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Apacer Introduces ECO Series and AS714 Portable SSD with Next-Gen Creative Performance

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TAIPEI, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In response to global sustainability trends, Apacer Technology Inc. has unveiled its new ECO Series portable storage products made from fully recycled plastic materials, alongside the AS714 Portable SSD, which combines which delivers mobile-ready convenience with IP65-rated protection. These launches reinforce Apacer’s long-term commitment to integrating sustainable design and innovative technology across its product lines.

Apacer CEO CK Chang emphasized that the company has been actively advancing green product design in recent years. “Beyond implementing sustainable actions into our product design , we aim to inspire more consumers to embrace environmental awareness through tangible, eco-conscious products,” he said.

According to the OECD’s 2022 Global Plastics Outlook report, the world generates approximately 353 million tons of plastic waste each year, with packaging accounting for around 40%. In line with its green product philosophy, Apacer developed the ECO Series, including the AH270 ECO USB Flash Drive and the AC236 ECO Portable Hard Drive – both built with housings made entirely from Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic materials.

The AC236 ECO weighs just 139.5g, about 14% lighter than typical portable HDDs, offering improved portability. It also features smart power management that automatically switches to power-saving mode after ten minutes of inactivity—reducing energy consumption while extending product lifespan.

Apacer also introduces the AS714 Portable SSD, designed for modern mobile users. It features a USB-C connector and a USB-C adapter, enabling convenient plug-and-play use to fit a wide range of on-the-go scenarios. Compatible with Android USB-C mobile phones, iPhone 15 and later models, the AS714 supports ProRes* direct video recording. Its compact all-in-one silicone case silicone case with a built-in lanyard offer safety and easy portability, while IP65 protection and 1000MB/s speeds enable smooth real-time capture and editing.

“At Apacer, we believe progress comes from both responsible design and meaningful innovation,” said CK, CEO of Apacer. “The ECO Series reflects our commitment to sustainability, while the AS714 demonstrates how we continue to enhance everyday user experiences.”

Apacer showcases sustainable design through the ECO Series and user-centric innovation with the AS714.
Apacer showcases sustainable design through the ECO Series and user-centric innovation with the AS714.

 *iPhone and ProRes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.

Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Publishes “To the World Heritage and the Cobalt Blue Sea! A Complete Guide to the Scenery and Cuisine of the Goto Islands” on Tourist Website

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GOTO, Japan, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture, has published a special feature article headlined “To the World Heritage and the Cobalt Blue Sea! A Complete Guide to the Scenery and Cuisine of the Goto Islands” on “LIVE JAPAN,” an inbound tourist information website. This aims to promote the history and faith of the “Hidden Christians,” symbolized by the World Heritage church groups, as well as the appeal of its rich “food culture,” including stunning cobalt blue scenery and fresh seafood, both domestically and internationally.

Traditional Chinese version
https://livejapan.com/zh-tw/in-tokyo/in-pref-other/in-pref-nagasaki/article-a0005796/

Korean version
https://livejapan.com/ko/in-tokyo/in-pref-other/in-pref-nagasaki/article-a0005796/

Background of Article’s Publication: Promoting Multi-faceted Inbound Tourism

Goto City is home to the World Heritage “Hidden Christian Sites,” conveying a deep history of faith during the ban on Christianity. Beyond this spiritual heritage, the city boasts diverse attractions: fresh seafood from cobalt seas, premium “Goto Beef,” scenic golf, and sea fishing. Goto City actively promotes high-quality inbound tourism centered on these unique experiences.

Image:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108918/202511269855/_prw_PI1fl_pxm95WGE.png 

“Special Experiences” of Goto Islands Also Introduced in Videos

In addition to the history of the Hidden Christians, this special feature article utilizes videos to convey the appeal visually and easily. It introduces diverse activities that allow visitors to experience the life and culture of the Goto Islands, such as beautiful scenery and culinary experiences unique to the Goto Islands.

Traditional Chinese version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np6IvEHyp2o

Korean version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjgV-mc16wE

Furthermore, to make it easier for media organizations to use, Goto City has started providing “Media Footage” videos, which capture the stunning scenery, historical buildings, and experiential activities of the Goto Islands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o-5zGnM9r0

Future Outlook

Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture, will continue to promote the history of the Hidden Christians, the World Heritage sites, the beautiful scenery, and the culinary attractions of the Goto Islands overseas. To this end, the tagline “Goto Islands: Unveiling Japan’s Secret Paradise” has been adopted. Goto City will propose special journeys that deeply touch upon the essential charm of the Goto Islands–an “untouched paradise” where visitors can experience the authentic essence of Japan without crowds.

Goto City is located in the southwestern part of the Goto Islands and is a municipality composed of three main islands–Fukue Island, Naru Island, and Hisaka Island–along with 60 large and small islands. Its attractions include a history of deep faith, which encompasses constituent properties of the World Cultural Heritage site “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Region,” beautiful seas boasting some of Japan’s best clarity, and a rich food culture. There is little congestion from international visitors, and Goto City welcomes their arrival as an “untouched paradise” where the essential beauty of Japan can be leisurely enjoyed.

Traditional Chinese version
https://goto.nagasaki-tabinet.com/zh-TW

Korean version
https://goto.nagasaki-tabinet.com/ko/

POWERCHINA’s Global Team Advances Inclusive Growth with Localized Approach through Empowerment, Respect, and Cultural Collaboration

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BEIJING, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Power Construction Corporation of China (“POWERCHINA” or “the Company”), with multiple infrastructure projects across six continents, focuses on connections that foster cultural exchange and shared development. Through local employment, cross-cultural integration, community festivals, environmental protection, and employee empowerment, the Company promotes inclusive growth and demonstrates its commitment to people, society, and culture.

POWERCHINA collaborates with local partners to safeguard vital coastal biodiversity at Dubai’s Jabal Ali Wetland Sanctuary
POWERCHINA collaborates with local partners to safeguard vital coastal biodiversity at Dubai’s Jabal Ali Wetland Sanctuary

Across POWERCHINA’s overseas operations, trust is rooted in action, not hierarchy. Maqbul from Bangladesh recalled how his Chinese supervisor showed respect through simple gestures, such as standing during meetings until invited to sit. Though surprising at first, Maqbul learned that his boss valued his seniority as a fellow engineer. “You are at least 10 years senior,” the supervisor explained. Such respect and mutual trust across cultures make Maqbul proud to be part of POWERCHINA’s global team.

POWERCHINA embraces cultural diversity as a bridge for cooperation. Cultural festivals, bilingual celebrations, and cross-cultural activities in Dubai and Brazil, such as Ramadan, Chinese New Year, and monthly birthday events, help POWERCHINA bridge cultural gaps, promote mutual respect, and foster collaboration between Chinese and local employees. Language classes and heritage talks further support a unified and inclusive workplace.

Beyond celebration, the Company channels this understanding into leadership empowerment by appointing local professionals to key technical and managerial roles. In Vietnam, local engineers are involved in strategic planning and benefit from partnerships with top universities to develop globally minded, locally rooted talent. Deputy General Director Ngo Thi Cam Tu notes that providing local staff leadership roles has improved communication, decision-making, and project execution. Similarly, in Brazil, Tharcizio, Country Representative, noted that POWERCHINA has empowered local professionals by appointing them to key management and technical roles, fostering better integration, communication, and decision-making alongside strategic Chinese managers.

Respect extends beyond culture to local law and governance. Jnana Ranjan Pradhan, a marine site engineer in Dubai, highlighted POWERCHINA’s strict adherence to local labor laws and environmental regulations, including necessary permits for marine dredging. The Company supports cultural respect by adjusting work hours and providing prayer spaces during Ramadan. In Côte d’Ivoire, project employee Alex Freddy noted that transparent labor contract discussions, based on employee input, reflect POWERCHINA’s respect for local laws and employment systems.

The Company’s commitment to trust, respect, and shared growth is evident in both teamwork to overcome challenges and support for its people’s well-being and development. While working on Dubai’s Hassyan Project, Pradhan overcame environmental challenges to achieve zero violations. Responsible for protecting wetlands, mangroves, and sea turtles, he managed permits and coordinated monthly audits with Dubai Municipality. Also in Lesotho, PowerChina partnered with a Chinese medical team to offer free health services to employees and villagers in remote highlands. Project employee Sechaba Masekhoane said his first acupuncture experience brought relief and a genuine sense of the company’s care.

Together, these stories reflect how PowerChina is turning respect into relationships, diversity into collaboration, and challenges into shared success, building a global team rooted in trust, and shared growth.

Fosun Holiday Horizon 2026 Strategy Launch: Focusing on 3 Core Product Lines, 18 Project Agreements Are Sealed

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SANYA, China, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On November 28, Fosun Tourism Group hosted “Fosun Holiday Horizon 2026” at Atlantis Sanya, where it systematically unveiled its three core product lines for the first time and signed 18 partnership agreements with cultural tourism investment institutions and industry partners from various regions. These developments are set to inject new momentum into the high-quality growth of China’s cultural tourism sector.

The event attracted over 500 participants from cultural tourism investment groups and partners nationwide, making it the most significant strategic launch event hosted by Fosun Tourism Group in recent years.

Xu Xiaoliang, Co-CEO of Fosun International and Chairman of Fosun Tourism Group, stated: “As we enter the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the cultural tourism industry—a vital vehicle for fulfilling people’s aspirations for a better life—is undergoing a structural upgrade towards higher quality, diversification, and innovation. Vacation, with content at its core, represents an experiential economy capable of deeply resonating with consumers’ emotions and creating meaningful connections. This is precisely the domain where Fosun Tourism Group is now concentrating its efforts and deepening its expertise. We look forward to collaborating with global cultural tourism investors and industry partners to jointly open a new chapter in the development of the vacation industry.”

Launch of Three Core Product Lines Signals Accelerated Shift from Sightseeing to Vacationing

Responding to the growing domestic demand for vacation experiences, Fosun Tourism Group officially unveiled its three core product lines at the event: Super Resort, Super Resort Complex, and Super Culture and Tourism Mall.

The Super Resort directly addresses the prevalent issues in China’s tourism sector—lack of diversification and an over‑reliance on sightseeing. Centered on Club Med, the global vacation leader with a 75‑year legacy, it provides traditional scenic destinations with a one‑stop transformation solution through premium services, diverse cultural environment, and diverse experiential offerings.

At the event, Club Med Joyview and Club Med Urban Oasis officially unveiled their 2.0 brand strategies. Club Med Joyview is newly positioned as a vibrant getaway, “Near Cities and Connected to Scenic Attractions,” enhancing synergy with surrounding tourism resources to deliver rich, in‑depth local experiences. Club Med Urban Oasis is committed to providing an “Accessible One‑Stop Urban Getaway,” emphasizing the concept of “Urban Vacation, Right Here and Right Now.”

Super Resort Complexes target key domestic tourist cities, drawing on the benchmark experience of flagship projects such as Atlantis Sanya and Taicang Alps Resort. By integrating international IPs, creating innovative content, and creating deep cross‑format integration, they form immersive themed destination clusters that inject new momentum into regional cultural tourism and consumption upgrades. Current development priorities include advancing the Taicang Alps Resort Phase II — set to break five world records for indoor snow venues — and the world’s first AI‑themed resort, the Ultramed Hainan.

Super Culture and Tourism Mall (HiSphere) targets the new wave of urban stock assets renewal, redefining commercial spaces through a cultural tourism lens. It integrates diverse experiences such as culture, entertainment, performances, theme parks, shopping, and dining, allowing commerce to flourish naturally within tourism settings and fostering a distinctive urban vacation lifestyle. The first project under this product line will be launched in Chongqing.

14 partnerships signed across 3 core project lines, driving destination transformation with a diverse tourism ecosystem

At this event, focusing on key national city clusters and pivotal growth corridors for cultural tourism, Fosun Tourism Group has comprehensively advanced the strategic deployment of its three major product lines across major regions such as the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, Sichuan–Chongqing area, and Central China. The Group completed the concentrated signing of 14 key projects in multiple locations including Guangzhou, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Jinan, Xi’an, Hefei, Quanzhou, and Zhoushan. These projects encompass 5 Super Resorts, 8 Super Resort Complexes, and 1 Super Culture and Tourism Mall. Key contracted projects include:

Super Resort | Club Med Urban Oasis Hangzhou Longwu Resort

Developed by Fosun Tourism Group’s Club Med Urban Oasis in partnership with West Lake Cultural Tourism Group, this resort leverages the unique valley and tea plantation landscape of Longwu. It is poised to become a new ideal destination for family vacations in the Yangtze River Delta. The project is scheduled to officially open in May 2026.

Super Culture and Tourism Mall | Hi•Chongqing

Hi•Chongqing is a joint venture between Fosun Tourism Group and the Chongqing Free Trade Port Area Group. With a total gross floor area of nearly 500,000 square meters, the project is located within the Airport Functional Zone of the Chongqing Lianglu Cuntan Free Trade Port Area, a 15-minute drive from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. It is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026. The development plan includes a 70,000-square-meter immersive theme street dedicated to Bayu culture, a nearly 30,000-square-meter indoor theme park—the first of its kind in China—centered around a “Forest Carnival” concept, and an approximately 10,000-square-meter immersive space with a space theme. Additional offerings such as a petting zoo and a flying theater will provide diverse attractions, creating a one-stop entertainment and shopping destination for families and Generation Z.

Bao Jiangjun, CEO of Fosun Tourism Group, stated, “The concentrated signing of multiple projects at this event not only marks a key milestone in the strategic blueprint of our nationwide tourism expansion, but also underscores the industry’s pressing need to accelerate its transition toward high-quality growth. Moving forward, by leveraging a more innovative product portfolio, more intelligent operational systems, and a more open, collaborative ecosystem, Fosun Tourism Group will collaborate with investment partners across various regions to create more globally competitive vacation products and experiences.

(End)

About Fosun Tourism Group

Fosun Tourism Group (also known as FTG or Fosun Holiday) is a world-leading family leisure and vacation group. As a core pillar of Fosun’s Happiness business segment and guided by the mission of “Better Holiday, Better Life”, Fosun Tourism Group is dedicated to delivering international, high-quality, and diversified vacation experiences for families across the globe.

Fosun Tourism Group owns brands and products including Club Med, the global leader in premium all-inclusive vacations with over 60 resorts worldwide; Club Med Joyview – A gathering resort camp near cities and connected to scenic attractions. And the all-in-one urban resort brand: Club Med Urban Oasis. Atlantis Sanya, a one-stop ocean-themed integrated high-end resort destination; Taicang Alps Resort, a one-stop snow-themed urban resort destination, and Lijiang Club Med Resort, a one-stop leisure and residential resort destination at the foot of Snow Mountain, etc.

GC Biopharma’s Varicella Vaccine Strain ‘MAV/06’ Listed in WHO Position Paper

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  • Officially recognized by WHO as a standard varicella vaccine strain alongside Oka
  • Interchangeability endorsed, enhancing global supply security

YONGIN, South Korea, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GC Biopharma (006280.KS), a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced that its proprietary varicella vaccine strain MAV/06 has been included in the World Health Organization (WHO) Position Paper on varicella vaccination, published on November 21.

WHO Position Paper serves as the most authoritative global guidance for immunization policy, developed by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE).

With this inclusion, BARYCELA Inj. — GC Biopharma’s varicella vaccine based on the MAV/06 strain — has attained equivalent international recognition to Oka strain-based vaccines. The WHO also endorsed the interchangeability of MAV/06 and Oka strains, allowing BARYCELA Inj. to be vaccinated with existing varicella vaccines in two-dose immunization schedules. This positions BARYCELA Inj. as a validated alternative in the global varicella vaccine market.

The immunogenicity and safety of MAV/06 were confirmed in a Phase 3 clinical trial of BARYCELA Inj., published in a peer-reviewed journal. The study demonstrated strong immune responses and a favorable safety profile, supporting its use in national immunization programs.

The endorsement establishes a more resilient global supply framework by enabling substitution between strains, thereby minimizing the risk of supply shortage and improving vaccination continuity across markets.

GC Biopharma expects the WHO recognition to strengthen its position in global procurement platforms such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), where BARYCELA Inj. has already been stably supplied for years.

“The inclusion of MAV/06 in the WHO Position Paper mark a significant milestone in strengthening global varicella vaccine supply,” said Jaewoo Lee, Head of the Regulatory Science & Product Development at GC Biopharma. “With validated manufacturing capabilities and a strong track record of international supply, we’re committed to supporting global immunization efforts with reliable access to high-quality vaccines.”

The MAV/06 strain was developed in-house by GC Biopharma in 1993 and has been used in products such as Suduvax and BARYCELA Inj. for nearly 30 years, including supplies through PAHO to various markets.

About GC Biopharma

GC Biopharma (formerly known as Green Cross Corporation) is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Yong-in, South Korea. The company has over half a century of experience in the development and manufacturing of plasma derivatives and vaccines, and is expanding its global presence with successful US market entry of Alyglo® (intravenous immunoglobulin G) in 2024. In line with its mission to meet the demands of future healthcare, GC Biopharma continues to drive innovation by leveraging its core R&D capabilities in engineering of proteins, mRNAs, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery platform to develop therapeutics for the field of rare disease as well as I&I (Immunology & Inflammation). To learn more about the company, visit https://www.gcbiopharma.com/eng/

This press release may contain biopharmaceuticals in forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of GC Biopharma’s management. Such statements do not represent any guarantee by GC Biopharma or its management of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. GC Biopharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule.

GC Biopharma Contacts (Media)

Sohee Kim
shkim20@gccorp.com

Yelin Jun
yelin@gccorp.com

Yoonjae Na
yjy6520@gccorp.com

HKU TEC Leads 30 Startups to Partake in HKTDC Entrepreneur Day 2025

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Showcasing Tech Innovation Businesses that Address Healthcare, Industrial Production and Environmental Pain Points


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 December 2025 – The University of Hong Kong Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (HKU TEC) will organise 30 developing startups to participate in the HKTDC Entrepreneur Day, an entrepreneurial event to be held on 4th and 5th December 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Of them, 14 companies are supported and incubated by the Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme (Tech-Up), showcasing their innovative solutions in healthcare, industrial production, and environmental sustainability.

The Launch Ceremony of Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme
The Launch Ceremony of Tech-Up GBA Innovators Programme

At the event, companies comprising HKU researchers and students will showcase their business success and technological innovation that demonstrate their endeavours and strengths in addressing societal needs. Fellow young entrepreneurs, investors, industry practitioners and journalists are welcome to visit and explore possible collaboration.

HKU TEC was established in 2023 as the core of the University’s techno startup ecosystem, which synergises and strengthens innovation and entrepreneurship resources to make the ecosystem vibrant. The iDendron, an entrepreneurship community hub under HKU TEC, has already nurtured more than 500 early-stage HKU startups, providing key resources and cross-disciplinary collaboration opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

To further support youth entrepreneurship, HKU TEC launched the Gear Up Startup Seed Fund & Incubation Programme (the “Gear Up” programme), which is funded by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, administered by the Youth Development Commission’s Youth Development Fund (YDF). The “Gear Up” programme has closed after incubating 14 startups that had transformed their business ideas into viable businesses.

Building on the success of the “Gear Up” programme, HKU TEC has launched a new initiative, namely the “Tech-Up” programme, which is also supported by YDF. This programme aims to provide a full range of startup resources, including seed funding, entrepreneurial support, mentorship, and connections to industry networks, to help young entrepreneurs turn their innovative concepts into competitive commercial projects and develop their businesses in the GBA market.

From R&D to Doing Business

At Entrepreneur Day to be held on 4th and 5th December, the 14 HKU startups empowered by the Tech-Up programme will set up their booths. They will showcase the endeavours of HKU professors, students, and alumni, and their teams, in transforming research and development efforts and discoveries into innovative, viable businesses. They will also present the latest progress in business development.

The projects they are presenting cater to healthcare, industrial production and environmental needs. They range from personal care projects, such as an AI menstrual pad, a probiotics beverage and a home-based health monitoring system, rehabilitation solutions ( e.g. a smart insole and a rehab robot), industrial production and drug development technologies, technologies tackling climate change and environmental issues, namely a cooling accessory for outdoor workers, planting waste treatment and a desalination system. In addition, an immunity test and a pain management system for animals which tap the pet market.

Among them are three full-fledged startups: DiamNEX, a hi-tech firm focusing on the R&D of flexible diamond membranes. Its unique, proprietary technology has overcome bottlenecks in producing large-sized, high-quality, transferable diamond films, providing innovative solutions for mass commercialisation. ReGen Technology develops a patented solar-powered desalination system that produces fresh water using only sunlight. The modular device uses a biomimetic thermal process to evaporate and condense seawater at low cost, supporting agriculture, remote communities, and regenerative land projects. Designed for off-grid operation, it enables sustainable access to freshwater in coastal and arid regions. LinguaLeap Tech’s Aggray AI Rehab Robot offers training and a nutrient management plan for people with swallowing difficulties. The teams engage in diverse innovation projects.

Dr Paul Wang, Director of HKU TEC, said, “Fellow entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders are invited to visit the booths of the aspiring HKU startups and take the opportunity to explore potential partnerships. And we hope the participating HK startups will have a fruitful experience in networking, engaging with industry leaders, and expediting their business growth at the event.”

【Event information: HKU TEC at HKTDC Entrepreneur Day 2025】

Date: 4, 5 December 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 6:30 pm (Thursday); 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Friday)
Venue: Hall 1D – E, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Booths: 1E – F23-31
Hashtag: #HKU #TEC #HKUTEC #HKTDC


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

The University of Hong Kong Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (HKU TEC)

The Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) at HKU serves as the central hub dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the university. Its mission is to build a vibrant ecosystem by synergising efforts and resources to support students, alumni, faculty, and external partners. TEC’s core functions include coordinating existing activities to ensure alignment and efficiency, providing education and training to students from all disciplines to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, and supporting start-ups in commercialising research breakthroughs.

ICONSIAM to Host “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026” Showcasing Thailand as One of the World’s Top Countdown Destinations

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Featuring World-Class Artist Mark Tuan, Top Thai Artists, and a Spectacular 4D Sky Show Along the Chao Phraya River


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 December 2025 – ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the Chao Phraya River, will host the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026”, a five-day festival from 27–31 December 2025 at River Park, celebrating its 7th anniversary and cementing Bangkok as a premier year-end destination. The festivities will feature world-class artist Mark Tuan and Thailand’s top artists, over 200 performers transforming River Park into endless riverfront entertainment arena, as well as spectacular 4D sky show, combining eco-friendly fireworks with drones and pyrotechnics, illuminating the Chao Phraya river on New Year’s Eve. Together, these experiences showcase Thailand as a global countdown destination for unforgettable year-end celebrations for visitors worldwide.

image-1.jpeg

Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Company Limited stated “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026 is more than a festival; it is a global phenomenon celebrating Thailand’s culture, creativity, and innovation. In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, and leading private-sector partners such as Charoen Pokphand Group, KASIKORNBANK and other distinguished partners, who have joined together to present a united spectacle showcasing Thailand’s brilliance on the world stage. The event will also drive high-season tourism, support riverside businesses, and generate significant economic impact.”

Mr. Natt Krutsut, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, Tourism Authority of Thailand emphasized: “Amazing Thailand Countdown is a flagship event under ‘Thailand: The Great Celebration Destination.’ Last year’s Countdown generated over THB 55 million and became a global phenomenon, showcasing Thailand as a top countdown destination. This year, we are confident that the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026 will continue to be a magnet attracting tourists from around the world, helping to energize year-end tourism and generate tangible economic benefits. It is estimated that the total number of international visitors nationwide during the New Year festival, from 28–31 December 2025, will be no less than 500,000, based on figures from the previous year.”

Firework PR-01

Highlights of the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026 from 27–31 December 2025 at River Park, ICONSIAM

  • 4D Sky “In Eternity Reverence” to Honor Her Majesty The Queen Mother – A groundbreaking 1,400-meter-long spectacle along the Chao Phraya River, featuring eco-friendly fireworks, intricate drone formations, and pyrotechnics by Crostars (China). The show will be designed by Okuchi Yoshimasa, Japan’s award-winning eco-friendly fireworks director, who will deliver a breathtaking 20-minute presentation on New Year’s Eve, 31 December 2025.
  • The Unrivaled Global Performance – “Where the Best of Thailand Meets the Best of the World,” featuring world-class artist Mark Tuan alongside Thailand’s top artist, delivering a night of legendary performances and unforgettable entertainment on 31 December 2025.
  • The Unrivaled Global Celebration – Endless Riverfront Entertainment Arena – ICONSIAM’s River Park transformed into a massive dance arena with over 200 performers, including top-chart bands, renowned singers, and rising stars such as Keng–Namping, Lingling–Orm, Zee–Nunew, Tle–First One, BUS because of you i shine, Proxie, Jeff Satur, Bodyslam, Slot Machine, Three Man Down, Y2Z, 4EVE, PiXXiE, ATLAS, DEXX, URBOYTJ, CIR*CRL, The 52 Area, CD x Nara, DJ Paul Sirisant, among others offering limitless fun and immersive entertainment along the iconic riverside.

Visitors can enjoy five days of interactive performances, special shopping privileges, and exclusive ONESIAM member benefits, with entry via walk-ins, spending rewards, or online participation. More details and conditions are available on www.iconsiam.com or Facebook: ICONSIAM. The festival will be streamed live on ICONSIAM’s Facebook and YouTube channels from 27–31 December 2025 at 18:00 hrs. onwards.

The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026 unites Thailand’s best with world-class entertainment, global and local talents, and visionary collaboration to deliver a spectacular, unforgettable festival that cements Thailand’s place at the forefront of global celebrations, which will take place from 27–31 December 2025 at River Park, ICONSIAM.

Hashtag: #AmazingThailandCountdown2026 #ICONSIAM #ICONSIAMCountdown2026 #CountdownatICONSIAM

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

BHN brings Visa eGift card to Australian retailers – A digital-first gift card with in-store convenience

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SYDNEY, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global branded payments provider, Blackhawk Network (BHN), has partnered with iconic Australian brand, Big W, to bring the speed, convenience and security of an eGift into physical retail stores with the launch of in-store Visa eGift cards.  

The new product offers fast, hassle-free and secure digital gifting with the familiarity of physical retail packaging, giving Australian shoppers access to a modern way to gift.

The patented, tamper-evident gift carrier does not have a card inside. Rather, once the eGift is activated at purchase, consumers use a mobile device to scan the QR code inside the carrier to load the funds directly to their digital wallet for immediate use in-store using tap-to-pay terminals or online. 

When the QR code is scanned, the ‘My Card Wallet’ app clip launches automatically, providing immediate access to all essential card information such as balance, card number, expiry date and CVV2 for online purchases, and monitors transaction history – all without having to download the app.

This seamless digital integration ensures funds are managed and ready for use with online and in-store transactions, offering a secure and intuitive experience.  

Blackhawk Network Head of Australian Retail Kieran Nolan says that “As Australians increasingly embrace digital-first payment methods, it’s more important than ever to provide solutions that are both convenient and secure.

“This launch represents a major milestone in bringing the flexibility and convenience of digital gifting into the physical retail environment. With Visa’s trusted payment network and our secure QR technology, we’re delivering a product that is both easy to use and highly secure,” said Nolan.

BIG W, one of Australia’s most trusted retailers, is the first to bring this innovative product to shoppers nationwide.

The Visa eGift Card is now available in Big W stores nationwide, ahead of the holiday shopping season.  

 

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