REGINA, SK, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Above Food Ingredients Inc. (NASDAQ: ABVE) (“Above Food” or the “Company”) today announced and celebrated the first of many sovereign strategic partnerships involving its merger partner Palm Global Technologies and its subsidiary Palm Promax Investments LLC (“PPI”).

Above Food Ingredients Inc. (CNW Group/Above Food Ingredients Inc.)

The President’s Office of Burkina Faso, in coordination with the Promotion and Investment Center for Burkina Faso and Partners (“CPIB”), has formally agreed a joint venture, involving the adoption PPI’s gold- and mineral-backed stablecoin as the nation’s digital currency – marking a historic inflection point in Burkina Faso’s financial evolution. As part of this initiative, the government has pledged up to $8 trillion of previously untapped gold and mineral assets to anchor the country’s stablecoin and catalyze long-term economic transformation.

The partnership is being formally announced today at the UAE 2030 National Vision event, held in Abu Dhabi. The occasion is attended by eminent leaders and dignitaries from both the United Arab Emirates and Burkina Faso, underscoring the strategic importance of this collaboration. The event serves as a powerful platform to showcase the alignment between sovereign innovation, digital finance, and visionary development – hallmarks of both nations’ commitment to inclusive, future-focused growth.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – 24 October 2025 – A groundbreaking joint venture has been formalized between Promax Burkina Faso SEM (“Promax BF SEM”), the Promotion and Investment Center for Burkina Faso and Partners (“CPIB”), and Palm Promax Investments LLC (“PPI”) – the merger partner of Nasdaq-listed Above Food Ingredients Inc.

This strategic partnership will leverage PPI’s advanced tokenization technologies to unlock and mobilize the immense mineral wealth of Burkina Faso ushering in a new era of sovereign digital innovation and inclusive economic growth. 

In a historic move, the Government of Burkina Faso will pledge up to $8 trillion in gold and mineral-based assets – including vast in-ground reserves that have long remained unrecognized by global financial systems. For decades, these resources have been undervalued and excluded from international markets due to structural barriers in valuation, infrastructure, and access. Now, for the first time, Burkina Faso’s mineral wealth will be transparently quantified, monetized, and mobilized through blockchain-based financial instruments. This bold initiative marks a turning point: a declaration that the nation’s true economic value can no longer be overlooked. With this commitment, Burkina Faso becomes the first African nation to formally integrate a resource-backed digital currency into its national financial architecture – leveraging its natural wealth as a catalyst for sovereign empowerment, inclusive growth, and global financial participation.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi under the Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) framework, the joint venture will channel all investments through Promax BF SEM to facilitate the tokenization of Burkina Faso’s untapped natural resources. These blockchain-backed financial instruments will anchor a series of transformative development initiatives across key sectors, including:

• Mining of minerals, metals, and precious stones
• Development of infrastructure, including energy and transportation
• Establishment of economic zones and technology transfer hubs
• Modernization of agriculture and commodity trading
• Enhancements in healthcare, education, and security, and humanitarian efforts

This agreement marks a pivotal moment in Burkina Faso’s economic trajectory. By transparently quantifying and monetizing its natural assets, the nation is positioning itself as a global leader in sovereign empowerment and digital finance – redefining its role in the international economic landscape.

H.E. Soumane Kassamba, Advisor of Investment and International Relations to His Excellency Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso and PDG of CPIB, and Head of Arab African Council the Special Consultive of United Nations in Burkina Faso, commented: “This agreement marks a pivotal moment for Burkina Faso. For the first time, we are not merely participants in the global economy – we are architects of our own economic destiny. By tokenizing our vast mineral wealth, we are unlocking its true value and making it accessible to the world in a transparent, secure, and sovereign manner.

This initiative will catalyze unprecedented investment, generate employment, and finance critical infrastructure across energy, healthcare, and education. It lays the foundation for a new era of prosperity – one built on innovation, accountability, and national empowerment.

Our partnership with Palm Promax Investments is transformative. It reflects our ambition to follow the visionary path of the United Arab Emirates, whose extraordinary rise – from the foresight of its founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to its global leadership today – stands as a testament to what is possible through bold vision, strategic collaboration, and sustainable development.”

His Excellency Louai Mohamed Ali, Group President of Promax United and preferred partner, commented: “Burkina Faso’s bold leadership marks the dawn of a financial renaissance – not only across Africa, but globally. By embracing blockchain technology and anchoring it to their substantial gold reserves, they have set a powerful precedent for sovereign innovation, economic empowerment, and global financial integration.

This is not an isolated milestone – it is the first step in a broader continental movement. We are in advanced discussions with numerous African nations under the same framework, each seeking to unlock trade, infrastructure financing, and macroeconomic stability through transparent, asset-backed digital currencies.

As this framework scales, we anticipate participating sovereign nations will experience a significant reduction in currency volatility, enhanced fiscal transparency, and renewed investor confidence. Most importantly, we foresee meaningful wealth creation for their citizens and a transformation in intra-African and global trade – driven by a unified, stable digital currency that reflects the true value of Africa’s resources and ambition.

His Excellency Muayad Kafesha, Vice Chairman of Palm Promax Investments, commented “The decision by Promax BF SEM and CPIB to launch this joint venture anchored by Burkina Faso’s gold reserves is a bold declaration of vision, sovereignty, and belief in the future. It reflects our shared conviction that technology must serve humanity – by making resource wealth transparent, measurable, and transformative. This is not merely a financial innovation; it is a blueprint for inclusive prosperity.

None of this would be possible without the extraordinary business environment of the United Arab Emirates. The gravitas, global reputation, and operational excellence the UAE provides to companies like ours is truly unmatched. We are deeply honored to be headquartered here.

When we founded Palm Promax, our ambition was clear: to build the JPMorgan of digital finance – on a global scale. And we remain convinced that the UAE is the only place in the world where that vision can be fully realized.

About Above Food Ingredients Inc.

Above Food Ingredients Inc. (Nasdaq: ABVE ) is an agricultural and food technology company whose vision is to create a healthier world — breaking the cycle of world hunger, one seed, one field, and one bite at a time. Above’s robust chain of custody of plant proteins and proprietary seed development capabilities, leverage the power of artificial intelligence-driven genomics and agronomy, and together with Palm’s financial technologies will help to break the global cycle of hunger.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of the United States federal securities laws and applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “could,” “will be,” will continue,” and similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements represent current judgments about possible future events, including, but not limited to statements regarding expectations or forecasts of business, operations, financial performance, prospects, and other plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs relating to the proposed transaction between Above Food and Palm Global, such as statements regarding the combined operations and prospects of Above Food and Palm Global, the current and projected market, growth opportunities and synergies for the combined company, the expected composition of the management and board of directors of the combined company, the expected trading of the combined company on the Nasdaq, the filing and approval of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and the timing and completion of the proposed transaction, including the satisfaction or waiver of all the required conditions thereto.

Factors that could cause actual events to differ include, but are not limited to:

• all conditions to the proposed transaction being met, including Above Food and Palm Global agreeing to a form of plan of arrangement, as well as other conditions set forth in the definitive merger agreement;
• the expected timing of regulatory approvals relating to the proposed transaction, the businesses of Above Food and Palm Global and of the combined company and product launches of such businesses and companies;
• Above Food’s inability to file or make effective the Registration Statement or the final Prospectus with the respective regulators;
• Above Food, Palm Global and the combined company’s compliance with, and changes to, applicable laws and regulations;
• Above Food and the combined company’s ability to list the common shares of the combined company on Nasdaq;
• the ability to successfully integrate the businesses of Above Food and Palm Global after the completion of the proposed transaction;
• the combined company’s ability to achieve the expected benefits from the proposed transaction within the expected time frames or at all; and
• the incurrence of unexpected costs, liabilities or delays relating to the proposed transaction.

Forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of Above Food’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on, by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. You should carefully consider all of the risks and uncertainties described in the documents filed by Above Food with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which is available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. There may be additional risks that Above Food presently does not know or that Above Food currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements provide Above Food’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Above Food anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Above Food’s assessments to change. However, while Above Food may elect to update these forward-looking statements in the future, Above Food specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Above Food’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Nothing herein should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this communication, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein.

It is possible that the Merger may not occur on the terms provided herein or in the Merger Agreement, on the expected timing or at all. In the event that the Merger is terminated Above Food may be liable to pay a termination fee to Palm Global, subject to the precise terms of the Merger Agreement.

Additional Information and Where to Find It:

INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF ABOVE FOOD ARE URGED TO READ THE DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ABOVE FOOD. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Above Food through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Above Food are also available free of charge on Above Food’s website at https://abovefood.com or by contacting Above Food’s Investor

Relations Department at 2305 Victoria Ave #002, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, S4P 0S7.

Contacts: Media: media@abovefood.com; Investors: investors@abovefood.com

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the heart of a refugee camp in Syria, one teacher stands tall at the head of her classroom – offering a lifeline to children eager to learn despite the unrelenting challenges they face. 

Teacher Rudayfah helps her students rebuild their futures through learning in a refugee camp in Syria, with support from an Education Cannot Wait-funded and UNICEF-led initiative,

Rudayfah, 40, is more than just an educator. She is a symbol of resilience and hope to her students and their families. Her commitment to her craft, and the girls and boys that enter the walls of her school, is unwavering.

“I wish to further excel as a teacher and help more children to continue learning,” she says.

Holistic support from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises within the United Nations, is reaching Rudayfah and her students at the UNICEF-run school in the camp. ECW investments – along with funding from EU Humanitarian Aid, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the KFW Development Bank, Global Partnership for Education, and Governments of Australia, Italy and the Republic of Korea – have enabled Rudayfah and teachers like her to receive critical training on class management and interactive teaching methods to bring learning to life for their students, despite their circumstances and often limited resources.

Rudayfah has two demanding roles in her life. She is an educator in a large refugee camp in Syria, and also a mother of eight children. 

In both her professional and personal life, she prioritizes quality education.

Her children attend the school she teaches at in the refugee camp. During the day, she works with her students, ages 6-12, on lessons ranging from mathematics and Arabic to science. Once the school day is over, she supports her children’s continued learning in the tent their family calls home.

Rudayfah has worked at the UNICEF-run camp school since 2019, and considers the teaching profession to be her calling in life. Like Rudayfah, the children she teaches have been displaced due to the protracted crisis in their country. Her lessons and teaching style resonate with the students in her class – and even parents have taken note of their children’s positive attitudes and growth.

“I am approachable to my students and try to deliver information in simple ways. In class, I rely on peer and group learning, and play as effective teaching methods,” say Rudayfah. “I’ve heard from caregivers how my teaching has been effective for their children’s learning.”

Through ECW-funded initiatives, implemented by UNICEF, Rudayfah has been able to take part in valuable teacher trainings, including on class management and interactive teaching methods. Such trainings has helped her to hone and grow her skills to better support the young learners in her classroom.

For more than thirteen years, children in Syria have grown up in the midst of a conflict that has consistently disrupted access to education.

This has also led to the internal displacement of millions, including children who account for half of that population. This widespread displacement of families, and the destruction or damage of thousands of schools, have resulted in over 2.4 million children being unable to attend school, increasing their vulnerability to child labor, child marriage, trafficking and recruitment into armed groups.

Since 2017, ECW investments in Syria have supported in-country partners to ensure education access to children and adolescents affected by the conflict and instability in the country. ECW’s Multi-Year Resilience Programme supports teacher training, the construction of educational facilities and child-friendly spaces, remedial classes, self-learning programmes and more. Additionally, the Fund’s investments bolster mental health and psychosocial support for children and youth dealing with extreme stress and trauma from ongoing crises. To date, more than 610,000 girls and boys in Syria have been reached by this holistic support, and over 12,000 teachers and administrators have been trained. 

As Syrians work to shape a new future for their country, ECW and partners like UNICEF remain dedicated to providing lifesaving and life-sustaining educational support to the country’s teachers and most marginalized children – including those who have been displaced, children with disabilities and girls.

At the camp, where families continue to live under basic conditions with limited access to vital services – including education – Rudayfah pours herself into her mission.

In a region where many children have been robbed of their childhood by crises, quality education offers a rare, precious opportunity to rebuild their lives and communities. And teachers like Rudayfah are playing a critical role in this work. Through their commitment, they are planting the seeds for a generation better equipped and empowered to lead the charge for peace and reconstruction in a country that has seen too much destruction.

“I wish for all children to leave the camp, to return to their homes, and to live the rest of their childhood outside these tents,” Rudayfah says.

Investing in education in emergencies and protracted crises is about more than just providing access to a classroom – it’s about giving children the tools and mentors they need to navigate the world around them, and to dream of a future beyond the hardships they currently face. Teachers like Rudayfah, armed with the right training and resources, are at the heart of this mission.

ECW and strategic partners call on donors, the private sector, philanthropic foundations and national and international partners to step-up and fully fund the multi-year programme in Syria to reach even more crisis-affected children and their teachers.

As long as there are educators like Rudayfah, there will always be hope for a future where children, no matter their circumstances, can access the transformative power of learning.

By Jelena Borak

—What New Opportunities Wait for Cross-Border and Domestic Trade?

YIWU, China, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. On October 14, 2025, Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center, the flagship project of Yiwu’s sixth-generation market, officially opened its doors. Spanning a building area of 1.25 million square meters, the center brings together five functional zones: a marketplace, business offices, a commercial district, apartments, and a digital trade port. The marketplace alone covers a building area of 410,000 square meters and accommodates more than 3,700 storefronts, featuring merchants from eight emerging industries such as fashion jewelry, creative collectibles, and smart devices. Remarkably, 57% of these vendors specialize in proprietary brands or IP-driven products. Fully equipped with cross-border digital networks, the Gen-6 market enables real-time communication and negotiations with international buyers while also supporting live-streaming functions that allow sellers to showcase distinctive products directly to global audiences. Customers are thus able to experience products virtually as if in person, even from thousands of miles away, while international buyers in Yiwu can enjoy easy access to online services, enhancing their shopping experience.

As early as September 2025, Yiwugo has been actively facilitating merchant onboarding for the new market. To date, nearly 1,300 stores from the Gen-6 market have registered on the platform and uploaded close to 16,000 products. Going forward, Yiwugo will continue to broaden its catalog for the market.

In recent years, as AI has emerged as a powerful new traffic driver, the Yiwu market has become a leading hub for intelligent applications. Following the launch of the Gen-6 market, Yiwugo rolled out AI-powered shopping assistants across its website and mobile App in September 2025. These assistants can provide instant answers to buyers’ diverse questions, offering intelligent solutions and tailored purchasing recommendations. The platform also provides exclusive one-on-one customer support for premium storefronts. Together, these innovations highlight Yiwugo’s commitment to constantly upgrading its technology and services, thereby empowering merchants to connect with more high-quality buyers and ultimately boosting transaction success rates.

Many storefronts of the new Gen-6 market are either upgraded outlets of Yiwugo’s established premium merchants or newly launched independent brands created by second-generation entrepreneurs. Some showcase exclusive IP-authorized brands, while others feature refined interiors, interactive photo spots, and livestream-friendly setups. Several of these storefronts have already started receiving orders after opening.

With more than a decade of expertise in crafting crystal slime and foam glue, Luo Guoqin recently opened Guangyi Toys Co., Ltd. in the Gen-6 market. American buyers started placing orders as soon as the company went into business. To celebrate its opening, Luo unveiled a fresh lineup of products. Among them is a hamburger-themed crystal slime set. Safe, non-toxic, brilliantly glossy, silky soft, exceptionally stretchable, and presented in a charming burger-shaped package, the crystal slime set was instantly embraced by new customers. Adding to the momentum are the milk-tea cup toy series, a bestseller for four consecutive years with annual sales surpassing RMB 4 million per model. By pairing these proven bestsellers with upgraded new offerings, Guangyi Toys not only attracted a wave of new clientele but also secured orders from major American retailers.

Xu Yuanyuan, with 23 years of experience in original silver jewelry design, has recently launched several exquisitely designed Opal Silver Jewelry boutiques in the Gen-6 market. These stores not only feature refined interiors but also integrate live-streaming and on-site purchasing experiences. Over a decade ago, Opal Silver Jewelry’s innovative creations—such as the “Hug Ring” and skull-inspired accessories—went viral in cross-border e-commerce, with monthly sales of individual designs reaching nearly 100,000 units. Building on this track record, Opal Silver Jewelry has cultivated expertise that integrates design philosophy, styling advice, sales scenarios, and live-streaming techniques. In the run-up to the Gen-6 market launch and Yiwugo storefront debut, Opal Silver Jewelry started planning its new collections as early as the summer of 2024. Among them, the “Broken Silver” series, now in its third release on Yiwugo, has achieved a conversion rate of over 90%, with monthly orders from individual customers totaling hundreds of thousands of yuan. The combination of the Gen-6 market’s foreign merchant-friendly policies and Yiwugo’s intelligent upgrade services has strengthened the confidence of seasoned entrepreneurs like Xu Yuanyuan and Luo Guoqin in their new stores and the emerging market as a whole.

As Yiwugo celebrates its 13th anniversary, the platform continues to evolve through intelligent upgrades that streamline transactions. With the launch of the Global Digital Trade Center, Yiwu market merchants are poised to create new commercial milestones in this dynamic new environment.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, is set to make its mark at Blockchain Life Dubai 2025 on October 28–29 at the Festival Arena. With a spotlight on Web3 evolution, trading strategies, and emerging mining hubs like the UAE, KuCoin will demonstrate its commitment to trust, innovation, and accessibility—right in the heart of a region that’s fast becoming a global crypto powerhouse.

This marks KuCoin’s first major international event since its brand refresh, reinforcing its position as a leader in building secure, user-focused crypto solutions.

“Blockchain Life Dubai is the ideal stage to showcase our commitment to shaping a more trusted and educated crypto future,” said Alicia Kao, Managing Director of KuCoin. “Trust fuels everything we do — it’s the foundation for the next wave of adoption.”

Underpinning this refresh are KuCoin’s recent security achievements, which align with the forum’s focus on exchange evolution and regulatory compliance. The exchange recently became the first top-tier platform to achieve CCSS certification, earned the No. 1 global security ranking on Cer.live, and obtained ISO 27701 certification for privacy management—further strengthening its reputation for transparency and safety.

Beyond trading, KuCoin will spotlight KuMining, its next-generation cloud mining platform developed with leading global partners. Designed to reconnect users with crypto’s decentralized roots, KuMining delivers verifiable hashrate from top-tier facilities, removing barriers such as hardware costs and technical complexity. At Blockchain Life Dubai, KuMining will highlight opportunities in emerging mining markets like the UAE and CIS regions, supported by vibrant local communities. Its exclusive KuMining Night on October 28 at NAZCAA will showcase its expansion into exclusive financial products, institutional and VIP solutions, bespoke contracts, advanced analytics, and dedicated support—anchored in transparency, sustainability, and user empowerment.

KuCoin’s thought leadership continues with Managing Director Alicia Kao joining the panel “DEX vs. CEX: Evolution of Exchange and New Competition” on October 28, alongside other top industry leaders, to explore the future of trading and exchange innovation.

From our refreshed brand to KuMining’s bold expansion, Dubai is where we turn vision into velocity. We’re building a Web3 future where trust unlocks endless possibilities.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. With established recognition for its reliability, the platform leverages cutting-edge blockchain technology, robust liquidity solutions, and advanced user account protections to deliver a secure trading environment. KuCoin offers access to 1,000+ digital assets and solutions including Web3 wallet, Spot and Futures trading, institutional services, and payments. Recognized by Forbes as one of the “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” and a “Top 50 Global Unicorn” by Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications and is committed to security, compliance, and innovation under the leadership of CEO BC Wong.

Learn more: https://www.kucoin.com/

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur Unites Again to Support Children with Congenital Heart Disease for the Second Year

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a powerful display of compassion, purpose, and partnership, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur came together once more for their annual paediatric cardiac charity initiative, “Embracing the Gift of Life, Healing Little Hearts Together.” This meaningful event marked the second year of collaboration between two institutions driven by a shared mission — to give children born with congenital heart disease a second chance at life.

The event, held at PHKL’s auditorium, was officiated by Ms. Erica Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and Mr. Daniel Kaeflein, General Manager of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, alongside corporate partners, medical professionals, and members of the media.

“When we began this journey, our goal was simple, which is to make life-saving cardiac care accessible to children born with congenital heart disease. I still remember Dr Laura and our team travelling across states, conducting awareness talks, and building connections with NGOs. Those early efforts laid the foundation for the impact we see today, children who can now laugh, play, and dream like any other child,” said Ms. Erica Lam, CEO of Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s Embrace the Gift of Life programme began in 1985 as the hotel’s annual charity initiative. It wasn’t until 2024 that the partnership with PHKL was formed, sparked by the arrival of Dr Siti Laura Mazlan, a dedicated paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon whose expertise laid the groundwork for this meaningful collaboration.

Since May 2024, a total of 10 children have received life-saving paediatric cardiac surgeries through this partnership. In 2025 alone, 7 children have been supported by PHKL and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.

Through this partnership, RM329,035.90 was raised by Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, fully funding eight life-saving surgeries between January 2025 and September 2025. These procedures, often not covered by insurance due to financial constraints, are made possible through PHKL’s specially designed paediatric cardiac surgical packages.

“This initiative goes beyond fundraising, it is about giving children the future they deserve. We are deeply grateful to our guests and supporters who continue to make this journey possible,” said Mr. Daniel Kaeflein, General Manager of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.

During the event, guests were moved by a touching video highlighting the journey of PHKL–Shangri-La patients, followed by a mock cheque presentation and the unveiling of the “Embrace the Gift of Life 2025” ornaments, symbolising hope and resilience.

Mr. Daniel Kaeflein, General Manager of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, and Dr. Siti Laura Mazlan, Consultant Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon, visiting 13-year-old patient Muhammad Akif Amsyar bin Md Amri and his family in the ward. The family had travelled from Terengganu for Akif’s life-saving heart surgery.

Adding a deeply human touch to the day, the teams from PHKL and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur paid a special visit to 13-year-old Muhammad Akif Amsyar bin Md Amri and his family, who had travelled from Terengganu for Akif’s life-saving heart surgery. He is currently recovering well in the ward following his successful surgery on 18 October 2025.

“We are very grateful to receive this opportunity and would like to thank Dr Siti Laura and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur for their contribution. We are excited to see Akif’s recovery progress and his return to his active lifestyle at school,” commented Puan Suzie, Mother of Akif Amsyar.

The hospital also acknowledged the dedication of its medical team, led by Dr Siti Laura, primary paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon at PHKL, whose expertise and compassion has been instrumental in treating young patients with complex heart conditions and have brought hope to families throughout Semenanjung Malaysia and as far as Sabah.

The event concluded with a visit to Shangri-La’s sponsored patients, reinforcing the initiative’s purpose to embrace the gift of life and heal little hearts together.

From creating access to critical care, to embracing community partnerships that matter, this initiative is a reflection of PHKL’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement, core values that continue to guide the hospital’s purpose beyond its walls.

With every heartbeat restored, PHKL and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur reaffirm that healthcare is not just about treatment — it’s about compassion, continuity, and creating a better future for the next generation.

For more information on Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, visit www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur.

Download the press release and images from this link.

About Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur

For five decades, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur has been the heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur, steadfastly delivering exceptional care to patients from all walks of life. Since its inception in 1974 with just 68 beds and 20 medical specialists, the hospital has grown into a healthcare icon today with 507 beds, over 200 consultants and counting. Our pursuit of quality healthcare, clinical excellence, and cutting-edge technology is underscored by our service quality and dedication towards clinical research.

This has earned us accreditations from the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI). Additionally, we hold certification as a Baby-Friendly Hospital and is a preferred hospital in Malaysia by the World Health Organization (WHO). As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur looks to the future, unwaveringly committed to continuing its legacy of excellence with world-class healthcare services and innovative treatments for generations to come. Learn more at www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur.

BEIJING, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The “Great Wall Hero” 2025 Global Marketing Campaign, hosted by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and co-organized by the Changping District Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Beijing Changping Cultural Tourism Development Group Co., Ltd., with partners Mastercard and JW Marriott Hotel Beijing Central, took place today at the majestic Juyongguan Great Wall. Under the theme “Beijing’s Invitation to the World,” the event introduced new measures to enhance travel convenience and demonstrated Beijing’s openness, hospitality, and global appeal as a leading destination for #ChinaTravel.

Beijing Rolls Out New Facilitation Policies for International Visitors

Representatives from Beijing’s inbound tourism authorities shared the latest measures to make travel more convenient for international visitors. The Entry-Exit Inspection Division of the Beijing Immigration Administration reported strong results from the 240-hour visa-free transit policy and outlined improvements to entry procedures and multilingual guidance. According to the Beijing Municipal Tax Service under the State Taxation Administration, the city’s tax refund system has been upgraded with faster processing, additional refund locations, and fully digital options, offering a smoother shopping experience for travelers.

As of the end of September this year, Beijing welcomed 3.884 million overseas visitors, a year-on-year increase of 42.9%. Spending by foreign travelers reached USD 5.02 billion, up 47.1%.

Global Influencers Share Their Beijing Stories

Since its debut in 2016, the “Great Wall Hero” initiative has become one of Beijing’s most recognizable international tourism brands. This year’s campaign brought together Dominic from the UK, the 2020 “Great Wall Hero” and curator of the Beijing Expat Travel Guide series, and Cynthia from Mexico, the 2025 “Great Wall Hero.” Together, they explored the Beijing Central Axis, wandered through hutongs, and experienced traditional craftsmanship firsthand. Through their lenses, they shared real stories of traveling in Beijing — from easy visa-free entry and digital payments to smart tourism services and rich cultural encounters — revealing the city’s new vitality and international charm.

“New Discoveries in Beijing” Launches Winter Routes

Building on the success of the “New Discoveries in Beijing“ campaign earlier this year, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism has now introduced ten new “Winter Charm of Beijing” routes. These themed itineraries highlight the capital’s unique winter experiences — from ice and snow sports and festive celebrations to heritage landmarks and urban leisure — presenting a multidimensional picture of Beijing’s seasonal beauty and contemporary energy.

Global Reach Powered by Social Media

The “Great Wall Hero” campaign continues to expand its reach through Visit Beijing’s six overseas social media platforms. As of October 2025, these accounts have attracted 5.27 million followers, released 3,936 posts, and generated 410 million impressions, 130 million video views, and 22.36 million engagements.

Leading up to the event, three exclusive interview videos garnered over 2 million views, featuring Canadian father-son photographers Randy and Spencer VanDerStarren from the Take Your Seat project, U.S. architect Jim Spear and Hungarian writer Peter Szucs sharing insights on design and life at Mutianyu, and Quim Martinez, a senior executive from Mastercard’s travel division, discussing global travel trends — building strong social momentum for this year’s campaign.

Beijing Extends Its Global Welcome

Ms. Wang Yingjie, Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal People’s Government, emphasized that the “Great Wall Hero” initiative will continue to deepen international outreach, fostering collaboration across culture, tourism, transportation, payment, and communications. The goal: to build a bridge for global travelers to experience the enduring charm and modern pulse of this historic capital.

From the Juyongguan Great Wall, Beijing sends out a heartfelt invitation to the world —to feel its culture, experience its warmth, and discover its endless possibilities.