TRAVEL NEWS
Expanding horizons and inspiring growth through local youth engagement
MACAO, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sands China and NBA Cares jointly presented School Day today, the third event of the "NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week" at Yuet Wah College, Macau. The event welcomed the return of NBA legend Mitch Richmond –– a 2002 NBA champion, six-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA Team, and 2014 Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee –– to Macao, joining NBA coaches in visiting a local campus to engage with young Macao basketball players through a range of activities, including basketball skills training and cultural exchange experiences.
Participants of “School Day,” the third event of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week,” gather at Yuet Wah College, Macau today. Presented by Sands China and NBA Cares, the event welcomed the return of NBA legend Mitch Richmond to Macao, joined by NBA coaches for a visit to a local campus.
It was a valuable platform for teachers and students to gain insights from international basketball elites, while giving an NBA legend and coaches a firsthand look at the talent and potential of Macao's young athletes. The event underscores Sands China's long-standing commitment to the Macao community and its dedication to fostering a positive, inclusive and caring society. By bringing the impact of a premier international sporting event to the local community, the company aims to inspire positive youth development through this meaningful initiative.
School Day brought together around 600 participants, including Mitch Richmond and NBA coaches and management, alongside teachers and students from Yuet Wah College and Colégio Dom Bosco (Yuet Wah), senior management from Sands China, and the Sands Cares Ambassadors.
During the event, Mitch Richmond and NBA coaches led a dedicated basketball clinic for members of the boys' basketball teams from Yuet Wah College and Colégio Dom Bosco (Yuet Wah), who each won their division's championship in this year's Inter-School Basketball Competition in Macao. Through hands-on guidance and skills demonstrations, the basketball clinic provided precious learning opportunities for the students, inspiring and encouraging them in their pursuit of excellence.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Macao SAR government and various sectors of society for their long-standing support of our community initiatives, with special thanks to Yuet Wah College for arranging this initiative. These collective efforts provided a valuable opportunity for Macao's youth to learn from world-class sports elites. We are delighted to extend the impact of this international sporting event to a local school through School Day, leveraging the power of sports to nurture talent and foster cross-cultural exchange. This initiative not only provided young basketball players with an opportunity to enhance their basketball skills through close interactions with an NBA legend and coaches, but also inspired them to learn from the perseverance and pursuit of excellence that define world-class athletes. Today's event exemplifies Sands Cares' commitment to serving the community, fostering youth development, cultural exchange, and stronger social cohesion through meaningful engagement.
"Looking ahead, Sands China will continue to support the Macao SAR government's 'Tourism+' policy –– by drawing on international events in Macao to create more opportunities for the local community and younger generation to connect with the world and broaden their horizons, while showcasing Macao's unique appeal as a diverse and inclusive city on the global stage."
Ng Teng Kuong, principal of Yuet Wah College, said: "We are pleased to join hands with Sands China and NBA Cares to bring this meaningful campus activity to our students. The initiative provided members of our basketball team and fellow students with an invaluable opportunity to learn from an international basketball star, encouraging them to embrace a positive mindset both on and off the court. Through School Day, we brought the positive impact of an international sporting event into our school and the wider community, providing students with a unique opportunity to enhance their basketball skills, engage with world-class athletes, and expand their horizons. We sincerely thank Sands China and the NBA for their care and commitment to Macao's youth. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders across different sectors, creating more opportunities for students to engage with the wider world and unlock their full potential."
Beyond basketball exchange, the event featured meaningful cultural interactions. Students from Colégio Dom Bosco (Yuet Wah) delivered an electrifying freestyle rope-skipping performance on-site, showcasing the energy and diverse talents of Macao's youth. Accompanied by teachers and students at the school, NBA legend Mitch Richmond participated in a Chinese calligraphy session, learning firsthand the techniques of brushwork and ink application while gaining a deeper appreciation of the richness of Chinese culture. The experience fostered cultural exchange between East and West.
To further extend the positive impact, Sands China and the NBA donated basketballs and training equipment to Yuet Wah College, while establishing a new "Basketball Corner" on campus. Featuring a basketball-themed design, the space integrates areas for reading, social interaction and recreation, aiming to enrich students' campus life and extracurricular experiences while fostering a positive sporting culture.
School Day ended on a warm and cheerful note as students were presented with goodie bags assembled during the Impact Week's Tip-Off Day, conveying care and well wishes while encouraging them to pursue their dreams and challenge themselves to reach new heights.
Guests attending the School Day event included: Kathy Behrens, president of social responsibility and player programs of NBA; Wayne Chang, managing director of NBA Asia; NBA legend Mitch Richmond; Ng Teng Kuong, principal of Yuet Wah College; Iu Pek Fong, principal of Colégio Dom Bosco (Yuet Wah); Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd.; and Hubert Wang, chief operating officer of Sands China Ltd.
The "NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026" is taking place over five consecutive days, Oct. 7-11, featuring a diverse programme of activities focused on youth development, healthy living and community inclusion. Current NBA players and legends will engage with communities across Macao, with the initiative seeking to extend the impact of the NBA sporting event into the community and enable more Macao residents to experience the positive energy and excitement generated by the world-class basketball event.
The fourth event of Community Impact Week, Health and Wellness Day, will take place tomorrow (Oct. 10) at the Fuhong Society of Macau's Happy Kitchen Social Enterprise. During the event, an NBA legend, Sands China senior management, and Sands Cares Ambassadors will assemble and distribute boxed lunches to people in need in Macao, extending care and support to the local community.
"NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026" is part of Sands Cares, the global corporate citizenship programme of Sands China's parent company. As an important stakeholder in the Macao community, Sands China has actively fulfilled its corporate social responsibility for more than two decades. Through the programme, the company strives to connect with and serve the community, give back to society, and work alongside different sectors to build a more vibrant and inclusive Macao community.
For high resolution photos, please visit:
https://it-ezshare.sands.com.mo/exweb/share/0c0badbf-e2c9-4d1d-9f22-f5ec552cc24f
About Sands China Ltd.
Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company's integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian® Macao and The Londoner® Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company's portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, The Londoner Theatre and Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company's Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao's transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).
For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.
Sands Cares
A firm believer in the importance of corporate social responsibility, Sands China Ltd. engages with the local Macao community as a part of Sands Cares – the charitable giving programme of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sands Cares integrates the company's philanthropic work worldwide in four key areas: financial giving, community problem solving and collaboration, in-kind donations, and team member volunteerism.
Key areas of Sands Cares in Macao include the Sands Cares Ambassador programme for volunteering in the local community; charitable contributions to NGOs and community organisations; and sponsorship of community events.
For more information, please visit www.sands.com/sands-cares/.
About NBA Social Impact & Inclusion and NBA Cares
NBA Social Impact & Inclusion drives change on issues facing fans and communities by advancing needed resources and proven partners. We create data-driven strategies and programming to empower colleagues to bring their best self. NBA Cares works with NBA players and teams to highlight important issues through the NBA's digital, social and broadcast channels, live events and partnerships.
Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo
Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo
Students enjoy “School Day” at Yuet Wah College, Macau today. The third event of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week” brought together approximately 600 participants, including NBA legends and coaches, NBA executives, teachers and students from Yuet Wah College and Colégio Dom Bosco (Yuet Wah) in Macao, as well as Sands China executives and Sands Cares Ambassadors.
Students enjoy “School Day” at Yuet Wah College, Macau today. The third event of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week” brought together approximately 600 participants, including NBA legends and coaches, NBA executives, teachers and students from Yuet Wah College and Colégio Dom Bosco (Yuet Wah) in Macao, as well as Sands China executives and Sands Cares Ambassadors.
Students enjoy “School Day” at Yuet Wah College, Macau today. The third event of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week” brought together approximately 600 participants, including NBA legends and coaches, NBA executives, teachers and students from Yuet Wah College and Colégio Dom Bosco (Yuet Wah) in Macao, as well as Sands China executives and Sands Cares Ambassadors.
NBA legend Mitch Richmond and NBA coaches conduct a basketball clinic for the boys’ basketball teams from Yuet Wah College and Colégio Dom Bosco (Yuet Wah), winners of their divisions’ championship in this year’s Inter-School Basketball Competition in Macao – inspiring and encouraging the young students through hands-on coaching and technical demonstrations.
NBA legend Mitch Richmond and NBA coaches conduct a basketball clinic for the boys’ basketball teams from Yuet Wah College and Colégio Dom Bosco (Yuet Wah), winners of their divisions’ championship in this year’s Inter-School Basketball Competition in Macao – inspiring and encouraging the young students through hands-on coaching and technical demonstrations.
Students from Colégio Dom Bosco (Yuet Wah) present an electrifying freestyle rope-skipping performance at School Day, showcasing the energy and diverse talents of Macao’s youth.
Beyond basketball exchange, School Day featured meaningful cultural exchange between East and West. Accompanied by teachers and students at the school, NBA legend Mitch Richmond participates in a Chinese calligraphy session, learning firsthand the techniques of brushwork and ink application while gaining a deeper appreciation of the richness of Chinese culture.
To further extend the positive impact of the event, Sands China and the NBA donated basketballs and training equipment to Yuet Wah College.
Representatives from Sands China and NBA Cares exchange souvenirs with representatives from Yuet Wah College and Colégio Dom Bosco (Yuet Wah).
BEIJING, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At 798 Art District, dancers moved alongside humanoid robots, visitors pieced together the story of an artificial human, and digital worlds unfolded across public squares. For three weeks, the 798 Art District became a testing ground for what happens when emerging technologies enter the realm of art and everyday life.
The second Beijing Art and Technology Week concluded Wednesday, drawing 1.05 million visits to the district over 21 days, according to 798. More than 100 events took place under the theme "Playable Technology," spanning performances, exhibitions, public discussions and industry collaborations.
During the opening week, dancers from TAO Dance Theater performed alongside X-Humanoid robots in "Playable Technology: Infinite Walk." Rather than demonstrating what machines could do alone, the performance explored how human bodies and robotic systems might respond to one another.
Visitors watching performance "Playable Technology: Infinite Walk"
That question carried into 798's public spaces. In Baoyang Chen's "Yanshi's Artificial Human: An Unfinished Dance," visitors helped reconstruct a fictional mechanical being through interactive installations, confronting questions of machine autonomy and human control. Maxim Zhestkov's generative digital artwork Playscapes invited audiences to navigate a constantly changing virtual environment.
Visitors watching installations of "Yanshi's Artificial Human: An Unfinished Dance"
Beyond the performances, the festival explored how artistic experimentation might translate into practical applications. A Sept. 24 industry conference brought together artists, researchers and technology companies, while a new co-creation initiative sought to turn the district's physical spaces into sites for developing and testing emerging technologies.
The festival also extended beyond China. Ahead of its opening, 798 collaborated with Austria's Ars Electronica Festival on "Airy," a performance combining robotics, dance and digital imagery. A new residency partnership with BOUNDED SPACE aims to bring international creators into future cross-disciplinary projects.
Visitor traffic rose 20% on opening day compared with a year earlier, while nearly 400,000 visits were recorded during the National Day holiday, up about 18%, according to 798.
First held in 2025, the festival reflects a broader shift at 798: from a former industrial site known for contemporary art to a place where artistic ideas, technological experiments and public life increasingly intersect.
In a first, Beijing will host the Judging Week, where the competition's
international panel of wine experts explore China's rich culture and wine terroir
MACAO, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- "Wynn Signature" – the exclusive lifestyle brand at Wynn – will unveil the full-year calendar and promotional roadmap for the 2027 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards on November 9, 2026. Entries and wine sample submissions will open on March 1, 2027. In a first for the awards, Beijing will host the Judging Week from August 21 to 25, culminating in the annual Awards Ceremony, which will take place in Macao on October 29, 2027.
The Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards was the sole recipient of the Diamond SABRE Award - the highest honor in the Brand Building category at the 2026 SABRE Awards Asia-Pacific
As a premier, internationally recognized competition dedicated exclusively to China's wine industry, the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards has rapidly evolved since its debut in 2024. In just a few short years, it has established itself as a benchmark platform that integrates wine education, industry exchange, stringent judging standards, and diversified promotions to accelerate the global advancement of the Chinese wine industry. Now in its fourth edition, the competition is set to achieve yet another major milestone: the Judging Week will move beyond Macao for the first time, taking this prestigious event to the nation's capital of Beijing.
In August next year, an authoritative panel of internationally renowned judges will gather in Beijing not only to conduct their meticulous wine evaluations, but also to immerse themselves in the country's exceptional culinary culture and rich cultural heritage. Moving beyond "judging Chinese wines" to truly "experiencing China's terroir", the judges will explore the stories of the land and the cultural depth embodied in every bottle, becoming global ambassadors for Chinese wine.
International recognition highlights the platform's growing influence
Further underscoring the competition's growing influence, the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards became the sole recipient of the Diamond SABRE Award – the highest honor in the Brand Building category at the 2026 SABRE Awards Asia-Pacific in August. The Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards was also one of only seven Diamond Award recipients selected from more than 2,000 entries across the region.
The SABRE Awards (Superior Achievement in Branding, Reputation and Engagement) are widely regarded as one of the Asia-Pacific region's most prestigious honors in brand communications and public relations. This accolade not only recognizes Wynn's achievements in brand building and cultural promotion, but also affirms the competition's role in propelling Chinese wines onto the international stage, enhancing Macao's influence as a world-class gastronomy and tourism destination, and establishing a globally recognized platform for the Chinese wine industry.
A stage for China's finest wines: Telling the stories of Chinese terroir
Following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Awards Ceremony, Wynn has unveiled a wave of promotional initiatives to celebrate the award-winning Chinese wines. By partnering with authoritative media, international industry networks, and renowned dining establishments, Wynn continues to elevate these wines on diverse stages, further solidifying the influence of Chinese wines in high-end culinary markets both at home and abroad.
On August 14 in Shanghai, Wynn served as Lead Partner for the 2026 Fine Dining Investment Forum hosted by Jiemian News of the Shanghai United Media Group. During the forum and welcome reception, Wynn hosted a dedicated booth featuring three award-winning wines from the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, offering guests an opportunity to discover and taste some of China's finest wines. That evening, Executive Chef Kevin Zhu of Lakeview Palace, the acclaimed contemporary Jiangnan restaurant at Wynn Palace, participated in the event's "12-Hands Collaboration Dinner". To showcase the exceptional quality and versatility of premium Chinese wines during the dinner, Wynn also presented one of the award-winning wines from the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards to more than 100 high-end dining investors, restaurateurs, industry professionals and media guests.
On September 7 and 8, Executive Chef Tam Kwok Fung of Chef Tam's Seasons at Wynn Palace partnered with Head Chef Reina Chen of Fumée to present the "Symphony of Terroir & Seasons" wine-pairing dinner in Shenzhen. Celebrating the interplay between seasonal ingredients and the essence of Chinese terroir, the dinner featured award-winning wines from the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, highlighting the potential of Chinese wines in fine dining settings.
On September 29, Wynn was invited by the Deqin County People's Government of Yunnan Province to participate in the launch of the Meili Snow Mountain Boutique Wine Tourism Route, held during the "2026 Deqin-Meili Snow Mountain 12th Xianzi Cultural Arts Festival". Through the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, Wynn provided the planning and content development for the Deqin Meili Wine Region Tourism Route Map published by the Deqin County Bureau of Culture and Tourism. Drawing on the judging panel's expertise and in-depth research – combined with first-hand exploration of Deqin – Wynn curated a bespoke itinerary linking representative wineries, landmark attractions and distinctive local experiences. This new wine route seamlessly blends magnificent natural scenery with the high-altitude wine industry, creating an innovative cultural tourism model designed to elevate the global visibility of China's premium wine-producing regions.
From October 12 to 16, Wynn will participate in the 47th World Congress of Vine and Wine alongside the General Assembly of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in Yinchuan, Ningxia. Founded in 1924, OIV is one of the world's leading intergovernmental organizations dedicated to the vine and wine sector. Marking the first time the event is being held in China – and Asia as a whole – Wynn will showcase award-winning wines from the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards at the Congress, highlighting the exceptional terroir, diversity, and achievements of China's premier wine regions to global industry experts, buyers, and media.
Shortly after the Congress, Wynn will serve as the Strategic Wine Partner at the Tatler Best Awards Asia-Pacific 2026 taking place in Shanghai from October 22 to 24. Across a curated series of events – including a welcome reception, celebratory party and chef collaboration dinners – Wynn will showcase the refinement and diversity of Chinese wines to a distinguished audience of approximately 700 guests. This prestigious gathering will bring together hospitality executives, prominent restaurateurs, members of the Tatler community, high society, media representatives and key opinion leaders from 25 cities across the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Vein Clinic, a medical facility in central Ho Chi Minh City specializing in the examination and treatment of varicose veins, has set out the treatment pathway it uses for patients who travel to Vietnam for care. The clinic treats lower limb venous insufficiency with minimally invasive methods: Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS), superficial sclerotherapy, and Muller's ambulatory phlebectomy. Treatment follows standardized medical protocols and is carried out by vascular specialists. Procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, so most patients are discharged the same day and return to routine daily activities without a hospital stay. Alongside patients living in Vietnam, the clinic treats international patients and Vietnamese expatriates returning home for treatment. Details of what influences the total cost are published in the clinic's guide to varicose vein treatment in Vietnam.
The Specialist Team Behind the Treatment
Treatment at Dr. Vein is carried out by vascular surgeons licensed to practice in Vietnam, working exclusively in venous disease. The team brings more than ten years of training and clinical practice at Cho Ray Hospital, one of Vietnam's largest tertiary referral centers. Their professional background and training encompass specialized vein and peripheral arterial interventions in Singapore in 2019, clinical tenure in the Department of Vascular Surgery at Cho Ray Hospital, and continuing medical education in radiofrequency and laser treatment of lower limb venous insufficiency at the same institution.
Notably, in 2026, the clinic's specialists furthered their clinical training and professional exchange in venous and arterial care in the United States, working and studying alongside leading surgical and cardiovascular experts at Michigan Medicine and the Frankel Cardiovascular Center of the University of Michigan.
Michigan Medicine is the academic medical system and medical school of the University of Michigan, recognized as a premier academic medical center in the United States. Through this program, the specialists exchanged expertise with esteemed professors and leaders in the field, including Peter Henke, M.D., Director of the Frankel Cardiovascular Center, and Jonathan Lee Eliason, M.D., gaining exposure to advanced methodologies and techniques in vascular surgery and intervention—spanning venous disease management, arterial interventions, and revascularization techniques. This engagement forms part of the team's ongoing commitment to continuous professional advancement, with a dedicated clinical focus on the diagnosis and treatment of lower limb venous disease at Dr. Vein.
In venous disease specifically, the clinic's specialists have performed more than 1,800 UGFS procedures, more than 2,000 sclerotherapy procedures, more than 1,000 EVLA procedures, and more than 500 phlebectomy and branch ligation procedures. Further detail on the clinic and its team is published on the Dr. Vein clinic profile.
Dr. Vein Specialized Vein Treatment Center
Dr. Vein was founded around a vascular surgical team trained at Cho Ray Hospital, and is dedicated to providing specialized treatment for venous insufficiency for both local and international patients. The clinic works to a core principle of treating the source of venous reflux in order to improve treatment efficacy and reduce the risk of recurrence. Care is delivered by qualified and experienced doctors who work only in this field.
Minimally Invasive Vein Treatment Methods at Dr. Vein
Depending on the location of the affected veins, disease progression, clinical symptoms and ultrasound findings, the physician will prescribe an appropriate treatment method or a combination of therapies, with the aim of achieving a good result and reducing the risk of recurrence.
For patients who also present with joint conditions or radicular nerve pain, the clinic conducts multidisciplinary consultation. This matters because aching, heaviness and night cramps in the legs are not specific to venous disease. The purpose of the consultation is to identify whether the pain originates in the veins, the musculoskeletal system or the nerves, so that the treatment plan addresses the condition actually causing the symptoms rather than the one that is easiest to see.
Current varicose vein treatment options at Dr. Vein include:
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): laser energy is applied to the diseased vein wall to collapse and seal the vessel. Blood flow is then rerouted naturally through surrounding healthy veins.
Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS): under ultrasound guidance, the physician injects a sclerosant into the affected vein, causing it to fibrose so that the diseased vessel is eliminated.
Superficial sclerotherapy: used for small superficial veins, spider veins and reticular veins.
Microphlebectomy (Muller's method): a surgical technique that removes superficial, tortuous varicose veins through micro incisions or needle punctures in the skin, designed to leave minimal marks on the skin.
What a Treatment Trip Involves for a Patient Travelling from Abroad
For patients flying in, the limiting factor is usually not the procedure but the calendar. The clinic therefore plans treatment around the length of the stay. A published case from the clinic illustrates the sequence. A patient in her fifties, living abroad and working in a role that required prolonged standing, presented with varicose vein clusters on both thighs and lower legs that had been developing for two to three years, with fatigue, aching and occasional cramps, and no improvement from compression stockings.
Duplex Doppler ultrasound performed by the treating specialist recorded reflux in the great saphenous veins of both legs with a reflux time of more than four seconds, and the case was classified as lower limb venous insufficiency, stage C2 on the CEAP classification. Treatment combined EVLA to seal the refluxing great saphenous segments with UGFS for the larger dilated branches, and was divided into two stages approximately one week apart to allow recovery between them and to prepare for a long flight home. The procedures were performed under procedural sedation on an outpatient basis.
Patients are told in advance what to expect afterwards. Treated veins commonly feel firm or show mild bruising for a period, which is part of the process by which the body clears the closed vein. Aftercare guidance covers walking and gentle ankle exercises to support the calf muscle pump, Grade 1 medical compression stockings during long periods of standing or sitting, limiting squatting and sitting cross-legged, and keeping body weight stable. Documented outcomes from treated cases are published at documented patient outcomes.
How the Cost Compares with Treatment in the United States
Cost is the first question most international patients ask, and the clinic publishes how it is built up rather than a single headline figure, because the total depends on the severity and extent of the venous disease, the number of segments treated and the combination of techniques used. According to the clinic's published cost guide, a single EVLA procedure in many Western healthcare systems is often priced between 3,000 and 4,000 US dollars, and patients can wait three to six months for an appointment. The clinic states that its own fees are substantially lower while using the same FDA approved technologies, and that treatment is quoted with the diagnostic assessment and the component services set out in advance. Because every case differs, a specific quotation follows the Doppler ultrasound assessment rather than preceding it.
One structural reason for the difference is that all interventions at Dr. Vein are performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, which removes operating room and inpatient costs that traditional vein stripping surgery carries.
How the Approach Compares with International Guidelines
The methods used at Dr. Vein are the ones recommended in current international practice guidelines. The 2022 clinical practice guidelines issued jointly by the Society for Vascular Surgery, the American Venous Forum and the American Vein and Lymphatic Society give a Grade 1 recommendation, their strongest, for endovenous ablation over high ligation and stripping in patients with symptomatic varicose veins and axial reflux in the great or small saphenous vein, citing less postprocedure pain and morbidity and an earlier return to regular activity. The United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence reaches a comparable conclusion in guideline CG168, which places endothermal ablation first among treatment options for confirmed symptomatic varicose veins. Patients can therefore compare the treatment offered in Ho Chi Minh City against the standard of care published in their own country.
Language Support and Continuity of Care for International Patients
For international patients visiting Dr. Vein, the clinic provides dedicated interpreters. The vascular surgical team also communicates in English, so that patients understand the underlying cause of their condition, their own clinical findings and the treatment options available to them. Physicians provide tailored lifestyle guidance intended to support recovery, reduce the risk of recurrence and shorten overall treatment time. Patients travelling from abroad can read how treatment is arranged before they book.
Independent Press Coverage
Dr. Vein has been reported on by Vietnamese national news outlets. Six articles across five publications, Znews, Thanh Nien, VnExpress, VnExpress International and Tien Phong, link directly to the clinic. English language coverage is available from VnExpress International. The full list, with links to each original article, is published at drvein.vn/en/press.
About Dr. Vein
Dr. Vein, which also operates under the name Edopi Health Care, is a clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, working exclusively in the diagnosis and treatment of lower limb venous disease. It treats venous insufficiency, varicose veins, spider veins and related complications using duplex Doppler ultrasound assessment followed by minimally invasive intervention, on an outpatient basis. The clinic serves patients in Vietnam and international patients travelling for treatment.
Dr. Vein Clinic Contact Information
Address: 2 Noi Khu My Toan 2 (H4-1), Tan Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: +84 93 219 28 82
Website: https://drvein.vn/en/
Press coverage: https://drvein.vn/en/press
Business hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 17:00 Indochina Time
SINGAPORE, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Autumn leaf-watching is one of Asia's oldest travel rituals, but it has taken on fresh urgency: warmer, less predictable seasons have made a good color week feel like something to catch rather than assume, and the famous spots now fill quickly. Digital travel platform Agoda highlights five places where the color is just as loud but the crowds are not.
Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge, Japan
A quieter option than Kyoto, this river gorge in Aomori runs through dense beech and maple in the country's north. The valley reaches full color in late October, and the walking trail beside the rapids makes leaf-viewing, or momiji-gari, best experienced on foot.
Andong, South Korea
Two hours southeast of Seoul, Andong is known for its riverside Hahoe folk village, a UNESCO-listed site of thatched houses and Confucian academies. Spend a few slow days between late October and early November, when gold and red settle over the old town and harvest-season stillness takes hold.
Taipingshan, Taiwan
Yilan's mountain forest is a quieter alternative to Alishan. Through November, its maples and native Taiwan beech flush copper and red along former logging trails and hot-spring paths, frequently above a misty layer of cloud.
Pahalgam & Srinagar, Kashmir, India
Kashmir's chinar trees carry the season, their broad leaves turning deep red through late October and November across the Mughal gardens and valley orchards. The window overlaps with Diwali on 8 November, when the evenings fill with light against the last of the color.
Pokhara, Nepal
Autumn is Nepal's most reliable season for clear Annapurna views, dry trails and terraces turning gold. It also coincides with Tihar, the festival of lights, which brings marigolds and oil lamps through town in early November, pairing crisp mountain air with real celebration.
"Autumn color gives travelers a reason to go somewhere new and slow down once they're there," said Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda. "It can take you from a misty mountain trail to a village guesthouse, or from a quiet riverside town to a festival in full swing. Agoda is helping travelers find the stays and destinations where the season itself can be the reason to visit."
For travelers chasing autumn color without the crowds, Agoda offers seamless booking across more than 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities worldwide. To find the best deals to Asia and beyond, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app.
BEIJING, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:
Three hundred years ago, a British man stole the seeds of Wuyi rock tea to plant them elsewhere. Three centuries later, US journalist Douglas travels to Xiamei village at the foot of Wuyi Mountain in Fujian province to learn the age-old craft.
After the entire experience, he understands why people call it "kung fu tea". For him, picking tea requires "eagle claw skills" and shaking the leaves demands "tai chi hands". Every step is filled with a sense of mastery and dedication.
Why did Douglas travel all the way to Xiamei village to learn the art of tea-making? What are his insights on the 13,000 km Tea Road? Watch the video to find out.
DA NANG, Vietnam, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Business events are becoming an increasingly important part of Da Nang's tourism landscape, with the city targeting nearly 93,000 MICE visitors in 2026, a 12% increase from the previous year. Against this backdrop, Courtyard by Marriott Danang Han River is offering a new perspective on meetings and corporate gatherings, bringing together versatile event spaces, a central city location and the convenience of having accommodation and events under one roof.
Opened in May 2025 as the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Vietnam, the hotel has introduced a collection of event venues designed to accommodate everything from business meetings and conferences to corporate celebrations, banquets and cocktail receptions.
A ballroom designed to impress
At the heart of the hotel's MICE offering is its Grand Ballroom, featuring an impressive 8.5-metre ceiling height and natural daylight that creates a spacious and impactful setting for conferences, corporate events and celebrations. The ballroom is complemented by versatile meeting spaces, allowing planners to tailor the setup to different event formats and group sizes.
With 296 guest rooms available within the same property, organizers can also simplify accommodation and event logistics, keeping attendees close to the action while creating a more seamless experience from arrival to departure.
From the city centre to above the skyline
Located in the centre of Da Nang, Courtyard by Marriott Danang Han River provides convenient access to the city while offering a distinctive setting overlooking the Han River and surrounding skyline.
The hotel features 13 versatile meeting venues, together with an outdoor event venue on Level 45, giving planners the flexibility to move beyond traditional meeting rooms. The elevated outdoor space offers a memorable setting for cocktail receptions, social gatherings and special events against the backdrop of Da Nang.
Putting local flavour on the agenda
The experience does not end when the meeting does. Courtyard by Marriott Danang Han River offers a selection of international and local Vietnamese cuisine for any occasions, giving planners the flexibility to incorporate flavors into their events.
As Da Nang continues to develop its MICE offering, Courtyard by Marriott Danang Han River brings together the practical needs of modern business events with flexible spaces, convenient accommodation and a distinctly central Da Nang setting.
Press kit & photos: DOWNLOAD HERE
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Current Mavericks and Rockets players and NBA legends join together
to engage with Macao youth and inspire positive growth
MACAO, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of The NBA China Games 2026, Sands China and NBA Cares held the Tip-OffDay as part of the "NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026" on Oct. 8 at The Venetian Arena. Embodying a shared spirit of care for the community, the event brought together around 400 participants, including current players from the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets; NBA executives, legends and coaches; executives and team members from Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, members of local school basketball teams, and local and international media. Together, they extended the impact of world-class basketball event beyond the court and into the community. Through personal sharing by NBA players, a basketball clinic, and goodie bag packing, the event brought energy, care and warmth to different sectors of the Macao community.
Ahead of The NBA China Games 2026, Sands China and NBA Cares held the Tip-Off Day of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026” at The Venetian Arena on Thursday. The event brought together approximately 400 participants, including current players from the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, NBA executives, legends and coaches, executives and team members from Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, members of local school basketball teams, and local and international media, extending the impact of the world-class basketball event beyond the court and into the community.
During the event, the Mavericks and Rockets players took on the role of youth mentors, engaging with students from two championship teams of the Macao Inter-School Basketball Competition: the Girls D Division team of Keang Peng School and Boys D Division team of Colégio dom Bosco (Yuet Wah). The NBA players also shared with local students the journeys of pursuing their dreams and experiences from their professional basketball careers, inspiring local students through the perseverance, determination and relentless dedication that underpin the success of elite athletes. Players and coaches from both NBA teams then led local students in a basketball clinic on the NBA court at The Venetian Arena, providing skills demonstrations and hands-on coaching in practical techniques.
Throughout the clinic, players engaged closely with the students, instilling the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. The event also offered Macao youth a valuable opportunity to learn directly from world-class basketball professionals, enhancing their basketball skills, broadening their horizons and inspiring them to pursue their aspirations and strive for excellence.
The Tip-Off event was also attended by two NBA legends: Yao Ming, eight-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA Team, and 2016 Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee, as well as chairman of the Yao Foundation, and Shawn Marion, 2011 NBA champion, four-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Team. Both legends engaged with participants on-site, bringing further care and inspiration to the Impact Week.
Patrick Dumont, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp., and chairman of the board and non-executive director of Sands China Ltd., and governor of the Dallas Mavericks, said: "For more than two decades, we have grown alongside Macao and remained steadfast in our confidence in the city. For us, the value of major international sporting events extends well beyond what takes place inside the arena. Their lasting significance lies in their ability to contribute to social progress and the development of the city. Last year, we brought The NBA China Games back to Macao, adding to the city's growing portfolio of internationally renowned sporting events, while harnessing the power of sport to bring communities together, inspire young people and foster international exchange. This year, we are once again bringing together Sands Cares and NBA Cares to extend the impact of this major sporting event into the Macao community, enabling people of different ages, backgrounds and sectors to experience the spirit and positive energy of the NBA.
Patrick Dumont, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp., chairman of the board and non-executive director of Sands China Ltd., and governor of the Dallas Mavericks, delivers remarks at the Tip-Off Day of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026” at The Venetian Arena on Thursday.
"We sincerely thank the Central People's Government, the Macao SAR Government and all sectors of the community for their longstanding support, which enables us to continue extending the benefits of major events throughout the community. Looking ahead, we will continue to leverage the international network of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China's integrated resort platform and pursue innovative, forward-looking approaches to further deepening the cross-sector 'Tourism+' development, supporting the development of a harmonious and inclusive community in Macao, and injecting continued momentum into Macao's position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure."
Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA, said: "I want to particularly thank Patrick Dumont and Sands China for all they have done to make this event possible and the NBA players and teams for making this trip and being here. This means a lot to all of us and so much to the Macao community. There is no substitute for experiencing Macao in person. And to all the boys and girls here today, this event is really about you. Wherever the NBA goes around the world, we want to create opportunities for young people who love the game. Basketball teaches teamwork, respect and discipline, and these are lessons that can help you achieve whatever goals you set for yourselves in life, not just in basketball. My message to all of you is to dream big. That's what so many great NBA players did. They had a dream and pursued it. So take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the inspiring people around you today, and use the lessons you gain through sports to pursue your own dreams."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver delivers remarks at the Tip-Off Day of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026” at The Venetian Arena on Thursday.
Patrick Fertitta, vice chairman of the Houston Rockets and Comets, said: "On behalf of the Houston Rockets, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Adam Silver, Patrick Dumont along with Sands China, as well as all our partners for making this meaningful week possible. We are delighted to join the Mavericks and the wider NBA community in Macao, not only to celebrate the game of basketball, but also to demonstrate how sport can inspire young people and create a positive impact in the community. We are especially honoured to have Hall of Famer Yao Ming with us today. His remarkable legacy extends far beyond the game, and his influence continues to bring people together across cultures and generations. To the young people here today, I encourage you to dream big, work hard and believe in yourselves. Basketball teaches us the values of teamwork, perseverance and giving back to others. I hope these are lessons you will carry with you, both on and off the court, as you pursue your aspirations and contribute positively to your communities."
Patrick Fertitta, vice chairman of the Houston Rockets and Comets, delivers remarks at the Tip-Off Day of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026” at The Venetian Arena on Thursday.
In addition, NBA players joined local students, executives from Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, and Sands Cares Ambassadors in assembling goodie bags to share care and warm wishes with the community. The bags contained towels, notebooks, commemorative water bottles provided by the Dallas Mavericks, sports wristbands from the Houston Rockets, G Bear blind boxes and other gifts. Some of the care packages were presented to the students on-site, while the remainder will be distributed to people in need within the community during subsequent Impact Week activities, extending the spirit of care to more members of the local community.
Following the Tip-Off event, the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets each held pre-game training sessions at The Venetian Arena, making final preparations for their first matchup the following day (Oct. 9). The two NBA teams fine-tuned their tactics as they prepared to take to the court at their best.
Players and coaches from the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets lead local students in a basketball clinic on the NBA court at The Venetian Arena, providing skills demonstrations and hands-on coaching. The activity offered Macao youth a valuable opportunity to learn directly from world-class basketball professionals, enhancing their skills, broadening their horizons and inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
Players and coaches from the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets lead local students in a basketball clinic on the NBA court at The Venetian Arena, providing skills demonstrations and hands-on coaching. The activity offered Macao youth a valuable opportunity to learn directly from world-class basketball professionals, enhancing their skills, broadening their horizons and inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
Guests attending the Tip-Off event included: Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA; Mark Tatum, deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of the NBA; Michael Ma, CEO of NBA Asia Pacific; Wayne Chang, managing director of NBA Asia; Kathy Behrens, president of social responsibility and player programs of NBA; NBA legends Shawn Marion and Yao Ming; Dr. Miriam Adelson, co-founder of Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Patrick Dumont, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp., and chairman of the board and non-executive director of Sands China Ltd., and governor of the Dallas Mavericks; Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd.; Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd.; Hubert Wang, chief operating officer of Sands China Ltd.; Dave Sun, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd. and managing director of Venetian Macau Limited.
Players and coaches from the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets lead local students in a basketball clinic on the NBA court at The Venetian Arena, providing skills demonstrations and hands-on coaching. The activity offered Macao youth a valuable opportunity to learn directly from world-class basketball professionals, enhancing their skills, broadening their horizons and inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
Players and coaches from the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets lead local students in a basketball clinic on the NBA court at The Venetian Arena, providing skills demonstrations and hands-on coaching. The activity offered Macao youth a valuable opportunity to learn directly from world-class basketball professionals, enhancing their skills, broadening their horizons and inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
The "NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026" is taking place over five consecutive days, Oct. 7-11, featuring a diverse programme of activities focused on youth development, healthy living and community inclusion. Current NBA players and legends will engage with communities across Macao, with the initiative seeking to extend the impact of the NBA sporting event into the community and enable more Macao residents to experience the positive energy and excitement generated by the world-class basketball event.
NBA players joined local students, executives from Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, and Sands Cares Ambassadors in assembling care packages during the Tip-Off Day of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026” at The Venetian Arena on Thursday, sharing care and warm wishes with the local community.
NBA players joined local students, executives from Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, and Sands Cares Ambassadors in assembling care packages during the Tip-Off Day of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026” at The Venetian Arena on Thursday, sharing care and warm wishes with the local community.
The Impact Week continues on Oct. 9 with "School Day" at Yuet Wah College in Macao. NBA legends and coaches will visit the school to engage directly with local students through basketball training and interactive exchanges, helping young participants enhance their basketball skills and inspiring greater enthusiasm for sport.
"NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026" is part of Sands Cares, the global corporate citizenship programme of Sands China's parent company. As an important stakeholder in the Macao community, Sands China has actively fulfilled its corporate social responsibility for more than two decades. Through the programme, the company strives to connect with and serve the community, give back to society, and work alongside different sectors to build a more vibrant and inclusive Macao community.
About Sands China Ltd.
Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company's integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian® Macao and The Londoner® Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company's portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, The Londoner Theatre and Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company's Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao's transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).
For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.
Sands Cares
A firm believer in the importance of corporate social responsibility, Sands China Ltd. engages with the local Macao community as a part of Sands Cares – the charitable giving programme of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sands Cares integrates the company's philanthropic work worldwide in four key areas: financial giving, community problem solving and collaboration, in-kind donations, and team member volunteerism.
Key areas of Sands Cares in Macao include the Sands Cares Ambassador programme for volunteering in the local community; charitable contributions to NGOs and community organisations; and sponsorship of community events.
For more information, please visit www.sands.com/sands-cares/
About NBA Social Impact & Inclusion and NBA Cares
NBA Social Impact & Inclusion drives change on issues facing fans and communities by advancing needed resources and proven partners. We create data-driven strategies and programming to empower colleagues to bring their best self. NBA Cares works with NBA players and teams to highlight important issues through the NBA's digital, social and broadcast channels, live events and partnerships.
Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo
Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo
ULSAN, Hàn Quốc, ngày 8 tháng 10 năm 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Quận Nam-gu, thành phố Ulsan, trung tâm công nghiệp lớn và là cái nôi lịch sử của di sản săn bắt cá voi tại Hàn Quốc, sẽ tổ chức Lễ hội Cá voi Ulsan lần thứ 30 từ ngày 15 đến 18 tháng 10 trên toàn bộ Khu Văn hóa Cá voi Jangsaengpo.
South Korea’s Ulsan Nam-gu hosts the 30th Ulsan Whale Festival from October 15 to 18, throughout the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Zone under the theme "A Whale's Invitation: The 30th Birthday Party."
Với chủ đề "Lời mời của Cá voi: Bữa tiệc sinh nhật lần thứ 30", sự kiện đánh dấu cột mốc này giới thiệu quá trình phát triển của Jangsaengpo như một điểm đến lưu trú nhiều ngày với trải nghiệm đắm chìm, nổi bật là trải nghiệm phiêu lưu mới với xe kart, cầu đi bộ trên cao và nghệ thuật trình chiếu cảnh quan ban đêm.
Từ cảng săn bắt cá voi lịch sử đến điểm đến sinh thái - văn hóa
Ulsan có mối liên hệ với cá voi kéo dài hàng thế kỷ, được khắc họa nổi tiếng trong các hình khắc đá Bangudae thời tiền sử. Từng là trung tâm săn bắt cá voi của Hàn Quốc, Jangsaengpo đã chuyển hướng sang sinh thái biển và bảo tồn văn hóa sau lệnh cấm săn bắt cá voi thương mại trên toàn cầu năm 1986. Được chỉ định là Khu Văn hóa Cá voi duy nhất của Hàn Quốc vào năm 2008, khu vực này hiện thu hút du khách quốc tế với những địa danh như Bảo tàng Cá voi Jangsaengpo và Làng Văn hóa Cá voi.
Lễ kỷ niệm 30 năm do cộng đồng chủ trì
Nhân dịp kỷ niệm ba thập kỷ thành công, lễ hội có các chương trình do cộng đồng chủ trì. Các hoạt động nổi bật gồm "Đại hợp xướng 300 giọng ca", làm đèn lồng cá voi, các tour phiêu lưu dành cho gia đình và các khu tương tác AR. Một cuộc diễu hành đường phố hoành tráng với sự tham gia của người dân địa phương và các đoàn nghệ thuật biểu diễn sẽ là điểm nhấn trong ngày cuối cùng, trong khi màn pháo hoa theo chủ đề cá voi thắp sáng bầu trời ven biển vào đêm khai mạc và bế mạc.
Cơ sở hạ tầng mới: Xe kart mạo hiểm, cầu đi bộ trên cao và các điểm tham quan về đêm
Du khách tham dự lễ hội sẽ là những người đầu tiên trải nghiệm các hạng mục hạ tầng du lịch mới được ra mắt tại Jangsaengpo:
Whales Kart: Đường đua xe kart mạo hiểm tự vận hành đầu tiên của Hàn Quốc, dài 1,05 km với tốc độ lên tới 40 km/giờ, mang đến cho những người tìm kiếm cảm giác mạnh tầm nhìn toàn cảnh về cảnh quan theo mùa, bao gồm các khu vườn hoa cẩm tú cầu và những cánh đồng hoa oải hương.
Goraedeung-gil (Whale Spine Skywalk): Cầu đi bộ trên cao dài 135 m, kết nối Whale Square với Whales Fantasium, mang đến tầm nhìn toàn cảnh hướng ra biển và các công viên xung quanh, đồng thời kết nối liền mạch các địa danh văn hóa thành một tuyến tham quan đi bộ thuận tiện.
Trải nghiệm lưu trú hấp dẫn từ ngày đến đêm: Các tiện ích lưu trú được nâng cấp gồm "Goraejam" (nhà nghỉ phong cách boutique được cải tạo từ khu nhà ở của quân nhân hải quân), cơ sở văn hóa "The Wave" và "Jangsaengpo Light", nơi trình chiếu các tác phẩm nghệ thuật cảnh quan sống động lên những bồn chứa dầu công nghiệp khổng lồ.
Nhằm tăng khả năng tiếp cận bằng phương tiện giao thông, xe buýt đưa đón miễn phí sẽ chạy 30 phút/chuyến giữa Ga Taehwagang và địa điểm tổ chức trong suốt bốn ngày diễn ra sự kiện.
"Đánh dấu lần tổ chức thứ 30, Lễ hội Cá voi Ulsan là một lễ kỷ niệm tương tác được người dân và du khách cùng kiến tạo, mang đến một góc nhìn độc đáo về quá trình chuyển mình ấn tượng của Jangsaengpo", ông Lim Hyeon-cheol, Thị trưởng Quận Nam-gu, thành phố Ulsan cho biết. "Chúng tôi trân trọng mời du khách quốc tế đến trải nghiệm văn hóa cá voi độc đáo của Hàn Quốc và sức hấp dẫn của khu vực ven biển sôi động".
MIAMI, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has scheduled a conference call for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to discuss the company's third quarter 2026 financial results. The call will be simultaneously webcast on the company's investor relations website, rclinvestor.com. A replay of the webcast will remain available at the same website for 30 days following the call.
About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group is a leading global vacation company spanning cruise, one-of-a-kind destinations, and land-based vacation experiences. The company operates 71 ships sailing to more than 1,000 destinations across all seven continents through its three wholly owned brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea – and a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises, which operates the Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd brands.
The Group is expanding its portfolio of private destinations through its Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club collections, and the company will enter river cruising in 2027 with Celebrity River Cruises. Powered by innovative brands, advanced technology, and an industry-leading loyalty program, the company has built a connected vacation ecosystem, turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.
Named to the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies 2026 list and to Forbes' 2026 Best American Companies lists, Royal Caribbean Group is guided by its mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly. For more information, visit royalcaribbeangroup.com.
New figures show Australians are now eating a record 282 eggs per person a year, up from around 135 three decades ago
SYDNEY, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Australians are eating more than twice as many eggs as they were three decades ago, according to figures released today by Australian Eggs to mark 30 years of World Egg Day.
Australian Eggs' Salmon Egg Brown Rice Salad
Consumption has reached 282 eggs per person a year, up from approximately 135 in 1996 and 267 last year. That is an extra 147 eggs a year for every Australian, meaning consumption has more than doubled over a period in which almost everything else about the way Australians eat has changed.
"Reaching 282 eggs per person is a real milestone for the industry, but the more interesting story is the trajectory," says Rowan McMonnies, Managing Director of Australian Eggs. "Thirty years is long enough to see a genuine shift in behaviour, and eggs have gained ground steadily through every food trend of that period."
"Part of that is practical. Eggs are quick, they suit any meal of the day and they work at any level of cooking ability. The other factor is that the nutrition conversation has shifted decisively in favour of eggs."
Beyond the cholesterol myth
The single biggest change over those 30 years has been in how eggs and nutrition are understood.
For decades, eggs were treated with caution because of their dietary cholesterol, and many Australians grew up being told to limit how many they ate. The evidence has since evolved. A randomised controlled trial published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2025, led by researchers at the University of South Australia, tested the effects of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat separately. In 61 adults whose LDL cholesterol was already below 3.5 mmol/L, eating two eggs a day within a low saturated fat diet did not raise LDL, the type of cholesterol commonly called bad cholesterol because it can build up in the artery walls. Saturated fat, not dietary cholesterol, was the factor that moved the numbers.
Australian guidance has moved with it. The Heart Foundation no longer sets a limit on the number of eggs healthy Australians can eat, provided they are enjoyed as part of a heart-healthy eating pattern.
"Eggs have had quite the reputation evolution," says dietitian and nutritionist Susie Burrell. "For a long time, cholesterol was the first thing people thought of when they thought about eggs. We now understand that saturated fat has a far greater influence on blood cholesterol than the cholesterol in food does."
"The bigger shift is that we have stopped assessing foods one nutrient at a time. What matters is the overall pattern of what someone eats, and eggs sit comfortably inside a heart-healthy diet."
More than just protein
Protein is dominating food and health conversations, and eggs have benefited from that. Burrell argues the focus is too narrow.
"Protein is important, but it is one part of the picture," she says. "It accounts for just one of the 17 different vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, choline, selenium and iodine, found in eggs. Not many foods that simple do that much."
"Thirty years ago people were mostly thinking about what to cut out. Today the question is what to include, and that is a far better question."
From boiled eggs to shakshuka
How Australians cook eggs has changed as much as how many they eat. A repertoire that once ran to boiled, fried, scrambled and the occasional quiche now includes shakshuka, Korean steamed eggs, Japanese tamagoyaki and huevos rancheros, all of which sit alongside the classics on the Australian Eggs recipe pages.
"The hardest part of eating well is usually deciding what to make," Burrell says. "To take the pressure out of the decision making, we've built a spinner on the Australian Eggs website that lands you on one of 30 recipes, each with a different egg nutritional benefit attached. Helping you discover what to cook while also learning what eating eggs does for your health at the same time."
The 30 World Egg Day recipes are available to spin through at https://www.australianeggs.org.au/world-egg-day
-ENDS-
ABOUT AUSTRALIAN EGGS
Australian Eggs is a member owned not-for-profit company providing marketing and research & development (R&D) services for the benefit of Australian egg farmers.
Shoppers can experience an exclusive opening day promotion, free gifts and curated international delicacies to kick off the new storefront.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Food Merchant, Malaysia's premier gourmet grocer, has officially expanded its footprint with the grand opening of its newest outlet at Solaris Mont Kiara. Marking a major milestone in the brand's rapid nationwide growth, the new location brings a curated, upscale grocery experience straight to the heart of one of Kuala Lumpur's most vibrant international communities.
(From left) Mr. Wong Kok Kin, Managing Director of Daman Group; YBhg. Dato’ Douglas Cheng, Director of Daman Group; YBhg. Tan Sri David Cheng, Director of Daman Group; Mr. Ivan Tan, Group Executive Director of The Food Purveyor; Ms. Ieong Pei Khim, Chief Operation Officer of The Food Merchant; and Ms. Khor Geik Mei, Chief Finance & Administration Officer of The Food Purveyor, officiate the grand opening of The Food Merchant Solaris Mont Kiara on 8 October 2026, marking the launch of the gourmet grocer’s newest outlet in Kuala Lumpur.
To celebrate its debut, The Food Merchant Solaris Mont Kiara is welcoming shoppers with an array of opening promotions. Visitors can look forward to special goodie bags, member's exclusive gifts with purchase, injecting an element of celebration into daily grocery shopping.
Situated in a bustling premium hub, the Solaris Mont Kiara outlet is designed to elevate the neighbourhood's culinary scene. The store showcases a thoughtfully selected mix of fresh local produce and international favourites, blending everyday home essentials with rare, indulgent delicacies sourced from around the world.
"We are thrilled to bring The Food Merchant to Solaris Mont Kiara," said Mr. Ivan Tan, Group Executive Director of The Food Purveyor. "This new store represents an exciting step forward in our mission to transform everyday shopping into a celebratory experience. Solaris Mont Kiara is known for its diverse, food-loving community, making it the perfect home for our curated global flavours and premium services. We look forward to becoming a trusted space where every visit offers a new discovery."
"We are pleased to welcome The Food Merchant to Solaris Mont Kiara, as its premium grocery concept complements our vision of creating a vibrant lifestyle destination for the Mont Kiara community," said Dato Douglas Cheng, Director of Daman Group. "With its curated selection of fresh produce, international gourmet products and value-added services, The Food Merchant brings greater convenience and quality to residents, office workers and visitors in the area. We believe this addition will further enhance Solaris Mont Kiara's appeal as a dynamic neighbourhood hub for everyday lifestyle needs."
To celebrate the launch, The Food Merchant Solaris Mont Kiara is offering a series of exclusive rewards for opening specials and Yes I Do! loyalty members, from 8 October till 1 November 2026.
Opening Day Exclusive Promotion on 8 October:
Get a FREE grocery goodie bag when you spend RM150 & above in a single receipt (limited to 200 units)
Get a FREE Fruits & Vegetable Giftbag with purchase of RM300 (limited to 50 units)
Exclusive Seafood Giveaway on 16 & 17 October only
Take home fresh Norwegian salmon (whole fish, 3-4kg each) when you spend minimum of RM350 on fresh seafood products in a single receipt, cutting and vacuum-packed service inclusive (limited to 25 redemptions per day)
Join Yes I Do! (FREE membership) and enjoy these offers as a member:
Get a FREE non-woven shopping bag when you spend RM80 & above in a single receipt.
YID member entitles for complimentary redemption of one herb plant with minimum spend of RM180 (limited to 100 units)
YID member entitles for complimentary redemption of one succulent plant with minimum spend of RM80 (limited to 100 units)
Sign up for Yes I Do! membership to collect points, earn rewards and enjoy members-only price offers. Spend RM2 to earn 1 point.
*All free gifts are based on first come first serve, while stocks last. Terms and conditions applied.
Focusing heavily on premium convenience, the Solaris Mont Kiara store offers signature value-added services:
Gift-Wrapping Station: Features complimentary premium wrappers and custom thank-you cards.
Merchant Care Counter: Provides free shopping trolley parking services for a hands-free experience.
Expert Prep Counters: Offers professional, customized meat and seafood cutting services.
Loyalty Perks: Gives instant access to exclusive member rewards via The Food Merchant "Yes I Do!" Programme.
Discover more updates on The Food Merchant Official Website or follow their official social media channels on Facebook (@thefoodmerchant.my) and Instagram (@thefoodmerchant.my).
About The Food Merchant®:
Founded in 2021, The Food Merchant began its journey with the opening of its flagship store in Pavilion Bukit Jalil under the theme 'Celebration of Food'. Backed by the legacy of its founders who successfully established the Village Grocer chain of over 30 stores nationwide. The Food Merchant continues its rapid premium expansion across Malaysia, delivering world-class gourmet experiences to local neighbourhoods.
The global dining series arrives in Shanghai on October 13, exploring the connection between two generations through food, art and storytelling
SHANGHAI, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Generational Tasting Tour arrives at Spago Shanghai on October 13, marking the latest destination in Wolfgang Puck and Byron Lazaroff‑Puck's global four‑hands dining series. Following stops in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, İstanbul, Budapest, London, Maui and Singapore, the tour arrives in Shanghai, bringing father and son together at a defining succession moment for Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group.
When Wolfgang Puck opened Spago in 1982, he introduced a new style of cooking that would become known as California cuisine, defined by seasonal ingredients, imaginative cooking and a distinctly Californian spirit. More than four decades later, that philosophy continues across Spago restaurants around the world, with each location drawing inspiration from the ingredients and culture of its surroundings.
Today, that story is entering a new era. In 2025, Byron Lazaroff‑Puck became President of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group after building his culinary foundation in acclaimed Michelin‑starred kitchens around the world. The Generational Tasting Tour marks this new chapter, bringing Wolfgang and Byron together across the group's restaurants to explore what each brings to the table.
That exchange comes to life through a multi‑course tasting menu, with Wolfgang revisiting dishes, flavors and techniques from throughout his career and Byron responding with a contemporary perspective shaped by his international training and inspiration from each destination. In Shanghai, local ingredients, flavors and traditions become part of that conversation, giving the dinner a distinct sense of place.
The experience extends beyond the plate. Each guest receives a collectible newspaper‑style menu inspired by Wolfgang's longstanding love of newspapers and storytelling, which evolves throughout the experience into a more contemporary visual language reflecting Byron's approach to design and technology. Their shared love of film connects the two perspectives through reimagined movie posters and narrative details, while interactive AR elements unlock additional stories and moments throughout the evening.
"Cooking with Byron has been one of the most meaningful parts of this tour for me," says Wolfgang Puck. "I've watched him travel the world, build his own experiences and develop his own point of view. Now we get to cook together, learn from each other and share that experience through this tour. Shanghai has such an exciting food culture, and I'm very happy to bring the tour here."
Following Shanghai, The Generational Tasting Tour travels to re/ASIAN in Bahrain on November 5 and CARAMÁ in Las Vegas on December 10, before returning to Beverly Hills for its grand finale, closing the tour where it all began.
A Milestone Year for Spago Shanghai
Located at The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai, Spago Shanghai marks its first anniversary as an iconic dining landmark on the Bund. Upholding Wolfgang Puck's signature Californian‑style culinary philosophy and incorporating local seasonal ingredients, the restaurant boasts a sweeping 270‑degree panorama showcasing the Bund's historic colonial architecture, Lujiazui Three Towers and the timeless charm of Yuyuan Garden.
In its first year, Spago Shanghai has earned international recognition across design, dining and wine, including the AHEAD Asia Awards 2026 Restaurant Award, The World of Fine Wine Best New Wine List in Asia, and Wine Spectator's 2026 Best of Award of Excellence. As Spago Shanghai looks ahead, the team remains committed to imaginative cuisine, genuine hospitality, and an experience that continues to evolve with the energy of Shanghai.
Additional Information
Address: 21F, No.538, Zhong Shan Dong Er Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai)
Tel: +86 21 5368 888
Operating Hours
Lunch: 11:30-14:30 (Last order at 14:00)
Dinner: 17:30-22:30 (Last order at 22:00
About The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai
Nestled in Shanghai's tranquil South Bund, The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai offers a serene escape amidst the city's vibrant happenings, featuring 189 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including 20 exquisite suites. Boasting a prime location, the hotel is situated 17 kilometers from both Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and 41 kilometers from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, while also offering convenient access to multiple prime attractions. This destination pays tribute to Art Deco style, seamlessly incorporating elements of Shanghai's unique cultural heritage, and showcasing a harmonious blend of soulful art and elevated cultural experiences. Catering to both business and leisure travelers, the hotel offers refined services and amenities, including The St. Regis Spa, fitness center, two specialty restaurants, The St. Regis Bar, The Drawing Room, and nearly 1,100 square meters of state-of-the-art meeting space.
About Spago by Wolfgang Puck
The name Wolfgang Puck is synonymous with the best of restaurant hospitality and innovation in the culinary arts. Since revolutionizing the industry with the opening of the original Spago Beverly Hills in 1982, introducing fusion cuisine, open kitchens, and signature dishes that changed the course of dining, Chef Wolfgang Puck has continued to set the standard for modern fine dining. Today, the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group includes 22 acclaimed restaurants and lounges across six countries. At the Michelin-starred Spago, each meal reflects Puck's philosophy of transforming the expected into the exceptional. The restaurant blends the vibrant spirit of California with a globally inspired culinary perspective, striking a balance between tradition and innovation. With artful cuisine, genuine hospitality, and timeless style, Spago redefines what it means to experience approachable luxury in dining.
About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at 65 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis Hotel in New York by John Jacob Astor IV at the dawn of the twentieth century, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or follow Instagram and Facebook. St. Regis 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 on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
ULSAN, South Korea, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ulsan Nam-gu District, South Korea's industrial powerhouse and historic center of whaling heritage, will host the 30th Ulsan Whale Festival from October 15 to 18, throughout the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Zone.
South Korea’s Ulsan Nam-gu hosts the 30th Ulsan Whale Festival from October 15 to 18, throughout the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Zone under the theme "A Whale's Invitation: The 30th Birthday Party."
Under the theme "A Whale's Invitation: The 30th Birthday Party," this milestone event showcases Jangsaengpo's evolution into an immersive, multi-day stayover destination, highlighting new adventure karts, skywalks, and nightscape media art.
From Historic Whaling Port to Eco-Cultural Destination
Ulsan shares a centuries-old connection with whales, famously depicted in the prehistoric Bangudae Petroglyphs. Once South Korea's whaling center, Jangsaengpo pivoted toward marine ecology and cultural preservation following the 1986 global ban on commercial whaling. Designated as the nation's only Whale Culture Zone in 2008, the area now attracts global visitors with landmarks such as the Jangsaengpo Whale Museum and Whale Culture Village.
Citizen-Led 30th Anniversary Celebrations
To mark three decades of success, the festival features community-driven programming. Highlights include the "300-Voice Grand Chorus" whale lantern crafting, family adventure tours, and AR interactive zones. A grand street parade combining local citizens and performance troupes will highlight the final day, while whale-themed fireworks illuminate the oceanfront sky on opening and closing nights.
New Infrastructure: Extreme Karts, Skywalks, and Nightlife Attractions
Festival visitors will be the first to experience Jangsaengpo's newly unveiled tourism infrastructure:
Whales Kart: South Korea's first self-propelled extreme kart track, spanning 1.05 kilometers with speeds up to 40 km/h, offering thrill-seekers panoramic views of seasonal landscapes, including hydrangea gardens and lavender fields.
Goraedeung-gil (Whale Spine Skywalk): A 135-meter elevated pedestrian bridge, connecting Whale Square to Whales Fantasium, offers panoramic views of the sea and surrounding parks, seamlessly integrating cultural landmarks into a walkable route.
Immersive Day-to-Night Stay Content: Upgraded stayover amenities include "Goraejam" (a boutique lodge repurposed from naval quarters), "The Wave" cultural facility, and "Jangsaengpo Light," projecting dynamic media art onto massive industrial oil tanks.
To boost transport accessibility, complimentary shuttle buses will run every 30 minutes between Taehwagang Station and the venue throughout the four-day event.
"Marking its 30th edition, the Ulsan Whale Festival is an interactive celebration co-created by citizens and visitors, offering a unique window into Jangsaengpo's remarkable evolution," said Lim Hyeon-cheol, Mayor of Ulsan Nam-gu District. "We warmly invite international travelers to experience South Korea's unique whale culture and vibrant oceanfront charm."
HONG KONG and TAIPEI, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, KLM is celebrating its 107th anniversary with the unveiling of a new Delft Blue miniature house: Wijnhoeve De Kleine Schorre in Dreischor, Zeeland. For 107 years, KLM has connected the Netherlands with the world while showcasing internationally what the country stands for. Through its annual miniature house tradition, KLM honors special places and stories that represent the Netherlands. This year, the spotlight is on the Zeeland winery, which has been supplying Dutch wine for KLM's World Business Class for more than twenty years.
KLM Celebrates Dutch Craftsmanship with House No. 107 in Zeeland
A shared pioneering spirit
As the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name, KLM has played an important role in the development of international aviation for 107 years. From pioneering a unique hub-and-spoke network model to opening new European and intercontinental routes, KLM has continuously sought new ways to connect the Netherlands with the world.
KLM continues to innovate today. The celebration of its 107th anniversary falls during a week in which the airline is taking a concrete step toward future-ready aviation with the arrival of its first Airbus A350. This aircraft is cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient than previous generations and will soon be deployed on several intercontinental routes.
KLM recognizes that same pioneering spirit in De Kleine Schorre. When the vineyard was established on Zeeland soil in 2001, it was met with considerable skepticism. After all, premium wine was associated with the sunny hills of Southern Europe, not the heavy marine clay and salty winds of Schouwen-Duiveland. Defying expectations, De Kleine Schorre grew into a leading Dutch winery. Today, passengers from around the world enjoy its Zeeland wines from September to November in KLM World Business Class.
Valued craftsmanship
What connects KLM and the Zeeland winery goes beyond their long-standing partnership. Both combine craftsmanship with innovation and share the ambition to make a difference in their respective fields. This focus on quality, hospitality, and entrepreneurship forms the foundation of a partnership that has now lasted more than 20 years.
"For 107 years, KLM has connected the Netherlands with the world. In doing so, we not only bring people together but also showcase what the Netherlands stands for. With our 107th Delft Blue miniature house, we honor De Kleine Schorre, a partner that, like KLM, dared to pioneer and has demonstrated how Dutch quality and craftsmanship can earn international recognition. That makes this house a fitting symbol of our 107th anniversary." - Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM.
"It is an enormous honor for our wine estate to become part of KLM's miniature house collection. Twenty-five years ago, we started with the conviction that excellent wine could be made in the Netherlands, at a time when Dutch wine was nowhere to be found on wine lists. Thanks to our long-standing partnership with KLM, travelers from around the world have been introduced to wine from Zeeland. Having our wine estate immortalized as a Delft Blue KLM miniature house feels like a wonderful crowning achievement for everything we have built over the past 25 years." - Johan van de Velde, owner of De Kleine Schorre.
About the Delft Blue miniature houses
Since the 1950s, KLM has presented Delft Blue miniature houses to World Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights. Since the 1990s, the houses have been filled with Bols Genever. They are miniature versions of notable buildings in the Netherlands and elsewhere and have become highly sought-after collectibles.
Since 1994, the number of houses in the collection has corresponded with KLM's age. Each year on October 7, KLM's anniversary, a new house is added to the collection. House No. 107 is the third landmark from Zeeland to be included in the series, following earlier houses in Middelburg (No. 6) and Veere (No. 22).
Download more pictures of KLM House 107 here. Pictures of the event will be posted on the KLM Newsroom later.
SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As global interest in Korean culture continues to expand beyond K-pop and K-beauty, Hangul, Korea's unique writing system, is emerging as a new way to experience Korean culture and creativity.
Shinsegae Duty Free's Hangeul Day media art 'Annyeong on Hanji' lighting up the media facade in Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongg-dong
To celebrate Hangul Day, Shinsegae Duty Free is presenting Annyeong on Hanji, a new digital media artwork created in collaboration with Korean artist Hong In-sook as part of its cultural arts initiative, K-Reflection.
The artwork transforms the Korean word "안녕" (annyeong)—a familiar greeting that conveys wishes for peace, happiness and well-being—into a vivid visual landscape of blooming peonies, cascading waterfalls and traditional Korean motifs. The work will be displayed across major digital media spaces in Seoul, allowing both local and international visitors to encounter Hangul not simply as written language, but as a visual and cultural experience in the heart of the city.
When a Korean Greeting Becomes a Landscape
At the center of Annyeong on Hanji is the Korean word "안녕," recreated through the forms of abundant peonies and flowing blue waterfalls.
Hong In-sook's distinctive approach to Hangul explores the visual structure of Korean characters as an artistic language. For this project, elements drawn from more than 20 of her works—including pine trees, phoenixes, tigers, swallows, clouds and flowers—are layered together to create a three-dimensional landscape filled with movement and symbolism.
As Hong explains, "Annyeong is one of the oldest expressions of love passed down through generations." In Korean culture, Annyeong is more than a casual "hello." It carries the sentiment of wishing another person peace and well-being.
The artwork translates that sentiment into visual form: a wish for life to bloom beautifully and abundantly like a peony, and to flow freely like a waterfall.
The white peonies featured in the work also carry a deeper meaning. Created by combining all colors of light, white symbolizes the efforts and dedication of the countless people who preserved Korea's language and writing system, allowing generations to continue sharing their thoughts and feelings through Hangul.
From Traditional Art to a Digital Seoul
The project brings Hong In-sook's two-dimensional paintings into a contemporary digital environment through a collaboration with Studio Artech, a creative studio expanding its activities in Korea and internationally.
Studio Artech transformed the artist's original paintings into immersive digital content featuring three-dimensional space and movement. At Seoul's large-scale outdoor media façades, the team used anamorphic techniques to extend the forms and spatial qualities of the original artwork, creating an experience designed specifically for the scale and architecture of the city.
The artwork will appear at three major media locations in Seoul from October 1:
Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongdong, Iconic Zone (10F): through November 30
LUUX at Dong-A Media Center in Gwanghwamun: through October 31. Spanning approximately 3,000 square meters, LUUX is one of Korea's largest digital signage installations.
Artium exterior media in Samseong-dong: through October 14, in Seoul's Gangnam Eyes, Korea's first designated Free Outdoor Advertising Zone.
Together, the installations turn everyday urban spaces into unexpected places to encounter Korean art and language.
Making Hangul Accessible to a Global Audience
Recognizing that international visitors may encounter Hangul without being familiar with the Korean language, Shinsegae Duty Free is also introducing a multilingual digital guide in collaboration with culture-tech company DOSN.
Visitors can scan a QR code to access nodnod.io, an AI-powered exhibition guide that requires no separate app installation. The service provides information about the artwork, artist and project in multiple languages and allows visitors to ask questions about the work in real time.
From October 9, Hangul Day, through October 31, visitors can also use a QR code to take photographs with the artistic interpretation of Annyeong as a backdrop—creating a personal souvenir while experiencing Hangul as a visual form of Korean culture.
Shinsegae Duty Free's K-Reflection Project
Annyeong on Hanji is part of K-Reflection, Shinsegae Duty Free's ongoing cultural arts initiative that reinterprets Korean culture and art through a contemporary lens.
Earlier this year, Shinsegae Duty Free collaborated with Yeongin Literary Museum to present Eureka!, a digital media artwork inspired by the writings of the late Korean cultural scholar and author Lee O-young. In September, the company presented Tiger, Roar! at the media façade of its Myeongdong store as part of K-Culture Day, a program Shinsegae Duty Free has developed with the National Museum of Korea since 2022.
Through K-Reflection, Shinsegae Duty Free aims to create new opportunities for visitors to discover Korean culture—not only through shopping, but also through art, storytelling and contemporary cultural experiences.
"Through the Korean word Annyeong, we wanted to share a warm sentiment of wishing others peace and happiness, while giving both Seoul residents and international visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of Hangul in a completely new way," said a Shinsegae Duty Free spokesperson. "We will continue to reinterpret Korean culture and art through new formats and develop public cultural projects that share these experiences with a wider audience."
Shinsegae Duty Free's Hangeul Day media art 'Annyeong on Hanji' lighting up the Artium media facade in Samseong-dong.
About Hong In-sook
Hong In-sook is a Korean artist whose work explores the visual structure and linguistic meaning of Hangul through contemporary visual language. Her works have been exhibited at leading cultural institutions in Korea, including the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul Museum of Art and Seoul Arts Center.
Exhibition Information
Title:Annyeong on Hanji
Artist: Hong In-sook
Presented by: Shinsegae Duty Free
Part of: K-Reflection
Digital Media: Studio Artech
Multilingual AI Guide: DOSN / nodnod.io
Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongdong, Iconic Zone (10F)
October 1 – November 30, 2026
LUUX, Dong-A Media Center, Gwanghwamun
October 1 – October 31, 2026
Artium Exterior Media, Samseong-dong
October 1 – October 14, 2026
About Shinsegae Duty Free
Shinsegae Duty Free is a leading travel retailer in South Korea, offering a curated selection of global luxury, beauty, fashion, Korean brands and lifestyle products to travelers from around the world. With flagship operations in Myeongdong, Seoul, and at Incheon International Airport, as well as a global online duty-free store, Shinsegae Duty Free connects international travelers with Korea's latest beauty, fashion and cultural trends.
The company continues to expand beyond traditional duty-free retail by introducing exclusive brands, emerging Korean labels and new shopping experiences that reflect the evolving interests of global travelers.
Online:Shinsegae Duty Free Online Store
Instagram:@shinsegaedutyfree : @shinsegaedutyfree_en
SYDNEY, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly six in ten Australians working in food and beverage manufacturing (58.4%) believe their organisation is becoming less productive, despite continued investment in workplace technology, according to new research commissioned by global management consultancy Argon & Co.
The survey of 500 people working across the sector found employees are still spending a considerable amount of time on manual and repetitive work. More than four in five respondents (81.8%) spend over a quarter of their working week on repetitive or manual tasks, while 40.8% said it takes up more than half of their week.
Almost all respondents (95.8%) said work is being duplicated across systems, teams or processes, with 75.8% reporting this happens to a moderate or significant degree. In practice, that can mean entering the same data into multiple systems, maintaining spreadsheets alongside enterprise platforms or manually reconciling production information.
"Food and beverage manufacturers are investing in technology to improve productivity, but many employees are still spending too much time on manual admin, repeating checks or moving between different systems. Technology alone won't fix an inefficient process. If you introduce a new system without changing how the work gets done, you risk adding another layer of complexity rather than making people's jobs easier," said Paul Eastwood, Managing Partner at Argon & Co.
The research suggests the technology itself is only part of the challenge. More than three-quarters of respondents (76.4%) said new technology is typically introduced without also changing the corresponding processes, responsibilities or broader ways of working around it. Six in ten identified outdated processes or poor integration with existing systems as the biggest barrier to getting more from technology, including 34% who said underlying business processes are never updated.
By comparison, only 14% identified a lack of leadership support as the biggest obstacle, suggesting the challenge is less about the appetite for new technology and more about how it is put into practice.
"Manufacturers won't solve productivity challenges by adding another tool to an existing process. Before introducing AI, businesses need to look at where work is getting held up, what could be done differently and where technology can genuinely make the job easier. Otherwise, there's a risk of using AI to speed up processes that weren't working well in the first place," said Eastwood.
Much of the sector is still in the early stages of AI adoption, with 82.4% saying their organisation had introduced AI only to a limited extent or not at all. The reported impact on productivity was also mixed. More than two in five respondents (41.8%) said AI had delivered no noticeable productivity improvement or had made their work more difficult, while only 14.4% reported a significant productivity boost.
The mixed results suggest that introducing AI does not automatically translate into improved productivity. Even when the technology works as intended, its impact can be limited if it does not have access to the right information, fit into how employees actually work or address a clear business need.
Some of the greatest opportunities to improve productivity in food and beverage manufacturing are in everyday operations. Almost two-thirds of respondents (63.2%) identified production, supply chain or inventory management as the areas offering the greatest opportunity to improve productivity. More than half (52.2%) said their top priority for technology was reducing repetitive tasks or eliminating errors and rework, while 30.4% nominated better planning and scheduling as their top priority.
"The greatest value from AI will come when manufacturers start with a clear business problem, rather than the technology itself. That could be reducing waste, improving throughput, producing more accurate forecasts or managing inventory more effectively. From there, manufacturers can look at where processes can be improved and where AI can genuinely help. AI is only one part of the solution, and its value depends on how effectively it supports the people, processes and decisions around it," concluded Eastwood.
For more information on how your manufacturing business can gain productivity improvements with AI, read Argon & Co's latest whitepaper: Closing the AI Ambition Gap.
ENDS
About Argon & Co: Argon & Co is a global management consultancy that specialises in operations strategy and transformation. Its expertise spans supply chain planning, manufacturing, logistics, procurement, finance, and shared services, working together with clients to transform their businesses and generate real change. Its people are engaging to work with and trusted by clients to get the job done. Argon & Co has 17 offices across Europe, Australasia, America, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.argonandco.com
Research methodology: The findings are drawn from an online survey of 500 Australian workers and managers in the food and beverage sector commissioned by Argon & Co and run by Zoho. Percentages combine response categories where stated and may be subject to rounding.
Mạng Lưới Ung Thư Toàn Diện Quốc Gia Hoa Kỳ (NCCN) tham gia các hội nghị thường niên của Hiệp Hội Ung Thư Phụ Khoa Quốc Tế và Hiệp Hội Ung Thư Nội Khoa Philippines nhằm chuẩn hóa các khuyến nghị điều trị ung thư.
MONTREAL và MANILA, Philippines, ngày 8 tháng 10 năm 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mạng Lưới Ung Thư Toàn Diện Quốc Gia® Hoa Kỳ (NCCN®) – liên minh các trung tâm nghiên cứu và điều trị ung thư chuyên sâu hàng đầu tại Hoa Kỳ – đang hợp tác với một số tổ chức toàn cầu để xuất bản các phiên bản Thích Ứng Quốc Tế mới của Hướng Dẫn Thực Hành Lâm Sàng trong Ung Thư của NCCN (NCCN Guidelines® – Hướng Dẫn NCCN) dành riêng cho Philippines. Các dự án này đã được trình bày trong khuôn khổ hai hội nghị toàn cầu về điều trị ung thư mà NCCN đã tham dự: hội nghị toàn cầu thường niên của Hiệp Hội Ung Thư Phụ Khoa Quốc Tế (IGCS) tại Montreal từ ngày 1 đến ngày 3 tháng 10, và Hội Nghị Thượng Đỉnh giữa Hiệp Hội Ung Thư Nội Khoa Philippines (PSMO), Bộ Y Tế (DOH) và NCCN diễn ra trong khuôn khổ hội nghị khoa học thường niên của PSMO tại Manila từ ngày 6 đến ngày 9 tháng 10.
Learn more about NCCN's global efforts to expand access to high-quality, high-value, patient-centered cancer care for everyone, by visiting NCCN.org/global.
Bác Sĩ Crystal S. Denlinger, Giám Đốc Điều Hành NCCN phát biểu: "Những nỗ lực chung của chúng tôi tại Philippines và nhiều nơi khác thể hiện cam kết cùng nhau cải thiện khả năng tiếp cận dịch vụ chăm sóc ung thư phù hợp, giảm thiểu sự bất bình đẳng trong điều trị và nâng cao năng lực thực hành lâm sàng ung thư thông qua hướng dẫn đã được chứng minh hiệu quả. Hợp tác với các chuyên gia tại địa phương để điều chỉnh bộ hướng dẫn của NCCN cho phù hợp với điều kiện thực tế tại Philippines, chúng tôi kết hợp chuyên môn của cả hai bên để đưa ra các khuyến nghị dựa trên bằng chứng, có ý nghĩa thiết thực và dễ áp dụng hơn cho các cơ sở lâm sàng tại khu vực. Thông qua quan hệ hợp tác toàn cầu này, chúng tôi sẽ mở ra cơ hội mở rộng nỗ lực hợp tác với các nhà cung cấp dịch vụ y tế trên toàn thế giới nhằm phát triển các công cụ thiết thực, phục vụ cộng đồng trên toàn cầu."
Bộ Hướng Dẫn NCCN mới dành cho Philippines phản ánh quan hệ hợp tác chặt chẽ giữa NCCN và PSMO, cũng như với Hiệp Hội Bác Sĩ Chuyên Khoa Ung thư Phụ khoa Philippines (SGOP), dưới sự hỗ trợ của IGCS. Phiên bản hướng dẫn thích ứng dự kiến sẽ bao gồm các loại ung thư sau:
U Lympho Tế Bào B
Ung Thư Vú
Ung Thư Đại Tràng
Ung Thư Biểu Mô Tế Bào Gan
Ung Thư Phổi
Ung Thư Tuyến Tiền Liệt
Ung Thư Trực Tràng
(hợp tác với PSMO)
Ung Thư Cổ Tử Cung
Ung Thư Buồng Trứng
Ung Thư Tử Cung
(hợp tác với SGOP và IGCS)
Toàn văn bộ Hướng Dẫn NCCN dành cho Philippines sẽ được cung cấp trực tuyến miễn phí tại NCCN.org/global trong vài tháng tới.
Vào ngày 6 tháng 10, PSMO, DOH và NCCN đã tổ chức một cuộc họp cấp cao tập trung vào quy trình điều chỉnh và các chiến lược then chốt để tích hợp bộ hướng dẫn bản địa hóa này vào các chính sách và chương trình y tế cấp quốc gia theo Đạo Luật Kiểm Soát Ung Thư Tích Hợp Quốc Gia (NICCA) của Philippines. Nhằm nêu bật các mô hình triển khai trên toàn cầu, NCCN đã có sự tham gia của Giáo Sư Jacek Jassem đến từ Đại Học Y Gdańsk (Ba Lan). Ông đã chia sẻ những góc nhìn chuyên sâu từ kinh nghiệm thành công của Ba Lan trong việc xây dựng và áp dụng Bộ Hướng Dẫn NCCN dành riêng cho Ba Lan.
"Bộ Hướng Dẫn NCCN là công cụ đáng tin cậy nhất được các chuyên gia và cơ sở điều trị ung thư trên toàn thế giới sử dụng nhằm nâng cao hiệu quả phòng ngừa, điều trị và cải thiện kết quả cho bệnh nhân ung thư. Việc hợp tác với NCCN và các chuyên gia quốc tế để phát triển bộ hướng dẫn phù hợp với khu vực cho phép chúng tôi kết hợp liền mạch các tiêu chuẩn lâm sàng toàn cầu với chuyên môn và môi trường pháp lý địa phương", Bác Sĩ Hiyasmin A. Alejandro, Phó Chủ Tịch PSMO kiêm Đồng Phụ Trách dự án thích ứng NCCN tại Philippines cho biết. "Mối quan hệ hợp tác này trực tiếp củng cố công tác điều trị ung thư nội khoa của chúng tôi, giúp đội ngũ y tế Philippines mang đến dịch vụ chăm sóc đồng đều hơn, chất lượng cao hơn và công bằng hơn, phù hợp với thực tiễn và quy định pháp lý trong nước."
"Quan hệ hợp tác đích thực là phải cùng nhau tạo ra các giải pháp đáp ứng nhu cầu cụ thể của bệnh nhân", Bác Sĩ Doris Benavides, Chủ Tịch tiền nhiệm của SGOP, cho biết. "Bằng cách điều chỉnh bộ Hướng dẫn NCCN về ung thư cổ tử cung, ung thư tử cung và ung thư buồng trứng cho phù hợp với điều kiện lâm sàng thực tế tại Philippines, chúng tôi đang cung cấp cho các bác sĩ chuyên khoa ung thư phụ khoa những khuyến nghị dựa trên bằng chứng, gắn liền với thực tiễn điều trị tại nhiều vùng miền khác nhau trên cả nước. Sáng kiến quan trọng này sẽ nâng cao tiêu chuẩn chăm sóc và cải thiện kết quả sức khỏe lâu dài cho phụ nữ Philippines cùng gia đình của họ. Chúng tôi vô cùng biết ơn NCCN và IGCS vì cam kết của họ đối với mối quan hệ hợp tác toàn cầu này. Sự hợp tác này cho phép các chuyên gia Philippines đóng góp kiến thức chuyên môn địa phương, đồng thời hưởng lợi từ một trong những khuôn khổ hướng dẫn điều trị ung thư đáng tin cậy nhất thế giới."
Tiếp nối thành công của sáng kiến về ung thư phụ khoa tại Philippines, NCCN gần đây đã ký kết một Biên Bản Ghi Nhớ (MOU) mới với IGCS để nghiên cứu khả năng triển khai các hướng dẫn điều trị thích ứng về ung thư phụ khoa ở các khu vực khác. "IGCS cam kết cải thiện chất lượng chăm sóc ung thư phụ khoa trên toàn thế giới thông qua giáo dục, đào tạo và nâng cao nhận thức cộng đồng", bà Mary Eiken, Thạc Sĩ Khoa Học, Giám Đốc Điều Hành của IGCS cho biết. "Chương trình Đối Tác Liên Minh Chiến Lược của chúng tôi quy tụ các nhà lãnh đạo và thành viên từ các tổ chức ung thư phụ khoa thuộc nhiều chuyên khoa và khu vực khác nhau trên toàn thế giới. Chúng tôi rất hào hứng được hợp tác cùng NCCN để góp phần đưa bộ Hướng Dẫn NCCN vào thực hành lâm sàng cho bệnh nhân ung thư phụ khoa."
Hướng Dẫn NCCN hiện có hơn 90 phiên bản thích ứng quốc tế và hơn 180 bản dịch sang nhiều ngôn ngữ trên thế giới. Truy cập NCCN.org/global để tìm hiểu thêm về những nỗ lực toàn cầu của NCCN nhằm mở rộng khả năng tiếp cận dịch vụ chăm sóc ung thư chất lượng cao, hiệu quả và lấy bệnh nhân làm trung tâm cho mọi người.
Giới thiệu về Mạng Lưới Ung Thư Toàn Diện Quốc Gia Hoa Kỳ
Mạng Lưới Ung Thư Toàn Diện Quốc Gia® Hoa Kỳ (NCCN®) là một liên minh phi lợi nhuận gồm các trung tâm ung thư hàng đầu hoạt động vì mục tiêu chăm sóc bệnh nhân, nghiên cứu và giáo dục. NCCN cam kết thiết lập tiêu chuẩn và không ngừng nâng cao chất lượng, hiệu quả, tính công bằng cũng như khả năng tiếp cận của các dịch vụ chăm sóc và phòng ngừa ung thư, giúp mọi người có được một cuộc sống tốt đẹp hơn. Hướng Dẫn Thực Hành Lâm Sàng trong Ung Thư của NCCN (NCCN Guidelines® – Hướng Dẫn NCCN) đưa ra các khuyến nghị minh bạch, dựa trên bằng chứng và sự đồng thuận của các chuyên gia trong điều trị, phòng ngừa và các dịch vụ chăm sóc hỗ trợ ung thư; đây là tiêu chuẩn được công nhận về định hướng lâm sàng và chính sách trong việc quản lý ung thư và là bộ hướng dẫn thực hành lâm sàng toàn diện, được cập nhật thường xuyên nhất hiện có trong bất kỳ lĩnh vực y học nào. Nhờ sự hỗ trợ từ Quỹ Mạng Lưới Ung Thư Toàn Diện Quốc Gia Hoa Kỳ (NCCNF), tài liệu Hướng Dẫn NCCN dành cho Bệnh Nhân - NCCN Guidelines for Patients® mang đến thông tin về điều trị ung thư do các chuyên gia hàng đầu cung cấp, nhằm phổ biến thông tin và trợ giúp bệnh nhân cũng như người chăm sóc. NCCN cũng thúc đẩy các hoạt động đào tạo liên tục, triển khai các sáng kiến toàn cầu, vận động chính sách, cũng như hợp tác và công bố nghiên cứu trong lĩnh vực ung thư. Truy cập vào NCCN.org để biết thêm thông tin.
Liên Hệ Truyền Thông:
Rachel Darwin
267-622-6624
darwin@nccn.org
Book PH Flights for as low as TWD 10
MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines' leading carrier, is bringing a taste of the Philippines to Taipei with its "10.10 Escape to the Philippines" pop-up event at Huashan 1914 Creative Park from October 9 to 11, inviting Taiwanese travelers to turn the long weekend into a Philippine getaway.
Inspired by 「菲」凡連假, a playful twist on 「非凡連假」 or "an extraordinary long weekend," the pop-up event positions the Philippines as an accessible and affordable destination for a short break, yet exciting enough to feel like a real escape.
From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., visitors can take part in travel-inspired activities, including a paper-plane challenge, photo opportunities with a giant aircraft installation, a luggage-packing activity, a Philippine mango drink experience, and a surprise blind box. The pop-up event also gives visitors a chance to win one (1) round-trip ticket from Taipei or Kaohsiung to Manila each day.
From the moment they enter, visitors embark on a travel journey built around the idea that a Philippine island escape can begin even before they leave Taiwan.
The activation comes alongside CEB's 10.10 seat sale running from October 8 to 14, with one-way base fares to the Philippines for as low as TWD 10, exclusive of fees and surcharge.
The travel period runs from February 1 to June 30, 2027, covering the Philippines' summer travel season and offering travelers the chance to explore its beautiful islands, beaches, and destinations.
With direct flights from Taipei and Kaohsiung to Manila and onward connections through CEB's widest domestic network, travelers can use the Philippine capital as a gateway to explore more destinations across the country.
CEB operates in 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
CEB offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.
Book your flights now at www.cebupacificair.com.
Our social media handles:
Facebook: Cebu Pacific Air
X: @CebuPacificAir
Instagram: cebupacificair
HONG KONG, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines' leading carrier, is inviting travelers from Hong Kong to plan their next island escape with its 10.10 Super Seat Fest, offering some of the airline's lowest fares to the Philippines for travel in 2027.
Cebu Pacific invites guests from Hong Kong to book flights to Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, or Davao for as low as HKD 10 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges
From October 8 to 14, guests from Hong Kong may book flights to Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, or Davao for as low as HKD 10 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period runs from February 1 to June 30, 2027, allowing travelers to plan their vacations ahead of time and score the best deals.
The seat sale coincides with the launch of CEB's latest campaign "Fly to My Happy Philippines" which features international creators producing short-form, experience-led content as they explore the Philippines through its islands, food, culture, and adventures. The campaign invites everyone to find their kind of happy in the Philippines through authentic travel moments.
In Manila and Clark, travelers can explore local food favorites like sisig and adobo, or venture outdoors with hikes and nature trips to destinations such as Mount Pinatubo.
Meanwhile, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Philippines' natural beauty, from diving, snorkeling, and island-hopping to hiking and other outdoor adventures. Travelers can also sample local specialties such as Cebu's lechon, Iloilo's batchoy, and Davao's durian and pomelo.
Travelers can also look forward to more ways to fly with CEB through its partnership with GoTyme Bank's "It's Tyme to Be Together" raffle, which gives eligible customers a chance to win round-trip flights for themselves and a companion, plus cash prizes, to reunite with their loved ones.
Running until November 30, 2026, the raffle gives one entry for every qualifying international remittance of at least PHP 5,000 sent or received directly through the GoTyme Bank app, after opting in to the promo. For more information, interested customers may visit this link.
CEB operates in 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
CEB offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.
Book your flights now at www.cebupacificair.com.
Our social media handles:
Facebook: Cebu Pacific Air
X: @CebuPacificAir
Instagram: cebupacificair
The custom digital storefront brings together Marina Bay Sands' rooms, suites and resort experiences, expanding visibility across Agoda's booking journey
SINGAPORE, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda has partnered with Singapore's landmark integrated resort, Marina Bay Sands to unveil a bespoke Marina Bay Sands Flagship Store on the Agoda platform. The customized luxury digital storefront brings together Marina Bay Sands' rooms, suites, and select resort experiences, allowing travelers to explore and book them seamlessly in one place.
Marina Bay Sands
As the first custom flagship store dedicated to a single property, the storefront features rooms and suites from Marina Bay Sands' Paiza Collection and Sands Collection, alongside select in-resort experiences. Through rich visual storytelling and editorial content, travelers can explore how the resort's accommodation and wider dining, entertainment and cultural offerings can complement their stay.
Available in multiple languages including Japanese and Korean, the Flagship Store is designed to engage travelers across Asia Pacific and support them throughout their journey from discovery to booking.
Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda remarked, "Marina Bay Sands and Agoda's collaboration offers travelers a richer travel perspective through seamless planning. Travelers often start with the experience they might have first seen on social media, whether that is a restaurant, a theatre show, or a cultural activity and then look for the stay that brings the trip together. Reducing friction in travel planning encourages more travel and helps position our partners' at pivotal moments that influence booking decisions."
A new generation of high-intent travelers are increasingly influencing luxury travel, with customized and personalized vacations accounting for over a third of global luxury travel spend, as reported by Strategic Market Research. Agoda's 2026 Travel Outlook Report points to a similar pattern emerging across Asia, where surveyed travelers are increasingly planning trips around the experiences they want to have, including culinary experiences at 31%, followed by cultural exploration at 25%.
The Agoda Flagship Store is a multichannel marketing solution that enables hospitality brands to tell their stories, foster customer loyalty and support revenue growth. Through its dedicated storefront, Marina Bay Sands will gain a targeted presence from the early stages of travel discovery and consideration. Agoda supports the initiative with homepage visibility and branded search placements through its Connected Ecosystem feature, which allows seamless store entry throughout the traveler journey – from discovery to booking.
Travelers can explore the Marina Bay Sands Flagship Store on Agoda here.
TOKYO, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hospitality Asia Event Series has successfully concluded the 5th Hospitality Japan Conference (#HJC2026), held on October 6–7, 2026, at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo. As a premier two-day leadership assembly, the conference brought together Japan's foremost asset owners, operators, developers, investors, and technology visionaries under the country theme: "Redefining Hospitality: Strategic Insights Beyond Borders in Japan."
5th Hospitality Japan Conference (HJC2026) Concludes in Tokyo, Redefining Strategic Growth Across Japan's Hospitality Sector
Aligned with the regional mandate, "Leading Hospitality Forward: Investing in Design, Driving Results," HJC2026 moved beyond broad macro-generalities to deliver grounded execution strategies and calculated risk frameworks designed to unlock new performance benchmarks across the Japanese market.
High-Impact Global and Local Industry Participation
The landmark event demonstrated strong institutional interest, drawing 292 actual unique attendees representing 193 leading companies from across the region. Across the two-day assembly, 92 expert speakers led dynamic discussions across three co-located summits, supported by 35 event sponsors and partners showcasing cutting-edge solutions. Daily participation remained strong, with 222 attendees on Day 1 and 132 attendees on Day 2.
While Japanese delegates formed the majority of the delegation at 87.29%, international attendance spanned Singapore (4.47%), the Americas (2.75%), Thailand (2.41%), Europe (1.03%), India (1.03%), as well as delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia, and other global markets. The audience comprised a balanced, high-caliber cross-section of the ecosystem, led by Hotel Management and Operations (27.74%), Design, Build, and Project Delivery (18.84%), Technology Vendors (13.01%), Asset Ownership (12.33%), Investors and Private Equity Funds (9.25%), and Advisory Services (8.90%).
Summit Highlights & Strategic Insights
DAY 1: Hotel Investment Summit & Hotel Design Summit
Day 1 ran two concurrent summits focusing on capital strategy and spatial value creation. The Hotel Investment Summit Japan (HISJ2026) addressed critical debt engineering, valuation models, operational yield optimization, and risk management strategies.
"I found the agenda particularly engaging, especially the market update sessions which are vital to our strategic planning. The program selection this year was impeccably curated, delivering immense value to attendees. For me, participating in this investment conference is essential to staying ahead on market trends, operating models, and capital allocation strategies in hospitality."
— Yutaka Maruyama, Representative Director, Chief Operating Officer World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts
Simultaneously, the Hotel Design Summit Japan 2026 explored spatial performance, master planning, and the commercial viability of modern architectural concepts within Japan's heritage and luxury segments.
"The business-focused perspective provided at this event was exceptional. As a designer, attending HJC2026 offered invaluable insight into the client's mindset, understanding their priorities, financial metrics, and expectations. Being able to cross over between the Design and Investment summits on Day 1 provided a seamless, connected understanding of design's true commercial impact."
— Austin Ede, Senior Designers Gensler Associates International Ltd
DAY 2: Hotel Revenue Summit
Day 2 focused on commercial strategy at the Hotel Revenue Summit, addressing total revenue management, margin protection in high-cost environments, dynamic distribution tactics, and reducing friction in guest acquisition channels.
"As we look to penetrate Japan's specialized niche markets, direct engagement with local operators and stakeholders is paramount. This conference has done an outstanding job of bridging international solutions with local market dynamics, fostering seamless connectivity with key industry players."
— Malte Blistein, Senior Director of Sales & Account Management - UK, US, and Japan Trivago
Exhibition, B2B Business Match and Meet, and High-Value Networking
Across both days, the conference featured a dedicated exhibition zone where sponsors and partners showcased next-generation operational tools, technologies, and guest experience platforms. Structured business matching and curated networking sessions enabled attendees to engage in high-intent commercial dialogues, laying the foundation for future joint ventures, developments, and operational partnerships across Japan.
"When we learned that HJC was hosting its 5th edition in Japan, we knew we had to be on board. The event was exceptionally well-curated, enabling us to engage in highly intentional, high-value commercial conversations with decision-makers."
— Camille Venturina, Director APAC Sojern x Rategain
Looking Ahead
The 5th Hospitality Japan Conference reinforced the country's position as one of the most attractive, resilient, and dynamic hospitality markets globally. Hospitality Asia Media thanks all sponsors, partners, speakers, and delegates for contributing to a landmark gathering in Tokyo.
For post-event media assets, detailed summit coverage, and upcoming event dates, please visit Hospitality Japan Conference.
PR Newswire is the Official Media Partner of 5th Hospitality Japan Conference (HJC2026).
About Hospitality Asia Event Series
The Hospitality Asia Event Series is a leading platform for senior leaders across the region's hospitality and tourism sectors. It is known for bringing together key decision-makers and industry innovators while creating strong opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration.
The series features seven flagship events across Asia, including the Hospitality Indonesia Conference (HIC), the Hospitality Vietnam Conference (HVC), the Hospitality Thailand Conference (HTC), the Hospitality South Korea Conference (HSKC), the Hospitality Malaysia Conference (HMC), the Hospitality Philippines Conference (HPC) and the Hospitality Japan Conference (HJC). These events attract a high-level and diverse audience from across the region.
Hospitality Asia is distinguished by its balanced engagement of both C-level executives and senior professionals such as Vice Presidents, General Managers and Directors who manage contracts, negotiations and daily operations. Supported by regional advisors who provide real-time market insights, the content focuses on practical strategies that enable participants to drive business growth.
The series is guided by four summits that represent the main drivers of industry success. These include the Hotel Investment Summit Asia #HISA, the Hotel Design Summit Asia #HDSA, the Hotel Revenue Summit Asia #HRSA and the Travel Byte Summit Asia #TBSA. Each summit is delivered with a localized approach to ensure relevance and meaningful engagement with the region's most important opportunities.
To learn more about Hospitality Asia, please visit our website at www.hospitality-asia.com.
Media Contact:
Ifnur Hikmah
ifnur@hospitality-asia.com
NBA legend Ray Allen and Ding Yanyuhang engage with the community on opening day
Bringing together youth from and the Greater Bay Area to foster exchange and inclusion
MACAO, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With The NBA China Games 2026 set to take place in Macao, Sands China has once again partnered with NBA Cares to present the five-day "NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026" from Oct. 7 to 11. Bringing together NBA legends and current players to engage with the community through a series of inclusive sports activities and interactive experiences, the initiative extends the impact of the world-class basketball event into the Macao community, while promoting social inclusion, inspiring positive youth development, and demonstrating care for the local community through meaningful action.
The “NBA Cares × Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026” took place over five days, from October 7 to 11. The inaugural event, “Youth Day,” kicked off on October 7 at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, attracting 300 participants.
Youth Day, which marked the first event of the Impact Week, took place today (Oct. 7) at the Macao East Asian Games Dome. This year, the initiative expanded its reach to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), bringing together 150 young basketball players aged 11 to 14 from eight Macao schools, namely Yuet Wah College, Instituto Salesiano, Lou Hau High School, Keang Peng School, Pui Ching Middle School, Sacred Heart Canossian College (English Section), Pui Va Middle School, and Escola da Sagrada Familia, as well as 50 young players from Hong Kong and mainland GBA cities.
The participating GBA youth took part in professional training sessions led by NBA legend Ray Allen –– a two-time NBA champion, 10-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA Team, member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, and 2018 Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee –– together with NBA coaches, renowned Chinese basketball player Ding Yanyuhang, and China women's basketball national team player Zhang Ziyu.
The event aimed to give young people from across the GBA the opportunity to engage closely with world-class basketball talent and enhance their basketball skills, while fostering interaction and exchange among youth from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Through building friendships and sharing experiences, Youth Day encouraged participants to develop self-confidence and teamwork, while further strengthening connections among young people across the GBA. Together with Sands China executives and Sands Cares Ambassadors, the event attracted a total of 300 participants.
Friendly matches brought together young players from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, who first underwent professional fitness assessments and took part in a basketball clinic led by NBA coaches, receiving training in footwork, ball-handling, and offensive and defensive techniques. They were then selected to form mixed teams comprising players from across the three regions to compete in separate boys' and girls' matches. NBA legend Ray Allen and NBA coaches served as mentors throughout, offering hands-on guidance and sharing valuable on-court experience. The young athletes honed their basketball skills and forged friendships in a spirited and enthusiastic environment, demonstrating the power of sport to transcend geographical boundaries and bring young people together.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: "Our heartfelt thanks go to the Macao SAR government and all sectors of the community for their tremendous support, which has enabled us to leverage The NBA China Games, a world-class sporting event, for a second consecutive year to bring positivity and care into the community. We not only present this top-notch basketball competition to residents and visitors, but also draw on this platform to connect with the local community and create valuable opportunities for people from various sectors of society to engage and learn from NBA legends, fully embodying the commitment of Sands Cares and NBA Cares to giving back to the community. This year, we expanded participation in Youth Day to the Greater Bay Area, giving more young people the opportunity to receive firsthand guidance and inspiration from world-class players, while strengthening connections among youth across the region. We also organised the Her Time To Play seminar, inviting accomplished women to share their personal growth stories with young people, encouraging the youth to build confidence and pursue their dreams. Looking ahead, Sands China will continue to fully support the Macao SAR government's direction of promoting economic diversification, while deepening the synergy of sports and tourism, further enhancing Macao's status as a City of Sports, and injecting sustained vitality into its position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure."
The event also featured an individual skills challenge for young players, testing their speed, basketball skills and concentration through a series of challenges, including cone dribbling, precision passing and sprint layups. Following the spirited competition, an awards ceremony was held to recognise the outstanding young players for their exceptional performances.
A Her Time To Play seminar was also held, with NBA's associate vice president and head of international basketball relations Dawn Smyth; Dallas Mavericks' chief communications officer Gina Miller; Houston Rockets' president Gretchen Sheirr; and Sands China's senior vice president and chief marketing officer of resort marketing DeVonne Iao joining as guest speakers to share their experiences of personal and career development. From striving for excellence in sport to navigating career choices, they shared insights with the young participants and encouraged them to build confidence and pursue their goals with courage.
The "NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026" is taking place over five consecutive days, Oct. 7-11, featuring a diverse programme of activities focused on youth development, healthy living and community inclusion. Current NBA players and legends will engage with communities across Macao, with the initiative seeking to extend the impact of the NBA sporting event into the community and enable more Macao residents to experience the positive energy and excitement generated by the world-class basketball event.
Tomorrow (Oct. 8), a Tip-off event for the Impact Week will take place at The Venetian Arena. Players from the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets will make a special appearance, leading Macao secondary school students in a basketball clinic and bringing the excitement and positive spirit of The NBA China Games further into the Macao community.
"NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026" is part of Sands Cares, the global corporate citizenship programme of Sands China's parent company. As an important stakeholder in the Macao community, Sands China has actively fulfilled its corporate social responsibility for more than two decades. Through the programme, the company strives to connect with and serve the community, give back to society, and work alongside different sectors to build a more vibrant and inclusive Macao community.
For high resolution photos, please visit: https://it-ezshare.sands.com.mo/exweb/share/357cfd2d-54c6-4fc7-8197-4a3c63c7968d
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About Sands China Ltd.
Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company's integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian® Macao and The Londoner® Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company's portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, The Londoner Theatre and Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company's Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao's transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).
For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.
Sands Cares
A firm believer in the importance of corporate social responsibility, Sands China Ltd. engages with the local Macao community as a part of Sands Cares – the charitable giving programme of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sands Cares integrates the company's philanthropic work worldwide in four key areas: financial giving, community problem solving and collaboration, in-kind donations, and team member volunteerism.
Key areas of Sands Cares in Macao include the Sands Cares Ambassador programme for volunteering in the local community; charitable contributions to NGOs and community organisations; and sponsorship of community events.
For more information, please visit www.sands.com/sands-cares/
About NBA Social Impact & Inclusion and NBA Cares
NBA Social Impact & Inclusion drives change on issues facing fans and communities by advancing needed resources and proven partners. We create data-driven strategies and programming to empower colleagues to bring their best self. NBA Cares works with NBA players and teams to highlight important issues through the NBA's digital, social and broadcast channels, live events and partnerships.
Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo
Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo
NBA legend Ray Allen led a professional training session and interacted with the participants.
Chinese national women's basketball team member Zhang Ziyu led a professional training session and interacted with the participants.
Chinese basketball star Ding Yanyuhang led a professional training session and interacted with the participants.
A group of young people participated in a professional fitness assessment and basketball clinic led by NBA coaches, receiving professional instruction such as footwork, ball handling, and offensive and defensive techniques.
A group of young people participated in a professional fitness assessment and basketball clinic led by NBA coaches, receiving professional instruction such as footwork, ball handling, and offensive and defensive techniques.
A group of young people participated in a professional fitness assessment and basketball clinic led by NBA coaches, receiving professional instruction such as footwork, ball handling, and offensive and defensive techniques.
Throughout the event, young people from the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao competed side by side, honing their skills and forging friendships amidst the cheers and applause—fully demonstrating the power of sports to transcend geographical boundaries and unite the youth.
Throughout the event, young people from the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao competed side by side, honing their skills and forging friendships amidst the cheers and applause—fully demonstrating the power of sports to transcend geographical boundaries and unite the youth.
A “Her Time to Play” panel discussion was held concurrently on the day of the event, featuring distinguished guests—Dawn Smyth, NBA’s associate vice president and head of international basketball relations, Gina Miller, Dallas Mavericks’ chief communications officer, Gretchen Sheirr, Houston Rockets’ president, and DeVonne Iao, Sands China’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer of resort marketing. They shared stories of personal growth and career journeys, aiming to encourage young people to build self-confidence and boldly pursue their goals.
- 6-metre-high installation sails past some of London's most iconic landmarks
- "Work done. Day done. SHIN ME" invites consumers to unwind with a warm, spicy bowl of Shin Ramyun
LONDON, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nongshim, a leading South Korean food company and the maker of global instant noodle brand Shin Ramyun, launched a brand campaign on the River Thames in London on the evening of October 6. As part of the campaign, a giant Shin Ramyun cup installation standing approximately six metres tall sailed along the Thames.
Nongshim Shin Ramyun Campaign on the River Thames in London (Night View with Tower Bridge)
Starting from Royal Docks, the oversized Shin Ramyun cup travelled along the Thames past some of London's best-known landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben. The campaign was designed to bring the Shin Ramyun brand to life in the heart of London, engaging both local residents and international visitors.
At the centre of the campaign is the message, "Work done. Day done. SHIN ME." It encourages consumers to unwind after a busy day by enjoying a warm and spicy bowl of Shin Ramyun in their own time and space. Through the campaign, Nongshim aims to present Shin Ramyun as an enjoyable way to unwind at the end of a busy day.
The approximately six-metre-high installation incorporated a range of visual effects designed to recreate the experience of a freshly prepared cup of Shin Ramyun. Lighting enhanced its visibility after dark, while oversized chopsticks and rising steam gave the impression of a piping-hot bowl of ramyun floating along the Thames.
The rear of the installation also highlighted "SHIN TO WIN," Nongshim's nationwide consumer promotion currently running across the UK. The promotion features scratch cards included in multipacks of Shin Ramyun, Shin Ramyun Toomba and Shin Ramyun Kimchi sold through major UK retailers including Tesco, B&M and Sainsbury's.
Running for approximately 12 weeks from August 10 to October 31, SHIN TO WIN offers cash prizes ranging from £10 to a top prize of £5,000. By combining the high-visibility Thames campaign with an in-store promotion across major retail channels, Nongshim aims to create more opportunities for UK consumers to engage with the Shin Ramyun brand.
A Nongshim spokesperson said, "The River Thames is a symbolic part of London, where everyday city life meets some of the world's most recognisable landmarks. Through this campaign, we want to introduce UK consumers to a new Shin Ramyun brand experience, enjoying a warm, spicy bowl of ramyun as a moment to unwind after a busy day."
Nongshim Shin Ramyun Campaign on the River Thames in London (Daytime View)
Milo,Nescau and Nesquikwill become Official Partners of the National Basketball Association (NBA)
The partnership will include activations across select NBA youth basketball development programs and platforms
Multi-year agreement spans 21 markets across four continents and marks Nestlé's largest international brand collaboration to date
VEVEY, Switzerland, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestlé and the NBA are entering a new, multi‑year international marketing partnership making Milo, Nescau and Nesquik Official Partners of the NBA.
Milo, Nescau and Nesquik becoming Official Partners of the NBA
The agreement spans 21 markets across four continents and is designed to engage fans and inspire youth basketball participation around the world. Nestlé's largest international brand collaboration to date, the partnership reflects the company's strategy to focus on fewer, larger global marketing platforms that can be activated consistently across markets, ensuring local relevance. It will come into effect on 1 January 2027.
As part of the collaboration, Nestlé and the NBA will build on a shared commitment to youth participation in sport by creating more opportunities for young people and families to engage with basketball. This will include activations across select NBA youth basketball development programs and platforms, including Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA, NBA Basketball School, Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coaches Academies, Her Time To Play and NBA 3X, and will extend across select NBA events and fan engagement platforms, including NBA Global Games and NBA House.
"For decades, our brands have believed in the power of sport to bring out the best in people," said Liberato Milo, SVP Head of Confectionery & Snacking Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé. "From Milo and Nescau sports programs to Nesquik athlete partnerships and initiatives, we have seen how sport can energize people, build confidence and create healthy habits. Together with the NBA, we will use the power of basketball to connect with consumers at scale, create locally relevant experiences and inspire more young people and families to get active and enjoy the game."
The marketing partnership will also encompass retail programs and in-market fan experiences, including on-pack promotions featuring NBA branding and opportunities for consumers to win NBA tickets, merchandise and other prizes.
"Nestlé is one of the world's most recognizable brands and has a longstanding connection to consumers across the globe," said Julie Morris, NBA Senior Vice President of Commercial Development and Media. "We look forward to leveraging Nestlé's reach and local market presence to connect with fans in new ways and support the continued growth of basketball around the world."
The partnership will activate across: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam – with the Philippines joining from October 2027.
Contacts:
Nestlé: Chiara Valsangiacomo, +41 21 924 2200, mediarelations@nestle.com
NBA: Sam Postlethwaite, +44 7468 711407, spostlethwaite@nba.com
Milo,Nescau và Nesquiksẽ trở thành Đối Tác Chính Thức của Hiệp Hội Bóng Rổ Quốc Gia (NBA)
Trong khuôn khổ thỏa thuận hợp tác này, các bên sẽ triển khai hàng loạt hoạt động trên một số chương trình và nền tảng phát triển bóng rổ trẻ của NBA
Thỏa thuận kéo dài nhiều năm này sẽ được thực hiện tại 21 thị trường thuộc bốn châu lục và đánh dấu thương vụ hợp tác thương hiệu quốc tế lớn nhất từ trước đến nay của Nestlé
VEVEY, Thụy Sĩ, ngày 7 tháng 10 năm 2026 PRNewswire/ -- Nestlé và NBA vừa chính thức ký kết thỏa thuận hợp tác chiến lược về tiếp thị quốc tế nhiều năm mới, đưa Milo, Nescau và Nesquik trở thành những Đối Tác Chính Thức của NBA.
Milo, Nescau and Nesquik becoming Official Partners of the NBA
Trong khuôn khổ hợp tác, Nestlé và NBA sẽ cùng nhau thực hiện cam kết chung là thúc đẩy giới trẻ tham gia thể thao, bằng cách tạo ra nhiều cơ hội hơn cho thanh thiếu niên và gia đình tiếp cận và gắn kết với bộ môn bóng rổ. Dự án này sẽ triển khai các hoạt động trên một số chương trình và nền tảng phát triển bóng rổ trẻ của NBA, như Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA, Trường Bóng Rổ NBA, Học Viện Huấn Luyện Viên Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA, Chương Trình "Her Time To Play" và Giải Bóng Rổ 3 Người NBA 3X, và sẽ mở rộng sang một số sự kiện cũng như nền tảng kết nối người hâm mộ của NBA, bao gồm NBA Global Games và NBA House.
"Trong nhiều thập kỷ qua, các thương hiệu của chúng tôi luôn tin tưởng rằng thể thao có sức mạnh khơi dậy những phẩm chất tốt đẹp nhất ở mỗi người", ông Liberato Milo, Phó Chủ Tịch Cấp Cao kiêm Giám Đốc Đơn Vị Kinh Doanh Chiến Lược Bánh Kẹo & Đồ Ăn Nhẹ tại Nestlé, cho biết. "Từ các chương trình thể thao của Milo và Nescau cho đến các sáng kiến và hoạt động hợp tác với vận động viên của Nesquik, chúng tôi đã chứng kiến thể thao có thể tiếp thêm năng lượng, xây dựng sự tự tin và tạo ra những thói quen lành mạnh cho mọi người như thế nào. Đồng hành cùng NBA, chúng tôi sẽ tận dụng sức mạnh của bóng rổ để kết nối với người tiêu dùng trên quy mô lớn, tạo ra những trải nghiệm phù hợp với từng địa phương và truyền cảm hứng để ngày càng nhiều bạn trẻ cùng gia đình năng động hơn và tận hưởng niềm vui từ bộ môn này."
Thỏa thuận hợp tác tiếp thị này cũng sẽ bao gồm các chương trình bán lẻ và trải nghiệm dành cho người hâm mộ tại từng thị trường, bao gồm các chương trình khuyến mãi trên bao bì sản phẩm mang dấu ấn thương hiệu NBA và cơ hội để người tiêu dùng trúng thưởng vé xem trực tiếp các trận đấu NBA, vật phẩm lưu niệm chính hãng cùng nhiều giải thưởng hấp dẫn khác.
"Nestlé là một trong những thương hiệu dễ nhận diện nhất trên thế giới và có mối liên kết bền chặt lâu dài với người tiêu dùng trên toàn cầu", bà Julie Morris, Phó Chủ Tịch Cấp Cao phụ trách Phát Triển Thương Mại và Truyền Thông của NBA, cho biết. "Chúng tôi rất mong được tận dụng độ phủ sóng và sự hiện diện của Nestlé tại các thị trường địa phương để kết nối với người hâm mộ theo những cách thức mới, đồng thời góp phần thúc đẩy môn bóng rổ tiếp tục phát triển trên toàn thế giới."
Thỏa thuận hợp tác này sẽ được triển khai tại các thị trường sau: Úc, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Pháp, Đức, Ghana, Ý, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Tây Ban Nha, Thái Lan, Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ, Vương quốc Anh, Hoa Kỳ, Việt Nam – riêng Philippines sẽ tham gia từ tháng 10 năm 2027.
Thông tin liên hệ:
Nestlé: Chiara Valsangiacomo, +41 21 924 2200, mediarelations@nestle.com
NBA: Sam Postlethwaite, +44 7468 711407, spostlethwaite@nba.com
Milo,Nescau and Nesquikwill become Official Partners of the National Basketball Association (NBA)
The partnership will include activations across select NBA youth basketball development programs and platforms
Multi-year agreement spans 21 markets across four continents and marks Nestlé's largest international brand collaboration to date
VEVEY, Switzerland, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestlé and the NBA are entering a new, multi‑year international marketing partnership making Milo, Nescau and Nesquik Official Partners of the NBA.
Milo, Nescau and Nesquik becoming Official Partners of the NBA
The agreement spans 21 markets across four continents and is designed to engage fans and inspire youth basketball participation around the world. Nestlé's largest international brand collaboration to date, the partnership reflects the company's strategy to focus on fewer, larger global marketing platforms that can be activated consistently across markets, ensuring local relevance. It will come into effect on 1 January 2027.
As part of the collaboration, Nestlé and the NBA will build on a shared commitment to youth participation in sport by creating more opportunities for young people and families to engage with basketball. This will include activations across select NBA youth basketball development programs and platforms, including Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA, NBA Basketball School, Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coaches Academies, Her Time To Play and NBA 3X, and will extend across select NBA events and fan engagement platforms, including NBA Global Games and NBA House.
"For decades, our brands have believed in the power of sport to bring out the best in people," said Liberato Milo, SVP Head of Confectionery & Snacking Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé. "From Milo and Nescau sports programs to Nesquik athlete partnerships and initiatives, we have seen how sport can energize people, build confidence and create healthy habits. Together with the NBA, we will use the power of basketball to connect with consumers at scale, create locally relevant experiences and inspire more young people and families to get active and enjoy the game."
The marketing partnership will also encompass retail programs and in-market fan experiences, including on-pack promotions featuring NBA branding and opportunities for consumers to win NBA tickets, merchandise and other prizes.
"Nestlé is one of the world's most recognizable brands and has a longstanding connection to consumers across the globe," said Julie Morris, NBA Senior Vice President of Commercial Development and Media. "We look forward to leveraging Nestlé's reach and local market presence to connect with fans in new ways and support the continued growth of basketball around the world."
The partnership will activate across: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam – with the Philippines joining from October 2027.
Contacts:
Nestlé: Chiara Valsangiacomo, +41 21 924 2200, mediarelations@nestle.com
NBA: Sam Postlethwaite, +44 7468 711407, spostlethwaite@nba.com
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through the National Art Gallery of Malaysia, today officially launched the ASEAN Artpreneur Retreat 2026 (AAR 2026), bringing together emerging and established art entrepreneurs from across ASEAN to transform creative ideas into market-ready offerings and sustainable businesses.
The Honourable Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Dr. Jalaini bin Abu Hassan, Chairman of the National Visual Arts Development Board (NVADB); and Amerrudin Ahmad, Director-General of NVADB, with participants of the ASEAN Artpreneur Retreat 2026 (AAR 2026) at the opening ceremony held at HEMISFERA Luxury Sky Hall, Menara Kuala Lumpur.
Held from 5 to 19 October 2026 in Kuala Lumpur under the theme "Innovate and Elevate", the 15-day intensive programme strengthens entrepreneurial capabilities, encourages knowledge exchange and expands opportunities within the regional creative economy.
The programme was officially launched by The Honourable Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, at HEMISFERA Luxury Sky Hall, Menara Kuala Lumpur. Also present were Dato' Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Secretary-General of MOTAC; Dr. Jalaini bin Abu Hassan, Chairman of the National Visual Arts Development Board (NVADB); Amerrudin Ahmad, Director-General of the NVADB; along with ambassadors and representatives of ASEAN embassies in Malaysia.
AAR 2026 combines creative dialogue, mentorship and practical entrepreneurial development, focusing on product development, market readiness, commercialisation and sustainable business models. Participants will engage with industry experts and creative practitioners to refine their ideas, understand market needs and strengthen their business capabilities.
The retreat also features alumni of the Young Art Entrepreneur (YAE!) programme, an ongoing National Art Gallery initiative supporting entrepreneurship in Malaysia's visual arts and creative industries. Alumni contribute peer mentorship in market navigation, brand building and production scaling, connecting Malaysian and fellow ASEAN artpreneurs through shared experience.
In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 Campaign, participants will develop a new product or service inspired by the campaign's theme, drawing on local cultural assets to create innovative offerings that enrich visitor experiences and generate opportunities for creative communities.
The programme will culminate in a commercial product showcase, presenting the outcomes developed during the retreat and highlighting participants' ability to translate artistic concepts into offerings with market potential.
Guided by the principles of Malaysia MADANI, AAR 2026 reflects MOTAC's commitment to empowering creative talent, strengthening regional collaboration and advancing inclusive, sustainable growth. Through this initiative, art and culture serve as foundations for shared identity, meaningful livelihoods and economic opportunity across ASEAN.
New partnership to broaden the reach of Taiwan's award-winning single malt across Australia
TAIPEI, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kavalan, Taiwan's globally celebrated single malt whisky distillery, has appointed Cerbaco Distribution to expand its presence across Australia.
Kavalan LÁN Single Malt Whisky reflects the Taiwanese distillery’s distinctive character and expertise in cask maturation
Cerbaco, a family-owned premium spirits specialist with four decades of experience, will lead national distribution and bring Kavalan to more Australian retailers, bars and whisky drinkers.
King Car Chairman Mr. YT Lee said: "This is an exciting new partnership for Kavalan in a sophisticated whisky market that increasingly values quality, provenance and discovery. Cerbaco's deep expertise in premium aged spirits and commitment to education make it an ideal partner to take our story to more Australian whisky drinkers."
Cerbaco General Manager Max Lennox said: "Kavalan is one of the most decorated distilleries in the world, and it still surprises Australian whisky drinkers when they discover where it comes from. That is the opportunity. Our job is to put it in front of the retailers and drinkers who set the direction of this market, and let the whisky do the rest. Taiwan has been making whisky at this level for over twenty years, and Australia has largely missed it. Partnering with Kavalan to change that is a genuine privilege."
Taiwan's subtropical climate shapes Kavalan's fruit-forward character, while its use of different casks brings variety to the range. Kavalan is particularly known for its sherry cask whiskies, with notes of dried fruit, chocolate and spice. LÁN Single Malt Whisky shows another side of the distillery. Matured in ex-bourbon, ruby port and STR vinho casks, it combines floral and fruit notes with vanilla and caramel sweetness. Through Cerbaco's nationwide network, Australian drinkers will have more opportunities to explore these different expressions.
Founded in 1985, Cerbaco represents more than 1,500 spirits and has a sales network covering every Australian state and territory. Cerbaco represents some of the world's finest spirits across every major category, from Armagnac to Cognac, whisky, tequila and vodka, liqueurs and aperitifs, calvados and much more.
For information on Kavalan's availability in Australia or trade enquiries, please contact Cerbaco Distribution:
Website: https://www.cerbaco.com.au/
Commercial Manager: Josie Petrolo (Josie@cerbaco.com.au)
Media Contact: Wendy Wang (wendywa@kingcar.com.tw)
About Kavalan Whisky
Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Taiwan since 2005. Our whisky, aged in intense humidity and heat, sources the crystal meltwaters of Snow Mountain and is enhanced by sea and mountain breezes. These conditions combine to create Kavalan's signature creaminess. Taking Yilan County's old name, our distillery is backed by more than 45 years of beverage-making under parent company, King Car Group. We have collected 1,000 gold or higher awards from the industry's most competitive contests.
From Carnival in Rio to truffle season in Tuscany, Silversea's newest sailings place guests at the heart of the world's most captivating cultural moments across 56 countries
MIAMI, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has revealed new sailings within its Voyage Collection 2028-2029, 'Let the World Surprise You.' Itineraries are timed to the world's most captivating cultural moments, from Carnival in Venice and Rio de Janeiro to New Year's Eve in Funchal and Sydney, alongside new S.A.L.T. Culinary Voyages built around Europe's truffle season and Southeast Asia's iconic markets. Spanning September 2028 to May 2029, the program comprises 103 voyages across 219 destinations in 56 countries, including 29 new ports of call across the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and South America. General sales open on October 8, 2026.
Silversea Unveils 103 New Voyages for 2028/2029
"Our Voyage Collection 2028-2029 offers industry-leading depth across every region," said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. "Guests can select a voyage designed around a culinary season through our new S.A.L.T. Culinary Voyages, take on an entire continent aboard Silver Nova during Grand South America 2029, or spend an afternoon on the exclusive island of Canouan, where our Destination Experience carries guests from a Carnival welcome to a beachside celebration. These moments are what allow our guests to experience each destination at its most authentic."
New features across these sailings include:
A TWO-SHIP MEDITERRANEAN DEPLOYMENT: A two-ship deployment in the Mediterranean, with 17 sailings aboard Silver Nova and Silver Dawn, including immersive experiences at Venice Carnival and Funchal's New Year's Eve fireworks.
NEW S.A.L.T. CULINARY VOYAGES: Wine & Truffle voyages across Spain and Italy, and new Asian Markets voyages between Singapore and Hong Kong.
CANOUAN - A SPECIAL DESTINATION EXPERIENCE BY SILVERSEA: A full-day call at Canouan, a secluded island within St. Vincent and the Grenadines, featuring a Carnival welcome and a beachside soiree.
GRAND SOUTH AMERICA 2029: A round-trip circumnavigation of the continent aboard Silver Nova, including Antarctic Peninsula scenic cruising.
THE MEDITERRANEAN AT ITS MOST INTIMATE
Silver Nova and Silver Dawn will welcome guests on 17 Mediterranean voyages between October 2028 and March 2029, calling at 53 destinations across 12 countries, including new calls at Brindisi and Imperia. Overnight stays are scheduled in Cadiz, Funchal (Madeira), Fusina (Venice), Genoa, Istanbul, Livorno (Tuscany), Naples, and Valletta, with the two-ship deployment enhancing combinability between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.
Silver Dawn's overnight calls in Venice will allow guests to experience the Carnival after dark, including an evening event inspired by Casanova. A separate sailing positions the ship in Funchal, Madeira, for New Year's Eve, with the island's fireworks display visible from the ship, before continuing on to Casablanca and Tangier. Silver Dawn will also add three sailings featuring Alexandria, including a Great Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum excursion, alongside two additional sailings calling at Istanbul.
A NEW COLLECTION OF S.A.L.T. CULINARY VOYAGES
Silversea is also making new additions to its S.A.L.T. Culinary Voyages – a collection of itineraries shaped by the seasons, rooted in regional cuisine, and led by local experts, master chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists. Three Wine & Truffle sailings will take guests across Italy and Spain aboard Silver Dawn from October through December, tracing the truffle trail from Livorno, gateway to Tuscany, to Palamos, on the edge of Catalonia's truffle country, with truffle-hunting excursions, guided vineyard tours, and onboard tastings and chef programming. Four Asian Markets sailings aboard Silver Muse will journey between Singapore and Hong Kong, with shore excursions led by local food experts, chef-led market tours, and visits to hawker stalls and street food destinations.
SILVER NOVA AND SILVER RAY LEAD SILVERSEA'S CARIBBEAN DEPLOYMENT
Silver Ray, Silver Nova, Silver Spirit, and Silver Shadow will anchor Silversea's Caribbean and Central America deployment, spanning 38 voyages between November 2028 and March 2029, and calling at 34 destinations across 21 countries, including a new call at La Romana, Dominican Republic. All four ships offer round-trip departures from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or San Juan.
Silversea will also offer an exclusive Destination Experience at Canouan during the season: a private beach day featuring a Carnival-style welcome with local dancers and a steel band, along with a beachside soiree with light bites, flowing drinks, and live music. Silver Ray and Silver Spirit will each depart on round-trip Miami sailings of eight to 12 days, featuring St. Barts alongside Antigua, Anguilla, or St. Kitts.
GRAND SOUTH AMERICA 2029 VOYAGE
Silver Nova will host the Grand South America 2029 voyage, a 75-night round-trip circumnavigation of the continent departing Fort Lauderdale on January 13, 2029, and returning March 29, 2029. The voyage includes a Panama Canal transit, scenic cruising of the Antarctic Peninsula, and overnight stays in Manaus, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Callao (Lima), and Cartagena.
Three exclusive events are planned for guests on this voyage, starting with a sunset reception in Gustavia, St. Barts, where guests will gather with champagne and local cocktails, followed by dinner and live music in a setting inspired by the atmosphere of Saint-Tropez. Guests will then watch Rio's Carnival from a reserved space at the Sambadrome, with preferred seating along the parade runway and dedicated hospitality service throughout the evening. Before returning to Fort Lauderdale, the ship will call at Cartagena for a private event at a rooftop venue overlooking the bay, featuring live music, dancers, and cultural performances.
NEW YEAR'S EVE IN SYDNEY AND EIGHT NEW PORTS ACROSS ASIA
Silver Moon will spend the season in Australia and New Zealand, covering 10 voyages between October 2028 and March 2029 and visiting 42 destinations across three countries, including new calls at Batemans Bay and Phillip Island, and a scenic cruise through Dusky Sound. New combination voyages in New Zealand – including a round-trip Melbourne itinerary – and new routes linking Australia and Indonesia expand how these itineraries can be combined. Silver Moon will also host an overnight New Year's Eve call in Sydney.
Silver Moon and Silver Muse will together complete 26 Asia voyages between September 2028 and May 2029, calling at 62 destinations across 11 countries. This collection adds eight new ports, including Yeosu, Hitachinaka, Miyako-jima, Vigan, Muara, Sihanoukville, Makassar, and Maizuru (Kyoto), and introduces Kobe and Bali as new turnaround ports, expanding how guests can combine itineraries. Sailings are timed to Japan's cherry blossom season and Hong Kong's Lunar New Year.
General sales for these sailings within Silversea's Voyage Collection 2028-2029 open on October 8, 2026, following a preview for Venetian Society members on October 6.
For more information on Silversea's Voyage Collection 2028-2029, visit https://www.silversea.com/lp-new-winter-itineraries-2028-2029.html
About Silversea
Silversea is the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, offering guests immersive experiences on all seven continents, personalized service, and an innovative culinary offering aboard its 12 intimate ocean and expedition ships. Silversea's itineraries encompass an unparalleled range of destinations worldwide, from the Mediterranean and the Caribbean to the Galápagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating places in between. Set to strengthen its destination leadership starting in 2026, the brand is developing the southernmost hotel on Earth, The Cormorant at 55 South, in Puerto Williams, Chile – offering guests a uniquely seamless journey to Antarctica. Silversea brings its like-minded guests closer to their destination in uncompromised comfort, championing the joy of travel, an enriching spirit of discovery, and an enduring commitment to Silversea's signature "To Finding More" promise. Silversea is owned and operated by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL). For more information, visit www.silversea.com. Media can stay up to date by visiting the brand's press center.
Silversea, Otium, S.A.L.T., The Cormorant at 55 South, To Finding More, and the various ship names are registered trademarks of Silversea Cruises LLC.
About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group is a leading global vacation company spanning cruise, one-of-a-kind destinations, and land-based vacation experiences. The company operates 71 ships sailing to more than 1,000 destinations across all seven continents through its three wholly owned brands - Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea - and a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises, which operates the Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd brands.
The Group is expanding its portfolio of private destinations through its Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club collections, and the company will enter river cruising in 2027 with Celebrity River Cruises. Powered by innovative brands, advanced technology, and an industry-leading loyalty program, the company has built a connected vacation ecosystem, turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.
Named to the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies 2026 list and to Forbes' 2026 Best American Companies lists, Royal Caribbean Group is guided by its mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly. For more information, visit royalcaribbeangroup.com.
Local cuisine emerges as the region's strongest dining force, as traditional restaurant settings give way to fluid, social spaces
SINGAPORE, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International has unveiled Future of Food 2027, its latest report exploring food and beverage trends across Asia Pacific excluding China. Drawing on conversations with leading chefs, hospitality experts and regional influencers, alongside insights from Marriott International properties across the region, the report reveals a pivotal transformation: the rise of place. As dining breaks free from traditional restaurant boundaries into fluid, social formats, diners increasingly seek experiences that are hyper-local, authentic and deeply connected to their destination.
Future of Food Asia Pacific 2027: The Rise of Place
Across Asia Pacific excluding China, diners are increasingly seeking authenticity and connection. Demand for authentic local signature dishes is surging, with 95% of surveyed properties identifying this as the biggest trend in their market. At the same time, dining is no longer confined to the traditional restaurant setting. Guests are gathering across bars, lounges, counters and flexible spaces, turning hotels into social and cultural hubs where guests move fluidly throughout the day. The result is a new era of dining where the story behind what people eat and where they eat matters more than ever.
"Across Asia Pacific, we're witnessing a shift toward intimate, locally-rooted experiences, where smaller, intentional spaces replace traditional formal dining models," said Petr Raba, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Marriott International, Asia Pacific excluding China. "Hotels are becoming cultural storytellers, embedding regional talent, locally sourced ingredients and authentic connection into every aspect of the dining experience to create spaces that feel distinctly of their place."
Key Trends Shaping the Future of Food
The Spatial Shift
Dining is moving beyond the traditional restaurant model as guests increasingly lean toward more flexible, social and experience-led spaces. Across Asia Pacific excluding China, nearly half of the surveyed properties report a growing demand for casual venues such as lounges, bars and outdoor settings, while emerging concepts are embracing intimate 40 to 60-seat footprints with distinct identities. In Vietnam, 71% of surveyed properties report growth in bar and lounge dining, reflecting the growing appeal of more fluid dining experiences. An invisible layer of technology is supporting this shift, with AI enhancing everything from menu development and marketing to staffing and guest insights, allowing teams to focus on delivering more personalized hospitality. 100% of restaurants and bars surveyed in Thailand are already using AI in their operations.
The Local Advantage
Local cuisine has become the defining force shaping dining decisions across the region. Demand for authentic local signature dishes is now the strongest trend identified by 95% of the surveyed properties and outweighing value for money when guests choose where to dine. Hotels are responding by building menus around ingredients and stories rooted in their destinations. At Hearth at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, for example, a signature dish featuring local Wagin duck showcases Western Australia's produce while reflecting the restaurant's seasonal, locally driven philosophy. Over the past year, four in five properties have introduced new local ingredients from Kyoto vegetables in Japan to Kampot sea salt in Cambodia-inspired menus and indigenous spices across Southeast Asia, while nearly three-quarters report local ingredients appearing more frequently in beverage menus. This trend is particularly pronounced in India and Indonesia, where demand for local signature cuisine reaches 71% and 67% respectively, highlighting a growing desire for dining experiences that tell the story of a destination.
99-Minute Fine Dining
Fine dining is undergoing a temporal revolution with up to five memorable courses delivered in under two hours, replacing four-hour tasting menus with ten-plus courses. Across the region, 58% of properties report that the average fine dining experiences last between 1.5 and 2 hours. Singapore has emerged as one of the region's fastest-paced fine dining markets with 85% of restaurants reporting an average time of 1.5 hours. Restaurants are adapting by simplifying menus, introducing more a la carte options and focusing on standout moments over the number of courses. In South Korea, one in five establishments have already reduced the number of courses served, while 30% of fine-dining restaurants in the Philippines have introduced a la carte menus. Australia sees both fewer courses and shorter service times, with the conversation shifting toward "wow moments" rather than course quantity.
Additional Report Highlights:
Eat Well, Eating Your Age: Wellness has become a core dining consideration, with ingredients rooted in Asia Pacific's rich food traditions finding renewed relevance among modern travelers. Today, 97% of surveyed Marriott International properties in Asia Pacific excluding China serve dishes associated with health and longevity, while wellness increasingly extends beyond the plate to healthier mini-bars and wellness-focused turndown experiences.
The Modern Menu: Across Asia Pacific, menus are becoming more expressive and multi-sensory, with texture rising alongside flavor as a defining element of the dining experience. At the same time, plant-forward dining is accelerating, prompting Marriott International to introduce its APEC Plant-Forward Program across the region in 2027, making it one of the first major global hotel groups to integrate plant-forward dining into its operational foundation permanently.
Alcohol Alternatives: The low- and no-alcohol movement has evolved from niche trend to hospitality mainstay, with 42% of Marriott International restaurants and bars surveyed in Asia Pacific excluding China reporting increased sales of non-alcoholic beverages. From premium spirits to alcohol-free pairings, guests are increasingly seeking sophisticated alternatives without compromise.
Looking Ahead
Asia Pacific's F&B landscape is fundamentally shifting toward authenticity and intentionality. Hotels and restaurants thriving in 2027 are those that understand their place deeply - its ingredients, culture, people and design experiences around that foundation. They are creating smaller, more distinctive spaces where technology elevates genuine hospitality, while telling stories that connect guests emotionally to destination and cuisine. The result is a regional dining scene that feels less like a global template adaptation and more like a collection of distinctive, culturally rooted experiences.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of compelling brands across luxury, premium, select, midscale, extended stay, and all-inclusive, with over 10,000 properties in 148 countries and territories, as of June 30, 2026. Marriott franchises, operates, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, yacht, outdoor, and other lodging products all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.
Download the full Future of Food 2027 reporthere to explore the complete trends shaping Asia Pacific's culinary future.
Access high-resolution images and media assets here.
In the news release, Sands China Presents 'The NBA China Games 2026' Event Series, issued 05-Oct-2026 by Sands China Ltd. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the 11th paragraph, first sentence, should read "In addition, Asian stars KiiiKiii and SB19 will deliver electrifying performances, while EVAN and MIRROR member Keung To will make special appearances, bringing added star power and further elevating the pulsating atmosphere at NBA HOUSE." rather than "In addition, Asian stars KiiiKiii and SB19 will deliver electrifying performances, while EVAN and MIRROR member Keung To will make special appearances for live performances, bringing added star power and further elevating the pulsating atmosphere at NBA HOUSE. " The complete, corrected release follows:
Sands China Presents 'The NBA China Games 2026' Event Series
Bringing five-day world-class basketball event to Oct. 7-11
Advancing tourism and sport synergies
Driving Macao's economic diversification
MACAO, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sands China has long been committed to supporting the Macao SAR government's policy of promoting economic diversification –– by leveraging its extensive international network and integrated resort platforms to bring world-class sporting events to Macao, thereby helping reinforce the city's position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. After drawing an enthusiastic response from audiences in Macao and around the world during its debut last year, The NBA China Games returns this year with two preseason games, Oct. 9 and 11 at The Venetian Arena of The Venetian® Macao, featuring a Texas matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets.
To further amplify the synergies between tourism and sports, Sands China and the National Basketball Association (NBA) are presenting a series of activities alongside The NBA China Games 2026. These include NBA Fan Day, NBA HOUSE, and “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week.” Together, these exciting offerings will help further elevate Macao’s reputation as a premier city destination for mega events, while strengthening its status as a “City of Sports” and injecting fresh momentum into the city’s economic diversification.
To further amplify the synergies between tourism and sports, Sands China and the National Basketball Association (NBA) are presenting a series of activities alongside the games. These include NBA Fan Day, taking place at The Venetian Arena on Oct. 10, featuring appearances and interactions with NBA players and performances by popular Asian artists, offering fans an up-close experience of the energy and excitement of the NBA; NBA HOUSE, open to the public free of charge at Halls A and B of Cotai Expo at The Venetian Macao from Oct. 7 to 11, bringing together basketball, music and entertainment, fashion and retail, interactive technology, and specialty dining offerings in a five-day festival for residents and visitors; and the five-day "NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week," running from Oct. 7 to 11 at locations across the Macao community, extending the world-class basketball event to the community and school, engaging a broader cross-section of local society.
Together, these exciting offerings will help further elevate Macao's reputation as a premier city destination for mega events, while strengthening its status as a "City of Sports" and injecting fresh momentum into the city's economic diversification.
The NBA China Games 2026 | Two Preseason Games Set to Take the Court
The NBA China Games 2026 will feature two preseason games between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at The Venetian Arena, with the first game set to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, and the second at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11.
The Mavericks currently feature 2016 NBA champion and nine-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving, 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, and 2026 No. 9 overall pick Morez Johnson Jr. The Rockets currently feature two-time NBA champion and 16-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant, two-time NBA All-Star Alperen Sengun, and 2024-25 NBA All-Defensive First Team member Amen Thompson.
Adding to the excitement on game day, South Korean Gen Z girl group KiiiKiii will take the stage during halftime, bringing dynamic performances and youthful energy that are sure to electrify the arena.
NBA Fan Day | Star-studded Asian Line-up to Deliver an Unforgettable Fan Experience
NBA Fan Day will be at The Venetian Arena at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 10, featuring a line-up of artists from across Asia. Performers will include K-pop star EVAN, also known as HEESEUNG, and Hong Kong singer-actor and MIRROR member Keung To, with rapper-actor MC Jin serving as host. Live performances will keep the energy high throughout the event, immersing audiences in the thrill of NBA basketball.
The event will offer a variety of fan engagement activities, featuring Mavericks and Rockets players, entertainment and mascots. Highlights include a skills challenge, three-point contest, shooting stars challenge, and a slam dunk show featuring professional dunkers –– giving fans the opportunity to experience the energy of NBA basketball up close.
NBA HOUSE | An Expanded One-stop NBA Basketball Carnival
Intensifying the liveliness, the expanded edition of NBA HOUSE Macao 2026 is coming Oct. 7-11 to Halls A and B of The Venetian Macao's Cotai Expo. The five-day experience is open to the public free of charge from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. As a major fan engagement platform for The NBA China Games 2026, this year's edition gathers nearly 30 renowned global brand partners and exhibitors, creating a one-stop, vibrant basketball carnival featuring specialty dining, music and entertainment, fashion and retail, interactive technology and party experiences. The event will extend the momentum of the games to the broader community while further enriching Macao's sports tourism offering.
NBA HOUSE will feature an extensive programme of activities, with NBA legends Ray Allen, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Jeremy Lin, Stephon Marbury, Shawn Marion, Cuttino Mobley, Mitch Richmond, Luis Scola, and P.J. Tucker, along with Chinese basketball star Ding Yanyuhang, headlining the event and interacting with fans on-site, giving the public the opportunity to meet some of basketball's legendary figures in person.
In addition, Asian stars KiiiKiii and SB19 will deliver electrifying performances, while EVAN and MIRROR member Keung To will make special appearances, bringing added star power and further elevating the pulsating atmosphere at NBA HOUSE.
The venue will feature a range of interactive experiences and exhibition zones, including exclusive themed zones dedicated to the Mavericks and the Rockets, photo opportunities with NBA trophies on display, and "NBA Inside the Game powered by AWS" – an interactive shooting experience on a smart digital LED court.
The newly upgraded Merchandise Village will also return to NBA HOUSE this year, bringing together the NBA Store, NBA Atelier, and merchandise from the two participating teams and a range of official partners at Halls A and B of The Venetian Macao's Cotai Expo. Fans can explore an extensive selection of official NBA products, collectibles and lifestyle apparel, including a customization lab. Another highlight will be the expanded themed food and beverage area, which will cover more than 1,500 square metres and combine local favourites with authentic Texas cuisine, offering fans a flavourful and diverse dining experience.
Two viewing parties will also be held during the event, where fans can get together to enjoy the world-class basketball matches in a lively atmosphere.
"NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week" | Exemplifying Sands Cares Spirit
Co-organised by Sands China's Sands Cares programme and NBA Cares, the "NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026" will take place Oct. 7-11. Featuring five themed activities, namely Youth Day, Tip-off, School Day, Health and Wellness Day, and the Community Basketball Carnival, the initiative takes NBA legends and current players to visit local communities, providing Macao residents of all ages and backgrounds with valuable opportunities to learn, interact and be inspired.
By bringing a world-class basketball event into the local community, the Impact Week aims to inspire positive youth development, foster social inclusion and promote greater awareness of physical and mental well-being. Through these meaningful outreach activities, it seeks to champion the values of care, healthy living and sportsmanship.
With broad participation from across the community, the Impact Week fully demonstrates Sands China's longstanding commitment to the spirit of Sands Cares and its dedication to growing alongside and serving the Macao community. By harnessing the synergies arising from major sports tourism events, the initiative not only supports Macao's economic diversification, but also unites charitable efforts from across regions to foster a more caring and inclusive community in Macao, while demonstrating the vitality and impact of Macao's "Tourism+" strategy.
For the latest arrangements for The NBA China Games 2026 and related events, as well as registration information for selected performances, please visit NBAChinaGames.com. Macao residents, visitors and basketball fans alike are invited to join the vibrant line-up of activities and experience this spectacular celebration that blends basketball, entertainment, tourism and leisure, and community engagement.
Schedule of The NBA China Games 2026 Event Series
Event
Date & Time
Location
The NBA China Games
2026
Game 1
October 9 (Fri)
7:30 p.m.
The Venetian Arena
Game 2
October 11 (Sun)
5:30 p.m.
NBA Fan Day 2026
October 10 (Sat)
3:30 p.m.
NBA HOUSE
Open to the public free of
charge
October 7-11 (Wed-Sun)
11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
*Select session: invitation only
Halls A and B of
The Venetian Macao's
Cotai Expo
NBA Cares x Sands Cares
Community Impact Week
2026
October 7-11 (Wed-Sun)
Various locations across
Macao community and
The Venetian Macao
For high resolution photos, please visit:
https://we.tl/t-vuj7nvSBFPGh85pV
About Sands China Ltd.
Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company's integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian® Macao and The Londoner® Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company's portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, The Londoner Theatre and Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company's Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao's transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).
For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.
Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo
Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo
To further amplify the synergies between tourism and sports, Sands China and the National Basketball Association (NBA) are presenting a series of activities alongside The NBA China Games 2026. These include NBA Fan Day, NBA HOUSE, and “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week.” Together, these exciting offerings will help further elevate Macao’s reputation as a premier city destination for mega events, while strengthening its status as a “City of Sports” and injecting fresh momentum into the city’s economic diversification.
The NBA China Games 2026 will feature two preseason games between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at The Venetian Arena, with the first game set to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, and the second at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11.
The NBA China Games 2026 will feature two preseason games between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at The Venetian Arena, with the first game set to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, and the second at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11.
NBA Fan Day will take place at The Venetian Arena on Oct. 10, featuring appearances and interactions with NBA players and performances by popular Asian artists, offering fans an up-close experience of the energy and excitement of the NBA.
NBA Fan Day will take place at The Venetian Arena on Oct. 10, featuring appearances and interactions with NBA players and performances by popular Asian artists, offering fans an up-close experience of the energy and excitement of the NBA.
The expanded edition of NBA HOUSE Macao 2026 is coming Oct. 7-11 to Halls A and B of The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo. Open free of charge to the public from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, the five-day festival brings together basketball, music and entertainment, fashion and retail, interactive technology, and specialty dining offerings for residents and visitors alike.
The expanded edition of NBA HOUSE Macao 2026 is coming Oct. 7-11 to Halls A and B of The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo. Open free of charge to the public from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, the five-day festival brings together basketball, music and entertainment, fashion and retail, interactive technology, and specialty dining offerings for residents and visitors alike.
Co-organised by Sands China’s Sands Cares programme and NBA Cares, the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026” will take place Oct. 7-11. The initiative brings NBA legends and current players into local communities, extending the reach of the sporting event to a broader cross-section of the Macao community.
Leveraging product and production expertise developed in Indonesia
TOKYO, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Calbee, Inc. ("Calbee") announced today the launch of POP LAYERS in Thailand, beginning in October 2026. POP LAYERS is a new multilayer corn snack developed as a strategic brand for Calbee's Asia and Oceania Region. The initial lineup features Salt, Cheese, and BBQ flavors.
Thailand was selected as the brand's first market due to the steady growth of its savory snack category, with fabricated snacks gaining in popularity. Designed primarily for younger consumers interested in new products and trends, POP LAYERS offers a distinctive snacking experience through its multilayer structure.
The new products will initially be available at 7-Eleven stores nationwide. BBQ will be sold exclusively at 7-Eleven, while Salt and Cheese will expand sequentially to additional retail channels approximately one month after launch.
The launch supports the Calbee Group's growth strategy, "Accelerate the Future," under which its overseas business is positioned as a key driver of growth through 2035. In the Asia and Oceania Region, the Group is leveraging products, technologies, and production infrastructure developed across its markets to create new opportunities. Going forward, Calbee plans to expand POP LAYERS across the region and broaden consumer reach.
POP LAYERS builds on the product development and production expertise behind GuriBee, a multilayer corn snack sold in Indonesia. GuriBee is manufactured by PT. Calbee-Wings Food, Calbee's joint venture with the Wings Group in Indonesia since 2021. Its light, crispy texture and distinctive multilayer crunch have resonated with consumers, driving demand. PT. Calbee-Wings Food has since expanded its GuriBee production capacity, enabling broader distribution in Indonesia and overseas. Drawing on the product expertise and market insights gained through GuriBee, Calbee developed POP LAYERS for the broader Asia and Oceania Region.
"Calbee has traditionally expanded its global business by bringing well-loved brands from Japan to overseas markets." said Teiichiro Morioka, Managing Executive Officer, President of Asia and Oceania Region. "POP LAYERS is a new brand originating in Indonesia developed to reach more consumers around the world. Beginning with Thailand, we aim to drive further growth overseas and strengthen our global business foundation."
About the Calbee Group
Since 1949, Calbee has embraced its corporate philosophy of harnessing nature's gifts to create products that bring great taste and enjoyment while contributing to healthier lifestyles. Guided by this enduring philosophy, we work to help address social challenges through our business activities. In doing so, we continue to take on new challenges as we look toward our next 100 years and beyond.
Under our 2035 growth strategy, Accelerate the Future, Calbee is today expanding snacking and light-meal occasions beyond traditional ways of eating and into new markets around the world. As we continue our evolution from a Japanese snack food maker into a global snacking company, we aim to bring the joy of food to people around the world and deliver new value.
For more information, visit: https://www.calbee.co.jp/en/
The new terminal will support the long-term development of tourism in Okinawa, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance the guest experience.
NAHA, OKINAWA, Japan, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises celebrated the groundbreaking of a new cruise terminal at Naha Port, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of cruising in Japan and across the East Asia region.
From left, Preston Carnahan, vice president, Destination Development, Royal Caribbean Group; Hon. Genta Koja, Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, president, Naha Port Authority; Oliviero Morelli, president, Japan, Korea, and South East Asia, Cruise Division of MSC Group; Javier Rodriguez Sanchez, vice president, Business Development, Ports & Destinations, CTL Maritime
Cruise Port Naha G.K. is a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd., representing the respective interests of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group. Under the Cruise Hub Formation Agreement concluded with the Naha Port Authority in August 2026, Cruise Port Naha G.K. will develop and operate the new terminal, with completion and the start of operations targeted for March 2028.
The new terminal will provide modern, purpose-built facilities designed to enhance the guest experience, improve operational efficiency, and support the long-term growth of cruise tourism in Okinawa.
As one of Japan's most strategically located ports, Naha offers year-round accessibility and serves as an ideal gateway for cruise itineraries throughout the region. Once completed, the new terminal will provide enhanced passenger facilities, strengthening the port's ability to accommodate some of the most advanced cruise ships in the world, thereby supporting increased passenger capacity and growing demand for cruise vacations in Asia.
"For Royal Caribbean Group, Japan is one of the most important cruise markets in Asia - not only as a destination, but as a long-term partner in our global business. We do not simply bring guests here, we also invest here and with Naha Okinawa, we are investing in infrastructure that will benefit the local community for years to come," said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. "The future of cruising in Japan is about shared ambition, collaboration, and responsible innovation, and we are honored to be a part of it."
"Okinawa is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of some of Asia's most exciting cruise destinations, and we see real potential for its future," said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Group, Cruises Division. "This project forms part of our long-term vision to expand our presence in the region and create new opportunities for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys to enjoy Asia year-round. As we continue to develop our itineraries and invest in infrastructure, we are making cruising more accessible for both international and Asian travellers while strengthening connections across the region. We are proud to partner with Royal Caribbean Group and the Naha Port Authority in bringing this vision to life, and I thank all those whose commitment, collaboration and shared ambition have made today's milestone possible. Together, we are investing not only in a port, but in the future growth of cruise tourism in Okinawa and across Asia."
The project follows Naha Port's designation by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port in 2019 and represents an important public-private collaboration to support the long-term development of tourism in Okinawa.
Today's groundbreaking included a traditional Japanese ceremony at the future terminal site, marking the formal start of construction and bringing together several esteemed public officials for the event, including Okinawa Governor Genta Koja and representatives from the Cabinet Office of Japan, alongside representatives from Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group.
About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group is a leading global vacation company spanning cruise, one-of-a-kind destinations, and land-based vacation experiences. The company operates 71 ships sailing to more than 1,000 destinations across all seven continents through its three wholly owned brands - Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea - and a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises, which operates the Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd brands.
The Group is expanding its portfolio of private destinations through its Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club collections, and the company will enter river cruising in 2027 with Celebrity River Cruises. Powered by innovative brands, advanced technology, and an industry-leading loyalty program, the company has built a connected vacation ecosystem, turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.
Named to the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies 2026 list and to Forbes' 2026 Best American Companies lists, Royal Caribbean Group is guided by its mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly. For more information, visit royalcaribbeangroup.com.
About MSC Cruises
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately-owned MSC Cruises is the world's third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America. A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality. For more information visit MSC Cruises.
Global association executive selected to lead WTCA into its next chapter, strengthening Member value and connections across its network across nearly 100 countries and territories
NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®) — an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations across nearly 100 countries and territories — today announced the appointment of Annette Gregg as its first female Chief Executive Officer in the Association's 57-year history.
WTCA announced the appointment of Annette Gregg as its first female CEO in the Association’s 57-year history.
Gregg joins WTCA as the Association enters a new chapter, following the recent return of its global headquarters to the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan after 25 years, signaling an exciting new chapter for the organization, and further advancing its mission of "Connecting Businesses, Globally." As CEO, Gregg will provide strategic leadership to WTCA and its global staff, working closely with the Board of Directors and Members to advance the Association's strategic and business priorities. She will also serve as a leading public voice for WTCA, focused on strengthening engagement across its Membership, expanding the global network and creating new opportunities for Members to connect businesses, markets and communities through international trade and investment.
"Annette brings the combination of strategic vision, financial acumen and global stakeholder engagement that WTCA needs as we look toward the future," said John E. Drew, Chair of the WTCA Board of Directors. "Throughout her career, she has demonstrated that she knows how to strengthen international organizations by listening to their Members, creating meaningful value and building connections across markets and cultures. With Annette stepping into this new role and WTCA recently establishing its headquarters at One World Trade Center, we are building on a strong legacy while positioning the Association for its next era of global growth and impact."
Gregg brings more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning global associations, private enterprise and the international business events and hospitality sectors. Most recently, she served as CEO of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), where she led a global association of approximately 3,700 members and 27 chapters. Under her leadership, SITE increased topline revenue by 160% in three years through diversified revenue streams while expanding membership by more than 70%. She was also recently named the 2026 Marin Bright Legacy Award Recipient for her work with SITE, and her leadership in meetings and events, and was awarded at the 2026 Smart Women in Meetings Awards Gala.
Previously, Gregg served as Chief Revenue Officer for Meeting Professionals International (MPI), where she was responsible for approximately 70% of the organization's revenue and helped expand global product distribution across Europe, Asia and Latin America. Her career has consistently centered on building international communities, strengthening stakeholder engagement and translating the reach of global networks into tangible value for their members.
"WTCA has an extraordinary foundation — a trusted global brand and a network of Members with deep connections to businesses and communities across nearly 100 countries and territories," said Annette Gregg, Chief Executive Officer, WTCA. "I see tremendous opportunity to build on that strength — listening to our Members, connecting ideas and opportunities across markets and finding new ways for this network to create meaningful business value. I'm honored to lead WTCA into this next chapter and excited to help strengthen the connections that make international business possible."
Gregg's appointment comes as businesses are navigating an increasingly complex global environment, making trusted relationships, market intelligence and direct connections across borders increasingly important. Through its network, events and programming, WTCA brings together business leaders, economic development organizations and WTC businesses to exchange market intelligence, develop cross-border relationships and identify opportunities for trade and investment.
She assumes her CEO responsibilities effective October 5 and will lead WTCA from its recently established global headquarters at One World Trade Center in New York City, working alongside the Association's headquarters and regional teams serving Members around the world.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Dimalanta
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: cdimalanta@wtca.org
Violet PR
Christina Forrest
Phone: +1 646 586 9932
Email: christina@violetpr.com
About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries and territories. As the owner of the "World Trade Center" and "WTC" trademarks, WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for members to use in conjunction with their independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its members, the goal of WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe, creating an ecosystem built around commerce, community and connection. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.
Global anniversary campaign marks the first step of the brand's transformation
SINGAPORE, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of its 63rd anniversary, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® (CBTL) has unveiled a global anniversary campaign, the first milestone in its brand transformation journey. For 63 years, CBTL has brought people together over specialty coffee and tea. Now it's handing the pen to a new generation of artists and creators to write what's next.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is celebrating 63 years of helping people find their flavor.
At the heart of the refresh are the principles that have guided CBTL from the start: a vision to deliver simply the best coffee and tea experience in every community it serves, and a purpose to help people find their flavor, turning an ordinary day into something a little more special. It builds on what has always set CBTL apart: real craft, made by real people.
That spirit comes to life in a refreshed visual identity that pairs contemporary energy with 63 years of coffee and tea craft. It's bold, expressive and unmistakably CBTL.
Real people are front and center. The campaign features emerging artists, the CBTL brew crew and customers, each with a story to tell across campaign assets, on- and offline. Across participating markets, it will take shape in different ways, reflecting the culture and communities of each place it touches.
"Turning 63 is a moment to look ahead as much as looking back. We've built something lasting on craft and community, and now we're evolving the brand to matter as much to the next generation as it has to the last. This anniversary is the first step of a bigger transformation, and the start of our next chapter of growth." – Ken Lingan, Chief Executive Officer, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®
"We're tuned in to culture and the people driving it, and we're leaning into our role as a creator brand. Craft and self-expression have been part of who we are for 63 years, and this anniversary is as much about celebrating our past as it is about inviting the next generation to bring their own flavor." – Anshul Laroia, Global Head of Marketing, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®
The Story Continues, One Drink at a Time.
The 63rd anniversary campaign marks the first step in CBTL's brand transformation, building on more than six decades of craft, community and heritage. As it unfolds across participating markets, CBTL will continue to invite a new generation to Find Their Flavor.
Keep up with the 63rd Anniversary on cbtl.com/makeityours.
About The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®
Headquartered in Asia and a proud member of the Jollibee Group, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is a modern, global specialty coffee and tea house. With a legacy that began in Southern California in 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® now operates in over 1,200 locations across more than 20 countries. We source the finest coffees and teas from local communities and then handcraft every beverage to bring out the freshest flavors. As the creator of The Original Ice Blended®, we continue to innovate to enable people everywhere to enjoy the classics as well as new flavors, both in our cafés and at home. For more information, visit https://corporate.thecoffeebeanandtealeaf.com.
Bookings to 15 "new first-tier" cities grew more than twice as fast as bookings to Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou
SINGAPORE, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Southeast Asian travelers are exploring a wider range of destinations across China, according to new Traveloka platform data.
Travelers across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are booking a broader range of cities in China. Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou remain the four most booked destinations, while cities beyond these established places accounted for a growing share of Traveloka transactions year-on-year.
Qingdao is the clearest case, with bookings to the port city growing year-on-year in all five markets, lifting it six places to tenth — the largest climb inside the top twenty, and in line with data in the Q2 Traveloka SEA Index. Other notable climbers include Kunming, Chongqing, and Harbin, reflecting growing travel interest in the unique offerings these lesser known cities hold.
China's Travel Map is Expanding
Most-booked China destinations across Traveloka's five markets, January 1 to August 31, 2026. Movement compares the same period in 2025.
#
Destination
Tier
Move
1
Shanghai
First-tier
—
2
Guangzhou
First-tier
—
3
Beijing
First-tier
—
4
Shenzhen
First-tier
—
5
Chengdu
New first-tier
—
6
Chongqing
New first-tier
▲ 2
7
Kunming
—
▲ 2
8
Xiamen
—
▼ 2
9
Hangzhou
New first-tier
▼ 2
10
Qingdao
New first-tier
▲ 6
11
Fuzhou
—
▼ 1
12
Nanjing
New first-tier
▲ 1
13
Xi'an
New first-tier
▼ 2
14
Wuhan
New first-tier
▼ 2
15
Changsha
New first-tier
▼ 1
16
Zhengzhou
New first-tier
▼ 1
17
Harbin
—
▲ 3
18
Nanning
—
▼ 1
19
Jinan
—
—
20
Haikou
—
▼ 2
Traveloka's findings reflect a broader shift in how international visitors are exploring China. Xinhua has reported that overseas travelers are increasingly looking beyond Beijing and Shanghai, supported by easier transport and a growing range of tourism products and experiences.
China's domestic research provides another view of the cities becoming more prominent. Yicai's 2025 Cities' Attractiveness Index classifies Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Qingdao, Xi'an and Wuhan among 15 "new first tier" cities, based on measures including commercial resources, connectivity, urban vitality and future potential.
Traveloka data adds a Southeast Asian consumer perspective to that picture. From January to August 2026, combined flight and accommodation transactions to the 15 cities in Yicai's group grew more than twice as fast as transactions to Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou across the five Southeast Asian markets. The new first-tier group lifted its share of Traveloka's China bookings by 5 percentage points.
Search activity also increased across all five markets during the period, with the strongest growth recorded in Singapore and Malaysia. Search and transaction activity are separate signals, but both point to continued interest in China travel.
"China is no longer one itinerary for Southeast Asian travelers", said Alex Jung, Head of Marketing, Traveloka. "The familiar gateways remain important but travelers in each market are showing interest in a different mix of destinations. Traveloka brings this local understanding together with strong airline and accommodation supply, making more of China easier to discover and book in one place."
Responding to that demand, Traveloka has been working to partner closer with Chinese carriers, providing access to promotional fares and a wider selection of routes for its users. These airlines include China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, Xiamen Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and Spring Airlines.
Traveloka's 10.10 Epic Sale runs from October 1 to 10 across Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Japan and South Korea, with a dedicated China push in the five Southeast Asian markets. Anchor offers include round-trip flights to China and Korea from a flat IDR 2,500,000 in Indonesia, up to THB 10,100 off China flights in Thailand, and S$100 off China flights in Singapore.
Full market-by-market offer details for all eight markets are available here.
About Traveloka
Traveloka is Southeast Asia's leading all-in-one travel platform, bringing flights, hotels, activities, travel insurance, and eSIM together in a single app. Founded in 2012, Traveloka now operates across Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. With over 140 million app downloads, Traveloka was named Best Travel App at the Sensor Tower APAC Awards. With access to over 2 million hotels worldwide and 24/7 live chat support, Traveloka's mission is to make travel more accessible and enjoyable for everyone across the region and beyond.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Maybank (Cambodia) Plc. and the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) have concluded MH WellFest Cambodia 2026 at Borey Peng Huoth Eco Park in Phnom Penh. With Peng Huoth as venue partner, the two-day event brought together Cambodian families, 14 participating Malaysian hospitals, healthcare specialists and ecosystem partners. Endorsed by the Embassy of Malaysia in Phnom Penh, MH WellFest Cambodia 2026 welcomed around 2,000 visitors and almost 800 runners.
MH WellFest Cambodia 2026 brought Cambodian families closer to Malaysia’s trusted healthcare expertise and care options.
The event demonstrated how stronger ASEAN connectivity can make cross-border healthcare more accessible and easier to navigate. By bringing Malaysia Healthcare's specialist expertise, quality care, healthcare providers and patient support together with financial and wellbeing solutions, MH WellFest Cambodia 2026 allowed visitors to explore healthcare options in Malaysia with greater clarity and confidence.
Visitors engaged directly with representatives from the 14 participating Malaysian hospitals to discover Malaysia's healthcare expertise, specialist capabilities, healthcare facilities and range of care pathways, including health screening, preventive care and treatment options. The Wellness Discovery Hub also featured 5 health talks, giving visitors a more informed starting point to understand their healthcare options and navigate care in Malaysia.
"MH WellFest Cambodia 2026 was designed around a simple question: how can we make it easier for Cambodian families to take a confident next step when health matters?" said Rath Sophoan, Chief Executive Officer and Country Head, Maybank Cambodia. "The event connected families with the people, expertise and options behind Malaysia's healthcare institutions, while bringing financial readiness into the same conversation. The value for customers is clear: more clarity, more choice and a stronger support system around the people they care about most."
MHTC, operating under the mandate of Malaysia's Ministry of Health, worked with participating hospitals to showcase Malaysia's comprehensive healthcare ecosystem and patient-centred care.
"Healthcare travel begins with trust, understanding and confidence in the care available," said Dato Suriaghandi Suppiah, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council. "Malaysia Healthcare brings together quality care, specialist expertise, accessible healthcare options and a patient experience shaped by genuine hospitality. MH WellFest Cambodia 2026 created a direct bridge between Cambodian visitors and this ecosystem, allowing them to meet Malaysian healthcare teams, learn from specialists and gain greater clarity and confidence as they consider care across borders."
Participating hospitals introduced visitors to their facilities and healthcare capabilities, while presenting exclusive offers and arrangements for event participants. The direct engagement enabled families to have more practical conversations about health check-up plans, specialist services, treatment pathways and healthcare planning for loved ones. Beyond healthcare discovery, WellFest Live brought families together through children's activities, family games, live performances, Malaysian food, lifestyle experiences, travel inspiration and partner showcases. The programme created a welcoming environment where conversations about health and future planning could take place alongside meaningful family time.
The WellFest Run, featuring 5KM and 10KM distances under the theme "Every Step for You," brought together almost 800 participants around a shared belief: staying well is also a promise to remain present for the people who matter most. "The growing connectivity between Malaysia and Cambodia is creating new opportunities for families to access trusted expertise, services and experiences across borders," said H.E. Shaharuddin Onn, Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia. "MH WellFest Cambodia 2026 reflects this progress by linking Cambodian communities directly with Malaysia's healthcare institutions and specialists. The event further reinforces people-to-people ties while enhancing awareness of Malaysia as a health tourism destination.
Maybank's engagement extended the healthcare conversation into broader family wealth and protection planning. Visitors explored the Bank's range of cross-border payment solutions, EzyPay instalment options, insurance and financing propositions that can support healthcare planning, treatment, travel and longer-term family aspirations. Maybank cardmembers were also able to enjoy selected Malaysian healthcare, travel, dining, retail and lifestyle privileges, supporting a more seamless journey for customers considering Malaysia for care, recovery or meaningful time with loved ones.
MH WellFest Cambodia 2026 marks an important milestone in Maybank Cambodia and MHTC's shared ambition to strengthen cross-border healthcare connectivity and create more informed, confident and supported journeys for Cambodian families. As ASEAN continues to grow as an interconnected region, Maybank is evolving alongside it by creating meaningful connections across borders and expanding beyond traditional banking to deliver a regional ecosystem that supports customers' healthcare and broader lifestyle needs across ASEAN.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Muhammad Rasydan Bin Ma'at
Head of Unit, PR and Media Unit Communications
+603 8776 6168
rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my
Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi
Head, Communications
+603 8776 6168
shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my
Qazreen Chan Abdullah
Chief Operating Officer
+855 16 201 234
qazreen@maybank.com
Mer Chanpolydet
Head, Marketing & Branding
+855 17 324 727
chanpolydet.mer@maybank.com
About Maybank Cambodia
Established in 1960, Maybank is the largest financial services group in Malaysia with a strong presence across the ASEAN region. Maybank Cambodia, founded in Phnom Penh in 1993, has grown from a single branch to become a locally incorporated bank in 2012. As one of Cambodia's top banks, Maybank offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including corporate, commercial, consumer, internet, and mobile banking. The bank operates in Phnom Penh and major provinces with a network of 21 branches.
Maybank's website: https://www.maybank2u.com.kh/
About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), established in 2009 under the purview of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is entrusted with developing and nurturing the "Malaysia Healthcare" brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates, and promotes Malaysia's healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and building valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. With 91 member hospitals nationwide, MHTC continues to elevate the healthcare travel ecosystem through strong branding, seamless patient experiences, and strategic market initiatives. In line with these efforts, MHTC is spearheading the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, the nation's first dedicated year to celebrate and advance healthcare travel. MYMT 2026 serves as a milestone initiative to showcase Malaysia's world-class healthcare offerings, strengthen its position as the premier global healthcare destination, and highlight the industry's significant contribution to the national economy.
MHTC's website: https://www.malaysiahealthcare.org.
With Scoot as its first airline partner, tigerhop expands Dohop's footprint in Asia and adds new network capacity and destinations for Taiwan's leading low-cost carrier.
REYKJAVÍK, Iceland, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dohop, the travel technology company creating a new standard for Connected Travel that works beyond traditional interline, has announced a new partnership with Tigerair Taiwan to deploy the Dohop-powered tigerhop platform, now live on the airline's retail channels. Through the initial partnership with Scoot, Singapore Airlines' low-cost subsidiary, Tigerair Taiwan customers will have more options for travel within Asia, specifically across North Asia routes and new connections to Singapore, all bookable in a single transaction.
Tigerair Taiwan Launches tigerhop, a Dohop-powered Connected Travel Platform
Tigerhop, powered by Dohop's RetailConnect platform, allows Tigerair Taiwan to sell multi-carrier journeys that combine its own flights with onward services operated by partner airlines. At launch, tigerhop will offer connections from Taipei and Da Nang to Singapore via Scoot, and travelers departing from Singapore can transfer at Taoyuan International Airport to other destinations, including Akita, Hanamaki, and Tottori.
"Tigerair Taiwan demonstrates how airlines can use Connected Travel to expand their network without the cost and complexity of bilateral interlining," said Hugh Aitken, Chief Operating Officer at Dohop. "Launching tigerhop with Scoot gives Taiwanese travellers access to more destinations through Tigerair Taiwan's own channels, while enabling the airline to capture bookings that might otherwise go to OTAs. With additional carriers joining the platform in the coming months, tigerhop also marks an important expansion of Dohop's presence in Asia."
For Tigerair Taiwan, the partnership adds connections with other carriers without complex interline or codeshare agreements, expanding its commercial reach with minimal technical investment. By selling these itineraries through tigerhop under its own brand, the airline can compete more effectively with online travel agents while giving passengers access to Dohop's ConnectSure disruption support and travel protection services.
"Working with Dohop, we can grow our international reach without traditional interline structures while maintaining our brand promise to our passengers," said Joyce Huang, Chairperson of Tigerair Taiwan. "We look forward to partnering with new carriers and expanding our coverage in the APAC region through Dohop's technology."
The Tigerair Taiwan launch extends Dohop's presence across Asia, where its platforms are already live for Scoot, Thai Vietjet, Citilink and Air India Express, with others in development. These deployments reflect growing demand among Asian carriers for flexible connectivity that can integrate into existing retail channels without individual codeshare or bilateral interline agreements, supporting the industry's broader move toward modular, multi-carrier connectivity and modern retailing.
For more information about the partnership between Dohop and Tigerair Taiwan, or to arrange an interview with a Dohop executive, please contact Vanessa Horwell at vhorwell@thinkinkpr.com.
About Dohop
Dohop enables connected journeys from booking through arrival, combining flights and travel segments from multiple airlines and travel providers into a single trip supported by disruption handling, travel protection, and baggage transfer. More than 100 airlines and travel partners, including Air France, Air Transat, easyJet, Scoot, Vueling and Wizz Air, use Dohop's Connected Travel platform to create, sell, and support multi-carrier journeys without traditional interline agreements, expanding network connectivity and route options as participation grows. Visit www.dohop.com/airlines to learn more.
About Tigerair Taiwan
Tigerair Taiwan launched its first route in 2014. As Taiwan's first and only low-cost carrier (LCC), it operates routes across Asia, providing travelers with affordable, reliable, and convenient options. Focusing on a warm, passionate, and genuine service while upholding safety as its core value, Tigerair Taiwan continues to expand its footprint and add more destinations in Asia. Learn more at www.tigerairtw.com.






































