BEIJING, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For some 2,000 years, Xinjiang was known as the Western Regions, administered by different dynasties as a remote frontier far from China’s heartland. It was not until 1884 that it became a regular province. However, the tradition of governing the region with respect to the customs of local ethnic groups has continued.
Villagers wash grapes in Jiashi County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 8 (LU YAN)
In 1955, six years after the People’s Republic of China was founded, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was established, as part of the country’s efforts to promote equality, unity and mutual assistance among the country’s 56 ethnic groups.
Regional ethnic autonomy is a policy enshrined in China’s Constitution. In accordance with this policy, all areas inhabited by ethnic minorities shall practice regional autonomy, establish autonomous organs and exercise the power to self-govern.
The Han people make up some 91 percent of China’s population; the 55 other ethnic groups are collectively known as the ethnic minorities. In ethnic autonomous areas, the local people’s congresses are the state organs through which they exercise self-governance. These local legislatures have the power to formulate autonomous regulations and local-specific regulations. They are also empowered to alter or shelve policies issued by higher authorities that they find do not conform to the local context, upon the latter’s approval.
Notably, the head of an ethnic autonomous region, prefecture or county is elected by its people’s congress from the ethnic group exercising regional autonomy there. In other words, the chairperson of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Government must be a Uygur.
Of the 34 provincial-level administrative regions in China, five are ethnic autonomous regions. Within Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, there are five autonomous prefectures and six autonomous counties. According to the latest national population census, Xinjiang’s population exceeded 25.8 million as of November 2020, with the Uygurs totaling 11.6 million and the Han 10.9 million. The Kazak and the Hui are the other two large ethnic groups in the region, with a population of more than 1 million each.
Over the past 70 years since Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was established, this vast, ethnically diverse region has undergone a transformation that few could have imagined.
In the 1950s, the first major thrust of change came through the exploration of energy resources. With the development of the Karamay oilfield, the first large oilfield discovered after the founding of the People’s Republic, Xinjiang began supplying crude oil to the nation. Coalmines, natural gas deposits and, more recently, massive wind and solar farms have turned the region into an energy powerhouse.
Other economic pillars such as agriculture have also been revolutionized. While traditional oasis farming once depended on manual and animal labor, modern systems make use of drip irrigation, mechanized planting and harvesting, and high-yield seed varieties. Xinjiang today produces more than 90 percent of China’s cotton, standing as the country’s largest cotton producer for 30 years in a row.
Social progress has kept pace with economic growth. In the early 2010s, together with other parts of China, Xinjiang launched a targeted poverty alleviation campaign focusing on rural households living under the poverty line. Through developing industries specific to local conditions, strengthening vocational training, incentivizing people to participate in ecological conservation and offering relocation assistance, some 3 million came out of poverty with the help of the government. In November 2020, Xinjiang announced that it had eliminated absolute poverty.
Literacy rates have climbed, and school enrollment has reached near universal levels at both primary and secondary stages. Increased investment in healthcare services, especially at the community level, has made basic care accessible to all villages, be they mountain settlements or desert hamlets, reducing child and maternal mortality rates and improving life expectancy.
Xinjiang’s journey since 1955 illustrates how coordinated efforts to promote ethnic solidarity, energize the economy and upgrade social welfare can transform an underdeveloped hinterland into a burgeoning hub of development. Today’s Xinjiang stands better equipped than ever to sustain its upward trajectory and play a greater part in China’s national rejuvenation.
SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pollo AI has officially launched Pollo AI Shorts, an innovative AI short video generator designed to transform creative expression with unmatched ease and speed.
Pollo AI Shorts allows users to create stunning multi-scene short videos with just one click, supporting up to 10 shots per video, ensuring dynamic storytelling without the hassle of complicated editing.
Catering to diverse creative tastes, Pollo AI Shorts supports a wide range of popular themes, including Anime, Animals, and Soothing content, enabling creators to produce visually captivating videos that resonate with audiences across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels.
For audio, creators can auto‑generate a custom soundtrack with AI, pick from songs, or import audio directly from a video or audio file, making each short fully personalized and ready to engage audiences.
“Our goal was to make captivating video creation accessible to everyone,” said Emma Chen, CPO of Pollo AI. “With Pollo AI Shorts, whether you want to create an epic anime battle, a funny short about your cat, or a calming visual escape, our AI does the heavy lifting. You just provide the spark of an idea, and we generate the entire shorts in seconds.”
The creative process is remarkably simple: users can upload an image, from an anime creation to a beloved pet, and provide a “Shorts Topic” to guide the AI. The AI short video generator then interprets the input to create a cohesive, multi-shot story that brings the character and theme to life.
Pollo AI Shorts is optimized for major platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels, ensuring videos are formatted for maximum engagement. Creators can export high-resolution files ready for instant sharing, helping boost social media presence and audience growth.
GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2025 – Recently, the 14th China Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition – 2025 China-ASEAN Specialized Event (hereinafter referred to as the “Specialized Event”), themed with “Fostering Innovation with ASEAN, Empowering Regional Development”, was officially launched. The Specialized Event is hosted by the Torch High Technology Industry Development Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the Nanning Municipal People’s Government. It is organized by the MIIT Torch Center Yangtze River Delta Center and the Administrative Committee of Nanning New & High-tech Industrial Development Zone.
This Specialized Event specifically targets three strategic emerging industries: New generation information technology, new materials, and biomedicine and pharmaceutical. It is open to Chinese enterprises in ASEAN countries and ASEAN-funded enterprises in China. Additionally, Chinese enterprises with cooperative projects in ASEAN countries may also participate by providing relevant proof of collaboration.
To motivate the participation of high-quality projects, the Specialized Event offers substantial awards and comprehensive support services. In terms of monetary awards, a top prize of RMB 50,000 will be set up for each of the three industry sectors. For implementation support, finalist projects that register an independent legal entity in Nanning for industrialization, or collaborate with local Nanning enterprises for project implementation, may apply for special policies in sectors including agriculture, industry, services, technology, finance, and talent offered by Guangxi, Nanning, and Nanning New & High-tech Industrial Development Zone. Projects attending the final round on-site will receive 3 days of complimentary accommodation and meals at designated hotels for two team members per project. Furthermore, finalist projects will receive one-on-one implementation support services, including assistance with office space selection, business registration, and bank account opening. Winning projects will be prioritized for recommendations to partner venture capital institutions and incubation carriers, included in the key project database of the China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center, and given the opportunity to participate in the “China-ASEAN Tour” exchange activities to connect with ASEAN partnership resources.
The registration for the Specialized Event is now open. Enterprises can register directly through the dedicated webpage for the China Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition — China-ASEAN Specialized Event (http://dongmeng.cxcyds.com/). The registration deadline is October 15, 2025. The Competition charges no entry fees to participating enterprises. Project collection, the preliminary round, and the final round will take place successively from September to October.
To help participating enterprises better prepare, the organizing committee will hold pre-competition coaching sessions covering aspects such as business plan writing and roadshow training, providing comprehensive support.
According to the organizing committee, this Specialized Event is an important measure to implement the spirit of the Central Conference on Work with Neighboring Countries, focusing on building a community with a shared future in surrounding areas, deepening cooperation between China and ASEAN countries in technological innovation and industrial upgrading, promoting high-quality development of future industries, and facilitating the establishment of a new “dual-circulation” development pattern. It aims to promote technology transfer, achievement commercialization, and industrial matchmaking between China and ASEAN through the competition platform.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
WUHU, China, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From October 17–21, 2025, the Chery International User Summit, themed “CO-CREATE•CO-DEFINE”, will debut as a global platform for product, communication, and ecosystem co-creation. At the center is LEPAS, Chery Group’s new global new energy brand, presenting its Ecosystem 2.0 vision through product showcases, technology launches, safety demonstrations, and user engagement. The brand will also advance the Global Elegance Lifestyle Partner Program to co-build an ecosystem of elegant mobility with users worldwide.
LEPAS flagship SUV L8
Positioned as the “Preferred brand for elegant mobility life”, LEPAS upholds the philosophy “Drive Your Elegance.” Backed by Chery’s 22 consecutive years as China’s top passenger vehicle exporter and 17.44 million global users, LEPAS is rapidly emerging on the international stage. Its debut lineup, led by the L8 SUV, drew strong interest at the Indonesia International Auto Show, praised for its “Leopard Aesthetics” design, intelligent features, and practicality. The 2025 summit offers a key moment for LEPAS to immerse global users in its values.
During the event, LEPAS will stage a Global Journey of Elegance Drive – China Stop, allowing media and users to test the L8’s intelligent all-terrain performance across cities, experiencing its integration of people × vehicle × environment. LEPAS will also open its first Eco Co-Creation Global Boutique Store, providing a lifestyle-oriented, participatory brand space. Meanwhile, LEPAS DAY will debut breakthrough technologies, complemented by workshops, test drives, and open safety experiments that highlight the brand’s reliability.
Closely tied to the summit, the Global Elegance Lifestyle Partner Program invites lifestyle-driven users and creators across five fields—outdoor travel, home living, fashion, gourmet, and fitness—to co-create 100 elegant lifestyle scenarios. This initiative shifts LEPAS’s approach from “official broadcasting” to authentic user co-creation. Recruitment began in September, with selected partners gaining early test-drive access, invitations to exclusive sessions, and entry into LEPAS’s KOC (Key Opinion Consumer) network to help define products, scenarios, and content.
This summit marks LEPAS’s transition from launch phase to a new era of user co-creation and co-definition. By connecting technology, products, and lifestyles, LEPAS aims to inject the new energy mobility market with fresh value rooted in “Elegant Technology.”
Strategic partnership delivers enterprise-grade infrastructure and battle-tested microservices to transform global media workflows
CUPERTINO, Calif., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TVU Networks and Tencent Cloud announced their strategic partnership at the 2025 Tencent Global Digital Ecosystem Summit, introducing an integrated cloud-based media production solution. This collaboration combines TVU’s proven media technology with Tencent Cloud’s robust infrastructure, delivering enhanced efficiency, flexibility, and reliability to meet the diverse needs of global media organizations.
TVU Networks and Tencent Cloud Announce Strategic Cooperation to Launch Integrated Cloud Production Solution
TVU’s cloud-native microservices architecture has demonstrated exceptional performance under extreme conditions. The system powered broadcasting for the most recent Summer Games torch relay in Paris, enabled coverage of the biggest 2025 football tournament across the United States, and supported real-time conflict reporting. Its modular design allows independent scaling of critical functions—acquisition, switching, graphics, communication, and distribution—delivering true on-demand production capabilities that traditional hardware cannot match.
“TVU’s innovation in microservice-based media workflows has been proven on world stages, including major global sports events, high-stakes elections, and breaking news,” said Paul Shen, CEO of TVU Networks. “Our deep collaboration with Tencent Cloud showcases our ability to customize solutions on Tencent’s infrastructure, enabling global media organizations to run mission-critical production workflows on Tencent Cloud.”
The solution addresses intensive media workflow demands through five technical advantages: ultra-low latency streaming using TVU’s proprietary transmission protocols with Tencent Cloud edge nodes; elastic scalability via TKE container services enabling second-level resource scaling; cloud-native optimization across Tencent’s microservices stack; AI-powered production integrating automated subtitles, smart editing, and content distribution; and enterprise-grade security combining Tencent’s Tianyu framework with TVU’s content protection.
TVU’s proven track record validates this partnership’s foundation. Prior deployments have demonstrated substantial efficiency gains: a Chinese provincial broadcaster using TVU MediaHub, TVU’s cloud routing platform, reduced major event deployment time by 80%, cut on-site personnel by 70%, and tripled multi-platform distribution capacity. Additionally, leading global sports platforms leveraged TVU’s cloud production solution for massive remote production spanning dozens of countries, proving its international scalability and reliability for mission-critical events.
“Partnering with TVU allows Tencent Cloud to deliver high-performance, highly reliable professional workflow capabilities to media customers,” stated Yan Peng, Vice President of Tencent Cloud. “Traditional workflows that once depended on satellite trucks, dedicated fiber, or field production vehicles can now be easily replaced and expanded on Tencent Cloud, injecting strong momentum into the digital transformation of the media industry.”
This partnership enables broadcasters to redirect capital from equipment purchases toward content creation while accessing dynamic resource allocation during peak scenarios like major sporting events or breaking news coverage. Moving forward, both companies will continue innovating in AI-driven workflows and 5G optimization, providing media organizations worldwide with more efficient production experiences and advancing industry digital transformation.
About TVU Networks
TVU Networks is a globally recognized leader in IP video and cloud-based broadcasting solutions, serving more than 4,000 media organizations, enterprises, and government clients across 100+ countries and regions. Its solutions cover the full chain of video acquisition, cloud production, AI-powered content creation, and intelligent distribution, widely applied in news, sports, entertainment, enterprise events, and online education. Through continuous innovation, TVU is driving the video industry into a new era of cloud and intelligent workflows.
About Tencent Cloud
Tencent Cloud is the cloud computing brand of Tencent, dedicated to providing world-leading cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence technologies to governments, enterprises, and developers worldwide. By delivering cutting-edge solutions and building an open, win-win cloud ecosystem, Tencent Cloud is accelerating the growth of the industrial internet and enabling digital upgrades across industries.
YONGIN, South Korea, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GCCL (Global Clinical Central Lab), a South Korea-based leading provider of clinical trial sample analysis, and Frontage Laboratories, Inc., a USA based full-service contract research organization (CRO), announced on September 23 that they had signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) pursuant to which they intend to explore ways to strengthen their presence in the global clinical trial market.
In signing the MOU, GCCL and Frontage intend to consider opportunities to leverage the complementary services and networks of both companies to enhance competitiveness, particularly in the United States and Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions, while driving mutual growth. In particular, during the signing ceremony, the two companies reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration and discussed opportunities for cooperation including joint clinical trial services in the U.S.A. and APAC regions, co-marketing and project support initiatives, development of new business opportunities, and additional initiatives.
In addition, GCCL and Frontage will combine their respective regional expertise and global networks to collaborate in executing clinical trial projects while increasing efficiency and differentiation of services for clients worldwide. In doing so, GCCL would expect to further strengthen its global capabilities, while Frontage would look to bolster its clinical trial support system in the APAC region.
“Through this MOU, Frontage is hoping to develop a relationship with GCCL with the goal of reinforcing its presence in the APAC market and work closely with GCCL to providing faster and more efficient support for global clinical trials,” said Dr. Nan Zhang, MD. PhD., Senior Vice President of Frontage. “By finding paths to collaborate and leverage the expertise and client networks of both companies, we would hope to further enhance the global clinical trial ecosystem and deliver high-quality, trusted services to our customers.”
KwanGoo Cho, CEO of GCCL, added, “We are hoping to develop a strategic relationship with Frontage focused on a spirit of collaboration. By working together, GCCL’s bioanalytical and central lab expertise in APAC and Frontage’s global capabilities may create new growth opportunities in the global clinical trial market for both companies. As always, we continue to aim to set a new standard in clinical trial execution and deliver meaningful analytical outcomes to our clients.”
About GCCL (Global Clinical Central Lab) GCCL, a subsidiary of the GC Group, is a leading clinical trial sample analysis provider offering an integrated “one-stop lab solution” with central, bioanalysis, and BSL-3 labs under one system. With tailored solutions, GCCL delivers precise and efficient analytical services across all phases of clinical trials, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in new drug development. Leveraging advanced platforms and LIMS, the company supports partners across Asia and beyond with customized and compliant solutions. In recognition of its leadership, GCCL recently received Frost & Sullivan’s 2025 Best Practices Customer Value Leadership Award in the Asia-Pacific clinical sample analysis services industry. For more details, visit: www.eng.gccl.co.kr.
About Frontage Laboratories, Inc. Frontage Holdings Corp (1521.HK), together with its wholly owned subsidiary Frontage Laboratories, Inc., is a global Contract Research Organization (CRO) which provides integrated, science-driven, product development services from drug discovery to late phase clinical process to enable biopharmaceutical companies to achieve their development goals. Comprehensive services include drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, analytical testing and formulation development, preclinical and clinical trial material manufacturing, bioanalysis, preclinical safety and toxicology assessment and early phase clinical studies. Frontage has enabled many biotechnology and leading pharmaceutical companies of varying sizes to advance a myriad of new molecules through development and to successfully file global regulatory submissions. For more details, visit: www.frontagelab.com.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2025 – Arrow Electronics, a global provider of technology solutions, will present a comprehensive suite of power electronics and intelligent power management solutions for AI data center at PCIM Asia 2025, held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from Sept. 24–26.
Arrow Electronics to Showcase AI Data Center and Intelligent Power Management Solutions at PCIM Asia 2025
Located at Booth C60 in Hall N5, Arrow’s exhibit will feature an immersive AI data center experience, guiding visitors through five interconnected innovation zones: Renewable Energy, Cooling Infrastructure, AI Server Power Supply, Real-Time Monitoring, and Building Automation. This narrative journey—from solar to server—demonstrates how advanced technologies are transforming data center energy management and industrial automation.
Key technologies on display:
– Energy Conversion/Battery Management System (BMS)
Arrow and Infineon to showcase industrial HV BMS (powered by latest 18-channel AFE) with Bourns and Molex
10kW MPPT and T-type solar inverter from Arrow and Nexperia
NXP’s arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) powered by AI
– Advanced Cooling Infrastructure
Arrow’s 10kW Vienna power factor correction (PFC) and motor control and 15kW bidirectional PFC power conversion solutions for data center
NXP’s motor control solutions
– AI Server Power Supply
3kW totem-pole PFC & LLC power supply from Arrow, Bourns, and onsemi
5.5kW AI ORV3 server power supply from Arrow and Bourns
Infineon’s 48V to 12V DC 1600W module and 3kW server power supplies
Molex’s connectors/busbars for data center
Murata’s 33kW power shelf and 3.2kW mCRPS power supply for AI server rack
– Real-Time Monitoring with PLC & IO-Link
Arrow’s PLC IO-link demo dashboard
NXP – EtherCAT and TSN for programmable logic controller (PLC)
– Security, Control, and Sensing for Smart Building
Arrow’s KNX smart building control dashboard
Infineon’s surveillance camera application with 60GHz radar sensor module and OPTIGATM security chip
NXP’s ultra-wideband (UWB) anchor and tag
onsemi’s security and surveillance autonomous mobile robot (AMR)
AMR Platform Arrow will also showcase its AMR platform, developed in collaboration with onsemi, designed to accelerate AI application adoption. The platform integrates onsemi’s global shutter cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and LiDAR with advanced AI navigation control. Through the AMR, visitors can explore a simulated smart data center for soaring AI power demand, how it is becoming more energy efficient, higher in power density, smarter in control, and beyond.
“As autonomous mobile robots and AI-driven infrastructure reshape the data center environment, Arrow is committed to delivering the technologies and expertise that enable smarter, safer, and more efficient operations,” said Jacky Wan, Arrow Electronics’ vice president of sales components – China.
Virtual Booth Experience For those unable to attend in person, Arrow offers a virtual booth at arrow.com, providing 24/7 access to product demos, technical resources, and supplier insights across all five innovation zones. Hashtag: #Arrow
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Arrow Electronics
Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) sources and engineers technology solutions for thousands of leading manufacturers and service providers. With global 2024 sales of $28 billion, Arrow’s portfolio enables technology across major industries and markets. Learn more at arrow.com.
Citadines strengthens leadership in the resilient upper-midscale segment through rapid conversions and geographical diversification
Franchise model gains momentum as a driver of scalable, efficient growth
Global brand campaign amplifies refreshed Citadines lifestyle with activ∞ and “For the Love of Coffee” experiences across operational properties
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2025 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has hit a major milestone with its Citadines portfolio surpassing 200 properties globally, driven by asset-light growth through management and franchise agreements. The upper-midscale conversion brand now comprises 205 properties and approximately 35,000 units. Of these, more than 60%, or 127 properties and about 22,200 units, are currently operational.
Slated to open in 2H 2026, Citadines Hongkou Plaza Shanghai will operate under a franchise agreement, and will bring the total number of Citadines properties in the tier-one Chinese city to around 10.
Since the brand refresh three years ago, Ascott has signed more than 50 Citadines properties totalling about 8,000 units, underscoring strong market confidence in the brand’s renewed direction. A quarter of these signings were conversion projects. This expansion brought Citadines into 18 new cities, strategically targeting high-potential tier-2 and tier-3 markets. Key additions range from Colmar (France), Hobart (Australia) and Liverpool (United Kingdom) to Surabaya (Indonesia), Phu Quoc (Vietnam), Udupi (India), Tangier and Marrakech (Morocco) and Kuwait. The brand has also broadened its footprint across China’s major hubs, entering Changshu, Dalian, Foshan, Guilin, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Tianjin and Zhuhai.
Conversions Powering Growth Conversions enabling fast market entry accounted for 61% of Ascott’s unit openings globally in the first seven months of 2025, highlighting strong owner demand for swift and efficient operational launches. This momentum aligns with Citadines’ conversion-ready model, which fast-tracks the rebranding and activation of existing properties. For example, Citadines Antasari Jakartawas converted and opened within three weeks in August 2025, while Citadines City Centre Liverpool completed its transformation in around three months and opened in June 2025, a demonstration of the brand’s agility and owner-friendly execution.
Aligning with a strong owner demand for swift market entry, the 175-unit Citadines Antasari Jakarta began operations within just three weeks of rebranding. With a medley of rooms and suites, the property also houses recreational facilities including a swimming pool, fitness area as well as spa.
Franchise Growth Gains Traction Citadines currently has 15 franchised properties comprising approximately 2,000 units across its operating and pipeline portfolio. As owner interest continues to grow in key markets, franchise agreements are expected to become an increasingly important driver of the brand’s global expansion.
In China, where Ascott launched its franchise strategy for Citadines earlier this year to tap into a rapidly maturing market, four of five signings year-to-date have been franchise agreements. These include locations in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Wuxi and Xi’an. Among these, Citadines Universiade Centre Longgang Shenzhen is on track to open in November 2025, about eight months after signing, underscoring the speed and efficiency of the franchise model.
Outside of Asia, Citadines Almaz Casablanca marks a key milestone as the brand’s debut property in Morocco, opened in early 2025 under a franchise agreement signed in late 2024. Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Mohammed V International Airport, the property offers easy access to key financial, educational and lifestyle destinations.
With franchise growth gaining traction for the Citadines brand, Citadines Almaz Casablanca marked the brand’s debut property in Morocco. Signed under a franchise agreement in 2024 before opening in early 2025, the property houses 61 studio and one-bedroom apartments, and is located just 30 minutes from the Mohammed V International Airport.
Favourable Market Trends Fuel Growth Citadines’ growth aligns with favourable trends in the upper-midscale hospitality segment. Industry analysis shows this segment consistently outperformed both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering more predictable returns backed by strong brand recognition, streamlined operations and a flexible customer base[1]. The broader midscale hotel market, valued at US$115.2 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% through 2033, driven by rising disposable incomes and growing demand for value-driven accommodation[2]. This expanding demand, particularly among emerging middle-class populations worldwide, creates fertile ground for Citadines to scale strategically.
Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said: “Citadines stands out to owners for its built-in versatility, enabled by Ascott’s flex-hybrid model that seamlessly supports both short and extended stays. As a leading brand in the resilient upper-midscale segment, Citadines offers flexibility, operational efficiency and strong customer appeal. This positioning has unlocked scalable growth opportunities, particularly through franchising. Our franchise model is conversion-friendly and operationally efficient, helping partners enter the market faster with lower complexity. We are seeing promising momentum in key markets, where franchise deals now account for a meaningful share of signings. As more owners seek trusted partners and high-performing midscale brands, franchise-led growth will become a key driver of Citadines’ continued global expansion.”
A Global Brand with Infinite Possibilities Since acquiring Citadines in 2004, Ascott has transformed it from a Europe-centric regional chain into a truly global hospitality platform. This evolution is reflected in a diversified footprint spanning Asia Pacific (70%), Europe (20%) and a growing presence across the Middle East, Africa and Turkey.
Designed for globally minded professionals, Citadines blends the space and comfort of apartment living with the practical conveniences of a hotel. From fully equipped rooms and intuitive social spaces to curated local experiences – including a good cup of coffee – every stay inspires comfort, connection and discovery. Embodying its brand essence of “Infinite Possibilities”, Citadines embraces the spirit of movement and exploration, offering guests the freedom to live, work and play.
As Citadines evolves into a multi-typology brand, it is expanding beyond urban centres to include resort destinations. Examples include Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc in Vietnam, a 348-unit beachfront property anchoring a vibrant mixed-use precinct on the island’s southwest coast. Slated to open in 2027, the property will feature premium amenities such as a spa, all-day dining and event spaces. Also in the pipeline is Citadines Mactan Cebu Resort in the Philippines, set to open in 2028. The 303-unit resort will offer a full suite of recreational facilities, including rooftop and beachfront pools, wellness amenities and a spa.
Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “Citadines is now Ascott’s largest brand and one of our fastest-growing brands, reflecting its global appeal among travellers. Along with its expansion, we are evolving the brand to meet the needs of loyal guests who increasingly blur the lines between work, leisure and discovery. Citadines is thoughtfully designed to support this lifestyle, with convertible room features, café-style check-ins and programming that supports exploration and promotes wellness. Through our Ascott Star Rewards programme, guests can earn and redeem points across a broader Citadines network, from dynamic city stays to relaxing resort escapes. This multi-typology approach strengthens Citadines as a trusted, versatile brand for global travellers seeking both familiarity and adventure. As the brand continues to scale, we remain focused on deepening guest engagement, building brand love and delivering experiences that resonate at every step of the journey.”
Highlights from Citadines Brand Campaign 2025 This August and September, Citadines properties worldwide are buzzing with exceptional energy as “Citazens”, the brand’s passionate associates, deliver almost 200 curated experiences across 23 countries under the global activ∞ (pronounced “activate”) programme.
Launched in 2022 as part of the Citadines brand refresh, activ∞ aims to promote well-balanced living by helping guests uncover fresh perspectives and explore each destination like a local. This year’s activ∞ series centre around the curation of exploratory trails to enable guests to hit the ground running as they rediscover the cities they love. From night runs to cultural deep dives, each property brings its own spin.
In partnership with Bambike Eco Tours, guests of Citadines Benavidez Makati in the Philippines were invited to explore the historic charm of the old city – Intramuros, through a three-hour trail that traversed scenic routes on eco-friendly bamboo bikes.
Guests of Citadines Marina Halong in Vietnam were led on a scenic cycling tour through Halong’s streets, before enjoying a taste of local cuisine and coffee.
Citadines Dongyan Road Suzhou in China will host a full-day outdoor experience at Yangcheng Lake Peninsula, complete with lakeside cycling, fireworks and a cozy campsite evening.
Guests at Citadines Abha can explore the scenic mountains of Abha through guided hikes led by hotel associates.
Citadines Montmartre Paris in France invites guests to dive into local culture with an immersive walking tour through one of Paris’ most iconic neighbourhoods.
Whether walking, running or cycling, Citadines makes it easy to live like a local through movement and discovery. Visit the Citadines activ∞ webpage to discover the latest activities at your next destination.
And the journey does not stop there. This October, in celebration of International Coffee Day, Citadines will bring back “For the Love of Coffee” – a curated series of coffee-themed experiences and community collaborations across its global portfolio, uniting guests and locals over a shared passion for coffee. Stay tuned to the Citadines brand webpage for the latest highlights.
Where Citadines is Opening Next From now until the end of 2026, Citadines will open 20 more properties. Upcoming launches include Citadines on the Pier Hobart in Australia, Citadines Vue Aston Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Citadines Paragon Davao in the Philippines, Citadines Hongkou Plaza Shanghai and Citadines Huadu Guangzhou in China, Citadines Connect West Surabaya in Indonesia and Citadines Racine Casablanca in Morocco – delivering smartly designed stays with just the right amenities to fuel discovery for guests across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Ascott Limited
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Fox, Harris, POP!, Preference, Quest, Vertu and Yello.
Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.
As a wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott generates fee-related earnings by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 13 August 2025, CLI had S$117 billion of funds under management held via stakes in seven listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres, private credit and special opportunities.
CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm. In 2025, CapitaLand Group celebrates 25 years of excellence in real estate and continues to innovate and shape the industry.
As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
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