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HIV Infections Rise in Asia Pacific as Laos Targets 2030 Goal to End Transmission

HIV Infections Rise in Asia Pacific as Laos Targets 2030 Goal to End Transmission
AIDS Image from GENESIS

On World AIDS Day, 1 December, UNAIDS called on global leaders to protect the human rights of everyone living with or at risk of HIV. The organization emphasized that safeguarding these rights is essential to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

A new report, “Take the Rights Path to End AIDS,” highlights that despite progress in the HIV response, human rights violations are obstructing access to critical HIV services.

“When there is impunity for gender-based violence, when people can be arrested for who they are, when a visit to health services is dangerous for people because of the community they are from—the result is that people are blocked from HIV services that are essential to save their lives and to end the AIDS pandemic,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “To protect everyone’s health, we need to protect everyone’s rights.”

Every minute, someone dies due to AIDS-related causes. Almost a quarter of the 39.9 million people living with HIV globally still lack access to life-saving treatment. New HIV infections are rising in at least 28 countries, and UNAIDS stresses the need for accessible HIV prevention, testing, and treatment programs for all, without fear or discrimination.

The criminalization and stigmatization of marginalized communities, including men who have sex with men, people in prisons, drug users, sex workers, and transgender individuals, remain major barriers to accessing HIV services. In 2021, countries committed to reducing punitive laws and policies to ensure that by 2025, less than 10 percent of countries will have such laws and less than 10 percent of people living with HIV and key populations experience stigma and discrimination.

SUBHED: HIV Infections on the Rise in Asia Pacific, UNAIDS Urges Action

In Asia and the Pacific, the situation is dire, with 17 AIDS-related deaths every hour and a new HIV infection every two minutes. From 2010 to 2023, new HIV infections surged in several countries, including Bangladesh (20 percent), Laos (23 percent), Papua New Guinea (104%), and the Philippines (543 percent).

“Instead of punishing marginalized communities, governments need to uphold their human rights and ensure they have the specific information and care they require,” said Eamonn Murphy, Regional Director of UNAIDS Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe Central Asia. “The HIV response is at a crossroads. What governments do now will set the trajectory for whether we end AIDS as a public health threat and achieve a sustainable AIDS response, or whether we fail to achieve this and pay a much higher price in terms of human life and financial costs in the future.”

Legal barriers persist across the region. In Asia Pacific, 20 countries criminalize HIV transmission, exposure, or non-disclosure, while 14 restrict the entry, stay, or residence of people living with HIV. Nearly all countries, except New Zealand, criminalize some aspect of sex work, and many criminalize same-sex relations and drug possession.

The report includes an essay by Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President of Monash University in Malaysia and former President of the International AIDS Society. She argues that aligning drug policy with human rights principles is crucial for advancing public health.

“Only by aligning drug policy with human rights principles would it be possible to advance public health,” Kamarulzaman wrote. “Since offering harm reduction services, needle-sharing has stopped being the main channel for HIV transmission in Malaysia and thousands of new infections have been prevented.”

SUBHED: Laos Reports Rising HIV Rates, Aims to End Transmission by 2030

On 29 November, Lao Deputy Minister of Health Phayvanh Keopaseuth shared new National data ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December. From January to September, 1,523 people across Laos were reported to be living with HIV, with 53 percent of whom aged 15-29. 

According to projections by the United Nations (UN), the HIV infection rate in Laos has risen to 0.42 percent in 2024, up from 0.39 percent in 2023. Since 1990, an estimated 20,000 people in Laos have been infected, most aged 15-49. Currently, 12,803 individuals nationwide are receiving antiretroviral treatment.

The UN’ “95-95-95” initiative targets reducing HIV globally by ensuring 95 percent of people with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed begin treatment, and 95 percent of those treated achieve a suppressed viral load, reducing transmission risk.

Phayvanh stated that Laos aims to halt HIV transmission by 2030. However, challenges remain, including the need for improved services and expanded strategies like condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for at-risk groups, self-testing, and early treatment access. 

The Ministry of Health has been implementing a national strategic plan for HIV prevention and control (2021-2030). With 196 testing facilities across 18 provinces and a growing network of treatment centers, Laos is working to strengthen its response to the epidemic.

SUBHED: Raising Awareness on HIV Treatment, Prevention

UNAIDS and its partners in Asia Pacific are working to increase public and policymaker awareness about the scientific principle of U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable). This principle states that people living with HIV who maintain undetectable viral loads cannot transmit the virus through sex. The World Health Organization confirmed last year that people with an undetectable viral load have “zero risk” of infecting a sexual partner.

“It’s time we leveraged the full power of U=U to not only save lives, but change attitudes toward people living with HIV,” said Harry Prabowo, Program Manager of the Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV (APN+). “Public health is best served with laws, policies, and practices that support people to be diagnosed early, immediately start treatment, and achieve viral suppression.”

As part of efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination, SEA Against Stigma, a network of journalists and influencers from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, is producing news stories and social media content to raise awareness about U=U. 

With a clear message that human rights are integral to the fight against HIV, UNAIDS continues to urge governments, policymakers, and communities to act decisively to protect the health and dignity of all people, particularly the most marginalized, in the ongoing battle to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.


Additional information provided by UNAIDS

 

AlikeAudience Recognised at the Marketech APAC 2024 Marketing Technology Awards

Omnichannel data audience company wins for Best Customer Data Platform, Best AI Marketing Solution, and Best Mobile Marketing Solution


SUNNYVALE, USA & HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – AlikeAudience, a company directly integrated with major demand side platforms and data marketplaces worldwide that provides premium omnichannel audience data to brands, has announced its victory in three categories at this year’s Marketech APAC Marketing Technology Awards.

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The gala awards night, held in Singapore on November 28, awarded AlikeAudience for Best Customer Data Platform, Best AI Marketing Solution, and Best Mobile Marketing Solution.

“The AlikeAudience team is proud to be recognized by the Marketech APAC team, and the top panel of industry judges,” said AlikeAudience Managing Director Jeremy Lo. “We believe the AdTech industry, particularly in the key area of data utilization, will increasingly rely on AI-powered, privacy-compliant solutions. AlikeAudience is at the forefront of this advancement, providing platform and tech-agnostic solutions to meet industry needs.”

AlikeAudience offers bespoke demographic, interest, and app data, and has more than seven thousand audience segments in the US and APAC across the key sectors of FMCG, automotive, e-commerce, entertainment, travel, and hospitality.

The company assembles its audience data from a combination of location signals, app data, and demographic data and connects these data points with insights from market research to generate methodologies to deliver targetable segments for media activation.

Lo also said marketers in Asia must adapt their strategies for first, second, and third party data to effectively navigate diverse market dynamics and regulations.

“An innovative approach is essential to take advantage of technological advances,” Lo said. “With strong US coverage, AlikeAudience can apply global insights while localizing strategies to meet APAC advertisers’ data needs, helping future-proof their business.”

AlikeAudience was founded in Sunnyvale, California, in 2015, and operates in the US, Asia, and Australia.

Hashtag: #AlikeAudience

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

About AlikeAudience

AlikeAudience is a data science company focused on omnichannel data activation. We enable advertisers to seamlessly connect with their target audiences through AI-powered, future-proof data solutions. See more at

Hypefest Hong Kong 2024: An Unforgettable Weekend of Music, Art, and Community

Hong Kong’s first two-day outdoor music and cultural festival hosted by Hypebeast, featured 24 musical acts alongside a multitude of brand activations, art installations and interactive experiences.


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – Hypebeast, the leading global platform for contemporary culture and lifestyle, concluded Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 on November 9-10. Financially supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events (Mega ACE) Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and supported by iMe Entertainment Group, Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 marked Hypebeast’s largest event in Hong Kong to date. Despite the impact of Typhoon Signal No. 3 and rain, the 2-day weekend event attracted over 28,000 festival-goers gathering at the Central Harbourfront Event Space – the city’s largest outdoor venue – to soak in the spectrum of contemporary and diversified cultures that Hypebeast had to offer.

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“Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 is the largest initiative we’ve ever done in Hong Kong. We are excited to welcome all visitors from around the world to celebrate fashion, art, music, culture, and community over one amazing weekend. At Hypebeast, our mission is simple – to bring people together in meaningful ways. We are here to create authentic experiences that inspire everyone. And most importantly, we are here to give everyone an opportunity to express their creativity, passions, and dreams. Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 is truly the perfect venue to make this all happen,” said Mr. Kevin Ma, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Hypebeast Group.

“We are thrilled to support Hypefest Hong Kong 2024, a pivotal event that aligns perfectly with our vision for growth. Our commitment to expanding regional showcases, including music festivals, reflects our dedication to fostering vibrant cultural experiences. Together with Hypebeast, we aim to create unforgettable moments that celebrate creativity and community,” stated Mr. Brian Chow, Chief Executive Officer of the iMe Entertainment Group.

Over the course of the two-day event, Hypefest Hong Kong hosted 24 musical acts headlined by internationally recognized South Korean-born DJ Peggy Gou on the first day, and French electronic music duo, JUSTICE, who concluded the second day of the festival. Apart from the closing performances by the headliners, the music stage showcased a diverse combination of genres that featured a carefully-curated mix of international and regional performers such as ADOY, Awich, ONE OR EIGHT, Rich The Kid, sunkis and more.

In addition to the live performances, the festival was jam-packed with unprecedented and unconventional experiences. Exclusive collaborations stood out as a major highlight with limited edition “Sun Bleach” items with Jiyong Kim, PIET x Oakley and Prodip Leung collaborations, Wing Shya’s capsule, BE@RBRICK Audio’s Hypefest-exclusive speaker and music line-up merch by Peggy Gou’s PEGGY GOODS, as well as JUSTICE available at the flea market.

The festival was nothing short of things to see and do, with Coin Parking Delivery’s larger-than-life inflatable art installation, SIMON’s live-art painting, ASICS SportStyle’ pop-up experience where guests were welcomed with an immersive digital installation, Timberland’s “TIMBS it YOURSELF” customization workshop with Hypefest-exclusive shoe accessories, Mercedes-Benz’ G-Class display and more. Brand pop-ups featuring 432hz, LeeeeeeToy, PabePabe, Raw Emotions, Ballaholic and COSTS were reimagined through interactive carnival games, keeping festival-goers entertained and inspired throughout the weekend. Additionally, the majority of limited-edition collaborative products, including JUSTICE’s T-shirts, Hypefest-exclusive PEGGY GOODS collection by Peggy Gou, and the LABUBU figure created by Kasing Lung in collaboration with 432hz, quickly sold out within two days.

The food village also impressed the visitors with tantalising treats exclusively available at Hypefest Hong Kong 2024. Participating vendors including BaseHall presents: Draftland, Bengal Brothers, Devil’s Tea, Dionysus & Loong, Honbo, Jeonpo Meat Shop, Snack Baby and SONNY’s, who all presented their signature dishes and exclusive menus, making sure festival-goers were replenished and energised.

Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 was made possible by the financial support from the Mega ACE Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Supported by iMe Entertainment Group, the leading entertainment company in Asia, the event offered a memorable and innovative experience to all attendees, while celebrating the vibrant fusion of cultures in Hong Kong.

For more information about Hypefest Hong Kong 2024, visit hypebeast.com and follow its social media channels for more.

Website: hypebeast.com
Instagram:@hypebeast @hypefest

Hashtag: #hypefest #hypefesthongkong2024

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

About Hypebeast

Founded in 2005, Hypebeast is a leading platform for contemporary fashion and culture that highlights curated brands and emerging lifestyles through editorially-driven news and features. Its devotion to discovery has made it one of the premier online destinations for fashion and lifestyle editorial and news. Currently operating in over 15 markets, readers can stay up to date with the latest culturally-relevant news and developments on men’s fashion. For more information, visit Hypebeast.com.

About Mega Arts and Cultural Events (Mega ACE) Fund

The Mega ACE Fund set up by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau aims to attract and support international and large-scale arts and cultural events to anchor in Hong Kong. It targets mega arts and cultural events in Hong Kong organised by the private sector or non-governmental organisations, with a view to developing Hong Kong into an arts and cultural metropolis, providing opportunities for the arts and cultural sector to flourish, as well as fostering Hong Kong’s development as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Project Grant
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 only, but does not otherwise take part in it. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the materials/activities (or by members of the Grantee’s team) are those of the organisers of Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

About iMe Entertainment Group

iMe Entertainment Group, the current leading entertainment company in Asia. Established in 2006 as a concert promoter and artist management company, iMe has since expanded to 10 countries, organized major events in more than 50 major cities in Asia- Pacific region.

Over the past 16 years, iMe has gradually developed entertainment contents consist of concert/live events, artist management, promotion & marketing, and fan base interaction platform, as being the key business elements. iMe committed to grow its scale with producing effective strategies of developing management teams, aiming to deliver innovative and best results for all business partners.

Stronghold Insurance’s Romulo I. Delos Reyes, Jr. Honoured as Outstanding Leader at ACES Awards 2024


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – Romulo I. Delos Reyes, Jr., President and General Manager of Stronghold Insurance Company, Inc., has been recognised as one of the “Outstanding Leaders in Asia” at the prestigious Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2024. This accolade highlights Mr. Delos Reyes’s extraordinary leadership and his transformative contributions to the non-life insurance sector in the Philippines.

Romulo Jr. Delos Reyes, President & General Manager of Stronghold Insurance Company, Inc. (centre), is honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Leaders in Asia award at the ACES Awards 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. This momentous recognition was presented by Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of the ACES Awards (left), and Hemant Batra, Honorary Chairman of the ACES Awards (right), celebrating unparalleled leadership and excellence.
Romulo Jr. Delos Reyes, President & General Manager of Stronghold Insurance Company, Inc. (centre), is honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Leaders in Asia award at the ACES Awards 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. This momentous recognition was presented by Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of the ACES Awards (left), and Hemant Batra, Honorary Chairman of the ACES Awards (right), celebrating unparalleled leadership and excellence.

With over 45 years of industry experience, Mr. Delos Reyes’s journey is a testament to dedication and perseverance. Starting with Stronghold Insurance in 1979 as a working student and collector, he rose through the ranks, taking on roles such as fire inspector, underwriting supervisor, and underwriting manager. His rise to the top exemplifies his adaptability and steadfast commitment to the company’s growth.

Under Mr. Delos Reyes’s leadership, Stronghold Insurance is on a trajectory to become the Philippines’ leading non-life insurance provider by 2030. “Every role I undertook taught me invaluable lessons that continue to shape my leadership,” he reflects. His strategic vision has guided the company to become a key player in the industry, ranking among the top in Net Income Performance, Paid-Up Capital, Net Premium Written, Company Assets and Premiums Earned, as per the Insurance Commission’s December 2023 report.

Stronghold Insurance’s robust growth is reflected in its milestones, such as securing the Reinsurance of the Property and Engineering Combined Risk and Catastrophe Excess of Loss Treaty for the Government Service Insurance System, valued at PHP 13 billion—the company’s largest single premium transaction. Its expansive network now includes over 150 offices nationwide and major multi-story facilities in Visayas and Mindanao, further enhancing customer access to insurance services.

Mr. Delos Reyes’s leadership philosophy prioritises client satisfaction and employee well-being. “Clients’ satisfaction is our ultimate strategy,” he emphasises. This client-centric approach, combined with a supportive organisational culture, has resulted in an exceptional employee retention rate of 92%, underscoring the company’s commitment to talent development and empowerment.

Beyond business success, Stronghold Insurance demonstrates a strong commitment to societal impact. Its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts include medical missions for underserved communities, disaster relief initiatives, and the establishment of the DAVID C. MERCADO Foundation, which extends charitable support across various causes.

The ACES Awards, organised by MORS Group, celebrate exemplary leadership and sustainability in Asia. Mr. Delos Reyes’s recognition as an Outstanding Leader in Asia underscores his remarkable contributions to advancing the insurance industry while fostering a culture of innovation, responsibility, and community impact. This award reflects not only his personal achievements but also Stronghold Insurance’s steadfast commitment to shaping a brighter future for its stakeholders and society.

Hashtag: #StrongholdInsurance #ACESAwards2024 #Leadership #Recognition #RegionalRecognition

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

About Stronghold Insurance

Stronghold Insurance Company, Inc. is one of the leading non-life insurance providers in the Philippines, recognised for its strong financial performance and extensive distribution network. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative insurance solutions, Stronghold Insurance continues to expand its offerings and strengthen its market presence.

Cellini’s Rapid South Korea Expansion Driven by Strong Local Demand for High-Quality, Sustainable Furniture


SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – Four months after the launch of its Pangyo flagship store, Cellini has announced the grand opening of its second furniture store in Ilsan on 7th December 2024. This underscores the Singaporean brand’s growing popularity and resonance with South Korean consumers who appreciate stylish, functional, and affordable furniture.

Cellini’s Rapid South Korea Expansion
Cellini’s Rapid South Korea Expansion

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Market

Nestled within a prominent furniture cluster, Cellini Ilsan caters to the housing market boom in North-west Seoul, encompassing Goyang, Incheon, Bucheon, and Gimpo.

Cellini’s comprehensive offerings cater to every life stage, with past reviews praising the diverse catalogue, friendly staff, and reliable delivery service:

“I bought beautiful furniture for our newlywed home. We visited all the domestic brands but couldn’t decide on any. However, at Cellini, we were satisfied with the design, durability, and price. I wish we had come here sooner!”

“First of all, the staff are incredibly friendly. The product arrived within the delivery time they provided. The quality is excellent for the price.”

Sustainable Style for the Modern Home

Customers at Cellini Ilsan can explore everything from dining room sets to space-saving beds, all crafted with sustainability in mind. Cellini has even been awarded the prestigious Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) Sustainable Furniture Mark, recognising its efforts in responsible sourcing, using eco-friendly materials, and ensuring ethical production processes.

Knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide personalised guidance and assistance, ensuring customers find the perfect pieces to complement their homes and lifestyles.

Cellini Ilsan is located at 1dong CELLINI, 39, Gyeongui-ro 917beon-gil, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. The store will officially open its doors on 7th December, 2024. Find out more at https://cellinidesign.co.kr/ or https://www.cellini.com.sg.
Hashtag: #Cellini




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

Cellini

Cellini is a designer furniture brand that curates inspiration for all modern homes. Founded in Singapore in 1986, Cellini has always been passionate about art, connecting people to the creative works of skilled artisans and local designers. Designed and produced by its team, Cellini offers quality craftsmanship, exclusive designs, and timeless furniture pieces, all powered and manufactured by new technology and top-quality materials. Cellini’s furniture showrooms boast specially curated pieces that are second to none in terms of quality craftsmanship. For more information, please visit: .

Chelsea And Ascott Celebrate Bringing The Famous CFC Fan Event To Singapore

Exhilarating weekend of activities at Chelsea’s flagship international fan engagement event, The Famous CFC, saw hundreds of passionate Chelsea fans and Ascott Star Rewards members interact with club legend Gianfranco Zola and celebrate the team’s continued run of impressive wins


LONDON, UK / SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – Chelsea Football Club, in collaboration with presenting partner The Ascott Limited (Ascott), brought The Blues to Singapore this past weekend, hosting the club’s first edition of The Famous CFC in Southeast Asia.

Around 250 supporters, including Ascott’s mascot Cubby, gathered at the atrium of Funan to catch the live screening of the football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa on Sunday, 1 December, celebrating alongside Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola (front row, second from left). On Zola’s right was Andrew Lim, Group Chief Operating Officer, CapitaLand Investment and on his left were Lee Chee Koon, Group CEO, CapitaLand Investment and Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott.
Around 250 supporters, including Ascott’s mascot Cubby, gathered at the atrium of Funan to catch the live screening of the football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa on Sunday, 1 December, celebrating alongside Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola (front row, second from left). On Zola’s right was Andrew Lim, Group Chief Operating Officer, CapitaLand Investment and on his left were Lee Chee Koon, Group CEO, CapitaLand Investment and Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott.

Held over the weekend of 30 November and 1 December, the Singapore edition of The Famous CFC brought together hundreds of passionate Chelsea fans to celebrate the club’s legacy and passion. Anchored at lyf Funan Singapore, with additional activities at The Robertson House by The Crest Collection and Ascott Orchard Singapore, the two-day festivities featured football coaching clinics, a watch party for Chelsea’s match against Aston Villa, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola. As Chelsea’s Official Global Hotels Partner and the presenting partner of The Famous CFC in Singapore, Ascott played a key role in bringing the event to life, showcasing its continued commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for Chelsea’s fans and Ascott Star Rewards members.

Gianfranco Zola said: “What a privilege it has been to be a part of The Famous CFC in Singapore! I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at The Robertson House by The Crest Collection, as well as my visits to lyf Funan Singapore and Ascott Orchard Singapore. It was a pleasure to meet so many of Chelsea’s passionate fans here. The enthusiasm and energy from them all has been amazing, and it is truly special to connect with so many supporters face-to-face. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to share unforgettable moments with them.”

He added “The weekend was capped off with a dominant performance from Chelsea against Aston Villa. I recently spent time with Cole Palmer and saw first-hand what an unbelievable talent he is. His goal and performance against Aston Villa was top quality and there is no doubt in my mind he has the tools to be one of the best players in the world in the near future. What a signing he has proven to be for Chelsea!”

Casper Stylsvig, Chelsea’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “The Singapore edition of The Famous CFC was a tremendous success, and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to reconnect with our passionate fanbase in Southeast Asia, thanks to our friends at Ascott. It was truly inspiring to see the unwavering dedication of our supporters. We are very proud of our partnership with Ascott, and the experience we have delivered for both our fans and Ascott Star Rewards members.”

Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “As Chelsea’s Official Global Hotels Partner, Ascott is proud to continue providing the club’s supporters and Ascott Star Rewards members with exclusive and immersive experiences that go beyond just the stay. From football clinics conducted by Chelsea coaches and an intimate fireside chat with club legend Gianfranco Zola, to curated pre-match F&B hospitality and watching the Blues in action alongside Zola himself; every detail throughout The Famous CFC in Singapore reflects Ascott’s dedication to seamlessly blend hospitality, entertainment and sports to deliver an unforgettable event, reinforcing our commitment to ensure guests ‘Stay Rewarded’ with exceptional experiences. Building on this momentum, Ascott is excited to already be working on bringing The Famous CFC to other cities in 2025, further strengthening our connection with Chelsea’s global fanbase. We look forward to creating more extraordinary experiences for fans and Ascott Star Rewards members worldwide, to live their unlimited passion for the club they love.”

“Ascott is also looking forward to the rebranding of the two stadium hotels, currently operating as Stamford Bridge Hotel London, to lyf by the second half of 2025. The lyf brand, with its experience-led, social living concept, aligns perfectly with the spirit of Chelsea and the dynamic energy of Stamford Bridge. Offering more than just a place to stay, lyf will deliver an immersive experience that reflects Chelsea’s strong sense of community, passion and excellence. Whether guests are visiting for a match or immersing themselves in the club’s legendary legacy, we are confident this new lyf property will provide a truly remarkable experience,” she added.

Highlights from The Famous CFC – Singapore Edition
The Singapore edition of The Famous CFC kicked off on Saturday, 30 November, with a series of football coaching clinics at The Ark futsal court in Funan, led by coaches from Chelsea FC. Reflecting The Famous CFC’s commitment to supporting local communities, the clinics hosted participants from SportCares, the philanthropic arm of Sport Singapore, and the Singapore Disability Sports Council. Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola made a special appearance, engaging with the beneficiaries and sharing inspiring words with the young players.

Chelsea Football Club legend Gianfranco Zola enjoying a friendly game with young beneficiaries from the Singapore Disability Sports Council on Saturday, 30 November, at the rooftop futsal court in Funan. The football coaching clinic was part of The Famous CFC, Chelsea’s flagship international fan engagement event presented by The Ascott Limited (Ascott), underscoring both organisations' commitment to supporting local communities and promoting disability inclusion.
Chelsea Football Club legend Gianfranco Zola enjoying a friendly game with young beneficiaries from the Singapore Disability Sports Council on Saturday, 30 November, at the rooftop futsal court in Funan. The football coaching clinic was part of The Famous CFC, Chelsea’s flagship international fan engagement event presented by The Ascott Limited (Ascott), underscoring both organisations’ commitment to supporting local communities and promoting disability inclusion.

Later in the day, Zola visited Ascott Orchard Singapore to film exclusive content for fans. He then hosted an intimate meet-and-greet with Ascott Star Rewards members at The Robertson House by The Crest Collection, where fans had the chance to interact with him and take photos with the 2016/17 Premier League trophy. Zola also stopped by Chandu, the hotel’s speakeasy cocktail bar, where he tried his hand at crafting the ‘Magic Box Dribble’, a cocktail specially created in his honour.

The activities continued on Sunday, 1 December, with more football coaching clinics. This was followed by a fireside chat at lyf Funan Singapore, where Zola shared personal stories, reflected on memorable moments from his football career and answered questions from attendees. In the evening, Zola joined Ascott Star Rewards members for a lively dinner party at lyf Funan Singapore. The event featured an immersive experiential zone for photo opportunities and a merchandise booth inspired by the iconic dressing room at Stamford Bridge. Three ‘one-of-a-kind’ shirts, two autographed by Zola and one by Chelsea award-winning player Cole Palmer respectively, were put up for a live charity auction during the dinner party. In line with Ascott’s and Chelsea’s efforts to promote disability inclusion, auction proceeds were donated to the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund (GCTEF), which supports persons with disabilities through providing financial aid, supporting aspirations and conferring awards to recognise the achievements and potential of persons with disabilities. GCTEF is administered by SG Enable and supported by Mediacorp, with Singapore’s Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong as its Patron.

Chelsea Football Club legend Gianfranco Zola shared personal reflections of his illustrious football career and answered questions posed by fans at the by-invite only Fireside Chat organised by Ascott on Sunday, 1 December. The Fireside Chat, attended by about 50 people, was part of The Famous CFC, Chelsea’s flagship international fan engagement event.
Chelsea Football Club legend Gianfranco Zola shared personal reflections of his illustrious football career and answered questions posed by fans at the by-invite only Fireside Chat organised by Ascott on Sunday, 1 December. The Fireside Chat, attended by about 50 people, was part of The Famous CFC, Chelsea’s flagship international fan engagement event.

The excitement culminated with the Chelsea vs. Aston Villa watch party at Funan, where around 250 supporters gathered at the shopping mall’s atrium to watch the thrilling match live from Stamford Bridge, with Zola celebrating alongside them. The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered on their favourite team. Special greetings from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Robert Sanchez, Axel Disasi, Marcus Bettinelli and Nicholas Jackson, along with exclusive giveaways drawn by Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez, heightened the excitement throughout the evening. With surprises and memorable moments at every turn, the event marked the perfect conclusion to an extraordinary two-day Famous CFC festivities.

For the latest updates on exclusive offers from Ascott’s partnership with Chelsea, including the upcoming editions of The Famous CFC, please visit https://www.discoverasr.com/en/ascott-chelseafc.

Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #AscottStarRewards #DiscoverASR #StayRewarded


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

The Ascott Limited

Since pioneering Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with over 960 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott’s presence extends across about 230 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA. Ascott’s diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, coliving properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include , , , , , , , , , , , , and . Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott’s loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.

A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.

This year, Ascott marks 40 years in hospitality service with the launch of Ascott Unlimited, a full year campaign that will offer Unlimited Opportunities, Unlimited Choices, Unlimited Freedom, and Unlimited Good. Navigating a future of unlimited possibilities against a backdrop of global change and evolving perspectives of travel, Ascott Unlimited marks Ascott’s ambitions to break new ground, and springboard to its next chapter of growth as a global hospitality company. Find out more about Ascott Unlimited at .

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit . Alternatively, connect with us on , , and .

Chelsea Football Club

Chelsea Football Club is one of the top football clubs globally and its men’s team were the FIFA Club World Cup winners for 2021, with the final when the side beat Brazilian side Palmeiras in Abu Dhabi held in 2022 due to the pandemic. That success followed winning the UEFA Champions League for a second time in 2021 with victory over Manchester City in Porto.

Founded in 1905, Chelsea is London’s most central football club, based at the iconic 40,000-capacity Stamford Bridge stadium. Nicknamed ‘The Blues’, the club lifted the Champions League for the first time in 2012 and has also won the Premier League five times, the FA Cup eight times, the Football League Cup five times, the UEFA Europa League twice, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup twice, the UEFA Super Cup twice and the Football League Championship once, in 1955.

The 2021 Champions League and Super Cup triumphs ensured Chelsea became the first club to win four major UEFA club competitions twice, following its earlier successes in those two competitions as well as the Europa League and Cup Winners’ Cup.

The Chelsea Women’s team have enjoyed a huge amount of success and in 2024 won the FA Women’s Super League for a fifth consecutive year and the seventh time overall. The Women’s FA Cup has been won on five occasions. The side has also captured the FA Women’s League Cup twice as well as reaching the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in 2021.

In addition to possessing some of the world’s most recognisable players, Chelsea has also invested in its future with a state-of-the-art Academy and training centre in Cobham, Surrey. Since the Academy building’s opening in 2008, the club has won seven FA Youth Cups, back-to-back UEFA Youth League titles in 2015 and 2016, and the U23 and U18 Premier League national championships most recently in 2019/20 and 2017/18 respectively.

The Chelsea Foundation boasts one of the most extensive community initiatives in sport, helping to improve the lives of children and young people all over the world.

CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 30 September 2024, CLI had S$134 billion of assets under management, as well as S$102 billion of funds under management held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in thematic and tactical strategies. Its diversified real estate asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres, private credit and special opportunities.

CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand’s development arm.

As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

Alibaba Cloud Revamps Global Partnership Ecosystem to Fuel AI-driven Growth

New AI-focused initiatives with an enhanced incentive program, an AI partner accelerator program and revitalized service partner strategy to support global partners and customers


BALI, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group today announced the launch of its revamped AI-focused partner ecosystem plan, known as “Alibaba Cloud Partner Rainforest Plan” during the Alibaba Cloud Partner Summit 2024 through a series of new initiatives including an AI partner accelerator program, an enhanced incentive program and a revitalized global strategy for service partners. The initiatives aim to foster the growth of global partners and accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge artificial intelligence and cloud computing solutions for businesses across various industries worldwide.

“At Alibaba Cloud, we believe that collaboration is the key to unlocking innovation and driving growth. Our global partners are not just participants, they are the architects of a new digital landscape in the AI era.” Selina Yuan, President of International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence said during the summit, “Today, with our revamped global partner ecosystem, we are committed to supporting our global partners to jointly reap the benefits of AI era and meet the diverse business demand of global customers.”

New AI-focused Partner Ecosystem initiatives

To meet the surging demand for AI technologies from the global customers, Alibaba Cloud debuted AI Alliance Accelerator Program to build a dedicated AI partner ecosystem through collaboration with 50 AI technology partners and 50 channel partners in 2025.

This program offers selected AI technology partners enhanced technical support focused on AI, expanded distribution channels, collaborative go-to-market resources, and dedicated AI consulting services. Meanwhile, chosen channel partners will benefit from increased financial incentives and market development funds for their AI-related initiatives. By leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s AI capabilities and its global technology ecosystem, the initiative aims to enhance partner enablement and accelerate diverse partners’ digital transformation journey. It also seeks to empower global partners to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the AI era, reaching a broader customer base through Alibaba Cloud’s extensive distribution network of channel partners

Alibaba Cloud has also unveiled an enhanced global system for its service partners, introducing the Revitalized Service Partner Program. This initiative focuses on cultivating new service partners by upskilling channel partner and technology partners with targeted training and empowerment, equipping them with necessary capabilities of consulting, implementation and managed services to diversify their revenue stream and deliver a comprehensive service to the customer. It also seeks to empower existing service partners by expanding their offering to include both product reselling and service delivery. Additionally, leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s Generative AI capabilities, the company has collaborated with service partners to jointly develop the Managed Large Language Model Service and other AI-focused services to foster an AI partner ecosystem and address the diverse digital transformation needs of global customers.

Meanwhile, Alibaba Cloud pledged to extend new strategic partnerships with 18 service partners including Whale Cloud, Bespin Global, Cognizant Worldwide, Deloitte, Accenture and FPT out of the existing 50 global standard service partners via enhanced resource sharing and capability complement, aiming to build a comprehensive service system that meets diverse needs of global customers.

In addition, the company also released its Synergistic Incentive Program designed to strengthen the collaboration between its global technology partners and channel partners, fostering a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem. The program introduces an expanded go-to-market pathway, enabling technology partners to boost revenue by leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s extensive channel network while channel partners gain access to a broader product portfolio, increasing sales opportunities and enhancing profit margins. This initiative drives mutual growth and reinforces Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to empowering its partners and nurturing a robust global ecosystem.

Enhanced Collaborations with Global and Regional Partners

In order to support global customers to reap the benefit of digitalization in the AI era. Alibaba Cloud has also announced enhanced collaboration with innovative technology and channel partners, both globally and regionally, to provide cutting-edge cloud computing and AI products and solutions, fostering a thriving and sustainable ecosystem.

In Indonesia Alibaba Cloud has reached a strategic partnership with Telkom Indonesia to provide innovative and effective AI-supported cloud solutions for the Indonesian community. Additionally, this collaboration aims to develop the digital talent increasingly needed in Indonesia to realize the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.

In Japan: Alibaba Cloud has partnered with Securai, a Japanese company that provides cloud services and information security solutions, to meet the booming digital transformation requests by Japanese businesses. In particular, Securai will localize Alibaba Cloud’s Zstack service for the Japanese market and provide operational support for the stable continuation of the service. Alibaba Cloud’s Zstack is an enterprise-grade cloud platform designed specifically for enterprise customers based on the Apsara distributed operating system for enhanced self-ownership, security compliance, and autonomous O&M.

In Thailand: Alibaba Cloud signed a MoU with Yell Group, a leading creative digital company based in Thailand. This collaboration aims to address the growing demand for Generative AI and to empower the creative media industry with scalable and reliable cloud-based solutions. Leveraging cutting-edge Generative AI, the company develops applications to support creators in their visual endeavors. To promote industry-wide adoption of AI-driven solutions, Yell Group will utilize Alibaba Cloud’s robust cloud computing capabilities to enhance scalability in the creative sector. Additionally, the partnership will introduce Alibaba Cloud’s media solutions, such as Elastic Desktop Service (EDS) and Object Storage Service (OSS), to foster innovation and growth in this dynamic field.

Alibaba Cloud currently works with about 12,000 partners worldwide, including Salesforce, Fortinet, IBM and Neo4j.

Hashtag: #alibaba

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

About Alibaba Cloud

Established in 2009, Alibaba Cloud (www.alibabacloud.com) is the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group. It offers a complete suite of cloud services to customers worldwide, including elastic computing, database, storage, network virtualization services, large-scale computing, security, big data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) services. Alibaba has been named the leading IaaS provider in Asia Pacific by revenue in U.S. dollars since 2018, according to Gartner. It has also maintained its position as one of the world’s leading public cloud IaaS service providers since 2018, according to IDC.

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Expands Service Offerings, Partners with Zenlayer to Deliver High Speed Connectivity Across Data Centre Portfolio


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), one of the world’s fastest-growing data centre colocation services providers, today announced its collaboration with Zenlayer, the world’s first hyperconnected cloud, to bring high-performance private connectivity to STT GDC’s global data centre platform, starting with select markets in Southeast Asia (SEA).

STT GDC’s data centre interconnectivity (DCI) solutions provide seamless and secure interconnection between its owned and operated data centre facilities and other key locations like internet exchanges and cloud providers, empowering its customers with enhanced network performance, reduced latency, and improved access to critical IT resources.

Through Zenlayer’s Private Connect, customers can now connect STT GDC’s Data Centre Interconnection Hubs in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. They will be able to leverage Zenlayer’s global private backbone to enjoy high-speed connectivity with carrier-grade reliability, seamlessly connecting global locations for enhanced performance and flexibility. This joint offering will be progressively rolled out across STT GDC’s portfolio of data centres globally.

“As businesses become increasingly interconnected across the globe, the need for reliable, high-performance data centre connectivity has never been greater. This partnership with Zenlayer allows us to deliver a superior network experience to our customers, no matter where they operate, and to ensure that they can meet the evolving demands of the digital economy and maintain a competitive edge,” said Lionel Yeo, CEO – Southeast Asia, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres.

“We are glad to join forces with ST Telemedia Global Data Centres.” said Joe Han, Chief Operating Officer of Zenlayer, “The partnership underscores our commitment to delivering world-class connectivity solutions across Asia. By combining our strengths, we are well-positioned to provide global businesses with the infrastructure they need to thrive in today’s competitive digital landscape.”

The rapid growth of data from various sources like IoT and cloud services, coupled with advancements in technologies like AI and 5G, is fuelling the increasing demand for efficient data centre interconnectivity. The data centre interconnect market is projected to exceed US$14 billion in 2024 and grow to over US$28 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.98%. Notably, the Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing market globally.

For more information on STT GDC’s Interconnection Hub offerings, please click here.
Hashtag: #STTelemediaGlobalDataCentres #STTGDC

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

About ST Telemedia Global Data Centres

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) is one of the fastest-growing data centre providers with a global platform serving as a cornerstone of the digital ecosystem that helps the world to connect. Powering a sustainable digital future, STT GDC operates across Singapore, the UK, Germany, India, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, providing businesses an exceptional foundation that is built for their growth anywhere. For more information, visit.

About Zenlayer

Zenlayer is the world’s first hyperconnected cloud, operating more than 300 Points of Presence across 50 countries. Businesses utilize Zenlayer’s on-demand compute and networking services to deploy and run applications at the edge. Zenlayer enables organizations to instantly improve real-time digital experiences worldwide. Visit us online at www.zenlayer.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter: Zenlayer.