29.4 C
Vientiane
Saturday, April 26, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 215

Thailand’s Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 Set to Make Global Splash

UNESCO-listed celebration to anchor Thailand’s Grand Tourism and Sports Year; position the Kingdom among the top 10 global festival destinations

BANGKOK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, is preparing for the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 — the headline event of Thailand’s New Year celebrations and a key feature of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 and the Thailand Summer Festivals’ Grand Festivity campaign.

Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports Mr. Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham (centre-right) and TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool (centre-left), joined by TAT executives, extend a festive invitation to celebrate the upcoming Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 at a press conference in Bangkok. The event underscores Thailand’s growing profile as a world-class festival destination.
Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports Mr. Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham (centre-right) and TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool (centre-left), joined by TAT executives, extend a festive invitation to celebrate the upcoming Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 at a press conference in Bangkok. The event underscores Thailand’s growing profile as a world-class festival destination.

Mr. Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports, said: “Songkran is more than a celebration — it’s a proud symbol of Thai identity and soft power. With this year’s festival, we aim to share our cultural richness with the world while encouraging travellers to explore every corner of Thailand, from major cities to hidden gems.”

Taking place from 11–15 April at Sanam Luang, Bangkok, the festival highlights Thailand’s global festival ambitions, building on the recent listing of ‘Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival’ as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A key feature is the Maha Songkran Parade, with eight themed processions showcasing Thai creativity and heritage. On 12 April at 17.00 Hrs., the parade travels from Democracy Monument to Sanam Luang. A second procession circles Sanam Luang on 13 April, followed by float displays through 15 April.

Sanam Luang will also host a multi-zone experience featuring:

  • Five regional Songkran zones
  • “5 Must Do in Thailand” cultural activities
  • A Thai fair with a haunted house, Ferris wheel, and sand pagoda building
  • Traditional rituals, water play zones, light-and-sound shows, and EDM sets
  • Over 100 booths offering food and crafts from across the country

Nightly concerts will feature leading Thai artists including Bodyslam, Polycat, Jeff Satur, The Toys, Joey Boy, and Carabao.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said: “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 captures the spirit of Thailand — joyful, welcoming, and full of creative energy. This year’s programme is packed with firsts and favourites, designed to inspire wonder while upholding our heritage and ensuring a safe, memorable experience for all.”

TAT is also rolling out a Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 web app with real-time updates, maps, and performance schedules.

To support sustainable tourism, the event will feature GCYOU-TURN, a plastic recycling and upcycling initiative to help manage waste responsibly.

For safety and convenience, the Tourist Police Bureau will provide 24-hour support in eight languages. The Thailand Tourist Police mobile app includes an SOS button, GPS location sharing, and direct access to emergency services.

Nationwide, the “Yen Tua La Maha Songkran” series will run across April in destinations including Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Lampang, and Ayutthaya, with added support from major private events like S2O, GCircuit, and ICONSIAM’s Maha Songkran.

TAT projects 26.5 billion Baht in tourism revenue from 12–16 April, with over 476,000 international arrivals and 4.4 million domestic trips.

BestPrice Travel Introduces Flexible Group Tours, Changing the Way Australians Explore Vietnam

SYDNEY, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BestPrice Travel is transforming the Vietnam travel experience for Australians with its Flexible Group Tours, combining affordability with personalization. This innovative model breaks away from rigid itineraries, allowing travelers to explore Vietnam’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes without overspending.

As international travel rebounds, Vietnam is becoming a top choice for Australian adventurers. More travelers seek budget-friendly yet tailored experiences, and Flexible Group Tours answer that need—offering curated itineraries with the freedom of solo travel while sharing costs with like-minded explorers.

Flexible group travel is best for those who enjoy social travel with a personalized touch.
Flexible group travel is best for those who enjoy social travel with a personalized touch.

The Rise of Personalized Travel

According to a Skyscanner Travel Report, 71% of Australians now prefer customized itineraries over traditional group tours, signaling a shift toward more immersive, cost-effective travel. Vietnam is an ideal destination for this trend, offering rich cultural experiences, diverse landscapes, and great value for money.

Hien Kim, General Manager at BestPrice Travel, highlights this shift:

“Australians are our largest market, and we’ve seen a growing demand for personalized experiences. However, fully private tours can be expensive. That’s why we launched Flexible Group Tours—to make customized travel more affordable.”

Since their launch, these tours have gained rapid popularity, with over 2,000 bookings in 2024 alone.

Why Aussies Are Choosing Flexible Group Tours

More Travel, Less Cost

By sharing transport, accommodations, and some activities, travelers can save significantly while still customizing parts of their journey. These savings can go toward luxury upgrades, fine dining, or extra excursions.

“It was the perfect choice! I visited 10 cities in 14 days for just AUD 900. We shared transport and hotels but still had personal time to explore,” said Dory Wilson, a traveler from Melbourne.

Explore Your Own Way

Flexible Group Tours blend guided experiences with free time. Travelers can join group activities like kayaking in Halong Bay or a sampan ride in the Mekong Delta, then break away to hike Sapa’s rice terraces or discover hidden alleyways in Ho Chi Minh City.

“My trip to Vietnam was incredible! I got to enjoy both group and solo activities, all arranged to my preferences,” shared Aaron Jones, a recent traveler with BestPrice Travel.

A Social Travel Experience

These tours are also great for meeting fellow travelers. Whether sharing a bowl of Pho, trekking through remote villages, or browsing night markets, the group dynamic creates meaningful social connections—without sacrificing personal freedom.

It’s no surprise that more Aussies are increasingly drawn to this type of travel, giving the best of both worlds: personal freedom and social connection.

A Travel Trend on the Rise

The growing popularity of Flexible Group Tours has been well-received. BestPrice Travel and similar agencies have received TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, reflecting high customer satisfaction.

With more direct flights between Australia and Vietnam and increasing demand for personalized, budget-friendly travel, this model is set to expand.

Travel agencies are expanding offerings with unique local experiences, such as:

  • Ha Giang motorbike loops
  • Eco-lodges in the Mekong Delta
  • Culinary tours featuring Vietnam’s diverse food culture

The Future of Vietnam Travel

Flexible Group Tours are reshaping how Australians explore Vietnam, offering a perfect mix of affordability, personalization, and social experiences. As more Aussies look for budget-friendly yet flexible options, this model is becoming a game-changer.

For those planning to visit Vietnam, these tours offer the fullest travel experience that fits your lifestyle.

Explore more at https://www.bestpricetravel.com/en-au/vietnam-tours

Chubb Launches New Premier Life Science Package

Celebrating 20-Year Anniversary of Life Sciences Expertise in APAC


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – Chubb today announced the launch of its new Premier Life Science package, a tailored insurance solution designed to meet the dynamic needs of companies in the life sciences sector. This solution provides comprehensive coverage for a range of potential liability risks relevant to this industry, plus expanded coverage options for cyber risk and professional indemnity.

The launch of this product marks Chubb’s 20-year anniversary of its dedicated Life Sciences capability in APAC, a significant milestone that highlights the company’s commitment to the life sciences’ industry. Chubb recognises the emerging risks and is focused on addressing the distinctive challenges faced by businesses in this rapidly changing sector. Chief among these concerns is the impact of digital transformation, which not only introduces additional risks but also brings the potential for cyber breaches that companies must navigate.

Travis McIntosh, Head of Life Sciences APAC, Chubb, said, “Over the past two decades, Chubb has established itself as a leading insurance specialist in life sciences in APAC. The team has grown from a single specialist to a dedicated unit with deep insights into the industry’s unique needs and complexities. This growth has enabled us to develop insurance solutions that protect and empower businesses. The launch of Premier Life Science is a testament to our legacy in this sector and commitment to supporting the innovative companies advancing health and science.”

Premier Life Science provides comprehensive casualty and cyber coverage that can be customised in a single package, allowing access to multiple lines of insurance through one point of contact. This tailored solution ensures that a diverse array of businesses, including pharmaceutical firms, biotechnology companies, medical device manufacturers, healthcare IT providers, and medical product distributors can protect themselves against financial losses stemming from unforeseen liabilities. It offers extensive coverage for various potential risks unique to this sector, from research and development to clinical trials, data management, and product distribution.

Key features of Premier Life Science include:

  • Product Liability and Clinical Trials Insurance: Protection against claims related to product defects or adverse reactions arising in clinical trials or from marketed products.
  • Enhanced Professional Indemnity: Financial loss protection for contract liability, products and services defects, copyright infringement and negligence.
  • Comprehensive Cyber Coverage: Protection against data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber threats.
  • Tailored Risk Solutions: Customised coverage options designed to fit the unique operational challenges and risks associated with each client’s specific area of expertise.

Premier Life Science is currently available in Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and Korea, with plans to launch in other countries in APAC. For more information on Chubb’s Premier Life Science, please visit: Chubb Life Sciences.

Hashtag: #Chubb

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

About Chubb

Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb employs approximately 43,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: .

From screen to society: latest iQIYI-presented films champion realism in cinematic storytelling

BEIJING, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, announced the premieres of two reality-driven films – “Mumu” and “We Girls” – ahead of the Qingming Festival holiday period (also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day) in early April. Presented by iQIYI, the films delve into the often-overlooked lives of hearing-impaired families and marginalized women, offering a powerful testament to the company’s commitment to realism in content creation while combining commercial appeal with compelling storytelling and artistic merit.

The premieres reflect a broader shift in Chinese cinema toward realism. According to an industry report, in 2023, more than half of the top 20 films drew from real-life themes, contributing 32% of the total annual Chinese box office. Recent successes from iQIYI, such as “Trending Topic,” highlight the market’s appetite for socially grounded stories, and underscore iQIYI’s role in shaping this movement by developing films that not only reflect lived realities but also amplify voices that are often overlooked.

“Mumu” and “We Girls” bring realism to the big screen

Starring pop star and actor Yixing ZHANG, “Mumu” tells the story of a deaf father determined to build a better life for his daughter who unfortunately falls into a trap and becomes ensnared in a life of crime. The touching and heartfelt narrative is brought to life by authentic performances, including those of nearly 30 hearing-impaired actors. Directed by Mo SHA, the film is adapted from the tear-jerking short film of the same name, which earned him the best young director award on “Action!,” an iQIYI original variety show designed to empower emerging filmmakers. Early screenings have earned a 9.7 score on China’s top ticketing platform Taopiaopiao and generated more than RMB 10.8 million (USD 1.5 million) in pre-screening and pre-sales revenues as of March 30.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Xiaogang FENG and starring Liying ZHAO, “We Girls” follows a mother who risks everything to purchase an expensive cochlear implant for her daughter and is subsequently sentenced to prison. There, she meets a group of other women who help each other reintegrate into society and start anew. With an all-female cast and themes of solidarity and survival, the film is already generating buzz, topping real-time watchlists on ticketing platforms like Maoyan and trending across Weibo, Baidu, and WeChat.

iQIYI’s diverse film offerings and strategic industry initiatives

These premieres build on iQIYI’s strong portfolio of realism-themed content, highlighted by the theatrical release of “Upstream,” a blockbuster portraying the struggles of a laid-off middle-aged programmer who turns to food delivery work. iQIYI has also expanded its premium film offerings through strategic partnerships with filmmakers, delivering commercial hits like “Break Through the Darkness,” “Hachiko,” and “Wolf Hiding” – all of which grossed over RMB 100 million (USD 13.8 million) and earned prestigious honors, including the Golden Rooster and Hong Kong Film Awards.

Over the years, iQIYI has made sustained contributions to the film industry through content creation, talent cultivation, and innovative business models. iQIYI’s Founder and CEO Yu GONG has previously shared the aspirations guiding the company’s continued support for filmmakers, including increasing copyright investments to generate sustainable returns, expanding filmmaker collaborations to diversify content, and carefully balancing artistic expression with commercial viability.

This vision is exemplified by initiatives like Golden Screenwriters’ Night, a pioneering event in China promoting young screenwriting talent and innovative content, and the Online Film Young Creators Project, which offers emerging filmmakers comprehensive support, including production funding, mentorship, and distribution assistance.

CONTACT: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com 

Film poster of "Mumu"
Film poster of “Mumu”

 

Still from "We Girls"
Still from “We Girls”

 

On-us Granted Patent for Smart E-Voucher Technology, Revolutionizing Credit Card Loyalty Landscape

HONG KONG and SINGAPORE and TAIPEI, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On-us is proud to announce the granting of the patent for its Smart E-Voucher management system, solidifying its position as an innovator in digital incentives and customer engagement. This patent reinforces On-us’ commitment in revolutionizing loyalty programs with an intelligent, automated approach that elevates both customer engagement and marketing impact.

This patented technology serves as the backbone of On-us’ solution, centralizing intelligent voucher redemption, one-pass payment and real-time tracking via POS system integration.  This technology integrates voucher with payment in a seamless and instant manner, streamlining the entire voucher process from distribution to settlement while capturing last-mile data. Merchants benefit from a frictionless onboarding experience, eliminating manual tasks related to system set-up logistics, rewards verification, distribution, and employee training.  Customers enjoy a seamless redemption process powered by AI recommendations and tap-to-pay capabilities. With last-mile data captured, hyper-personalization becomes effortless, allowing businesses to leverage dynamic customer insights for more targeted engagement.

Visa and DBS adopted On-us’ Smart E-Voucher solution for their overseas travel campaign in December 2024, offering customers instant, premier F&B rewards based on real-time cross-border transactions verification. The adoption underscores the solution in reshaping the loyalty landscape through frictionless rewards that enhance customer engagement.

On-us Smart E-Voucher with Visa & DBS Overseas Travel Campaign
On-us Smart E-Voucher with Visa & DBS Overseas Travel Campaign

Dennis Shi, Founder and CEO of On-us, remarked, “Securing this patent is a defining moment for On-us, it validates our vision for intelligent, seamless digital incentives that create real value for both businesses and consumers. Seeing our patented technology power Visa & DBS’ successful travel campaign is just the beginning—we’re excited to continue shaping the future of rewards.”

Building on this success, On-us is now expanding its Smart E-Voucher capabilities with the launch of its new Lucky Draw solution, designed for events, employee engagement and brand activations. This one-stop solution enables businesses to create interactive engagement experiences that drive participation and excitement, transforming traditional giveaways into dynamic, engaging moments, helping brands and employers boost engagement effortlessly and instantly.

As On-us continues to scale its technology and expand its industry partnerships, the company invites businesses, financial institutions, and marketers to explore how its patented Smart E-Voucher and Lucky Draw solutions can optimize marketing budget, enhance targeted segmentation, and reshape the loyalty ecosystem — bringing smarter incentives and stronger connections for all.

About On-us

On-us is a global B2B2C personalized e-voucher incentive platform leveraging FinTech and behavioral AI, designed to enhance consumer loyalty engagement and unlock maximum value for marketers, merchants and customers. Through omni-channel APIs and data-driven campaigns, we empower businesses to strengthen customer engagement while maximizing ROI. Trusted by financial services providers, people management teams, blue-chip property developers, non-profit organizations, and SMEs, our platform delivers sustainable sales growth and seamless integration, driving success across industries.

For more information, please visit: https://www.on-us.com/about or follow our Linkedin for latest updates.

Vietnam Restaurant Week returns on 4.4 with over 100+ limited set menu deals

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following the successful debut of Vietnam Restaurant Week by DiningCity Asia last year, the eagerly awaited culinary celebration returns this April with its Spring Edition 2025.

Back for Spring, and here to stay.

After a thrilling first edition featuring hundreds of restaurant deals across Vietnam, DiningCity is set to dazzle once more with new spots and deals to try. Not only does this mark its return for a second edition, DiningCity has also announced plans to organize the event twice a year, every Spring and Autumn moving forward.

Explore new restaurants at unbeatable prices.

From casual eateries to media darlings and Michelin-awarded restaurants, Restaurant Week will feature the hottest dining spots in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi, each showcasing their signature dishes through curated 3-course set menus.

Over the years, DiningCity’s Restaurant Week has grown into a much-anticipated event for diners around the world. With a line-up of Western, Asian, Fusion, and Casual to Fine-dining restaurants, each offering special 3-course lunch and dinner set menus, this 6-week event presents hungry diners a unique chance to try new spots or revisit local favourites at the best prices.


How to make a booking?

Vietnam Restaurant Week is set to kick off on Friday, April 4th, 2025, with booking opening on Thursday, April 3rd at 10:00 AM sharp. 

With limited seats available for each deal, mark your calendars to book the best restaurants! Reservations can only be made through www.restaurantweek.vn or DiningCity mobile app.

Restaurant week deals will only be available to guests who make a booking online.

When is Vietnam Restaurant Week?
Dining period from: April 4-27, 2025
Winners Edition from: May 2-18, 2025

3-Course Set Menu Prices:
Category Elite: Variable pricing. See www.restaurantweek.vn
Category A: VND295,000 for lunch and VND650,000 for dinner
Category B: VND195,000 for lunch and VND395,000 for dinner
Category C: VND150,000 for lunch and VND195,000 for dinner

About DiningCity

DiningCity is a restaurant booking platform to discover new restaurants – from casual eateries to media darlings and award-winning restaurants. Through its platform, diners can check for table availability and make instant reservations at the best restaurants across Vietnam and beyond. The company is renowned for its offering of an array of deals, special offers, dining programs, and organising large-scale culinary events.

Gevme Appoints Michael Mazza as Chief Growth Officer to Accelerate Global Expansion

SINGAPORE, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gevme, a leading event technology platform, today announced the appointment of Michael Mazza as Chief Growth Officer. This strategic hire reinforces Gevme’s commitment to accelerating its expansion across Asia-Pacific and strengthening its global footprint.

With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience spanning fintech, technology, and business development, Mazza brings a wealth of expertise in scaling businesses across emerging markets. In his new role, he will spearhead Gevme’s growth initiatives, with an initial focus on deepening the company’s presence in the APAC region before expanding efforts in Europe and North America.

“Michael’s proven track record in building strategic partnerships and driving business expansion across diverse markets makes him the ideal leader to accelerate our growth trajectory,” said Daniel Tjan, Managing Director at Gevme. “His entrepreneurial mindset and deep understanding of the Asia-Pacific region will be invaluable as we strengthen our position as the premier event technology platform globally.”

Prior to joining Gevme, Mazza served as a Partner at Aguamazza, where he forged strategic alliances with promising startups across India, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. His extensive experience includes board positions at multiple technology companies, including Railpays and Omenetech, where he contributed to the development of innovative digital banking and payment solutions. Mazza also served as Senior Business Development Manager for Global Processing Services (GPS), where he expanded the company’s presence and partnerships throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

“I’m thrilled to join Gevme at such a pivotal moment in its growth journey,” said Mazza. “The events industry continues to evolve rapidly, and Gevme is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation with its innovative technology solutions. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive strategic growth initiatives and forge powerful partnerships that will expand our reach across APAC and beyond.”

Mazza’s appointment comes as Gevme continues to invest in enhancing its platform capabilities and expanding its market presence. The company has seen significant growth in recent years, establishing itself as a trusted partner for organizations seeking to create impactful event experiences.

About Gevme

Gevme is a leading event technology platform that empowers organizations to create, manage, and optimize exceptional event experiences. With a comprehensive suite of tools and solutions, Gevme enables businesses to seamlessly execute virtual, hybrid, and in-person events that drive meaningful engagement and measurable results.Trusted by leading brands and organizations worldwide, Gevme continues to innovate at the forefront of the event technology landscape.

Myanmar Junta Declares Ceasefire as Quake Survivors Plead for Aid

Myanmar Junta Declares Ceasefire as Quake Survivors Plead for Aid
An elderly earthquake survivor rests on an outdoor bed in the compound of a hospital in Sagaing on April 2, 2025, five days after a major earthquake struck central Myanmar. (Photo by Sai Aung MAIN / AFP)

AFP – On 2 April, Myanmar’s junta announced a temporary ceasefire as the death toll from a devastating earthquake rose and desperate survivors pleaded for more help amid frantic scenes of aid distribution.