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HanchorBio Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for HCB101 in Gastric Cancer

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First SIRPα-IgG4 Fc Fusion Protein Granted Orphan Status in Gastric Cancer

TAIPEI, SHANGHAI and SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HanchorBio, Inc. (TPEx: 7827), a global clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing next-generation immunotherapies for oncology and autoimmune diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to HCB101 for the treatment of gastric cancer. The designation covers gastric cancer broadly, including advanced gastric adenocarcinoma in both HER2-positive and HER2-negative subtypes. This milestone underscores the significant unmet medical need in gastric cancer and provides important regulatory support for the continued clinical development of HCB101 in this patient population.

This designation marks the first FDA Orphan Drug Designation for HanchorBio, representing a significant regulatory milestone for the company and further validating its strategy of advancing differentiated immunotherapies in areas of high unmet medical need.

HCB101 is a next-generation CD47–SIRPα pathway inhibitor, engineered as an affinity-optimized and toxicity-mitigated SIRPα-IgG4 Fc fusion protein. The molecule is designed to restore macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and enhance antigen presentation while minimizing the hematologic toxicities that have historically limited earlier CD47-targeting approaches, enabling rational combination with established standards of care.

“Receiving our first FDA Orphan Drug Designation is a major milestone for HanchorBio and important validation of our scientific, regulatory, and development strategy,” said Scott Liu, PhD, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of HanchorBio. “Gastric cancer remains an area of profound unmet medical need, and this designation reinforces our commitment to developing differentiated immunotherapies that can meaningfully improve outcomes for patients. This designation strengthens HCB101’s profile as a globally relevant asset and represents a strategically important step as we advance the program toward U.S. and international development. It further supports our ongoing engagement with multinational partners as we explore collaboration and licensing opportunities for HCB101 and our broader immunotherapy pipeline.”

Gastric cancer is a rare disease in the United States, with prevalence well below the FDA’s statutory threshold for orphan designation. Despite advances in targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibition, outcomes, particularly in the second-line setting, remain poor, with limited durability of response and substantial treatment-related toxicity.

HCB101 is currently being evaluated in multiple ongoing clinical studies, including a Phase 1b/2a trial (NCT06771622) assessing HCB101 in combination with ramucirumab and paclitaxel in second-line advanced gastric cancer. Early clinical findings have demonstrated promising antitumor activity with a safety profile consistent with the molecule’s differentiated design.

Alvin Luk, PhD, MBA, CCRA, President & Chief Medical Officer (Group) and Chief Executive Officer (U.S.A.) of HanchorBio, added, “The FDA’s decision reflects the seriousness of gastric cancer and the clinical rationale underlying HCB101’s development. HCB101’s IgG4-based SIRPα-Fc design was intentionally selected to support repeated dosing and combination strategies as an innate immune checkpoint backbone in solid tumors. In a second-line gastric cancer setting, where standard regimens offer limited durability, the depth of tumor shrinkage and consistency of response observed to date, while remaining compatible with standard ramucirumab-paclitaxel administration, support the continued global advancement of HCB101 for patients with significant unmet need.”

Orphan Drug Designation provides certain development incentives, including eligibility for tax credits on qualified clinical trial expenses, exemption from FDA user fees, and the potential for seven years of market exclusivity upon approval in the United States.

HanchorBio plans to continue advancing HCB101 through global clinical development while exploring its potential as a backbone immunotherapy across multiple solid tumor indications.

About HCB101
HCB101 is a rationally engineered SIRPα–IgG4 Fc fusion protein developed on HanchorBio’s FBDB™ platform to selectively block the CD47–SIRPα innate immune checkpoint while minimizing hematologic toxicity. Unlike earlier anti-CD47 approaches, HCB101 is designed to preserve macrophage-mediated antitumor activity while reducing binding to red blood cells, a limitation that historically constrained the clinical utility of CD47-directed therapies.

HCB101 was engineered using AI-assisted structural modeling to achieve differentiated binding to CD47 on cancer cells while maintaining low affinity for CD47 on red blood cells. Its safety profile, receptor occupancy characteristics, and pharmacologic properties are designed to support integration with established oncology regimens without disrupting standard dosing, safety expectations, or clinical workflows. Across ongoing clinical and translational evaluation, HCB101 has demonstrated consistent target engagement and early antitumor activity as both monotherapy and in combination settings, including tumor types historically considered challenging for CD47-directed therapies.

Together, these attributes position HCB101 as a differentiated innate immune checkpoint backbone with broad potential for a wide variety of combination strategies across solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

About HanchorBio
Based in Taipei, Shanghai, and the San Francisco Bay Area, HanchorBio (TPEx: 7827) is a global biotechnology company specializing in immuno-oncology. It is led by an experienced team of pharmaceutical industry veterans with a proven track record in biologics discovery and international development, aiming to reshape the landscape of cancer therapies. Committed to reactivating the immune system to fight disease, the proprietary Fc-based designer biologics (FBDB™) platform enables the development of unique biologics with diverse multi-targeting modalities, unleashing both innate and adaptive immunity to overcome the current challenges of anti-PD1/L1 therapies. The FBDB™ platform has successfully delivered proof-of-concept data in several in vivo tumor animal models. By advancing breakthroughs in multi-functional, innovative molecular configurations in R&D and improving CMC manufacturing processes, HanchorBio develops transformative medicines to address unmet medical needs. For more information, please visit: https://www.HanchorBio.com  

Omics Empower Hong Kong Launches Xenium™ In Situ Spatial Transcriptomics Services

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HONG KONG, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Omics Empower, a global life science service provider specializing in single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, announced that Xenium™ In Situ Spatial Transcriptomics services are now available at its Hong Kong Science Park laboratory.

Since the launch of the Hong Kong laboratory in July 2025, Omics Empower has supported research teams with local single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics services. Faster processing helps preserve RNA integrity and cell viability, supporting high-quality single-cell data generation.

Xenium™, developed by 10x Genomics, enables direct detection and quantification of RNA within intact tissue while preserving tissue architecture, achieving single-cell and subcellular resolution. Omics Empower is the second laboratory in Hong Kong to operate the Xenium platform, further expanding local availability of high-resolution in situ spatial transcriptomics for applications including oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and translational research.

In addition to Xenium™, the Hong Kong laboratory also supports 10x Genomics Visium for whole-transcriptome spatial profiling, as well as Stereo-seq, developed by BGI Group. Together, these platforms cover a range of resolution and tissue-scale needs, allowing research teams to select the best approach based on study design and sample characteristics.

With local single-cell and spatial capabilities in Hong Kong, Omics Empower will continue to expand its regional footprint and support life science and multi-omics research across Asia-Pacific.

About Omics Empower

Omics Empower is a leading global life science service provider focused on cutting-edge technologies including single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. With a laboratory network across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Omics Empower supports cross-regional coordination and project delivery for research teams worldwide. To date, Omics Empower has supported 500+ peer-reviewed publications in single-cell and spatial omics, including studies published in Nature, Science, and Cell.

Tsukuba “Cutting-edge Research Park,” Built by Ibaraki Pref. and Widely Supported by Global Companies, Attracts Strong Interest at “SEMICON Japan 2025” Trade Fair

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MITO, Japan, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Ibaraki Prefectural Government ran a booth at “SEMICON Japan 2025” held at Tokyo Big Sight from December 17 (Wednesday) to December 19 (Friday), 2025.

With easy access — just about 60 minutes by airport bus from Narita International Airport — the “Cutting-edge Research Park,” a business site designed for research and development located in the Kenkyu-gakuen area in the Ibaraki prefectural city of Tsukuba, is drawing global attention as a strategic hub for the semiconductor industry.

Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108961/202602093789/_prw_PI3fl_u6489lv0.jpg 

In the vicinity of the Cutting-edge Research Park, for example, are NIMS (National Institute for Materials Science), which has concluded a comprehensive cooperation pact and an International Cooperative Graduate Program agreement with universities in Taipei, as well as TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), which has established its first research and development base in Japan within the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)’s Tsukuba Center. The Cutting-edge Research Park serves as an ideal location for Taiwanese research institutions and companies to foster their industry-academia collaboration, offering a favorable business environment and convenient geographical location.

At the SEMICON Japan 2025 trade fair held late last year, the Ibaraki Prefectural Government used panel displays and video presentations themed around the Cutting-edge Research Park. The exhibit drew strong interest from many global companies with their sights on collaboration with TSMC and Japanese companies.

Video introducing the Tsukuba Cutting-edge Research Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jqLJoGKS2s 

Strong interest in the Cutting-edge Research Park confirmed at SEMICON Japan 2025

A survey of visitors to the SEMICON Japan 2025 event confirmed the high level of interest in and positive evaluation of the Cutting-edge Research Park. Semiconductor-related companies expressed significant expectations regarding possible collaboration with AIST, as well as the advantages of the TSMC facility’s proximity to the research park.

Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108961/202602093789/_prw_PI1fl_Ptyw9ZOq.png 

There were also many in-depth inquiries from visitors concerning local infrastructure developments, such as electric power and water supplies, as well as support programs to help secure highly skilled personnel and subsidies. Ibaraki Prefecture offers three key strengths essential for Taiwanese companies to succeed in the Japanese market: environment, geographical location, and skilled human resources.

1. Integration of world-class knowledge

One-third of Japan’s national research institutions, or 29 such institutions, are concentrated in Tsukuba City. In addition to TSMC’s first overseas research and development facility equipped with a cleanroom, an industrial hub for quantum computers is operating at AIST, among other functions.

Furthermore, NIMS, which is engaged in people-to-people exchanges with universities in Taipei, is also operating in the area, forming an innovative hub for developing Japan’s cutting-edge technology, such as semiconductors, quantum computers, and advanced materials, through active technology exchanges crossing the boundaries among companies.

2. Excellent transportation infrastructure and easy access from overseas

– Accessible from Narita International Airport in about 60 minutes

– About 46 minutes, at the earliest, from Akihabara, central Tokyo, on the Tsukuba Express

– Located within walking distance of a nearby station. Easy access between research hubs and company headquarters or client companies

– The Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway and the Joban Expressway intersect in Tsukuba, and there are four interchanges, including a smart-interchange

Companies operating on a global scale can efficiently coordinate their headquarters functions and international activities simultaneously.

Overview of Cutting-edge Research Park site: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108961/202602093789/_prw_PI2fl_3JrJ8iXF.jpg 

3. Fastest-growing talent market in Japan

Population growth

– In 2024, Tsukuba City recorded the highest population growth rate among all cities in Japan, excluding special wards

– The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research predicts that the city’s population will continue to increase through 2035

Abundance of researchers

– More than 17,000 active researchers are working in Tsukuba, putting the city among the top regions in Japan in terms of the number of researchers per working population

– Steady stream of students from Tsukuba University and from abroad

Global talent

– There are about 14,000 foreign residents in the city

– Ibaraki Prefecture has established a framework to constantly secure human resources through initiatives, including cooperation with universities in India

Promoting active roles of foreign human resources in workplaces: Ibaraki Prefecture

https://www.pref.ibaraki.jp/shokorodo/rosei/rodo/gaikokujin/center.html 

Thought-out support programs for corporations

Subsidy programs

– Financial support for such costs as capital investment related to relocating headquarters or establishing production facilities in growth industries, such as that of semiconductors

– Ibaraki Prefecture has expanded and improved its subsidy programs from fiscal 2025 so that it can provide one of the most competitive support packages in Japan for global companies establishing their flagship hubs

Tax incentives

– Exemption on real estate acquisition taxes and corporate enterprise taxes

– Exemption on property taxes in each municipality

Dedicated support programs

– A permanent business attraction office is set up in Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

– Support services include explanations of business sites, guidance on incentive programs, and follow-up assistance after a company starts business operations in Tsukuba

Benefits of the Super City-type National Strategic Special Zone

Tsukuba City has been designated by the Japanese government as a “Super City–type National Strategic Special Zone,” enabling the city to create an innovative environment where advanced technologies, such as AI and big data, can be seamlessly implemented into real-world applications. In this environment, companies can test their newly developed technologies in real-world settings directly, shortening the path from development to full social implementation.

A case of business expansion

Manufacturer of cleanroom air conditioning systems for semiconductor production

The company is developing advanced technologies while strengthening collaboration with local universities and research institutions

Ibaraki Prefecture, which has ranked No. 1 nationwide for eight consecutive years in attracting companies from outside the region, is fully committed to supporting efforts to revitalize Japan’s industrial competitiveness.

Jemmia Diamond Hosts Vietnam-UAE Trade Connectivity Dialogue with the Participation of the UAE Ambassador to Vietnam

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Advertorial Desk
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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On February 9, Jemmia Joint Stock Company was honored to welcome Dr. Bader Almatrooshi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Vietnam, together with representatives of the UAE Embassy, for an official visit and working session at Jemmia’s headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City.


Dr. Bader Almatrooshi is widely recognized for his important contributions to strengthening the UAE’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Asian countries, particularly in key sectors such as trade, energy, technology, and sustainable development. His visit to Jemmia is regarded as a positive milestone, reinforcing bilateral dialogue and supporting Vietnamese enterprises in accessing the UAE market more effectively in 2026.

Why Jemmia?

The UAE Ambassador’s decision to visit Jemmia reflects a strong foundation of collaboration established over recent years. Jemmia has actively participated in and co-organized multiple Vietnam – UAE trade promotion initiatives in partnership with DMCC, one of the UAE’s leading free trade hubs. These efforts have included economic forums and connectivity events attended by the UAE Ambassador, contributing to deeper mutual understanding and cooperation.


In addition, Jemmia is recognized as a trusted provider of high-standard diamonds in Vietnam, offering products that are officially imported, fully compliant, and transparent in origin. Jemmia’s diamonds belong to a quality segment approaching the top 2% globally, serving as an important basis for continued engagement and dialogue with the UAE Embassy.

Jemmia as a Bridge Between the UAE and Vietnamese Enterprises

Within the framework of the visit, Jemmia hosted an open dialogue session designed to foster direct trade exchange between Vietnamese businesses and the UAE Embassy. Enterprises from a wide range of sectors – including real estate, agriculture, coffee, robotics, high technology, renewable energy, and education – had the opportunity to share cooperation needs, explore market potential, and discuss challenges in expanding internationally.

Mr. Lam Ngoc Cuong, CEO of Jemmia, stated:

“With a clear vision to serve as a bridge, Jemmia is not only committed to delivering internationally certified diamonds to Vietnamese consumers, but also proactively bringing reputable global partners closer to Vietnam’s business community. Through this, we aim to unlock new collaboration opportunities with the UAE market in 2026 for both Jemmia and the broader ‘Friends of Jemmia’ ecosystem.”

Showcasing Vietnamese Cultural Identity Through Dialogue

Alongside its role in trade connectivity, Jemmia remains dedicated to honoring and promoting Vietnamese cultural values as part of its international engagement strategy. The dialogue was hosted in Jemmia’s cultural tea space, thoughtfully designed in traditional Vietnamese style. Featuring tea introduced as the “Quốc Tộ Chi Hương,” the setting created an open and respectful atmosphere while highlighting Vietnam’s cultural sophistication and hospitality.

Jemmia believes that cultural identity is an essential element of international cooperation, helping build trust, long-term relationships, and deeper connections beyond business transactions.


Advancing Jemmia’s Definition of “Prosperity Diamonds”

The visit of Dr. Bader Almatrooshi represents a meaningful milestone in further shaping Jemmia’s concept of “Prosperity Diamonds.” Beyond exceptional quality, transparency, and full legal compliance, this definition expands to encompass sustainable development, international partnership-building, and shared prosperity for enterprises and the wider community.

Through initiatives such as this Vietnam–UAE trade connectivity dialogue, Jemmia continues to position itself not only as a high-end diamond brand, but also as an active platform for business exchange, cultural diplomacy, and cross-border collaboration.

The event reaffirmed Jemmia’s long-term commitment to supporting Vietnam’s business ecosystem in reaching global markets, particularly in strategic regions such as the Middle East, where opportunities for trade and investment are rapidly growing.

Wynn Resorts Macau Achieves the Most Forbes Travel Guide Awards of Any Individual Resort in Macao

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Advertorial Desk
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Both Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace garnered a combined total of 63 stars from FTG in 2026

MACAU, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wynn Resorts Macau achieved the most Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) awards of any individual resort in Macao this year. With a combined total of 63 stars from FTG in 2026, Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace continue to set the benchmark for luxury hospitality in Macao. For three consecutive years, Wynn Palace has reigned as the largest FTG Five-Star resort in the world, and it is the only resort worldwide with six individual FTG Five-Star awards. The luxurious resort on Cotai also carries on its legacy of holding the most FTG Five-Star restaurants of any individual resort in the world, achieving this honor for seven straight years.

“The remarkable accomplishments of Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace in the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Awards underscore our unwavering dedication to excellence—continually raising the bar, refining our service standards, and fostering innovation,” said Frederic Luvisutto, Chief Operating Officer of Wynn Macau, Limited. “With Wynn Resorts Macau earning more Forbes Travel Guide honors than any other individual resort in Macao this year, this distinction is a powerful testament to the extraordinary commitment of our team members, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver world-class experiences for travelers from across the globe.”

Wynn Palace retained its status once again as home to more FTG Five-Star Restaurants than any other individual resort in the world, garnering four Five-Star Restaurant accolades at Chef Tam’s Seasons, Mizumi, Sushi Mizumi and SW Steakhouse. At Wynn Macau, Wing Lei has been recognized once again with the Forbes Five-Star Restaurant award, reaffirming its exceptional culinary standards. 

Wynn Resorts Macau received the following 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Awards:

Wynn Macau:     

Wynn Macau Exterior
Wynn Macau Exterior

  • Wynn Macau (Five-Star)
  • Encore at Wynn Macau (Five-Star)
  • The Spa at Wynn Macau (Five-Star)
  • The Spa at Encore (Five-Star)
  • Wing Lei (Five-Star)
  • Drunken Fish (Four-Star)

Wynn Palace:

Wynn Palace Exterior
Wynn Palace Exterior

  • Wynn Palace (Five-Star)
  • The Spa at Wynn Palace (Five-Star)
  • Chef Tam’s Seasons (Five-Star)
  • Mizumi (Five-Star)
  • Sushi Mizumi (Five-Star)
  • SW Steakhouse (Five-Star)
  • Lakeview Palace (Four-Star)

For more information on the full list of 2026 Forbes Travel Guide star award winners, please click here.

ABOUT WYNN MACAU
Wynn Macau is a luxury integrated resort in the Macau Special Administrative Region with two iconic towers featuring a total of 1,010 spacious rooms and suites, approximately 294,000 square feet of entertainment space, approximately 76,900 square feet of retail space, 11 food and beverage outlets, two spas, a salon and a pool. The resort proudly boasts three distinct entertainment experiences, including Macau’s only choreographed Performance Lake, blending lofty plumes of water, gracefully choreographed music from Broadway tunes to renowned Chinese songs, powerful LED lights and fire effects.

Wynn Macau, operated by international resort developer Wynn Resorts, is the recipient of five Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards. Wynn Macau opened on September 6, 2006 and its second tower – Encore opened on April 21, 2010. For more information on Wynn Macau, visit press.wynnmacau.com.

ABOUT WYNN PALACE
Wynn Palace is the second luxury integrated resort from international resort developer Wynn Resorts in the Macau Special Administrative Region, following the launch of Wynn Macau. Located in the Cotai area, it features a 28-storey hotel with 1,706 exquisitely furnished rooms, suites and villas, versatile meeting facilities, approximately 107,000 square feet of renowned luxury retail, 12 food and beverage outlets, an upmarket food hall featuring 6 standalone restaurants and a variety of additional food offerings, Macau’s largest spa, a salon, a pool and approximately 468,000 square feet of entertainment space. The resort also features a variety of entertainment experiences, including the dazzling 8-acre Performance Lake that mesmerizes guests with a choreographed display of water, music and light, the unique SkyCab, an immersive entertainment center, large-scale floral sculptures and an extensive collection of Western and Asian art displays.

Opened on August 22, 2016, Wynn Palace is the world’s largest Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) Five-Star resort and has more FTG Five-Star restaurants than any other individual resort in the world, and it is also the only resort worldwide with six individual FTG Five-Star awards. For more information on Wynn Palace, visit press.wynnpalace.com.

Hotel seven x seven Itoshima to Relaunch in April 2026

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Advertorial Desk
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Renewed Dining Lounge Featuring Local Ingredients. New Pool and Sauna Facilities to Enhance Wellness Experiences.

TOKYO, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kasumigaseki Capital Group’s fav hospitality group Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Hidekazu Ogata; hereinafter “FHG”) will relaunch seven x seven Itoshima, located in the Itoshima area of Fukuoka Prefecture, on April 1, 2026.

Hotel seven x seven Itoshima to Relaunch in April 2026
Hotel seven x seven Itoshima to Relaunch in April 2026

Guided by the concept of “Sunset Beach Club,” the property will introduce a newly added sauna and pool area, alongside a refreshed dining lounge featuring creative cuisine made with local Itoshima ingredients.

The hotel offers a stay experience where guests can connect with Itoshima’s natural surroundings through food, music, wellness, and activities.

A Retreat Set Against Itoshima’s Natural Landscape

Just 45 minutes from Fukuoka Airport, Itoshima lies beyond the city’s bustle, offering a naturally rich environment where the sea, mountains, and sky feel close at hand.

Blessed with ingredients nurtured by its abundant nature, the area is also renowned as a culinary destination, featuring fresh seafood, mountain produce, carefully cultivated vegetables, and locally crafted seasonings that reflect the region’s unique terroir.

“Sunset Beach Club” is a stay concept where food, music, wellness, and activities come together in quiet harmony against the backdrop of Itoshima’s natural beauty. From daytime through sunset and into the evening, guests can enjoy a retreat experience that gently rebalances both body and mind.

Savoring Itoshima’s Elements, Culinary Experiences That Complement Your Stay

In the refreshed dining lounge, tapas are presented to express the flavors of Itoshima’s nature, climate, ingredients, and seasonings as “elements.” These are curated under the supervision of Chef Mawatari, owner-chef of the popular local bar “klootch,” known for its creative cuisine using local Itoshima ingredients.

From light bites to a four-dish tapas meal that highlights the character of each element, the experience goes beyond a simple meal, offering a culinary journey that flows gently with the passage of time.

The drink menu is equally extensive. Supervised by Mr. Nomura, founder and lead bartender of “The Certain Bar” in Kitakyushu, the lineup features Element Flavor inspired cocktails as well as mocktails for guests who do not consume alcohol.

In addition, the local liquor store “Kawakubo Saketen” curates a selection of Japanese sake based on the owner’s personal philosophy, featuring distinguished labels primarily from across Kyushu and offering opportunities to discover a broader range of flavors.

“Taste of Element Flavor Dishes” (Four Tapas Dishes) | ¥6,600 (Tax Included)

This dish features four tapas dishes inspired by the three natural elements, “Fire,” “Water,” and “Earth,” as reflected in ingredient selection, flavor profiles, and cooking methods. Guests are invited to enjoy the culinary story woven by each element.


Fire: Element Flavor “Spicy”
A lineup infused with the element of “Fire,” featuring bold spices

  • Itoshima Potato Arrabbiata
  • Spicy Beef Tail Omelette
  • Local Chicken Confit / Ethnic Style
  • Pâté de Merguez

Water: Element Flavor “Sea”
A lineup showcasing the bounty of the sea, evoking the element of “Water”

  • Mozuku Seaweed Soba Noodles
  • Marinated Red Seabream
  • Fried Barracuda with Romesco Sauce
  • Local Seafood Bouillabaisse

Earth: Element Flavor “Roots”
A lineup showcasing vegetables nurtured by the earth, evoking the element of “Earth”

  • Taro Potato Salad
  • Bagna Càuda
  • Lotus Root Fritter with Whitebait and Green Chili
  • Chicken Gizzard and Mushroom Ajillo

Note: As we use ingredients unique to each season, the menu may change depending on the season and availability.

Plan with Breakfast


Breakfast offers a choice of a bread selection from a local partner bakery or a Japanese-style salmon dish, carefully grilled to a tender, fluffy texture. Both options are served with a salad bar.

This plan is designed to enrich the hotel stay through a thoughtfully curated dining experience.

Dining Lounge Overview

  • Hours of Operation: 7:00 am to 12:00 am (Open throughout the day)

Breakfast: 7:00 am to 12:00 pm (Last Order 11:30 am)
Lunch: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm (Last Order 2:30 pm)
Dinner: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Last Order 9:30 pm)
Bar: 6:00 pm to 12:00 am (Last Order 11:30 pm)

  • Seating Capacity: 71 seats (45 indoor, 26 terrace)

Newly Added Finnish-Style Sauna and Pool Area

A sauna and pool area exclusively for hotel guests will be newly introduced.

Seamlessly connected to the open lounge and terrace, this space allows guests to enjoy rejuvenation, swimming, and relaxation at their own pace, creating a wellness experience that refreshes both body and mind throughout the stay.

The terrace features spacious daybeds, where watching the sunset over the sea offers a dynamic connection with Itoshima’s natural beauty and creates one of the most memorable moments of the stay.


Finnish-Style Sauna and Pool Overview

  • Availability: Year-round (For hotel guests only)
  • Hours: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm (Last Entry: 9:30 pm)

Note: Hours may vary by season.

  • Fee: Complimentary

Shared Use: Mixed-gender facility (swimwear required)

  • Age Restrictions: Sauna is for guests aged 12 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult when using the pool.

Music Experiences in Harmony with the Flow of Time

Original in-house playlists are curated to match each time of day, from the quiet of morning to chill-out sounds at sunset and the evening bar atmosphere. DJs and artists will also be invited to create musical experiences that make each stay more immersive.

【Facility Overview】
Name: seven x seven Itoshima
Location: 266 Nishiura, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture 819-0202, Japan
Access: Approx. 45 minutes by car from Hakata Station
Floors: 4 floors in both the EAST and WEST buildings
Number of Rooms: 47 rooms

Website: https://sevenxseven.com/hotels/itoshima/
Instagram (Official): https://www.instagram.com/sevenxseven_hotels/

Six Killed in UXO Accidents During 2025 as Clearance Operations Continue

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A UXO inspection and clearance process on in Viengxay District, Houaphanh Province on January. (Photo by Lao People’s Army)

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains one of the top problems facing Laos, claiming six lives in 2025, according to officials, as clearance operations continue across the country.

In 2025, 15 accidents were recorded, resulting in 25 casualties, 19 injured and six dead. Despite ongoing clearance efforts, the threat persists. In 2026 so far, two accidents have been reported involving seven victims, though no deaths were recorded.

Clearance operations are underway in multiple provinces. 

In Champasak Province, Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) teams have been working at a coffee plantation in Lak 48 village, Paksong district, since October 2025. To date, they have destroyed 1,388 cluster munitions. Teams reported dense contamination, with more than 500 UXO items concentrated within a 1,000 square meter area, significantly slowing operations.

In Houaphanh Province in northern Laos, five unexploded bombs were discovered in Viengxay District in January. Authorities commenced technical clearance on 15 January at two locations. So far, 1.4 hectares have been cleared, with three BLU-26 cluster munitions and two other explosive devices safely removed. Despite hard soil and dense forest conditions slowing progress, teams completed the work as planned.

Laos remains the world’s most heavily bombed country per capita, with over 270 million cluster munitions dropped between 1964 and 1973. Around 30 percent failed to explode and continue to cause casualties each year.

President Thongloun Sisoulith, speaking at the 30th anniversary of the National UXO Clearance Program established on 13 February 1996, emphasized that UXO clearance remains a top national priority, directly linked to poverty reduction, safe land use, and socio-economic development. 

He said UXO clearance is about restoring the right to live safely, and affirmed the government’s continued cooperation with international partners to make Lao soil truly safe.

KuCoin Highlights Trust-First Infrastructure at Consensus Hong Kong, Defining Trust as a Key Factor in Exchange Selection

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Advertorial Desk
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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, today took part in a featured panel at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 titled “Turning Intelligence into Action.” Represented by Edwin Wong, Vice President and Head of Risk Control, KuCoin joined industry leaders to discuss how the digital asset sector can strengthen security, enhance customer protection, and move toward operational standards that work across jurisdictions.

The panel synthesized diverse perspectives on risk intelligence, featuring Adam, CEO of Inca Digital, and Amanda, Head of Americas of VerifyVASP. Edwin provided the exchange’s operational perspective, focusing on the practical execution of security protocols and the harmonization of global compliance.

The discussion centered on a primary friction point in the current market: the latency between instantaneous on-chain data and the slower off-chain processes of identity verification and cross-border cooperation. Panelists analyzed the evolving threat landscape, agreeing that the industry must prioritize self-regulation and sophisticated intelligence to preempt increasingly complex risks. A major focus of the debate was customer protection and asset recovery, with experts concluding that while intelligence tools have significantly matured, the industry must now work toward a unified “Code of Conduct” to navigate multi-jurisdictional complexities.

Representing the exchange’s front-line operations, Edwin shared how user behavior has fundamentally shifted. “Five years ago, users prioritized engine speed and token listings. Today, the fundamental question is platform safety,” Edwin noted. “Market data confirms that in volatile environments, capital migrates toward platforms with visible security commitments. Trust is no longer an abstract concept; it is a measurable metric of user retention and market stability.” In this environment, KuCoin emphasized that risk management is no longer only a defensive function—it is a foundational driver of sustainable growth and long-term user confidence.

To strengthen user protection in practice, KuCoin continues to advance Proof of Reserves (PoR) reporting and has expanded its security and privacy assurance through certifications such as SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and CCSS. These efforts are reinforced by KuCoin’s $2 Billion Trust Project, a long-term commitment to upgrading custody architecture, real-time monitoring, and global compliance capabilities. KuCoin also shared how modern exchanges are applying intelligence to prevention, including AI-assisted modeling designed to detect anomalous behavior earlier and reduce downstream impacts on users, counterparties, and market integrity.

Looking ahead, KuCoin underscored the value of an industry-wide, real-time compliance communication layer—one that enables faster coordination while preserving privacy-by-design principles. KuCoin reaffirmed its commitment to advancing trust-first infrastructure and contributing to standards that support a safer, more resilient digital asset ecosystem.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform trusted by over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. The platform delivers innovative and compliant digital-asset services, offering access to 1,000+ listed tokens, spot and futures trading, institutional wealth management, and a Web3 wallet.

Recognized by Forbes and Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, underscoring its commitment to top-tier security. With AUSTRAC registration in Australia and a MiCA license in Austria, KuCoin continues expanding its regulated footprint under CEO BC Wong, building a reliable and trusted digital-asset ecosystem.

Learn more: www.kucoin.com

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