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[3-Day Pop-up] ‘‘My Favourite Sake’’ Arrives at Mira Place, Tsim Sha Tsui! Free Tasting of Over 70 Nihonshu + Enjoy 23 Workshops + Win Round-Trip Tickets to Yonago

Featuring 5 Themed Zones Constantly Rotating Sake Selection – TRADITIONAL SAKE, FRUIT LIQUEUR, SPARKLING, AGED SAKE, NEW STYLE / CRAFT SAKE


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – A Must-Visit Event for Sake Enthusiasts! Organized by JETRO Hong Kong, the 推しの日本酒 (My Favourite Sake) event will take over Mira Place from February 21 to 23. With five themed zones and over 70 varieties of Nihonshu available for free tasting, guests can explore and discover their perfect match. Interactive workshops offer a deeper dive into Nihonshu culture, while those who complete the Nihonshu Tasting Challenge can redeem exclusive limited-edition gifts. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the diverse flavors and rich traditions of Nihonshu!

Jetro image

推しの日本酒 (My Favourite Sake) Event Details
Event Date February 21–23, 2025 (Friday to Sunday)
Opening Hour February 21 (Fri): 17:00 – 21:00

February 22 (Sat): 12:00 – 21:00

February 23 (Sun): 12:00 – 20:00

Location Mira Place 1, B1 Atrium, Tsim Sha Tsui
Entry Fee Free admission

(workshops require pre-registration; limited same-day registration available)


Feature 1 — 5 Themed Zones! Enjoy free tastings of over 70 varieties of Nihonshu

Looking to experience the diverse flavors of Nihonshu? The “My Favourite Sake” event features 5 themed zones, allowing you to explore the many facets of Japanese sake! With a rotating selection, each time slot offers 4 different varieties, ensuring every tasting experience is a new surprise.

Discover TRADITIONAL SAKE, rich in umami, Whether paired with food or enjoyed warm, each variation offers a unique taste experience. FRUIT LIQUEUR Zone, Ideal for beginners, this zone features fruity, aromatic sakes with a delicate flavor profile and lower alcohol content, perfect for a light, refreshing buzz. Looking for the perfect Nihonshu for parties or gifts? SPARKLING combines the rich flavors of Nihonshu with the refreshing bubbles of sparkling wine. Light and delicate in taste, it’s the ideal choice for toasts and celebrations. In recent years, Nihonshu aging techniques have advanced significantly. In the AGED SAKE Zone, you can taste sakes that have matured over time, offering more intense, rich, and complex flavors. Lastly, don’t miss the NEW STYLE / CRAFT SAKE Zone, showcases innovative handcrafted sakes with unique ingredients like hops, pushing the boundaries of tradition and offering exciting new possibilities.

Feature 2 — 23 Free Workshops led by top Nihonshu experts, offering a deep dive into Nihonshu culture.

Nihonshu is not just a drink, but a reflection of rich culture and craftsmanship. The “My Favourite Sake” event features 23 free workshops, with renowned Japanese experts and sommeliers visiting Hong Kong to offer firsthand insights into the unique flavors and art of Nihonshu.

Special guests include ‘Shiya Goshima’, MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award Winner, demonstrating how temperature enhances Nihonshu flavors, ‘Katsuhiko Miyasaka’ from the 350-year-old Masumi Brewery, unveiling the secrets of “Yeast No. 7” and perfect food pairings. Attendees can also join the Tottori Prefecture x Tottori Nihonshu Tourism seminar, where fun mini-games offer a chance to win round-trip tickets to Yonago. These innovative experiences will showcase the passion and creativity of Japan’s sake artisans.

Hashtag: #JETROHONGKONG

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

About JETRO HONG KONG

Japan External Trade Organization Hong Kong (JETRO HONG KONG) covers Hong Kong and Macau, and focuses on inward investment to Japan for Taiwan. It promotes foreign direct investment (FDI) into Japan and supports Japanese companies with exports. It assists foreign businesses in entering the Japanese market by providing support with office setup, business expansion, and partnerships with Japanese companies. It works closely with government, academia, and local innovation bodies to drive regional economic growth. JETRO HONG KONG also promotes Japanese products at major exhibitions and trade events through “Japan Pavilions” and helps Japanese companies expand their global sales channels via cross-border e-commerce and platforms like “Japan Street,” enhancing the competitiveness of Japanese brands worldwide.

Taiwan Lists Laos Among High-Risk Travel Destinations Due to Fraud Rings

Tourists in Luang Prabang.

Taiwan has categorized Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia as high-risk destinations due to their involvement in hosting fraudulent activities, according to the Taiwanese Ministry of Interior. 

electronica China 2025 is Coming: Embarking on a journey of in-depth exploration of the electronic industry chain

SHANGHAI, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — electronica China 2025 will take place from April 15 to 17, 2025 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), in halls W3-W5 and N1-N5. It is expected to attract a total of 1,700 high-quality exhibitors from Chinese and international markets covering 100,000 square meters. The visitor registration is going on heatedly, register now and check out the highlights of the important trade fair for the electronics industry in Asia.


Tech Exhibition Areas: Highlighting the Allure of Electronic Technology

The venue will feature sections for semiconductors, sensors, power supplies, testing and measurement, passive components, displays, connectors, switches, wiring harnesses and cables, distributors, printed circuit boards, electronic manufacturing services, semiconductor intelligent manufacturing, etc. 1,700 premium enterprises from both Chinese and international markets will join in succession, showcasing their cutting – edge scientific research achievements and industry solutions.

Theme Forums: Exploring the Future Development of Technological Innovation

This year’s exhibition will continue to host multiple themed forums, focusing on popular application markets and rapidly evolving industries such as electric vehicles, automotive electronics, humanoid robot, third-generation semiconductor, embedded system, AI, IoT, energy storage, smart manufacturing, connector, motor drive. Industry leaders, technical experts, and academic researchers from the electronic sector, application domains, and research institutes will be invited to address audience queries, share case studies, and provide cutting-edge technological solutions.

Click to register now: https://ec.global-eservice.com/?lang=en&channel=mts 

For more information, please contact:
Chloe Qiu at chloe.qiu@mm-sh.com.

Hang Seng Bank Delivers Strong Business Performance with Sustained Growth Momentum

Profit Before Tax Increases by HK$900m, Non-interest Income Jumps 26%

Dividend Per Share Up Nearly 5%

HONG KONG, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hang Seng Bank today is pleased to report its strong full-year financial results for 2024, showing sustained growth momentum.

The Bank saw a notable 26% increase in non-interest income, a result of deliberate efforts in diversifying its revenue streams and growing the target customer base.

Despite a year of uncertainties, operating profit increased by 8% year-on-year to HK$21,558m. Profit before tax increased by more than HK$900m year-on-year.  Earnings per share improved by 4% while return on shareholders’ equity remained steady at 11.3% compared to 2023.  Total dividend distribution for 2024 was HK$6.80 per share, an improvement of 4.6% year-on-year.

As a result of accelerating growth in the retail customer base both in Hong Kong and mainland China, the Bank reported a 75% jump in new-to-bank affluent customers and a 15% increase in affluent customer numbers. New account openings for retail mainland China customers surged 81% year-on-year as integrated banking and wealth management services enhanced cross-boundary business.

Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, said: “2024 was a challenging year with geopolitical and macro uncertainties. But Hang Seng delivered a strong financial performance by focusing on diversifying our revenue and growing our target customer base. We also took a proactive approach to de-risk our portfolio, which enabled us to keep growing, and delivered notable results for our stakeholders. Going forward, we will continue to invest in our capabilities and support our community, which will fuel growth in a sustainable manner and contribute to Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre and global super-connector.”

With economic uncertainties set to persist, Hang Seng continues to adopt a prudent and forward-looking risk management approach, which will provide us with a solid foundation for future growth.

Hang Seng Bank senior management at the Bank’s 2024 Annual Results announcement which was held today (19 February 2025).  Pictured: Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive (centre); Saw Say Pin, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer (left); and Kathy Cheung, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (right).
Hang Seng Bank senior management at the Bank’s 2024 Annual Results announcement which was held today (19 February 2025). Pictured: Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive (centre); Saw Say Pin, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer (left); and Kathy Cheung, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (right).

MCB raises USD350m in Syndicated Loan from Asia

PORT LOUIS, Republic of Mauritius, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd successfully closed its first Dual Tranche Asia-focused Syndicated Term Loan of USD350m. Initially launched at USD300m, the facility was very well received and was oversubscribed two times from a total of 20 banks, allowing MCB to upsize the facility to USD350m subsequently. The proceeds of the Facility will be used by MCB for general corporate purposes.

This landmark transaction, which includes MCB’s debut 5-year syndicated loan and launched exclusively to Asian Lenders, is a testament to the confidence placed by international lenders in MCB’s creditworthiness and strategy. The syndication was launched with a physical roadshow in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, and Seoul, generating significant interest from lenders across all these jurisdictions, including India, with a number of these banks being first-time lenders to MCB. With the diversification of its lenders’ pool to Asian lenders, MCB has also been successful in substantially tightening its cost of borrowing.

Anbar Jowaheer, Head of Financial Institutions and Syndication, MCB: “This new facility continues the success of MCB’s funding program aimed at diversifying its funding sources through new markets. The significant participation in the 5-year tranche underscores the trust of international investors in MCB’s strategy.”  

Thierry Hebraud, CEO, MCB Ltd: “Expanding our investor base to Asian lenders marks a significant milestone for MCB, particularly in view of the AsiaAfrica corridor of the Mauritius IFC. This facility is a testimony to the global investor confidence placed in MCB’s strategy, its investment grade ratings, and its growth potential.”

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, London Branch, Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and Standard Chartered acted as Bookrunners, Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers, and Roadshow Coordinators for the Facility.

Visit http://mcbgroup.com to learn more about MCB. 

Contact: Nicolas Teisserenc, nicolas@poinciana.co 

 

Japanese Distilled Spirits Maker Hamada Syuzou Launches “CHILL GREEN bitter & tropical” Featuring Brand-new Flavor in Botanical “Shochu” Series

– New Product Combines Pink Grapefruit Note with Rare Galaxy Hop; Company Looking to Further Expand Product Reach in Asian Market in 2025 –

ICHIKIKUSHIKINO, Japan, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hamada Syuzou Co., Ltd. based in Ichikikushikino City, Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, released an innovative product in its botanical “shochu” (distilled spirits) series, “CHILL GREEN bitter & tropical,” on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Innovative botanical shochu “CHILL GREEN bitter & tropical”:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104785/202502144220/_prw_PI1fl_A74TFCk0.png 

Japan’s declining overall alcoholic beverage industry, including “honkaku” (authentic) shochu, has seen a new wave of drinks that emphasize a specific aroma or base ingredient as its main feature. This phenomenon has overturned the traditional image of shochu and has been further developing the market by bringing new ways of enjoying spirits to consumers.

First released in February 2023, the “CHILL GREEN spicy & citrus” version features citrusy, crisp and piquant flavors thanks to “maqaw” spice. Its bottle has garnered praise from outside the traditional circle of buyers, gradually finding its roots in the alcohol market. The brand-new “bitter & tropical” version is the second offering in the series. Thanks to the rare Galaxy aroma hop, this new flavor achieved that classic pink grapefruit sensation with a zesty, tart flavor. Following the success of the initial bottle, the company will continue to spearhead the shochu industry into the next era, broadening the customer base and creating more ways to enjoy the drink.

“CHILL GREEN bitter & tropical” website (English):
https://www.hamadasyuzou.co.jp/en/products/chill-green-hop 

“CHILL GREEN spicy & citrus” website (English):
https://www.hamadasyuzou.co.jp/en/products/chill-green 

Hamada Syuzou’s official website (English): https://www.hamadasyuzou.co.jp/en/ 

Spirits’ Overview

BASE INGREDIENT

The company’s attention was drawn to hops in its search for a botanical ingredient that could help create new original flavors, specifically when combined with barley shochu. Galaxy is a highly rare variety in the world of hops, accounting for just 1% of global production. The aroma creates the sensation of a mixture of passion fruit and crisp citrus, providing a pleasant bitterness. Combining the company’s unique production techniques, it has achieved the sweet, citrusy aroma and modest bitterness that suggest pink grapefruit.

Hops (image for illustrative purposes only):
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104785/202502144220/_prw_PI2fl_U63EhkT9.jpg 

FLAVOR DESIGN

The essence of “CHILL GREEN bitter & tropical” allows a distinct savoring of its full flavors over the course of drinking. The company recommends starting with a soda water mix, which provides a pleasant pink grapefruit note, followed by the authentic natural flavors of barley shochu. The shochu serves to coat dishes with, and provides at the end, a slight bitterness derived from the Galaxy hop, thus enhancing the dish’s originality. For the soda water mix, the company suggests 1:2 for an extra pink grapefruit-ness and experiment with 1:1 to enjoy more of a passion fruit-like rich flavor. As shochu has traditionally been popular as a table drink in Japan, the company will continue this heritage and keep exploring the possibilities that broaden combinations with various dishes.

Visualized flavor spectrum of “CHILL GREEN bitter & tropical”:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104785/202502144220/_prw_PI3fl_f3skBrtd.png 

BEHIND THE CRAFT: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202502144220-O1-P9W3n4o1.pdf 

NAMING & BOTTLE DESIGN

The name CHILL GREEN was coined in a lexical combination of Chill Out as in “to relax” and Green that took inspirations from “botanical” and “natural.” These are the ideas and feelings that went into the creation of this series. The bottle design of the company’s first release, “CHILL GREEN spicy & citrus” (25%, 720mL), won the Lilly Franky Award (by head judge) at the 20th Glass Bottle Award 2024, where awards are based on the various aspects of glass bottles, such as design, functionality and environmental friendliness. The company is continuing the wine bottle shape for this second flavor.

Hop representation and the key color “organic pink”:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104785/202502144220/_prw_PI4fl_vn6IqILc.jpg 

FACTS
NAME: CHILL GREEN bitter & tropical
CATEGORY: Otsurui Shochu
ABV: 25%
VOLUME: 1,800 mL, 720 mL
INGREDIENTS: Barley (Australia, Japan), barley koji (malt), hops
RELEASE DATE: February 18, 2025 (Japan)
Overseas shipments will commence from February.

Image of bottles 1,800 mL and 720 mL:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104785/202502144220/_prw_PI5fl_fBSjRyY4.png 

CONTENT

The company will release a new visual movie that expresses its brand value.
Hamada Syuzou’s official YouTube channel (@hamadasyuzou1868)
Movie URL: https://youtu.be/Q87UYk5MWuY 

UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION
Singapore (March 2 – 3, 2025, Marina Bay Sands)
The company will be exhibiting at BCB Singapore 2025, Stand No. A-08, A-10.

Other plans include showing the product in Mainland China (Shanghai), the Taiwan region, South Korea, and more.

Further information will be updated from time to time.

Hamada Syuzou’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hamadaglobal 

Hamada Syuzou will continue its efforts to communicate the appeal of “honkaku” shochu with a broad swath of consumers and strive to realize its vision – “Taking Honkaku Shochu to the Pinnacle of Japanese Alcohol and Beyond.”

“Design Your Change: Up+Rise Bangkok” Bangkok Design Week 2025: A Showcase of Creative Solutions Transforming Bangkok’s Future


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Bangkok is no longer just a city of vibrant lights and ceaseless energy—it has emerged as a design hub that’s driving transformative change in urban living. By addressing challenges in city infrastructure, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and business innovation, Bangkok has positioned itself as a global leader in leveraging design to shape a better future.

Design Your Change Up+Rise Bangkok Bangkok Design Week 2025 (1)
Over the past seven years, Bangkok Design Week (BKKDW) has demonstrated the power of creativity in redefining urban spaces and fostering growth in the creative industries. The festival has contributed over 3.19 billion baht to the economy, attracted more than 2.51 million visitors, and strengthened Bangkok’s status as a City of Design under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Beyond numbers, it has revitalized once-quiet neighborhoods like Charoen Krung, Talad Noi, Hua Lamphong, and Pak Khlong Talad, turning them into thriving Creative Economy Districts. These transformations have created jobs, driven economic growth, and improved the quality of life for Bangkok’s residents.

As part of Bangkok Design Week 2025, designers and cross-sector collaborators are showcasing cutting-edge projects that underscore the potential of creativity to reshape cities. These works reflect how design can tackle pressing urban challenges, elevate communities, and open pathways for sustainable growth—all while reimagining Bangkok’s future as a city that thrives on innovation and inclusivity.

Design Your Change + Transforming Overlooked Spaces into Vibrant Public Areas

Bangkok’s dense urban population of over 5 million people makes it one of the most crowded cities in the world. While municipal budgets and policies alone are not enough to address the city’s challenges, innovative design provides exciting solutions to reimagine Bangkok’s limited spaces.

One shining example is Prompt Park a collaboration between we!park, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Netherlands Embassy. This project transforms unused land located under the expressway into a vibrant public park for relaxation and community gatherings. Designed with Dutch expertise in urban planning, Prompt Park integrates climate-resilient features, creating a functional space that addresses both environmental and urban needs. The park also features a Tactical Intervention installation that combines international urban planning expertise with creative solutions for Bangkok’s challenges.

Another we!park initiative transforms private land into a “Pop-Up Park.” This flexible green space is open to people of all ages and offers a variety of activities. It demonstrates that public parks don’t need to be restricted to government-owned land, creating a new model for urban greenery.

Other innovative projects include “MinutePocket_UrbanBed” by SP/N Design Studio, which reimagines neglected private plots as temporary structures such as napping pods and playgrounds for children. These creative installations highlight how unused land can be repurposed for the benefit of local communities.

Meanwhile, Urban Ally’s Puppup Parklet transforms two parking spaces into a small, temporary public area for relaxation. Located on Samran Rat Road, this compact but impactful initiative reclaims pedestrian spaces and offers an example of how even small design efforts can enhance urban life.

In Yaowarat-Song Wat, Attention Studio is transforming limited spaces into “Playground,” multifunctional areas that combine sports, art, and community engagement. This initiative maximizes the use of space to meet the diverse needs of one of Bangkok’s busiest neighborhoods.

Design Your Change + Using Design to Solve Persistent Urban Challenges

Design is a key tool for addressing Bangkok’s urban challenges, particularly those tied to daily life. MAYDAY! focuses on improving public transportation, shifting attention this year from buses to “Songthaews,” Bangkok’s iconic shared pickup trucks. Despite their decades of service, these vehicles face issues such as safety, comfort, and outdated designs that fail to accommodate all users. The Songthaew Transformation exhibition presents design solutions that tackle these problems, offering practical ways to modernize the songthaew for all commuters.

Another project addressing urban problems is “Street Vendor Grease Trapby Everyday Architect Design Studio. This portable grease trap, designed for street food vendors, prevents clogged drains caused by food waste while doubling as a parking aid for carts. It’s an ingenious example of how small-scale design can make a big difference in city management.

The “GAGEENANG” project was inspired by a love for Bangkok’s vibrant street food culture, particularly the iconic plastic chairs found at food stalls throughout the city. By creatively addressing small yet impactful details, the project transforms these everyday chairs by covering the hole in the seat and adding a built-in storage tray for personal belongings. This simple yet thoughtful redesign enhances both comfort and convenience for diners. These upgraded chairs are already being used at select eateries in Yaowarat, further elevating the street food experience.

Design Your Change Up+Rise Bangkok Bangkok Design Week 2025 (2)

Design Your Change + Promoting Environmental Awareness

Bangkok’s long-standing environmental challenges, from waste management to limited green spaces, have inspired innovative design solutions. One such project is the “Mega Mat” by MVRDV Architects, created in collaboration with CEA (Creative Economy Agency), the Netherlands Embassy, and PTT Global Chemicals. This 860-square-meter recycled plastic mat draws on traditional Thai mat designs and transforms plastic waste into a functional public installation. Located at City Hall Square, the Mega Mat blends Thai heritage with sustainability while promoting recycling as a core value.

Another standout project is “Habitat Network” by AP Thailand. By creating green spaces to attract native bird species through urban forests, this initiative restores biodiversity in Bangkok’s urban areas, proving that ecological balance can thrive even in densely populated cities.

For a hands-on experience, visitors can join workshops in Bang Pho, a historic neighborhood celebrated for its wood industry, to create “Sacred Incense Reinvented.” This activity highlights the local connection and sustainability by transforming teak sawdust, a byproduct of the community, into sacred offerings for Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine.

Design Your Change + Energizing Businesses Through Creativity

Creativity is not just a tool for enhancing quality of life or adding vibrancy to a city—it is also a powerful driver for business growth and innovation. A prime example is NEIGHBOURMART Bangkok, a marketplace for Bangkok lovers that celebrates local businesses. Created by CEA, in collaboration with the design team at iliU, NEIGHBOURMART curates products from local shops and nostalgic vendors across the city, reviving the charm of traditional grocery stores and corner shops that are rapidly disappearing. Visitors can discover vintage items like Roses brand sweet soy sauce, traditionally fermented in clay jars, or Mho Mee herbal inhalers, a nostalgic favorite for generations.

Another highlight is Made in Phranakorn, a bold Business Matching project that connects creative professionals with long-standing local businesses in Bangkok’s historic Phranakorn district. This initiative focuses on rebranding and modernizing classic products while retaining their authenticity. From heritage restaurants and vintage perfume brands to classic tea vendors and traditional snack shops, Made in Phranakorn helps businesses overcome challenges and unlock new potential for growth.

The project showcases “The Old Town’s Favorite 5” as a testament to its success:
  • Made in Phranakorn x Niyom Phochana (Sao Chingcha) by UA x Creator x Niyom Phochana
  • Made in Phranakorn: Re-scented Pranakorn by Eqlibrum x Nangloy
  • Made in Phranakorn x Yui Pheuak Tod (Sao Chingcha) by Jirayuth Pongwarut
  • Made in Phranakorn x Bai Cha Rabbit Mark by Chitsuda Amornsak
  • Made in Phranakorn x Orkraphan by Uksornsanan
Finally, Creative House by CEA offers a showcase of over 60 exceptional creative businesses selected by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, in partnership with Capital, a leading business publication. This campaign, Creative House by CEA: Creativity x Business, aims to foster new business opportunities, generate revenue, and create jobs through the power of creativity.

Design Your Change: Transforming Bangkok into a City That Leaves No One Behind

Bangkok is embracing its identity as a city for everyone—a place where no one is left behind. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, creative projects at Bangkok Design Week tackle challenges affecting various groups, including the elderly, children, and stray animals.

One inspiring example comes from STUDIO150, which addresses a major shortfall in Thai educational tools. Current learning aids for children remain outdated and ineffective. In response, a mother teamed up with designers to create “Thai Alphabet Flashcards” (Flashcards Kor-Hor), a learning tool that simplifies the process of remembering Thai letters while reducing common writing errors. By analyzing and illustrating the unique features of all 44 Thai consonants, the flashcards connect traditional learning with modern design, making them both engaging and effective.

Continuing with a focus on children, the “Little more+” exhibition by Keep Right sheds light on the hidden stories of small businesses in Bangkok’s Salak Hin alley. This initiative grew out of the “Kid Guides of Salak Hin” project, which identified a key issue: many tourists overlook local businesses due to unfamiliarity or lack of trust, favoring larger establishments instead. Through the voices of young guides, the exhibition encourages visitors to explore and support these small, community-driven businesses, helping them thrive in a competitive urban landscape.

Inclusivity at Bangkok Design Week also extends to animals with the “Stand for Strays : Catsanova+ Ordinary Little Dogs” initiative. This collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and private individuals addresses the issue of stray cats and dogs in urban areas. Eye-catching artwork, including painted cat-themed visuals, raises awareness of the importance of sterilization and adoption, promoting responsible care for stray animals. The program also facilitates proactive rehoming efforts, finding new families for animals rescued from municipal shelters.

As aging is an inevitable part of life, the design team at RISE IMPACT has created the “Redesign services for the 60s+” workshop to spark critical conversations about how safe, accessible, and enjoyable Bangkok will remain for its elderly residents. Through an interactive activity, participants are invited to step into the shoes of senior citizens living in a bustling metropolis. The workshop highlights the challenges of aging, from declining physical mobility and health to feelings of loneliness and vulnerability. By engaging in this thought-provoking experience, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by the elderly and the importance of designing cities that truly cater to all ages.

Bangkok Design Week: Redefining the City Through Creativity

Bangkok Design Week 2025 has become a vital platform for showcasing how design can bring about meaningful change. From solving urban challenges to fostering inclusivity and sustainability, the festival inspires fresh perspectives on the role of creativity in everyday life. Through bold ideas and innovative solutions, the festival positions Bangkok as a global leader in creative urban transformation.

Hashtag: #CEA #BKKDW2025 #BangkokDesignWeek #DesignUpRising





LINE: @bangkokdesignweek

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

Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA

About Bangkok Design Week

Bangkok Design Week, first launched in 2018, has long been a fixture on the Bangkok event calendar It plays a pivotal role in fostering the creative economy and propelling Bangkok to stand out as a UNESCO Creative City Network, Bangkok City of Design. Organized by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA in collaboration with over 60 public and private organizations, educational institutions, and international institutions, which draws an estimated number of 400,000 visitors at home and abroad each year. Bangkok Design Week is a growth engine for Thailand’s creative industries in a variety of ways, including showcasing creative businesses and designs, stimulating competitiveness, providing a local and international business networking opportunity, and generating economic momentum for downstream businesses such as marketing, printing, online media, galleries, cafes, restaurants, gifts & souvenirs, travel, hotels, and public transportation.

About Creative Economy Agency (CEA)

Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, is a dedicated government agency tasked with fostering creativity as a key driver of the creative economy. CEA focuses on developing various creative industries and encouraging the manufacturing sector to adopt creative approaches to enhance product and service value, thereby elevating Thailand’s global competitiveness.

UST Named Again a Top Employer by TEI, Achieving Enterprise Certification for its Global Commitment to Workplace Excellence

Company retains the prestigious blue seal for the North America and Asia-Pacific regions, in addition to red seal recognition in 10 countries

PENANG, Malaysia, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has been awarded the Top Employers Institute‘s (TEI) prestigious Enterprise Certification in the large enterprise category in addition to receiving 2025 Regional Certification (Blue Seal) for North America and APAC as well as being recognized with TEI’s Red Seal in a total of 10 countries. UST has been re-certified as a 2025 Top Employer in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, India, Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, and Spain.

The TEI Enterprise Certification is a testament to UST’s continuous efforts to invest in its employees, and foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and excellence. This certification is only issued to organizations with 10 or more red seals, provided that the number of employees in the participating countries collectively represents more than ninety-five percent of the company’s total number of employees. With these prestigious certifications, UST ranks among a distinguished group of prominent global companies who have achieved excellence in employee conditions, people policies, and programs.

These recent awards from TEI underscore UST’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace environment at all its offices worldwide. UST has been repeatedly certified as a TEI top employer, also winning recognition in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Certification as a Top Employer showcases UST’s dedication to a better world of work, demonstrated through excellent HR policies and people practices. The Top Employers Institute program certifies organizations based on the participation in and results of their HR Best Practices Survey, which covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing, and more.

“Employee engagement is central to our identity at UST, and we remain committed to doing all we can to foster an open workplace culture that accelerates personal and career growth. TEI’s rigorous criteria help us to stay focused on meeting the emerging needs of our employees as we create boundless impact and transform lives through digital transformation,” said Colleen Doherty, Chief People Officer, UST.

“Consistency in a not-so-consistent world? Amidst constant change—through technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes—it is inspiring to see people and organizations rise to the challenge. This year, the Top Employers Certification Program highlights the dedication of our Top Employers as they continue to set the standard, consistently delivering world-class HR strategies and practices. These Top Employers strive to foster growth and wellbeing, all while enriching the world of work. We are proud to celebrate these people-first leaders and teams as the Top Employers for 2025,” said David Plink, Chief Executive Officer, Top Employers Institute.

About UST

Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world’s best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering, R&D, products, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse expertise, innovation, and agility into our clients’ organizations—delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com.

Media Contacts, UST:
Tinu Cherian Abraham
+1 (949) 415-9857

Merrick Laravea
+1 (949) 416-6212

Neha Misri
+44-7341787926

Roshni Das K
+91 7736795557
media.relations@ust.com

Media Contacts, U.S.
S&C PR
+1-646.941.9139
media@scprgroup.com

Makovsky
ust@makovsky.com

Media Contacts, India:
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Media Contacts, U.K.:
FTI Consulting
UST@fticonsulting.com