News related to
Asia

The awards ceremony will take place on 24 March 2026, featuring the four key categories of Still Image, Moving Image, Innovation and Experiential and followed by a private sale exhibition hosted by Phillips in Hong Kong, from 25–28 March 2026.

As a highlight of Hong Kong’s spring art calendar, the awards celebrate the growing cultural significance of digital art and spotlights the visionary artists redefining visual culture through cutting-edge technologies.

Thirty two international finalists will be selected for their work pushing the boundaries of digital creativity. Each of the four category winners will receive a $10,000 USDC commission towards a new artwork.

The thirty two finalists include several prominent figures in digital and generative art, such as Erick Calderon (Snowfro) Founder of Art Blocks, Botto, Sarah Meyohas, William Mapan, Sasha Stiles and Mario Klingemann – underscoring the calibre of talent the awards are already attracting with over two hundred applications across more than fifty countries.

Refik Anadol is nominated for the Honorary Career Award for Sense of Healing, an AI Data Sculpture that emerges from Refik Anadol Studio’s long-term research into creating meditative art based on neurological data.

Finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of leading experts in art, hospitality and technology, including Irini Mirena Papadimitriou, Exhibitions Director at Diriyah Art Futures, Thomas Heyne, Co-Founder and CEO at Scorpios, Dorothy di Stefano, Art Curator and Creative Strategist at Molten Immersive Art, Danielle So, Hong Kong Head of Auction, Modern & Contemporary Art, Phillips, Sebastien Borget, Co-Founder & Global of The Sandbox, SANDchain, President of Blockchain Game Alliance and Co-Founder of Artverse, Jean-Michel Pailhon, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Grailcapital, Simonida Pavicevic, Co-Founder and Curator at HOFA, Justin Gilanyi, Founder of WhereArt.Works and Curator at SILK, and Matt Zhang, Founder and Managing Partner at Hivemind Capital.

The Digital Art Awards are proudly backed by Lightyear, a subsidiary of Hivemind Digital Group. A full-stack digital culture partner, Lightyear provides infrastructure, liquidity and market expertise, and hands-on delivery for digital ownership and engagement across physical and digital experiences. Lightyear is committed to championing artists and organizations pushing the boundaries of digital culture.

Hashtag: #HOFA #PhillipsX

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

“Safety first,” the Owner of 1win commented on X. “When airports in Dubai closed, and many were stranded, not knowing how to get out, in less than a day, we organized the evacuation of our VIP clients on all private jets, so they could return home safely without waiting for the situation to stabilize. We are here to support you in any situation.”

Commercial aviation in the region has been heavily disrupted. The airline Emirates temporarily suspended flights to and from Dubai International Airport, urging passengers not to travel to the airport until the security situation stabilizes. Several international routes have also been cancelled in the coming weeks as airlines reassess operational risks.

To provide additional flexibility for VIP clients who were unable or unwilling to rely on disrupted commercial flights, 1win coordinated private aviation options with several international charter operators. The initiative focused on offering direct departures from airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to destinations across Latin America, Asia, and the CIS region.

Industry reports indicate that demand for business aviation in the UAE has surged sharply as travelers seek alternatives to disrupted commercial flights. Several aviation outlets and international media reported a significant spike in private jet charters and sharply rising prices for departures from Dubai, reflecting the growing demand for alternative travel options during the crisis.

1win’s charter program remains ongoing, with additional aircraft arranged depending on client travel needs.

Hashtag: #1win

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

About 1win

Founded in 2016, 1win is a crypto platform in the global gaming industry. Operating across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, 1win offers a wide range of services adapted to regional audiences. In 2024, 1win partnered with actor Johnny Sins as its brand ambassador. In 2025, MMA legend Jon Jones joined 1win as its global ambassador. American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, Gable Steveson, stepped into the 1win global ambassador team earlier this year.

Kiztopia brings its award-winning “Play to Learn, Learn through Play” concept to Southern Malaysia, marking its 3rd outlet in Malaysia and 22nd across APAC

JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2026 – Kiztopia, Singapore’s leading family edutainment brand, officially celebrated the grand opening of its newest outlet at Toppen Shopping Centre, Johor Bahru on February 26, 2026. This milestone marks Kiztopia’s third outlet in Malaysia since 2024 and its 22nd family edutainment centre across the Asia-Pacific region.

Founded in Singapore in 2019 with its flagship outlet at Marina Square, Kiztopia was awarded “Best Attraction Experience” at the Singapore Tourism Awards in 2021. Today, the brand operates across Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, with sub-brands including Kiztopia Club, Bouncetopia, SkyPark, Kiztopia Prestige, and Xventure — a sports and adventure concept designed for teens, adults and thrill-seekers.

The Johor Bahru outlet represents Kiztopia’s continued commitment to expanding its footprint in Malaysia, bringing innovative and immersive family experiences to the southern region.

Speaking at the grand opening ceremony, Ms. Heidi Tian, Founder and CEO of Kiztopia, said:
“A very warm welcome to our grand opening ceremony at Toppen Shopping Centre today. This marks our third outlet opened in Malaysia since 2024 and our 22nd outlet in the APAC region. We are honoured to collaborate with Ikano Group and delighted to bring memorable experiences and timeless fun to all families in Johor and across Malaysia.

We are fully committed to Malaysia’s market development and hope to bring more innovative and creative concepts and experiences to Malaysian families.”

Ms. Su Wei, General Manager of Kiztopia Malaysia, added:
“This expansion reflects how much we value families in the South. Beyond the play zones, our team is here to create lasting memories — and we can’t wait to see the smiles begin at Toppen.”

Mr. Sergey Aristarkhov, Centre Manager of Toppen Mall, shared: “Toppen is not just a shopping mall; it is a place that creates meaningful experiences for families and children. This is what we believe in. We are proud to welcome Kiztopia as part of our experiential offerings, strengthening Toppen’s position as a destination for family bonding and interactive play.”

A world of imaginative play and active learning

Kiztopia is built around its core philosophy of “Play to Learn, Learn through Play.” The Johor Bahru outlet features vibrant thematic play zones inspired by Kiztopia’s eight unique IP-registered characters, each designed to stimulate creativity, physical activity, and social development.

Children can explore large-scale interactive playground structures, role-play zones that spark imagination, obstacle courses that encourage physical agility, and immersive activity areas that nurture teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Designed as a safe, engaging and enriching environment, the centre allows children to build confidence while strengthening family bonds through shared experiences.

Beyond daily play sessions, Kiztopia also offers curated birthday party packages and school visit programmes, providing customised, guided experiences that combine fun, education and memorable celebrations for children of all ages.

Strengthening Malaysia’s family entertainment landscape

The launch at Toppen Shopping Centre reinforces Kiztopia’s long-term commitment to Malaysia as a key growth market in Southeast Asia. By collaborating with Ikano Group and Toppen Mall, Kiztopia aims to deliver not just entertainment, but holistic family experiences that blend education, physical play and emotional connection.

With Malaysia’s growing demand for premium indoor family attractions, Kiztopia continues to innovate with new concepts, seasonal events and cross-brand experiences such as Jumptopia™ and Splashtopia — signature inflatable event experiences that have delighted families across the region.

Visit Kiztopia at Toppen Shopping Centre

Families in Johor Bahru and surrounding areas are invited to experience Kiztopia’s newest outlet at Toppen Shopping Centre and discover a dynamic space where imagination, learning and fun come together.

For more information, please visit:

Website: https://kiztopia.com.my/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiztopiamy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiztopiamy
Media Assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cA9ojcjEx2vOqVwoccUblUwR1UDLX4Y6?usp=sharing
Marketing: Rachel – 014-7196961
Hashtag: #KiztopiaToppen #Edutainment #ToppenShoppingMallJB #JohorBahru

https://kiztopia.com.my/
https://www.facebook.com/kiztopiamy
https://www.instagram.com/kiztopiamy

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

Kiztopia

Founded in 2019 with its flagship outlet at Marina Square, Kiztopia is Singapore’s leading family edutainment brand, awarded “Best Attraction Experience” at the Singapore Tourism Awards in 2021. Featuring eight unique IP-registered characters, Kiztopia offers a range of programs and activities where children can “Play to Learn, Learn through Play.” Today, Kiztopia operates 22 family edutainment centres (FECs) across Asia, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan, with sub-brands such as Kiztopia Club, Bouncetopia, SkyPark, Kiztopia Prestige, and Xventure, a sports and adventure concept for teens, adults, and thrill-seekers. In 2024, Kiztopia secured its first round of private equity funding to support regional growth and expansion. Beyond its FECs, our signature bouncy castle event, Jumptopia™ and Splashtopia, has delighted families across the region, alongside co-organized events like the Children’s Festival and TriFactor Kids Run, family staycation collaborations, and a kids’ travel product line with American Tourister. For more information, visit http://www.kiztopia.com.my/.

By K Raveendran Escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran are rapidly transforming a regional confrontation into a global economic and geopolitical crisis, raising the spectre of what many analysts are beginning to describe as a Third Gulf War. Tehran’s early warning that Washington might possess the ability to ignite the conflict but […]

The article Oil Shock Fears Mount As Gulf Conflict Impact Spreads Far And Wide appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Government officials confirmed that a warship from Iran was granted permission to dock at a naval facility in Kochi shortly before another vessel from the same flotilla was sunk by a United States submarine in the Indian Ocean, an episode that has drawn global attention to maritime diplomacy and escalating naval tensions around South Asia.

The vessel, identified as IRIS Lavan, sought permission to enter Kochi harbour citing technical problems while sailing in the region. Authorities approved the request, allowing the ship and its crew to remain at the naval base as a humanitarian measure after Tehran asked for urgent assistance. Around 183 sailors from the ship were accommodated at naval facilities after the vessel reached the port.

The docking occurred against the backdrop of a widening military confrontation involving Washington and Tehran. Only days later, the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was torpedoed by a United States submarine near the southern coast of Sri Lanka, killing at least 87 sailors and triggering a rescue operation by Sri Lankan authorities.

Officials explained that the decision to allow the Iranian ship to dock was based on established maritime norms requiring assistance to vessels in distress. External affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said the vessel had asked for access to a port and authorities responded on humanitarian grounds.

The IRIS Dena had been returning from international naval events hosted along the eastern seaboard, including a fleet review and exercises involving several foreign navies. The frigate, part of Iran’s Moudge-class warship programme, had previously participated in naval engagements aimed at expanding cooperation between regional maritime forces.

Military analysts say the sequence of events highlights how the expanding confrontation between Iran and the United States is spilling into waters far from the Persian Gulf. The submarine strike on the Dena marked one of the rare occasions in modern naval warfare when a surface warship was destroyed by a torpedo attack launched from a submarine.

According to defence officials and maritime observers, the attack occurred about 40 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s coast near Galle. A distress signal transmitted from the frigate prompted an immediate search and rescue operation by the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force, which recovered survivors and bodies from the water.

The episode has placed India’s maritime diplomacy under scrutiny as regional tensions intensify. Authorities emphasised that the docking of the Iranian vessel was not connected to the military escalation and was conducted in line with international maritime conventions governing emergency access to ports.

Diplomats familiar with the situation indicated that Tehran had contacted authorities seeking temporary refuge for one of its ships after mechanical problems developed during its voyage in the Indian Ocean. Permission was granted for the vessel to dock in Kochi while the crew remained under naval supervision.

Another Iranian vessel operating in the region also encountered difficulties. The ship IRIS Bushehr reported engine trouble while sailing near Sri Lanka’s exclusive economic zone, prompting authorities there to escort it to harbour and relocate more than 200 sailors to a naval facility near Colombo.

The developments illustrate the complex position regional governments face as the confrontation between Washington and Tehran spreads beyond West Asia. Both powers maintain strategic ties with several countries around the Indian Ocean, leaving governments to balance diplomatic relations while responding to humanitarian requests at sea.

Strategic experts note that the Indian Ocean has long served as a vital corridor for energy shipments and naval deployments. The presence of Iranian vessels in the region had increased in recent years as Tehran attempted to demonstrate blue-water naval capabilities and deepen engagement with foreign maritime forces.

The Dena itself had previously taken part in international naval gatherings designed to encourage cooperation on maritime security, anti-piracy operations and humanitarian missions. Participation in those exercises underscored Iran’s attempt to portray its navy as an active participant in multinational maritime dialogue.

However, the destruction of the frigate has underscored how quickly cooperative settings can give way to confrontation during geopolitical crises. Analysts say the use of a submarine-launched torpedo against a warship outside the immediate conflict zone represents a striking demonstration of undersea warfare capabilities.

United States defence officials described the strike as a legitimate military action against an enemy naval vessel. Some legal experts have argued that attacking a military ship is permissible under the laws of armed conflict, though debate has emerged over the circumstances surrounding the incident and the obligations to rescue survivors.

Iranian authorities condemned the attack as an act of aggression and demanded the return of the bodies of sailors who died when the frigate sank. The incident has intensified diplomatic friction while raising questions about maritime security in waters linking the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

By Nitya Chakraborty The resounding victory of the Gen Z supported Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in the March 5 general elections in Nepal is a game changer not only in the political history of this tiny Himalayan nation but also in the evolving polity of South Asia. Nepal is now the second country in South […]

The article Gen Z Supported RSP’s Resounding Win In Nepal Elections Is A Gamechanger appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).