PORT VILA, Vanuatu, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets is proud to announce a significant milestone in its journey to empower traders: surpassing 5,000 reviews on Trustpilot, one of the world’s most trusted consumer review platforms. With an impressive TrustScore of 4*, this achievement underscores Vantage’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and value to its global trading community.
Vantage Reaches 5K Reviews on Trustpilot, Cementing Reputation as a Trusted Trading Platform
The 5K review milestone reflects the confidence and satisfaction of Vantage’s clients, who have praised the platform for its innovative trading tools, seamless user experience, and dedicated customer support. The positive feedback highlights Vantage’s unwavering focus on building trust, transparency, and reliability in the financial markets.
Marc Despallieres, CEO of Vantage Markets, shared his thoughts on this achievement: “Hitting 5,000 reviews on Trustpilot is a proud moment for Vantage. It reflects the trust our clients place in us and our commitment to delivering an exceptional trading experience. We are grateful to our global community for their support and feedback, which inspires us to continually improve and innovate.”
As Vantage continues to grow, the company remains committed to fostering a trading environment where clients feel supported, empowered, and valued. By listening to client feedback and driving innovation, Vantage is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the future.
For more information about Vantage’s services and achievements, visit Vantage Markets.
*The figures mentioned are accurate as of the time of writing and may change as new reviews are submitted.
About Vantage
Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.
With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.
trade smarter @vantage
RISK WARNING: CFD trading carries significant risks. You could lose more than your initial investment.
HONG KONG, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tiger Brokers (HK) Global Limited (“Tiger Brokers (HK)”) is pleased to announce that YAX (Hong Kong) (“YAX”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tiger Brokers, today received Type 1 (dealing in securities) and Type 7 (automated trading service (ATS)) licenses from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (HKSFC). YAX has obtained official licensing as a virtual asset trading platform operator in Hong Kong and has been authorized to extend its operations to include retail business. YAX is dedicated to delivering holistic virtual asset services to the public, guaranteeing the security and reliability of virtual asset transactions, and protecting the assets of its users.
Upon its official launch, the platform will enable clients to custody and trade cryptocurrencies, providing a one-stop asset management experience. YAX offers secure and reliable custodial services, ensuring the comprehensive protection of digital assets, while facilitating smooth and efficient trading to optimize capital flow.
In addition, YAX prioritizes user security alongside its commitment to innovation. The platform employs robust security measures, including the effective segregation of client funds from YAX Exchange’s operations and protection through institutional-grade custody insurance, ensuring the safety of user accounts and assets.
Wu Tianhua, CEO and Co-Founder of Tiger Brokers, said, “The global virtual asset sector has rapidly developed in recent years, showing immense potential. Cryptocurrencies are a key future investment trend. The establishment of YAX not only demonstrates our confidence in the potential of the market, but also showcases our firm commitment to creating a transparent and secure trading environment. In recent years, Tiger Brokers has actively promoted the development of virtual assets, fostering a prosperous virtual asset ecosystem in Hong Kong and helping the city become a global center for virtual asset trading.”
Kelvin Liu Kai, CEO of YAX (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “As a pioneer of innovation, YAX is committed to providing users with a safer, more efficient, and open trading platform while addressing various challenges in cryptocurrency trading. Today, we have been granted the virtual asset trading platform operator license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, a recognition of the strength of our company. In the future, we will focus on enhancing trading speed, reducing custodial risks, and ensuring transparency and security in the trading process to create the best trading experience possible for our users.”
About Tiger Brokers (HK)
Tiger Brokers (HK) Global Limited (Central number: BMU940) holds type 1, 2, 4, 5 and 9 licenses of the Securities and Futures Commission. Starting from 30th November 2022, with Tiger Trade, Tiger Brokers’ flagship app, Hong Kong users can trade financial products from major markets around the world, such as Hong Kong stocks, warrants, options, US stocks, US fractional shares and ETFs, etc., providing a one-stop solution to their investment needs. In the future, we will continue to expand our trading markets and categories to better serve Hong Kong investors.
About YAX (Hong Kong)
YAX (Hong Kong) Limited (CE Reference: BUT913) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tiger Brokers, a Nasdaq-listed company headquartered in Singapore
YAX is a premier cryptocurrency exchange platform designed to simplify access and valuation of digital assets for its users. The platform integrates advanced security measures to ensure the segregation and protection of customer funds. Additionally, institutional-grade custody insurance is in place to guarantee the safety of user accounts and assets, reinforcing trust and reliability.
Tiger Brokers (Nasdaq: TIGR), founded in 2014, is a leading online brokerage group with a focus on redefining global investing with technologies for the next generation.
Since our inception, the company has relentlessly offered a superior user experience to let everyone enjoy efficient and smart global investing, by bringing a multitude of quality financial products and services across brokerage, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) management, investment banking, wealth management, investor community, and investor education in our pursuit of becoming a world-leading online brokerage group.
We strive to elevate financial technology R&D to a new level. While we inherit the best traditions from the financial sector and blend them with the best minds of tech experts, we develop our own technology infrastructure—an aggregation that enables multi-currency trading of various products across markets, guaranteeing our reliable, secure, and scalable services accessible to all with low latency.
Currently, we serve over 10 million users and over 2 million account holders worldwide on our flagship platform “Tiger Trade”, own 77 licenses and qualifications in different markets, and have over 1,000 employees on the team in Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, the US, Australia, and Mainland China. In 2019, the company was listed on Nasdaq as UP Fintech Holding Limited under the ticker TIGR.
SHANGHAI, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — U Power Limited (Nasdaq: UCAR) (the “Company” or “U Power”), a vehicle sourcing services provider with a vision to becoming a comprehensive EV battery power solution provider in China, today announced that it has expanded its UOTTA battery swapping solutions with a new compact 8-slot battery-swapping station, set to be delivered to Associação Nacional dos Transportes Rodoviários em Automóveis Ligeiros (“ANTRAL”), Portugal’s national taxi association in the first half of 2025. This expansion with ANTRAL, which represents public passenger transport companies operating light vehicles, marks another milestone in the Company’s growing European market presence.
The UOTTA 8-slot compact swap station showcases U Power’s deep understanding of European urban infrastructure needs. With its optimized footprint of just 90 square meters, the station’s space-efficient design is specifically engineered for dense city environments. The station’s power consumption has been carefully calibrated to work within existing urban grid capabilities, while serving 30-50 vehicles daily. Its modular design allows for future capacity expansion, providing operators with scalability and enhanced operational efficiency.
“Since launching UOTTA in 2020, U Power has built a comprehensive solution portfolio that serves all vehicle types, with customizable configurations to meet specific operational needs. For instance, our taxi-focused swap stations can handle up to 200 swaps daily through flexible battery and channel combinations,” said Li Jia, Chairman and CEO of U Power.
“Our recent collaboration with ANTRAL showcases our technological edge. By integrating AI into station management and cloud platforms, we’ve created an intelligent system that optimizes power consumption and operational efficiency.”
“More importantly, our battery swapping solution offers compelling economics compared to traditional fast-charging infrastructure. When evaluating total investment costs – including land use, grid upgrades, and equipment – swapping stations require lower capital investment while serving the same number of taxis and mileage. This advantage is particularly crucial in European cities where space constraints make large charging stations impractical, making our swapping technology the optimal solution for electrifying taxi fleets.”
About U Power Limited
U Power Limited is a vehicle sourcing services provider, with a vision to becoming an EV market player primarily focused on its proprietary battery-swapping technology, or UOTTA technology, which is an intelligent modular battery-swapping technology designed to provide a comprehensive battery power solution for EVs. Since its operation in 2013, the Company has established a vehicle sourcing network in China’s lower-tier cities. The Company has developed two types of battery-swapping stations for compatible EVs and is operating one manufacturing factory in Zibo City, Shandong Province, China. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: http://ir.upincar.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current view about future events. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “propose,” “potential,” “continue” or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact U Power Limited
Investor Relations Department
Email: ir@upincar.com
BANGKOK, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aloft Bangkok—Sukhumvit 11, the first Aloft hotel in Thailand and part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, has recently undergone a significant transformation to enhance its facilities and guest experience.
Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11, Unveils a Vibrant New Look After Transformative Makeover
This transformation redefines the travel experience, positioning Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 as a vibrant hub and your local connector. Here, flexibility meets personality, offering guests a refreshing, energetic, and unconventional stay that embodies the spirit of “different.by design.”
Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 opened its doors on December 1, 2011, introducing a fresh, modern twist to Bangkok’s hospitality scene with 298 stylish guestrooms and suites. Ranging from the 32 m² Chic room to the spacious 142 m² Savvy Suite, each accommodation featuring unique graphics inspired by local attractions and breathtaking views of Bangkok’s skyline. Known for its warm, friendly service and well-appointed spaces, Aloft Bangkok is the launching and landing pad for all that travel has in store, bringing our unique attitude and atmosphere to each and every stay.
Located just 500 meters from the Nana BTS station, the hotel offers easy access to some of Bangkok’s most iconic attractions. Within two stops, guests can explore the upscale EmDistrict at Phrom Phong station or head to Siam station for premier shopping and entertainment. Whether visiting for work or leisure, Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 ensures a memorable stay in the vibrant heart of the city.
In Q2 2024, the management team initiated significant renovations to elevate the hotel’s facilities and services. Guests can now look forward to enhanced experiences at the signature wxyz bar, a revamped lobby, upgraded guestrooms, and the addition of a brand-new meeting room.
Guest room Highlights: Our new guest rooms feature a sleek loft-style aesthetic, characterized by bold graffiti art that brings Bangkok’s rich cultural narrative to life. Each piece of artwork is thoughtfully curated to represent the city’s most iconic landmarks, connecting our guests to the heart of Bangkok’s heritage:
The Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha): This religious structure in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district is depicted with vibrant energy, capturing its historical significance as a ceremonial site and tourist attraction.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Renowned for its stunning and unique design, Wat Arun’s colorful, intricately decorated spires rise majestically over the Chao Phraya River. Its depiction in the graffiti art highlights the temple’s role as a symbol of beauty and tranquility in the bustling city.
Lobby / Reconnect: We design with intent. Modern, comfortable and connected, our design fosters a soft buzz that acts as the perfect backdrop for work or socialization. We’re upbeat and distinct from the otherwise beige, industrial and adaptive. Ultimately, we’re anything but ordinary.
wxyz bar is more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s a destination for connection and celebration. With a contemporary design that fuses industrial elegance with playful pops of color, the bar creates the perfect setting for any occasion, from casual meetups to lively gatherings. From coffee to cocktails, we’re here to dish out the right refreshment to get you going-day or night.
This revitalization aims to deliver an even more memorable experience for our guests, providing fresh, vibrant spaces that truly capture the spirit of Aloft. Expect a fresh new look that’s eye-catching, lively—crafted to ensure each stay is as unique as it is enjoyable.
Supporting the Local Community With these renovations comes a renewed mission to connect with and uplift the local community. As a proud local connector, Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 is committed to fostering partnerships with nearby businesses, promoting local cuisine and products, and celebrating the rich art and culture that define Bangkok.
Stay tuned as Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 embarks on an exciting new chapter—refreshingly and infused with vibrant style and rhythm. We can’t wait for you to dive into the all-new Aloft experience!
About Aloft Hotels®
With over 230 hotels now open in 33 countries and territories around the world, Aloft Hotels provides a forward-thinking hotel experience that helps guests enjoy the things they love while on the road. From gaming to cocktails and pet-friendly amenities, the brand offers flexibility with modern, welcoming spaces that encourage social interaction. The grab-and-go breakfast concept Re:fuel by Aloft® includes offerings such as cold brew coffee and breakfast sandwiches, while the W xyz bar features a vibrant social scene, unique music-inspired cocktail menu and easy-to-share light bites. The brand’s pet-friendly program ArfSM (Animals R Fun) welcomes guests’ furry friends to the hotel with special in-room pet amenities. Aloft connects people and places through local know-how and cultural nods that give guests the ultimate freedom to choose their own adventure. For more information, visit www.alofthotels.com and follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Aloft is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences onMarriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2025 – Dou Yee Enterprises, a prominent global player in high-tech manufacturing and precision engineering, has entered into a strategic partnership with BIOVIA a leader in scientific software solutions. Through this collaboration, Dou Yee will serve as a reseller of BIOVIA Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) software solutions across Southeast Asia. This propelled Dou Yee’s expansion into the rapidly growing life sciences, healthcare, and research sectors in the region, leveraging BIOVIA’s powerful software solutions to meet the evolving needs of laboratories and research institutions.
Partnership BIOVIA with DOUYEE
Why Southeast Asia is the Right Market for LIMS and ELN Solutions Southeast Asia, with its burgeoning life sciences and pharmaceutical industries, is increasingly becoming a hotspot for scientific innovation. As countries in the region ramp up their investments in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotech research, there is a clear and growing demand for sophisticated laboratory management systems that can manage complex data, ensure compliance, and support cutting-edge research. Here are a few reasons why Southeast Asia presents an ideal market for the introduction of BIOVIA’s LIMS and ELN solutions:
1. Rapid Growth in Life Sciences and Biotech Southeast Asia is experiencing significant growth in the life sciences and biotech sectors. Countries like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are becoming global hubs for pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, and medical research. With this growth comes an increasing need for software solutions that can help laboratories efficiently manage data, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance productivity.
2. Digital Transformation in Laboratories As laboratories across Southeast Asia modernize their operations, there is a shift from traditional paper-based record-keeping to digital systems that enhance efficiency and accuracy. The adoption of LIMS and ELN systems helps help laboratories digitize workflows, improving collaboration, data integrity, and traceability, which are crucial for innovation in scientific research.
3. Regulatory Compliance and Data Integrity Regulatory requirements across Southeast Asia are becoming more stringent, particularly in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and research sectors. Software solutions that offer robust data security, audit trails, and compliance features—like BIOVIA LIMS and ELN—are essential for meeting local and international regulatory standards such as GxP (Good Laboratory Practice), FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and ISO 17025.
4. Collaboration in Scientific Research Many Southeast Asian countries are investing in regional research and development collaborations, particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, genetics, and healthcare. ELN systems facilitate real-time collaboration among researchers, enabling teams across different locations to work together seamlessly, share data, and maintain accurate records.
The Power of BIOVIA’s LIMS and ELN Software Solutions BIOVIA’s LIMS and ELN software solutions are designed to help laboratories streamline their operations, improve data management, and enhance regulatory compliance. As Dou Yee begins reselling these solutions in Southeast Asia, customers in the region can look forward to the following benefits:
1. Enhanced Efficiency and Automation BIOVIA’s LIMS allows laboratories to automate routine tasks such as sample tracking, test management, and result analysis. This not only reduces the risk of human error but also increases throughput, enabling labs to manage higher volumes of data with greater efficiency.
2. Improved Data Integrity and Compliance LIMS and ELN solutions from BIOVIA ensure that all data is recorded, stored, and shared in a secure and compliant manner. This is particularly important in regulated industries where maintaining an audit trail and adhering to data integrity standards is critical. BIOVIA’s solutions comply with global regulations such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 17025, and GMP, ensuring that laboratories in Southeast Asia can meet both local and international compliance requirements.
3. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing ELNs promote collaboration among research teams by providing a centralized, digital repository for experimental data, notes, and findings. This digital platform ensures that data is easily accessible to all authorized users, making it easier for researchers in Southeast Asia to work together on multi-disciplinary and cross-border projects. 4. Scalability and Flexibility BIOVIA’s LIMS and ELN software solutions are scalable and can be customized to fit the needs of a wide range of laboratories, from small research labs to large-scale pharmaceutical companies. This flexibility ensures that organizations of all sizes can benefit from the software’s powerful capabilities. 5. Real-Time Analytics and Reporting With built-in data analytics and reporting tools, BIOVIA’s solutions help laboratories gain deeper insights into their operations. Real-time dashboards, customizable reports, and data visualization tools enable laboratory managers and researchers to make data-driven decisions that improve outcomes and streamline workflows.
Dou Yee’s Role as a Reseller As part of its new role as a reseller for BIOVIA solution in Southeast Asia, Dou Yee Enterprises will focus on several key initiatives to drive adoption and support customers in the region:
1. Marketing and Awareness Campaigns Dou Yee will collaborate with BIOVIA to launch marketing campaigns and conduct outreach activities such as webinars, seminars, and workshops aimed at educating potential customers about the benefits of LIMS and ELN systems. These efforts will focus on the growing need for digital solutions in laboratories across Southeast Asia. 2. Regional Partnerships and Collaborations Dou Yee will actively engage with regional laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and universities to introduce BIOVIA’s software solutions. The company will also explore strategic collaborations with other technology providers to offer integrated solutions that meet the diverse needs of the market. 3. Customer Feedback and Customization Dou Yee’s customer-focused approach will ensure that feedback from local clients is integrated into product development and support offerings. This will help ensure that BIOVIA’s LIMS and ELN solutions remain adaptable to the unique requirements of Southeast Asian laboratories.
Conclusion Dou Yee Enterprises’ partnership with BIOVIA to resell LIMS and ELN software solutions in Southeast Asia is a significant step in both companies’ efforts to drive innovation and digital transformation in the region’s laboratory and research sectors. With Dou Yee’s established presence in the region and BIOVIA’s world-class software, this partnership is well-positioned to help laboratories in Southeast Asia enhance operational efficiency, improve data integrity, and ensure compliance with regulatory
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Dou Yee
Established in 1982, Dou Yee Enterprises has evolved into a global total industrial solutions provider, distinguished for its service excellence across the semiconductor, data storage, and electronics industries. The company has now expanded its expertise into reshaping the medical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare services sectors. It prides itself on pioneering exploration of emerging technologies and maintains a strong commitment to sustainability, focusing on eco-friendly solutions and energy-efficient products. Find out more here.
2024 was a groundbreaking year of achievements for Philippine tourism promotions
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2025 – The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines kicked off 2025 with its annual Pasasalamat event on January 27th at the historic Centro de Turismo Intramuros. Celebrating the vital role of media professionals and content creators, the evening reflected on TPB’s key achievements and milestones in tourism promotion.
2024 milestones of TPB Philippines include generating PHP 11.3 billion in tourism sales leads, securing PHP 918 million in leads through global travel fairs like ITB Berlin and World Travel Market (WTM) London, and achieving PHP 1.44 billion in media values through strategic media partnerships.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles shared impressive stats: in 2024, the agency generated over PHP 11.3 billion in sales leads, a 44.8% increase from the year before. Global travel fairs like ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market in London contributed PHP 918 million in leads, while strategic partnerships with media outlets like GMA7, ABS-CBN, CNN, Bloomberg, and Euronews added PHP 1.44 billion in media values.
“Pasasalamat is our way of recognizing the invaluable contributions of our communication partners and stakeholders in helping us share the wonders of the Philippines,” said Nograles. “Through your dedication, we’ve reached new heights and inspired travelers to explore our country.”
Stars such as Timothy Granaderos from 13 Reasons Why, Nico Santos from Crazy Rich Asians, Broadway’s Aladdin star Josh de la Cruz, and Korean actor Kim Ji Soo were lauded for their significant contributions to elevating the Philippines’ global presence. Renowned music icons like LANY were also celebrated for fostering the vibe of a transformative and vibrant cultural hotspot.
Likewise, the TPB’s Community-Based Tourism Marketing Enhancement Program has effectively empowered local communities to highlight their unique cultural and natural assets. Through workshops and training sessions in Bicol and CALABARZON in late 2024, grassroots stakeholders developed strategies to attract travelers while safeguarding their heritage. This initiative has not only boosted visitor engagement in these destinations but also fostered sustainable economic opportunities, ensuring that tourism directly benefits the local communities.
At the tail end of her presentation, Nograles also shared that the TPB is in the final stretches of its preparations for World Expo Osaka, which opens on April 13. This global platform presents a unique opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ rich tourism offerings, attract sustainable investments, and drive economic growth.
As the country steps confidently into 2025, the TPB’s unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable tourism continues to lay the foundation for a thriving industry, poised to inspire the world, invite travelers and investors alike to experience the many reasons to love the Philippines. Hashtag: #LoveThePhilippines
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About TPB Philippines
An attached agency of the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines exists to market and promote the Philippines domestically and internationally in key markets including South Korea, Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia, China, Taiwan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, India, Germany, and Hong Kong as a world-class tourism and MICE destination, in strategic partnership with private and public stakeholders to deliver a unique high-value experience for visitors, significantly contributing to increased arrivals, receipts, and investments to the country.
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, titled And All That Is In Between, has opened to the public in the presence of His Excellency Rakan Bin Ibrahim Al-Touq, Assistant Minister of Culture of Saudi Arabia.
View of the outdoor exhibition spaces at the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale. Image by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
The Islamic Arts Biennale is the world’s first, and until now only, biennial exhibition dedicated to the arts of Islamic civilization. It is an emphatically global project rooted in Saudi Arabia that insists on the contemporary relevance of tradition, through the presence of historical objects and new artistic commissions.
The 2025 edition of the Biennale brings together loans from over 30 of the world’s leading institutions, including the Vatican Apostolic Library (Vatican City), the Louvre Museum (Paris), and the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), as well as collections devoted specifically to Islamic arts and cultures, such as the Ahmed Baba Institute of Higher Learning and Islamic Research (Timbuktu), the Museum of Islamic Art (Doha), and the Manuscript Institution of Türkiye (Istanbul). Additionally, the Biennale has partnered with institutions from across Saudi Arabia, offering visitors a chance to see objects and works of art from the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah.
The show spans five exhibition halls and outdoor areas, occupying 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, and presents more than 500 objects in dialogue with contemporary artworks. It features the participation of over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia, the wider Gulf region, and around the world. In its second edition, the Biennale witnesses the first-ever display of the entire Kiswah—the cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba—outside of Makkah.
Led by Artistic Directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, alongside Saudi artist Muhannad Shono as Curator of Contemporary Art, the Biennale offers insights into the ways cultures from around the world interact and endure. By juxtaposing historical objects from Islamic cultures with contemporary art, the Biennale explores how faith is experienced, expressed, and celebrated through feeling, thinking, and making.
The Islamic Arts Biennale takes place in Jeddah, a city that has been a meeting point of cultures for centuries. The site is the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, which echoes with memory and emotion for millions of Muslim pilgrims embarking on their sacred journeys for Hajj and Umrah every year. The exhibition will be on view through May 25, 2025.
YAMAGATA, Japan, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Spiber, a pioneer in protein fibre (ISO 2076), produced using cutting-edge fermentation technology, is proud to announce its successful partnership with Botto Giuseppe, a prestigious Italian premium mill renowned for its high-quality yarns made from natural fibers such as wool and cashmere.
Since beginning their collaboration in 2023, Spiber and Botto Giuseppe have been working to unlock the full potential of Spiber’s Brewed Protein™ fiber. “We are delighted to start this new collaboration with the development of such a high-tech fibre. It is a highlight in our sustainability journey,” says Silvio Botto Poala, CEO of Botto Giuseppe.
This partnership has resulted in the development of yarn blends containing 20%–50% Brewed Protein™ fiber combined with cashmere, as well as 100% Brewed Protein™ worsted yarn. Botto Giuseppe is the first European mill to successfully develop and market yarn made entirely from Brewed Protein™ fiber. These yarns are versatile, suitable for weaving and knitting, and can be used in a variety of applications such as shirts, suits, and jersey knitwear. All yarns are now available for purchase through Botto Giuseppe.
At Pitti Filati, taking place in Florence, Italy, from January 28–30 2025, Spiber is proud to showcase a polo shirt made from 100% Brewed Protein™ yarn developed by Botto Giuseppe . This fabric exhibits an elegant touch endowed by the nature of Brewed Protein™ fibers and the manufacturers’ expertise.
Looking ahead, both Spiber and Botto Giuseppe are excited to explore finer yarn counts in 100% Brewed Protein™ fiber materials and collaborate on customizations tailored for specific brands.
Product line Brewed Protein worsted yarn Composition: 100% Brewed Protein™ fiber Count: 2/60NM, 1/60NM, 2/80NM
Spiber Inc. Established in 2007, Spiber is a biotech venture company based in Yamagata, Japan. Dedicated to creating innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable well-being, Spiber has developed a new material solution inspired by nature’s diversity and circularity, the Brewed Protein™ material platform. By harnessing the power of precision fermentation, Spiber engineers proteins at the molecular level, resulting in versatile materials that can be tailored to specific needs. This innovative solution opens up new possibilities for sustainable and high-performance materials in various industries, including apparel, food, automotives, and more. Alongside our partners, Spiber is constantly exploring diverse new applications for Brewed Protein™ materials in order to help pave the way for a brighter future. Our passion lies in fostering a circular economy, minimizing our environmental impact, and working together to build a world that is inclusive, fair, and regenerative.
Spiber is a trademark or a registered trademark of Spiber Inc. in Japan and other countries.
Brewed Protein™ is a trademark or a registered trademark of Spiber Inc. in Japan and other countries.
Brewed Protein™ fiber A premium, plant-based material produced using Spiber’s fermentation (brewing) technology, providing a circular solution and pioneering a new cate no no gory of protein fibers. Brewed Protein™ fibers can be tailored to offer a silk-like sheen and delicacy, a luxurious smooth feel akin to cashmere, or the loftiness of high-quality wool. Due to its plant-based ingredients and precision fermentation process, Brewed Protein™ fiber has the potential to significantly reduce environmental and animal welfare impacts compared to traditional materials.
Botto Giuseppe e Figli S.p.A. Botto Giuseppe e Figli S.p.A. has been producing fine yarns and fabrics since 1876. Today, the fourth generation of the family runs an international business with many of the world’s most prestigious luxury customers. From yarns to fabrics to jersey: products that focus on research, traceability, and reduced environmental impact.
Every year the Naturalis Fibra collections are enhanced with extraordinary yarns such as Flair, Fairwool, Slowool and fabrics like Slowoolly, SlowoolEarth, Flair Earth which are sustainable products and solutions that mirror the company’s corporate philosophy.
Botto Giuseppe e Figli S.p.A is an international company that operates all over the world, and with the most important international fashion companies. It targets the Italian market as well as foreign markets such as the USA, Japan, China, Korea, France and Germany.