24 C
Vientiane
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 942

A Celebration of Raffles Luxury at Galaxy Macau signals a new chapter of exceptional hospitality


MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 October 2024 – Galaxy Macau™ announced the completion of Raffles at Galaxy Macau today, officially opening the doors to the preeminent luxury hospitality experience of Raffles. A true standard-bearer of refinement, Raffles at Galaxy Macau is an all-suites property complemented by unparalleled guest services, a stellar line-up of world class dining establishments including Sushi Kissho; the first international restaurant of three-Michelin starred Japanese sushi master, Masaaki Miyakawa; Japanese teppanyaki Omakase specialist, Teppanyaki Shou; and the world’s first speakeasy rendition of the Raffles Long Bar. The completion of this latest property, home to approximately 450 timelessly elegant suites, significantly enhances Galaxy Macau’s award-winning and luxury positioning; bringing the resort’s total number of hotels to eight, with over 5,000 hotel rooms and suites.

Galaxy Macau™ announced the completion of Raffles at Galaxy Macau today. Mr. Francis Lui, Vice Chairman, Galaxy Entertainment Group delivered the keynote speech.
Galaxy Macau™ announced the completion of Raffles at Galaxy Macau today. Mr. Francis Lui, Vice Chairman, Galaxy Entertainment Group delivered the keynote speech.

Delivering the keynote speech, Mr. Francis Lui, Vice Chairman, Galaxy Entertainment Group said; “We are keen to continue our mission of delivering the ultimate expression of luxury to guests at our world-class integrated resort. On behalf of Galaxy Entertainment Group, I am delighted to announce the completion of Raffles at Galaxy Macau. This property is an iconic addition to Galaxy Macau’s signature ‘house of brands’. Raffles is venerated the world over for its time-honored reputation as a standard-bearer of exceptional luxury service. We are honored to unveil such a stunning new addition to enhance Macau’s tourism and gastronomic landscape; creating suite stays and culinary experiences that redefine luxury hospitality at Asia’s most highly-awarded and renowned resort destination.”

Mr. Francis Lui, and Mr. Gary Rosen, CEO, Accor Greater China (right) slowly poured the Golden liquid into the ice sculpture for the celebration, which signals a new chapter of exceptional hospitality for Raffles at Galaxy Macau.
Mr. Francis Lui, and Mr. Gary Rosen, CEO, Accor Greater China (right) slowly poured the Golden liquid into the ice sculpture for the celebration, which signals a new chapter of exceptional hospitality for Raffles at Galaxy Macau.

In collaboration with Accor and the leading luxury hospitality brand, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the property was officially launched to an elite audience of government officials and business leaders, as well as select global media. This esteemed group witnessed the expression of the unique Raffles at Galaxy Macau and the world of elegance and glamour that it offers to its discerning guests.

“As one of the world’s original preeminent luxury hospitality brands, Raffles has welcomed generations of discerning travellers while continuing to raise the bar for luxury hospitality around the world. We are thrilled to bring the legendary Raffles brand to the Galaxy Macau resort, officially opening the doors to a magnificent all-suite destination in the world,” said Mr. Gary Rosen, CEO, Accor Greater China. “Raffles at Galaxy Macau adds an exciting new dimension to the Raffles’ family, while elevating Macau’s thriving hospitality scene with the distinctive Raffles experience. We are confident that guests will return to this landmark luxury hotel, not merely for the compelling mix of culture, beauty and refinement that surrounds them, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles.”

Mr. Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer— Macau of Galaxy Entertainment Group(first from left) and Mr. Troy Hickox, Head of Hotels & Lifestyle Development of Galaxy Entertainment Group(first from right), together with the two officiating guests, witness the completion of Raffles at Galaxy Macau.
Mr. Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer— Macau of Galaxy Entertainment Group(first from left) and Mr. Troy Hickox, Head of Hotels & Lifestyle Development of Galaxy Entertainment Group(first from right), together with the two officiating guests, witness the completion of Raffles at Galaxy Macau.

A New Expression of Legendary Raffles’ Butler Service

Drawing upon the timeless essence of the brand, Raffles at Galaxy Macau delivers thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-traveled guests. Attentive and intuitive, Raffles butlers are the living embodiment of bespoke service. Professionally trained, their aim is to make every guest’s stay as seamless and memorable as possible – with 24-hour VIP care, meaningfully crafted and thoughtfully personalized, both prior to and throughout their stay.

The professional team led by Mr. Saurabh Mishra, Assistant Senior Vice President and General Manager, Raffles at Galaxy Macau. With nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality sector across various Asian regions, exemplifies a dedication to excellence and innovation in luxury hospitality. Driven by a strong sense of purpose and a success-oriented mindset, he has a knack for cultivating exceptional, award-winning teams that prioritize profound, and meaningful experiences for both customers and colleagues.

Guests took a memorable shot at the Raffles lobby.
Guests took a memorable shot at the Raffles lobby.

The World’s First Speakeasy Long Bar

At the Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, a world of intrigue and adventure awaits. Since the first Singapore Sling was mixed at Long Bar at Raffles Singapore in 1915, the famous lounge has expanded around the world while continuing its tradition of delighting guests with exotic cocktails infused with local flavors. Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau takes inspiration from the Madre de Deus, a Portuguese carrack that brought precious spices to Macau in the 1500s. Echoing the subterranean coastal caves once teeming with sailors and sunken treasures, the Long Bar is hidden from view in true speakeasy style. Guests enter through a nautical porthole door, where they encounter a chiseled cavern, designed by Hong Kong interior design star Joyce Wang. A secret rendezvous for modern-day explorers and connoisseurs of fine libations.

Award-winning mixologist Antonio Lai, a Hong Kong native, pays homage to the early days of gin making, when stills were stored in caves. Lai masterfully crafts vintage gin-based cocktails, flavoring with spices that were once transported by the Madre de Deus as she crossed the globe. Traditional seasonings such as pepper, cloves, cinnamon, mace, and nutmeg find new life in creative concoctions. Featuring live vinyl DJ sets, Raffles at Galaxy Macau’s speakeasy Long Bar smoothly blends the flavors from the spice trade with modern cocktail culture and global gastronomy for an authentic and spellbinding experience.

Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, the world’s first speakeasy long bar, takes inspiration from the Madre de Deus, a Portuguese carrack that brought precious spices to Macau in the 1500s, creating a world of intrigue and adventure awaits.
Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, the world’s first speakeasy long bar, takes inspiration from the Madre de Deus, a Portuguese carrack that brought precious spices to Macau in the 1500s, creating a world of intrigue and adventure awaits.

Star-studded Culinary Journeys

Reinforcing Galaxy Macau as the city’s leading destination for dining concepts of distinction, Raffles at Galaxy Macau showcases a stellar lineup of talents. Unveiling the first international restaurant of three-Michelin starred Japanese sushi master, Masaaki Miyakawa, “Sushi Kissho By Miyakawa.” Sushi Kissho’s elite team of chefs, with a combined 98 years of experience in renowned establishments under Miyakawa, select the freshest pristine seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Japan’s finest legacy growers and generational fisherman, to serve an exquisite and authentic Omakase experience. Connoisseurs can savor Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa’s ethos of wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic philosophy that cherishes the beauty found in simplicity and imperfection. The restaurant’s thoughtfully designed interiors reflect this principle, creating a serene and harmonious atmosphere that resonates with the soul of traditional Japanese culture. Here, the meticulous artistry of Miyakawa and his team create a deep connection between the diner and the culinary experience.

Alongside it, sits Japanese teppanyaki specialist, “Teppanyaki Shou.” Artfully serving Japanese teppanyaki made from the finest ingredients, sourced from Japan’s tightly-held farmers and family fisheries, as well as international growers and sources of distinction, Teppanyaki Shou offers an authentic and dazzling Japanese culinary experience. Set in a welcoming space set around counters of solid rock and filled with curated works of art, the restaurant is led by an expert team of Japan’s leading teppan grill chefs with decades of experience. With each deft flick of the wrist, guests are invited to embark on a multi-sensory culinary journey that takes lively, interactive dining to bold new heights.

The completion of Raffles at Galaxy Macau, significantly enhances Galaxy Macau’s award-winning and luxury positioning; bringing the resort’s total number of hotels to eight, with over 5,000 hotel rooms and suites.
The completion of Raffles at Galaxy Macau, significantly enhances Galaxy Macau’s award-winning and luxury positioning; bringing the resort’s total number of hotels to eight, with over 5,000 hotel rooms and suites.

A Legendary Icon Redefines Luxury in Cotai

Located on the east promenade of Galaxy Macau, adjacent to the historic and cultural district of Old Taipa Village, Raffles at Galaxy Macau offers stunning vistas of Macau’s skyline and the resort’s magnificent scenery. The iconic 15-meter glass airbridge is a particularly dramatic sight – connecting the property’s twin luxury towers and overlooking the Galaxy Macau luxury integrated resort with its glimmering Grand Resort Deck. From this vantage point, visitors enjoy breathtaking views over the lush and verdant wetland conservation zone of Alto de Coloane, Macau’s Canal dos Pastos to Zhuhai, and the shores of Henquin Island in the distance.

Raffles at Galaxy Macau is designed as a confluence point of heritage and glamour, achieved through iconic design, authentic craftsmanship and fine art and furnishings which permeate the hotel and elevate the guest experience. The exterior of the hotel is adorned with a spectacular LED feature installation. Once inside, guests discover the opulence of high-Italianate architecture, creating an extraordinary ambience where ideas, inspiration and imagination lift the soul.

Among the Raffles family of elegant and culturally well-connected landmark addresses, Raffles at Galaxy Macau is the brand’s largest destination in the world. The 450 exquisitely designed suites feature living room fireplaces, wooden flooring, and private heated pools surrounded by lush gardens. Each spacious suite is equipped with a Samsung Frame interactive TV, blending art with the latest technology for an experience of sophistication, enchantment, and unparalleled luxury.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

About Raffles

Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels, Resorts and Residences are places where ideas are born, history is made and stories and legends are created. At each landmark address, distinguished guests and residents will find a world of elegance and enchanted glamour, where Raffles’ renowned legacy of gracious service knows no bounds. As the authentic heart of a destination, Raffles champions fine art and design, and fosters culture in all its forms, guiding guests to make discoveries in their own time and way. Raffles’ commitment to local communities is expressed through diverse initiatives with a unified mission to actively support the arts and the environment. From one generation to the next, visitors arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. Raffles can be found in key international locations including Singapore, Paris, London, Boston, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Maldives, Udaipur, Phnom Penh and Bali, among others; with flagship openings upcoming in Sentosa, Singapore and Jaipur, India. Raffles is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,700 properties 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

| |

ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau™, crowned Asia’s most-awarded and globally-renowned luxury integrated resort – developed at an investment of HK$43 billion – covers 1.1 million-square-meters of unique entertainment and leisure attractions, beyond anything else in Macau. Eight world-class, award-winning luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade has garnered its market-leading reputation as the hottest shopping destination in Macau, featuring the latest in premium fashion and curated experiences. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and over 200 renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey. At Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand. All 10 theaters are equipped with the latest in audio-visual technology; alongside CHINA ROUGE, a one-of-a-kind luxury lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish and vibrant premium entertainment. Leading the way with wellness, Foot Hub offers the traditional art of reflexology for the ultimate in experiential relaxation and revitalization. Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau – has over 35 authentic Macau and Asian flavours, with vibrant gastronomic experiences to be found at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meetings, incentives and banquet groups are also well catered for, with a diverse and carefully curated portfolio of unique venues at Galaxy Macau.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest glittering new addition to the Group’s expanding integrated resort precinct and ushers in a new era for the global MICE industry in Macau. Taking Galaxy Macau’s MICE offering to new heights as a world-class event venue, GICC features a total of 40,000-square-meters of flexible event space; rounded out by the revolutionary 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau, featuring state-of-the-art, immersive event technology, luxurious interiors and exceptional VIP suites.

For more details, please visit and

eM Client Acquires Postbox Inc., Expanding Its Reach to a Broader User Base

The acquisition solidifies eM Client’s position as a leading email client provider, bringing its innovative solutions to a growing audience.


PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – Newsaktuell – 23 October 2024 – eM Client, a leading provider of email client software, announced its acquisition of Postbox Inc., a well-established email application company based in the United States. This acquisition enables eM Client to extend its innovative solutions to an even larger global audience, reinforcing its position as one of the most comprehensive email platforms available.

eM Client, a leading provider of email client software, announced its acquisition of Postbox Inc., a well-established email application company based in the United States.

Summary:

  • Who: eM Client has acquired Postbox Inc.
  • What: The acquisition expands eM Client’s reach to a broader user base.
  • When: October 22, 2024.
  • Where: eM Client is based in Prague and serves a global customer base.
  • Why: The acquisition strengthens eM Client’s leadership in the email client industry and brings its powerful tools to more users.
eM Client has established itself as a top choice for email users, integrating email, calendars, contacts, tasks, and notes in one seamless platform. Its latest version offers advanced features, including generative AI message composition and editing features, integrated chat, group communication tools like MS Teams and Slack, and robust calendar functionality. As part of its commitment to innovation, eM Client continues to evolve and enhance its platform to meet the needs of modern professionals.

“We are excited to welcome Postbox users to eM Client,” said Michal Burger, CEO of eM Client. “I believe they will be delighted by the transition, as both applications emphasize innovation, productivity, and ease of use. We look forward to providing them with our full suite of tools designed to optimize email and communication management.”

eM Client offers one-time purchase and subscription-based licensing models, making it an ideal solution for individuals and businesses. With over 2.5 million users and more than 100,000 companies worldwide, eM Client is known for its reliability, innovative features, and professional support.

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

About eM Client

Founded in 2006, eM Client () is a global leader in email client software. It offers a unified platform for managing email, calendars, contacts, tasks, and notes. Trusted by millions of users for its ease of use and powerful features, including AI integration and support for multiple communication tools, eM Client is committed to providing an all-in-one solution for modern communication needs.

About Postbox Inc.

Founded in 2008, Postbox Inc. () is known for attracting productivity-focused professionals and power users who demand efficiency in email management. Recognized for its expansive user base, Postbox has served individuals and businesses that rely on streamlined workflows and high productivity in their daily communications.

Joining Hands To Embark on A New Journey of International Mountain Tourism, The IMTA Annual Conference 2024 Successfully Held


BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 October 2024 – On September 26, the IMTA Annual Conference 2024 opened in Xingyi, Guizhou Province. With the theme of “Inclusiveness, Mutual Learning, Innovation—Empowering Sustainable Mountain Tourism with New Quality Productive Forces”, the conference pooled wisdom and strength from across the industry to discuss and share innovative development paths for high-quality and sustainable mountain tourism in the context of the new era, with a particular emphasis on empowering the sector through new productive forces.

Empower
ed by the Time: Mountain Tourism Unveils a new look

“The Annual Conference of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) is not only a grand event for our members, but also a significant exchange and cooperation platform for our members and the mountain tourism industry,” said Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the IMTA, in a video message that officially kicked off the event.

The development of IMTA has always been closely stuck to the themes of the time and the market demand. With the accelerated recovery of the tourism industry and the proposal and implementation of the concept of “new productive forces “, the principle of “Inclusiveness, Mutual Learning, and Innovation” has become the core driving force behind global sustainable tourism development. Mountain tourism, in particular, is witnessing new growth opportunities, presenting fresh challenges and expectations for the alliance’s work.

De Villepin emphasized that the year 2024 marks a pivotal transition for the tourism industry from recovery to sustainable prosperity,,as a result, mountain tourism is exhibiting new characteristics: a burgeoning market demand for intelligent tourism, prominent characteristics of leisure tourism, and deep integration that gives birth to new business forms. He suggested that, to confront future transformations and challenges, a multidimensional and in-depth analysis of industry trends is essential to navigating future challenges more effectively. It is imperative for governments, businesses and all walks of life to collaborate in refining policies, improving the environment and enhancing services to address the current challenges and problems faced by international tourism. This aligns with IMTA’s initiative in creating international dialogue platforms, such as the IMTA Annual Conference, International Mountain Tourism Day and the Asian Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference.

He Yafei, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of IMTA, pointed out that, the data from United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism now) showed that global tourism revenue reached $1.6 trillion in 2023, with international tourist numbers recovering to 90% of 2019. The new era is shaping a fresh landscape of global tourism. IMTA has embraced an open-minded and inclusive approach, promoting mutual learning and respect for diverse civilizations and cultures. By accelerating the integration of culture, education, science, and tourism, the IMTA continues to innovate and drive the sustainable development of new models in global mountain tourism.

Over the past year, IMTA has consistently organized mountain tourism-themed activities, creating a robust platform for exploring opportunities and trends in mountain tourism development. These initiatives have facilitated the exchange and cooperation among members, governments, and industry stakeholders, achieving remarkable results that are widely recognized.

Pansy Ho, IMTA Vice Chairman, remarked that, the intensification of climate change impacts on the ecological environment, the reorganization of the global supply chain, and the acceleration of technological progress are reshaping people’s lifestyles and industrial structures. As a result, promoting the sustainable development of sustainable mountain is not only about discovering new drivers for economic growth, but also about taking on the social responsibility of protecting the ecology, promoting cultural exchanges and boosting the revitalization of local economies. IMTA has upheld the concept of “ecological priority, green development, unity and collaboration, mutual benefit and win-win” since its establishment, leveraging its robust membership network and industry resources to actively promote the innovative use of mountain resources, the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of regional economies, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the global tourism industry..

Ongoing Innovation: IMTA Has Achieved Fruitful Results

Fu Yingchun, Vice Chairman and Executive Secretary-General of the IMTA, provided a summary of IMTA’s achievements in 2024 and outlined the key objectives for 2025. He noted that under the new development context, IMTA has, since the beginning of this year, capitalized on its professional strengths and platform advantages. By collaborating closely with alliance members and industry partners, IMTA has integrated itself into the framework of mountain tourism governance. Its international reputation and influence have steadily increased, business cooperation opportunities have expanded, and overall operations have yielded new results.

The “Integrated Mountain Tourism” platform system created by IMTA has maintained a steady growth trajectory. Among its three core platforms—the International Mountain Tourism Day, the Annual Conference Forum, and the Asian Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference—each has demonstrated renewed vitality and dynamism.

At the event, He Yafei officially awarded the host city of “International Mountain Tourism Day 2025.” to Gran Canaria, Spain. Gran Canaria, a well-known tourist destination, attracts visitors with its beaches, pleasant climate, sunshine, and natural scenery. In recent years, with the rise of mountain tourism, the island has developed a rich array of mountain tourism offerings, continuing its international positioning in tourism exchange and cooperation. When mountains meet oceans,the landscapes add new excitement for next year’s “International Mountain Tourism Day.”

The “International Mountain Tourism Day” is a standout achievement in the IMTA’s brand-building efforts. In May 2024, the event was successfully held in Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France, marking the alliance’s first international event in Europe. It aligned with the global trend of sustainable development and resonated with the theme of building a mountain tourism community with a shared future, garnering widespread attention from the industry. One of the key highlights was the forum on “Climate Change and Responses for Mountain Tourism,” where participants conducted in-depth discussions on the challenges brought by climate change to mountain and ice and snow tourism, and the response strategies for sustainable tourism and climate change, and put forward forward-looking and guiding opinions and solutions. On this basis, the forum led to the creation of Mountian Tourism Destinantions Responding to Climate Change, which was released at the opening ceremony of the International Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference.

During the report’s release, Francesco Frangialli, former Honorary Secretary-General of the UNWTO (UN Tourism now) and IMTA board member, emphasized that the technical publication combines scientific evidence with practical experience from tourism professionals and mountain communities. Through this research, the IMTA has contributed to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

At the opening ceremony, the Certification Criteria of World Famous Tourism Mountains was also released. with the first 14 certified sites, including Jungfrau in Switzezrland, Annapurna in Nepal, Table Mountain in South Africa, and Changbai Mountain in China, were recognized as “the World Famous Tourism Mountains”. Wu Bihu, director of the Center for Retreation and Tourism Research and an IMTA expert, stated that the recognition of these world-famous mountains will further promote the protection and utilization of mountain tourism resources and actively contribute to the establishment of a global mountain tourism governance system. Besides, the development of the alliance’s standards and evaluation systems has taken a significant step forward.

At the event, plaques were also awarded to three newly certified “IMTA International Mountain Hiking Demonstration Routes”, including Hengshan Part (in Hunan Province), Hengshan Part (in Shanxi Province), and Songshan Part (in Henan Province), which are the parts of the renowned Hiking Routes of Five Sacred Mountains. International Mountain Hiking Tourism Guide was organized by IMTA experts and supported by the European Ramblers Association, French Hiking Federation, and Federazione Italiana Escursionismo.. Since its release, the guide has received high praise and broad recognition from the industry. Based on this guide, IMTA has selected 19 hiking routes around the world, promoting the design and development of world-class hiking tourism products and setting a benchmark for the high-quality development of hiking tourism.

Building Strength: Joining Hands for Sustainable Prosperity

During the event, IMTA Council has agreed to build a IMTA liaison office in Xingyi City.. Qian Zhenghao, Standing Committee Member of the Qianxinan Prefecture Committee and Executive Deputy Governor of the People’s Government of Qianxinan Prefecture, and Fu Yingchun,IMTA Vice Chairman and Executive Secretary-General jointly unveiled the IMTA liaison office in Xingyi City.. Xingyi, rich in mountain tourism resources with outstanding geographical and cultural advantages, has extensive experience in hosting international conferences. As the birthplace of IMTA, the establishment of the liaison office will help to gather development momentum and strengthen the cohesion of the alliance.

To pool the wisdom of the industry and scientifically grasp the trends of mountain tourism, The IMTA Expert Committee was officially established in 2020, consisting of 24 experts and scholars with extensive academic expertise and rich industry experience. During the event, Geoffrey Lipman, former President of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism now), Zhang Xilong, Executive Vice President of the Integrated Development Branch of the China Communications and Transportation Association former Deputy Director-General and First Class Inspector of the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Jin Zhun, Secretary-General of the Tourism Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Takashi Moriya, former Chairman of Nicchu Peace Travel Service Co., Ltd., Wang Xiaoyu, a special researcher at the Tourism Research Center of CASS, Bernard Debarbieux, Professor and former Dean of Social Sciences at the University of Geneva, Rogers Martin Valencia Espinosa, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism and former Minister of Tourism and Culture of Peru, and Chairman of the Cusco Economic Research Institute, Li Shouwen, Executive Chairman President of China International Camping Congress; and Xiao Gang, Chief Chinese Representative of the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA), all joined the IMTA Expert Committee. Their contributions will provide intellectual and technical support for the future development of mountain tourism.

IMTA also awarded certificates to 11 new members who joined IMTA this year, including the Chungcheongnam-do Tourism Association of South Korea, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal, and Turismo de Aragón (Spain). These additions have strengthened industry connections, further expanding the “international family” of IMTA. Currently, IMTA has a total of 199 institutional and individual members, including 118 domestic members and 81 international members.

Since its establishment, IMTA has successfully navigated a seven-year journey, and played a unique role in contributing to and promoting the sustainable development of global mountain tourism. 2024 marks a pivotal year as the tourism industry transitions from recovery to sustainable prosperity. Against this backdrop, the Annual Conference 2024 aims to provide new impetus for high-quality and sustainable mountain tourism development through the principles of “Inclusiveness, Mutual Learning, and Innovation.”
Hashtag: #Pinchain

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

French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Nam Theun 2 Inaugurate Centre for Environmental Research, Education

Photo supplied

The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) and Nam Theun 2 Power Company celebrated the grand opening of the International Centre for Environmental Research and Education (CIREN) in Nakai district, Khammouane Province. The event was attended by government officials, environmental experts, community representatives, and international partners.

CIREN will serve as a hub for research, education, and capacity building in environmental conservation. It will focus on equipping local students with the knowledge and skills needed to address environmental challenges and contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources.

“The facility currently includes a fully equipped and operational biology laboratory, featuring state-of-the-art benches, microscopes, laminar flow hoods, and centrifuges, among other essential equipment. This laboratory is specialized for microscopic and molecular biology analyses, which are crucial for research on environmental, animal, and human health. In the near future, we plan to expand the laboratory to include a dedicated space for the reception and preservation of biological samples, as well as a teaching room equipped with pedagogical facilities. This development will further enhance our capacity to conduct critical research and training initiatives,” said Sabrina Locatelli, IRD Country Representative.

In his opening remarks, Nam Theun 2 CEO Marc-Antoine Rupp expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the establishment of CIREN. He highlighted the project’s significance in promoting localized scientific research, which will in turn benefit the study of the area’s rich biodiversity.

“CIREN represents a milestone in our commitment to conservation and education. Through collaboration with the IRD and Nakai Nam Theun National Park, we aim to create a local model for sustainable development in Laos,” Rupp said.

The center’s location in proximity to the Nakai Nam Theun National Park provides a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and research in a diverse and ecologically important area.

Rupp also called upon all stakeholders to join forces in supporting CIREN’s mission. 

“By working together, we can strengthen Laos’ scientific community and learn more about the country’s rich biodiversity,” he said.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the collaboration among various sectors to enhance science and technology cooperation in Laos. This is evident in the establishment of the International Centre for Environmental Research and Education, which will serve as a training center for scientists and students, as well as a research hub to provide information to the communities. On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports and all Lao sectors, I hope that we will continue to collaborate in scientific research and organize joint activities,” Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports.

Vang Vieng Tourist Numbers Increases Amid Infrastructure Upgrade

Vang Vieng (Photo credit: Novo-monde)

As of October, Vang Vieng has welcomed over 900,000 tourists, exceeding its target of 800,000. This includes more than 400,000 foreign visitors, according to Vang Vieng district Governor Bounchan Malavong, who spoke on TV with the Lao National Radio (LNR) on 21 October.

Aleta Planet Partners with Know Your Customer to streamline onboarding processes for global business partners


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 October 2024 – Aleta Planet, a leading global payments solution provider, announced a strategic partnership with Know Your Customer, an award-winning regulatory technology software as a service (SaaS) company, to streamline and simplify compliance and onboarding processes for businesses worldwide.

As a global payments provider serving over 140 countries, Aleta Planet is committed to maintaining the highest regulatory standards across its worldwide operations. The company’s certified platform enables businesses to collect international payments from global customers and make global payments, enabling growth and new revenue opportunities. Aleta Planet specialises in helping companies scale globally.

Know Your Customer’s real-time registry data and smart automation solutions will enable Aleta Planet to strengthen its anti-money laundering (AML), business know your customer (KYC) and Know Your Business workflows. Offering the widest coverage of direct connections to over 140 company registries globally, Know Your Customer’s platform will help Aleta Planet access 100% accurate, official data to support its compliance requirements.

Through this collaboration, the company will leverage Know Your Customer’s innovative compliance solutions to digitise and automate its business KYC processes.

Ella Mak, Head of Legal and Compliance at Aleta Planet, said: “Providing a seamless onboarding experience while ensuring accurate and robust compliance is critical to supporting the growth of our global merchant base.

“By integrating Know Your Customer’s cutting-edge RegTech solution, we can simplify these complex processes, obtain accurate and real-time company data, and empower businesses to expand their cross-border payment capabilities with confidence.”

Claus Christensen, CEO and Co-Founder of Know Your Customer, said: “We are excited to partner with Aleta Planet, a leader in the international payments industry. Our solutions will help Aleta Planet provide its global merchant base with a more streamlined onboarding journey, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses while meeting rigorous regulatory standards.”

The partnership between Aleta Planet and Know Your Customer reinforces their shared commitment to drive innovation and compliance within the payment ecosystem. Through the combined expertise, the two companies aim to enhance the overall compliance and onboarding experience for businesses seeking seamless cross-border payment solutions.Hashtag: #aletaplanet #knowyourcustomer

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

About Aleta Planet

Founded in 2014 in Singapore, Aleta Planet is an award-winning global payments solution provider that simplifies online, cross-border and multi-currency transactions safely, securely and efficiently. They are a holistic payments technology provider of merchant acquisition, card issuance, remittance and B2B payments. As a global payment facilitator that interconnects different payment options and types, Aleta Planet specialises in helping Chinese companies to scale the global market. Aleta Planet is licensed in Singapore by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a Major Payment Institution and in other jurisdictions, with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Australia and Malaysia. Its secure and internationally certified proprietary platform connects businesses to the world’s payment infrastructure through one Application Programming Interface, enabling business growth, greater customer engagement and new revenue opportunities.

The success of its card network-agnostic platform has also garnered Aleta Planet its operating licenses from card networks including Diners Club, Discover Network, JCB, MasterCard, Union Pay International, Visa, SWIFT and other Alternative Payment Methods. Furthermore, Aleta Planet’s broad network enables individuals and businesses to deposit local currencies in 39 countries or remit funds to 140 countries.

For more information, please visit: or follow Aleta Planet on .

About Know Your Customer

Know Your Customer is an award-winning RegTech company specialised in next generation business verification solutions for financial institutions and regulated organisations worldwide.

For teams that are struggling with inefficient client due diligence and onboarding processes, Know Your Customer provides a modular compliance solution that combines the most intuitive digital workspace on the market with unmatched real-time registry data, seamless integrations and smart automation to transform the essence of the compliance function at its core. The products’ modular design enables efficient customisation, as clients can select and implement only the functionalities they really need, all available via Rest API.

For more information visit or follow Know Your Customer on or .

Email: marketing@knowyourcustomer.com
Website:

Hong Kong Life Announces Sponsorship of Hubert Wu x James Ng “GROW WITH THE FLOW Concert”


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 October 2024 – Hong Kong Life announces the sponsorship of the “GROW WITH THE FLOW Concert”, presenting by two talented singers, Hubert Wu (胡鴻鈞) and James Ng (吳業坤, 坤哥). The concert, themed “GROW WITH THE FLOW” symbolizes the years of growth and challenges that Hubert Wu and James Ng have faced together in their music careers, the experiences accumulated and the efforts to achieve their goals. This theme aligns perfectly with Hong Kong Life’s mission. Rooted in Hong Kong for 23 years, Hong Kong Life is committed to providing quality insurance products and services, offering maximum protection and support to every customer as they navigate various opportunities and challenges in life, working together to achieve a more prosperous future.

The press conference for Hubert Wu x James Ng
The press conference for Hubert Wu x James Ng “GROW WITH THE FLOW Concert” was held recently at Citywalk Phase 1 of Tsuen Wan.

Hubert Wu and James Ng entered the entertainment industry together through a singing competition, experiencing highs and lows along the way. After 14 years, they will hold their first concert together. The “GROW WITH THE FLOW Concert” in Hong Kong, organized by Sum Supreme Media (森立演藝) and Myth Media Entertainment Limited (天人集團), and sponsored by Hong Kong Life, will take place on December 8, 2024 (Sunday) at the MacPherson Stadium. Since their debut, both artists have had a significant fanbase that enjoys their performances together. Last year, their rendition of the classic song 《友共情》(“Friendship and Love”) by Leo Ku (古巨基) for the theme song of the TV series《廉政狙擊》received an enthusiastic response, reigniting calls from fans for a joint performance. The two artists and the organizing team have heard the fans’ voices, and after various discussions, they are launching the “GROW WITH THE FLOW Concert” in Hong Kong, marking the first time they will perform together under the name Hubert Wu x James Ng. With just over a month remaining until the concert, Hubert Wu and James Ng, along with the production team, are closely preparing for the performance, aiming to surprise the audience with the setlist, visuals, costumes, and flow, allowing fans to experience their unchanging “Friendship and Love” after 14 years.

The press conference for the “GROW WITH THE FLOW Concert” was held recently at Citywalk Phase 1 of Tsuen Wan. Many fans of Hubert Wu and James Ng attended to show their support, and reporters were present for interviews, creating a bustling atmosphere. Both artists not only shared their feelings about participating in the concert but also interacted with the audience through games and gave away signed posters, elevating the excitement of the event.

Mr. Jonathan Ko, Chief Marketing Officer of Hong Kong Life, stated: “Hong Kong Life is pleased to be the sponsor of the ‘GROW WITH THE FLOW Concert’ allowing more music lovers to enjoy this wonderful performance. The theme of this concert, ‘GROW WITH THE FLOW’ embodies the positive energy of overcoming challenges and striving for goals, just as Hong Kong Life is committed to accompanying our customers through every stage of life and working towards a more prosperous future. At the same time, we hope to enrich the lives of the public by sponsoring and supporting various arts and cultural activities, fostering community strength, and promoting the development of local arts and culture. Hong Kong Life will soon launch promotions and activities related to this concert, and we invite everyone to keep an eye on Hong Kong Life’s official Facebook page for the latest updates.”

Hong Kong Life’s Facebook official page: https://www.facebook.com/hklifeinsurance

Hashtag: #香港人壽 #HKLife #HubertWu #JamesNg




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

About Hong Kong Life

Established in 2001, Hong Kong Life Insurance Limited (“Hong Kong Life”) was founded by five local financial institutions including Asia Insurance Company Limited, Chong Hing Bank Limited, CMB Wing Lung Bank Limited, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, which laid their foundations and have been serving people in Hong Kong for more than 50 years in average. Through our extensive network of around 130 distribution points comprising Chong Hing Bank, CMB Wing Lung Bank, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) and Shanghai Commercial Bank, we offer an integrated one-stop service of insurance and financial planning to customers.

OPPO Leads AI Innovation with World’s First On-Device MoE Implementation, Paving Way for AI Advancements


SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 October 2024 – Global leading smart device brand OPPO has achieved a significant breakthrough by becoming the first company to implement the Mixture of Experts (MoE) architecture on-device. This milestone enhances AI processing efficiency, opens new possibilities for more advanced and flexible on-device AI, laying the groundwork for future innovations in AI’s integration with mobile hardware.

OPPO infoG EN FA

As AI technology continues to evolve, more tasks are being performed on-device. However, large AI models require substantial computational power, which can impact performance, especially on devices with limited hardware resources. In response, OPPO has collaborated with leading chipset providers to implement the MoE architecture on-device to overcome these limitations.

The MoE architecture dynamically activates specialized sub-models (“experts”) to handle specific tasks, thereby significantly improving processing efficiency and cutting down computing and data transfer consumption. Lab tests reveal that on-device MoE architecture accelerates AI task speeds by approximately 40%, reducing resource demands and improving energy efficiency. This means faster AI responses, longer battery life and enhanced privacy as more tasks are handled locally on the device.

OPPO’s implementation of the MoE architecture on-device is a breakthrough that highlights its advancement in AI innovation. By lowering AI’s computational costs, MoE allows more devices-ranging from flagship to affordable devices-to perform complex AI tasks, accelerating AI’s adoption across the industry. As a result, The MoE architecture on-device opens new opportunities for the industry to make advanced AI capabilities more accessible to a wider audience.

Looking ahead, OPPO remains committed to advancing AI technology and making it available to more users. With over 5,860 patent applications in the AI field, OPPO continues to invest heavily in AI R&D. The establishment of OPPO’s AI Center in 2024 serves as a key step in consolidating its AI research efforts, furthering the company’s mission to provide high-quality AI experiences to users worldwide. Through continued research like MoE and the global rollout of AI-powered features across its smartphone lineup, OPPO aims to extend high-quality AI experiences to a broader audience, ensuring that AI technology becomes more accessible to users across its device categories.

Hashtag: #OPPO

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

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.