HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cake Digital Bank (Cake) is among the first digital banks in Vietnam to pursue a bank-led approach to cross-border receivables, preparing to roll out a solution in collaboration with Visa as cross-border e-commerce and the digital economy continue to expand across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

The initiative positions Cake as an early mover among digital banks in Vietnam in bringing cross-border income flows into a fully regulated, onshore digital banking platform—signaling its evolution from a domestically focused digital bank into a financial infrastructure enabler supporting Vietnam’s expanding digital economy.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global cross-border e-commerce market reached USD 791.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at over 30% in the coming years. Vietnam’s national e-commerce development plan for 2026–2030 also identifies cross-border e-commerce as a strategic pillar for strengthening the country’s digital economy and global competitiveness.

Vietnam is seeing a sharp rise in individuals and small businesses generating income through global platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. However, the cross-border receivables landscape remains highly fragmented. Sellers often rely on offshore payment intermediaries, resulting in complex operational processes, extended settlement timelines, and limited transparency around fees and foreign exchange costs.

Against this backdrop, the initiative reflects a broader effort to bring overseas income flows back into Vietnam’s regulated banking system. By integrating cross-border receivables within an onshore digital banking framework, it reduces reliance on intermediary layers while improving transparency, settlement efficiency, and oversight of international cash flows.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Quang, CEO of Cake Digital Bank, said: “Cross-border e-commerce is reshaping how individuals and small businesses in Vietnam participate in the global economy. With Cake GlobalX, we are taking an early step toward building bank-native financial infrastructure that supports greater transparency and efficiency in global cash flows.”

The collaboration with Visa places the initiative within a global payment framework that meets international standards for security, compliance, and scalability. It reflects a shared commitment to adapting global payment capabilities for emerging digital economies, while maintaining strong regulatory and operational integrity.

Ms. Dang Tuyet Dung, Country Manager, Visa Vietnam and Laos, commented: “Cake’s early-mover approach highlights the evolving role of digital banks in expanding cross-border financial access. Visa is pleased to collaborate with innovative institutions to help strengthen global financial connectivity for Vietnam’s growing digital economy.”

Cake GlobalX is expected to be rolled out to the broader market in the near term, as demand for bank-led, transparent cross-border financial solutions continues to rise across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Website: https://cake.vn 

– Experience Edo Culture with All Five Senses through an Ukiyo-e Walking Tour, Woodblock Printing Workshop, and Artisan Studio Shopping –

TOKYO, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new cultural tourism program titled “Ukiyo-e Guided Walking Tour + Woodblock Printing Experience and Artisan Studio Shopping” has been launched in the Mukojima area of Tokyo, offering visitors an immersive way to experience traditional Edo-period culture. This program combines the rich heritage of ukiyo-e art with contemporary craftsmanship, integrating a guided neighborhood walk, hands-on woodblock printing, and shopping at a traditional artisan studio into one comprehensive cultural experience. It is designed primarily for inbound international travelers as well as domestic visitors with a strong interest in Japanese culture. Located within walking distance of two of Tokyo’s most popular destinations—Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree—the program offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a calm, historically preserved district where Edo-era atmosphere and living craftsmanship coexist. Tourism Media Service spoke with Sumida City Tourism Association about the new tourism resources originating from Tokyo’s Mukojima.

Mukojima developed along the eastern bank of the Sumida River during the Edo period and has long been known as a town of artisans. Even today, small independent workshops and family-run craft stores remain scattered throughout the neighborhood, producing items such as woodblock prints, folding screens, traditional paper, fittings, and decorative arts. Unlike large commercial tourist districts, Mukojima allows close interaction between visitors and craftspeople, offering direct access to production sites, tools, and techniques. This environment provides exceptional cultural value for travelers seeking authentic and meaningful experiences. The program fully leverages Mukojima’s identity as a “living hub of traditional craftsmanship,” guiding participants through a seamless flow of walking, learning, creating, and taking home their own artwork.

The experience begins near Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line with a 60-minute guided walking tour along the historic Sumida River area. Participants visit scenic and culturally significant sites such as the former Hikifune Canal, Tokyo Mizumachi, Sumida Park, the Sumida River embankment, and Ushijima Shrine—locations that frequently appeared as motifs in classic ukiyo-e prints. The walk highlights the fusion of Edo-period landscapes with the modern urban environment. After the tour, participants move to a local workshop for a hands-on traditional woodblock printing experience.

During the printing workshop, participants recreate the iconic image “The Great Wave” by world-renowned ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai. This activity draws inspiration from the enduring global influence of Japonisme, the 19th-century movement that introduced Japanese art and aesthetics to Europe and continues to inspire admiration worldwide today. Guests may choose between traditional three-color or six-color printing methods, learning about pigment layering, washi paper textures, and classical printing techniques while completing their own artwork. Finished prints can be taken home as personal souvenirs, preserving the memory of the journey in tangible form. Afterward, visitors may browse and purchase handcrafted prints, washi products, and related artisanal goods at the adjoining studio shop, creating a fully integrated “Create, Learn, and Take Home” cultural experience.

The meeting point and main venue for the program is Kataoka Byobu Shop, established in 1946 and recognized as the only specialty folding screen (byōbu) store in Tokyo. The shop manages the entire process from production to retail, preserving rare traditional techniques. Inside the Kataoka Byobu Gallery, visitors can view a wide variety of works including large gold folding screens, lavish gold-leaf decorated screens, modern art collaborations, and memorial screens created to commemorate special life events. The gallery showcases both classical elegance and contemporary innovation, allowing guests to witness the evolving nature of Japanese craftsmanship firsthand. The shop also accepts custom consultations for folding screen production, making it not only a viewing space but a living workshop where tradition continues to thrive.

This program was developed to address challenges faced by traditional artisans, including declining demand and limited income opportunities. By linking tourism with cultural participation, it aims to support artisans’ livelihoods while preserving and passing down traditional techniques. Through small-group, high-quality experiences, the initiative seeks to deepen cultural understanding while contributing to regional economic revitalization, positioning itself as a new model for sustainable cultural tourism in Tokyo.

Contact Information
Sumida City Tourism Association
TEL: +81-3-5608-6951
FAX: +81-3-5608-7130
E-MAIL: e-fukazawa@visit-sumida.jp
Contact Person: Eriko Fukazawa

English language support is available. For pricing, schedules, and detailed program information, please contact the association directly.

Reference Information
Kataoka Byobu Shop – Official Website
https://www.byoubu.co.jp/
Experience Introduction Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/GoldenScreenArtisanCulture 

About Tourism Media Service:
An online news platform specializing in the tourism industry. It provides the latest news on regional development and travel information, as well as feature articles on topics such as trends and observations, contributed by over 100 experts, every day.

MANCHESTER, England, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — One Port St., a major new luxury residential development in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, is now open and welcoming residents to the highly anticipated £195 million building. The landmark scheme represents a significant milestone for the area, introducing a new standard of premium living to the Northern Quarter.

Located on Port Street, the gateway to the Northern Quarter, the 32 storey building is a UK first for Select Property as their flagship, most premium offering yet, bringing with it a 5 star boutique hotel feel and the highest specification, most considered luxury apartment experience in Manchester.

One Port St.’s location places residents right in the centre of Manchester’s most creative district bringing a brand new community of people ready to make the Northern Quarter their home, with independent restaurants, music venues and cultural destinations all on their doorstep. Residents of the 477 open-plan apartments have access to a 2,000 sq ft swimming pool and spa pool (the first in the Northern Quarter) with integrated changing rooms, alongside a beautifully designed landscaped urban garden set within 22,000 sq ft of new public realm.

The unrivalled amenities at One Port St. also include a stunning arrival experience centred around a 360-degree firepit, all designed to encapsulate the relaxed, yet social experience of a private residents lounge. This large and airy space with floor to ceiling windows includes thoughtfully designed co-working areas as well as cosy places to relax and hang out including the hidden ‘Hideout’ room accessed via a concealed door – a speakeasy style room for residents to retreat and relax.

The spacious and state-of-the-art gym which overlooks the new public realm and is fitted with top-of-the-range Matrix equipment, delivering a best-in-class fitness experience that rivals any private members gym and is included in the rent for residents. There’s also a yoga studio and barre studios all creating an exceptional wellbeing experience for residents.

On the seventh floor, Paganini’s resident lounge and roof terrace, named after a historic tavern that once stood on Port St, provides panoramic city and beyond views, private hire opportunities and an incredible place to hang out all year round. The stunning seventh floor space also features an exclusive dining room which can be booked by residents for special occasions.

Launching alongside the opening of the building is the One Port St. Collective, a  residents programme designed to connect people with the best of Manchester. Through a dedicated resident app, members gain exclusive access to One Port St. partners and  curated discounts, acting as a “key to the city” for residents. The Collective reinforces One Port St.’s ambition to offer more than just a place to live, responding to a growing demand for high-quality rental homes in Manchester where residents increasingly prioritise demand, service and long-term liveability.

The apartment’s beautiful open plan layouts and highest specification fixtures and fittings have all been expertly styled by Select Property’s in-house design team, enhanced in the public spaces with specially curated art work by selected independent artists. Taking inspiration from the local area, the interiors showcase rustic values merged with design, via raw metals, sustainable products and ceramic tiles. Wood finishes make use of rich tones contrasted with light oak and ambient lighting, all creating a warm, luxurious boutique 5 star hotel atmosphere for residents.

Adam Price, CEO, at Select Property, comments: “One Port St. is a major landmark for the city of Manchester, representing everything we believe modern residential living should be: design-led, community-minded and deeply connected to its surroundings and local heritage. One Port St. is about redefining what modern rental living can be. It’s not just about beautiful apartments – it’s about how people live, connect and experience the city around them. Positioned at the gateway to the Northern Quarter, this is a place shaped by its surroundings and designed for modern city life. The Northern Quarter has long been the heart of Manchester’s creativity and culture, and One Port St. celebrates that identity and brings something totally new to the area. With apartments now open and available to rent, and residents moving in, this is a big milestone for us and a proud moment for our entire team.”

Ian Simpson, Co-founding Partner, SimpsonHaugh added: “One Port St. presented an opportunity to elevate residential provision in one of Manchester’s most characterful districts, creating a design that mediates between the Northern Quarter and the wider city. Our ambition was to create a building that respects and responds to the Northern Quarter’s rich industrial heritage. The result is an elegant landmark development that combines considered design, outstanding amenities, and enhanced public realm to form a welcoming and connected place to live, visit and enjoy. We’re proud to see the building now open and becoming part of the evolving story of this iconic neighbourhood.”

Contact:
Select Property Asia
Email: asiamarketing@selectproperty.com 
WhatsApp: 85269903247

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 3rd International Business Events Forum – BE in SABAH 2026 concluded today, marking the end of two days of structured engagement that brought together policymakers, industry leaders and practitioners to examine how Business Events can support regional cooperation, industry capability and economic connectivity across Asia Pacific.

Hosted at the Sabah International Convention Centre, the forum recorded strong participation from both domestic and international stakeholders, underscoring growing interest in regional platforms that emphasise practical dialogue, professional standards and long-term collaboration.

The official closing ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Dr Andi MD Shamzureezal, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, representing Yang Berhormat Datuk Jafry Bin Ariffin, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and Patron of BE in SABAH 2026.

In his closing remarks, Dr Andi noted that the discussions over the past two days highlighted the increasingly strategic role of Business Events in facilitating regional engagement, supporting industry professionalism and connecting markets through structured, outcome-driven platforms. He emphasised that continued collaboration across borders and sectors would be essential in strengthening resilience and competitiveness within the Asia Pacific Business Events ecosystem.

Rather than centring on destination promotion, BE in SABAH 2026 was deliberately structured around issues affecting the industry at a regional and global level. Sessions addressed areas such as market confidence, governance, technology adoption, talent development and cross-border collaboration, reflecting the evolving expectations placed on Business Events as economic and professional infrastructure.

The forum also facilitated knowledge exchange and partnership-building among participants from government agencies, international associations, convention bureaux, consulting firms and private sector organisations, reinforcing its role as a working platform that extends beyond dialogue.

According to the Organising Chairperson, the value of BE in SABAH lies in continuity and relevance.

“Each edition is designed to build on the last,” she said. “The outcomes of this forum are measured not only by attendance, but by the quality of engagement, the relationships strengthened and the capability that continues to grow across the regional ecosystem.”

A key outcome of BE in SABAH 2026 is the strengthening of international collaboration, marked by the Memorandum of Understanding between the Goyang Convention & Visitors Bureau, Goyang International Expo and the Sabah International Convention Centre during the closing ceremony. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to collaboration beyond events, encompassing knowledge exchange, industry development and capacity-building, and builds on engagements initiated during Goyang Destination Week. Led by Dr Peter Lee, the participation of eight junior management representatives from Goyang at BE in SABAH 2026 further underscores a mutual focus on developing future industry leaders and strengthening professional capability through structured exposure and exchange. The collaboration signals ongoing efforts to deepen ties not only with South Korea, but also with other international destinations as part of a broader strategy to build a more connected, capable and resilient Business Events ecosystem.

As BE in SABAH 2026 concludes, the forum reinforces its place as an annual Asia Pacific platform supporting sustained engagement, professional development and shared industry progress. The next edition will continue to build on this momentum, reflecting lessons learned and emerging priorities within the global Business Events landscape.

ABOUT SICC
Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) is owned by Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd of Yayasan Sabah Group – a state sanctioned organization in Sabah, Malaysia. SICC is the largest waterfront purpose-built convention, exhibition and entertainment facility in East Malaysia with a total function space of 153,197sqm. The gross built-up of the complex is 60,514sqm on a 6-hectare site. The multi-functional complex with its well-designed floor plan and extensive pre-function areas are well suited for a wide range of public and private events. For more information, please visit siccsabah.com or follow us on social media – LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About MACEOS Sabah Chapter
The Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) Sabah Chapter represents the collective voice of Business Events organisers and suppliers in Sabah. It brings together industry practitioners across organising, venue services, logistics and event support to advance professional standards and strengthen collaboration within the Business Events ecosystem.