Leading Japanese discount retailer selects RELEX forecasting and replenishment to improve inventory accuracy and operational efficiency across domestic network

TOKYO, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RELEX Solutions announces Daiso Industries Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s most recognized discount retailers, has selected RELEX to improve forecasting accuracy and automate replenishment across its domestic operations. The initial phase of the project will cover store and distribution center (DC) replenishment across 4,625 stores and more than 20 DCs. 

Daiso operates 5,670 stores in Japan and overseas, offering daily necessities, household goods, food and clothing at fixed, affordable prices, as well as developing many of its private-label brands in-house. As its assortment has grown to vast assortment of SKUs, Daiso identified the need for a more scalable and accurate approach to store and DC ordering.

Previously, store ordering relied on rule-based systems and the experience and judgment of store staff. This approach sometimes led to over-ordering of declining items and excess inventory at stores and distribution centers, while other products ran out of stock. The process also created a significant operational burden for store teams.

Daiso selected RELEX for its ability to manage complex supply chains on a unified platform, its experience in forecasting and replenishment across diverse product categories, including slow-moving and seasonal items, and its scalability to support future global expansion. With RELEX, Daiso will align store and SKU replenishment decisions more closely with customer demand trends and integrate those forecasts directly with distribution center planning. The objective is to reduce stockouts and waste across the supply chain, improve inventory accuracy and balance, and ease the workload for store staff.

“We selected RELEX to strengthen how we plan and execute store and DC ordering.” said Aiichiro Otaka, Head of global IT at Daiso Industries Co., Ltd. “By shifting from rule-based ordering and individual judgment to a more data-driven approach, we aim to create greater consistency across our stores and provide our teams with clearer, more reliable guidance.”

“We are deeply honored that Daiso, one of Japan’s most recognized and rapidly growing retailers, has chosen RELEX as its supply chain management foundation,” said Yuki Fukuzawa, Country Manager, Japan, RELEX Solutions. “With our AI-native capabilities, we look forward to improving operational efficiency across Daiso’s domestic network and supporting its future global expansion.”

About Daiso Industries Co., Ltd
Daiso Industries upholds the corporate philosophy of “Enriching people’s lives around the world through single-price products – inspiring value and inspiring quality.” With the ambition of becoming a global retailer originating from Japan, the company operates the brands “DAISO,” “Standard Products,” and “THREEPPY,” offering approximately 47,000 products ranging from daily necessities to hobby and lifestyle items.

About RELEX
RELEX Solutions provides a unified, AI-native platform for retail and supply chain planning and is trusted globally for its consistently high customer satisfaction. RELEX helps retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers optimize demand, inventory, merchandising, pricing, and supply and production planning to improve availability and efficiency at scale. Brands like ADUSA, Camco, Carhartt, COSMOS Pharmaceutical Corporation, Circle K, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, M&S Food, PetSmart, Rituals, The Body Shop, The Home Depot, Sun Tire & Auto Service, and Vita Coco trust RELEX to increase product availability, boost sales, deliver actionable insights, improve sustainability, and drive profitable growth. Learn more at: relexsolutions.com/customers

UOB SPOTLIGHTS LARGE‑SCALE INK INSTALLATION ART
EVOLVING FROM MICROSCOPIC LIFE IMAGERY

Discover three Macao Artist Presentations by Sands China

MTN Seni Budaya Showcases Eight Galleries Defining Indonesian Contemporary Art

Black Sheep Sets the Table for Exceptional Hospitality at Eat Central

HONG KONG, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Art Central, together with Lead Partner UOB, announces today details of the creative projects supported by its partners alongside hospitality presented at the Fair’s eleventh edition. In addition to an exceptional showcase of 117 galleries and more than 500 artists from Hong Kong, Asia, and around the world, Art Central’s expanded suite of artistic presentations, cultural activations, and visitor-focused initiatives together elevate the Fair experience across all touchpoints. A cornerstone of Hong Kong Art Month, Art Central 2026 will be held from 25 to 29 March, with a VIP Preview on 24 March, at its iconic Central Harbourfront location. Art Central 2026 is financially supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Event Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• UOB unveils a newly commissioned installation by Hong Kong artist Ling Pui Sze, White Mirror – The Vista of the Inner Worlds (2026).
• Sands China debuts a showcase of contemporary Macao artists, spotlighting the practices of Lei Ieng Wai, Leong Chi Mou, and Lio Hak Man.
• MTN Seni Budaya introduces ‘Rising Currents’, showcasing eight galleries at the forefront of Indonesia’s contemporary art discourse.
• The Fair unveils its signature hospitality offerings from Black Sheep, Soho House Hong Kong, Kronenbourg 1664, and Illy

UOB PRESENTS A CROSS-DISCIPLINARY ENCOUNTER WITH CONTEMPORARY INK PRACTICES

Lead Partner of Art Central, UOB, presents a newly commissioned large-scale installation by Hong Kong artist Ling Pui Sze, titled White Mirror – The Vista of the Inner Worlds (2026). Drawing on Ling’s visual study of cellular imagery and informed by recent scientific research conducted at the University of Cambridge, the work takes the form of an immersive sculptural garden. Ling’s largest installation to date, it comprises a constellation of hand-made paper sculptures and moving images, reflecting her accomplished command of ink, paper and site-making practices. Conceived as a serene, meditative environment evoking both a cosmic landscape and a Zen-garden-like setting, the installation offers a moment of stillness amid the vibrancy of the art fair.

The space is populated by abstract, radiating sculptural forms inspired by neurons — cells responsible for information transmission within the nervous system — interwoven with collaged cellular patterns and projected footage of cellular movement. By magnifying microscopic landscapes into a walkable environment, White Mirror – The Vista of Inner Worlds invites reflection on the interconnectedness of body, mind and external reality. Proposing a sense of kinship between the microcosmic and the cosmic, the work echoes the Daoist notion of “Everything as One”, offering an imaginative yet contemplative site for introspection.

Visitors can also explore dedicated exhibition spaces, featuring works from the 2025 UOB Art in Ink Awards Winners’ Showcase and the UOB Painting of the Year Artist Showcase at the UOB Art Space. Together, these presentations underscore UOB’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent across Hong Kong, mainland China, and Southeast Asia, while fostering cross‑cultural dialogue through contemporary ink and mixed‑media practices.

Extending the experience beyond exhibitions, UOB, in collaboration with the UOB Art Academy, a registered charity in Hong Kong, will present a series of UOB Art in Ink Workshops. Led by established Hong Kong artists Eric Ho, Ling Pui Sze, Tony Ng Kwun Lun, Professor Tong Kam Tang, Professor Yau Wing Fung, and Stephanie Yeung Chung Nga, the workshops bridge traditional ink techniques with contemporary artistic expressions, guiding participants to explore the evolving language of ink art. Pre-registration is required via www.uobartacademy.com.hk/ws2026.

At the Central Theatre, UOB will host the public talk ‘Reading the Unreadable: When Words Become Images’, an in-depth conversation examining how written language shifts into visual, conceptual, and interdisciplinary forms within contemporary art.

Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, said, “Marking the 10th anniversary of UOB’s partnership with Art Central, this programme underscores the Bank’s long-term commitment to advancing artistic practice, supporting art education, strengthening cultural connectivity and contributing to social sustainability within Hong Kong’s cultural ecosystem. Through our partnership with Art Central, we will continue to build a platform that evolves alongside Hong Kong’s creative community and connects local artistic practice with the wider regional context.”

SANDS CHINA DEBUTS A SHOWCASE OF CONTEMPORARY MACAO ARTISTS

Sands China makes its debut at Hong Kong Art Month as the Associate Partner of Art Central, marking the first participation of a Macao-based integrated tourism and leisure enterprise at the Fair. Sands Gallery presents works by three contemporary Macao artists, foregrounding the city’s new wave of artistic talent:

• Lei Ieng Wai draws creative inspiration from the tension between light and shadow in everyday life. He draws on scientific theory as the foundation of aesthetics, transforming artificial spectra, proportional values, and geometric structures into repetitive and precise blocks of colour and surfaces of light, exploring urban changes and the lives of city dwellers.
• Leong Chi Mou‘s works span painting and installation. His practice interrogates shifting notions of value and the cultural interfaces that shape identity, informed by personal migration histories and Macao’s post-colonial context. Through these inquiries, Leong’s works examine the conditions of cultural survival and the intricate entanglements between artistic essence and value systems.
• Dor Lio Hak Man channels influences from Japanese manga and Western painting into a practice grounded in everyday observation. His work records daily encounters, emotional impressions, and imaginative associations with a relaxed sensibility. He shapes a refined, philosophically attuned visual language that bridges interior experience with an outward-facing openness.

The Sands Gallery booth also incorporates aesthetic elements of Macao’s century-old firecracker industry, enabling international audiences to trace the city’s cultural development from vernacular craftsmanship to contemporary art expression, while experiencing the city’s rich art and culture landscape shaped by its East–West cultural fusion.

MTN SENI BUDAYA PRESENTS THE CURATED CONSTELLATION ‘RISING CURRENTS’

Contemporary art in Indonesia today unfolds as a manifold practice in motion, where historical reflection and material intelligence intersect with the complexities of contemporary urban life. Its ecosystem grows from critical discourse and emerging sensibilities that continually inform and reshape one another. Art Central partners with Indonesia’s National Talent Management for Arts and Culture (MTN Seni Budaya) to present ‘Rising Currents‘, a curated constellation of eight leading Indonesian galleries: EDSU house, Galeri Ruang Dini, ISA Art Gallery, Puri Art Gallery, RUCI Art Space, SAL PROJECT, SEWU SATU, and V&V.

Rather than advancing a single narrative, ‘Rising Currents’ maps the multiple registers and interconnected dialogues that define Indonesian art at the present moment: from research-based and institutionally grounded practices to emergent experimentation and new visual languages shaped by younger generations. Together, these practices reveal an art scene in motion—deepening its discourse and asserting its position within global contemporary conversations.

MTN Seni Budaya will also host the talk ‘Rising Currents: Indonesian Contemporary Art in Motion’ on 26 March. This conversation examines how Indonesia’s contemporary art ecosystem evolves through diverse artistic practices, gallery infrastructures, and socially engaged perspectives, reflecting on how creative expressions from the region are expanding their presence and dialogue within the global art landscape.

EAT CENTRAL BY BLACK SHEEP

Black Sheep returns to Art Central for the third consecutive year as the Fair’s hospitality partner, unveiling an expanded and much‑anticipated edition of Eat Central. This edition features a new, exciting lineup gathering five of Black Sheep’s most beloved restaurants under one roof, including Cantonese signatures from Ho Lee Fook, a heart‑warming Greek taverna menu from Artemis & Apollo, French favourites from Jean‑Pierre, Neo‑Neapolitan fare and speciality drinks from FALCONE, and sweet scoops from Messina, Hong Kong’s favourite gelato.

EXCEPTIONAL BEVERAGES AT ART CENTRAL

Soho House Hong Kong returns to Art Central with its pop‑up bar, set against a mural by Hong Kong‑based French artists Faustine Badrichani and Elsa Jeannedieu.

The bar will serve a focused cocktail menu featuring classics such as the Picante and the newly launched Highball Fifty, created to celebrate the opening of Soho House Tokyo, the private member club’s 50th House globally, alongside a selection of House favourites perfect for easy afternoons and post‑fair unwinding.

Kronenbourg 1664 joins Art Central 2026 with ‘The Blue Perspective’, an immersive lounge that transforms the experience of enjoying a premium French beer into a curated sensory moment. With a bar concept shaped by 1664 Blanc and the liminal glow of the blue hour—the luminous threshold between day and night—the space invites visitors to slow their pace, settle into conversation, and savour 1664’s crisp, citrus‑bright profile.

The global coffee brand illycaffè marks its third year at Art Central, introducing the latest illy Art Collection by John Armleder. Armleder is renowned for his explorations of perception, reception, and the relationships between artworks and their surroundings, and brings this creative sensibility to ‘Tastes’, a series of cups and saucers that mirror the reflective, shimmering effects of his celebrated light fixtures. Motifs from Armleder’s collection also adorn the illycaffè spaces at the Fair, where an atmosphere of art converges with the excellence of illy’s signature blend, offering visitors a moment of pause and pleasure.

SEAMLESS TRANSIT WITH UBER TAXI

To further enhance the Fair experience, Art Central partners with Uber Taxi this year to offer guests a smooth and comfortable way to travel. With every ride just a tap away—whether crossing the harbour or moving between the city’s cultural districts—visitors can enjoy seamless, point‑to‑point journeys and a stress‑free arrival at the Fair, setting the tone for an unhurried, fully attentive encounter with contemporary art.

Tickets to Art Central are now available. Visitors are encouraged to book online in advance at artcentralhongkong.com/tickets/.

Opening Dates and Hours

Tuesday 24 March
VIP Preview (by invitation) 

Wednesday 25 March
Fair Hours                        12 pm – 5 pm
Night Central                    5 pm – 9 pm 

Thursday 26 March
Fair Hours                        12 pm – 7 pm 

Friday 27 March
Fair Hours                        12 pm – 7 pm 

Saturday 28 March
Fair Hours                        11 am – 7 pm 

Sunday 29 March
Fair Hours                        11 am – 5 pm

Venue

Central Harbourfront Hong Kong, 9 Lung Wo Road

-END-

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About Art Central

Art Central, a cornerstone event of Hong Kong Art Month, presents the next generation of talent from Asia’s most forward-thinking galleries alongside celebrated artists from across the globe. Since its inaugural edition in 2015, Art Central has established itself as a leading platform for innovation in contemporary art, advancing the profiles of artists and galleries and reinforcing their presence within the international art landscape. Today, the Fair is recognised for the strength of its curatorial programming and as a vital meeting point for discovery and exchange among collectors and curators representing private, corporate, and institutional collections worldwide.

Fair Director

Corey Andrew Barr joined Art Central in 2019 with over two decades of experience in the contemporary art world. He previously served as Director at a prominent Hong Kong- and London-based gallery focusing on contemporary Asian art, and as Specialist and Head of Sales at Phillips in New York, where he organised exhibitions featuring leading international artists. Barr has played a key role in expanding Art Central’s platform and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s leading commercial hub for contemporary art. Based in Hong Kong since 2013, Barr is recognised for his commitment to fostering regional and global art connections.

About UOB

UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of more than 470 branches and offices in 19 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

For nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to helping businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.

About Sands China Ltd.

Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian^® Macao, The Plaza^® Macao, The Parisian^® Macao and The Londoner^® Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands^® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

About National Talent Management for Arts and Culture

The National Talent Management for Arts and Culture (MTN Seni Budaya) is a program managed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, dedicated to identifying, nurturing, and promoting Indonesian creative talents. By facilitating sustainable talent development and international exposure, the National Talent Management for Arts and Culture works to elevate Indonesian creative practitioners and connect them with global opportunities.

About Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government sets up the Mega ACE Fund to attract and support international or large-scale arts and cultural events which bring significant arts, cultural or economic values and can be recurrent and anchored in Hong Kong, or events which can bring exceptionally significant arts or cultural merit, as well as publicity and image building values to Hong Kong as an arts and cultural hub with a view to contributing to Hong Kong’s development into an arts and cultural metropolis as well as a tourist destination, providing development opportunities for the arts, cultural and creative sectors, and facilitating arts and cultural exchange.

SINGAPORE, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SingWealth Holdings (‘SingWealth’) recently stepped forward as the lead sponsor for Lianhe Zaobao’s My Legacy and Living Well held on 21 March 2026, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to helping Singaporeans navigate critical conversations around health, financial preparedness, and legacy planning.

As Singapore’s population continues to age—with one in five citizens aged 65 and above—the  event centered on topics relevant to Singapore’s ageing population and its interconnected facets.

“Ageing well is not just about living longer; it is about maintaining dignity, independence, and peace of mind,” said Jeffrey Chow, Executive Director and Group CEO of SingWealth Holdings.

SingWealth’s participation in the event stems from its core principle that these considerations are best approached together, rather than in isolation. It also highlights the Group’s ongoing focus on education, awareness and long-term readiness, rather than short-term decisions.

 “We hope to encourage earlier and more thoughtful conversations around health, financial readiness, and legacy planning, so individuals and families can move forward with greater confidence,” he added.

Beyond this initiative, SingWealth continues to support Singaporeans through educational efforts and professional guidance, helping individuals better understand their options and take steps that are appropriate for their own circumstances and pace.

Through its ecosystem of specialised entities—PFPFA, PFP Legacy, and Assure Healthcare Holdings, the operator of Assure Family Clinic — SingWealth brings together professional capabilities across financial planning, estate and succession planning, and preventive healthcare, with each entity playing a distinct role in supporting individuals and families at different stages of life.

About SingWealth Holdings

SingWealth Holdings is a diversified regional wealth management group headquartered in Singapore, with an expanding presence across Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong SAR, and China.

It delivers integrated financial advisory and insurance brokerage services through its licensed entities—PFPFA Pte Ltd (Singapore), PFPFA HK Ltd (Hong Kong), and PFPFA (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd—providing market-specific advice to individuals and businesses.

The group’s estate planning pillar, PFP Legacy, offers cross-border succession solutions to emerging affluent families across Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong SAR and Shanghai.

Complementing its financial verticals, SingWealth Holdings operates Assure Healthcare Holdings in Singapore, providing general and preventive medical care, aesthetic treatments, and Advance Medical Directive support.

With a commitment to innovation, governance, and long-term value creation, SingWealth Holdings is strategically positioned to scale across Asia—empowering clients with financial clarity, continuity, and care.

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

Budget Direct Pet Insurance Encourages Responsible Animal Care, Emphasising Early Health Checks and Lifelong Prevention for Happy, Healthy Companions.

BRISBANE, Australia, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — National Puppy Day, Monday 23 March celebrates the joy and unconditional love that puppies bring into our lives and highlights important animal welfare issues. This year, Budget Direct Pet Insurance encourages Australians to reflect on the commitment involved in pet ownership, particularly when welcoming a new furry family member.

Zeena Juskevics, from Budget Direct, said: “Bringing a new puppy home is an incredibly exciting time, filled with anticipation and joy.

“It’s also a pivotal moment to establish foundational health habits that will benefit your pet throughout their life.

“From their first vet visit for essential vaccinations and parasite prevention, to creating a safe and stimulating home environment, these early steps are crucial for their long-term well-being.”

Budget Direct Pet Insurance has useful tips to help new pet parents welcome a puppy into their lives:

• A safe and comfortable space: Providing appropriate bedding, food and water bowls, and enrichment toys to help them settle in.
• First vet visit: A crucial step for a comprehensive health check, establishing a vaccination schedule, and discussing essential parasite prevention programmes (including for fleas, worms, and ticks). Your vet can also advise on diet and early training.
• Ongoing preventative care: Beyond puppyhood, regular veterinary check-ups, consistent vaccination boosters, and year-round parasite prevention are vital for pets of all ages to prevent common illnesses and detect potential issues early.

“Proactive health management is key,” adds Juskevics. “Regular veterinary consultations allow for early detection and treatment of potential health concerns, ensuring your dog enjoys the best possible quality of life. Maintaining prevention programmes for common ailments helps safeguard them against preventable diseases and parasites.”

While proactive care can mitigate many health risks, unexpected illnesses or accidents can still occur and the cost of veterinary treatment can be substantial, placing a financial burden on dog owners.

“Protecting your dog extends to financial preparedness,” says Juskevics. “Many pet insurance policies, including those from Budget Direct, offer cover for a range of eligible veterinary treatments for illnesses and accidents, helping to alleviate financial stress during worrying times.”

Budget Direct Pet Insurance is dedicated to helping Australian pet owners provide the best care for their four-legged friends with a range of flexible policy options designed to suit different needs and budgets.

With a focus on customer value and peace of mind, Budget Direct Pet Insurance helps families manage the costs of veterinary care, enabling them to provide the best possible treatment for their beloved cats and dogs with reimbursements on eligible veterinary costs.*

Budget Direct Pet Insurance has won a raft of industry awards recognising outstanding value and customer satisfaction including:

• Pet Insurance Insurer of the Year in the Finder Awards 2026.
• Canstar Outstanding Value Awards:
  • Pet Insurance 2024 and 2025.
  • Pet Insurance Accident and Illness 2025.
  • Pet Insurance with Routine Care 2024 and 2025.

Get a quote today for one of Budget Direct’s award-winning pet insurance policies.

ENDS

*See Product Disclosure Statement for more information for policy terms and conditions.

Link request: Please keep all links in this article to direct readers to the most accurate location for more information.

Disclaimer
Budget Direct Pet Insurance is administered by Pet Health Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 59 638 910 675 as Authorised Representative 1282153 of Auto & General Insurance Company Limited (AGIC) ABN 42 111 586 353 AFSL 285571, Registered Office: 13/9 Sherwood Road, Toowong 4066 on behalf of the insurer AGIC and is promoted by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd (AGS) ABN 61 003 617 909 AFSL 241411.

This information contains general information only about our products and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination available at budgetdirect.com.au and consider whether the product is appropriate to you before deciding to buy our product/s. Subject to meeting underwriting criteria.

Signalling broader festive travel consideration beyond familiar destinations, this shift in travel preference underscores the value of localized listings for hotels

SINGAPORE, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Hari Raya approaches, digital travel platform Agoda marks a 55% month-on-month increase in accommodation searches from travelers in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore for check-ins during the festive period of 20 to 23 March 2026. Bali remains the most searched destination amongst travelers from these origins with Yogyakarta, Bandung, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo following closely.

Hari Raya, or Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan and is a time for reunion, celebration and meaningful time with loved ones. Travel demand typically rises as people return to hometowns, visit family, or plan a short break after a month of spiritual focus. During this festive season, while close-to-home destinations, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand remain popular, Agoda is also observing increased interest in destinations that offer a different kind of festive getaway, including Japan and China.

“Traditionally, travel during cultural festive periods meant returning home, but we’re observing a change in preference as many look beyond familiar destinations. Japan and China, for example, are growing in appeal this festive season as they become more accessible through measures like eased visa rules and new, unique experiences,” said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply, Agoda. “When travel is made easier, interest follows. Hotels that recognise these trends and remove booking friction – by offering localised experiences, tailored content in the traveler’s language and convenient local payment options – will be best placed to capture growth this festive season.”

China ranked as one of the top five destinations for travelers from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, with a 7% year‑on‑year increase in accommodation searches during the Hari Raya festive period. This momentum amplified by the market’s recent expansion of visa‑exemption and eased transit rules, which have reduced friction for travelers, according to China’s State Council, increases China’s appeal for festive getaways. Meanwhile, in Japan, their broader appeal comes as the country looks to grow inbound tourism over the longer term. According to reports by the World Economic Forum, the shift comes as the government has set a target of attracting 60 million foreign tourists annually by 2030, alongside wider efforts to welcome a broader range of travelers.

The upcoming festive travel season presents hoteliers with the chance to fine tune their localization strategies to better accommodate various travelers needs such as implementing Halal-friendly options. Agoda’s Tailored to Win report shows that reflecting cultural, linguistic and behavioral preferences is increasingly vital for hotels and accommodation partners looking to stand out. Hoteliers can strengthen appeal this Hari Raya season by clearly highlighting halal-certified meals, prayer facilities and other Muslim-friendly amenities. The report also found that hotels implementing advanced localization strategies saw a 59% positive impact on Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR).

As Hari Raya travel planning accelerates, the seasonal uplift is a timely prompt for accommodation partners to review whether their listings answer the questions travelers tend to decide on first, including meal options, prayer access, family suitability and proximity to relevant attractions. Agoda continues to support partners with data-led insights and localized tools that help them present the right information to the right travelers.

Exclusive savings on flights to Seoul, Daegu, Busan, and Jeju—travel available through Oct. 24, 2026

TAIPEI, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — T’way Air, Korea’s leading low-cost carrier, announced spring travel deals to Korea available through March 31, making it easier for travelers to plan trips to Korea through October 24, 2026.

To connect travelers in Taiwan with more destinations across Korea, T’way Air currently operates eight routes including Kaohsiung–Busan, which will launch on March 29: Taipei (Songshan)–Seoul (Gimpo), Taipei (Taoyuan)–Jeju, Taipei (Taoyuan)–Daegu, Taichung–Seoul (Incheon), Kaohsiung–Seoul (Gimpo), Kaohsiung–Seoul (Incheon), Kaohsiung–Jeju, and Kaohsiung–Busan.

The following offers are available through March 31:

• Up to 12% Off Promo Code: enter MAR26 when booking, for travel through October 24, 2026.
• Regular Coupon (up to TWD 400 off): bookings of TWD 4,000 or more, for travel through October 24, 2026.
• Regular Coupon (up to TWD 800 off): bookings of TWD 8,000 or more, for travel through October 24, 2026.
• TWD 500 Early Bird Coupon: bookings of TWD 4,000 or more, for travel May 1– October 24, 2026.
• TWD 1,000 Early Bird Coupon: bookings of TWD 8,000 or more, for travel May 1– October 24, 2026.

Seoul offers a wide range of cultural attractions and modern city experiences, while Daegu and Busan provide additional regional options with distinctive local character. Jeju is also accessible via direct flights from Taiwan, offering travelers greater flexibility when planning multi-city itineraries.

For full flight schedules, coupon terms, and booking details, visit twayair.com. T’way Air currently serves 60 destinations worldwide and continues to expand its network.

About T’way Air

T’way Air Co., Ltd. is a South Korea based low-cost carrier (LCC) providing reliable air travel services since 2010. The airline operates a fleet that includes Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, as well as Airbus A330, A320 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, serving customers across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, as well as Oceania, Europe and North America. T’way Air continues to expand its network and enhance connectivity for travelers. For more information, visit www.twayair.com

Media Contact
T’WAY AIR Public Relations
twaypr@twayair.com

Redefining Brand Integration: A Strategic Narrative That Resonates with Audiences and Industry Alike

HONG KONG, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SORTIE Agency has emerged as a standout at the 41st Kam Fan Awards, one of the advertising industry’s most prestigious annual events, securing a Bronze award for its integrated marketing campaign centred around the TVB prime-time drama Heroes in White, created for the brand Herbalgy.

SORTIE Agency broke the traditional framework of brand placement by embedding brand messaging into the very fabric of the TVB prime-time drama Heroes in White. The series was inspired by the true story of Herbalgy’s founder, Professor Tinly Wong Tin-chee, a respected Practitioner of Chinese Medicine, transforming the brand’s ‘Pain Management’ philosophy into the core narrative of the drama. Throughout the viewing experience, audiences naturally absorbed the professional solutions offered by Herbalgy and its sub-brands, Touch-Cool, Herbalgy, and Tibet Red, which target the upper, central, and lower body respectively, as characters encountered relatable situations involving headaches, back pain, and sports injuries.

Innovative Content Marketing: Narrative-Driven Brand Education

The Kam Fan Awards, established in 1984 by the Hong Kong Association of Advertising Agencies, are renowned for their rigorous judging standards and are widely regarded as one of the most influential creative awards in the Asia-Pacific region. SORTIE Agency’s recognition underscores the exceptional calibre of its content marketing strategy, excelling in both creative vision and measurable impact.

SORTIE Agency’s approach centred on ‘non-intrusive’ content integration, allowing the motivations for product use to be driven by the narrative itself. Each episode outro concluded with Professor Wong personally sharing his expertise in Chinese medicine, transforming what could have been a conventional hard sell into a credible educational experience. This strategy not only reinforced Herbalgy’s professional positioning as a ‘Pain Management Expert’ but also successfully elevated the brand from a traditional medicated oil into a systematic provider of wellness knowledge.

11.8 Million Viewers Witness a Market Phenomenon: Herbalgy Sales Surge

The campaign’s market performance garnered significant recognition from the judging panel. Heroes in White achieved a peak viewership rating of 24.2 points, reaching over 11.8 million viewers. In the first week of its broadcast, Herbalgy recorded an extraordinary 1,500% surge in product sales. Through this initiative, SORTIE Agency demonstrated how brand storytelling can itself become the content medium, creating immediate commercial returns while simultaneously building enduring brand value.

Heroes in White was made possible through the unwavering support and trust of the TVB team, who partnered with SORTIE Agency to break new ground and seamlessly integrate brand content into a prime-time drama. Sincere gratitude is also extended to Herbalgy for their courage and trust, entrusting the agency with the opportunity to transform the founder’s authentic story into a narrative that resonated deeply with audiences. This award affirms that when brand, creative partner, and media platform unite to innovate, the result is an exceptional viewing and communications experience of market value.

About SORTIE Agency

SORTIE Agency is a strategy-led integrated marketing firm that specialises in aligning brand objectives with cultural narratives. The agency develops campaigns that combine cultural relevance with measurable business outcomes. Its comprehensive suite of premium integrated marketing services includes strategic branding, creative marketing, digital transformation, event production, photo and video content, influencer marketing, and public relations and media management. Whether operating in local or global markets, SORTIE Agency applies international standards to broaden brand perspectives and extend market influence.

The agency operates on the principle that strong brands are not limited by geography. With extensive experience in international marketing, SORTIE Agency navigates diverse markets and cultural contexts to help clients expand their global presence across language and regional boundaries. The team possesses strong cross-cultural communication capabilities and market insight, supported by a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and psychology. Strategies are tailored to engage target audiences with precision and relevance.

SORTIE Agency is driven by challenge and defined by results. Each project reflects a commitment to quality and a focused execution approach. The agency strives to ensure that a brand’s message is not only communicated effectively but also resonates on a deeper level with its intended audience.

Media Enquiries:
SORTIE Agency Limited
Tel: (852) 2855 6896
Email: info@sortieagency.com