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Scenic Group Expands the Singapore based APAC Team to Drive Regional Growth


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Scenic Group today announced the expansion of the dedicated Asia Pacific (APAC) team based in Singapore, operating as Scenic Tours APAC Pte. Ltd. This significant commitment reinforces the company’s continued global expansion strategy and long-term commitment to growth across the APAC region.

From left to right: Lim Yee Sher, Ally Grueter, Quoc Huy To, Anthony Laver, Dominic Tan, Sophia Lam. Jessie Tan
From left to right: Lim Yee Sher, Ally Grueter, Quoc Huy To, Anthony Laver, Dominic Tan, Sophia Lam. Jessie Tan

The Singapore office represents an important part of Scenic Group’s strategy, to capitalize on the increasing demand from high-net-worth individuals and the rapidly growing luxury cruising segments across the key Asia Pacific markets. This will build on the strong foundations form its established businesses in Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom, Canada and EMEA.

The APAC team is led by Mr. Anthony Laver, Scenic Group, General Manager Sales & Marketing, APAC (based in Sydney, Australia), alongside the founding members:

  • Mr. Quoc Huy To– Director of Finance Asia (Singapore & Vietnam offices)

E-mail: Quochuy.to@scenic.com.sg

  • Ms. Lim Yee Sher– Marketing & Partner Services Manager APAC (Singapore office)

E-mail: yeesher.lim@scenic.com.sg

  • Ms. Ally Grueter– Senior Sales Manager, Charters & Partnerships APAC (based in Zug, Switzerland)

E-mail: Ally.Grueter@scenic.eu

Further strengthening the team, Mr. Dominic Tan – Regional Sales and Marketing Manager, APAC (E-mail: dominic.tan@scenic.com.sg) joins Scenic Group, coming from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across APAC travel markets, including senior roles within travel agencies and travel technology sectors. Also joining the team are:

Sophia and Jessie are very experienced sales and marketing professionals, bringing strong corporate and MICE expertise, with previous roles at Royal Caribbean Group and luxury travel organizations, including Resorts World Sentosa and Chan Brothers Travel.

Anthony Laver, General Manager, Sales & Marketing, APAC said, “To support the strong demand for Luxury Scenic & Emerald, Ocean and River Cruises, together with the significant growth in joint programs with our valued travel partners, Scenic Group has expanded the Asia Pacific regional team. We are delighted to have created such a highly experienced and professional team of travel experts. They will continue to build our Charters, Groups, MICE and F.I.T business opportunities with Travel Partners and their Clients, in all the key markets across the region.”

Collectively, the team brings more than 60 years of combined industry expertise across luxury travel, including cruise, land journeys and travel partnership development. With a rapidly expanding fleet of luxury ocean yachts and award-winning river cruise ships, plus curated land journeys and extensions, Scenic Group continues to invest in dedicated marketing resources, cruise ship capacity and joint partnerships – demonstrating its commitment to delivering high quality business services and guest experiences.

Hashtag: #sceniccruises #emeraldcuises

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

About Scenic Group

Scenic Group is an Australin founded company, celebrating 40 Years of Innovation in 2026. It has redefined luxury travel, creating the new benchmark, intimate yacht experiences, and meticulously curated land journeys. It has received global acclaim for its award-winning luxury Ocean & River cruises, with a portfolio of strong global brands – Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises & Tours.

Scenic Group delivers transformative experiences that provide unparalleled access to the world’s most breathtaking destinations across all seven continents and over 100 countries. As Scenic Group celebrates 40 years of pioneering luxury travel, this new chapter underscores its enduring commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. The company’s four decades of expertise ensures that every journey – whether on river, ocean, or land – brings moments of wonder and creates memories that last a lifetime.

Emerald Cruises & Tours continues to expand its fleet of innovative ships on Europe and Asia’s rivers and coastlines of the Mediterranean, Caribbean and beyond. Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara will be joined by Emerald Kaia in 2026, further enhancing luxury yacht cruising with itineraries across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean and Central America, Seychelles and Indian Ocean.

From 2028, Scenic Group will further enrich its ultraluxury portfolio with the launch of Scenic Ikon, the new Scenic Discovery Yacht designed to take guests deeper into remarkable regions including the Mediterranean and Antarctica, with state-of-the-art technology, immersive exploration, and the hallmark Scenic all-inclusive ultra-luxury experience.

Additionally, Emerald Astra, debuting in 2026 as the 10th Emerald Star-Ship in the river fleet, will elevate Emerald’s renowned river cruising experience. Looking ahead to 2027, the 11th Emerald Star-Ship, Emerald Lumi, will mark the brand’s first sailing on the Seine River, offering roundtrip cruises from Paris. The fleet will further grow with Emerald Raiya (2027) and Emerald Xara (2028), offering new boutique superyacht itineraries in warm-water destinations.

Aigens Empowers Honeymoon Dessert to Elevate Customer Experience via WeChat Mobile Ordering

HONG KONG, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Honeymoon Dessert, one of Hong Kong’s most well-loved dessert chains, has strengthened its commitment to innovation with the introduction of Aigens Mobile Ordering on WeChat. The new digital ordering solution was launched ahead of the 2026 Chinese New Year Golden Week to efficiently manage the anticipated surge of customers from Mainland China—and it continues to deliver lasting benefits to both tourists and locals throughout the year.

Aigens x Honeymoon Dessert - WeChat Mini Program
Aigens x Honeymoon Dessert – WeChat Mini Program

With WeChat Mobile Ordering, dine-in customers can browse Honeymoon Dessert’s entire menu simply by scanning the WeChat QR code placed on their table. Orders can be placed directly within a WeChat Mini Program, and payment is completed seamlessly through WeChat Pay, without any redirection to external pages. This fully integrated experience is especially convenient for Mainland visitors, who are already familiar with WeChat’s all-in-one ecosystem.

The new system delivers major advantages for both guests and staff. Customers enjoy a frictionless dining journey—ordering at their own pace, reviewing menu images and descriptions, and adding items easily at any time during their meal. Meanwhile, Honeymoon Dessert benefits from greater operational efficiency, reduced waiting times, and optimized table turnover, all while providing a modern, user-friendly dining experience that enhances customer satisfaction.

Mr. Ken Mui, Human Resources and Administration Manager of Honeymoon Dessert, shared his appreciation for the partnership: “Aigens WeChat Ordering has transformed the way we serve our guests. It’s fast, intuitive, and exactly what our customers expect in today’s digital dining environment.”

Even beyond the festive period, the solution continues to support the strong tourism demand driven by the 37.8 million visitors from Mainland China who came to Hong Kong in 2025, many of whom frequent the Tsim Sha Tsui area year-round. By offering a familiar and convenient ordering experience, Honeymoon Dessert ensures it remains a preferred destination for visitors seeking authentic Hong Kong-style desserts.

Aigens Mobile Ordering on WeChat is available to F&B outlets of all sizes and concepts across Hong Kong. Restaurant operators interested in adopting the system can reach out to Aigens for a free consultation and discover how digital ordering can enhance their operations.

About Aigens Technology Limited:

Aigens Technology Limited, founded in 2012, is a leading provider of digital restaurant solutions, trusted by the world’s most reputable QSR, restaurant groups, food courts, hotels & resorts, airports, and casinos, across Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Renowned for delivering cutting-edge restaurant QR ordering, kiosk ordering, loyalty, payment, and system integration solutions, Aigens powers over 7,000 locations with seamless, robust, and scalable technologies.

MyRepublic Collaborates with Singapore Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry to Support SME Digital Adoption, Cyber Resilience, and AI Enablement


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – MyRepublic has entered into a collaboration with Singapore Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) to support digital adoption, strengthen cyber resilience, and enable AI readiness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the wider business community in Singapore, following the signing of a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) on 21 January 2026.

MyRepublic and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) collaboration
MyRepublic and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) collaboration

The collaboration aims to support businesses through structured programmes, capability-building workshops, and accessible transformation pathways to accelerate digital adoption. It also focuses on strengthening cyber resilience by equipping SMEs with practical tools, assessments, and best practices to protect and sustain their digital operations, while enabling AI innovation and readiness through education, proof-of-concept opportunities, and pilot initiatives to future-ready businesses.

Tech Symposium 2026
Tech Symposium 2026
The signing of a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) on 21 January 2026.
The signing of a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) on 21 January 2026.

Mr Mark Lee, Chairman of SCCCI’s Technology Committee, said:
“As businesses navigate a rapidly evolving economic and technological landscape, AI and digitalisation are becoming essential tools for improving productivity, competitiveness, and long-term resilience. This Tech Symposium is designed to help SMEs move beyond awareness towards practical adoption, with a strong focus on real-world applications that deliver measurable business outcomes. SCCCI works with Institutes of Higher Learning and technology providers to co-develop and pilot AI-driven solutions that address fundamental SME challenges such as operational efficiency, cost management, and scalability. By grounding innovation in actual business problems, we aim to make AI adoption more accessible, practical, and commercially meaningful for our members. As digital adoption accelerates, cyber risks inevitably rise, making cybersecurity a core business risk rather than just a technical issue. While national cybersecurity frameworks are led by the relevant authorities, SCCCI supports awareness and readiness among its members through engagement with government agencies and ecosystem partners.”

The collaboration aims to support SMEs through structured programmes and initiatives that strengthen digital adoption, cyber resilience, and AI readiness across the business community.

Imran Nazi, Head of ICT at MyRepublic, said:
“Singapore’s SCCCI SME community has always been resourceful and adaptive, and AI opens a new chapter in that journey. Our collaboration with SCCCI is centred on bringing meaningful AI enablement to businesses of all sizes, alongside strengthening cyber resilience and wider digital adoption. The goal is simple: equip SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in a digital-first world.”

Collaborative Areas of Focus and Impact

Through the collaboration, MyRepublic and SCCCI will work closely to support SMEs and the wider business community across several key areas, combining business network access, industry expertise, programme management capabilities, and technology expertise.

The collaboration will focus on community access and engagement by providing access to SCCCI’s extensive business network for outreach and engagement initiatives, promoting digital transformation programmes and activities through relevant communication channels, and curating relevant business segments for targeted digitalisation programmes.

Programme development will include the co-development of workshops, masterclasses, clinics, and outreach events with ICT partners to introduce digital tools and encourage adoption. Activities will be hosted and organised either at SCCCI facilities or partner venues, supported by programme management, training, demonstrations, and hands-on support at engagements.

The collaboration will also emphasise advocacy and thought leadership, championing digital adoption initiatives in alignment with national strategies. This includes supporting the development of co-branded thought leadership materials such as case studies, guides, and digital readiness resources, as well as sharing success stories and adoption outcomes to raise awareness of digital transformation benefits.

Industry insights, including SME challenges and sectoral digitalisation needs, will guide programme design and support the tailoring of solutions to better meet SME requirements and address capability gaps. Where relevant, pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives may be supported for selected SCCCI members, alongside data insights on programme outcomes to support continuous ecosystem improvement.

Together, MyRepublic and SCCCI aim to create business-relevant initiatives that help SMEs adopt digital solutions with greater clarity, confidence, and sustainability.
Hashtag: #MyRepublic #SCCCI #Technology





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

MyRepublic Broadband Pte Ltd

MyRepublic is an award-winning telecom operator whose values lie in the future of connectivity, the next opportunity to disrupt, and innovations that will make a real difference. The provider’s priority is to redefine broadband and mobile connectivity in the markets it operates and empower customers to understand what a true modern connectivity experience can be.

Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI)

Established in 1906, the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) champions the growth of Singapore businesses, especially SMEs, through advocacy, capability building, and market access. With a strong network of corporate and trade association members representing over 40,000 companies, SCCCI connects SMEs to business opportunities, resources, and partnerships, while driving initiatives in business development, education, culture, and community impact.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Hosts Traditional Performing Arts Up Close in Hotel Lobby: “Experience Spirit of Season through Art of Kagurazaka Geisha”

– Following Earlier Performances, Remaining Two to Take Place on March 19 and 26 –

TOKYO, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Keio Plaza Hotel Co., Ltd. is hosting an event titled “Experience the Spirit of the Season through the Art of Kagurazaka Geisha” in its hotel lobby every Thursday from February 26 to March 26, 2026 (excluding March 12). The event offers complimentary viewing of dance performances by Kagurazaka Geisha or professional female entertainers.

Performance image: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M000115/202603065172/_prw_PI1fl_PB15BHTL.jpg 

Special website: https://www.keioplaza.com/offers/kagurazakageisha.html 

As an increase in foreign guests is expected during the cherry blossom season in March, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo has planned this event to showcase seasonal dances performed by Kagurazaka Geisha, who preserve the traditional “Kagurazaka Odori” dance, an Intangible Cultural Property of Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward. The hotel invites all guests to experience the traditional performing arts, which are rarely accessible to the general public. The elegant dances performed by the geisha, accompanied by live “shamisen” (three-stringed Japanese banjo) music played by local musicians, will enhance time spent at the hotel.

Event overview
– Venue: 3rd Floor, Main Lobby
– Collaborator: Tokyo Kagurazaka Association
– Time/date:
3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Thursday, March 19
3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Thursday, March 26
*About 15 minutes long
– Admission: Free

Since opening in 1971, the Keio Plaza Hotel has hosted various Japanese cultural events. More recently, the hotel has expanded its program of events to offer experiences and workshops of various cultural arts and crafts rooted in the Shinjuku area. This reflects the hotel’s desire to share Shinjuku’s unique history and culture, enhancing the value of visits and stays at the hotel. Furthermore, requests for participation in these events have greatly increased as the number of international visitors to Japan has risen. Moreover, the Keio Plaza Hotel contributes to enhancing the overall accessibility and appeal of the Shinjuku region by serving as a hub for local culture.

About the Tokyo Kagurazaka Association and a Kagurazaka Geisha: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202603065172-O2-1S6fMioP.pdf 

About Keio Plaza Hotel: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202603065172-O3-b98Kax67.pdf 

Laos Orders Civil Servants to Work From Home, Switch to Electric Vehicles Amid Fuel Crisis

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on 13 March ordered government ministries to cut back on in-person meetings, introduce rotating work shifts, and begin transitioning state vehicles to electric.

Laos’ Prime Minister has ordered government ministries to cut back on in-person meetings, introduce rotating work shifts, and begin transitioning state vehicles to electric.

This is the latest move of a sweeping emergency order aimed at reducing the country’s fuel consumption as the Middle East crisis continues to squeeze supply and drive up prices.

The notice, signed on 13 March, is the most significant government response yet to an energy crunch that has rattled Laos since late February.

Between 4 and 10 March alone, diesel prices surged nearly 50 percent, from LAK 21,930 to LAK 32,860 per litre, while special gasoline recorded the second-highest price increase globally during the same period, according to Global Petrol Prices.

A modest reduction was announced on 12 March, bringing diesel back to LAK 31,560 per litre, but prices remain far above where they were before the crisis.

Structural Vulnerability

Laos imports over 97 percent of its fuel from Thailand, leaving it acutely exposed when Thailand briefly suspended all fuel exports following Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz in late February.

Panic buying emptied petrol stations across Vientiane within hours. Thailand subsequently granted Laos an exemption, and a 12-million-litre import helped ease immediate pressure, but the disruption laid bare just how little buffer the country has.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce had already ordered nationwide inspections of fuel depots and stations on 13 March, directing authorities to check supply levels, review delivery records dating back to 1 February, and take action against any operators found hoarding or manipulating supply.

Companies found in violation face formal warnings, licence suspensions, or public disclosure as fuel hoarders.

But the latest Prime Minister’s order goes further.

Fewer Meetings, Shorter Commutes

The most immediate changes will be felt inside government offices. Ministries are directed to cut travel to local areas, replace in-person meetings with remote alternatives wherever possible, and put general staff on rotating shifts to reduce the number of people commuting daily.

The order also uses the crisis as a moment to push Laos’ transition to electric vehicles into a higher gear.

Registration and service fees for electric vehicles will be cut by 30 percent, while fees for fuel-powered vehicles will rise by the same amount. Import procedures for EVs are to be streamlined and made less costly.

Transport companies are required to ensure electric vehicles make up at least 10 percent of their fleets by the end of 2026.

In Vientiane, authorities should estend the BRT network to the train station and airport.

Government procurement of new fuel-powered vehicles for administrative use should be halted unless strictly necessary.

Prices, Supply, and Food Security

Beyond the workplace and transport measures, another order in early March directed the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to crack down on hoarding and price manipulation across fuel and essential food items.

Rice, meat, eggs, fish, and vegetables are all to be kept at stable prices.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will also be in charged of helping farmers shift to renewable energy, adopt fuel-efficient technologies, and access low-interest loans to cushion the impact of rising input costs.

A dedicated task force will monitor implementation and report directly to the Prime Minister daily for the duration of the crisis.

New ABB report shows energy efficiency investments rising in Malaysia – execution now defines industrial advantage

  • 63 percent of industrial leaders in Malaysia have already invested in energy efficiency and a further 33 percent plan to within 12 months – yet results remain fragmented and uneven
  • Energy consumes 25 percent of operating costs in Malaysia, and 61 percent say rising costs threaten profitability – but barriers have shifted since 2022, from cost to data, skills and organizational silos
  • Digital readiness in Malaysia reaches 84 percent, and 85 percent agree total cost of ownership should guide investment in energy efficiency – however, only 42 percent consistently apply this approach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Energy efficiency has become a board‑level margin and risk issue, but many industrial organizations in Malaysia are struggling to turn intent into sustained results, according to a new report from ABB.

Based on a survey of 2,700 senior decision‑makers across 15 countries and 15 industries, the study, developed in partnership with Sapio Research, finds that 63 percent of respondents in Malaysia have already invested in energy efficiency and a further 33 percent plan to within the next 12 months. Yet, progress is increasingly constrained by execution gaps.

Energy accounts for 25 percent of operating costs on average in Malaysia, and 61 percent of companies say rising energy costs continue to threaten profitability. For executives, the challenge has shifted from reacting to price spikes to managing persistent price volatility and structural exposure.

Compared to the global average, Malaysia shows an average energy cost burden (25% vs 25% globally), above-average profitability threat perception (61% vs 59% globally), and the highest level globally of digital readiness (84% vs 67% globally).

“Energy efficiency has become a foundation for business continuity, compliance, and long-term value creation. It’s a condition for market access,” explains S Kanavati, Vice President, Motion Services, ABB Malaysia Sdn Bhd. “Today, leaders care about optimizing energy use. What they struggle with is deployment, at scale, and over time.”

Execution, not intent, is now the differentiator

The study shows that digital readiness in Malaysia has reached 84 percent, with respondents already using or ready to deploy digital energy‑management tools. However, readiness alone does not guarantee results. Only 42 percent of Malaysia companies consistently apply total cost of ownership (TCO) when making investment decisions – despite 85 percent agreeing it should guide purchasing.

At the same time, responsibility for energy efficiency remains fragmented across executive management, operations, sustainability, maintenance and finance, with no single function clearly accountable.

“The barriers to energy efficiency have fundamentally changed,” adds Pearl Ong, Regional Service Manager, Asia, Motion Services, ABB Malaysia Sdn Bhd. ” Cost is no longer the main blocker for many organizations globally – it has fallen from 50 percent to 43 percent since 2022. What’s holding companies back now are organizational silos, skills gaps and a lack of usable data. That’s a critical inflection point. It tells us the challenge is helping businesses turn intent into repeatable execution.”

In Malaysia, the most significant barriers to energy efficiency are the costs (54%), the potential for downtime and disruption (44%), and a lack of specialist resource (36%).

Renewables alone are not enough

The research also points to a growing risk of ‘post‑renewables complacency’. Among organizations in Malaysia that have switched to renewable energy sources (43% of respondents), 37 percent report a reduced focus on energy efficiency.

While renewables lower the carbon intensity of energy, they do not reduce the volume consumed – meaning significant efficiency gains remain untapped, even for companies that have already secured green power. As a result, opportunities to strengthen resilience, control long‑term costs and reduce exposure to volatility are being left on the table.

When asked about their primary reasons for investing in energy efficiency, respondents in Malaysia said reducing energy costs (63%), complying with regulations (53%), and improving their resilience and competitiveness (49%).

The next phase of the industrial energy transition will be defined by delivery capability. While activity levels are high across businesses in Malaysia and globally, efforts remain shallow, lacking coordination and long‑term structure.

“To close the execution gap, ABB combines diagnostics with targeted modernization of motor‑driven systems, software‑based optimization tools, outcome‑based financing and lifecycle services,” concludes Pearl Ong. “End-to-end energy intelligence is another way we help industries outrun, leaner and cleaner – turning isolated initiatives into sustained performance gains.”

For the full report, visit this page.

Hashtag: #ABB

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

About ABB

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives, is at the core of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. We innovate and push the boundaries of technology to contribute to energy efficient, decarbonizing and circular solutions for customers, industries and societies. With our digitally enabled drives, motors and services we support our customers and partners to achieve better performance, safety and reliability. To help the world’s industries outrun – leaner and cleaner, we deliver motor-driven solutions for a wide range of applications in all industrial segments. Building on over 140 years of domain expertise in electric powertrains, our more than 23,000 employees across 100 countries learn and improve every day.

Agoda Unveils Top Hari Raya Destinations for 2026

SINGAPORE, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest accommodation search data reveals the top locales where travelers from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are heading for the upcoming Hari Raya holiday period. Indonesian destinations take the lead, with Bali, Yogyakarta, and Bandung emerging as the top three most popular destinations during this festive period.

Rounding out the top ten destinations for Hari Raya travel are Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Tokyo (Japan), Jakarta (Indonesia), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore (Singapore), Penang (Malaysia), and Malang (Indonesia).

Hari Raya, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan and is a time of celebration and gratitude. It holds cultural significance as families come together to celebrate, reconnect, and strengthen bonds after a month of fasting.

Agoda’s accommodation search data reveals that, during this period, travelers often seek short-haul destinations that offer a mix of sunny island getaways, urban hubs, and nature escapes. The holiday is an ideal time for families to travel together, allowing them to celebrate with loved ones and create lasting memories. The preference for destinations like Bali and Yogyakarta highlights the desire for both relaxation and cultural exploration, while urban centers like Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo cater to those looking for exciting city adventures.

Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda, shared, “Hari Raya is a special time for many. As the holiday approaches, we are seeing travelers expressing interest in short-haul destinations that offer a chance for meaningful connection and reunion with loved ones, or a brief escape to unwind after a month of spiritual reflection. It’s especially exciting to see travelers embracing the diverse offerings of Indonesia and throughout Asia. From the beaches of Bali to the cultural sites of Yogyakarta, Agoda is thrilled to support these meaningful journeys with great deals across accommodations, flights and activities.”

Travelers planning their upcoming holidays can find over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities on Agoda, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more.

 

XCMG From Going Global to Taking Root at CONEXPO 2026

LAS VEGAS, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XCMG Group, one of China’s foremost construction machinery enterprises, concluded a landmark appearance at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas, marking the company’s 11th consecutive participation in the world’s largest construction trade exhibition. Competing alongside nearly 3,000 exhibitors from across the globe, XCMG used this year’s show to demonstrate a pivotal strategic evolution: the transition from simply exporting products to establishing genuine, lasting roots in North America’s premium market.

 

XCMG Highlights from CONEXPO 2026

North America has long held a reputation as a high-bar market where performance, reliability, and innovation are non-negotiable. XCMG rose to that challenge by presenting 35 machine models specially engineered for North American operating conditions, covering core construction scenarios including earth-moving, lifting, aerial work platforms, and mining applications.

The highlight of XCMG’s exhibit was the global launch of the PRO Series. The next-generation product line built for the North American professional. PRO Series machines feature deep integration of intelligent interaction and precision control technologies, offering operators fully customizable parameters, intuitive visual interfaces, and advanced self-diagnostic capabilities. The result is a machine that transforms complex operations into clear, controllable tasks — raising both operator confidence and overall job-site productivity.

“This reflects a broader transformation in Chinese construction machinery — moving from scale advantage to technology edge. We are no longer simply offering cost-effective tools; we are exporting advanced engineering solutions, earning the respect and trust of premium global markets through innovation.”

— Zhai Kun, General Manager, XCMG Global Business Headquarters & XCMG Import & Export Co., Ltd.

XCMG’s North American strategy reflects this philosophy in tangible terms. The company has built a sophisticated local support infrastructure to back up its technology ambitions. Millions of dollars in spare parts are now stocked at XCMG’s North American warehouses, enabling rapid response and minimal machine downtime. Over 95% of XCMG’s North American workforce is locally hired. This is the testament to the company’s commitment to embedding itself into the fabric of the regional market rather than operating as a foreign vendor.

“Our North American parts inventory has been fully optimized to ensure the highest possible uptime for every machine we put in the field,” said Liu Quan, XCMG’s North America Director. “Regardless of equipment type, our local team is ready to provide around-the-clock support.”

This operational depth is central to XCMG’s pitch to North American customers: the company provides comprehensive, intelligent, and scenario-specific construction solutions backed by a local team that understands the demands of the market.

XCMG’s presence at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is part of a broader global growth trajectory. The company’s products now reach more than 190 countries and regions worldwide. Along the markets of the Belt and Road Initiative, XCMG commands a coverage rate exceeding 95%. International revenue now accounts for nearly half of XCMG’s total business, reinforcing the company’s standing as one of China’s most prominent ambassadors for advanced manufacturing on the world stage.

With its combination of purpose-built technology, deep local investment, and expanding global reach, XCMG leaves CONEXPO 2026 not merely as a participant, but as a formidable long-term contender in the world’s most demanding construction machinery market.