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Screen‑Savor: Why the Philippines is the Next Cinematic Canvas for Global Hits and Immersive Travel

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Advertorial Desk
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MANILA, Philippines, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Philippines is rapidly emerging as a premier cinematic destination for international film production and creative tourism, captivating both producers and travelers with its dramatic coastlines, heritage towns, and diverse natural backdrops—from windswept cliffs to turquoise seas. Backed by expanded government incentives and world-class locations, the country is positioning itself not just as a travel destination, but as a global creative hub where stories come to life on screen and beyond.

At the center of this transformation is a strategic collaboration between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Through the Film Philippines Incentives Program, which includes the Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP) and the International Co-Production Fund (ICOF), international productions can access cash rebates of up to 25% on qualified local expenditures, with additional incentives for culturally significant content.

Under FLIP, qualified projects receive a 20% base rebate, with an additional 5% cultural uplift, amounting to up to ₱30 million (approximately USD 540,000) per project. Complementary programs such as ICOF and the Film Location Engagement Desk (FLEX) further simplify permits, local coordination, and production workflows—enabling efficient, large-scale international shoots.

Working in tandem, the DOT supports these initiatives by facilitating location scouting, coordinating logistics, and amplifying featured destinations through global tourism campaigns. This integrated approach streamlines production while positioning the Philippines as one of Asia’s most visually compelling and production-ready landscapes, connecting international studios with skilled Filipino crews and creative talent.

Beyond incentives, the FDCP’s CreatePHFilms Program continues to strengthen the local creative ecosystem, supporting Filipino filmmakers across development, production, and post-production. With a surge in participation in recent years, the program reflects a thriving pipeline of talent contributing to a dynamic, globally relevant film industry.

Together, these efforts are cultivating a cross-cultural creative environment where local narratives and global storytelling converge—enhancing the Philippines’ appeal as both a filming destination and a travel experience.

A Destination Where Storytelling Meets Exploration

The Philippines offers a uniquely versatile visual palette for filmmakers and storytellers. Batanes’ windswept cliffs and rolling hills evoke scenes of sweeping solitude and high drama; Vigan’s cobblestone heritage streets provide a preserved Spanish‑era setting perfect for historical narratives; and Cebu’s turquoise archipelagos and luxury island resorts offer a tropical backdrop that rivals any global location. Urban centers like Manila’s Intramuros add colonial charm, while natural wonders like Mount Mayon’s iconic cone offer spectacular establishing shots for adventure and epic storytelling.

These landscapes give productions ready‑made settings that can represent anywhere in the world—without sacrificing authenticity. As a result, the Philippines is drawing the attention of producers, directors, and creatives seeking locations that are visually distinct yet adaptable for genres ranging from drama and romance to action and fantasy.

As the global film and travel landscape evolves, the Philippines stands out as a destination where cinema and tourism enrich each other, offering producers unparalleled incentives and storytellers a vast canvas of landscapes. For travelers, these cinematic settings translate into immersive journeys—from dramatic natural backdrops and heritage towns to vibrant urban scenes—each inviting exploration beyond the silver screen.

For more information on film incentives and filming locations in the Philippines, visit the Department of Tourism Philippines’ official website  tourism.gov.ph.

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With its scenic beauty, varied landscapes, and rich cultural stories, the Philippines is becoming a premier cinematic destination for international filmmakers to tell their stories. Courtesy of Department of Tourism - Philippines
With its scenic beauty, varied landscapes, and rich cultural stories, the Philippines is becoming a premier cinematic destination for international filmmakers to tell their stories. Courtesy of Department of Tourism – Philippines

The April 2026 Global Sources Hong Kong Show Concludes Successfully as “Complete Sourcing Destination for Asia” Strategy Delivers Results

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The April 2026 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows concluded successfully at AsiaWorld-Expo, with three phases of exhibitions recording over 130,000 visitor entries from professional buyers representing more than 180 countries and regions. Key regions including North America, Europe, Latin America, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN all registered double-digit growth, whilst new buyers accounted for over 50% of total attendance. Leading global enterprises including HAMA, BELKIN, LI & FUNG, NELNA, ALURATEK and ASHTEL were among the VIP buyers present, significantly elevating the commercial calibre of the event. Positioned as the “Complete Sourcing Destination for Asia,” this edition was designed to serve as a one-stop, high-efficiency sourcing platform, enabling global buyers to complete cross-category procurement in the shortest possible time, fundamentally enhancing sourcing productivity.

The April 2026 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows concluded successfully at AsiaWorld-Expo, with three phases of exhibitions recording over 130,000 visitor entries from professional buyers representing more than 180 countries and regions.
The April 2026 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows concluded successfully at AsiaWorld-Expo, with three phases of exhibitions recording over 130,000 visitor entries from professional buyers representing more than 180 countries and regions.

The shows encompassed eight high-growth sourcing categories — Consumer Electronics, Gaming, Electronics Components, Mobile Electronics, Smart Home, Security & Home Appliances, Home & Kitchen, Lifestyle, and Sports & Outdoor — attracting approximately 4,500 quality Asian suppliers across more than 8,500 booths, showcasing over 340,000 trending new products. The upgraded Business Matching service facilitated over 5,000 buyer-supplier matching sessions across the three phases, successfully connecting global buyers with clear sourcing intent and quality suppliers to forge meaningful partnerships, representing a significant scale-up from the previous edition. Notably, this edition saw the emergence of e-commerce and cross-border online sellers as a new buyer segment. These buyers possess genuine procurement intent with the capacity to place orders across multiple SKUs, establishing themselves as a dynamic new force within the shows’ buyer ecosystem.

Exhibition Spotlights AI Commercialisation and Full Pickleball Supply Chain Targeting Global Sourcing Market

Across three phases, the Global Sources Shows focused on gaming ecosystems, AI-powered hardware and sports & outdoor — three high-growth sectors. The debut of the “Physical.ai Lab” was a key highlight, featuring humanoid robots, embodied intelligent robots, robotic lawn mowers and educational robots that have entered the commercialisation stage, marking the full extension of AI decision-making capabilities from virtual spaces into physical operational scenarios. The accompanying “AI Pavilion” concentrated on production-ready solutions across seven key segments: AI terminal devices, AI wearables, AI glasses, AI toys, AI pet products, AI personal healthcare and AI convergence products — all representing mature solutions with proven mass-production capabilities. Mobile accessories exhibitor numbers surged 50% compared with the same period in 2025, reflecting sustained global demand for consumer electronics peripherals. The Gaming Zone adopted a cross-brand synergy strategy to construct a complete esports desktop ecosystem, integrating monitors, mechanical keyboards, gaming headsets, ergonomic chairs and PC cases to enable buyers to source a full suite of peripherals in one stop.

In the Sports & Outdoor Show, the pickleball supply chain emerged as this edition’s standout highlight. For the first time, the show presented a comprehensive pickleball industry ecosystem — from carbon fibre paddles, competition-grade balls and professional footwear to racket grips and paddle bags — covering everything from upstream materials to finished accessories, demonstrating China’s supply chain depth as the world’s largest pickleball paddle manufacturing base. To reinforce product credibility, the show concurrently hosted a Pickleball Training Camp and once again partnered with Po Leung Kuk to host the “Pickleball Expo Cup 2026,” validating products’ professional performance and market appeal in an authentic competitive setting.

Global Sources and Monster Sign Strategic MoU Targeting New Opportunities in Global Consumer Electronics Sourcing

During the show, Global Sources and international audio and consumer electronics brand Monster formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to leverage their respective core strengths in a comprehensive collaboration. Global Sources, as a Hong Kong-based international B2B sourcing platform, connects over 14 million registered buyers worldwide with verified top-tier Asian manufacturers; Monster, with nearly half a century of brand heritage and an extensive global distribution network, commands significant influence in the consumer electronics sector. This strategic alliance will complement both parties’ advantages in supply chain connectivity and brand distribution channels, jointly unlocking new market potential and forging new pathways for growth.

Debut of “Sourcing Connection Desk” for On-Site Matching; Multi-Dimensional Upgrades to Buyer Experience

This edition introduced a suite of buyer service enhancements, with the inaugural Sourcing Connection Desk drawing the most attention. Designed for buyers who were unable to book appointments in advance, the desk provided real-time exhibitor search and on-site matching support, working in concert with the fully upgraded Business Matching service to substantially shorten the path between supply and demand. On the digital front, the Hong Kong Show website launched a new Meet the Exhibitors page, allowing buyers to search by show, product, country or region, with features to contact exhibitors and add events to their calendars for more effective sourcing trip planning. The Global Sources Buyer App also underwent comprehensive optimisation, delivering a simpler, more personalised user experience that puts information at buyers’ fingertips, further closing the loop between online and offline sourcing.

Quality Exhibitors Affirm Show Effectiveness; Strong On-Site Commercial Outcomes Achieved

The Global Sources Hong Kong Show attracted numerous quality enterprises from across Asia, with multiple exhibitors reporting significant on-site commercial outcomes spanning confirmed orders, brand agency negotiations and factory visit bookings.

Huang Cuixia of Dongguan Xieheng Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. revealed that the company confirmed over RMB 400,000 in orders on-site, with payment expected to be completed shortly after the show. She noted: “Through Global Sources’ AI optimisation and digital tools such as the Business Tong APP, we have significantly reduced product upload and quotation time, achieving precise buyer matching and rapid access to market demand.” Dongguan Qinghai Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., a specialist in premium computer peripheral cables, stated that approximately 78% of its business originates from the Global Sources Hong Kong Show, having successfully built relationships with leading cross-border e-commerce clients and achieving record-breaking annual transaction volumes year after year.

The show’s role as an international trade bridge was equally validated. Shenzhen Shenzhou Zhiyuan Technology Co., Ltd., a three-time exhibitor, reported that leveraging Hong Kong’s international accessibility had boosted sales performance by 5% to 10%, with its client base now spanning South America, Russia, Europe and North America. Zhong Lihua, Sales Manager of Shenzhen HangMo Technology Co., Ltd., shared: “This edition not only attracted leading Indian market sellers who booked post-show factory visits, but also facilitated brand agency and sample order discussions with UAE buyers, fully demonstrating our brand’s appeal and growth potential.” The company’s AI-powered automatic screen protector application machine successfully opened deep cooperation channels in Europe and North America through the show platform, with transactions exceeding RMB 1 million with a Spanish chain brand client and cumulative exports of more than 20 units.

First-time exhibitor Shenzhen pickleball brand ZOUL also gave high praise to the show’s full-chain service offering: “The VIP meeting area, online app pre-matching and on-site trial experience work as a trinity, helping us efficiently connect with targeted buyers. Appointments came in wave after wave, enabling our new pickleball products to rapidly reach the global market.”

Buyer Feedback Validates International Appeal; Multinational Sourcing Professionals Praise Selection Efficiency and On-Site Experience

This edition garnered strong endorsements from international buyers. Italian buyer Alessandro Polli highlighted the platform’s advantages in supplier screening and pre-show preparation: “I had already received a lot of information through their services before arriving, so I came with multiple meetings already arranged.”

Indian buyer Neha Gupta emphasised the irreplaceable value of physical exhibitions in procurement decision-making: “I can touch and feel the products I am about to purchase. When customisation is involved, face-to-face communication is also far more efficient. This is the best place to meet suppliers.”

The show’s product breadth also left a strong impression. Tanzanian buyer Sadick Fundi noted: “This show is excellent — there is an enormous variety of products, and whatever you are looking for, you can find it here.” Australian buyer Gary Weisser added: “I have been to shows in Vietnam and mainland China, but the product variety here is the richest — it stands out among all the exhibitions.”

Additionally, buyers regard the show as a frontline window into industry trends. Italian buyer Alexander Karelin observed: “This is also an excellent opportunity to understand where the industry is heading and to gather inspiration. You can see quite a few novel solutions — some can be adopted directly, whilst others provide important reference for projects we are currently developing.”

Outlook: Thematic Sourcing Ecosystem to Undergo Comprehensive Upgrade; October Hong Kong Show to Launch with a New Identity

The April 2026 Global Sources Hong Kong Show fully capitalised on Hong Kong’s strengths as an efficient international trade hub, establishing strong scheduling synergy with the Spring Canton Fair whilst achieving complementary product positioning and offering buyers a more complete sourcing pathway.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, Global Sources will continue to deepen its “Complete Sourcing Destination for Asia” positioning, further integrating online and offline resources. The October show will relaunch with a sharper thematic architecture, enabling buyers to navigate their relevant sourcing tracks more intuitively and enhancing overall show-floor efficiency. The event will also strengthen alignment between brand identity and product presentation, ensuring exhibitors can communicate their product advantages with greater precision and that buyers receive a clear, memorable brand experience at every booth. Furthermore, the show will intensify market-oriented curation of spotlight products, employing selection strategies more closely aligned with global sourcing trends to help buyers capture the most promising new product opportunities in the shortest time.

The October 2026 Global Sources Hong Kong Show dates and themes are as follows:

Phase 1: 11–14 October — Consumer Electronics, Gaming
Phase 2: 18–21 October — Mobile Electronics, Smart Home, Security & Home Appliances, Lifestyle, Sports & Outdoor

About Global Sources

Based in Hong Kong, Global Sources is a globally recognised B2B sourcing platform. With 55 years of dedicated service in facilitating international trade, it has earned the trust and recognition of the global business community through its proven track record of connecting quality buyers worldwide with verified top-tier Asian manufacturers. As a sourcing hub for market-ready innovative consumer products, Global Sources provides efficient and convenient trade services to over 14 million registered buyers and users worldwide.

High Templar Tech Commences a Tender Offer to Repurchase up to 39 Million of its ADSs

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Advertorial Desk
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XIAMEN, China, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — High Templar Tech Limited (the “Company,” “High Templar” or “we”) (NYSE: HTT), announced today that it has commenced a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to purchase up to 39 million American Depositary Shares (the “ADSs”) of the Company, each representing one Class A ordinary share, par value US$0.0001 per share, at a price not less than US$2.80 per ADS or more than US$3.20 per ADS (the “Purchase Price”), less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest. The Tender Offer will expire at 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on June 24, 2026, unless extended or earlier terminated (such date, as it may be extended, the “Expiration Date”).

A “modified Dutch auction” tender offer allows securityholders to indicate how many ADSs and at what price within the range described above they wish to tender their shares. Based on the number of ADSs tendered and the prices specified by the tendering securityholders, the Company will determine the lowest price per ADS (in increments of US$0.05) within the range that will enable it to purchase 39 million ADSs, or such lesser number of ADSs that are properly tendered and not properly withdrawn prior to the expiration date of the Tender Offer. In the event that more than 39 million ADSs are properly tendered in the Tender Offer, the Company may exercise its right to increase the number of ADSs sought in the Tender Offer by an amount not exceeding 2% of its outstanding ADSs without extending the Expiration Date. The Company also expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend the Tender Offer to purchase additional ADSs, subject to applicable law. All ADSs purchased in the Tender Offer will be purchased at the same price, even if the securityholders tendered at a lower price. ADSs tendered at a price above the price at which the Company is able to purchase 39 million ADSs will not be purchased in the Tender Offer. 

The Tender Offer will not be conditioned upon the receipt of financing or any minimum number of ADSs being tendered. The Tender Offer will, however, be subject to certain conditions as specified in the offer to purchase, dated May 26, 2026 (the “Offer to Purchase”). While the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the Company to make the Tender Offer, neither the Company, its Board of Directors, the dealer manager, the information agent or the depositary makes any recommendation to any shareholder as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering any ADSs or as to the price or prices at which securityholders may choose to tender their shares. The Company has not authorized any person to make any such recommendation. Shareholders must decide whether to tender their ADSs and, if so, how many ADSs to tender and at what price or prices to tender. In doing so, securityholders should carefully evaluate all of the information in the Tender Offer documents, when available, before making any decision with respect to the Tender Offer, and should consult their own broker or other financial and tax advisors.

The Tender Offer will be made under the Company’s US$300 million share repurchase program announced in March 2024. Future repurchases under the program may be executed after the expiration of the Tender Offer through open market purchases or other means from time to time, subject to applicable laws and regulations and subject to market conditions and other factors.

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. will serve as the dealer manager for the Tender Offer. Questions concerning the Tender Offer may be directed to Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. at (212) 250-5600. D.F. King & Co., Inc. will serve as information agent for the Tender Offer and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC will serve as depositary for the Tender Offer. For more information about the Tender Offer, please contact D.F. King & Co., Inc. at (888) 644-5854, toll at (646) 989-1649 or email at htt@dfking.com.

The Offer to Purchase, the Letter of Transmittal and related documents will be mailed to registered holders. Beneficial holders will receive the Offer to Purchase and communication from their bank, broker or custodian. For questions and information, please call the information agent toll-free at (888) 644-5854, toll at (646) 989-1649 or email at htt@dfking.com.

The ADSs are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HTT.”

Certain Information Regarding the Tender Offer

The information in this press release describing the Tender Offer is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell ADSs in the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer is being made only pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and the related materials that the Company is filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and will distribute to its securityholders, as they may be amended or supplemented. Securityholders should read such Offer to Purchase and related materials carefully and in their entirety because they contain important information, including the various terms and conditions of the Tender Offer. Securityholders of the Company may obtain a free copy of the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO, the Offer to Purchase and other documents that the Company is filing with the SEC from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Securityholders also will be able to obtain a copy of these documents, without charge, from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent for the Tender Offer, toll free at (888) 644-5854, toll at (646) 989-1649 or email at htt@dfking.com. Securityholders are urged to carefully read all of these materials prior to making any decision with respect to the Tender Offer. Securityholders and investors who have questions or need assistance may call D.F. King & Co., Inc..

About High Templar Tech Limited

High Templar is exploring innovative business opportunities globally to satisfy clients’ demand by leveraging its technology know-how and financial service capabilities.

For more information, please visit https://ir.hightemplar.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the expectation of its collection efficiency and delinquency, contain forward-looking statements. High Templar may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to securityholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about High Templar’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: High Templar’s goal and strategies; High Templar’s expansion plans; High Templar’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; High Templar’s expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products; High Templar’s expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with customers, business partners and other parties it collaborates with; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in High Templar’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and High Templar does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:
High Templar Tech Limited
Tel: +86-592-317-2318
E-mail: ir@hightemplar.com 

The Path to Clean Energy

By
Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Electricity powers modern society—from a single light to an entire city. It is not just a daily necessity but an engine of development. As the global energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation, photovoltaic (PV) power—a clean, efficient and widely accessible renewable energy source—has become a key solution for countries seeking to overcome resource constraints and achieve a low-carbon transition. For nations blessed with abundant sunlight yet eager to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the PV industry has emerged as a vital driver of sustainable economic and social growth.


The Path to Clean Energy

Saudi Arabia has long relied on oil as the backbone of its economy. Its Vision 2030 aims to end that dependence and diversify beyond petroleum. With year-round sunshine and the world’s seventh-largest solar potential, the Kingdom is naturally suited for solar development. Meanwhile, the population of Riyadh is projected to grow from 8 million to 10 million, driving surging electricity demand that makes PV power increasingly vital.

It is here that POWERCHINA undertook the Sa’ad2 Solar PV Plant. Spanning 23 square kilometers, the project generates 2.5 billion kWh of electricity annually—enough to power 200,000 homes in Riyadh. Reflecting on the journey, the operations manager of the owner’s side shared: “Honestly, when I first came, there was nothing here but barren land. I was amazed that POWERCHINA could pull this off in just 18 months. It was a real challenge.”

In Serbia, the energy transition is equally urgent. The country has long been heavily reliant on coal for electricity, making the shift toward green energy an unavoidable task. POWERCHINA, after years of establishing a strong local presence, built what was then Serbia’s largest solar plant.

From desert to mountainside, from technology transfer to talent development, the team worked closely with the client to develop an optimized PV project solution, leveraging all-Chinese technology, high-capacity panels, and advanced inverters to deliver the most efficient performance possible. What’s really driving this energy shift? And what stories unfolded along the way? Click the video to learn more.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZLiWu9-0E4

Lao Official Apologizes After Remarks on Thai Rescue Team Spark Backlash

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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Pictures of Deputy Village chief apology and rescue operation that is still on going in 26 May 2026.

A deputy village chief in Xaysomboun, Somchay Vilayvong, has issued a public apology after making remarks perceived as insulting toward a Thai rescue team assisting in the effort to save seven villagers trapped in a flooded cave in Long Chaeng district.

Somchay faced criticism after posting that the Thai rescuers “showed up on their own wanting recognition.” In Lao, he used the word “it” to refer to the volunteers, a term normally reserved for objects or animals.

The literal translation of his comment reads: “It shows its face on its own, wanting face (recognition),” which many interpreted as disparaging the Thai rescuers. The post spread rapidly on social media, drawing backlash from both Lao and Thai users.

The incident unfolded amid ongoing rescue efforts for villagers trapped since 20 May, after heavy rain flooded the cave entrance. A local influencer first shared footage of the operation on 22 May after receiving it via Facebook Messenger, reporting that the villagers had been underground for three days.

Controversy

Somchay’s controversial comment appeared on 23 May under a post by a Thai page reposting the Lao volunteer association’s request for help.

On 26 May, Somchay released a video apology on his personal Facebook account, saying: “I apologize to society and all rescue volunteers. My comments stemmed from a lack of understanding and caused damage. I sincerely support all agencies involved in helping Lao people escape safely and will avoid similar remarks in the future.”

Operations Continue

Rescue operations continued on 26 May. Two expert cave divers, Finnish Mikko Pietari Paasi and Thai Noraset Palasingh, entered submerged sections on 25 May but stopped due to low oxygen and narrow tunnels. Lao rescuers temporarily stepped back to allow the specialists to work while continuing to search for air vents and pump water.

The operation involves Lao volunteer associations, Thai and Lao divers, medical teams, and local guides. Provincial authorities coordinate logistics, medical support, and security, overseeing efforts alongside the Lao People’s Volunteer Association and Lao Heart Foundation.

Bouaphan Inthapanya, chairman of the Xaysomboun Provincial Administrative Committee, said teams face steep paths, narrow passages, sharp rocks, and persistent rain. Rescue teams hope diving operations will reach deeper sections where the villagers are believed to be located.

As of 26 May, no contact has been made, and the mission continues.

Friso Champions Good Gut Health this World Digestive Health Day with The Secret Garden to Good Poop

By
Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 May 2026 – Parents know that good gut health matters, but terms like gut microbiota, prebiotics, and probiotics can often feel overwhelming and difficult to understand. This World Digestive Health Day (WDHD), Friso, a leading nutrition formula milk brand with over 150 years of Dutch dairy expertise, is simplifying the science behind digestion by bringing to life the concept of a “gut garden” through the sixth edition of its long-standing Good Poop Matters, Baby! campaign.

Through The Secret Garden to Good Poop, Friso aims to help families better understand how everyday habits and nutrition can nurture a healthy digestive system in young children. Over the years, the national campaign has emphasised the important roles a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep play in helping young children achieve good poop – and this year’s edition spotlights what happens inside the gut, empowering parents with practical ways to support good digestion from within.

Breaking Down the Science of Gut Health

While many parents recognise the importance of good gut health, concepts such as gut microbiota, prebiotics, and probiotics can often feel complex and difficult to grasp.

To bridge this gap, Friso brings these ideas to life with The Secret Garden to Good Poop. Much like a garden, a child’s gut needs the right balance of nutrients to thrive. Through this “gut garden” concept, Friso aims to help families better understand everyday habits and the role nutrition plays in nurturing a healthy digestive system, empowering parents with practical knowledge and simple steps to support their child’s digestion and overall wellbeing.

“At Friso, we believe good gut health plays a foundational role in a child’s growth and development. Through The Secret Garden to Good Poop, we aim to simplify complex concepts like gut microbiota into something parents can easily understand,” said Carmen Lim, Brand and Digital Manager, Friso Singapore. “Through an immersive garden experience, we bring Good Poop Matters, Baby! to life, educating families on gut health and showing how daily care and nutrition nurture good digestion, helping build trust from the inside out.”

Bringing The Secret Garden to Good Poop to Life

To celebrate WDHD, Friso will host The Secret Garden to Good Poop, an invite-only experiential event held in partnership with The Sundowner, a nature experience centre located at Bukit Timah Fire Station. Invitees will be guided through a curated programme focused on foundational gut health education, including a farm-to-table pizza making workshop that encourages children to “eat the rainbow”, bringing the ‘gut garden’ concept to life.

“At The Sundowner, we’ve always believed in creating meaningful, nature-led experiences that reconnect families with where their food comes from,” said Clarence Chua, Founder, The Sundowner. “Partnering with Friso for The Secret Garden to Good Poop allows us to bring this philosophy to life in a way that is both fun and educational, helping our participants understand the connection between nature, nutrition, and gut health through hands-on activities.”

As part of the experience, parents will also gain insights from registered dietitian, Sherllie Kartika, on how to support their child’s gut health through everyday nutrition and habits.

Said Sherllie, “Many parents recognise the importance of gut health but may feel overwhelmed by terms like microbiota or pre/probiotics. Using a ‘gut garden’ analogy can make the concept more approachable, helping parents visualise how everyday habits, such as offering a variety of foods, help nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut. When children’s digestive systems are supported in this way, they are better able to digest and absorb the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.”

Friso‘s Commitment to Care Takes Flight to the Netherlands

As part of its broader commitment to children’s gut health, Friso also highlights the role careful milk processing can play in supporting digestion. It was found that high heat treatment can change the structure of milk protein, potentially affecting how easily they are digested. In contrast, gentler processing (or mild heat treatment) approaches may help preserve milk protein closer to its natural state, so it is easy to digest.

This philosophy came to life during a recent trip to the Netherlands, where local singer-songwriter Derrick Hoh and content creator Jeanette Ong visited Friso’s farms, R&D facilities, and production sites to better understand how the brand approaches milk production and nutritional care from source to formula.

A Continued Commitment to Gut Health

Since its launch in 2020, Friso’s Good Poop Matters, Baby! has been leading advocate for children’s gut health in Singapore. Through education, partnerships, and engaging experiences over the years, the campaign has helped parents better understand the role of digestion in their child’s overall wellbeing.

For more information on Friso’s Good Poop Matters, Baby! campaign, please visit friso.com.sg/good-poop-matters-baby.

Hashtag: #Friso

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

About Friso and FrieslandCampina

Produced and packed in The Netherlands, Friso is present in over 25 countries and ranked as one of the Top 52 formula milk brands in Asia. FRISO is a brand under one of the world’s largest dairy companies, FrieslandCampina, which is also a cooperative jointly owned by over 18,000 dairy farmer members from over 12,000 dairy farms in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. Founded in 1871, FrieslandCampina has over 150 years of expertise in milk and its application, allowing it to produce a wide range of quality, nutrient-rich foods including dairy-based beverages, toddler nutrition, cheese, functional dairy-based ingredients and more for consumers, businesses, and industries worldwide.

Laos Celebrates Coffee and Tea Heritage at ICTD 2026

By
Advertorial Desk
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Laos showcased coffee and tea excellence at ICTD 2026, highlighting export growth, national awards, and international market opportunities. 22 to 24 May 2026. (Photo supplies)

Laos celebrated its coffee and tea heritage on, marking the opening of the International Coffee & Tea Day 2026 (ICTD 2026) in Vientiane. 

The celebration took shape through a three-day event run 22 to 24 May under the theme “Two Brews, One Culture,” organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in partnership with France and the European Union (EU). Nearly 50 Lao brands filled 40 exhibition booths at Parkson Mall, alongside workshops, traditional tea ceremonies, and panel discussions on climate resilience and market access.

Nyot Ou tea from Phongsaly province claimed a gold medal at an international tea competition in China in 2025, while Lao coffee exports surpassed 43,000 tons shipped to 23 countries last year, generating over USD 27 million, a 19 percent increase from 2024.

Building on that momentum, the event hosted the Lao Tea Excellence Awards 2026, the first-ever national tea competition in the country. 

Laos showcased coffee and tea excellence at ICTD 2026, highlighting export growth, national awards, and international market opportunities. 22 to 24 May 2026. (Photo supplies)

Independent juries, including recognized tea masters from France and Germany, evaluated entries through a blind tasting process across four categories. Phongsaly took the White tea title, Xayabouly claimed Green tea, Champasak won Black tea, and Xieng Khouang secured the Puerh tea award. All winning products will represent Lao tea at the Paris Tea Festival in France in June 2026.

On the coffee front, the 6th Lao Green Coffee Competition, held in April, drew 111 samples from 26 producers, assessed by 24 experts from nine countries against internationally recognized standards. The Phoumakor Farmer-Nongluang producers’ group from Champasak province stood out, claiming three awards across five categories, including a special prize of a coffee roasting machine. Award-winning coffees also earned a platform at the World of Coffee trade show in Bangkok earlier this month.

Laos showcased coffee and tea excellence at ICTD 2026, highlighting export growth, national awards, and international market opportunities. 22 to 24 May 2026. (Photo supplies)

Agriculture and Environment Minister Linkham Douangsavanh said both sectors had evolved from cultural staples into strategic national export commodities, with their development central to the government’s vision to 2030 for sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth.

French Ambassador Bénédicte Deschamps described the export figures as the fruit of more than thirty years of collaboration between producers, researchers, and development partners, expressing confidence in Lao coffee and tea’s growing international standing.

EU Ambassador Mark Gallagher pointed to rising European demand for authentic and sustainably sourced products as a real opportunity for Lao exporters, reaffirming the bloc’s commitment through the ongoing Green CUP project.

Behind all of it, officials stressed, stand more than 310,000 farming families across Laos whose livelihoods depend on the two sectors.

Laos showcased coffee and tea excellence at ICTD 2026, highlighting export growth, national awards, and international market opportunities. 22 to 24 May 2026. (Photo supplies)

The Royal Government of Bhutan and EtonHouse International Education Group Forge Landmark Partnership to Establish the Nation’s First International School

By
Advertorial Desk
-

THIMPHU, BHUTAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 May 2026 – In a landmark collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) of Bhutan and the EtonHouse International Education Group, EtonHouse Bhutan International School will open its doors as the nation’s first international K–12 school in Academic Year 26/27, marking a milestone that underscores Bhutan’s commitment to building human capital for a rapidly evolving global economy.

Mr Ng Yi-Xian, Group CEO, EtonHouse International Education Group and Mr Tshewang Chophel Dorji, Secretary, Ministry of Education and Skills Development
Mr Ng Yi-Xian, Group CEO, EtonHouse International Education Group and Mr Tshewang Chophel Dorji, Secretary, Ministry of Education and Skills Development

Founded in Singapore over 30 years ago, EtonHouse today operates over 100 schools across eight countries, and is widely recognised for its inquiry-led approach to international education.

The partnership positions EtonHouse as a long-term education partner to Bhutan, focused on listening, learning, and co-creating a school experience that honours Bhutanese culture and strengthens capability within the region. Professional development and education conferences will support collaboration among educators across Bhutan, enabling professional exchange and high-quality practice, contributing to a strong, future-ready pedagogical landscape.

A shared vision for Bhutan’s future education landscape

EtonHouse Bhutan aligns with the Royal Government’s vision to nurture world-class talent through greater access to high-quality international education. The school is designed to develop globally competent learners rooted in Bhutan’s cultural heritage and the principles of Gross National Happiness. This partnership reflects Singapore’s enduring contribution to international education, sharing a model that harmonises academic rigour with Asian values, creativity and innovation, advancing Bhutan’s long-term educational aspirations.

The school will offer a seamless K–12 pathway for over 500 students. In the Early Years, children will experience the EtonHouse Inquire. Think. Learn curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Primary students will engage in the International Primary Curriculum alongside Singapore Mathematics and UK-aligned core subjects, progressing to the Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE and International A Level qualifications from Cambridge. Bhutanese History and Dzongkha remain integral, complemented by a multilingual language programme offering English, Dzongkha and Mandarin, alongside a strong emphasis on STEM, sustainability and holistic wellbeing.

“The Ministry of Education and Skills Development has entered into a landmark partnership with EtonHouse International Education Group to establish an international school in Bhutan, a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing education reform, guided by His Majesty’s vision for a future-ready and globally competitive education landscape.

The initiative will provide Bhutanese students with access to internationally benchmarked learning opportunities while ensuring the deep integration of local knowledge, culture, and values into the curriculum. It seeks to create a dynamic platform for young Bhutanese to experience world-class education within the country, reducing the need to pursue such opportunities abroad and thereby strengthening Bhutan’s human capital for the future.

Beyond enhancing access to quality education, the partnership aims to strengthen national education capacity and bolster Bhutan’s attractiveness to skilled professionals and international institutions, positioning the Kingdom as an emerging hub for world-class learning,” said Mr Tshewang C. Dorji, Secretary of the Ministry of Education & Skills Development.

“Establishing Bhutan’s first international school marks a defining moment for education in the Kingdom. As a global education group, we bring internationally recognised standards and access to a worldwide learning network that connects students and educators across countries. Through the EtonHouse Global Classroom, students engage with peers across our international network, gaining global perspectives through shared learning and cultural understanding. Our ambition is to build a globally engaged school in Bhutan that expands opportunities and contributes to long-term national development.” said Mr Ng Yi-Xian, Group CEO of the EtonHouse International Education Group.

Creating Opportunities for Students and Advancing Educator Excellence

A dedicated scholarship scheme will provide full tuition sponsorship to up to ten outstanding Bhutanese students, reinforcing the school’s commitment to accessibility and national talent development.

EtonHouse will leverage its membership in the Reggio Children International Network to provide preschool educators in Bhutan with access to internationally recognised Reggio Children expertise, professional learning and regional educator exchange, strengthening teaching practice across the region.

A campus that celebrates Bhutanese identity and global perspective

“The design and curriculum of EtonHouse Bhutan pay homage to Bhutan’s cultural roots while opening doors to the world. Every space has been conceived to inspire curiosity, reflection, and innovation, echoing the nation’s aspiration to educate its youth for both local contribution and global engagement.” said Evelyn Tay, CEO of EtonHouse International Education Group, Singapore and EtonHouse Bhutan International School.

The purpose-built campus reflects a thoughtful fusion of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship and contemporary collegiate design. Learning environments are designed in calm, neutral tones, reflecting the EtonHouse approach to inquiry-led, child-centered learning.

Students will have access to facilities including:

  • Research and Innovation Centre, integrating the Library, STEAM and ICT to support inquiry, experimentation and interdisciplinary learning
  • Dedicated Science Laboratories, designed for hands-on learning across Biology, Chemistry and Physics
  • Cultural Learning Spaces, honouring Bhutanese History and Dzongkha as integral parts of the curriculum
  • Multipurpose Sports Hall, supporting physical development, teamwork and wellbeing
  • Dedicated Performing Arts Studio, enabling expression through music, drama and movement
  • Reggio-inspired Ateliers, where children explore ideas through the hundred languages of expression, including light, sound, clay, mark-making and natural materials

Next steps

With enrolments opening for Nursery 1 to Year 5 (from 3 to 10 years) and plans to expand progressively to serve students aged up to 18 years, families interested in discovering more about EtonHouse Bhutan International School are warmly invited to attend our Experience Day on 30 May. This special event offers an opportunity to find out more and experience what defines the EtonHouse approach.

For more information, please visit etonhouse.edu.sg/bhutan.






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

About EtonHouse International Education Group

Founded in 1995 in Singapore, EtonHouse has grown into a global education group with more than 100 schools across eight countries. The Group offers a highly recognised international education pathway from infant care to high school, including the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, and the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, all designed to nurture inquiry, creativity, and intercultural understanding. Beyond schools, EtonHouse is deeply committed to community impact through teacher training, philanthropy, and purpose-driven educational initiatives.

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