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/C O R R E C T I O N — Mindsprint/

In the news release, Mindsprint Expands Global Footprint in Australia to Bring Cutting-edge IT Solutions and Services, issued 20-Feb-2025 by Mindsprint over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the in the third paragraph the designation for Amit Bassi should read “Amit Bassi as President & Managing Partner, for Mindsprint ANZ.” rather than “Amit Bassi as Chairman for Mindsprint ANZ.” as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows:

Mindsprint Expands Global Footprint in Australia to Bring Cutting-edge IT Solutions and Services

SYDNEY, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mindsprint, a leading differentiated technology solutions company known for its innovative and purpose-built solutions, today announced the opening of its ANZ office in Sydney, Australia. This expansion reinforces Mindsprint’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge IT solutions and services to clients across diverse sectors, including Food and Agriculture, Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, Manufacturing, and Life Sciences.

Mindsprint Expands Global Footprint in Australia to Bring Cutting-edge IT Solutions and Services
Mindsprint Expands Global Footprint in Australia to Bring Cutting-edge IT Solutions and Services

Headquartered in Singapore, Mindsprint has established a robust presence in the enterprise customer segment, with state-of-the-art delivery centers in Chennai and Bengaluru. The addition of the Australian office enhances the company’s ability to effectively serve regional clients and drive business transformation through advanced technology solutions like Data Analytics, AI, SAP Transformation, Intelligent Automation, and Supply Chain Optimization to meet the unique needs of the market.

Suresh Sundararajan, Co-founder and CEO, Mindsprint, said, “We are excited to announce this strategic move as a key step in our global growth strategy, highlighting the substantial opportunities for managed services in the region. As businesses increasingly focus on their core competencies, we believe there is significant potential for growth. Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome Amit Bassi as President & Managing Partner, for Mindsprint ANZ. With 30 years of experience, Amit brings a wealth of knowledge in driving business transformation and spearheading innovative initiatives in products, platforms, and services.”

Amit Bassi, President & Managing Partner, Mindsprint ANZ, said, “Mindsprint’s expansion reiterates our commitment to invest in the ANZ region. By building a talented local team and harnessing our global expertise, we aim to empower businesses to reach their full potential. Fuelled by advancements in digital, automation, AI solutions, and modernization, the Australian IT services market is projected to grow by 9.5% over the next five years*. This opportunity places us in a unique strategic position to create value for customers in this dynamic environment.”

Mindsprint has over 3000 employees, with a presence across the US, UK, Singapore, India, Middle East, and Africa. Mindsprint’s industry-agnostic Technology, Cybersecurity, and Business Process Services and solutions are adaptable to a broad industry spectrum, cutting across the supply chain, sustainability, smart manufacturing, procurement, spend analytics, enterprise applications, and more. With this move, Mindsprint aims to drive innovation and build trusted relationships with clients in Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

*Source: IT Services Industry Forecast 2024-31 Report by Industry ARC

About Mindsprint

Mindsprint’s purpose is to reimagine business with talent, technology, and insights-driven services and solutions. With a proven track record of two decades, enabling global organizations in their business and technology transformation journey, Mindsprint is a differentiated digital and business transformation partner with offerings ranging from digital transformation solutions to enterprise technology, business process services, and cybersecurity solutions. Powered by 3000 employees, they are headquartered in Singapore with a significant presence in India (Chennai and Bengaluru), the U.S., and the UK. Mindsprint has also been recognized as a Great Place to Work Certified™ company that combines talent, technology, and insights to reimagine business and technology transformation.

Mindsprint is a part of the Olam Group, a leading food and agribusiness supplying food ingredients, feed, and fiber to over 22,000 customers worldwide. It is supported by a global team of more than 82,000 employees across more than 60 countries. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, Olam Group currently ranks among the top 30 largest primary listed companies in terms of market capitalization on SGX-ST. Since June 2020, Olam Group has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global sustainable investment index series developed by FTSE Russell, following a rigorous assessment of Olam’s supply chain activities, impact on the environment, and governance transparency. Mindsprint is an independent digital solutions and business services provider that continues to support Olam and the entities while also focusing on new customers.

More information on Olam can be found at www.olamgroup.com and Mindsprint at www.mindsprint.com | in.linkedin.com/company/mindsprint

 

 

State Grid Xinjiang Information & Telecommunication Company: Successful Deployment and Upgrade of the Artificial Intelligence Large Model Platform

ÜRÜMQI, China, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On February 10, 2024, State Grid Xinjiang Information & Telecommunication Company successfully completed the comprehensive deployment and joint verification of the artificial intelligence large model platform, achieving full-element integration. An AI large model refers to a deep learning-based system with extensive parameters, robust learning capabilities, and strong generalization abilities, capable of processing and generating diverse data types such as natural language and images. The large model platform serves as the foundational infrastructure supporting these models, providing essential functionalities like computing, storage, and scheduling.

Since the release of the hundred-billion-parameter multimodal Bright Power large model by the State Grid Corporation on December 19, 2024, State Grid Xinjiang Information & Telecommunication Company promptly initiated the upgrade and deployment of the AI large model platform. To ensure the project’s smooth execution, a four-dimensional coordination mechanism was established, encompassing “cloud platform + deployment + cybersecurity + resource coordination.” A team of over 20 experts was assembled to address key technical challenges, including heterogeneous cloud platform adaptation and multi-vendor component integration. This effort culminated in the successful deployment of all components of the large model platform, accelerating the integration and application of next-generation AI technology. Consequently, this has provided robust support for the development of Xinjiang’s distinctive new power system and energy system.

Moving forward, State Grid Xinjiang Information & Telecommunication Company will continue to deepen the integration of the large model into various business areas such as distribution networks, scheduling, and customer service. The company will actively explore operational mechanisms based on the Bright Power large model, establish an AI talent training system in relevant fields, and demonstrate new responsibilities and actions in building a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient new energy system.

ViewQwest accelerates regional expansion with key commercial appointment for North Asia

Welcomes Teddy Ko as Head of Business Development

HONG KONG, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ViewQwest, a leading telecommunications, network, and security services provider, reinforces its expansion drive with the appointment of Teddy Ko as Head of Business Development and Sales – North Asia, overseeing Hong Kong, Macau, the rest of the Greater Bay Area, and Taiwan.

Teddy Ko, Head of Business Development, ViewQwest
Teddy Ko, Head of Business Development, ViewQwest

With 27 years in the ICT industry and a strong record of accomplishment driving double-digit business growth across consumer, corporate, and international markets, Ko will spearhead business development and sales initiatives in the region to foster client relationships, secure key partnerships, and deliver tailored solutions for enterprise digital transformation.

Ko brings extensive leadership experience from his previous roles at major industry players. He served as Country Director for Singapore Telecom Hong Kong Ltd., managing and driving operational efficiency and profitability. At HKT, where he had two tenures, he was instrumental in managing end-to-end cloud strategies, solutions, and carrier-grade network facilities. He also held the role of Head of Solutions at Dimension Data China / Hong Kong Ltd. where he demonstrated his ability to lead innovation and deliver transformative solutions.

Beyond his corporate experience, Ko has been an active industry leader, underscoring his commitment to technological development in the region. He served as convenor of the Cloud Computing Special Interest Group of the Hong Kong Computer Society and as part of the FinTech Committee of the Hong Kong Innovation Technology Development Association.

Benjamin Tan, Chief Commercial Officer of ViewQwest, shared his thoughts on Teddy’s appointment: “Since 2023, ViewQwest has been steadily growing our customer footprint in North Asia, specifically the Greater Bay Area and Taiwan. The need for robust connectivity and security solutions in the region has never been greater, and we are strongly positioned to serve this demand. Teddy’s extensive industry experience and deep understanding of these markets make him the ideal leader to drive our expansion efforts.”

“Teddy’s appointment marks a significant milestone in ViewQwest’s regional growth strategy, reinforcing the company’s mission to deliver secure, scalable, and high-performance network solutions for enterprises across North Asia,” added Tan.

About ViewQwest

ViewQwest is an award-winning telecommunications, network, and security services provider driven by a vision to make the world a better place, powered by a safer, better internet. Founded and headquartered in Singapore since 2001, it has expanded operations and market coverage in Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong SAR, and other countries in North and Southeast Asia.

ViewQwest builds and manages high-performing network and security infrastructure for the digital enterprise, securely connecting corporate sites and workforces wherever they are needed. It is a trusted partner of global and regional multinational corporations (MNCs) and top companies across Asia, delivering fit-for-purpose connectivity and security to power their digital future. ViewQwest also provides market-leading residential and SME broadband connectivity and cybersecurity services in Singapore and Malaysia.

ViewQwest received the 2024 Network and Security integration of the Year Award – Singapore, and the 2023 Singapore Broadband Telecom Provider of the Year recognition at the Asia Telecom Awards for its service innovation and excellence in network and security.

For more information, visit https://viewqwest.com/ 

Dongying’s investment soars with quality focus

DONGYING, China, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

Dongying’s investment promotion system has made significant strides in 2024 by enhancing the quality and efficiency of investment attraction. The city has seen a notable increase in investment, higher project quality, and a major share of industrial investment.

Dongying secured 526 new investment projects last year, with a total contract value of 237.05 billion yuan ($32.55 billion). Currently, 425 projects are underway, with an investment of 92.43 billion yuan.

The city has focused on attracting large-scale, high-quality projects, including 61 by Fortune Global 500 companies and state-owned enterprises like Shanghai Electric and Guohua Energy, totaling 43.07 billion yuan.

Industrial investment projects made up a significant portion of the city’s total investments. Specifically, 122 key provincial and municipal projects contributed to 56.5 percent of the total number of projects. These projects accounted for 58.3 percent of the total investment, amounting to 214.43 billion yuan.

In 2025, Dongying’s investment promotion efforts will center on five key initiatives: enhancing industrial investment, driving large-scale projects, innovating investment models, optimizing services, and strengthening investment capabilities.

The city will adopt a chain-based approach to promote traditional industry transformation, using leading enterprises to attract supporting and upstream and downstream partners. It will aim for industry value chain projects to account for over 65 percent of total investments in 2025.

The city will also focus on emerging industries such as the low-altitude economy, new energy storage, and hydrogen energy to build new competitive advantages.

This year, Dongying plans to attract more than 40 projects, each valued at over 1 billion yuan, and achieve breakthroughs in key emerging sectors. It will introduce a new investment model that combines resources, market opportunities and application scenarios, launching 70 key scenarios across six categories with an expected investment of over 33 billion yuan.

The city will also implement a dynamic management system for key projects and establish a mechanism for addressing challenges during the project execution process, aiming to create a model for national investment attraction services based on Dongying’s approach.

Dongying is committed to attracting high-quality investments, driving industrial transformation, and fostering emerging sectors to ensure long-term, sustainable growth.

PTT Oil and Retail Business Appoints M.L. Peekthong Thongyai as CEO, Accelerating Regional Expansion and Digital Transformation

BANGKOK, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) has named M.L. Peekthong Thongyai as its new Chief Executive Officer, reinforcing the company’s push for regional growth and operational innovation. Under his leadership, OR is positioning itself as a dominant player in Southeast Asia’s oil and retail industry, leveraging digital technology and strategic investments to drive sustainable, long-term value.

M.L. Peekthong Thongyai, CEO of PTT Oil and Retail Business Pcl. (OR), leads the company toward regional growth, digital transformation, and sustainability.
M.L. Peekthong Thongyai, CEO of PTT Oil and Retail Business Pcl. (OR), leads the company toward regional growth, digital transformation, and sustainability.

Strategic Business Pillars for Growth

M.L. Peekthong has outlined OR’s three-pronged strategy for expansion:

  • Seamless Mobility: OR is actively growing its service station network, enhancing fuel accessibility while accelerating the rollout of EV Station PluZ, a key initiative in the company’s transition toward clean energy solutions.
  • All Lifestyles: OR is deepening its presence in the food and beverage sector, spearheaded by its flagship Café Amazon brand, while also exploring high-growth opportunities in the health and wellness industry.
  • Global Market Expansion: OR is ramping up international investments, strengthening its footprint across high-potential markets through infrastructure development and strategic acquisitions.

M.L. Peekthong’s agenda is structured around these three key business pillars, with digital transformation and innovation serving as core enablers. His vision is to enhance OR’s regional presence, optimize its energy infrastructure, and expand its diversified business portfolio, solidifying Thailand’s role as a regional energy hub while integrating next-generation mobility solutions.

Driving Digital Transformation and Operational Efficiency

OR is accelerating its digitalization strategy to optimize operations, improve decision-making, and future-proof its business model. As the first oil and retail company in Southeast Asia to implement SAP S/4 HANA, OR is setting a new industry benchmark for enterprise-wide digital adoption. The company has also launched a Control Tower Dashboard, providing real-time data analytics to enhance operational agility and efficiency.

Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement and Long-Term Growth

To reinforce transparency and corporate accountability, OR is launching the “CEO on Tour” initiative, designed to deepen engagement with investors, employees, and strategic partners. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to open communication and collaborative growth.

“In today’s rapidly evolving market, success is built on resilience, innovation, and strategic partnerships,” said M.L. Peekthong Thongyai, CEO of OR.

As OR advances its transformation, the company remains committed to its philosophy—‘They Grow, We Grow’—ensuring that every aspect of its expansion strategy contributes to sustainable progress and shared value creation across its entire ecosystem.

To enhance accessibility and engagement, M.L. Peekthong has also launched his official Facebook page, “Tone Peekthong”, as a dedicated platform for industry insights and stakeholder interaction.

About PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR)

PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) is a leading force in Thailand’s energy and retail sectors, integrating innovation and sustainability to meet evolving consumer and business needs. OR operates PTT Station, PTT Lubricants, FIT Auto, PTT LPG, and EV Station PluZ, providing mobility solutions across industrial, marine, and aviation sectors. Its lifestyle business includes Café Amazon—one of Asia’s largest coffee chains—along with convenience stores and space management services. Expanding into high-growth markets such as Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, OR is also investing in EV charging infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions, driving responsible growth and enhancing everyday experiences.

For more information, visit www.pttor.com.

Tencent Cloud Supports Fusion Bank’s Successful Launch of a Next-Generation Core Banking System

The bank’s seamless upgrade, completed in just 10 months, sets a new benchmark for core banking transformations in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As digital transformation accelerates worldwide, banks must build core systems that are scalable, agile, and resilient. In October 2024, with the support of Tencent Cloud and leveraging WeBank’s independently developed digital banking technology, Fusion Bank completed its migration to a new core banking system in just 10 months—setting a new industry benchmark for core banking upgrades in Hong Kong.

Jun Cao, General Manager of Tencent Cloud Commercial Banking Solutions; Ming Zhou, Vice General Manager of WeBank Digital Finance Development Department; Billy Chiu, Alternate Chief Executive and Chief Technology Officer of Fusion Bank; Liming Hu, Vice President of Tencent Cloud and Double Tang, Senior Director of Cloud Infrastructure & Application Management of Fusion Bank (From left to right)
Jun Cao, General Manager of Tencent Cloud Commercial Banking Solutions; Ming Zhou, Vice General Manager of WeBank Digital Finance Development Department; Billy Chiu, Alternate Chief Executive and Chief Technology Officer of Fusion Bank; Liming Hu, Vice President of Tencent Cloud and Double Tang, Senior Director of Cloud Infrastructure & Application Management of Fusion Bank (From left to right)

As a licensed digital bank in Hong Kong, Fusion Bank officially commenced operations in December 2020 and has experienced rapid business growth. As demand for its services increased, the bank needed to enhance service quality and operational efficiency, leading Fusion Bank to initiate its next-generation core banking system migration project in December 2023.

Migrating a bank’s core system is a highly complex and risk-intensive endeavor. Fusion Bank needed to seamlessly integrate and transform over 150 subsystems across five key banking areas—retail deposits, retail loans, corporate deposits, corporate loans, and foreign exchange services—while ensuring compliance with regulatory and market standards, and minimal user disruption.

To support the migration, Tencent Cloud built a robust cloud computing environment for Fusion Bank, powered by solutions such as Tencent Cloud Database (TDSQL) and Tencent Cloud TCE. TDSQL, fully compatible with MySQL, enabled effortless integration with Fusion Bank’s business systems, while its powerful batch migration capabilities facilitated smooth data transfers, minimizing user impact and maintaining business continuity.

Tencent Cloud TCE played a critical role in addressing challenges related to platform deployment, management, and compatibility. Through containerized deployment, it significantly improved resource utilization efficiency, reducing costs by 40% and shortening recovery time objectives (RTO) to within 30 minutes. It also supports various non-x86 architecture CPUs, meeting Fusion Bank’s diverse hardware needs.

To enhance operations and maintenance (O&M) efficiency, Tencent Cloud implemented a Configuration Management Database (CMDB), significantly improving system maintainability and simplifying O&M processes. This enabled Fusion Bank’s IT O&M team to focus on business innovation and development rather than system management.

The close collaboration between Fusion Bank and Tencent Cloud allowed the migration to be completed in just 10 months. The system switchover took only 15 hours, and within a six-hour data migration window, systems and data from multiple vendors were seamlessly transferred to the new core system.

Billy Chiu, Alternate Chief Executive and Chief Technology Officer of Fusion Bank, said, “We are delighted to have successfully completed Fusion Bank’s core banking system migration project in collaboration with Tencent Cloud. By 2027, we anticipate a 53% reduction in non-labor IT costs compared to 2024, with these costs gradually decreasing from 60% to 39% of our total expenses. Beyond cost efficiency, the new core system enhances our agility, allowing us to swiftly respond to market shifts by introducing innovative financial products and providing our customers with superior financial experiences in a timely manner.”

Liming Hu, Vice President of Tencent Cloud, said, “We are very pleased to assist Fusion Bank in launching its new core banking system. The success of this migration underscores the strength of Tencent Cloud’s proprietary solutions, including TCE and TDSQL, in driving digital transformation in the financial sector. We look forward to empowering more financial institutions in upgrading their core banking systems, accelerating fintech innovation in Hong Kong and beyond.”

With over 10,000 financial clients worldwide—300 of which are overseas financial clients spanning 20 countries and regions, including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas—Tencent Cloud continues to provide industry-leading digital banking solutions. Its global cloud infrastructure, comprehensive enterprise software, and standardized hardware architecture enable financial institutions worldwide to optimize costs and enhance operational efficiency.

About Tencent Cloud:

Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Refreshed Menu and New Lunch Offerings Present the Finest Italian Flavors

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

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

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

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

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

A New Height of Italian Culinary Experience with Starred Chefs

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

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

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

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

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

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

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

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

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

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

For more details, please visit and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hashtag: #wildberries

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

About Wildberries

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