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Widespread Flooding Hits Laos in an Early Monsoon Season

Flood in Luang Prabang (Photo: ຫ້ອງການກາແດງ ເມືອງນານ)

Severe flooding has swept across many provinces in Laos as Tropical Storm Wipha struck the country in the form of a tropical depression between 21 and 23 July, drowning several districts and causing widespread damage.

OCBC Hong Kong Unveils New Brand Campaign


Connected to “As One Group, OCBC Enables Aspiration All Across ASEAN and Greater China”
Demonstrating the Unwavering Commitment in Realising Customer’s Aspirations

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2025 – OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (“OCBC Hong Kong”) remains committed to supporting both businesses and individuals with comprehensive banking solutions. Over the years, the Bank has stood alongside countless enterprises and generations of Hong Kong people, helping them grow and thrive. Starting this month, OCBC is proudly launching a new brand campaign in key markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In Hong Kong, the Bank is featuring Ms Ho Yuen Kei, world champion and gold medalist in the Women’s Individual BC3 Boccia event, in the brand campaign. Her inspiring journey of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity to pursue her aspiration embodies the Bank’s commitment to uplifting individuals and communities in realising their aspirations.

OCBC Hong Kong Unveils New Brand Campaign

In its new brand campaign, OCBC Hong Kong features Ms Ho Yuen Kei — world champion and gold medalist in the Women’s Individual BC3 Boccia event — who shares her journey in pursuit of her aspirations. Her story serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals to realise their aspirations and uplift those around them along the way.

In the campaign, Yuen Kei shares: “I need to fill my glass with water before I can pour for others”. Her words deeply resonate with OCBC Group’s purpose — to enable people and communities to realise their aspirations — and serve as a compelling reminder for everyone to take the first step toward their aspirations.

In order to deepen the interaction between the public and customers with the brand, thereby driving the realisation of aspirations, starting today, OCBC Hong Kong is launching the “Aspiration Leave” themed initiative on its official Instagram account @ocbc_hk. Participants who share their aspirations and plans for achieving them will have the chance to win exciting rewards.

In addition, OCBC Hong Kong recently partnered with selected local SMEs* to launch a collaborative initiative that encourages employees to take “Aspiration Leave” — empowering them to pursue personal aspirations and give greater meaning to their time. Participating SMEs receive funding and promotional opportunity from OCBC Hong Kong, while also fostering stronger communication and team spirit, contributing to a more positive and engaged workplace culture. The initiative attracted over a hundred employee applications within a short period, their aspiration stories will be shared on OCBC Hong Kong’s social media channels, continuing to ignite motivation across the city.

Mr Wang Ke, CEO of OCBC Hong Kong, said: “Starting this month, OCBC Group is launching a new brand campaign across key markets, centered on the theme ‘Purpose is about lifting others’. This embodies our ‘One Group’ commitment to help customers realise their aspirations. In Hong Kong, we feature a story that reflects the city’s resilient spirit and the pursuit of aspirations amid adversity. Through this campaign, we aim to inspire individuals not only to pursue their own aspiration but also to uplift those around them. We are engaging the broader community and strengthening our support for SMEs via this initiative. As a vital pillar of Hong Kong’s economy, SMEs are driven by passionate individuals who strive to make meaningful contributions to society. OCBC Hong Kong is proud to stand alongside them and support them in their journey toward realising their aspirations.”

*SMEs that participate the “Aspiration Leave” Initiative:
Admazes Limited
Bergner (HK) Limited
Brand Meditech (Asia) Company Limited
Grandasy Engineering Co Ltd
HobbyDigi Limited
Kooly Shop Limited
Lou Pichoun
Mak’s Noodle
Maple Bear Canadian International Kindergarten Hong Kong
U Park Limited

Hashtag: #OCBCHongKong

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

About OCBC

OCBC is the longest established Singapore bank, formed in 1932 from the merger of three local banks, the oldest of which was founded in 1912. It is one of the world’s most highly-rated banks, with Aa1 by Moody’s and AA- by both Fitch and S&P. Recognised for its financial strength and stability, OCBC is consistently ranked among the World’s Top 50 Safest Banks by Global Finance and has been named Best Managed Bank in Singapore by The Asian Banker.

OCBC is the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets. The Group offers a broad array of commercial banking, specialist financial and wealth management services, ranging from consumer, corporate, investment, private and transaction banking to treasury, insurance, asset management and stockbroking services.

OCBC’s private banking services are provided by its wholly-owned subsidiary Bank of Singapore, which operates on a unique open-architecture product platform to source for the best-in-class products to meet its clients’ goals. Its insurance subsidiary, Great Eastern Holdings, is the oldest and most established life insurance group in Singapore and Malaysia. Its asset management subsidiary, Lion Global Investors, is one of the leading asset management companies in Southeast Asia. Its brokerage subsidiary, OCBC Securities, is one of the leading securities firms in Singapore.

The Group’s key markets are Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Greater China. It has over 400 branches and representative offices in 19 countries and regions.

For more information, please visit to learn more about OCBC Hong Kong.

Advancing sustainable mobility through innovative traffic management solutions and collaborative data integration: Akkodis announces participation in EU-funded project FEDORA

Akkodis is joining forces with leading European partners to create innovative traffic management solutions that enhance sustainable urban mobility across Europe.

VIENNA, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akkodis, a global digital engineering company and part of the Adecco Group, is proud to participate in the EU-funded FEDORA[1]  project (Federation of Network Optimisation Services, Simulation Foresights, and Data Alchemy for Adaptable, Agile, Secure, and Resilient Multimodal Traffic Management). Coordinated by ERTICO – ITS Europe, the initiative, officially launched on June 1st, brings together a strong consortium of institutions focused on solving today’s pressing mobility challenges.

 

Traffic management in the EU project FEDORA. Image credit: Akkodis
Traffic management in the EU project FEDORA. Image credit: Akkodis

 

The FEDORA project addresses key limitations in current traffic management systems, including a lack of orchestration when addressing multi-modal needs in structured integration protocols and in the incorporation of real-world traffic complexities. These gaps have led to suboptimal performance in managing mobility services and a divergence from the EU’s sustainability targets. To tackle these challenges, FEDORA will develop a federated digital platform that enables advanced, real-time sensing and forecasting of transport supply and demand, supporting more efficient, sustainable movement of people and goods.

At the operational level, FEDORA will offer a collaborative data space from which advanced data processes using interconnected service and tools can be developed. It will also focus on the development of advanced traffic management optimization services and a multi-modal simulation environment to create and assess future mobility scenarios. The approach will be validated through six thematic demonstrations in diverse contexts, including Vienna, the Basque Country, Reggio Emilia, Nicosia, Budapest, and Copenhagen, addressing varying urban and rural conditions, infrastructure maturity levels, and multimodal mobility service availability. The demonstration phase is set to start in summer 2026, with Vienna as the first pilot city.

Akkodis brings proven expertise to FEDORA, having previously coordinated the Horizon 2020-funded MobiDataLab project, which advanced data sharing among mobility stakeholders across Europe. The methodologies and cloud-based service platform developed in MobiDataLab now serve as a foundation for FEDORA’s data space and will be expanded as part of the new initiative.

FEDORA is anticipated to deliver several outcomes that will significantly improve the transport network and traffic oversight. It aims to enhance the multimodal transport system, ensuring efficient door-to-door mobility for both passengers and goods. Additionally, the initiative will develop effective solutions for secure data sharing across different transport modes, fostering a dynamic and responsive management framework.

“Akkodis is committed to leveraging its expertise in digital engineering to contribute to the success of the FEDORA project. By collaborating with ERTICO, the City of Vienna, and a strong network of partners, Akkodis aims to improve the efficiency of decarbonized transport solutions in complex environments, promoting their desirability in order to support the EU’s vision for sustainable mobility,” comments Tanguy Deren, Director of Innovation at Akkodis France.

Contacts

Anne Friedrich

SVP, Global Head of Communications, Akkodis
E. anne.friedrich@adeccogroup.com

Meldina Kurti

Director, Business Partner Communications Germany, Akkodis
E. meldina.kurti@akkodis.com

Maria Sole Quaglio

External Communications Manager Germany, Akkodis
E.  maria-sole.quaglio@akkodis.com

About Akkodis

Akkodis is a global digital engineering company and Smart Industry leader. We enable clients to advance in their digital transformation with Consulting, Solutions, Talent, and Academy services. Headquartered in Switzerland and part of the Adecco Group, Akkodis is a trusted tech partner to the world’s industries. We co-create and pioneer solutions that help to solve major challenges, from accelerating the clean energy transition and green mobility, to improving user and patient centricity. Empowered by a culture of inclusion and diversity, our 50,000 tech experts across 30 countries combine best-in-class technologies and cross industry knowledge to drive purposeful innovation for a more sustainable tomorrow. We are passionate about Engineering a Smarter Future Together. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | FacebookX

About The Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units – Adecco, Akkodis and LHH – across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering solutions to power the Smart Industry transformation and empower organizations to optimize their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN).  https://www.adeccogroup.com/

[1] This project has received funding from a Research and Innovation Action under Horizon Europe Framework with Grant Agreement No 101203465. 

 

 

SM strengthens its commitment to reduce plastic waste

PASAY CITY, Philippines, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The SM Group is firming up its commitment to reduce plastic waste as a shared responsibility across its business units.  Led by its parent company, SM Investments Corporation, the conglomerate recently created a working group committee that convenes and conducts regular dialogues, enjoining SM’s different businesses to incorporate plastic reduction into their respective sustainability roadmaps.

This is in support of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, or EPR Law which requires companies to take responsibility for the recovery of their plastic packaging products and to pursue waste management programs.

“While plastic plays a crucial role in modern life, its convenience often contributes to a throwaway culture, leading to one of our planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. We understand the importance of waste recovery and recycling not only as part of our sustainable business vision but also as a social and legal obligation. SM’s approach is both practical and actionable,” Timothy Daniels, Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability, SM Investments Corporation said.

Take for example SM Markets, the SM Group’s umbrella brand for SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore, which has ushered in greener retail practices in encouraging the use of eco-bags over single-use plastics since 2007. In 2024 alone, SM Markets sold 19 million Green Bags, equivalent to around 42 million plastic bags avoided.

One of SM Retail’s affiliates, Watsons Philippines has transitioned 81% of its stores to using paper bags instead of single-use plastics. In addition, over 2,140 retail stock-keeping units (SKUs) fall under Watsons’ Sustainable Choices category, which includes products classified as Clean Beauty, Better Ingredients, Better Packaging, and Refills. These products reflect its commitment to offering more environmentally responsible options to consumers.

Goldilocks Bakeshop, Inc., one of SM’s portfolio investments, reduced the size of ribbons used in each of their packaging leading to a reduction of 7,000 kilograms of plastics annually.

2GO Group, Inc., the logistics business of the SM Group, has also taken deliberate steps to reduce plastic use by transitioning to environmentally friendly packaging. Their shipping operations now utilize 100% recyclable, reusable and biodegradable packaging materials.

Considering its footprint across the Philippines, SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) commits to foster the much-needed infrastructure that will help support and maintain plastic waste management strategies across its businesses. SM Prime has equipped its properties with Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and standardized waste segregation systems across all malls and developments. There are 15 designated drop-off points for plastic wastes, which diverted 63,874 kgs of plastics from landfills.

Trash-to-Cash (TTC) is a long-running monthly recycling market held in all SM Supermalls, where customers can exchange recyclables – such as paper, plastic and metal – for cash. TTC has facilitated the exchange of over 1 million kilograms of recyclables each month, totaling approximately 12 million kilograms. This is equivalent to saving 204,000 trees if all the recyclables were paper or reducing 18,000 tons of carbon emissions if all were plastic.

Consumer-facing initiatives such as the RDC (Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable) segregation bins launched by SM Supermalls in 2023 and information drives help employees and customers reinforce the group’s wider efforts.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has also phased out single-use plastics in its hotels as early as 2018, replacing amenities with refillable or eco-friendly options.

“Plastic waste reduction at SM is about steady, coordinated progress made possible by a shared culture of everyday solutions, and a proactive approach across all our businesses,” Mr. Daniels added.

The United Nations Environment Programme identified plastic pollution as a global problem with 19-23 million tons of plastic waste going into the ecosystem, polluting lakes, rivers and seas.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

Tag along with Jay at CISCE: 3, 2, 1, Go! Linking you to a better lifestyle

BEIJING, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from China.org.cn:

British visitor Jay Ian Birbeck explored the healthy life section of the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), an event showcasing the full breadth of the global supply chain in Beijing from July 16 to 20.

Jay’s journey began with a fairytale-inspired AI mirror. When he jokingly asked, “Who’s the most handsome guy at CISCE?”, a staff member from Dong-E-E-Jiao Co., Ltd explained the real value behind the AI mirror. By scanning the tongue coating and facial complexion in just 10 seconds, the system uses artificial intelligence to enhance TCM’s four diagnostic methods and provide real-time personalized health reports and wellness plans. The blend of ancient wisdom and modern technology allowed Jay to witness the vitality of millennia-old traditions in the digital age.

At Bloomage Biotech’s booth, Jay discovered a skincare innovation made entirely from fermented rice liquid, with no added water — a formulation that caught his attention. Staff further showcased the core engine behind such innovations: the synthetic biology pilot transformation platform. This critical bridge connecting labs to mass production is accelerating the transformation of research ideas into tangible products, offering Jay a glimpse into how China’s biomanufacturing is reshaping the future of the beauty industry.

At L’Oréal’s booth, Jay witnessed the dynamic growth of China’s beauty sector firsthand. With a brand portfolio serving 100 million Chinese consumers, the exhibit demonstrated how a robust supply chain underpins innovation in R&D, production, and logistics. What impressed Jay more was a locally developed innovation: a hair dryer co-created with a Chinese startup. Enhanced by infrared light, it delivers unprecedented speed-drying and shine effects.

Entering the wellness zone, Jay was drawn to Dong-e-e-jiao’s booth by the enticing aroma of traditional remedies. There, he encountered classic tonics creatively reimagined as snack-friendly formats for younger consumers. At T.C. Pharmaceutical Group’s section, a Red Bull drink co-branded with CISCE’s mascot Linky was precisely delivered by a robot to Jay during a fitness test. Marking the 50th anniversary of China–Thailand diplomatic ties, the Thai enterprise leveraged its investment in China over five years to showcase a new Asian narrative of cross-border supply chain collaboration. 

Smart home innovations demonstrated the future of comfortable living. Jay experienced heat-insulating and soundproof smart windows, facial-recognition door locks, and hidden range hoods that display recipes while cooking. Moving to Cheers’ exhibit, technology embraced humanistic care: a power-lift sofa uses mechanical structures to assist the elderly in standing effortlessly. Staff noted this comfort has reached users in over 100 countries through 15 global production bases. 

From beauty tech to wellness solutions, the third CISCE brought together a full spectrum of lifestyle advancements. Join Jay as he explores how cutting-edge AI, smart home solutions and pharmaceutical breakthroughs are reshaping health, beauty and modern living. Three, two, one — hit the link and discover a smarter way to live well!

Tag along with Jay at CISCE: 3, 2, 1, Go! Linking you to a better lifestyle
http://www.china.org.cn/2025-07/21/content_117988960.shtml

SM Champions an Inclusive Workplace

PASAY CITY, Philippines, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With four generations coexisting in today’s workforce, from Baby Boomers to Generation Z, the modern workplace is evolving into a dynamic space of shared knowledge, innovation, and continuous learning.

A 2025 report by the World Economic Forum highlights the value of generational diversity in organizations, citing its role in fostering collaboration, enabling upskilling, and placing people at the heart of technological transformation. By encouraging diverse perspectives, companies unlock innovation, widen mentorship networks, and enable more inclusive, adaptive problem-solving.

At the SM group, led by its parent company SM Investments Corporation, generational diversity is seen as a strength. Millennials and Gen X currently make up for 47% (between 30-50 years old) of the over 142,000 employees across the group, the younger Gen Z also at 47% (below 30 years old), while 6% (above 50 years old) are Baby Boomers, reflecting a healthy mix of experience, energy, and fresh thinking.

“Our people are the strongest foundation of SM’s continued growth,” said Elizabeth Anne ‘Lizanne’ Uychaco, Executive Vice President and Group Diversity Officer at SM Investments Corporation. “That’s why we foster a culture of inclusion and belonging across all levels of the organization.”

This commitment extends to gender inclusion, with women comprising 64% of the total workforce and holding 58% of senior leadership roles across the group. As a signatory to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) since 2022, SM upholds merit-based advancement through its Equal Opportunity Policy and Framework, ensuring fair processes, inclusive facilities, and transparent monitoring systems.

SM’s forward-looking approach to career development is reflected in the SM Sustainability School, a group-wide learning platform aimed at future-proofing skills and fostering a sustainability mindset. In 2024, the program achieved over 43,000 enrollees participating in 71 specialized modules across the group.

The company’s advocacy for inclusion extends beyond programs into physical spaces. Across its offices and malls, SM has established 814 breastfeeding rooms for nursing mothers, 787 PWD-friendly pathways, 171 gender-neutral washrooms, and 19 non-denominational meditation rooms, ensuring the everyday work environment supports the needs of a diverse workforce.

“At SM, inclusion is more than a principle—it is a long-term commitment, reinforced by meaningful action across all our business units,” Ms. Uychaco added.

By empowering people from all backgrounds and generations, SM continues to create a workplace where every individual is valued, supported, and equipped to grow—making inclusion a driver of both culture and business performance.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com 

 

CGS International Accelerates Sustainability Efforts and Unveils Second Sustainability Report

  • The Group received 17 Sustainability-related awards in 2024, spanning CSR, DEI and ESG categories.
  • Notable progress was made on its eight Sustainability Focus (“8SF”) areas, including the launch of its ESG Incorporation Framework (“ESGIF”) to guide the development of ESG-labelled products and services.
  • Starting 2025, the Group will focus on further ESG incorporation into its products and services, tracking Scope 3 emissions, and integrating climate risk into its risk management framework.

SINGAPORE, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGS International Securities Pte Ltd (“CGS International”) has published the second edition of its sustainability report, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable practices in its business and operations. The 2024 Sustainability Report is aligned with globally recognised sustainability reporting standards, Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”), as well as the International Financial Reporting Standards S2 on climate-related disclosures. 

“CGS International remains committed to future-proofing our business by embedding sustainability in our strategy. We are focused on creating long-term value for our stakeholders and giving back to the communities we serve.

At the same time, we continue to facilitate capital flows between China and ASEAN, some of which could be channeled to sustainable development areas that address climate and biodiversity risks in the ASEAN region,” said Ms Carol Fong, Group CEO of CGS International.

Promoting Bilateral Relations and Mutual Growth

In an increasingly fragmented and volatile global economy, it is important for Asian countries to forge closer regional cooperation to increase collective influence and trade resilience. The Group strengthened its role as a China-ASEAN nexus, facilitating not only capital flows, but also bilateral relations. In 2024, several high-impact conferences were organised across Southeast Asia and China, including the CGS SEA Bilateral Investment Forum 2024 in Hainan, which brought over 300 business leaders from China and ASEAN together. The Group also fostered closer relations between China and Malaysia, including a letter of intent between the governments of Hangzhou and Kuala Lumpur, and hosting high-level delegates to deepen bilateral cooperation.

A notable initiative within the Group was the launch of a secondment programme between CGS International and its parent company, China Galaxy Securities, with the aim to facilitate cross-cultural exchanges and strengthen intra-group ties.

Deepening ESG Integration Across the Group

The 2024 report highlights meaningful progress across the Group’s 8SF areas and marks a milestone in its Vision 2025 Strategy and Business Plan, the five-year roadmap that places sustainability at the heart of its strategic direction:

  • Made material progress in emissions tracking, where Scope 2 emissions tracking was extended to international offices.
  • Developing reduction targets and plans for Scope 1 and 2 for Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand offices in 2025 and 2026.
  • Laid the groundwork with the continued measurement of Scope 3 emissions Category 1 (Purchased Goods and Services) from previous years
  • Embarking on other Scope 3 categories covering business travel and finance-related activities in future years.

In 2024, CGS International advanced its “Sustainable Finance” focus by introducing the ESGIF, developed and endorsed by the Group’s Sustainability Committee. This framework aims to provide direction and harmonisation for the development of ESG products and services. It establishes clear mechanisms for measurement, tracking, and reporting to support strategic decision-making.

Furthermore, CGS International’s Malaysia office launched ESG Margin Financing to promote investment in companies with strong ESG performance. Customers investing in constituents of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index with high ESG ratings received preferential financing rates, with total loans extended reaching RM4.88 million. The Group’s presence in Shariah-compliant markets across ASEAN also drove over S$6 million in revenue from faith-based products.

Fostering Collaborative Impact

“At CGS International, we believe that knowledge sharing and collaboration are essential to driving meaningful progress on critical sustainability issues. By working closely with our partners and stakeholders, we aim to create a stronger collective catalyst for sustainable finance across Southeast Asia, and mobilise the industry towards greater climate action across ASEAN,” said Mr Kevin Lee, Group Head of Sustainability.

One such initiative is the ASEAN Institute of Carbon Neutrality (“AICN”), launched in late 2023. AICN aspires to mobilise capital towards sustainable development in the ASEAN region to address issues such as climate change. This is done through education and engagement with the business community on sustainability issues through knowledge sharing and thought leadership.  The AICN has collaborated with the Sustainable and Green Finance Institute (“SGFIN”) from the National University of Singapore since 2024, which resulted in two white papers published on the topics, Just Energy Transition Partnership in Indonesia and Renewable Energy Imports for Singapore. AICN also hosted two webinars on related topics in 2024, including one on nature-related risks for corporates. In the pipeline are three joint research reports with SGFIN in 2025.

For more details about CGS International’s sustainability initiatives: https://www.cgsi.com.sg/sustainability/our-commitment

– END –

About CGS International Securities

CGS International Securities Pte. Ltd. (“CGS International”) is an award-winning and market leading integrated financial services provider, ranked among the top securities houses in Asia.

CGS International taps on our wealth of global and ASEAN insights to offer equities trading, leveraged products, wealth management, investment banking, equities research, Shariah-compliant financing, fixed income, currency and commodities, structured products and prime brokerage services in over 15 countries and regions.

Along with its parent organisation China Galaxy Securities, a leading securities house in China, CGS International is trusted by close to 18 million customers globally.       

Find out more at www.cgsi.com.  

 

W HOTELS AND MONDAYSLEEPINGCLUB UNVEIL A NEW RHYTHM OF LUXURY

From New York’s skyline to Shanghai’s streets, hypnotic beats meet effortless style for the modern traveler

SHANGHAI, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces a new limited-time collaboration with lifestyle label MondaySleepingClub, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a sensorial journey of sound, stillness, and expressive style. This one-of-a-kind partnership combines co-branded fashion drops and a two-day immersive pop-up, blurring the line between energy and ease to unlock a fresh new perspective on modern luxury.

W Hotels × MondaySleepingClub: A Limited-Time Collaboration
W Hotels × MondaySleepingClub: A Limited-Time Collaboration

 

W Hotels × MondaySleepingClub: A Limited-Time Collaboration
W Hotels × MondaySleepingClub: A Limited-Time Collaboration

 

W Hotels × MondaySleepingClub: A Limited-Time Collaboration
W Hotels × MondaySleepingClub: A Limited-Time Collaboration

Inspired by the contrast and connection between the two brands, the collaboration is anchored in the mantra “Sound On. Mind Off.” “Sound On.” represents W Hotels’ longtime passion for music, igniting the senses through curated playlists, live DJ sets, and the brand’s iconic Sound Suites. From the heart of New York City to Asia’s trendsetting neighborhoods, W Hotels has consistently challenged the norms of traditional hotel experiences through sound, scene, and self-expression. “Mind Off.” embodies the core philosophy of MondaySleepingClub, an aesthetic of calm, comfort, and cultural detachment that celebrates slowing down in a world that rarely does.

“We’re excited to partner with MondaySleepingClub to create a space that is both high-energy and introspective, an unexpected harmony of rhythm and rest,” said Bart Buiring, Managing Director, Luxury, Greater China, Marriott International. “This collaboration reflects W Hotels’ commitment to pushing boundaries and creating experiences that speak to a new generation of culturally driven luxury travelers.”

W Hotels × MondaySleepingClub Unveil a Fresh Take on Elevated Streetwear
W Hotels × MondaySleepingClub Unveil a Fresh Take on Elevated Streetwear

CO-CREATED FOR SELF-EXPRESSION

Two exclusive pieces bring the collaboration to life: a washed charcoal oversized tee and a classic black-and-white baseball cap. The palette draws inspiration from W Hotels’ refreshed visual identity, featuring monochrome, modern, and unmistakable elements. Clean-lined graphics, including the signature “Sound On. Mind Off.” mantra and a hand-drawn sketch of W New York – Union Square, layer in storytelling. On the back of the tee, a lone figure immersed in vinyl sits beneath the hotel’s iconic façade, a quiet ode to the harmony between outward rhythm and inward stillness, and a subtle nod to W Hotels’ deep-rooted connection to music culture.

The collection will be available for purchase at the Shanghai event and, in limited quantities, at select W Hotels across Greater China.

About W Hotels

Born from the social electricity of New York City, W Hotels has been at the forefront of lifestyle hospitality for over two decades. With 70 destinations around the world, the detail-driven design, signature Whatever/Whenever service, and buzzing Living Rooms cultivate experiences of social connectivity. Each location brings together the magnetic energy of W Hotels and the essence of local culture, creating spaces for new perspectives and a freedom of self-expression. W Hotels is currently undergoing a multi-year brand evolution, to meet the needs of today’s guest and deliver a new generation of luxury lifestyle experiences. For more information on W Hotels, visit w-hotels.com and stay connected on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and YouTube. W Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About Luxury Group by Marriott International

With an unrivaled portfolio of eight dynamic luxury brands, Marriott International is creating authentic, rare, and enriching experiences sought by today’s global luxurian. Spanning all corners of the world, Marriott International’s Luxury Group offers a boundless network of more than 530 landmark hotels and resorts in over 70 countries and territories through The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels. From the world’s most iconic destinations to the ultimate undiscovered gems, the international hospitality leader’s collection of luxury brands is focused on elevating travel with highly contextualized, nuanced brand experiences that signal the future of luxury by allowing guests to indulge their passions while sparking personal growth. For more information, please visit Luxury.Marriott.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About MondaySleepingClub

MondaySleepingClub was born from a yearning for freedom in the everyday. Through a humorous and offbeat lens, the brand captures moments of rest to express a more relaxed, comfortable way of living, easing the pressures of a fast-paced world. By flipping the script on traditional weekday routines and imagining a world where Mondays are for sleeping in, the brand sparks a sense of playful escapism and aspiration. With streetwear as its canvas, MondaySleepingClub blends bold creativity with aesthetic calm—delivering products that reflect both a design-driven spirit and an irreverent take on modern life.

Media Contact
Patrick Faden
Director, PR & Communications, Luxury, Greater China
Marriott International
Patrick.E.Faden@marriott.com