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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia recorded a landmark year for tourism in 2025, welcoming more than 122 million domestic and international visitors and generating close to $80 billion in total spending, according to official estimates and sector-wide assessments. The figures underline the scale and pace of change in a country long associated with pilgrimage travel but now positioning itself as a diversified global tourism destination. Data […]
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – The Jollibee Group has formally inaugurated its newest – and its largest commissary in Visayas and Mindanao province – in Danao City, on January 8, 2026, a state-of-the-art facility designed to power the company’s expanding manufacturing and logistics footprint across the rapidly growing VisMin region and the wider Philippines.
Jollibee Group officially inaugurates its largest, state-of-the-art commissary in Cebu, Philippines, strengthening its Visayas and Mindanao operations, supporting multiple brands, creating jobs, and advancing sustainable growth across the country.
The inauguration was attended by national and local government leaders, including Cristina Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry; Pamela Baricuatro, Governor of Cebu Province; Ace Durano, Cebu Provincial Administrator; Nito Durano, Mayor of Danao City; and Carmen Durano, Vice Mayor of Danao City.
Milestone Facility for a High-Growth Region
The Danao facility is the fourth—and largest—Jollibee Group commissary in Cebu and its first multi-brand, state-of-the-art commissary in the Philippines. It comes at a time of accelerating economic momentum in VisMin, driven by a strong tourism rebound, the rise of BPO hubs, expanding agribusiness exports, and growing manufacturing clusters—factors that continue to drive employment, consumer spending, and demand across the region.
Outfitted with advanced automation and integrated systems, the commissary is designed to support increasing demand across multiple Jollibee Group brands while generating efficiencies by consolidating equipment and production capabilities. This allows the Group to scale responsibly while upholding its standards for food quality, consistency, and operational excellence.
Supporting Brand Expansion and Same-Store Growth
The Danao Commissary supplies key ingredients and products for the Group’s major brands, including Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Burger King. These brands continue to expand their store networks in VisMin while sustaining same-store sales growth.
The facility strengthens the Group’s supply chain by supporting distribution centers serving Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, as well as select areas in Luzon—ensuring reliability and scalability as the company accelerates its nationwide expansion.
Economic Impact
Speaking during the program, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque highlighted the broader economic impact of the investment.
“Every new commissary that the Jollibee Group opens represents more jobs, more security, and more growth for our local industries,” Roque said. “As we open more commissaries, we are also encouraging more investments in our country while strengthening our supply chain.”
Speaking at the inauguration, Joseph Tanbuntiong, Chief Executive Officer of Jollibee Group Philippines and Global Head of Jollibee Brand, underscored the strategic importance of the new facility to both the company’s domestic and global growth.
“The opening of the Danao Commissary is both a reflection of our journey and a new beginning,” Tanbuntiong said. “Accelerating our growth by building on the strong momentum in Visayas and Mindanao is critical to our Philippine business.”
The investment also highlights the Jollibee Group’s confidence in Cebu as a strategic hub for manufacturing and logistics.
“This commissary underscores our confidence in Cebu—its people, its capability, and its role in our growth today and in the long term,” he added.
Community Impact and Sustainability
Beyond strengthening operational capacity, the Danao Commissary is expected to deliver shared value for local communities, generating close to 500 jobs, with over 60% of the workforce coming from Danao City. At full capacity, the commissary will create 800 jobs.
Sustainability features were integrated into the facility’s design and operations in line with the Jollibee Group’s Joy for Tomorrow agenda. From Day 1 of commercial operation, the Danao Commissary operates on 99% renewable electricity from geothermal sources. It is also equipped with roof-mounted solar panels, rainwater-harvesting systems, energy-efficient equipment, and wastewater treatment systems—supporting responsible, future-ready growth.
Tanbuntiong said the inauguration marks the beginning of a shared journey among stakeholders involved in the project.
“The success of the Danao Commissary is a shared success—for Danao, for Cebu, and for the nation. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable future.”
Hashtag: #Jollibee
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Jollibee Group
Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the “Company”) is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 19 brands (the “Jollibee Group”) with over 10,000 stores and cafés across 33 countries.
The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine (9) wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five (5) franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.
The Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The Company has been recognized as the Philippines’ Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia’s Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a four-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.
A research team from the University of Tokyo has outlined a new approach to training large language models that aims to curb sensitive data leakage while preserving performance, addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing artificial intelligence developers as regulation tightens worldwide. The study, titled Crypto-LLM, proposes encrypting large volumes of training text before it is fed into a model, preventing the system from memorising personal […]
By Nitya Chakraborty For the two main contenders in the coming assembly elections in West Bengal in March/ April 2026, every week is important in the present electoral battle as fresh developments take place needing for a relook at the poll strategy. The ruling Trinamool Congress led by the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the […]
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – Bigo Live, one of the world’s fastest-growing social live streaming platforms with over 600 million registered users across over 150 countries, has announced the seventh edition of its annual flagship event, the BIGO Awards Gala. Themed “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS,” the highly anticipated ceremony will take place at KBS Hall in Seoul on Friday, 23 January 2026, celebrating the passion and creativity of its global community of content creators over the past year.
BIGO Awards Gala 2026
This year’s theme, “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS” captures the spirit of the event, where the energy of Bigo Live’s creators will illuminate Seoul. The Gala will honour the dedication and talent of the platform’s creators and families, turning each moment into a shared celebration that is both unique and unforgettable. Seoul was selected as the host city for this year’s BIGO Awards Gala as it stands at the intersection of creativity, technology and culture, reflecting the vibrant and globally connected community that Bigo Live continues to build.
The star-studded event will welcome over 1,200 global guests, including those from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Africa. The festivities will begin with a public red-carpet event, offering a first glimpse into the energy and vibrancy of the event.
“Seoul’s dynamic energy is the perfect backdrop for our 2026 Gala,” said a spokesperson from Bigo Live. “‘SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS’ is more than a theme, it’s a reflection of how our creators illuminate the platform with their talent and passion. We are thrilled to bring our global community together in this vibrant city to celebrate their achievements and the powerful connections they’ve built.”
The ceremony will honour over 200 content creators and families for their outstanding contributions over the past year, with winners receiving a trophy and in-app rewards, with select honourees also featured on prominent digital billboards in Gangnam’s high-profile media district, extending recognition beyond the platform.
The evening will also feature a diverse lineup of captivating performances, from live music to band shows by international artists, including special appearances by South Korean girl groups FIFTY FIFTY and tripleS, creating an immersive atmosphere where global creativity meets a shared rhythm.
As the night pulses with excitement, Bigo Live will also unveil an exclusive blind-box collection featuring its friendly mascot, mini-Dinos, bringing an extra spark of surprise to the night.
For viewers worldwide, the BIGO Awards Gala 2026 will be broadcast live on Bigo Live’s Music Live House channel (Bigo ID: music) and the official Bigo.tv website. The live broadcast will begin with the Red Carpet at 3:00 pm (GMT+9), followed by the Gala Ceremony at 7:00 pm (GMT+9). Viewers in the live room can vote for their favourite content creators and families during the gala night for three special awards: “MOST POPULAR BROADCASTER,” “MOST POPULAR FAMILY,” and “GALA STAR.”
To join Bigo Live’s global community and tune into the BIGO Awards Gala 2026, download the Bigo Live app or visit the official website. Follow Bigo Live on Facebook and Instagram for latest updates.Hashtag: #BigoLive #BIGOAwardsGala2026
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Tourists flock to open factories offering facility tours and hands-on craft experiences
NIIGATA PREFECTURE, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – Located close to the heart of Niigata Prefecture, the Tsubame-Sanjo area is a traditional Japanese mecca of craftsmanship with a 600-year history dating back to the Muromachi period, when metal casting first flourished here. It is about two hours from Tokyo by bullet train. Many products beloved both in Japan and around the world are born here, from kitchen knives and Western-style cutlery to tools and outdoor gear. To preserve the techniques behind these diverse products, the central region situated around Tsubame-Sanjo has established initiatives that include certifying highly skilled artisans as Niigata Ken-O Meisters.
But Tsubame-Sanjo’s appeal extends far beyond technical excellence. Here, a distinctly Japanese philosophy thrives among craftspeople who finish each product with the end user in mind, infusing their work with warmth and care. Take the knives from Hinoura Hamono Koubou, for example. This blacksmith workshop uses proprietary methods grounded in scientific research, achieving both exceptional edge retention and ease of use. Blades that fuse over a century of forging expertise with innovative thinking have earned acclaim both at home and abroad. Meanwhile, Gyokusendo, a copperware house with over 200 years of history, continues to practice tsuiki doki, the traditional art of hand-hammering copper plates into elegant vessels. These pieces, which marry the beauty of handcraft with functional design, have won admirers from around the world.
From Nails to Knives: The History and Evolution of Craftsmanship Tsubame-Sanjo’s metalworking tradition traces its origins to Japanese nail-making some 400 years ago. Frequent flooding from the Shinano and Igarashi rivers created strong demand for nails to rebuild structures in this region. These nails found use not only in homes, but also in shrines, temples, and ships. As they circulated widely, nail-making became one of the foundations of local metalworking. Over time, production expanded to farming implements such as hoes and shears, then to kitchen knives, Western-style tableware, and other everyday tools, the industry evolving with each era’s needs. After the Meiji period, stainless steel cutlery and tool manufacturing took off. Today, the region boasts such a diverse concentration of metalworking expertise that locals say there’s nothing that cannot be made. Tsubame City and Sanjo City are home to thousands of small- and medium-sized enterprises, each bringing its own distinctive techniques and designs to global markets. In these communities, a guiding philosophy endures: don’t simply inherit tradition; move forward by improving it. While honoring time-tested techniques, local manufacturers embrace new materials and contemporary design, ensuring constant evolution.
Where to Experience Factory Tours and Hands-On Craftsmanship Tsubame-Sanjo has seen a growing number of open factories, manufacturing facilities that welcome the public for tours, hands-on experiences, and product sales. Small workshops once overlooked as tourism assets are now celebrated as experiential destinations, serving as venues where artisans pass their skills and philosophy on to the next generation. Here are some of the most popular spots and events.
Tsubame-Sanjo KOUBA no SAITEN This major annual event takes place every autumn. Factories normally closed to the public open their doors, with craftspeople personally guiding visitors through production floors. Beyond factory tours, the festival features workshops and product sales, creating a region-wide celebration of open manufacturing.
Tsubame Industrial Museum A facility offering hands-on experiences with Tsubame’s diverse crafts. The museum houses a workshop where visitors can try oxidation coloring on spoons, crafting tin sake cups, and hammering decorative patterns into pure copper thermoses.
Tsubamesanjo Regional Industries Promotion Center A hub for regional industry information and tourism services. The center features meeting rooms, a restaurant, and a large hall. Its retail shop, Bussankan, displays and sells approximately 10,000 items from local manufacturers. Designated as a roadside station (Roadside Station Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Center), the facility also offers tax-free shopping for international visitors.
Gyokusendo Co., Ltd. Founded in 1816. Renowned for its tsuiki doki (hand-hammered copperware) workshop. Visitors can watch up close as artisans hammer copper plates into finely crafted vessels. The workshop welcomes 7,000 visitors annually, roughly one-quarter of whom come from overseas.
Hinoura Hamono Koubou A blacksmith workshop with a century of history in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture. Master craftspeople work with fire and steel, upholding tradition while pursuing new challenges. Visitors who book in advance can receive a guided tour from Tsukasa Hinoura, named a Contemporary Master Craftsman this year.
FACTORY FRONT A curated shop in the factory district of Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata, where visitors can see, touch, and experience local craftsmanship firsthand.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Meraki Developers has launched Nirvana Residence 1, a 22-storey residential tower positioned in Me’aisem within Dubai Production City, marking the company’s latest entry into a competitive mid-market segment that blends lifestyle design with wellness-led planning. The project is being pitched as a calm, community-oriented development in an area that has emerged as a residential alternative for professionals working across Dubai’s southern business corridors. […]
The sharp fall in the dollar and the sudden sell-off in US equity futures this week are early signals of a deeper problem with President Donald Trump’s escalating confrontation over Greenland. What’s being framed by the White House as a strategic gambit risks becoming an economic and financial self-own, with consequences that undermine the very US interests the policy claims to defend. Markets react first not to […]
By Nitya Chakraborty 2025 was the year of the maverick U.S. President Donald Trump. The developments during the year beginning January 20 evolved around Trump. He was the key decision-maker, irrespective of what other countries leaders felt. He cared little for the United Nations, WTO, WHO and all other multilateral bodies. He openly said ‘I […]
HAIKOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2026 – One month into the island-wide special customs operations, the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) in south China has maintained smooth and orderly functioning, with initial achievements in logistics efficiency, passenger convenience, and economic aggregation, highlighting the country’s commitment to high-level opening up.
Yangpu Port, the largest cargo port in the Hainan FTP.
Hainan Heren Pearl Co., Ltd., which mainly imports pearls from overseas, has emerged as a direct beneficiary of Hainan FTP policies.
Under the value-added processing policy, the company can sell its high-value products to the mainland duty-free, cutting its overall tax burden from about 52 percent to roughly 26 percent and redirecting the savings into research and development, said Zhang Shizhong, the company’s chairman.
“The FTP holds great promise, with more policy dividends set to be released in the future,” Zhang said.
One notable special customs policy is offering “freer access at the first line,” referring to freer trade between Hainan and areas outside China’s customs borders, and “regulated access at the second line,” which involves applying standard customs controls for goods moving from Hainan to the mainland.
According to Haikou Customs, from Dec. 18, 2025 to the early hours of Jan. 18, 2026, the value of “first line” imported zero-tariff goods was 753 million yuan (about 107 million U.S. dollars); the value of processed and value-added goods sold domestically through the “second line” was about 85.9 million yuan.
In Wanning City, production lines at Chia Tai (Hainan) Xinglong Coffee Industry Development Co., Ltd. are running at full capacity. The company imports green coffee beans from Colombia and processes them in Hainan before shipping the finished products to the mainland, enjoying an 8 percent tariff reduction under the FTP policies.
“After the launch of island-wide special customs operations, Hainan will gradually become a value-added processing center and trade hub with global resource allocation capabilities,” said Ye Jian, the company’s general manager. “Enterprises will not only pass through Hainan, but also be able to put down roots here and create higher value.”
Duty-free shopping booms in Hainan FTP.
Drawn by the policy incentives, a growing number of companies are choosing to do business in Hainan. The General Administration of Customs said a total of 5,132 new foreign trade enterprises completed registration in Hainan over the past month, an increase in a month roughly equivalent to the total registrations in an entire quarter of 2024.
The total number of registered foreign trade market entities in Hainan has surpassed 100,000, according to official data.
As the policy came into force, major ports across Hainan saw a surge in activity.
Days after Hainan began island-wide special customs operations, a flight from Prague carrying 115 European passengers touched down in the tourist city of Sanya, marking a breakthrough in the high-level opening up of the aviation sector at the Hainan FTP.
The arrival marked the launch of China’s first official passenger route operated under the Seventh Freedom of the Air, which allows foreign carriers to operate flights between two foreign countries without having to land in their home country.
The route is operated by Kazakhstan’s Scat Airlines, with one round-trip scheduled each week.
At Yangpu Port, the largest cargo port in the Hainan FTP, mega-ships berthing in quick succession, gantry cranes operating around the clock, and container trucks moving in tightly coordinated flows have become a routine sight.
“Yangpu will shoulder the role of the main logistics gateway of the Hainan FTP,” said Yang Xiaobin, deputy head of the Transportation, Port and Waterway Bureau of Yangpu Economic Development Zone. “The port aims to build a smart and green international shipping hub and logistics center.”
Container throughput at Yangpu reached 3.31 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025, up more than 65 percent from a year earlier.
“It is particularly noteworthy that the Hainan FTP launched island-wide special customs operations at a time of intensifying deglobalization and rising global uncertainty,” said Cui Weijie, deputy director of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, a think tank with the Ministry of Commerce.
“It not only demonstrates China’s unwavering commitment to high-standard opening up, but also injects greater certainty and positive momentum into the global economy and international trade cooperation,” Cui said.
Vercel has unveiled a new product called Skills, positioning it as a shared marketplace of reusable capabilities for AI coding assistants and framing it internally as an “npm for AI agents”. The launch reflects growing pressure on developers and platform companies to bring consistency, security and best practices to the rapidly expanding use of autonomous and semi-autonomous coding tools across production environments. According to the company, Skills […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2026 – Shell Hong Kong Limited (Shell) and the Transport Office of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) held the “CUHK x Shell Electric School Bus Charging Station Opening Ceremony” on 15 January 2026, marking a significant milestone in advancing sustainable campus transportation. With the dedicated support from Shell, CUHK has launched its first Shell Recharge electric school bus charging station on campus, equipped with two fast chargers delivering up to 120 kW of power to provide efficient charging support for the university’s phased introduction of new energy school buses. Together with this initiative, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has provided CUHK with the first hybrid school bus on a Hong Kong university campus, making the first adoption of a hybrid school bus as a low-carbon transportation solution in local university campuses.
Shell and CUHK held the “CUHK x Shell Electric School Bus Charging Station Opening Ceremony” (From left to right: Mr. Kenneth Chung, Network Development & E-Mobility Manager of Shell Hong Kong Limited,Mr. Donald Lee, Transport Manager, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr. Simon Lee, Director of Security and Transport, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr. Dick Chan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels- Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Yonghai Du, Chief Innovation Officer, Hong Kong Productivity Council and General Manager, Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS), Mr Ralph Xu, Head of Green Transportation, Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS))
First Shell Recharge Electric School Bus Charging Station installed in CUHK
As one of the leading global energy companies, Shell continues to focus on its strategy to deliver more value with less emissions while working to become a net-zero emissions business by 2050, contributing to global decarbonisation. This year, Shell installed CUHK’s first Shell Recharge electric school bus charging station, featuring two fast chargers with a power output of 120 kW, ensuring rapid and efficient energy replenishment for CUHK’s electric school buses. At the same time, Shell consistently upholds high safety standards, with stringent controls in the design, installation, and operation of the charging station to ensure a safe and reliable electric vehicle charging experience.
Since 2018, Shell has supported CUHK’s sustainability initiatives by supplying Shell FuelSave Diesel B5 for the university’s fleet, helping reduce emissions and enhancing operational efficiency. The collaboration has expanded with the introduction of fast-charging facilities further modernises CUHK’s transportation system and accelerates the adoption of innovative low-carbon technologies. Looking ahead, Shell will continue to work with CUHK to lead the development of advanced mobility solutions and demonstrate leadership in campus sustainability.
Mr. Yew Chong Tan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels East, commented, “At Shell, we are committed to working with customers and partners to provide holistic energy solutions that power progress together. The installation of this electric school bus charging station at The Chinese University of Hong Kong exemplifies our dedication to such collaboration as we navigate the energy transition.”
First Shell Recharge Electric School Bus Charging Station installed in CUHK (From left to right: Mr. Donald Lee, Transport Manager, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr. Simon Lee, Director of Security and Transport, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr Yew Chong Tan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels East, Mr. Dick Chan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels- Hong Kong and Macau)
First Hybrid School Bus to Begin Operates at CUHK
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has provided CUHK with the first hybrid school bus ever deployed on a Hong Kong campus, which helps reduce diesel consumption and lower exhaust emissions compared to regular diesel coaches. When utilizing fast charging directly, it can reach an 80% battery charge in as little as 25 minutes.
Mr. Yonghai Du, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC and General Manager, Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS), added, “This 12-meter plug-in hybrid bus is the first green transport project designed, developed, and assembled in Hong Kong by APAS, funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund and supported by our industry partners. This collaboration exemplifies the shared commitment of academia and industry to social responsibility. HKPC will continue to pioneer diverse innovative solutions, foster collaboration among ‘Government, industry, academia, research, investment, and applications’, expand the application demonstration of new technologies, products, and scenarios, and drive the transition towards green transportation.”
CUHK Advances Low-Carbon Transportation
These two major initiatives not only highlight CUHK’s dedication to sustainable development but also set a new standard for environmentally conscious transformation in transportation across Hong Kong.
Mr. Simon Lee, Director of Security and Transport at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, stated, “CUHK is committed to promoting sustainable development and embedding environmental protection principles within daily campus operations. By installing the EV charging station and introducing the hybrid campus bus, we aim to offer convenient transportation for staff and students while reducing carbon emissions and achieving low-carbon mobility. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Shell for its strong support of the charging station project and to the Hong Kong Productivity Council for its professional assistance in introducing the hybrid campus bus, enabling us to jointly drive campus transportation toward a new green milestone.”
OpenAI is preparing to introduce its first dedicated device later this year, marking a shift from being solely a software-led artificial intelligence company to one that also delivers consumer hardware designed around its models and services. The plan, acknowledged by people familiar with the company’s roadmap and echoed in public remarks by senior executives, signals OpenAI’s ambition to embed its technology more directly into everyday use beyond […]
France has moved to convene a meeting of Group of Seven finance ministers this week as tensions escalate with the United States over proposed tariffs linked to a high-profile dispute about Greenland. Paris is spearheading coordinated Western efforts to address what it and other European capitals describe as coercive trade threats from Washington, and to explore collective avenues for diplomatic and economic response amidst deepening strain in […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 January 2026 – Madame Tussauds Singapore hosted an exclusive fan meet event on 16 January 2026, featuring international music and entertainment icon AGNEZ MO, bringing fans up close with the superstar in an intimate and memorable setting.
The special appearance marked a meaningful reunion between AGNEZ MO and her wax figure, which was first unveiled at Madame Tussauds Singapore in 2022. The fan meet offered a rare opportunity for fans to reconnect with the multi-talented artist while celebrating her continued global success.
During the event, AGNEZ MO shared that the wax figure represents more than just a statue. To her, it symbolises her music, artistry, and global impact, as well as the connection she has built with fans around the world. She expressed her deep gratitude for the honour, emphasising the significance behind the tribute.
“It’s not just a wax figure, it’s what it represents,” said AGNEZ MO, reflecting on the meaning behind her wax figure and the impact she hopes to continue making through her work.
The event also highlighted an exciting milestone in AGNEZ MO’s career – her upcoming role in Prime Video’s Reacher Season 4. This follows the massive success of Reacher Season 3, which became the most-watched returning series on Prime Video, further cementing AGNEZ MO’s growing presence on the international screen.
This exclusive fan meet was proudly supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, underscoring Singapore’s position as a vibrant destination for world-class entertainment and cultural experiences.
“We are delighted to partner with Madame Tussauds Singapore to welcome Indonesian global talent, AGNEZ MO, to Singapore. Through her lens, we aim to bring to life the spirit of energy and fun Destination Singapore has to offer across a diverse mix of iconic attractions, immersive experiences, and convenient accessibility. We hope to inspire AGNEZ MO’s global fans to visit and discover the many exciting possibilities that await,” said Lim Si Ting, Singapore Tourism Board, Area Director, Indonesia (Surabaya).
Held within the immersive attraction, the fan meet featured close interactions with AGNEZ MO, exclusive photo moments, and heartfelt exchanges with fans, making it a standout experience for attendees and a celebration of her journey across music, film, and television.
Madame Tussauds Singapore continues to be a platform where fans can connect with global icons through unique, real-life experiences, blending entertainment, storytelling, and celebrity culture.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Madame Tussauds Singapore
Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered – and feared – for over 250 years. With 22 attractions in the world’s top destination cities, we are dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the mighty from A-listers to music legends, heroes of sport, to infamous world leaders. Today, we continue to partner with the global icons of a generation to create astonishing lifelike figures from sittings and offer exciting and interactive experiences to ensure guests have never felt closer to fame.
About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND Resorts which span across UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its growing estate, with over 140 sites across 23 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, Dreamworks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides, and uplifting learning experiences. See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.
By Nitya Chakraborty The annual summit of World Economic Forum began in the Alpine hills of Davos in Switzerland on January 19 with the European leaders and the businessmen rattled over the confrontationist approach taken by the U.S. President Donald Trump on Greenland annexation. After imposing 10 per cent tariff on the EU countries taking […]
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 January 2026 – On January 17th, amidst Beijing’s first snow of the year, the fashion industry promotion event “Kung Fu Comes From Yongchun”warmly commenced at the Fujian Mansion. Centered around Yongchun’s intangible cultural heritage, with its iconic incense as the soul and the “One County, One Table of Dishes” Kui Xing Banquet as its medium, the event was jointly hosted by the Fujian Provincial Government Office in Beijing, the CPC Yongchun County Committee, and the People’s Government of Yongchun County. It masterfully presented the capital’s guests with the craftsmanship and cultural richness of this millennia-old county.
The opening ceremony of the “Kung Fu Comes From Yongchun” Fashion Industry Promotion Event in Beijing
Distinguished guests attending the event included: Zhang Tong, Senior Consultant of the China International Cultural Communication Foundation and former Member of the Party Leadership Group of the National Audit Office; Chen Zhiming, former President of the Air Force News; Yang Xiaoyang, Chairman of the China National Society for the Promotion of Arts and Culture; Shi Yuhui, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the Fujian Provincial Government Office in Beijing; Xiao Hanhui, Chairman of the CPPCC Quanzhou Municipal Committee; and Pan Zhigang, Chief Economist of the China International Cultural Communication Foundation and Director-General of the Taihu World Cultural Forum (China Government Foreign Affairs Forum). Ambassadors from Albania, Latvia, Bulgaria, Argentina, and Turkey also attended the event.
Elegant swirls of Yongchun incense opened the event, setting the stage for the stunning debut of the “Yongchun Incense Aesthetics Fashion Show,” which ingeniously blended traditional craftsmanship with modern fashion, injecting a rich cultural atmosphere and fashionable vitality into the scene.
Industrial cooperation and concrete project deals formed the core of this promotion. A series of agreements were signed on-site, including a “Cultural Export of Yongchun’s Intangible Heritage” project between the China International Cultural Communication Center and the Yongchun County Government, designed to systematically promote Yongchun’s culture globally. A package of deals under the“China Fragrance Capital · Fashion Yongchun” initiative was also concluded, providing impetus for the traditional incense industry’s shift towards branding and fashion. The distinctive “Yongchun Incense Aesthetics Fashion Show” vividly demonstrated the potential of heritage crafts in modern life by pairing traditional incense-derived accessories with contemporary apparel.
A range of supporting activities accompanied the main event, includingthe food promotion event “Kui Xing Banquet”, intangible cultural heritage flash mobs, and related special exhibitions, allowing citizens of the capital to experience the cultural charm of Yongchun up close. In the future, Yongchun will further integrate culture with tourism, accelerate the global outreach of its high-quality products and cultural resources, and build itself into a model for Maritime Silk Road cultural exchange where tradition and modernity resonate, and industry and humanities flourish together.
Hashtag: #Yongchun
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ESET MDR delivers industry-leading real-time detection and a mean-time-to-respond (MTTR) of 6 minutes to keep businesses secure
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 January 2026 –ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, today announced the launch of two Managed Detection and Response (MDR) subscription tiers: ESET PROTECT MDR for small and medium businesses (SMBs) and ESET PROTECT MDR Ultimate for enterprises in Singapore.
Bridging the gap with MDR
ESET PROTECT MDR delivers a comprehensive cybersecurity package, offering 24/7/365 superior protection. This includes modern protection for endpoints, email, and cloud applications, vulnerability detection and patching, and managed threat monitoring, hunting, and response. For enterprises, ESET PROTECT MDR Ultimate offers continuous proactive protection and enhanced visibility, coupled with customised threat hunting and remote digital forensic incident response assistance.
ESET’s APAC SMB Cybersecurity Report 2024 revealed that 49% rate lacking a dedicated cybersecurity team and 52% rated keeping up with the latest threats as one of the top three cybersecurity challenges in Singapore. 31% also cited alert fatigue as the biggest challenge. Incidentally, APAC also faces the largest shortage of cybersecurity experts in the world. These highlight the urgent need for skilled cybersecurity professionals and managed services that can help bridge the country’s growing talent gap. ESET’s MDR services ensure organisations of all sizes and cybersecurity maturity to stay one step ahead of all known and emerging threats, effectively closing the cybersecurity talent gap, and facilitating expert consultations for incident management and containment in a fully managed experience.
ESET MDR delivers a remarkable 6-minute Mean Time to Respond (MTTR) — the fastest in the industry*. In comparison, the median time for organizations to detect a breach is 24 days**, leaving critical systems and data exposed for weeks. Every hour that a breach goes undetected dramatically increases the risk of data loss, operational disruption, and financial damage.
“Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and more time-critical, especially in highly connected digital economies like Singapore,” said Pamela Ong, Country Manager of Asia and Singapore at ESET. “Our AI-powered MDR services combine automation, human expertise, and global threat intelligence to help organisations move beyond reactive security. The ability to detect and respond within minutes can make the difference between a contained incident and a major breach.”
ESET’s MDR services Meet the Unique Challenges of MSPs
ESET recognises the growing pressures facing MSPs who must balance the critical task of securing clients’ complex IT environments with their own business growth and operations. With threat actors going heavy on supply-chain attacks and abusing MSP tooling, MSPs too find themselves fixed in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. Simply put, MSPs are not only potential victims, but also potential accessories to a crime. To help MSPs fulfill their security potential, ESET’s MDR is also designed to be deployed in an MSP environment with a single solitary security service, available 24/7 that help MSPs to secure themselves as well as their clients.
*Based on publicly available information as of 1 October 2025. **Verizon 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report Hashtag: #ESET
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ESET
ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of known and emerging cyberthreats — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. An ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.
Pioneering Logistics Data Connectivity to Empower SME Financing
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 January 2026 – In response to the evolving global trade landscape and accelerating digital transformation, Hong Kong is consolidating its strength and reinforcing its position as an International Trade Centre while driving industry digitalisation. PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”) has actively support the HKSAR Government’s initiatives to promote data-sharing infrastructure and financial technology development. PAObank adopted data from “Port Community System” (“PCS”), serving as a pilot case to explore the potential of the PCS data in replacing traditional freight documentation. PAObank has been invited to join PCS Rollout Ceremony, sharing professional insights on leveraging cargo data to promote digital trade finance.
The PCS enables interoperability of logistics data across sea, land and air transport, establishing a comprehensive and reliable logistics footprint for cargo transiting through Hong Kong. PAObank, as the first digital bank to participate in the Commercial Data Interchange initiative, has become a leader in harnessing alternative data to streamline financing process. PAObank was invited to PCS Rollout Ceremony on 16 January to share its practical experience in utilising PCS for trade finance. The real-time import/export customs declaration and cargo data provided by PCS empower banks to better understand the trade and capital flows of SMEs, thereby reducing credit costs and enhancing the efficiency of trade finance.
Mr. Ambrose Wong, Alternate Chief Executive & Chief Risk Officer of PAObank, remarked in the panel discussion, “As one of the Ping An Group’s integrated financial platforms in Hong Kong, PAObank is driven by the vision of empowering finance through technology. We are at the forefront of utilising alternative data to simplify SME financing and establishing industry benchmarks. Traditional port information is often fragmented, and banks lack access to consolidated trade data, making it difficult to assess business operations and credit risks in a timely and accurate manner, which affects financing efficiency. PCS provides unified, reliable, and comprehensive logistics data, further breaking down industry data barriers. This enables banks to access real-time data, quickly and accurately evaluate SME business conditions, and conduct more precise credit approvals to meet SMEs’ funding needs and help them seize business opportunities.”
Mr Ambrose Wong continued, “PAObank is honoured to serve as one of the pilot cases for the PCS, contributing to system optimisation and the realisation of cross-sector data sharing. PAObank will continue to support the HKSAR Government in jointly promoting the digitalisation of trade finance, deepening application scenarios, and enabling more SMEs to benefit from robust data-sharing infrastructure, contributing to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international financial and trade centre.”
Looking ahead, as part of Ping An Group’s integrated financial platforms in Hong Kong, PAObank will continue to strengthen its commercial data utilisation, integrating diverse data from trade, logistics and finance to unlock data potential. The bank will continue to be the trade partner, offering banking services including foreign currency deposits, cross-border remittance, and foreign currency exchange to help SMEs unlock their business potential. In addition, PAObank is actively developing innovative financial technologies to provide more diversified services for SMEs and individual customers, working together to promote the sustainable and healthy development of Hong Kong’s economy. Hashtag: #PAObank #PCS #TradeFinancing
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
PAO Bank Limited
PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318), is committed to fostering financial inclusion and establishing a digital banking ecosystem by leveraging its extensive experience in SME banking services and its leading financial technology advantages. PAObank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer banking services via virtual channels. PAObank is expanding diverse business segments including retail banking and SME banking, serving customers in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as one of the Ping An Group’s comprehensive financial platforms in Hong Kong.
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