Marina Bay Sands tops the ranks as the #1 Instagrammable Hotel and #1 Gourmet Hotel globally, while Raffles Hotel stands out as the #1 Luxury Hotel in Asia
Odette, Spago Dining Room by Wolfgang Puck and Song Fa Ba Kut Teh secure top spots as the #1 Fine Dining Restaurant, #1 Views and Experiences and the #1 Light Bites Restaurant in Asia respectively
Gardens By The Bay, Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands SkyPark rank among the top 10 Nightlife Attractions in Asia
SINGAPORE, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com unveiled its 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings, the second edition of its AI-powered travel rankings designed to help travellers select the best experiences each destination has to offer. The latest rankings, featuring the top 100 stays, attractions, and restaurants globally and in Asia, highlight travellers’ appreciation for Singapore’s luxury hotels, restaurants and attractions, with local establishments in these categories securing top spots on the Asia and Global 2025 Trip.Best lists.
Images from Unsplash
“Singapore is one of the world’s top destinations for travel and a premier tourism hub. The city’s clean aesthetics, safe and efficient transportation system, and wide variety of attractions and lifestyle options make it an attractive destination for all kinds of travellers. With Singapore’s luxury hotels, restaurants and attractions taking top spots in Asia and around the world on the 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings, this showcases the city-state’s ability to deliver exceptional experiences to all travellers, solidifying its position as a world-class destination for travel,” said Edmund Ong, General Manager, Trip.com Singapore.
Singapore’s Luxury Hotels Impress on the Global Stage
Curated using a mix of AI-driven data analysis, user reviews and human expertise, the 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings feature travel-related establishments that exemplify service quality – delivering consistent service standards, popularity – showing positive search demand and booking volume, reputation – garnering positive user reviews and special features – with unique differentiation and standout qualities on the list. This year, the rankings listed a number of luxury hotels in Singapore among the best in Asia and the world.
The iconic Marina Bay Sands, one of the most recognisable and photographed locations in Singapore, tops the list as the #1 Instagrammable Hotel. The Marina Bay Sands is also celebrated for its diverse culinary offerings – from world-class celebrity chef restaurants to enticing local cuisine – earning it the title of #1 Gourmet Hotel globally. Raffles Hotel, a colonial-era luxury hotel known for its heritage and architectural splendour, took the title of #1 Luxury Hotel in Asia, coming in second behind only the Hotel de Crillon in France in the global rankings.
Other luxury hotels that made the top 10 list include:
Swissotel The Stamford Singapore, ranked the #5 Gourmet Hotel in Asia and #6 globally
Hilton Singapore Orchard, ranked the #8 Gourmet Hotel in Asia
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, ranked the #9 Gourmet Hotel in Asia
Fine Dining Restaurants, Iconic Local Eats Capture the Hearts of Travellers
As a foodie haven, Singapore has captured the hearts of travellers with a delectable mix of fine dining restaurants and iconic local food establishments. Notably, the restaurants located within top-ranked luxury hotels in Singapore have leveraged their exceptional locations to offer impeccable views while delivering outstanding epicurean experiences.
Spago Dining Room by Wolfgang Puck, located on level 57 of Marina Bay Sands, tops the rankings as the #1 Views and Experiences Restaurant in Asia, also ranked #10 in the world. Offering bold, cosmopolitan flavours that pay tribute to California’s dining scene, the restaurant serves up award-winning dishes while offering 360-degree views of the Marina Bay waterfront. JAAN By Kirk Westaway, located on the 70th floor of Swissotel The Stamford Singapore also stood out as the #5 Views and Experiences Restaurant in Asia, serving up modern British cuisine against the beautiful Singapore skyline.
Aside from restaurants with a view, Singapore is also home to the top-ranked fine dining restaurants and iconic local eats in Asia. Odette, the three Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Julien Royer located at the National Gallery, claims the title of #1 Fine Dining Restaurant in Asia, while Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, a favourite among travellers, takes the #1 spot in Asia in the Light Bites restaurant category. Paying homage to Singapore’s favourite local dishes, chicken rice and chilli crab, this year’s rankings also highlight Jumbo Seafood (Riverside Point) – famous for its chilli crab, and Chatterbox – known for its Hainanese chicken rice, as the #2 and #5 Local Restaurants in Asia respectively.
City with Stunning Night Views, Family-Friendly Attractions
Renowned for its constant reinvention, Singapore captivates travellers with local attractions that feature breathtaking night views. Gardens By The Bay, a perennial favourite with locals and travellers alike, is the #1 Nightlife Attraction in Asia, with Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands SkyPark ranking #4 and #10 on the list respectively.
As a city that also offers enchanting experiences for travelling families, family-friendly attractions like the Universal Studios Singapore and Night Safari also received recognition as the #5 and #10 Family-Friendly Attractions in Asia respectively.
Planning Your Next Trip with the 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings
Designed to guide travellers in discovering the finest experiences each destination has to offer, the 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings serve as the ultimate companion for travel inspiration and planning. To access the Trip.Best recommendations as you start planning for your next trip, follow these four simple steps:
Visit the Trip.com website
Go to “Destinations” in the menu bar
Pick your travel destination
Select “Top Picks – Trip.Best” to view the full list of recommendations
Using the Trip.com app? Simply tap on the “Top Picks – Trip.Best” icon on the main page.
To cater to the diverse preferences of travellers worldwide, Trip.com has introduced the Europe 100 and Americas 100 lists to its Trip.Best Global Rankings this year. Additionally, travellers can explore new seasonal travel recommendations under two new Attractions categories, including Water Fun – highlighting the most loved water parks, beaches and islands, and Fall Views – showcasing the top spots for autumn foliage vistas.
For the full 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings, visit the Trip.com website.
About Trip.com
Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.7 million hotels and flights from over 600 airlines covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com‘s world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service, as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to ‘create the best travel experience’ for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit Trip.com.
SHENZHEN, China, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Under the Data+AI convergence trend, Lakehouse represents the core evolution direction for big data platforms. Tencent Cloud Big Data-Data Lake Compute (DLC) is an open, unified cloud-native Serverless Lakehouse data warehousing and analytics service. It features cloud-native storage-compute separation, lake format governance, deep optimizations for Iceberg, unified metadata management, and machine learning training support, enabling enterprises to build agile Data+AI Lakehouse platforms. DLC has helped a leading Southeast Asian retail conglomerate reduce data platform and machine learning costs by 70%.
Core Challenges
Separated Resources: Big data and AI required isolated infrastructure investments with no resource sharing.
Data Movement Overheads: Data silos between Data and AI systems caused latency and additional costs.
DLC Solution
Tencent Cloud’s one-stop intelligent platform WeData, powered by Data Lake Compute (DLC), delivers an integrated DataOps+MLOps platform solution enabling:
Seamless Experience: Unified development for both data analytics and ML workflows
Cost Efficiency: 70% cost reduction through shared compute resources for Data+AI workloads
AI Innovation Acceleration: Rapid deployment of GenAI applications via unified data governance
Key Features
Unified Engine: Supports data engineering and ML training (Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow)
Dynamic Resource Allocation: Flexible resource groups for data engineering, interactive analytics, and ML tasks
Business Value
DLC integrates data engineering, SQL analytics, and machine learning into a unified platform with industry-leading cost-effectiveness. The solution has already enabled a Southeast Asian retail leader to achieve 70% TCO reduction across data and ML infrastructure.
SHANGHAI, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Geely Riddara, the NEV pickup brand of Geely Auto Group, unveiled its next-generation hybrid pickup – the RD6 PHEV at Auto Shanghai 2025. This milestone establishes Riddara as the only pickup brand commanding both pure-electric and hybrid technology portfolios in China.
As the world’s first hybrid pickup equipped with the Geely’s Thor plug-in hybrid system, the RD6 PHEV redefines the standard of pickup technology. The Geely’s Thor plug-in hybrid system features an industry-first 3DHT Hybrid Architecture, the only multi-mode drivetrain solution in its class, and has earned China’s first S-level certification for hybrid system reliability. Rigorously validated under extreme conditions, the system underwent over 1,000 powertrain bench tests, 400,000 hours of testing, and 40 million kilometers of endurance trials. Empowered by this system, the RD6 PHEV achieves a thermal efficiency of 44.26%, accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, and reduces energy consumption by 21% compared to diesel-powered vehicles. By redefining industry standards for power, efficiency, and safety, RD6 PHEV delivers an optimal solution for users in demanding scenarios – including fieldwork, long-distance travel, and extreme cold environments.
Backed by Geely’s Thor plug-in hybrid system as its core technology, Geely Riddara has officially launched its “Super Hybrid + Full-Scenario Ecosystem” strategy, driven by the collaborative innovation of the Omnipower Stack and AeroNex IoT Platform. AeroNex IoT Platform, the industry’s first drone-integrated IoT system, transforms vehicles into mobile intelligent hubs through deep integration of “vehicle-network-device-cloud” technologies, empowering low-altitude economic applications. Meanwhile, the Omnipower Stack pioneers a closed-loop “charging-storage-discharging” design, enabling pickups to serve as mobile energy stations for extended outdoor operations and camping, breaking the functional limitations of ICE pickups.
Geely Riddara has been targeting global market since its establishment, committed to becoming the No.1 new energy pickup brand in the entered markets. The RD6 PHEV will play a pivotal role in overseas market penetration, stated Ling Shiquan, CEO of Geely Riddara. PHEV technology adapts seamlessly to regional infrastructure conditions, easing range anxiety in emerging markets such as West Asia, Africa, and South America, with underdeveloped charging networks. During the Auto Shanghai 2025, nearly 100 overseas distributors gathered, with Geely Riddara signing strategic agreements with partners across Asia-Pacific and South America, further stretching its global layout. To date, Riddara dominates Thailand’s new energy pickup sector, holding the highest market share and winning the “Best Pickup EV” award at the Car of the Year 2025.
The debut of the RD6 PHEV not only underscores “technology-driven, scenario-defined” dual-strategy of Geely Riddara, but also leverages hybrid innovation and intelligent platforms to establish a new global benchmark for the new energy pickup industry. Relying on the strategic layout and globalization developments, Geely Riddara is reshaping the value chain of new energy pickup trucks with scenario-driven approach.
Organic growth: −3.5% (−7.0%), driven by lower market demand across regions and industries, except for aerospace showing continuous growth.
Adjusted operating profit: MSEK 3,233 (3,303). Continued strong price/mix contribution, driven by pricing actions and active portfolio management, as well as good cost control which largely offset the lower volumes.
Adjusted operating margin: 13.5% (13.4%) with Industrial at 16.9% (16.4%) and Automotive at 5.2% (6.0%).
Net cash flow from operating activities: MSEK 977 (1,781).
Financial overview, MSEK unless otherwise stated
Q1 2025
Q1 2024
Net sales
23,966
24,699
Organic growth, %
−3.5
−7.0
Adjusted operating profit
3,233
3,303
Adjusted operating margin, %
13.5
13.4
Operating profit
2,885
2,993
Operating margin, %
12.0
12.1
Adjusted net profit
2,296
2,312
Net profit
1,948
2,002
Net cash flow from operating activities
977
1,781
Basic earnings per share
3.95
4.15
Adjusted earnings per share
4.71
4.83
Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO:
“In a volatile environment, I’m pleased that we maintained our resilient performance and improved our adjusted operating margin year-over-year. We continue to execute our strategy including the creation of two independent and fit for purpose businesses and thereby creating strong foundations for the future.
Margin resilience despite continued weak demand
In the first quarter we saw continued weak demand resulting in an organic sales decline of −3.5% compared to last year. The lower volumes were partly offset by a solid price/mix. Demand in Europe remained weak. However, we view the announced state-backed investments aimed at increasing European competitiveness as positive long term. China and Northeast Asia posted positive organic growth for the first time in seven quarters, primarily driven by favorable comparable figures. Both Americas and India and Southeast Asia shifted from organic growth in Q4 to a decline in Q1. This was mainly due to the positive timing effects at the end of 2024 as previously communicated and a weaker automotive demand.
The adjusted operating margin was strong at 13.5%, a slight year-over-year improvement despite a weak market environment. The margin resilience was supported by an effective execution of pricing, portfolio management, and cost reduction initiatives. However, these initiatives did not fully offset the negative impact from lower volumes. Currency effects had a positive impact on the margin, mainly driven by a stronger USD year-over-year.
The adjusted operating margin for our Industrial business increased to 16.9%, driven by good portfolio and cost management execution. The Automotive business performed relatively well, considering the challenging market conditions, with an adjusted operating margin of 5.2%. We see potential in further improving the margin, but given the current turbulent environment, the timeline of achieving the targeted 8% adjusted operating margin level will extend beyond 2025.
Cash flow was not satisfactory at close to BSEK 1, mainly driven by increased working capital, including high accounts receivables generated by a strong quarter end, and negative currency effects.
Creating two fit for purpose businesses
The separation of the Automotive business continues at high pace, where the operating model and organizational design now have been concluded. Automotive’s global manufacturing footprint has also been finalized with 16 factories. The overall separation process progresses according to plan, but the complexity of the separation, including the IT structure, may stretch the overall time plan.
The initiated organizational review is progressing well, rightsizing both organizations to create strong foundations for the future and to withstand turbulent markets. More focused businesses with less complexity allow for leaner organizational structures resulting in sizeable reductions in staff positions, not least within Europe. The number of positions affected, savings and restructuring charge will be presented in conjunction with the Q2 2025 report.
Outlook
Lately, the business environment has experienced significant volatility driven by increased geopolitical uncertainty including trade and tariff turmoil. We are preparing the business for different scenarios and remain confident that our strategy, in combination with our decentralized organization and effective cost management, will provide us with the agility and flexibility to navigate through these turbulent times. So far, we have largely compensated for increased tariff costs through price adjustments and we expect to continue to do so also in the second quarter, given current tariff levels. However, today’s market uncertainty may influence demand and the prerequisites for certain products and markets.
We expect continued volatility and, even if we have seen signs of markets bottoming out, we plan for another quarter with negative volumes and expect organic sales to weaken somewhat in Q2, year-over-year.”
Outlook and guidance
Outlook
Q2 2025: We expect continued volatility and, even if we have seen signs of markets bottoming out, we plan for another quarter with negative volumes and expect organic sales to weaken somewhat in Q2, year-over-year.
Guidance Q2 2025
Currency impact on the operating profit is expected to be around MSEK 400 negative compared to the second quarter 2024, based on exchange rates per 31 March 2025.
Guidance FY 2025
Tax level excluding effects related to divested businesses: around 26%.
Additions to property, plant and equipment: around BSEK 4.5 excluding separation of the Automotive business.
A webcast will be held on 25 April 2025 at 09:00 (CEST): Sweden: +46 (0)8 5051 0031 UK/International: +44 (0)207 107 0613 https://investors.skf.com
Aktiebolaget SKF (publ)
For further information, please contact: Press Relations: Carl Bjernstam, +46 31-337 2517; +46 722 201 893; carl.bjernstam@skf.com Investor Relations: Sophie Arnius, +46 31-337 8072; +46 705 908072; sophie.arnius@skf.com
The financial information in this press release contains inside information that AB SKF is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out above on 25 April 2025 at 07.30 CEST.
FUKUOKA, Japan, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EditForce, Inc. (Headquarters: Fukuoka, Japan) is pleased to announce that a research paper on the results of a joint study with the research group led by Professor Masayuki Nakamori of the Department of Neurology of the Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, and Professor Hideki Mochizuki of the Department of Neurology of the University of Osaka Graduate School of Medicine, was published in Science Translational Medicine on April 16, 2025 (Eastern Daylight Time).
In this study, it was demonstrated that a single administration of the jointly developed PPR protein (CUG-PPR1), which specifically binds to the abnormal RNA causing Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (hereinafter referred to as “the Disease”), resulted in long-term amelioration of muscle symptoms in mice, with minimal immune response and side effects.
The results of this study open the way for the development of treatments for the Disease, which currently has no fundamental cure, and are evaluated as demonstrating the innovativeness and efficacy of EditForce’s proprietary PPR platform technology. It will continue to strive in its R&D activities to deliver the treatment for the Disease to patients as quickly as possible.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is accelerating the global growth of its eponymous flagship brand, Ascott, under the company’s newly unveiled multi-typology strategy. Building on strong momentum in 2024, which saw eight new property signings – more than double the previous year’s total – the brand has continued its trajectory with three additional signings in the first four months of 2025. This brings the Ascott brand portfolio to over 80 properties with more than 17,400 units, both operational and in the pipeline, across 43 cities. Across all its 14 brands, Ascott’s global portfolio now totals over 990 properties with more than 170,000 units in 230 cities.
The newly signed Ascott Shenton Way Singapore is slated to be the brand’s second Ascott property within the central business district in Singapore – reinforcing the brand’s dominance in the central business districts of gateway cities around the world.
The three Ascott-branded properties added in 2025 are Ascott Ortigas Manila in the Philippines, Ascott Shenton Way Singapore in Singapore as well as the first Ascott property in Wenzhou, China. In 2024, signings were secured in Nanjing, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Wuhan and Wuxi, with Ascott Xuanwu Lake Nanjingopening the same year it was signed. The brand also entered Batam, Indonesia with the signing of Ascott Batam, and Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa. Ascott concluded 2024 with the signing of Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi Penang, reinforcing the brand’s presence in Malaysia.
Growing beyond its origins in serviced residences, the Ascott brand is adopting new typologies, including hotels with MICE facilities and branded residences. This underscores the brand’s commitment to offering a comprehensive suite of high-quality global living solutions, tailored for C-suite executives who value the art of fine living.
Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Ascott, said: “In the face of increasing economic uncertainty, Ascott’s flex-hybrid operating model is now reinforced with a multi-typology brand strategy. The core strength of the flex-hybrid model lies in its dual capability to serve transient, short-stays as well as extended, long-stay demand from a single operational framework. When strengthened by a multi-typology brand ecosystem, Ascott’s business model gains a unique competitive edge. This enables Ascott to respond dynamically to demand shifts not just by length of stay, but also by owner and guest profiles, and location offerings.”
“As seen from the signing momentum of our flagship Ascott brand across multiple typologies in recent months, this agility in response to dynamic macroeconomic conditions drives sustainable growth. By enhancing operational efficiency, deepening brand loyalty and ensuring adaptability in a dynamic travel landscape, it enables us to match the right brand and typology to each market, meeting demand with precision. For property owners, we offer flexible brand and typology combinations that optimise returns, supported by the strength and recognition of our portfolio for faster market traction. For guests, we deliver diverse accommodation options under the brands they know and trust, creating seamless and rewarding experiences. In a world where agility is the new currency of resilience, this flex-hybrid multi-typology strategy allows Ascott to mitigate downside risk in uncertain times, and to capture growth opportunities and upside potential when new demand corridors emerge,” added Mr Goh.
Expanding the Ascott Experience Across New Typologies Under the multi-typology brand strategy, the Ascott brand is broadening its horizons beyond serviced residences, with recent signings and upcoming openings that showcase an expanded portfolio of branded residences and full-service hotels with MICE facilities. Amid this evolution, Ascott stays true to its identity through a distinctive set of brand signatures that reflect its quiet expression of luxury. Timeless interiors, curated lobby art installations and elevated service delivered by the Ascott Artisan are hallmarks of the guest experience. Signature offerings such as Themed Suites and the Ascott Soiree – a cultural initiative spotlighting performing, visual, culinary and couture arts – further immerse guests in the soul of each destination. Together, these elements define Ascott as a sanctuary of fine living, thoughtfully designed for C-suite executives.
Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “Rather than creating separate brands for each market segment, we extend our well-established brands – including Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection and The Unlimited Collection – across diverse accommodation types, ranging from limited select-service to luxury full-service operations. Guided by our brand promise to empower our loyal guests to ‘Stay Your Way’, this multi-typology strategy offers tailored global living solutions to address the diverse travel needs of our guests. It is however more than an operationally adaptive strategy to ensure we deliver a consistent and high-quality brand experience worldwide. It is also a revenue-centric model to extend our market reach and enhance our strategic resilience through yield management and distribution efficiencies. By swiftly tailoring the brand presence and reallocating the service mix based on our multi-typology brand strategy, Ascott is honing our agility to meet the dynamic patterns in travel and guest behaviour.”
Branded Residences A notable milestone in this expansion is Ascott’s first branded residence, Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi Penang, located along the picturesque coastline between the prestigious residential area of Tanjung Bungah and the popular resort destination of Batu Ferringhi in Penang, Malaysia. Set to launch for sale this year by Malaysian developer Instant Icon Sdn Bhd, the greenfield development will feature 99 exclusive residential apartments that fuse refined architectural design with artistic expression. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the property will offer a mix of expansive units ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, topped with an 8,000-square-foot penthouse that epitomises elevated coastal living.
Hotels The newly signed Ascott Shenton Way Singapore is located within a 29-storey green sanctuary in the heart of Singapore’s central business district. Slated to be the brand’s third Ascott property in Singapore and the second within the central business district, Ascott Shenton Way Singapore will house 137 units spanning a variety of room configurations that accommodate both short- and extended-stay guests. Facilities include bespoke wellness offerings, a resident’s lounge, meeting spaces, an all-day dining restaurant, lobby café, gym, spa and swimming pool, complemented by garden terraces that bring nature into the urban core.
Full-Service Hotels with MICE Facilities Ascott will open its first all-villa hotel, Ascott Villas Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia in July 2025. Located near King Abdullah Financial Street, Riyadh’s financial hub, the property will offer a curated collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom villas, some with private pools. The hotel will also feature four versatile meeting rooms and executive boardrooms, a restaurant, swimming pool, gym and tennis court – blending business functionality with luxury living.
Ascott Villas Riyadh will open as the brand’s first all-villa hotel in Saudi Arabia come July 2025. Located near the financial hub at King Abdullah Financial Street, Ascott Villas Riyadh will offer a curated collection of villas, some equipped with private pools.
In Vietnam, Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi is set to host meetings and events ahead of its grand opening in 2026. Located by the iconic West Lake in Hanoi’s Tay Ho District, the venue features The Sense Tay Ho Convention Centre, offering 14 flexible event spaces, including the city’s largest pillarless hotel Grand Ballroom, with a capacity for 2,000 guests. The property will also house 618 hotel rooms and serviced apartments, along with premium wellness amenities such as a spa, gym, swimming pool and yoga rooms. Guests will enjoy an exceptional culinary experience at the upscale dining destination, featuring over 10 diverse cuisines, expertly crafted by Michelin-starred and world-renowned chefs. The venue will also feature a stunning sky bar, providing a perfect setting to unwind and take in breathtaking views.
An upcoming new landmark situated by the iconic West Lake in Hanoi’s Tay Ho District, Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi will house 618 hotel rooms and serviced apartments, alongside with premium wellness amenities as well as a dining haven featuring over 10 diverse cuisines expertly crafted by Michelin-starred and world-renowned chefs. The venue will also feature a stunning sky bar, providing a perfect setting to unwind and take in breathtaking views.
Further expanding in the full-service hospitality service space, Ascott signed Ascott Ortigas Manila in March 2025, marking a strategic addition in the Philippines. Located in the heart of Metro Manila’s Ortigas business district, the property will re-open under the Ascott brand after full renovation, offering 232 units and 1,700 square metres of event space, alongside a spa, gym, swimming pool, resident’s lounge and two dining concepts.
Bringing Destinations to Life Through Art with Ascott Soirée Amidst a wave of exciting growth, Ascott is presenting a new annual edition of its signature brand programme, Ascott Soirée, an immersive celebration of art, culture and refined living. Designed to elevate the guest experience, the programme transforms each property into a living gallery through curated in-property experiences and exclusive local collaborations. From live performances and visual art to haute couture and world-class cuisine, guests enjoy a multi-sensory journey into the art of living well by celebrating fine craftsmanship.
Added Ms Tan: “With the growing demand for experiential travel, today’s guests are looking for more than just a place to stay – they seek meaningful cultural connections. Ascott Soirée reflects our commitment to delivering immersive experiences that go beyond the stay. The programme offers privileged access to exclusive performances, bespoke culinary moments and one-of-a-kind artistic encounters. Just as importantly, it celebrates the visionaries behind them – the artists, curators and craftspeople who bring each destination’s story to life. Through creative collaborations around the world, Ascott Soirée brings heartfelt, arts-inspired experiences that enrich every stay with authenticity and soul. Surrounded by culture and refinement, Ascott guests find themselves at the intersection of artistry and elevated living, where every moment is thoughtfully designed.”
In Singapore, guests of Ascott Orchard Singapore can immerse themselves in Singapore’s vibrant performing arts scene through a Mother’s Day Concert that will be performed by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at the nearby Singapore Botanic Gardens. The concert will offer an evening of classical music by local talents, fostering a deeper connection with the city’s fine arts landscape. Over in Tokyo, Japan, Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo has collaborated with Tokyo Takahashi Kobo and Traditional Woodblock Print Craftsmen’s Association, on an art exhibition. Guests will discover the refined beauty of Edo-period prints and the masterful craftsmanship behind them alongside modern interpretations that breathe new life into this cherished tradition. At Ascott Fengyishan Shenzhen in China, the art of tea takes centrestage as guests will enjoy opportunities to learn traditional tea making techniques and tea culture as an intangible cultural heritage.
For the full list of activations and upcoming experiences under Ascott Soiree, please visit: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/ascottsoiree.Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #Hospitality #Growth #Strategy #Brand
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Ascott Limited
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 990 properties across 230 cities in over 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Fox, Harris, POP!, Preference, Quest, Vertu and Yello.
Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.
As a wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott generates fee-related earnings by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 December 2024, CLI had S$136 billion of assets under management, as well as S$117 billion of funds under management held via stakes in seven listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres, private credit and special opportunities.
CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm. In 2025, CapitaLand Group celebrates 25 years of excellence in real estate and continues to innovate and shape the industry.
As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
Reflecting the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s cultural identity and reinforcing its standing as a premier destination for global events
A significant 55% of respondents were aware of the Super March campaign, with social media serving as the primary source of information
72% of respondents believe the “Super March” campaign will invigorate the city’s economy
The successful execution of these events demonstrates Hong Kong’s capacity to host mega events that attract international audiences and foster economic development
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – In March, Hong Kong came alive with the “Super March” campaign, a bold initiative by the Hong Kong Tourism Board that celebrated world-class sports, arts, and entertainment. Events such as the Rugby Sevens, Art Basel, Art Central, and ComplexCon not only showcased the city’s vibrant cultural scene but also reinforced its status as a dynamic hub for art and culture, both regionally and globally. A recent survey by MDRi, a leading business and consumer insights provider, highlights public sentiment regarding these mega events and their implications for the broader economy.
The survey, conducted immediately after the events, polled 1,000 respondents from Hong Kong’s general population. It aimed to measure awareness, participation, and feedback on the four flagship events of Super March. The results highlight Hong Kong’s rich cultural identity and its potential for economic revitalization.
Public Awareness and Engagement of the Super March Campaign
A significant 55% of respondents were aware of the Super March campaign, with social media being the primary source of information (see figures 1a & 1b). Among the events, Rugby Sevens emerged as the clear favorite, achieving an impressive 89% awareness and drawing 24% of the surveyed population (figures 2a & 2b).
Rugby Sevens: The Crown Jewel of Hong Kong
Rugby Sevens emerged as the marquee event, receiving positive ratings from 91% of attendees. Contributing factors included the state-of-the-art facilities at Kai Tak Stadium (64% satisfaction), the quality of competition and entertainment (44%), and effective event organization (37%). Awareness of key sponsors, such as Cathay and HSBC, was notably high at 89%. These sponsors enjoyed strong positive sentiment, with Cathay earning a 4.1 out of 5 rating and HSBC a commendable 4.2.
Art Basel Hong Kong: An Artistic Feast
Art Basel attracted a wealthier audience, boasting the highest average personal income (HKD 44K) and liquid assets (HKD 2.74 million, see table 1) among all events. A striking 86% of attendees rated their experience positively, with over 73% praising the quality of the artwork and exhibits. The event reinforces Hong Kong’s reputation as a major global art center alongside New York, London and Paris. Awareness of the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s sponsorship reached 74%, while UBS garnered recognition from 66% of respondents, earning a positive rating of 4 out of 5. “Art Basel not only showcased incredible artwork from global artists but also highlighted Hong Kong as a global art destination,” noted an art enthusiast.
Art Central: Carving a Niche
Despite modest awareness (26%), Art Central impressed attendees with its facilities (72% positive rating), quality of artwork (57%), and organization (44%). Over 80% provided glowing feedback, signaling its potential to carve out a niche in Hong Kong’s artistic landscape. Awareness of the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s sponsorship reached 76%, with 50% recognizing UOB as a partner, who received a favorable rating of 3.9 out of 5. “Art Central is a good complement to Art Basel and serves as a showcase for both established and emerging Asian artists,” remarked a visitor.
ComplexCon: Engaging the Next Generation
ComplexCon distinguished itself by attracting the largest share of Gen Z attendees (45%) among the key March events (figure 7). Despite a 21% awareness level, attendee enthusiasm was evident, with 89% expressing satisfaction and 87% indicating a desire to return. Its contemporary vibe positions ComplexCon as a forward-thinking platform for younger demographics. Awareness of HSBC as the key sponsor was 68%, with a positive rating of 4.1 out of 5, and 47% recognized the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s sponsorship.
The Bigger Picture: Economic Sentiments and Future Outlook
The survey reveals promising optimism about Hong Kong’s economic future. Notably, 72% of respondents believe the “Super March” campaign will invigorate the city’s economy, with 91% identifying Rugby Sevens as the event with the highest economic impact (figures 8a & 8b). The successful execution of these events demonstrates Hong Kong’s capacity to host mega events that attract international audiences and foster economic development. Major sponsors, including Cathay, HSBC, UBS, and UOB, received positive ratings, underscoring their critical roles and the success of their sponsorship in driving brand awareness and fostering positive sentiment towards their brands.
Super March has proven to be more than just a festive celebration; it serves as a model for revitalization, showcasing Hong Kong’s role on the global stage. The momentum generated during the month lays a strong foundation for the city’s continued post-pandemic recovery, emphasizing its unique blend of sports, arts, and culture.
Simon Tye, CEO of MDRi, said, “The success of Super March not only reflects the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s cultural identity but also reinforces its standing as a premier destination for global events, driving both cultural exchange and economic growth.” He added, “The commitment of the Hong Kong Tourism Board and its sponsors to promoting our city is clearly reflected in the success of Super March.”
Hong Kong is poised for resurgence as a center of excellence in arts, culture, sports, and entertainment. With sustained investment in infrastructure and targeted promotional strategies that embrace innovation and exciting offerings, the city is well-positioned to bring joy to its residents while attracting global audiences and fostering economic growth.
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About The Mishcon de Reya Group
The Mishcon de Reya Group is an independent, international professional services business with law at its heart, employing over 1450 people, with over 650 lawyers. It includes the law firm Mishcon de Reya LLP and a collection of leading consultancy businesses that complement the firm’s legal services.
Mishcon de Reya LLP is based in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore and Hong Kong (through its association with Karas So LLP). The firm services an international community of clients, and provides advice in situations where the constraints of geography often do not apply. Its work is cross-border, multi-jurisdictional and complex, spanning seven core practice areas: Corporate; Dispute Resolution; Employment; Impact; Innovation; Private; and Real Estate.
The Mishcon de Reya Group includes consultancy businesses MDR Discover, MDR Mayfair (in London, Singapore and Dubai), MDR ONE, MDRi (in Hong Kong), and MDRx. The Group also includes MDR Lab, which invests in the most promising early-stage legaltech companies, as well as the Mishcon Academy, its in-house place of learning and platform for thought leadership.
Earlier this year, the Group announced its first strategic acquisition in the alternative legal services market, flexible legal resourcing business Flex Legal. It also acquired a majority stake in Somos, a global group actions management business.
About MDRi
Based in Hong Kong, and with operations in London and Singapore, MDRi is a leading provider of business insights, empowering organizations with data-driven advice to make informed decisions and drive growth.
Through advanced analytics, industry expertise, and innovative methodologies, MDRi uncovers strategic opportunities, mitigates risks, and helps businesses stay ahead in a rapidly evolving marketplace. With a commitment to excellence and client-centricity, MDRi is revolutionizing the way organizations harness insights for success.
Thailand and Cambodia’s new agreement to combat transnational crime must not come at the expense of human rights, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on 22 April, ahead of a high-profile diplomatic meeting between the two countries in Phnom Penh.
During the summit, held on 23 April, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced plans to dismantle organised criminal networks and enhance joint operations along their shared border.
Key measures include strengthening security cooperation, improving intelligence sharing, conducting landmine clearance, and deepening military collaboration.
The agreement comes amid growing concern from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that criminal syndicates are rapidly expanding beyond their traditional bases in Southeast Asia to new operations across Africa, South America, Europe, and Pacific islands.
In their recent meetings, both leaders further committed to strengthening defense collaboration, sharing intelligence, and tackling cross-border crimes like cybercrime and human trafficking. They also emphasized closer military cooperation for border stability and peace.
“We will strengthen our security partnership. We agreed to promote closer military cooperation at all levels to maintain peace and stability along our common border,” Paetongtarn said.
Both countries also agreed to facilitate cross-border tourism, conduct demining operations, and formalize labor protections for Cambodian workers in Thailand.