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Laos Records USD 48 Million Trade Surplus in February

Rubber tapping in Laos

Laos posted a USD 48 million trade surplus in February 2022, with exports totaling USD 519 million and imports totaling USD 471 million.

MRC Mekong Monitoring Stations Will Better Protect Downriver Denizens

More Mekong monitoring stations will better protect denizens downriver.

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) on Friday unveiled the first water-level monitoring station to be positioned atop the Lower Mekong River Basin. 

Anchor Food Professionals Introduces New Forms of Giving and Prosperity with Anchor Butter this Ramadhan

From Baking Demos to Classic Raya Treat Recipes, Celebrate Eid al-Fitr with A Truly Golden Experience

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 4 April 2022 – Joining in the festivities, Anchor Food Professionals welcomes Ramadhan with a meaningful and rewarding campaign that embodies the spirit of togetherness and humility. With the anticipation for a joyous Eid al-Fitr after two long years being unable to celebrate due to the pandemic, Muslims are excitedly preparing for Raya 2022 with gratitude for being able to spend the holidays with loved ones.

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Through the ‘Jom Raya, Jom Anchor’ campaign, Anchor Food Professionals has prepared a variety of festive and meaningful activities that deliver an elevated golden butter experience. Anchor Food Professionals invites Malaysians to experience the goodness and quality of Anchor New Zealand Butter in making some of Malaysia’s favourite Raya desserts such as Kuih Semperit or even dishes like butter chicken or prawn.

With its 135 years of dairy expertise, Anchor has provided assistance and supply to more than 10,000 restaurants, home bakers, and cafes across Malaysia and Brunei and will continue to do so by being part of the Raya celebrations this year. Anchor Butter is made from 100% pure New Zealand milk and has a rich, smooth, and creamy taste, making it a necessity for every household this Ramadhan and Hari Raya. Free from additives, preservatives, and colouring, while dishes prepared with Anchor Butter is distinctly flavourful creating mouth-watering experiences, desserts made with it gives out a beautiful golden appearance too.

In the spirit of Ramadhan and Eid al-Fitr, Anchor Food Professionals has prepared exciting community outreach initiatives and support for home bakers, chefs, and SMEs. Kickstarting the trail is the recipe demonstration hosted by Anchor Food Professionals on Facebook Live on 21st April 2022 at 8:30 pm. Viewers will have the opportunity to learn from a professional Anchor chef on how to make Biskut Semperit Lemak Bercheese, the perfect creamy butter cookie to share with loved ones this Eid al-Fitr.

Anchor Food Professionals will also be organizing ‘Jom Baking Bersama Anchor’ Online Class open to the public for the opportunity to learn baking tips and techniques from an industry professional on 16th April 2022 at 11 am. In addition, throughout April, Anchor Food Professionals will be ramping up baking inspirations for Eid al-Fitr by sharing weekly curated Anchor recipes on Facebook and Instagram. From the classics like Kuih Semperit and Biskut Makmur to fusion treats like Kastengel and Brown Butter Cornflake Crunch, Anchor has prepared a variety of recipes catered for the diverse palates.

“We are truly excited about the upcoming festive season; we’ve prepared various initiatives with the hope to inspire and uplift Malaysians through creative recipe ideations and community outreach. The month of Ramadhan and Eid al-Fitr is known for its abundance of blessings, and this is what we hope to share with our loyal customers and partners,” said Jack Tan, Foodservice Director, Fonterra Brands Malaysia.

Further adding to the golden experience, Anchor Food Professionals has an ongoing Jom Raya, Jom Anchor Contest’, from 1 March – 2 May 2022 where participants stand a chance of winning prizes worth up to RM69,000. To join the Jom Raya, Jom Anchor contest, participants can simply upload a receipt with minimum spending of RM30 worth of Anchor products.

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Through the ‘Jom Raya, Jom Anchor’ campaign, Anchor aims to inspire culinary experts and SMEs as well as home bakers and aspiring bakers with delicious recipes for a truly golden Raya experience. For more information on Anchor Food Professionals and the campaign, visit the Anchor Food Professionals official website, or follow our social pages www.instagram.com/anchorfp.my and www.facebook.com/AnchorFoodProfessionalsMY.

About Anchor Food Professionals

Anchor Food Professionals foodservice team are true consultants; working behind the scenes to deliver exciting new tastes and products for chefs, bakers, caterers, commercial kitchens, hotels, restaurants, quick service restaurants and cafes. The team helps businesses with all aspects of their operations – from front-of-house presentation, pricing, and promotion, as well as enhancing yield and taste to providing exciting new menu ideas. Anchor Food Professionals uses their deep customer understanding, alongside their dairy expertise and Fonterra’s world-leading research and development capabilities to create high-quality dairy products.

#AnchorFoodProfessionals

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

HSBC MPF Wins Eight Accolades at 2021 Benchmark Fund of The Year Awards

In recognition of its leading performance in investment strategy and corporate governance

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 April 2022 – HSBC MPF won eight Benchmark Fund of the Year awards in 20211, in recognition of its outstanding performance in the roles of trustee, investment manager and sponsor. The company exemplifies excellence in corporate governance and sustainable investment strategy, underpinned by its commitment to taking Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibility to help MPF members achieve risk diversification and long term returns.

Awards received by HSBC MPF include:

  • MPF Trustee Awards – Corporate Governance Award – Best-In-Class
  • Top MPF Fund Awards – Default Investment Strategy – Core Accumulation Fund – Best-In-Class
  • MPF Fund Investment Manager Awards
    – Asia Pacific Equity – Best-In-Class
    – Aggressive Mixed Assets (81%-100% Equity) – Best-In-Class
    – ESG integration – Best-In-Class
    – Greater China Equity – Outstanding Achiever
    – Global Fixed Income – Outstanding Achiever
  • MPF Sponsor Awards – Investor Education Award – Outstanding Achiever
  • HSBC MPF was also shortlisted as top three finalists for MPF Trustee of the Year and MPF Fund Investment Manager of the Year
Tak Fong Lo, Head of Pensions, Hong Kong, HSBC believes a sustainable investment strategy not only fulfills social responsibility, but also helps MPF members achieve long-term returns. (Pictures are for reference and illustration only, and should not be regarded as investment recommendation and advice)
Tak Fong Lo, Head of Pensions, Hong Kong, HSBC believes a sustainable investment strategy not only fulfills social responsibility, but also helps MPF members achieve long-term returns. (Pictures are for reference and illustration only, and should not be regarded as investment recommendation and advice)

Tak Fong Lo, Head of Pensions, Hong Kong, HSBC, said: “I am very proud that our MPF team has again clinched multiple awards from the Benchmark. Since the implementation of MPF in 2000, HSBC MPF has been one of the largest MPF service providers in Hong Kong, currently supporting more than 1.4 million members to manage their retirement needs. Our investment strategy combines value, quality and dynamic analysis to help members achieve consistent and competitive returns from a wide array of asset classes and investment periods. The “Best-In-Class ESG Integration Award” for MPF Investment Managers is a testament to HSBC’s commitment to sustainability and responsible investing. The “Best-In-Class Corporate Governance Award” is a recognition of the excellent governance in regulatory compliance and risk management of HSBC Provident Fund Trustee (Hong Kong) Limited, the trustee and custodian of HSBC MPF. We remain committed to promoting the importance of retirement protection to the public, and providing excellent customer service and long-term sustainable returns through different channels to meet our customers’ retirement needs.”

HSBC MPF is committed to digitising its services. As of December 2021, a daily average of more than 15,000 members checked their MPF accounts through the
HSBC MPF is committed to digitising its services. As of December 2021, a daily average of more than 15,000 members checked their MPF accounts through the “HSBC HK Mobile Banking App”, representing an increase of over 57% compared with 2020. More than 300,000 fund switching instructions were made via mobile in 2021. (Pictures are for reference and illustration only, and should not be regarded as investment recommendation and advice)

The 2021 BENCHMARK Fund of the Year Award seeks to recognise outstanding mutual funds, MPF funds and ETF providers based on their asset management performance. Awards were presented in categories including fund performance, investment philosophy, strategy and ESG integration. This year, 51 awards were handed out to MPF funds.

Sources:
1BENCHMARK. The awards were based on BENCHMARK’s assessment criteria. For the awardee, assessment criteria/methodology, please refer to
https://www.benchmark.today/mpf-awards/#winners and
https://www.benchmark.today/mpf-2021-grand-title-announcement/

About The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the HSBC Group. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 64 countries and territories in its geographical regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa. With assets of USD2,958 billion at 31 December 2021, HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world.

#HSBC

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

foodpanda publishes inaugural Social Impact Report; dedicated over US$35 million to grow communities, digitalise MSMEs and support riders in Asia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 4 April 2022 – foodpanda today released its first Social Impact Report, titled pandapurpose, highlighting initiatives the company has taken to contribute to socio-economic and environmental sustainability challenges in Asia. As the largest food and grocery platform in Asia (outside China), foodpanda dedicated over US$35 million to support communities, help Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) digitalise, train and upskill delivery riders across the region during the continued pandemic in 2021.

The pandapurpose 2021 report showcases how foodpanda uplifted riders, merchants and customers thrive through technology across its 12 operating markets – Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines. One key highlight in the report was the introduction of new digital tools that helped MSMEs expand revenue streams, while training and upskilling for riders, and programmes. Several local programs in Pakistan and Bangladesh successfully increased the percentage of economic participation from women entrepreneurs through the Home Chef program, while overall women ridership also increased compared to previous years. A new area of social impact focus in 2021 was the introduction of more sustainability initiatives across the region in 2021.

“Since foodpanda was founded in 2012, we have been driven by our value to ‘get 1% better every day’, rolling out technical features that make millions of lives better. Technology has been an especially powerful tool to help sustain livelihoods, preserve business legacies, tackle environmental challenges, and build an inclusive platform for our community of merchants, riders, and customers to thrive,” said Jakob Sebastian Angele, Chief Executive Officer, foodpanda.

The inaugural Social Impact Report features three key pillars which define foodpanda’s social impact vision in Asia: People, Progress and Planet.

People: Championing community growth

foodpanda believes that building a thriving society involves creating a conducive ecosystem for local communities to grow. In 2021, foodpanda dedicated US$29 million to support MSMEs across the region, like wet market vendors in Thailand and Taiwan, local mom-and-pop shops in Malaysia and Philippines and hawkers in Singapore. This comprises new digital tools to help merchants expand revenue streams and connect with new customers online, as well as fee waivers and other relief initiatives.

While many workers were displaced by the pandemic, the foodpanda platform provided a crucial lifeline that created earning opportunities for more than 370,000 new riders in 2021. An additional US$6 million was invested in providing riders’ welfare and benefits, such as safety training, insurance and financial support for the purchase of bicycles or motorbikes. foodpanda also spent more than half a million US dollars to support local governments and communities in the fight against COVID-19, with the distribution of food, essentials and medical supplies to healthcare workers and people in need. The platform also spearheaded a vaccination awareness program to amplify local vaccination information in partnership with health ministries.

Progress: Driving digital empowerment and inclusion

foodpanda is a strong advocate of building an inclusive platform. In 2021, foodpanda raised the level of economic participation from women across Asia, tripling the number of female riders in its fleet and financially empowering women MSME entrepreneurs on the platform through its Home Chef programme.

An additional US$91,000 was invested to upskill riders in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan, in language, personal growth and marketing programmes for future career readiness. In Singapore, foodpanda dedicated 19,500 hours mentoring mid-career professionals as they transition to data and software engineers through the GoSchool and #GetReadySG programmes. foodpanda also invested US$70,000 on mental wellness, including providing subscriptions to mental wellness apps for employees and riders.

Planet: Building a new generation of eco-heroes

With an expansive reach across 12 markets in Asia, foodpanda launched tech-enabled initiatives to help merchants, riders and customers adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. To tackle environmental sustainability challenges in the food delivery industry, foodpanda worked with local partners to improve food sustainability and reduce plastic waste for a low-carbon future. In 2021, foodpanda saved over 900 million pieces of single-use plastic cutlery through its cutlery opt-out feature, while more than 25,000 sustainable products (such as plant-based food) were made available on pandamart and foodpanda shops. Hong Kong and Taiwan became foodpanda’s first markets to certify more than 70 green merchants for their sustainability practices. That program will continue to expand in 2022.

In 2021, foodpanda also became the world’s first food delivery platform to offer cultured-meat dishes to its Singapore customers in a partnership with GOOD Meat. To lower the carbon footprint of deliveries, foodpanda encourages the use of greener transportation options – more than 20 percent of its fleet across Asia deliver on foot, bicycles or e-bikes.

Looking ahead into 2022 and the next decade

Marking its tenth anniversary, this Social Impact Report reiterates foodpanda’s commitment to growing alongside its ecosystem of riders, merchants and customers across 12 markets in Asia. foodpanda will look to expand its social impact initiatives in 2022 and the years to come by positively empowering local communities to live better lives, powered by technology.

View the full foodpanda pandapurpose: Social Impact Report 2021 at www.foodpanda.com/pandapurpose

About foodpanda

foodpanda is a leading delivery platform in Asia dedicated to bringing consumers a wide range of food, groceries and more, quickly and conveniently. Powered by technology and operational excellence, foodpanda is spearheading the growth of quick-commerce (q-commerce) across the region with its network of retail partners, as well as pandamart cloud stores to provide more on-demand options beyond the millions of food delivery options. foodpanda operates in more than 300 cities across 11 markets in Asia – Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. foodpanda is a subsidiary of Delivery Hero, a global leader of the food delivery industry. For more information, visit .

#foodpanda

foodpanda publishes inaugural Social Impact Report; dedicated over US$35 million to grow communities, digitalise MSMEs and support riders in Asia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 4 April 2022 – foodpanda today released its first Social Impact Report, titled pandapurpose, highlighting initiatives the company has taken to contribute to socio-economic and environmental sustainability challenges in Asia. As the largest food and grocery platform in Asia (outside China), foodpanda dedicated over US$35 million to support communities, help Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) digitalise, train and upskill delivery riders across the region during the continued pandemic in 2021.

The pandapurpose 2021 report showcases how foodpanda uplifted riders, merchants and customers thrive through technology across its 12 operating markets – Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines. One key highlight in the report was the introduction of new digital tools that helped MSMEs expand revenue streams, while training and upskilling for riders, and programmes. Several local programs in Pakistan and Bangladesh successfully increased the percentage of economic participation from women entrepreneurs through the Home Chef program, while overall women ridership also increased compared to previous years. A new area of social impact focus in 2021 was the introduction of more sustainability initiatives across the region in 2021.

“Since foodpanda was founded in 2012, we have been driven by our value to ‘get 1% better every day’, rolling out technical features that make millions of lives better. Technology has been an especially powerful tool to help sustain livelihoods, preserve business legacies, tackle environmental challenges, and build an inclusive platform for our community of merchants, riders, and customers to thrive,” said Jakob Sebastian Angele, Chief Executive Officer, foodpanda.

The inaugural Social Impact Report features three key pillars which define foodpanda’s social impact vision in Asia: People, Progress and Planet.

People: Championing community growth

foodpanda believes that building a thriving society involves creating a conducive ecosystem for local communities to grow. In 2021, foodpanda dedicated US$29 million to support MSMEs across the region, like wet market vendors in Thailand and Taiwan, local mom-and-pop shops in Malaysia and Philippines and hawkers in Singapore. This comprises new digital tools to help merchants expand revenue streams and connect with new customers online, as well as fee waivers and other relief initiatives.

While many workers were displaced by the pandemic, the foodpanda platform provided a crucial lifeline that created earning opportunities for more than 370,000 new riders in 2021. An additional US$6 million was invested in providing riders’ welfare and benefits, such as safety training, insurance and financial support for the purchase of bicycles or motorbikes. foodpanda also spent more than half a million US dollars to support local governments and communities in the fight against COVID-19, with the distribution of food, essentials and medical supplies to healthcare workers and people in need. The platform also spearheaded a vaccination awareness program to amplify local vaccination information in partnership with health ministries.

Progress: Driving digital empowerment and inclusion

foodpanda is a strong advocate of building an inclusive platform. In 2021, foodpanda raised the level of economic participation from women across Asia, tripling the number of female riders in its fleet and financially empowering women MSME entrepreneurs on the platform through its Home Chef programme.

An additional US$91,000 was invested to upskill riders in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan, in language, personal growth and marketing programmes for future career readiness. In Singapore, foodpanda dedicated 19,500 hours mentoring mid-career professionals as they transition to data and software engineers through the GoSchool and #GetReadySG programmes. foodpanda also invested US$70,000 on mental wellness, including providing subscriptions to mental wellness apps for employees and riders.

Planet: Building a new generation of eco-heroes

With an expansive reach across 12 markets in Asia, foodpanda launched tech-enabled initiatives to help merchants, riders and customers adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. To tackle environmental sustainability challenges in the food delivery industry, foodpanda worked with local partners to improve food sustainability and reduce plastic waste for a low-carbon future. In 2021, foodpanda saved over 900 million pieces of single-use plastic cutlery through its cutlery opt-out feature, while more than 25,000 sustainable products (such as plant-based food) were made available on pandamart and foodpanda shops. Hong Kong and Taiwan became foodpanda’s first markets to certify more than 70 green merchants for their sustainability practices. That program will continue to expand in 2022.

In 2021, foodpanda also became the world’s first food delivery platform to offer cultured-meat dishes to its Singapore customers in a partnership with GOOD Meat. To lower the carbon footprint of deliveries, foodpanda encourages the use of greener transportation options – more than 20 percent of its fleet across Asia deliver on foot, bicycles or e-bikes.

Looking ahead into 2022 and the next decade

Marking its tenth anniversary, this Social Impact Report reiterates foodpanda’s commitment to growing alongside its ecosystem of riders, merchants and customers across 12 markets in Asia. foodpanda will look to expand its social impact initiatives in 2022 and the years to come by positively empowering local communities to live better lives, powered by technology.

View the full foodpanda pandapurpose: Social Impact Report 2021 at www.foodpanda.com/pandapurpose

About foodpanda

foodpanda is a leading delivery platform in Asia dedicated to bringing consumers a wide range of food, groceries and more, quickly and conveniently. Powered by technology and operational excellence, foodpanda is spearheading the growth of quick-commerce (q-commerce) across the region with its network of retail partners, as well as pandamart cloud stores to provide more on-demand options beyond the millions of food delivery options. foodpanda operates in more than 300 cities across 11 markets in Asia – Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. foodpanda is a subsidiary of Delivery Hero, a global leader of the food delivery industry. For more information, visit .

#foodpanda

Cityneon Brings Avatar: The Experience To The Iconic Cloud Forest At Gardens By The Bay Singapore

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 4 April 2022 Avatar: The Experience will debut at Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay welcoming guests later this year. This immersive walk-through event based on the global blockbuster film AVATAR is a uniquely designed collaboration between Cityneon Holdings, Disney Location-Based Experiences, and James Cameron and Jon Landau’s Lightstorm Entertainment.

Mr. Ron Tan, Cityneon’s Executive Chairman and Group CEO, shares, “It’s an honor to present Avatar: The Experience with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board and Gardens by the Bay. We are excited to contribute to the inspiring creative culture of Singapore. The iconic Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay, one of Asia’s most popular horticultural attractions, becomes the perfect scenic location. We look forward to welcoming guests to this carefully-curated event.”

Lightstorm Entertainment’s President of Franchise Development, Ms. Kathy Franklin, states, “The opening of Avatar: The Experience in Singapore is a unique opportunity to continue expanding the global reach and impact of AVATAR, the highest-grossing film of all time. As the first of our four AVATAR sequels comes to theaters this December, this is the perfect time – and the perfect place – to explore and celebrate the wonders of Pandora in an all-new way.”

Set at Cloud Forest with its iconic vision of waterfalls, spiraling walkways and a unique architectural glass greenhouse, Avatar: The Experience invites guests to connect with the alien world of Pandora, its bioluminescent environments, mystical creatures, flora, and the captivating culture of its indigenous people, the Na’vi.

Mr. Felix Loh, Chief Executive Officer of Gardens by the Bay, says, “Over the years, Gardens by the Bay has emerged as a foremost icon for Singapore. Many visitors associate the aesthetic of Gardens by the Bay with the stunning environments from the film AVATAR. Even more remarkable is the shared appreciation for the natural world that surrounds us. This collaborative opportunity serves as a one-of-a-kind event and adds to the significance of our 10th anniversary celebrations.”

Ms. Ashlynn Loo, Director, Attractions, Entertainment and Tourism Concept Development, adds, “We are thrilled that Singapore will be the debut destination for Avatar: The Experience. As we prepare to welcome more visitors, such innovative and immersive experiences are a timely addition to our calendar of vibrant leisure events and reinforce our destination attractiveness. The experience also demonstrates the industry’s confidence in Singapore’s strong fundamentals as a leisure destination and is testament to our exemplary track record in delivering high-quality experiences.”

We look forward to welcoming you! Additional details will be announced soon. Sign up to be the first to know by visiting: www.AvatarTheExperience.com

About Cityneon Holdings

Cityneon is a global leader in immersive experiences that holds global partnerships with billion-dollar studios such as The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Entertainment for Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. and Marvel Avengers Station: Evolution and 20th Century Studios for AVATAR: The Exhibition, Hasbro for Transformers: The Experience, NBCUniversal for Jurassic World: The Exhibition, and Lionsgate for The Hunger Games: The Exhibition. Cityneon has also recently announced a partnership with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment to produce two brand-new, unique global touring themed art experiences inspired by DC and the Wizarding World, slated to launch in 2023. The company also partners the governments of Peru and Egypt for their original artifact IP experiences, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru and Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs respectively. These partnerships have enabled the Group to bring compelling experiences that leave lasting memories to visitors in more than 50 cities to date globally.

With its global reach and international partnerships, Cityneon has the capability to serve its clients anywhere in the world. Cityneon was listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Stock Exchange since 2005, and was privatized on February 2019 by West Knighton Limited, a company wholly owned by Cityneon’s Executive Chairman and Group CEO, Ron Tan, together with Hong Kong veteran entrepreneur and investor, Johnson Ko Chun Shun. Johnson is a capital markets veteran and has held controlling interests and directorships in many listed companies. In May 2019, Cityneon welcomed CITIC Capital as a new shareholder, who holds approximately 9% shares in Cityneon. CITIC Capital is part of CITIC Group, one of China’s largest conglomerates, and has over US$29B of assets under its management across 100 funds and investment products globally. Other institutional shareholders of the Group include EDBI – a Singapore government-linked global investor, and Pavilion Capital – a Singapore-based investment institution which focuses on private equity investments, that made strategic investments to the Group in August and October 2019 respectively. In April 2021, Cityneon welcomed new investors Seatown Holdings International, Qatar’s Doha Venture Capital, which will now own approximately 4% of the Group, and other financial institutions and family offices in Singapore and China, joining the already strong stable of shareholders to support the Group’s further expansion globally. For more information, please visit

#Cityneon

About Gardens by the Bay

An integral part of Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, Gardens by the Bay is a national garden and premier horticultural attraction that showcases the best of garden and floral artistry for all to enjoy. Spanning 101 hectares in the heart of Singapore’s downtown Marina Bay, it comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, officially opened on 29 June 2012.

Guided by the vision to be a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish, the Gardens’ extensive plant collection, ever-changing floral displays, and myriad of engaging programs have captured the imagination of many, while its Gift of Gardens community initiative, with Madam Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore as Patron, reaches out to people from all walks of life.

Since opening, Gardens by the Bay has welcomed more than 80 million visitors and garnered numerous international awards including a silver for Destinations Building Back Better Post-Covid at the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2021, Best Attraction Experience at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2019, and ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award presented by ASEAN Tourism in 2018. The Gardens continues to refresh and refine its offerings, to be a place that everyone can enjoy – a garden where wonder blooms. For more information, please visit

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. For more information, please visit or

Cityneon Brings Avatar: The Experience To The Iconic Cloud Forest At Gardens By The Bay Singapore

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 4 April 2022 Avatar: The Experience will debut at Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay welcoming guests later this year. This immersive walk-through event based on the global blockbuster film AVATAR is a uniquely designed collaboration between Cityneon Holdings, Disney Location-Based Experiences, and James Cameron and Jon Landau’s Lightstorm Entertainment.

Mr. Ron Tan, Cityneon’s Executive Chairman and Group CEO, shares, “It’s an honor to present Avatar: The Experience with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board and Gardens by the Bay. We are excited to contribute to the inspiring creative culture of Singapore. The iconic Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay, one of Asia’s most popular horticultural attractions, becomes the perfect scenic location. We look forward to welcoming guests to this carefully-curated event.”

Lightstorm Entertainment’s President of Franchise Development, Ms. Kathy Franklin, states, “The opening of Avatar: The Experience in Singapore is a unique opportunity to continue expanding the global reach and impact of AVATAR, the highest-grossing film of all time. As the first of our four AVATAR sequels comes to theaters this December, this is the perfect time – and the perfect place – to explore and celebrate the wonders of Pandora in an all-new way.”

Set at Cloud Forest with its iconic vision of waterfalls, spiraling walkways and a unique architectural glass greenhouse, Avatar: The Experience invites guests to connect with the alien world of Pandora, its bioluminescent environments, mystical creatures, flora, and the captivating culture of its indigenous people, the Na’vi.

Mr. Felix Loh, Chief Executive Officer of Gardens by the Bay, says, “Over the years, Gardens by the Bay has emerged as a foremost icon for Singapore. Many visitors associate the aesthetic of Gardens by the Bay with the stunning environments from the film AVATAR. Even more remarkable is the shared appreciation for the natural world that surrounds us. This collaborative opportunity serves as a one-of-a-kind event and adds to the significance of our 10th anniversary celebrations.”

Ms. Ashlynn Loo, Director, Attractions, Entertainment and Tourism Concept Development, adds, “We are thrilled that Singapore will be the debut destination for Avatar: The Experience. As we prepare to welcome more visitors, such innovative and immersive experiences are a timely addition to our calendar of vibrant leisure events and reinforce our destination attractiveness. The experience also demonstrates the industry’s confidence in Singapore’s strong fundamentals as a leisure destination and is testament to our exemplary track record in delivering high-quality experiences.”

We look forward to welcoming you! Additional details will be announced soon. Sign up to be the first to know by visiting: www.AvatarTheExperience.com

About Cityneon Holdings

Cityneon is a global leader in immersive experiences that holds global partnerships with billion-dollar studios such as The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Entertainment for Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. and Marvel Avengers Station: Evolution and 20th Century Studios for AVATAR: The Exhibition, Hasbro for Transformers: The Experience, NBCUniversal for Jurassic World: The Exhibition, and Lionsgate for The Hunger Games: The Exhibition. Cityneon has also recently announced a partnership with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment to produce two brand-new, unique global touring themed art experiences inspired by DC and the Wizarding World, slated to launch in 2023. The company also partners the governments of Peru and Egypt for their original artifact IP experiences, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru and Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs respectively. These partnerships have enabled the Group to bring compelling experiences that leave lasting memories to visitors in more than 50 cities to date globally.

With its global reach and international partnerships, Cityneon has the capability to serve its clients anywhere in the world. Cityneon was listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Stock Exchange since 2005, and was privatized on February 2019 by West Knighton Limited, a company wholly owned by Cityneon’s Executive Chairman and Group CEO, Ron Tan, together with Hong Kong veteran entrepreneur and investor, Johnson Ko Chun Shun. Johnson is a capital markets veteran and has held controlling interests and directorships in many listed companies. In May 2019, Cityneon welcomed CITIC Capital as a new shareholder, who holds approximately 9% shares in Cityneon. CITIC Capital is part of CITIC Group, one of China’s largest conglomerates, and has over US$29B of assets under its management across 100 funds and investment products globally. Other institutional shareholders of the Group include EDBI – a Singapore government-linked global investor, and Pavilion Capital – a Singapore-based investment institution which focuses on private equity investments, that made strategic investments to the Group in August and October 2019 respectively. In April 2021, Cityneon welcomed new investors Seatown Holdings International, Qatar’s Doha Venture Capital, which will now own approximately 4% of the Group, and other financial institutions and family offices in Singapore and China, joining the already strong stable of shareholders to support the Group’s further expansion globally. For more information, please visit

#Cityneon

About Gardens by the Bay

An integral part of Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, Gardens by the Bay is a national garden and premier horticultural attraction that showcases the best of garden and floral artistry for all to enjoy. Spanning 101 hectares in the heart of Singapore’s downtown Marina Bay, it comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, officially opened on 29 June 2012.

Guided by the vision to be a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish, the Gardens’ extensive plant collection, ever-changing floral displays, and myriad of engaging programs have captured the imagination of many, while its Gift of Gardens community initiative, with Madam Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore as Patron, reaches out to people from all walks of life.

Since opening, Gardens by the Bay has welcomed more than 80 million visitors and garnered numerous international awards including a silver for Destinations Building Back Better Post-Covid at the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2021, Best Attraction Experience at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2019, and ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award presented by ASEAN Tourism in 2018. The Gardens continues to refresh and refine its offerings, to be a place that everyone can enjoy – a garden where wonder blooms. For more information, please visit

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. For more information, please visit or