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Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) Creative Tourism Project “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” officially starts

Exploring the Unique Characteristics of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok and Presenting Hong Kong’s Diverse Tourism Experience


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 December 2024 – “Design District Hong Kong” (#ddHK) creative tourism project, organised by the Tourism Commission of Hong Kong, officially relaunches TODAY (12 December 2024), bringing visitors from around the world to explore the captivating neighbourhoods of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. From 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025, a new #ddHK event curated by Number 2 and themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” integrates creative elements with the local cultural, heritage and natural offerings, promoting cultural tourism, island hopping and eco-tourism in an innovative manner, embarking visitors on an in-depth exploration of Hong Kong in brand new ways.

ddHK Press Release 3 Key Visual

Creative Units from Overseas, the Mainland and Hong Kong
Creative Works Adorning Historical Monument and the Nature

Continuing its mission to create brand new travel experiences through design and creativity, #ddHK will bring together a lineup of seven creative units from overseas, the Mainland and Hong Kong to enliven public space and innovatively highlight the charms and culture of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok through placemaking. In particular, #ddHK will install creative designs at a declared monument, a country park as well as on the sea, integrating tourism with design, cultural heritages and the natural scenery of Hong Kong. In addition, through crossovers with the cultural and creative hotspots, heritage sites, green destinations and local delicacies, an array of immersive visiting routes and brand new diverse experiences will be introduced to visitors. The collaborating creative units include animation artist Coolman Coffeedan (USA), interactive public art and technology studio ENESS (Australia), multi-disciplinary artist En Iwamura (Japan), floral installation artist Kiki Ji (The Mainland), contemporary artist Louis To Wun (Hong Kong), artist and illustrator Vivian Ho (Hong Kong), and knot designer Zoe Siu (Hong Kong). (Please refer to “Appendix 1: Biographies of Creative Units”)

The seven sets of time-limited creative works crossing over with local attractions of the two neighbourhoods are briefly introduced as follows (For a more detailed introduction, please refer to “Appendix 2: Introduction of Creative Installations”):

Animation artist Coolman Coffeedan (USA)
“Coolman x Tsuen Wan”

Coolman Coffeedan, at Sai Lau Kok Garden which is a focal point of the neighbourhood, re-creates stories about Tsuen Wan in the project “Coolman x Tsuen Wan.” The popular cartoon character, Spesh, leads his friends on their first journey to Tsuen Wan, exploring and experiencing the diversity and vibrancy of the neighbourhood.

Interactive public art and design studio ENESS (Australia)
“Cupid’s Koi Garden”

ENESS brings their “Cupid’s Koi Garden”, the world’s first inflatable fountain with bright patterning, interactive jets of water and a rich soundscape to Tsuen Wan Park. Interactive and immersive, Cupid and his koi squirt jets of water on unsuspecting passers-by whenever they stop to admire his beauty.

Floral installation artist Kiki Ji (The Mainland)
“Flowing Natural”

Inspired by the graceful flow of wind and water, as well as the fluttering of butterflies, the artist creates the “Flowing Natural” using traditional bamboo artistry fused with a modern take. It embodies fluid lines and movements blends itself seamlessly into the Shing Mun Country Park‘s landscape, representing a harmonious fusion of traditional craftsmanship and the beauty of nature.

Knot designer Zoe Siu (Hong Kong)
“Woven Dreams: Prayers of Modernity”

Inspired by the patterns of “caimen” at Sam Tung Uk Museum, a declared monument in Tsuen Wan, the designer combines wish-making tradition with contemporary auspicious themes. Employing the intricate weaving techniques of Hakka floral bands, the designer creates “Woven Dreams: Prayers of Modernity”, adorning this 200-year-old Hakka walled village. The reinterpretation showcases the charm of Hakka culture and intangible cultural heritage in a new light.

Multi-disciplinary artist En Iwamura (Japan)
“Interwoven Horizon”

“Interwoven Horizon” delves into the ties among the sea, mountains, geology, islands as well as the sun and the moon. This creative installation floats leisurely in the sea near Sha Tau Kok Pier, offering a blend of art and nature against the stunning backdrop of the natural landscape. The artist takes inspiration from the nature to outline the landscape and geological features near Sha Tau Kok, bringing out the natural colours.

Contemporary artist Louis To Wun (Hong Kong)
“The Auspicious Dance”

The artist combines traditional sculpting techniques with modern design structures, transforming Sha Tau Kok Square into a stage for dancing fishes. The dance moves and the waves mimicking the fluid and graceful movements of fishes, embodying harmony between humanity and nature. It honours the intricate relationship between the fishermen, their customs, and the sea.

Artist and illustrator Vivian Ho (Hong Kong)
“Stories on Wheels”

Located at the Sha Tau Kok Promenade Sitting-out Area, “Stories on Wheels” is an innovative installation designed to capture and celebrate the vibrant narratives and everyday experiences of the residents of Sha Tau Kok. Utilising train as artistic canvases, the artist aims to showcase the unique cultural history and community life of Sha Tau Kok through vibrant and colourful illustrations with multi-media immersive experience inside the carriage.

Vibrant and Diverse Activities Showcasing the Charm of Local Travel Experiences

In addition to injecting creative elements into the neighbourhoods, #ddHK has collaborated with different teams to curate a series of activities filled with local flavours for participants to further experience Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. In particular, various themed guided tours will be organised to introduce a diversity of in-depth visiting routes to cater for the interests of different participants. These include “Shing Mun Reservoir Healing Tour” for exploring the nature, “Hidden Gem Discovery Tour” at Sha Tau Kok for discovering the islands in the Northeast New Territories, “Tsuen Wan Art and Harbour Cycling Tour” combining sports and culture, and “Tsuen Wan Hidden Gem Cultural Walk” for exploring the fascinating stories and cultural insights behind unique landmarks. #ddHK will also offer eco-friendly creative workshops, authentic cultural handicraft experiences, interactive traditional dance, and more. Market festivals, themed “Into the Landscape: Eco-art Festival” and “Sha Tau Kok Seaside Weekend Market” will be held in Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok respectively, featuring local delicacies, lifestyle essentials, local handmade goods as well as music and local cultural experiences. (For details, please refer to “Appendix 3: Market Festivals”) The first activity “Hidden Gem Discovery Tour – Ap Chau & Kat O” will be held on 14 December. More activities will be offered in the following weeks.

Through cross-sectoral collaboration, #ddHK will launch a number of collaborative activities with multiple parties in Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok, with a view to highlight the existing cultural, creative and tourism atmosphere in the neighbourhoods, thereby introducing a more diverse tourism experience for tourists and locals. Specifically, in order to further develop the elements of Sha Tau Kok tourism and island-hopping tours in Yan Chau Tong, a seaside cultural space entitled “Joyful Reading‧Cultural Discovery @ Sha Tau Kok” will be set up in partnership with the Sha Tau Kok Public Library of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at the Sha Tau Kok Promenade Sitting-out Area, offering titles on local history, travel, art and more; “In-Depth Exploration of Double Haven (Lai Chi Wo, Kat O, Ap Chau)” tours, with Sha Tau Kok as the starting point, will also be organised in partnership with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s Hong Kong Geopark. In addition, “Countryside Harvest Festival: Kuk Po ‘Sound-Sight-Taste Fusion’ Tour,” organised by the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, will also be held concurrently. They all aim to offer a more diverse experience of blue-green tourism for tourists and locals.

The curatorial team has published the details of the event and registration information on #ddHK website https://designdistrict.hk/en/ which will be updated from time to time. Both tourists and locals are welcome to enjoy Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok in brand new ways and experience the charm of Hong Kong’s local culture. (For details, please refer to “Appendix 4: Activities & Experiences”)

Enhanced Transport Services to Sha Tau Kok

To facilitate visitors joining the #ddHK activities at Sha Tau Kok, the Transport Department has strengthened the transport services, including enhancing the services of bus route 78S departing from Sheung Shui MTR Station, as well as increasing the services of minibus route 55S passing through the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point on weekends and public holidays. The #ddHK website’s “Planning Your Visit” page provides a one-stop place to view the transport information, as well as useful information about applying for the Tourism Closed Area Permit.

Besides, to enable visitation by car, a short-term tenancy car park adjacent to the Sha Tau Kok Closed Area will be opened, offering 100 parking spaces for use by the public upon prior reservation. Details will be announced by the concerned operator.

Walking Map to Promote Unique Attractions in the Neighbourhoods

Lastly, #ddHK has specially created the “Walking Map” for this event to introduce the seven creative installations and various distinctive attractions in Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok, including historical landmarks, natural scenic spots and innovation and cultural spots. The map is available in printed and digital versions, making it convenient for visitors to explore Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok and experience their charms in single-day trips. To encourage deeper exploration of the event, an exclusive souvenir redemption activity is set up to reward visitation to #ddHK creative installations and local spending in the two neighbourhoods.

Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) – “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery”

Event Period:
12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025

Stay tuned for further information and event announcements:
Website: https://designdistrict.hk/en/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/designdistricthk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/designdistricthk_ddhk

Hashtag: #ddHK

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

About Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK)

Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) is a creative tourism project that celebrates authentic culture and creativity and livens up unique neighbourhoods in Hong Kong through design elements. Launched in 2018, #ddHK has transformed different neighbourhoods into new tourism destinations filled with characteristics, and has become a well-acclaimed creative cultural tourism project. A brand new #ddHK event themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” will be held from 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025, leading visitors from around the world to immerse themselves into two diverse, distinctive and captivating neighbourhoods, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. Creative elements will also be injected to highlight the unique charm of the two places.

About Tsuen Wan

Tsuen Wan is an emerging destination for immersive travel, attributable to its multi-faceted characters evolved in an organic manner. It is where history meets creativity, intangible cultural heritages mixed with chic lifestyle, and vibrant cityscape immersed in natural scenery. Well connected externally by two rail lines and internally by a district-wide footbridge network, a day trip there cannot be easier.

About Sha Tau Kok

Sha Tau Kok is a township in the northeastern-most part of Hong Kong adjacent to the Mainland. It has been a Frontier Closed Area with restricted access for decades, but when it was progressively opened up for tourism in recent years, many visitors have been immediately attracted by the lesser-known history, culture and natural elements there. Apart from its unique attractions, Sha Tau Kok is also the starting point for blue-green eco-tourism in the Northeast New Territories where tourists may easily access to the stunning nearby islands and villages, such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O and Ap Chau in Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, by kaito ferry services, as well as the Robin’s Nest Country Park, Hong Kong’s newest country park.

New LEAD Project Aims to Improve Education, Professional Development in Laos

Lao students (Photo: Flickr)

To enhance higher education in Laos, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the “Laos Higher Education for Accelerated Development (LEAD)” project. 

Tim Hortons® Premium Signature Store at Sunway Pyramid drops Unique Brews and Coffee Crafting Magic


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 December 2024 – Get ready Malaysia for fresh brews, fresh vibes and a ‘Sip, Savor, Repeat’ lifestyle unlike any other.

Tim Hortons® Premium Signature Store at Sunway Pyramid drops Unique Brews and Coffee Crafting Magic

Tim Hortons®, the iconic coffeehouse from Canada, is now pouring warm coffee culture at Sunway Pyramid with the launch of its first signature store in Malaysia. With over six decades of coffee expertise, Tim Hortons® is now offering Malaysians an elevated, premium coffeehouse experience with its delicious freshly prepared food and specialty beverages.

The Tim Hortons® Signature Store at Sunway Pyramid marks the fourth store in Malaysia, following successful openings at Sunway Velocity Mall, IOI City Mall Putrajaya, and Aeon Mall Bukit Tinggi. More stores are set to open as part of the brand’s ambitious expansion plan across the nation. This new flagship store promises to deliver an unparalleled, elevated in-store experience, combining Canadian heritage with the warmth and hospitality that makes Tims® a beloved global brand.

Tim Hortons® Premium Signature Store

What Makes the Signature Store Special

Freshly Prepared, Premium Food & Drinks: At Tim Hortons®, we believe in serving freshly prepared, delicious food that pairs perfectly with our signature beverages. From artisanal sourdough melts to comforting pasta bakes and our irresistible Timbits®, every bite is a taste of freshness served with care.

  • Signature Lattes & Iced Capps®: Maple Cinnamon Latte, Maple French Vanilla, Dark Chocolate Cream Chip, Strawberry Cream (RM13.00 – RM19.00)
  • Sourdough Melts: Maple Chicken Deli & Cheese, Grilled Cheese & Caramelised Onion, Pesto Chicken & Mozzarella (RM16.00 – RM19.00)
  • Pasta Bakes: Classic Aglio Olio, Truffle & Smoked Chicken Carbonara, Pesto Cream Chicken & Mozzarella, Beef Ragu Bolognese (RM16 – RM19)
  • Donuts & Timbits® (starting from RM 1.50 up)
  • Malaysian Specials: Butterscotch Ondeh-Ondeh Iced Capp, Teh Tarik Tribute Iced Capp, Sambal Chicken Grilled Cheese Wrap (RM12.00 – RM15.00)

Discover our unique, elevated brews at our Craft Bar where guests can enjoy exclusive brewing methods such as Kyoto Drip, Chemex, and V60 Pour Over made with 100% premium Arabica beans. The store also features Single Origin beans like Colombian and Mexican Light beans, making each sip unforgettable for coffee lovers.

Tims Rewards Program: Members get to earn 1 point for every RM1 spent, skip the queue through pre-orders and pickup and enjoy exclusive member privileges.

Grand Opening Promotions: December 20–22, 2024

To celebrate the launch of the Signature Store, Tim Hortons® is offering exciting promotions* for members from December 20–22, 2024:

  • Complimentary weekly Latte (S) for 6 months for the first 100 customers with any purchase
  • 1-for-1 Large Maple Cinnamon Latte
  • Exclusive Tim Hortons® Keychain with a minimum spend of RM50

Tim Hortons® is now available on Grab and Food Panda in Malaysia. The menu is made of ingredients that are carefully sourced from Halal-certified suppliers. Tims also ensure no pork, lard or alcohol are served at the establishment.

Additionally, as part of the company’s mission to make a positive impact in the local community, Tim Hortons® Malaysia is partnering with Mercy Malaysia through the “Tims for Good MY®” initiative. For every Kaya-Filled donut sold, 100% of the proceeds will go to Mercy Malaysia.

*Terms & Condition apply at the store.

Hashtag: #TimHortons #PremiumSignatureStore

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

ZJLD’s “Zhenjiu World Tour — Light Chasers in Antarctica” Successfully Concluded

Promoting Creative ESG Practices and Forging on a Sustainable Future Together


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 December 2024 – The first baijiu company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, ZJLD Group Inc. (“ZJLD” or the “Company”, SEHK stock code: 06979. HK), is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Kweichow Zhenjiu, successfully held the “Zhenjiu World Tour — Light Chasers in Antarctica” voyage from November 27 to December 7. The event aimed to raise awareness of environmental protection across society, emphasizing the responsibilities that enterprises should uphold in sustainable development. The “Kweichow Zhenjiu” giant cruise carried over 200 “Zhen Fans” as it set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, embarking on a journey of more than ten days and traversing a total of 1,585 nautical miles to reach the mysterious Antarctic Peninsula, allowing participants to experience the breathtaking beauty of this “Last Pure Land on Earth.”

Antarctica has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the “50 Places You Must Visit in a Lifetime,” celebrated for its unique ecological environment and breathtaking natural scenery. This event allowed Zhen Fans to engage closely with Antarctica’s glaciers and penguins, fostering a deeper understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem and the history of scientific exploration. It also underscored the pressing issue of “global warming”, urging society to raise awareness and take concrete measures to reduce carbon emissions.

The Light Chasers in Antarctica event marks the second installment in the series, following the “Zhenjiu World Tour —Light Gatherers on Mount Everest” held in April. During the Everest expedition, the Zhenjiu team dedicated nine days to reach the Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters, where they conducted a three-day waste cleanup. This effort showcased Zhenjiu’s commitment to environmental protection, aiming to enhance public consciousness and inspire more individuals to engage in ecological initiatives and collaborate in safeguarding our planet.

Mr. Paul Ng, the Executive Director and Head of International Operations, said, “This challenging voyage embodies our Company’s ESG philosophy, aiming to cultivate a profound awareness about the significant impact of global climate change on our planet and our lives through the lens of ‘The Beauty of Nature.’ We believe that a company’s success is defined not only by its financial performance but also by its capacity to inspire and galvanize others towards the pursuit of sustainability. We aspire to ignite a passion within more individuals and businesses to embrace ESG practices, gathering a collaborative effort to protect our home.”

As a pioneer in sustainable development within the liquor industry, Kweichow Zhenjiu actively responds to national Dual Carbon targets and continuously fine-tunes its ESG practices, incorporating water resource management systems, climate change risk control, and packaging recycling into its corporate strategy. The Company has attained remarkable achievements in ESG. For two consecutive years, it has been rated as one of the “Wind China Listed Companies ESG Best Practice 100” and was the only baijiu company on the list.

This event epitomized the ZJLD brand’s spirit and gave participants an unforgettable experience that resonated deeply. Moving forward, ZJLD remains committed to advancing sustainable development practices and encouraging a broader coalition of businesses and individuals to join ESG efforts and create a more harmonious and sustainable corporate and living environment.
Hashtag: #ZJLD

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

About ZJLD Group Inc.

Zhen Jiu was established in 1975 in Zunyi, Kweichow, China’s primary production area of sauce-aroma baijiu. In 1988, it was honored with the National Quality Award at the 5th National Wine Appreciation Conference. In the same year, it was announced by the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Communication Department of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, and the Great Hall of the People Management Bureau to become one of the two sauce-aroma baijiu served at state banquets. It is also known as one of the “Three Representative Baijiu Brands in Kweichow”.

ZJLD Group Inc. is a leading baijiu group in China that is devoted to offering premium baijiu products, including sauce-aroma, mixed-aroma, and strong-aroma. In 2023, the Company was the third-largest private baijiu company in China in terms of revenue, according to Frost & Sullivan statistics. It also was the largest IPO fundraising company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2023. The Company operates four baijiu brands in China, including two national baijiu, Zhen Jiu and Li Du, and two regional brands, Xiangjiao and Kaikouxiao. ZJLD prides itself on inheriting the time-honored baijiu-brewing techniques and reinvigorating them to develop iconic products. It strives to create a wide variety of aromatic and mellow baijiu products to meet the diverse preferences of consumers, seize broader market opportunities, and promote traditional Chinese baijiu culture.

Octopus expands seamless payment experience nationwide this December


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 December 2024 – Octopus Cards Limited (“Octopus”) is expanding its fast, simple, and secure payment experience for customers traveling in the Mainland.

Launch of WeChat QR for CUP (EN)

Starting this December, customers can scan to pay at merchants accepting Weixin Pay QR code payment, using Octopus wallet, enabling customers to seamlessly top up in Hong Kong Dollars and pay like a local in Mainland China.

This initiative builds on Octopus’ commitment to simplifying travel and cross-border commerce for Hong Kong residents: from the Octopus UnionPay card launched two years ago for worldwide QR payments to the Octopus-China T-Union card for public transport in more than 336 cities nationwide.

For visitors to Hong Kong, Octopus opened its network to allow QR payments from all the major digital wallets in China, accelerating the digitalisation of the taxi fleet, and making digital payments more readily available.

Octopus is committed to providing cross-border payment solutions for Hong Kong residents and Mainland travellers, enhancing convenience for both tourism and business travel. This new Weixin Pay QR code solutions significantly increases payment acceptance points in Mainland China, further enriching the travel experience for Octopus customers as they explore more regions across the country.

To encourage adoption of the new service, Octopus will waive foreign exchange transaction fees until 31 December 2024.

Hashtag: #八達通 #OctopusCards

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

About Octopus Cards Limited (Licence Number: SVF0001)

Operating under the Stored Value Facilities Licence, Octopus Cards Limited (OCL) provides innovative offline and online Octopus payment services to meet customers’ diverse payment needs. Launched in 1997 by OCL, the Octopus system in Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading and most extensively accepted contactless smartcard payment systems. Its aspiration is to bring diversity and inclusion in payment to customers of all facets of life.

Today, more than 24 million Octopus cards and products are in circulation; spanning businesses including public transport, parking, retail, self-help services, schools, and leisure facilities, and access control for residential and commercial buildings. There are almost 190,000 Octopus acceptance points in the market. Octopus’ application has been extended to online and mobile payment arenas with services including Octopus on iPhone and Apple Watch, Octopus on Samsung Pay, Octopus on Huawei Pay, Octopus App, Octopus Wallet, Octopus Mastercard® and UnionPay, bringing new payment experiences to customers.

The Octopus Group exports its unique experience and technology overseas, offering consultancy services across the world. The mission of OCL is simple: Making everyday life easier. For more information about OCL, please visit .

Acrew Capital and Money20/20 Index Finds almost 80 % of Asian companies have a launched an AI initiative


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 December 2024 – Money20/20, the world’s leading fintech show, and the place where money does business has together with Acrew Capital launched ALL IN ON AI: Financial Services Adoption Index 2024 showcasing that 167 out of 221 top financial services companies globally have initiated AI initiatives since January 2023.

Source: Money 20/20
Source: Money 20/20

Money20/20 and Acrew Capital’s analysis of publicly announced initiatives reveals a region that’s increasingly vying to set the pace. 32 Asian financial services companies were part of the global report and after more in-depth analysis of the Asian companies participating in the report, Money20/20 and Acrew Capital found a number of interesting findings.

North America Dominates, But Asia Rises

The state of AI adoption across regions delivers expected patterns and some surprising results. The leaderboard highlights this nuanced story: while North American firms command the top spots, Asian institutions are making their presence felt. Xero is the standout leader in Asia, its six initiatives also make it a global leader, punching above its weight relative to larger companies on the overall leaderboard. Japan’s financial giants—Rakuten, Mizuho, and Mitsubishi UFJ—along with India’s Paytm have each launched three significant AI initiatives, placing them among the global top performers. This is evidence that Asia’s leading financial institutions are pursuing AI with strategic aggression.

A global high of AI initiatives launched in Asia

Almost 80% of Asian companies have launched an AI initiative. In total, out of the 32 companies from Asia (including Oceania), 25 of those, or 78%, have announced initiatives publicly. This is a global high and a testament to the region’s ability to leapfrog traditional development cycles. These 25 companies have launched 44 initiatives, averaging 1.76 per company. This impressive number reflects strategic aggression rather than merely following the global AI playbook. Backed by proactive government policies and a digital-first economy, Asian financial institutions are transforming AI from a competitive advantage into a competitive requirement.

Generative AI

When it comes to Gen AI, Asian institutions have positioned themselves to rapidly close the gap with North America. The regional leaderboard of Gen AI leaders shows the ambition and momentum in the region. New Zealand’s Xero stands out with five Gen AI initiatives, placing it at the forefront not just in Asia but globally. What makes Xero’s leadership noteworthy is its relative size compared to the few companies that rank higher globally.

Japan’s financial giants are setting the pace in Asia. Mizuho Financial Group and Rakuten each have three Gen AI initiatives, illustrating Japan’s technology leadership. Other notable players include Paytm from India, Ant Group from China, Grab from Singapore, and Sapiens from Israel, each with two Gen AI initiatives, demonstrating the depth of regional adoption. In total 29 Gen AI initiatives were identified in Asia, showcasing the region’s remarkable momentum in Gen AI.

“Although our report shows that North America is leading the way in AI adoption in financial services, we are discovering that Asian companies are not far behind. The data, especially regarding generative AI, demonstrates significant investment and commitment in Asia. At Money20/20 Asia in Bangkok next April, the most influential leaders in AI and fintech will convene to discuss new AI initiatives, use cases, and products across our five stages. We can’t wait to share more insights in person with the industry,” said Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Money20/20.

For a more in-depth analysis of the Asia-based companies, please email: man@midas-pr.com and we’ll email you the overview.

Hashtag: #money20/20

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

Vinhomes recognized by Euromoney as Best Residential Developer in Vietnam for 2024


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 December 2024 – Vinhomes Joint Stock Company has received the prestigious award for Best Residential Real Estate Developer in Vietnam for 2024 from Euromoney global financial magazine. The accolade acknowledges Vinhomes’ significant contributions to developing superior urban areas and advancing the quality and scale of Vietnam’s real estate sector to international levels.

Photo

Organized by Euromoney global magazine, the Euromoney Real Estate Awards represent one of the most established and respected ranking systems in the global real estate sector. These awards recognize businesses that make substantial contributions to urban development, enhance quality of life, and generate positive societal and economic value.

Vinhomes has been recognized for its exceptional reputation, strategic approach to project development and diverse product portfolio, as well as its commitment to providing superior service and enhancing the living standards of its residents, thereby playing a leading role in the development of the Vietnamese real estate sector.

Vinhomes’ significant land holdings provide a solid platform for sustained growth in the years ahead. The Company currently manages a portfolio of 30 urban developments situated in prime locations throughout Vietnam, including notable large-scale projects such as Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 (420ha), Vinhomes Ocean Park 2 (458ha), Vinhomes Ocean Park 3 (294ha), Vinhomes Grand Park (271ha), Vinhomes Royal Island (877ha), and Vinhomes Golden Avenue (116ha).

Vinhomes is a pioneer in developing fully serviced urban environments with top-tier infrastructure, creating some of Vietnam’s most desirable places to live. Adhering to timely handover schedules and offering exclusive resident programs, Vinhomes projects consistently achieve impressive occupancy rates shortly after commencement of operations. Notably, the low-rise developments of Vinhomes Ocean Park 2 and 3 have attracted tens of thousands of residents and fostered a robust business community within just over two years of handover, emerging as prominent destinations on the Northern Vietnam tourism, entertainment, and culinary landscape due to their large scale and innovative programming.

Vinhomes demonstrates its prominent market position through robust sales performance, contributing to enhanced market liquidity and providing positive momentum to the broader real estate sector, even during periods of market headwinds. The Company’s ongoing diversification of its product portfolio, encompassing commercial housing, social housing, and industrial real estate, facilitates flexible adaptation to evolving market conditions.

Consequently, both the brand equity and real estate assets of Vinhomes have demonstrated consistent appreciation. Furthermore, the Company has maintained positive business performance over the years, including navigating the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prior to this Euromoney recognition, Vinhomes was awarded “Real Estate Developer of the Year 2024” at the Dot Property Vietnam Awards 2024 and was also recognized by Brand Finance as one of the top 10 most valuable brands in Vietnam. These successive accolades from prominent international organizations underscore Vinhomes’ leading position and its ongoing commitment to innovation, contributing significantly to the advancement of the Vietnamese real estate market and the broader national economy.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes #BestResidentialRealEstateDeveloper

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

Easy Zero Carbon Living by behavioural change in Clothing, Food, Housing, and Transport – Environment and Conservation Fund Carbon Neutrality Campaign Competitions Awards Presentation Ceremony

Over 13,000 Participants Engaged in Diverse Empowering Educational Activities and Competitions – New Carbon Neutral Living Culture Emerges in Hong Kong


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 December 2024 – The Environment and Conservation Fund Carbon Neutrality Campaign organized by the Hong Kong Women Professionals & Entrepreneurs Association (HKWPEA) held its Awards Presentation Ceremony this afternoon at the HKPC Building, with Mr. Wong Chuen-fai, JP, Commissioner for Climate Change, and Dr. Cheng Kam-chung, SBS, MH, OStJ, JP, Chairman of the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee as officiating guests. Close to 300 participants and guests joined and celebrated with the award winners.

The Environment and Conservation Fund Carbon Neutrality Campaign Competition Award Presentation Ceremony recognise magnificent crowd of carbon reduction winners.
The Environment and Conservation Fund Carbon Neutrality Campaign Competition Award Presentation Ceremony recognise magnificent crowd of carbon reduction winners.

Ms. Julianne Doe, President of the Hong Kong Women Professionals & Entrepreneurs Association (HKWPEA), stated, “The year-long Carbon Neutrality Campaign successfully attracted over 13,000 people registering to participate, which is truly encouraging. This reflects our society’s strong support and active engagement in environmental initiatives, confirming that Hong Kong’s sustainability culture is already in place. The competitions participants collectively reduced a total of 150 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by over 6,500 trees in one year. If expanded to the entire population of Hong Kong, this saving ratio could lead to over 84,000 tonnes of carbon reduction annually.” Ms. Doe urged fellow Hong Kong people to continue to protect the environment and work in concert towards carbon neutrality.

Mr. Wong Chuen-fai, Commissioner for Climate Change said, Hong Kong is striving to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, through measures on net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction. This Carbon Neutrality Campaign supported by the Environment and Conservation Fund serves as a pivotal force in mobilizing community engagement across different sectors, enhancing public awareness and participation, and driving behavioural change towards the carbon neutrality goals of the city.”

Mr. Leung Wing-mo, Ambassador of the Carbon Neutrality Campaign, remarked, “Becoming a ‘Zero Carbon Champion’ as the ambassador of the Campaign enables me to convey the critical message of carbon neutrality to friends across all ages and sectors. I am deeply touched by the efforts of every participant. Let us expand and sustain together the vision of zero carbon living—for ourselves, our future generations, and our only home, the Earth.”

Artist Candice Yu and Candy Lo were invited to present awards on the occasion. Previously, alongside Leung Wing Mo, Campaign ambassador “Zero Carbon Champion”, the former Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, they filmed clips in an online video series to share carbon reduction tips in an easy-to-understand manner. “Gourmet Carbon Reduction” expert Candice Yu stated that choosing local, organic, and seasonal ingredients in daily meals can reduce transportation and carbon emissions, while properly planning food portions helps avoid waste. Candy Lo’s “Eco-Friendly Living” tips, on the other hand, include selecting energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home appliances, minimizing household waste, reducing waste at source, and supporting clean recycling.

The Carbon Neutrality Campaign Competition attracted over 13,000 people who registered to participate and achieved an impressive reduction of 150 tonnes of carbon among qualified contestants. Top-performing teams were honored at the ceremony with practical and meaningful prizes, including carbon credits, local hotel stays, and theme park tickets. In addition, special awards were presented to property management companies and schools to recognise their efforts in driving carbon reduction among tenants, building occupiers and students.

Winners of the grand prize, titled “Carbon Reduction Champion”, not only achieved significant carbon reduction but also provided creative low-carbon living tips across clothing, food, housing, and transport such as:

Clothing: Consider the necessity for new purchases before buying or upcycle materials like fabric from broken umbrellas into reusable handbags.

Food: Bring your own containers for takeout, support local agricultural products, or even grow your own food.

Housing: Create eco-friendly cleaning agents, use bamboo mats, or enhance natural ventilation by opening windows to reduce reliance on air conditioning.

Transport: Walk or cycle more to minimize car usage and promote sustainable travel habits.

Let’s embrace zero carbon in clothing, food, housing, and transport.

Hashtag: #EasyZeroCarbonLiving

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About the Environment and Conservation Fund Carbon Neutral Campaign

The Environment and Conservation Fund Carbon Neutral Campaign is a comprehensive effort aimed at promoting carbon neutrality across various sectors. Our campaign seeks to raise public awareness and encourage community involvement in carbon neutrality, with the ultimate goal of fostering persistent behavioral changes. To achieve this, we provide guidance and resources for individuals and organizations to implement sustainable practices and reduce their carbon emissions. Additionally, we strive to foster a culture of sustainability and inspire collective action towards carbon neutrality. Through this campaign, we hope to build a more sustainable future and contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change.

During the 10-month contest period, eight major seminars, three experiential activities, and multiple lectures for schools and businesses were held, attracting over 4,000 participants. The seminars invited experts from various fields to share knowledge on climate change and carbon neutrality, while the experiential activities allowed participants to learn how easy it is to practice a low-carbon lifestyle. Additionally, the Carbon Neutrality Campaign launched an eight-episode series hosted by Ambassador Leung Wing-mo, featuring many celebrities recording “One Minute Low Carbon Tips”.

For more information about the campaign, please visit: .

About The Hong Kong Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association

The Hong Kong Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association (HKWPEA) was established as a non-profit organisation in September 1996 by a group of local women professionals and entrepreneurs. The association aims to develop and inspire leadership skills in young women; to provide support for women professionals and executives in achieving their full career potential; to promote the well-being and healthy aging of women; and to liaise with the HKSAR government to formulate policies for achieving these goals. For more information, please visit