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Academia Sinica Announces Fully-Funded Ph.D. Opportunities for 2025: Fostering Global Talent in Taiwan


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 December 2024 – Join Academia Sinica, Taiwan’s National Academy of Science and leading research institution, for a fully-funded Ph.D. experience that combines cutting-edge educational programs, global research opportunities, and exceptional support. Applications for the 2025 Fall semester of the Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) are kicking off and open until 1st February 2025 (GMT+8).

Exceptional Support and Global Opportunities

TIGP provides a generous monthly stipend of NTD 40,000 (approximately USD 1,200) for the first year, extendable into the 2nd and 3rd years for high-performing students. Outstanding students can also earn an additional NTD 6,000 per month through the TIGP Research Performance Fellowship. With an extensive global network, TIGP enables students to conduct research in world-renowned laboratories, attend prestigious international conferences, and engage with distinguished scholars and Nobel Laureates.

Life at Academia Sinica

At TIGP, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Taiwan. Free Mandarin courses and affordable dormitories just steps away from campus create a welcoming environment, blending academic excellence with an enriching cultural experience.

13 Interdisciplinary Programs

TIGP offers 13 interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs in cutting-edge fields such as chemical biology, bioinformatics, neuroscience, AI, and sustainability, designed to address global challenges and drive innovation. With a diverse community of over 624 students from 44 countries and 854 accomplished graduates, TIGP has a strong track record of producing leading scientists, researchers, and industry professionals who thrive in top universities and companies worldwide. Explore the full program list on our official website.

Start Your Journey Today

Application is free of charge. Visit the TIGP official website or contact Ms. Huan-Yi Shen (tigp@gate.sinica.edu.tw) for more information. Start your application today and take the first step toward an extraordinary academic journey.

Hashtag: #AcademiaSinica

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

Mainland China’s Luxury Market Poised for Growth: Insights from MDRi’s 2025 Consumer Forecast

Forecast Projected Growth of Chinese Luxury Market in 2025: A Shift Towards Experience, Innovation, Chinese Brands and Sustainability

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 December 2024 – MDRi, a leading provider of business insights, today released its China Luxury Consumer Forecast 2025, presenting an in-depth analysis of luxury consumption trends in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The report highlights a market in transition, where Chinese consumers exhibit sophisticated preferences for experiences, domestic brands, sustainability, and innovation.

Despite the prevailing macroeconomic uncertainty and inconsistent growth across various luxury segments, the overall sentiment for luxury spending remains robust. The report reveals that 56% of Mainland Chinese luxury consumers plan to increase their spending in 2025, compared to only 48% in Hong Kong. This divergence is largely influenced by a more pessimistic outlook on Hong Kong’s economy, shaped by international monetary policies and geopolitical tensions.

Economic uncertainty continues to loom over Hong Kong, where 12% of luxury consumers intend to reduce their spending next year, compared to 9% in Mainland China. This cautious sentiment reflects broader concerns about the region’s economic stability.
In Mainland China, luxury spending is expected to be driven by high-end jewellery, handbags, and travel experiences, with nearly 60% of consumers planning to allocate more of their budgets to luxury travel. In contrast, positive sentiment is less pronounced in Hong Kong, where the luxury market is becoming increasingly polarized. Over 10% of consumers in each luxury category in Hong Kong plan to reduce their spending, showcasing a cautious approach, especially in categories like handbags (9%) and travel experiences (4%).
This report underscores the importance of understanding the evolving preferences of luxury consumers in both regions, as brands navigate a rapidly changing market landscape.
Simon Tye, CEO of MDRi, commented: “Mainland China is currently experiencing a dynamic shift in luxury market. Recent industry data has unveiled contrasting trends, with certain luxury conglomerates witnessing declines in Asia-Pacific revenues, while others have observed growth in parallel instances. This disparity prompts inquiries into the authentic sentiments of Chinese luxury consumers. Luxury brands should obtain deep understanding of the unique preferences, behaviour, and aspirations of consumers in these cities that are conducive to crafting highly targeted and resonant marketing strategies. The strong consumer demand for luxury watches, handbags, jewellery, and travel experiences positions these categories as key growth drivers for the industry. Brands that make consumer insights the foundation of their product development and go-to-market plans will be best positioned to solidify their leadership in these high-potential luxury segments; and agile brands that continuously monitor and respond to changing consumer preferences will be the ones to dominate these in-demand categories.”
The report identifies five key trends shaping the Chinese luxury market in 2025:

1. Luxury Lifestyle & Experiences

Mainland Chinese consumers are increasingly prioritising lifestyle-driven luxury, with 57% planning to boost spending on wellness, fitness, and luxury travel. Gen Z emphasises self-care and wellbeing, while Millennials seek exclusive, adventurous experiences that create lasting memories. Notably, wellness and spa treatments rank among the top items the youngest consumers (aged 21-25) in Mainland China plan to spend more on in the next 12 months (63%, ranking number 2 and just slightly below health and fitness activities (64%)).

2. Shopping Destinations

Mainland China’s Tier 1 cities, led by Shanghai, remain dominant luxury shopping hubs. However, Sanya is emerging as a rising destination, with 23% of Mainland Chinese luxury shoppers making purchases there in 2024, driven by duty-free policies. Hong Kong remains a luxury shopping destination for Tier 3 city shoppers but is losing appeal among Tier 1 consumers, who increasingly find comparable luxury experiences closer to home. Hong Kong’s attractiveness among lower-city luxury consumers could be partly attributed to the Chinese Government’s efforts in fostering Hong Kong’s tourism in these cities.
3. Preferences for Domestic Brands
National pride is driving a growing preference for domestic luxury, with 56% of Mainland Chinese consumers planning to buy more from Chinese luxury brands in 2025. Millennials, in particular, balance global prestige with domestic pride, driving demand for both French and Chinese brands, especially in watches and fashion. The success and influence of Chinese luxury brands have the potential to shape the future direction of the global luxury industry, setting new standards and pushing the boundaries of what luxury means in the years to come.
4. Sustainability and Second-hand Luxury
Sustainability is now a central value for Mainland Chinese consumers, with 85% stating it is important and 42% willing to pay a premium for sustainable luxury products. Younger luxury consumers (aged 21-25) are leading the charge in embracing the allure of second-hand premium products highlighting the rising environmental consciousness. Second-hand luxury is also gaining traction, with 59% of Mainland Chinese luxury consumers purchasing pre-owned items in 2024, particularly small leather goods and shoes. Younger consumers, especially Gen Z, view second-hand luxury as a way to express individual style rather than just a cost-saving option.
5. The Role of Technology and AI in Luxury
Mainland Chinese consumers are embracing tech-driven luxury, with 90% willing to pay a premium for innovative products. AI-powered personalisation is seen as a key enabler for tailored customer experiences, though concerns about its impact on exclusivity remain, with 66% expressing reservations about AI-driven mass customisation.
Driven by evolving consumer sophistication and upper-middle-class expansion, Chinese luxury consumers are increasingly globally mobile, technologically advanced, and discerning. With 42-47% of Chinese luxury consumption projected to occur abroad, Mainland China’s luxury market is setting global trends. Growth will be propelled by domestic brands, sustainability, and the rising influence of younger consumers.
Reflecting on 2024, Mainland China showed stronger growth in the luxury sector, with an average annual spend of RMB234,500, a 7% year-on-year increase. Spending in Tier 2 cities surged by 22%, outpacing Tier 1 cities. In Hong Kong, luxury spending rose modestly, with average expenditures increasing by 3% to HKD223,900. Significant growth was seen in high-value items like jewellery (+64%) and handbags (+66%), highlighting a preference for big-ticket purchases.

The survey was conducted from April to May 2024, with a sample size of 1,500 luxury consumers from Mainland China and 500 luxury consumers from Hong Kong. All respondents were required to have made purchases of luxury items and to have spent a minimum of 50,000 in their local currencies on luxury purchases within the past 12 months.
Simon said: “The Chinese luxury market is undergoing a profound transformation, largely influenced by the preferences of the younger generation, particularly Gen Z. This cohort is not only redefining luxury consumption but is also poised to reshape the global luxury industry. Their demand for personalization, wellness, and sustainability, combined with a strong inclination towards innovative Chinese brands, signals a departure from traditional luxury norms. As they prioritize exceptional experiences and meaningful connections over mere ownership, existing and new brands must adapt to these evolving expectations. By continuing to learn about their needs, building strong relationships with them and investing in personalized services and holistic wellness initiatives, luxury brands can foster loyalty and build lasting relationships with this discerning demographic, ultimately revolutionizing the industry.”
For a deeper dive of the report, please click here.
For further information, interviews, or comments, please contact info@mdr-i.com.

Appendix
Categories Overview of Chinese consumers (Top 3 brand aware and brand purchased)

Luxury Watch

China Hong Kong
Brand aware Brand purchased Brand aware Brand purchased
Cartier ▲2% Rolex – Cartier ▲8% Rolex ▲1%
Bulgari ▲2% Omega ▲1% Rolex ▲7% Omega ▲1%
Rolex ▲4% Cartier ▼4% Omega ▼2% Longines ▲10%

Luxury Jewellery

China Hong Kong
Brand aware Brand purchased Brand aware Brand purchased
Cartier ▼1% Cartier ▲1% Gucci ▲14% Cartier ▲8%
CHANEL – CHANEL – Cartier ▲10% CHANEL ▲8%
Bulgari ▲3% Bulgari ▲2% CHANEL ▲11% Gucci ▲3%

Luxury Fashion

China Hong Kong
Brand aware Brand purchased Brand aware Brand purchased
CHANEL ▲5% CHANEL ▲2% CHANEL ▲11% CHANEL ▲5%
Balenciaga ▼6% Balenciaga ▼1% Balenciaga ▲2% Balenciaga ▲4%
Dior ▲2% Dior – Gucci ▲9% Gucci ▲5%

Luxury Handbag

China Hong Kong
Brand aware Brand purchased Brand aware Brand purchased
CHANEL – CHANEL ▼2% Balenciaga ▲4% CHANEL ▼1%
Balenciaga ▼1% Balenciaga ▼1% CHANEL ▲9% Balenciaga ▲1%
Dior ▲1% Dior ▲1% Hermes ▲12% Dior ▲6%

Beauty and Cosmetics

China Hong Kong
Brand aware Brand purchased Brand aware Brand purchased
Dior Beauty ▲2% Estee Lauder ▲7% Lancôme ▲9% Shiseido ▲6%
Estee Lauder ▲3% Lancôme ▲1% Shiseido ▲5% SKII ▲1%
Lancôme ▲4% Dior Beauty ▲5% SKII ▲9% Lancôme ▲1%

Wine and Spirits

China Hong Kong
Brand aware Brand aware
Chivas ▲2% Rémy Martin ▲6%
Rémy Martin – Martell ▲4%
Hennessy ▼1% Hennessy ▲6%

Consumer preferences of each luxury category

Luxury Category Mainland Chinese Preferences Hong Kong Preferences
Watches – Prefer multifunctional and jewellery watches

– 31% prefer Chinese-made watches

– Value brand design

– Favor simple, everyday styles

– 12% prefer Chinese watches

– Consider resale value

– Prioritize craftsmanship
Jewellery – Favor yellow gold (55%) and diamonds (52%)

– Value easy recognition

– Prioritize diamonds (61%)

– Emphasize craftsmanship

– Resale value influences decisions
Fashion – Recognize CHANEL and Balenciaga as top brands

– Prioritize quality of materials and comfort

Handbags – Prioritize style and aesthetic appeal – Emphasize brand awareness and material quality
Cosmetics – Prefer international brands

– 55% purchase through e-commerce platforms

– Favor Japanese brands
– Prioritize ingredients and efficacy
Wine

and

Spirits

– Prefer Chinese Baijiu (56%) and high-end whiskey (56%)

– Values brand awareness and taste

– Prioritize high-end whiskey (53%) and red wine (45%)

– Values taste and cost-effectiveness

– Increases in high-end whiskey purchases

Hashtag: #MDRi #SimonTye #ChinaLuxuryConsumerForecast #Luxury

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

MDRi

Based in Hong Kong and with operations in London and Singapore, MDRi is a leading provider of business insights, empowering organisations with data-driven advice to make informed decisions and drive growth.

Through advanced analytics, industry expertise, and innovative methodologies, MDRi uncovers strategic opportunities, mitigates risks, and helps businesses stay ahead in a rapidly evolving marketplace. With a commitment to excellence and client-centricity, MDRi is revolutionising the way organisations harness insights for success.

The Mishcon de Reya Group

The Group is an independent, international professional services business with law at its heart, employing over 1450 people with over 650 lawyers. It includes the law firm Mishcon de Reya LLP and a collection of leading consultancy businesses that complement the firm’s legal services.

Mishcon de Reya LLP is based in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore and Hong Kong (through its association with ). The firm services an international community of clients and provides advice in situations where the constraints of geography often do not apply. Its work is cross-border, multi-jurisdictional and complex, spanning seven core practice areas: ; ; ; ; ; ; and .

The includes consultancy businesses , (in London, Singapore and Dubai), , (in Hong Kong) and . The Group also includes , which invests in the most promising early stage legaltech companies as well as the Mishcon Academy, its in-house place of learning and platform for thought leadership.

Earlier this year, the Group announced its first strategic acquisition in the alternative legal services market, flexible legal resourcing business Flex Legal. It also acquired a majority stake in Somos, a global group actions management business.

Lao Government Introduces Digital Border Fees for Tourists

Boarder in Laos (Photo: Gearhead)

Starting 1 September, the Lao government began collecting a fee of LAK 10,000 (USD 0.46) from all domestic and international tourists, including group tours and individuals, at all international border checkpoints. 

Lao Youth Shines in International Art Contest

Lao Youth Shines in International Art Contest
Theppanya Silimouk stands beside his award-winning artwork (photo credit: CMG FM93)

Six Lao students triumphed in the 2024 International Youth Painting Collection and Exhibition in China, securing top honors among entries from eight countries.

Wuxi’s Flower Festival Blooms in Hong Kong


NANJING, CHINA – EQS Newswire – 13 December 2024 – Wuxi, the “Pearl of Taihu Lake,” extended a warm invitation across mountains and rivers to Hong Kong, the “Pearl of the Orient,” with a themed event titled “Flowers Bloom in Taihu, Spring Warms Hong Kong.”

A Group Photo of the Event
A Group Photo of the Event

On December 12, the 19th China Mei Flower and Wintersweet Exhibition and Wuxi Cultural and Tourism Spring Product Launch was held at the Marco Polo Hotel in Hong Kong. Through roadshows and flash mob performances at iconic Hong Kong landmarks, the event vividly showcased Wuxi’s rich tourism resources and profound cultural heritage, accelerating exchanges and development between the two regions and enhancing the visibility of the tourism brand “Pearl of Taihu Lake, Gem of Jiangnan.”

The event was hosted by the Wuxi Municipal People’s Government, organized by Wuxi Cultural and Tourism Development Group Co., Ltd., and co-organized by the United Front Work Department of Wuxi Municipal Committee and the Wuxi Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism. Leaders from cultural and tourism departments and associations of both regions, representatives from Wuxi Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, Sports Group, and Meiyuan Scenic Area, along with representatives of travel agencies and media from the Greater Bay Area, attended the event.

The promotional video “Waiting for You in Wuxi” kicked off the event, showcasing the unique charm of the Jiangnan water town to the Hong Kong audience. A guzheng performance “Beauty of Taihu” vividly highlighted the unique charm and profound heritage of Wuxi’s culture.

Ms. Qiu Yajun, President of Wuxi Cultural and Tourism Development Group Co., Ltd., remarked in her speech that in recent years, the group has been committed to creating distinctive “tourism+” products, hosting high-quality events such as the Mei Flower and Wintersweet Exhibition, the Taihu Yuantouzhu International Cherry Blossom Festival, the International Sailing Rally, the Taihu Music Festival, and the Huishan Chrysanthemum Fair. These initiatives aim to establish Wuxi as a “window to the world,” while actively promoting integration between the Yangtze River Delta and the Greater Bay Area.

Mr. Xin Congjin, Chairman of the Hong Kong China Tourism Association, stated that Wuxi, known as the “Pearl of Taihu Lake,” boasts exceptional natural scenery and rich cultural tourism resources. These advantages offer immense potential for cultural tourism development in Wuxi and create favorable conditions for two-way travel between Hong Kong and Wuxi. The association will leverage Hong Kong’s platforms and resources to further promote Wuxi’s cultural and tourism offerings, encouraging more visitors to travel to Wuxi.

The event unveiled Wuxi’s 2025 spring tourism products, focusing on showcasing premium spring travel routes. Additionally, Meiyuan Scenic Spot presented highlights of the 19th China Plum Blossom and Wax Plum Exhibition. As one of Jiangnan’s four major plum blossom viewing destinations, this exhibition will feature a variety of rare plum species, offering visitors a feast for the senses.

The event also included the appointment of Wuxi Cultural and Tourism Ambassadors for Hong Kong and Macau, the inauguration of the Wuxi Cultural and Tourism Hong Kong Promotion Center, and the signing of a large-scale group travel agreement between Greater Bay Area travel agencies and Wuxi Cultural Tourism Group. The first group of spring flower appreciation tours to Wuxi was flagged off during the event, setting the stage for a surge in Hong Kong residents visiting Wuxi.

The 19th China Mei Flower and Wintersweet Exhibition and Wuxi Cultural and Tourism Spring Product Launch was officially inaugurated during the event. Wuxi Cultural Tourism also conducted an engaging flash mob at Victoria Harbour, showcasing Wuxi’s natural beauty and cultural charm, allowing Hong Kong residents to experience Wuxi’s allure up close.

“Flowers Bloom in Taihu, Spring Warms Hong Kong” vividly reflects this event’s role in deepening cultural and tourism exchanges between Wuxi and Hong Kong, enabling more Hong Kong residents to learn about Wuxi and helping Wuxi expand its cultural tourism market in Hong Kong.
Hashtag: #Wuxi

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

Japan Step Up to Provide Emergency to Provide Emergency Food Stocks For Targeted Relief Efforts

Lao students (Photo: KPL)

The Embassy of Japan signed an agreement on critical support to Lao’s disaster relief needs and to alleviate food security today. Emergency food stocks will be provided to the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare as the national agency mandated with overseeing disaster relief and improving social welfare, with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) coordinating targeting and distribution in times of needs.

FBS Partners With Dignity for Children Foundation to Spread Holiday Cheer With Christmas Gift-A-Meal Campaign

FBS Joins Forces with Dignity for Children Foundation to Brighten the Holidays for About 350 Families in Malaysia


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 December 2024 – FBS, a leading global broker, is honored to support the Dignity for Children Foundation in their heartfelt holiday campaign, Christmas Gift-A-Meal, taking place this December. The initiative aims to bring joy and warmth to families in Malaysia by providing them with a complete Christmas dinner.

FBS Partners With Dignity for Children Foundation to Spread Holiday Cheer With Christmas Gift-A-Meal Campaign

Thanks to FBS’s generous contribution, approximately 350 families enjoyed a festive Christmas meal with their loved ones. Each donation provided a family of five with a delicious holiday feast, including a rosemary roast chicken, five servings of buttered rice, and refreshing iced lemon tea.

The Christmas Gift-A-Meal campaign is part of FBS’s ongoing commitment to giving back to local communities and creating a positive, long-lasting impact. By assisting Malaysian families, FBS is supporting its broader mission of driving meaningful change.

“At FBS, we believe in making a real difference, not just in the trading world, but in the lives of those who need it most,” says Aizzat Arfa, FBS Official Representative. “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating joy together and making the holidays special for everyone.”

FBS has always prioritized social responsibility and charitable projects as a central part of its mission. The company has a long history of supporting various humanitarian causes around the globe, from providing educational support to disaster relief efforts. Through the Christmas Gift-A-Meal campaign, FBS spreads the spirit of kindness, compassion, and care to those who need it most during the holiday season.

Discover more about FBS and its initiatives at FBS.com.
Hashtag: #FBS #Christmas #CSR #Malaysia





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

About FBS

FBS is a global brand that unites several independent brokerage companies under the licenses of FSC (Belize), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia). With 15 years of experience and over 90 international awards, FBS is steadily developing as one of the market’s most trusted brokers. Today, FBS serves over 27,000,000 traders and more than 700,000 partners around the globe.

ONYX Hospitality Group Launches ‘Stay 3, Pay 2’ Promotion for Mastercard Cardholders with Exclusive Privileges Matching ONYX Rewards Membership


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 December 2024 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading management company for hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences in Southeast Asia, is offering an unforgettable ‘Stay 3, Pay 2’ promotion, granting 33% off—equivalent to one complimentary night—on stays of three nights or more. This special offer is available at ONYX Hospitality Group properties, including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence, across Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Laos, and Sri Lanka.

ONYX Rewards (1)

Additionally, Mastercard cardholders can enjoy the same benefits as ONYX Rewards members across all four tiers, elevating their stay with perks such as room discounts, dining and spa savings, room upgrades, flexible check-in, and late check-out options. World Elite Mastercard cardholders will enjoy privileges equivalent to ONYX Rewards Platinum members, while World Mastercard cardholders will receive benefits on par with ONYX Rewards Gold members and Titanium Mastercard and Platinum Mastercard cardholders will enjoy privileges matching those of ONYX Rewards Sapphire members.

Reservations can be made at www.amari.com/mastercard,
www.ozo.com/mastercard,
www.shama.com/mastercard,
www.orientalresidence.com/mastercard,

For more details, including terms and conditions for these benefits, visit
https://e.onyx-rewards.com/home/mastercard.

This collaboration between ONYX Hospitality Group and Mastercard is part of ONYX Hospitality Group’s Co-Curation strategy and aims to design and curate programs and privileges that align with customers’ unique needs, preferences, and lifestyles. It also serves to enhance awareness of the ONYX Rewards program among Mastercard cardholders by offering them an elevated experience at ONYX Hospitality Group’s hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments. Cardholders can enjoy exclusive member privileges, including discounts at restaurants, spa service discounts, and more, for a truly rewarding stay both domestically and internationally.

Importantly, ONYX Hospitality Group is committed to actively listening to feedback from members and business partners. This valuable input will be carefully processed and utilized to refine the experience, ensuring members receive the highest level of service possible.
Hashtag: #ONYX

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