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8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau Welcomes New Executive Chef Marino D’Antonio for a Master Collaborative Dinner at Showcasing the Vibrant Culinary Cultures of Italy with Umberto Bombana

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Advertorial Desk
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MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – Galaxy Macau™, the world-class luxury integrated resort, stands as a premier culinary destination, offering exquisite dishes from around the globe and ensuring that every visit to Macau is vibrant and memorable. Since its opening in 2015, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau has garnered numerous accolades, including a Michelin one-star rating for nine consecutive years and a Forbes Travel Guide five-star rating for three years running. This year marks a new chapter as the restaurant welcomes its new Executive Chef, the renowned Italian chef Marino D’Antonio, acclaimed for his exceptional culinary talent in various Michelin-starred establishments and five-star hotels.

The new Executive Chef of 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau Marino D'Antonio (left) and Michelin Three Starred Maestro Chef Umberto Bombana (right).
The new Executive Chef of 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau Marino D’Antonio (left) and Michelin Three Starred Maestro Chef Umberto Bombana (right).

Celebrating Chef Marino’s return to the Bombana family, Maestro Umberto Bombana will make a special appearance at Galaxy Macau to collaborate with Marino for a dinner event on February 26 and 27, inviting guests on a luxurious culinary journey.

Chef Marino, coming from a family of cooks, embarked on his culinary adventure in China in 2006 and quickly established himself in the culinary scene. In 2013, he partnered with Chef Bombana to open Opera BOMBANA, which rapidly became the hottest Italian restaurant in Beijing. Their partnership has flourished over the years, fueled by a shared passion for gastronomy. Over the past two decades, Chef Marino has opened many successful restaurants across China and authored two culinary books to share his knowledge of Italian cuisine.

Chef Marino will also present his Marinated Langoustine with sea urchin, Oscietra caviar, and Orange Chantilly, which he describes as a “must-try” at 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA.
Chef Marino will also present his Marinated Langoustine with sea urchin, Oscietra caviar, and Orange Chantilly, which he describes as a “must-try” at 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA.

The essence of Italian coastal cuisine lies in its high-quality ingredients, a pursuit central to Chef Bombana’s philosophy of “Quality, Tradition, and Consistency.” The menu for the dinner on February 26 and 27 features an exquisite selection of seasonal ingredients: majestic King crab from the pristine, icy waters off Hokkaido; the fragrant Périgord black truffle, which elevates comforting tagliolini with a luxurious touch; and the luscious Mayura beef, expertly paired with earthy morels.

Honored with “Wine List of the Year” by Gambero Rosso—the world’s authority on Italian food, wine, and travel—the restaurant’s wine pairings for the evening are exceptional, elevating the dining experience to new heights.

One signature dish on the menu is the Veal and Ham Agnolotti in Classic Broth, which represents one of Chef Marino’s earliest food memories as a child.
One signature dish on the menu is the Veal and Ham Agnolotti in Classic Broth, which represents one of Chef Marino’s earliest food memories as a child.

Refreshed Menu and New Lunch Offerings Present the Finest Italian Flavors

Chef Marino has big ambitions for 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA and looks forward to introducing his own signature dishes to diners in Macau. One signature dish on the menu is the Veal and Ham Agnolotti in Classic Broth, which represents one of Chef Marino’s earliest food memories as a child. “This is a memory that I carry dearly with me,” he says. “When my mother used to prepare this small ravioli for the family during the winter festivity, there was always a lot of excitement to prepare the broth with just the right amount of Capon chicken veal neck and the spices were always carefully handled by my grandmother. The dough for the Agnolotti skin also needed to be very precise and thin. I can still remember the aromas in the air and the happiness of the family reunion. This always gives me good memories and that is the reason why I love this dish.”

He will also present his Marinated Langoustine with sea urchin, Oscietra caviar, and Orange Chantilly, which he describes as a “must-try” at 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA. Inspired by Chef Bombana’s love for high-quality ingredients, this dish exemplifies Italian coastal cuisine and the cooking style very much adheres with the culinary traditions of Italy’s Liguria region. The scampi, sea urchin and citrus together orchestrate an explosion of flavors, with Oscietra caviar elevating the dish even further. The new menu will also draw inspiration from 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA in Hong Kong, allowing guests at Galaxy Macau to savor beloved classic dishes.

The 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA’s décor harmoniously blends modern and classic styles, creating an elegant and inviting atmosphere.
The 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA’s décor harmoniously blends modern and classic styles, creating an elegant and inviting atmosphere.

Additionally, the restaurant will introduce a new lunch menu starting in March, available every Friday and Saturday, with dishes starting from MOP 680, featuring Michelin-quality cuisine. This menu showcases exquisite Italian classics paired with fresh seasonal ingredients to ensure a high-quality culinary experience in a short timeframe. Guests will have the opportunity to savor the restaurant’s signature dishes and may also choose to enhance their meal with freshly shaved truffles, adding a rich aroma to elevate their dining experience.

Marino’s culinary creations embody rich Italian traditions while showcasing his unique interpretation, delighting diners with a warm and inviting approach. “Respect is fundamental. It is important to respect your team, your guests, and the ingredients,” Chef Marino says. “Our goal is to source the highest quality ingredients, and the closer we can find them, the better. Our planet is one, and we need to keep it for the next generation. Respect for ingredients is vital in our Italian culinary culture. ‘It’s about Tradition, Quality, and Consistency’, as Chef Bombana says. His words have truly stuck with me, and these are the principles I strive to uphold.”

A New Height of Italian Culinary Experience with Starred Chefs

At Galaxy Macau, every meal is a sensory delight. 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA’s décor harmoniously blends modern and classic styles, creating an elegant and inviting atmosphere. Guests can indulge in not only exquisite cuisine but also the cultural essence of Italy, experiencing a dining environment that beautifully interprets contemporary artistic elegance. With outstanding service, diners are treated to a feast for both the eyes and the palate, as well as an experience of the essence and soul of Italian gastronomy.

Galaxy Macau, the world-class luxury integrated resort, stands as a premier culinary destination, offering exquisite dishes from around the globe and ensuring that every visit to Macau is vibrant and memorable.
Galaxy Macau, the world-class luxury integrated resort, stands as a premier culinary destination, offering exquisite dishes from around the globe and ensuring that every visit to Macau is vibrant and memorable.

Celebrating Stars – Forbes Travel Guide Five-stars x Three Michelin Stars Gastronomic Showcase

Date & Time: 6pm – 9:30pm, February 26 & 27
Price: MOP2,680 per person / additional MOP980 for wine pairing
Location: 2031, 1/F, Galaxy Macau™
Book: +853 8886 2169

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.

Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.

Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavors & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavors at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.

Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit and

Wildberries increased network of pickup points by 75% to over 58,000 since 2024

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Advertorial Desk
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – Wildberries, a leading e-commerce platform in Eurasia, increased the number of its pickup points by 75% since the beginning of 2024 to support the dynamic growth of its marketplace.

The total number of Wildberries pickup points has surpassed 58,000 across seven countries where the marketplace operates. Three quarters of these pickup points are operated by local partners and the rest are company-owned.

The highest growth in the number of Wildberries pickup points was recorded in Kyrgyzstan (+126%) and Kazakhstan (+105%). In Georgia, where Wildberries launched operations in late 2024, the number of pickup points has also doubled, albeit from a low base. In Russia, the pickup point network increased by 81%, in Belarus by 75%, in Armenia by 55%, and in Uzbekistan by 26%.

Only a fraction of orders placed on the Wildberries marketplace are delivered to homes by couriers, with branded pickup points accounting for 90% of deliveries.

The reliance on pickup points is a unique feature of Wildberries’ business model that distinguishes it from other marketplaces. When the company was founded over 20 years ago, its largest product category was apparel. At the time, consumers still lacked trust in e-commerce and wanted to preview the clothing they ordered online before confirming their purchase. Wildberries pickup points, equipped with fitting rooms and offering the option to return items on the spot, gave customers peace of mind and quickly gained popularity.

Although Wildberries has long expanded beyond clothing to include dozens of product categories, from electronics to pet products, pickup points remain the most popular delivery option on the platform.

Wildberries has focused on developing its network of pickup points as it expands to new markets. This delivery model enhances customer convenience while providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to individual home delivery.

The expansion of Wildberries’ pickup points supports economic growth in the company’s markets of presence. The predominant franchise model gives local entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow their business in partnership with a major international marketplace and creates new jobs.

Pickup points also enhance logistics services for the more than one million sellers on the Wildberries marketplace, who can drop off their items at the nearest pickup point for further delivery to the company’s nearest distribution centre.

Hashtag: #wildberries

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

About Wildberries

Established in 2004 in Russia, Wildberries is a leading e-commerce platform operating in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan, while also partnering with sellers in China. Wildberries provides a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to support customers and sellers, along with a developed logistics network spanning more than 130 facilities and 58,000 pick-up points across its markets. As of 2024, Wildberries serves over 75 million customers and processes more than 20 million orders per day.

IOC and TCL announce long-term global TOP Partnership through to 2032

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced a Worldwide Olympic Partnership with global technology company TCL through to 2032. TCL will be the official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category.


TCL products will drive new experiences for fans and athletes, from digital displays at the Olympic and Paralympic to household appliances in the Olympic Village. Through this new partnership, the organisations will also work together to bring the magic of the Olympic and Paralympic to billions of fans around the world through innovative marketing campaigns. TCL will play an important role as the IOC progresses its Olympic AI Agenda – including supporting fan and athlete experiences on site and at home. TCL will also support the “Athlete Moments” initiative at the Olympic Games, which allows athletes to connect with loved ones around the world immediately after their competition. 

As a result of the agreement, the IOC will redistribute the revenue it receives to provide financial support to sports organisations around the world, including every National Olympic Committee and their athletes, plus the Organising Committees for the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games until 2032.

At an announcement ceremony held in Beijing, China, in the iconic “Water Cube” (Beijing 2008) / “Ice Cube” (Beijing 2022) venue, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The IOC is excited to announce its new partnership with TCL, a world leader in the television and household goods industries. TCL has a long history of supporting sport around the world, and is now taking its ambition to inspire greatness to new heights, as the Olympic Games are the greatest, most inspirational global sporting stage.”

Li Dongsheng, Founder and Chairman of TCL, said: “We are honoured to become a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner. As a leading global technology brand, TCL has always striven to ‘Inspire Greatness’, which aligns with the Olympic spirit. The Olympic Games inspire billions of people around the world, and through this partnership TCL’s diverse innovations will empower the Olympic Games and deliver exceptional experiences to a global audience. TCL will continue to fulfil its corporate social responsibility, support the Olympic sustainable development goals, and create a better future.”


TCL has supported sports around the world for decades through multiple partnerships. At the Olympic and Paralympic, TCL will enable new visual and lifestyle experiences by providing a range of intelligent innovations, including smart displays, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, door locks, audio systems, projectors and TCL RayNeo smart glasses.

Founded in 1981, TCL is committed to “Building a Sustainable and Connected Future with Advanced Technology”, dedicated to empowering a smart, healthy lifestyle by enabling next-generation intelligent experiences. With 46 R&D centres and 38 manufacturing bases around the world, TCL operates in over 160 countries and regions, cementing its position as a globally competitive technology brand.

Jiří Kejval, Chair of the IOC Revenues and Commercial Partnerships Commission, said: “TCL is a global leader in its industry and is one of the world’s fastest growing brands. The TOP Programme continues to offer the world’s leading brands and marketeers an unparalleled marketing platform built on the global reach and values of the Olympic Games. Testament to this is today’s announcement, as we bring TCL to the family of TOP Partners.”

The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.2 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

About TCL

After more than 40 years of transformation, innovation and progress, TCL Industries and TCL Technology are now focusing on three core industries: consumer electronics, display technology and clean energy. TCL is one of the top TV brands and has achieved consistent growth globally. In 2024, TCL’s TV shipments reached a record 29 million units in global market, an increase of 14.8 per cent over 2023. Furthermore, its Mini LED TV global shipments surged by 194.5 per cent year on year. And in North America, Europe and emerging markets, TCL has gained significant market share due to increased sales of its large-sized and high-end TVs. Other TCL consumer electronics products, such as air conditioners and RayNeo’s smart glasses, are also leading global markets with their innovative features. In 2024, the display arm of TCL – TCL CSOT ranked second globally in TV panel market share. Its application of Polymer Stabilised Vertical Alignment technology and Fringe Field Switch technology were pivotal in enhancing visual experiences for viewers.

For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:
Tel: +41 21 621 6000, email: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit our website at www.ioc.org.

Broadcast quality footage

The IOC Newsroom: https://newsroom.olympics.com/

Videos

YouTube: www.youtube.com/iocmedia

Photos

For an extensive selection of photos available shortly after each event, please follow us on Flickr.

To request archive photos and footage, please contact our Content Licensing Unit at: images@olympic.org.

Social media

For up-to-the-minute information on the IOC and regular updates, please follow us on X and YouTube.

Proofpoint: 88% of Top Organisations in Asia Pacific Still Put Their Customers and Stakeholders at Risk of Email Fraud as Businesses Face Record-High Email Attacks

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Advertorial Desk
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  • Protective measures against email fraud remain widely insufficient among leading Asia Pacific companies.
  • Australia’s high adoption rate of proper email authentication (71%) among its top companies sets the standard for the Asia Pacific region
  • Around 50% of leading Singapore and India’s businesses have implemented the recommended level of email authentication
  • Concerningly, less than 20% of the largest organisations in Japan, South Korea, China and Thailand are actively protecting their customers against phishing

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – Proofpoint, Inc., a leading cybersecurity and compliance company, today released new research on a worrying gap among top organisations across the Asia Pacific with only 12% having implemented the recommended and most stringent level of email authentication. In 2024, phishing attacks surged significantly, increasing nearly 60% year-over-year. This dramatic increase underscores the critical need for proper implementation of email authentication, which prevents cyber criminals from spoofing organisations’ identities thus reducing the risk of email fraud.

These findings are based on an analysis of the Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC), a widely-adopted email validation protocol records of Asia Pacific companies listed on the Forbes Global 2000. DMARC protects domain names from being misused by malicious actors by authenticating the sender’s identity before an email reaches its intended destination. This authentication system detects and prevents domain spoofing, a common phishing technique. DMARC has three levels of protection – monitor, quarantine, and reject, with reject being the most secure for preventing suspicious emails from reaching users’ inboxes.

“Email remains the most common and critical threat vector across industries. It’s encouraging that many leading companies in Asia Pacific have taken proactive steps to protect their customers from email fraud,” said George Lee, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific and Japan at Proofpoint. “However, the rising frequency, sophistication, and cost of cyberattacks make it especially concerning that many remain highly vulnerable, exposing them to significant risks from malicious email-based threats such as phishing. Prioritising robust cybersecurity measures is essential to safeguard against these threats and protect customers’ valuable data.”

Proofpoint’s research shows that DMARC adoption in the Asia Pacific region is mostly lower compared to the US and UK, placing organisations and their customers at risk. While Australia leads in email authentication DMARC enforcement, Japan, South Korea and Thailand lag, leaving businesses exposed to escalating email fraud, including business email compromise (BEC) and phishing.

Key findings of Proofpoint’s DMARC analysis across key Asia Pacific markets include:

  • Australia: 71% of the top Australian companies have implemented DMARC at the recommended levels (reject). All the top Australian companies being studied have a DMARC record.
  • Singapore: 46.2% of companies analysed have DMARC set to reject. Yet 23.1% do not have any DMARC record and are wide open to email fraud and domain spoofing attacks.
  • India: 50% of the top Indian organisations implemented the highest level of DMARC (reject), with 30.9% utilising quarantine and 11.8% having no DMARC record at all.
  • Japan: Only 7.4% of top Japanese companies have a DMARC policy of reject in place. 65.6% of companies are at the monitor level, gathering data but offering no active protection
  • South Korea: Only 1.8% have implemented DMARC at the quarantine level with none at the reject level, and 51.8% having no DMARC record at all.
  • Thailand: 17.6% have a reject policy in place to block unqualified emails, while 17.6% of companies implemented quarantine and 52.9% at the monitor level still.
  • China: Only 4.2% of top Chinese companies have the strictest level of DMARC in place. A startling 71.8% do not use any DMARC protection at all.

Major Providers and Compliance Mandates Push for DMARC Adoption

Major email providers are making moves to force companies to catch up and use email authentication. Some highly-publicised examples include the October 2023 announcements from Google, Yahoo and Apple around mandatory email authentication requirements (including DMARC) for bulk senders sending emails to Gmail, Yahoo and iCloud accounts. This aims to significantly reduce spam and fraudulent emails hitting their customers’ inboxes.

In addition, organisations that store consumer payment information must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) or risk paying hefty fines for violations. The latest PCI DSS (v4.0.1) will require companies to use DMARC to protect credit card data by March 31, 2025.

Proofpoint recommends that organisations follow these best practices:

  • Implement DMARC: Protect your domain from impersonation by implementing DMARC and enforcing it at the reject level. Seek expert assistance if needed to avoid blocking legitimate emails.
  • Educate employees: Train staff on how to identify and avoid potentially fraudulent or suspicious emails, such as those impersonating colleagues, suppliers, or customers.
  • Strengthen passwords: Establish and enforce best practices for password management, including requiring strong passwords, regular changes, and never re-using passwords across multiple accounts.

This analysis was conducted in December 2024 using data from companies listed on Forbes Global 2000.

To learn more about DMARC, visit: https://www.proofpoint.com/au/threat-reference/dmarc
Hashtag: #Proofpoint

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

About Proofpoint, Inc.

Proofpoint, Inc. is a leading cybersecurity and compliance company that protects organisations’ greatest assets and biggest risks: their people. With an integrated suite of cloud-based solutions, Proofpoint helps companies around the world stop targeted threats, safeguard their data, and make their users more resilient against cyber attacks. Leading organisations of all sizes, including 85 percent of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint for people-centric security and compliance solutions that mitigate their most critical risks across email, the cloud, social media, and the web. More information is available at .

Connect with Proofpoint: | | |

Proofpoint is a registered trademark or tradename of Proofpoint, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

HIX.AI Now Features DeepSeek R1 For Unlimited Free AI Chat

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HIX.AI has been a trusted name in the AI world, originally specializing in advanced AI search capabilities. Now, it has taken a bold step forward by becoming an unlimited free AI chat platform for the revolutionary DeepSeek R1 model.

DeepSeek R1, developed by a Chinese startup, has been described as a disruptive force in the AI industry, rivaling leading models like GPT-4o while being significantly more cost-effective. Now HIX.AI is making this groundbreaking model completely free and unlimited for all users. This means they can interact with DeepSeek without worrying about restrictions on usage, downtime, or subscription fees.

But DeepSeek R1 is just one of the many models available on the new and repurposed HIX.AI. It also offers users access to many other leading AI chat models, including ChatGPT, GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini, and more. You can switch between them on the fly and chat with numerous large language models at the same time.

This opens a lot of potential uses and opportunities for HIX.AI users. They can use the many chatbots provided to tackle complex tasks from multiple angles, research topics, get help on their coding projects and other professional endeavors, or just chat about almost any subject on their mind. The uses are nearly limitless.

In brief, HIX.AI now aims to be every user’s go-to platform for instant, free, and unlimited AI chat for DeepSeek. It also gives you full and complete access to so many AI chat tools, you’ll never need to go anywhere else. It’s easy to work with, suiting both beginner and experienced users alike, and it’s great for both personal and professional use.

For more information about the revamped HIX.AI and to experience the disruptive potential of DeepSeek at no cost and with no limits, visit https://hix.ai.

MEDIA CONTACT
Camille Sawyer
CEO, HIX.AI
support@hix.ai

50 Days to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai! Your Gateway to Exploring Japan’s Hidden Gems

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Advertorial Desk
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TOKYO, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With just 50 days until the highly anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, excitement is mounting for this global event that will showcase innovation and culture on an unprecedented scale. Running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, the Expo is set to welcome visitors from around the world for 184 unforgettable days. Organized under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” Expo 2025 aims to inspire international collaboration and address global challenges through its three sub-themes: “Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives,” and “Connecting Lives.” The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) invites you to experience not only the Expo but also the beauty, culture, and attractions of Japan through its “Expo + Tourism” initiative. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the Expo’s inspiring vision while exploring the wonders of Japan beyond the realms of the Expo itself.

Osaka Expo 2025 site on the Yumeshima Island
Osaka Expo 2025 site on the Yumeshima Island

＜Theme: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”＞

The theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” envisions a world where each individual can shape their desired way of life and realize their full potential. It also emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in creating a sustainable society that supports these aspirations. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for humanity to reflect on its collective potential in the aftermath of the unprecedented global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020. By re-examining the way we live and envisioning new societal models, the Expo will provide a platform for collaborative dialogue and innovative proposals for the future.

https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/about/

 

＜Latest Updates Leading Up to the Expo＞

  • International Pavilions
    A total of 158 countries and regions along with 9 international organizations have confirmed their participation. Explore your country’s pavilion and discover the latest updates at the link below.
    Details on International Pavilions: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/official-participant/
  • National Celebrations & Country-Specific Events
    The Expo will feature a diverse lineup of national celebrations and cultural events, ensuring excitement throughout the entire period.
    Discover the latest event information at the link below.
    Event Calendar: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/bfae59945b7c37365de59b54bb9c82ba-1.pdf
  • Domestic & Signature Pavilions
    Visitors can explore Japan Pavilion, Women’s Pavilion (in collaboration with Cartier), Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, Kansai Pavilion, and 13 corporate pavilions showcasing Japan’s cutting-edge technology and innovation. The latest updates on uniquely themed domestic pavilions are available at the link below.
    Domestic Pavilions: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/domestic-pv/ 
    8 Signature Pavilions will present unique experiences reflecting Expo 2025’s theme.
    Signature Pavilions: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/project/

 

＜Explore Japan with ‘Expo + Tourism’! Discover the latest updates on captivating destinations across the country＞

 

iscover travel destinations across Japan that embody the theme of Expo 2025>

  1. Saving Lives
    Daisen, Tottori Prefecture
    Daisen offers a serene hiking experience through lush beech forests. Visitors can choose from three distinct trails—Nature, History, and Full Course—each showcasing the area’s breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage. A highlight of the area is Ogamiyama Shrine Okunomiya, a tranquil and sacred spot. The shrine is home to Japan’s longest natural stone-paved pathway and the country’s largest white sandalwood-paved approach, both designated as National Important Cultural Properties, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking peace and heritage.
    https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/sightseeing/area-7/spot-19/
  2. Empowering Lives
    Ama Hut Experience
    Toba City’s Shima-cho Osatsu in Mie Prefecture is home to Japan’s largest community of Ama — traditional female free divers who have upheld this extraordinary practice for over 2,000 years. Deeply woven into the region’s cultural fabric, the Ama way of life remains an enduring tradition. Visitors can experience this unique heritage at an ‘Ama Hut,’ where divers rest before and after their dives, enjoy freshly caught local seafood, and engage in cultural exchanges with the Ama themselves.
    https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/sightseeing/area-5/spot-15/
  3. Connecting Lives
    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama Prefecture
    The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a picturesque district renowned for its white-walled storehouses, traditional Namako-kabe lattice walls, and willow-lined canals. Step into its enchanting blend of history and retro-modern charm.
    https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/sightseeing/area-7/spot-21/

 

JNTO provides a wealth of travel resources, offering detailed guides to Japan’s must-see destinations.

Use JNTO’s website to discover Japan’s hidden gems and plan an unforgettable journey!

About Japan National Tourism Organization

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is an independent administrative corporation under the jurisdiction of the Japan Tourism Agency. JNTO operates tourism promotion offices in overseas countries, promoting tourism to Japan and providing tourist information to overseas visitors.

For information on image usage and approval, please refer to the details below.

Main image (Yumeshima) – Please obtain approval from the Expo Association (globalpr@expo2025.or.jp). It is advisable to seek approval during the pre-publication stage when modifications are still possible.

All other images (7pcs) – can be directly downloaded from the link below, please ensure to clearly credit the source when using these images.
Box URL: https://vectorincgroup.box.com/s/ahgsllmtndmc255ct3xpzy4rvnwjzu9w
*Link available until March 21st,2025

Laos, Thailand Strengthen Security Cooperation Following Major Drug Bust

By
Souliyasone Ngotsyoudom
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Laos, Thailand Strengthen Security Cooperation Following Major Drug Bust
Laos, Thailand Strengthen Security Cooperation Following Major Drug Bust

On 17 February, police officers from the Kaenthao District in Xayaboury Province arrested a group of drug smugglers attempting to transport drugs across the Nam Hue border at the Kon Veng point in Chomkeo village. This location faces Ban Pak Khan Port in Thali District, Loei Province, Thailand. 

The authorities quickly identified the suspects and detained three individuals: one Lao citizen and two Thai nationals. They seized heroin (in the form of white powder) hidden in a box of materials (disguised as a box of white skin cream) inside two empty bags. Each bag contained 44 boxes, for a total of 88 boxes, weighing 44 kilograms.

Arrest of 02 Thai men and 01 Lao man with Heroine as evidence
Arrest of 02 Thai men and 01 Lao man with Heroine as evidence

The arrested individuals were Xay Xaema, 44, and Voutthixay Xaema, 25, both residents of Sirirath village, Phop Phra district, Tak Province, Thailand, as well as Nonthawee Sisenglat, 21, a resident of Chomkeo village, Kaenthao district, Xayaboury Province.

In the wake of the incident, both the Lao and Thai governments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional security and combating transnational crime.

On 19 February, Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met with his Lao counterpart, Khamliang Outhakaysone, to discuss enhanced cooperation in combating call-center scam gangs and drug trafficking. Both officials agreed that addressing issues like drug trafficking along the border and technological crime requires strengthened security cooperation that cannot be tackled by either country alone.

Phumtham discusses call-centre scams, drug issues with Lao defence minister
Phumtham discusses call-centre scams, drug issues with Lao defence minister

To address technological crime, both sides agreed to collaborate with relevant government agencies and work together to resolve the issue. The 30th Thai-Laos General Border Committee (GBC) meeting was hosted by Laos.

Following the GBC meeting, Phumtham is scheduled to meet with Liu Zhongyi, China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security. Liu is expected to brief Phumtham on the outcomes of his recent visit to Mae Sot district in Tak and his discussions in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, regarding efforts to crack down on call-center scam gangs.

During their meeting, Liu Zhongyi is expected to present four key proposals to enhance regional security: establishing a tri-partite mechanism between Thailand, Myanmar, and China to address call-center scams, cutting electricity and oil supplies to disrupt operations, strengthening border controls to prevent relocations, and facilitating the repatriation of affected Chinese nationals.

Liquid Web Expands Dedicated Server Locations in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific to Strengthen Global Reach for Faster, Reliable Hosting

By
Advertorial Desk
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ATLANTA, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Liquid Web, a leader in dedicated servers, WordPress, VPS, GPU, and cloud hosting solutions, has launched four new bare metal server locations in San Jose, California; Ashburn, Virginia; Sydney, Australia; and London, England. This global expansion delivers lower latency, improved network performance, and faster speeds in these high-demand regions.


 

As businesses scale, high-speed, ultra-reliable hosting is critical for seamless digital experiences. The new server locations extend Liquid Web’s reach beyond its existing data centers in Lansing, Michigan; Phoenix, Arizona; and Amsterdam, Netherlands, bringing secure, high-performance hosting closer to their users.

Key Benefits

  • Faster website and application speeds with reduced network latency.
  • Enhanced reliability for mission-critical workloads.
  • Seamless connectivity to key global markets.
  • Expanded geographic reach for growing businesses.
  • Improved failover and business continuity for uninterrupted operations.
  • Disaster recovery readiness for secure, resilient operations.

“Speed, reliability, and scalability are at the core of what we do. Expanding our data center presence ensures we continue delivering on that promise,” says Ryan MacDonald, CTO at Liquid Web. “With these new locations, businesses gain higher performance, lower latency, and greater global reach — setting the stage for even more innovation ahead.”

This expansion strengthens Liquid Web’s position as a trusted hosting provider, offering dedicated servers with enterprise-grade reliability at competitive pricing, backed by expert support. Customers in these regions can benefit from:

  • High-performance servers for demanding applications.
  • Faster connections across key global regions.
  • Maximum power with no platform overhead.

Liquid Web remains committed to enhancing its hosting portfolio and expanding services to meet the needs of a rapidly growing global customer base.

For more details about Liquid Web’s bare metal server offerings, visit LiquidWeb.com.

About Liquid Web
Part of CloudOne Digital, Liquid Web delivers top-tier infrastructure and cloud solutions to help businesses thrive. With 25+ years of expertise, it powers mission-critical sites, stores, and applications for SMBs, developers, designers, and agencies. They are known for their reliability, expert support, and commitment to excellence. The company’s team provides 24/7/365 service, and is recognized as INC. Magazine’s Fastest-Growing Companies.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Media Contact Name: Amanda Valle
Title: Global Director
Email: media@liquidweb.com

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