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European Union Import Control System 2 (ICS2) extends to rail and road on 1 April 2025, covering all modes of transport

Enhanced safety and security of goods entering the EU


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – The European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) aims to enhance the safety and security of goods entering the EU by introducing a standardised, pre-arrival customs process for all transportation modes, including road and rail, in addition to the existing air, maritime and inland waterway requirements. By mandating the submission of accurate and complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) data prior to arrival, the ICS2 enables customs authorities to better assess the risks associated with incoming goods, thereby improving the EU’s ability to prevent and combat customs offenses, and ultimately ensuring a safer and more secure trade environment.

From 1 April 2025, road and rail carriers will need to provide data on goods sent to or through the EU prior to their arrival, through a complete ENS. This obligation also concerns postal and express carriers who transport goods using these modes of transport as well as other parties, such as logistics providers. In certain circumstances, final consignees established in the EU will also have to submit ENS data in the ICS2.

Economic operators who are not ready by this date need to contact the National Service Desk of the EU Member State (National Customs Authority) where they have registered and obtained their EORI number to request a deployment window by 1 March 2025, at the latest. Deployment windows are granted only upon request.

To comply with the ICS2 requirements, affected businesses will be required to make sure they collect accurate and complete data from their clients, update their IT systems and operational processes, and provide adequate training to their staff. Economic operators will also need to successfully complete a self-conformance test before connecting to the ICS2, to verify their ability to access and exchange messages with customs authorities. Goods might be stopped at EU borders and might not be cleared by customs authorities if traders do not meet the ICS2 requirements on time.

ICS2 in detail

The ICS2 has been developed through close collaboration between the European Commission, Member States’ customs authorities and businesses.

Starting from 1 September 2025, the ICS1 will phase out. The ICS2 will fully replace the ICS1 with an entirely new business process in accordance with the Union Customs Code.

The European Commission organises monthly webinars (in English) where economic operators can ask questions about the operational and technical aspects of the ICS2. Further details can be found here.

For more information

More information about the ICS2 is available on the European Commission’s web page (https://ec.europa.eu/ICS2) including factsheets detailing the requirements for all transportation modes and the steps to take to prepare for the ICS2. All necessary technical documentation can be found on CIRCABC.

Hashtag: #trade #regulation #shipping #ecommerce

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

Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Holds Media Event During TechGALA, One of Japan’s Largest Startup Events

Participants also visited Nagoya University Startup Laboratory, learning firsthand about what some of the region’s most promising startups are developing

NAGOYA, Japan , Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — JETRO and Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Consortium held a media event for overseas and English-language media on February 4, coinciding with the opening day of TechGALA, one of Japan’s largest startup events from February 4-6, in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. TechGALA is the first global startup event organized by the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Consortium.

Akira Odoi, Director of the Innovation Promotion Department at the Chubu Economic Federation, opened the media event with an in-depth overview of the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem and its strategic initiatives. Mr. Odoi highlighted how the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem provides an excellent environment for startups and its needs. He also discussed accelerator programs, financial support systems, innovative university seeds, and collaborative partnerships with ecosystems outside of Japan that are attracting a wide range of entrepreneurs to this region.

Media Briefing - left: Akira Odoi, right: Kazuya Takeda
Media Briefing – left: Akira Odoi, right: Kazuya Takeda

When introducing the initiatives and achievements of the Aichi-Nagoya Startup Consortium, Mr. Odoi said, “We exceeded our 5-year KPI set in 2020, doubling entrepreneurial and innovative talent to 20,327, increasing the number of business matching cases between overseas startups and local companies to 589, as well as increasing the number of startups established.” He added, “There are currently 848 startups in Central Japan and with the region’s strong industrial background, Central Japan presents significant potential for startups. Our ecosystem offers an excellent environment for startups to grow.” 

In the latter half of the media event, Kazuya Takeda, PhD, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System Professor, and Special Presidential Advisor at Nagoya University talked about the “Start-up Co-growth Package”, including entrepreneur programs at Nagoya University and Tokai Higher Education and Research System (THERS).

The Central Japan Startup Ecosystem was established in July 2020 when Aichi, Nagoya, and Hamamatsu were designated as “Global Startup Ecosystem Hub Cities”. Since its establishment, growth has been accelerating and Dr. Takeda said, “2024 saw some epoch-making events such as the opening of STATION Ai, which is not only the largest incubation hub in Japan, but it is also connecting itself to the world through exchange activities with the National University of Singapore.”

To conclude his presentation, Dr. Takeda outlined the Nagoya University “Start-up Co-growth Package”. In order to back up more startups, he explained how it wants to combine them in a holistic manner, across various sectors. It starts with “Entrepreneurship Education” (extra-curricular activities) and so far about 8,000 students in the Tokai area have taken this course. Nagoya University’s mission is to cultivate “individuals possessing intellectual courage,” as well as a set of compulsory courses. The next step is “Network, with academia and private sector, globally and locally. Third, is “Facilities” in the University, as well as the recently opened STATION Ai, which will also help the region grow startups further. The final part of the “Start-up Co-growth Package” is “Risk Money,” which is supporting startups through Partner VC and University Capital Funds.  

Dr. Takeda also talked about Tongali, an entrepreneurial platform for Central Japan’s academic communities, serving 26 participating universities. It fosters entrepreneurial spirit, equips students with skills, ideation through an idea pitch content, as well as practice through overseas training, and a business development plan contest.   

Media tour of Nagoya University Startup Laboratory

After the media event, participants took a tour of the Nagoya University Startup Laboratory, visiting up-and-coming startups. This fully immersive experience included visits to emerging startups such as GRA&GREEN, U-MAP, and SORA materials. Participants witnessed groundbreaking innovations, from genome editing technology in agriculture to advanced heat-dissipating materials and ultra-lightweight fibers with diverse applications. Participants toured the following Nagoya based startups:

GRA&GREEN

Participants visited an on-site laboratory and greenhouse to learn about the cultivation and oil pressing of Egoma (Perilla frutescens var. frutescens) along with a tasting session. The creation of superior species through genome editing, which is completely different from genetic modification, is a unique technology. GRA&GREEN provides joint development utilizing this gene-editing technology according to various needs and applications such as agriculture and forestry, and raw materials for food processing.

https://www.gragreen.com/en 

U-MAP

The company is developing innovative materials to manage critical thermal issues.  Participants listened to an explanation on heat dissipation changes in electronic devices using new materials developed by U-Map, which is improving the efficiency of heat dissipation from circuit boards and ICs without using heat sinks or electric fans.

https://umap-corp.com/en/ 

SORA materials

Participants had a demonstration of an ultra-light material which is lighter than air. The material is made from fibers in sheet form and has a wide range of uses. Currently, many companies are showing their attention, including major corporations.

https://sora-materials.com/en/ 

Nagoya University Startup Media Tour - Top: Gra&Green, Bottom left: SORA Materials, Bottom right: U-Map
Nagoya University Startup Media Tour – Top: Gra&Green, Bottom left: SORA Materials, Bottom right: U-Map

Background on Central Japan

Located in the Chubu region, also known as Central Japan – right in the middle of Japan’s main island, Honshu, this region is proud of playing a vital role in the history of Japan’s manufacturing craftsmanship. It was where Toyota first began, and as a tech pioneer, it is now the home to a wide range of sectors such as automobiles, photonics, and aerospace, using advanced, cutting-edge technologies.

Central Japan continues to invite entrepreneurs and capitalists from all corners of the world to facilitate state-of-the-art open innovation by infusing new ideas with local craftsmanship. And as a result, take part in playing a crucial role in paving the path towards the Homeland of Mobility 5.0 –the future of mobility.

About the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem

In July 2020, Aichi prefecture, Nagoya City and Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka-prefecture became one of the four regional Startup Ecosystem Global Base Cities groups designated nationwide by the Japanese Cabinet Office. 

There are 848 startups in Central Japan, of which 209 are university-launched. An estimated 100.8 billion yen (from 2020 to 2024) of funds have been raised, in addition to accelerator programs, financial support systems, and innovative university seeds. 

Collaborative partnerships with Station F, INSEAD, BLOCK71, Paris &Co, Bpifrance, Venture Café, Plug and Play, Israel Innovation Authority, Tsinghua University, China Medical University, National University of Singapore, the University of Texas at Austin, Stanford University, North Carolina State University, University of Nebraska and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad attract a diverse range of entrepreneurs to the region. 

For more information, please visit https://central-startup.jp/en/

Experience Japan’s Finest Craftsmanship at Matsuya Ginza: The 3rd Annual Japan Traditional Crafts Ginza Artisan’s Street

Featuring over 90 exhibitors, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops to spotlight Japan’s artisans.

TOKYO, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The annual Japan Traditional Crafts Ginza Artisan’s Street National will be held for the third consecutive year at Matsuya Ginza, Tokyo, from Wednesday, February 19 to Monday, February 24, 2025. This prestigious event is one of the largest craft events in the country, bringing together pieces from approximately 90 craft regions across Japan. It provides visitors the rare opportunity to discover, purchase, and experience the countrys finest traditional craftsmanship, all in one place.

Official Website: https://meishoichi.kougeihin.jp/
Official Instagram: @kougei_event

Japan Traditional Crafts Ginza Artisan Street, hosted by the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries, has a history of more than 20 years and continues to grow in scale and significance. Its purpose is to showcase the depth and breadth of Japanese art and platform the artisans who dedicate their lives to perfecting their craft. This years edition features an exhibition and sale of a carefully curated selection of traditional and hometown crafts, live demonstrations and hands-on workshops by skilled artisans, allowing visitors to engage directly with Japans highly-prized cultural heritage.

The festival will showcase a stunning array of iconic Japanese crafts, presented by around 90 exhibitors. For those seeking authentically Japanese souvenirs, the festival offers Mashiko pottery, which dates back to Japans earliest societies; luxurious Kanazawa gold leaf crafts; renowned Nara inksticks, a must-have for calligraphy enthusiasts; and world-renowned Nambu Tekki ironware from Iwate, prized for its durability and elegant design. QR codes are displayed by each product allowing easy access to English information.

Visitors can admire exquisite Wajima lacquerware from Ishikawa, which represents the pinnacle of Japans lacquer artistry, with its delicate, multi-layered finish. This area was deeply affected by the 2024 Noto Earthquake and the events support of its craftspeople helps ensure the continuation of these traditional crafts to protect them for future generations. 

Beyond browsing and purchasing, visitors can actively engage with Japanese craftspeople through live demonstrations and hands-on workshops. These include painting intricate Miyagi Kokeshi dolls, weaving Kurume Kasuri coasters, crafting a custom silver ring using traditional Tokyo silversmithing techniques, or crafting Edo woodblock prints. Advanced reservation is required for all workshops, which cost from 2,200 to 4,400 yen

Hosting this annual craft festival is a natural extension of Matsuya Ginzas longtime commitment to promoting artisans and craftspeople, which dates back to its origin story as a kimono retailer and continues with its Design Collection, which showcases pieces from around the world, hand-selected by The Japan Design Committee, an organisation formed by renowned Japanese designers such as architects Kazuyo Sejima, Kengo Kuma and Hiroshi Naito

Matsuya Ginza is proud of its enduring support of Japan’s artisans, whose dedication preserves the nation’s heritage for generations to come. Visitors to the Japan Traditional Crafts Artisan Street are invited to discover the beauty of Japanese crafts, meet the artisans who create them, and gain deeper insights into the history and skills that shape each piece.

About Matsuya Co., Ltd

Matsuya Co., Ltd has a 150-year legacy in Japan’s luxury landscape. Over the years, it evolved from a kimono retailer to two landmark department stores, in Tokyo’s Ginza and Asakusa districts. Its flagship store, Matsuya Ginza, opened in 1925 and has remained a prominent name in Japan’s luxury department store sector ever since. Its storied history and focus on forward-thinking retail have seen Matsuya continue to expand its global presence, driven by a vision to create lasting value.

More information about Matsuya Co., Ltd is available at https://www.matsuyaginza.com/en/

Press Releasehttps://x.gd/dk81k

Factbook:
https://bluemoonmarketing.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Matsuya-Factbook-202411.pdf

Link to Images:  https://x.gd/1mIOk

NetApp Revolutionizes Block Storage to Meet Demands of Modern Workloads

New simple, powerful, affordable block storage systems power critical applications


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP), the intelligent data infrastructure company, today announced updates to its enterprise storage portfolio, expanding the NetApp ASA A-Series with new systems designed to accelerate and consolidate block workloads for organizations of any size. Alongside the announcement of new cyber resiliency capabilities, these systems enable customers to create a silo-free data infrastructure that both runs on and is built for intelligence.

Organizations have to reimagine their data strategy to access the data flexibility and confidence they need to successfully modernize their IT operations to drive efficient innovation. Today, NetApp launched three new enterprise storage systems that give customers even more options for simple, powerful, and affordable storage that is part of an intelligent data infrastructure framework capable of meeting workload-specific requirements now and for years to come.

The new high-performance NetApp ASA A20, A30, and A50 systems make block storage available to companies of every size for mission-critical apps like databases and virtual machines. They are ideal for smaller deployments including remote or branch offices with a starting price as low as $25K. The NetApp ASA systems deliver:

  • Simplicity: Customers can use the NetApp ASA systems to modernize their operations with effortless storage which they can deploy in minutes, provision in seconds, and protect with one click. Common management workflows across the entire storage environment, including NAS and SAN, enable customers to enjoy simplicity at a scale that can grow into the future.
  • Power: Customers can operate faster and more agilely with a storage architecture that delivers consistent performance and the flexibility to start small and scale to PBs of capacity. Built-in business continuity, a 99.9999% data availability guarantee, and a ransomware recovery guarantee help reduce operational risks for customers so they can operate worry-free.
  • Affordability: Customers benefit not only from upfront costs 30-50 percent lower than competitive systems but also from a better return on investment driven by up to 97 percent lower power consumption and low operational overhead when modernizing to all-flash ASA.

“In less than a year, NetApp has refreshed our entire unified, block-optimized, and object portfolio and highlighted our commitment to relentless innovation,” said Sandeep Singh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Storage at NetApp. “With the industry’s most comprehensive storage lineup with built-in cyber resiliency, we offer systems that are faster, simpler, more scalable, and more affordable than the competition—tailored to any workload or budget. NetApp enables customers to rise to the challenges and opportunities of modern data management with an intelligent data infrastructure that optimizes operations, reduces risks, and accelerates AI transformation.”

These new ASA systems will also be available in a FlexPod converged infrastructure, delivering additional benefits of simplified data center operations and accelerated deployment of enterprise applications through pre-tested and validated architectures.

“NetApp’s portfolio of block-optimized, all-flash platforms ensures that our customers can address a wide range of needs,” said Dhruv Dhumatkar, CTO, Asia Pacific & Japan, NetApp. “From business-critical systems to AI workloads, NetApp sets the industry standard for performance, scale and reliability.”

NetApp is continuing to enhance the built-in cyber resiliency capabilities of its enterprise storage portfolio. Later this year, NetApp will release NetApp ONTAP® Autonomous Ransomware Protection with artificial intelligence (ARP/AI) for Block. This update will build on the existing capabilities of ARP/AI, the first real-time threat detection and response for NAS systems, expanding its cyber resiliency protections to SAN customers.

To further reduce the operational risks for businesses, NetApp is launching the Ransomware Detection Program. In the event that certain ransomware attacks are not detected, this program assists with recovery using NetApp Professional Services free of initial charge.

“As the preferred data infrastructure provider for Aruba, NetApp is enhancing our IT offerings with an intelligent data infrastructure that helps us optimize data center solutions and deliver joint innovation across Europe,” said Fabrizio Garrone, Enterprise Solution Director, Aruba S.p.A. “As we scale operations to meet the growing demand for cloud services, maintaining scalability and flexibility is critical. NetApp ONTAP stands out for its exceptional usability, simplicity, and uniformity, allowing us to devote technical resources to customer service instead of training or tedious operations.”

“SAN modernization is a huge opportunity as the data needs of growing businesses expand with their operations,” said Scott Sinclair, Practice Director, Cloud, Infrastructure and DevOps, Enterprise Strategy Group. “Companies need a comprehensive data strategy that will carry them into the future. At the same time, a shortage of IT skills and tight budget constraints means that many small businesses don’t have storage specialists available to develop an intelligent data strategy. The new ASA A-Series provides a simple, powerful, and affordable foundation to carry them into the future.”

To learn more about these enhancements and other updates across the NetApp portfolio, visit: https://www.netapp.com/product-updates

Statements by NetApp about unreleased offerings and future plans are for informational purposes only, are subject to change without notice, and should not be relied upon for purchasing or other decisions. Such statements do not constitute a commitment, obligation, guarantee, or warranty of any kind by NetApp, including about availability, functionality, pricing, or timing.

Terms and conditions apply to the Ransomware Detection Program. No ransomware detection or prevention system can completely guarantee safety from a ransomware attack. Although it’s possible that an attack might go undetected, NetApp technology acts as an important additional layer of defense, and our research indicates NetApp technology has resulted in a high degree of detection for certain file encryption-based ransomware attacks.

Additional Resources

Hashtag: #NetApp #IntelligentDataInfrastructure

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

About NetApp

NetApp is the intelligent data infrastructure company, combining unified data storage, integrated data services, and CloudOps solutions to turn a world of disruption into opportunity for every customer. NetApp creates silo-free infrastructure, harnessing observability and AI to enable the industry’s best data management. As the only enterprise-grade storage service natively embedded in the world’s biggest clouds, our data storage delivers seamless flexibility. In addition, our data services create a data advantage through superior cyber resilience, governance, and application agility. Our CloudOps solutions provide continuous optimization of performance and efficiency through observability and AI. No matter the data type, workload, or environment, with NetApp you can transform your data infrastructure to realize your business possibilities. Learn more at or follow us on , , , and .

NETAPP, the NETAPP logo, and the marks listed at are trademarks of NetApp, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League Honor of Kings Tournament Announces $200,000 Prize Pool, Champions will Secure Spot at Esports World Cup

  • Champion of the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League Honor of Kings tournament will secure a spot at the Esports World Cup
  • The Tournament is set to take place from May 5 to May 18 2025

SHANGHAI, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League (ACL), Asia’s premier multi-title esports tournament hosted by Asia’s leading Esports company Hero Esports, has unveiled comprehensive details about the Honor of Kings tournament. This includes information on tournament format, schedule, prize pool, and available entry slots for the prestigious Esports World Cup.

The confirmed collaboration between the King Pro League (KPL), the most prestigious Honor of Kings league in China, ACL and the Esports World Cup marks a significant milestone in the Esports realm. The champion of the KPL Spring 2025 will secure a direct qualification at the Esports World Cup 2025, while the runner-up will earn a spot at the ACL Honor of Kings 2025 Finals.

The champion of ACL Honor of Kings will also gain direct entry to the Esports World Cup 2025, representing Asia’s top esports talents on the global stage and competing against top players from around the world.


ACL Honor of Kings will kick off on May 5, with the finals set for May 18, featuring a total of 12 competing teams. The prize pool amounts to $200,000, taking up one-tenth of the ACL total prize pool of $2 million.

The event will be divided into three stages: the Qualifiers, the Knockout stage and the Finals, all to be hosted in Shanghai.

According to the rankings of the regular season of KPL Spring 2025, teams ranked A5 and A6 along with all teams from Group B will compete in the qualifiers on May 5, 6 and 13, with only one team advancing. The format of the first round, second round and the last round will feature best-of-three (BO3) single elimination, best-of-five (BO5) single elimination and best-of-seven (BO7) respectively.

In the Knockout stage from May 14 to 16, the advancing team from the Qualifiers will face off the teams ranked from the 3rd to 5th in the playoff of KPL Spring 2025 (In the event of a tie, the team with the higher ranking in the stage 3 of the KPL Spring 2025 will secure the qualification). The four teams will compete in the format of best-of-seven (BO7) single elimination.

Ultimately, one team will reach the finals and compete for the championship of ACL Honor of Kings against the KPL Spring 2025 runner-up. The Final will also follow a best-of-seven (BO7) format.

As a long-time partner of Honor of Kings, Hero Esports consistently leverages its extensive industry experience to deliver outstanding esports events. This time, the inclusion of 12 top KPL teams adds excitement, elevating the competition to new heights.

ACL has already revealed six exciting game titles, including Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Honor of Kings, Teamfight Tactics, Delta Force, and Crossfire, with more popular titles expected to be announced soon.

About Hero Esports

Founded in 2016, Hero Esports is the biggest esports company in Asia, producing more than 7,000 matches every year that captivate an online fan base of over 800 million. With a global presence encompassing 12 office locations and eight top-tier esports arenas, Hero Esports offers a comprehensive suite of esports services, including tournament organization, marketing solutions, community development, and more. As a private company, Hero Esports counts Savvy Games Group and Tencent, among others, as investors, with Kuaishou and Huya as strategic partners.

Headquartered in Shanghai and employing more than 1,100 employees, Hero Esports is a fully integrated operator of esports tournaments and creator of esports content with global reach. The company has helped produce many prestigious tournaments including the Olympic Esports Week, the Esports World Cup as well as the esports series featured at both the Jakarta Asian Games 2018 and the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023. Hero Esports also worked with the world’s top-tier game publishers such as Tencent and Krafton in organizing popular esports leagues such as the Honor of Kings’ KPL series and PUBG’s PGC series, among many others. In 2024, Hero Esports launched Esports Asian Champions League (ACL), Asia’s premier international, multi-title esports tournament. Hero Esports is a member of the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC).

LuxenHome: Affordable, Trend-Driven Furniture for Modern Living in Compact Spaces

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In an era where career shifts and lifestyle changes are increasingly common, furnishing a home is no longer a one-time endeavor. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average person will change careers 5-7 times during their working life, with approximately 30% of the workforce changing jobs annually. This dynamic lifestyle demands furniture that adapts to evolving needs—affordable, stylish, and designed for flexibility. This is the problem that LuxenHome would like to solve.

The Theo collection and Janice swivel accent chair by LuxenHome.
The Theo collection and Janice swivel accent chair by LuxenHome.

Affordability

For decades, this specific furniture market has been dominated by brands offering functional but generic solutions. While affordability has been a priority, many consumers now seek options that balance cost with character and contemporary appeal. LuxenHome addresses this gap by leveraging the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, eliminating middlemen, showroom costs, and excessive overhead. This streamlined approach allows the brand to deliver high-quality furniture and décor at accessible prices.

LuxenHome aims to provide customers with versatile, trend-forward designs that deliver enduring value.

Made for Compact Living Space

Modern living often means maximizing space without compromising style. Research shows that homes in urban and suburban areas average under 1,500 square feet, requiring furniture that prioritizes functionality and adaptability. LuxenHome’s collections are designed to enhance compact spaces—think modular storage units, space-saving seating, and décor accents like mirrors and decorative objects that add depth and personality. Every piece is crafted to ensure seamless integration into smaller layouts, offering practicality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

LuxenHome carries the mentality to not only save space, but also utilize and create space for your living and everyday storage in their design, sourcing, and product curation process.

Up-to-Trend

Interior design trends move as swiftly as the runway—one season it’s all about rustic farmhouse charm, and the next, sleek minimalism takes center stage. Only online brands like LuxenHome have the capability to follow the constantly shifting trends. Being an online seller means the brand essentially lives in the digital world, enabling it to capture every shift in trends much earlier than conventional furniture sellers.

Not only that, online brands are inherently agile, operating with streamlined structures that allow them to adapt quickly to changes in market demand and consumer preferences. This flexibility makes it possible to test new designs and bring them to customers faster than traditional furniture retailers. The chain of operation and reaction is just so much shorter. Many beautiful designs can even be shown to customers before they are produced and distributed to traditional furniture showrooms.

Assembly. It’s All About Experience.

One key hesitation people have about online furniture shopping is the assembly process. LuxenHome has tackled this challenge head-on by ensuring that its products are not only easy to assemble but also designed to optimize the overall experience.

Each piece starts with a well-sorted assembly process, including clearly labeled components and minimal required tools. The carefully crafted assembly instructions are straightforward, with diagrams and steps that ensure even first-time customers can follow along with ease. Beyond this, LuxenHome offers always-on customer service to provide assistance whenever needed. Whether you have a question about a step or encounter a challenge, support is just a call or a click away.

Details Matter

Beyond their dedication to crafting furniture that reflects an individual’s character, LuxenHome is deeply convinced that the smallest details can make the boldest statements. This belief has led to an abundance of decorative items for customers to choose from, allowing them to fill gaps and shelves while complementing their unique vibes. Their decorative collection includes, but is not limited to, planters and pots made from durable materials designed to withstand outdoor elements, vases and vessels that blend modern or antique essences into any interior, and even fountains and birdbaths that bring soothing water sounds to get you into Zen.

About LuxenHome

Owned by Winsome House Inc.—a trusted supplier for major e-tailers since 2017—LuxenHome combines affordability, modern design, and ease of assembly to meet the needs of today’s lifestyles. By embracing the DTC model, the brand delivers furniture and décor that adapts to compact living spaces and ever-changing trends.

Explore the full collection at http://www.luxenhome.com.

Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand

Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand
Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand

On 11 February, Thai authorities arrested three Lao nationals during a cross-border drug smuggling operation along the Mekong River in Ban Phaeng district, Nakhon Phanom Province. 

Thai police intercepted the shipment and arrested three suspects, including two teenagers and one adult. 

The suspects are a 16-year-old male from Khammouane Province, a 17-year-old male from Bolikhamxay Province, and a 30-year-old male, also from Bolikhamxay Province.

During the operation, authorities seized 16 sacks of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” weighing a total of 658 kilograms. In addition, 58 bundles of methamphetamine tablets were confiscated, amounting to approximately 116,000 pills.

The suspects, along with the seized drugs, were immediately taken to Ban Phaeng Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. They remain in police custody and are facing prosecution under Thai law.

The operation was carried out following intelligence reports about an imminent drug shipment from Laos into Thailand’s interior through this border area.

This is not the first case in 2025 involving Lao nationals getting arrested for crimes in Thailand. 

On 5 February, Thai authorities also arrested eight Lao nationals in a raid on an illegal online gambling operation in Nong Khai Province. The arrested suspects are set to face charges for organizing illegal gambling and promoting it through electronic media, as well as violating immigration laws.

CHINASHOP 2025: Record 120,000 sqm to Open in Shenzhen, China, May 9-11

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CHINASHOP, Asia’s premier retail industry exhibition, will host its 25th edition at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from May 9-11, spanning a record-breaking 120,000 sqm.

2025CHINASHOP
2025CHINASHOP

Marking its 25th anniversary, the event will showcase China’s retail innovations ——from technologies, infrastructure, to commercial design, supply chain solutions, merchandising strategies, logistics, loss prevention, and asset protection solutions, alongside concurrent forums including the Consumer Goods Channel Selection Conference, Consumer Goods Channel Marketing Innovation Summit, China Supermarket Conference, and the debut of the All-Retail AI Spark Conference. The flagship CHINASHOP Golden Wings Awards will also spotlight industry excellence.

Why Shenzhen?

As China’s technology and manufacturing powerhouse, Shenzhen offers unparalleled insights into AI applications and smart supply chains. Its strategic proximity to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia positions, the city as an ideal hub for global retail collaboration. CHINASHOP 2025 will emphasize AI integration, digital retail transformation, and supply chain optimization, aligning with Shenzhen’s role as a leader in tech-driven industry advancements.

Expanded Focus for 2025

  • Product Innovation Hub: A 20,000-sqm dedicated pavilion will showcase trending goods—from private-label products and health-focused items to regional specialties and coffee—catering to China’s booming discount stores, membership clubs, and convenience chains.
  • AI-Driven Retail: An AI Zone will debut live demonstrations of AI-powered tools, while the All-Retail AI Spark conference convenes 100+ tech leaders to share AI implementation strategies.

CHINASHOP 2025 expects over 900 exhibitors, 200+ industry experts, and 70,000+ attendees worldwide. Join us in Shenzhen from May 9-11 to explore the future of retail and source tomorrow’s best-selling products. CHINASHOP 2025 will redefine retail innovation.