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Silks Place Tainan Presents “A Sustainable Future: SDGs Table” – A Culinary Journey Toward Ecological Harmony

TAINAN, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Silks Place Tainan, part of Silks Hotel Group known for managing Regent Taipei, is thrilled to share the success of its “A Sustainable Future: SDGs Table” dining experience. Held five times in 2024, this unique event welcomed over 300 guests and combined delicious cuisine with a meaningful focus on sustainability, taking diners on a journey inspired by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Robin's at Silks Place Tainan, managed by Silks Hotel Group, presented the 'A Sustainable Future SDGs Table,' blending sustainability and culinary excellence into a memorable dining experience.
Robin’s at Silks Place Tainan, managed by Silks Hotel Group, presented the ‘A Sustainable Future SDGs Table,’ blending sustainability and culinary excellence into a memorable dining experience.

The event highlighted the harmonious relationship between nature and human sustenance, a connection that’s deeply rooted in island culture, where mountains, land, sea, and ecosystems all work together in harmony. Guests enjoyed a full sensory experience, tasting the true meaning of “wellness” through an eight-course menu made with local and native ingredients, all crafted with sustainability in mind.

Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
The centerpiece of “A Sustainable Future: SDGs Table” was the collaboration between two renowned Taiwanese chefs: Alex Peng of AKAME, a native-cuisine restaurant in Wutai Township, Pingtung, and Nick Yang of Sinasera 24, a French-inspired fine dining restaurant in Changbin, Taitung. Together, they blended traditional wood-fire cooking with seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients to create a unique dining experience that paid tribute to the principles of ecological sustainability. AKAME, meaning “grill” in the Rukai tribal language, and Sinasera, meaning “earth” in the Amis tribal language, brought indigenous culinary techniques to life, elevating the transformative power of food to support a sustainability.

The event showcased fresh ingredients from trusted local partners like Happyspoonbill, Jacana and Chestnut from Guantian, Sheng Feng Bee Farm, and the Guardians of Jacana in Kaohsiung. These ingredients, ranging from green bamboo shoots and water caltrops to bonito and wild jelly fig, were thoughtfully sourced from farmers, fishers, and agricultural cooperatives committed to eco-friendly practices that protect biodiversity and preserve natural habitats.

A Model for Ecological Co-Existence
A prime example of this is Happy Food, a pioneering agricultural initiative that bridges seasoned farmers and the next generation of agriculturalists. By revitalizing abandoned farmland using natural and non-toxic farming methods, Happy Food addresses the challenges of rural aging and land degradation. This approach allows older farmers to retire with a steady income while giving younger farmers the chance to revitalize the countryside.

The Guardians of Jacana, another notable partner, have transformed Taiwan’s native aquatic plants, such as water snowflakes, into an economic crop. Not only does this preserve the island’s rich biodiversity, but it also creates a protected habitat for the rare Jacana bird, highlighting the power of sustainable farming in preserving both local ecosystems and endangered species.

Beyond Dining: A Holistic Experience
The “A Sustainable Future: SDGs Table” experience was about more than just food—it brought together art, culture, and sustainability in every detail. Silks Place Tainan’s award-winning sommelier, Carols Chen, elevated the evening with expert wine pairings that celebrated local creativity. One standout was the Vino Formosa Rosso, crafted by Chien-Hao Chen, Taiwan’s first French-certified winemaker, who spent 14 years perfecting techniques to thrive in Taiwan’s humid climate.

Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails by Yi-Hsiang Huang, founder of Asia’s 50 Best Bars Bar T.C.R.C., and Nono Yu, founder of The Han-Jia Pairing Dinner. Adding to the ambiance, a curated soundtrack by Golden Melody Award-winning singer-songwriter Ming-Yu Hsieh told the story of the ingredients, making the experience even more immersive.

In a creative and eco-friendly touch, the menu was designed by Half-Goatee Pop-up Book Lab and renowned paper artist Shi-Yi Yang. Made from recycled diapers, it was a powerful reminder of how rethinking and innovating can shape a sustainable future.

A Call to Action for a Better Tomorrow
Silks Place Tainan sees “A Sustainable Future: SDGs Table” as more than just a dining experience—it’s a call to action. The event inspired guests to make thoughtful choices, showing how food can nourish both people and the planet. By championing sustainable farming, eco-friendly cooking, and the values of collaboration and care for our world, Silks Place Tainan is proud to stand behind a greener, more sustainable future.

For more information about “A Sustainable Future: SDGs Table” and future sustainability initiatives at Silks Place Tainan, please contact us at https://tainan-esg.silksplace.com/.

About Silks Place Tainan
Silks Place Tainan is a cultural luxury hotel located in the heart of Tainan, Taiwan. Committed to sustainability and community values, Silks Place Tainan offers innovative experiences that celebrate local culture, art, and the environment. Through partnerships with local farmers, artisans, and chefs, Silks Place Tainan aims to provide guests with a holistic and sustainable approach to luxury living.

Our commitment to sustainable hospitality

At Silks Hotel Group, we are dedicated to shaping a better future for overall well-being by continuing our journey of supporting our earth. Embracing the principles of co-learning, co-creating, co-thriving, and co-sustaining, we strive to enhance our team’s diverse skills and weave sustainable development into our services and everyday practices. We believe the power of service can transform the world, helping people, communities, and the environment thrive while creating a positive impact for our future generations. Our mission remains to: Bring the best of Taiwan to the world and bring the best of the world to Taiwan.

Silks Hotel Group 

Founded in 1990, Silks Hotel Group (formerly FIH Regent Group), is one of the top Asia-based hotel management companies as well as the largest and most profitable hotel group listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. The group currently owns and operates the renowned international luxury hotel Regent Taipei, shopping mall Regent Galleria, the authorization and management of Regent brand hotels and luxury residences in Taiwan, and three diverse hotel brands: cultural luxury lifestyle hotel brand Silks Place, hot spring resort Wellspring by Silks, and stylish boutique hotel chain Just Sleep. In addition to hotels, Silks Hotel Group has also expanded its footprint in the Food and Beverage industry, operating Silks Palace in the Taiwan National Palace Museum, and other renowned attractions. The brand’s DNA focuses on fusing Eastern and Western cultures as well as providing extraordinary accommodation, dining, and service.  

Currently, the hotels under management and operation of the group include locations in Taipei, Yilan, Hualien, Tainan, Kaoshiung, Osaka, and more.  

Senaparib Approved by NMPA for 1L Maintenance Therapy in Ovarian Cancer

SHANGHAI, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IMPACT Therapeutics (“IMPACT”), a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the discovery and development of targeted anti-cancer therapeutics based on synthetic lethality, is pleased to announce that Senaparib Capsules (派舒宁®)has received marketing authorization in China from National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) as monotherapy for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with advanced epithelial (FIGO Stages III and IV) high-grade ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who are in response (complete or partial) following completion of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

Senaparib, discovered and developed by IMPACT, is a potent and novel PARP 1/2 inhibitor. Its distinctive molecular structure provides it with high in vitro and in vivo activity, exceptional target selectivity and wide safety window. The approval is based on FLAMES Study. The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, phase III clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Senaparib as monotherapy for the maintenance treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer who had completed first-line chemotherapy and achieved either a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR). The results of FLAMES Study showed that Senaparib demonstrated significant improvement in median PFS compared to placebo (PFS not reached vs 13.6 months, HR 0.43, P < 0.0001), irrespective of BRCA status. Senaparib demonstrated a tolerable safety profile, with no noticeable safety issues. [1]The results also indicated that both HRD positive and HRD negative populations derived benefit from Senaparib maintenance therapy, highlighting the potential of Senaparib for broad clinical application. The results of this study will strongly support Senaparib as the Standard of Care for first-line maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer.

The top-line results of the study were initially presented as a late breaking oral presentation at ESMO in 2023 and presented at CSCO 2024. On May 15, 2024, the internationally renowned medical journal Nature Medicine also published the results titled “Senaparib as first-line maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer: a randomized phase 3 trial.”[1]

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common lethal female reproductive malignancies. According to GLOBOCAN 2020 data, the global incidence of ovarian cancer is amounted to 310,000 cases and mortality is amounted to 210,000. According to the latest national cancer statistics released by National Cancer Center in 2024, there were 61,100 new cases of ovarian cancer and 32,600 deaths in China in 2022, making it the most lethal gynecological tumor. Due to the insidious and non-specific early symptoms of ovarian cancer, about 80% of patients are already in advanced stage when they are diagnosed, and the 5-year survival rate is only 41.8%. [2]Although ovarian cancer may be resolved after initial platinum-containing chemotherapy, most patients inevitably face recurrence, and there remains a significant unmet clinical need for treatment in the ovarian cancer patient population.

In recent years, PARP inhibitors are changing the therapeutic landscape of ovarian cancer, with maintenance therapy extending the duration of sustained remission after platinum-containing chemotherapy and delaying disease recurrence.

In December 2023, IMPACT entered into a collaboration agreement with Zhongmei Huadong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd (SZ.000963) (collectively, “Huadong Medicine“) for the commercialization of Senaparib. Under the collaboration agreement, Huadong Medicine receives exclusive promotion rights of Senaparib in mainland China. Huadong Medicine is deeply involved in the field of gynecological oncology. Senaparib and Huadong Medicine’s approved mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx (ELAHERE®) can provide solutions for ovarian cancer patients with different stages of the disease, sharing expert networks, research and clinical resources, promoting and developing together to form an effective and highly synergistic relationship.

Dr. Sui Xiong Cai, Chief Executive Officer of IMPACT said:

“It is our great pleasure to share with you the successful approval of Senaparib for the Chinese market, which is another strong proof of the excellence of IMPACT’s in-house synthetic lethality R&D platform and the R&D execution team.

Leveraging Huadong Medicine’s extensive commercial experiences in promoting novel therapeutics, we hope that Senaparib will reach more ovarian cancer patients soon and bring new treatment options for first-line maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer.”

[1]. Nature Medicine volume 30, pages1612–1621 (2024)

[2]. 2023 White paper on the status of diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer in China

About IMPACT Therapeutics

IMPACT Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of targeted anti-cancer therapeutics based on synthetic lethality. IMPACT Therapeutics has assembled one of the most comprehensive DNA damage responses (DDR) global pipeline of novel drug candidates generated by in-house discovery efforts and is expanding to other novel synthetic lethality targets to broaden its pipeline. IMPACT’s pipeline products include PARP inhibitor Senaparib (IMP4297), WEE1 inhibitor (IMP7068), ATR inhibitor (IMP9064), and PARP1 selective inhibitor (IMP1734, in collaboration with Eikon Therapeutics), as well as other novel DDR pathway inhibitors.

The most advanced development program, PARP inhibitor Senaparib (IMP4297), has been in clinical Phase II/III studies globally, including China, in ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer and other indications. The Phase III clinical study (FLAMES Study) of Senaparib for advanced ovarian cancer maintenance treatment following first-line therapy met primary endpoint, with best-in-class efficacy and safety profile. Based on the results of the FLAMES study, the National Medicines Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the new drug application for Senaparib.

The Wee1 inhibitor IMP7068 and the ATR inhibitor IMP9064 have been investigated in Phase I clinical studies in several countries and regions around the world, including U.S. and China, and the recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) has been established. PARP1 selective inhibitor IMP1734 has obtained IND clearance from FDA and NMPA, as well as completed FPI in early 2024.

For additional information, please visit www.impacttherapeutics.com
IMPACT Therapeutics Contact:
+86 21 6841 1121
IR@impacttherapeutics.com

Ancient Roman ornament in the book ‘Study of Grapevine Ornament on the Silk Road’.

SHIJIAZHUANG, China, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Great Wall New Media — The Silk Road is an important bridge for the exchange and mutual understanding between the civilizations of the East and the West, leaving a rich artistic heritage along the route. ‘Study of Grapevine Ornament on the Silk Road’, published by the People’s Publishing House and written by Professor Chang Ying, weaves a cultural ribbon from the Mediterranean Sea to China through the specific and special ornament of ‘grapevine’. The impressive chapter exploring the naturalistic style of grapevine decoration in the Roman period is one of the most innovative scholarly perspectives on Roman decoration available.

The book’s discussion of the Roman grapevine ornament mainly focuses on two points, one is the connotation of meaning, and the other is the form and style. In terms of connotation, grapevine in the Roman funeral culture has a special meaning, symbolizing abundance, continuity of life and rebirth and protection associated with Dionysus, the god of wine, and these deeper meanings make grape vines popular in funeral and ritual objects.

In terms of form, the book provides a compendium of Roman naturalistic botanical ornamentation represented by grape leaves. It proposes that naturalistic decoration originates from the change of craft technology, and different crafts are good at expressing different decorative styles. And the naturalistic decorative form of a vivid and interesting expression: ‘the craftsmen of the time to nature as a teacher, they found that, want to express the natural sense of leaf ornament, not only as far as possible to carve out the details, but also to show the leaves out of the surface of the undulation of the sense of the leaf, such as the leaf after the absorption of water, and then by the sun exposed to the irregular curvature of the presentation.’ In addition, the book also shows the application of the grapevines in crafts made of different materials, such as pottery, metal ware, stone carving, etc. It analyses the grapevines in depth from the dimensions of craft technology, cultural symbols, artistic style, etc., and reveals the diversity and complexity of the vine ornaments in different historical periods and cultural backgrounds, which enriches and deepens the cognition of the characteristics and evolution of Roman decorative arts.

The book places the study of the Roman vine motifs in a broader context of cultural exchange, focusing not only on Rome itself, but also on cultural interchange in the Levant, Etruria, North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and other regions. Through the cross-cultural comparative study of the grapevine pattern, it provides new contents and perspectives for the study of Roman art, and provides empirical materials for an in-depth discussion of ancient cultural exchanges.

In conclusion, the book ‘Study of Grapevine Ornament on the Silk Road’ reveals the exchange between ancient Eurasian civilizations through specific examples. It helps to enhance the mutual understanding and recognition between different cultures, lays the foundation of ‘common memory’ for the cultural exchange and cooperation on the Silk Road, and provides academic support for the promotion of cultural cooperation among countries along the Silk Road.

(By Yang Jie, Professor at Communication University of China)

Building Bridges Through Tradition: Malaysia’s Kanni Pongal Celebration Inspires Unity in Diversity

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A tapestry of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage came to life at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Bukit Kiara in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) during the annual Kanni Pongal celebration, supported by Jasmine Rice as the event’s main supporter. This year’s festival, themed “Pongal Perpaduan” (Unity in Pongal), brought Malaysians together to honour gratitude, tradition, and community spirit, celebrating harmony in diversity.

At the forefront of this year’s Kanni Pongal celebration was Jasmine Food Corporation (JFC), the main sponsor whose dedication to fostering unity and cultural heritage illuminated the event. Supporting this meaningful celebration were CSR Sugar, Goodday Milk, QBB Ghee, and BananaBro, brands celebrated for their unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. Together, these partnerships brought to life a vibrant and heartfelt event, encapsulating the spirit of unity and cultural pride that defines Pongal.

Kanni Pongal: A Celebration Rooted in Gratitude and Unity

Kanni Pongal, marking the Tamil harvest festival, has grown beyond its traditional roots in Malaysia to become a symbol of cultural exchange and national unity. At this year’s celebration, attendees from diverse backgrounds joined hands to participate in traditional rituals, cultural showcases, and a grand communal feast.

Event Highlights Featuring Jasmine Rice

  • Pongal Pot Cooking Ceremony
    The event’s centerpiece was the Pongal pot cooking ceremony, where Jasmine Rice took pride of place. Participants prepared the sweet, fragrant Pongal rice – a symbol of prosperity – using Jasmine’s premium quality rice mixed with Goodday milk in earthen pots, capturing the spirit of gratitude and abundance.
  • Cultural Performances
    Guests were captivated by vibrant Kummi dances, traditional Tamil music, and intricate kolam designs, which provided a vivid display of Malaysia’s artistic diversity. Jasmine’s contribution underscored its role as a unifying force throughout the celebration.
  • Community Pongal Feast
    The highlight of the day was a communal feast featuring Pongal rice dishes and other vegetarian delicacies made using Jasmine Rice. The meal brought together people from all walks of life, demonstrating the power of food to unite.

Dennis Foo, JFC CEO expressed his pride in being part of such a meaningful event.

“As Malaysia’s leading rice brand, Jasmine is honoured to be at the heart of this celebration of unity. Pongal is more than a festival – it’s an opportunity to build connections across communities. Supporting Kanni Pongal reflects our belief that food is not only nourishment but also a bridge to understanding and harmony”.

Deputy Minister of National Unity, YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami, emphasised the event’s significance in fostering mutual respect and understanding.

“Kanni Pongal is a celebration of gratitude, but it also stands as a testament to Malaysia’s strength in diversity. With Jasmine Rice’s support, this year’s celebration reminds us of the importance of honouring our traditions while embracing our shared identity as Malaysians”.

YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami, Deputy Minister of National Unity together with Jasmine representative, Farhan Hafetz and temple community members.
YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami, Deputy Minister of National Unity together with Jasmine representative, Farhan Hafetz and temple community members.

About Jasmine Food Corporation Sdn. Bhd.

For decades, Jasmine has been a trusted household name in Malaysia, bringing people together with the simple joy of good food. Committed to supporting cultural heritage and community-building initiatives, Jasmine believes in the power of food to connect people.

New study highlights effectiveness and cost benefits of Myriad™ in lower limb salvage surgeries.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New Zealand headquartered soft tissue regeneration company Aroa Biosurgery recently announced the publication of further strong clinical evidence reinforcing both efficacy and cost benefits of its AROA ECM™ technology when used in high-risk limb salvage surgery.

Conducted between May 2022 and April 2023, the single site prospective clinical study included a total of 130 complex lower limb defects from 120 patients.

A staggering 95% of patients enrolled in the study had at least one risk factor for lower limb amputation, and 55% had 3 or more predictive risk factors for amputation.

Lower limb amputation has the potential to severely impact quality of life, with the 5-year mortality rate for patients receiving a lower limb amputation being as high as ~50%[1].

Published in the December issue of highly respected peer-reviewed journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open, the real-world study, titled “Limb Salvage via Surgical Soft Tissue Reconstruction with Ovine Forestomach Matrix Graft: A prospective study”, is the largest prospective study of its kind targeting inpatient reconstruction of lower extremity defects with a dermal matrix.  The study is the first publication to emerge from the company’s ongoing prospective study, Myriad Augmented Soft Tissue Reconstruction Registry (MASTRR).

The study found that AROA’s Myriad Matrix™ and Myriad Morcells™ achieved successful tissue coverage and fill in 30 days, after just one product application with no infections or complications reported.

In addition to further validating the use of Myriad products in these challenging lower extremity reconstructions[2],  the study highlights the potential for significant cost benefits. Findings showed an estimated cost difference of up to 195%, compared to other commercially available dermal matrices, when used for inpatient lower extremity reconstruction.

Founder and CEO of the ASX-listed company, Brian Ward says: “We are very pleased to see the first clinical evidence emerge from our large prospective MASTRR study.  The evidence from this study further validates both the efficacy of, and potential cost benefits associated with Myriad use in lower limb reconstruction procedures. With a total addressable market of $225 million USD[3],  for lower limb procedures alone, this represents a considerable opportunity for AROA.”

The study’s lead Investigator Dr. John Lawlor is an experienced Foot and Ankle Surgeon based in Florida. “I’ve been using AROA’s Myriad products for several years now and have seen the difference Myriad can make in my own patient population. It’s very encouraging to see this large study published, quantifying the significant positive impact to patients, as well the overall cost benefit associated with using Myriad to manage this complex patient group. I’m excited with the opportunity to share our positive outcomes data with my fellow surgeons”. says Dr. Lawlor.

[1] Armstrong, D.G., et al, Five year mortality and direct costs of care for people with diabetic foot complications are comparable     to cancer. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2020. 13(1): p. 16.
[2] Bosque, B.A., et al, Ovine Forestomach Matrix in the Surgical Management of Complex Lower-Extremity Soft-Tissue Defects. Journal of American Podiatric Medical Association, 2023. 113(3).
[3] AROA Management estimates

UNIONPAY AND BANK SIMPANAN NASIONAL (BSN) PARTNER TO TRANSFORM PAYMENTS WITH QR PAYMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UnionPay International (UPI) has announced a strategic partnership with Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), to launch the UnionPay QR payment in Malaysia in the first half of 2025. This collaboration underscores both parties’ commitment to advancing digital payment solutions in Malaysia and enhancing the country’s evolving payment ecosystem. Through this partnership, BSN will join UnionPay as a member, expanding its portfolio of payment system operators to include UnionPay alongside Visa, Mastercard, and MyDebit.


As the third-largest debit card issuer in Malaysia, managing over six million debit cards nationwide, BSN is adapting to evolving consumer preferences for e-wallets and contactless transactions. In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the digital payment landscape, BSN is expanding its payment and acceptance solutions to include QR payment. This initiative will empower customers, particularly digitally savvy and travel-oriented young consumers, to make seamless domestic and international payments through UnionPay’s secure and widely accepted QR payment system.

“We are thrilled to embark on this strategic collaboration with BSN, a leading Development Financial Institution in Malaysia,” said Dr. Jian Jiangtao, Regional Head of UnionPay International (Southeast Asia).  “This partnership allows us to expand our digital payment solutions while contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s digital payment ecosystem. With this virtual QR Pay solution, consumers will benefit from greater convenience, security, and control over their spending, enhancing their financial experiences, especially during cross-border travel.”

Encik Jay Khairil, Chief Executive of BSN said “This partnership with UPI marks a significant milestone in BSN’s digital transformation journey. The QR payment solution enables customers to transact effortlessly across UnionPay’s extensive network, including China and other participating countries. BSN’s facilitation of QR Pay acceptance amplifies our commitment to supporting micro-businesses and SMEs in adopting cashless payment solutions.”

This collaboration between UnionPay and BSN signifies a shared commitment to innovation and enhancing customer experiences. By introducing the widely accepted QR payment solution to Malaysia, BSN is set to offer a seamless, modern payment option tailored to the evolving needs of local communities.

END

About UnionPay International

UnionPay International (UPI) is a subsidiary of China UnionPay, dedicated to expanding and supporting UnionPay’s global business. With partnerships across 2,600 institutions worldwide, UnionPay cards are accepted in 183 countries and regions, with issuance in 82 of them. UPI delivers high-quality, cost-effective, and secure cross-border payment solutions to the world’s largest cardholder base, ensuring seamless local services for global cardholders and merchants.

About Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN)

Since its establishment in 1974, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) has been committed to becoming a catalyst for change in the lives of Malaysians. With the vision of “No Malaysian Left Behind,” BSN provides inclusive and innovative financial solutions to ensure broad access to financial opportunities for all segments of society.

As a key national financial institution, BSN is dedicated to realizing its mission of improving financial literacy among Malaysians and building a brighter financial future. With an extensive network of services, BSN offers comprehensive products and services, including savings, financial management, microfinance, personal financing, as well as both Islamic and conventional credit cards.

BSN currently operates more than 387 branches, 40 Micro Finance Centres, 576 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), 260 Cash Recycling Machines (CRM), 10 Mobile Bank Branches (CBB), and over 2,240 BSN Agents (EB BSN) nationwide, including in rural and remote areas. With more than 10.3 million customers, BSN continues to lead in financial inclusivity, supporting the national economic development agenda. (As of November 2024)

As of November 2024, BSN manages retail deposits valued at RM21.9 billion, reflecting the trust and confidence that the public places in our services. By combining digital technology with a personal touch, BSN continues to bring banking to every corner of the country, making financial services more accessible for all.

For further information, visit www.bsn.com.my

Yahoo Celebrates Marketing Excellence at the 2024 Asia Big Idea Chair Awards

American Express International Inc. crowned Asia Big Idea Chair Champion
Bao Dim Sin Seng wins Asia’s Best Integrated Solution
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles awarded Asia Awards Best Branded Content Campaign
Debut of Public-Voted Yahoo Best Brand Awards

TAIPEI, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yahoo hosted the Asia Big Idea Chair Awards 2024 (Yahoo Asia BIC Awards 2024) in Hong Kong and Taiwan, marking 16 years of celebrating creativity and excellence in marketing. This year’s event introduced the highly anticipated Yahoo Best Brand Awards, an inaugural public-voted category where consumers chose the brands that resonated most with them, highlighting the power of consumer-driven marketing.

Pete Wong, General Manager of Yahoo Asia
Pete Wong, General Manager of Yahoo Asia

The Yahoo Asia BIC Awards has been a prestigious regional event for over a decade and a half, spotlighting exceptional campaigns and trailblazing innovations in marketing and advertising. This year’s judging panel featured 11 esteemed members from 9 leading industry organizations, including IAB Hong Kong, HK4As, The Hong Kong Advertisers Association, Hong Kong Association of Interactive Marketing, HKMA Digital Marketing Community, Taiwan Digital Media and Marketing Association, Media Agency Association Taipei, Taiwan Advertiser’s Association, and International Advertising Association Taipei. The diverse panel ensured a thorough and impartial evaluation process.

Pete Wong, General Manager of Yahoo Asia, emphasized the significance of this year’s awards in today’s dynamic landscape: “The Yahoo Asia BIC Awards is more than a celebration of success; it’s a platform that inspires innovation and drives transformation in marketing. With the introduction of the public-voted Yahoo Best Brand Awards, we’re bridging the gap between brands and their audiences, highlighting what truly resonates in today’s consumer-driven world. From engaging campaigns to seamless digital experiences, these awards showcase the best of marketing excellence and creativity.”

The event drew participation from 200 industry leaders, brands, and agency partners, with some remarkable winners:

  • Asia Big Idea Chair Champion:
    • Winner: American Express International Inc.
      American Express claimed the prestigious Asia BIC Champion title for their “AMEX x BetterMe Boundless Explorer Campaign,” which targeted Millennials—digitally savvy, adventure-seeking travelers who prioritize flexibility, unique experiences, and enjoy traveling to Japan. By partnering with Yahoo BetterMe and three top HK YouTubers to feature travel vlogs and behind-the-scenes content, along with a Boundless Explorer Lucky Draw that offers luxury Japan travel package and travel vouchers as prizes, and a limited-time welcome offer that captured attention, the campaign ensured broad visibility and engagement. This integrated approach was outstanding, achieving an 80% increase in card applications and a 20% reduction in acquisition costs. It showcases how a well-crafted campaign, supported by Yahoo’s platform, can drive both awareness and tangible results.
  • Asia’s Best Integrated Solution
    • Winner: Bao Dim Sin Seng
      Bao Dim Sin Seng was awarded Asia’s Best Integrated Solution for their 15th Anniversary Campaign, which seamlessly blended online and offline elements. The campaign crossover with Mrs. So Sauce debuted a limited-edition “Spicy Series Bun,” leveraging the Yahoo App’s redemption feature to engage members, achieving an impressive 98% redemption rate within three minutes. It later introduced a CSR-driven “Rice & Bun Voucher Promotion,” donating 2% of revenue to FOOD ANGEL, a Hong Kong-based NGO supporting vulnerable communities. The Yahoo Creative Team utilized AI technology to produce dynamic ad visuals and personalized content.

      “This award reflects the passion and creativity that drive our brand,” said Agnes Lung, Executive Director , Group Chief Marketing & Digital Officer from Bao Dim Sin Seng. “Partnering with Yahoo allowed us to connect with our audience in a meaningful way. From working with the Yahoo Creative team to creating AI-generated content to leveraging the Yahoo App for our redemption program, we were able to amplify our message and create moments that truly resonate with our community.”

  • Asia’s Best Branded Content Campaign
    • Winner: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
      Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles claimed the Best Branded Content Campaign award for their “My Iron-Willed Mother and Me” campaign, which shared the inspiring story of Xiao Bi, a man with cerebral palsy, and his mother, who has supported him through nearly 300 marathons and triathlons. The campaign not only resonated with audiences but also invited viewers to share their own stories of resilience, particularly their tales of mothers, as Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles‘s accessible vehicle—the Xiao Bi Dream Chaser—was featured around town to raise awareness. The heartfelt story of a mother and son overcoming disability sparked important conversations about accessible mobility and disability travel, generating over 4.9 million views and surpassing engagement targets by 870%.

      “Our campaign wasn’t just about telling a story; it was about starting meaningful conversations around accessibility and resilience,” said Victor Ting, Head of Marketing Department at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “Yahoo’s platform helped us connect with a wider audience, giving us the opportunity to amplify our message in a more impactful way. Winning this award reinforces purpose-driven storytelling that can create genuine connections and make a lasting impact.”

As a cornerstone of the marketing industry, the Yahoo Asia BIC Awards celebrates campaigns that push boundaries and set new benchmarks. With the addition of the Yahoo Best Brand Awards, the event now provides a platform for public recognition, reflecting real-world consumer preferences and brand excellence.

Discover ‘Stanley House Project’: A Coastal Living Dream Realised


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 January 2025 – Habitat Property, Hong Kong’s award-winning specialist in unique luxury properties, is thrilled to announce the details of its latest project, ‘Stanley House Project’. After more than four years of careful planning, ‘Stanley House Project’ is now ready for construction. Victoria Allan, Founder and Managing Director of Habitat Property, has secured permits and approvals, sparing buyers the time, expense, and effort required to navigate this intricate process. Located on Stanley Link Road overlooking Tai Tam Bay and just minutes from the golden sands of Stanley Beach, this ambitious residential development will be a once-in-a-lifetime ownership opportunity.

(Left) The current property on 30 Stanley Link Road. (Right) ‘Stanley House Project’ represents the highest standard in contemporary design adapted for a coastal living experience. Across the 3,269 square feet, the design will bring a stunning integration of indoor and outdoor living areas, while the elevated terrace brings ample relaxing space. It puts views, privacy, interconnectedness, and comfort all in one place. * For visualisation only
(Left) The current property on 30 Stanley Link Road. (Right) ‘Stanley House Project’ represents the highest standard in contemporary design adapted for a coastal living experience. Across the 3,269 square feet, the design will bring a stunning integration of indoor and outdoor living areas, while the elevated terrace brings ample relaxing space. It puts views, privacy, interconnectedness, and comfort all in one place. * For visualisation only

Personally owned and curated by Victoria, ‘Stanley House Project’ comprises an iconic waterfront site with approved architectural plans in place, allowing prospective buyers to build their own luxurious dream complex. With nothing like this available on the market, the complex will be perched above a five-vehicle carpark and will span over 3,269 square feet of internal living space, and also feature a sea-facing swimming pool, a spacious terrace of 2,420 square feet[1] and a roof terrace of 357 square feet [1] .

The Apex of Waterfront Design

As envisioned by Victoria and renowned Australian Interior Design and Architecture studio K.P.D.O., ‘Stanley House Project’ represents the pinnacle of luxury waterfront living, prioritising the marriage of sophistication, comfort and security. Each of the three levels with full sea views and impressive 3.5-metre ceilings, all connected by an indoor lift. The integrated living and dining areas will organically engage with the home’s 2,777 square feet exterior space [1] , and the elevated swimming pool will blend effortlessly with Tai Tam Bay, offering complete privacy. ‘Stanley House Project’ will be the epitome of bespoke coastal living at its finest.

‘Stanley House Project’ is the culmination of Victoria’s long-term vision to create a singular luxurious residential experience. It is ultimately a labour of love, demonstrating her property foresight and architectural acumen. Leveraging knowledge gleaned from over two decades as one of Hong Kong’s leading property professionals, Victoria purchased her own home on one of the plots in 2010. Eight years later, she acquired the adjacent plot to combine the two. Securing the permits for the consolidation, proposed complex and approvals for a pool, terrace, and land lease modification took over four years.

After acquiring the consolidated site with GFA (Gross Floor Area) of 4,359 square feet , the new owner can either retain or demolish the existing structures. From there, the new owner can build their own dream home or utilise the existing plans of ‘Stanley House Project’ for a three-level complex envisaged by Victoria in partnership one of Australia’s most esteemed architects,K.P.D.O.The architecture captures and distills the very best elements of Australian coastal living, representing a major departure from the typical Hong Kong home. Having undertaken an S16 planning application to relax the site coverage to 33%, the design features rare lateral living space spanning nearly 60 feet, directly facing the sea view, that will open seamlessly to 2,420 sf of external terrace [1] and entertaining area with private pool & BBQ area. These plans maximise the plot’s gross floor area, the superb Southside location, and Stanley’s sophisticated lifestyle.

‘Stanley House Project’ will strive for a seamless connection between the generous, open interiors and the spacious, accommodating outdoor areas. Overlooking the magnificent Tai Tam Bay and mere steps from Stanley Main Beach, the location of ‘Stanley House Project’ is perfect for those looking to balance coastal tranquillity with modern convenience. * For visualisation only
‘Stanley House Project’ will strive for a seamless connection between the generous, open interiors and the spacious, accommodating outdoor areas. Overlooking the magnificent Tai Tam Bay and mere steps from Stanley Main Beach, the location of ‘Stanley House Project’ is perfect for those looking to balance coastal tranquillity with modern convenience. * For visualisation only

“As a long-time resident of the Southside, I’ve always dreamed of creating a truly exceptional beachfront property that captures the essence of this beautiful coastline. ‘Stanley House Project’ is the realisation of that dream, a labour of love meticulously planned and designed to offer an unparalleled luxury experience. This is more than just a complex; it’s a legacy, a testament to timeless elegance and refined taste,” said Victoria Allan, Founder and Managing Director of Habitat Property.

The site has a guide price of HK$238 million which includes fully paid land premium. In addition, Habitat Property has provided an estimate[2] of HK$45 million for the demolition of the current buildings and construction of ‘Stanley House Project’, which would take approximately two years. Habitat Property will serve as one of the sales brokerages of the property on 30 Stanley Link Road site.


[1]This is not included in the saleable area.

[2] The estimate is subject to change based on fluctuations in material and building costs, as well as final selections made.

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About Habitat Property

Founded by real estate entrepreneur Victoria Allan in 2001, Habitat Property is Hong Kong’s leading specialist in unique luxury properties. Providing high-end residential sales, leasing and property management, Habitat Property is renowned for its distinct curation of some of the most unique and desirable properties in Hong Kong, along with exceptional client services and market insights. The team has been recognised by the prestigious International Property Awards in both APAC and Hong Kong, which celebrate the highest levels of achievement in the property and real estate industry, winning the best Real Estate Agency APAC & Hong Kong and Best Real Estate Agency Website as well as the Best Marketing in both 2022 and 2023.

About Victoria Allan

Victoria Allan, a visionary in property development, has built a distinguished career transforming complex sites into iconic developments across Hong Kong, Australia, and Spain. With an innate understanding of the real estate industry and remarkable strategic foresight, she has successfully executed numerous extensive and complex projects. Among her notable achievements in Hong Kong are revitalising the Tung Fat Building in Kennedy Town – the iconic historical ‘Tong Lau’, and strategically consolidating multiple sites on Davis Street in Kennedy Town. Both projects highlight her ability to identify opportunities and achieve remarkable sales outcomes.