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Foshan Launches First Provincial-Level International Medical Pilot

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Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital Sets New Benchmark for Greater Bay Area Healthcare

FOSHAN, China, March 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On March 28, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital inaugurated the International Medical Center (FIMC), Foshan’s first provincial-level international medical pilot, supporting Fosun Health’s role in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Belt and Road development.


The ceremony brought together government officials, medical experts, global insurance representatives and international guests. FIMC was officially unveiled, with strategic agreements signed alongside an International Medical Development Roundtable Forum.

Guangchang Guo, Chairman of Fosun International, stated: “Fosun’s international medical strategy integrates China’s medical capabilities with global resources, allowing GBA residents to access world-class healthcare at home while attracting patients from around the world.”

The hospital has been developing international medical services since establishing an International Health Care Unit in 2019, upgraded in 2024. Over the past three years, it has served nearly 24,000 overseas patients from 124 countries and regions, with nearly 10,000 visits from Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taiwan region and foreign patients in 2025.

Spanning 20,000 square meters with 100 beds, FIMC integrates outpatient, inpatient, examination and rehabilitation services. It pioneers a “General Practice + Specialist” model, offering personalized healthcare solutions. The center also provides an end-to-end service including medical visa support, multilingual support, direct insurance settlement, cross-border remote follow-ups and global referral services. It features a multilingual team, bilingual medical records, prayer rooms, and customized catering to meet diverse cultural needs.

FIMC has established direct settlement partnerships with over 50 insurers worldwide, and has directly linked with Fosun Health Group overseas offices in Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Central Asia.

Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital is a Grade A tertiary general hospital, ranking first in China’s Top 100 Private Single Hospitals for eight consecutive years and holding two JCI certifications. It operates five national-level treatment centers and 27 key specialties. As a designated hospital for the Hong Kong and Macau Drug and Device Access Policy, it has approved 52 international innovative drugs and devices, serving over 1,600 patients. The hospital is equipped with the sixth-generation CyberKnife (one of only four in South China) and the Da Vinci Surgical System.

As a provincial international medical pilot, FIMC aims to build a replicable model for international healthcare services, rooted in Foshan, radiating across the GBA, and connecting global networks.

Record Your Passion: TORRAS Partners with Portugal Football for the Season Ahead

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NEW YORK, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In 2026, Portugal will begin a World Cup journey with special significance. After missing the last World Cup hosted in the United States back in 1994, this storied national team now has the chance to create a new chapter on American soil, one that could become a defining moment in Portugal’s football history. And for this exciting stage, preparation is about more than training alone. Beyond the usual partnerships in kits and performance gear, Portugal has teamed up with innovative technology brand TORRAS, bringing it on as a partner to document the journey and help capture the moments that shape it.

TORRAS&FPF
TORRAS&FPF

Recently, the Portugal national football team and rising consumer electronics brand TORRAS unveiled a new collaboration titled “Record Your Passion.” At the heart of the partnership is TORRAS’ innovative Ostand Case, inspired by a habit that has become increasingly common in the everyday lives of athletes and sports enthusiasts: using their phones to capture the ordinary moments of training and competition. Unlike many sports brands that focus on match-day intensity and immediate results, TORRAS recognized that progress is rarely visible in a single day. It is through the steady act of recording those everyday moments that many athletes begin to see their growth, build deeper confidence, and strengthen their passion for sports.

In many ways, the partnership speaks directly to the long-standing spirit of Portuguese football. Instead of celebrating talent, instinct, or individual heroics alone, it points to something many Portuguese players — Cristiano Ronaldo among them — have come to represent over the years: a grounded willingness to face reality, and to pursue greatness through relentless focus, discipline, and daily commitment. The real effort and sacrifice they make, both in training and life, often resonate more deeply with fans and the public than the final result itself. That is exactly why it matters to capture the moments behind the scenes.

To empower the passion that carry through every moment, TORRAS is also releasing a limited-edition Portugal national team Q3 AIR Ostand case, honoring the dedication and courage that defines Portuguese football through the whole visual design. Drawing inspiration from the team’s new kit, the case features a red, green, and gold palette, while the wavy texture reflects Portugal’s enduring maritime spirit and legacy of adventure. The case’s signature airbag structure is further elevated with the iconic Quinas crest and football-inspired graphics.

Beyond its design and strong protection, the innovative magnetic stand is what makes the TORRAS Ostand case an ideal companion for documenting and sharing everyday training moments. With 180-degree flip, 360-degree rotation, and a secure magnetic hold, this magnetic stand gives athletes an effortless and hands-free way to capture their routines in almost any setting. The phone can be placed steadily on a flat court, attached to nearby fixtures, or mounted on gym equipment, all without bulky filming gear or interrupting the flow of training. The limited-edition case is now available at [https://bit.ly/40TcAWJ].

Recording is not only for athletes, it is also for everyone. For football fans, what could feel more natural than carrying a football-inspired Ostand case into the energy of the game? Whether watching a match or sharing experience with friends, anyone with their phone and Ostand case can capture their own football moments. After all, the chance to take part in, connect with, and share in a global event is itself a moment worth remembering.

Throughout the World Cup season, TORRAS will introduce a series of football-themed activities, bringing fans and sports enthusiasts together to take part in, share, and record the moments of passion that define this global event.

About TORRAS

TORRAS is a global consumer technology brand focused on designing innovative, high-performance mobile accessories that enhance everyday life. Known for its user-centric approach and premium design, TORRAS continues to deliver products that combine functionality, style, and reliability for modern consumers worldwide.

TORRAS
TORRAS

Lianlian DigiTech Reports 2025 Results with 31.9% Revenue Growth and 105.9% Increase in Adjusted Operating Profit

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Advertorial Desk
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HANGZHOU, China, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On March 26, 2026, Hong Kong-listed Lianlian DigiTech Co., Ltd. (“Lianlian DigiTech” or the “Company”; stock code: 2598.HK) released its 2025 annual results. The Company reported revenue of RMB 1.734 billion, up 31.9% year-on-year, and adjusted operating profit of RMB 82.26 million, an increase of 105.9%. Growth was driven by continued strength in its global payments business and greater deployment of AI across core operations. Both annual revenue and profit rose significantly, exceeding market expectations. Its core global payments business continued to perform strongly, while ongoing investments in AI and compliance contributed to improved operating efficiency and scalability.

A Milestone Year: Operating Profit Doubles, Third Consecutive Year in the Black

According to the results report, as of December 31, 2025, Lianlian DigiTech’s total revenue for the year reached RMB 1.734 billion, a year-on-year increase of 31.9%, reaching a new high. Gross profit grew 28% from the prior year to RMB 873 million, reflecting stable margins. After factoring in gains from equity disposals, the Company’s net profit stood at RMB 1.662 billion. Adjusted operating profit (excluding all non-operating items, including the gain from the disposal of the joint venture Express (Hangzhou) Technology Service Co., Ltd.) reached RMB 82.26 million, up 105.9% year-on-year, reflecting improved operating leverage in the Company’s core business. The customer base continued to expand. As of the end of 2025, the Company served a cumulative total of 10.4 million customers, with continued growth in both scale and customer engagement.

Zhang Zhengyu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lianlian DigiTech, said, “2025 was a year in which we solidified our foundation, accelerated across the board, and achieved a real breakthrough in profitability. Thanks to the dedication of our team, we exceeded our goals in customer acquisition, product system upgrades, and operational efficiency, delivering meaningful and high-caliber growth across all core metrics.”

Wei Ping, Chief Financial Officer of Lianlian DigiTech, said, “2025 marks the second year since Lianlian DigiTech’s listing, and we’ve delivered another impressive financial report. Revenue, gross profit, net profit, and operating profit all exceeded market expectations. The ratio of our three major expense categories to revenue improved significantly from last year, reflecting ongoing gains in operational efficiency, and we continue to hold a strong cash position with a solid financial structure. Looking ahead, the Company will increasingly focus on combining organic growth with disciplined merger and acquisitions (M&As) and strategic investments to expand our business footprint and drive sustained momentum, building out a broader Lianlian ecosystem. “

Core Business: Global Payments Revenue Outpaces Industry Growth, Value-Added Services Jump 81.2%

As one of China’s leading digital payment solution providers, Lianlian DigiTech’s core business consists of digital payment services—including global payments and domestic payments—alongside value-added services. Both segments continued to grow, with further improvement in the revenue mix.

The results show that in 2025, digital payment services remained the primary revenue contributor, generating RMB 1.45 billion, a year-on-year increase of 26%. Within that, global payments delivered strong growth, with total payment volume (TPV) hitting RMB 452.4 billion, up 60.7% from the previous year, and revenue reaching RMB 1.045 billion, a 29.3% jump, outpacing industry averages.

Lianlian DigiTech noted that in 2025, against a shifting global trade environment, its global payments business delivered strong growth, driven by continued investment in technology and international expansion. On the technology side, by upgrading its underlying architecture and deepening integration with key industry verticals, the Company rebuilt its payments infrastructure and expanded the deployment of privately hosted AI large language models. A range of AI-enabled tools were embedded across key functions—risk management, customer support, and exchange rate optimization—reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing the customer experience.

In parallel, while strengthening its presence in Europe and the United States, the Company expanded into Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, leveraging local payment licenses and in-market operations teams. By establishing regional operation centers, it further integrated its global and local payment capabilities with regional trade ecosystems.

In the domestic payments segment, Lianlian DigiTech continued to align with regulatory developments and reinforce its core payments capabilities. The Company reinforced the close coordination between its domestic payments capabilities and its global payments network. During the period, it allocated resources to support the cross-border needs of Chinese companies expanding internationally, reinforcing the foundation for its domestic payments business and improving overall growth quality. In 2025, the gross margin for domestic payments rose to 23%, up 3.3 percentage points from a year earlier.

On the value-added services front, driven by the strong performance of virtual card services built around high-frequency cross-border trade scenarios, customer engagement increased. In 2025, revenue from value-added services surged 81.2% year-on-year to RMB 265 million.

Technology Roadmap: R&D Spending Increases 13% YoY, Expanding AI Deployment

In 2025, Lianlian DigiTech continued to prioritize technology investment, with R&D spending rising. R&D expenses for the year reached RMB 361 million, up 13% year-on-year, or 17.6% when excluding share-based compensation expenses, reflecting the Company’s ongoing investment in AI and related technologies, including blockchain and digital assets.

The Company broadened the application of AI across its operations. During the period, Lianlian DigiTech completed the private deployment of AI large language models, embedding AI-driven tools such as LoopAI and LoopChat across key areas including risk management, foreign exchange, and customer service. On the risk front, the AI-powered risk control system enabled automated document capture, intelligent compliance checks, and millisecond-level anomaly alerts, significantly improving both efficiency and accuracy while strengthening compliance capabilities.

In customer service, by integrating cloud-native technology, big data, and AI, the Company developed tools such as the Lianlian Cross-Border Merchant Confidence Index to provide actionable insights into merchant performance, helping customers navigate uncertainty and enhancing the overall user experience.

The Company continued to assess applications in digital assets and blockchain. Drawing on its Hong Kong VATP (virtual asset trading platform) license, it began early-stage work in digital assets, while evaluating how blockchain could improve cross-border payment efficiency and reduce costs, bridging traditional payment infrastructure and emerging digital technologies.

In 2026, Lianlian DigiTech plans to further scale its AI deployment, driving AI adoption across its payments and value-added services. Through targeted organizational changes and a focus on AI-native talent, the Company will continue to enhance operational efficiency and execution.

Global Footprint: Payment License Portfolio Expands to 66, Accelerating International Expansion

2025 marked a key year for Lianlian DigiTech as it grew its international operations. With the establishment of an overseas headquarters in Hong Kong, an larger portfolio of licenses, and a broader partnership ecosystem, the Company further strengthened its position as a global payments provider.

Lianlian DigiTech established its overseas headquarters in Hong Kong to support its international expansion. In October 2025, Lianlian DigiTech signed on as a strategic enterprise partner with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, and in November it set up its overseas headquarters in Hong Kong, establishing the city as the central hub for global operations and coordination, R&D, and international partnerships. The headquarters is focused on three main areas:

  • Building an “Intelligent Pay+” cross-border payments architecture powered by blockchain and AI;
  • Focusing on both technology and compliance, including turning its compliance capabilities in anti-money laundering and data privacy into scalable products, supporting Hong Kong’s fintech ecosystem;
  • Forging partnerships with leading global technology firms, academic institutions, and investment partners to strengthen its technology stack through M&As and joint R&D.

The Company also continued to broaden its global licensing footprint. In August 2025, its wholly owned subsidiary Lianlian StarFX Company Limited obtained a Type 3 license from the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, supporting the growth of its product offerings. As of December 31, 2025, Lianlian DigiTech held 66 global payment licenses and related credentials, enabling it to operate in more than 100 countries and regions and support transaction settlements in over 130 currencies. As the only Chinese digital payment solutions provider with money transmitter licenses across all U.S. states, the Company’s global compliance advantage remains a key differentiator. Combined with its VATP license and its early work on blockchain applications in digital RMB and cross-border payments, this positions the Company well for continued international growth.

Lianlian DigiTech also strengthened its global payments ecosystem through collaborations. In 2025, the Company established partnerships with a range of global payment service providers, including UnionPay International (UPI), Visa, 12 Victory, Veem, PAYSO, and Waffo. By integrating complementary capabilities and increasing partner coverage, the Company continued to refine its global payments network and enhance service capabilities.

Looking ahead, Zhang Zhengyu said, “We will continue to expand the use of AI across our business and apply it to real-world payment scenarios. At the same time, we will continue to grow our international footprint and strengthen our capabilities in cross-border payments and compliant financial services. Our goal is to build secure, efficient, and accessible financial infrastructure to support global trade.”

SMU emerges as world’s most improved university in QS Subject Rankings

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore Management University (SMU) has recorded strong gains in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, emerging as the world’s most improved university among institutions with 10 or more ranked subjects.

Singapore Management University located in the heart of Singapore's city centre.
Singapore Management University located in the heart of Singapore’s city centre.

In this year’s rankings, eight out of 10 SMU subjects climbed globally, reflecting a broad-based uplift across disciplines and reinforcing the University’s continued upward trajectory as a dynamic and fast-evolving institution.

The results highlight sustained progress across SMU’s academic portfolio. Notably, Business & Management Studies rose to 39th globally, while Accounting & Finance ranked 50th globally, both breaking into the top 50 and marking a significant milestone for some of the University’s core areas of strength.

Among the standout gains, SMU’s Law programme was the most improved subject entry in Singapore, rising 45 places to 56th globally. This represents one of the most significant single-year improvements across all ranked subjects in the country. This achievement comes as the Yong Pung How School of Law looks forward to celebrating its 20th anniversary next year.

With these improvements, SMU features in the global top 60 for four subjects – Business & Management Studies, Accounting & Finance, Economics & Econometrics, and Law.

At an aggregate level, SMU’s Social Sciences & Management entered the global top 100, with a substantial rise of 89 places to 86th globally, making it the most improved among Singapore universities this year.

Taken together, these results underscore SMU’s continued progress in strengthening both disciplinary depth and global recognition. The University’s emphasis on impactful research has contributed to sustained improvements across multiple fronts.

SMU President, Professor Lily Kong, said, “These results reflect the dedication of our faculty, students and partners in building a university that is both academically rigorous and deeply connected to real-world impact. We are encouraged by the strong, broad-based progress across our disciplines, which affirms the high quality of SMU’s education and research.”

As a young university, SMU’s performance in this year’s rankings underscores its growing international standing and continued momentum. With consistent gains across the majority of its subjects, the University remains focused on deepening its strengths while advancing new areas of impact in an increasingly complex global landscape.

According to QS Quacquarelli Symonds, this year’s ranking analyses more than 21,000 academic offerings from some 1,900 institutions across 100 countries in 55 academic disciplines and five broad faculty areas (Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences & Management).   

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Hong Kong Restaurants Claim Top Two Spots in Asia’s 50 Best

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“Culinary Capital” Title Reaffirmed with Over 200 Restaurants Listed in Internationally Acclaimed Gourmet Guides


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 March 2026 – Following last year’s “The World’s 50 Best Bars” Award Ceremony in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) this year brought the “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026” Awards Ceremony to Hong Kong for the first time. The event today (25 March) brought together over 1,000 culinary industry representatives, renowned chefs and media worldwide. Top local Cantonese restaurant The Chairman and contemporary Cantonese restaurant Wing secured first and second places respectively on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list, once again highlighting the leading position of Hong Kong’s dining scene in Asia.

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HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said: “We extend our sincere gratitude to the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants team for selecting Hong Kong for the first time as the host city for the Awards Ceremony. This international award recognises the outstanding achievements of the culinary sector. I am very proud of Hong Kong’s remarkable accomplishments in this year’s Awards. Together with the ‘MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2026’ and ‘The Black Pearl Restaurant Guide’, over 200 restaurants have been listed in these internationally acclaimed gourmet guides, reaffirming Hong Kong’s position as a “Culinary Capital” in Asia. We are delighted to welcome the esteemed Asian chefs and other culinary professionals attending the Awards Ceremony to Hong Kong, and we warmly invite everyone to explore the city’s unique and diverse gastronomic charm by following the master chefs’ curated recommendations featured in the citywide ‘Taste Hong Kong’ Gourmet Guide.”

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Chairman Dr Peter Lam speaks on stage at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Awards Ceremony.
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Chairman Dr Peter Lam speaks on stage at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Awards Ceremony.

Danny Yip, owner of The Chairman, said “Being named The Best Restaurant in Asia for the second time is a huge honour for our entire team, and to achieve it here in Hong Kong makes it even more meaningful. This recognition — as well as the strong results for the city on this year’s list — reflects the depth and diversity that define Hong Kong’s dining culture today. It’s a privilege to represent our city in this way and to continue sharing the traditions and stories that shape our cuisine.”

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Chairman Dr Peter Lam, left, and Danny Yip from top local Cantonese restaurant The Chairman, winner of the first place award, at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Awards.
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Chairman Dr Peter Lam, left, and Danny Yip from top local Cantonese restaurant The Chairman, winner of the first place award, at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Awards.

Hong Kong Leads Asia Culinary Landscape with Two Restaurants in the Top Three

Together with the previously announced extended list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (51th – 100th), a total of ten Hong Kong restaurants were recommended in the Asian edition of the prestigious list. These include six restaurants in the top 50: while The Chairman and Wing topped the list at first and second spots, Neighborhood (No. 24), Estro (No. 32), Caprice (No. 35), and Mono (No.46) stayed strong on the list. Four other restaurants were also feature in the extended list, namely Ta Vie (No. 68), Vea (No. 70), Andō (No. 88), and Amber (No. 90). With this stellar performance, Hong Kong reaffirming its leading position in the regional culinary scene. The winning restaurants cover a diverse range of cuisines, demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique appeal as a melting pot of global flavours and a hub for star-rated dining establishments.

In the recently announced “Black Pearl Restaurant Guide”, the number of Hong Kong entries increased to 39, up from last year, including four first-time entries – Mosu Hong Kong, founded by three-Michelin-star South Korean chef Sung Anh; Jee, a Cantonese-French fusion restaurant; contemporary Indian restaurant Leela, and Cantonese fine-dining establishment Man Ho Chinese Restaurant. In addition, homegrown chef Vicky Cheng of Chinese-French restaurant VEA, and Terry Ho, Chef de Cuisine of French restaurant Amber, received the Master Chef Award and the Young Chef Award respectively in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, affirming the distinguished reputation of Hong Kong’s culinary talent in the Asian dining scene. In the “MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2026”, more Hong Kong establishments were awarded MICHELIN stars than in the previous year, bringing a total to 77 Michelin-starred restaurants in one destination, further demonstrating the world-class standard of the city’s culinary scene.

Top Asian Chefs and Global Media Gather in Hong Kong to Experience the City’s Culinary

Wong Lung-to, Executive Chef of Forum Restaurant, left, leads a dim sum workshop organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) during the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026.
Wong Lung-to, Executive Chef of Forum Restaurant, left, leads a dim sum workshop organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) during the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026.
Chef Grégoire Michaud from Bakehouse leads an egg tart baking workshop, which is one of the recommended pastry shops under Taste Hong Kong, during the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Awards.
Chef Grégoire Michaud from Bakehouse leads an egg tart baking workshop, which is one of the recommended pastry shops under Taste Hong Kong, during the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Awards.

Capitalising on the opportunity presented by major culinary event being hosted in Hong Kong, HKTB arranged exchanges between leading Asian chefs and renowned local culinary talent, enabling them to experience the city’s diverse gastronomic offerings and produce promotional videos dedicated to “Taste Hong Kong”. In addition, HKTB leveraged its global network to invite media representatives from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and other key markets to visit Hong Kong. In addition to attending the award ceremony for media coverage of the event, HKTB curated a series of immersive culinary experiences to fully showcase Hong Kong’s unique charm as a Culinary Capital.

Highlights of the itinerary included engaging with local master chef Vicky Cheng to gain firsthand insight into his exceptional culinary skills and cooking philosophy; participating in a dim sum workshop led by master chef Wong Lung-to, Executive Chef of Forum Restaurant, to learn how to make classic Cantonese dim sum such as siu mai (Cantonese pork dumplings) and har gow (shrimp dumplings); and joining an egg tart baking workshop. Media representatives were also invited to dine at several listed restaurants and visit emerging bars to experience Hong Kong’s diverse food and beverage culture in full. Through in-depth media coverage, the media trip will help promote Hong Kong’s distinctive culinary appeal to audiences worldwide, attracting more visitors to explore “Taste Hong Kong” and further consolidating the city’s status as a Culinary Capital.

11 Exclusive Collaborative Signature Sessions around the Awards Ceremony to Share Hong Kong’s Gastronomic Experiences

From left, representatives from restaurants Estro, Baan Tepa, Born, Labyrinth, Eatanic Garden, Crony and Gaggan collaborate at one of several Signature Sessions.
From left, representatives from restaurants Estro, Baan Tepa, Born, Labyrinth, Eatanic Garden, Crony and Gaggan collaborate at one of several Signature Sessions.
From left, representatives from restaurants Louise, Odette and Villa Aida collaborate at one of several Signature Sessions.
From left, representatives from restaurants Louise, Odette and Villa Aida collaborate at one of several Signature Sessions.

To encourage locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the award ceremony, HKTB partnered with the organiser for the first time this year to invite 40 internationally renowned and local award-winning restaurants to present 11 limitedtime collaborative Signature Sessions covering various global cuisines, bringing multiple tasting surprises to locals and visitors. The events attracted many locals and visitors, allowing everyone to experience the charm of global cuisines converging in Hong Kong at a single table.

Popular Variety Shows Drive Tourism and Encourage Visitors to Experience Hong Kong’s Diverse Culinary Delights through “Taste Hong Kong”

In line with the “Taste Hong Kong” Gourmet Guide launched in January, which covers all neighbourhoods across the city and features chef-recommended restaurants, HKTB has stepped up its promotional efforts in key source markets, such as the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, New Zealand, South Korea and Southeast Asia. By collaborating with popular local food variety shows, HKTB showcased Hong Kong’s diverse dining culture to wider audiences, further enhancing international interest in Hong Kong’s culinary tourism.

In the Chinese Mainland, HKTB promoted culinary travel to Hong Kong through a Chinese New Year food programme on Shenzhen Satellite TV, with master chefs introducing restaurants recommended in the Guide and visiting specialty streets such as “Dried Seafood Street” and Shanghai Street, locally known as “Kitchenware Street”, to explore the charm of Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods. HKTB also partnered with New Zealand’s popular programme Seven Sharp, inviting media to visit Sham Shui Po to taste authentic local snacks, such as pineapple buns, milk tea, tofu pudding and dumplings, and to dine at a time-honoured Western restaurant to sample Swiss chicken wings and soufflé, showcasing Hong Kong’s diverse food culture. In addition, HKTB collaborated with Taiwan’s Super Taste, South Korea’s Boss in the Mirror, and multiple travel and food programmes in Thailand and the Philippines, featuring visits to recommended restaurants and exchanges with local master chefs. Through the broad influence of these variety shows, HKTB is actively showcasing the unique charm of “Taste Hong Kong”, attracting more visitors to embark on a culinary journey in Hong Kong.

The team from top local Cantonese restaurant The Chairman accept the top prize on stage at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Awards.
The team from top local Cantonese restaurant The Chairman accept the top prize on stage at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Awards.

Full results of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026: https://www.theworlds50best.com/asia/en/list/1–50
Hashtag: #HKTB

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

Hisense Advances a Quiet Green Revolution in Home Entertainment

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Advertorial Desk
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QINGDAO, China, March 28, 2026  /PRNewswire/ — Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, is advancing energy-efficient innovation across the industry as sustainability becomes an increasingly important part of everyday technology.

Every year during Earth Hour, millions of households around the world switch off their lights for sixty minutes. Yet an equally important sustainability story may be unfolding on the screens that remain on. As home electronics play a larger role in daily life, improving energy efficiency has become a key focus of innovation.

For Hisense, greener technology begins long before a TV reaches the living room. In 2025, Hisense Hitachi’s Huangdao Factory was recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as the world’s first Sustainability Lighthouse in the VRF sector, showcasing how AI-driven production enables more efficient, environmentally responsible manufacturing. Building on this achievement, the Hisense Visual Technology Qingdao Factory was recognized by WEF as a Customer Centricity Lighthouse, becoming the first and only Lighthouse factory in the global television industry.

These dual recognitions reflect a broader shift in Hisense’s manufacturing network toward sustainability and operational excellence—a foundation that extends naturally into its 2026 TV lineup. Hisense’s latest models showcase energy-aware innovation across hardware and smart features. The upcoming UR9 series, set to global launch in April, introduces solar-powered remote controls in regions including Europe and Australia, while Adaptive Light Sensor and energy-saving modes adjust brightness and power use, helping users manage electricity more efficiently.

Hisense is also extending its sustainability approach beyond the product itself. Its Eco-care packaging uses FSC®100% certified wood and fiber materials, sourced from responsibly managed forests, reducing environmental impact throughout the production and delivery process in Europe.

Hisense is also advancing product-level environmental assessment, with Laser Projector C3 undergoing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and product carbon footprint (PCF) verification by SGS, supporting transparent evaluation of environmental impact across the product lifecycle.

Many environmental improvements are happening quietly—through engineering advances that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and extend product lifecycles without changing how people experience technology. For Hisense, this reflects its vision of “Innovating a Brighter Life”, developing technology that enhances entertainment while steadily lowering its environmental impact.

About Hisense

Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2025). As The Origin of RGB MiniLED, Hisense continues to lead the next-generation RGB MiniLED innovation. As the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide.

Can Digital Technologies Safeguard Cultural Diversity? 40 Global Cases Offer the Answer

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A report from CRIOnline: 

Scene of the Forum
Scene of the Forum

On March 27, 40 exemplary cases on protecting and promoting cultural diversity in the digital environment were released at the Creativity 2030 – 5th International Forum, featuring innovative, sustainable, and replicable global practices.

Following the successful first call in 2024, the second call was launched in November 2025 as part of UNESCO’s celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Nearly 150 submissions from 13 countries were reviewed by an international expert panel, with 40 selected for their innovative highlights and impact.

Spanning digital cultural industries, cultural heritage protection, and intangible cultural heritage innovation, the cases demonstrate how technologies such as VR, digital imaging, and immersive performance bridge cultures and advance SDGs. The initiative (call for cases) will promote global sharing through the forum, partnerships, a dedicated publication and other means, to turn these best practices into shared public knowledge.

Inflation Hits 9.7 Percent as Fuel Prices Drive Sharpest Rise in Years

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Long queues of motorists in Vientiane Capital wait to refuel amid Laos’ fuel shortage, March 2026. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane)

Laos is facing mounting inflationary pressure, with prices accelerating sharply through the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest report by the Ministry of Finance. 

March’s headline inflation rate of 9.7 percent marks the third consecutive monthly rise, up from 6.2 percent in February and 5.1 percent in January, pushing the quarterly average well past the government’s 5 percent annual ceiling.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) climbed to 267.0, compared to 258.7 the previous month and 243.3 recorded in March 2025, reflecting sustained year-on-year price growth.

Price increases were broad-based, touching nearly every major category of household spending. 

The steepest rise came from goods and services, which surged 39.8 percent, driven primarily by soaring global and domestic gold prices. Transport and communications followed with an 18.1 percent increase, while housing, water, electricity, and cooking fuel rose 17.2 percent. 

Healthcare and medicine climbed 13.9 percent, education 12.2 percent, and alcohol and tobacco 10 percent. Restaurants, hotels, and clothing recorded rises ranging from 7 percent to 9 percent.

Fuel prices more than double in a month

The sharp increase in transport costs was largely triggered by a fuel price crisis stemming from Middle East unrest that erupted in late February, disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s daily petroleum supply passes. 

The effect on Lao pump prices was immediate and severe. 

Diesel stood at LAK 19,970 (USD 0.91) per liter on 26 February, before climbing to LAK 44,340 (USD 2.02) by 28 March, an increase of 122.03 percent in just one month.

The average inflation rate for the first quarter of 2026 stands at 7 percent, already well above the government’s target of no more than 5 percent annually under its 2026-2030 economic plan. For context, last year’s full-year average stood at 7.7 percent.

The steady month-on-month acceleration suggests that inflationary pressure remains a primary challenge for the Lao economy as it enters the second quarter, with stabilisation likely dependent on easing Middle East tensions and a cooling of global gold and energy markets.

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