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Jobsdb by SEEK Unveils Strategic Hiring Solutions to Address Market Challenges and Shape the Future of Recruitment

Hong Kong hirers can now post job ads for free and pay for performance, with enhanced AI targeting to find the right match for every role

HONG KONG, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 


  • Jobsdb introduces innovative pay for performance model, enabling employers to post unlimited job ads for free and pay only for the performance they need.
  • SEEK AI-powered recommendations drive 43% of applications in Hong Kong, helping employers quickly connect with high-fit candidates.
  • Compared to the second half of 2024, job ads in Hong Kong declined 6% in the first half of 2025, while average job applications per advertisement on Jobsdb surged by 41%, reflecting intensifying competition among jobseekers.
  • New learning and community platform will combine career resources with networking opportunities to help jobseekers stand out and navigate the competitive landscape.

Jobsdb by SEEK, Hong Kong’s leading employment marketplace, today announced a transformative shift in its recruitment solutions. Its innovative pay for performance model eliminates upfront hiring costs and uses advanced AI to deliver better matches between employers and jobseekers.

This move responds to Hong Kong’s changing job market, where economic uncertainties and surging job applications have created compounding recruitment challenges. According to Jobsdb’s latest data, the total number of job advertisements in the first half of 2025 dropped by 6% compared to the second half of 2024, reflecting cautious hiring strategies amidst global economic challenges. In contrast, average job applications per advertisement on the Jobsdb marketplace rose sharply by 41% during the same period. This surge has intensified competition among jobseekers, while employers face added challenges in managing high application volumes, often increasing recruitment costs and time-to-hire.

Pay for Performance Model Offers Flexible Hiring with No Upfront Costs

In response to evolving market dynamics, Jobsdb is moving beyond the traditional pay-to-post model, to one where hirers can post job ads for free and only pay for performance. The new model eliminates upfront advertising costs and offers employers greater flexibility — enabling a more tailored, result-driven hiring experience to meet diverse recruitment needs.

Now, employers can post unlimited job ads for free, granting businesses — from multinational corporations to local startups — cost-effective access to over 2.9 million registered jobseekers in Hong Kong for any role at any time. This makes it an ideal solution for employers facing manpower budget constraints. For job ads requiring enhanced visibility, employers can leverage premium features to boost exposure and attract targeted applications. This approach ensures employers pay only for the performance they need with smarter ad posting experience, helping optimise hiring budgets and streamline recruitment efforts.

Powered by AI, Jobsdb’s improved ad posting experience also delivers smarter insights, including performance predictions across all job ad tiers, such as estimated views and application volumes from high-fit candidates who are most likely to be a strong match for the role. These advanced tools help employers make data-driven hiring decisions, select the most effective ad format for each role, and align recruitment strategies with business goals.

Enhanced AI Targeting Delivers High-fit Candidates and Relevant Matches

Behind this transformation is SEEK’s world-class AI technology that’s already delivering proven results. In Hong Kong, 43% of applications on Jobsdb are driven by AI-powered recommendations.

SEEK has combined its existing AI models with an advanced model trained on millions of past hiring decisions, to predict a candidate’s likelihood of being shortlisted for any given job ad. Candidates with a high potential are classified as “high-fit”. SEEK’s AI actively targets high-fit candidates with relevant opportunities across various recommendation channels, including emails, notifications and website visibility. By focusing on high-fit candidates, SEEK’s AI not only improves job search efficiency and success rates for candidates, but also helps employers accelerate their hiring process and make smarter, faster recruitment decisions.

Rishi Patil, Head of AI Product, SEEK , said, “Our high fit signals is the next evolution in our AI matching. In SEEK, we’re always looking for the next advancement in AI models and how we can deeply understand the requirements that hirers are looking for and what makes a great candidate, and the data tells us that it’s working as high-fit candidates in Hong Kong are 3.8x more likely to be shortlisted than average applicants. This is really a pivotal moment for SEEK and our customers because it’s a shift to an AI-powered product that allows us to focus on more relevant, more targeted matches.”

Creating a Thriving Jobseeker Ecosystem for Career Growth

In today’s competitive job market, staying proactive and adaptable is essential. To empower jobseekers, Jobsdb will soon launch a new online learning and community platform designed to foster professional networking, knowledge sharing, and skills development. This vibrant ecosystem will also feature curated career guidance and video learning resources to support upskilling and help jobseekers grow and succeed in their careers.

Bill Lee, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Jobsdb by SEEK, stated, “As Hong Kong’s recruitment market grows more competitive, employers need efficient, targeted hiring solutions to find high-fit candidates while optimising resources. Jobsdb is evolving into Hong Kong’s most comprehensive employment marketplace, offering a pay for performance model allows employers to post job ads for free and upgrade for the performance they need, enabling a smarter, results-driven hiring process. Meanwhile, Jobsdb supports jobseekers through a new learning and community platform with networking opportunities, career resources, and upskilling content. We encourage jobseekers to continue upskilling and stay informed about market trends to thrive in a dynamic job market.”

About Jobsdb by SEEK

Jobsdb is the leading employment platform in Hong Kong and Thailand, helping people live more fulfilling and productive working lives and helping organisations succeed. It is a subsidiary of SEEK, a diverse group of companies comprised of a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial and volunteer businesses. SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and has a strong presence across the APAC region, including six Asian markets – Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand – through the Jobsdb and Jobstreet brands. SEEK attracts over 500 million visits a year in Asia.

VinFast Philippines honored at the 2025 Legacy Awards for Business


MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2025 – VinFast Philippines has been honored at the 2025 Legacy Awards for Business in the category of “Excellence in Strategic Mobility Innovation.” The award recognizes the company’s pioneering efforts in promoting sustainable transportation, inclusive economic growth, and positive community impact across the Philippines.

Mr. Abner Berdos, Deputy CEO of Sales and Dealer Network Development at VinFast Philippines (right) represented the company to receive the 2025 Legacy Awards for Business
Mr. Abner Berdos, Deputy CEO of Sales and Dealer Network Development at VinFast Philippines (right) represented the company to receive the 2025 Legacy Awards for Business

The Legacy Awards, first launched in 2020, are a prestigious recognition platform that celebrates businesses, brands, and individuals who have successfully integrated sustainable development thinking into their core strategies. The program also highlights impactful business social responsibility (BSR) initiatives that address environmental, economic, and human development issues.

With the guiding message, “Because your business is your legacy,” the awards not only serve as a platform to honor achievements but also as a call to action for the business community to invest more meaningfully in projects that benefit society and future generations.

VinFast Philippines’ recognition at this year’s awards reflects the brand’s long-term commitment to the Philippines. The company has not only introduced a line-up of smart, high-quality, eco-friendly electric vehicles but also actively contributed to community development through a series of meaningful social responsibility initiatives.

Mr. Abner Berdos, Deputy CEO of Sales and Dealer Network Development at VinFast Philippines, shared: “We are truly honored to receive the Legacy Award for Business – a meaningful recognition of the journey VinFast is committed to in the Philippines. From day one, our mission has extended beyond delivering high-quality EVs; we strive to be a catalyst for positive change – where green mobility, sustainable growth, and social responsibility go hand in hand. Through breakthrough programs such as affordable financing schemes and partnerships to expand nationwide charging infrastructure, we aim to make EV ownership accessible to all Filipinos, regardless of location or income level. This award affirms our belief that a business can thrive while keeping people and the planet at the heart of every strategic decision, contributing to a cleaner environment, economic progress, and a more sustainable future for generations to come.

The Chairman of the organizing committee, Director Wilfredo Jordan Lemque Jr., noted: “VinFast Philippines has made a significant mark on the journey toward sustainable mobility in our country. More than just an EV company, VinFast is building a people-centered smart transportation ecosystem with strong commitments to the environment, education, and community development. This perfectly embodies the spirit of the Legacy Awards: celebrating businesses that leave behind more than just profit – they leave behind purpose. We believe VinFast will continue to serve as a model for a new generation of enterprises – innovative, responsible, and driven by action.”

Nearly a year since entering the Philippine market, VinFast continues to scale up its operations with a portfolio of smart electric vehicles, flexible sales programs, and a growing aftersales support network. Across Southeast Asia, VinFast is advancing a comprehensive “For a Green Future” strategy, with a strong focus on expanding its charging station network, service hubs, and customer support platforms. This integrated model, proven successful in Vietnam, is now being replicated in key markets such as the Philippines.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at:

Next Generation Refractive Surgery to LASIK and SMILE Now Available for Clinical Review

Pioneer surgeon Dr Natasha Lim is among the first in Singapore to offer Smooth Incision Lenticular Keratomileusis (SILK) procedure in their clinics.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Natasha Lim, an internationally renowned surgeon in Ophthalmology, has introduced an alternative to established refractive surgery techniques for medical practitioners in Singapore to explore. Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis (SILK), a recent advancement in laser vision correction, offers a potentially improved approach to correcting myopia and astigmatism. SILK is a flapless refractive surgery that uses a more recent iteration of the femtosecond laser to create and extract a lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue, called a lenticule, to reshape the eye. A pioneer surgeon in Singapore for the SILK procedure, Dr. Natasha Lim is opening her eye centre for professional discussion and clinical review of the technology and technique behind it.

Dr. Natasha Tan, one of Singapore’s pioneer surgeons for SILK technology, and her team of ophthalmologists.
Dr. Natasha Tan, one of Singapore’s pioneer surgeons for SILK technology, and her team of ophthalmologists.

Comparing SILK to Existing Procedures: LASIK, SMILE

LASIK, a widely established refractive surgery for myopia and astigmatism, involves the creation of a corneal flap. Clinically, LASIK has demonstrated efficacy in correcting myopia up to -12.00DS[1] and astigmatism up to -6.00DC[1]. SILK, a flapless procedure, has since been shown to replicate LASIK’s treatable range for myopia up to -12.00DS[2] and astigmatism up to -6.00DC[2].

SILK is not indicated for the correction of hyperopia. However, its minimally invasive nature sets it apart from LASIK—the former does not create a corneal flap, but instead forms a thin lenticule within the cornea.

This suggests that flapless refractive surgeries, such as SILK, can potentially reduce the onset of risks associated with flap complications—such as wrinkles, displacement, and conditions such as corneal ectasia and dry eye syndrome[2]—which can affect visual outcomes and necessitate further correction.

Preceding SILK surgery is Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), introduced in 2009. SILK incorporates further technological advancements to the SMILE procedure, including a submicron precision laser system, which delivers lower energy per pulse (at 40 to 90 nanojoules) compared to other laser systems, and is meant for easier and faster tissue dissection time with less post-operative inflammation[3] and faster vision recovery time. Furthermore, SILK employs a proprietary biconvex lenticule shape designed for faster, more optimal healing and better quality of vision, as compared to the asymmetrical shape used by SMILE.

The targeted result is a smoother corneal surface and potentially reduced surgical time, hence enabling faster post-operative visual recovery.

SILK Surgery Operating Procedures

Preoperatively, patient-specific data, including corneal pachymetry and refractive error measurements, are entered into the SILK laser system. The system machine will process this data to inform the automated calculation of lenticule parameters, including the thickness and diameter of corneal tissue (lenticule), for precise tissue extraction during myopia and astigmatism correction.

During the procedure, the patient is positioned under the surgical microscope and cold diode laser delivery system. A fixation light is presented to the patient to ensure stable ocular alignment. The cold diode laser then executes a pre-programmed cutting pattern, creating a lenticule within the corneal stroma and an approximately two-millimetre peripheral incision, allowing the lenticule to gently be removed from within the cornea.

Following laser application, the ophthalmologist proceeds with controlled lenticule dissection and extraction.

Post-Procedure Results

Smooth Incision Lenticular Keratomileusis takes around two minutes to perform, with 85.3%[4] of eyes requiring no or only mild dissection. Patients report an average of one (1) day of downtime for the cornea to reshape by itself.

Clinical studies of the Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis (SILK) procedure, utilising a femtosecond laser system, demonstrate favourable outcomes: In a 2023 study of SILK surgery, 65.9% achieved a monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/20 or better at postoperative day one, increasing to 85.4% at one week and 96% at six months. At six months, 100% of eyes achieved a monocular UDVA of 20/40 or better, and no eyes lost any lines of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA)2.

Refractive stability, as measured by mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), was achieved by three months and maintained at an MSRE predictability of 91.1% through six months[4]

“As an updated version of SMILE, SILK has the potential to be a more effective option for refractive surgery with possibly reduced downtime. Ophthalmologists may soon advise SILK surgery for patients to have a more comfortable and quicker path to clear vision,” said Dr Natasha Lim, one of the pioneer surgeons in Singapore for the SILK surgery and the director of Dr Natasha Lim Eye Centre.

As an internationally renowned pioneer LASIK surgeon in Singapore, Dr Natasha Lim has been recognised for her extensive contributions to refractive surgery. She is the only ophthalmologist from Singapore elected to publish her LASIK results on the worldwide AMO iDesign Registry, providing clinical guidance to other LASIK surgeons globally.

Dr. Natasha Lim Eye Centre offers a full range of in-house laser systems, providing diverse refractive surgery options tailored to patients’ varying ophthalmological conditions.

[1] LASIK and Laser Vision Correction. Healthhub

[2] Sachdev MS, Shetty R, Khamar P, Malik R, Schwam BL, Wang Y, Fu H, Voorhees AP, Laron M. Safety and Effectiveness of Smooth Incision Lenticular Keratomileusis (SILKTM) Using the ELITA(TM) Femtosecond Laser System for Correction of Myopic and Astigmatic Refractive Errors. Clin Ophthalmol. 2023 Dec 8;17:3761-3773. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S432459. Erratum in: Clin Ophthalmol. 2024 May 11;18:1287-1288. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S476560. PMID: 38089649; PMCID: PMC10715007.

[3] Uslu MÖ, Eltas A, Marakoğlu İ, Dündar S, Şahin K, Özercan İH. Effects of diode laser application on inflammation and mpo in periodontal tissues in a rat model. J Appl Oral Sci. 2018 Jul 16;26:e20170266. doi: 10.1590/1678-7757-2017-0266. PMID: 30020350; PMCID: PMC6089569.

[4] Sachdev MS. Smooth Incision Lenticular Keratomileusis (SILKTM). Indian J Ophthalmol. 2024 Apr 1;72(4):464-467. doi: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_620_24. Epub 2024 Mar 28. PMID: 38546465; PMCID: PMC11149504.

About Dr Natasha Lim Eye Centre

Dr Natasha Lim Eye Centre is a leading provider of advanced eye care in Singapore. Founded by Dr. Natasha Lim, a highly experienced ophthalmologist and pioneer in refractive surgery, the Centre offers a comprehensive range of services, including LASIK, SILK, presbyopia correction and cataract surgery. Dr Lim is dedicated to providing personalised care and utilising the latest technologies to help patients achieve optimal vision. 

 

Philosophy Studio Partners with OWAY to Introduce Customised Detox Rituals and Scalp Treatments in Singapore


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2025 – Philosophy Studio, a leading hair studio in Singapore dedicated to holistic and sustainable beauty, proudly announces its partnership with Italian biodynamic beauty brand OWAY. This collaboration introduces a new era in personalised scalp and hair wellness through the launch of OWAY’s signature Detox Ritual and other targeted treatment rituals.

OWAY Scalp Treatment and Hair Wellness
OWAY Scalp Treatment and Hair Wellness

Blending ancient botanical wisdom with modern trichology, OWAY’s treatments are now exclusively available at Philosophy Studio – providing scalp treatment clients with natural, plant-based effective solutions free from harmful chemicals.

Discover the OWAY Detox Ritual
At the heart of this launch is the Detox Ritual – a transformative treatment that uses OWAY’s 100% natural Herbs & Clay Peeling Cleanser. This clay-based detoxifying formula gently exfoliates the scalp, removing buildup, pollutants, and toxins while restoring balance and clarity to the scalp.

Designed for all hair types, the Detox Ritual serves as the foundation of scalp wellness, preparing the skin to better absorb nutrients from follow-up treatments. It’s an essential reset for those experiencing imbalances caused by stress, styling products, or urban living. Clients are recommended to undergo the Ritual after every few OWAY hair baths for optimum scalp vitality.

Tailored Healing Through Personalised Treatment Rituals
Philosophy Studio also introduces OWAY’s Personalised Treatment Rituals, a collection of targeted therapies designed to address common scalp concerns:

  • Purifying Ritual – Combats dandruff and flaking for dry or oily scalps using biodynamic thyme and rice wax.
  • Rebalancing Ritual – Regulates sebum production and balances oily scalps with Amazonian white clay and biodynamic sage.
  • Soothing Ritual – Calms redness, sensitivity, and irritation with biodynamic helichrysum and zanthoxylum.
  • Hair Loss Ritual – Strengthens hair roots and stimulates growth with organic horse chestnut, mint, and plant stem cells.

Each Personalised Treatment Ritual starts with a scalp analysis using the Tricho-Analyzer to assess scalp health and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.

Scalp Signature Ritual: A Fusion of Detox and Personalisation
The Scalp Signature Ritual merges the Detox Ritual with one of the Personalised Treatment Rituals, offering the best of both worlds in a single session. By first purifying the scalp and then targeting specific concerns, this comprehensive treatment ensures deeper absorption and longer-lasting results.

Whether you’re struggling with oiliness, flakes, sensitivity, or thinning hair, the Scalp Signature Ritual delivers a complete healing experience that enhances scalp function and overall hair quality.

Strengthen and Repair with OWAY’s Rebuilding Treatment
For clients with damaged, brittle, or chemically processed hair – including those undergoing hair rebonding treatments in Singapore, the Rebuilding Treatment provides intensive hair fibre reconstruction. Using a patented blend of 18 biomimetic amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and Amazonian butters, this treatment replenishes moisture, rebuilds the keratin structure, and improves elasticity.

The Rebuilding Treatment is particularly beneficial after chemical services or prolonged exposure to heat and environmental aggressors. It restores shine, strength, and softness from root to tip, a must-try for anyone looking to reverse visible signs of damage.

As a boutique hair studio in Singapore, Philosophy Studio aligns with OWAY’s ethos of biodynamic farming, fair-trade sourcing, and clean beauty. All OWAY treatments are formulated without SLS/SLES, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or petroleum derivatives, making them suitable even for sensitive scalps.

Clients can enjoy an immersive salon experience that combines scalp therapy with sensorial aromatherapy, personalised consultation, and evidence-based scalp and hair analysis.

The full range of OWAY treatments, Personalised Treatment Rituals, Scalp Signature Ritual, and Rebuilding Treatment, are now available exclusively at Philosophy Studio.

Hashtag: #PhilosophyStudio



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

Philosophy Studio

is a boutique hair studio in Singapore that champions wellness, sustainability, and personalised hair care. Through holistic treatments and responsible product partnerships, it delivers beauty services that respect both nature and the individual.

Odoo & Konica Minolta Announce Strategic Partnership in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Business management software provider Odoo and Konica Minolta Business Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd announce their strategic partnership to accelerate digital transformation in Malaysia by leveraging digital technology.

Belgian business management software Odoo joins forces with leading printing solution provider Konica Minolta to accelerate digital transformation in Malaysia.
Belgian business management software Odoo joins forces with leading printing solution provider Konica Minolta to accelerate digital transformation in Malaysia.

Leading Printing Solution Provider in Malaysia

A leader in IT innovation, KMBS drives digital transformation through its Intelligent Connected Workplace portfolio, optimizing workflows and enhancing business efficiency. The IT service provider also offers multifunction printers and delivers cloud-based digital printing solutions to major sectors in Malaysia.

KMBS joined the Odoo partnership network in 2024 and anticipates rapid international growth as a strategic partner.

“Odoo’s global presence and comprehensive capabilities are its key strengths. As an Odoo partner, we aim to strategically expand the adoption of Odoo ERP solutions across Malaysia, leveraging its strong foundation and our local expertise,” says Tan Wai Chong, AI Ops, Chief of Data Officer of Data Connect in KMBS.

Global Vision & Local Support in All-in-One Business Management

Dedicated to business digitalization, Odoo serves 36,000 users locally and 15 million globally, round-the-clock.

Odoo’s business management apps cover all core operations, including sales, purchase, inventory, finance, and project management. The open-source software introduces integration with MyInvois and API connection with Shopee, supporting end users in Malaysia with seamless invoicing and e-commerce practices that comply with local regulations.

“With this strategic partnership, I believe businesses will be better served with the services and products offered by Konica Minolta & Odoo,” states Emmanuel Lawas, Head of Channel Sales (SEA) in Odoo. “We look forward to contributing to the growth in digital transformation in Malaysia.”

Continuously evolving to serve businesses with cutting-edge technology, Odoo will officially launch its AI agent this coming September.

Try Odoo for free to experience intuitive business management. Click here to learn more about its partnership program.

About Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd, established in 2003, is one of the largest organizations and has the widest network in the local OA industry with 12 branches throughout Malaysia. KMBS’s customer-centric innovation and solutions enable businesses to connect and transform in the wave of digital innovation.

About Odoo

With 70+ official apps and 57k+ third-party apps, Odoo manages businesses’ finance, sales, inventory & manufacturing processes, human resources, marketing, team productivity, and more. The Belgian open-source service provider operates in 19 countries and regions worldwide, including the United States, Indonesia, Dubai, and Hong Kong SAR.

Bluemont® Becomes Exclusive Distributor of Elemental Water Makers’ Solar Desalination Systems in Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific Islands

SYDNEY, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bluemont® is bringing solar water desalination to more places than ever, becoming the sole distributor of Elemental Water Makers’ systems across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

Elemental Water Makers, a Netherlands-based company, designs desalination systems that run entirely on solar energy. They take seawater or brackish water and turn it into clean, drinkable water – without diesel, chemicals, or emissions. In plain terms, it’s water security without the environmental cost.

The technology is a natural fit for places where traditional water supply is expensive, unreliable, or tied to fossil fuels – think remote islands, coastal communities, off-grid resorts, and drought-hit areas. Across Australasia and the Pacific, many communities still rely on rainwater tanks, ageing bores, or diesel-powered desalination plants. These methods can be costly to run, hard to maintain, and vulnerable to changing climate conditions. Solar-powered, chemical-free desalination offers a cleaner, lower-maintenance alternative.

Bluemont® has already worked alongside Elemental Water Makers for the past year, delivering projects throughout the region. Installations have ranged from systems supporting small island communities to units serving remote eco-resorts. With exclusive distribution rights now in place, Bluemont® will oversee everything: supplying the systems, coordinating installation, and providing ongoing support long after they’re up and running.

“This partnership comes at a time when demand for climate-resilient, low-maintenance water solutions is growing fast across Australasia and the Pacific,” said Paul Hart, Partner and Project Manager. “We’re excited to deliver proven, chemical-free desalination technology to the communities that need it most.”

For more on solar water desalination and available solutions, visit:

About Bluemont®
Bluemont practical, renewable solutions for managing water, erosion, fire, and flood risks in off-grid, remote, and emergency situations. Based in Australia and operating across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Bluemont® partners with governments, councils, and contractors to put sustainable systems in place. Contact info@bluemont.com.au for details.

About Elemental Water Makers
Elemental Water Makers provides 100% solar-powered desalination systems to clients worldwide, offering chemical-free, off-grid water solutions for communities, resorts, and remote operations. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company has delivered installations in more than 33 countries, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring long-term access to clean water.

Agoda’s 2025 Return Visitor Rank Unveils Cities Across the Philippines That Keep Drawing Travelers Back

MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its latest Repeat Visitor Ranking, spotlighting the top city destinations in the Philippines that travelers just can’t resist revisiting. Based on booking data from the first half of the year, the ranking reveals that the top destinations with the highest number of repeat visitors in the Philippines are Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, and Boracay Island. 

Agoda’s 2025  Return Visitor Rank – Philippines

  1. Manila
  2. Cebu
  3. Bohol
  4. Palawan
  5. Boracay Island

 

 

These destinations prove that sometimes, a single trip just isn’t enough. Travelers often find themselves drawn back to their favorite destinations, whether it’s to explore more of what they missed the first time, revisit beloved spots, or simply soak in the familiar atmosphere. Agoda’s data shows that many travelers even return to the same destination multiple times within the first six months of the year, proving the magnetic pull of these unforgettable places.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared, “There’s something magical about destinations that keep calling you back. Whether it’s Manila’s vibrant city life or the stunning beauty of islands like Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay, these places have a way of leaving travelers wanting more. At Agoda, we’re thrilled to help people rediscover their favorite spots while making each trip even more memorable and rewarding.”

Topping Agoda’s Repeat Visitor Ranking in Asia are Bangkok (Thailand), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Bali (Indonesia), and Osaka (Japan), each offering distinct experiences that keep travelers enthralled. The ranking also highlights other popular return destinations across Asia, including Taipei (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Da Nang (Vietnam), Johor Bahru (Malaysia), and Hong Kong filling out the top ten. Each offers its own unique mix of attractions, from culinary delights to cultural experiences, ensuring there’s always something new to explore. 

For travelers looking to revisit their favorite destinations or discover new ones, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Visit the website at www.Agoda.com or download the mobile app for the best deals.

The “Hosted Buyer Program” of the 33rd Guzhen Lighting Fair was Upgraded

Seamless Procurement, Efficient Transactions

ZHONGSHAN, China, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a golden season of October, thousands of merchants gathered. The 33rd China (Guzhen) International Lighting Fair (“33rd Guzhen Lighting Fair”), a one-stop procurement event of origin that has attracted much attention of insiders of the lighting industry, will be held from Oct. 22 to 25 at the Guzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, Guzhen Town, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province.

Thousands of merchants gather at the place of origin, and the Light Fair adopts a new dynamic

With the theme of “Guzhen Lights up the World”, the fair is positioned as professional, market-oriented and international. The main venue, together with 8 sub-venues, creates a “1+8+N” exhibition-megastore linkage platform spanning over 1.5 million square meters, integrating both online and offline experiences. More than 3,500 high-quality enterprises will showcase tens of thousands of new products to attract global merchants.

The exhibition covers a full range of products such as smart lighting, residential lighting, commercial lighting, outdoor lighting, special lamps, mechanical equipment, accessories, etc., focusing on the “specialized, sophisticated, special and innovative” industrial ecology to meet the diversified procurement needs of global merchants. At the same time, it focuses on the latest products and solutions in the fields of smart living, commercial space lighting environment, healthy lighting, cultural tourism night tour, etc. The exhibition focuses on displaying the latest technological achievements to promote the upgrading of the lighting industry to a technologically innovative ecology.

Gather foreign trade resources and do business globally

The source of intelligent manufacturing extends a global reach. According to customs statistics, in the first half of 2025, the total import and export value of Zhongshan was RMB143.36bn, a YoY increase of 4.7%, of which the export of Zhongshan lamps increased by 26.4%.

Looking back at the same period last year (2024), the main venue of the 31st Guzhen Lighting Fair attracted a total of 7,715 overseas visits from 141 countries and regions around the world, a YoY increase of 35.39%, a record high, of which 77% were decision-makers of enterprises, efficiently meeting precise needs. As the gold-stamped business card of Lighting Capital, this Guzhen Lighting Fair aims at the golden season of lighting production and sales, focusing on export sales and coordinating domestic sales, connecting the golden channel of domestic and foreign trade.

Hosted Buyer Program, accurate matching, efficient and win-win

In view of the peak season of foreign trade, a premium project – Hosted Buyer Program (hereinafter referred to as “HBP”) is launched in the autumn exhibition of the Guzhen Lighting Fair every year, which is full of exciting events. The event will invite hundreds of international buyers to form an international procurement group with strong comprehensive strength and great willingness to cooperate to visit the exhibition for procurement.

Since its launch in 2018, the Hosted Buyer Program has been successfully held for 4 editions, which is a lighting procurement tour tailored for overseas buyers.

A total of about 400 high-quality overseas buyers were invited to the last event, covering Southeast Asia, South Asia, Europe, Africa and other mainstream lighting export trade markets, among which Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Italy, Greece and other buyers were the focus. About 90% of the buyers were very satisfied with the HBP event, found partners, and were willing to continue to participate in this autumn’s event.

Seamless connection with carefully selected manufacturers, three major activities to enhance value

“Friendly, carefully selected, accurate and efficient” are the characteristic keywords of the 2025 Hosted Buyer Program. This HBP will be comprehensively optimized and upgraded; The event consists of three parts: business matching, VIP souring tour and networking party. Each section is highly valuable and creates a friendly business atmosphere. 

To facilitate the accurate connection of supply and demand and expedite the transformation of transactions, the organizer will carefully plan several high-level supply and demand matching meetings. Each meeting will gather large overseas buyers (responsible persons with purchasing decision-making power), as well as high-quality exhibitors with certificates such as CE/ROHS (Europe), FEE/UL (USA), CSA (North America), IC (Canada), GS (Germany, Europe), SAA (Australia), PSE (Japan), KC (South Korea), among others, to build an efficient business connection bridge.

Through the direct matching mechanism of “demand-product”, buyers can quickly locate target products according to the contents of the list, and exhibitors can also display featured products in a targeted manner, thus greatly shortening the matching time of both parties and effectively improving transaction efficiency and cooperation conversion rate. 

In addition, the program features two unique activities: VIP souring tour and networking party. The souring tour group of the sub-venue will organize overseas buyers to visit the sub-venue and negotiate with the merchants, so that the exhibitors and overseas buyers in the sub-venue can experience the unique form of “business exchange meeting + store visit”.

The networking party will bring together suppliers and buyers to negotiate business in a free atmosphere with food and live band performance. Attendees will have the opportunity to get to know each other, share information, negotiate business, and create mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties.

At the same time, the organizer will further improve the number and quality of intended buyers through omni-channel promotion and diversified invitations. DENGGLE.com, an exhibition-online integrated B2B website, will continue to optimize and improve, so that manufacturers and buyers can achieve mutual empowerment, cost reduction and efficiency increase through a more professional and personalized matching process.

From Oct. 22 to Oct. 25, you will have the chance to discover cutting-edge products and unlimited business opportunities! Looking forward to working with you to witness more highlights of the 33rd Guzhen Lighting Fair!