equality, and are also vivid practices of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative proposed by the Chinese leader.”

During the exhibition, numerous contents depicting China–Africa mutual assistance, collaboration, and joint strides toward modernization attracted many South African visitors to stop and view. Several local participating guests noted that the exhibition not only highlights China’s development speed but also vividly presents the journey of China and African people advancing hand in hand on the path of development. 

In addition, on-site visitors also showed strong interest in the Global Times’ “China-Africa Rhapsody” series reports featured in the exhibition, with particular attention to content such as “Chinese experts sharing technologies and professional knowledge to help African farmers increase yields and ensure food security.”

Exhibition visitors left sincere messages in the guest book: “China excels in the field of technology and is bound to become a powerful force for driving change,” “I hope we can have more collaborative events with China so we can exchange and learn from their technology.” Between the lines, there are high expectations for China–Africa cooperation.

Prior to this event, the Global Times’ “Overseas China Week” held photo exhibitions and promotional activities in South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Kazakhstan. It tells the story of China’s development to the world, conveys China’s openness, and builds a bridge for promoting people-to-people bonds between China and other countries.

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