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VINSSEN and MANA Engineering Sign MOU to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Retrofit for 800 TEU Feeder Vessel

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LR Approval in Principle as first step toward EU-compliant decarbonization solution

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — VINSSEN, a South Korean maritime specialist in hydrogen fuel cells and integrated system solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MANA Engineering, a Netherlands-based engineering firm driving the energy transition through innovative technologies. The partnership aims to jointly develop a hydrogen fuel cell-based retrofit solution for an 800 TEU feeder container vessel operating in Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea.

VINSSEN and MANA Engineering Sign MOU to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Retrofit for 800 TEU Feeder Vessel
VINSSEN and MANA Engineering Sign MOU to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Retrofit for 800 TEU Feeder Vessel

The collaboration will focus initially on a comprehensive technical feasibility study and the pursuit of Approval in Principle (AIP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR). The AIP process will validate the technical concept and establish the framework for a potential pilot retrofit project

The proposed retrofit concept retains the vessel’s existing main propulsion system while replacing hotel loads and auxiliary power with a hybrid system of hydrogen fuel cells and battery energy storage. Hydrogen will be supplied through swappable storage modules, and an integrated control system will enable seamless switching between fuel cells and existing diesel generators, minimizing potential operational disruption and associated technical risk.

The system reduces onboard CO₂ emissions, supporting compliance with FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS requirements without relying on onshore power supply (OPS), while also improving the vessel’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating.

MANA Engineering will contribute its European engineering expertise and regional market access, while VINSSEN will provide its proprietary fuel cell and battery system technologies. Together, the partners will evaluate commercial deployment opportunities within the European short-sea shipping segment.

Chil-Han Lee, CEO of VINSSEN, said, “This agreement represents a practical step toward validating hydrogen retrofit solutions in line with classification requirements and advancing decarbonization options for existing vessels in Europe.”

Dennis Lensing, Managing Director of MANA Engineering, added, “We look forward to cooperating with our Korean partners during this risk assessment and concept phase, and beyond. Together we will build a strong foundation for potential demonstration and retrofits of this concept in the European markets.”

About VINSSEN

VINSSEN is a pioneering provider of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) solutions for the maritime industry. With advanced R&D capabilities and expertise in clean propulsion systems, VINSSEN develops high-performance, scalable, and regulatory-compliant fuel cell solutions supporting the global transition to sustainable and zero-emission shipping.

Malaysia’s First Globally Recognized Best Workplaces List Out This Week

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The methodology behind the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For arrives in Malaysia this week, with 20 organizations making the inaugural list based on what 45,000 of their own employees had to say.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Between broad economic reforms, the startup boom, and a talent market that’s getting more competitive by the quarter, Malaysia is having a moment. 

What the country hasn’t had, until now, is Great Place To Work. The global authority on workplace culture behind the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For and Best Workplaces™ lists in more than 170 countries is coming. This Thursday, 26 February, Great Place To Work will release the first‑ever Best Workplaces in Malaysia list for 2026.

“We’re honored to bring the Best Workplaces recognition to Malaysia for the first time,” said Evelyn Kwek, Managing Director of Great Place To Work ASEAN & ANZ. “It’s an extremely dynamic time for this country, and as the nation presses forward with these big ambitions for growth, it makes sense for organizations here to have a benchmark for attracting and retaining high-quality talent.”

Taking data from over 45,000 individual employee survey responses, representing a workforce of 95,000, it’s one of the most comprehensive workplace culture studies Malaysia has seen.

Twenty organisations have made the cut in 2026 across small, medium, and large categories, spanning tech, hospitality, construction, finance, manufacturing, and professional services, a cross-section of the industries driving Malaysia’s economy.

How The Best Workplaces Lists Are Decided

The rankings are based on the Great Place To Work Trust Index™ Survey, the same methodology used all over the world. Employees answer questions about what it’s really like to work at their company, and Great Place To Work looks at how positive that experience is for all groups, roles, and levels – not just a select few.

To become Great Place To Work Certified, organizations must reach at least a 65% score on the survey. Only Certified organizations are then considered for the Best Workplaces list, where the highest‑scoring companies in each size category are ranked.

“Great Place To Work has accumulated global best practices around people, leadership, and culture from nearly three decades of data,” said Kwek. “Those insights are invaluable to Malaysian companies, whether they’re homegrown businesses or local operations of multinationals. While Great Place To Work hasn’t been in Malaysia until now, we’ve been operating in this region for more than 12 years with a lot of big clients who have a presence in the country.”

Kwek has led the team that also introduced Great Place To Work culture benchmarking to Singapore, The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

“I believe we bring the best of both worlds; global best practices in leadership and people culture, applied with local nuance.”

Why Malaysia, Why Now?

Malaysia’s economic trajectory, growth ambitions, and increasingly competitive regional talent market have created exactly the kind of conditions where workplace culture becomes a strategic differentiator.

Last year the Malaysian economy grew 5.2% and the ringgit emerged as Asia’s best‑performing currency, gaining nearly 9% against the US dollar. Unemployment has fallen to around 3%, its lowest level in a decade, and North American tech giants and cloud providers have committed more than US$23 billion to build data centres and digital infrastructure across the nation.

“We feel it’s time to recognize companies which are doing wonderful things, truly great workplaces that top talent might consider working for. Malaysia is definitely a country coming into its own in that respect,” Kwek said.

One of the more interesting tensions in Malaysia’s current business landscape is the coexistence of a thriving startup ecosystem alongside large, established corporations. Both need strong culture, but for entirely different reasons.

“There is a growing number of startups in Malaysia, and we can help them understand how to scale culture as they grow and expand. For large organizations, the challenge is different, it’s about how to amplify culture so that it reaches every part of the business. These are two distinct challenges, and we have the experience and data to support both,” Kwek explained.

Scaling culture is straightforward in theory. But what happens when a 40-person company doubles headcount in a single quarter and the informal structures that once held everything together (who talks to whom, how decisions get made, what new hires absorb in their first week) stop working?

“When organizations have a strategic focus on culture, they statistically do better on innovation, adaptability and even revenue,” explains Kwek. “High‑trust workplaces earn up to 8.5 times more revenue per employee than the market average. They’re also better able to withstand the shocks of an uneven financial climate. Trust is what allows them to absorb that friction and still perform, and often outperform their competitors.”

What Comes Next?

Bringing Best Workplaces to Malaysia 2026 is just the beginning. Great Place To Work will be building an annually updated body of evidence about what workplace culture actually looks like in the country, measured by the people who experience it every day.

“One of the key distinguishing factors of Great Place To Work is that our model is built on the idea of a great place to work for all, the ideal of inclusiveness. As Malaysia builds its next-generation workforce, helping organizations build and amplify a culture of trust, regardless of background or where people come from, is foundational. That ‘for all’ philosophy is what we hope to bring to Malaysia,” Kwek said.

For the companies that made the list, it’s external validation of something they’ve been investing in internally. For those that haven’t yet participated, the benchmark now exists and a standard has been set.

Want to see who made the list? Sign up to be notified when the inaugural Best Workplaces in Malaysia List 2026 drops on 26 February. REGISTER HERE

CStone Announces MHRA Approval in UK for Sugemalimab in Stage III NSCLC

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  • Following approval by the European Commission (EC), sugemalimab has received a new indication approval from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This marks the second indication approved for the product in the UK.
  • This approval is based on the GEMSTONE-301 study, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind Phase III trial. Results demonstrated that sugemalimab provided statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) and a clinically meaningful prolongation of overall survival (OS) in patients with stage III NSCLC.
  • To date, CStone has established four commercialization partnerships for sugemalimab across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America, extending its reach to more than 60 countries and regions. The global commercial rollout is now actively underway.

SUZHOU, China, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CStone Pharmaceuticals (“CStone,” HKEX: 2616), an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of therapies for oncology, autoimmune/inflammation, and other key disease areas, today announced that the UK MHRA has granted a new indication for sugemalimab as a monotherapy for adult patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC with PD-L1 expression on ≥1% of tumour cells and no sensitising EGFR mutations, or ALK, ROS1 genomic aberrations and whose disease has not progressed following platinum-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Dr. Jason Yang, CEO, President of R&D, and Executive Director at CStone, stated, “Since its initial EU approval in July 2024, sugemalimab has become one of only two PD-(L)1 antibodies approved for stage III NSCLC in Europe, providing a comprehensive treatment option spanning both locally advanced, unresectable stage III and metastatic stage IV NSCLC. Its commercial footprint has now expanded to over 60 countries and regions globally, with market access applications approved or under regulatory review in more than ten countries. Furthermore, sugemalimab has been included in multiple national reimbursement systems—an affirmation of its recognized clinical value and pharmacoeconomic benefit.”

Dr. Qingmei Shi, Chief Medical Officer of CStone, added, “The MHRA’s approval of sugemalimab for Stage III NSCLC represents another significant endorsement from a major international regulatory agency and will further unlock its global commercial potential. We are proud of CStone’s clinical development and regulatory affairs teams for their’ effective execution, invaluable experience in global registration, and ability to navigate mature regulatory frameworks in Europe and the UK. Sugemalimab in combination with chemotherapy treating stage IV NSCLC has received the highest-level recommendation [I, A] in the first-line setting for both squamous and non-squamous NSCLC in the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Non-Oncogene-Addicted Metastatic NSCLC Living Guideline. We look forward to the potential inclusion of this newly approved stage III NSCLC indication in this authoritative guideline in the near future. CStone will continue to advance regulatory filings for sugemalimab in additional indications, including gastric cancer (GC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).”

About Sugemalimab

The anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody sugemalimab was developed by CStone using OmniRat® transgenic animal platform, which allows creation of fully human antibodies in one step. Sugemalimab is a fully human, full-length anti-PD-L1 immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody, which may reduce the risk of immunogenicity and toxicity for patients, a unique advantage over similar drugs.

The EC and MHRA have approved sugemalimab for two indications:

  • In combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC with no sensitizing EGFR mutations, or ALK, ROS1 or RET genomic tumor aberrations; and
  • Monotherapy for adult patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC with PD-L1 expression on ≥1% of tumour cells and no sensitising EGFR mutations, or ALK, ROS1 genomic aberrations and whose disease has not progressed following platinum-based CRT. 

The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has approved sugemalimab for five indications:

  • In combination with chemotherapy as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous and non-squamous NSCLC with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations and metastatic squamous NSCLC;
  • For the treatment of patients with unresectable Stage III NSCLC whose disease has not progressed following concurrent or sequential platinum-based CRT;
  • For the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma;
  • In combination with fluorouracil and platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment of patients with unresectable locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic ESCC; and
  • In combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy as first-line treatment for unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma with a PD-L1 expression CPS ≥5.

About CStone

CStone (HKEX: 2616), established in late 2015, is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of therapies for oncology, autoimmune/inflammation, and other key disease areas. Dedicated to addressing patients’ unmet medical needs in China and globally, the Company has made significant strides since its inception. To date, the Company has successfully launched 4 innovative drugs and secured approvals for 20 new drug applications covering 9 indications. The company’s pipeline is balanced by 16 promising candidates, featuring potentially first-in-class or best-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), multispecific antibodies, immunotherapies and precision medicines. CStone also prides itself on a management team with comprehensive experiences and capabilities that span the entire drug development spectrum, from preclinical and translational research to clinical development, drug manufacturing, business development, and commercialization.

For more information about CStone, please visit: www.cstonepharma.com.

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article only relate to events or information as of the date when the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or publicly revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. All statements in this article are made on the date of publication of this article and may change due to future developments.

Disclaimer: only for communication and scientific use by medical and health professionals, it is not intended for promotional purposes.

SimG to Innovate Japanese Heavy Equipment Training Market with Next-Gen ‘LiveTerrain’ Technology

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-Participation in ‘CSPI 2026’ confirmed for June 2026

-Unveiling of upgraded excavator and forklift simulators

-Implementation of ‘LiveTerrain’ technology for real-time, particle-based terrain deformation, replicating actual worksites

-Accelerating adoption in industrial and educational fields through customization for Japanese licensing exams and local specifications

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SimG Co., Ltd. (CEO Jae-wook Jung), a specialist in heavy equipment simulator solutions, is accelerating its expansion into the Japanese heavy equipment training and industrial markets with its proprietary ‘LiveTerrain’ technology.

Following successful participations in the ‘Tokyo XR Fair’ for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025, SimG has officially confirmed its attendance at CSPI 2026 (International Construction & Survey Productivity Improvement Expo). The event will be held from June 17 to 20, 2026, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The company plans to showcase its further upgraded lineup of excavator and forklift simulators during the exhibition.

At the heart of this market strategy is ‘LiveTerrain’, SimG’s advanced simulation technology that reflects the physical changes of soil and ground in real-time during heavy equipment operations. By precisely calculating soil at a particle level, it perfectly reproduces the visual and physical changes in terrain—including the volume of soil in the bucket, its movement, loading, and dumping. This allows trainees to predict and analyze work outcomes in an environment nearly identical to a real site, enabling high-level practical training.

SimG is particularly focused on ‘locally customized solutions’ to address the specific needs of the Japanese market. The forklift simulator features educational content that faithfully reflects Japan’s national licensing exam processes. Furthermore, SimG offers the flexibility to customize simulator hardware based on equipment models commonly used in Japan. By providing practical content for various difficulty levels—from basic license acquisition to complex onsite tasks—SimG maximizes utility for both educational institutions and enterprises.

Recently, the Japanese industry has been actively adopting VR/XR technology in construction and manufacturing sites to combat the shortage of skilled workers caused by an aging population. As VR technology evolves from entertainment-focused applications to ‘industrial solutions’ for enhancing productivity and safety, SimG’s simulator-based training is gaining significant attention for its ability to drastically reduce the risks and costs associated with deploying actual equipment.

“We plan to introduce high-precision training solutions optimized for the Japanese market, featuring our ‘Essential Type’ simulators for overseas environments and next-generation models equipped with LiveTerrain technology,” said a representative from SimG. “Through the CSPI 2026 exhibition, we aim to expand the applicability of our solutions in Japan’s construction and logistics training sectors.”

SimG continues to advance its technology through ongoing R&D to meet global market requirements. The company is also actively marketing its solutions by accepting applications for ‘onsite demonstrations’ through its official website.

SimG Website : https://simgxr.com/ja/

NextFin Asia: A New Dedicated Fund for the Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia Program to Further Scale Inclusive Finance Fintechs in ASEAN

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Deepening Luxembourg–ASEAN collaboration to mobilize capital for high-impact financial inclusion. The Luxembourg Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia acceleration program will now be supported by NextFin Asia, a newly established dedicated fund launched in partnership with the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade (MFA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

LUXEMBOURG and SINGAPORE, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT) announces a major evolution of the Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program with the launch of its first dedicated investment fund, delivered through NextFin Asia. Launched in partnership with the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade (MFA), and ADB Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia 3.0 aims to strengthen Luxembourg’s role in supporting scalable fintech solutions across Southeast Asia.

NextFin Asia: A New Dedicated Fund for the Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia Program to Further Scale Inclusive Finance Fintechs in ASEAN.
NextFin Asia: A New Dedicated Fund for the Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia Program to Further Scale Inclusive Finance Fintechs in ASEAN.

After proving the model in its first two editions, the third edition of Catapult SE Asia will change the game. By introducing direct funding, the program evolves from a pure acceleration initiative into a regional platform that combines capital, expertise, and market access to support fintechs tackling development and financial inclusion challenges across ASEAN.

From Acceleration to Funding: A New Chapter

Building on the success of its previous editions, Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia 3.0 will support a selected cohort of high-potential fintech startups operating across ASEAN. For the first time, participating startups will benefit not only from tailored acceleration, mentorship and institutional partnerships, but also from direct investment opportunities through the newly launched NextFin Asia Fund, designed to finance and support founders to scale faster and more sustainably. Beyond capital, Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia 3.0 graduates will gain tailored strategic guidance and critical deployment support to help accelerate their market access, enhance brand visibility and strengthen impact measurement to ensure effective scaling. The 2026 edition will unfold across two key global and regional milestones:

  • June 2026 – Luxembourg, marking the official global launch and institutional engagement phase in one of the main Financial hubs in the world.
  • November 2026 – Singapore FinTech Festival, positioning Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia at the heart of the region’s fintech ecosystem.

A Strategic Partnership for Regional Impact

The collaboration between the MFA, ADB, and the LHoFT Foundation reflects a shared commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient and innovative financial ecosystems in Southeast Asia.

ADB brings deep regional expertise, development finance capabilities and a strong focus on scalable, impact-driven innovation. Combined with Luxembourg’s long-standing leadership in sustainable finance and fintech innovation, the partnership creates a powerful platform to support startups addressing challenges in financial inclusion, climate finance, SME finance, digital infrastructure and beyond.

ADB plays a critical role in advancing inclusive growth across Asia and the Pacific through loans, grants and technical assistance, supporting countries where access to finance remains a key barrier to development. ADB Ventures, as ADB’s venture arm, complements this mission by investing in early-stage technology companies whose breakthrough innovations have strong potential to scale and create development impact.

Luxembourg’s Commitment to Inclusive Finance and Innovation

Luxembourg continues to be a global leader in sustainable and inclusive finance, allocating 1% of its Gross National Income to Official Development Assistance and hosting a significant share of the world’s microfinance and impact investment vehicles.

Through Luxembourg’s value chain, know-how, expertise, and major financial stakeholders, Catapult SE Asia builds on this foundation, reinforcing Luxembourg’s position as a major financial hub connecting capital, innovation, and development impact.

Since its inception, the Catapult program has supported 115 fintechs from emerging markets across Africa and Asia, helping them scale solutions that serve underbanked communities and strengthen financial systems.

Voices from the Partnership

Quote from the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade (MFA)

“Luxembourg has long established itself as a center for sustainable and innovative finance. I am pleased about this new partnership with the LHoFT and ADB Ventures, which brings together Luxembourg’s financial expertise, regional insight and investment capacity to scale inclusive innovation across Southeast Asia. Through the NextFin Asia programme, we are supporting local entrepreneurs and start-ups, while using public investment strategically to mobilise private capital alongside it. This is how strong partnerships, through innovation, translate into tangible impact on the ground,” said Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs.

Quote From ADB:

“Through this partnership with the Luxembourg MFA and the LHoFT Foundation, we are combining catalytic capital with market‑readiness support to help fintech founders scale solutions that advance financial inclusion across Southeast Asia. NextFin Asia strengthens our shared commitment to expanding access to finance for MSMEs and underserved communities in the region,” said Isabel Chatterton, Director General of ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department.

Quote from the LHoFT Foundation

“It’s a World first initiative. A Development Bank partnering with a Fintech Accelerator, to drive financial inclusion and social impact, by investing first hand in innovative fintechs, it’s bold, it’s unique. The NextFin Asia Fund is the result of the trust from Luxembourg’s Government and ADB’s towards the Catapult SE Asia program. And it definitely reflects the amazing quality of the entrepreneurs and partners taking part in it. I am confident that NextFin Asia will become the key catalyst for inclusive finance and innovation in Asia. And we are very excited at the LHoFT to take part in such an endeavor,” said Alex Panican, Deputy CEO of the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology – LHoFT.

A Program Designed to Scale Impact

Catapult SE Asia 3.0 will offer:

  • Tailored acceleration and mentoring
  • Direct access to institutional partners and regional stakeholders
  • Exposure to investors and potential co-investors
  • Investment opportunities through the NextFin Asia Fund

The program continues to act as a bridge between Southeast Asia and Europe, fostering cross-regional collaboration and enabling fintechs to scale solutions that address the needs of underserved populations.

Applications

Fintech startups actively operating in or targeting Southeast Asia are invited to apply. Eligible sectors include (but are not limited to): Digital Payments, Financial Inclusion, Climate and Green Finance, InsurTech, AgriTech, SME Finance, RegTech and Digital Infrastructure.

Applicants must be based in or active within ASEAN countries, with business stages ranging from MVP to growth-stage companies. Funding stages from pre-seed to Series A are accepted.

Application details and timeline will be announced soon.

For updates, follow us on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/company/the-lhoft

APPLY HERE: https://lhoft.com/programs/catapult-acceleration-programs/catapult-financial-inclusion/catapult-inclusion-asia/3rd-edition-2026-asia/

Follow us on LinkedIn for updates throughout the program:
www.linkedin.com/company/the-lhoft 

About the LHoFT Foundation

The LHoFT Foundation is a public-private sector initiative that drives technology innovation for Luxembourg’s financial services industry, connecting the domestic and international fintech community to develop solutions that shape the world of tomorrow. The LHoFT Foundation offers an innovation platform that provides fintech startups with access to talent, expertise, funding, and market opportunities. The LHoFT Foundation also works with government agencies, regulators, and industry associations to foster a supportive and inclusive fintech ecosystem in Luxembourg.

For more information, please visit: https://lhoft.com/ 

About the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.

For more information, please visit: https://www.adb.org/

About ADB Ventures

ADB Ventures is the venture arm of the Asian Development Bank, supporting technology-driven startups that deliver measurable social, climate, and development impact across Asia and the Pacific. It provides early-stage capital, strategic support, and access to ADB’s network, helping startups scale innovative solutions in sectors such as inclusive fintech, climate tech, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy. By crowding-in private capital for sustainable development, ADB Ventures accelerates progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals in emerging markets.

For more information, please visit: https://ventures.adb.org/

Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-lhoft

Radisson RED Auckland marks Radisson Hotel Group’s bold debut in New Zealand

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BRUSSELS, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Radisson RED Auckland has officially opened, marking the brand’s bold arrival in Australasia and Radisson Hotel Group’s highly anticipated debut in New Zealand. Anchored in the heart of Auckland’s Arts District, the hotel infuses bold design, artistic energy and the country’s largest rooftop space into one of the city’s most creative precincts.

Radisson RED Art
Radisson RED Art

Located at 33 Lorne Street, Radisson RED Auckland is crowned by a vibrant rooftop bar seamlessly connected to dynamic rooftop event spaces, setting the scene for bold social moments above the city. As one of Auckland’s few pet-friendly hotels, it welcomes guests to bring their four-legged companions along for the stay. Design-driven and community-minded, Radisson RED Auckland sets a new benchmark for modern hospitality in the heart of the Central Business District.

A hotel built for Auckland’s creative heartbeat

Radisson RED Auckland channels the theatrical pulse of the surrounding Art District straight into its public spaces and guest experience. The hotel features 322 guest rooms and suites, bold gallery-style installations, immersive lighting, and sensory design moments inspired by Auckland’s creative culture, performance arts, and urban energy.

The central location puts guests just minutes from major attractions including the Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Waiheke Island and the West Coast beaches. Some of the city’s best cafés and restaurants are right on the doorstep, creating an effortless base for both leisure and business travelers.

“Radisson RED thrives in cities fueled by creativity, culture, and community, and Auckland captures that spirit perfectly. This opening marks a major milestone for our growth in Australasia and a proud moment for our upper-upscale Radisson RED brand, which brings a playful twist to the conventional. As Radisson Hotel Group’s debut in New Zealand and the first Radisson RED in the region, we can’t wait for everyone to see Auckland in RED and experience a hotel bursting with energy, design, and unforgettable moments,” says Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, MEA & SEAP, Radisson Hotel Group.

A bold, theatrical take on Auckland’s arts culture

Radisson RED Auckland’s design blends attitude with artistry. Corridor lighting mimics stage spotlights. Lounge seating draws inspiration from opera boxes. Contemporary installation pieces nod to the city’s vibrant gallery scene. Guest rooms echo an actor’s dressing room, layered textures, expressive colours, curated artwork and sensory lighting that sets the tone the moment guests walk in.

Higher-floor rooms offer skyline views, while the Suite Panorama presents sweeping vistas of Auckland City, Albert Park, and the harbour.

Social spaces shaped for connection

Radisson RED Auckland offers guests a vibrant all-day dining venue and bar for relaxed, casual moments. It’s soon to open Rooftop Restaurant & Bar set to be the largest outdoor rooftop space in New Zealand, boasts sweeping open-air views of Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower, positioning it as one of the city’s most engaging bar destinations. From bespoke cocktail evenings to dynamic social gatherings, the rooftop offers a striking setting for memorable dining experiences and events, reflecting the hotel’s bold, design-led approach to hospitality. 

The outlet reflects RED’s love for Share & Connect, a concept where food, music, and mixology create the spark for natural interaction and community. With spacious zones and state-of-the-art equipment guests can also stay active in Radisson RED Auckland’s fitness centre open daily from 5AM to 11PM.

A rooftop built for play, performance, and possibility

Perched above the city and with capacity for up to 219 guests in a cocktail style setup, this rooftop stands out as a series of meeting and event spaces designed to feel a creative playground, perfect for celebrations, live performances, popups, weddings, and business sessions alike. The venue can be configured into four flexible rooms, each filled with natural light, allowing it to shift effortlessly from polished corporate functions to relaxed social occasions.

“Opening Radisson RED Auckland marks an exciting new chapter for the city, one that celebrates creativity, connection, and a bold new way to experience hospitality. We’ve designed Radisson RED Auckland to be far more than a place to stay, it’s a creative hub where locals and travelers can plug into the heartbeat of the CBD and feel the city’s culture, color, and energy from the moment they arrive. Every space has been shaped to spark inspiration, encourage connection, and bring a sense of play back into travel. We’re proud to open our doors and introduce a fresh, dynamic experience to Auckland, one that reflects the spirit of the city and the attitude of RED,” concludes Reinout Engel, General Manager, Radisson RED Auckland.

For more information or to book, click here. 

Download high-resolution pictures here. 

ABOUT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP

Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 27 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions, placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.

At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on:

LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X

ABOUT RADISSON RED

Radisson RED is an upper upscale hotel brand that presents a playful twist on the conventional. The brand injects new life into hospitality through informal services where anything goes, a vibrant social scene that’s waiting to be shared and stylish public spaces with standout design to inspire our guests. Radisson RED hotels are designed to meet the needs of our guests by giving them endless opportunities to tune in and out, switching effortlessly between business and pleasure. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson RED by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.

Radisson RED is part of the Radisson family of brands, which includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.

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‘War orphans’ express gratitude to Chinese foster parents

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2026 – Organized by the Japanese Repatriates and Japan-China Friendship Association, a delegation of 90 Japanese “war orphans,” along with their descendants and family members, visited Harbin in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province on September 11, 2025, for a cultural performance. The event served as an opportunity for participants to convey heartfelt gratitude to their Chinese foster parents who raised them, while also promoting messages of peace and historical reflection through their artistic expressions.

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The association is dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and China. Its mission includes supporting the social welfare of Japanese “war orphans” left behind in China—individuals who endured significant hardship during the post-war turmoil and are still facing various challenges today. The organization also seeks to preserve and transmit the memories of these experiences to younger generations and to deepen bilateral exchanges.

Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, more than 4,000 Japanese children were left behind in China and raised by Chinese families. Now advanced in age, the group has decided to undertake what they call their final “gratitude tour,” which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Since 2009, these orphans have been traveling to China every few years to acknowledge the kindness of their Chinese foster parents and other benefactors who supported them.

Sumie Ikeda, 81, head of the association of friendship of repatriates from China, is herself one of the Japanese orphans left behind in China. In an exclusive interview with CNS, she spoke in the fluent northeastern Chinese dialect of her childhood, reminiscing about her upbringing in Heilongjiang. “How could I be Japanese?” she reflected, her early identity obscured by the war’s aftermath. Separated from her biological family as an infant, she was raised in Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province. “My foster mother was truly an exceptional Chinese woman,” Ikeda said, noting that memories of her foster mother’s strength continue to sustain her.

A pivotal moment occurred when she was eight and local Chinese authorities identified her Japanese heritage. The words of her foster mother, who insisted “This child is mine,” left an indelible mark on Ikeda. As an adult, her search for biological roots in 1980s Japan ended in hardship and betrayal, leaving her destitute and suicidal until rescued by the Chinese consulate.

“My first life was given by my birth parents; my second by my adoptive parents,” she recounted. “In the most difficult times, it was always the Chinese people who reached out to us.”

Ikeda’s story reflects a broader historical experience. Official Japanese records recognize 2,818 such “war orphans.” Their lives, Ikeda stresses, are a living indictment of the catastrophes caused by war.

Yet, despite their hardships, their enduring sentiment is one of profound gratitude towards China. “Though Japanese by birth, we would not have survived without Chinese people,” Ikeda said.

Their collective narrative delivers a dual message of profound gratitude and solemn warning. It pays tribute to the extraordinary compassion of ordinary Chinese people—a love that chose nurture over vengeance. “We must never let war happen again. Situations like ours must never be repeated,” Ikeda urged.

“We are a group with the dual identity of both perpetrators and victims,” she reflected, a statement that embodies the complex legacy of history, humanity, and a plea for lasting peace.
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The 2026 Spring Festival Gala Effect: Yiwu Transient Spotlight into Lasting Tourism Growth

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YIWU, China, Feb. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Yiwu Media Convergence Center:

On New Year’s Eve, the stunning debut of the Yiwu sub-venue at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala showcased “A Different Yiwu” to the world. Far from concluding with the gala’s end, Yiwu transformed its fleeting on-screen brilliance into a tangible New Year experience, igniting the potential for holiday cultural tourism consumption.


From “Highlight Stage” to “Lasting Attraction”

The Spring Festival Gala effect continues to reverberate, bringing a “strong start” to Yiwu’s cultural tourism market. Since the Spring Festival, Yiwu has recorded a total of 2.6757 million tourist visits across its regions, a year-on-year increase of 30.87%. Comprehensive tourism revenue reached 2.408 billion yuan, up 28.43% year-on-year.

Starting from the first day of the Chinese New Year, ten Gala-related check-in spots were gradually opened to the public. As of the fourth day of the new year, the cumulative foot traffic had exceeded 650,000.

As the main stage for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala sub-venue, the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Centre received 61,900 visitors on its opening day, driving nearly 1 million yuan in consumption at the on-site New Year market. Ximen Old Street restored the aesthetic scenes from the Gala, featuring the magnificent rattle-drum stage, dazzling phoenix lantern displays, and alleyways where tradition met modernity, attracting throngs of visitors. On the first day of the Chinese New Year, the street received 12,100 visitors, and by the fourth day, single-day foot traffic exceeded 30,000, with average daily numbers continuing to climb.

From “Online Traffic” to “Offline Consumption”

During the Spring Festival holiday, Yiwu implemented a combined strategy of “Event Matrix + Consumption Incentives + Industrial Chain Extension” to fully unleash consumption potential.

The event matrix achieved comprehensive coverage. Centered around the 2026 Spring Festival Gala sub-venue locations and five major commercial districts, Yiwu coordinated with 14 towns and sub-districts to launch 166 “Explore Yiwu with the Spring Festival Gala” Spring Festival cultural tourism experience activities, ensuring “each town has its unique feature, with surprises every day”. Fotang Tourist Resort hosted immersive activities during the holiday, such as ancient town rooftop concerts, and intangible cultural heritage stage performances, accumulating over 600,000 tourist visits and achieving total tourism revenue exceeding 40 million yuan.

The industrial chain was extended in an integrated manner. By blending the Gala’s IP with local culture, Yiwu developed 17 co-branded cultural and creative products with the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, including Year of the Horse woven bags and intangible cultural heritage rattles, along with over a hundred “Yiwu Gifts” specialty items. Seven pop-up stores for Gala cultural creative products were opened at the airport, train stations, and key commercial districts. An online “Yiwu Gifts” store was launched, four double-decker buses were transformed into mobile pop-up shops, and a “Spring Festival Gala Post Office” was established in collaboration with China Post. To date, total sales of cultural and creative products have exceeded 5 million yuan.

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