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Hong Kong sees broad-based economic resilience under “One Country, Two Systems”


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 August 2025 – Last week, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government published a comprehensive report on the city’s business environment, coinciding with the announcement of the city’s advance estimates on economic performance in the second quarter of 2025. The report’s analysis together with positive economic data accurately reflect Hong Kong’s resilient business-friendly environment with strong appeal for companies and talent from around the world.

In the April-to-June period, Hong Kong recorded solid 3.1% year-on-year GDP growth. This 10th consecutive quarter of economic expansion was supported by strong exports performance and improved domestic demand: total exports of goods recorded an increase of 11.5% over a year earlier, while private consumption expenditure increased by 1.9%.

This solid broad-based performance could be vividly seen in the high number of visitors to the city, including tourists and business visitors drawn by an array of events across town ranging from trade fairs to cultural festivals to mega sports events.

One such event was the first Hong Kong Football Festival at the new Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) which saw close to 100,000 football fans packing the Kai Tak Stadium over two match days featuring games between Liverpool and AC Milan followed by Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur. The crowd included the one-millionth spectator at the Kai Tak Stadium since it opened just five months ago.

A near capacity crowd watches Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium (July 31)
A near capacity crowd watches Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium (July 31)

Hong Kong welcomed about 24 million visitors in the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 12%. Visitor arrivals from the Mainland saw a year-on-year increase of 10% while those from the rest of the world increased 17% over the same period last year.

Unique Strengths under ‘One Country, Two Systems’

The economic statistics fully endorse the analysis in the Government’s 102-page “Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment: Unique Strengths under ‘One Country, Two Systems'”. Under “One Country, Two Systems”, Hong Kong is known for its robust legal and financial systems, simple and low tax regime, strategic location at the heart of Asia, advanced infrastructure, pool of top-notch talent, and high-quality professional services. With its close connectivity to leading global business centres, Hong Kong offers a dynamic, free and open, convenient and safe place for doing business, making it a preferred destination for corporate investment.

Beyond tourism services, developments in other sectors have been picking up in recent years, further boosting confidence in the local economy.

Despite continued global uncertainties, the sentiment about Hong Kong’s stock market has steadily improved. In the first half of 2025, the Hang Seng Index has risen by more than 4,000 points, registering an increase of about 20%.

The amount of IPO fundraising reached over US$13.6 billion in the first six months of the year, placing Hong Kong in a leading position among major global exchanges. Vibrant IPO activities continued in July with nine IPOs raising more than US$2.3 billion.

Meanwhile, overall investment expenditure increased further alongside the economic expansion.

The HKSAR Government’s Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) has successfully attracted 84 strategic enterprises to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong. It is expected that they will invest a total of around US$6.4 billion and create more than 20,000 jobs in Hong Kong in the coming few years.

Also, since January 2023, Invest Hong Kong has assisted more than 1,300 overseas and Mainland China companies to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong, bringing in foreign direct investment of more than US$20.3 billion.

Initiatives to attract top talents and professionals from around the world are also paying dividends. Various talent attraction schemes have received nearly 500,000 applications with nearly 330,000 of them approved and almost 220,000 talents already arrived in Hong Kong.

Amid lingering uncertainties in the external environment, the HKSAR Government will continue striving to promote economic growth on different fronts and make the most of the city’s longstanding and unique “One Country, Two Systems” advantages to maintain the city’s reputation as a resilient, open, free and competitive economy.

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #economicgrowth #business





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

LSBF Singapore Campus Recognised as Prime Employer Partner for Championing Local Talent and Career Comebacks

SINGAPORE, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a bold affirmation of its people-first values, The London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) Singapore Campus is recognised as a Prime Employer Partner by WSG-Ingeus —celebrates the institution’s unwavering commitment to empowering local talent, supporting career comebacks, and advancing inclusive hiring practices.

CEO, LSBF Global, Rathakrishnan Govind speaks on-camera during the WSG-Ingeus national campaign video shoot, held at the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) Singapore campus. The filming spotlights LSBF’s role as a Prime Employer Partner, championing local talent, career comebacks, and inclusive hiring.
CEO, LSBF Global, Rathakrishnan Govind speaks on-camera during the WSG-Ingeus national campaign video shoot, held at the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) Singapore campus. The filming spotlights LSBF’s role as a Prime Employer Partner, championing local talent, career comebacks, and inclusive hiring.

At a time when mid-career transitions and workforce re-entry are national priorities, LSBF Singapore has emerged as a model employer. Since 2022, nearly 15% of the LSBF workforce has been recruited through its partnership with WSG-Ingeus — many of whom are return-to-work women, PMETs, and mid-career switchers.

“Our belief has always been simple: when given the chance, people will rise. We don’t just hire; we invest in human potential,” said Rathakrishnan Govind, CEO, LSBF Global.

The school’s hiring philosophy — “Singaporeans First” — is more than policy; it’s a movement.

It began with one powerful hire: a woman returning to the workforce who has since become a thriving, integral part of the LSBF family. Her story, and others like it, now take centre stage in a national video campaign by WSG-Ingeus, filmed at LSBF Singapore and led by Ingeus Director Benjamin Robert.

Catch the inspiring stories:

This recognition cements LSBF Singapore not only as a hub for academic excellence but as a trailblazer in equitable employment — proving that education and opportunity go hand in hand.

About London School of Business & Finance (LSBF)

The London School of Business & Finance (LSBF), founded in 2003 and a member of the Global University System (GUS), serves over 25,000 students across more than 40 countries. With campuses in key cities including the UK, Singapore, and Malaysia, LSBF has expanded its international footprint, particularly in Asia. LSBF Singapore campus offers over 100 programmes in business, finance, law, hospitality, and technology, and collaborate with reputable universities to provide internationally recognised qualifications. LSBF holds EduTrust certification, partners with organizations like Grab, Deloitte and ISCA, and is an ACCA Approved Learning Partner. In recognition of its future-focused approach to education, LSBF was honoured with the Singapore Business Review’s International Business Award in Education for two consecutive years – 2024 and 2025. These accolades reaffirm LSBF’s commitment to delivering quality, industry-aligned education that empowers aspiring professionals globally.

Toshiba Signs MOU to Explore Use of Weather Data Service in Malaysia’s Smart Farming Flagship Project

– Pilot Project to Guide Farming Operations with Forecasts of Localized Downpours –

KAWASAKI, Japan, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation (Toshiba) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s MyDIGITAL Corporation and the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) on exploring the use of Toshiba’s advanced Weather Data Service in Malaysia’s flagship smart farming initiative, Projek Ladang Padi IR4.0.

The MoU marks a significant step in Toshiba’s efforts to support climate resilience and agricultural innovation in Malaysia by leveraging its forecasting technology to address the growing challenges posed by extreme weather.

The signatories hold the signed MoU: Zulkifli bin Romli, General Manager of MADA; Adrian Marcellus, CEO of MyDIGITAL Corporation; and Naoki Yamaguchi, General Manager of ICT Solutions Division, Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation (left to right)
The signatories hold the signed MoU: Zulkifli bin Romli, General Manager of MADA; Adrian Marcellus, CEO of MyDIGITAL Corporation; and Naoki Yamaguchi, General Manager of ICT Solutions Division, Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation (left to right)

Like many other countries, Japan and Malaysia are experiencing an increase in sudden, localized heavy rainstorms that are difficult to predict. In Malaysia, where prolonged monsoon rains are already a challenge, these intense downpours can physically damage paddies, and worsen ground saturation and flooding, leading to widespread damage. This rise in extreme and erratic weather highlights the urgent need for rapid and highly accurate forecasting technologies to mitigate their impact.

Toshiba launched its Weather Data Service in Japan in May 2023, leveraging real-time radar data and the company’s proprietary analysis to deliver highly accurate forecasts of localized downpours and their intensity. As part of its global expansion of the business, Toshiba signed an MoU with MyDIGITAL in February 2024 to explore the technology’s application in Malaysia. Through this ongoing collaboration, Toshiba began discussions with MADA to assess the potential use of the service in MADA’s flagship smart farming project, Projek Ladang Padi IR4.0.

Established in 1972, MADA leads Malaysia’s largest agricultural development initiative, focused on enhancing rice productivity, farmer livelihoods and regional economic growth in the Muda region in northwest peninsula Malaysia. The current smart farming project, supported by government funding, integrates digital technologies to transform rice farming in the region.

Facilitated by MyDIGITAL, Toshiba and MADA will carry out a pilot project to evaluate how Toshiba’s Weather Data Service can support agricultural decision-making in rice cultivation. In the pilot, Toshiba will analyze real-time weather radar data from the Malaysian Meteorological Department and forecast the likelihood and intensity of localized heavy rainfall. Alerts based on the analysis will be sent to MADA as needed, and MADA will use water gates to manage water flow in rice paddies. This process is expected to reduce the impact of the rainfall and protect the rice crop from damage.

Toshiba is committed to contributing to global disaster prevention and mitigation by accurately capturing and forecasting atmospheric conditions across wide and localized areas. Through applications in various industries, Toshiba aims to help realize a safer and more resilient society.

About Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation

Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation is developing businesses globally which utilize digital and quantum technologies, such as IoT and artificial intelligence (AI), as the Toshiba Group company which handles digital solutions. By maximizing the power of various data generated in the wide range of business areas of the Toshiba Group and creating platforms, we will create a series of valuable services and contribute to achieving carbon neutrality and a circular economy.

Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation will continue to create new value, together with our customers and partners, based on the Basic Commitment of the Toshiba Group: “Committed to People, Committed to the Future.”

https://www.global.toshiba/ww/company/digitalsolution.html

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Crowned Singapore’s Most Valuable Hotel Brand for the Second Consecutive Year

SINGAPORE, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has once again been named Singapore’s most valuable hotel brand in the Brand Finance Hotels 50 2025 global ranking. Valued at USD 421 million, MHR climbed three positions to rank 31st globally, reaffirming its leadership in the international hospitality landscape and its continued commercial momentum.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Global Properties
Millennium Hotels and Resorts Global Properties

This marks the second consecutive year that MHR has been featured in the global top 50, having ranked 34th in the 2024 edition, further cementing its standing as Singapore’s leading hospitality brand on the world stage.

Together with sister brand Copthorne, which recorded a brand value of USD 223 million, the combined brand value of Millennium and Copthorne now stands at USD 644 million, underscoring the strength of the group’s overall portfolio and strategic brand focus.

This accolade reflects MHR’s strategic transformation over the past year – a transformation led by innovation, digital enablement, and guest-centric growth. From the rollout of AI-powered assistants AVA and Ask Millie to full GSTC certification across all Singapore hotels, and a revitalised MyMillennium loyalty programme, the brand continues to lead with relevance in today’s competitive travel landscape. The brand also recently launched M Social Resort Penang in July, with M Social Hotel New York Downtown set to open this October and M Social Hotel Sunnyvale, Florida slated for launch in Q1 2026 expanding its lifestyle offering in key gateway markets.

Kwek Leng Beng, Executive Chairman of City Developments Limited said:
“Developing a strong and reputable brand is my priority. While growing the number of hotels is important, it’s the strength of the brand that drives sustainable growth and differentiates us in a competitive market. My personal vision is to expand our group’s portfolio globally with hundreds of Singapore flags flying in key cities around the world.”

Alex Haigh, Managing Director Asia Pacific, Brand Finance, commented:
“Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ position as one of only two Southeast Asian brands in the global top 50 hotels ranking speaks volumes about its strength in the region. Its focus on smart innovation, sustainability, and guest-centric experiences has not only made it Singapore’s most valuable hotel brand, but also a standout force in the regional hospitality landscape.”

Being named Singapore’s most valuable hotel brand is a proud moment for us, and a powerful validation of the work our teams have done across the board,” said Kwek Eik Sheng, Executive Director, Millennium Hotels and Resorts. “This recognition reflects the value of our people, affirms our brand strength and supports our long-term vision to build a future-ready hospitality brand that is globally competitive and locally respected.”

Saurabh Prakash, Interim Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, added:
“This achievement is the result of deliberate and focused strategy one that is deeply aligned with our Chairman Mr Kwek Leng Beng’s Blue Ocean vision. On the back of MyMillennium being named a winner at the Travel + Leisure Loyalty Awards, this latest recognition further affirms the strength of our brand and loyalty proposition. We are shaping a bold new chapter for Millennium Hotels and Resorts, investing in differentiated experiences across rooms, dining, and loyalty. Our goal is to break category conventions and elevate the brand across all our markets.”

With a presence in over 80 destinations and a growing portfolio of more than 145 hotels, MHR remains firmly on track to support the group’s long-term ambition of scaling to 500 hotels globally through strategic partnerships, market-driven growth, and brand-led innovation.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR)  

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) is a dynamic, global hospitality group with properties spanning four continents and 80 destinations. With a reputation for excellence, MHR owns, manages, and operates over 145 properties worldwide including in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Beijing, and Singapore. Its diverse portfolio spans brands including The Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, M Social, Studio M, M Hotel, Copthorne, and Kingsgate—offering the perfect address for business and leisure travellers who are looking for hospitality experiences that go above and beyond. MHR is a Hong Leong Group subsidiary of Singapore-listed global real estate company City Developments Limited. For more information, visit www.millenniumhotels.com.  

MyMillennium 
Explore the world and be rewarded with MyMillennium, the global loyalty programme from Millennium Hotels and Resorts. With over 4 million members, MyMillennium allows you to earn and redeem points at over 145 participating hotels across Asia-Pacific, the UK, USA, and the Middle East. Members can earn MyPoints on their stays and dining, and redeem them for rewards like complimentary nights, room upgrades, dining discounts, and more. The programme consists of three membership tiers—Classic, Silver, and Prestige—each offering exclusive perks as members progress. In addition, MyMillennium BIZ offers corporate bookers tailored rewards on their business travels and events, making MyMillennium a versatile and rewarding loyalty programme for both leisure and business travellers.  

Sign up at www.millenniumhotels.com/en/programmes/my-millennium/.  

 

Cohesity Launches New Partner Program to Accelerate Partner Success

Dramatically Enhanced Program Streamlines Engagement and Empowers Partners to Fuel Profitable Growth, Technical Strength, and Differentiation 

SINGAPORE, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cohesity, the leader in AI-powered data security, today introduced the Cohesity Aspire Partner Program, a new, unified framework built for the modern partner landscape. Aspire aims to simplify how partners across diverse business models and routes to market can engage with Cohesity to drive profitability, unlock new revenue streams, and access certifications and training.

“The Cohesity Aspire Partner Program reimagines how we do business with partners and enable them to succeed,” said Mike Walkey, senior vice president, Global Partner Sales, Cohesity. “We’ve taken a future-forward approach. This empowers faster growth, profitability, and opportunities to stand out in today’s competitive market. It also provides flexibility for partners to ease into emerging technologies like AI or make future shifts in their business model. Just as important, we’ve intentionally designed Aspire with customers in mind to ensure they have complete confidence in knowing their solution is being provided by a proven and trusted Cohesity partner.”

The Cohesity partner ecosystem encompasses all partner types including Resell, Manage, Integrate, Distribute, OEM Hardware, Embedded OEM, Technology Partners, and Cloud Marketplace. Aspire participants can qualify for Premier, Preferred, or Associate tier levels with corresponding benefits. The umbrella program also features an authorized distributor component geared towards bringing more value to Cohesity resellers. All facets of the program are aimed at providing a modern, integrated, built-for-scale experience, starting with a centralized, easy-to-use portal that serves as the gateway to resources and enablement tools.

Underscoring Cohesity’s commitment to accelerating partner success, the program represents an investment in partners across three dimensions:  

  • Profitable growth – offers competitive margins, rewards for partner-sourced deals, and performance-based incentives to support partners at every stage of the sales cycle, including joint-go-to-market execution, co-selling, co-branding, pipeline sharing, and marketing and demand generation resources.
  • Technical strength – facilitates role-based partner learning opportunities and exclusive Cohesity Accreditations. Multiple certifications further allow technical professionals to demonstrate their Cohesity data management skills and mastery for real-world environments. A special Cohesity Aces program additionally recognizes top technical partner experts and brings them into the heart of Cohesity innovation with privileged access, hands-on virtual labs, and more.
  • Differentiation – provides multiple paths for expanding partner services and tapping into new revenue streams through partner-delivered professional services, authorized training partner certification, or building and bringing new solutions to market with Cohesity as a Professional-level or Elite-level Cohesity Technology Partner.

“We help customers navigate a complex landscape of data security and cyber resilience challenges,” said Raphael Meyerowitz, vice president, Partner Go to Market, Presidio. “As a longstanding partner, the Cohesity Aspire Partner Program makes it even easier for us to offer comprehensive solutions from across Cohesity’s entire portfolio. The flexible, streamlined model supports how we deliver the right solution for each unique environment and positions us for continued growth.”

“The Cohesity Aspire Partner Program is purpose built to provide a clear path for partners to engage with Cohesity’s full range of solutions. We see it as a key accelerator for all partners, especially those that are shifting to subscription-based offerings or looking to expand their services,” said Mike Heintzelman, senior vice president, Advanced Solutions Vendor Management, TD SYNNEX. “Serving as a critical global distributor for Cohesity, we’ve made focused investments closely aligned with the program and are ready to ensure partners can take solutions to market as quickly as possible.”

Learn more about the new Cohesity Aspire Partner Program.

About Cohesity

Cohesity is the leader in AI-powered data security. Over 13,600 enterprise customers, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 and nearly 70% of the Global 500, rely on Cohesity to strengthen their resilience while providing Gen AI insights into their vast amounts of data. Formed from the combination of Cohesity with Veritas’ enterprise data protection business, the company’s solutions secure and protect data on-premises, in the cloud, and at the edge. Backed by NVIDIA, IBM, HPE, Cisco, AWS, Google Cloud, and others, Cohesity is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA, with offices around the globe. To learn more, follow Cohesity on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

Australia’s Prestigious Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair returns for its 19th Year, and you can access it online!

DARWIN, Australia, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The world-renowned Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) returns to Larrakia Country in Darwin, Australia, and is online from August 8 to 10 (2025), celebrating Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design and culture.

Michelle Woody Minnapinni, Ngiya Murrakupupuni (My Country), 2024. Locally sourced earth pigments on linen, 120 x 90cm. Image courtesy of the artist
Michelle Woody Minnapinni, Ngiya Murrakupupuni (My Country), 2024. Locally sourced earth pigments on linen, 120 x 90cm. Image courtesy of the artist

The largest event of its kind, DAAF Online is a global mecca for art and culture enthusiasts, gallerists, collectors, and first-time buyers, seeking a truly unique shopping experience.

Hosting artworks from more than 44 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres online (and 79 Art Centre across the hybrid event), DAAF Online invites guests to immerse in the rich and diverse contemporary creations of the world’s oldest living cultures. Importantly, the DAAF Foundation also ensures the ability to ethically acquire exquisite artworks, with 100 percent of sales made going back to artists and their communities. 

From the red sands of the Central Desert to the sparkling saltwater islands and waterways of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait Islands), the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) online platform offers access to a world of bold, contemporary First Nations design grounded in more than 65,000 years of culture. The art reflects the deep connections to Country, culture and community which shape each artist’s practice. From intricate etchings at Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka in Arnhem Land to ochre-rich canvases from the Tiwi Islands’ Jilamara Arts, every purchase supports ethical and sustainable futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and their communities.

Buying First Nations art is more than a transaction—it’s a powerful act of connection. As Adam Boyd of Moa Arts shares, it offers “a unique view of Country and the people that keep it alive.” Whether it’s the vibrant works of Iwantja Arts celebrated on the global stage, or Warlukurlangu Artists whose fire stories travel far beyond Central Australia, each artwork carries generations of storytelling, innovation and cultural strength. Buy ethically from DAAF online and support the next chapter of Indigenous-led creativity and self-determined futures.

Some of the Art Centres featured at DAAF Online have, and are currently being exhibited internationally, in the United States and Europe:

Buku‑Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Arnhem Land
In 2023–25, Madayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Painting from Yirrkala toured the United States—the first major U.S. exhibition curated in collaboration with Yolŋu leaders and featuring over 80 bark paintings, honouring Yolŋu cultural governance and artistic authority.

The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art
Launching on 18 October 2025 at the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, this major cultural exchange—partnering with the National Gallery of Victoria—features over 200 works by more than 130 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. It marks the largest-ever presentation of Indigenous Australian art internationally and will tour North America through early 2027, including venues like the Denver Art Museum, Portland Art Museum, Peabody Essex Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum. This exhibition will be featuring many artists from DAAF 2025’s participating Art Centres

Jilamara Arts, Tiwi Islands
In March 2025, artist Johnathon World Peace Bush debuted his UK solo exhibition at Frieze No. 9 Cork Street, London—showcasing Tiwi ceremonial traditions through a striking, contemporary lens.

Warlukurlangu Artists, Yuendumu (Warlpiri Country)
From July to October 2025, Revisions: Made by the Warlpiri of Central Australia with Patrick Waterhouse was exhibited across Whitby Museum and Pannett Art Gallery in the UK. This collaborative project layered new acrylic works over colonial-era maps and documentation, asserting Warlpiri cultural sovereignty and narrative renewal.

DAAF Foundation’s executive director, Claire Summers, said “the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will return this August, allowing visitors to purchase and immerse themselves into the art of over 1,500 Indigenous artists and designers.

“We feel privileged to provide this global stage. It’s inspiring to witness the market growth and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and design since the Fair began 19 years ago.

“Art fairs have a critical role to play in helping artists connect to both domestic and international markets. DAAF is unique in that it provides a platform for artists to showcase their work, putting Indigenous agency and their culture at the forefront.

“We look forward to welcoming guests from around the globe to buy directly from our Art Centres through our online component of the Fair,” she said.

DAAF Online can be accessed via the following links:

https://daaf.com.au/

http://2025.daaf.com.au 

DAAF Online imagery can be accessed here:

Imagery

Further Event Information

19th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) | 7-10 August:

Including the Opening Ceremony, Public Program and DAAF Online

The only national event of its kind, DAAF has secured a reputation as one of the country’s most significant and internationally recognised arts events, creating a unique opportunity to connect with, and ethically purchase art directly from Art Centres, while meeting artists and learning firsthand about their cultural heritage, stories, history and traditional artistic practices through a range of masterclasses, talks and demonstrations.

Those unable to make the journey to the Top End of Australia and DAAF at the Convention Centre in person are invited to experience DAAF Online 2025. Free to access, the online platform will be open from 10am Friday 8 August, to 9pm Sunday 10 August 2025 (Australian Central Standard Time).

Information & tickets: www.daaf.com.au

DAAF Foundation is supported by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and receives funding from Creative Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund, Australian Government Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support, Australian Government Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company, Place for Indigenous Art & Culture, University of Melbourne, City of Darwin, Chapman & Bailey.

About the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAF Foundation)

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation is a not-for-profit, Indigenous organization, which is owned and governed by the 80+ Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres and Peak Bodies it represents. DAAF Foundation celebrates the rich cultural and artistic diversity of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres. DAAF Foundation’s vision is to provide vibrant and exciting platforms for First Nations art, design, and culture with a reputation for innovation, diversity and cultural integrity. Its keystone event is the renowned Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. More here: https://daaf.com.au/foundation/ 

What is an Art Centre?

Art Centres are at the heart of their communities, and of all that the DAAF Foundation does. Art Centres play an important role in maintaining and strengthening cultural practices. They operate as meeting places and offer opportunities for training, education, career pathways and enterprise.

Art Centre sales play a vital economic role in remote communities, often being the only externally generated source of income. Economic independence helps ensure the agency for people to live on their homelands, continuing the preservation of traditional practices, ceremonies, language, art and spirituality.

Art Centres provide a safe and supportive environment for artists and their families, contributing to the social and physical health of the community. More here: https://daaf.com.au/art-centres/what-is-an-art-centre/

Instagram: @darwinartfair Facebook: @DarwinAboriginalArtFair

Binygurr Wirrpanda, Yalata, Etched Aluminium, 90 x 60 cm, 2024. Image courtesy of Buku Larrŋgay Mulka.
Binygurr Wirrpanda, Yalata, Etched Aluminium, 90 x 60 cm, 2024. Image courtesy of Buku Larrŋgay Mulka.

Precision Timing to Power the Future Montage Technology Unveils High-Performance Clock Chip Portfolio

SHANGHAI, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Montage Technology today announced customer sampling of its clock buffer and spread-spectrum oscillator products, following the successful mass production of its clock generator chips. Featuring high performance, low power consumption, and ease of use, these clock chips provide precise and reliable timing support for applications in AI, communications, industrial control, and beyond.

Montage Technology's Clock Chips
Montage Technology’s Clock Chips

Clock chips are often considered the “heartbeat” of electronic systems, providing the essential timing signals that ensure synchronized operation. The quality of these signals is critical to system stability and reliability. Drawing on its deep expertise in mixed-signal IC design, core I/O technology, and PLL modules, Montage Technology has successfully developed a new portfolio of clock chips with industry-leading performance. These products support the construction of complete clock tree solutions, enabling improved system efficiency across a wide range of industries.

Product Portfolio Highlights:

  • Clock Generators: Support up to 4 independent differential outputs and deliver highly accurate timing signals
  • Clock Buffers: Provide 4 to 10 scalable outputs for lossless signal distribution
  • Spread-Spectrum Oscillators: Effectively suppress electromagnetic interference (EMI) to enhance system stability

Key Features:

  • Advanced mixed-signal architecture for industry-leading ultra-low output phase noise
  • Flexible per-channel output configuration (I/O type, drive strength, voltage, frequency, spread spectrum) for precise receiver alignment
  • Enhanced signal integrity, reduced power consumption and lower design complexity

With the rapid growth in AI computing, 5G, and industrial automation, the demand for stable and accurate timing solutions continues to rise. Montage Technology’s clock chips, offering high reliability, low jitter, and multi-application flexibility, have passed stringent validation by leading industry partners. These products are well-suited for deployment in AI servers, data centers, communication infrastructure, industrial control systems, consumer electronics, and automotive electronics.

“Clock chips are fundamental to system stability,” said Stephen Tai, President of Montage Technology. “Through continuous innovation, we deliver clock solutions that combine superior performance with exceptional flexibility. This product launch marks a significant milestone in high-precision timing, and we remain committed to customer-driven R&D to support digital and intelligent transformation across industries.”

Product Availability

  • Clock Generators: 6 models, now in mass production
  • Clock Buffers: 20 models, available for sampling
  • Spread-Spectrum Oscillators: 4 models, available for sampling

For more information, please contact your Montage Technology sales representative at globalsales@montage-tech.com.

 

CHICAGO RIVER SWIM APPROVED FOR HISTORIC RETURN THIS SEPTEMBER

First Organized Swim in Nearly a Century will Raise Funds for ALS Research and Youth Swimming Lessons

WHAT:            Open Water Swim in the Main Stem of the Chicago River
WHEN:           September 21, 2025 | 7:00AM10:00AM
WEBSITE:      ChicagoRiverSwim.org

CHICAGO, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The City of Chicago has officially approved the 2025 Chicago River Swim, the first organized open water swim in the river in nearly a century. Scheduled for Sunday, September 21, the event will highlight the city’s environmental progress while raising funds for ALS research at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and youth swim safety education in underserved communities.

“The return of the Chicago River Swim marks a major victory for our city—a testament to decades of hard work revitalizing our river,” says Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson“I commend the organizers for their commitment to safety and dedication to empowering Black and Brown youth through swim education. This event is a celebration of Chicago’s progress and a brighter, more inclusive future.”

Five hundred qualified swimmers will participate in the one- or two-mile swim along the river’s main stem, starting at the Dearborn Street Bridge.

The event is produced by nonprofit A Long Swim, founded by world-class open-water swimmer Doug McConnell“This is more than just a swim—it’s a tribute to Chicago’s roots and a testament to the power of perseverance,” says McConnell. “After 13 years of dedicated collaboration, we are deeply grateful to the City of Chicago for its support and commitment to restoring the river’s beauty and vitality. This event is proof of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.”

Over the past several decades, the Chicago River has transformed from a heavily polluted channel to a vibrant industrial waterway. Key advancements include stronger environmental regulations, improved wastewater treatment, and reduced sewer overflows by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Water quality is now monitored in real time through H2NOW Chicago, led by innovation hub Current. Improved conditions have encouraged the return of fish, birds, and other aquatic life. Investment in the Riverwalk has further revitalized the riverfront into a cultural and recreational destination. Nonprofits like Friends of the Chicago River have played an integral role in this transformation.

“Swimming in the Chicago-Calumet River system is more than for recreation,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. “Swimmers in the water demonstrates to the city, the region and the world that Chicago cares about its people, the environment and its water resources, and that Chicago is a leader in recognizing the considerable role our rivers can play in public health and a climate resilient future.”

CRS is also partnering with the USA Swimming Foundation and will feature 2020 Olympian Natalie Hinds, a 20-time All-American and Olympic bronze medalist.

Safety remains the top priority. Organizers are collaborating with MWRD, the University of Illinois Chicago and Current on water quality testing, which will provide near real-time data leading up to and during the event. Over 100 trained safety personnel—including kayakers, paddle boarders and boat crews—will monitor the course. Additional safety measures include autonomous buoys, GPS tracking and in-water timing systems. The U.S. Coast Guard will close the river to all vessel traffic, and Riverwalk access will be restricted to designated viewing areas.

CRS will only proceed if water quality and safety conditions meet rigorous standards. If conditions are unsafe, the team is prepared to delay or cancel the swim.

For details on how to apply and more information, visit ChicagoRiverSwim.org.