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Laos Shifts Tourism Licensing Powers to Provincial, District Authorities

By
Soutthida Sinbandith
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Laos: Embracing Dispersed Tourism - An Authentic Alternative to Overcrowded Neighbors
Vang Vieng, Laos (photo: Mekong Tourism)

Laos is revising how tourism business licences are issued and enforced, dividing responsibilities among central, provincial, and district authorities, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket said at the National Assembly meeting on 7 October.

The Ministry will retain control over foreign-invested tourism businesses and international tour operators, according to Suanesavanh. It will also oversee national tour-guide badges, temporary guest-reception certificates, and the registration of tour-group leaders. The ministry can suspend or revoke licences when businesses break the law.

Provincial tourism departments will handle most tourism businesses operating within their jurisdictions, while district and city offices will oversee accommodation businesses, including guesthouses and homestays, and other businesses with registered capital of LAK 1 billion (USD 44,500) or less, subject to the limits of their authority.

The new arrangements are intended to clarify which authorities are responsible for licensing and inspecting businesses. Departments must also coordinate with higher-level authorities when issuing licences, although the precise reporting requirements vary by licence type.

Crackdown on ‘Zero-Dollar’ Tourism

The licensing changes come as the ministry works with the wildlife conservation society to tackle “zero-dollar” tourism and wildlife-related offences.

These tours typically attract visitors with very cheap packages before directing them to selected shops, restaurants, or other businesses where tour operators earn commissions.

The model can leave local businesses with a smaller share of tourist spending, particularly when visitors pay through overseas platforms such as WeChat or Alipay.

Authorities are increasing information-sharing and inspections at tourism businesses, high-risk locations, and border crossings. Tour operators and guides involved in wildlife-related offences may have their licences suspended or revoked, face fines, or be prosecuted.

The measures are intended to curb abuses in the tourism sector and ensure more of the money visitors spend reaches local businesses and communities.

Chelsea FC announces new global partnership with GAC

By
Advertorial Desk
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GUANGZHOU, China and LONDON, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chelsea Football Club today announced a global partnership, with GAC – one of the world’s fastest growing global automotive businesses – which sees them become the club’s Official Automotive Partner. The partnership brings together Chelsea’s global football community and GAC’s growing global automotive business, creating closer connections with fans and consumers in the UK, across Europe and beyond.

Chelsea FC announces new global partnership with GAC
Chelsea FC announces new global partnership with GAC

Chelsea FC has one of the largest global fan bases in the world with millions of supporters across Europe and beyond. GAC are one of China’s largest automobile manufacturers and the partnership comes at a time when GAC is expanding its global reach and into new markets with its range of high-quality, practical models.

GAC and Chelsea FC first joined forces for the 2026 pre-season tour and this new chapter together will see vehicles from GAC’s AION range escorting the men’s team to Stamford Bridge on selected matchdays. GAC and Chelsea FC will also collaborate on digital storytelling, fan experiences and engagement including car displays, providing opportunities for the Chelsea family to discover GAC and its vehicles.

The UK and Europe are important markets in GAC’s international development. The partnership with Chelsea FC adds a new dimension to this work, complementing product introductions, sales-channel development and customer support. It will help GAC reach audiences beyond traditional automotive channels as the company continues to build its presence across the region.

GAC’s European lineup includes the AION V electric SUV and the AION UT compact electric hatchback, offering options for family travel and everyday mobility. Both models reflect the company’s focus on practical usability, technology and quality.

The partnership also forms part of GAC’s One GAC 2.0 global strategy and its Local for Local approach. By combining the partnership’s international reach with activities shaped around local interests, GAC and Chelsea FC will build lasting connections together with supporters and customers.

Moomoo Malaysia Names Datuk Nicol David Brand Ambassador at MooFest 2026

By
Advertorial Desk
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  • Eight-time squash world champion partners the investment platform to bring championship discipline and investor education to more Malaysians.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Moomoo Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd. (“Moomoo Malaysia” or “Moomoo MY”) today named eight-time squash world champion Datuk Nicol David as its official Brand Ambassador, in a headlining moment during the launch of MooFest 2026, the company’s annual flagship investor event, running 9 to 11 October at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.

Dennis Jee, CEO of Moomoo Malaysia alongside Brand Ambassador Datuk Nicol David.
Dennis Jee, CEO of Moomoo Malaysia alongside Brand Ambassador Datuk Nicol David.

The partnership builds on Moomoo Malaysia’s existing collaboration with the Nicol David Organisation (NDO), the non-profit foundation Datuk Nicol David co-founded with Mariana De Reyes to empower women, girls and boys through sport, education, mental health and community advancement. Earlier this year, Moomoo Malaysia committed RM100,000 to support NDO’s work with underserved students in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

“We share a simple belief with NDO: young people need knowledge, confidence and opportunities to build a better future,” said Dennis Jee, CEO of Moomoo Malaysia. “Datuk stands for strong values we believe in: care, preparation, staying strong through challenges, and always improving. Despite all her success, she continues to give back and help the next generation. That’s why I’m proud that Datuk is now also Moomoo Malaysia’s Brand Ambassador.”

“The money goes into classrooms, not campaigns,” said Datuk Nicol David, on why she said yes. “You don’t become a champion in one day. You learn the fundamentals, you make mistakes, you keep practising, and you learn from the people around you. Over time, you build the confidence to take on something bigger.”

As Brand Ambassador, Datuk Nicol will front Moomoo Malaysia’s campaigns and appear across its platforms and events, bringing the same discipline and long-term thinking that defined her career on the court to how Moomoo Malaysia talks about investing. Fans in the North can look forward to seeing more of Datuk Nicol later this month, when Moomoo Malaysia opens its fourth physical store in Penang and marks the occasion with an opportunity to play pickleball with her. Details will be announced at a later date.

The announcement anchored the opening of MooFest 2026, which runs through the weekend under the theme “The Age of Smarter Investing” at Centre Court, Pavilion Bukit Jalil. Beyond the Main Stage’s market panels, attendees can look forward to a closing KOL panel featuring Timothy Tiah, Jonathan Quek and Nigel Chong, sharing real-world lessons on how they utilise Moomoo AI in their own investing journeys, and a Post-Budget & Year-End Playbook session breaking down what Budget 2027 means for investors. MooFest 2026 continues until 11 October 2026 with hands-on workshops, informative presentations and exclusive event-only rewards.

For more information, visit https://www.moomoo.com/my/promotion/moofest-malaysia.

About Moomoo Malaysia 
Moomoo Securities Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“Moomoo Malaysia”) is a Capital Markets Services Licence (Licence No. eCMSL/A0397/2024) holder. Moomoo Malaysia is a cutting-edge digital investment platform designed to empower investors of all levels with professional-grade tools, in-depth market data, and expert insights. As a subsidiary of a Nasdaq-listed company and global partner of the NYSE and Nasdaq, Moomoo Malaysia brings world-class financial technology to Malaysia.

Moomoo Malaysia is Malaysia’s No. 1 most downloaded trading app by downloads and daily active users. ([1])

Dedicated to transforming the local investment scene, Moomoo Malaysia makes innovative trading tools and educational resources accessible to all investors, setting new standards in financial technology and reinforcing its position as the leading digital investment platform in the region.

Find out more at www.moomoo.com/my.

Investments involve risk. Full disclaimers at https://www.moomoo.com/my/support/topic9_37.

This press release has not been reviewed by the SC.

([1]) No.1 trading app is determined by total number of application downloads in Malaysia sourced from Sensor Tower as of 7 July 2026. Ranking may change from time to time.

*T&Cs apply. Investments involve risk. Full disclaimers at https://www.moomoo.com/my/support/topic9_37. This media alert has not been reviewed by the SC.

Lucy Liu Joins Merz Aesthetics to Launch ‘Your Time is Now’, Inspiring a New Conversation on Aging Well Across Asia Pacific

By
Advertorial Desk
-

The regional campaign introduces The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific, powered by SkinGivity Solutions, supporting a more integrative approach to medical aesthetics focused on skin longevity and personalized, natural-looking results.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Merz Aesthetics, the world’s largest dedicated medical aesthetics company, today unveiled a new regional campaign ‘Your Time is Now’, featuring critically acclaimed actress, advocate, producer, and director Lucy Liu as the new Asia Pacific ambassador for The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics.

Lucy Liu at the regional launch of Merz Aesthetics' 'Your Time is Now' campaign in Seoul, South Korea
Lucy Liu at the regional launch of Merz Aesthetics’ ‘Your Time is Now’ campaign in Seoul, South Korea

Launched in Seoul, South Korea, the campaign reflects the growing interest in skin longevity among women aged 45-64 across Asia Pacific, as they embrace this life stage with greater confidence, purpose and individuality. As their expectations evolve beyond addressing visible signs of aging alone, they are increasingly seeking a more proactive, long-term approach to supporting healthier, resilient skin that reflects how they feel on the inside.

Why Women Are Choosing a Different Approach to Redefining Aging

Across Asia Pacific, more than 240 million women aged 45 to 64 are redefining what this stage of life means to them.[1] As facial aging progressively alters the face through loss of skin structure and volume, decline in skin quality, and muscular imbalance, patient expectations of aesthetics care are evolving too. Rather than pursuing traditional anti-aging ideals, more women are seeking authenticity and personalized treatment approaches that help them look like themselves – supporting how they feel on the inside while achieving natural-looking results.

At the same time, facial aging is a complex process involving changes in skin structure that are often interconnected, affecting multiple anatomical layers. Yet, these changes are often addressed separately, creating an opportunity for integrated treatment strategies that move beyond isolated correction toward long-term treatment planning supporting skin longevity and helping women age well.

Responding to this shift, Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific introduced The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics, bringing together one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of injectables and energy-based device to support personalized treatment journeys and skin longevity goals.

“‘Your Time Is Now’ reflects an important shift in how women aged 45-64 are thinking about this stage of life. Increasingly, they are seeking aesthetic care that is more personal, proactive and aligned with how they want to look and feel over time,” said Lawrence Siow, President, Asia Pacific, Merz Aesthetics. “Through The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics, we are equipping clinicians with a more personalized approach to treatment planning that supports skin aging and longevity, as well as natural-looking outcomes, helping women align how they look on the outside with the confidence and vitality they feel within.”

Lucy Liu Brings ‘Your Time is Now’ to Life

Lucy Liu brings the ‘Your Time is Now’ campaign to life through her personal philosophy on confidence, self-definition and continual growth that resonates across generations – one that sees aging as a journey to own. “This chapter of my life feels more intentional. It’s about investing in my well-being and purpose, rather than comparing myself to who I used to be,” Lucy shared. “To me, there’s a sense of freedom that comes from accepting that life isn’t about preserving a single version of yourself but allowing yourself to keep changing and embrace every new version of who you become.”

As Asia Pacific ambassador for The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics, Lucy brings the campaign’s message of confidence, individuality and continual growth to women across the region.

Introducing SkinGivity Solutions

Underlying The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics is SkinGivity Solutions, a science-based framework built around the principles of skin aging and longevity.

Rather than focusing on correcting individual signs of aging as they appear, SkinGivity Solutions encourages a more proactive, long-term approach that supports how skin functions, adapts, ages, and maintains quality throughout life.

Developed for clinicians, SkinGivity Solutions provide a structured framework to better understand each patient’s skin needs, as well as skin aging and longevity goals, supporting more meaningful patient conversations, personalized treatment planning and natural-looking outcomes.

“As our understanding of skin longevity continues to evolve, so too should the way we approach medical aesthetics. Our portfolio of products at Merz Aesthetics helps clinicians address multiple skin concerns to support overall skin long-term resilience, and that’s important as we age to look and feel confident,” said Samantha Kerr, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Merz Aesthetics.

Merz Aesthetics also revealed plans to announce the new Research & Development Innovation Center (“RDIC”) in Singapore, an important hub as it leads the way forward as one of the pioneers in skin aging and longevity research. This initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to advancing skin science through its global R&D ecosystem.

Together, The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics, driven by SkinGivity Solutions reflect Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific’s long-term commitment to advancing evidence-based innovation, responsible aesthetic care and personalized treatment journeys that support skin aging and longevity.

About The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific

The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific is a curated portfolio designed to support evolving and interconnected skin needs through a focus on skin longevity. Powered by SkinGivity Solutions framework, it brings together a range of clinically proven solutions across injectables and energy-based technology to enable a more integrative approach to medical aesthetics, supporting personalized, natural-looking outcomes over time.

About Merz Aesthetics

Merz Aesthetics is a medical aesthetics business with a long history of empowering health care professionals, patients and employees to live every day with confidence. We aim to help people around the world look, feel and live like the best versions of themselves — however they define it. Clinically proven, its product portfolio includes injectables, devices and skin care treatments designed to meet each patient’s needs with high standards of safety and efficacy. Being family owned for more than 115 years, Merz Aesthetics is known for building unique connections with customers who feel like family. Merz Aesthetics’ global headquarters is in Raleigh, N.C., USA, with a commercial presence in 90 countries worldwide. It is also a part of Merz Group, which was founded in 1908 and is based in Frankfurt, Germany. Learn more at merzaesthetics.com.

 

Lucy Liu Joins Merz Aesthetics to Launch ‘Your Time is Now’, Inspiring a New Conversation on Aging Well Across Asia Pacific

By
Advertorial Desk
-

The regional campaign introduces The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific, powered by SkinGivity Solutions®, supporting a more integrative approach to medical aesthetics focused on skin longevity and personalized, natural-looking results.

HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Merz Aesthetics, the world’s largest dedicated medical aesthetics company, today unveiled a new regional campaign ‘Your Time is Now’, featuring critically acclaimed actress, advocate, producer, and director Lucy Liu as the new Asia Pacific ambassador for The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics.

Lucy Liu at the regional launch of Merz Aesthetics' 'Your Time is Now' campaign in Seoul, South Korea
Lucy Liu at the regional launch of Merz Aesthetics’ ‘Your Time is Now’ campaign in Seoul, South Korea

Launched in Seoul, South Korea, the campaign reflects the growing interest in skin longevity among women aged 45-64 across Asia Pacific, as they embrace this life stage with greater confidence, purpose and individuality. As their expectations evolve beyond addressing visible signs of aging alone, they are increasingly seeking a more proactive, long-term approach to supporting healthier, resilient skin that reflects how they feel on the inside.

Why Women Are Choosing a Different Approach to Redefining Aging

Across Asia Pacific, more than 240 million women aged 45 to 64 are redefining what this stage of life means to them.[1] As facial aging progressively alters the face through loss of skin structure and volume, decline in skin quality, and muscular imbalance, patient expectations of aesthetics care is evolving too. Rather than pursuing traditional anti-aging ideals, more women are seeking authenticity and personalized treatment approaches that help them look like themselves – supporting how they feel on the inside while achieving natural-looking results.

At the same time, facial aging is a complex process involving changes in skin structure that are often interconnected, affecting multiple anatomical layers. Yet, these changes are often addressed separately, creating an opportunity for integrated treatment strategies that move beyond isolated correction toward long-term treatment planning supporting skin longevity and helping women age well.

Responding to this shift, Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific introduced The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics, bringing together one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of injectables and energy-based device to support personalized treatment journeys and skin longevity goals.

“‘Your Time Is Now’ reflects an important shift in how women aged 45-64 are thinking about this stage of life. Increasingly, they are seeking aesthetic care that is more personal, proactive and aligned with how they want to look and feel over time,” said Lawrence Siow, President, Asia Pacific, Merz Aesthetics. “Through The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics, we are equipping clinicians with a more personalized approach to treatment planning that supports skin aging and longevity, as well as natural-looking outcomes, helping women align how they look on the outside with the confidence and vitality they feel within.”

Lucy Liu Brings ‘Your Time is Now’ to Life

Lucy Liu brings the ‘Your Time is Now’ campaign to life through her personal philosophy on confidence, self-definition and continual growth that resonates across generations – one that sees aging as a journey to own. “This chapter of my life feels more intentional. It’s about investing in my well-being and purpose, rather than comparing myself to who I used to be,” Lucy shared. “To me, there’s a sense of freedom that comes from accepting that life isn’t about preserving a single version of yourself but allowing yourself to keep changing and embrace every new version of who you become.”

As Asia Pacific ambassador for The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics, Lucy brings the campaign’s message of confidence, individuality and continual growth to women across the region.

Introducing SkinGivity Solutions®

Underlying The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics is SkinGivity Solutions®, a science-based framework built around the principles of skin aging and longevity.

Rather than focusing on correcting individual signs of aging as they appear, SkinGivity Solutions® encourages a more proactive, long-term approach that supports how skin functions, adapts, ages, and maintains quality throughout life.

Developed for clinicians, SkinGivity Solutions® provide a structured framework to better understand each patient’s skin needs, as well as skin aging and longevity goals, supporting more meaningful patient conversations, personalized treatment planning and natural-looking outcomes.

“As our understanding of skin longevity continues to evolve, so too should the way we approach medical aesthetics. Our portfolio of products at Merz Aesthetics helps clinicians address multiple skin concerns to support overall skin long-term resilience, and that’s important as we age to look and feel confident,” said Samantha Kerr, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Merz Aesthetics.

Merz Aesthetics also revealed plans to announce the new Research & Development Innovation Center (“RDIC”) in Singapore, an important hub as it leads the way forward as one of the pioneers in skin aging and longevity research. This initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to advancing skin science through its global R&D ecosystem.

Together, The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics, driven by SkinGivity Solutions® reflect Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific’s long-term commitment to advancing evidence-based innovation, responsible aesthetic care and personalized treatment journeys that support skin aging and longevity.

About The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific

The Proudly Becoming Collection by Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific is a curated portfolio designed to support evolving and interconnected skin needs through a focus on skin longevity. Powered by SkinGivity Solutions® framework, it brings together a range of clinically proven solutions across injectables and energy-based technology to enable a more integrative approach to medical aesthetics, supporting personalized, natural-looking outcomes over time.

About Merz Aesthetics

Merz Aesthetics is a medical aesthetics business with a long history of empowering health care professionals, patients and employees to live every day with confidence. We aim to help people around the world look, feel and live like the best versions of themselves — however they define it. Clinically proven, its product portfolio includes injectables, devices and skin care treatments designed to meet each patient’s needs with high standards of safety and efficacy. Being family owned for more than 115 years, Merz Aesthetics is known for building unique connections with customers who feel like family. Merz Aesthetics’ global headquarters is in Raleigh, N.C., USA, with a commercial presence in 90 countries worldwide. It is also a part of Merz Group, which was founded in 1908 and is based in Frankfurt, Germany. Learn more at merzaesthetics.com.

 

Ping An Digital Bank Becomes Hong Kong’s First Digital Bank to Enter High-End Wealth Management Segment

By
Advertorial Desk
-

Introducing Private Funds, Complementing End-to-End Digital Capabilities with Dedicated Offline Wealth Management Service, Creating a Digital Wealth Management Experience That Balances Flexibility with Professionalism


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2026 – Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank” / “PingAnDB”) announces its expansion into high-end wealth management, making it the first digital bank in Hong Kong to enter this sector. By introducing private fund products coupled with seamless end-to-end digital capabilities and dedicated offline services, PingAnDB aims to reshape high-end wealth management customer experience. This enables customers to achieve diversified asset allocation and capture global investment opportunities, while enjoying a digital wealth experience defined by flexibility and professionalism.

According to the Securities and Futures Commission’s Asset and Wealth Management Activities Survey 2025, Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management industry accelerated sharply in 2025 to reach a historic high. Total assets under management (AUM) surged 20% year-on-year to HK$42.2 trillion by the end of the year. Within this, the private banking and private wealth management business demonstrated robust momentum, with AUM reaching nearly HK$12.9 trillion—a record high. This strong trajectory underscores the accelerating demand for wealth management solutions in the region. However, traditional high-end wealth management services typically impose high entry thresholds, which may not fully satisfy the needs of all individuals who possess substantial assets and seek global asset allocation or alternative investment opportunities. Ping An Digital Bank precisely addresses this market gap by launching private fund services, combining its fully digital platform and dedicated offline wealth management services to address customers’ demands for global asset allocation and financial management.

Mr. Ronald Iu, Chief Executive of Ping An Digital Bank, said, “Ping An Digital Bank remains committed to being a user-centric digital bank. Since launching our wealth services in March 2026, we have observed strong demand among customers for diversified asset allocation and flexible wealth management solutions.

Furthermore, a recent report indicates that Hong Kong has overtaken Switzerland as the world’s leading cross-boundary wealth management center, which is another reason to expect increasing capital inflows to the city. Capitalising on this momentum, Ping An Digital Bank is introducing private fund products, marking our debut as the first digital bank to step into the high-end wealth management sector. Leveraging our agile digital platform and dedicated offline wealth management services, we are reinventing the high-end wealth management experience to empower customers in optimising their portfolios and achieving their global asset allocation goals.”

Ping An Digital Bank’s wealth management service is designed around user experience at its core, streamlining processes to make the investor journey simpler and more convenient. The Bank collaborates with leading global fund houses, including J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Aberdeen Investments, to offer semi-liquid fund products to customers. Going a step further, the Bank complements its end-to-end digital capabilities with dedicated offline wealth management services. In addition to offline support, the online platform offers analysis tools and trading experiences comparable to online brokerages, ensuring swift and efficient execution to deliver an all-around wealth management ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Ping An Digital Bank will continue to advance its brand vision, “Always with You, Always Ahead,” harnessing financial technology to expand its footprint in high-end wealth management. By combining personalized offline wealth services with the agility of its digital infrastructure, PingAnDB aims to provide customers with comprehensive, flexible asset management solutions, setting a new benchmark for digital wealth management in Hong Kong.

Important Notes
Investment involves risks. Investors should carefully read the offering documents of each product to understand the detailed risk disclosures applicable to the relevant products. The information contained herein is for general reference purposes only and does not constitute, nor should it be regarded as, any investment advice, recommendation, offer, solicitation, inducement, commitment, or guarantee. Private wealth management financial products, including private funds, are not regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission and are offered solely to customers who meet the professional investor requirements under the Securities and Futures (Professional Investor) Rules.

Hashtag: #平安數字銀行 #PingAnDB #財富管理 #WealthManagement

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

Ping An Digital Bank

Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank,” “PingAnDB”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318). Ping An Digital Bank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer retail banking and business banking services. Backed by Ping An’s advanced technology, Ping An Digital Bank is elevating banking experience, serving customers in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as Ping An Group’s integrated financial platform in Hong Kong.

Josie Ho Shines in Desert diamonds at Hong Kong Premiere of The Mage

By
Advertorial Desk
-

De Beers Group and Chow Tai Fook celebrate Josie Ho as a true reflection of Desert diamonds — individual, resilient and naturally distinctive


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2026 – On 6 October, Hong Kong actress, producer and musician Josie Ho stepped onto the red carpet for the Hong Kong premiere of The Mage 《拾荒法師》 adorned in jewellery from Chow Tai Fook’s Desert Rose Collection, created in collaboration with De Beers Group as the latest expression of the Desert diamonds campaign.

Josie is joined by her husband and long-time creative partner Conroy Chan and The Mage co-star Iman Taheri, all wearing diamond jewellery from Chow Tai Fook.
Josie is joined by her husband and long-time creative partner Conroy Chan and The Mage co-star Iman Taheri, all wearing diamond jewellery from Chow Tai Fook.

Held at MOViE MOViE Cityplaza in Tai Koo Shing, the premiere brought together cinema, style and natural diamonds for a celebration of individuality and creative expression. Josie was joined by her husband and long-time creative partner Conroy Chan, as well as The Mage co-star Iman Taheri, with all three accessorised in diamond jewellery from Chow Tai Fook.

Josie Ho shines in Chow Tai Fook Desert Rose Collection, expressing her bold and distinctive style.
Josie Ho shines in Chow Tai Fook Desert Rose Collection, expressing her bold and distinctive style.

A Natural Expression of Individuality

Known for forging her own path across film, music and production, Josie has spent more than three decades embracing roles and creative projects that resist easy categorisation. Her independent spirit finds a natural connection with the philosophy behind Desert diamonds — a celebration of natural diamonds in a spectrum of warm, earthy hues, each shaped by nature and possessing its own individual character.

The collaboration also places a spotlight on Desert Rose, the collection showcased by De Beers Group at Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong in September 2026. Inspired by the intricate formations of desert roses and the remarkable plants that flourish in arid landscapes, the collection transforms the beauty, vitality and resilience of desert life into contemporary jewellery. From delicate floral forms to warm-toned natural diamonds, each piece explores the relationship between strength and beauty — qualities reflected in Josie’s own unconventional creative journey.

“Josie has always had the courage to define herself on her own terms. Across film, music and her creative life, she has chosen her own path and built an identity that is unmistakably hers. That is what makes her such a natural expression of the spirit of Desert diamonds. No two natural diamonds are exactly alike; each has its own character, shaped by its own journey. We see that same individuality and resilience in Josie. The Desert Rose pieces feel particularly fitting for her — distinctive, expressive and designed to be worn as a reflection of who you are, rather than simply as an adornment.” — Lynn Serfaty, General Manager, Natural Diamonds, De Beers Group.

Resilience, Revealed Through Nature

The Desert Rose Collection is the latest chapter of De Beers Group’s Desert diamonds campaign in China, which draws inspiration from the diverse colours and landscapes of the desert. Just as no two natural diamonds are exactly alike, the campaign celebrates beauty that comes from individuality rather than uniformity.

As Annie Wong, Chief Operating Officer of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, said at the collection’s launch, Desert Rose “celebrates the resilience and individuality of today’s women.” Through Josie, that idea takes on an artist who has consistently pursued her own creative identity across acting, music and independent filmmaking. The collaboration continues the longstanding relationship between De Beers Group and Chow Tai Fook, a De Beers Sightholder since 1973, bringing together their shared appreciation for natural diamonds, craftsmanship and enduring design.

The Desert Rose Collection is available at selected Chow Tai Fook stores across 25 cities in China.

For more information on natural diamonds, please follow and visit the official channels below:
De Beers Group official website www.debeersgroup.com
Natural Diamonds Instagram @ADiamondisForeverhk
Website: www.adiamondisforever.com/zh-hk

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #ChowTaiFookJewellery #DesertRose #JosieHo #ADiamondIsForever #NaturalDiamonds #Desertdiamonds #Diamonds



www.adiamondisforever.com/zh-hk

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 unrivalled expertise in the exploration, mining, sales and marketing of diamonds. Together with its partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond value chain. It is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of the Group’s strategy, underpinning a portfolio of brands including De Beers London and Forevermark, as well as pioneering solutions such as Gem Fair and Tracr, its diamond mining and traceability programmes. De Beers Group provides education and laboratory services through the De Beers Institute of Diamonds, and its Ignite team has introduced a range of technology systems for diamond sorting, detection and classification, delivering quality service and advanced technology to the diamond industry. De Beers Group is a member of Anglo American plc. For further information, visit .

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited

Since its founding in 1929, CHOW TAI FOOK, the flagship brand of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, has been celebrated for its bold designs and meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has made us synonymous with excellence, value, and authenticity.

As a global Chinese luxury group, we blend contemporary designs with traditional techniques to create timeless pieces. Each collection reflects our customers’ stories and lives, celebrating their special moments. We aspire to inspire and captivate generations to come, weaving the story of CHOW TAI FOOK into their own.

Our brand portfolio includes the iconic CHOW TAI FOOK flagship brand, HEARTS ON FIRE, ENZO, and MONOLOGUE, offering a wide variety of products, including an expanding range of cutting-edge IP collaborations. With over 5,000 stores worldwide, we offer a seamless client journey across all touchpoints through a network spanning China and a growing number of global locations.

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (SEHK: 1929) has been listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since December 2011. We are committed to delivering sustainable long-term value for our stakeholders by continually enhancing earnings quality and driving higher value growth.

Tianli International: Leveraging Hong Kong as a Strategic Hub to Build a New Global Education Footprint

By
Advertorial Desk
-

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2026 – Since the beginning of this year, Hong Kong’s international education market has continued to gain momentum, drawing close attention from both local and international media. On 24 September, Bloomberg published a feature story examining the accelerating expansion of elite international schools into Hong Kong, in which Tianli International Holdings Limited (“Tianli International” or the “Group”; HKEX stock code: 01773) was featured. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Ming Pao interviewed Dr. Zhao Feng, General Manager of International Education at Tianli International Holdings Limited, who shared the latest progress on the preparations for the Group’s first international school in Hong Kong.

1

From sharing its views at an international business forum in Kuala Lumpur to steadily developing its blueprint for a school in Hong Kong, Tianli International’s path to internationalisation, “using Hong Kong as a strategic gateway to steadily deepen its presence in global markets”, is becoming increasingly clear.

Kuala Lumpur: Sharing Insights on Education Going Global on an International Business Stage
On 11 August, “Think Business, Think Hong Kong”, a large-scale overseas promotional event organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event brought together around 1,600 business leaders from Hong Kong and Malaysia, facilitated more than 300 business matching meetings, and saw 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed on site, making it one of the most influential trade and business exchange events in the region.

Dr. Zhao Feng, General Manager of International Education at Tianli International Holdings Limited, was invited to speak at the thematic forum “Strategic Resilience: Capitalising on Hong Kong as a Base for Regional Expansion”. He shared with business communities from both Hong Kong and Malaysia how Tianli grew from its beginnings as a school operator in Mainland China into a Hong Kong-listed education group.

“Hong Kong is a ‘super-connector’ linking Mainland China with the rest of the world, and the optimal strategic gateway for quality education brands seeking to expand into overseas markets,” said Dr. Zhao. He noted that Hong Kong’s free port regime and its locational advantages, including the free flow of capital and talent, are closely aligned with the pace of Tianli’s “Education Going Global” strategy.

On 31 August, Ms. Anna Cheung, Vice President of the HKTDC presented Dr. Zhao with a letter of appreciation, recognising that his insights provided valuable reference for participants exploring how to leverage Hong Kong to expand into the Greater Bay Area, Mainland China and international markets. The letter stands as an authoritative endorsement of Tianli’s internationalisation efforts.

Hong Kong Media Spotlight: Responding to Market Interest While Upholding Regulatory Compliance

In September, Hong Kong’s international education sector continued to attract international media attention. On 24 September, Bloomberg published a feature story on the wave of global education institutions racing to establish a presence in Hong Kong. Citing data from Colliers, the report noted that in the first eight months of 2026, education-related transactions totalled approximately HK$12 billion, accounting for more than one-third of Hong Kong’s total commercial real estate transaction volume. Official figures show that private school enrolment in Hong Kong rose by 12% in 2025 compared with 2022, while the supply of school places grew by only 6%. This gap between strong demand and limited supply has become the fundamental driver behind global education brands’ expansion into Hong Kong.

Leading Hong Kong media outlet Ming Pao gave prominent coverage to Tianli’s plans to establish its first international school in Hong Kong. The proposed site is in Hung Hom, and the school is intended to serve secondary school students.

Responding to market discussion, Ms. Sun Jinlan, Head of the Brand Department at Tianli International, said: “We are greatly encouraged by the global attention that Hong Kong’s education market has received. It reaffirms Hong Kong’s enduring appeal to families, talent and investors around the world.” She explained that the Group is actively exploring ways to extend its many years of school operation expertise to Hong Kong and global markets, while also pursuing diversified collaboration opportunities with established international education institutions.

Ms. Sun also emphasised the Group’s firm commitment to regulatory compliance: “Until we have obtained all requisite regulatory approvals and school registration, the Group will not conduct any promotion or student recruitment for the proposed school project. Hong Kong’s rigorous and comprehensive education regulatory framework is the very foundation of its internationally renowned education system.”

Strategic Rationale: The Timing and Logic Behind the Hong Kong Move

Behind the wave of attention from media at home and abroad, Tianli’s expansion into Hong Kong is not an ad hoc decision but a key move in the Group’s long-term internationalisation strategy.

As a Hong Kong-listed education group, Tianli operates more than 60 schools in Mainland China, serving over 145,000 students. The Group deeply integrates its well-established school operation and management expertise with its proprietary AI technology, empowering interactive classroom teaching and personalised after-school tutoring. Guided by its overarching “Education Going Global” strategy, the Group’s overseas business has begun to take shape. Tianli has entered into partnerships with seven education institutions in Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Thailand and Laos, to provide education services, gradually building a multinational education network across Southeast Asia.

In a previous interview, Dr. Zhao Feng shared his views on industry trends: private education in Mainland China is undergoing a phase of structural transformation and upgrading, and institutions offering diversified academic progression pathways and AI-enabled differentiated teaching capabilities are well positioned to seize new opportunities. As the Group expands its international and education technology businesses, its revenue structure is also expected to continue to improve.
“Hong Kong is where global rules and development visions converge. It boasts world-class infrastructure and the free flow of capital, information and talent, while maintaining deep cultural ties with both Mainland China and Southeast Asia, making it a natural hub for education to go global,” said Dr. Luo Shi, Chairman and president of Tianli International Holdings Limited, explaining the rationale behind the move. “This is also an important reason why we chose to list in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has become a core anchor for the Group’s next phase of development.”

Looking Ahead: Opening a New Chapter of Global Development Through Steady Execution

From sharing insights at an international forum in Kuala Lumpur to envisioning an international education hub on the shores of Victoria Harbour, Tianli International’s global story is steadily unfolding. Speaking on the Group’s next steps in the Hong Kong market, Dr. Luo Shi, Chairman and president of Tianli International Holdings Limited, struck a prudent yet resolute tone: “We will proceed in a prudent and steady manner, fully respect Hong Kong’s local regulatory regime, and advance all preparatory work in an orderly fashion. When conditions are ripe, the Group will disclose project details through official channels, contributing to Hong Kong’s development into a world-leading international education hub.”

With Hong Kong as its strategic gateway, Southeast Asia as its business hinterland, and artificial intelligence technology as its growth engine, Tianli International’s “Education Going Global” journey is opening a new chapter of development.

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