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Mozambique President Visits Zoomlion Smart Industrial City During China State Visit

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CHANGSHA, China, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mozambique’s President Daniel Francisco Chapo toured the manufacturing facilities of Chinese heavy equipment maker Zoomlion on April 16, marking the first day of a weeklong state visit to China as the African nation seeks to accelerate its infrastructure and agricultural development.

Chapo, on his first trip to China since taking office in 2025, was received at Zoomlion’s Smart Industrial City in Changsha by Chairman and CEO Zhan Chunxin, where he observed automated excavator assembly lines and a range of farm equipment including electric tractors, hybrid and fully electric combine harvesters, and rice transplanters.

The company also staged live demonstrations to showcase the precision of its intelligent systems, featuring an excavator stacking cups and a skid-steer loader performing a choreographed routine.

Chapo said Mozambique had found in Zoomlion the kind of solutions its construction and infrastructure drive demands, noting that the country is engaged in large-scale development spanning roads, bridges, buildings and broader infrastructure.

Agriculture accounts for roughly a quarter of the country’s GDP and employs the majority of its working population, making mechanization a persistent priority for economic development.

The country’s Ministry of Agriculture held a separate meeting with Zoomlion two days later to discuss its agricultural machinery requirements.

Mozambique is at a stage of development that aligns closely with Zoomlion’s long-term strengths in construction and agricultural equipment. With experience built over years of product development, manufacturing and international market expansion, the company is well positioned to support a wide range of infrastructure and mechanization needs.

Zoomlion, listed in Hong Kong, reported international revenue of 30.5 billion yuan ($4.4 billion) in 2025, roughly 59% of total sales, compounding at 52% annually over the past four years. Earthmoving machinery revenue rose approximately 45% year on year.

The Changsha facility produces more than 100 excavator models on shared assembly lines, turning out one excavator every six minutes on average, with a full manufacturing cycle from raw steel to finished product of 6.5 days.

The visit reflects growing international interest in equipment manufacturers capable of serving diverse construction and agricultural needs, as infrastructure investment continues to expand across emerging markets.

2026 ASCO | Mabwell to Present Latest Clinical Data on 9MW2821 Combined with Toripalimab for Urothelial Carcinoma in Oral and Poster Presentations

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SHANGHAI, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mabwell (688062.SH), an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with a fully integrated industry chain, announced that two latest clinical study results of its Nectin-4-targeting ADC 9MW2821 in combination with toripalimab for urothelial carcinoma will be presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, USA from May 29 to June 2, 2026 (local time), as an oral presentation and a poster presentation, respectively.

Oral Presentation

Title: Bulumtatug fuvedotin (BFv; 9MW2821) plus toripalimab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC): Follow-up results from a phase 1b/2 study.

Abstract Number for Publication: 4518

Presenter: Prof. Sheng Xinan, Chief Physician, doctoral supervisor, Dept. of Urologic Oncology (Beijing Cancer Hospital)

Session Date and Time: 6/1/2026 8:00AM-9:30AM CDT

Poster Presentation

Title: Bulumtatug fuvedotin (BFv; 9MW2821) plus toripalimab in perioperative patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC): Results of cohort A from a phase 2 study.

Abstract Number for Publication: 4609

Principal Investigator: Prof. Liu Zhuowei, Chief Physician, Dept. of Urology (Sun Yat-sem University Cancer Center)

Session Date and Time: 5/31/2026 9:00AM-12:00PM CDT

About Mabwell

Mabwell (688062.SH) is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with capabilities spanning the entire pharmaceutical value chain. The company is committed to providing more effective and accessible therapies to meet global medical needs, with a focus on oncology and aging-related diseases. Mabwell’s mission is “Explore Life, Benefit Health” and its vision is “Innovation, from Ideas to Reality.” For more information, please visit www.mabwell.com/en. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the potential safety, efficacy, regulatory review or approval and commercial success of our product candidates and those relating to the Company’s product development, clinical studies, clinical and regulatory milestones and timelines, market opportunity, competitive position, possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, potential growth opportunities and other statements that are predictive in nature. “Forward-looking statements” are statements that are not historical facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking expressions, including, but not limited to, “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions and the negatives of those terms.

Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, including, but not limited to: environment; politic; economy; society; legislation; our dependence on our product candidates, most of which are still in preclinical or various stages of clinical development; our reliance on third-party vendors, such as contract research organizations and contract manufacturing organizations; the uncertainties inherent in clinical testing; our ability to complete required clinical trials for our product candidates and obtain approval from regulatory authorities for our product candidates; our ability to protect our intellectual property; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel. In case one or more of these risks or uncertainties deteriorate, or any assumptions are incorrect, the actual results may be seriously inconsistent with the stated results.

The Company cautions all the persons not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any obligation, except as specifically required by law and the rules of the applicable Stock authority to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking descriptions, figures and assumptions in this press release are applicable to this statement.

MINJUVI® (tafasitamab) for Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma Approved in Australia

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Advertorial Desk
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  • Minjuvi® (tafasitamab), in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide, is the first and only chemotherapy-free CD19 and CD20 dual-targeted immunotherapy combination regimen to be approved in Australia for adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (R/R FL) (Grade 1-3a).1,2
  • Despite the availability of existing treatments, R/R FL remains incurable, is characterised by repeated relapses and typically has a poor prognosis.3
  • Follicular lymphoma is the second most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with 1,500 Australians newly diagnosed each year.4,5

SINGAPORE, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Independent biopharmaceutical company Specialised Therapeutics (ST) is pleased to announce that Minjuvi® (tafasitamab), in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide, has been registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the treatment of Australian adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (R/R FL) (Grade 1-3a).1

The TGA registration establishes Minjuvi as the first and only chemotherapy-free CD19 and CD20 dual-targeted immunotherapy combination regimen to be approved in Australia for this group of patients.2

“While most patients with follicular lymphoma respond well to initial treatment and patients’ prognosis has improved, around one in five will see their lymphoma return within two years, which is often linked to poorer long-term outcomes,” said Professor Judith Trotman, Senior Staff Specialist and Lymphoma Group Lead in the Haematology Department at Concord Repatriation General Hospital in Sydney. “For these patients, current therapies do not always deliver durable responses, highlighting the urgent need for evidence-based options that can meaningfully extend and improve their lives.”

Follicular Lymphoma (FL) is the second most common form of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), accounting for 20-30% of all NHL cases.4 An estimated 1,500 Australians are newly diagnosed with FL each year.5

“The TGA registration of Minjuvi marks an important new advance for patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, bringing Australian clinical practice in line with accepted global standards of care,” said Professor Trotman.

The TGA registration of Minjuvi in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide in R/R FL was based on the results from the global Phase 3 inMIND clinical study. This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of the regimen in 652 patients, including 548 participants with R/R FL. Notably, 54 Australians participated across 12 local trial sites across the country.6

In the clinical trial, patients receiving the Minjuvi combination regimen achieved a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in median progression-free survival (PFS) of 22.4 months (compared to 13.9 months in patients receiving placebo added to lenalidomide and rituximab) — representing a 57% reduction in the risk of disease progression, relapse or death.6

Minjuvi was generally well-tolerated, with a manageable safety profile.6 The most common adverse reactions in the Phase 3 study (≥20%) in patients receiving Minjuvi, excluding laboratory abnormalities, were respiratory tract infections (including COVID-19 infection and pneumonia), diarrhoea, rash, fatigue, constipation, musculoskeletal pain and cough.6

In 2021, ST entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Incyte (NASDAQ:INCY) to commercialise Minjuvi in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

“Follicular lymphoma is an incurable blood cancer and treatment options after relapse remain limited, with each recurrence more challenging to find effective treatments,” said Carlo Montagner, ST Chief Executive Officer. “We are extremely proud to bring the first and only chemotherapy-free treatment option to eligible Australians with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, addressing a critical need for new therapies that may lower the risk of disease progression, relapse or death.”

“The Minjuvi approval represents the ninth time ST has successfully navigated the Project Orbis process since 2021,” said Mr Montagner. “With TGA registration secured, we are committed to working with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to enable equitable access to Minjuvi for Australians with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma as soon as possible.”

For further details on Minjuvi, contact your healthcare professional and please refer to the approved Australian Consumer Medicine Information or Product Information available from the TGA website.

PBS Information: Minjuvi is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Important safety Information on Minjuvi7

Minjuvi should be administered to patients with an active infection only if the infection is treated appropriately and well controlled. Patients with a history of recurring or chronic infections may be at increased risk of infection and should be monitored appropriately. Patients should be advised to contact their healthcare professionals if fever or other evidence of potential infection, such as chills, cough or pain on urination, develops. Treatment with Minjuvi in combination with lenalidomide and/or rituximab should not be initiated in female patients unless pregnancy has been excluded.

In the inMIND study, the most common adverse reactions were infections (68%), including viral infections (41%) and bacterial infections (27%); neutropenia (57%), rash (36.4%), asthenia (34.9%), pyrexia (19%), thrombocytopenia (17%), anaemia (17%), infusion related reaction (15.9%), pruritus (15.6%), and headache (10.4%). The most common serious adverse reactions were infections (26%), including viral infections (13%) and bacterial infections (6%), febrile neutropenia (2.8%), and pyrexia (1.8%).

Treatment with tafasitamab can cause serious or severe myelosuppression including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anaemia. Complete blood counts should be monitored throughout treatment and prior to administration of each treatment cycle.

Ends.

About Minjuvi® (tafasitamab)

Minjuvi® (tafasitamab) is a humanised Fc-modified cytolytic CD19-targeting monoclonal antibody. Tafasitamab incorporates an XmAb® engineered Fc domain, which mediates B-cell lysis through apoptosis and immune effector mechanism including Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC) and Antibody-Dependent Cellular Phagocytosis (ADCP). Incyte licenses exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialise tafasitamab from Xencor, Inc.

In Australia, Minjuvi is also indicated in combination with lenalidomide followed by Minjuvi monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

Minjuvi is not indicated and is not recommended for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma outside of controlled clinical trials.

▼ This medicine is included in the TGA Black Triangle Scheme. Please report suspected adverse events to the TGA.

In the U.S., Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix) is approved by the U.S. FDA in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL).

Monjuvi is not approved and is not recommended for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma outside of controlled clinical trials.

Additionally, Monjuvi received accelerated approval in the United States in combination with lenalidomide for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from low grade lymphoma, and who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

In Europe, Minjuvi (tafasitamab) received conditional Marketing Authorisation from the European Medicines Agency in combination with lenalidomide, followed by Minjuvi monotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who are not eligible for ASCT. Additionally, Minjuvi is approved in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) (Grade 1-3a) after at least one line of systemic therapy in Europe.

In Japan, Minjuvi is approved in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide for adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (2L+ FL).

XmAb® is a registered trademark of Xencor, Inc.

Monjuvi and Minjuvi are registered trademarks of Incyte.

About the inMIND Study6,7

A global, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study, inMIND (NCT04680052) evaluated the efficacy and safety of tafasitamab in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide compared with placebo in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) Grade 1 to 3a or relapsed or refractory nodal, splenic or extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). The study enrolled a total of 654 adults (age ≥18 years).

The primary endpoint of the study is progression-free survival (PFS) by investigator assessment in the FL population, and the key secondary endpoints are PFS in the overall population as well as positron emission tomography complete response (PET-CR) and overall survival (OS) in the FL population.

The clinical trial met its primary endpoint, with the data demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) in comparison to placebo added to lenalidomide and rituximab.6 Patients receiving Minjuvi in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide achieved a median PFS by investigator assessment of 22.4 months (95% CI, 19.2-not evaluable [NE]) compared to 13.9 months (95% CI, 11.5-16.4) in the control arm (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.43 [95% CI, 0.32-0.58]; P<0.0001).6 The PFS assessed by an Independent Review Committee (IRC) was consistent with investigator-based results.6 Median PFS by IRC was not reached (95% CI, 19.3-NE) in the Minjuvi group versus 16.0 months (95% CI, 13.9-21.1) in the placebo group (HR: 0.41 [95% CI, 0.29-0.56].6

Minjuvi was generally well-tolerated, with a manageable safety profile.6 Safety and tolerability were comparable with the addition of tafasitamab to lenalidomide in combination with rituximab.6 The most common adverse reactions in the Phase 3 study (≥20%) in patients receiving Minjuvi, excluding laboratory abnormalities, were respiratory tract infections (including COVID-19 infection and pneumonia), diarrhoea, rash, fatigue, constipation, musculoskeletal pain and cough.6

About Specialised Therapeutics

Founded in 2007, Specialised Therapeutics is an independent specialty pharmaceutical company, providing novel therapies and technologies to patients in Australia, New Zealand and across Southeast Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ST partners with global pharmaceutical, biotech and diagnostic companies to bring novel healthcare opportunities to patients who are impacted by a range of diseases. ST has built a strong track record of success, navigating complex regulatory, reimbursement and commercialisation environments in its diverse regions across multiple therapeutic areas. The ST mission is to provide specialty therapies where there is an unmet need to communities that would otherwise not have ready access to such therapies. The company’s broad therapeutic portfolio currently includes novel agents in oncology, haematology, CNS, neurology, endocrinology, ophthalmology and supportive care, although it is not confined to these areas.           

Additional information can be found at www.stbiopharma.com.

References:
  1. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG): MINJUVI tafasitamab. [Accessed 22 April 2026].
  2. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. B-Cell Lymphomas. Version 3.2026.
  3. Zinzani PL et al. Exp Hematol Oncol. 2024 Aug 22;13(1):87.
  4. Trotman J, et al. Intern Med J. 2019 Apr;49(4):422-433.
  5. Lymphoma Australia. Types of Lymphoma – Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) – Indolent (slow-growing) B-cell NHL – Follicular Lymphoma. [Accessed 22 April 2026].
  6. Sehn LH, et al. Lancet. 2026 Jan 10;407(10524):133-146.
  7. MINJUVI Australian Product Information; 2026 Apr 20.

 

Vantage Introduces an Enhanced App with a Seamless All-in-One Trading Experience

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Advertorial Desk
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PORT VILA, Vanuatu, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage, a multi-asset CFD platform, has introduced an enhanced version of the Vantage App, with upgrades focused on asset visibility, capital movement, and a more integrated all-in-one trading experience.

As multi-asset investing becomes more complex, users expect more from trading platforms than execution alone. Beyond spreads, liquidity, and order speed, they increasingly look for clearer asset visibility, smoother capital movement, and a more connected experience across different financial use cases. This is the backdrop for the rise of all-in-one trading apps.

It is unfolding at a time when the boundary between traditional market access and digital trading infrastructure is becoming increasingly fluid. In the U.S., discussion around tokenized equities, more continuous market access, and modernized trading rails has accelerated, with Nasdaq recently announcing an equity token design initiative. Growing attention to tokenized gold and other digitally accessible commodity-related products also points to changing investor expectations around how capital, market access, and asset visibility connect across trading scenarios.

For Vantage, the relevance of this all-in-one model is not about placing more modules inside one interface. It is about reorganising the platform around the user’s full asset journey. That means moving beyond isolated workflows and toward a more connected, integrated structure built on asset clarity, capital mobility, and financial utility.

The first shift is visibility

In fragmented platform models, users often need to switch across contract accounts, copy trading accounts, funding wallets, and yield modules just to understand where their money sits. An integrated app experience begins with a unified view — one that helps users understand balances, positions, and allocation across different account types from a single starting point.

The second shift is capital movement

Traditional platforms may require users to understand internal account structures before they can deposit, transfer, withdraw, subscribe, or redeem. That may make sense from a backend perspective, but it creates unnecessary friction for users. The enhanced Vantage App simplifies the front-end journey, allowing capital movement to feel more direct and intuitive, while underlying processes remain in place.

The third shift is capital efficiency

In disconnected environments, funds may sit idle between product switches, transfers, or trading decisions. In a more integrated platform, users are able to see how capital is allocated, what remains unused, and how quickly funds can be repositioned. This is not just a convenience upgrade — it may improve how users manage available funds over time.

A fourth area of evolution is broader financial utility

Increasingly, users may expect platforms to connect trading with adjacent functions such as payments, card-linked services, and yield-related features, where available. Product availability varies by market, account status, and regulatory requirements, but the broader direction is evolving: the platform is becoming a more connected financial environment rather than a standalone execution tool.

This may also influence how trust is built. Execution quality and system stability remain essential, but in an all-in-one environment, trust also depends on transparency of assets, clarity of funding paths, and consistency across services. As platforms play a larger role in how users organise and move capital, they also place greater emphasis on how that experience is designed.

For Vantage, this evolution is about building an all-in-one platform experience that supports the full lifecycle of user activity — from overview and funding to trading, yield, and broader financial utility. More broadly, it reflects an industry shift: the key question is no longer only what users can trade, but how well a platform helps them manage their activity.

That is why the all-in-one model is relevant. It signals a move away from fragmented product design and toward a platform structure built around how users manage capital in a multi-asset world.

For Vantage, that all-in-one direction is currently taking shape.

About Vantage Markets

Vantage Markets is a multi-asset CFD broker offering access to trading across financial markets. Through its range of trading platforms and tools, Vantage aims to provide users with a more accessible and efficient trading experience. Products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions.

Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading.

Disclaimer: This content relates to products and services not applicable to residents of the UK or Australia, where separate Vantage entities operate under their respective local regulations. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice or a recommendation to trade. It is not intended for distribution or use in any jurisdiction where such distribution would be contrary to local laws or regulations.

 

Umoney launches Online Savings service with LaoVietBank

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Advertorial Desk
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In the context of rapidly growing digital financial services in Laos, users’ money management behavior is gradually changing. Instead of relying on traditional physical branches, more people are turning to simpler and more flexible solutions that can be done directly on their mobile phones.

Capturing this trend, Star Fintech Sole Co., Ltd (Umoney) has officially partnered with the Joint Venture LaoVietBank to launch the “Online Savings” service on the Umoney app. The product is expected to open a new approach to personal financial accumulation, where saving money can now be done quickly in just a few steps.

Simple and flexible saving experience

With the orientation “Saving Buddy, Your simple way to save”, the service is designed to make saving money more simple and accessible for all users.

On the Umoney app, customers can open savings accounts, deposit money, and withdraw entirely online without visiting a bank or completing complicated procedures. The entire process is fast, allowing users to easily track and manage their savings anytime.

The product offers short-term tenures of one month, three months, and six months, suitable for real-life cash flow needs. The interest rate can be up to approximately 9.5%/year, providing clear earning opportunities even for short-term saving plans.

Although operated on a digital platform, all deposited funds are directly managed and recorded in the banking system, ensuring transparency and safety for every transaction.

Daily saving, monthly rewards

Beyond earning interest, users who save on Umoney also have the chance to receive valuable rewards.

Each saving transaction is converted into entries for monthly lucky draws, with attractive prizes such as iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and other gifts.

With a total prize value of over LAK 100 million (USD 4,517), the program is expected to transform saving from a simple accumulation activity into a more engaging and rewarding experience.

The partnership between Umoney and the Lao–Viet Bank reflects the ongoing shift toward digital financial solutions in Laos.

By bringing savings services onto a digital platform, users, especially in rural and remote areas, can access financial services more easily. With just a smartphone and internet connection, people can save and manage their funds without going to a bank.

This contributes to expanding financial inclusion and gradually building proactive money management habits within the community.

The “Online Savings” service is now available on the Umoney app, allowing users to start their financial accumulation journey in a simple, convenient, and modern way.

NEW YORK’S SIP & GUZZLE IS NAMED THE BEST BAR IN NORTH AMERICA AT NORTH AMERICA’S 50 BEST BARS 2026

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VANCOUVER, BC, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 

Sip & Guzzle in New York City named The Best Bar in North America at North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, at a live awards ceremony in Vancouver, Canada, on April 22.
Sip & Guzzle in New York City named The Best Bar in North America at North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, at a live awards ceremony in Vancouver, Canada, on April 22.

  • Sip & Guzzle, New York, is named No.1 and is crowned The Best Bar in North America, sponsored by Perrier
  • This year’s ranking features 28 US bars, 11 from Mexico, 8 from Canada and 3 in the Caribbean, with 15 new entries making their debut on the list
  • The Best Bar in Mexico, sponsored by Torres Brandy, is awarded to Bar Mauro (No.2) from Mexico City
  • The Best Bar in Canada, sponsored by Monkey Shoulder, is awarded to TheKeefer Bar (No.7) from Vancouver
  • La Factoría, Puerto Rico, No.26, earns The Best Bar in the Caribbean, sponsored by NOAM
  • Chris Hannah of Jewel of the South in New Orleans wins the Roku Industry Icon Award
  • Identitad (No.73), San Juan, wins the Campari One To Watch Award
  • Three Cents Best New Opening Award goes to Schmuck (No.4) from New York
  • Library Bar, Toronto, No.19, earns the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
  • Washington DC’s Allegory (No.57) is awarded the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award
  • Cure from New Orleans, No.21, is the Nikka Highest Climber Award winner
  • New York’s Bar Snack (No.3) earns the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award
  • Daydream Rum Bar from Albuquerque wins the SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award
  • Handshake Speakeasy (No.12) in Mexico City earns the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award
  • Bar Kumiko (No.11) from Chicago earns the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award
  • Freddy Andreasson of El Gallo Altanero (No.10) wins the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award

The list of North America’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, was announced at a live awards ceremony on April 22, 2026 in Vancouver. The annual ranking showcases bars from the US, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, recognizing excellence in drinks and hospitality.

New York’s Sip & Guzzle is crowned No.1 as The Best Bar in North America, sponsored by Perrier, and The Best Bar in Northeast USA. Mexico City’s Bar Mauro ranks No.2, followed by New York’s Bar Snack at No.3.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars, says: “This year’s list reflects the incredible creativity and talent shaping cocktail culture. From recognized leaders to exciting new openings, these bars redefine what a world-class hospitality experience is.”

The full list can be viewed HERE.

Media center:
https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/

De Beers Group Celebrates Natural Diamonds, Culture And Long-Lasting Values

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Showcase of 28.88-carat flawless diamond


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – De Beers Group brought the timeless allure of natural diamonds to Carlyle & Co on 21 April in a soirée celebrating natural diamonds, culture and long-lasting values.

In Conversation with A Diamond is Forever’, (top left) Kathy Chow wears Claudia Ma Fine Jewellery, (top right) Janet Ma and Michael Wong wear pieces from Hearts On Fire; Fireside chat with industry experts and special guests (bottom from left to right): Sophia Yu, Stewart Young, Janet Ma, Michael Wong, Loletta Lai and Christina Ko.
In Conversation with A Diamond is Forever’, (top left) Kathy Chow wears Claudia Ma Fine Jewellery, (top right) Janet Ma and Michael Wong wear pieces from Hearts On Fire; Fireside chat with industry experts and special guests (bottom from left to right): Sophia Yu, Stewart Young, Janet Ma, Michael Wong, Loletta Lai and Christina Ko.

Media members, influencers, and lifestyle tastemakers gathered in the Reading Room for intimate conversations and book appreciation, with select guests also taking part in a reflective meditation. Special guests included supermodels Kathy Chow, Janet Ma, and actor Michael Wong—who once appeared in the original A Diamond Is Forever campaigns—alongside Stewart Young, Senior Director and Head of the Jewellery Department at Sotheby’s; Loletta Lai, Natural Diamond APAC VP, De Beers Group; Christina Ko, founder of Good Peoples; and Sophia Yu, Managing Director & Publisher of SCMP Hearst.

The gathering rode on the recent London launch of A Diamond Is Forever – The Making of A Cultural Icon, published by Assouline. The book offers a lens into the phrase’s role in collective memory since its 1947 inception by copywriter Mary Frances Gerety, and natural diamonds’ influence on ideas of love, beauty and commitment across time.

Loletta Lai and Stewart Young led conversations that delved into diamonds’ place in culture and their journey from origin to auction. Their meaningful dialogues explored how natural diamonds continue to inspire generations to generations as both natural treasures and catalysts for cultural expression.

De Beers Group’s Natural Diamonds APAC VP, Loletta Lai said: “Through compelling narratives, innovative product launches, high-impact partnerships, and cultural resonance, we reignite desire for natural diamonds fueled by our iconic tagline “A Diamond is Forever.”

The event highlighted The De Beers Jwaneng 28.88 —a Flawless, D-colour, Type IIa diamond from Botswana’s Jwaneng Mine. Originated from a 114.83-carat rough—the stunning diamond is set for auction in Hong Kong on 23 April at Sotheby’s Live High Jewellery Sale. The sale elevated its brilliance, provenance and legacy to the world stage.

The De Beers Jwaneng 28.88, a remarkable 28.88-carat D-colour, flawless diamond, takes centre stage at the event, with a 3.03-carat D-colour pear-shaped internally flawless diamond ring, and a pair of 2.00-carat & 2.01-carat D-colour internally flawless diamond earrings.
The De Beers Jwaneng 28.88, a remarkable 28.88-carat D-colour, flawless diamond, takes centre stage at the event, with a 3.03-carat D-colour pear-shaped internally flawless diamond ring, and a pair of 2.00-carat & 2.01-carat D-colour internally flawless diamond earrings.

“The legacy of natural diamonds being worn by royalties can be traced back from thousands of years ago. Exceptional diamonds are sought after by discerning collectors due to their rarity, intrinsic qualities and long-lasting values.” Stewart Young, Senior director and Head of the Jewellery Department at Sotheby’s indicated.

Adding a contemplative dimension to the afternoon, Christina Ko, founder of Good Peoples guided an inner radiance diamond meditation. Set to contemporary music, this breath-based session invited participants to be mesmerized by a natural diamond’s metaphysical properties, embody its brilliance, strength and resilience, and unleash their unique radiance. Ko specialises in unconventional breathwork, meditation and intuitive card readings.Hashtag: #debeersgroup #adiamondisforever #naturaldiamonds #diamonds #Sothebys #Assouline





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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American PLC group. For further information, visit .

THE DE BEERS JWANENG 28.88

An exceptional 28.88‑carat brilliant‑cut diamond of D colour, Flawless clarity and rare Type IIa classification, this remarkable stone was discovered at Botswana’s renowned Jwaneng Mine and originated from an extraordinary 114.83‑carat rough. It is a vanishingly rare gift of nature that embodies both De Beers’ unparalleled diamond legacy and a masterclass in cutting and polishing. The stunning diamond will be offered at auction in Hong Kong on 23 April at Sotheby’s Live High Jewellery Sale.

A Diamond Is Forever: The Making of a Cultural Icon 1926–2026

Published in partnership with Assouline, the book explores how De Beers transformed diamonds into a universal symbol of love and commitment, anchored by Mary Frances Gerety’s legendary slogan, “A Diamond Is Forever.” Spanning a century of art, fashion, advertising, and popular culture, it discovers the power of storytelling in shaping modern luxury. The book was launched in London in March 2026, marking a landmark celebration of De Beers’ enduring cultural legacy.

Loletta Lai, Natural Diamonds APAC VP, De Beers Group

Loletta Lai has spearheaded natural diamond communications for De Beers Group across the APAC since 2021 and was appointed earlier this year as Natural Diamond APAC VP, at De Beers Group. Leveraging her extensive expertise in public relations and her deep understanding of diamond culture, she is responsible for crafting and executing communication strategies and marketing campaigns across the APAC region, aimed at enhancing awareness and trust in natural diamonds among consumers, media and key opinion leaders.

Stewart Young, Senior Director and Head of the Jewellery Department, Sotheby’s

Based in Hong Kong, Stewart leads the Asia team across jewellery auctions and private sales, while also collaborating with the Salon team on the retail side of the business. With over two decades of experience in the global jewellery auction market, he began his career at Sotheby‘s in 2007. His rapid ascent in the industry is supported by a distinctive background as a couture designer, complemented by experience in art and costume direction for film and stage.

Stewart has designed numerous high-jewellery pieces for auction, including an exceptional 102-carat Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond necklace that achieved USD 9 million. Over the course of his career, he has brought several record-breaking jewels to market, including a 7.59-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ring (USD 20 million), an Imperial jadeite demi-parure (USD 12.8 million), and an unmounted 30.10-carat Very Light Pink diamond (USD 2.6 million).

Sophia Yu, Managing Director & Publisher of SCMP Hearst

Sophia Yu is the Managing Director & Publisher of SCMP Hearst, where she oversees brand development, business strategy and editorial direction for five leading luxury and lifestyle media brands in Hong Kong: Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Esquire and ELLE Men. Under her leadership, the five media brands have successfully transformed from traditional print media into prominent digital players, reaching over four million digital audiences monthly and amassing a social following of more than 3.5 million users.

Christina Ko, Founder of Good Peoples

Christina Ko is the founder of Good Peoples, a creative wellness studio that reimagines mindfulness through a contemporary perspective. Her offerings span pop-music-led breathwork journeys, writing workshops that incorporate meditation, and intuitive readings using her signature Hong Kong-themed oracle cards.

This distinctive approach is shaped by her background as an editor and content strategist, where she worked with global brands and publications including Louis Vuitton and the Financial Times. Drawing on her expertise in storytelling and brand placemaking, Christina designs immersive experiences that push creative boundaries, evoke emotion, and invite deeper self-exploration.

Laos to Host Its First-Ever World Bodybuilding Championships in December

By
Laotian Times
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Laos to Host World Bodybuilding Championships in 2026 (Photos: WBPF_Championship)

Laos will host the 17th World Bodybuilding Championships, a first in the country’s sport history.

The event, approved by the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF), will take place from 3 to 9 December at the Don Chan Palace Hotel in Vientiane.

WBPF President Datuk Paul Chua and Executive Director Christina Kam recently visited Vientiane to inspect the venue, confirming it meets international standards.

The announcement builds on the growing momentum for bodybuilding in Laos, a sport that has steadily gained recognition over the past decade. Bodybuilding is one of 33 sports confirmed for the 12th Lao National Games, scheduled for 15 to 25 November 2026.

The Lao Bodybuilding Federation has been competing internationally since 2017, with strong showings at the ASEAN Championships in 2018, 2019, and 2022.

One of Laos’ top athletes, Phouthsavanh Sisomphou, earned a bronze medal in the under-70kg category at the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam in 2022, a landmark achievement that further boosted the sport’s profile in Laos.

The 17th World Championships is a milestone for the Lao Bodybuilding Federation and will solidify Laos as a growing hub for bodybuilding competitions. It’s a major achievement in the country’s sporting history and will attract top athletes from around the world.

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