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Recognised as one of the region’s most authoritative dining guides, SCMP’s 100 Top Tables honours restaurants that excel in cuisine, service, and overall dining experience. The inclusion of multiple Galaxy Macau restaurants across Chinese, Italian and Japanese traditions reflects the award-winning luxury resort’s ability to unite worldclass talent, refined craftsmanship and impeccable hospitality within a single destination. Together, these acclaimed establishments form a sophisticated and diverse dining portfolio that underscores Galaxy Macau’s position at the forefront of Asia’s culinary landscape.

Feng Wei Ju

At StarWorld Hotel, Feng Wei Ju has carved out a niche as the premier destination for Hunan and Sichuan cuisine in the region, imparting an unforgettable taste experience on every guest with its nuanced approach to pristine ingredients and flavours. Master Chef Chan Chek Keong, Assistance Vice President of Food & Beverage Culinary of StarWorld Hotel and Executive Chef of Feng Wei Ju, boasts a deep understanding of regional Chinese culinary traditions, crafting dishes that are as bold and nuanced, as they are delicate. The restaurant’s multi-sensory approach to dining has earned it a loyal following and a quiet yet resounding endorsement of its excellence spanning over a decade as one of Macau’s most coveted dining destinations.

8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA

At Galaxy Macau, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA continues to set the standard for Italian fine dining with flawless execution in every detail. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Marino D’Antonio, the restaurant has entered a new chapter. Chef Marino, whose career spans Michelin-starred kitchens, brings a passion for quality and a deep respect for tradition to his craft. His dishes are an ode to Italian food, each one a celebration of regional flavours and produce elevated with ultimate craft.

Lai Heen

Perched on the 51st floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Lai Heen offers exquisite Cantonese cuisine against a glittering panorama of the Galaxy Resort and Macau beyond. Chinese Executive Chef Jackie Ho Hon Sing, the creative force behind the restaurant, projects his vision and skill into every dish, reimagined with a modern sensibility. Combining traditional Cantonese flavours with Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service, Lai Heen delivers an unparalleled dining experience.

Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa

Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, the first international establishment by Chef Masaaki Miyakawa—one of Japan’s six Michelin three-star sushi masters—has found its home at Raffles at Galaxy Macau. The restaurant celebrates Chef Miyakawa’s interpretation of the art of Edomae sushi, a tradition that celebrates the purity of nature and the time-honoured artistry of the chef. Here, the finest seasonal ingredients, from Japan’s leading growers and generational fisherman, are transformed into delicate bites that speak to the sea, the soil, and the seasons. With only 10 seats at the sushi counter, Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa is an intimate space where every detail is a considered ode to seasonality, experience, and restraint.

Teppanyaki Shou

Since opening its doors in 2024, Teppanyaki Shou at Raffles at Galaxy Macau has earned its reputation as a study in precision and passion, redefining the teppanyaki experience under the guidance of Japanese maestros. The restaurant’s name speaks to its mission: to carry forward the traditions that encapsulate the essence of authentic Japanese food culture. Under the guidance of master chefs, the teppanyaki grill becomes a stage, where the finest ingredients sourced daily from Japan and beyond – air-freighted daily to Macau – ensuring that every dish is a masterpiece of freshness and can be transformed into a symphony of flavour. The chefs, with their deft hands and keen intuition, tailor each dish to the diner’s preferences, creating an omakase experience that is as personal as it is unforgettable.

As a world-class luxury integrated resort, Galaxy Macau continues to shape Macau’s gastronomic landscape through excellence, innovation and a steadfast dedication to quality. This latest authoritative recognition by SCMP‘s 100 Top Tables further reinforces Galaxy’s role as Asia’s leading culinary hub; contributing to Macau’s global reputation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott at Galaxy Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.

Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different calibre of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.

Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.

Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com,www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.

By Nantoo Banerjee Only six months in power, Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has emerged as the world’s most powerful woman reshaping the country’s domestic social and economic policies and international relations, taking a hard line on China. Takaichi has taken a firm stance on China suggesting that a “Taiwan contingency is a […]

The article Japan’s Pro-India Takaichi Is The World’s Most Powerful Lady appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The program has brought in local recycling startup The Loops Hong Kong (“The Loops”) as its strategic partner. By leveraging advanced recycling equipment and a well-established processing system, the initiative introduces a breakthrough approach—rinse-free recycling. Customers no longer need to wash out bottles or disassemble components. Instead, they simply hand over used fragrance bottles or skincare cosmetics containers to store staff for collection. The materials are then sent to The Loops’ Hong Kong facilities for processing and ultimately transformed into recycled resources—lowering the barrier to recycling and making participation far more convenient.

Hong Kong’s first rinse-free recycling program

“Green is Eternal” is built on two key advantages: rinse-free and all brands. It greatly simplifies the recycling process—customers do not need to wash away any residue left in the bottles, nor do they need to remove decorative elements from packaging. Eligible glass or plastic bottles can be handed directly to store staff at designated Eternal Beauty locations to complete the recycling process.

The eligible recycling scope includes fragrance bottles, skincare product bottles, home fragrance bottles, and cosmetics packaging from various brands. Excluded from the program are personal care products (such as shampoo and hair-care products, body wash, body-care products, aerosol spray containers, and makeup tools), as well as fragrance bottles with a capacity of less than 10ml.

To encourage widespread public participation, the program features an incentive mechanism: for every eligible fragrance or skincare cosmetics bottle recycled, customers receive an electronic stamp. After collecting 10 electronic stamps, they can redeem them for a shopping voucher.

The program is already up and running at the Group’s eight outlets and offices across Hong Kong. The Group has also provided dedicated environmental recycling training for frontline staff to ensure the recycling process is standardized, efficient, and seamlessly woven into everyday customer service. Throughout the year, the Group will collaborate with a local charity to host recycling facility tours, guiding the public and students through the inner workings of recycling operations—raising environmental awareness and helping cultivate lasting recycling habits.

Beyond recycling: Advancing sustainability at the community level

“Green is Eternal” is more than an environmental recycling initiative—it is a structured sustainability project that blends retail-based education with deep community engagement. According to industry data, packaging is one of the major sources of carbon emissions in the sector. Furthermore, recycling fragrance and makeup bottles poses significant challenges due to the complexity of residual ingredients, which limits the adoption of recycling practices and results in persistently low voluntary recycling rates for these containers.

Drawing on its industry expertise, the Group partners with The Loops to tackle the challenges of traditional recycling through professional technology. The company also works with community organizations to build an educational and awareness platform, bringing employees, community members, and students into recycling facilities for in-depth environmental learning, while encouraging the public to integrate recycling into daily life. The goal is to establish a sustainable corporate model that is both socially responsible and environmentally friendly.

Wendy Lau, Executive Director of Eternal Beauty and Chairperson of its ESG Committee of the Group, commented: “Understanding the core challenge in traditional recycling systems—that customers are required to put in effort to clean bottles—explains why many people give up on participation. We are delighted to work with The Loops, whose advanced recycling system and equipment can effectively address the impact of residual ingredients in fragrances and cosmetics, truly enabling rinse-free recycling. We hope this program motivates more customers to take the initiative in environmental protection and, together with our partners, promotes sustainable development across the fragrance and beauty industry.”

Jorch Wong, Founder of The Loops Hong Kong, added: “This program marks a major milestone for sustainability in the fragrance and beauty industry. In recent years, while the number of recycling programs has increased, recycling fragrance and beauty packaging has remained difficult and cumbersome, leading to persistently low recycling rates for this category. As an industry leader, Eternal Beauty has proactively taken the lead in launching Hong Kong’s first rinse-free recycling program. This not only strengthens consumers’ environmental awareness but also helps the public build long-term recycling habits—an important encouragement for the entire recycling industry and a replicable model for sustainable development.”

As a leader in China’s fragrance industry, the Group fosters sustainable development through four key pillars: Environment, People, Product, and Community, while actively fulfilling its corporate social responsibility. Following the successful launch of “Green is Eternal” in Hong Kong, the Group aims to expand the program to its distribution points across Mainland China within the year—strengthening environmental collaboration between Hong Kong and Mainland markets, extending the program’s environmental impact, and encouraging the broader industry to move toward sustainability.

Note: The recycling scope does not include personal care products (such as shampoo and hair-care products, body wash, body-care products, aerosol spray containers, and makeup tools), nor fragrance bottles with a capacity of less than 10ml.

Green is Eternal Collection Points:

For campaign details, please visit https://www.eternal.hk/green-is-eternal/campaign.

Hashtag: #EternalBeautyHoldings

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

About Eternal Beauty Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 6883.HK)

Eternal Beauty Holdings Limited is the largest perfume group (apart from brand-owner perfume groups) in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) in terms of retail sales in 2023. It primarily sells and distributes products procured from third-party brand licensors, and deploys market for these brand licensors, offering such services as brand management, and designing and implementing customized market entry and expansion plans for their brands. The Group boasts large and diversified brand portfolios that include not only perfumes, but also color cosmetics, skincare products, personal care products, eyewear and home fragrances. As at 30 September 2025, it conducted product distribution and market deployment for a total of 74 external brands, including Hermès, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard, Albion and Laura Mercier, with products in different pricing tiers and of versatile features that meet the differentiated demands of consumers in Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and/or Macau.

About The Loops Hong Kong

The Loops, founded in 2019, is Hong Kong’s premier one-stop recycling center, offering door-to-door collection, sorting, and reporting. Handling over 40 recyclable types in a single basket, we simplify waste management for homes and businesses, provide real-time ESG data, innovative food waste recycling, and dirty recycling services, fostering sustainable practices. The Loops also empowers disadvantaged homemakers with flexible work, supports families, and transforms waste into resources for a sustainable future through a circular economy.

Under the agreement, IHG will develop four hotels with a total of more than 1,000 rooms at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, including InterContinental Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms, and Garner Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms.

InterContinental Saigon Can Gio, a world-renowned luxury brand, will deliver premium hospitality experiences tailored to international travelers and domestic guests seeking high-end accommodation. Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio, one of the largest upscale hotel brands globally, will cater to frequent travelers with modern, flexible spaces designed to optimize productivity and foster connections.

Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio will expand the destination’s accommodation offering with efficient, high-quality stays focused on value, making the development more accessible to a broader range of guests. This also marks the official debut of both brands in the Vietnamese market.

According to the development timeline, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio are expected to open in 2028, followed by InterContinental Saigon Can Gio and Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio in 2030.

In this partnership, Vinpearl, a member of Vingroup, will act as the project operator and lead the collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, while coordinating with all stakeholders throughout the development and operational phases.

Together with Vinpearl’s world-class hospitality brand, the addition of four premium IHG hotels will help realize a 7,000-room accommodation ecosystem at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, meeting the growing demand for extended stays and diverse experiences year-round in Can Gio and Ho Chi Minh City.

Complementing the hospitality offering, a series of large-scale entertainment and resort facilities unique to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio will further elevate the destination. These include the 122-hectare VinWonders theme park featuring the world’s tallest artificial snow mountain and nearly 200 attractions, the 5,000-seat Blue Waves Theater, the 800-hectare Paradise Lagoon, the five-star international cruise port Landmark Harbour, and two 18-hole international-standard golf courses. Together, these developments aim to position Can Gio as a globally-recognized tourism and resort hub, targeting 40 million visitors annually and standing alongside leading destinations in Vietnam and worldwide.

Mr. Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between IHG and Vingroup. Bringing four of our standout brands to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio reflects the diversity of our portfolio, as well as our strong commitment to supporting Vietnam’s goal of becoming a leading global tourism destination. With brands spanning multiple segments, we believe this collaboration will help create an integrated hospitality ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of travelers at one of Vietnam’s most significant developments.”

Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Chief Executive Officer of Vinpearl Joint Stock Company, said: “We selected IHG not only for its global brand portfolio but also for its proven operational expertise across international markets. Introducing InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, and Garner to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio is a key step in completing our service structure and establishing international operating standards for the mega project’s hotel system. With this partnership as a foundation, we believe Vinhomes Green Paradise will progressively emerge as a world-class destination, where a fully integrated ecosystem continues to enhance its appeal to residents and both domestic and international visitors.”

Vinhomes Green Paradise is located in the southeastern part of Ho Chi Minh City. Construction began on April 19, 2025, with a total area of 2,870 hectares. The development features three sides facing the sea and is adjacent to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site. The project is being developed to leading ESG++ standards, integrating green, smart, ecological, and regenerative principles.

The development benefits from a well-connected transport infrastructure network, including the Ben Thanh – Can Gio high-speed railway, which will reduce travel time from central Ho Chi Minh City to just 13 minutes, the Can Gio Bridge, the interchange connecting Rung Sac Road with the Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway, and the Can Gio – Vung Tau sea-crossing route, enabling travel between two major tourism hubs in just 10 minutes.

With a diverse range of accommodation options, internationally-standardized hotel systems, and a wide array of cultural, artistic, sports, and entertainment facilities aligned with green, smart, and community-friendly principles, Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio stands out as a rare mega urban development that both sets new benchmarks for ESG living and delivers a world-class tourism and resort experience.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

https://vinhomes.vn/en

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

About IHG Hotels & Resorts:

IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with a portfolio of 21 brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs with over 160 million members. IHG currently franchises, leases, manages, or owns more than 6,900 hotels across over 100 countries, with more than 2,300 hotels in its development pipeline.

IHG’s brand portfolio spans Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials, and Suites segments, including well-known brands such as Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Garner, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.

About Vinhomes
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate developer, pioneering the development of large-scale, well-planned urban areas with integrated amenities, green living environments, and modern lifestyles. In addition to 36 urban developments currently in operation nationwide, Vinhomes continues to focus on building next-generation mega and super urban developments of regional scale and significance, aspiring to create some of the most livable cities in the world while significantly transforming Vietnam’s urban landscape.

For more information, please visit https://vinhomes.vn/vi

Building on the Cannes Lions Titanium-winning Vaseline Verified, Vaseline and Ogilvy Singapore launch Vaseline Originals — a first-of-its-kind product line that transforms community hacks into products, putting content creators at the centre of innovation.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2026 – In a world where beauty trends are increasingly shaped by everyday creators, Vaseline is redefining its role from product maker to platform for its community. Rather than simply validating trends, the brand is now taking the next step by turning ideas from the community into real products and recognising the original voices who brought them to life.

Introducing Vaseline Originals (OGs), a first-of-its-kind product line inspired by verified viral hacks and the voices behind them. Developed by Ogilvy Singapore for Unilever’s Vaseline, the campaign flips the script on how beauty products are made, turning real community ideas into actual products.

“For years, creators have been reimagining what Vaseline jelly can do, often without recognition. This campaign is about giving credit where it’s due: acknowledging, celebrating and rewarding the people behind those ideas. More than a campaign, it signals how we want to build going forward with our community, not just for them,” said Nathalia Amadeu, Global Brand Director, Vaseline at Unilever.

From Hack to Shelf: Meet the Vaseline OGs

At the heart of the campaign are two content creators who were among the early voices sharing hacks that helped shape the brand’s newest innovations.

In 2008, beauty creator Jen Chae (@frmheadtotoe) shared a simple Vaseline brow tamer hack on her blog. Lauren Luke (@laurenluke_panacea81), one of YouTube’s earliest beauty creators, introduced her Vaseline primer hack, making beauty techniques more accessible to everyday users.

Today, almost two decades later, their ideas have inspired actual Vaseline products. These include the Vaseline Brow Tamer, inspired by Jen Chae, and Vaseline All-In-One Primer & Highlighter Jelly, inspired by Lauren Luke. Beyond product innovation, the campaign recognises these content creators as Vaseline OGs and acknowledges their role in shaping ideas that have since become part of global beauty culture.

Both products sold out within minutes during their TikTok Live debut on 30 March 2026, featuring both content creators.

From Vaseline Verified to Vaseline Originals

What began as individual beauty hacks has grown into a global movement, with more 3.5 million Vaseline hack-related posts shared online. This is a testament to the brand’s enduring role in everyday routines and conversations across generations.

The campaign builds on Vaseline Verified, the brand’s award-winning effort that validated hacks shared by thousands and earned multiple Grand Prix awards, including the coveted Titanium Lion at Cannes Lions. Where Vaseline Verified proved what works, Vaseline Originals shines a spotlight on the people behind some of the most popular hacks.

And this is just the beginning. The search for content creators behind other viral Vaseline hacks is ongoing. More individuals are set to be recognised and certified as Vaseline OGs, bringing more of the community into the brand’s future.

Nicolas Courant, Chief Creative Officer at Ogilvy Singapore, said, “We started with a simple creative provocation: what if the best ideas were never in the boardroom, but already in people’s bedrooms and everyday routines? We traced how Vaseline was being used in culture back to its origins and found the OG creators who had been shaping these hacks long before they became mainstream. Vaseline Originals is a move from ownership to stewardship, honouring our OG content creators by sharing our success with them.”

Aanchal Sethi, Asia Managing Director Unilever, Ogilvy Singapore said “Vaseline Originals represents a deliberate strategic shift in how we build this brand, moving from validating what the community creates to actively shaping and developing ideas inspired by them. The commercial signals have been unambiguous: products selling out in minutes, demand scaling with every drop. But what this campaign confirms goes beyond a single launch. It shows that community-led innovation isn’t just culturally resonant. It’s a growth engine. This is how Vaseline stays relevant for the next generation, and how we intend to keep building.”

Link to campaign assets here.

Hashtag: #Ogilvy #Vaseline

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

About Vaseline

Vaseline is the OG, a household staple for over 155 years, trusted by generations for its healing properties. As one of Unilever’s most iconic global brands, Vaseline continues to evolve, listening to its community and finding new ways to show up for the people who have championed it most.

About Ogilvy

Ogilvy has been creating impact for brands through iconic, culture-changing, value-driving ideas since the company was founded by David Ogilvy in 1948. It builds on that rich legacy through Borderless Creativity – innovating at the intersections of its advertising, public relations, relationship design, consulting, and health capabilities with experts collaborating seamlessly across more than 120 offices spanning 90 countries. Ogilvy currently ranks as the #1 global agency network for creative excellence and effectiveness by WARC, signifying its ability to deliver creative solutions that drive unreasonable impact for clients and communities. Ogilvy is a WPP company (NYSE: WPP). For more information, visit Ogilvy.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook

Alex, a visitor ventured to China’s southernmost province primarily for its renowned black tea. What he did not anticipate was taking a front-row seat at a breathtaking fashion show staged on water.

“This unique stage has allowed me to capture some wonderful images,” said Alex, who happened to be in Wuzhishan during the Sanyuesan Festival. “I originally came here simply as a fan of Wuzhishan’s black tea, but now I find myself deeply fascinated by the culture of Wuzhishan as well.”

The “unique stage” he refers to is the immersive water-based performance space created for the 2026 Sanyuesan Festival, featuring the “Miss Li · Hainan Sanyuesan Water Village Show.” This innovative platform, with water as its runway and the rainforest as its backdrop, presents the Sanyuesan, a traditional celebration of the Li and Miao ethnic groups with thousands of years of history, through a contemporary lens, appealing to both local and international audiences.

Hashtag: #Sanyuesan

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

Thailand has wrapped up the second Thailand Kickboxing World Cup in Bangkok and used the event to unveil KATPRO, a new professional league aimed at turning the country into a more prominent force in global kickboxing. The tournament was staged at the Bangkok Youth Center, also known as the Thai-Japanese Youth Center, with WAKO listing the event in Bangkok from 7 to 12 April 2026, while organisers said the main World Cup competition ran from 9 to 11 April and the professional launch followed on 11 April.

Organisers said the World Cup drew athletes and officials from 32 countries, underlining the scale of the event and the growing international pull of combat sports in Thailand beyond its traditional Muay Thai base. One published account put attendance at more than 1,500 athletes and officials, while another report ahead of the competition cited more than 720 athletes and over 1,200 supporters and officials. The difference appears to reflect varying methods of counting participants and delegations, but both sets of figures point to a sizeable international turnout.

Bangkok crowns a bigger kickboxing ambition became the broader message around the event, as sport officials and tourism planners tied the competition to a larger push to position the country as a year-round destination for international sports events. The Kickboxing Association of Thailand organised the tournament with WAKO and in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Bangkok authorities, giving the competition both sporting and promotional value.

For Thailand, the timing is significant. Combat sport is already central to the country’s international sporting identity, but kickboxing has long occupied a secondary place to Muay Thai in public visibility and commercial development. By hosting another WAKO-recognised World Cup and pairing it with a new professional platform, Thai organisers are signalling that they want to build a parallel ecosystem: one that can develop amateur athletes, attract overseas fighters and sponsors, and create a clearer route into paid competition.

That strategy also reflects the changing shape of global striking sports. Kickboxing has grown through international federations, regional circuits and commercial promotions that reward standardised rules, television-friendly formats and cross-border matchmaking. Thailand already has the infrastructure, coaching depth and fight culture to compete in that space. What it has lacked is a more structured domestic platform designed specifically for kickboxing rather than adapted from Muay Thai. KATPRO appears intended to fill that gap. Organisers described it as the country’s first structured professional kickboxing league, launched at the same venue as the World Cup. The opening gala featured seven bouts with fighters from more than 10 countries and followed professional procedures including weigh-ins and face-offs.

The official messaging around the World Cup and league launch stressed athlete development as much as spectacle. That matters because Thailand’s long-term credibility in kickboxing will depend not only on hosting events, but on producing fighters who can succeed regularly under international kickboxing rules. WAKO’s event listing confirms that the Bangkok competition sat within a wider calendar of World Cups and championships across multiple countries, placing Thailand within an established global circuit rather than a standalone showcase.

There is also an economic calculation behind the push. Sports tourism has become a more deliberate policy tool across Asia, with governments and city administrations using tournaments to drive hotel occupancy, transport demand, media attention and repeat visits. Holding a multinational combat sports event in Bangkok during April gives organisers a chance to blend competition with destination marketing, and tourism officials made clear they view such events as part of a wider international branding effort.

Still, the bigger test lies ahead. Hosting a successful World Cup is one thing; building a durable professional league is another. Professional combat sports require dependable matchmaking, medical oversight, sponsorship, broadcast distribution, fighter pay structures and fan interest strong enough to support repeated cards. Thailand has advantages in venue culture, gym networks and audience familiarity with striking sports, but kickboxing still has to define its identity in a market where Muay Thai remains the dominant brand.

Receivables financing facility enables competitive open account terms and supports international growth

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2026 – Tradewind Finance has provided a USD 2.5 million non-recourse export factoring facility to a cable manufacturer based in Vietnam. The facility, structured by Tradewind’s Shanghai office, converts export receivables into immediate liquidity and provides credit protection on buyers in the United States and Australia.

With this structure in place, the exporter maintains 90-day open account terms for its international buyers without placing pressure on working capital.

How Longer Payment Terms Strained a Manufacturer’s Liquidity

The client is a cable manufacturer with over 30 years of operating history in Vietnam. For most of that period, the company relied on advance payments and letters of credit to manage its export transactions.

As competition in global cable supply increased, buyers began requiring open account terms as a condition of continued business. The exporter transitioned accordingly, but the shift created a significant gap between production costs and the moment of payment collection.

The company had export credit insurance in place, which provided partial protection against buyer default. However, the residual risk exposure of 10 to 20 percent remained uncovered, and the insurance did not address the working capital shortfall that came with extended payment cycles. Despite a strong order book and established buyer relationships, the exporter’s cash position was under pressure.

How the Facility Works: Converting Receivables into Working Capital

Tradewind structured a non-recourse export factoring facility aligned with the client’s trade flows to the United States and Australia. The facility operates as follows:

• Advance funding: Tradewind advances up to 90 percent of each invoice value shortly after shipment, converting receivables into available cash.
• Credit protection: Because the facility is non-recourse, Tradewind assumes the buyer credit risk. By leveraging this structure, the exporter benefits from 100% credit protection against buyer default or insolvency.
• Collections management: Tradewind manages the receivables administration and collection process, reducing the operational burden on the exporter’s finance team.

This structure replaces the partial protection previously offered by export credit insurance with a more comprehensive solution that covers both the financing gap and the full buyer credit risk on approved receivables.

What This Means for the Exporter

With the facility in place, the exporter can offer 90-day payment terms to its buyers without absorbing the cash flow impact internally. Production cycles are no longer constrained by the timing of buyer payments, and the company has a predictable source of liquidity tied directly to its shipment activity.

The non-recourse structure also removes a layer of financial uncertainty. Rather than relying on insurance with residual exposure, the exporter now operates with full credit coverage on approved buyers through Tradewind’s facility.

Why Tradewind Was Selected

Tradewind was selected for its ability to structure receivables financing solutions for cross-border trade flows involving multiple buyer markets. Key factors in the decision included:

• Over 25 years of experience in international trade finance, with particular depth in export factoring across Asia, the Americas, and Europe
• Local structuring capability through Tradewind’s Shanghai office, with direct knowledge of Vietnamese export markets
• A financing structure tailored to the client’s specific trade corridors and buyer payment terms
• Consistent execution and clear communication throughout the onboarding process

A Facility Built Around the Client’s Trade Flows

“This facility gives the client a reliable source of working capital tied directly to its export activity,” said Chris Chang, Regional Commercial Director, Far East at Tradewind Shanghai. “By structuring the solution around their specific trade flows to the United States and Australia, we were able to address both the financing gap and the credit risk exposure in a single facility.”

Facing Similar Pressure from Extended Buyer Payment Terms?

Tradewind structures receivables financing solutions for exporters managing cash flow across international trade corridors. Whether you are dealing with longer payment cycles, buyer credit risk, or the operational complexity of cross-border collections, we can help you find the right structure for your situation.

Contact us at www.tradewindfinance.com to discuss how a tailored trade finance solution can support your export business.Hashtag: #Tradewind #TradewindFinance #Cable #Vietnam #Factoring #Manufacturing

https://tradewindfinance.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewindcn/
Wechat: 德益世国际保理

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

About Tradewind Finance

Founded in 2000, Tradewind Finance is a global trade finance company specialising in cross-border receivables financing, export factoring, supply chain finance, and credit protection. Tradewind maintains a network of offices across Bangladesh, Bulgaria, China, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, India, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, alongside its headquarters in Germany. By combining financing, credit protection, and collections into a single integrated solution, Tradewind helps exporters and importers manage working capital, reduce risk, and grow their international trade with confidence.

Just over four hours from Changi Airport. Visa-free entry. And almost entirely unexplored by Singapore’s diving community.

To close that gap, the Taiwan Pavilion returned for its second consecutive year, transforming the Suntec Convention Centre into a gateway to Taiwan’s four major aquatic frontiers. This year’s headline act: Green Island (Lyudao)—a volcanic gem rising from the Pacific that’s still well under the radar for most Southeast Asian travellers.

Green Island: Taiwan’s Most Underrated Dive Destination

Green Island is not just another dive site. Swept by the warm Kuroshio Current, the island delivers visibility that regularly exceeds 30 metres—a “liquid glass” effect that few dive sites in Southeast Asia can match.

• The Ancient Guardian: Divers can encounter the “Big Mushroom,” a living coral structure believed to be over 1,000 years old—a humbling reminder of what the ocean can sustain when left in peace.
• The World’s Deepest Postbox: At the Shilang Diving Area, you can mail waterproof postcards from the world’s deepest underwater mailbox (11 metres down). It’s the kind of quirky detail that makes travel worth talking about.
• Dive by Day, Soak by Night: Green Island is home to the Zhaori Saltwater Hot Springs—one of the rare seawater hot springs globally. Trading your wetsuit for a poolside soak at sunset is the kind of contrast that turns a trip into a story.

Xiaoliuqiu: Taiwan’s Best Island Escape Off the Clock

Floating off the coast of Pingtung, this compact coral island is one of the few places on Earth where wild sea turtles are so at home, they’ve practically become locals—surfacing beside snorkelers with an ancient calm.

• The Locals Who Never Leave: Xiaoliuqiu hosts one of Taiwan’s densest populations of green sea turtles. With a professional dive guide leading you beneath the surface, an underwater encounter with a creature that has outlived the dinosaurs becomes less a lucky sighting and more a near-certainty.
• Dive by Day, Own the Night: When the sun drops, Xiaoliuqiu doesn’t go quiet—it shifts gear entirely. Night ecology tours reveal a different cast of creatures, and the evening ends not at a hotel bar but around a fire with fresh BBQ seafood under a sky with almost zero light pollution. That’s the kind of night that still feels real a week later.

Penghu: The Basalt Archipelago With a Coral Heart

Anchored in the Taiwan Strait and shaped by seasonal winds that have carved its basalt coastline for millennia, Penghu delivers a version of Taiwan that feels genuinely off-script—ancient, oceanic, and spectacular on its own terms.

• The Bridge That Crosses the Sea: At nearly 2.5 kilometres, the Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge is the kind of infrastructure that earns its own mythology. Drive it at golden hour, with open water stretching in every direction, and a standard itinerary starts to feel like an expedition.
• Taiwan’s Best-Kept Secret Island: Huching Islet—once named one of the world’s top ten secret islands—greets visitors with towering basalt columns, cats that outnumber people, and a pace of life that has no interest in catching up with the mainland. It’s 20 minutes by boat from Magong, and a different world entirely.
• The Double Heart in the Sea: At the southern tip of the archipelago, Qimei Island’s twin stone fish traps curve into two interlocking hearts—built centuries ago by fishermen, now one of Taiwan’s most iconic images. The rare landmark that earns its reputation without trying.
• The Coral That Grows Back: Penghu’s coral restoration programme lets travellers do something rarer than sightseeing—actively participate in reef recovery, planting coral fragments on underwater nurseries alongside marine biologists. The most meaningful souvenir you can’t bring home.

Sustainability: More Than a Trend

With 45.8% of surveyed divers aged 25–34 expressing strong interest in eco-conscious travel, the Pavilion put sustainable diving front and centre. World-renowned underwater photographer Yorko Summer appeared alongside conservationists Peggy (TurtleSpot Taiwan) and NT (Penghu Reef Restoration) to demonstrate how Taiwan is going beyond tourism rhetoric into genuine marine stewardship—3D-printed eco-substrates, sea turtle nesting patrols, and active reef monitoring. Singaporean divers aren’t just being invited to visit—they’re being invited to contribute.

World-Class Gear, Made in Taiwan

The Pavilion also shone a light on Taiwan’s homegrown dive industry. Brands including ATMOS, 123 Underwater Lab, and DIVEVERYDAY demonstrated that the “Made-in-Taiwan” (MIT) spirit extends well beyond electronics and manufacturing—into world-class dive technology ready for Singapore’s most discerning enthusiasts.

— Taiwan Tourism Administration, Singapore Office

As ADEX 2026 makes clear, Taiwan’s dive scene represents one of the most significant untapped opportunities in the Singaporean travel market. For divers looking for somewhere extraordinary—somewhere most of their friends haven’t been yet, just a short flight away—the Pacific has been keeping a secret.

It’s time to dive in.

Hashtag: #ADEX2026

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

The exhibition focuses on connecting Asian suppliers with global importers and exporters, streamlining cross-border procurement processes, enhancing supply-demand matching efficiency, and enabling businesses to expand into international markets more effectively.

Since its debut in 2022, ASLE, co-organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), has consistently attracted high-quality international buyers. With strong performance in precise matchmaking, inquiry conversion, and actual order generation, it has become one of Asia’s most representative online B2B trade exhibitions.

Global Exhibition Synergy and Expanded Scale

The 2026 edition will feature a significant scale upgrade and run concurrently with several leading international exhibitions, including the FIBO Germany International Fitness and Wellness Expo, Techtextil Frankfurt, the Outdoor Retailer and Outdoor Design and Innovation Expo in the USA, ISPO USA, and the India International Sports Goods Expo.

By aligning with global exhibition schedules and integrating cross-platform resources, ASLE 2026 consolidates international buyer traffic and enables procurement professionals to efficiently complete supplier selection, product comparison, and sourcing decisions. This approach significantly shortens decision-making cycles and improves procurement accuracy.

Centered on high-efficiency matching, targeted traffic, and conversion-driven results, the exhibition establishes a comprehensive B2B business connection ecosystem. It enhances exhibitors’ global exposure, improves inquiry quality, and effectively drives order conversion and market expansion.

Showcasing Verified Suppliers and Diverse Product Categories

ASLE 2026 will feature a strong lineup of leading Asian manufacturers, demonstrating the depth and innovation of the region’s sports and leisure industry. Participating companies include JIH KAO ENTERPRISE, FLYWELL INTERNATIONAL, YI CHI HSIUNG, and HSIN HAO HEALTH MATERIALS.

These suppliers will showcase a wide range of products, including fitness equipment, sports gear, functional textiles, outdoor and camping products, and health-related solutions, providing buyers with diverse sourcing options across multiple categories.

ASLE 2026 highlights core sports categories such as Sports and Game Equipment, Sport Ball Equipment and Gear, Fitness and Body Building, Skateboarding and Skating Equipment, and Water Sports Equipment and Supply. The exhibition also features sports accessories, sportswear, and technical textiles, as well as lifestyle segments including Outdoor and Camping Recreation, Sporting and Travel Goods, and Indoor Games and Leisure. Health and Wellness and health food products further extend the exhibition’s cross-industry integration.

By integrating technological innovation with practical applications, ASLE 2026 provides a high-efficiency B2B sourcing environment that enables global buyers and industry partners to expand markets, accelerate procurement decisions, and establish long-term business relationships.

Digital Features Enhancing Efficient Sourcing

The Asian Sports and Leisure Online Exhibition 2026 introduces a range of advanced digital features, including dedicated exhibitor pages, e-catalogs, and integrated online exhibition interfaces. Fully integrated with the TradeAsia platform, these tools significantly enhance supplier visibility and maximize sourcing efficiency.

In addition, the exhibition incorporates an efficient business matching mechanism, enabling buyers to quickly identify suitable suppliers based on their sourcing needs. International buyers can access the exhibition anytime, explore detailed supplier information, and utilize online inquiry functions to accelerate procurement decision-making.

This hybrid model effectively eliminates time and geographical barriers while delivering a cost-efficient and results-driven global sourcing experience.

Start Sourcing Now

Explore suppliers, discover products, and send inquiries directly through the official exhibition platform:
https://www.e-tradeasia.com/online-show/44/Asian-Sports-and-Leisure-Online-Exhibition-2026.html

Hashtag: #TradeAsia

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

About TradeAsia

TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) is a leading B2B international trade platform dedicated to delivering high-efficiency, conversion-driven business matching services. The platform connects millions of members, over 600,000 suppliers, and extensive up-to-date product listings, forming a highly active global supply-demand network.

In addition, TradeAsia has established strategic partnerships with hundreds of trade organizations and exhibition entities worldwide, integrating both online and offline marketing resources to maximize international exposure. Exhibitors benefit from stable, high-quality buyer traffic and expanded global reach, enhancing brand visibility and increasing conversion opportunities.

First-ever joint campaign for credit card unlocks enhanced digital investment solutions and exclusive lifestyle privileges for clients

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2026 – As part of its strategy to lead in digital wealth, Citi is leveraging fintech to enhance its client value proposition. Citi is committed to driving Hong Kong’s fintech ecosystem by playing a unique role as both a strategic investor and a collaborator. This approach is exemplified by our partnership with Endowus, a leading digital wealth advisory and investment platform. After Citi Ventures invested in the platform in August 2023, this collaboration now sets the stage for our latest joint initiative.

Building on their established relationship, Citi Hong Kong and Endowus recently launched the “Invest with Clarity, Live in Prestige” campaign, their inaugural joint credit card promotion. Through this initiative, eligible Endowus clients who successfully apply for a new Citi Prestige Card and meet specific requirements during the promotion period will receive a HK$4,000^* cash reward. This offer seamlessly integrates a rewarding investment journey with the elevated dining, travel and lifestyle privileges that come with the Citi Prestige Card.

This partnership marks a key milestone, and both Citi and Endowus look forward to exploring further collaborations, including expanding the campaign to other Citi Credit Cards and across a broader spectrum of products, aiming to continuously drive financial innovation and enhance client experience.

Sarah O, Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales, Citi Hong Kong, said, “Our strategic collaboration with Endowus exemplifies Citi’s commitment to harnessing the power of the fintech ecosystem to drive growth and innovation within our wealth business. The expanded partnership with Endowus showcases our unique, full-circle commitment to the fintech community. We are excited about the ongoing potential of this partnership to unlock even more innovative solutions for our clients.”

Steffanie Yuen, Managing Director and Head of Hong Kong, Endowus said, “Citi’s strategic backing as our shareholder, and recognition of our vision to help people invest with clarity significantly reflects a shared commitment to raising the bar for wealth management in Hong Kong. By pairing best-in-class digital investment tools with the lifestyle rewards of the Citi Prestige Card, we’re making it easier than ever for clients to invest well and live well. We look forward to deepening our partnership to build even more innovative experiences together for the clients we serve.”

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Photo: Sarah O, Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales, Citi Hong Kong (Left) and Steffanie Yuen, Managing Director and Head of Hong Kong, Endowus (Right)

*For new Citi Prestige Card clients only. Terms and conditions for the promotion apply. Details: https://endowus.com/en-hk/campaigns/terms-conditions-for-endowus-x-citi-prestige-collaboration-promotion-2026

Hashtag: #Citi

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

About Citi

Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.

Additional information may be found atwww.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi