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HARD ROCK HOTEL BALI ACHIEVES PRESTIGIOUS GSTC CERTIFICATION

DENPASAR, Indonesia, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hard Rock Hotel Bali has been recognized as a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certified hotel, becoming the second in Indonesia to acquire this renowned certification. This achievement is a significant milestone for Hard Rock Hotel Bali, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable practices.

Hard Rock Hotel Bali is proud to be a part of a sustainable future for Bali
Hard Rock Hotel Bali is proud to be a part of a sustainable future for Bali

The GSTC is a non-profit organization aims to establish and provide global guidelines for sustainable tourism practices. The GSTC-certified status is awarded to tourism businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility, environmental protection, cultural impacts, and economic sustainability.

Hard Rock Hotel Bali has continually shown a strong commitment to sustainability. Since its establishment, the hotel has been focused on putting the brand’s four founding mottos; Love All Serve All, Take Time To Be Kind, Save The Planet, and All Is One, into action. Working relentlessly to maintain a responsible and sustainable force in the tourism industry.

There are variety of sustainable practices throughout Hard Rock Hotel Bali’s operations, including energy efficiency where the hotel implements a range of energy-saving measures such as the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, a state-of-the-art water filtration plant to minimize the reliance on single-use plastic bottles, waste reduction through recycling, upcycling and composting. The hotel also actively supports local schools and university through educational programs and cultural preservation initiatives. Furthermore, Hard Rock Hotel Bali engages in sustainable practices by collaborating with various foundations in Bali. These collaborations focus on areas such as financial support for medical assistance to the underprivileged, surplus food distribution, and reducing carbon footprints through regular mangrove planting with Wanasari Fishermen Group. Additionally, the annual fundraising event, the Rock n’ Run Charity Fun Run 2024, will support the planting of over 3000 trees in Kintamani, Bangli, and Rendang village, Karangasem this year.

“Sustainability has always been an integral part of Hard Rock Hotel Bali’s identity,” said Shane Coates, General Manager.  “This certification represents a notable accomplishment for our initiatives in adopting sustainable practices. We are confident that this globally recognized achievement will foster trust in guests at Hard Rock Hotel Bali when selecting their accommodation, allowing them to make informed choices and contribute to responsible tourism.”

Sustainable practices can begin with small acts and evolve in line with the guest experience. By fostering collective awareness among diverse stakeholders—including employees, hotel management, tourism business players, and travelers—we can expand our opportunities to create a positive future for generations to come.

For more information about Hard Rock Hotel Bali’s sustainable practices, click https://hotel.hardrock.com/bali/our-green-promises.aspx.

About Hard Rock®:
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 75 countries spanning more than 300 locations including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.

HRI has received numerous industry and destination awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB-) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, please visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.

About HPL Hotels & Resorts
Headquartered in Singapore, HPL Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality management company, operated and wholly-owned by Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), a Singapore main-board listed company. HPL Hotels & Resorts manages the activities of 12 hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean. These include Concorde Hotel Singapore, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Casa del Mar Langkawi, The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands, Casa del Rio Melaka, The Boathouse Phuket, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives and The Boathouse Pulau Tioman. For more information, please visit www.hplhotels.com.

About Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Sprawling across 3.5 hectares of pristine tropical property, Hard Rock Hotel Bali is located in Kuta, the heart of Bali’s famous entertainment and shopping district. Hard Rock Hotel Bali is Asia’s first Hard Rock Hotel and the leading entertainment hotel in Bali features 418 rooms and

suites, along with 9 food and beverage outlets including Hard Rock Café and Jamie Oliver Kitchen. Additional facilities include Roxity Kids Club, TABU Teens Club, Boom Box Recording Studio, Rock Royalty VIP Lounge, Rock Spa, Body Rock fitness centre and 2 Rock Shops – Hard Rock Merchandise Stores. For more information, please visit https://hotel.hardrock.com/bali/.

East Ventures, a pioneer in Southeast Asia’s venture capital scene, closes its inaugural GP-led secondary transaction with Coller Capital

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — East Ventures, a pioneering and leading venture capital firm in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, announced today that it has closed its inaugural GP-led secondary transaction. Led by a global secondary firm, Coller Capital, East Ventures offered limited partners in its East Ventures 5 L.P. (“EV5” or the “Fund”), liquidity, bringing the total distributions-to-paid in the capital (“DPI”) of the Fund to approximately 2.0x. Continuing the success of its predecessor funds, EV5 is a high-performing, top-quartile fund in the East Ventures platform, originally established to invest in seed and early-stage rounds of Southeast Asian technology companies. Coller Capital underwrote the entire transaction.

Willson Cuaca, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at East Ventures
Willson Cuaca, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at East Ventures

EV5’s portfolio is anchored by high-profile Southeast Asian technology companies such as IDN and waresix. Many of these companies also feature prominently in later East Ventures’ funds and the secondary transaction emphasizes the firm’s continued conviction in its ecosystem of best-performing emerging companies. The transaction was structured with a component of profit participation, allowing EV5 to crystalize an attractive return for limited partners while retaining participation in the future growth trajectory of the portfolio. East Ventures remains a significant and active shareholder in the companies and a key partner to the management teams who will continue to benefit from the firm’s unique operational value-add, corporate governance, and Southeast Asia-wide ecosystem.

“We are pleased to partner with Coller Capital in a fast and efficient process to design a solution that not only provides our limited partners with an attractive liquidity milestone but also the opportunity to continue our valued partnership with the entrepreneurs and management teams in these companies. We believe the portfolio is well positioned to benefit from the secular tailwinds of the Indonesian growth story, particularly with the rise of its digital economy,” said Willson Cuaca, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at East Ventures.

“We are proud to partner with East Ventures to lead this transaction in Southeast Asia, an exciting market where we see great growth potential. Building on our long-standing relationship, we have delivered swiftly to meet East Ventures’ objectives, providing significant value to their investors. The transaction exemplifies Coller’s expertise in delivering innovative, tailor-made liquidity solutions and building alignment with both sponsors and their limited partners,” said Peter Kim, Partner and Head of Asia and RMB at Coller Capital.

The transaction continues to demonstrate the evolving landscape of the venture capital and secondary market in Asia.

UBS Private Funds Group advised on the transaction.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher was the legal advisor to East Ventures while Debevoise & Plimpton advised Coller Capital.

***

About Coller Capital

Coller Capital is a global leader in the secondary market for private assets, renowned for being a pioneer and innovator in the asset class. Founded in 1990, Coller provides investment and liquidity solutions to private market investors worldwide, and currently manages $36 billion[1] in private equity, private credit, and other private market vehicles. With headquarters in London and offices across North America, Europe, and Asia- Pacific, our multinational team offers a truly global reach.

Coller has exclusively focused on secondary investing since inception and today boasts one of the largest dedicated investment teams in the asset class.

Coller’s Private Wealth Secondaries Solutions (PWSS) business offers perpetual funds to eligible private wealth investors globally.

[1] as at 30 September 2024

About East Ventures

East Ventures is a pioneering and leading sector-agnostic venture capital firm. Founded in 2009 in Indonesia, East Ventures has raised nine funds focusing on Southeast Asia. The firm has invested in over 300 seed and growth-stage tech companies, recording strong financial returns and creating positive social and environmental impacts. In addition, it has maintained a top-tier VC position in Southeast Asia, being recognized as the most consistent top-performing fund globally by Preqin and the most active investor in Southeast Asia by various media.

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Weaving A Tradition for Innovation: FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow Continues Its Fashion Capital journey and Debuts at Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025

  • From Hong Kong to Florence, FabriX continues to tour Europe after Paris Fashion Week FW2024, debuting at Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025 with the world’s first Fashion AR kiosk
  • Cross-disciplinary tech trailblazers Avery Dennison, Genesis-One and ZERO10 continue to propel digital fashion further and beyond
  • Featuring digital fashion creations from a full squad of 10 Hong Kong and international designers
  • Full launch of men’s fashion to the gaming world: Roblox

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – From the vibrant streets of Hong Kong to the historic heart of Florence, FabriX is transcending borders and reimagining the boundaries of fashion with technology. Fresh from our successful showcase at Paris Fashion Week Sep FW2024 and crowned with HKFDA’s ‘Top 10 Fashion Visionaries Award 2024’, FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow debuted at Pitti Immagine Uomo on 14 January 2025.

FabriX Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025
FabriX Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025

Founded in 2022 with support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA, formerly CreateHK) and PMQ, FabriX was envisioned as a platform for Hong Kong’s fashion designers to present their digital fashion creations on virtual runways worldwide. Today, FabriX has emerged as a global force, gracing two of Europe’s premier fashion weeks since 2023.

Our mission? To establish FabriX as the ultimate Digital Fashion Hub and Curated Marketplace, where cutting-edge artistry meets commercial opportunities. We want to shape a future where digital fashion is a seamless part of everyday life – by connecting and collaborating with designers, fashion houses, industry associations, tech innovators, key influencers and the media.

At Pitti Immagine Uomo, the world’s leading tradeshow for men’s clothing and accessories, fashion buyers, media and fashion lovers can experience the future of fashion with our enhanced FabriX AR Try-on Kiosk 2.0.1. Be immersed in a phygital realm – try on, capture selfies, promote your design in digital format, or pre-order your favourite digital fashion looks, including exclusive made-for-Roblox avatar outfits.

The FabriX experience will be incomplete without our featured collaborations. Joining us at Pitti Immagine Uomo are a series of creations from 4 new designers, alongside showpieces from the recent Paris Fashion Week bringing the total to 13 digital fashion items on tour.

FabriX is curated by a team of experienced creative drivers lead by Shin Wong, FabriX’s Founder along with Designer’s Curator, Declan Chan, exploring the best tech partner in the world, with the unlimited support by William To, Executive Director of PMQ, bringing a new dimension to the virtual fashion experience.

Enhanced AR try-on kiosk 2.0.1 travels to Florence
Touring to FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025 is the acclaimed FabriX AR Try-on Kiosk, where visitors can effortlessly try on, capture selfies and pre-order digital fashion pieces. Premiered last year in London Fashion week and Paris Fashion week, the enhanced Kiosk 2.0.1 comes with improved features, travels to Florence this year. The AR enabled mirror and photobooth hybrid allows users and buyers to digitally try on digital fashion items. It is a new, innovative and accessible way to experience fashion. Users can pose and collect their digital outfit photos and directly acquire their favourite digital fashion items on online platform. With a truly immersive “See Now – Try Now – Buy Now” shopping experience, fashion retail is redefined through digital pixels. Prepare to be captivated by this immersive phygital fashion retail experience, showcasing the breathtaking ideation from Hong Kong to the world.

Tech trailblazers propel digital fashion to go further and beyond
FabriX’s role is to scout all possible digital creatives in the fashion industry. FabriX continues to work with some of the most innovative tech trailblazers, each striving to push boundaries and offer ground-breaking tools and solutions. The collective exponential synergy propels fashion industry to go beyond imagination.

(In alphabetical order)
Avery Dennison, Embelex
Avery Dennison is a global leader in materials science and digital identification solutions that provides a wide range of branding and information solutions that optimise labour and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers.

Avery Dennison’s @Embelex product portfolio includes apparel branding labels and tags digitally enabled with NFC or RFID technologies, as well as software applications that bridge the physical and digital to enhance consumer experience.

Avery Dennison provides customisable NFC-enabled digital woven badges for the featured designers. These custom-designed badges can be triggered using NFC-enabled smartphones to connect to specialised digital content and information, opening doors to exciting consumer engagement opportunities.

Genesis-One
Genesis-One by Virtual Touch is transforming the fashion industry with its innovative virtual stores, online-to-offline selling platform and digitalisation services. By offering a comprehensive one-stop digital ecosystem, Genesis-One empowers fashion creators to establish their brands without the high upfront costs and complexities of production, logistics and inventory management. With advanced 3D and AI-enabled design tools, an integrated marketplace and a pre-order system, creators can easily design, produce and launch products directly to the market. This fully-automated, on-demand model delivers efficiency and sustainability – allowing creators to focus on design, marketing and crafting unique customer experiences for their brands. Exclusively for the FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2025, physical versions of selected digital fashion pieces and FabriX merchandise are now available for online purchase https://www.genesis-one.co/fabrixworld/creation, thanks to Genesis-One’s powerful digital tools enabling a simplified, streamlined experience from design to the shelf.

ZERO10
ZERO10 is a pioneering tech company focusing on advanced augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) try-on solutions that bring interactivity, engagement and innovation to fashion, entertainment, sports and retail sectors. Their proprietary AR Mirror software transforms digital screens into powerful business tools, offering virtual try-on capabilities that enhance consumer engagement, collect valuable customer data and improve in-store sales conversion. With the technological support by ZERO10, the designers’ physical creations can now turn into virtual outfits.

DRESSX
Leveraging their experience and tech know-how, DRESSX once again, transformed all FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2025 designer’s roster and their designs into a collection of 13 Roblox avatar outfits, allowing users to rock their favourite digital fashion pieces in-game. At the Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025, we are making breakthrough and infusing new energy on menswear by Roblox, customers will have other choices on their outfits instead of relying on traditional tailors.

10 international designers showcasing their creative designs
FabriX Digital Fashion Florence Roadshow brings 4 more designers and together they make a remarkable squad of 10 international designers: joining the team this year we have Mii Collection (their latest collection are showcased at Pitti Immagine Uomo), Ouest Paris, PRONOUNCE and Xander Zhou with the existing designers who were featured in Paris FabriX Roadshow last year – PONDER.ER and Wilsonkaki from Hong Kong; Bianca Saunders, Charles de Vilmorin, Florentina Leitner and Paolina Russo.

(In alphabetical order)
New designers joining Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025

Mii Collection
Founded in 2012 by the French-Indian designer duo Lucie Bourreau and Bapan Dutta, Mii Collection is a brand dedicated to handmade ready-to-wear garments and accessories. The couple met while studying Textile Design at the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs de Paris, embodying the yin and yang of two distinct backgrounds, geographies, languages, and temperaments. This diversity contributes to the unique and complementary dynamic of their partnership.

Their journey to India in 2009 exposed them to the plight of local craftsmen facing economic challenges. This experience inspired them to establish Mii Collection, which stands for ‘Made In India’. Through the brand, Lucie and Bapan strive to make a difference by combining their creative talents and cultural backgrounds to support the artisans, while preserving and promoting unique, ancestral and endangered skills through their handcrafted pieces.

OUEST Paris
Founded in late 2021 by Arthur Robert, OUEST Paris brings a hedonistic twist to denim and workwear. The brand reflects a distinctive blend of Robert’s Parisian roots, coastal Biarritz heritage and California dreams, shaped by his experiences as a French queer kid in the 1990s and 2000s.

OUEST Paris delivers a cool and creative wardrobe featuring denim, rugged outerwear and skin-positive designs with most products manufactured within the EU. Proudly based in a multicultural city, OUEST Paris is mindful of the environmental and societal issues of our times. The brand was also a finalist for the 2023 Pierre Bergé ANDAM Prize.

PRONOUNCE
Founded in 2016, PRONOUNCE is an independent fashion house led by Creative Directors Jun Zhou and Yushan Li. Based between Milan and Shanghai, Li is a Central Saint Martins graduate, while Zhou is an alumnus of London College of Fashion and Istituto Marangoni. Merging Eastern philosophy with Western aesthetics, the brand focuses on traditional craftsmanship to create contemporary menswear that challenges gender norms with their ‘Gender Share’ concept.

The duo’s ground-breaking approach has earned them significant accolades, including winning ‘The Latest Fashion Buzz’ prize and receiving a nomination for the Woolmark Prize in 2017. They have also been featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 lists for 2017 and 2018. Recognized as a leading contemporary brand from China, PRONOUNCE has presented their collections at London Fashion Week Men’s and is the first Chinese designer label invited to showcase their work at Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy in 2019.

XANDER ZHOU
Ever since his Spring/Summer 2016 collection titled “Far East”, Xander Zhou has been reconnecting with his Asian roots while exploring the ties between oriental mysticism and the futuristic modernity of Asia. With the coined term “techno-orientalism”, the designer has been building his own vastly diverse universe by sketching a map of future humanity, merging the real and the ideal by creating a virtual dimension in which the characters from his collections coexist and interconnect – whether they are humans, androids or aliens.

In the XANDER ZHOU universe, new boundaries of diversity can be stretched far beyond ethnic, racial, cultural, sexual and gender identities. His vision of the acclaimed “Supernatural, Extraterrestrial & Co.” continues to surprise and open up a Milky Way of imagination, absurdity and romanticism.

Designers from Paris Fashion Week with FHCM selection

Bianca Saunders
Bianca Saunders brand gained international acclaim, debuting at London Fashion Week and later at Paris Fashion Week in January 2022. The brand continues to produce two collections annually and participates in various collaborations.

Known for innovative silhouettes and craftsmanship, Saunders often explores body mapping through bespoke prints. She views clothing as a dynamic expression, embracing a multi-disciplinary approach. Rooted in her British Caribbean identity, Saunders’ designs reflect the rich tapestry of Anglo-Caribbean relations.

Charles de Vilmorin
Charles de Vilmorin launched his own label in 2020 by posting several images of his creations on Instagram, quickly gaining attention with his distinctive, dreamlike hand-painted motifs.

Known as ‘The Yves Saint Laurent of Gen Z’, his designs were praised by Christian Lacroix. Fashion legend, Jean Paul Gaultier, also sponsored him as an on-schedule guest at haute couture week in January 2021. At the age of 24, he was appointed as the creative director at Rochas two weeks after the show.

In 2023, de Vilmorin took on several high-profile projects such as being the president of the fashion Jury of the 38th edition of the Hyères International Festival and the Artistic Director of the Galeries Lafayette Christmas. In 2024, he launched his first ready-to-wear collection and collaborated with Moët & Chandon and chef Yannick Alléno in designing the Moët restaurant in Paris.

Florentina Leitner
Created in February 2022, the brand is the eponymous label of Austrian designer Florentina Leitner. She graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and worked for Dries van Noten before launching her label.

With a vision to create a bold, fun and vibrant brand for all ages, the brand is characterised by distinctive 3D flowers, floral prints, textile combinations and feminine details – promising to evoke smiles, and lift moods at every turn. She and her team strive to construct immersive experiences that transport you into a uniquely imaginative world.

Paolina Russo
Paolina Russo seamlessly merges futurism and nostalgia through community-driven craft and innovation. From their London-based studio, Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard combine artisanal methods with industrial production, creating a fusion of traditional crafts and modern technology. By distilling the essence of craftsmanship, they propel it into new, contemporary directions.

Their work modernises and challenges traditional crafts such as knitwear, natural dyeing and wood carving – resulting in a distinctive aesthetic that blends folkloric tradition with futuristic innovation.

PONDER.ER
PONDER.ER by Alex Po and Derek Cheng challenges gender norms with thought-provoking gender-fluid designs that stimulate self-exploration. By dismantling conventions and embracing diverse choices, the label reinterprets contemporary classics to defy rigid preconceptions of fashion and gender behaviour. Prioritising comfort, their collections spark conversations while showcasing a vibrant spectrum of aesthetics. In 2024, PONDER.ER was shortlisted as a semi-finalist of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.

Wilsonkaki
Wilsonkaki is the namesake label of designer Wilson Yip, which was inspired by a simple yet relatable mishap – forgetting to zip up the fly. The label is known for poetic creations that exude hypermodernity – constantly questioning conventions, rethinking reality, and reinterpreting everyday wardrobe with an experimental approach. He garnered much praise in the industry by working with singers and celebrities in Hong Kong and was honoured as one of the 10 Asian Designers to Watch in 2021.

‘FabriX 2025 – Digital Fashion Roadshow: Florence’
Be part of the digital fashion revolution with FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at Pitti Uomo, Florence. Connect, collaborate and create with us – follow FabriX on social media for updates and exclusive content.

Date: 14-17 January 2025
Time: 09:00 – 18:00 (Last day: 09:00 – 16:00)
Venue: Fortezza da Basso, Florence, Italy

Note: Follow FabriX on social media for exclusive coverage and content!

Website http://fabrix.hk/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fabrixworld
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fabrixworld
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/fabrixworld
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@fabrixworld

Hashtag: #FabriX #FashionMeetsFuture #fabrixworld #pmqhkdesign

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

About FabriX

Leading the Digital Fashion Revolution from Our City to the World!

FabriX isn’t just showcasing the future of the fashion industry – we are building it. Launched in 2022, we are a launchpad for the world’s hottest fashion designers and brands, providing a platform to unveil and monetise their most innovative digital fashion creations.

Our success story began in Hong Kong, but our influence has gone global. After an electrifying FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at London and Paris Fashion Weeks in 2023, we are setting the stage ablaze at ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 – the festival’s much-anticipated debut outside the US. These experiences has paved the way to even greater possibilities.

Our vision? To be the leading curated marketplace of all things Digital Fashion worldwide, by connecting the industry’s top tech partners, designers, brands and thought leaders. Together, we are shaping a future where digital fashion becomes a part of everyday life, through gaming platforms and other emerging applications. Imagine a Digital Fashion Hub where innovation and artistry meet commercial opportunities. That’s FabriX.

About PMQ

Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s SoHo district, PMQ is the landmark of creative and design industries housing over 100 Hong Kong emerging designers. In 2014, PMQ was revitalised and transformed into a creative hub with a variety of design studios showcasing a wide array of design products including fashion and accessories, gifts & premium, homeware, and small furniture as well as other lifestyle goods and creative products. PMQ has now become an interactive platform for supporting up-and-coming creative talents and fostering a community of patrons and lovers of creativity, design, and heritage. It is also one of the popular venues in town for international design, arts, and cultural events from Hong Kong and around the world.

Webpage :
Instagram:
Facebook:

About CCIDAHK

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

NX Logistics China Obtains Occupational Health/Safety Management System Certification

– Creating Safer/Healthier Work Environments –

TOKYO, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nippon Express Logistics (China) Co., Ltd. (hereafter “NX Logistics China”), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., acquired ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) certification in December 2024.

NX Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202501162952-O2-AT0bh69d

Image:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202501162952/_prw_PI1fl_42Wuep4L.png

The NX Group strives to maintain and improve quality in its various operations as a useful means of ensuring sustainable corporate development and upgrading performance to enhance customer satisfaction, and Group companies around the world have been acquiring ISO certification with these aims in mind.

ISO 45001:2018 is an international standard for ensuring health and safety in the workplace, designed to help companies systematically manage occupational health and safety risks and improve employee health standards and work efficiency. NX Logistics China will use its recent certification as an opportunity to further strengthen internal management and employee training, to raise employee health and safety awareness and skill levels, and to ensure that all employees can work in safe and healthy environments.

In accordance with its safety philosophy of “safety takes precedence over everything else,” the NX Group places its highest priority on ensuring safety and health in its work environments and aspires to safe and secure work environments for all employees involved in its business activities, even as it endeavors to further enhance its trustworthiness and corporate value.

Details of ISO certification

Name of certified organization: Nippon Express Logistics (China) Co., Ltd.
Certification standard: ISO45001:2018
Certification date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Certifying organization: China Quality Certification Centre

About the NX Group: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202501162952-O1-70EH8NTE.pdf

NX Group official website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/

NX Group’s official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/

Wildberries Expands AI-Based Tools for Marketplace Users

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2024 – Wildberries, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in Eurasia, has expanded its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the user experience for customers and sellers on its marketplace.

Customers can now search for products — such as a sweatshirt with a specific print or a uniquely designed chair — by using images that show the kind of product they’re looking for. They simply upload a photo from their media library or from the Internet to the Wildberries app and highlight the area containing the product of interest.

The app automatically identifies the item, displays current prices from different sellers and suggests similar products. This functionality is powered by a neural network trained on a database of millions of Wildberries’s most popular items, along with vector-based databases.

The app also harnesses AI to enable customers to use text or voice search. The search results display products that match the query and provide personalized recommendations tailored to the customer’s style and price preferences, based on their purchase history.

For sellers on the Wildberries marketplace, AI streamlines the process of creating product listings by offering automated suggestions for product descriptions and a photo editor that enhances image quality. Sellers of clothing can forgo costly photoshoots with fashion models by showcasing items on virtual models generated by neural networks.

The platform also utilizes AI to combat unfair competition, including “fake discounts” whereby a seller artificially inflates the price before announcing a sale. Wildberries analyzes the price history of various sellers and prioritizes those sellers who genuinely reduce their prices in its search results.

As an additional resource for marketplace sellers, Wildberries has developed proprietary algorithms that analyze past sales, weather conditions and other factors to determine how well a product is likely to sell. The system forecasts demand, plans delivery routes and optimizes warehouse operations, helping sellers to avoid both overstocking and product shortages.

Hashtag: #Wildberries

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

About Wildberries

Established in 2004 in Russia, Wildberries is a leading e-commerce platform that currently operates in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan. Wildberries offers a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to support customers and sellers on its platform, as well as a developed logistics network spanning more than 130 facilities and 50,000 pick-up points across its markets of operation. As of 2024, Wildberries serves a customer base of more than 75 million and processes more than 20 million orders per day.

Weaving Celebration of Fortunes Comes to Life at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct

Ring in the Lunar New Year with Joy, Colour, and Prosperity


Immerse Yourself in the Joyful Installation by Knot Designer Zoe Siu This Lunar New Year

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – This Lunar New Year, Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct invite you to a celebration of luck, tradition, and modern artistry with the “Weaving Celebration of Fortunes”, running from today till 16 February 2025. Immerse yourself in dazzling installations, special lucky knot charms, exclusive Lai See packets, shopping rewards, captivating performances, and the vibrant energy of a Lion Dance Parade. This festive experience promises to weave joy and prosperity into every corner, making it the perfect way to welcome the Year of the Snake.

Weaving Celebration of Fortunes Comes to Life at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct

Discover Incredible Ropework Displays: Woven Joy by Zoe Siu

At the heart of this celebration is a spectacular installation crafted by renowned Hong Kong knot designer Zoe Siu, whose bold and sculptural creations blend traditional Chinese knotting techniques with modern aesthetics. In addition to the centrepiece, the entire installation features numerous splendid creations by Zoe Siu, showcasing her signature blend of traditional knotting and modern design. It took her and her team about 300 manhours of meticulous work to complete all the weavings, underscoring the scale and dedication involved in this extraordinary artistic endeavour.

Immerse Yourself in the Joyful Installation by Knot Designer Zoe Siu This Lunar New Year

This year’s theme features extensive floral arrangements and elegant peach blossoms, symbolising interconnected prosperity and growth. The vibrant colours and modern floral decorations add a refreshing contemporary twist to the installations.

Garden of Woven Delights

Location: Garden Court, Level LG1, Pacific Place

Step into a vibrant and enchanting garden, where woven elements come to life among the blossoms and glowing lanterns, including a stunning giant lantern over nine metres tall. The lantern is adorned with eight intricate knots, such as the Knot of Infinity, representing fortune and success, and the Knot of Prosperity, symbolising abundant wealth and endless opportunities. Inspired by Tang Dynasty palace lanterns, Zoe Siu has skillfully blended techniques from both East and West, incorporating survival knots and macramé alongside traditional Chinese knotting to create a contemporary touch. These designs not only showcase Zoe Siu’s mastery of knotting but also infuse the display with rich cultural significance. Exquisite patterns and textures intertwine throughout the exhibit, enhanced by beautifully crafted woven hangings that invite shoppers to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. Adding to the charm are floor lamps surrounded by floral arrangements. Featuring delicately handwoven tops designed by Zoe Siu, the lamps cast a warm, artful glow over this magical weaving celebration.
Prosperity Lanterns

Location: Level L1 (near lululemon), Pacific Place

This dynamic centrepiece installation features a dazzling display of woven lanterns in bright red and orange tones, inviting shoppers to walk through and immerse themselves in the delightful atmosphere.
Interactive Gashapon Machine: Unlock Your Fortune
For a touch of good fortune this holiday season, shoppers can enjoy a special gift with HK$500 same-day electronic spending and registration as an above member*. Upon registration, receive a token for the “Unlock Your Fortune” gashapon machine, where you can try your luck to get one of five exclusive lucky knot charms designed by Zoe Siu. Each charm symbolises a different blessing for the year ahead, so come and discover the festive surprises!

Here are the lucky knots:

  • Knot of Infinity: Wishing you a year filled with fortune and success in all your pursuits.
  • Windmill Knot: Wishing you unwavering success and good fortune in every endeavour.
  • Knot of Togetherness: Wishing you joy and harmony with your dearest loved ones.
  • Knot of Prosperity: Wishing you abundant wealth and endless opportunities.
  • Knot of Love: Wishing you a new year overflowing with love and warmth.
  • Date: Now – 16 February 2025
  • Time: 10am – 10pm
  • Location: Level L1 (near lululemon)

*Terms and conditions apply.

Path of Good Fortune

Location: Level L1 (near Lane Crawford), Pacific Place

Step into this mesmerising display, where you can walk along an auspicious bamboo pathway. This immersive setup transforms the space with its intricate weaving yarns, inviting you to explore and bask in the unique atmosphere created by the colourful blooms.

In this zone, bamboo takes centre stage, adding a traditional touch that resonates with Chinese New Year celebrations. Known for its symbolism of good luck, prosperity, and resilience, bamboo is believed to bring blessings for the year ahead. As you stroll along the path, be sure to enjoy the stunning lighting effects that enhance the magic of this unique bamboo garden, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Woven Dreamland

Location: Park Court, Level L1, Pacific Place

Discover inspiration in this striking and truly unmissable display at Pacific Place. This alluring garden features peach blossoms and new year elements, all harmoniously intertwined. Experience the excitement of exploring this captivating space.

What sets this zone apart is its bold use of colour. Sharp pink and yellow hues are prominently featured here for a refreshing sense of vibrancy and energy.

Glowing Joy

Location: Outside Three Pacific Place on Wing Fung Street and Star Street

Visit Starstreet Precinct on Wing Fung Street, where you can capture stunning photos under the glowing lanterns while admiring the magnificent giant woven floral installation. Elevate your experience by heading to Star Street, where the enchanting glow of lanterns creates a truly magical atmosphere.

Share Prosperity in Style with “Woven Blessings” Lai See Packets

Embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year with the exclusive “Woven Blessings” Lai See packets, a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. These packets showcase meticulously crafted knot motifs, seamlessly intertwined with vibrant weaving patterns, symbolising unity, good fortune, and heartfelt blessings. The intricate designs pay homage to timeless craftsmanship while infusing a contemporary flair, making them an elegant gesture for sharing prosperity and joy with loved ones.

Each set features 10 exquisite packets, thoughtfully curated in two distinct colour designs—five in each style—to add a vibrant touch to your festive celebrations. The harmonious blend of traditional symbolism and modern aesthetics ensures these Lai See packets are not just a token of wealth but a visual delight that enhances the festive spirit.

As a delightful addition, each set is accompanied by a versatile woven Lai See bag, designed in two striking colour combinations: a warm and inviting pink with red, and a cheerful yellow with orange. This bag is more than just a festive container; it doubles as a chic accessory, perfect for carrying your blessings in style. Its durable yet elegant design ensures it remains a cherished part of your festivities, offering both practicality and a touch of sophistication that extends beyond the New Year.

Celebrate this season of giving with “Woven Blessings” Lai See packets, where tradition meets contemporary design, creating moments of joy and shared prosperity.

Shopping Rewards to Kickstart the Year
From now to 28 January 2025, indulge in a series of rewarding shopping experiences designed to kickstart your year in style. Enjoy enticing offers that make it the perfect time to treat yourself to new clothes or fresh items for the new year, and find the ideal gifts for loved ones. Each eligible redemption also includes a token for the “Unlock Your Fortune” gashapon machine, offering exclusive lucky knot charms designed by Zoe Siu. Additionally, Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders may receive extra rewards, elevating the shopping experience even further. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to enhance your shopping adventures while enjoying exceptional rewards!

Accumulated Same-day Electronic Spending General Rewards* Extra Rewards

for Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders+

HK$2,800 – HK$5,799 One set of

“Woven Blessings”

Lai See Packets

MOViE MOViE Pacific Place Ticket Exchange Coupon

(valued at HK$130)

Extra

HK$50 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

HK$5,800 – HK$17,999 HK$250 Pacific Place

Shopping e-Voucher

Extra

HK$100 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

HK$18,000 – HK$37,999 HK$500 Pacific Place

Shopping e-Voucher

+ DALLOYAU Almond

Mille Feuille Gift Box

(valued at HK$188)

Extra

HK$250 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

HK$38,000 – HK$87,999 HK$1,300 Pacific Place

Shopping e-Voucher

+ Boutique by The Grand Assorted Butterfly Puff

Gift Box (valued at HK$298)

Extra

HK$650 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

HK$88,000+ HK$2,000 Pacific Place

Shopping e-Voucher

+ Boutique by The Grand Assorted Butterfly Puff

Gift Box (valued at HK$298)

Extra

HK$1,600 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

All eligible redemptions will also be rewarded with one

“Unlock Your Fortune” Gashapon Machine Token to get an exclusive lucky knot charm designed by local knot designer Zoe Siu.

*General shoppers and eligible Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders are required to join the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above and meet the accumulated same-day spending requirement by electronic payment during the Promotion Period in order to be entitled to redeem Shopping Rewards. Other Terms and Conditions apply.

+ “Standard Chartered Credit Card” means credit cards issued by Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, including Standard Chartered Credit Card and its Co-branded Card, MANHATTAN Credit Card and its Co-branded Card (except Standard Chartered Business Card and Standard Chartered Corporate Card). Extra Rewards for Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders is applicable to Mobile Payment Purchase (including Apple Pay, Google Pay™ and Samsung Pay), but NOT applicable to the transactions made via any e-wallets (including but not limited to Alipay, WeChat Pay, Tap & Go, Octopus Wallet and PayMe).

What’s more? Register on Standard Chartered’s website to participate in the Lucky Draw to win two round-trip economy class tickets to Osaka or the latest Samsung smartphone. Please visit sc.com/hk/swiremalls for details.

Terms and Conditions apply. To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!

Dates: Now – 28 January 2025
Time: 11am – 10pm
Location: Gift Redemption Counter on Level L2 (near JOYCE)

Join Us for Festive Performances and a Dynamic Lion Dance Parade!

Experience the joyful spirit of the Lunar New Year with our spectacular Festive Performances, featuring charming a cappella performances, a traditional Eye-dotting Ceremony, and an exhilarating Lion Dance Parade. Join us as talented artists come together to celebrate this joyous occasion, showcasing rich cultural heritage through harmonious melodies and dynamic displays.

Eye-dotting Ceremony and Lion Dance Parade Welcome the Year of the Snake with blessings and energy at our Eye-dotting Ceremony followed by a Lion Dance Parade.

Date: 4 February (Tuesday, 7th day of Chinese New Year)

Time: 1pm

Location: Park Court, Level L1

Harmonious Echoes of Celebration Enjoy mesmerising a cappella performances by SENZA A Cappella as they reimagine festive tunes and beloved pop classics. This talented group creates an irresistible atmosphere, blending harmonies and intricate vocal rhythms to bring fresh interpretations of your favourite songs.

Since their debut in 2018, SENZA has made history as the first vocal group to break into the mainstream music scene in Hong Kong. Committed to promoting a cappella singing since 2009, the group’s music videos and cover songs have garnered over eight million views on YouTube.

Date: 8 & 15 February (Saturday)

Time: 2pm and 4pm

Location: Park Court, Level L1

Join us at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct to embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year through artful installations, amazing shopping rewards, and captivating performances. Together, let’s weave a celebration of fortunes and start the Year of the Snake with joy and colour.

Hashtag: #KnotsOfFortune #WovenBlessings #WeavingFortunesAtPP

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

About Zoe Siu

Zoe Siu is a Hong Kong-based knot designer known for her bold, sculptural accessories and striking ropework installations. She indulged herself in knotting skills, weaving traditional craftsmanship with inventive design. Zoe Siu’s creations are both sophisticated yet playful, contemporary yet timeless. She was invited to collaborate with renowned US fashion icon IRIS APFEL to design an exclusive accessories set.

Dedicated to promoting knotting, Zoe Siu regularly runs workshops for international brands, including 45R, adidas, Marimekko and OMEGA. She has also represented Hong Kong at international exhibitions such as Athens Jewellery Week in Greece in 2019, London Craft Week in 2017 and AUTOR Jewellery Fair in Romania in 2017.

About Pacific Place

Located in the heart of Admiralty, Pacific Place is the destination for exceptional service and unique experiences. As a pioneer of innovative retail concepts in Hong Kong, Pacific Place continues to transform the retail scene by delighting visitors with an array of curated experiences through diversified offerings. Since its inception in 1988, Pacific Place has established itself as Hong Kong’s premier lifestyle hub, a mixed-use development that continues to evolve and grow as the ultimate destination to shop, dine, work, stay, relax and play. It houses one of Hong Kong’s largest collections of luxury brands and diverse dining offerings, making every visit a memorable one. In addition to being a prime transportation hub, Pacific Place is home to five Grade-A office towers, 268 serviced apartments, and four five-star hotels: The Conrad, Island Shangri-La, JW Marriott and The Upper House.

Customer enquiry hotline: (852) 2844 8988
Website: www.pacificplace.com.hk
Facebook: @Pacific Place Hong Kong
Instagram: @pacificplacehk
WeChat: @PacificPlaceHK
XiaoHongShu: @Pacific Place HK

About Starstreet Precinct

Starstreet Precinct is a vibrant destination in Wan Chai, comprised mainly of Wing Fung Street, Star Street, Moon Street, Sun Street, and St. Francis Yard. Over the years, the neighbourhood has evolved from a quaint, historic landmark, into an eclectic hangout hotspot for those with a unique sense of style and character. Filled with cosy cafés, restaurants, bars, boutique shops with the most coveted fashion selections, galleries and interior design stores, the precinct offers an array of day-to-night experiences. With a focus on community and a passion to foster a sustainable lifestyle for all, Starstreet Precinct and its tenants are collectively working to build a better future together. Connected to Pacific Place and Admiralty station through the Three Pacific Place underground link, the neighbourhood is a hidden gem in the heart of Hong Kong.

Official website: www.starstreet.com.hk
IG: @starstreethk
FB: Starstreet Precinct
#starstreethk

The HKFYG successfully concludes “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest”


Pooi To Middle School and HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College emerge as champions
Youngest primary school team proudly claims the Most Potential Award

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – The unique allure of a cappella lies in its harmonious melodies, created solely by human voices, without instrumental accompaniment. On 18 January, local and international talent came together to celebrate the art of a cappella at the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals.

At the HKFYG’s “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals 2024,” the Open Division featured professional teams from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, who competed alongside local vocal talent in an extraordinary musical showdown.
At the HKFYG’s “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals 2024,” the Open Division featured professional teams from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, who competed alongside local vocal talent in an extraordinary musical showdown.

An annual event organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), the Contest was a resounding success. The team from Pooi To Middle School claimed both the Championship and Outstanding Harmony titles in the “School Division: Pop Chorus. Meanwhile, HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s HLC Harmonix won the “School Division: Vocal Band, along with the Best Presentation, Outstanding Lead Vocal and Outstanding Harmony awards.

In the Open Division, the youngest a cappella ensemble, Little by little Kids, earned the Most Potential Award with their original children’s song “A Happy Day” and their rendition of the cartoon theme song “Problems Every Day.” Comprising six members aged eight to ten from three different primary schools, including a nine-year-old beatboxer who started teaching himself to beatbox at age four, they delivered their performance with great poise and were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. All members expressed delight at their competition debut. Despite their young age, they demonstrated sophistication in rhythm, lead vocal, harmony, choreography, beat, and even the finer details of song introduction

Also making their competition debut was Pooi To Middle School’s 12-member team, the winner of the “School Division: Pop Chorus.” Having started practising since last September, they attributed their success to their enjoyment of performing and strong team spirit. The team emphasised the importance of individual performances as well as that of their fellow team members. They revealed that while they initially focused too heavily on pitch accuracy, they disordered that shifting their attention the meaning behind the lyrics eventually enhanced their performance.

The Open Division featured professional teams from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, who competed alongside local talent in an extraordinary musical showdown. TunaStars from Hong Kong ultimately emerged victorious, securing both the Vocal Band (International) and (Hong Kong) Championship titles.

Carrie Wong, Supervisor of the HKFYG, congratulated the winning teams and commended all participants for their exceptional virtuosity and teamwork. She remarked, “By bringing together top teams from Hong Kong and around the world, the Contest serves as a valuable platform for artistic and musical exchange. A cappella groups, without relying on expensive equipment, showcase the power and versatility of the human voice.”

Wong also expressed gratitude to the judges for their professional guidance and extended special thanks to the Hong Kong Arts Development Council for its steadfast support. She affirmed the HKFYG Cultural Services Unit’s continued commitment to promoting a cappella education and fostering exchange through the art form.

The panel of judges for the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals” included: Ray Chu, Pop and Jazz Artistic Director of Taiwan Choral Music Center; Zhang Mingming, Chief Executive Officer of Guangzhou Modern A Cappella Club; baratti, A Cappella Producer and Member of Japanese vocal harmony group “Nagie Lane”; Alfred Wong, composer and recipient of CASH Golden Sail Music Awards; and Guddy Chan, renowned vocal coach.

Appendix: Prize winners of the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest 2024 Finals”

School Division: Pop Chorus

Prize School/Team
Champion,
Outstanding Harmony Award
Pooi To Middle School
Second Place,
Best Presentation Award,
Outstanding Lead Vocal Award
HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s
HLCers

School Division: Vocal Band

Prize School/Team
Champion,
Best Presentation Award,
Outstanding Lead Vocal Award,
Outstanding Harmony Award
HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s
HLC Harmonix
Second Place SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School’s
LKaMella
Third Place,
Outstanding Rhythm Award
Kwok Tak Seng Catholic Secondary School’s
Trend
Best Arrangement Award Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College’s
ERA

Open Division: Vocal Band (International)

Prize Team
Champion (International),
Champion (Hong Kong),
Best Presentation Award
TunaStars (Hong Kong)
Second Place,
Best Arrangement Award,
Outstanding Lead Vocal Award
JiU (Taiwan)
Third Place SHAKA-SHOKU-SHAKAI (Japan)
Outstanding Harmony Award TunaDream (Hong Kong)
Most Potential Award Little by little Kids (Hong Kong)

Hashtag: #ACappella #contest #HKFYG

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

About the HKFYG Cultural Services Unit

The HKFYG Cultural Service Unit has long been dedicated to advancing local a cappella development and expanding opportunities for youth participation in arts and cultural activities. Through diverse a cappella training programmes and events organised annually, it has engaged over 370,000 participants from more than 300 secondary schools. In recognition of its contribution, the HKFYG was honoured with the “Arts Education Award (Non-school Category)” by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council in 2016. Signature initiatives such as the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Festival,” “A Cappella Education Programme” and “Hong Kong Melody Makers” continue to promote music appreciation and nurture new a cappella groups, enriching the city’s cultural landscape. For details, please visit .

Supported by:
This project is supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Hong Kong Arts Development Council supports freedom of artistic expression. The views and opinions expressed in this project do not represent the stand of the Council.

About The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) was founded in 1960 and is now the city’s largest youth service organisation. For the past six decades, it has been committed to serving the youth of Hong Kong by providing a variety of services, activities and programmes, which have an annual attendance of nearly six million. We encourage youth to reach their fullest potential, and with community support, we now have over 90 service units. We also have 12 core services, which include the Youth S.P.O.Ts, M21 Multimedia Services, Employment Services, Youth at Risk Services, Counselling Services, Parenting Services, Leadership Training, Volunteer Services, Education Services, Creativity Education and Youth Exchange, Leisure, Cultural and Sports Services, and Research and Publications. Our aim is to motivate young people to grow into responsible and dutiful citizens and we now have over 250,000 registered volunteers and over 500,000 registered members. We believe that our motto HKFYG * Here for You reaffirms our commitment and dedication to the young people of Hong Kong. For more details, please visit

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Manifest Global Launches as a Visionary Education Investment Firm with Strategic Investment in Kaaiser

  • Cialfo, Singapore based edtech leader, has undergone a corporate restructuring to form the foundational building block of Manifest Global.
  • New Delhi-based Kaaiser becomes Manifest Global’s first strategic investment.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Manifest Global, a pioneering global education investment firm headquartered in Singapore, announces its establishment as the parent company of Cialfo, Explore, and Kaaiser; some of the most reputable and trailblazing brands of the global education industry.

With the vision to connect the world through growth, prosperity, and innovation, Manifest Global is poised to redefine global standards of excellence and innovation in the world of international student mobility. It aims to do so by empowering stakeholders across the education ecosystem to connect with each other through the best of technology and gold standards in services.

Cialfo, a Singapore-based edtech leader since 2017, has undergone a corporate restructuring to form the foundational building block of Manifest Global. Now operating as distinct entities under Manifest Global, Cialfo serves the K12 market, Explore focuses on student and counselor outreach for university stakeholders, and Kaaiser has built a world class brand within Student Placement Services. This corporate evolution reinforces Manifest Global’s dedication to creating a world where every student, irrespective of background, gains access to premier higher education opportunities.

Rohan Pasari, CEO of Manifest Global, shared, “Manifest Global marks the beginning of an ambitious chapter in our journey to reshape global education. By uniting brands like Cialfo, Explore, and now Kaaiser under one visionary group, we are creating a unified ecosystem dedicated to the mission of simplifying global student mobility and fostering meaningful connections between students, parents, educators, and services based institutions worldwide.”

Investment in Kaaiser: Strengthening Global Student Mobility

As part of this transformational journey, Manifest Global is delighted to announce a strategic investment in Kaaiser, a New Delhi-based education company renowned for its expertise in international student counseling.

Established in 1997, Kaaiser is a trusted member of the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI) and has played a pivotal role in enabling Indian students to explore the best education opportunities in Australia and beyond. In fact, Kaaiser represents the prestigious Group of 8 universities from Australia: a rare feat in itself.

Kaaiser’s exceptional reputation, and deep-rooted partnerships with leading Australian universities positions it as a valuable addition to Manifest Global’s portfolio.

Speaking on the investment in Kaaiser, Rohan added, “Kaaiser’s reputable pedigree and legacy in the Indian international higher-ed market, combined with their committed expertise in connecting students with top-tier institutions made them a natural fit for Manifest Global. Together, we’re not just investing in a company; we’re investing in the future of countless students who will benefit from expanded access and resources.”

Kapil Chandok, Founder-Director of Kaaiser, remarked, “Becoming part of Manifest Global’s portfolio is a transformative step for Kaaiser. This investment allows us to amplify and enhance the student’s journey and experience right from application to enrolment. We wish to further our mission of enabling access to quality international education by leaning on Manifest’s visionary leadership and access to its world class technology and operational efficiency.”

About Manifest Global

Manifest Global is a global education investment firm headquartered in Singapore, specializing in building companies that connect the world towards growth, prosperity, and innovation. With a portfolio of brands including Cialfo, Explore, and Kaaiser, Manifest Global is dedicated to enhancing global student mobility and fostering an interconnected education ecosystem. It’s backed by prominent global funds including Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital, Square Peg Capital, Tiger Global, SEEK Growth, DLF Ventures, Cercano Management, January Capital, and more. For more information, visit manifest.inc.

About Cialfo

Cialfo is the world’s leading AI-powered platform for high school college counseling, streamlining the career exploration, college search, and application sending process. It equips counselors with a comprehensive workflow solution and provides students with a centralized hub for profile building, career exploration, and university discovery. Learn more at cialfo.co.

About Kaaiser

Established in 1996, Kaaiser is a premier education consultancy based in New Delhi, India. With over 29 years of experience in facilitating international student mobility, Kaaiser is a trusted name in the industry, representing the entire Group of Eight (Go8), an elite group of Australia’s top research universities. Kaaiser is also proud member of the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI). Learn more at kaaiser.com.