Home Blog Page 1710

Xinhua Silk Road: 2025 Panda Carnival Gala in SW. China’s Chengdu highlights conservation gains and cultural ties

BEIJING, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Panda Carnival Gala, an inaugural segment of the Global Panda Partners Conference 2025, opened on the evening of November 21 in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, to showcase advances in giant panda conservation, promote panda-centered cultural tourism and strengthen international cultural exchange.

Caretakers from the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda described daily monitoring practices for mother-and-daughter pandas “Rui Rui” and “En En”, including behavioral observation, precise nutrition plans and scheduled feedings.

China’s panda conservation progress featured prominently. The threat level for giant pandas has been downgraded from “endangered” to “vulnerable”, with their habitats undergoing extensive and systematic optimization. The captive population of the giant pandas now totals 808 individuals.

Corporate and financial partners also highlighted long-term support during the event. Mengniu Ruibuen’s public-welfare project to protect Rui Rui and En En, launched in 2020, was cited as an example of brand-driven conservation and the company unveiled a refreshed national-treasure IP image.

In addition, cultural programming bridged tradition and modernity, with a show combining Sichuan opera face-changing with street dance, food promotions by local creators, an AIGC short film featuring panda mascots, and a slate of musical and choral performances culminated in a mass rendition of “We Are Pandas”.

The event was hosted by the Xinhua News Agency Brand Office and China Economic Information Service.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348460.html

POP MART Debuts “POP LAND EXCLUSIVE FESTIVE EVENT IN THAILAND”

Siam Paragon sets the stage for Bangkok’s new global POP destination


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 November 2025 – POP MART THAILAND, under the management of POP MART INTERNATIONAL, one of the world’s leading art toy creators and distributors, is bringing a new phenomenon to the city with the “POP LAND EXCLUSIVE FESTIVE EVENT IN THAILAND.” Led by Ms. Siriporn Phlaengchanthuek, Country General Manager of POP MART (Thailand), in collaboration with Mr. Apichai Chatchalermkit, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Mrs. Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Managing Director of Siam Paragon Business Unit the event invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world of imagination and cuteness like never before. The event was honored by the presence of Bie–Thassapak Xu, Gubgib–Sumonthip Xu, Paopao–Paulina Xu, Paopae–Lalina Xu, Pipe–Monthapoom Sumanawarangur, and New–Chayapak Tanprayoon, who brought lively energy and excitement to the POP community.

POP LAND CASTLE – The centerpiece of the event featuring giant art toy figures of POP MART’s most iconic characters such as MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, and HIRONO, surrounding the highlight installation — the 5-meter-tall MOKOKO Big Figure, surrounded by a playful maze.
POP LAND CASTLE – The centerpiece of the event featuring giant art toy figures of POP MART’s most iconic characters such as MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, and HIRONO, surrounding the highlight installation — the 5-meter-tall MOKOKO Big Figure, surrounded by a playful maze.

Set across over 1,000 square meters covering both Siam Paragon and Siam Center, the event transforms the city center into a wonderland of creativity and joy — celebrating the year-end festive season with the world’s most beloved art toy characters.This marks POP MART’s largest outdoor pop-up event globally, turning the festive season into a dreamlike playground filled with the brand’s most iconic characters adored by fans worldwide. The POP LAND concept originated in Beijing in 2023, inspired by the idea of capturing life’s beautiful little moments and evoking the pure joy of childhood. For Thailand, POP LAND reimagines this vision through the lens of Bangkok’s vibrant POP culture, blending playful imagination with local charm. Highlighting this special edition is the debut appearance of “MOKOKO”, a brand-new, fluffy pink character symbolizing happiness, warmth, love, and innocence. Fans and collectors can also explore exclusive limited-edition collections, including the MOKOKO Sweetheart Series, Spring Flower Series, and Twinkly Fairy Tale Series, along with rare items that have previously experienced sold-out demand.

POP SLIDE: Finding MOKOKO – A giant pink ball pit located at Siam Center, where visitors can embark on a fun quest to uncover the secret of MOKOKO and capture the perfect photo moments in irresistibly cute settings.
POP SLIDE: Finding MOKOKO – A giant pink ball pit located at Siam Center, where visitors can embark on a fun quest to uncover the secret of MOKOKO and capture the perfect photo moments in irresistibly cute settings.

The event is divided into five main zones, each offering a unique experience:

  1. POP LAND CASCADE – A dreamlike tunnel decked with beloved POP MART IPs, connecting Siam Paragon’s G floor to Parc Paragon, creating a whimsical journey through fantasy.
  2. POP LAND CHRISTMAS TREE – Thailand’s first-ever Christmas tree by POP MART, adorned with fan-favorite characters to spread festive cheer and joy.
  3. POP LAND CASTLE – The centerpiece of the event featuring giant art toy figures of POP MART’s most iconic characters such as MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, and HIRONO, surrounding the highlight installation — the 5-meter-tall MOKOKO Big Figure, surrounded by a playful maze.
  4. POPSICLE – A Thailand-exclusive café concept offering themed desserts and ice creams, such as TWINKLE TWINKLE TWIN MANGO YUZU (a refreshing mango-yuzu duo with a tropical Thai twist), SKULLPANDA Double Chocolate, and Cheesecake Ice Cream, two rich signature flavors not to be missed.
  5. POP SLIDE: Finding MOKOKO – A giant pink ball pit located at Siam Center, where visitors can embark on a fun quest to uncover the secret of MOKOKO and capture the perfect photo moments in irresistibly cute settings.
POP LAND CHRISTMAS TREE – Thailand’s first-ever Christmas tree by POP MART, adorned with fan-favorite characters to spread festive cheer and joy.
POP LAND CHRISTMAS TREE – Thailand’s first-ever Christmas tree by POP MART, adorned with fan-favorite characters to spread festive cheer and joy.

This new creative destination marks a significant milestone for POP MART in positioning Thailand as a global hub for POP culture — driving Soft Power through art toys and POP ART, and offering an entirely new dimension of entertainment and imagination.

Ms. Siriporn Phlaengchanthuek shared her vision:
“POP MART Thailand is proud to bring the enchanting world of POP LAND to the Thai people. We believe this immersive experience will become one of the most exciting global destinations during this festive season.”

POP LAND EXCLUSIVE FESTIVE EVENT IN THAILAND

  • Parc Paragon and Siam Center, Bangkok
  • 11 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
    Enjoy a full calendar of special activities throughout the festive season.

Stay tuned for updates on new events and collections via Facebook: POP MART THAILAND and Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @popmartth

Hashtag: #POPLAND #POPLANDEXCLUSIVEFESTIVE #POPMART #POPMARTTH #FINDINGMOKOKO #SiamParagon #SiamCenter #AmazingThailand #Bangkok #Event #Countdown2026 #BangkokinDecember






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

About Siam Paragon

Siam Paragon is one of six iconic retail and experiential destinations under Siam Piwat, Thailand’s leading retail and real estate developer. As Bangkok’s iconic luxury shopping mall and a world-class lifestyle destination, Siam Paragon brings together global luxury fashion maisons, prestigious automotive marques, leading watchmakers, and a diverse array of sensory-indulgent gastronomy, all under one roof. A global landmark in the heart of Bangkok, it embodies the future-forward lifestyle of a modern metropolis, offering immersive luxury, pioneering spaces for emerging communities, and extraordinary experiences that set new benchmarks for global destinations. With its unparalleled mix of attractions and unforgettable moments, Siam Paragon remains a must-visit destination for travelers, shoppers, and experience seekers from around the world.

The St. Regis Macao Presents the House of Celebration this Festive Season

Timeless rituals and curated indulgences inspire a season of sophisticated wonder

MACAO, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The St. Regis Macao is delighted to unveil its enchanting programme of festive celebrations, transforming the hotel into the definitive House of Celebration. This year, we invite you to discover the magic of the season through a curated selection of refined holiday experiences, each designed to reflect our passion for elegance, storytelling, and timeless celebration. From signature afternoon teas to festive rituals and seasonal indulgences, every moment is crafted to inspire warmth, sophistication, and a profound sense of wonder.

The Manor

A stage for life’s most cherished gatherings, begin the celebrations with the Season’s Splendor Luncheon from December 20 to 26. The journey continues from December 19 to 26 featuring a Festive Culinary Journey with an inspiring five-course dinner, meticulously crafted by Executive Sous Chef, Michele Dell‘Aquila. The menu features exquisite dishes such as the Hokkaido Scallop adorned with Calvisius Royal caviar, Wagyu Beef Agnolotti with black truffle, Dover Sole Grenobloise, and culminating in the classic Chestnut Mont Blanc.

For those treasured moments at home, facilitate your festive gatherings with our bespoke takeaway offerings. Our 6kg Traditional Roast Stuffed Turkey with all the traditional trimmings, or our 5kg Honey Mustard Baked Gammon Ham with braised red cabbage, ensure a seamless and sublime celebration in the comfort of your own abode.

The year culminates in a splendid New Year’s Eve dinner — a five-course symphony of flavors designed to enchant the palate. The culinary journey begins with the exquisite Sicilian Langoustine crowned with Aristocrat caviar and unfolds through rich offerings such as Spanish Carabineros Red Prawn risotto and a choice of Turbot Filet with morels or Australian Wagyu Striploin. The evening concludes on the sweetest note with the White Chocolate Mousse, allowing guests to ring in 2026 surrounded by the timeless elegance of The House of Astor.

The St. Regis Bar

The St. Regis Bar emerges as the heart of the season’s social tapestry, where heritage and contemporary celebration intertwine.

This festive season, The St. Regis Bar is honored to present an exclusive collaboration with Maison Guerlain, reimagining the hallowed tradition of afternoon tea through the lens of luxury. Inspired by the L’Art & La Matière fragrance collection, our culinary team has curated a selection of exquisite delicacies that echo the sophistication and artistry with Maison Guerlain. It is a sensorial journey where the worlds of high fragrance and gourmet artistry intertwine, creating a festive celebration of timeless elegance.

Throughout December, the bar is alive with the spirit of the House of Celebration. The air sparkles with our signature Sparkly Concoctions and the thrilling spectacle of The Art of Sabrage, a time-honored ritual performed upon ordering a select bottle of Champagne.

As the clock counts down to the New Year, the bar transforms for our Countdown Extravaganza New Year’s Eve Celebration. Usher in 2026 amidst friends and family while enveloped in the timeless glamour of The St. Regis Bar. In your most extraordinary attire, surrender to an evening of decadent cocktails, melodious live jazz, and flowing champagne, partaking in our legacy of meticulously orchestrated celebrations.

For more information about dining and festive offers at The St. Regis Macao, please visit www.themanormacao.com and www.thestregisbarmacao.com, or contact +853 2882 8898 or email diningreservations.macao@stregis.com.

The Spa at The St. Regis Macao

Celebrate the season at The Spa with a sensorial treatment from Caroline’s Collection or a curated festive spa set—exquisite indulgences to begin the holidays in refined style.

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit www.stregisspamacao.com or contact +853 8113 4949.

The St. Regis Macao

The Manor

Season’s Splendor Luncheon

December 20 – 26, 2025

12:00 NOON – 3:00 PM

Three-course Set Lunch

MOP398+ per person

Festive Culinary Journey

December 19 – 26, 2025

6:00 – 11:00 PM

Five -course Set Dinner

MOP1,388+ per person

Festive Celebrations at Home

December 15 – 31, 2025

48-hour advance order is required

Traditional Roast Stuffed Turkey 6kg

MOP1,488nett with condiments and sauces

Honey Mustard Baked Gammon Ham 5kg

MOP1,588nett with condiments and sauces

Gastronomic New Year’s Eve

December 31, 2025

6:00 – 11:00 PM

Five-course Set Dinner

MOP1,388+ per person

The St. Regis Bar

The St. Regis Bar x Guerlain

L’Art & La Matière Festive Afternoon Tea

November 19, 2025 – January 15, 2026

3:00 – 6:00 PM

MOP538++ for two people, inclusive of two glasses of cocktails or mocktails

Each guest may receive an exclusive treat from Guerlain. Available on a first-come, first-served basis.

House of Celebration –

The Art of Sabrage

December 1 – 31, 2025

12:00 PM – LATE

From MOP998++ per bottle

Countdown Extravaganza New Year’s Eve Celebration

December 31, 2025

9:00 PM onwards

MOP588++ per person, including two glasses of champagne with canapés and all-night entertainment

Premium table packages and private rooms are now available for booking.

Reservations are essential, deposit and minimum table charges are applicable.

The Spa at The St. Regis Macao

Celebratory Spa Journey

Now – February 28, 2026

Daily, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

MOP2,580* per person / 120 minutes

• Welcome ritual

• 90-minute Blissful Stone Wellness or Gemstone Journey spa treatment

• 30-minute mini Diamond Care facial

Press Photos:

The St. Regis Bar with Guerlain Festive Afternoon tea
The St. Regis Bar with Guerlain Festive Afternoon tea

 

The Manor – Festive Culinary Journey
The Manor – Festive Culinary Journey

 

The Manor – Festive Celebrations at Home
The Manor – Festive Celebrations at Home

 

The Manor – Gastronomic New Year’s Eve
The Manor – Gastronomic New Year’s Eve

###

About The St. Regis Macao

The St. Regis Macao is the most prestigious address on the Cotai Strip. The hotel offers 400 exquisitely styled and lavishly appointed guestrooms and features The Manor, where elevates Mediterranean dining in Macau with Executive Sous Chef Michele Dell‘ Aquila’s refined cuisine – artisanal seafood, grilled specialties, and crafted cocktails, as well as The St. Regis Bar, an inviting retreat showcasing the full St. Regis Bloody Mary World Collection, including The St. Regis Macao original recipe –Maria do Leste (Mary of the East). The Spa at The St. Regis Macao, on the 38th floor, is Macao’s highest spa, boasting sweeping views of the stunning Cotai Strip and offers a rare retreat, a sensorial escape honoring the art of decadence. For meetings and events, the regal, 628-square meter Astor Ballroom is perfect for gala celebrations, distinguished corporate events or momentous weddings. For more information, please visit: www.stregismacao.com or follow The St. Regis Macao on Facebook, Instagram and WeChat@stregismacao.

Xinhua Silk Road: Clay whistles enliven intangible cultural heritage in E. China urban district

BEIJING, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a local community of Xuecheng District in Zaozhuang City, Guo Hongyan, a master of local clay whistle making, rekindled recently people’s interest in handmade clay whistles with an interactive voluntary teaching activity.

Guo, also an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) inheritor of clay whistles in Zaozhuang of east China’s Shandong Province, taught residents of Bayi Community how to make pomegranate-shaped clay whistles while introducing their history and time-tested charm.

After her show-how, lifelike pomegranate-shaped clay whistles emerged one after another from hands of residents in the community, with their wishes for good luck and happiness felt by others nearby amid the catchy whistling of the clay whistles.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348461.html

PT UOB Asset Management Indonesia Achieves Record AUM with Year-to-Date Growth of More Than 80%, Deepens Commitment to Sustainable Investing

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PT UOB Asset Management Indonesia (“UOBAMI”) has achieved record-high assets under management (AUM) for eight consecutive months, reaching IDR 1.5 trillion as of end October 2025. This milestone highlights UOBAMI’s growing presence in Indonesia’s investment landscape.

Since officially joining the UOBAM Group in late 2019, UOBAMI has steadily expanded its capabilities and product offerings. These strategic efforts have contributed to strong and consistent AUM growth. Since the start of this year, UOBAMI recorded a year-to-date (YTD) AUM increase of 84.32%, well above the industry average of 23.61%.

Growing Momentum for Responsible Investment
In recent years, the investment landscape has seen a meaningful shift. Investors increasingly look for investments that delivers financial returns while generating a positive impact on society and the environment. Many ask themselves: “How can my investments make a positive impact?”

This evolving mindset has driven the expansion of ESG-integrated strategies at UOBAMI. Currently, approximately 33% of UOBAMI’s total AUM is allocated to funds that incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. These strategies are aligned not only with Indonesia’s sustainability goals but also reflect UOBAMI’s long-term commitment to responsible investing and supporting the transition to a sustainable economy.

Recognised for Industry Excellence
UOBAMI has won three major industry awards in 2025 for its strong market performance. They are:

  • Best ESG Manager – Asia Asset Management Awards
  • Best Strategic Initiative (Nonbank Financial Institution) IndonesiaFinanceAsia
  • Market Awards – IndonesiaAsianInvestor Asset Management Awards (two consecutive wins)

In response to these achievements, Widrawan Hindrawan, Chief Executive Officer of PT UOB Asset Management Indonesia, said:

This milestone reflects not only the trust our clients have placed in us, but also our continued commitment to delivering responsible and forward-looking investment solutions. As sustainable investing becomes a defining force in the future of finance, we believe that asset managers have a crucial role to play in driving long-term value creation for both investors and society.

Building a Sustainable Future
Over the past year, UOBAMI has expanded its portfolio of ESG-focused products and embedded sustainability deeper across its investment processes. By applying thorough ESG integration, transparent stewardship, and a thematic investment lens, the company aims to deliver competitive financial returns while supporting meaningful environmental and social impact.

Looking ahead, UOBAMI aims to continue to align its investment strategies with Indonesia’s and ASEAN’s sustainability targets, while further strengthening partnerships with local and global stakeholders to drive collective action towards sustainable growth. The company will also focus on encouraging broader awareness and adoption of sustainable investing practices, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for positive change in the market. 

Commitment Beyond Milestones
This milestone is not an endpoint, but a foundation for the next chapter of UOBAMI’s journey. The company believes that finance can be a powerful force to drive positive change. Together with its clients and partners, UOBAMI remains committed to helping shape a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Indonesia and the region.

Learn more about UOBAMI’s sustainable investment journey: Keberlanjutan | UOB Asset Management Indonesia

About PT UOB Asset Management Indonesia
PT UOB Asset Management Indonesia (“UOBAMI”) is part of UOB Asset Management Ltd (“UOBAM”) which is headquartered in Singapore. UOBAMI offers a wide selection of products for both retail and high-net worth clients, as well as institutional clients.

Through its products, UOBAMI also upholds the principle of sustainable investing by inviting investors to invest long term for the future, as well as providing consulting solutions as investment advisers. More information about UOBAMI can be found at www.uobam.co.id.

UOBAM Ltd has close to 40 years of experience investing in fixed income and equity securities, with AUM exceeding SGD 39 billion as of 30 September 2025. The company offers a comprehensive range of products, from retail mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to Individual Client Fund Management services and portfolio management for institutional clients. A leader in innovation, UOBAM Ltd provides digital options to manage investments with the UOBAM Invest robo-advisor, making investing simpler, smarter, and safer.

UOBAM Ltd currently has one of the widest networks in Asia, operating in nine different countries (Brunei, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam), and has over 16,000 distribution points across Asia.

Important Disclosure
This document is for general information only. It does not constitute an offer or solicitation to deal in units in the Fund (“Units”) or investment advice or recommendation and was prepared without regard to the specific objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person who may receive it. The information is based on certain assumptions, information, and conditions available as of the date of this document and may be subject to change at any time without notice. No representation or promise as to the performance of the Fund or the return on your investment is made. Past performance of the Fund or PT UOB Asset Management (“UOBAMI”) and any past performance, prediction, projection or forecast of the economic trends or securities market are not necessarily indicative of the future or likely performance of the Fund or UOBAMI. The value of Units and the income from them, if any, may fall as well as rise. Investments in Units involve risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested, and are not obligations of, deposits in, or guaranteed or insured by United Overseas Bank Limited (“UOB“), UOB Asset Management Ltd (“UOBAM“), UOBAMI, or any of their subsidiary, associate or affiliate (“UOB Group“) or distributors of the Fund. The Fund may use or invest in financial derivative instruments and you should be aware of the risks associated with investments in financial derivative instruments which are described in the Fund’s prospectus. The UOB Group may have interests in the Units and may also perform or seek to perform brokering and other investment or securities-related services for the Fund. Investors should read the Fund’s prospectus, which is available and may be obtained from UOBAMI or any of its appointed agents or distributors, before investing. You may wish to seek advice from a financial adviser before making a commitment to invest in any Units, and in the event that you choose not to do so, you should consider carefully whether the Fund is suitable for you. Applications for Units must be made on the application forms accompanying the Fund’s prospectus.

A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND THE PROSPECTUS PRIOR TO INVEST IN MUTUAL FUND. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE. PT UOB Asset Management Indonesia is an Investment Management company registered and supervised by the Financial Services Authority / Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (“OJK”).

Qingdao VR conference fuels innovation, industry growth

QINGDAO, China, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from China Daily

The 2025 Qingdao Virtual Reality Innovation Conference was held in the Laoshan district of Qingdao city, Shandong province, from Nov 21 to 22. It gathered innovators, industry leaders, researchers, and scholars to explore new frontiers in virtual reality(VR) and artificial intelligence(AI).

The event aimed to pool global innovation resources, accelerate the transformation of technological achievements, deepen industry exchange, and advance the integration of VR and AI across sectors. It sought to inject fresh momentum into building a modern industrial system and position Qingdao as a national hub for digital economy development.

This year’s conference featured a diverse lineup of activities, including a main forum and opening ceremony, sub-forums on integrated applications, a VR industry supply-demand matchmaking session, and a VR innovation competition.

One of the main highlights was the launch of the Qingdao Virtual Reality Innovation and Experience Center. This center blends more than ten cutting-edge technologies—such as VR, augmented reality, spatial computing, digital twins, holographic display, and virtual filming—with cultural storytelling.

Exhibits included an interactive light-and-shadow hall featuring letters from renowned scientist Qian Xuesen, a dome-screen digital sand table, an extended reality hardware holographic display platform, and a suspended sphere-screen flying theater that delivers a fully immersive “dream journey” powered by VR and AI.

During the conference, a special matchmaking event for companies in the VR sector took place. This session showcased breakthroughs in key technologies and scenario-based applications, strengthened collaboration between upstream and downstream players, and promoted the integration of large, medium, and small enterprises. The goal was to accelerate the process from technological verification to real-world deployment and commercial operation, bringing in more high-quality projects to Qingdao.

Since its launch in 2017, the Qingdao Virtual Reality Innovation Conference has grown into an influential platform for exchange and cooperation, serving Qingdao, Shandong province, and the national and global VR community.

As a prominent hub for VR development, Laoshan district is experiencing rapid growth in its VR and AI industries. By 2025, the combined output of these industries is projected to exceed 60 billion yuan ($8.42 billion), propelling key sectors of the digital economy toward a total value of nearly 120 billion yuan. The district hosts numerous high-end innovation platforms, including two major national-level innovation centers, which foster breakthroughs in core technologies and facilitate the commercialization of scientific achievements.

Looking ahead, Laoshan aims to advance both the VR and AI industries beyond the 100-billion-yuan mark while establishing a 5-billion-yuan industrial fund cluster. These efforts will further optimize the business environment and empower enterprise innovation.

The Qingdao Virtual Reality Innovation and Experience Center is officially launched on Nov 21 in Laoshan district of Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo by Wang Haibin]
The Qingdao Virtual Reality Innovation and Experience Center is officially launched on Nov 21 in Laoshan district of Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo by Wang Haibin]

 

Laguna Wins Multiple SPASA Awards for Excellence in Pool Design and Construction

Award-winning craftsmanship reaffirms Laguna’s position as one of Australia’s leading luxury pool and landscape design company

MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Laguna has once again set the benchmark for design innovation and craftsmanship, taking home 18 Gold Awards at the 2025 Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) Awards of Excellence. The wins celebrate Laguna’s ongoing commitment to creating Pools with Purpose; spaces that unite architectural design, lifestyle and landscape in perfect harmony.

This year’s honours include some of the industry’s most prestigious accolades, such as:

  • Australia’s Best Concrete Pool Builder – 2025
  • Victoria’s Best Concrete Pool Builder – 2025 & 2024
  • Australia & Victoria’s Best Pool Designer – 2025 & 2024
  • Victoria’s Business of the Year – 2025
  • Victoria & Australia’s Best Marketing Campaign – “Partner Series” – 2025

Laguna’s Clifton Hill project was a standout of the evening, securing Gold across eight categories at both State and National level, including Innovative Project, Best Pool Landscape Design and Spa of the Year. The project’s success is a testament to Laguna’s collaborative approach and design precision, transforming complex sites into refined outdoor sanctuaries.

“Our goal has always been to design and build pools that move beyond aesthetics, creating spaces that bring people together and reflect the way they live,” said Laguna Director, Glenn Maxton. “These awards are recognition not just of our craftsmanship, but of the partnerships we form with our clients and design teams to bring truly bespoke visions to life.”

Laguna’s Landscape Designer, Matt Scrase, was also honoured as Australia and Victoria’s Best Pool Designer for the second consecutive year, reinforcing Laguna’s reputation for boundary-pushing creativity and architectural excellence.

With over 140 SPASA industry and construction awards received in the past nine years, including 58 between 2023 and 2025 alone, Laguna continues to lead the Australian market in luxury pool and landscape design.

“Awards are never our primary focus,” Maxton added. “But they’re a reflection of the values that drive us – innovation, integrity and a genuine passion for creating spaces that can be enjoyed by our clients every single day.”

About Laguna

Laguna is an award-winning Australian pool and landscape design company renowned for creating bespoke outdoor spaces that blend beauty, functionality and lifestyle purpose. With a design-led, collaborative approach, Laguna delivers Pools with Purpose, unique spaces crafted to complement the architecture and spirit of every home.

Singapore’s Solar E-Waste Expected to Soar as Its Solar Panel Projects Near Maturation: Redux Launches Advanced Automated Solar Panel Recycling Facility

  • Launched in 2007, Singapore’s Clean Energy Vision Oversaw the Implementation of Wide-Scale Solar Test Beds Across Housing Precincts; Large-Scale Solar Panel Replacement Will Require Responsible E-Waste Management
  • REDUX Takes on Stewardship Role with Project SolaREV to Efficiently Manage Solar Panel Decommissioning Process

SINGAPORE, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Redux, a Singapore-based recycling company specialising in e-waste, announces the unveiling of an advanced automated solar panel recycling facility and integrated partnership approach in anticipation of Singapore’s expected increase in photovoltaic (PV) waste over the next decade. Nationwide, Redux estimates the percentage of solar panels supplied to be decommissioned over the next two years to grow from 138,522 to 143,000 panels a year, which highlights the importance of circular economy solutions in renewable energy.

Globally, solar panels are known to have an efficiency reduction of up to 80% around the 25-year mark. However, due to the unavailability of solar panel maintenance services in Singapore, panels here experience efficiency degradation as early as the 7-year mark. They are then replaced and the old solar panels disposed of, creating a significant disposal market in Singapore and landfill risk if unmanaged. Other countries continue maintaining their panels for as long as 30 years.

“This is a fledgling industry for Singapore, with gaps in services to ensure truly sustainable solar panel maintenance and management,” says Jeff Seah, Founder and Business Development Director of Redux. “As our nation continues to increase our reliance on solar power, we also generate more solar e-waste. As an advocate for sustainability and better e-waste management, Redux sought out solutions to manage this waste holistically. Together with two other local companies, Project SolaREV was created. We envision that this marks the beginning of broader solutions for our industry.”

Project SolaREV is an advanced technology solar e-waste facility and partnership system that aims to recover, recycle and reuse as much as 96% of each solar panel, significantly reducing PV waste as opposed to conventional solar panel decommissioning methods. In addition, Redux’s solar-powered facility uses only 1.14kWh of electricity with significantly reduced carbon emissions to efficiently separate recyclable materials such as glass, silver and other metals from each solar panel. Recovered materials are then sent on to the relevant recycling plants for subsequent processing. The facility is able to dismantle and process 18 solar panels in 60 minutes, or 36,000 a year, which is approximately 27% of Singapore’s current Photovoltaic (PV) waste.

A collaborative project between 3 local companies – Redux, EtaVolt, and Vector Green – Project SolaREV will focus on PV recycling projects in the region. Redux will take the lead in material recovery, recycling infrastructure and carbon impact reporting, while technology partner, EtaVolt will bring engineering expertise in PV material analysis, process design and technical adaptation to evolving solar technologies, and Vector Green will focus on bridging field operations with the recycling process by managing solar panel decommissioning, collection and delivery.

Adds Jeff, “Project SolaREV is an industry-first to merge advanced automation with an integrated partnership and reporting system to oversee the end-to-end management of and significantly reduce PV waste in Singapore. With holistic carbon reporting and accountability data, companies and the industry will be able to better manage PV waste in time to come. Eventually, by working hand in hand with the government and industry players, we aim to develop a complete PV-waste recycling ecosystem that will set the benchmark across ASEAN.”

For more information on Redux, visit www.redux.sg.