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Cocana Resort Named Top 10% of Hotels Worldwide – Awarded 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award


GILI TRAWANGAN, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 June 2025 – Cocana Resort is proud to announce it has been named a winner in the prestigious Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025, placing us in the top 10% of hotels worldwide. This global recognition reflects the consistent excellence in guest reviews and service that define the Cocana Resort experience.

Cocana Resort - Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Cocana Resort – Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Over the past year, travelers from around the world have chosen Cocana Resort as one of their favourite destinations, praising the resort’s signature barefoot luxury experience, stunning Gili T beachfront resort grounds, thoughtful hospitality and service. The award is based entirely on guest feedback shared on Tripadvisor — genuine, first-hand experiences that speak to the heart Cocana Resort.

To add to the celebration, Cocana Resort was also the top-performing hotel in regional revenue on Expedia in the past year, a testament not only to the guest satisfaction but also to the resort’s strength as a standout luxury destination in the market.

Tripadvisor President Kristen Dalton has said, “Congratulations to Cocana Resort on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025. Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you’ve made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many took time to go online and leave glowing reviews. We hope this recognition continues to drive success in 2025 and beyond.”

Cocana Resort features 45 private-pool villas offering spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options, and 38 intimate deluxe lagoon suites on the stunning Gili Trawangan beachfront.

“We’re incredibly honoured to be recognised as a Travelers’ Choice Award winner this year,” said Alain Eggenschwiler, General Manager of Cocana Resort. “This award belongs to our guests — for sharing their stories — and to our remarkable team, whose passion and dedication continue to elevate every stay.”

The Travelers’ Choice Awards are among the most respected accolades in the global travel industry. Being named in the top 10% of hotels worldwide is a powerful affirmation that Cocana Resort is delivering world-class experiences that leave lasting impressions.

Cocana Resort is home to Cocana Sunset Club, Pacifica Restaurant, and SAO Spa giving guests an elevated luxury stays in one of the world’s most beautiful island destinations.

Cocana Resort was developed by Bali’s leading property developer Mirah Investment & Development with a portfolio of hotels, resorts, residential complexes

Visit CocanaResorts.com to find out more!
Hashtag: #Mirah #CocanaResort #Mirahinvestment&development #hotel



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

Cocana Resort

Floating in a turquoise sea and fringed by white sands and coconut palms, welcome to Cocana Resort – the best luxury resort in Gili Trawangan. Offering the ultimate luxury getaway experience on one of the most beautiful islands of Indonesia.

The Economics and Management School of Wuhan University has been Re-accredited by EQUIS for the Highest Five-year Period


WUHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – Recently, the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) released a formal letter informing that the Economics and Management School (EMS) of Wuhan University (WHU) has successfully gained the five-year re-accreditation of EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System). This is the first time that the EMS has been accredited by EQUIS’ highest honor, a five-year period, following its first accreditation in 2016.

Caption: This figure displays the EQUIS Five-Year Accreditation Certificate first awarded to the School of Economics and Management, Wuhan University.
Caption: This figure displays the EQUIS Five-Year Accreditation Certificate first awarded to the School of Economics and Management, Wuhan University.

In March this year, an EQUIS peer review team, led by Professor Peter Møllgaard (President, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark), conducted a three-day comprehensive on-site evaluation at WHU. The panel included Professor Caitlin Byrne (Pro Vice Chancellor, Griffith University, Australia), Professor Wei Gu (Dean, School of Economics and Management, University of Science and Technology Beijing), and Mr. Jacques Delplancq (Former Deputy General Manager, IBM France). The practice of EMS was thoroughly inspected through in-depth exchanges with Huang Taiyan (Secretary, Party Committee, WHU), Zhu Deyou (Vice President, WHU), Yuan Yufeng (Vice President, WHU), heads of relevant departments, and representatives of faculty members, students, alumni, corporate partners, etc.

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EQUIS accreditation is known for its rigorous evaluation process and excellent quality requirements. Since initiating its international accreditation journey in 2010, EMS has successively earned three top-notch accreditations: AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB.
Hashtag: #TheEconomicsandManagementSchoolofWuhanUniversity

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Hong Kong Baptist University Showcases World-Leading Research in Digital Health & Systems Medicine at THE Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025


ISTANBUL, TURKEY – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) illuminated the path to global well-being as the Global Health Innovation Partner and sponsor of the Health and Wellbeing Track at the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2025, from June 16-19, 2025. At this gathering of over 5,000 global thought leaders, HKBU presented its comprehensive, interdisciplinary strategy for health and well-being, spearheaded by its Health & Drug Discovery research cluster.

HKBU's
HKBU’s “Well-being Zone” showcases interdisciplinary global health, with sessions like Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Mindfulness Karate reflecting its “exercise is medicine” approach to holistic well-being.

Firmly aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, HKBU’s vision for health transformation drives from data to actionable insight. It comprehensively integrates mental and digital well-being, real-time analytics, and innovative interdisciplinary approaches. This includes blending traditional Chinese Medicine with cutting-edge sciences like chemical biology and data analytics, complemented by advancements in environmental, physical, and social sciences.

A Hub for Holistic Health

A highlight of HKBU’s presence was the 6,000-square-foot “Well-being Zone”, thoughtfully designed to embody the principle that health is holistic and interconnected. This innovative Zone brought the concept of interdisciplinarity to a global audience by seamlessly integrating diverse fields, from martial arts and mindfulness to cutting-edge digital health monitoring:

  • Interdisciplinary Movement & Mindfulness: Tai Chi, Baduanjin and Mindfulness Karate sessions demonstrated HKBU’s “exercise is medicine” philosophy.
  • Real-Time Digital Well-being Research: Participants had the unique opportunity to contribute live data for Professor Christy Cheung’s pioneering studies, which explore how digital tools can effectively measure mindfulness and enhance overall well-being.
  • Expert-Led Talks: Distinguished HKBU academics presented cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. Topics included critical global health trends, advancements in mental well-being, and innovative applications of Chinese Medicine and AI in modern healthcare.
  • Reflection & Rejuvenation Spaces: Thoughtfully curated “chill-out” relaxation areas, massage corners and a juice bar provided spaces for participants to experience a reboot of the body and the mind.
HKBU scholars presented cutting-edge research on global health and Chinese Medicine at GSDC 2025.
HKBU scholars presented cutting-edge research on global health and Chinese Medicine at GSDC 2025.

Highlighting HKBU’s research strength in the transformative power of technology for global health, Professor Martin Wong, Provost & Chair Professor of Computer Science, emphasised, “HKBU’s recent top-50 global ranking in databases, design automation, and artificial intelligence underscores our collaborative ethos. By integrating advanced AI methodologies with clinical, pharmaceutical and social-science expertise, we are optimising diagnostics, accelerating drug discovery and enhancing surgical assistance. This interdisciplinary approach reinforces Hong Kong’s reputation as a global hub for cutting-edge research and higher education.”

Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research & Development), highlighted HKBU’s strategic edge, “Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to lead East–West integration in digital health and systems medicine. HKBU combines the rigour of life sciences with robust Chinese Medicine research, underpinned by advanced data analytics. This powerful synergy enables us to tackle complex health disparities at biological, social, and environmental levels, and build resilient, equitable health systems to meet future global challenges.”

In addition to numerous insightful presentations and the interactive experiences, HKBU Provost Professor Martin Wong gave a keynote at the session entitled “Reframing Sustainability through the Lens of Chinese Heritage and Innovation” convened by the China Education Association for International Exchange.

HKBU also released the ‘Evolving Legacy: Decoding the Scientific Trajectory of Chinese Medicine’ Report (https://cm-evaluation.scm.hkbu.edu.hk/) in collaboration with Elsevier. This report examines the development and evolving research landscape of Chinese Medicine and its growing influence on modern healthcare.
Hashtag: #HKBU

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Chairman Xu Guanju Speaks at the 2025 Energy Asia Conference in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – On 16 June 2025, Chairman Xu Guanju of Transfar Group was invited to speak at the 2025 Energy Asia Conference.

Hosted by PETRONAS, the Energy Asia Conference was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 16 to 18 June. Focusing on the theme ‘Delivering Asia’s Energy Transition’, the conference brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and energy professionals from over 60 countries, calling for bold solutions and collaboration to accelerate Asia’s progress towards a net-zero future.

The conference was officiated by the Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Chairman Xu Guanju delivered his speech at the forum session titled ‘China’s Pathway in Delivering Asia and the World’s Energy Transition’. He emphasized that the basis of social progress and economic prosperity is founded upon the effective use of energy. The tides of energy and technological revolution present not only challenges, but valuable opportunities. Asia’s diverse resources offer unique advantages for development. Transforming precious resources into high-value products that serve the advancement of society and human welfare not only presents a more sustainable path for development, but is also a pivotal direction for transforming one of humanity’s scarcest resources: energy.

Transfar is a leading private enterprise in China, specialising in the production of downstream chemicals in the petroleum industry. Founded in 1986 following China’s Reform and Opening-up, the company will celebrate 40 years of commitment to the production and development of functional chemicals and new materials. Using fossil fuels such as petroleum, silicon, and phosphorus, it produces hundreds of product lines, with nearly 20,000 products. Many are used in relatively smaller volumes, ranging from just tens to hundreds of tons every year, but they are an indispensable part of many supply chains. Transfar strives relentlessly for excellence, designing each product to have functional value and unique flair.

Transfar plays a crucial role across a wide range of industrial and supply chains. From serving light industries such as textiles, paper, plastics, and building materials, the company has expanded to support emerging sectors including photovoltaics, solar energy, new energy vehicles, high-speed rail and semiconductors. By leveraging technological innovation, Transfar has achieved exponential growth while becoming a key driver for the transition to new energy.

Chairman Xu affirmed that Chinese companies are unwaveringly dedicated to achieving their dual-carbon goals, honing their core competitive advantage in products, technology, and management through their development journey, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the development of Asia and the world. He shared three key perspectives from Transfar’s practices:

First, technological innovation is the key to energy transformation, especially the innovation of end-use applications, which holds tremendous value. In the past, China grew rapidly through energy, market size, and cost advantages. Today, in addition to a large-scale market, China boasts a sizeable number of innovative enterprises, Transfar being one of them. Transfar prioritizes technological innovation, continuously tackling new technologies in functional chemicals and new materials to enhance energy and product value, and moving up the supply chain. Recent breakthroughs such as rare earth rubber, electronic chemicals, and organic silicon materials, some of which are fully independent and original innovations, have greatly enhanced the added value of the energy and chemical industry.

Second, establishing a zero carbon goal and building a green, low-carbon development model, is key in supporting sustainable development in the industry. Green and low-carbon emissions are a global consensus, a national strategy, and a corporate responsibility. This is especially so in the energy and chemical industries, where a focus on energy structure, low-carbon technology, and industrial innovation, is crucial. Transfar has established integrated solar and storage systems, waste heat power generation, and closed-loop energy systems in creating zero-carbon factories and industrial parks, equipped with full-chain product carbon footprint tracking. Transfar has also pioneered green technologies such as low-temperature bleaching and chlorosilicon recycling, empowering industry-wide carbon emission reduction. At the same time, exploring biomanufacturing transformations has led to significant breakthroughs in new applications such as bio-based additives, biopesticides, and enzyme systems.

Third, a global perspective and open collaboration are tantamount to the endeavour of entering and serving the global market alongside strategic partners. The future is not a zero sum game. Sustainable development requires an open mind and cooperation, including regional strategic coordination and strong alliances between upstream and downstream enterprises. Transfar’s products and services reach more than 100 countries and regions, and we have comprehensively reshaped our global innovation model, working closely with strategic partners, combining China’s refined product technology capabilities with our partners to build global competitiveness. Transfar is actively promoting strategic cooperation with PETRONAS in areas such as rubber materials, organic silicon materials, developing the chemicals and materials industries with the common pursuit of zero-carbon goals and sustainability.

Chairman Xu Guanju also participated in the Energy Asia Global Leadership Executive Forum, gathering global CEOs and executives from the oil and gas, energy and related sectors for closed-door discussions on building a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

Hashtag: #TransfarGroup

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Hong Kong rises to World’s No.3 most competitive economy


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – Hong Kong has moved up two places to rank as the world’s third most competitive economy, marking the second successive year that the city has jumped two places in the global rankings to reach its highest position since 2019.

The World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025 (WCY 2025), published (June 17) by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD), assessed 69 economies around the world. Hong Kong made gains in all the factors of competitiveness: “Government efficiency” (second), “Business efficiency” (second) “Economic performance” (sixth), and “Infrastructure” (seventh). The IMD remarked that the gains across all four factors of competitiveness reflect a broad-based approach of Hong Kong to attracting private sector investment.

“The World Competitiveness Yearbook shows that Hong Kong’s scores in overall terms and in many areas have improved, indicating that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s policy directions are on the right course and that various policies have yielded results,” said the HKSAR’s Chief Executive John Lee.

Hong Kong has ranked among the top 10 in the world for over 20 consecutive years, since the WCY 2003.

Hong Kong rises to World’s No.3 most competitive economy
Hong Kong rises to World’s No.3 most competitive economy

Mr Lee said the ranking also “affirms Hong Kong’s world-class business environment, reflecting business leaders’ positive views on its competitiveness and strengths, including the rule of law, independent exercise of judicial power, a simple tax regime with low tax rates, an efficient and transparent market, a robust financial system, and a facilitating environment aligned with international best practices, as well as free flow of capital, information, goods and talent, which are affirmed by the business community.”

Despite the current uncertain global economic landscape and geopolitical turmoil, Hong Kong recorded solid year-on-year GDP growth of 3.1% in the first quarter of 2025, with full year GDP growth expected to be 2% to 3%.

Totally, 145,053 local companies were newly registered under the Companies Ordinance last year, bringing the overall number of local companies registered to a record high of 1,460,494, at end-2024. Meanwhile, 1,079 newly established non-Hong Kong companies were registered, bringing that overall total to an all-time high of 15,126.

“Under the unique advantages of ‘one country, two systems’, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. We will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a ‘super-connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, strengthen international exchanges and co-operation, expand and deepen regional trade, explore new markets, with a view to building a vibrant economy, striving for development and improving people’s livelihoods on all fronts,” Mr Lee said.

To attract more non-Hong Kong incorporated companies to re-domicile to Hong Kong, the Government launched a new company re-domiciliation regime legislation last month, providing a simple and accessible mechanism for re-domiciliation to Hong Kong.

Already, two insurance companies, AXA Hong Kong and Macau (AXA China Region Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited) and Manulife (International) Limited have announced plans to re-domicile to Hong Kong under the new regime, subject to regulatory approvals.

Hong Kong is actively driving reforms to strengthen and enhance its position as an international financial, trade, and shipping centre, trawling for businesses and talents. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has attracted over 80 strategic enterprises to establish offices in Hong Kong, bringing about HK$50 billion total investments in the years to come, and creating over 20,000 jobs.

Among the sub-factors in the WCY 2025, Hong Kong came top for “Tax policy” and “Business legislation” and second for “Education”, “International investment” and “Finance”.

Ranked as a top three global financial centre, Hong Kong’s stock exchange is a key barometer of financial market performance. By May 30, 2025, stock market capitalisation had increased by 24% year-on-year to over US$5.2 trillion.

Notably, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has seen a surge in initial public offerings (IPOs), with total IPO funds raised reaching nearly HK$79 billion (US$10.12 billion) so far this year, making it the leader among major global exchanges.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s top three ranked global financial centres
Hong Kong is one of the world’s top three ranked global financial centres

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #excellenthk #IMD #WorldCompetitiveness2025





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Indonesia Province Pushes Vasectomies to Curb Poverty Amid Regional Population Shift

Indonesia’s West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi. This image is used only for representational purpose. (photo credit: Wikipedia)

Late April, Indonesia’s West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi announced a birth control initiative encouraging men from low-income households to undergo vasectomies in a move to reduce provincial poverty, a policy that runs counter to recent demographic trends across Southeast Asia where neighbors like Vietnam have been relaxing population controls.

Vasectomy involves cutting or blocking sperm-carrying tubes to prevent pregnancy, creating permanent sterilization that can sometimes be surgically reversed, though success isn’t guaranteed.

Speaking at Depok City Hall, West java Province, Dedi outlined the program’s key features: weekly vasectomy services every Wednesday, a IDR 500,000 (about USD 30) cash incentive, and reports suggest sterilization may be required to access certain government assistance programs, such as electricity connections, food aid, scholarships, or public housing.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi speaks with reporters at Depok City Hall, West Java, on 29 April 2025. (Beritasatu.com/Fahri Ali)

Eligible men must be 35 or older, healthy, have at least two children, and obtain spousal consent. West Java defines poverty as living on IDR 535,000 (about USD 33) monthly or less.

World Bank data from April shows 60.3 percent of Indonesians, approximately 171.8 million people, live below the poverty threshold of USD 6.85 per person per day.

The World Bank’s Updated Global Poverty Lines: Indonesia. (source: World Bank)

Dedi explained that the province had observed many poor families continuing to have a fourth or fifth child, even though childbirth expenses range between IDR 15 to 25 million (around USD 1,000 to 1,700), which such families are unable to afford. 

He emphasized, as reported by the Jakarta Globe, that parenthood demands financial readiness.

West Java’s restrictive approach stands in contrast to broader regional demographic trends. 

Just this June, Vietnam ended its two-child policy as its fertility rate fell to 1.91, aiming to address rapid aging. 

Thailand faces an even sharper decline, with a fertility rate of 1.0 and births at a 70-year low, prompting new pronatalist efforts. China has similarly relaxed population restrictions in recent years to combat demographic challenges.

However, Indonesia’s population continues to increase each year, adding roughly 2.0 to 2.6 million people annually between 2020 and 2025. 

Population of Indonesia 2025 and historical. Source: Worldometer

Although the growth rate is gradually slowing, from 0.98 percent in 2020 to about 0.79 percent  in 2025, the overall population keeps rising due to natural growth and ongoing urbanization, despite negative net migration. 

Meanwhile, Laos maintains a higher fertility rate of 2.3 and continues to grow, though challenges like youth unemployment and urban migration are beginning to emerge.

Laos Undertakes Major Government Reshuffle Amid Structural Reforms

The 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly

The Lao government has carried out a sweeping reshuffle, replacing or reassigning nine ministers along with the Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR. 

Thai Political Crisis: What We Know

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (C) gestures at a press conference next to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (L), Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa (2nd R), Armed Forces Commander Pana Klaewplodthuk (3rd R), Chief of the Defence Forces Songwit Noonpackdee (R), and Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police Kitrat Phanphet (centre L) at Government House in Bangkok on June 19, 2025. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on June 19 apologised for her leaked phone call with Cambodia's ex-leader, which prompted a political crisis that threatens to collapse her government. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

By Damon WAKE/AFP – Thailand’s government is on the brink of collapse after a key coalition partner quit, leaving the kingdom facing yet another of its regular bouts of political instability.

Here’s what we know about the latest crisis rocking Thai politics:

What’s happening?

Thailand’s coalition government, headed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is in danger of collapsing after the second-biggest party in the alliance quit.

The conservative Bhumjaithai party said late Wednesday it was pulling out because of a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

The loss of Bhumjaithai’s 69 MPs leaves Paetongtarn with barely enough votes for a majority in parliament, and if any other coalition partner leaves, her government will almost certainly crumble.

Paetongtarn apologized for the call, saying she was trying to stabilize a volatile border dispute with Cambodia and did not expect the recording to become public.

What happened in this phone call? 

Paetongtarn spoke to Hun Sen on Sunday about a festering border dispute that last month broke into military clashes that left a Cambodian soldier dead.

A nine-minute portion of the call appeared online, followed hours later by the full 17-minute recording, posted by Hun Sen himself, who stepped down as Cambodian leader in 2023 but still wields great influence and is regarded as a wily political operator.

In the recording Paetongtarn addresses the veteran leader as “uncle”.

This is not unusual in Thai culture when a younger person is talking to someone much older, but it has led to accusations that Paetongtarn was being too familiar or too deferential, and that as prime minister she should have been more assertive.

Far more damaging was the fact she refers to the Thai army commander northeast as her “opponent”, sparking fury in Thailand’s highly vocal nationalist, pro-military quarters.

Thailand’s armed forces have a long history of intervening in politics and leaders are usually careful not to cross them.

The relationship between the military and the Shinawatra family is particularly sensitive, as the army has already ousted Paetongtarn’s father Thaksin Shinawatra and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra as prime minister.

Paetongtarn made her apology on 19 June at a press conference alongside army commanders in a public show of unity.

The army issued a statement saying it backed “democratic principles” and urged Thais to unite to defend the “paramount imperative” of national sovereignty.

What else is behind the crisis?

Pressure has been building on Paetongtarn’s government for months, the economy is struggling, little has been done to head off US President Donald Trump’s threatened trade tariffs, and relations with key political partners have fractured.

Growing tensions within the coalition erupted into open warfare in the past week as Pheu Thai tried to take the interior minister job away from Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul.

Critics say Paetongtarn, a political novice when she took office in August 2024, has been exposed as lacking experience and leadership ability, not least by the border crisis with Cambodia.

But the coalition Pheu Thai stitched together to take power was always an uneasy alliance, relying on conservative pro-military parties that have bitterly opposed Thaksin, his family and political parties for years.

While Thaksin, 75, remains popular with the rural voters whose lives he transformed in the early 2000s, he is loathed by the powerful Thai elites who see him as corrupt, nepotistic and a threat to social order.

His return from exile in 2023 and subsequent regular public appearances have done little to allay conservative fears that he is the one really pulling the strings of government.

What comes next?

Two key coalition parties will meet later on 19 June to discuss the crisis. If, as expected, one or both pull out, Paetongtarn’s government will almost certainly fall.

If this happens, she could dissolve parliament and call an election, which would have to take place within 60 days.

Alternatively, she could resign as prime minister and let other parties get together to try to form a new coalition.

The difficulty with this option is that there is no obvious alignment of parties available that would command a majority.

And as ever in a country that has seen a dozen coups in the past century, the threat of another military intervention hovers in the shadows.


© Agence France-Presse