30 C
Vientiane
Sunday, May 4, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 853

PMQ annual design festival cultivates talents for the design industry deTour 2024

design festival successfully concludes Continuing to condense creative forces in the coming year


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 December 2024 – Since 2014, deTour, presented by PMQ and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), has become Hong Kong’s annual design festival, gathering numerous local and international design talents to showcase their creativity and vision to local audiences and tourists. It also offers an opportunity for interdisciplinary collaborations among designers, allowing them to transform their wonderful ideas into practical design practices that promote Hong Kong design power.

PMQ annual design festival cultivates talents for the design industry deTour 2024
PMQ annual design festival cultivates talents for the design industry deTour 2024

deTour 2024 concluded successfully at PMQ, lasting for 17 days. It brought together 17 installations and exhibitions created by local and international co-creators, over 40 workshops, 13 Creative Voice sessions, and more than 100 guided tours, and the new family-friendly creative programme “deTour Kids”, showcased the inner value of design from the outside in, delving deep into the profound meanings behind design connections. The event drew numerous design enthusiasts, students, families, and the general public, creating a vibrant atmosphere where participants were inspired by the whole experience. This platform fostered a shared space for exchanging design ideas, injecting fresh vitality into the local design community!

This year’s design festival is full of design highlights. For instance, renowned Hong Kong graphic designer Sandy Choi showcases his work ” Being Transferred”, featuring 33 items that hold special meaning to him, alongside corresponding Instagram posts. Sandy participated in deTour for the first time, expressing his excitement in sharing his possessions, memories, and experiences with the public, finding the experience to be very refreshing! Moreover, deTour collaborated with four overseas co-creators this year, presenting a series of design works with international perspectives and unique styles. This includes Art-tech duo based in Seoul Kimchi and Chips’ “REWORLD Type 2”, Korean designer Yoojin Chung’s “Capturing Qi (氣)”, Moon Seop Seo’s “Passage to the Lake”, and Japanese designer Naonori Yago’s “Imitative Behavior: In the Footsteps of My Daughters”. Yago mentioned that participating in deTour 2024 was the most interesting experience of the year for him. deTour integrates different cultural design philosophies, offering the audience a cross-cultural design feast.

PMQ x deTour design festival
The Next Ten Years: Inspiring Potential, Cultivating Talents
As an iconic design landmark in Hong Kong, PMQ provides a hub for local creative entrepreneurs and designers for connection and resource-sharing. In the past ten years, many local and overseas design talents have emerged in deTour and showcased their ideas to local and international audiences through experimental works, exploring new possibilities for their career paths and developing into experienced designers.

deTour design festival has played a significant role in elevating design literacy across various industries, inspiring innovative ideas, cultivating talents, and increasing public engagement in creative exhibitions. PMQ invites more talented and passionate designers to participate in future deTour design festivals, showcasing creativity, sharing ideas, and engaging with fellow designers to collectively build a vibrant and creative design community. Together, let’s inject new energy and inspiration into Hong Kong’s design industry.

Hashtag: #PMQ #deTour2024

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

About deTour – design festival

deTour is an annual design festival showcasing creative designs and concepts. Organised by PMQ and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the event offers a wide range of programmes that bring together designers and creative communities from Hong Kong and abroad.

deTour serves as a unique platform for inspiring people through the latest in creative expression and cutting-edge design. It also fosters exchanges between up-and-coming talents and seasoned professionals.

About PMQ

Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s SoHo district, PMQ is the landmark of creative and design industries housing over 100 Hong Kong emerging designers. In 2014, PMQ was revitalised and transformed into a creative hub with a variety of design studios showcasing a wide array of design products including fashion and accessories, gifts & premium, homeware, and small furniture as well as other lifestyle goods and creative products. PMQ has now become an interactive platform for supporting up-and-coming creative talents and fostering a community of patrons and lovers of creativity, design, and heritage. It is also one of the popular venues in town for international design, arts, and cultural events from Hong Kong and around the world.

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Top TikTok Trends from Southeast Asia in 2024

Top TikTok Trends from Southeast Asia in 2024
Top TikTok Trends from Southeast Asia in 2024

This year, TikTok exploded across the internet like never before. As 2024 comes to a close, the social media world is also bidding farewell to a series of trends that defined the past year.

Police Implements Stricter Road Safety Measures During New Year Celebration

Accident in Laos (Photo: Pasaxon News)

As the New Year approaches, the Vientiane Police Department has issued a set of guidelines to help prevent accidents and reduce fatalities during the upcoming celebrations.

Gene Solutions’ Neoantigen Research Garners Prestigious Award, Paving the Way for Advanced Cancer Vaccines


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 December 2024 – Gene Solutions, a pioneering biotech company in Asia, announced that Bui Que Tran Nguyen, a young scientist from its cancer vaccines R&D team, received the prestigious Best Poster Award in the Precision Medicine category at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia Congress 2024. This recognition underscores the potential of Gene Solutions’ innovative research to significantly impact cancer treatment advancements.

Nguyen presented the abstract titled "Fusion-Derived Neoantigens: Expanding the Potential for Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy,

Nguyen presented the abstract titled “Fusion-Derived Neoantigens: Expanding the Potential for Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy,” showcasing the latest work in discovering novel antigens derived from gene fusions. These neoantigens could lead to more effective cancer vaccines, potentially triggering stronger immune responses and offering hope for personalized cancer therapies.

Clinical Milestones

The cancer vaccine landscape in the APAC region is projected to evolve significantly in the near future, driven by rising cancer incidence and the latest advancements in personalized immunotherapy. Dr. Tran Le Son, Head of the Research Team at Gene Solutions, shared further clinical milestones: “Neoantigen is a core topic in cancer research with the potential to accelerate cancer vaccine development. We are excited that our preliminary findings have been recognized by esteemed experts at ESMO Asia. Our team will expand clinical studies on patients diagnosed with colorectal and lung cancers in early 2025, aiming to utilize our genomics and AI strengths to contribute to the development of new cancer vaccines targeting these common cancer types.”

Image: Gene Solutions' Neoantigen Research Workflow
Image: Gene Solutions’ Neoantigen Research Workflow

Strategic Implications for Gene Solutions

Gene Solutions’ proprietary research and CAP-accredited laboratories in Singapore and Vietnam set it apart from other players in the Asia-Pacific region. The company’s focus on multi-dimensional genomics and AI-driven solutions ensures a competitive edge in the oncology market.

With recent funding rounds and strategic partnerships, Gene Solutions aims to expand its market presence and enhance its product pipeline. This includes not only its renowned early cancer detection and monitoring tests but also collaborations with biopharma leaders to co-develop novel cancer therapeutics, as seen in this neoantigen research.

Gene Solutions at ESMO ASIA 2024

ESMO Asia is an annual conference focused on advances in cancer research and new treatment methods. Gene Solutions joined the conference as an industry partner, while its R&D teams presented nine posters and one oral session. In addition to Nguyen’s Best Poster Award, three medical doctors and scientists from Gene Solutions, MD. Dang L. Nguyen, BSc. Hanh T. Nguyen, and MSc. Nam H. Tran also received Merit Travel Awards for their reports on early cancer detection and homogeneous deficiency testing.

These honors reaffirm the company’s commitment to advancing personalized cancer care through innovative research and its long-term vision to make a substantial impact on patients’ health.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Gene Solutions Media Contact

Ms. Emma Ngo
www.genesolutions.com
pr@genesolutions.com

Hashtag: #GeneSolutions

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

Proud Real Estate Unveils Romm Convent: The Apex of Luxury Wellness Residences in Bangkok’s Vibrant CBD

Elevating Urban Living with Holistic Wellness and Timeless Elegance: Proud Real Estate Redefines Luxury with Romm Convent, Bangkok’s Premier Wellness Residence in the Heart of Convent-Sathorn


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 December 2024 – In the bustling heart of Bangkok’s prestigious Convent-Sathorn area, Proud Real Estate Plc. introduces Romm Convent, a beacon of luxury wellness living designed for the discerning urbanite. Amidst a thriving residential market buoyed by global-above-average yields, Romm Convent emerges as a rare gem, offering an exclusive investment opportunity in one of the city’s most desirable locations.

ROMM CONVENT LUXURY WELLNESS RESIDENCES
ROMM CONVENT LUXURY WELLNESS RESIDENCES

Ms. Proudputh Liptapanlop, Executive Director of the SET-listed Proud Real Estate Plc., discusses the vision behind this pioneering project, “Home is redefined as a space for interactions, where luxury transcends traditional craftsmanship to embrace the vital access to urban green space. In today’s era of land scarcity, creating a breathable, healthy environment is paramount.”

A Historical Perspective on Bangkok’s Growth and Urban Trajectory

Bangkok, one of the world’s most densely populated cities, has undergone significant transformations since the 1980s when rural-urban migration spurred by industrialization led to a wave of suburbanization. Yet, despite the outward expansion, the city’s core areas, particularly around Lumpini Park which covers Silom, Sathorn, Chidlom, Langsuan, Rajdamri, and the initial section of Rama IV Roads, have remained vibrant hubs of development. These districts are renowned for their 5-star hotels, upscale shopping malls, foreign embassies, and Grade A office towers.

As Bangkok continues to expand, its super core CBD centered around Lumpini Park remains a focal point of major development. According to data compiled by Proud Real Estate Plc., about 30 projects, primarily mixed-use, have been developed in this area over the past few years, representing a multi-billion-dollar investment. This includes significant megaprojects like the USD 3.2 billion One Bangkok and the USD 1.37 billion Dusit Central Park. These developments not only reinforce Bangkok’s status as a world-class city but also highlight its ongoing transformation and urban sprawl, maintaining the inner city’s pivotal role in the national and regional economic landscape.

Rise of the Super Core CBD

Recent data from Proud Real Estate Plc. indicates a bustling period of development in the super core CBD, with approximately 30 projects developed in the last few years. Noteworthy developments include the USD 3.2 billion One Bangkok, a ‘city within a city’ offering a dynamic mix of retail, hotel, office, and residential spaces, and the USD 1.37 billion Dusit Central Park which has reintroduced the legendary Dusit Thani Hotel alongside new office and retail spaces.

Romm Convent: A Synthesis of Luxury and Wellness
Romm Convent distinguishes itself with a ‘biological design’ concept, which enhances natural air circulation and reduces heat, ensuring a refreshing living environment. This design is on track to receive Fitwel certification by Q1/2025, highlighting the project’s commitment to health and wellness. The development features The Sky Retreat, a luxurious three-story area offering a variety of state-of-the-art amenities designed to cater to all lifestyles.

With only 175 units and just eight units per floor, Romm Convent prioritizes privacy and exclusivity. The residences range from 2-bedroom plus Balcony Suit (118 sq.m.) to a 4-bedroom duplex penthouse (470 sq.m.), each offering spacious and versatile living environments with panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline. These residences are optimally priced, reflecting their exceptional value and anticipated rental yields of 5-6%.

Wellness and Convenience at Your Doorstep
Residents of Romm Convent benefit from comprehensive on-site wellness services provided through collaborations with leading health institutions like BEDEE by BDMS and BNH Hospital. This holistic approach to wellness ensures that every aspect of residents’ health and well-being is catered to, from preventive care to health promotion. With VVIP special privileges, they are eligible to access to BNH loyal heritage lounge supervised by A-List medical team and receive up to 20% discount when using services at the country’s first private BNH Hospital in a short walk.

Strategic Location and Investment Potential
The Convent-Sathorn area remains a focal point for growth and investment, driven by a tourism boom, Bangkok’s position as a health and wellness destination, and its strategic geopolitical importance. The influx of expatriates and digital nomads has further fueled demand for upscale residential properties in the area.

Despite the general trend towards suburbanization, Bangkok’s CBD continues to be the epicenter of economic activity and urban development. The latest study by Thailand’s Real Estate Information Center reaffirmed the economically-centralized development of Bangkok’s CBD, showing a total of 138 mixed-use projects with a gross floor area of 56 million sqm across greater Bangkok in the first half of 2024 alone, with about 90% located in the inner city. REIC estimates that around 15 million sqm of mixed-use supplies will be added to the market over the next five years.

Ms. Proudputh concludes, “No matter how much Bangkok expands, the city center remains crucial for employment, quality of life, wealth creation, and access to a sustainable urban ecosystem. Romm Convent embodies our philosophy at Proud Real Estate – ALL IS WELL – through an experience-based approach enriched by the unique character of the area.”

Romm Convent is not just a residence; it’s a lifestyle choice for those seeking luxury, privacy, wellness, and a sound investment in Bangkok’s dynamic real estate market.

For more information and to schedule a private viewing, please visit Romm Convent.
Hashtag: #ProudRealEstate #ALLISWELL #RommConvent #LuxuryWellnessResidences #CondoSathorn #CondoHighRise #Condo #Bangkok #CBD



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

PROUD REAL ESTATE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED

Proud Real Estate is a leading luxury property developer in Thailand and a publicly listed company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).
Guided by our brand philosophy, “ALL IS WELL,” we are committed to creating residential projects that inspire sustainable well-being for all—our residents, employees, partners, investors, and society as a whole.

Collector-Turned-Entrepreneur Opens House of Watches’ First Store at Far East Plaza


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 December 2024 – Among the rows of timepiece stores at Far East Plaza, House of Watches has just opened its doors, bringing a fresh take on luxury watch shopping in Singapore. Known for its sincerity and dedication to quality, this licensed and regulated watch dealer introduces a new experience with luxury watches, whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting your journey.

House of Watches offers a contemporary luxury selection, including coveted models like the pre-owned Rolex Submariner. Every watch comes with expert guidance to ensure customers walk away with timepieces that align with their style, investment goals, and appreciation for craftsmanship.

The launch of its physical store is a significant milestone for House of Watches, which allows customers to explore a broader inventory in person. From professional sports models to elegant dress watches, its collection includes luxury brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. Positioned prominently within the mall, the store’s sleek and modern design is expected to attract both locals and tourists alike.

Behind this venture is Wayne, a passionate watch collector whose journey began six years ago. It all started during his time in Melbourne, where selling his first Rolex Daytona sparked an idea that grew into a thriving business. What began as a wholesale B2B operation has transformed into one of Singapore’s most trusted names in luxury watch retail that offers customers a trusted destination to sell luxury watches or find their next prized timepiece. Recognising Far East Plaza as a hub for watch enthusiasts, Wayne saw an opportunity to create something different: a store where sincerity, service, and expertise come together seamlessly.

Counterfeit luxury watches are unfortunately widespread, but House of Watches guarantees 100% authenticity for every timepiece sold. At House of Watches, every luxury timepiece undergoes a meticulous authentication process. All key details, such as engraving precision, serial numbers, and movement quality, are thoroughly inspected. Advanced equipment, such as the Witschi timegrapher to test accuracy and timekeeping, as well as magnification scopes to verify intricate details, ensures each timepiece meets the highest standards.

Today, House of Watches is a licensed and regulated luxury watch dealer with a storefront in Singapore and a destination for those who appreciate fine timepieces. With its focus on building lasting relationships and offering only the best, it has established itself as a trusted partner for buying, selling, trading, sourcing, and consigning brand new and secondhand luxury watches, such as brand new Audemars Piguet and pre-owned Rolex watches. Moving forward, the company plans to continue expanding its range of brands and offerings, with a vision to make its mark as a leading watch retailer known for service and sincerity in Singapore.

For more information on House of Watches and its comprehensive range of products, please visit https://houseofwatches.sg/.
Hashtag: #HouseOfWatches



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

Watsons Continues its Expansion in GCC with the Opening of its New Flagship Store in Bahrain


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 December 2024 – AS Watson Group and Al-Futtaim Group jointly announce the opening of Watsons’ new flagship store at City Centre Bahrain Mall, signifying the Watsons’ entry into a new market alongside the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Qatar. This also marks the third store opening in three months in Bahrain, strengthening its presence across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Watsons Continues its Expansion in GCC with the Opening of its New Flagship Store in Bahrain

Strategic Market, Huge Potential
Bahrain is one of the six countries of the GCC, presenting a dynamic and potential market with a surging demand for health and beauty products, driven by a predominantly young population – over two-thirds of Bahrainis are under the age of 35 – who are pursuing high-quality products. Increased awareness of beauty trends, influenced by social media and lifestyle shifts, has led customers to greater spending on personal grooming.

As a trusted beauty expert, Watsons is well-positioned to bring world-class brands and products that meet their needs, ensuring a seamless O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience while celebrating and enhancing Arabic beauty. With a projected market growth of USD38.8 million at a compound annual growth rate of 5% from 2024 to 2029, Bahrain presents an exciting opportunity for Watsons as part of its expansion strategy.

Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group, expressed her excitement about this milestone, “The expansion of Watsons health and beauty retail experience into Bahrain is an important milestone in our commitment in the GCC region. Just as important, this new flagship store further strengthens our partnership with Al-Futtaim Group to serve customers in this vibrant region where high-quality beauty and health products are increasingly in demand.”

Mr. Simon Naga, Vice President of Al-Futtaim Group, emphasised the strategic importance of this expansion, “The opening of our flagship Watsons store in Bahrain is a testament to our commitment to enhancing customer experiences across the region. As we continue to expand our footprint in the GCC market, we focus on delivering innovative retail solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers.”

Watsons is “Where Beauty Comes to Shine”
The 200-square-meter flagship store leverages Bahrain’s strategic location in the Gulf, showcasing over 200 local and international brands across meticulously designed zones. Key areas include the innovative Derma Zone, which features internationally-renowned products alongside personalised skincare recommendations, and the enticing Skincare Zone, where customers can explore popular K-beauty and J-beauty brands. Additionally, the store includes a chic Makeup Zone and Sustainable Zone, each thoughtfully tailored to meet a diverse range of customer needs.

As Watsons continues to expand, it remains committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and high-quality products that empower customers to Look Good, Do Good, and Feel Great.
Hashtag: #ASWatson



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

VT Markets Releases Fed Policy Analysis Report Predicting USD Outlook for 2025


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 December 2024 – In September 2024, the Federal Reserve initiated a rate-cutting cycle, lowering rates three times over the year by a total of 100 basis points to a range of 4.25%-4.5%. While this trajectory appears stable on the surface, the VT Markets research team highlights that factors like inflation rebounds, new government policies, and optimistic economic forecasts might compel the Fed to adopt a more cautious stance on its easing strategy.

The Federal Reserve’s “defensive” strategy, in this way, can be interpreted as either a “precise” market insight or a precautionary measure. The VT Markets Research Desk proposes the following perspectives for analysis.

Dot Plot Adjustments May Indicate Slower Rate Cuts

First, the Research Desk considers that during the December Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, an 11:1 vote resulted in a rate cut to 4.25%-4.5%, aligning with market expectations. However, the updated dot plot projections surprised markets, slashing 2025’s expected rate cuts from four to two.

Although this shift caused short-term market ripples, VT Markets suggests the slower pace reflects economic resilience and labor market strength. The Fed appears focused on avoiding over-stimulation and carefully balancing economic growth against inflation risks.

Strong Economic Data Supports Policy Shift

The Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) reinforces the Fed’s cautious approach, with GDP growth forecasts for 2024 and 2025 revised upward from 2% to 2.5% and 2.1%, respectively. Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation forecasts also rose from 2.2% to 2.5%.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell highlighted these optimistic trends during the Fed’s press briefing, emphasising that reduced job market risks and declining housing inflation are pivotal in shaping future rate adjustments.

Challenges from Trump Administration Policies and Inflation Balance

As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the potential impact of its economic policies on inflation and rate cuts remains a focal point. Powell acknowledged that Fed officials have considered factors such as increased tariffs and reduced corporate taxes in their projections. Historical data, however, suggests that trade policies have minimal direct influence on inflation. For example, the 2018-2019 trade wars did not significantly raise inflation due to the limited share of imports in overall consumption.

The Research Desk believes that oil prices remain the primary determinant of inflation trends. The Trump administration’s low-oil-price strategy could suppress inflation further, providing more flexibility for the Fed to maintain accommodative policies through 2025.

USD Rebound and Market Outlook

Driven by shifting Fed policies and robust economic data, the U.S. Dollar Index rebounded in Q4 2024, achieving three consecutive months of gains and reaching a two-year high in late November. However, VT Markets anticipates that as 2025 progresses, these expectations may begin to materialise. If inflation rebounds less than anticipated, the Fed could adopt a more dovish stance, potentially capping the Dollar Index’s upward trajectory.

Based on these insights, the VT Markets Research Desk advises investors to proceed cautiously, avoid aggressive long positions in the Dollar Index, and remain vigilant for range-bound risks. Monitoring inflation data and policy changes will be key to navigating the market in the coming year.

Hashtag: #VTMarkets #CFDs #CFDsbrokers #USD #USDX

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