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VETRESKA Announces Three-Year Sponsorship of Canine Clubhouse and Kitty Corner at Singapore Zoo’s KidzWorld

SINGAPORE, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VETRESKA has embarked on an exciting collaboration with Singapore Zoo, sponsoring the care of the playful pups and charming kitties at KidzWorld. As part of this initiative, VETRESKA is also giving their homes a vibrant makeover, transforming Kitty Corner and Canine Clubhouse into even more enriching spaces for the animals. 

This sponsorship brings a boost to KidzWorld, an immersive children’s experience zone where kids and their families can engage in animal encounters and a variety of play activities. The resident cats and dogs at KidzWorld, all of whom are rescued, serve as ambassadors in raising awareness about responsible adoption while fostering a love and respect for animals and nature.

Headquartered in Singapore, VETRESKA is a pioneering brand known for its imaginative collections of pet products and accessories. Inspired by their own adopted dogs, the founders of VETRESKA have remained committed to crafting magical moments for pets and their people, designing products with animal welfare in mind. As part of this three-year partnership, the makeover of Kitty Corner and Canine Clubhouse will include thoughtfully designed play structures, comfortable resting areas, and engaging accessories tailored to the animals’ physical and emotional needs. VETRESKA’s contribution also goes towards supporting other animals at Singapore Zoo as well as conservation projects in Singapore and Southeast Asia.


“We are thrilled to support Mandai Wildlife Group and their commitment to providing high standards of care for animals,” said Donald Kng, co-founder and CEO of VETRESKA. “At VETRESKA, we believe that every animal deserves a safe and joyful environment, and we are excited to bring our expertise in pet lifestyle design to further enrich the lives  of the rescued animals at Singapore Zoo.”

“VETRESKA’s invaluable support goes a long way, not only in the care of our beloved cats and dogs but also in helping us create even more stimulating environments for them, ensuring they stay happy, healthy and engaged,” said Graeme Dick, Deputy Vice President of Animal Behaviour and Programmes at Mandai Wildlife Group. “With a like-minded community, we continue to spark a sense of curiosity and care among our guests not just for wildlife, but the animals at home too.”

Visitors to Singapore Zoo can now catch a glimpse of VETRESKA’s iconic accessories at KidzWorld. Look out for the blooming oasis of Cactus Cat Trees and Flora Pet Beds at Kitty Corner or spot the spring-fresh Daisy Sofas along with stylish new leashes and toys, at Canine Clubhouse.

ABOUT VETRESKA

Founded in 2017, VETRESKA is a pioneering brand dedicated to redefining the pet industry with a fresh, imaginative perspective. Our mission, Together Reimagined, drives us to push the boundaries of pet care, offering innovative designs that seamlessly blend functionality with undeniable charm.

At VETRESKA, we do not just create pet products—we craft magical moments for pets and their people. We believe that pet products should inspire joy, strengthen the bond between pets and people, and create lasting memories. Drawing inspiration from the profound connections between people and their pets, our thoughtfully designed products aim to elevate everyday experiences of pet parenting into moments of delight and warmth.

Every VETRESKA product is crafted with an unwavering commitment to creativity, quality, and innovation. From stylish pet furniture to playful toys, chic bowls, and unique accessories, we pride ourselves in curating a wide selection of functional products and services that caters to pets’ needs while reflecting their own sense of style and sophistication.

Hyundai Motor Unveils ‘Forest Run 2025’ to Plant Trees

  • To mark the 10th anniversary of ‘Longest Run,’ Hyundai Motor is renaming the event ‘Forest Run’ and introducing the ‘one tree per runner’ donation model
  • New mascot ‘Grew’ also introduced in online campaign film
  • The ‘Final Run’ event on May 17 will cover a 10-kilometer course at Yeouido Park, offering special activities and prizes

SEOUL, South Korea, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its ‘Forest Run 2025’ campaign with the slogan ‘Forest Run: Running Together to Plant Trees.’ The social contribution initiative formerly known as ‘Longest Run’ celebrates its 10th anniversary under the new name ‘Forest Run.’ This year’s event will invite 5,000 participants and donate 5,000 trees under the new ‘one tree per runner’ donation model.

Hyundai 'Forest Run 2025'
Hyundai ‘Forest Run 2025’

Hyundai Motor also introduced a new mascot for the campaign, ‘Grew’ (the word used to count trees in Korean), through an online campaign film to launch Forest Run. The tree-like runner character represents the growth of the initiative since its foundation in 2016 and embodies this year’s event slogan of ‘Forest Run: Running Together to Plant Trees.’

The finale event for ‘Forest Run 2025’ will be the ‘Final Run’, scheduled for May 17 at Yeouido Park Cultural Square, featuring a 10-kilometer course that passes through Seogang Bridge as a turning point. Participants can also explore partner booths built with Hyundai’s mobility solutions, including the IONIQ Forest exhibition and the ROBO restaurant, to engage in a variety of activities and learn more about the mission of Forest Run. Registration for ‘Forest Run 2025’ will take place on the official webpage from April 18 to 23.

Since 2016, Forest Run has involved approximately 250,000 participants and resulted in the donation of 25,850 trees.

– End –

About Hyundai Motor Company

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision ‘Progress for Humanity,’ Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of a sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero-emission vehicles with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies.

More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at:
https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/ or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai 

 

Momentus Technologies and Boldpush Release Global Report on the Future of Event Venues

New research shows AI, automation, and data are reshaping the event industry and driving the next wave of tech-enabled guest experiences.

ST. LOUIS, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Momentus Technologies, a global provider of venue and event management software, and Boldpush, an event industry research and consulting firm, today released The Future of Event Venues, a new global report analyzing the trends transforming event spaces worldwide. The report draws on input from venue operators and event professionals across 50+ countries served by Momentus Technologies.

The findings reveal a decisive shift toward artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven decision-making—positioning technology as the primary driver of operational efficiency, attendee satisfaction, and long-term sustainability in the events sector.

“We are bringing our industry-leading data insights partnered with events industry intelligence from Boldpush to our customers,” said Alex Alexandrov, CEO of Momentus Technologies. “Our goal is to empower our customers with smarter, more responsive solutions to address the evolving challenges and opportunities venues and event managers face.”

“Technology is no longer optional—it’s essential,” said Julius Solaris, Founder of Boldpush. “This report shows that venues that embrace intelligent automation and empower their staff with data will lead the industry forward.”

Key takeaways include:

  • 67% of respondents cite AI as having a significant impact on venue operations.
  • 91% consider data analytics essential or very useful to success.
  • 72% are likely to invest in attendee experience technologies within the next 1–2 years.
  • 77% expect automation to significantly or transformationally improve efficiency.
  • 80% view sustainability as a critical consideration rather than a competitive differentiator.

The report also underscores the growing importance of staff training in leveraging advanced tools, with 35% of respondents identifying it as the top need to future-proof their organizations.

The Future of Event Venues includes strategic recommendations for both venue operators and event planners, emphasizing collaboration, investment in digital infrastructure, and the need to adapt to shorter lead times and higher expectations.

The full report is available at https://gomomentus.com/the-future-of-venues.

About Momentus Technologies

Momentus powers over 1.4 million live events each year, generating more than $12 billion in revenue at venues worldwide. From convention centers and universities to corporate campuses, stadiums, arenas, and performing arts centers, they are behind the moments that bring people together in 55+ countries.

The Momentus platform gives venues data-driven insights to streamline event operations, providing a clear view of past, present and future performance. It enables venues to make smarter decisions, enhance efficiency and drive their business goals with confidence and clarity. https://gomomentus.com/ 

About Boldpush

Boldpush is a research and media firm serving the event industry. Founded by Julius Solaris, it provides deep insights and analysis to over 27,000 global subscribers through its Boldpush+ platform and publications. https://boldpush.com/

Contact Public Relations:
Amy Stroup
Head of Demand Generation at Momentus Technologies
amy.stroup@gomomentus.com    

DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award 2025: Application is Now Open until 25 June

Empowering the Next Generation
Nurturing Innovative Visions from Emerging Designers for Hong Kong 

HONG KONG, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ‘DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award’ (DFA HKYDTA), organised by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) since 2005, with Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as the Lead Sponsor, Hong Kong Design Institute and the School of Design of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University as Sponsors. DFA HKYDTA has been nurturing the talents of young designers in Hong Kong, thereby promoting the advancement of the local creative industry, 2025 edition’s application is now open until 26 June 2025.

Left: Sharon Choi (Design Graduate, Awardee of 2022). Worked at TodayTomorrow, the Netherlands; Right: Mig Lau (Design Practitioner, Awardee of 2022). Worked at Nietro Sobejano, Spain
Left: Sharon Choi (Design Graduate, Awardee of 2022). Worked at TodayTomorrow, the Netherlands; Right: Mig Lau (Design Practitioner, Awardee of 2022). Worked at Nietro Sobejano, Spain

Over the course of over a decade, DFA HKYDTA has celebrated and recognised the outstanding talents of more than 230 young designers from Hong Kong. The programme offers awardees a sponsorship of up to HK$500,000, allowing them to embark on enriching international experiences. Through this initiative, awardees could broaden their perspectives by either gaining 6 to 12 months of work experience at prestigious design firms or pursuing further academic studies for 6 to 18 months at renowned institutions outside Hong Kong.

DFA HKYDTA has been instrumental in fostering the growth of young design talent in Hong Kong. By providing substantial sponsorships and international opportunities, it not only recognises their exceptional skills but also empowers them to gain invaluable global experiences. This initiative is a testament to its commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers and driving the evolution of the creative landscape in Hong Kong.

Online Application Details

Application period: 17 April 2025 (9:00 am) – 25 June 2025 (5:00 pm) (Hong Kong time)
Online application: ydta.dfaawards.com

Application Requirements

Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 to 35, who are (1) designers with relevant working experience; or (2) 2025 design graduates with Higher Diplomas, Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s Degrees from accredited local educational institutions; or (3) 2025 design graduates with Master’s Degrees obtained from accredited educational institutions outside Hong Kong, and Bachelor’s Degrees completed locally under accredited local educational institutions. Every applicant needs to be nominated by a design-related organisation or professional.

Judging Criteria

A judging panel comprised of locally and internationally recognised professional designers and experts will assess the candidates based on their (1) potential contributions to the design and innovation development in Hong Kong; (2) personal aspirations, talents and achievements in specific fields with potential for continuous development; (3) effectiveness of communication and presentation skills; (4) portfolio of design works; and (5) proposals of working or studying outside Hong Kong.

DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award 2024

The ‘DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award 2024’ has conferred awards to 17 young designers in total. Among them, 13 awardees entitle a sponsorship totalling up to HK$5,000,000 for work or study outside Hong Kong.

DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award 2024
DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award 2024


Visit our website and social media pages for more information:

Website: ydta.dfaawards.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HKDC.Awards
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dfa_awards
WeChat: DFA设计奖
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dfaawards5572

About DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award (ydta.dfaawards.com)

Established in 2005, DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award, one of the programmes of ‘DFA Awards’ organised by Hong Kong Design Centre, aims to support and nurture Hong Kong’s up-and-coming designers and design graduates aged 18 to 35. Awardees may receive sponsorship to work in renowned design companies or study in institutes outside Hong Kong to unleash their potential and contribute to Hong Kong’s design and creative industries upon their return.

About Hong Kong Design Centre (www.hkdesigncentre.org)

Hong Kong Design Centre is a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in leveraging the city’s East-meets-West advantage to create value from design.

To achieve our goals we:

  • Cultivate a design culture
  • Bridge stakeholders to opportunities that unleash the value of design
  • Promote excellence in various design disciplines

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (www.ccidahk.gov.hk)

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to some of HKDC’s activities/projects only, and does not otherwise take part in such funded activities/projects.  Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication and relevant materials/events (or by members of the project teams) are those of HKDC only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Vietnam to Export Power to Singapore, Malaysia; Import More from Laos, China

Exports and imports in Laos. (Photo: The Star)

Vietnam has revised its national power plan as it pushes for double-digit economic growth between 2026 and 2030. The country now aims to significantly boost electricity imports—especially from Laos—and scale up renewable energy production, while cutting back on short-term exports.

Under the updated plan, total power capacity is expected to reach 236 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, up from the previously planned 150 GW. One-third of this will come from renewable energy sources, the Business Times reported.

Vietnam will reduce its power exports from at least 5 GW to just 400 megawatts by 2030, with Cambodia as the only recipient. However, by 2035, the country plans to export up to 10 GW to regional partners like Singapore and Malaysia, according to the new plan.

To meet growing domestic demand, electricity imports will rise from 5 GW to as much as 12 GW—about 5.1 percent of the total energy mix. 

Laos remains a key energy supplier in this strategy, with Vietnam continuing to rely on its hydropower exports. China has also been added as a new import source.

Vietnam’s first nuclear power plants are also back on the agenda. The government plans to begin operations between 2030 and 2035, with an estimated output of 4 to 6.4 GW.

Offshore wind targets, originally scheduled for 2030, have been delayed to 2035 due to slow industry progress. In the meantime, more onshore and nearshore wind projects are being developed to help meet energy targets.

A new regulation, set to begin in July 2024, will allow large electricity users—those consuming over 1 million kilowatt-hours annually—to purchase power directly from renewable energy suppliers.

Despite the ambitious goals, more than 170 solar and wind projects valued at around USD 13 billion remain in limbo due to policy disputes over incentive eligibility. Investors have warned that continued uncertainty could lead to bankruptcies and stalled investment, putting Vietnam’s clean energy transition at risk.

27.81%! LONGi Refreshes the World Record for the Efficiency of Monocrystalline Silicon Cells Again

XI’AN, China, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 11th, LONGi announced at its Wuhu base in Anhui Province, China: Through the authoritative certification of the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH) in Germany, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of its independently developed Hybrid Interdigitated-Back-Contact (HIBC) crystalline silicon solar cell has reached 27.81%, pushing the exploration of the limits of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells to a new height.

The certification from ISFH
The certification from ISFH

In November 2022, LONGi set a world record for the conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon cells at 26.81%. And then, LONGi increased this record to 27.3% in May 2024, and successively broke through 27.4%, 27.52%, and 27.63%, reaching 27.81%.

The HIBC cell, which independently developed through reconstructing the cell structure and material system by the Central Research Institute of LONGi, has achieved a dual breakthrough in optical management and carrier transport efficiency, opening a new path for improving the power density of photovoltaic modules.

PV innovation not only requires breaking through the limits of technology,but also anchoring long-term value in the fog of uncertainties. As a world-leading solar technology company, LONGi leads the development of the photovoltaic industry with independent innovation and original technologies. The HPBC2.0 technology and forward-looking R&D have achieved continuous breakthroughs based on this. At the same time, the conditions for the large-scale development of BC technology are mature, and the advanced manufacturing model of the lighthouse factory is being rapidly promoted. This breaking of the world record for the conversion efficiency of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells not only verifies LONGi’s ability to focus on value creation and industrial progress driven, but also reflects the company’s ambition to achieve global energy transformation and energy equity.

About LONGi

Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world’s leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation.

Under its mission of ‘making the best of solar energy to build a green world’, LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established several business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers, cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has, more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com 

 

China’s XI Arrives in Cambodia for State Visit

China’s XI Arrives in Cambodia for State Visit
This pool photo taken and released on April 17, 2025 by Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) shows China's President Xi Jinping (C) Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni (C-L) greeting people upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport. Xi arrived after visiting Vietnam and Malaysia as Beijing seeks to strengthen regional trade ties and offset the impact of huge tariffs imposed by his US counterpart. (Photo by POOL / AFP)

AFP – Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh on 17 April, capping a three-stop tour of Southeast Asia, according to live footage from Beijing’s state-run CGTN.

Alan Koh Appointed to Spirit of Enterprise’s Board of Governors

SINGAPORE, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alan Koh, CEO of Impossible Marketing, has been appointed as Co-Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Spirit of Enterprise (SOE), a Singapore-based non-profit organisation dedicated to recognising and inspiring local entrepreneurs. As Co-Chairman of the Board of Governors overseeing the PR & Media Outreach department, his current responsibilities include enhancing SOE’s public relations and media strategies. A key initiative under his leadership is the revamp of the SOE website to improve its search engine optimisation (SEO) and increase organic traffic, aiming to broaden the organisation’s reach and impact.

The SOE is a non-profit organisation committed to honouring and inspiring Singapore’s homegrown entrepreneurs. Through initiatives like the Student Entrepreneur Programme and the SOE Awards, SOE fosters a culture of innovation and resilience among aspiring business leaders. SOE’s efforts are guided by a dedicated Board of Governors comprising esteemed entrepreneurs and senior corporate leaders. Notable members include Novie Djayayanti Tjoa, Managing Director of Eatz Group Pte Ltd, serving as President, and Ismail Gafoor, CEO of PropNex Realty, as Board Advisor, among others.

Alan’s journey with SOE began in 2016 when he was honoured with the SOE Award. Reflecting on his appointment, Alan remarked, “Taking up this role is key as I can help guide new entrepreneurs. SMEs employ approximately 70% of the workforce in Singapore; therefore, it is important to help them grow their business. By supporting local enterprises, we inspire the future generation of entrepreneurs.”

As a full-suite digital marketing agency in Singapore, Impossible Marketing provides a wide range of services tailored to support local businesses – such as search engine optimisation, search engine marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, and lead generation strategies – helping brands enhance their online presence and drive measurable results. Under Alan’s leadership, Impossible Marketing has achieved significant milestones, including being awarded the S6 license from Government Supplier Registration (GSR), allowing the agency to tender for contracts worth up to S$3 million. Impossible Marketing has also earned notable recognition as a standout independent agency, clinching prestigious accolades such as the Local Hero award for Independent Agency of the Year. The agency has also been celebrated for its excellence in digital strategy, taking home wins for Most Effective Use of Digital (Specific Audience), Most Effective Use of Digital (Customer Acquisition), and Best Digital Strategist at the MARKies. Further cementing its reputation, Impossible Marketing was also named Lead Generation Agency of the Year and Search Marketing Agency of the Year at the Agency of the Year Awards.

Beyond business achievements, Alan’s passion for giving back is evident through initiatives like the Impossible Foundation and its flagship initiative, Project KATE, which focuses on sharing digital marketing expertise, supporting non-profit organisations, and providing educational resources to underprivileged students.

Impossible Marketing remains committed to supporting local businesses through comprehensive digital marketing services, aiming to bolster the growth and success of SMEs across Singapore.

About Impossible Marketing

Established in 2012, Impossible Marketing is a homegrown digital marketing agency in Singapore dedicated to helping businesses enhance their online presence. As a Google and Meta Partner company, we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With a strong commitment to delivering results and giving back to the community, Impossible Marketing has been recognised with multiple industry awards and continues to support local enterprises in achieving digital success. Learn more at https://www.impossible.sg/.