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Dusit Thani Kyoto named Four-Star Hotel in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 Star Awards

Luxury hotel earns another prestigious accolade for its exceptional service and world-class facilities


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – Dusit Thani Kyoto, a luxury urban oasis operated by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has built on its recent One Michelin Key recognition by earning a 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award—further cementing its reputation as one of Kyoto’s most exceptional hotels.

The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating is awarded to properties that demonstrate exceptional service and outstanding facilities.
The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating is awarded to properties that demonstrate exceptional service and outstanding facilities.

Founded in the United States in 1958, Forbes Travel Guide (formerly known as Mobil Travel Guide) is a globally respected authority in luxury hospitality, renowned for pioneering the five-star rating system in 1960. Its anonymous inspectors evaluate hotels based on more than 900 objective standards, ensuring a trusted benchmark of excellence in the travel industry.

The Four-Star rating is awarded to properties that demonstrate exceptional service and outstanding facilities. Dusit Thani Kyoto earned this distinction through rigorous, undercover assessments by Forbes Travel Guide’s inspectors, who experienced the hotel just as a typical guest would—paying their own way to ensure impartiality.

Opened in September 2023, Dusit Thani Kyoto is set in the peaceful Hongwanji Monzen-machi district, just 850 metres from the city’s bustling Kyoto Station. Operating under Dusit’s luxury Dusit Thani brand, the hotel seamlessly blends Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with Japan’s deep-rooted culture of omotenashi (wholeheartedly looking after guests) and features 147 meticulously designed guest rooms that balance timeless elegance with contemporary comfort.

The hotel also serves as a hub of gourmet dining experiences. Guests can embark on an interactive omakase journey at Kōyō, which showcases Kyoto’s 24 micro-seasons through the finest ingredients. Den Kyoto elevates mixology with handcrafted cocktails infused with Thai herbs, while Ayatana, the hotel’s signature Thai fine-dining restaurant, delivers an exquisite celebration of Thai flavours and culinary artistry. Committed to sustainability, Ayatana sources premium seasonal ingredients from the Kansai region, including fresh herbs and vegetables from Ohara Farm and organic tea leaves from its own tea farm in Wazuka.

Alongside versatile event spaces that accommodate up to 240 guests, the hotel also boasts a signature Devarana Wellness centre, where expert therapists blend ancient Thai massage therapies with traditional Japanese healing rituals, ensuring a truly restorative experience.

“Receiving Forbes Travel Guide’s distinguished Four-Star Award just over a year after our opening is a remarkable achievement and a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, heartfelt service, and creating truly memorable experiences for our guests,” said Makoto Yamashita, Cluster General Manager, Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo. “Inspired by this accolade and our One Michelin Key status, we remain committed to raising the bar, delivering exceptional service, and ensuring our hotel continues to be a place of warmth, elegance, and meaningful connections for all who visit.”

For more information about the hotel, please visit Dusit Thani Kyoto.

Hashtag: #dusitinternational #dusitthanikyoto

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

About Dusit Thani Kyoto

Opened on 1 September 2023, Dusit Thani Kyoto is located in a historic area near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nishi Hongwan-ji Temple. The hotel offers a unique fusion of Japan’s exquisite traditions and the gracious hospitality of Dusit’s Thai origins. Guests can enjoy beautifully designed, comfortable rooms alongside a rich variety of culinary experiences, including three distinctive restaurants, a tea salon, and a hidden bar. The Devarana Wellness centre provides rejuvenation for the mind and body, while exclusive experience programmes immerse guests in the true essence of Kyoto.

Our commitment to delivering “Everything You Deserve” ensures that guests not only enjoy the charm of Kyoto as a travel destination but also find a tranquil oasis for their hearts and senses. Notably, in July 2024, Dusit Thani Kyoto became the first Thai-origin hotel brand in Japan to receive a prestigious “Michelin Key” for its ‘outstanding’ facilities and service.

For more information about the hotel, please visit .

About Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process.

For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit .

Explosion in Oudomxay Auto Parts Shop Kills Four, Injures Six

Explosion in Oudomxay Auto Parts Shop Kills Four, Injures Six
High angle shot of the auto parts shop after the explosion (photo credit: Lao National Radio)

On 14 February, an explosion erupted at an auto parts shop in Nasao village, Xay district, Oudomxay province, around 10:20 am, killing four people and injuring six others.

Vitafoods India 2025: Angel Yeast Brings Innovative Yeast Protein to Dining Table

MUMBAI, India, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Angel Yeast (SH600298), a global leader in yeast manufacturing, has recently showcased its revolutionary yeast protein solutions and products at the 2025 Vitafoods India which was held from February 5 to 7 in Mumbai. Under the theme of “Discover the Values of Yeast for Human Health,” Angel Yeast showcased its flagship product AngeoPro, which offers a new and inclusive protein choice to global consumers.

At the tradeshow, Angel Yeast’s exhibition captivated audiences and industry partners with a series of interactive activities and immersive experience. AngeoPro, the premium yeast protein known for high digestibility, comprehensive amino acid profile and sustainability credentials, drew significant attention from nutrition brands, health professionals, distributors as well as visitors seeking innovative health solutions. A sampling zone offered firsthand experience for attendees to taste AngeoPro-infused beverages and explore its neutral flavor and versatile applications in functional foods and sports nutrition.

Vitafoods India 2025: Angel Yeast Brings Innovative Yeast Protein to Dining Table
Vitafoods India 2025: Angel Yeast Brings Innovative Yeast Protein to Dining Table

Angel Yeast is committed to the strategy of bringing yeast protein to the family dining tables. It continues to expand market share in Asia Pacific and collaborates with leading food manufacturers. To date, the yeast protein products are exported to over 40 countries and regions that are widely used in the production of protein powder, protein bar, dietary supplements, sports beverage, and vegan foods.

Angel Yeast’s yeast protein contains 80 percent protein content that’s equal to plant-based protein. It’s an economical and environmental-friendly new protein material that can serve as an alternate to whey protein. We aim to further improve the protein content to 85 percent and push to popularize it into everyday life,” said Li Ku, Senior Engineer and Deputy General Manager of Protein Nutrition and Seasoning Technology Center.

Angel Yeast is committed to make premium yeast protein affordable to more people, and it already boasts a price advantage comparing to whey protein. Large-scale production will boost yeast protein’s competitiveness comparing to other high-quality vegetarian proteins. Angel Yeast’s industrial yeast protein production project at Baiyang Yichang will boost an annual output of 11,000 tons, which is expected to go into production in 2025.

“From the lab to dining table, Angel Yeast is breaking the protein material market pattern to innovative, upgrade and popularize nutrition for all.  We will continue to advance R&D, manufacturing techniques and boost yeast protein production efficiency to bring more affordable products to consumers, and build a sustainable future,” said Li Ku.

/DISREGARD RELEASE: Copeland/

We are advised by Copeland that journalists and other readers should disregard the news release, “Copeland Expands Variable Speed Integrated Solution Portfolio Addressing Global Efficiency and Sustainability Challenges”, issued on 17-Feb-2025 by Copeland over PR Newswire, as the release will be released with updated information. (Copeland said a revised release will be issued after today. )

South Korean Actress Kim Sae-ron found dead at home

Photo credit: South Korean actor Kim Sae-ron was found dead in her house in Seoul on February 16, 2025, police said. (Photo by YONHAP / AFP)
Photo credit: South Korean actor Kim Sae-ron was found dead in her house in Seoul on February 16, 2025, police said. (Photo by YONHAP / AFP)

AFP— South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron was found dead in her house in Seoul on Sunday, police said.

“She was found dead, and there is no sign of foul play,” a police official told AFP, without giving more details. She was 24 years old.

Kim was found at her home Sunday evening by a friend who reported the discovery to police, the Yonhap news agency said.

Kim is best known for her role in the 2010 movie “The Man from Nowhere,” in which she played a kidnapped child rescued by a former special forces agent.

She won the best new actress award at the Korean Film Awards for her performance. In her career, Kim displayed versatility in a range of acting roles and won several other film awards.

But her career came to a sudden halt following a drunk-driving accident in 2022, for which she was fined KRW 20 million (USD 13,800).
With negative public sentiment following the incident, she later struggled to land a new role.

ZICC: The Thriving Countryside

BEIJING, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — David W. Ferguson, honorary chief English editor at Foreign Languages Press, used the word “astonished” to described his first impression of Moganshan town, Deqing county, in his book China’s Development in the New Era – the Zhejiang Experience.

 

The superior geographical location and the good ecological environment have established Moganshan as the premier leisure destination for many expatriates residing in China. Ferguson was also attracted by this rural area of Zhejiang, which lured him to take part in a mountain race all the way from Beijing.

“What Moganshan put me in mind of as I travelled through its streets was an Alpine village in the summer,” he wrote in the book. Marco Militzer, regional general manager of naked Retreats, shares the same feeling. Militzer expressed his life goal as to be in places he like to be. For the past 11 years, he as being staying in Moganshan. The area is also attracting young people to start new businesses.

Why is this place so attractive? Dive into Ferguson’s storytelling.

Revolutionizing SQL Optimization: SQLFlash Launches Globally This Week

HONG KONG, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This Monday marks the global launch of SQLFlash, an AI-powered SQL optimization tool designed to help developers and database administrators tackle one of their biggest challenges: slow queries. By leveraging smart analysis and optimization, our product rewrites inefficient SQL statements, provides actionable index recommendations, and visualizes execution plans in an intuitive tree format—all automatically.

Key Features of SQLFlash:

  • AI-Driven Query Optimization: Rewrites slow SQL queries for improved performance.
  • Actionable Index Recommendations: Offers targeted suggestions to speed up your database.
  • Execution Plan Visualization: Displays execution plans in an intuitive tree format for easy understanding.
  • Multi-Database Support: Compatible with MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and ORM-generated queries from frameworks like MyBatis and Hibernate.
  • Non-Invasive Design: Ensures sensitive data never leaves your system.

Built for Developers and Database Administrators

Unlike traditional tools, SQLFlash is praised for its ease of use and educational value. “It’s like having a personal SQL tutor,” says one early adopter. With performance improvements averaging over 50%, SQLFlash is already being called a game-changer in database management.

Launch Offer

To celebrate its launch, SQLFlash is offering the first 100 registrants free access to its enterprise-grade features. Whether you’re optimizing simple queries or tackling complex SQL challenges, SQLFlash promises to save time, reduce costs, and enhance your skills.

Get Started Today

Experience the future of SQL optimization. Visit SQLFlash to claim your free access and revolutionize your database management workflow.

Visit SQLFlash now! 
The first 100 registrants can get one month of free membership:
https://sqlflash.chatdba.com/?utm_source=partner_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=productannouncement&utm_content=visit_link

CONTACT: service.sqlflash@chatdba.com

Aspire launches Visa Corporate Card for Hong Kong Small Businesses

Aspire collaborates with Visa to streamline business finance for 360,000 small businesses in Hong Kong.


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – Aspire, a leading fintech headquartered in Singapore, has announced the launch of its Visa corporate card tailored specifically for small and medium-sized businesses in Hong Kong. By providing access to powerful, user-friendly financial tools, Aspire and Visa are setting the stage for a new era of growth and efficiency in Hong Kong’s business landscape.

Aspire Launches Visa Corporate Card for Hong Kong Small Businesses
Aspire Launches Visa Corporate Card for Hong Kong Small Businesses

Hong Kong’s SMBs, the backbone of its economy, often struggle with limited access to financial tools like corporate cards. Many Hong Kong business owners rely on personal accounts due to low limits, high fees, and poor expense visibility. Aspire’s new Visa card solves this by providing a user-friendly, cost-effective solution.

As growth remains the top priority for SMBs, nearly 79% are focused on expanding through cross-border transactions. Aspire’s Visa card empowers Hong Kong SMBs to thrive in the modern global economy by offering access to multi-currency and seamless cross-border payments. By combining Aspire’s innovative technology with Visa’s global network, businesses can manage their funds with one account, ensuring reliable, secure, and fast transactions that are widely accepted worldwide.

“Our partnership with Visa represents a significant leap forward in our mission to empower entrepreneurs and SMBs across the world,” said Andrea Baronchelli, Co-founder and CEO of Aspire. “This collaboration with Visa will enable businesses to grow, move money effortlessly across borders, and expand with confidence.”

“By bringing Visa’s global network together with Aspire’s all-in-one financial platform, the Aspire Visa corporate card offers a comprehensive financial solution for SMBs to thrive in today’s dynamic and interconnected business environment,” said Paulina Leong, General Manager of Visa Hong Kong and Macau. “This collaboration reinforces our commitment to equipping SMBs with world-class payment methods that will help drive Hong Kong’s digital economy forward.”

To celebrate the launch, all new clients who sign up at https://aspireapp.com/hk/lp/cashback-promo before February 28th will get 8% cash-back on the first HKD18,888 spend.

To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!
Terms and conditions apply: https://hs.aspireapp.com/hk-jan-2025-card-cashback.
Hashtag: #Aspire


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

Aspire

is the all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses globally, helping over 50,000 companies save time and money with international payments, treasury, expense, payable, and receivable management solutions – accessible via a single, user-friendly account.

Headquartered in Singapore, Aspire has 600+ employees across nine countries, clients in 30+ markets and is backed by global top tier VCs, including Sequoia, Lightspeed, Y-Combinator, Tencent and Paypal. In 2023, Aspire closed an oversubscribed US$100M Series C round and announced that it has achieved profitability.