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Boloni Opens Its First Experience Centre in Singapore

Setting new benchmarks in spatial design, Boloni’s inaugural Experience Centre in Singapore highlights its innovative expertise, offering tailored solutions that blend luxury living with exceptional craftsmanship

SINGAPORE, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Boloni, a pioneer in contemporary modular carpentry and premium interior furnishing solutions, proudly announces the opening of its first Boloni Experience Centre in Singapore. Located at Delta House, this 5,000 sq ft showroom marks Boloni’s inaugural footprint in the Republic and underscores its commitment to bringing trendsetting design and holistic home solutions to the region.

Boloni Singapore unveils its first Experience Centre at Delta House, redefining luxury living with cutting-edge interior design and modular craftsmanship. Explore bespoke home solutions in this 5,000 sq ft showroom.
Boloni Singapore unveils its first Experience Centre at Delta House, redefining luxury living with cutting-edge interior design and modular craftsmanship. Explore bespoke home solutions in this 5,000 sq ft showroom.

Since its establishment in 1992 in China, Boloni has evolved into a globally recognised brand, renowned for its innovative approach to interior design and furnishing. With over 500 dealership showrooms across China, Asia and Australia, including key cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Sydney; and a star-studded roster of clients, Boloni’s expansion into Singapore represents its dynamic growth and forward-thinking ethos.

A New Milestone for Southeast Asia

Boloni’s unique value proposition lies in its one-stop, total solution approach to home customisation. Unlike European models that specialise in specific areas such as kitchens or doors, Boloni offers complete housing solutions, from whole-house customisation to soft furnishings. This philosophy ensures superior quality, consistency, and a seamless customer experience.

“This marks an exciting milestone for Boloni as we partner The Modular Builder (TMB) to bring our expertise and innovative solutions to Singapore. Our Singapore Experience Centre reflects Boloni’s commitment to redefining modern living with a blend of design, functionality, and technology,” says Frank Cai, Founder of Boloni. “We believe this centre will inspire homeowners and designers alike, showcasing the possibilities of a truly customised living experience.”

“Our vision for Boloni Singapore Experience Center is to become the premier architectural design and build hub for landed homes in Singapore,” says Benedict Choa, CEO of Boloni Singapore and The Modular Builder (TMB), the parent company of Boloni Singapore.

“Delta House serves as a vibrant community for landed homeowners and developers, bringing together expertise and innovation for Singapore’s landed properties. Our team of award-winning architects and builders, recognized by BCA Merit Awards, exemplifies excellence in the industry. Simply put, we offer a comprehensive one-stop solution for value-driven engineering and luxury lifestyle design, tailored to meet the unique needs of individual homeowners.”

The Built Industry’s Dream Team

As a leader in product innovation and design, Boloni continually collaborates with artists, designers, and fashion houses to stay ahead of trends. The brand appeals to discerning clients, typically owners of landed property and GCB (Good Class Bungalows) who value luxury living and exceptional quality. Long-term plans include expansion into commercial projects, such as hospitality, condo development and retail spaces.

True to its collaborative spirit, Boloni offers a network of global collaborators and local partners with keen insight into the market. Helming the brand’s residential projects is architect Kee Jing Zhi, COO of Boloni Singapore and founder of the award-winning architectural practice Freight Architects. Fronting the commercial projects is Ma Hong Kai, a multidisciplinary specialist and architect from Beijing, who has an impressive track record of designing high-profile projects for global auto brands such as Land Rover, BMW, Rolls Royce, Bentley and Audi.

“The Experience Centre showcases how quality living can seamlessly integrate with sophisticated design aspirations. It offers a diverse range of styles and finishes that enables clients to realise their vision of their dream homes through a designer’s eye and high-quality furnishings,” says Kee, who is also the designer of the Experience Centre’s impressive interiors.

Integrated Design House

The Boloni Experience Centre unfolds in a series of meticulously appointed spaces where versatile technology and design converge, showcasing various settings, from high-end residential bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining spaces to hospitality-led spaces with ambience that inspire awe and confidence among customers. Its multifaceted showrooms provide the flexibility for use as an events space. Plans are in the pipeline for a series of lifestyle activities and events to showcase the Centre as an integrated design house.

Boloni’s modular carpentry system promotes sustainability by enabling recycling and upcycling, reflecting the brand’s commitment to green practices. “All our wood materials are cultivated for long-term sustainability, adhering to European standard E1 levels with formaldehyde emissions below 0.5 mg/L,” Choa remarks.

The Singapore showroom is just the beginning of Boloni’s ambitious plans in Southeast Asia. The brand is set to open a showroom in Bali in the first half of 2025, with further expansion opportunities in Vietnam.

Download high-resolution images is available from this link

Delta House, 2 Alexandra Road #01-01, Singapore 159919
Operating Hours: 10 AM7 PM daily except Sunday

WhatsApp: +65 9150 3555
Website: https://boloni.com.sg
Facebook: Boloni Singapore
Instagram: @boloni_singapore

XiaoHongShu
LinkedIn: Boloni Singapore

About Boloni Singapore

Boloni Singapore is the first Singapore outpost of Boloni International, a globally recognised brand established in 1992 in China. Renowned for its holistic home solutions, Boloni offers customisation and premium furnishing for residential and commercial spaces. With its innovative designs and state-of-the-art technology, Boloni Singapore is poised to transform the local interior design landscape, catering to discerning homeowners and businesses.

Annex

Key Executive Management, Boloni Singapore

Benedict Choa, Chief Executive Officer

Benedict Choa is a Singaporean entrepreneur with a background in Business Management from Monash University, Australia. His interest in civil engineering inspired ventures in real estate and hospitality. In 2019, Choa founded The Modular Builder (TMB) introducing modular interior design solutions to Singapore. In 2024, he partnered Boloni International to establish the Boloni Experience Centre, a 5,000 sq ft showroom at Delta House which opened in January 2025. Choa also co-founded KAPA Design Co in 2023, providing bespoke turnkey design-and-build solutions. As CEO, his vision focuses on creating collaborations between home owners and developers with architects and designers to create luxurious spaces using high-quality Boloni products.

Kee Jing Zhi, Chief Operating Officer

An award-winning architect, Kee Jing Zhi graduated from the National University of Singapore and RMIT University. One of his earliest accomplishments is his work with Wilkinson Eyre Architects in London on the iconic Gardens by the Bay. In 2015, Kee co-founded Freight Architects, known for its bold, sustainable designs and innovative approach to architecture, specialising in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.

He later co-founded KAPA Design Co, a multidisciplinary consultancy offering property development and design services.

Kee’s extensive career spans over 20 years, with a portfolio that includes luxury residences and urban developments across Asia. His design philosophy emphasizes sustainability, adaptability, and the integration of progressive technology, ensuring each project harmonizes with its environment and meets the needs of modern living.

Notable projects include the award-winning Skool4Kidz Campus and Oku House. His work has been featured in key design and luxury lifestyle media titles such as Design and Architecture, CNA Luxury, Business Times, Home & Décor and Habitus.

As COO, Kee works closely with Boloni’s design and development teams, merging his architectural acumen with the brand’s state-of-the-art modular carpentry to craft bespoke living spaces tailored to each client’s unique vision.

Ma Hong Kai, Commercial Director

A graduate of Beijing University of Technology, Ma Hong Kai has nearly three decades of expertise in urban planning, architectural/interior design, project management; and planning, construction and builder operations. On the TMB commercial front, Ma Hong Kai, a multidisciplinary specialist and architect from Beijing, has an impressive track record of designing high-profile projects for global brands such as Land Rover, BMW, Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Audi, as well as leading Chinese automotive companies like NIO and Zeekr.

As Commercial Director, Ma will oversee the commercial sector of Boloni Singapore, covering retail, offices and hotels, establishing design standards for all projects, translating client brand concepts into designs that align with company ethos and ensuring seamless integration of premium materials and designs.

Wildberries Empowers Women in Tech in Kyrgyzstan

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 February 2025 – Wildberries, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in Eurasia, has become an official partner of Women in Tech Kyrgyzstan, part of a global community dedicated to empowering women in technology and reducing gender inequality.

Wildberries experts shared their experience in training young women for digital professions at the launch of the Kyrgyzstan Chapter of Women in Tech, which took place at the American Institute of Central Asia in Bishkek on 2 February.

As part of its Girls in IT initiative, Wildberries last year trained 30 young women from low-income families across seven regions of Kyrgyzstan in marketplace design. Participants learned to use the Figma interface design tool, develop product cards for the online marketplace and design one-page websites. The two-month online course was led by top design and content creation experts from Wildberries and the company’s WH School.

“We strive to ensure that women in Kyrgyzstan have access to modern e-commerce technologies. The Girls in IT project is not just about education—it’s an opportunity to apply knowledge in practice,” said Ksenia Shkolnikova, head of Wildberries in Kyrgyzstan.

The initiative was supported by the First Lady’s Foundation of Kyrgyzstan, the country’s Ministry of Education and Science, and Kyrgyz Post. Eight of the top-performing participants were offered internships with Kyrgyz sellers on the Wildberries marketplace.

The pilot project in Kyrgyzstan sets the stage for expanding the Girls in IT initiative to other countries where Wildberries operates. The project is planned to launch in Belarus, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in 2025.

Founded by the entrepreneur Tatyana Kim while she was on maternity leave, Wildberries actively supports the advancement of women in tech professions and educates aspiring entrepreneurs from all walks of life. The company offers an online educational program for marketplace sellers, PRO WB, which has held 650 webinars that engaged 80,000 sellers across eight countries over the past six months.

Hashtag: #wildberries

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

About Wildberries

Established in 2004 in Russia, Wildberries is a leading e-commerce platform operating in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan, while also partnering with sellers in China. Wildberries provides a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to support customers and sellers, along with a developed logistics network spanning more than 130 facilities and 55,000 pick-up points across its markets. As of 2024, Wildberries serves over 75 million customers and processes more than 20 million orders per day.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC EXCLUDING CHINA REGION CELEBRATES YEAR OF RECORD-BREAKING GROWTH WITH OVER 100 SIGNED DEALS IN 2024

With record annual deals and rooms signings, the company’s APEC region added over 21,000 rooms to its development pipeline in 2024, driven by strategic conversion and multi-unit agreement strategy

SINGAPORE, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced another year of strong growth in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region, signing a record 109 deals across 11 markets, contributing 21,439 rooms to the region’s development pipeline, closing the year with 77,532 total rooms in the region’s year-end pipeline. The company continues to expand its portfolio in the region across market segments, including its debut in the midscale segment and its expansion of its luxury portfolio, reinforcing Marriott’s lead in the region’s evolving hospitality landscape.

Marriott International’s 2024 milestone openings in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC).   Clockwise from top left: 600th property in APEC, Adelaide Marriott Hotel; 150th property in India, Katra Marriott Resort & Spa; 50th property in Malaysia, Penang Marriott Complex; 100th property in Japan, Four Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Umeda.
Marriott International’s 2024 milestone openings in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC). Clockwise from top left: 600th property in APEC, Adelaide Marriott Hotel; 150th property in India, Katra Marriott Resort & Spa; 50th property in Malaysia, Penang Marriott Complex; 100th property in Japan, Four Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Umeda.

“2024 was a record-breaking year for Marriott International in APEC, with exceptional growth driven by key development milestones, market expansions, and the introduction of new brands in sought-after destinations,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “As we continue to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers, APEC remains a pivotal region in our company’s growth strategy, reinforcing our position as a leader in the global hospitality industry.”

Accelerated Growth Across Segments

In 2024, Marriott signed 109 deals representing 21,439 rooms in APEC, bringing its regional pipeline to 363 properties and 77,532 rooms — a 12% year-over-year increase. India, Japan and Indonesia were the highest growth markets in the region, comprising 72% of the region’s deal signings in the year.

Growing the luxury portfolio in the region remains a key focus, accounting for 19% of signed deals in 2024. More than 20 agreements were signed representing 4,600 rooms in the region across six Marriott International Luxury Group brands, meeting the increasing demand from affluent travelers seeking high-end, experiential stays in both established and emerging destinations. This includes the expected debuts of EDITION in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Mumbai, India; The Ritz-Carlton in Jaipur and Udaipur, India; a second W Hotels in Singapore; and more.

Multi-unit agreements and conversion opportunities played a key role in the region’s pipeline growth, with conversions representing 36% of 2024 signings. Marking the company’s regional debut in the affordable midscale space, Marriott launched Four Points Flex by Sheraton in Japan, as part of a strategic multi-unit agreement with KKR to convert 14 properties across 10 cities in Japan. In November 2024, the brand celebrated its official debut in the region and the company’s 100th property in Japan with the opening of the Four Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Umeda. 

“As Marriott continues to expand its presence across APEC, we aim to continue broadening our portfolio of best-in-class brands and unforgettable experiences to meet the growing demand for travel,” said Shawn Hill, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “By enhancing our offerings and entering new markets, we’re not only aiming to deliver greater value to owners, franchisees and developers, but also adapting to the evolving needs of today’s travelers — across all stay purposes and experiences.”

Market Expansion and Brand Debuts

In 2024, Marriott entered new destinations and celebrated brand debuts in the region, centered around its growing traveler base. The company debuted in Papua New Guinea with the opening of Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby, increasing its operating presence to 22 countries and territories in APEC.

Following the brand’s success in Japan, South Korea and Australia, the lifestyle-focused Moxy Hotels brand also made its debut in key cities, including Moxy Bengaluru Prestige Tech Cloud in India, Moxy Putrajaya in Malaysia, and Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong in Thailand, catering to a new generation of travelers seeking vibrant and design-forward stays.

Celebrated Milestone Openings

Building on a record-breaking year of development and pipeline growth, the company also celebrated significant opening milestones in APEC, including:

  • 600th property in APEC – Adelaide Marriott Hotel, Australia
  • 150th property in India – Katra Marriott Resort & Spa
  • 50th property in Malaysia – Penang Marriott Complex
  • 100th property in Japan – Four Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Umeda

With an expanding portfolio, Marriott International in APEC closed 2024 with 635 open properties across 25 brands in 22 countries and territories, underscoring its position as a hospitality leader in the region. As Marriott continues to expand its offerings, the breadth and depth of the company’s portfolio remains well-positioned to offer a compelling value proposition for developers and real estate investors.

Download hi-res images and sizzle reel here

To learn more about Marriott’s development opportunities and updates, visit https://www.hotel-development.marriott.com/.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to our expectations regarding new offerings and markets; deal signings and expected future project openings and portfolio growth; our development pipeline; brand debuts in certain markets and sectors; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of over 9,300 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.  In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on its investor relations website at www.marriott.com/investor or Marriott’s news center website at www.marriottnewscenter.com, which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the SEC, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

Tai’an, China: Colorful Spring Festival Activities, Reviving Traditional Chinese New Year Flavor

TAI’AN, China, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from the Shandong Office of Hong Kong Business Daily. During the Spring Festival, the old county government office in Tai’an was bustling with activity. A cultural feast of intangible cultural heritage with the theme of “Appreciating Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Old County Government Office and Reviving Traditional New Year Flavor” was staged here. Many citizens and tourists came to the scene to immerse themselves in the charm of intangible cultural heritage and rediscover the traditional New Year flavor in their memories.

Stepping into the old county government office, a festive scene unfolded before my eyes. The big red lanterns are hung high, swaying gently in the wind, exuding a strong festive atmosphere everywhere. More than ten intangible cultural heritage projects, such as Paper Cuttings, dough sculpture, sugar painting, Mount Taishan shadow play, etc., are gathered here. With a history of more than 600 years, Mount Taishan Shadow Play has elaborately designed more than 60 kinds of snake images with different shapes, which are lifelike, adding a unique flavor to the Year of the Snake. Noodle artists focus on transforming ordinary dough into various shapes of characters and adorable animals, with bright and vivid colors and stunning realism. Many children are deeply attracted and cannot move away.

Tai’an Old County Yamen Garden has a profound history. It is adjacent to Mount Taishan Dai Temple and has been an important street market since ancient times. This Spring Festival, the staff of Daimiao Street reviewed historical records and recreated the lively scenes of ancient times in all aspects. Here, tourists can not only enjoy the unique charm of these intangible cultural heritage projects at a close distance, listen to the ancient skills and cultural stories told by the inheriting population, but also participate in the production process of Paper Cuttings, dough figurines, etc., experience the fun of traditional handicrafts and take away a unique souvenir made by themselves. At the same time, various specialty foods, tourism products, and immersive entertainment projects, from exquisite handicrafts to creative decorative objects, each integrate traditional culture and modern design.

In the future, the Daimiao Street Office will continue to make efforts to organize more diverse cultural activities, allowing more people to appreciate the unique charm of China’s excellent traditional culture.

Unleash Your Children’s Potential: iCare Eyecare’s Solutions Enhance Learning and Sports Engagement

iCare Eyecare’s Mission: Keep your eyes, sharpen your edge, and promote your wellness

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 February 2025 – With the rise of digital media, screen devices have become an integral part of everybody’s life, and e-learning is an inevitable trend in school. However, this has posed unprecedented challenges to the visual health of everyone, especially children. According to a recent study by The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the prevalence of myopia among children in Hong Kong has reached a record high. Notably, after the pandemic, the myopia rate among six-year-olds surged from 13.9% pre-pandemic to 25%, nearly doubling. This trend has raised widespread concerns as myopia is now considered a multifaceted condition that significantly impacts eye health in the long run. In addition to myopia, children may also suffer from other refractive errors (such as hyperopia and astigmatism), strabismus, and various levels of dynamic visual impairments, such as convergence insufficiency (CI). These eye conditions can significantly hamper children’s reading, learning, concentration, and sports performance, potentially affecting their overall development. Parents must be aware of these issues and seek professional analysis to ensure their child’s vision is not a barrier to their success.

Experience analysis combined with advanced equipment such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and automated eye movement analysis systems
Experience analysis combined with advanced equipment such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and automated eye movement analysis systems

Studies in the United States indicate that 1 in 4 children experiences some form of visual impairment, which can sometimes be misdiagnosed as neurodevelopmental disorders such as dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other learning disabilities. Misdiagnosis, as such, can severely impact a child’s academic and motor development. In Hong Kong, families often lack awareness of the connection between vision problems and learning or motor skills. Children with visual impairments may display short attention spans, skip lines when reading, have difficulty retaining information, experience discomfort or fatigue, or even avoid reading altogether, behaviors resembling ADHD. Moreover, convergence insufficiency (CI) occurs more frequently among ADHD patients than in the general population. Apart from academic hardship, various vision disabilities can also lead to poor depth perception, meager eye tracking proficiency, and below-par visual signal brain processing, collectively translating to low performance in sports such as ball games. This underlines the urgent need for parents to be aware of these issues and seek professional analysis to ensure their child’s vision is not a barrier to their success.

Dynamic and Sports Vision Training to Sharpen Your Edge

To improve children’s overall visual function, iCare Eyecare offers evidence-based myopia management services, customized orthokeratology (OK lenses) treatments, unique dynamic and sports vision analysis and training programs. These services aim to promote children’s long-term eye health, improve overall visual function, and bolster their learning and athletic performance.

At iCare Eyecare, our services are directed by Dr. Marco, Ph.D., a visiting lecturer at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Optometry, and delivered by his professional team. With years of experience and a deep understanding of vision science, Dr. Marco and his team employ diverse advanced technologies, such as Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT), non-invasive optical ocular biometry, corneal topography, and automated eye movement analysis systems.Their expertise, combined with state-of-the-art technologies, enables unmatched comprehensive optometric and visual function assessments, creating personalized eye care plans and professionally tailored vision training recommendations for every child.

Maintaining good visual health and dynamic vision abilities is crucial in today’s ever-changing world. For instance, in emergencies, well-developed visual skills can help individuals anticipate and react to situations more quickly, potentially saving lives! Both static and dynamic visual skills are essential in daily life, whether reading or participating in sports like football or basketball. With scientific analysis, individuals can now better understand their sports vision capabilities. Most importantly, customized and effective training can be carried out to sharpen their edge in case of a flaw. This knowledge empowers parents to take proactive steps to ensure their child’s visual health is not overlooked.

iCare Eyecare Professional Services Include:

1. Myopia Management for Children: Professional advice and evidence-based practice to control myopia progression.
2. Dynamic and Sports Vision Analysis and Training: Comprehensive assessments and specific training to enhance visual skills.
3. Personalized Eyeglasses and Contact Lens Customization: Tailored solutions to optimize visual outcome.

Founder of iCare Eyecare Dr. Marco

Dr. Marco, the founder of iCare Eyecare, is a highly experienced registered optometrist (Part I) with a strong background in clinical practice and basic science research. He graduated with first-class honors from the School of Optometry at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and holds a Ph.D. in Vision Science, making him a physiologist.

Dr. Marco previously served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City (specializing in dry eye disease and cataracts) and as a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong. He also enjoys teaching and is a visiting lecturer in myopia science at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Optometry and HKU SPACE.

The establishment of iCare Eyecare stems from Dr. Marco’s vision to expand the role of optometrists as the first line of defense for the eye and overall health. His “family optometrist” concept aims to protect every family member’s health.

To promote public awareness, Dr. Marco is an expert contributor to the popular parenting media Oh!爸媽, sharing valuable eye care tips. His dedication to sports and vision have led him to join the International Sports Vision Association (ISVA) and earn a professional diploma in sports nutrition from the Barcelona Innovation Hub (BIHUB). By integrating cutting-edge vision science and nutrition, Dr. Marco helps students and athletes improve their focus, overall vision abilities, academic performance, and athletic achievements.
Hashtag: #iCare #iCareEyecare

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

About iCare Eyecare

Founded in 2017, iCare Eyecare’s vision is to provide Hong Kong residents with the highest-quality primary optometric eyecare. Their detail-oriented services go beyond meeting your visual needs but committed to keeping your eyes, sharpening your edge, and promoting your wellness!
Address:Suite 1317, 13/F, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, 5 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel︰+852 3188 4643
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BRI UMKM EXPO(RT) 2025 Officially Concludes, Attracting Over 63,000 Visitors and Securing USD 90.6 Million in Export Contracts

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (IDX: BBRI) successfully concluded BRI UMKM EXPO(RT) 2025, reinforcing its commitment to empowering MSMEs and expanding their global market reach. Held from January 30 to February 2, 2025, at ICE BSD City, the event attracted over 63,000 visitors, generated IDR 38.9 billion in transactions, and secured USD 90.6 million in export contracts through business matching. The closing ceremony was led by BRI President Director Sunarso.

BRI President Director Sunarso at BRI UMKM EXPO(RT) 2025 Closing Ceremony
BRI President Director Sunarso at BRI UMKM EXPO(RT) 2025 Closing Ceremony

A Platform for Global MSME Expansion

With the theme “Broadening MSME’s Global Outreach”, the event showcased 1,000 top Indonesian MSMEs ready for the international market. The closing ceremony was attended by BRI Vice President Director Catur Budi Harto. BRI President Director Sunarso highlighted the expo’s success in raising awareness of local MSME products, exceeding its initial target of 50,000 visitors.

By February 1, 2025, transactions hit IDR 38.9 billion, exceeding expectations. Sunarso reaffirmed BRI’s commitment to MSMEs, with business matching continuing through 2025 in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, holding twice-monthly sessions to boost exports.

This year’s BRI UMKM EXPO(RT) 2025 saw the participation of 506 registered buyers from 34 countries, significantly exceeding the initial target of 94 buyers from 33 countries.

So far, 166 MSMEs have engaged in 270 business meetings, one of the standout success stories is PT Siger Jaya Abadi, which secured a USD 13.05 million export deal with Bluestar Food Corporation, USA.

BRI UMKM Awards: Honoring Top MSMEs

BRI recognized outstanding businesses in three categories:

1. Top Deals on Business Matching

For MSMEs achieving the highest potential transactions in business matching sessions:

  • Bintang Kita Kemuliaan (Food & Beverage)
  • Albasi Karang Layung (Home Décor & Craft)
  • Gula Aren Temon (Food & Beverage)

2. Newcomers on Business Matching

For first-time exporters who successfully secured international buyers:

  • Rumah Atsiri Indonesia (Healthcare & Wellness)
  • Minyak Sacha Inchi (Food & Beverage)
  • Organic Center (Food & Beverage)

3. Best Expo

For MSMEs demonstrating outstanding export readiness and digital adoption:

  • Sila Agri Inovasi (Food & Beverage)
  • Pelita Lumpang Mas (Food & Beverage)
  • Restu Mande (Food & Beverage)

These awards highlight BRI’s commitment to empowering MSMEs globally while advancing financial literacy and inclusion.

For more details on BRI UMKM EXPO(RT) 2025, visit briumkmexport.com.

For more information about BANK BRI, visit www.bri.co.id.

Village in eastern China celebrates Start of Spring

QUZHOU, China, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from China.org.cn.

Miaoyuan village in Quzhou city, Zhejiang province, held ritual activities on Monday to celebrate Lichun, or the Start of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar.

In the morning, a ritual ceremony was held at a local temple, where villagers presented flower baskets and sacrificial offerings to Goumang, the God of Spring, praying for harvest and prosperity in the coming year.

During the ceremony, the ritual of Whipping the Spring Ox was conducted on the farmland in front of the temple. A village elder led a plow ox adorned with red flowers on its horns and draped in a red cloth to the field, while a child dressed up as the God of Spring, whipped the ox. It signified the beginning of agricultural activities for the new year.

A cultural exchange activity was held in the temple after the ceremony. Scholars, international guests, and local residents engaged in discussion on intangible cultural heritage and solar term traditions.

The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. In 2016, the 24 Solar Terms was inscribed on the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Village in eastern China celebrates Start of Spring
Village in eastern China celebrates Start of Spring- China.org.cn

GCCL Wins 2025 Asia-Pacific Customer Value Leadership Award by Frost & Sullivan

–      GCCL’s “One-Stop Lab Solution” sets the industry benchmark with unmatched competitiveness and a dedication to global excellence.

–      Continuing its growth as a globally recognized leader in clinical sample analysis, driven by customer-centric values.

YONGIN, South Korea, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GCCL(Global Clinical Central Lab), a leading Korean clinical trial sample analysis company, reinforced its position in the global market by receiving Frost & Sullivan’s 2025 Best Practices Customer Value Leadership Award in the Asia-Pacific clinical sample analysis services industry.

Frost & Sullivan, a global-established growth consulting company, honors companies that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and performance through its annual Best Practices awards. The organizations excel in delivering outstanding value by assessing the market participants’ value. Using a rigorous evaluation process, Frost & Sullivan assesses criteria including growth potential, customer acquisition, customer experience, operational efficiency, and equity. Having excelled in these areas, GCCL earned this recognition for its comprehensive services, customer-centric approach, and technological leadership.

GCCL is one of the few clinical trial sample analysis service providers offering a “one-stop lab solution” that integrates central lab, bioanalysis lab, and BSL-3[i] lab services into a single, unified system. This consolidated approach minimizes sample movement between facilities, reducing logistics time and costs while ensuring sample stability. As a result, it enhances data reliability and strengthens the credibility of study outcomes. By leveraging cutting-edge analytical platforms and implementing its Lab Information Management System (LIMS), GCCL maintains high standards in global clinical research. With tailored solutions, GCCL delivers precision and efficiency in clinical trials, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in new drug development.

Frost & Sullivan highlighted GCCL’s integrated lab service model, highlighted that systematic quality control and industry-leading technological innovation were as key factors in earning the award. This recognition underscores GCCL’s leadership in the APAC region, showcasing its position as APAC’s and unmatched capabilities in clinical sample analysis.

Kwan-goo Cho, CEO of GCCL, stated, “The award is a global recognition of our efforts and achievements in prioritizing customer value and proof that GCCL has established itself as the solid leader in the market.” He added, “We will continue to drive technological innovation and improve service quality to meet the rising demand in global clinical trials and to lead in the role as a trusted partner for new drug development.”

GCCL is a Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP)-certified lab accredited by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of South Korea. The company provides clinical trial sample analysis services globally across all clinical trial phases(I-IV), leveraging advanced analytical platforms including ddPCR technology, and its specialized expertise in sample analysis and method development. Serving pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies as well as in Korea, Asia, and beyond, GCCL is committed to deliver world-class, customized clinical trial solutions.

[i] Bio safety Level 3

Contact:

Sandra Woo
hywoo@gccorp.com

Harry Hong
honghr@gccorp.com