SINGAPORE, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With World Beach Day coming up on 1 September 2025, digital travel platform Agoda invites travelers to dive into some of Asia’s most stunning yet lesser-known beach destinations. From soaking up the sun, splashing into adventure, or simply enjoying the calming rhythm of the waves, these hidden paradises offer something for everyone—from solo wanderers to couples and families.

Beaches remain among the most sought-after travel destinations, offering an irresistible combination of tranquility and excitement. Whether it’s unwinding on soft sands, exploring vibrant marine ecosystems, enjoying thrilling water sports or sampling fresh coastal cuisine, these sandy havens cater to a wide range of interests that promise unforgettable experiences.

Agoda has curated a list of six hidden beach gems across Asia that are sure to make waves on any traveler’s bucket list:

1. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

Tucked away off Vietnam’s southern coast, the Con Dao Islands are a treasure trove of pristine beaches, lush forests, and rich history. Known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, these islands are a diver’s dream. Visitors can also explore the islands’ national park, home to rare wildlife, or learn about their fascinating past at the Con Dao Museum.

2. Ko Lipe, Thailand

Dubbed the “Maldives of Thailand,” Ko Lipe is a small island with big charm. Its powdery white sands and turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging with a coconut in hand. Don’t miss the vibrant Walking Street, where you can sample local delicacies and shop for handmade souvenirs.

3. Amami Oshima, Japan

For those seeking a unique blend of beach and culture, Amami Oshima is a must-visit. This Japanese island boasts secluded beaches framed by lush mangroves and dramatic cliffs. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts, explore the island’s rich music heritage, or indulge in local specialties like keihan (chicken rice).

4. Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands, is a paradise for nature lovers. Beyond its stunning beaches, visitors can explore lush rainforests, take a cable car ride for panoramic views, or visit the iconic Sky Bridge. Langkawi’s duty-free status also makes it a shopper’s delight.

5. Siquijor Island, Philippines

Known as the “Island of Fire,” Siquijor is shrouded in mystique and natural beauty. Its beaches are perfect for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant marine life just beneath the surface. Travelers can also explore waterfalls, caves, and learn about the island’s folklore and healing traditions.

6. Gokarna, India

A quieter alternative to Goa, Gokarna is a haven for those seeking a serene escape. Its unspoiled beaches, like Om Beach and Kudle Beach, are ideal for yoga, meditation, or simply unwinding. The town also offers a glimpse into India’s spiritual side, with ancient temples and vibrant local festivals.

Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda shared, “Beaches are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re looking to relax on sandy shores or take a refreshing dip in turquoise waters, Asia is home to so many lesser-known beaches offering the perfect mix of sun, sand and sea. Agoda’s recommendations this World Beach Day are all about helping travelers find their perfect slice of paradise. “

Agoda’s extensive offerings make it easy to plan a dream beach holiday, over 6 million properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and start planning the next beach escape. Visit Agoda.com for more information.

BEIJING, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from China Daily:

20-Year Economic and Social Development Strategic Vision sparks enormous increase in GDP and proliferation in tech businesses, and as a pioneer of the Digital China strategy, Fuzhou achieves 790 billion yuan in digital economy in 2024

After in-depth investigation, extensive consultations and multiple revisions, Fuzhou, capital of East China’s Fujian province, rolled out the 20-Year Economic and Social Development Strategic Vision in 1992.

Also known as the “3820 strategic project”, it outlined the goals, steps and priorities for the city’s economic and social development over three, eight and 20 years.

During the Fuzhou congress of the Communist Party of China in August 1995, the goal of “building a modern international city” was officially proposed, which established the general framework and strategy for the medium- and long term development of the city.

Following this blueprint, Fuzhou has made efforts over three decades and achieved leapfrog growth. Its GDP surged to 1.42 trillion yuan ($197.5 billion) in 2024, from 46.4 billion yuan in 1995, ranking it eighth among China’s provincial capitals.

As the pioneer of the “Digital China” strategy, Fuzhou has made great strides in high-tech industries.

In 1999 when Fuzhou Software Park was established at the foothills of Wufeng Mountain, there was only one building and some 100 enterprises. Today it consists of seven zones and 173 buildings, attracting three industries of the digital economy — software and information technology service, photoelectric chips and next-generation IT.

Rockchip Electronics, founded in the park in 2001, has become one of China’s leading integrated circuit design companies focused on the internet of things. Its products are widely recognized in the machine vision and automotive electronics industries.

The scale of Fuzhou’s digital economy reached 790 billion yuan in 2024, representing 56 percent of GDP.

The city’s traditional industries have also undergone transformation and upgrading, driven by scientific and technological innovation.

In Changle district, the city’s textile center, nearly 700 businesses and more than 10,000 machines have been connected to the Fujian (Changle) textile industrial internet platform.

“The platform utilizes artificial intelligence-driven terminal devices to monitor our tricot machines and automatically adjust parameters. Compared with the past, it has reduced downtime by 10 percent and lowered operating costs by 15 percent by optimizing material consumption and working-hour allocation,” said Liu Tianzhen, general manager of Fujian Jiegao Textile.

As a national marine economy development demonstration zone, Fuzhou has led the country in fishery output value for 30 years. It is also China’s second-largest producer of aquatic products.

Lianjiang county, known as China’s hometown of abalone, contributes one third of the nation’s total abalone farming output.

The county has opened 11 deep-sea aquaculture facilities, accelerating its shift toward “smart fishing”. Of them, Fubao No 1, equipped with smart monitoring systems and a windproof structure, can produce 45 metric tons of abalone annually.

As a key city on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Fuzhou has actively integrated into China’s new development paradigm, expanding its opening-up and international cooperation.

Focused on reform and innovation, the Fuzhou Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone has released 114 pioneering measures since it was founded in 2015, 25 of which have been replicated and promoted nationwide.

Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Indonesia “Two Countries, Twin Parks” project has played a vital role in promoting bilateral economic and trade exchanges, based on the Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone in the county-level city of Fuqing, as well as industrial parks in Bintan, Aviarna, and Badung, Indonesia.

By 2024, the investment zone had attracted 73 collaborative projects, with total investment of 93 billion yuan.

In partnership with Salim Group, Saneheld (Fuqing) Food is developing a marine fisheries center in Indonesia. So far, two production bases have been built in Tuban city.

Zhaohua Aquatic Food has invested in a 400-hectare Pacific white shrimp farm, ensuring a stable supply of frozen shrimps from Indonesia to Fuzhou for deep processing, cutting production costs.

The investment zone is now constructing a food industry park covering 4.53 hectares, which is expected to start operations in 2026 and inject impetus into its food industry.

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fraser Residence Sudirman Jakarta marks a new chapter with the entry of its new shareholders—Mr. Michael Song and Mr. Thomas Song, visionary brothers and founders of Hung Kuang Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based investment firm. With over a decade of experience in Taiwan’s real estate market, the Song brothers bring youthful energy and proven expertise to this iconic serviced apartment.

A warm blessing ceremony was held to commemorate the ownership transition, attended by employees, guests, and representatives from both Fraser Hospitality and Hung Kuang. General Manager Mrs. Wita Junifah opened the event with a heartfelt welcome, followed by a speech from Mr. Michael Song, who expressed his deep emotional connection to Indonesia and his ambition to elevate the property into a top-tier residence.

A traditional tumpeng-cutting ceremony symbolizing the handover, between Mr. Vernon Lee on behalf of Fraser Hospitality, presenting the rice cone piece to Mr. Song. The celebration also featured Indonesian folk performances and West Javanese dishes, reflecting Mr. Song’s family ties to Bandung.

Now operating under PT Hung Kuang International Hospitality, the property will continue to be managed by Fraser Hospitality to maintain its high service standards. The Song brothers’ vision for Fraser Residence Sudirman reflects their broader mission: to blend local culture with international hospitality excellence through their brand, Hung Kuang.

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fraser Residence Sudirman Jakarta marks a new chapter with the entry of its new shareholders—Mr. Michael Song and Mr. Thomas Song, visionary brothers and founders of Hung Kuang Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based investment firm. With over a decade of experience in Taiwan’s real estate market, the Song brothers bring youthful energy and proven expertise to this iconic serviced apartment.

A warm blessing ceremony was held to commemorate the ownership transition, attended by employees, guests, and representatives from both Fraser Hospitality and Hung Kuang. General Manager Mrs. Wita Junifah opened the event with a heartfelt welcome, followed by a speech from Mr. Michael Song, who expressed his deep emotional connection to Indonesia and his ambition to elevate the property into a top-tier residence.

A traditional tumpeng-cutting ceremony symbolizing the handover, between Mr. Vernon Lee on behalf of Fraser Hospitality, presenting the rice cone piece to Mr. Song. The celebration also featured Indonesian folk performances and West Javanese dishes, reflecting Mr. Song’s family ties to Bandung.

Now operating under PT Hung Kuang International Hospitality, the property will continue to be managed by Fraser Hospitality to maintain its high service standards. The Song brothers’ vision for Fraser Residence Sudirman reflects their broader mission: to blend local culture with international hospitality excellence through their brand, Hung Kuang.

NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CamScanner, a leading mobile scanning application, today announced the launch of its new “Turn Page to Auto Capture” feature, an innovative tool designed to streamline the process of digitizing multi-page documents like books, contracts, and notebooks. This groundbreaking function is the first of its kind in the industry.

The Turn Page to Auto Capture feature allows users to digitize entire books or multi-page documents with just a few simple steps. By opening the app, tapping the camera button, selecting “Book mode,” and activating “Turn Page to Auto Capture,” scanning becomes both effortless and efficient. After the first page is captured manually, users only need to turn the pages while the app automatically detects and records each one.(https://www.youtube.com/shorts/S-k5Xo-Kch8）This eliminates the need to tap the capture button repeatedly, making the process faster and smoother—whether scanning 10 pages or 100.

This feature is powered by an advanced deep learning algorithm that performs real-time analysis of the viewfinder content to recognize subtle cues such as hand movements, changes in lighting, shadows, and the book’s colors. Once the algorithm detects a page turn, the system waits for the page to settle, ensuring a crisp image capture. This approach effectively prevents common issues like blurry shots, duplicate pages, and accidental obstructions. This feature is currently available on iOS.

A key technical challenge was determining the perfect moment to automatically capture the image after a page is turned. The app must not snap a picture immediately; instead, it needs to consider factors such as the stability of the book, whether fingers are obscuring the text, and changes in clarity. To address this, CamScanner developed a smart decision-making algorithm that only takes a picture once the page is stable, unobstructed, and clear. The logic is designed to trigger only when a page-turning action is detected, preventing duplicate shots when the document is stationary.

The result is a high-quality PDF document created with minimal user effort. The technology behind the feature breaks down the task into three main components: detecting the page turn, automatically capturing the page after detection, and then processing the captured page using CamScanner’s book mode to remove imperfections and create a high-quality PDF. The integration of these components allows for a seamless and efficient scanning experience.

With the Turn Page to Auto Capture feature, CamScanner reaffirms its commitment to providing users with powerful, intuitive tools for digitizing and managing their documents.