A landmark celebration of fashion, sports and urban culture

HONG KONG, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) proudly presented “HONG KONG FASYNATES 2025: Fashion x Sports” – a large-scale fashion-sports extravaganza jointly organised by its School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT), Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME), and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) – at the Central Square of Kai Tak Sports Park from 22 to 23 November. The two-day event transformed the City into a stage where fashion and creativity blend with the spirit of sports, showcasing Hong Kong’s dynamic landscape and leadership in two vital industries: fashion and sports.

HONG KONG FASYNATES represents a fusion of fashion, synergy with the suffix “-NATES”, emphasising how fashion creates synergy with other industries. Themed “Fashion x Sports”, the event has fostered collaboration among fashion and sportswear industry leaders, key brands and creative talents, building a dynamic ecosystem across different industries while energising the City with vibrant activities.

On the opening day (22 November), the “Move to Light” digital illumination show—created by world-renowned lighting designer and winner of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2021, Mr Tino KWAN—wowed the audience. The illumination ceremony was officiated by Miss Rosanna LAW, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Miss Drew LAI, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries of the Government of the HKSAR; Ms WANG Xin, former Olympic diving gold medalist and Sports Advisor of RISports; Dr Daniel LEE, Associate Director, Elite Training Science & Technology of the Hong Kong Sport Institute; Prof. Erin CHO, Dean of SFT; Prof. Ming ZHANG, Director of RISports; Tyson Yoshi, Founder of Triplet; Mr Joe WONG, Director of Open Dialogue, as well as sports brand representatives and a group of young local designers. Together, they activated the digital illumination installation, the glowing lights symbolising Hong Kong’s growing prominence in fashion-tech integration and urban lifestyle design.

Following the illumination ceremony, five talented bachelor’s degree alumni from SFT—all finalists in the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest—presented a fashion show that merged sports aesthetics with high-end fashion. They are Wilson Yip (2015 graduate), Catherine Hui (2024 graduate), Einar Lai (2024 graduate), Murfi Lau (2015 graduate) and Yoyo Chan (2022 graduate). Their five collections, themed around car racing, running, fitness and gym, street dance, and road running and hiking respectively, reflected the synergy of movement and design, while also showcasing the versatility required to thrive at the intersection of casual-wear, streetwear and performance gear.

The evening concluded with the “Skate to Style” performance by the All Hong Kong Skateboarders Association (AHKSA), where talented skateboarders, performing in designs curated by Prof. HUANG Tsai-Chun, Assistant Professor of SFT, combined athletic skill and artistry to rousing applause.

On 23 November, the “HONG KONG FASYNATES Bazaar” transformed Central Square into a vibrant playground for fashion and sports enthusiasts. It featured 16 lifestyle and fashion brands across 11 booths hosted by various lifestyle and fashion brand and independent local labels, all contributing to a lively and inspiring marketplace atmosphere. Visitors also enjoyed the “PROFASHION Live Interviews”, featuring brand founders and company directors who discussed how design innovation and sustainability influence latest fashion and lifestyle trends. AHKSA also hosted skateboarding competitions and lessons, while a professional hair and makeup agency, a fashion brand and the online platform FASHIONALLY jointly led interactive Fashion Experience Workshops, offering hands-on opportunities to explore urban sports, creative styling and beauty techniques. The event concluded with dynamic performances by the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club and dancers from ROSEMAESE and YouniverS, whose energetic rhythms and youthful vitality brought the event to a perfect close.

Through an engaging mix of runway showcases, live performances and interactive experiences, HONG KONG FASYNATES embodied the vitality, creativity and collaborative spirit of local fashion and sports industries. It also offered a new stage for designers, athletes and brands to explore how fashion captures movement and urban identity, reflecting Hong Kong’s spirit of innovation and energy, and redefining Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s creative capital.

SAN MATEO, Calif. and NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Checkbook, a leading provider of modern digital payment solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with LL Pay U.S., LLC (d/b/a LianLian Global), a core cross-border payment affiliate of Lianlian DigiTech (Stock Code: 2598.HK), to streamline international payments for platforms, merchants, students, and travel agencies worldwide.

LianLian Global has built a reputation as a trusted payment service provider for Asia merchants selling on global marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay. With virtual accounts available in 12+ markets, LianLian Global facilitates global fund collection and payouts, supporting merchants as they grow their cross-border operations.

By combining LianLian Global’s extensive cross-border payments infrastructure with Checkbook’s innovative payment technology—including PayPal wallet payouts and ACH, the partnership aims to enhance efficiency and flexibility for businesses across multiple industries:

• Pay to Wallets: Support for U.S. digital wallet payouts, including PayPal.
• E-commerce Payments: Enable merchants to receive international payments and settle funds back to China via compliant banking channels.
• Education Payments: Facilitate tuition payments for Chinese students studying abroad through reliable ACH transfers.

“This partnership with LianLian Global represents a major step forward in making cross-border transactions faster, more transparent, and more accessible,” said Aditya Raikar, Chief Revenue Officer at Checkbook. “Together, we are removing friction in payments for merchants, students, and businesses operating globally.”

“LianLian Global is dedicated to advancing payments and expanding into the US with innovative financial services,” said Sandra Lam, Deputy CEO of US at LianLian Global. “By partnering with Checkbook, we are enriching our global payout capabilities and jointly serving the growing demand for efficient cross-border solutions.”

The collaboration is expected to accelerate growth for both companies, particularly in the U.S. market, by addressing the evolving needs of cross-border enterprises with flexible, tech-forward payment options.

BEIJING, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

For more than 600 years, the people of the Tunpu, fortified villages of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), in Anshun city, Guizhou province, have kept alive customs rooted in a military migration that took place centuries ago, when soldiers and their families from Central China were stationed here to guard the area.

“Our ancestors came here from our hometown 600 years ago at the emperor’s order. The way we speak and the clothes we wear all come from that time,” says 75-year-old Chen Heying, a member of the Tunpu community, recalling stories she has known since childhood.

Wearing a plum-flower crown nestled in her chignon and tied with a black headscarf, Chen walks with friends through the village market in a blue robe, trimmed with colored thread and embroidered neckline.

In Anshun, the Ming Dynasty origins of these customs remain vivid.

Living in Jiuxi village, Chen is proud of her distinctive dress, saying, “Sometimes when we pick up our grandchildren from school, people ask what we are wearing. I tell them I am from Tunpu.”

Tunpu, the local pronunciation of Tunbu or Tunbao (literally fortified villages), refers to settlements created when Ming-era soldiers were sent to defend and farm the land in Guizhou, explains Mao Peiqi, a professor at Beijing-based Renmin University of China, speaking at a Tunpu cultural conference in November.

According to historical records, more than 300 such settlements were formed around Anshun, once home to roughly 200,000 Tunpu people. Their enduring traditions combine Han customs with influences from the surrounding ethnic groups and can still be recognized today in fortress-style architecture, clothing, and dialect.

Ancestral ways persist

In Jichang village, one of the largest Tunpu settlements with more than 4,000 residents, villagers carry an image of the village guardian in a procession each year on the 18th day of the first month of the Chinese calendar.

Villages raise colorful flags and erect ceremonial gates. The ritual, recorded in the Qing Dynasty’s (1644-1911) Annals of Anshun, begins with dawn rites at the Wang Gong Temple. Villagers place the image on a decorated sedan chair and parade through the settlement with fireworks, Dixi Opera troupes and floats.

“This is our faith and our shield. It makes the village more united,” says village elder Tian Yingmin, seated in a bamboo chair inside the Wang Gong Temple.

The procession is now listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage and has become a key marker of Tunpu identity.

The veneration of Wang Gong traces back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when Wang Hua, a local ruler in Anhui province, was honored for his loyalty and military service.

“Our ancestors came from Shexian county in Anhui and brought this ritual with them. It has been passed down to this day,” Tian explains.

Xiamen University professor Chen Zhiping says that the ritual’s form differs distinctly from indigenous Guizhou customs and likely originated among migrants from Anhui and neighboring areas.

Today, the responsibility for maintaining and transmitting each component of the festival – floats, Dixi Opera performances and ceremonial roles – is assigned to different groups within the village. “For the most important parts, we choose respected elders aged over 60, while other roles are open to people of all ages,” Tian says.

Visitors discover roots

As interest in Tunpu culture has grown, these ancient customs now draw visitors from across China and abroad. Villagers have developed educational programs, guided tours and cultural experiences that help supplement their income while fostering wider understanding of their heritage.

The Wang Gong procession attracts particularly large numbers. “You need to book in advance, or you won’t be able to get in,” Tian says.

Peking University professor Qian Liqun says turning Tunpu research into tourism, education and literary resources is vital. “Tunpu culture was created by local people, and those people should always be the focus of attention and service,” he says.

One of the most compelling attractions for visitors is Dixi Opera, a ritualized, martial dance-drama in which performers wear carved wooden masks representing historical heroes and generals. The masks range from fierce black-faced warriors with long beards to pale, noble visages with high brows. The opera is also a national-level intangible cultural heritage.

During the Wang Gong festival and other shows, a village troupe earns several hundred yuan per performance. According to the troupe’s deputy head, their performances are especially popular with visitors from Hong Kong, some of whom travel to Anshun every year to experience the event.

The art of mask carving is also finding new audiences. In Zhouguan village, 53-year-old Qin Fazhong inherited his grandfather’s carving knife and now makes the imposing masks.

He has opened a carving museum with an experiential workshop and sells wooden sculptures overseas through social media.

“I opened accounts on Douyin, Kuaishou and other platforms to livestream my carving,” Qin says.

His sessions often attract more than 100,000 viewers, and local media report that his works are shipped across China and overseas, with annual export revenue averaging more than 2 million yuan ($278,600).

Shared past emerges

While military-settlement policies existed widely across Ming-era China, scholars say that the distinctiveness of Tunpu culture stems from its development within Guizhou’s multiethnic environment.

Mao attributes that distinctiveness to Tunpu’s setting amid multiethnic communities. Surrounded by different cultures, Tunpu people developed strong cultural self-awareness and a drive to preserve traditions.

The exchange and friction among diverse groups created Tunpu’s unique character.

Signs of this interaction with local ethnic groups are visible. “Today’s Tunpu costumes are no longer purely in the Ming-era style,” Chen Zhiping says.

Embroidered waistbands, coordinated headwear colors and silver jewelry worn by Tunpu women clearly absorb aesthetic elements from the Miao and Bouyei ethnic groups. In food, the widespread use of sour soup, preserved meat and chili peppers shows the influence of local ethnic cuisines.

At the same time, he adds, Tunpu culture brought educational traditions and advanced farming techniques from the Central Plains.

That long history of exchange gives Tunpu broader significance, Mao says. “We live in a time that values cultural diversity. Each group preserving its own culture makes the world richer,” he says, adding that Tunpu demonstrates how distinctiveness can coexist with openness.

In 2023, Tunpu culture was designated one of Guizhou’s four major cultural projects, with initiatives covering archaeological research, heritage protection and culture-tourism integration. “We are firmly committed to the principle of protection first, rational use, and minimal intervention,” says Xie Nian, deputy head of the provincial publicity department.

Qian echoes this caution. “Tunpu is a living culture, and Tunpu people should be its masters. We should be cautious about commercialization,” he warns. “It must not be reduced to a purely profit-driven performance.”

Prior to today’s global debut, Tencent’s open-sourced Hunyuan 3D Models have earned worldwide acclaim and popularity among developers and creators

HONG KONG, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent today announced the official global launch of its Hunyuan 3D creation engine, bringing next-generation AI-powered 3D modeling tools to worldwide creators. With this release, users can instantly generate high-quality 3D assets from multimodal inputs such as text descriptions, images, or sketches (Refer to Appendix). This cuts production time from days or weeks to just minutes, eliminating the complexity of traditional workflows.

In addition, Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, has made the Hunyuan 3D Model API available to global enterprises. This enables enterprises to seamlessly integrate advanced 3D generation capabilities into their workflows – for use cases such as game development, e-commerce promotion, special effects for filming, advertising, social media content creation, 3D printing, and more.

Users of Tencent Hunyuan 3D Global will receive 20 free generations daily, while enterprise users plugged into the Hunyuan 3D Model API via Tencent Cloud are set to receive 200 free credits which can be used for generating 3D assets.

Hunyuan 3D Large Model leads global industry for text-to-image, video, and 3D generation

Tencent’s Hunyuan 3D, an in-house developed generative AI large model, has become one of the most advanced in the Hunyuan series. Since the release of several open-sourced 3D models in November 2024, it has surpassed 3 million community downloads on Hugging Face, earning recognition as one of the world’s most popular 3D open-source models among developers, creators and the open-sourced community globally.

The Hunyuan 3D series has since evolved through multiple iterations, each improving generation quality and modeling accuracy. Today, models such as Hunyuan 3D 3.0 focuses on high-quality asset production for objects, while specialized Hunyuan3D World models are designed to help construct large scale interactive environments that users can roam in, opening new creative possibilities in in gaming, virtual reality and digital content creation.

More than 150 enterprises in Mainland China have integrated Tencent Hunyuan 3D Model through Tencent Cloud, including globally renowned real-time 3D engine company Unity China, leading consumer-grade 3D printing company Bambu Lab, and China’s largest AI content creation platform Liblib, among others.

About Tencent 

Tencent uses technology to enrich the lives of Internet users.

Our communication and social services, Weixin and QQ, connect users with each other and with digital content and services, both online and offline, making their lives more convenient. Our targeted marketing services helps advertisers reach out to hundreds of millions of consumers in China. Our FinTech and business services support partners’ business growth and assist their digital upgrade.

Tencent invests heavily in talent and technological innovation, actively promoting the development of the Internet industry. Tencent was founded in Shenzhen, China, in 1998. Tencent has been listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 2004.

About Tencent Cloud:

Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

SURABAYA, Indonesia, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Westin Surabaya and Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Pakuwon Indah invites guests to step into a night of color, rhythm, and nostalgia at its highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Gala & Live Show, themed “Pop the 90s.” Taking place on 31 December 2025 at The Westin Grand Ballroom and Convention Center, this celebration stands out as one of the city’s most exciting New Year events in Surabaya, promising an unforgettable night filled with live music, dazzling performances, an indulgent New Year buffet dinner Surabaya, exciting door prizes, and a spectacular Surabaya fireworks show to welcome 2026 in style.

Headlining the evening is Indonesia’s legendary pop music group, Project Pop, bringing their signature energy and humor, and crowd-favorite hits to the glamorous stage of one of the top 5-star hotel event venues in Surabaya. Exciting lineup of performers including Jam or Jet, Pentakustik, Last Minute Dance Crew, and more, ensuring a dynamic night of entertainment that captures the fun and spirit of the 90s era. This makes the event a must-visit for anyone looking for a vibrant Surabaya New Year celebration.

Guests will indulge in a lavish buffet spread, specially curated by the talented culinary team, featuring an array of international favorites and local delights, one of the standout New Year dining experiences in Surabaya. The night will culminate in a grand countdown celebration, complete with balloon drops at the grand ballroom and fireworks show that will light up the Surabaya skyline, creating one of the most memorable Surabaya countdown parties of the year.

“This year, we wanted to bring a joyful, nostalgic celebration that resonates with all generations. It will be colorful, full of fun and I hope that it will be a night to remember for all families who gather with us” said Denny Ristyanto, Multi-property General Manager of The Westin Surabaya and Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Pakuwon Indah. “‘Pop the 90s’ will be a vibrant evening with laughter, music, and togetherness, the perfect way to welcome a new chapter with energy and positivity.”

Exclusive New Year Room Packages

To complete the celebration, both hotels present exclusive New Year Room Packages that include access to the Pop the 90s Gala and Live Show:

The Westin Surabaya – New Year Room Package
Starting from IDR 5,200,000++ per room per night

Inclusive of:

–          One-night stay in a Deluxe Room with breakfast for two
–          Two tickets to the New Year’s Eve Party “Pop the 90s” at The Westin Grand Ballroom
–          Access to the Tribute Concert & Gala Dinner featuring Project Pop, Jam or Jet, Last Minute, and Pentakustik

Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Pakuwon Indah – New Year Room Package
Starting from IDR 4,000,000++ per room per night

Inclusive of:

–          One-night stay with breakfast for two
–          Two tickets to the New Year’s Eve Gala “Pop the 90s” at The Westin Grand Ballroom featuring Project Pop and supporting acts

Stay Date: 31 December 2025
Booking Period: Until 31 December 2025

For more information and room reservation visit www.westinsurabaya.com and fourpointssurabayapakuwonindah.com or call at +62-31-29710000. Follow @westinsurabaya @fourpointssurabayapakuwon on social media for more updates and upcoming promotion.

Other New Year’s Celebrations Across Both Hotels

In addition to the grand gala, guests can also celebrate the season at the hotels’ restaurants and bars with a variety of festive dining experiences:

1.       Magnolia New Year’s Celebration 
          The Symphony of Duo Saxophone, A Night Where Melody Meets Elegance

          31 December 2025 – Buffet Dinner
          from  7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
          Window Side Seating: IDR 1,200,000++ per person
          (inclusive of sparkling wine for the countdown toast)
          Main Dining Seating: IDR 888,000++ per person
          Special Performance: Duo Saxo – Cendo & Friends

          1 January 2026 – Brunch Buffet
          from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM IDR 888,000++ per person

2.       Golden Groove – An Elegant Revival of Timeless Rhythm at Sky Lounge
          31 December 2025
          from 8:00 PM onwards 
          Special Performance: Daniel Pattinama 
          Tunes by: Nu Lite & DJ PHP 

3.       Tahoen Baroean at Djama Doeloe – Makan Bareng Keluarga Sepuasnya

          31 December 2025 – Dinner Buffet
          from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 
          IDR 575,000++ per person Buy 1 Get 1 Free Special
          Performance: Celia Noreen

          1 January 2026 – Lunch Buffet
          from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM IDR 215,000++ per person

4.       Fireworks New Year Party 2026 at Soirée Rooftop Bar
          31 December 2025 
          Special Performance: Water Percussion by Velmore Percussion 
          Tunes by: Pawitra & DJ Gatra

For more information and table reservations please call +62 812 3451 7829 or follow @magnoliaresto @skyloungesurabaya @djamandoeloeresto @soireerooftopbar to keep updated.

Media contact:
Cindy Yuwono
cindy.yuwono@westin.com  

About Westin^® Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts, hospitality’s global leader in wellness for more than a decade, empowers guests to transcend the rigors of travel while on the road through the brand’s pillars of well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, and Move Well. At more than 240 hotels and resorts in over 40 countries and territories, guests can benefit from distinct wellness experiences including the brand’s iconic and award-winning Heavenly^® Bed, signature WestinWORKOUT^® offerings such as its 24/7 Fitness Studios, WestinWORKOUT Routes, and its versatile Gear Lending program, delicious and nutritious menu offerings on their Eat Well menu, and more. For more information, please visit www.westin.com and stay connected on X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Westin is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy^®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Four Points by Sheraton^®

Four Points by Sheraton is a global brand with over 335 hotels in over 45 countries and territories. At Four Points, travel is reinvented where timeless classics are woven with modern details, paired with genuine service in a casual environment—all around the world. Four Points hotels can be found in the heart of urban centers, near the beach, by the airport, or in the suburbs. Each hotel offers a familiar place to kick back and relax with an authentic sense of the local, where guests can watch sports and enjoy the brand’s Best Brews^® program. Four Points is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy^®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To learn more about Four Points, visit us online.

About Marriott Bonvoy^®

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel platform, connects travelers to the people, places, and passions they love through an extraordinary collection of hotels and experiences worldwide. The platform features over 30 hotel brands and 10,000 destinations, including the largest collection of luxury offerings, distinctive boutique properties, premium home rentals, and more, providing renowned hospitality across the globe. With unrivaled access to the best in entertainment, culinary, sports, outdoor adventure, arts, culture, and more, Marriott Bonvoy offers transformative travel experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Marriott Bonvoy membership is free and unlocks unique benefits including the ability to earn points through travel and everyday activities, like purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for free stays, experiences and more. Visit marriottbonvoy.com for more information and download the Marriott Bonvoy app here. Travelers can connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.