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Happy Chinese New Year 2025: Jiangsu’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Takes the Global Spotlight

NANJING, China, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On December 4th, 2024, UNESCO inscribed the “Spring Festival, Social Practices of the Chinese People in Celebration of Traditional New Year” on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. To mark this exciting milestone, @Visit Jiangsu has launched a dazzling array of “Happy Chinese New Year 2025” festive events across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok as part of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism’s global outreach and promotion campaign.

Blending Jiangsu’s rich and diverse intangible cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology, the global cultural feast weaves a magical tapestry of Jiangsu’s Chinese New Year traditions, including the Qinhuai Lantern Fair, Taohuawu Woodblock New Year Paintings and Taibo Temple Fair, all taken to the next level with AR filters, online games, digital exhibitions and more.

Traditional Culture Meets Pioneering Technology: Intangible Cultural Heritage Revived

During the “Happy Chinese New Year 2025” celebrations, @Visit Jiangsu has been pushing the boundaries of international cultural communications through digital technology to share its beloved intangible cultural heritage with a global audience. One of the followers’ favorites is the AR filter inspired by the Taohuawu Woodblock New Year Paintings that launched on January 13th. With over 580,000 views and 47,000 interactions, people from all over the world used the filter to create their own version of Chinese New Year greeting cards, embracing the spirit of the festive season while exploring Jiangsu’s traditional culture and art from a whole new perspective.

Captivating Games Get Fans in the Spirit: Jiangsu’s New Year Traditions Go Global

On Chinese New Year’s Eve, a fun matchup game launched by @Visit Jiangsu connected global culture lovers across multiple social media platforms. Tens of thousands of people dived into the journey of Jiangsu festive cuisines, matching the enchanting pictures of dishes like Eight Treasure Gourd Duck and Plum Blossom Cake with their names. And many fans injected even more creativity into the game by crafting their own personalized Chinese New Year’s Eve menus. The fascinating blend of culture and fun gained over 164,000 views and 22,000 interactions, spreading the warm Chinese New Year culture of family reunions to every corner across the globe.

And on January 29th, the 1st day of the Year of the Snake, the festive vibes among the global audience are brought to the climax with a drawing challenge, where they are encouraged to draw a cartoon snake’s missing body in the most creative way. @Visit Jiangsu received creative drawings of all sorts of styles created with all kinds of drawing tools from their global followers. With over 223,000 views and 36,000 interactions, every piece of artwork became a powerful cultural ambassador of “Charm of Jiangsu“, deepening the global audience’s awareness and understanding of not only the culture of Jiangsu but also Chinese culture in general.

Up-close to the Jiangsu Splendor: Intangible Cultural Heritage and Authentic Chinese New Year Vibes

As one of the highlights during the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Qinhuai Lantern Fair in Nanjing, Jiangsu, has been attracting numerous visitors every year since over 1,700 years ago. This time, Miss Su, the digital cultural ambassador of Jiangsu, takes viewers worldwide on a virtual tour through the stunning lantern displays, and provides vibrant insights into the profound cultural background and techniques behind them. The unique charm of Qinhuai Lanterns reached over 30,000 global viewers, bringing a piece of Jiangsu’s legacy to their hearts.

Meanwhile, the Taibo Temple Fair in Wuxi, Jiangsu, renowned for its historical roots and rich cultural significance, also played a vital role in the 2025 Chinese New Year celebrations. Through an online digital exhibition, a thousand-year-old scroll of the fair’s history, traditions and folk art performances unfolded before an international audience, reaching approximately 41,000 views and 10,000 interactions. “I feel more bonded to Jiangsu culture than ever.” One of the channel’s overseas followers commented, giving us a glimpse into the strengthened cultural exchange between Jiangsu and the world.

As part of the “Happy Chinese New Year 2025” celebrations, @Visit Jiangsu also published 11 posts featuring Chinese New Year holiday travel plans across Jiangsu, as well as 2 posts spotlighting Miss Su’s must-visit recommendations, receiving around 1.37 million views and 178,000 interactions altogether. In addition, innovative short videos created by @Visit Jiangsu also received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Nantong Langshan Mountain Lantern Show captivated audiences with an immersive display of Jiangsu’s distinctive lantern fair culture, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere. With 1.2 million views and 46,000 likes, the fair won the hearts of numerous international viewers. Meanwhile, Origins of the Year of the Snake delved into the cultural significance of the Year of the Snake, receiving 1.1 million views and 110,000 likes by sparking interest and discussions in traditional Chinese culture among overseas audiences.

In this digital age, celebrating traditions together, no matter where we are and who we are, has never been more meaningful. By leveraging cutting-edge technology with a touch of innovation, @Visit Jiangsu is dedicated to bridging cultures between the East and the West in an innovative way, making the world a better place for generations to come.

Stay tuned with @Visit Jiangsu on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to be a part of the global cultural exchange and dive into upcoming events around Jiangsu.

Study Results Abstracts From Kelun-Biotech’s TROP2 ADC Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (sac-TMT) At 2025 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium

CHENGDU, China, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Genitourinary (GU) Cancers Symposium 2025, to be held in San Francisco, USA, from Feb. 13-15, 2025, Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd (”Kelun-Biotech” will present efficacy and safety results from the Phase 1/2 KL264-01/MK-2870-001 study (NCT04152499) of its anti-TROP2 ADC sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT, formerly SKB-264/MK-2870) as monotherapy in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) who progressed on or after prior anti-cancer therapies. These findings will be presented in a poster session on February 14, 2025, local time (Abstract #796).

The abstract for the above study was also published on the official website of the ASCO GU Cancers Symposium 2025 on February 10, 2025, local time.

UC

Eligible participants had histologically/cytologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic UC, had experienced progression of disease on ≥1 prior line of platinum-based therapy and had received prior anti-PD-(L)1 therapy; platinum-ineligible patients were eligible if they received prior anti-PD-(L)1 therapy (prior neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy counted as a line of therapy if patients progressed within 12 months). Patients had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) ≤1 and measurable disease by CT/MRI. Patients received sac-TMT 5 mg/kg every two weeks (Q2W) until progression of disease, unacceptable toxicity or withdrawal of consent.

As of data cutoff on June 30, 2024, 49 treated patients had a minimum follow-up of ≥9 weeks. Eleven patients received sac-TMT as 2L treatment; 38 received sac-TMT as 3L+ treatment. Median age was 62 and 61 years old, respectively; most patients were Asian (82%; 100%). Median (range) follow-up was 9.5 (7.5-16.2) months and 11.7 (7.8-17.4) months, respectively. Among all patients, objective response rate (ORR) was 31%. Efficacy data are shown below:

Outcome

UC 2L

sac-TMT 5 mg/kg

(n=11)

UC 3L+

sac-TMT 5 mg/kg

(n=38)

Confirmed ORRa n (%)

5 (45)

10 (26)

   95% CI

16.7-76.6

13.4-43.1

CR n (%)

1 (9)

0

PR n (%)

4 (36)

10 (26)

SD n (%)

3 (27)

17 (45)

PD n (%)

2 (18)

10 (26)

Not evaluable n (%)

1 (9)

1 (3)

Median DoRb, months (range)

NE (3.5+ to 13.9+)

NE (2.1 to 15.0+)

Median PFSb, months (95% CI)

5.8 (1.7-NE)

5.0 (3.5-7.4)

Median OSb, months (95% CI)

NE (2.0-NE)

11.5 (8.9-NE)

CI=Confidence interval, CR=Complete response, PR=Partial response, SD=Stable disease, PD=Progression of disease, DoR=Duration of response, PFS=Progression-free survival, OS=Overall survival, NE=Not evaluable.

“+” No progressive disease or death as of last disease assessment.

a Includes all patients as-treated.

b Kaplan-Meier method for censored data.

By safety data cutoff (May 21, 2024), grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 59% of patients. The most common Grade 3-4 TRAEs were anemia (39%), neutrophil count decreased (29%), white blood cells count decreased (16%), stomatitis (12%), and platelet count decreased (8%), which were generally reversible with dose modifications and/or supportive care. No Grade 5 TRAEs occurred; TRAEs led to sac-TMT discontinuation in one patient.

About sac-TMT

Sac-TMT, a core product of the Company, is a novel human TROP2 ADC in which the Company has proprietary intellectual property rights, targeting advanced solid tumors such as NSCLC, breast cancer (BC), gastric cancer (GC), gynecological tumors, among others. Sac-TMT is developed with a novel linker to conjugate the payload, a belotecan-derivative topoisomerase I inhibitor with a drug-to-antibody-ratio (DAR) of 7.4. Sac-TMT specifically recognizes TROP2 on the surface of tumor cells by recombinant anti-TROP2 humanized monoclonal antibodies, which is then endocytosed by tumor cells and releases KL610023 intracellularly. KL610023, as a topoisomerase I inhibitor, induces DNA damage to tumor cells, which in turn leads to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, it also releases KL610023 in the tumor microenvironment. Given that KL610023 is membrane permeable, it can enable a bystander effect, or in other words kill adjacent tumor cells.

Previously, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the marketing of sac-TMT in China for 2L+ advanced triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and accepted two supplemental new drug applications (sNDA) seeking the approvals of sac-TMT monotherapy for 2L/3L EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

In May 2022, the Company licensed the exclusive rights to MSD (the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA) to develop, use, manufacture and commercialize sac-TMT in all territories outside of Greater China (which includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan).

About Kelun-Biotech

Kelun-Biotech(6990.HK)is a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical (002422.SZ), which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. The company focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. The Company is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, the Company has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 3 projects have been approved for marketing, 1 project is in the NDA stage, and more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. The company has established one of the world’s leading proprietary ADC platforms, OptiDC™, and has 1 ADC project approved for marketing, 1 ADC project in NDA stage, and multiple ADC or novel ADC projects in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit https://kelun-biotech.com/.

SIBUR Expands Range of Polymer Products for Automotive Industry


MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – SIBUR, the largest Russian manufacturer of synthetic materials, plans to increase the use of polymers in the production of components for the automotive industry.

In February 2025, SIBUR signed an agreement with the auto parts manufacturer DIPO for the joint development of polymer-based body parts, exterior and interior components, structural frames, and lighting components. Earlier, SIBUR developed a polyethylene grade for fuel tanks and two new grades of polycarbonate for automotive headlight diffusers that are used in Lada vehicles.

According to industry experts, up to 160,000 tonnes of polymer materials are used annually in Russian automotive production, with potential for increased demand. The polymers produced by SIBUR are already used in the production of trunk doors and soundproofing materials, and, in the future, they could be used to manufacture seals, brackets, and fasteners.

Polymer materials are approximately 30% lighter than metal, which helps reduce vehicle weight and, in turn, lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Thanks to their deformability, polymer components can absorb impact energy, enhancing safety. Furthermore, unlike metals, polymers are not susceptible to corrosion.

According to SIBUR, the use of Russian synthetic materials in the country’s automotive industry increased by 24% over the past year. The outlook for further growth is strong, driven by the company’s robust scientific and production capabilities for polymer development and manufacturing.

Hashtag: #SIBUR

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

About SIBUR

SIBUR is one of the fastest-growing companies in the global petrochemical industry and the largest producer of polymers and rubbers in Russia. The Company’s unique vertically integrated business model enables it to produce highly competitive products used across various economic sectors worldwide, including construction, food production, medicine and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, automotive manufacturing, and more.

Two-Thirds of Employees in The Philippines are Considering Changing Employers in 2025, Aon Study Finds


MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released results from its 2025 Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study. The global study of more than 9,000 employees across 23 geographies, including the U.S., China, India and Japan, found that a majority of workers in the Philippines are looking at their next move and seek better employee benefits to respond to rising costs and mental wellbeing issues.

Aon’s study reveals that 64 percent of employees in the Philippines are either in the process of moving employers or might seek new employment in the next 12 months. Tight competition for talent highlights the need for employers to place a strong focus on total rewards to meet the evolving expectations of their workforce.

Josef Ayson – growth lead for Talent Solutions for the Philippines at Aon said, “Competition for skilled talent is increasing across the Philippines. This affects not just Manila where the right talent is more readily available but also in cities like Cebu, Davao, and other islands within the archipelago. In such an environment, managing and retaining employees is important for firms to remain competitive. Compensation strategies based on the latest data and analytics from their own organisations as well as the market, can help companies make more informed decisions on attracting and retaining employees in this evolving workforce landscape.”

The survey further revealed that medical coverage, paid time off and work-life balance programs have increased in value for the Philippines’ workforce. Eighty-three percent of those surveyed said that they would be willing to sacrifice existing benefits for a better choice of benefits, illustrating the need for flexibility and personalisation.

The top five valued benefits for the Philippines workforce are:

  • Medical coverage
  • Paid time off
  • Work-life balance programs
  • Career development
  • Retirement savings

“Amid continued economic volatility and the rising cost of living, there is a growing expectation for employers to provide medical coverage and support for mental and financial wellbeing, said Cris Rosenthal, strategic advisory lead for Health Solutions for the Philippines at Aon. “Employers must rethink their approach to employee benefits balancing wages with flexible benefits to attract and retain the talent they need.”

The impact of the rising cost of living has also led worker to prioritize financial wellbeing. Sixty-five percent of employees said that employers should help employees save for retirement/long-term needs and 58 percent believe employers must provide financial education. This highlights the importance for organisations to make informed decisions using insights and robust market data to create a holistic employee value proposition aligned with employee needs and expectations.

Read Aon’s Employee Sentiment Study here.Hashtag: #Aon

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

About Aon

(NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on , , and . Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s and sign up for news alerts .

Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

Southern Star Research Applauded by Frost & Sullivan for Delivering Comprehensive Clinical Trial Solutions and Its Competitive Strategies

Southern Star sets itself apart in the CRO market through a unique combination of trust, operational advantages, deep industry expertise, and a strong commitment to local resources.

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan recently analyzed the biotechnology contract research organization (CRO) industry and, based on its findings, recognizes Southern Star Research with the 2024 Asia-Pacific Competitive Strategy Leadership Award. The company is a full-service CRO specializing in guiding sponsors through the intricate process of bringing new medical products to market. Southern Star is a vital intermediary between small biotech companies in North America and Europe and clinical trial sites in Australia. Starting with a team of three, the company successfully conducted its first clinical trial in the cardiovascular sector and has expanded into an international team of specialists managing studies across the globe. Southern Star offers comprehensive support for early-phase clinical trials, leveraging its extensive expertise and strong industry relationships for safe and efficient trial initiation. It also offers comprehensive clinical operations, expert biometrics, safety and medical monitoring, medical writing services, and later-phase clinical trials across the APAC region.

The company is a full-service CRO specializing in guiding sponsors through the intricate process of bringing new medical products to market.
The company is a full-service CRO specializing in guiding sponsors through the intricate process of bringing new medical products to market.

Southern Star positions itself as a service provider and a trusted ally, focusing on personalized support rather than transactional relationships. This approach distinguishes it from larger CROs and pharma companies, which prioritize volume over individual client needs. The company leverages a combination of cost-effectiveness, high-quality outcomes, and reduced regulatory bureaucracy in Australia to deliver swift and effective solutions that allow biotech firms to bring their products to market more efficiently. Southern Star employs strategic partnerships and a focused approach for effective clinical trial management, particularly in later phases. Recognizing that biotech firms and small pharma companies often prefer a one-stop shop for their Phase 3 trials, the company collaborates with various laboratories. These strategic alliances enable Southern Star to act as a comprehensive outsourced solution for clients—a capability that enhances its attractiveness to biotechs seeking a streamlined study process as it gives them access to necessary lab services through a trusted partner.

Ojaswi Rana, best practices research analyst at Frost & Sullivan, observed, “Southern Star’s commitment to customer value chain compression expertly reduces trial complexity and accelerates time-to-market for new medical products. By offering seamless, integrated solutions across all phases of clinical trials, the company improves efficiency and ensures that sponsors meet regulatory demands while optimizing resources. This strategic approach shortens development timelines significantly, providing sponsors with a clear competitive advantage in bringing innovative therapies to market swiftly and cost-effectively.”

Southern Star’s dedication to employing only local staff sets it apart from many competitors, a strategy critical for maximizing the Australian government’s research and development (R&D) tax incentives. The company employs highly specialized statisticians and maintains close relationships with them, giving it an edge over competitors who often struggle to find and retain such talent. Ensuring that all necessary skills are sourced locally enables Southern Star to provide high-quality services while remaining compliant with government regulations regarding tax incentives. By setting itself apart in a competitive landscape, Southern Star achieves exceptional client satisfaction and positions itself as a vital ally in navigating the complexities of clinical trials and ultimately driving successful outcomes. It employs a proactive, relationship-driven approach that emphasizes trust and personal connection. Its pivotal differentiation element is the profound trust established between the company and its clients.

“Southern Star minimizes bureaucratic hurdles, reduces the number of steps in the customer journey, and accelerates the timeline from trial initiation to results reporting. Furthermore, it strategically aligns its operations with transformative megatrends, such as the expedited regulatory changes prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This alignment positions the company to capitalize on new opportunities and improve operational efficiency, solidifying its status as a critical player in the dynamic biotech industry,” added Ojaswi. With its strong overall performance, Southern Star earns Frost & Sullivan’s 2024 Asia-Pacific Competitive Strategy Leadership Award in the biotech CRO industry.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has leveraged competitive intelligence to successfully execute a strategy that results in stronger market share, competitive brand positioning, and customer satisfaction.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, megatrends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Tarini Singh
E: tarini.singh@frost.com

About Southern Star Research

Southern Star Research is a full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) dedicated to navigating the complexities of bringing new medical products to market. With a legacy of excellence that began 14 years ago in Sydney, we have grown from a small, passionate team into a global network of experts committed to delivering high-quality services in medical writing, clinical monitoring, project management, biostatistics, data management, safety and medical monitoring, and quality assurance.

Southern Star Research has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to the field, winning prestigious awards such as the Frost and Sullivan 2024 Asia-Pacific Competitive Strategy Leadership Award and being named as Great Place to Work in Australia in 2024. Our international team continues to deliver innovative clinical trial solutions across diverse therapeutic areas, ensuring the success of every study we manage.

Mafengwo AI Intelligent Application Integrates with DeepSeek Model, Leading the Intelligent Transformation of the Tourism Industry

BEIJING, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As DeepSeek’s cutting-edge technology rapidly expands across industries, Mafengwo announced the integration of its self-developed AI application with the DeepSeek large language model. In the initial phase, the upgrade will prioritize the already launched provincial-level smart tourism ecosystem —”AI Travel Guizhou,” “AI Travel Qianxinan,” and “AI Travel Xijiang”— further enhancing the intelligence and quality of travel services in Guizhou Province.

As China’s first provincial-level, comprehensive smart tourism platform, “AI Travel Guizhou” has garnered significant attention since its launch for its robust functionality. During the Spring Festival holiday, it provided personalized services to a large number of travelers visiting Guizhou. Now, within just one month of its launch, the platform has achieved another milestone by integrating the DeepSeek model. The upgraded “AI Travel Guizhou” not only frees users from time-consuming tasks like itinerary planning, hotel selection, and transportation coordination but also delivers hyper-personalized and thoughtful recommendations tailored to individual preferences.

The DeepSeek model aligns seamlessly with the Chain-of-Thought (CoT) reasoning framework adopted by “AI Travel Guizhou.” As the first tourism application leveraging CoT technology, “AI Travel Guizhou” simulates human-like logical reasoning when crafting itineraries — starting with “user demand analysis,” followed by “scenic spot relevance evaluation,” and finally achieving a dynamic balance of “time, transportation, and energy consumption.” This approach significantly improves itinerary rationality and user satisfaction.

For example, when planning a “5-day family trip to Guizhou,” “AI Travel Guizhou” first identifies safety and entertainment needs for families, then filters age-appropriate attractions like Huangguoshu Waterfall and Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village. Next, it calculates travel times between locations and generates a well-paced schedule. Additionally, it offers tailored tips based on local conditions, such as winter clothing advice and dietary recommendations.


Mafengwo’s decade-long accumulation of massive real-world travel data serves as a critical foundation for this technological advancement. User-generated content — including travelogues, guides, notes, and POI (point-of-interest) information — creates a feedback loop with DeepSeek’s reasoning model. Each itinerary generated by “AI Travel Guizhou” refines the algorithm through user interactions. Furthermore, DeepSeek’s ongoing integration enables cross-scenario migration learning, allowing rapid deployment of Mafengwo’s AI solutions to new destinations.

The upgrade also holds strategic significance for tourism management authorities. By leveraging DeepSeek and CoT reasoning, “AI Travel Guizhou” can generate precise tourist profiles, analyze behavioral patterns, and predict demand shifts. This data-driven approach supports policymaking, resource allocation, and market forecasting, ultimately enhancing both visitor experiences and operational efficiency. For instance, by analyzing itinerary data, authorities can forecast crowd volumes at popular attractions and implement timely crowd control measures. They may also develop targeted tourism products based on visitor preferences, fostering diversified growth in Guizhou’s tourism sector.

“Travel is a high-stakes investment of time and emotion. Even minor errors in planning can lead to significant inconveniences or disappointments,” stated Sun Yunlei, Director of the Mafengwo Destination Research Institute. “DeepSeek’s integration not only ensures more accurate and personalized solutions for travelers but also marks a pivotal shift from traditional algorithmic recommendations to explainable, traceable AI decision-making in the tourism industry.”

Love is in the Air: Agoda Unveils Most Romantic Valentine’s Day Destinations in Asia

SINGAPORE, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Love is in full bloom as digital travel platform Agoda reveals the top 5 most romantic domestic destinations in Asia for couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) leads the pack, followed by Tokyo (Japan), Manila (Philippines), Bangkok (Thailand) and Pattaya (Thailand). These enchanting locales offer a delightful mix of city charm and beach bliss, catering to every couple’s dream romantic retreat.

Valentine’s Day conveniently falls on a Friday this year, making it the perfect excuse for a weekend of love and leisure. With Agoda data showing a 35% increase in accommodation searches for domestic destinations this Valentine’s Day, it seems Cupid has been busy inspiring lovebirds to explore staycations and local getaways.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur enchants couples with its captivating blend of modernity and tradition. The city’s skyline, dotted with iconic landmarks, offers a stunning backdrop for romantic evenings, while its diverse culinary scene invites couples to indulge in a world of flavors.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo charms with its unique fusion of the old and new. Couples can stroll through serene gardens, explore historic temples, and then dive into the vibrant nightlife, making it a city that offers endless romantic possibilities.

Manila, Philippines

Manila, with its warm and welcoming atmosphere, provides couples with a cozy escape. The city’s rich history and cultural sites, combined with its picturesque sunsets, create an ideal setting for love to blossom.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok’s lively energy and serene temples offer the ideal mix of excitement and tranquility. Couples can explore bustling markets, enjoy a romantic dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or find peace in the city’s beautiful temples.

Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya’s stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife make it a top choice for couples seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether lounging by the sea or dancing the night away, Pattaya offers a romantic escape for every couple.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, “At Agoda, we are dedicated to helping couples find the perfect spot to celebrate their love. Whether it’s a city staycation or a beach getaway, Agoda has the best deals to set the stage for a magical weekend of romance.”

With over 5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers endless possibilities for couples to enjoy a romantic getaway. For the best deals, check out Agoda’s mobile app and start planning your romantic escape today. Visit Agoda.com for more information.

A New Japanese Cultural Experience by Isetan Shinjuku

Experience Japanese Culture with All Five Senses at the “JAPAN SENSES” Campaign – A Limited-Time Event

Showcasing works that embody a uniquely Japanese sensibility, we aim to highlight the charm of both traditional and contemporary culture.

TOKYO, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Founded in 1886, Isetan offers a special experience to all visitors through a diverse products,  including fashion, foods, arts and offers a wide selection of traditional coming Japanese brands.

JAPAN SENSES
JAPAN SENSES

Isetan Shinjuku Store will hold the “JAPAN SENSES” campaign from February 19 (Wed.) to 25 (Tue.), 2025.

JAPAN SENSES” is a campaign designed to showcase Japanese culture with the world,  highlighting the essence of Japanese sensibility and craftsmanship, while offering visitors the opportunity to experience both traditional techniques and modern pop culture.

Each floor of Isetan Shinjuku will feature unique attractions, including a special 30th-anniversary pop-up store by fashion designer Keita Maruyama, the 30th-anniversary event by Fukagawa Porcelain, exclusive bento boxes and curries celebrating the essence of Japanese dashi (broth), a collaboration with the JRPG “Persona” series, and an exhibition of works by popular plush toy artists.

JAPAN SENSES” Campaign

Dates: February 19 (Wed) – 25 (Tue), 2025

Venue: Isetan Shinjuku Main Building and Men’s Building

URL:

https://cp.mistore.jp/global/en/shinjuku/special/japansenses.html

KEITA MARUYAMA 30th Anniversary SPECIAL POP UP FINALLY in Isetan Shinjuku

KEITA MARUYAMA 30th Anniversary SPECIAL POP UP FINALLY in Isetan Shinjuku
KEITA MARUYAMA 30th Anniversary SPECIAL POP UP FINALLY in Isetan Shinjuku

The Isetan Shinjuku store will host the finale of KEITA MARUYAMA’s 30th-anniversary pop-up, celebrating one of Japan’s leading fashion designers. The pop-up will showcase a variety of exclusive items, including collaboration sneakers with “Maison Mihara Yasuhiro“, eco-bags by Ball & Chain, and unique interior goods.

Main Bldg. 1F Promotion
sneakers will be available for pre-order and will be delivered in May.

Ukiyoe and Contemporary Culture Fusion, Taichi Solo Exhibition “Boku no Kotoba” (My Words)

Taichi: Manga Culture, 55,000 yen (15 x 9.5 cm)
Taichi: Manga Culture, 55,000 yen (15 x 9.5 cm)

Born in 2005, Taichi is a 19-year-old artist who has been passionate about drawing since childhood. He gained recognition for his ability to depict mystical worlds, coming into the spotlight after appearing on a TV program during his junior high school years. Now a university student, he continues to be active in the art scene.

This solo exhibition showcases works that pay homage to Ukiyo-e, blending its traditional elements with contemporary cultural influences from manga and anime to create a unique artistic expression.
Art Gallery, 6F, Main Bldg.
One original artwork per person is limited to purchase.

Fukagawa Porcelain: Craftsmanship in Every Detail, 130th Anniversary “Crafts Created by Time Immemorial

Large bowl, camellia design in ancient celadon glaze, 880,000 yen (diameter 28cm)
Large bowl, camellia design in ancient celadon glaze, 880,000 yen (diameter 28cm)

To commemorate its 130th anniversary, Fukagawa Porcelain will host a special event at Isetan Shinjuku. The “Ancient Celadon Glazed Bowl with Camellia Design”, which was created by Shoka Baba, a traditional craftsman, using a celadon glaze with a deep olive green color developed independently and dyed by him, and other collectible works will be on display. Additionally, new works from the Tani Kiln, a historic climbing kiln that operates only once a year, will be unveiled. This is an event where visitors can experience the skills and spirit of the craftsmen who have passed down the art of pottery making since its founding.
Main Bldg. 5F Kitchen Dining/Artist Piece

Discover the essence of Japanese cuisine with dashi (broth) and umami, the foundational flavors of Japanese culinary tradition, at Isetan Shinjuku!
The “Traditional Japanese Foods for the Future – JAPAN SENSES” will be held to introduce traditional Japanese food culture, techniques, and ingredients such as “dashi” and “umami”. Kyoto-based Kurama Tsujii, renowned for preserving the traditional Kyoto tsukudani craft, will present an exclusive bento box available only at Isetan Shinjuku.
Food Collection, B1F, Main Bldg.

Isetan Shinjuku
Isetan Shinjuku

Isetan Shinjuku
Isetan Shinjuku Store, the top-selling department store in Japan, welcomes domestic and international customers with its high level of hospitality and highly sensitive product lineup, and attracts approximately 25 million visitors a year.

Business hours: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

“Eat Paradise” restaurant on the 7th floor of the main building
Business hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
HP https://cp.mistore.jp/global/en/shinjuku.html