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Hefei Opens Opera Festival Revisiting Anhui’s Stage Traditions

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HEFEI, China, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is reported by Hefei Daily

Series commemorates 235 years since Huizhou troupes first performed in Beijing, with award-winning artists set to appear through Spring 2026

A press briefing for “All Operas Gathering in Anhui • Stars Shining on Hefei” was held in Beijing on September 22, introducing a slate of programs to mark the 235th anniversary of Huizhou opera troupes’ first performance in the capital. Overseen by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Publicity Department of the Anhui Provincial Committee, the event is jointly organized by the China Theater Association, the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, the China Media Group Center for Arts Programming, and the Hefei Municipal Government.

 

Hefei Opens Opera Festival Revisiting Anhui’s Stage Traditions

The festival will open on September 28 at Anhui Baixi Theater in Hefei. The inaugural program will bring together nine recipients of the prestigious China Theatre Plum Performance Award to present classic works from Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera, and Huangmei Opera. The event series will continue through the Spring Festival in 2026.

At its center is the “Two Hundred Shows” initiative, a public-benefit program in which leading artists from across China and Anhui province will each stage more than 100 performances. Among them, Peking Opera artist Yu Kuizhi will lead casts in “Si Lang Tan Mu” and “Hong Zong Lie Ma“. Tickets will be offered at affordable prices. Audience members will also be able to use ticket stubs for free admission to Anhui landmarks including Huangshan Mountain, Jiuhua Mountain, Xidi, and Hongcun, combining daytime sightseeing with evening opera performances. 

The event will also feature the televised “Stars Shining on Hefei” opera broadcast, along with activities for fans and amateur clubs, outreach initiatives, and academic exchanges. Opera appreciation classes will be added to local primary and secondary school curricula. Additional forums and touring productions are also planned.

Later this year, Hefei will collaborate with the China Theater Association and the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts to host academic events, including tours of productions recognized with some of China’s top theater honors — the Wenhua Award, Plum Blossom Award, Magnolia Award, and Pear Blossom Cup. The effort aims to link stagecraft with scholarly discourse, encouraging artistic innovation and widening public participation in traditional theater.

The series not only honors the historic Huizhou troupes’ appearances in Beijing but also reflects Hefei’s broader push to use cultural programming to enhance urban life. It signals the city’s role in the national campaign to sustain and modernize China’s operatic traditions. 

 

 

The Road to CES 2026 Makes a Stop in Korea

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CTA Executives highlight Korean partnerships, what’s new for CES 2026, and new research showing age differences in AI awareness and adoption in the region

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) ®, owner and producer of CES®, is visiting Korea to announce plans for CES 2026, share new AI research, and highlight ongoing Korean partnerships. In a press briefing at Josun Palace in Seoul, CTA shared its vision for the upcoming show and how CES continues to serve as the world’s most powerful tech event. Every January, innovators show up at CES in Las Vegas to do business and meet with partners and customers – where together they shape the future.   

“Korea is a global innovation hub, pioneering the technologies that reshape our world. Korean companies also thrive at CES, with hundreds of Korean companies across the show floor and in our startup area, Eureka Park,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair, CTA. “We’re excited to be back in Korea as we work together to support the Korean innovators solving big global challenges and moving the tech industry forward.”  

At the event, Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA and Mr. Hyun-Woo Kim, CEO, Seoul Business Agency (SBA) sat down for a fireside chat on the city’s participation in CES 2026. They discussed how SBA establishes Seoul as an innovation capital, the lessons other cities should take, what’s next in Korean tech, and why CES is important for Korean companies. 

“Korean innovators show up at CES! From global tech giants to a fast-growing cohort of startups, Korea’s vibrant tech ecosystem comes to life at CES each January,” said Fabrizio. “We can’t wait to see what our Korean exhibitors have in store for CES 2026.” 

From Eureka Park, the bustling startup area, to the main exhibition halls, Seoul’s participation reflects a national strategy to elevate Korean tech on the world stage. The city’s support signals a broader commitment to nurturing innovation and amplifying the voices of emerging entrepreneurs. 

“Seoul organizations and startups are creative and CES offers them a platform to meet investors, partners and media,” said Kim. “CES is a launchpad for global business, especially for Korean brands looking to expand their reach.” 

At CES 2026, Korean companies will showcase innovation across immersive entertainment, mobility, health, and more. Many companies will continue to launch AI offerings from generative AI and robotics to agentic AI. Recognizing CES is a global stage, Korean innovation continues to grow its presence at CES across attendees, exhibitors, and media. Korea was also named an Innovation Champion on the 2025 CTA Global Innovation Scorecard. And many Korean companies won CES Innovation Awards® in 2025.

CTA also unveiled data exploring generational awareness and adoption of AI in Korea. In Korea, 99% of workers are aware of AI, signaling a nation deeply attuned to tech transformation. Despite near-universal recognition, only 48% of workers have used AI tools. The findings reveal a nuanced landscape where age affects adoption. 

  • While workers aged 61+ lead in awareness of AI, those workers ages 18-28, followed closely by those ages 29-44, used AI in practice the most. 
  • Working individuals ages 18-44 dominate both awareness and usage of generative AI, suggesting that Korea’s younger workforce is experimenting with new tools to redefine their workflows. 
  • When it comes to the next frontier of AI, agentic systems, while 78% of workers are aware, only 25% have used them, reflecting both the novelty and complexity of these systems. 
    • Once again, those from ages 18-28 emerge as the vanguard, embracing the cutting-edge tech with curiosity. 

Explore what’s next in AI and Korean innovation at CES 2026 – the global convener of innovators. CES 2026 takes place Jan. 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas. Registration is now open. 

About CES®:  
CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2026 takes place Jan. 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.  

About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®:    
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.  

DHL Express supports Vietnam’s growth with additional air cargo capacity from Hanoi amid surging tech export demand

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  • Over 300 tons of weekly additional air cargo capacity have been added to existing daily flights from Hanoi to cater to rising technology related shipment exports
  • These flights operate daily from Monday to Saturday, boosting Vietnam’s connectivity to continents worldwide
  • This strategic move demonstrates Vietnam’s booming technology export sector and its rising prominence as a global manufacturing base

HANOI, VIETNAM/SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2025 – DHL Express has bolstered its aviation network by adding significant payload capacity to its current schedule of daily flights from Hanoi, as it responds to surging export demand driven by Vietnam’s rapidly expanding tech manufacturing sector. For the first half of 2025, DHL Express saw double digit increase in tech-related shipment exports from Hanoi. The new flights connect more Vietnamese businesses to their international partners and customers in key global markets, including North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia.

DHL Express adds air cargo capacity for Hanoi
DHL Express adds air cargo capacity for Hanoi

To facilitate this growth, DHL Express has introduced a combination of Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 freighters that operate through the week. These flights – offering over 300 tons of additional payload capacity – transport shipments from Hanoi to other regions via Hong Kong.

This demonstrates DHL Express’s constant review of their customer and operational needs and adjust their network accordingly to accommodate demand. The Hanoi stops were added recently to support a rapidly increasing number of tech-related shipments.

“Vietnam’s role in global trade is accelerating, fueled by geographic advantages, a skilled workforce, and consistent inflows of foreign investment,” said Peter Bardens, Senior Vice President for Network Operations & Aviation – Asia Pacific, DHL Express. “It has risen as a tech manufacturing powerhouse in recent years, especially in the northern region where Hanoi is seeing a boom in high-tech exports. By enhancing our air network in Hanoi, we are reinforcing Vietnam’s role in global trade and ensuring that our customers can also capitalize on the country’s growth momentum.”

Vietnam’s upward trajectory and role in global supply chains

As companies continue to diversify their supply chains, Vietnam has emerged as a preferred manufacturing hub—particularly for high-tech products such as laptops and electronics. The country’s Ministry of Information and Communications forecasts that the ICT industry will achieve US$169.3 billion in total revenue in 2025, an 11.4% increase from 2024. Hardware and electronics exports are expected to grow by 12.3%, reaching US$ 148.5 billion. Additionally, the DHL Trade Atlas 2025 has highlighted that Vietnam is forecast to rank among the top 30 countries globally for both the speed and scale of trade growth in the next five years. Vietnam is also one of the top 20 high-growth markets identified by DHL Group, benefiting from strong geographic tailwinds and its strategic location in Southeast Asia.

In recent years, DHL Express has expanded its footprint and enhanced facilities in Vietnam, as it readies itself to support the country’s growth trajectory. This includes the opening of the new Hanoi Gateway facility located near the city’s Noi Bai International Airport as well as the West service center in Hanoi – marking DHL Express’s commitment to investing in its ground and aviation network.

These developments ensure that DHL Express is well-positioned to support the country’s export ambitions and the needs of international businesses operating in Vietnam.Hashtag: #DHL


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

DHL – The logistics company for the world 

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows.

With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Coda and Digital Garage Join Forces to Expand Out-of-App Monetization for Gaming Publishers

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TOKYO, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Coda, a global leader in digital content monetization headquartered in Singapore and Digital Garage, operator of Japan’s No. 1 third-party payment platform[1] AppPay, today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate revenue growth for games publishers through out-of-app monetization and distribution solutions. The collaboration gives Japanese publishers a proven pathway to global growth and provides international publishers with a seamless entry into one of the world’s most important gaming markets.

Around the world, game publishers are moving beyond closed app store ecosystems. Players want more choice and value, while publishers seek stronger direct connections with their communities. Regulatory changes are accelerating this shift. In Europe, the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which took effect in March 2024, designates Apple and Google as gatekeepers and requires them to allow alternative payment methods and third-party marketplaces. In the United States, antitrust scrutiny and landmark cases have fueled debate on app store competition. South Korea’s Telecommunications Business Act amendment (2021) became the first law to require support for alternative billing systems, while Japans’s Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software will come into effect in December 2025.

These changes are creating a more open environment where publishers can adopt out-of-app and web-based monetization models. By selling content directly, publishers avoid the high fees charged by primary app stores. The savings can be reinvested into new user acquisition, loyalty programs, new content, and more competitive pricing, delivering greater value to players.

At the center of this model is Coda’s Merchant of Record (MoR) framework, which allows publishers to scale globally with confidence. Acting as the legal seller in each market, Coda manages payments, compliance, fraud protection, tax settlement, and billing across more than 65 markets and over 400 payment methods. This simplifies operations for publishers and allows them to focus on creating content while Coda ensures seamless global execution.

The partnership with Digital Garage combines Coda’s international scale with AppPay’s trusted domestic reach. Japanese gamers will benefit from a broader catalogue of international titles, more payment options, and loyalty programs that enhance player experiences. For Japanese publishers, the collaboration offers a clear pathway to global expansion, with Coda providing the MoR model and Digital Garage adding domestic services such as marketing, multilingual support, website development, and analytics. For global publishers entering Japan, AppPay offers a familiar and reliable platform backed by Digital Garage’s payments infrastructure, which handles more than ¥7.5 trillion annually, enabling secure and efficient entry into the market.

AppPay, launched in 2023, has already been adopted by more than 40 titles and is trusted by Japanese gamers. Powered by Digital Garage’s financial technology expertise, it provides publishers with competitive transaction fees and diversified local channels. Coda brings over a decade of experience in out-of-app monetization, supporting more than 300 publishers worldwide and connecting with over 200 million paying users through Codashop and Custom Commerce webstores. Together, Coda and Digital Garage create a single, intelligent route into and out of Japan, bridging domestic trust with global reach.

Shane Happach, CEO of Coda, said:

“Japan has always been one of the world’s most influential gaming markets. Partnering with Digital Garage’s AppPay lets us deliver more choice and value to players here, while giving Japanese studios a simple way to reach global audiences. With Coda’s Merchant of Record model and AppPay’s trusted platform, publishers can expand internationally without the complexity and keep their focus on creating great games.”

Junichi Sakishima, Executive Officer, Head of App Business Division, Digital Garage, Inc. commented:

“Japan is the third largest gaming market in the world and Japanese entertainment content is more popular globally than ever. The collaboration between Digital Garage and Coda, the leading players in their respective markets, will further drive growth of game publishers and content owners and stakeholders by building a platform that creates new business opportunities globally beyond payments.”

About Digital Garage

Digital Garage, Inc. is the leading payment service provider in Japan. With the corporate purpose of “Designing ‘New Context’ for a sustainable society with technology,” Digital Garage operates payment business services for various comprehensive payment platforms in Japan. Digital Garage also runs a marketing business providing one-stop solutions in both the digital and real worlds, as well as a startup investment and development business for approaching promising startups and technologies in Japan and overseas. Digital Garage is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (TSE Prime: 4819). For more on Digital Garage, visit garage.co.jp/en

About Coda

Coda is a global leader in digital content monetization. We’re trusted by 300+ publishers—including Activision, Electronic Arts, and Riot Games—to grow their audiences and revenue worldwide. Our out-of-app solutions include Custom Commerce, a fully customizable web store; Codapay, which enables seamless direct payments through a single API integration on publishers’ websites; Codashop, the go-to marketplace for millions of gamers to purchase in-game content; and Distribution, which extends content reach through a network of trusted commerce partners. Founded in 2011, Coda is headquartered in Singapore with a team of 400+ Codans around the globe. Coda is backed by Apis Partners, Insight Partners, and Smash Capital, and has been named an APAC High Growth Company (2023) by Financial Times, one of Granite Asia‘s NextGenTech 30 (2024), a payments leader on Fortune’s Fintech Innovation Asia list (2024), and listed among The Straits Times Fastest Growing Fintechs (2024). For more on Coda, visit coda.co.

[1] No.1 by number of titles introduced among third-party payment services in Japan (Digital Garage survey, September 2025).

 

ADDX expands investment products for accredited investors

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SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ADDX, one of Singapore’s leading wealthtech platform, is proud to distribute a new tokenised structured note issued by DBS, Southeast Asia’s largest bank by assets. This launch is not the first structured note on ADDX. There have been regular launches of equity-linked structured notes on the platform since the start of the year.  In the coming months, ADDX will expand its suite of products to include currency-linked and credit-linked structured notes, offering investors even more options for yield, preservation, and participation.

This marks a significant milestone in ADDX’s mission to make private markets and private wealth services available to all by making quality finance easily accessible, driving capital to quality investments, and using leading-edge technology integrated with robust regulatory integrity.

Unlocking structured notes at lower entry points

Structured notes have long been accessible only to institutional or ultra-high-net-worth investors, often requiring minimum commitments of USD 100,000 or more. Through tokenisation technology, ADDX offers structured products in fractional units as low as SGD 20,000, lowering the entry barrier.

This development empowers a broader segment of accredited investors to diversify their portfolios with instruments. ADDX currently uses DBS Bank as its custodian for structured notes.

Going beyond private blockchain

As a regulated private market platform, ADDX not only provides accredited investors seamless access to such products but is also expanding its technology to support public blockchain issuance and offering white-label tokenisation solutions for financial institutions, underscoring its role as a trusted partner in driving the next phase of digital finance innovation in Singapore and beyond.

Scaling the structured product universe

“This new tokenised structured note launch is a landmark moment for our platform and the broader wealthtech industry. It signals a new era where financial institutions can bring structured products to market with greater efficiency, while empowering investors with more choice and flexibility,” said Vianne Choo, Executive Director, Structured Derivatives at ADDX. “We are committed to deepening access to innovative products while preserving the security, compliance, and sophistication our users expect.”

For media enquiries:
team@addx.co 

About ADDX

ADDX is an investment platform headquartered in Singapore that provides accredited investors with access to private markets, alternatives, and differentiated opportunities to help them diversify and grow their wealth, all at lower minimums. With ADDX, investors can access high-quality investments across private equity, private credit, hedge funds, structured products, cash alternatives, fixed income, and more, using a convenient and user-friendly app and web platform. The platform uses digital securities and tokenisation technology to fractionalise investments, making traditionally institutional-grade opportunities more accessible.

ADDX has raised a total of US$140 million in funding since its inception in 2017. Its shareholders include Singapore Exchange (SGX), the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Temasek subsidiary Heliconia Capital, the Development Bank of Japan, UOB, Hamilton Lane, Tokai Tokyo Financial Holdings and KB Securities, a subsidiary of Korea’s largest banking group KB Financial Group.

ADDX has been approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a recognised market operator. It also has a capital markets services license to deal in securities and collective investment schemes as well as to provide custodial services. It currently serves individual accredited investors from over 50 countries spanning Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and the Americas (except the US). ADDX also serves wealth managers, family offices and corporate investors through its institutional service, ADDX Advantage. For more information, visit addx.co or www.linkedin.com/company/addxco.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or investment products. Investments in private market strategies involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Offerings on the ADDX platform are available only to accredited investors, as defined under the Securities and Futures Act 2001. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should conduct their own due diligence or consult with a professional adviser before making any investment decisions.

Singapore International Agri-Food Week 2025 Returns with Focus on Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems in the Asia Pacific

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW) 2025 returns from 3-6 November 2025 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, uniting global leaders and innovators under the theme ‘Accelerating Climate Resilience in Asia-Pacific’s Agri-Food System‘. SIAW is organised by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and Temasek, with the support of Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), and organising partners Constellar and Rethink Events.

Building on the momentum of SIAW 2024 which drew over 8,200 attendees, 270 exhibitors and 380 speakers from more than 70 countries and regions, SIAW 2025 will convene an even broader spectrum of policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, spark partnerships, and accelerate change.

Investment and Innovation Expand to Address Regional Food Security Challenges

The Asia-Pacific region, home to more than 60 percent of the global population, faces growing food security risks from climate-related events, including droughts, heatwaves, and floods, which can disrupt agricultural productivity and affect up to 45 percent of agricultural value in some areas. In response, investment in agri-food solutions is accelerating, with global agri-tech funding reaching USD 16 billion in 2024, reflecting both private sector interest and public initiatives to build resilience.

Alongside this, innovation in alternative proteins is gaining momentum, offering new pathways to meet food demand while reducing the environmental footprint of traditional agriculture. For the first time, global public investment in fermentation technologies, including precision, biomass, and gas fermentation, reached USD 203 million, surpassing investments in plant-based proteins at USD 147 million. Cultivated meat also saw record growth, with public funding doubling from USD 42 million in 2023 to USD 84 million in 2024. These developments highlight the region’s commitment to fostering sustainable food innovation and its shift towards science-based solutions, supportive regulations, and cross-sector collaborations.

Against this backdrop, SIAW 2025 anchors a week of five events, each highlighting different dimensions of innovation, sustainability, and resilience across the agri-food ecosystem.

Setting the Stage for Collaboration: Official SIAW 2025 Welcome Reception

Amid rising climate volatility, food security concerns, and the urgent push for sustainability, SIAW 2025 will spotlight climate resilience as vital to the region’s food future. A key highlight is the launch of the 4th edition of the ‘Asia Food Challenge Report 2025’. The report will outline strategies to build resilience and transform Asia’s agri-food sector.

The exclusive, invite-only Welcome Reception, co-hosted by SFA and Temasek, will gather global policymakers, senior executives, investors, and innovators in the agri-food sector, setting the tone for a week of transformative discussions and partnerships while providing the backdrop for the report’s release.

Building Alignment in Food Innovation: Roundtable on Novel Food Regulations

The Roundtable on Novel Food Regulations, organised by SFA, is an international platform that brings together regulators, scientists, and industry leaders to advance dialogue on ensuring safety of novel food. Through keynote presentations and expert panels, participants will share best practices and experiences on safety assessment, updates on regulatory frameworks and identify areas for collaboration to achieve international alignment.

Building Agility and Resilience in Asia’s Food System: Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit

Organised by Rethink Events in partnership with Temasek, the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit is the flagship leadership platform of SIAW 2025. Themed “Building Agility and Resilience in Asia’s Food System”, the Summit will gather over 200 speakers and over 60 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions, alongside 800 senior decision-makers from governments, global food and ingredient brands, agribusinesses, entrepreneurs, and investors. Through keynotes, panel discussions, and fireside chats, participants will build strategies and partnerships for trade security, economic and climate resilience, sustainable nutrition, and food system decarbonisation across the region.

Showcasing Breakthrough Technologies and Innovations: Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia

Organised by Constellar with DLG International GmbH, Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia is the leading industry event in Asia for agri-food and agri-tech innovation. Themed “Shaping Sustainable and Nutritious Food Systems”, the Expo will showcase frontier technologies and solutions across the agri-food value chain, from smart farming and food processing to supply chain management and cellular agriculture development. Notable features include the Cell Ag Pavilion, organised in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Society for Cellular Agriculture, dedicated to functional and nutrient-rich products driving healthier consumer lifestyles, and the Pet Nutrition Zone spotlighting breakthroughs in companion animal health and wellness.

Latest developments in Agri-Food Research and Development: Global Agri-Food Scientific Symposium

Organised by SFA and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the Global Agri-Food Scientific Symposium will bring together researchers, scientists and technology providers to catalyse scientific discussions on cutting edge discoveries, and foster collaboration to build agri-food capabilities for climate-resilient and sustainable food ecosystems. The symposium will showcase recent developments in agriculture, aquaculture, future foods and food safety, spotlighting Singapore as a global hub for agri-food innovation.

For more information and to register for SIAW 2025, visit https://sginternationalagrifoodweek.com.sg/.

Access the full media release and Annexes here.

  • Annex A: SIAW 2025 Highlights
  • Annex B: Quotes by Organisers and Partners
  • Annex C: Corporate Profiles

TaiwanPlus and Fuji TV Reunite Schlaf Ishida with Taiwan in Special Episode of “May I Stay Tonight?”

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International co-production streaming on TaiwanPlus, spotlighting Taiwan’s warmth, hospitality, and cross-cultural storytelling

TAIPEI, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ishida, a 33-year-old Japanese backpacker, has spent the past five years traveling across Japan with a handwritten sign that reads “May I Stay Tonight?” His journey is now the focus of May I Stay Tonight, a spin-off of Fuji TV’s long-running documentary series “The Nonfiction,” which has aired for more than 30 years.

Ishida, a 33-year-old Japanese backpacker, has spent the past five years traveling across Japan with a handwritten sign that reads “May I Stay Tonight?”
Ishida, a 33-year-old Japanese backpacker, has spent the past five years traveling across Japan with a handwritten sign that reads “May I Stay Tonight?”

Yojiro Nishimura, Chief Producer of “The Nonfiction,” noted in relation to this collaboration: “This documentary marks the first collaboration between Fuji TV and TaiwanPlus. We chose to feature the story of Mr. Ishida—also known as “Schlaf Ishida”—who has spent more than five years traveling across Japan with a simple sign that reads “May I stay tonight?”, relying on the kindness of strangers to offer him a place to stay.”

Eric Yang, Head of Program Department at TaiwanPlus, went on to say, “This collaboration shows how international co-productions can bring out the charm and spontaneity of stories that resonate across cultures. We are delighted to work with Fuji TV to bring this program to audiences in Japan, Taiwan, and around the world.”

The Taiwan special of Fuji TV’s “May I Stay Tonight?” is now available on the TaiwanPlus website and official TaiwanPlus YouTube channel.

About TaiwanPlus
TaiwanPlus is the premier global provider of English-language news and infotainment from Taiwan — offering trustworthy news coverage, informative perspectives on cross-strait relations, plus inspiring lifestyle content focusing on food, travel and entertainment. Proud to be based in one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies, our diverse team of journalists and producers is committed to delivering independent news and stories that inform, enlighten and inspire audiences worldwide. Get a global perspective backed by a Taiwanese point of view on our website, mobile app, TV channel and various social media channels.

About Fuji TV
Fuji Television Network, Inc. (Fuji TV) is one of Japan’s leading broadcasters, renowned for its innovative entertainment, high-quality drama, cutting-edge news, and cultural programming. Since its founding in 1957, Fuji TV has been a pioneer in shaping Japan’s media landscape, creating content that resonates with audiences both domestically and internationally. With a strong commitment to creativity and global collaboration, Fuji TV continues to deliver compelling stories and experiences across multiple platforms, including television, film, digital, and live events.

14 killed, 124 Missing in Taiwan After Barrier Lake Burst

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Part of the bridge over Mataian Creek is seen destroyed after a barrier lake burst in Hualien on September 24, 2025. The bursting of the barrier lake in Taiwan killed at least 14 people, regional officials said on September 24 after Super Typhoon Ragasa pounded the island with torrential rains. (Photo by Taiwan's Central News Agency. AFP PHOTO / TAIWAN’S CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY (CNA)

AFP – At least 14 people were killed when a decades-old lake barrier burst in Taiwan, a government official said Wednesday, 24 September, after Super Typhoon Ragasa pounded the island with torrential rains.

Ragasa lashed the northern Philippines and Taiwan on 22 September with heavy rain and strong winds, forcing thousands to evacuate.

The barrier lake in eastern Hualien county burst Tuesday, 23 September, washing away a bridge and sweeping into a town.

“As of 7 am Wednesday (2300 GMT Tuesday), 14 people are confirmed dead and 18 injured,” said Lee Kuan-ting, a Hualien County Government press official.

Lee told AFP rescuers were also searching for 30 people reported missing in the area.

The National Fire Agency later updated the number of missing people to 124.

Hualien fire officials said flood water temporarily rose as high as the second floor of a house in some parts of the town Tuesday, stranding about 263 people.

They were not in immediate danger and were asked to stay and wait for the water to recede.

Footage released by the fire agency showed flooded streets and half-submerged cars as trees were uprooted in the area.

Across Taiwan, more than 7,600 people were evacuated due to Typhoon Ragasa.

Around 3,100 people were evacuated beforehand and moved in with relatives in the area near the creek in Hualien, according to the fire agency.

Taiwan experiences frequent tropical storms from July to October.

Typhoon Danas, which hit the island in early July, killed two people and injured hundreds as the storm dumped more than 20 inches of rain across the south over a weekend.

© Agence France-Presse

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