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Japan Winter Dreams: Club Med Launches Early Bird Bookings for Winter 2026, Offering Up to 35% Savings

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As global interest in distinctive winter travel experiences intensifies, Hokkaido, Japan, has solidified its reputation as a leading destination. With its breathtaking natural landscapes draped in a blanket of pristine snow and unique cultural experiences, Hokkaido promises to captivate all who venture there, from thrill-seeking adventurers to families seeking unique travel experiences.

Japan Winter Dreams: Club Med Launches Early Bird Bookings for Winter 2026, Offering Up to 35% Savings
Japan Winter Dreams: Club Med Launches Early Bird Bookings for Winter 2026, Offering Up to 35% Savings

Boasting four resorts located in Hokkaido, Club Med – a pioneer in all-inclusive holidays – is a compelling choice with a wide having capabilities to satisfy every need and preference. Notably, Club Med invites travelers to begin planning their 2026 Hokkaido winter exploration with the launch of its early bird booking period. From now until June 17, 2025, guests can secure their preferred accommodations and unlock savings of up to 35% on stays commencing in December 2025.

Club Med Kiroro Grand and Kiroro Peak
Club Med presents various avenues for experiencing Hokkaido’s winter allure, with resorts tailored to diverse travel preferences. Situated in the scenic Kiroro region, Club Med Kiroro Grand and Kiroro Peak offer distinct yet complementary experiences. With an average of 21 meters of annual snowfall and a 160-day ski season, Kiroro is a genuine sanctuary for snow sports devotees. Club Med Kiroro Peak, Asia’s first Exclusive Collection mountain resort, delivers a refined experience for couples, while Club Med Kiroro Grand provides a welcoming ambiance for families and those seeking a more spirited winter holiday.

Club Med Sahoro
Club Med Sahoro provides an immersive encounter with authentic Japanese culture and heritage within a welcoming all-inclusive setting. The resort is the perfect family destination in Hokkaido, offering pristine powder snow for skiing and trekking, stunning mountain views, horseback riding, and authentic Japanese experiences like Nabe hot pot.

Club Med Tomamu
At Club Med Tomamu, world-class skiing and snowboarding are enhanced by rich cultural and culinary explorations. The resort’s 1.45 square kilometres of unspoiled mountain terrain accommodate all skill levels. Families can explore unique cultural experiences like taking a dip in Japan’s largest indoor wave pool and indulging in Hokkaido’s local cuisine. The resort also provides exciting activities designed for young children, creating a comfortable environment for little ones while parents explore the slopes or indulge in other resort amenities.

To book your Hokkaido winter escape and enjoy up to 35% off, visit Club Med’s website.

Phon Stupa to Become National Heritage By Year End

Phon Stupa in Savannakhet province

That Phon, a Buddhist stupa in Savannakhet, is set to be designated as a national heritage site by the end of this year, according to Lamkhoun Vorlavong, Head of the provincial Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

Hanwha and Baker Hughes Enter into Joint Development Agreement for Ammonia Gas Turbines

  • Hanwha Power Systems and Hanwha Ocean cooperate with global energy technology company Baker Hughes.
  • Leading the decarbonization of the hard-to-abate marine transportation sector through fuel-flexible combustion technology.

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With the goal of completely carbon-free operation of ships, Hanwha Power Systems and Hanwha Ocean (KRX: 042660) signed a Joint Development and Collaboration Agreement with Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), a global energy technology company, to design and produce low carbon ammonia gas turbines during the Baker Hughes Annual Meeting 2025 held in Florence, Italy on February 2-4.

Hanwha Group declared its vision for the world’s first fossil fuel-free ship at the Davos Forum held in Switzerland in January last year. Hanwha Group plans to complete the development of liquefied natural gas carriers and container ships using the ammonia gas turbine propulsion system by 2028.

The ammonia gas turbine to be developed through this collaboration will be based upon the proven, small-size world class turbine technology of Baker Hughes, and a newly-developed ammonia combustion system created by PSM, a US-based Hanwha subsidiary. The gas turbine will be capable of 100% ammonia combustion, and dual fuel operation with a natural gas and ammonia blend. It is expected to be a game-changing technology for large ship owners, enabling a completely carbon-free mode of propulsion. In September 2023, Hanwha Power Systems and Hanwha Ocean obtained approval in principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to apply ammonia gas turbines to LNG carriers.

PSM successfully completed an initial high-pressure ammonia combustion test campaign and Baker Hughes completed its initial turbine feasibility studies in 2024. In addition, Hanwha Power Systems signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Gastech 2024 in Houston, U.S., in September last year with a large liquefied natural gas carrier shipping company in Europe to convert its propulsion system to an ammonia gas turbine based system.

Through this joint development agreement, Hanwha plans to expand technological cooperation with the goal of developing the world’s first completely carbon-free ship and provide innovative solutions that lead the era of fossil fuel elimination.

Executive Director Kim Hyeong-seok, head of Hanwha Power Systems’ Marine Solutions Business Department, said, “The paradigm of switching to lower carbon fuel for ships is the calling of the times, and Hanwha Power Systems will continue to lead the development of innovative technologies for the entire life cycle of eco-friendly ships.”

“This collaborative development of a low-carbon ammonia gas turbine will be a significant turning point in the global shipbuilding and shipping industry, accelerating the transition to eco-friendly fuel propulsion for ships,” said Son Young-chang, vice president and head of Hanwha Ocean’s Product Strategy Technology Institute.

Baker Hughes is a global energy technology company operating in more than 120 countries around the world, with a unique strength in small and medium-sized gas turbine technology. The synergy between the two companies is highly anticipated.

About Hanwha Power Systems

Hanwha Power Systems is a global leader in eco-friendly energy equipment and provides the highest quality products and services by possessing the original technology for the design and production of high-speed rotating equipment. In addition to our 100% oil-free compressor made with our own technology, we have recently been developing solutions for various energy equipment such as sCO2 and hydrogen turbines. In particular, we aim to lead a paradigm shift in the shipping sector by developing technologies to decarbonize the maritime industry.

About Hanwha Ocean

Hanwha Ocean is a leading global company with extensive expertise and experience in the shipbuilding and offshore industry. Boasting the world’s most competitive LNG carriers built with eco-friendly and highly efficient technology, the company has continuously pioneered new businesses since 1973, producing a vast range of vessels, including commercial ships, drill ships, and warships. Hanwha Ocean will be at the forefront of pioneering advanced marine solutions for decarbonization and further expand Hanwha’s green energy ecosystem to create positive, sustainable change worldwide. More information about Hanwha Ocean is available at www.hanwhaocean.com.

Cicada Resort Bali Ubud, Autograph Collection Introduces Unique Balinese Cultural Experiences and Signature Melukat Ritual

BALI, Indonesia, Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Located in Sebatu’s lush natural sanctuary, Cicada Resort Bali Ubud, Autograph Collection offers travelers an immersive cultural journey with curated guest activities and a signature Melukat purification ritual. As part of the Autograph Collection, this resort blends meaningful experiences with the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of Ubud.

Puri Nadi Heated Pool Villa
Puri Nadi Heated Pool Villa

Celebrate Balinese Traditions
Guests are invited to to embark on an enriching journey into the heart of Balinese culture through a thoughtfully curated selection of activities. Embrace the spiritual essence of the island by learning the art of Canang Sari making — a sacred offering crafted from fresh flowers and coconut leaves, symbolizing gratitude and devotion in Balinese Hinduism. Engage in hands-on workshops showcasing traditional Balinese crafts, where skilled artisans share time-honored techniques passed down through generations. For those seeking a deeper connection with the island’s heritage, guided village tours offer an intimate glimpse into rural life, unveiling timeless customs, architectural marvels, and vibrant community practices. These immersive experiences are designed to foster meaningful cultural exchanges, allowing guests to appreciate Bali’s profound traditions and create lasting memories rooted in authenticity.

Signature Melukat Ritual
The highlight of the resort’s cultural offerings is the Melukat purification ceremony, a sacred Balinese water blessing led by a Spiritual Leader from Sebatu Village. Designed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, this ritual embodies the Cicada Ubud’s signature experience, leaving guests refreshed and spiritually balanced.

How can readers get in touch?
For more information about Cicada Resort Bali Ubud, guests can visit www.cicadaubud.com, or connect with the resort via social media on Facebook and Instagram @cicadaubud.

About Cicada Resort Bali Ubud, Autograph Collection
Where personalized service meets serene comfort in the heart of Bali’s natural beauty, The Resort is more than a place to stay. Its design reflects Bali’s essence, combining wood and stone materials with local craftsmanship to create an inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy Tangelo Restaurant, offering both international and local cuisine. For a more casual experience, Verdant Pool Lounge & Bar provides dining with a backdrop of lush greenery. Nestled by Sebatu valley, Pravi Spa combines traditional Balinese treatments with locally sourced natural ingredients to create holistic wellness experiences.

Lao Government Calls for Boost in Agricultural Production in 2025

Lao Government Calls for Boost in Agricultural Production in 2025
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: Sowing Diversity = Harvesting Security)

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called on the agriculture and forestry sectors to enhance production and exports while reducing reliance on imports, emphasizing this objective as a national priority for 2025.

WeTV Continues the Phenomenon with CHUANG Asia Season 2

International Idol Survival Show Launches with 5 Top Artists “THE 8 – BamBam – Jeff SaturTia Ray – Yaya Urassaya” Set to Mentor the Next International Boy Group Sensation

BANGKOK, Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — WeTV is back to ignite the entertainment scene across Asia with the launch of its mega international project, CHUANG Asia Season 2. The idol survival show aims to discover talented trainees from around the globe to become international stars. This season highlights a stellar lineup of five renowned artists as the mentors: Xu Minghao (THE 8), BamBam Kunpimook Bhuwakul, Jeff Satur, Tia Ray, and Yaya Urassaya Sperbund. They will guide the trainees across singing, rapping, dancing, and acting to discover the stars of tomorrow and prepare them for debut as an international boy group destined to shine on the Asian entertainment stage.


Jeff Han, Vice President of Tencent Video and Director of WeTV, remarked: “Following the success of CHUANG Asia Season 1, which was one of our flagship shows last year, we received overwhelming support from fans across Thailand and Asia. The show’s format, quality, entertaining moments, and the charisma of the mentors and trainees became a major draw. The final night, Grand Debut Night, set new milestones, garnering over 2.5 billion views and more than 500 million votes through the WeTV app. #CHUANGAsia topped Thailand’s trending hashtags on X and #CHUANGAsiaGrandDebutNight mentions exceeded 1 million. This led to the successful debut of Gen1es’, the girl group from the first season whose popularity continues to go from strength to strength. With this foundation, we are confident that CHUANG Asia Season 2 will garner immense support from fans and partners alike. This season opens doors for young and passionate talented males from all over the world to train and prepare for their debut as the next international boy group.”

Juan Xiang, Director of International Business at Tencent Video and Head of Management of WeTV, added: “One of the key highlights of CHUANG Asia Season 2 is the team of mentors, which has drawn significant attention. This year, we’ve assembled top-tier global artists, including Xu Minghao (THE 8), BamBam Kunpimook Bhuwakul, Jeff Satur, Tia Ray, and Yaya Urassaya Sperbund to guide the trainees in every aspect of the entertainment industry. The mentors have become a signature element of the CHUANG Asia franchise, as their chemistry and expertise deeply resonate with both trainees and audiences. This year’s production builds upon the feedback from Season 1 and is enhanced with strong support from partners and sponsors, ensuring that CHUANG Asia Season 2 will captivate and win the hearts of the audiences.”

Star-Studded Team of Producers and Mentors Bringing Together 5 Big Names in Thailand’s and Asia’s Entertainment

Xu Minghao (THE 8), a Chinese multi- trend artist, and a member of SEVENTEEN, expressed: “As a producer of CHUANG Asia Season 2, I’m delighted to be part of such an important opportunity. I hope the trainees can discover their unique strengths during the show’s team-building process. I look forward to seeing them grow into better versions of themselves and prepare to debut as a new boy group that will succeed in the global music industry.”

BamBam Kunpimook Bhuwakul, a Thai artist, K-POP star, and member of GOT7, shared his thoughts on his first full-fledged producer role: “I think the journey of being an idol isn’t all glamorous. It requires enduring pressure and perseverance, but it also comes with immense love. My role in this show is both exciting and challenging. I’ll do my best to guide all 60 trainees. Most importantly, I encourage them to stay determined, sincere, and true to themselves. I also hope fans will join us in sending love and support to all the trainees.”

Jeff Satur, the only returning mentor from Season 1 to provide his vocal mentorship once again, said: “I’m thrilled to return to CHUANG Asia for its second season. This time, I’ve thoroughly prepared and done my homework to help discover the next boy group. I hope to pass on my experience to the trainees and that they enjoy being part of this journey in CHUANG Asia Season 2.”

Tia Ray, a renowned Chinese singer and songwriter, concluded: “I’m truly honored to be one of the mentors on the show this year. To all the trainees who have been selected, I encourage you to embrace your individuality, accept differences, and strive to showcase your true potential to make your dreams come true.”

Yaya Urassaya Sperbund, a beloved and experienced Thai actress taking on the role of a mentor for the first time, shared:  “I feel deeply honored and very excited to be a mentor for the first time on CHUANG Asia Season 2. It’s also an amazing opportunity to work alongside four incredibly talented mentors. I truly believe that every effort has its own significance. I’d like to invite all the fans to follow and support the trainees and witness their growth together with me.”

CHUANG Asia Season 2 will air every Sunday at 4.50 PM, starting February 2, 2025. Viewers can watch the TV version on Channel 3 and the full version via the WeTV app [https://bit.ly/CHUANGAsiaS2]. Fans can support and vote for their favorite trainees throughout the season and follow highlights and updates via all social media channels of CHUANG Asia and WeTV Thailand.

About WeTV

WeTV is positioned as the video streaming platform for the best Asian entertainment. It is Thailand’s leading provider of web- and application-based video streaming service under Tencent Thailand, a leading provider of internet-based content platforms and technologies in Thailand. WeTV originated from expansion of Tencent Video, China’s No. 1 video streaming platform, to overseas markets and regions. Thailand was the first that Tencent Video entered with official launch of WeTV video streaming service in 2019. WeTV is operated by Tencent Thailand. In addition to bringing world-class content to Thais, WeTV brings quality content from Thailand to international viewers, including those in China (through Tencent Video) and other service areas (through WeTV application), making them viewable to billions of people across Asia. WeTV is today accessible worldwide and currently supports more than ten languages of subtitle translation to provide an enriched viewing experience to local users.

For more information, please contact:
Porrapa Sombatpium 082-442-6955 email: p_porrapa@global.tencent.com
Sutthirak Tangjintaaksorn 089-968-8119 email:  p_sutthirak@global.tencent.com

For press information, please contact: Verve PR
Pannarai Jumpee (Gift) 081-974-7613 email: pannarai.jumpee@vervethailand.com
Hongsucha Leenatam (Off) 086-909-1239 email: hongsucha.leenatam@vervethailand.com

Odoo Introduces Shopee Connector to Support Omnichannel Commerce in Asia

HONG KONG, Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Business management and ERP software Odoo introduces the official Shopee Connector to its users in Asia. This Odoo-Shopee API connection supports marketplace e-commerce by synchronizing and managing Shopee orders on Odoo.

Centralized omnichannel sales management

This connection taps Odoo’s 6 million users in APAC into another major revenue stream with ease, as Shopee remains the largest e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia with a 48% market share. Apart from the centralized online and offline sales management, Shopee sellers are able to oversee the multiple Shopee stores across regions on the same Odoo interface, reducing the complexity of handling multiple sets of data from numerous platforms.

Real-time inventory synchronization

Upon successful activation, the connector instantly captures orders from Shopee into Odoo and offers automatic inventory synchronization at regular intervals to provide real-time order status updates on both systems, ensuring efficient sales and inventory management.

Streamlined order-to-delivery management

Fetch Shopee shipping labels and tracking number on Odoo with one click.
Fetch Shopee shipping labels and tracking number on Odoo with one click.

The official Shopee Connector also streamlines order-to-delivery management. With one click, retailers can fetch the Shopee shipping label and tracking number immediately. Opt for the FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) delivery method to manage shipments altogether with sales orders from other channels.

Accurate performance reports

Insightful and analytics-based, this API connector supports retailers with the Odoo reporting tools to visualize their sales figures effortlessly. It enables data-driven inventory and sales management, pricing strategies, marketing, and more decision-making.  

Matts Fievez, Director of Odoo APAC
Matts Fievez, Director of Odoo APAC

“At Odoo, our mission remains to provide truly user-friendly and affordable tools to help our customers scale their businesses,” says Matts Fievez, Director of Odoo APAC. “We are launching the Shopee Connector in our standard version, meaning all the features are free. I am sure this will greatly advance our customers in Asia to expand their scope and lead in retail and their respective industries.”

Striding into a new year, the software company is ready with another round of webinars, events, and business shows to introduce Asia to the latest business technology. View their event schedule here or click here to book a personalized demo with Odoo to discover more ways to scale your business.

About Odoo

With 80+ official apps and 57k+ third-party apps, Odoo manages businesses’ finance, sales, inventory & manufacturing processes, human resources, marketing, team productivity, and more. The Belgian open-source service provider operates in 19 countries and regions worldwide, including the United States, Indonesia, Dubai, and Hong Kong SAR.

Infobip partners with NTT Com Online to provide omnichannel communications in Japan

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global communications platform Infobip has partnered with NTT Com Online Marketing Solutions Corporation to support the launch of NTT’s omnichannel communication platform, NTT CPaaS, in Japan. The partnership provides businesses with an innovative communication solution integrating reliable SMS and Voice delivery and Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS) technology localized for the Japanese market.

As communication needs evolve, businesses and brands increasingly seek innovative solutions to enhance customer engagement and meet communication requirements. This partnership combines the SMS and Voice quality of NTT group, the largest SMS provider in Japan, with Infobip’s market-leading CPaaS technology, delivering cutting-edge no-code omnichannel solutions and customer engagement solution Moments alongside its generative AI platform AI Hub.

Through the collaboration with NTT, Infobip supports the Japanese market with a jointly localized CPaaS platform, providing services and payment options in Japanese. The platform is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing business systems, supporting SMS use cases and Voice services that are part of NTT Com Online’s offering to its customers. The partnership will add new channels such as webRTC, live-chat, and international SMS and Voice for the Japanese market.

Infobip is recognized as a global CPaaS leader by analyst firms such as Gartner and Metrigy. It is a trusted partner of multinationals like Microsoft, Apple, Meta, and Adobe, alongside innovative scale-ups such as Uber.

Yoshie Tsukamoto, President and CEO at NTT Com Online, said: “We are excited to launch NTT CPaaS in collaboration with Infobip and hold the highest regard for Infobip’s technical excellence. NTT CPaaS is a communication platform built on three layers of top-tier services: highly reliable SMS and Voice solutions provided by NTT Com Online, world-class communication application technology from Infobip, and NTT Com Online’s extensive expertise in solutions and support within the Japanese market. We are dedicated to empowering businesses to enhance customer experiences by enabling seamless omnichannel communication with their end users through NTT CPaaS.”

Silvio Kutić, CEO at Infobip, said: “Together with NTT Com Online, we are bringing transformative CPaaS solutions to Japan, enabling businesses to deliver omnichannel experiences that enhance customer engagement, drive innovation, and adapt to evolving communication needs in a connected world. We are excited to contribute our expertise and work closely with NTT to set new benchmarks in communication technology. We look forward to building and innovating together, delivering value for businesses in their digital transformation.”