2023 TVs and sound devices showcase the latest innovations in premium audio and visual performances for homes of all sizes

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 6 April 2023 – Samsung Electronics unveiled its 2023 lineup of Neo QLED 8K, Samsung OLED, Lifestyle TVs and sound devices at its Unbox & Discover 2023 Singapore launch held at the Digital Light Canvas at Marina Bay Sands. The event will also be opened to the public on 7 and 8 April, where visitors can partake in exciting activities, including docent-led tours and gaming challenges to experience the WOW with the new lineup.

Under the tagline of “More Wow than Ever”, this year’s lineup showcases the latest innovations in premium audio and visual performances, gaming experiences, smart connectivity and sustainability initiatives for homes of all sizes. Samsung will also introduce more larger-sized TVs (75-inch and up) this year.

In a recent consumer survey conducted at the Samsung TV Tech Fair[1]:

• 57% of respondents staying in a HDB flat and 51% staying in a condominium felt that a 75-inch TV was too big for their living rooms.
• However, following a demonstration of optimal TV viewing distance[2], 84% of respondents living in HDBs and 90% of those living in condominiums are convinced that a 75-inch TV would fit in their living room.

“We understand that technology should empower and enhance people’s lives, not complicate them. For homeowners in Singapore, the TV continues to be a staple for entertainment in their living space – be it for streaming or gaming. Our recent study conducted at the Samsung TV Tech Fair showed that respondents clearly underestimated the size of their living rooms. As such, Samsung is introducing a larger size option for our OLED TV line, as well as continuing larger sized screens for our premium Neo QLED and QLED lineup,” said Steven Koh, Senior Director, Consumer Electronics Business (TV/AV), Samsung Electronics Singapore.

“Beyond making large screen sizes and premium picture quality more accessible than ever, openness and connectivity are also key for our 2023 range. Consumers can expect a holistic device experience tailored to what they need and want out of their connected home with our SmartThings capabilities,” Koh added.

Samsung 2023 TV Line-up: More Screen Choices for All Homes
At Unbox & Discover 2023, Samsung unveiled TV and AV products designed to deliver premium experiences that address different entertainment needs.

Experience more WOW than ever with Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K TV lineup, with incredible picture quality with an Infinity design making it virtually bezel and border-free for an edge-to-edge 8K picture. With ground-breaking technologies like Auto HDR Remastering and 8K AI upscaling, the QN900C is impressing industry experts and reviewers alike.

The QN900C sits at the top of Samsung’s premium Neo QLED 8K lineup, and is a standout model in the premium TV category. Samsung is speaking to its efforts in expanding the 8K ecosystem by working closely with various partners, including the 8K Association, to introduce more ways to enjoy native 8K content. Plus, it offers upgraded sound with Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony 3.0 to further envelope viewers in every single scene.

Alternatively, consumers can choose to opt for Samsung’s Neo QLED 4K lineup, which also offers excellent picture quality, as well as support for 144Hz refresh rate[3] – making it a solid screen choice for users who are seeking an immersive, tabletop screen for fast-action games or content. For consumers who are looking to improve their productivity, the addition of the Samsung SlimFit Cam[4] allows users to easily turn their Neo QLED 4K TVs into a video conferencing facility with Google Meet.

For consumers who prefer OLED screens, Samsung’s 2023 Samsung OLED lineup brings immaculate picture quality to homes in a sleek design. To provide consumers with even more viewing options, Samsung’s 2023 OLED lineup is now available in 55-, 65- and the new 77-inch models.

The 2023 Samsung OLED 4K TV portfolio offers immaculate colour accuracy through Neural Quantum Processor 4K’s perceptional colour mapping – making it the “World’s First Pantone-Validated HDR OLED[5]“. Samsung OLED TV boasts true blacks and stunningly natural pictures with perfect contrast and colour expression. The expanded line-up also supports 144Hz refresh rate, making it a solid screen choice for action-packed content.

Samsung OLED TVs also look good for any contemporary home designs. The flagship S95C OLED TV features a sleek design with Samsung’s signature Infinity One design, while the LaserSlim design of the S90C model has a touch of sophisticated metal finish that elevates any home.

Putting Gaming at the Forefront with Unparalleled Gaming Experience
With easier access to screens, more consumers are turning to games to de-stress and relax. According to the recent Samsung Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) Gaming Insight Study, majority of Singaporean gamers (55%) are playing and watching gaming content at least once a week. 1 in 10 are hardcore gamers, who play and watch gaming content multiple times a day.

Amongst gamers in Singapore, the TV continues to be a key device to enhance their gaming experience, with 63% of gamers utilising it for gaming purposes. Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K to OLED TVs not only bring video and photo content to life in ultra-high resolution, but also gaming experiences to a next level.

With support of up to 144Hz refresh rate across different screen types and sizes, PC and console gamers will be able to level up the gaming experience in any room at home, giving them boosted performance to never miss a single frame.

In addition to its advanced features for viewing experiences, the 2023 lineup also offers gamer-centric features such as Game Bar, which places gamer controls front and centre and can make all the difference between winning and losing in competitive gameplay.[6] Features such as Mini Map Zoom is a great tool for open world games, while Virtual Aim Point which provides gamers precision for first person shooter games.

Consumers who participate in early order of selected new TV models[7] before 17 April will also have the choice of opting for an Xbox Series S bundle gift to fully enjoy immersive gaming visuals and audio when paired with a Samsung TV.

Complement Screens with Unbeatable Aural Experience
A complete entertainment experience is not only delivered through visuals, but also through audio experiences that bring viewers closer to the action.

For consumers seeking a more complete sound experience, the new flagship Q Series (HW-Q990C) will offer 11.1.4 channels of sound supporting Dolby Atmos. In fact, the soundbar features the world’s first built-in wireless Samsung TV-to-soundbar Dolby Atmos connection. This allows both the screen and the soundbar speakers to produce outstanding audio experiences, without distracting cables.

This year, Samsung’s flagship TV and soundbar offer Sound Remastering, which utilises AI to remaster each sound object to ensure voices are clear, environmental sounds are totally enveloping and that each component is just the right volume. Plus, the new iteration of Q-Symphony provides an evolved paired sound between the TV and soundbar, by way of the soundbar tapping into the TV’s Neural Processing Unit to analyse audio signals and process each sound for more detail.

Putting People and Planet at the Centre of our Innovation
Samsung is also committed to delivering connected tech experiences and eco-conscious practices that make life easier and better for consumers.

To provide increased convenience when setting up their smart homes, Samsung devices are integrated with SmartThings that enables users to easily connect their device in just one step.

In addition, Samsung is putting sustainability first – from product sourcing to production, distribution, use and recycling, utilising various technologies, to create sustainable products that contribute to building a healthier planet for future generations. (Further details on Samsung’s connected and sustainability offering available in the appendix.)

Unbox & Discover at Marina Bay Sands
On 7 and 8 April, consumers can visit the Unbox & Discover event held at Marina Bay Sands’ Digital Light Canvas (located at B2 of The Shoppes) to experience the new TV and sound devices line-up.

During the two-day roadshow, visitors can learn more about the products and how they are perfect for home entertainment and gaming experiences through docent-led tours (daily at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm). Visitors can also win prizes by participating in the 360 Videobooth, or the Xbox Game Challenge: Football Fiesta.

Early Order Promotions
Consumers who participate in the early order for the QN900C, QN90C or S95C from now till 17 April will enjoy the following gifts with purchase, as well as free wall-mounting service[8]:

For more information about the 2023 TV and sound devices line-up, please visit www.samsung.com/sg.

APPENDIX : SAMSUNG’S CONNECTED AND SUSTAINABILITY APPROACHES

1 – True, One Samsung Experience
Samsung’s 2023 TVs will be equipped with Smart Hub[9] – the centrepiece of the connected home experience that brings together Entertainment, Ambient options, and SmartThings all in one place. Committed to the need to make smart device connectivity easier and more intuitive, users can connect to and control various SmartThings supported devices and appliances from their 2023 Neo QLED TV[10].

With the SmartThings Zigbee & Matter Thread One-Chip Module built directly into the TVs, there is also no need for users to purchase a separate SmartThings dongle. SmartThings seamlessly syncs and offers easier control of compatible Samsung and third-party appliances and IoT devices, enhancing convenience through connectivity.

2 – Eco-conscious practices that make life easier and better for users
Earlier last year, Samsung announced its new environmental strategy, a comprehensive effort to join global efforts to tackle climate change.

Samsung is leading the way with three innovative approaches to sustainability: Turning carbon dioxide (CO2) into recycled materials, using fewer materials, and upcycling products and packaging.

• Samsung’s 2023 TVs, monitors, and remote controls use recycled resin made of at least 50% recycled materials.[11]
• In addition, Samsung has made significant efforts to ensure it is offering sustainable packaging from the box to the wrappers.
• Samsung has also developed AI Energy Mode that helps users monitor energy consumption and usage patterns, putting them in control of themselves. AI Energy Mode feature even analyses the content playing on the screen to reduce power consumption without distracting one from the content.
• Samsung’s third generation SolarCell Remote uses fewer materials and is more compact. It is also free of licensing, allowing any manufacturer to join Samsung on the journey in making the world a more eco-conscious place.

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

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

Backbase’s Engagement Banking Platform powers both retail and business banking

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 6 April 2023 – Backbase, the global leader in Engagement Banking, has partnered An Binh Bank (ABBANK) to transform the banking experiences for millions of Vietnamese customers. Supported by their local partner CMC Technology and Solution, Backbase will deliver the full suite of the Engagement Banking Platform, which encompasses Digital Onboarding, Digital Banking, Digital Assist and Digital Engage. The platform will enable omni-channel banking, increase ease in customer acquisition, retention, cross-sell, hyper-personalization, and improve customer servicing through a 360 degree unified customer view for ABBANK retail banking and business banking lines of business.

ABBANK is a bank with the vision to enable modernizing of customer experiences. ABBANK set a five-year digital transformation strategy in 2021 with the mission to deliver a new level of customer experience in digital channels and to strengthen digital products and services enabled by an advanced digital banking platform. ABBANK also has partnered with McKinsey Vietnam to design a technological architecture and long-term implementation plan.

Le Thi Bich Phuong, CEO, ABBANK said, “Omnichannel banking is not only a trend, but also a necessary service for banks to keep up with the increasingly diverse needs of users, which are rapidly changing along with the progress of technology. In cooperation with experienced partners such as Backbase and CMC in this project, ABBANK expects to optimize the customer’s experience across different customer segments for Corporate and Retail clients, as well as transform the customer’s experience in digital sales across different customer’s touchpoints”

“With the plan to launch Omnichannel Banking, ABBANK’s customers will experience financial services in a seamless, synchronous and transparent manner across all touchpoints. Meanwhile, ABBANK will also be able to strengthen its capability in customer’s data management, operation efficiency resulted in improvement in competitive advantage for ABBANK in the market,” Ms. Phuong elaborated.

ABBANK chose Backbase because of the differentiated value the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform brings. Taking the platform approach unlocks the Bank towards a faster path in establishing fundamentals to creating a unique and customer-centric experience. Backbase’s platform empowers the Bank to own, manage and create accelerated builds upon the platform, which will provide the long-term strategic advantage for the Bank to focus on improving business operation efficiency, time to market, and upskilling employees’ digital development. The Bank’s Transformation and Digital Banking Committee recognized speed to market and scalability are critical to meet the Bank’s vision and transformation goals. The platform is built on microservices and APIs to deliver not only essential but also advanced banking journeys in real-time; the platform is designed to orchestrate the most complex requests into frictionless experiences across digital channels and through the entire customer lifecycle.

“ABBANK has taken the fundamental step to architect omnichannel banking around the needs of their customers by leveraging on the Backbase Engagement Platform to unify data and journeys across different lines of business, channels and banking products,” Riddhi Dutta, Regional Vice President, Asia, Backbase said. “In this region, Vietnam is set to take the lead in digital banking usage for the next 3 years; it is imperative for banks to harness scalable and agile architecture and be empowered to dynamically execute against shifting customer needs while continuing to deliver the highest standard in digital customer experience.”

ABBANK has been working closely with long-time business partner CMC TS, a leading technology solution and service provider to ensure the project’s objectives were achieved within the time and budget allowed. With deep expertise and insights of the banking industry and data and integration solutions, CMC TS has assigned a team of digital banking professionals, project manager, solution architects, application developers and quality assurance manager to support ABBANK in creating a secure and user-friendly digital banking platform.

“We are delighted to partner with ABBANK to accelerate their digital transformation with the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform. CMC TS believes that this platform will help ABBANK to improve every aspect of the customer experience,” Nguyen Trung Chinh, CMC Chairman shared.

Accredited as a “Best Place to Work” in Asia by HR Asia, ABBANK is leading the way in upskilling the Vietnamese banking talent pool. In addition to investing in engagement banking, ABBANK organized more than 670 training courses for 88.000 trainees and provided 219.360 training hours in 2022. This project will open up job opportunities and retraining opportunities within ABBANK for talents passionate about the opportunity to reshape the customer banking experience through leveraging the technology in Vietnam.

Hashtag: #engagementbanking #digitalbanking #digitaltransformation #omnichannelbanking #customerexperience #CX #customerengagement

https://www.linkedin.com/company/backbase/

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

Backbase

Backbase is on a mission to re-architect banking around the customer.

Backbase created the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform – a unified platform with the customer at the center, empowering banks to accelerate their digital transformation. From customer onboarding, to servicing, loyalty, and loan origination, our single platform — open and frictionless, with ready-to-go apps — improves every aspect of the customer experience. Built from the ground up with the customer at the heart, our Engagement Banking Platform easily plugs into existing core banking systems and comes pre-integrated with the latest fintechs so financial institutions can innovate at scale.

Industry analysts Gartner, Omdia, and IDC continuously recognize Backbase’s category leadership position. Over 150 financials around the world have embraced the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform. In APAC, the customers we serve include ABBANK, BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, EastWest Bank, HDFC, IDFC First, JudoBank, Techcombank, TPBank, and UBank.

Backbase is a privately funded fintech company, founded in 2003 in Amsterdam (Global HQ), with regional offices in Singapore (APAC HQ), Atlanta (Americas HQ), and operations in Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Latin America, and the UK.

ABBANK

An Binh Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ABBANK) was established on May 13, 1993, with a vision to be one of the leading joint stock commercial banks in Vietnam, focusing on retail banking.

Pursuing the strategy associated with stable and efficient business operation with the motto “offering the best services to the highest satisfaction of the customers is the center of all business activities,” during the 30 years of development, ABBANK has always been rated as a prestigious bank, a reliable destination for customers, partners and investors.

ABBANK focuses on improving service quality with the professional, dedicated personnel resource; develops effective, efficient and flexible financial solutions; improvement of physical facilities and expand the network of at transaction points in nationwide. With these efforts bring more added value and experience outstanding financial services to customers.

Not only focusing on sustainable business activities, ABBANK also has made a good impression on a community-friendly and active bank, towards sustainable — long-term development for the whole society through investment activities in education, health, talent promotion and “green living” campaigns are carried out across the country.

CMC Technology and Solution (CMC TS)

CMC TS, founded in 1993, is a leading IT solutions & services provider in Vietnam. CMC TS offers cloud computing and digital transformation solutions, data services, IT system management services and cyber security solutions to public sector, banks, financial institutes and enterprises.

With 1000+ employees and 100+ ecosystem partners, CMC TS enables our customers to harness the power of the technology at scale and transform their businesses. CMC TS also invests in researching and developing new technologies such as cloud, Big Data, AI, IoT…

Coverage for Household Contents up to HK$1,300,000 Incorporating Green Elements and Rewarding BEAM Plus Property with Supermarket e-Cash Coupons

In view of the ageing building in Hong Kong, the Plan covers building age up to 55 years, thereby providing coverage for a wider group of customers. HomeElite comes in 3 plan levels with premiums based on the size of premises which flexibly fits the needs and budget of Hong Kong families. Optional benefits such as Top-up Cover for Public Liability (Basic Benefits), All-risk Coverage for Building and Additional Valuables benefits are available for customers to choose from.

Ms Bonnie Tse, CEO of Blue Cross, said, “Blue Cross is committed to providing customers with comprehensive protection in all aspects of life. We understand that home is important to everyone, and is the place where it brings endless joy, love and treasured memories. As such, we launch the new HomeElite to help customers protect their most valuable assets in life. The Plan not only provides comprehensive home protection, but also includes extended coverage and additional benefits as well as green elements which are in line with our company’s goal of promoting sustainable development. Customers can add optional benefits for additional protection according to their needs. This product is all-round and flexible that can meet the needs of different families.”

The above product information of HomeElite does not include full version of terms and conditions. Please refer to the policy for detailed terms and conditions. For more details, please visit https://www.bluecross.com.hk/ch/epromotion/AIA_GIProducts/latest or contact AIA Hong Kong Financial Planners who have been registered as Blue Cross’ agents or call 2839 6333.

“AIA Hong Kong & Macau”, “AIA Hong Kong”, “AIA Macau” or “the Company” herein refers to the Hong Kong Branch and/or Macau Branch of AIA International Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability).

“Hong Kong” and “Macau” herein refer to “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” and “Macao Special Administrative Region”, respectively.

Disclaimers:

• This press release is for distribution in Hong Kong only. The distribution of this press release is not and shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or a provision of any insurance product outside Hong Kong.
• Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. It is not affiliated with or related in any way to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association or any of its affiliates or licensees.

Hashtag: #bluecrosshk #homeinsurance #homeelite

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

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited (“Blue Cross”) is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. With over 50 years of operational experience in the insurance industry, Blue Cross provides a comprehensive range of products and services including medical, travel and general insurance, which cater to the needs of both individual and corporate customers. Blue Cross distributes its products through various channels, including AIA agency force, online platform, direct sales, BEA network, insurance agents and brokers, as well as travel agencies.

In 2023, Blue Cross is assigned a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a+” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, a global full-service credit rating firm specialising in the financial service industry. For the latest rating, please access www.ambest.com.

The Education University of Hong Kong chooses Sennheiser’s TCC 2 for its e-learning Pedagogy Space (ePS) to provide a flexible and premium hybrid learning experience

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 6 April 2023 – Digital learning activities have always been an integral part of teaching innovations at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK). With the challenges posed by the pandemic, there has been a pressing need to cater for the huge increase in demand for high quality hybrid learning. EdUHK realised there was a need to equip their classrooms with better audio solutions to enhance the hybrid learning experience and Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) was the answer they were looking for. Installed in EdUHK’s new e-learning Pedagogy Space (ePS), the TCC 2 elevates the quality of teaching and learning experiences for both staff and students.

Located in Tai Po, Hong Kong, EdUHK is the largest tertiary institution for teacher education in Hong Kong. It is renowned for its diverse academic and research programmes that nurture future educators. EdUHK sits atop a 12.5-hectare campus, and caters to over 7,600 students, as well as more than 1,700 staff and faculty members.

The ePS is a new concept introduced by Prof Tsui Kwok-tung, Professor (Practice) of Department of Curriculum and Instruction at EdUHK. Prior to the renovation, the original room was a Learning and Teaching Lab for in-service and pre-service teachers. However, its effectiveness was limited by its audio set-up. With only one microphone available at any one time, people had to raise their voices or pass around the microphone to ask questions or deliver presentations.

The ePS incorporates both face-to-face and online learning in a synchronous class. However, audio delays and technical issues can stifle conversations and cause both online and in-person students to disengage. Prof Tsui felt that it is vital for the ePS to fulfil two requirements: first of all, it should enable teachers to create and maintain dynamic dialogue between in-person and online students; secondly, it should support different classroom settings. Be it a class, lecture, group discussion, or conference, there should be flexibility in the layout without affecting the audio quality. All in all, audio quality is crucial to the success of the ePS.

TCC 2 – a top of mind solution to meet the changing needs
Mr Chow Lap Tak is EdUHK’s Computer Officer at the Office of the Chief Information Officer. He was responsible for the AV systems in the upgrading of the ePS. Sennheiser’s TCC 2 was the first thing that came to his mind when he understood what the ePS needed. He had used TCC 2 before, and knew its powerful versatility.

Sennheiser’s TCC 2 proved to be the perfect audio solution for EdUHK. Its TruVoicelift, increases the speech intelligibility and ensures that students and lecturers can be heard clearly from every corner of the room. TCC 2’s automatic beamforming technology and its 28 inbuilt omnidirectorial microphone capsules can scan the entire room and automatically identify the position of the speaker. With Sennheiser’s TCC 2, users of the ePS can now enjoy clear, flexible, outstanding audio quality.

“TCC 2 delivers excellent audio quality. We are very impressed with its pick-up range, pattern, and response. It is also simple to use and does not require manual configuration each time. Paired with Sennheiser’s Control Cockpit software, we can now monitor and manage the microphones that are within the network,” added Mr Chow.

The Education University of Hong Kong: Taking hybrid learning experiences to the next level with Sennheiser
Another great advantage of TCC 2 is its compatibility with Zoom and other conferencing platforms. This greatly simplifies the process of setting up such apps. Teachers and students can now focus on their main goals – teaching and learning in a well-equipped environment.

“TCC 2 has made hybrid teaching and learning possible. It used to be a challenge to take care of both the needs of students in the ePS and those participating virtually. Previously, when the lecturer walked around the room, the students participating online were not be able to hear him clearly. However, if the lecturer focused too much on online students, the engagement level in the room suffered. With TCC 2, this is no longer an issue,” said Prof Tsui.

Mr Chow believes that lecturers and students are happy with the installation of TCC 2. “It has truly improved the learning and teaching experiences in the classroom.”

Hashtag: #Sennheiser #EdUHK #EducationUniversityOfHongKong #TCC2 #IT #BusinessCommunication #Education #classroom #sound #quality

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

About the Sennheiser brand

We live and breathe audio. We are driven by the passion to create audio solutions that make a difference. Building the future of audio and bringing remarkable sound experiences to our customers – this is what the Sennheiser brand has represented for more than 75 years. While professional audio solutions such as microphones, meeting solutions, streaming technologies and monitoring systems are part of the business of Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG, the business with consumer devices such as headphones, soundbars and speech-enhanced hearables is operated by Sonova Holding AG under the license of Sennheiser.

www.sennheiser.com
www.sennheiser-hearing.com

For the brand’s 30th anniversary, Casablanca is joined by Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Fashion and Textiles and Cotton Incorporated to organise the first-ever Bedding Design Competition. Through this unique collaboration, the three main organisers hope to motivate the knowledge practice of local students and create participation opportunities in product design within a platform that demonstrates their strengths and skill sets. Helping to enrich personal experiences, this competition also promotes healthy competition and, at the same time, maintains the continuous evolution of the fashion, textiles, and design industry by working with a younger generation for a more sustainable industry in the future.

A long-time leading brand within the industry, Casablanca has always been committed to pursuing continuous technological improvement and product innovation. This competition allowed Casablanca to allocate resources to design students to support the growth and enthusiasm of talents within Hong Kong’s home textiles industry. Held on 31 March, 2023, the competition showcased a selection of design works by participating students and named 6 students as competition winners in an official award ceremony. They include Sin Siu Shan awarded Gold, Wong Mei Wai awarded Silver, Chan Hong Ni awarded Bronze, along with 3 Honorable Mentions. Winners received cash prizes, with first place receiving HK$20,000 along with their design to be sold across all stores and online in October, second place with HK$10,000, third with HK$8,000, and HK$1,000 for all the honourable merit awardees.

Hosted under the theme of “Leading Sleep Technology, Transcending into a Sustainable New Generation”, the competition coincides with Casablanca’s 30th Anniversary. It keeps to the brand’s overarching concept of green living and protects the environment through the design and innovation of sleep products informed by big data analysis. The use of new materials or technology founded through professional development in the industry fortifies Casablanca’s position as a leading expert in sleep technology.

Hashtag: #Casablanca

https://www.facebook.com/CasablancaHK
https://www.instagram.com/casablancahk/

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

About Casablanca

Established in 1993, Casablanca is a leading home textiles company engaged in the design, production, distribution, and retailing of bedding products founded as Casablanca Group Limited (incorporated in the Cayman Islands). Casablanca Group Limited has been listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since 2012 (Stock Code: 2223). The Group is headquartered in Hong Kong and adheres to the design concept of “Fashion, Creativity, and Functionality”, with a commitment to the research and promotion of healthy sleep. It operates mainly in three proprietary brands – Casablanca, Casa Calvin, and CASA-V – with a unique artistic Italian aesthetic to create stylish European-style homes.

About Cotton Incorporated

Cotton Incorporated is a non-profit organisation providing the resource and research needed to assist companies to develop and market superior, innovative, and profitable cotton products. The company’s efforts are focused across all areas of the cotton life-cycle, from fibre through to the finished product.

Casablanca and Cotton LEADS ℠ are long-time collaborators and share a close-knit relationship.

As a leading brand within the industry, Casablanca is committed to pursuing continuous technological improvement and product innovation. Taking initiative as the lead to introduce future trends in fashion and home textiles, Casablanca proudly partnered with Cotton Incorporated and Cotton LEADS℠ to launch Asia’s first laser-finished Cotton Iridescent Velvet Cushion in 2021, finished in a layered wavy pattern. Not only is the cotton-based material 100% skin-friendly and breathable, but the laser finishing technique also reduces environmental impact by lessening the use of water, energy, chemicals, and dyes compared to traditional sand-blasting, spraying, or sanding techniques that often contribute to health risks. It offers an alternative for your home that’s both stylish and environmentally friendly.

About Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Fashion and Textiles

The textile and fashion industry has long been an important economic pillar of Hong Kong. The School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), previously known as the Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC), officially upgraded last year to become the third flagship and an independent school within PolyU to actively addresses industry needs by offering more training resources.

Integrating fashion and textile education with innovative technology research in academic programmes, the revamped School of Fashion and Textiles enhances the competitive advantage for SFT graduates and Hong Kong’s fashion and textile industry, while simultaneously aligning it with the market development in the Greater Bay Area. With ambitions to lead the fashion industry and create societal impact, the School offers industry solutions through its outstanding research, innovation, and achievements.

With internationally recognised academic and research achievements, the School of Fashion and Textile enjoys a renowned world-class status with an international faculty specialised in various academic and research areas, including wearable and smart textiles, medical textiles and functional clothing, social fashion design, sustainable fashion, digital fashion marketing, and fashion supply chain management. According to a 2021 report by Stanford University, 13 ITC Scholars rank amongst the world’s top 2% of scientists. Furthermore, according to the international economic monthly publication CEOWORLD Magazine, the School ranked third in Asia and among the Top 50 World’s Best Fashion Schools in 2022. The School has consistently set and reached significant milestones in its pursuit of research excellence. SFT received high appraisal in the “2020 Research Assessment Exercise” by the Hong Kong University Grants Committee (UGC), particularly in areas of creative arts, performing arts, and design, leading as the best amongst the eight UGC-funded institutions.