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Sakura Beyond the Crowds: Lesser-known Cities Shine in Cherry Blossom Season 2025

  • Lesser-known Japanese cities bloom as sakura spotters seek out less crowds
  • China and Korea are gaining interest as alternative cherry blossom destinations
  • Tranquil ryokans emerge as favoured accommodation for a quieter sakura experience

SINGAPORE, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As cherry blossoms begin to bloom as March approaches, travellers seeking a less-crowded sakura spotting experience are flocking to lesser-known cities in Japan to get their flower fix. While the Japanese cherry blossom season remains a top draw, this year, bookings for off-the-beaten-path and alternative locations beyond Japan are seeing significant growth, reflecting the rising demand for more peaceful and unique experiences in the heart of spring.


Japan’s Lesser-Known Sakura Spots Are Seeing a Surge in Demand

The “big three” cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto continue to be favourites, with Trip.com Group revealing triple-digit booking growth year-on-year during the sakura season. Of popular cities, Sendai, Kanazawa and Aomori also reflected the most year-on-year growth during the season.

Here’s a list of when cherry blossoms will bloom in chronological order, according to the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s forecast:


Interestingly, more travellers are seeking out lesser-known destinations for a quieter cherry blossom experience.

Toyohashi has seen a staggering 2300% YoY growth, drawing visitors to attractions like Mukaiyama Greenery Park’s Plum Tree Orchard and Yoshida Castle in Toyohashi Park. Coastal Itoshima (1500% YoY) is emerging as a hidden gem, home to scenic sakura spots such as Kafuri Park, which boasts 500 cherry trees and panoramic views of Funakoshi Bay and Mt. Kaya. Meanwhile, Yakushima (900% YoY) offers a truly special experience—cherry blossom viewing within a UNESCO-listed ancient forest.

Top Cities Searched for Sakura Season & Key Visitor Trends

Search patterns highlight the diverse range of traveller preferences for Japan’s iconic “hanami” (flower viewing parties). Major urban hubs like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Yokohama dominate searches for “cherry blossom” and “sakura” related searches, indicating travellers are still keen on popular city itineraries with cherry blossom spotting as one of the highlights. Meanwhile, lesser-known locations such as Ureshino, Kagoshima, and Yuzawa have also made it to the top ten list.


Searches in different languages indicate varied traveller origins; for example, English and Mandarin speakers drive Tokyo’s demand, while Korean interest is strong for Nago.

Overall, travel flows to Japan during sakura season (besides domestic flows) hail from the Asia Pacific region, with Hong Kong SAR, Korea, Taiwan region, Thailand and Singapore being the top source markets in terms of booking volume. Outside of Asia, travellers from the US (138.70% YoY growth), UK (137.11%) and Australia (156.54%) are also fast growing. Millennials comprise the bulk of travellers, comprising almost half of the booking volume.

Emerging International Cherry Blossom Destinations

While Japan remains a cherry blossom travel hub, more international travellers are seeking alternative locations to experience the floral spectacle. Across Southeast Asia and China, hidden gems are emerging with breathtaking displays that rival Japan’s parks. Cherry blossoms in Korea are also fast gaining attention.


Some top alternative Cherry Blossom destinations for 2025 include:

  • Alishan, Taiwan region – A stunning mountain landscape where cherry blossoms bloom in the early spring.
  • Wuhan & Beijing, Mainland China – Famous cherry blossom parks like East Lake (Wuhan) and Yuyuantan Park (Beijing) are emerging as must-visit locations.
  • Jinhae, South Korea – The site of the famous Cherry Blossom Festival, where blossoms blanket the entire city.

Among the most-searched destinations outside Japan are Wuxi and Wuhan in Mainland China, Seoul and Gyeongju in South Korea, as well as Nantou and Chiayi in Taiwan region. In South Korea, Gyeongju has seen a remarkable 211.48% surge in bookings this season, while Taiwan region‘s Alishan Scenic Area in Chiayi County has experienced a 171.01% year-on-year increase, drawing visitors to its mountain blooms from mid-March to mid-April.

Similarly, bookings to Wuhan, China, have risen by 155.87%, with travellers flocking to East Lake and Wuhan University for their stunning cherry blossoms. Notably, ‘Wuhan cherry blossoms’ ranks among the top five search queries from international visitors, highlighting its growing appeal with more than 100 spots for cherry blossom viewing.

The Wellness and Alternative Accommodation Trend During Sakura Season

As the demand for off-the-beaten-path experiences grows, so does the rise in alternative accommodations and wellness tourism. Bookings for onsen ryokan and boutique hotels in lesser-known cherry blossom locations have surged, as visitors opt for serene, culturally immersive stays that offer breathtaking views away from the crowds.

In particular, scenic regions such as Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go are seeing this rise in demand.


Luxury and boutique accommodations with private onsens, seasonal kaiseki cuisine, and mountainous scenery are particularly popular this year. Traditional stays like Mt. Fuji View Onsen Ooike Hotel, hot spring hotel Setsugetsuka in Hakone near the blossom-filled Hakone Gora Park, and traditional inn Onyado Yuinosho in Shirakawa-go are attracting visitors looking for an authentic Japanese experience paired with springtime beauty.

As for popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, accommodation preferences lean close to parks and rivers. According to Trip.Best* data, one of the most booked hotels is the luxurious The Tokyo Edition, Ginza, close to Hibiya Park, a peaceful cherry blossom spot. Similarly, Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo is close to Chidori-ga-fuchi, a picturesque 700-meter promenade along the Imperial Palace moat, famous for cherry blossoms.

In Kyoto, Trip.Best’s top-ranked Kamo Residences by Reflections is located near the Kamogawa River, offering stunning riverside views. Another top option is Dusit Thani Kyoto located near both Maruyama Park and the Philosopher’s Path—two of Kyoto’s prettiest sakura spots.

*Trip.Best is an AI-curated travel list on Trip.com that helps global travellers find the best experiences, including flights, hotels, attractions, restaurants, nightlife, and shows. It highlights the top 1% of products based on an algorithm that analyses user reviews and other data.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

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Guangxi Joins Hands with ASEAN to Step into the AI Era

VIENTIANE, Laos, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from china-asean-media.com.

On February 23, the signing ceremony for the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center was held in Vientiane.
On February 23, the signing ceremony for the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center was held in Vientiane.

The first China-ASEAN AI Cooperation and Innovation Platform—the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center—was officially signed in Vientiane.

On February 23, the signing ceremony for the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center was held in Vientiane. Jointly established by China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Laos, the center marks the first AI cooperation platform between China and ASEAN. Through the joint development of this center, both sides aim to systematically enhance Laos’ foundational capabilities in the AI era, empowering the growth of various industries. The ceremony was witnessed by Chen Gang, Party Secretary of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Boviengkham Vongdara, Minister of Technology and Communications of Laos. Chen Gang is currently leading a delegation on a visit to Laos.

The China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center project was progressed swiftly from negotiation to signing under the promotion of both Chinese and Lao sides, reflecting the strong consensus and efficient execution of both countries in advancing AI cooperation. This achievement not only underscores the pragmatic approach taken by China and Laos in seizing AI development but also serves as a model of both sides’ commitment to the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Facilitating Cooperation in Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Ecosystem, setting a new benchmark for regional AI technology inclusivity and governance cooperation. The Lao government and various sectors have highly praised this project and expressed gratitude to China for supporting Laos’ AI development strategy, turning its AI industry blueprint into tangible results.

Under the AI inclusive plan proposed by the Chinese government, Guangxi will continue to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN countries, starting with the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center. This initiative aims to ensure AI benefits humanity, contributing to social welfare and bringing greater well-being to all people.

PHONO Shines at Japan’s PV EXPO with Customized Green Energy Solutions

TOKYO, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PHONO, a brand under SUMEC Group Corporation, showcased its distinctive range of customized products at the PV EXPO in Tokyo, Japan, aligning with unique market needs and policy directions to set new trends in the renewable energy sector. The event marked a milestone in PHONO’s global growth and commitment to advancing sustainable energy and improving quality of life.


Advancing Green Energy Development for an Improved Quality of Life

PHONO showcased its high-transmittance solar modules with customizable light transmittance rates (5%-45%), addressing Japan’s land scarcity by integrating solar power with agriculture. This innovation enhances crop growth, boosts income, and improves greenhouse efficiency through intelligent management systems.

The vertical installation solution for high-transmittance solar modules maximizes space efficiency, significantly reducing land use and offering an innovative approach to address land resource scarcity. In sunroom applications, high-transmittance modules expertly balance lighting and energy needs, creating an aesthetically pleasing and practical green space for users.

The company also showcased an integrated solution for solar energy storage and charging sheds, which not only provide essential sunshade and rain protection functions but also incorporate the Draco series all-black modules. The module features 210R rectangular silicon wafer technology, delivering high efficiency and cost-effective transportation. PHONO’s integrated solar storage and charging shed solution meets the economic and practical needs of industrial and commercial users, setting a benchmark for efficient urban space utilization with its eco-friendly and sustainable design.

Differentiated Customized Solutions for Unique Needs

In the residential photovoltaic sector, PHONO has received widespread praise for its customized service featuring unique-shaped small modules. These small modules, available in non-standard sizes, are tailored to match users’ roof structures, energy requirements, and aesthetic preferences with precision. Seamlessly blending into a variety of roof designs, they cater to users’ desires for personalization, efficiency, and visual appeal.

With Tokyo’s upcoming policy mandating photovoltaic systems in new homes by April 2025, PHONO’s innovative solutions hold critical significance. Showcasing advanced, high-end energy services tailored to Japan’s residential market, the company drives the transition to sustainable housing. Standing out with unique, customer-centric products aligned with Japan’s needs and policies, PHONO reinforces its commitment to delivering distinctive energy solutions globally, advancing the energy transition and sustainable development.

For more information please visit: SUMEC/PHONO

Generali Hong Kong Champions Inclusion Through LGBTQI+ Video Series Reaching Over 5 Million Views


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – Generali Hong Kong continues to lead efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) through its continued commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and promoting understanding and respect across the broader community. Reflecting its mission to be a “Lifetime Partner”, these efforts highlight the company’s dedication to driving positive impact.

Generali Hong Kong champions inclusion with an LGBTQI+ video series that has garnered over 5 million views.
Generali Hong Kong champions inclusion with an LGBTQI+ video series that has garnered over 5 million views.

Generali Hong Kong’s DE&I initiatives extend across LGBTQI+ inclusion, women empowerment, neurodiversity, disability support, and the impactful The Human Safety Net program. As part of the LGBTQI+ inclusion initiatives, a series of LGBTQI+ educational and awareness videos, successfully launched to foster a more inclusive society through engaging and heartfelt storytelling, has surpassed 5 million views and received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

LGBTQI+ is an initalism for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (or Genderqueer/Queer), and Intersex, while the “+” represents other diverse gender identities and orientations.

Launched just six months ago, the LGBTQI+ video series was originated by Generali Hong Kong and produced in collaboration with G Dot TV, a Hong Kong-based media platform dedicated to empowering the LGBTQI+ community. Throughout the production process, the series brought together community members and allies to share their authentic stories, shed light on the challenges they face and raise public awareness.

Globally, Generali supports LGBTQI+ inclusion through a range of initiatives, including its employee resource group (ERG), WE PROUD. This ERG is dedicated to promoting insight-sharing and fostering collaboration across Generali’s global markets. It also stimulates and supports local business units in their participation in Pride events and local initiatives. Its work is part of a broader strategy to create inclusive workplaces and communities, reflecting Generali’s ongoing commitment to DE&I.

Ady Law, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer of Generali Hong Kong, shared, “At Generali Hong Kong, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that encourages innovation, celebrates diversity, and empowers talent to thrive. This video series reflects Generali’s value of building an inclusive society where everyone feels valued and supported to express their true selves.”

Cammy Kwok, Director of G Dot TV, added, “We deeply appreciate Generali Hong Kong’s efforts to involve the community in producing this video series to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a community-based media platform, we are committed to amplifying the voices of the LGBTQI+ community, and we are grateful that Generali Hong Kong shares our values. Throughout the production process, their team demonstrated a strong commitment to understanding the community’s needs and authentic stories, enabling us to connect with community members and public in meaningful ways. Their actions truly embody the spirit of diversity and inclusion.”

Generali Hong Kong’s efforts to create an inclusive workplace have been recognized with prestigious industry awards, including the Grand Award winner in the ‘Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility’ category at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards, the Corporate Social Responsibility – Excellence Performance award at the Bloomberg Businessweek (Chinese Edition) Financial Institution Awards and the Top Insurance Employer by Insurance Business Asia.

Hashtag: #GeneraliHongKong

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

Generali Hong Kong

In 1981, Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. was first registered as an authorised insurer in Hong Kong, with the business extending into the life insurance sector in 2016 with Generali Life (Hong Kong) Limited. With a combination of local knowledge and Generali Group’s global expertise, we develop unique and innovative life insurance, general insurance, specialty insurance, and employee benefits solutions to meet the needs of our customers.

Generali Group

Generali is one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers. Established in 1831, it is present in over 50 countries in the world, with a total premium income of € 82.5 billion in 2023. With around 82,000 employees serving 70 million customers, the Group has a leading position in Europe and a growing presence in Asia and Latin America. At the heart of Generali’s strategy is its Lifetime Partner commitment to customers, achieved through innovative and personalised solutions, best-in-class customer experience and its digitalised global distribution capabilities. The Group has fully embedded sustainability into all strategic choices, with the aim to create value for all stakeholders while building a fairer and more resilient society.

Bybit Invests $1M in EthicHub Through Blockchain for Good Alliance to Drive Agricultural Finance for Global Farming Communities

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, proudly announces a $1 million impact investment in EthicHub, facilitated through the Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA).

Since pioneering the Blockchain for Good Alliance in April 2024, Bybit has championed the use of blockchain innovations to solve real-world challenges. EthicHub, a key project supported by the BGA Incubation Programme and the Grand Social Impact Award winner at the BGA Web3 Oscar, exemplifies this vision by leveraging blockchain to drive financial inclusion and empower smallholder farmers. This investment aligns with Bybit’s commitment to leveraging blockchain technology for tangible social impact, driving financial inclusion for smallholder coffee farmers in emerging markets.

Empowering Sustainable Coffee Farming Through Ethical Finance

EthicHub is revolutionizing agricultural finance by integrating productive lending, blended finance, and market access. With this $1 million investment, Bybit will establish the “Bybit Pool”, a dedicated fund within the EthicHub ecosystem designed to provide ethical credit lines to small and medium-sized coffee farmers.

This initiative will empower farmers to break free from exploitative lending practices, improve productivity, and secure fair prices for their coffee. Additionally, it aligns with Bybit’s broader mission of bridging the gap between blockchain solutions and real-world economic transformation.

Key Highlights of the Investment Agreement:

  • Exclusive Fund: Bybit’s investment will be managed exclusively within the EthicHub ecosystem, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Sustainable Social Impact: The fund provides direct financial access to coffee farmers, fostering economic resilience in rural communities.
  • Fair Financial Returns: Bybit will receive an 8% annual return over a 15-month term, demonstrating the viability of impact investing.
  • Transparency & Reporting: LendingDev, EthicHub’s operator, will provide quarterly performance updates and comprehensive end-of-term reporting.

A New Era of Blockchain-Powered Social Good

Bybit’s investment exemplifies how blockchain-powered finance can drive sustainable change. Through BGA’s role in fostering strategic collaborations, this initiative paves the way for blockchain adoption in real-world economic empowerment.

“Blockchain has the power to unlock new financial opportunities for those historically excluded from traditional banking systems. Our $1 million investment in EthicHub reinforces Bybit’s dedication to using innovation for real-world impact, proving that blockchain can be both profitable and transformative,” said Helen Liu, Chief Operating Officer at Bybit.

Gabriela Chang, CSO & Co-founder of EthicHub added: “Bybit’s commitment is a game-changer for our mission. This investment will directly support smallholder coffee farmers, enabling them to increase productivity, access fair financing, and secure better market opportunities. It is an example of how blockchain can create real-world solutions for pressing global challenges.”

Case Study: EthicHub’s Impact – How Neri Ortiz Transformed His Future

For generations, smallholder coffee farmers like Neri Ortiz in Motozintla, Mexico, faced relentless challenges: unstable coffee prices, predatory lenders, and limited market access. With no financial safety net, many were forced to abandon farming altogether.

The introduction of EthicHub changed everything. By offering fair, blockchain-powered financing, EthicHub provided Neri and his cooperative with the resources to improve production, invest in sustainable farming techniques, and eliminate exploitative middlemen. For the first time, they could sell directly to specialty coffee buyers at fair market prices.

This access to ethical lending transformed not just Neri’s farm but his entire outlook. He began experimenting with quality-enhancing techniques like controlled fermentation, which boosted the value of his coffee. With newfound financial stability, he reinvested in his farm, secured better futures for his family, and began mentoring other farmers to do the same.

Bybit’s investment in EthicHub ensures that more farmers like Neri can break free from financial hardship, build resilient livelihoods, and sustain the agricultural traditions that feed global coffee markets. This is the power of blockchain-driven impact investing—real solutions for real people, transforming entire communities.

Bybit Invests $1M in EthicHub Through Blockchain for Good Alliance to Drive Agricultural Finance for Global Farming Communities
Bybit Invests $1M in EthicHub Through Blockchain for Good Alliance to Drive Agricultural Finance for Global Farming Communities

Join the Movement

Bybit invites fellow blockchain innovators and socially responsible investors to explore the possibilities of blockchain-powered impact investments. By working together, the industry can drive sustainable economic solutions that benefit both investors and underserved communities.

For more details on EthicHub’s initiatives, visit EthicHub Website.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk  /#BGA

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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Expanding Access to Sharia Financial Markets, BUMA Offers Its Inaugural Sukuk

  • PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), a subsidiary of PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group, IDX: DOID), offers its inaugural Sukuk Ijarah, marking another historic milestone in its financial diversification strategy.
  • The Sukuk, with a maximum amount of Rp2 trillion, is offered in three series with tenors of 370 days, 3 years, and 5 years, providing flexible investment options.
  • Proceeds will be allocated evenly: 50% for heavy mining equipment and 50% for working capital, driving sustained long-term growth.
  • BUMA has secured an A+ Syariah rating from Pemeringkat Efek Indonesia (Pefindo) and Fitch Ratings, underscoring its financial strength and operational stability.


JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), the principal subsidiary of PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group, IDX: DOID), announces the offering of Sukuk Ijarah I BUMA 2025 (the Sukuk), its inaugural Sukuk. With a maximum amount of Rp2 trillion, the Sukuk offering marks another historic milestone in the Group’s financial diversification strategy, expanding the Group’s investor base into Sharia financial markets.

Sukuk, often referred to as an Islamic bond, is a Sharia-compliant financial instrument similar to conventional bonds but structured to generate returns from underlying asset performance instead of interest, ensuring adherence to Sharia financial principles. The Sukuk Ijarah I BUMA 2025 is offered in three series: Series A with a duration of 370-day tenor, Series B with a 3-year tenor, and Series C with a 5-year tenor, starting from the issuance date. Quarterly Ijarah Fee payments will begin on June 20, 2025, with final bullet payments upon maturity in March 2026, 2028, and 2030. The bookbuilding period takes place from February 24 to March 7, 2025.

Iwan Fuad Salim, Director of Delta Dunia Group, stated, “The offering of Sukuk Ijarah I BUMA 2025 marks another key milestone in our financing strategy, diversifying our financing sources while enhancing operational capabilities. The strong investor demand for our recently oversubscribed BUMA II 2024 Bond underscores confidence in BUMA’s financial strength and disciplined execution. The Sukuk offering further reinforces our credibility and ability to secure diverse funding sources for sustained growth.”

The global Sukuk market continues to expand, driven by rising demand for Sharia-compliant financial instruments and increased government and corporate issuances. Southeast Asia—particularly Indonesia and Malaysia—continues to be a key region, benefiting from a mature Sharia financial ecosystem, strong regulatory frameworks, and established financial institutions. With the global Sukuk market projected to surpass $1 trillion in outstanding assets by 2025, Indonesia is expected to play a major role in sustaining this momentum [1], offering significant opportunities for issuers and investors alike.

“By tapping into the growing Sharia financial market, the Group builds on its diversified financing sources, strengthens its capital structure, broadens its investor base, and reinforces its commitment to financial resilience and operational excellence,” Iwan added.

BUMA successfully secured an A+ Syariah rating from PT Pemeringkat Efek Indonesia (Pefindo) and Fitch Ratings, reflecting the company’s financial stability and low default risk profile.

Silfanny Bahar, Director of BUMA, added, “The proceeds from Sukuk Ijarah I BUMA 2025 will be strategically allocated to support BUMA’s long-term growth in Indonesia—50% for capital expenditures, particularly heavy equipment, and 50% for working capital. This initiative strengthens financial resilience while ensuring operational efficiency. BUMA is committed to seizing this momentum to enhance its overall competitive advantage. With a well-defined strategy that expands into mine ownership, commodities, and diversified financing sources, we remain confident in generating long-term value for our stakeholders.”

The Sukuk Ijarah I BUMA 2025 offering is supported by leading arrangers PT BCA Sekuritas, PT BNI Sekuritas, and PT Sucor Sekuritas, with PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia as the trustee.

[1] https://www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/10296561
Hashtag: #DeltaDuniaGroup

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

About PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group):

Established in 1990, PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group) is a prominent holding company operating in Indonesia, Australia, and USA. Our principal subsidiary, PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), is a leading provider of mining services to some of the largest miners in Indonesia and Australia (through BUMA Australia Pty Ltd). In June 2024, through PT Bukit Makmur Internasional (BUMA International), it acquired Atlantic Carbon Group, Inc. (ACG) and became the leading producer of ultra-high-grade anthracite in the USA, further strengthening the Group’s global footprint in the mining industry.

In 2023, Delta Dunia Group expanded its portfolio with the addition of two new subsidiaries: PT Bukit Teknologi Digital (BTech), developing AI deep learning technologies to improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and minimize Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) operational risks and PT BISA Ruang Nuswantara (BIRU), a social enterprise dedicated to education, vocational schools, and fostering circular economy.

Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX Code: DOID), Delta Dunia Group is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, and is supported by a workforce of over 16,000 employees across Indonesia, Australia, and USA. In June 2024, Delta Dunia Group was recognized among the Top 200 in the inaugural FORTUNE Southeast Asia 500 rankings, a prestigious list that identifies the region’s largest companies by revenue.

Tencent Cloud Supports Streaming Platform Begin to Boost its Services for Global Audience

HONG KONG, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, today announced its strategic partnership with Z2C Limited backed Begin, a UAE-based SVOD platform focusing on the Southwest Asian region, to enhance its streaming services for global audience. The partnership agreement was signed by both parties at the inaugural Tencent Cloud Day event in Indonesia and was witnessed by experts from senior leadership across Tencent Cloud’s key industries. This collaboration aims to bolster Begin’s platform stability and reliability to effectively manage high traffic volumes, implement transparent pricing models for optimized cost management, and ensure the flexibility and scalability necessary for international expansion.

Tencent Cloud Supports Streaming Platform Begin to Boost its Services for Global Audience
Tencent Cloud Supports Streaming Platform Begin to Boost its Services for Global Audience

As a leading streaming platform in the region, Begin primarily distributes acquired sports and premium entertainment from various genres, and it is available internationally. The platform brings together premium content, including foreign and local entertainment and sports aiming to legalize, monetize, and energize digital content delivery. It also offers studios and sports federations a path to combat piracy by offering a reliable way to monetize content.

To support its growth plans and deliver a world-class broadcasting experience, Begin has chosen Tencent Cloud to support its ambitious growth plans. By leveraging Tencent Cloud’s robust suite of over 40 products across Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS), including advanced audio & video technologies, Begin is poised to offer a seamless viewing experience for audiences worldwide. The ongoing migration to IaaS further strengthens its technology foundation, positioning the platform for sustained global growth.

Tencent Cloud’s comprehensive service offerings are perfectly aligned with Begin’s growth aspirations. Cloud Streaming Services (CSS) deliver end-to-end live audio and video capabilities, including low-latency broadcasting, transcoding, and global content distribution, ensuring high-quality, uninterrupted streaming experiences. With EdgeOne, Tencent Cloud features a global network of over 3,200 edge nodes and more than 200 Tbps of bandwidth. Leveraging advanced technologies such as dynamic route detection, intelligent routing, and targeted path optimization, EdgeOne enhances both static and dynamic content delivery, allowing users to access content from the nearest edge node for a seamless playback experience.

Additionally, Tencent Cloud’s Top Speed Codec (TSC) transcoding technology reduces bitrate by over 50% without compromising video quality, enabling Begin to effectively manage bandwidth costs while maintaining an exceptional viewing experience.

Beyond these robust offerings, Tencent Cloud prioritizes data protection by adhering to international security standards, thus ensuring a safe and trustworthy environment for users worldwide. Furthermore, its flexible configuration options allow Begin to adjust resources on demand, allowing rapid growth and fluctuating user demands without service interruptions. Tencent Cloud’s dedicated technical support team also commits to swiftly resolving issues and optimizing platform performance, which is crucial during this phase of growth.

Faye Gong, Business Development Director in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Tencent Cloud, said, “We are excited to partner with Begin as they embark on their global streaming journey. With the help of our robust solutions, including advanced audio & video capabilities, Begin can now be further equipped to provide the stability, scalability, and support required for them to deliver high-quality, uninterrupted streaming experiences. We look forward to setting new benchmarks in global content delivery, together.”

Muhammad Nabeel, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Begin said, “Our partnership with Tencent Cloud represents a pivotal moment in our evolution. By harnessing their globally recognized, cutting-edge technology, we are committed to elevating our streaming services and ensuring reliable, high-quality content delivery as we expand our reach to new audiences around the globe.”

About Tencent Cloud:

Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

About Begin:

Begin is a UAE-based subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platform serving the Southwest Asian region and the GCC. With licensed deals in live sports and entertainment, Begin offers a legal and structured distribution model for premium content. The platform integrates AI-powered tools to enhance user experience and ensure seamless streaming.

By partnering with leading studios and sports federations, Begin helps combat piracy while creating sustainable monetization opportunities for content creators. Its partners include Sony, NBCUniversal, the English Premier League (EPL), All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the PGA Tour, and the LPGA Tour.

AIM Vaccine Integrates DeepSeek: Innovative Technology and Growth Potential Support Valuation Upside

HONG KONG, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AIM Vaccine Co., Ltd. (06660.HK), a leading PRC vaccine company, published an announcement on February 23, 2025, announced that the company is fully deploying the DeepSeek large model and promoting the application of DeepSeek R1 version across all business scenarios through localized strategies, achieving cost reduction, quality improvement, and efficiency enhancement throughout the vaccine lifecycle. This move opens up greater imagination for AIM Vaccine’s value growth.

As recently analyzed in a research report by FOSUN International Securities, “For investors looking to enter the vaccine industry, AIM Vaccine integrates innovative technology, industry leadership, and growth potential, making it an attractive investment choice.” The report believes that the company’s valuation has significant upside potential, initiating coverage with a “Buy” rating and a target price of HKD 11.

According to AIM Vaccine’s announcement, a series of actions in the much-anticipated “AI + Vaccine” R&D system will bring disruptive changes. AIM will leverage the DeepSeek large model to obtain higher quality vaccine candidates through processes such as discovery, design, and manufacturing. By integrating multi-source heterogeneous data from various biological information databases and merging pre-trained protein language models with graph neural network architectures, it is expected to achieve intelligent screening of antigen targets and dynamic analysis of conserved regions. Additionally, by accessing real-time mutation monitoring data streams and using long and short-term memory networks to predict future pathogen mutation directions, the analysis of conserved regions and the prediction of broad-spectrum antigen epitopes will be conducted. AIM will also utilize DeepSeek in conjunction with generative models and deep learning techniques to optimize mRNA vaccine sequence design and stability. By predicting mRNA secondary structure and intelligently designing efficient component combinations based on the host cells’ codon bias characteristics, the stability and translation efficiency of mRNA can be improved, generating optimal sequences. Furthermore, AIM is exploring the use of DeepSeek’s AI framework to optimize process parameters to enhance antigen yield and quality.

In clinical aspects, the comprehensive deployment of DeepSeek R1 version will be fully integrated with clinical trial management systems, electronic data capture (EDC) systems, central randomization systems, drug safety monitoring systems, and laboratory management systems, driving the intelligent realization of the entire chain from data acquisition, analysis to decision-making in vaccine clinical trials. This will shorten clinical trial cycles while enhancing data accuracy and compliance, allowing researchers to focus more on core areas such as project advancement, quality assessment, ethical judgment, and human care, providing technical support for the rapid market launch of vaccines. This will significantly improve the efficiency and quality of clinical research while reducing costs.

In production and quality control, the full deployment of the DeepSeek R1 version will be integrated with MES systems, LIMS systems, and SCADA systems, achieving deep learning on production, inspection data, and real-time monitoring data. This will construct predictive models for production and quality inspection management, optimize production processes, enhance production efficiency, shorten production cycles, and reduce energy consumption. By using AI to analyze relevant quality data from production and inspection, potential risks can be identified, enabling preventive quality control and ensuring high-standard compliance for every batch of vaccines, further enhancing the stability, reliability, and consistency of vaccine quality.

Due to the optimistic market attitude towards the technological innovations sparked by DeepSeek, Hong Kong stocks have outperformed global peers over the past month. Among them, DeepSeek concept stocks have become a market hotspot, especially the combination of biomedicine and AI, which is a key sector for market exploration.

Currently, international institutions such as Goldman Sachs, UBS, and Bank of America are optimistic about Chinese assets. HSBC Global Private Banking and Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Officer for China, Kuang Zheng, publicly stated to the media that the success of DeepSeek could become a catalyst for further promoting technological innovation in private enterprises in China, which is expected to boost investor confidence in the Chinese stock market. Therefore, some analysts believe that AIM Vaccine, as an industry leader, will see its original technological innovation advantages and industry-leading position accelerated with the support of DeepSeek.

FOSUN International Securities’ research report suggests that AIM Vaccine’s valuation is lower than that of major Chinese competitors and global vaccine giants, indicating an overreaction by the market to its short-term losses and low expectations for growth or profitability. The report predicts that from 2024 to 2027, AIM Vaccine’s revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) will reach 47%, with a projected breakeven in 2025 and net profit expected to exceed RMB 1.52 billion by 2027.

Looking ahead, according to the analysis in the FOSUN International Securities research report, AIM Vaccine, as a comprehensive leader in the Chinese vaccine market, demonstrates significant long-term growth potential based on its differentiated product portfolio, strong R&D and production capabilities, and clear global expansion strategy.

As the first vaccine company to propose the goal of “AI + Vaccine Intelligent Enterprise,” AIM’s comprehensive deployment of the DeepSeek large model is expected to lead in the “AI + Vaccine” innovation track. As analyzed in the FOSUN International Securities research report, with the launch of multiple high-value products in the coming years, the company’s revenue and profitability are expected to rebound strongly, driving a significant increase in its valuation.