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Gentari Breaks Ground on Maryvale Solar & Energy Storage Project

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Advertorial Desk
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Paving the way for dispatchable clean energy in New South Wales


SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2025 – Clean energy solutions provider Gentari yesterday marked the groundbreaking of the Maryvale Solar & Energy Storage project (Project Maryvale), a key milestone in delivering reliable, low-carbon energy for New South Wales (NSW).

Gentari & PCL leaders break ground at Maryvale Solar & Energy Storage Facility
Gentari & PCL leaders break ground at Maryvale Solar & Energy Storage Facility

Project Maryvale is a next-generation hybrid renewable energy facility that integrates a 243 MWp solar installation with a 172 MW/409 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Once operational, it can deliver up to 172 MW of dispatchable clean electricity – enough to power around 82,000 homes annually – while helping to avoid up to 615,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. At the peak of construction, the project is expected to create up to 360 jobs and unlock local opportunities across the regional supply chain.

“Project Maryvale represents our commitment to accelerating Australia’s energy transition with reliable, dispatchable renewable energy,” said Claire Elkin, Head of Gentari Australia. “As one of the first large-scale DC-coupled solar and storage projects in the country it embodies our ambition to deliver clean energy solutions at scale while supporting grid resilience.”

Secured under NSW’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap

Project Maryvale was awarded a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. Administered by ASL as the NSW Consumer Trustee, the LTESA provides financial certainty through an option of an energy price floor. This mechanism helps to de-risk the project and facilitate financing.

The project is strategically located within the Central-West Orana REZ – one of the priority zones identified by the NSW Government to accelerate renewable energy development. This region offers strong solar resources and is designed to accommodate large-scale generation and supporting infrastructure.

Maximising the Value of Green Energy

The Maryvale Solar & Energy Storage System will support a reliable renewable energy by enhancing grid stability and efficiency. The system will offer dispatchable renewable energy by firming its own solar output and dispatching it into the grid when it is most needed.

Additionally, the system can provide essential ancillary services, which are critical for maintaining grid stability. Together, these functionalities position the BESS as an asset not only for project economics but for overall grid resilience.

Leading Deployment of DC-Coupled Hybrid Solutions

Project Maryvale stands as one of the largest DC-coupled solar and battery hybrid projects under construction and represents a significant step forward in the integration of renewable energy and storage technologies. The DC-coupled solar and storage allows the project to maximise excess solar generation by directly charging the BESS while delivering smoother, scheduled generation.

Social Impact and Local Engagement

Gentari is committed to delivering lasting value to the local Maryvale community. This includes establishing a community benefit fund, investing in workforce and industry capability development, and supporting regional infrastructure and housing initiatives in collaboration with local authorities.

Through ongoing engagement with First Nations communities, local businesses, education providers, and government stakeholders, Gentari aims to foster inclusive participation and build long-term partnerships based on trust, openness, and shared benefit.

Project Maryvale adds to Gentari’s clean energy portfolio in Australia, which now includes 814 MW of solar and solar hybrid projects installed and under construction across the country.

The project is being delivered by PCL Construction’s Solar Division, appointed as the EPC contractor, while the PV modules and BESS system are being free-issued through direct procurement from Tier 1 suppliers — Trinasolar for the solar modules and Contemporary Amperex Technology Australia Pty Ltd , a globally recognised OEM, for the BESS. Notice to Proceed on the construction of this project was given in January 2025 and construction on site is now underway.Hashtag: #Gentari #ProjectMaryvale #SolarEnergy #BatteryStorage #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #NetZero #AustraliaEnergy #GreenInfrastructure

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

About Gentari

Gentari is focused on delivering the solutions required to put clean energy into action today, to transform how we live tomorrow. Gentari’s three initial core pillars of Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Green Mobility form a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to help customers in their decarbonisation journey. Its mission is to be the leading Commercial and Industrial (C&I) and utility-scale renewable energy developer, a scale hydrogen producer and go-to industry partner, and Asia Pacific’s leading green mobility solutions partner. In the long term, Gentari aims to be the most valued clean energy solutions partner, creating greater impact, connecting businesses, and making the journey to a net zero future possible.

Gentari is a leading owner and operator of utility-scale solar farms and storage investments. With approximately 814 MW of solar and solar hybrid projects installed and under construction across the country, including one of the largest solar farms in Victoria, Gentari is a key player in Australia’s renewable energy landscape.

Everest Medicines Announces Acceptance of the New Drug Application for VELSIPITY® by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration for the Treatment of Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis

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Advertorial Desk
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SHANGHAI, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, “Everest”, or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative therapeutics, today announced that the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has officially accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for VELSIPITY® (etrasimod) for the treatment of patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC).

Building on prior approvals in Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR, as well as NDA acceptance in South Korea, this marks significant progress in the commercialization of VELSIPITY® across Asia. In December 2024, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) officially accepted the NDA for VELSIPITY®.

As a next-generation selective S1P receptor modulator, once-daily oral etrasimod demonstrates robust efficacy across multiple endpoints, including clinical remission, mucosal healing, endoscopic normalization and histological remission. Its clinical value has been robustly demonstrated in multiple global Phase III studies, including ELEVATE UC 52, ELEVATE UC 12 and ENLIGHT (ES101002) studies.

“The NDA acceptance for VELSIPITY® in Taiwan, China marks another key progress in our commercialization pathway across Asia. As the number of UC patients in Asia continues to rise, there remains a significant unmet medical need. In China alone, there were approximately 800,000 patients with UC in 2024, and the number is estimated to reach 1 million by 2030. UC patients face the dual challenges of long-term treatment and maintaining quality of life.” said Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. “This NDA acceptance underscores the clinical value of VELSIPITY®. We remain committed to accelerating access to this innovative therapy in Mainland China and other Asian markets, supporting long-term disease management while enhancing patients’ quality of life.”

The clinical part submitted to TFDA is mainly based on results from the ELEVATE UC Phase 3 registrational program (ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12) and the ENLIGHT study (ES101002). The ELEVATE UC Phase 3 registrational program evaluated the safety and efficacy of etrasimod 2 mg once-daily on clinical remission in UC patients with moderately to severely active UC who had previously failed or were intolerant to at least one conventional, biologic, or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor therapy. Both studies achieved all primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints, with a favorable safety profile consistent with previous studies of etrasimod.

The ENLIGHT study (ES101002) conducted by Everest, is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial of etrasimod in Asian countries, including China Mainland, China Taiwan and South Korea. This is the largest Phase 3 trial of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in Asia completed to date, with 340 eligible subjects randomized to treatment with etrasimod or placebo. The results demonstrate that treatment with etrasimod 2 mg resulted in a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in the primary and all secondary endpoints. Notably, a secondary endpoint of mucosal healing as measured by a central read endoscopic subscore≤ 1 (excluding friability) with a Geboes Index score < 2.0, was achieved in 51.9% of the etrasimod treated patients, and mucosal normalization (ES = 0) was achieved in up to 46% of treated patients after 12 months. These findings provide strong evidence supporting the use of etrasimod in adult Asian patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.

Etrasimod has been included in the AGA Living Clinical Practice Guideline on the pharmacological management of moderate-to-severe UC as one of the higher-efficacy medications suggested for first line use in advanced therapy-naïve patients. Etrasimod has also been included in the ACG Clinical Guideline Update: Ulcerative Colitis in Adults in 2025.

As Everest’s third commercialized product, VELSIPITY® has been officially approved by the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration for adult patients with moderately to severely active UC. It is now available at medical institutions designated under the Connect Policy in the Greater Bay Area. Additionally, Everest has launched a factory construction project at its Jiashan site to support local production of VELSIPITY®.

About VELSIPITY® (etrasimod)

VELSIPITY® is a once-daily, oral, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that selectively binds with S1P receptor subtypes 1, 4, and 5. Regulatory approvals have been granted in US, EU, Canada, Japan, Australia, Singapore, UK, Switzerland, Israel, China Hong Kong SAR and China Macao SAR for VELSIPITY® in ulcerative colitis, as well as additional countries.

About Everest Medicines

Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules in the company’s core therapeutic areas of renal diseases, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. For more information, please visit its website at www.everestmedicines.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

Wrap: Lao Foreign Minister Visits Singapore, The Philippines

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Phontham Visapra
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Wrap: Lao Foreign Minister Visits Singapore, The Philippines

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane completed official visits to Singapore and the Philippines, reaffirming Laos’ commitment to strengthening cooperation on trade, human resource development, clean energy, regional security, and people-to-people initiatives.

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MetaComp Executes First Real-World Cross-Border Payment Using CNT® Carbon Stablecoin

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Advertorial Desk
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Breakthrough EUR→CNH Same-Day Settlement Marks Milestone in Sustainable Payments Infrastructure

SINGAPORE, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MetaComp Pte. Ltd. (“MetaComp“), a subsidiary of Alpha Ladder Group Pte. Ltd. and a Major Payment Institution licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has successfully executed the first real-world cross-border payment using the patented CNT® Carbon Stablecoin framework.

MetaComp StableX - Cross-Border Payments Powered by CNT® Carbon Stablecoin. EUR to CNH - Same Day Settlement.
MetaComp StableX – Cross-Border Payments Powered by CNT® Carbon Stablecoin. EUR to CNH – Same Day Settlement.

The transaction facilitated a same-day settlement from Euros (EUR) to offshore Chinese Yuan (CNH), demonstrating how blockchain-enabled carbon-backed stablecoins can combine payment efficiency with verifiable sustainability impact.

The CNT® Carbon Stablecoin framework, recently patented in Singapore by Alpha Ladder Group, converts verified decarbonisation activities into programmable, carbon-backed stablecoins. Each stablecoin can only be issued against certified emission reductions, recorded and tracked via Alpha Ladder’s Non-Fungible Digital Twin (NFDT®) technology to ensure full auditability.

Why This Matters

  • Faster, Cheaper Settlement – The EUR→CNH transaction achieved same-day settlement, bypassing multiple intermediaries and their respective operating hours and allowing same-day delivery, where several business days would traditionally be required.
  • Sustainability Built In – Every CNT® carbon stablecoin is created through verified carbon reduction projects, embedding documented sustainability value into the currency itself.
  • RWA Token – The CNT® carbon stablecoin was issued by Alpha Ladder Finance (“ALFin”), the parent company of MetaComp, and registered with MAS CISNET as a Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) unit token under Singapore’s Securities and Futures Act (SFA).
  • Scalable Payment Intermediary – MetaComp leveraged its MAS-regulated payment infrastructure, together with ALFin as a MAS-regulated dealer of securities and CIS, to deliver a compliant cross-border transaction, paving the way for institutional adoption.

How It Was Done
The payment was processed via StableX, MetaComp’s programmable FX platform powered by stablecoins, which routed the transaction using CNT® carbon stablecoins issued under Singapore’s regulatory framework. Settlement finality was achieved on the same day, with corresponding carbon stablecoin data recorded on-chain.

This early CNT® carbon stablecoin was backed by Chinese Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) carbon credits, generated from a wind power project in Zhangjiakou City, co-host of the 2022 Winter Olympics. The project was verified and registered with China’s national carbon credits registry.

Setting a New Standard
“This first real-world transaction shows that sustainable cross-border payments are not a future concept – they are here today,” said Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp. “By integrating Alpha Ladder’s patented CNT® framework into our regulated payments infrastructure, we are enabling institutions to move money globally with both financial efficiency and verifiable climate benefit.”

Alpha Ladder Group, a Singapore-based digital green leader, continues to advance its mission of Digital Green Transformation with Technologies, building an interoperable financial infrastructure that makes global transactions faster, greener, and more inclusive.

About Alpha Ladder Group

Alpha Ladder Group (formerly MVGX Holdings) is a leading Digital Green Group shaping the future of financial innovation, financial technology, and sustainable technology. With a growing portfolio of subsidiaries, we deliver capabilities across climate SaaS, stablecoin enabled payment and wealth services, and green impact investments.

Driven by cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and AI, we empower sustainable investments, build digital financial infrastructure, and pioneer wealth innovation. Through our vision of Digital Green Transformation with Technologies, we’re building a smarter, more resilient, and responsible financial ecosystem—one that mirrors the universe’s own journey from elemental simplicity to structured brilliance.

At Alpha Ladder, our name isn’t just symbolism – it’s how we move the world forward to pursue infinite alpha, one particle at a time.

To learn more about us, please visit www.alphaladder.com.

About MetaComp

MetaComp is a leading licensed cross-border FX and digital assets infrastructure provider headquartered in Singapore and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Payment Services Act 2019. Operating on a P2B2C (platform-to-business/partners-to-clients) model, MetaComp empowers institutions, payment service providers, fintechs, and global enterprises to navigate the evolving cross-border payments and the digital asset economy with confidence.

With a strong emphasis on compliance, security, and institutional-grade infrastructure, MetaComp delivers an end-to-end suite of digital finance solutions — including OTC and exchange trading, fiat payment rails, regulated digital asset custody, and prime brokerage services. MetaComp is a subsidiary of Alpha Ladder Finance Pte. Ltd., a MAS-licensed Capital Markets Services (CMS) licensee and Recognised Market Operator (RMO).

Through its proprietary Client Asset Management Platform (CAMP), MetaComp provides a secure, integrated environment that bridges traditional finance with digital assets.

MetaComp’s latest innovation, StableX, is a next-generation cross-border FX and liquidity routing infrastructure designed to simplify and accelerate global fund flows. Powered by stablecoins and USD, StableX intelligently optimises multi-currency conversions and settlements, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and highly competitive cross-border transactions. As the FX layer within CAMP, StableX combines the programmability of digital assets with the reliability of regulated infrastructure, delivering a scalable, compliant and seamless ecosystem for the future of global finance.

To learn more about MetaComp and its regulated infrastructure and solutions, visit www.mce.sg or follow us on Twitter @MetaCompHQ

Scalare Partners named finalist for “Startup Investor of the Year” at the prestigious “Startup Daily Best in Tech Awards”

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Advertorial Desk
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SYDNEY, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ASX-listed tech investment & advisory firm Scalare Partners has been announced as a finalist in the Startup Investor of the Year category at the prestigious 2025 Startup Daily Best in Tech Awards.

The recognition highlights Scalare’s innovative ecosystem-driven investment philosophy that transcends traditional capital deployment to build comprehensive support networks for emerging technology companies.

Through its integrated portfolio of owned platforms including Tech Ready Women, Startblock, InHouse Ventures, and the Australian Technologies Competition, Scalare creates a dynamic circular economy for innovation that generates sustainable revenue and reinvests capital into high-potential founders.

Carolyn Breeze, CEO of Scalare Partners, said: “We don’t just back startups, we build them. Our disruptive model demonstrates that capital alone doesn’t scale companies, ecosystems do. We’ve created a fully integrated support network that helps founders grow faster and smarter through strategic technology partnerships.”

Since January 2024, Scalare has executed six strategic investments in post-revenue, technology-led startups with global scaling potential, with investment amounts typically ranging from $100,000 to $1.5 million. Recent breakthrough investments include Circadian Health Innovations, a cutting-edge digital health platform leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize shift work productivity; Brauz, a revolutionary connected retail technology company bridging online and in-store shopping experiences; Catalyser, an advanced enterprise social impact platform; and BetterX, a Singapore-based B2B digital asset platform.

The company has also made strategic ecosystem investments, including the transformative acquisition of Tank Stream Labs and a $1.3 million acquisition of InHouse Ventures in March 2025. Scalare deepened its partnership with Silicon Catalyst US in May 2025, extending access to global deeptech and semiconductor networks for portfolio companies.

Scalare’s portfolio companies have achieved significant milestones following strategic investment. Brauz secured a national rollout with one of Australia’s largest retail brands, while BetterX completed a successful $2.3 million pre-Series A funding round in March 2025 to support expansion into Asia, the Middle East, and the United States.

The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion sets it apart in the competitive venture capital landscape. Tech Ready Women has supported over 11,000 women across eight years, with 800+ female founders completing accelerator programs. Scalare’s leadership team, including female CEO, Chair, and CFO, reflects this commitment to building equality in the technology ecosystem.

With 18,000+ founders across its ecosystem and 400+ startups supported annually, Scalare provides retail investors unique access to early-stage investing without traditional capital lockups or the impending 30% tax liabilities that are likely to deter many investors from this category.

The Startup Daily Best in Tech Awards celebrate excellence in Australia’s technology sector, recognizing companies and individuals driving innovation and growth across the startup ecosystem.

Please contact David Sharaz for any interview requests: 0480 097 479

Scalare Partners Holdings Limited (ASX: SCP, www.scalarepartners.com) exists to empower visionary technology founders to transform their ideas into the great businesses of tomorrow.  As a dynamic force in the tech startup landscape, we offer a range of products and services to support all founders as they scale their early-stage businesses.

We are deeply involved in the broader technology ecosystem, driving change through impactful initiatives such as the Tech Ready Women and the Australian Technologies Competition, where we partner with government and corporates to support and promote the most promising technology businesses and founders. Our focus extends to working with female and culturally diverse founders, addressing the unique challenges they encounter in fundraising and scaling their businesses. This engagement not only enriches the tech landscape but also creates lucrative revenue and investment opportunities for Scalare Partners.

At the heart of our business model is the provision of products and services and expert advice tailored to the specific needs of early-stage businesses. We also provide direct investment into selected outstanding businesses and with a current emphasis on the Australian and USA technology sectors, we are building a portfolio spanning across diverse geographies, including Australia, USA, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, and Europe. Scalare Partners is not just an investor; we are architects of growth, collaborators in innovation, and catalysts for positive change in the technology landscape.

CCTV+:240 Hours: Unlock the Vibrant Charms of Guizhou, the “Park Province”

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With 240 hours, visitors from afar can discover the countless wonders hidden within Guizhou, the “Park Province.” Known as the “Emerald on the Earth’s Belt,” this land unfurls a magnificent, three-dimensional karst masterpiece for the world, made effortlessly accessible by transit visa exemption.

 

At dawn, stand on the viewing platform of Huangguoshu Waterfall. Watch the mighty silver cascade—carved by millennia of geological forces—plunge from the 77.8-meter-high cliff. Rainbows dance in the mist, interwoven with the resonant beat of bronze drums played by elderly Buyi people. By afternoon, drive to Libo’s Zhangjiang River. Glide through the emerald valleys of Xiaoqikong on a bamboo raft, where the water shifts through secret hues from emerald to peacock blue with the play of light and shadow. Macaques occasionally leap between ancient trees and hanging vines along the banks.

As dusk settles, witness thousands of lights ignite in Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village, like stars cascading into the valley. Learn the Lusheng dance with Miao girls and savor a bite of sour fish soup at the long-table feast—the tangy aroma, brewed from tomatoes and litsea cubeba, embodies the local wisdom of “nourishing the body with sourness.” For the culturally inclined, visit Zhaoxing Dong Village to hear the mesmerizing a cappella Dong Grand Chorus. Watch embroiderers weave mountains, rivers, flowers, and birds into intricate patterns with flying fingertips. Or, sit quietly at the observation deck of the “China Sky Eye” in Pingtang, waiting for the radio telescope to capture cosmic pulses from billions of light-years away.

Within those 240 hours, you can marvel at the dove trees blooming like fluttering white doves amidst Fanjing Mountain’s sea of clouds, and also discover a century-old braised pig’s trotter on the stone-paved lanes of Qingyan Ancient Town. Bolstered by the visa exemption policy, services like multilingual guides and international payment options are continuously improving. This “natural air-conditioned province,” blessed with refreshing summer temperatures around 23°C, extends a global invitation for a rendezvous with stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures. Every moment spent here becomes a vivid footnote to the saying: “Travel all over China, the most beautiful is colorful Guizhou.”

Taiwan’s “Star Hotel” and “Taiwan Host B&B” Brands Make Their Debut at 2025 NATAS Holidays Travel Fair in Singapore

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Advertorial Desk
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TAIPEI, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan’s two official accommodation brands—Taiwan Host B&B and Star Hotel, are making their first appearance at the 2025 NATAS Holidays Travel Fair, holding from August 15–17 at Singapore EXPO Hall 5. Showcasing the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality, the Taiwan Pavilion will offer a range of engaging activities including Taiwan Host B&B ambassador sharing sessions, travel trivia challenges, and social media check-in prize draws. Visitors will also have the exciting opportunity to win a free round-trip flight between Singapore and Taiwan. This news comes from Staynews.



Taiwan Host B&B is an official certification program promoting homestays that uphold six core values: friendliness, warmth, cleanliness, hygiene, safety, and quality service. These certified B&Bs offer travelers a high level of service and a comfortable accommodation experience. To date, there are over 1,900 Taiwan Host B&Bs across Taiwan. Among them, 100 “Golden-Award Taiwan Host B&Bs” have been carefully selected and categorized into five themes—Nature & Ecology, Cultural Discovery, Architectural Charm, Family & Pet Travel, and Culinary Delights—designed to meet the diverse travel interests of international visitors.

Star Hotels represent another official accommodation brand from Taiwan, selected through a rigorous evaluation process by mystery inspectors who assess over 500 items across both hardware and service. Hotels are ranked from 1 to 3 stars (basic, budget, and comfort) to 4 and 5 stars (deluxe and premium), with a special “5-Star Excellence” level for top-tier properties. There are currently nearly 200 government-certified Star Hotels in Taiwan. These hotels serve as a trusted guide for travelers, providing assurance in both facilities and service quality.

A special highlight at the pavilion will be sharing sessions by Golden-Award Taiwan Host B&B ambassadors, who will introduce the unique charms of homestays across Taiwan, covering themes such as nature experiences, cultural immersion, and family/pet-friendly stays. A B&B owner from Kinmen will also host a demonstration of the Mid-Autumn Festival dice game “Bo Bing“, along with free tastings of Kinmen’s signature souvenirs like peanut brittle and mini pastries, offering Singaporean visitors a nostalgic taste of Nanyang flavor and showcasing the deep connection between Taiwan’s local culture and overseas heritage.

Visitors who join guided tours of the Taiwan Host B&B and Star Hotel booths and complete a short questionnaire will receive a free bilingual handbook featuring the Golden-Award Taiwan Host B&Bs, along with the chance to take home limited-edition gifts.

This appearance at the NATAS Holidays Travel Fair is a milestone in the international outreach of Taiwan’s accommodation brands, offering travelers in Singapore a first-hand look at Taiwan’s heartfelt hospitality and the character of its accommodation experiences.

For more information about Taiwan Host B&Bs and Star Hotels, please visit: https://www.taiwanstay.net.tw

(Press release from Staynews : https://www.staynews.net/Details/stay/9ab5fc6fc0f14477ba32869834288b88)

Thai Court to Rule This Month on Case Seeking PM’s Dismissal

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Thailand’s Constitutional Court. (Photo credit: Thailand Courts)

Thailand’s Constitutional Court announced on 13 July that it will rule this month on a case seeking to oust Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over her handling of a diplomatic spat with Cambodia.

A group of conservative senators filed a case accusing Paetongtarn of unprofessional conduct and breaching ministerial ethics during a border row with Cambodia that led to the two neighbours’ bloodiest military clashes in decades.

The Constitutional Court said in a statement that it will deliver its verdict in the case at 3:00 pm (0800 GMT) on 29 August.

Paetongtarn, daughter of controversial billionaire ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, took office less than a year ago when her predecessor was thrown out of office by the same court.

Suspended from her duties by the court last month, the 38-year-old has defended her actions, insisting she acted in the country’s interests.

In a leaked phone recording, Paetongtarn addressed Cambodian statesman Hun Sen as “uncle” during a call about the tensions and referred to a Thai military commander as her “opponent’, remarks that sparked a backlash. 

Conservative lawmakers accuse her of kowtowing to Cambodia and undermining the military, and allege she breached constitutional provisions requiring “evident integrity” and “ethical standards” among ministers.

If the verdict goes against her, Paetongtarn would become the third Shinwatra to be ousted early as premier, after her father and aunt Yingluck, both thrown out in military coups.

Thai politics has been driven for two decades by a battle between the conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite and the Shinawatra clan, whom they consider a threat to the kingdom’s traditional social order.

Thaksin is on trial for lese-majeste and is due to hear his verdict on 22 August.

In a July interview with local media, Thaksin said that if his daughter is removed from office, she will “just go back and perform her duty as a mother”.

© Agence France-Presse

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