The United States has lifted a tsunami threat alert issued after a powerful earthquake struck Panama, as authorities assess widespread damage and injuries from two major tremors that shook the Central American country on Friday. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre initially identified a potential threat to coastal areas across Central and South America following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake on October 9. Subsequent assessments found no continuing tsunami […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A missile struck a passenger terminal at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, wounding numerous people and triggering evacuations as emergency crews rushed to the scene, regional officials said. Two officials confirmed the airport had come under attack, with one saying the missile hit an occupied passenger terminal. Both requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly. Saudi authorities had […]
By Dr. Gyan Pathak Hundreds of protesters ultimately were able to reach near Jantar Mantar on October 10 to protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar despite the Union Government’s unprecedentedly locking off the venue and the entire Central Delhi, heavy deployment of police force in entire Delhi, internet shut down, erecting blockades across Delhi and its […]
Born and grown in Malaysia, the 19-year-old brand marks the milestone at IOI Mall Puchong and welcomes new franchise partners
PUCHONG, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 October 2026 – Big Apple Donuts & Coffee, the donut and coffee brand born and grown in Malaysia, today opened its 100th store in Malaysia at IOI Mall Puchong, marking a major milestone in its 19-year journey.
Left to right: Mr. Mohammad Fadzli B. Zainurdin, General Manager, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Takashi Horii, Chief Financial Officer, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Yasuo Mizoguchi, Managing Director, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Ron Poon, Director, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Nilamegan, Operations Manager, IOI Mall Puchong; and Mr. Edward Yong, Senior Manager, FO Design, at the opening of Big Apple Donuts & Coffee’s 100th store in Malaysia at IOI Mall Puchong on 10 October 2026.
The official announcement took place at 1.00pm, and the new store at EFK-03, 1st Floor, South Court, IOI Mall Puchong, 47170 Puchong, Selangor opened to the public the same day.
To celebrate, Big Apple is offering its two pandan donuts, Ola Pandan and Dreamy Pandan, at RM1 each at all outlets nationwide until 31 October 2026, while stocks last. Each store offers 100 pieces a day, with no limit per customer. The offer is for in-store purchases only and is not available on delivery apps.
“Big Apple was born in Malaysia 19 years ago, and every one of our 100 stores was built on the support of Malaysian customers, our team and our franchise partners. This milestone belongs to them, and we are deeply grateful,” said Mr. Yasuo Mizoguchi, Managing Director of Big Apple Donuts & Coffee.
Big Apple opened its first store at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, in 2007, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027.
“We wanted to say thank you in a way every Malaysian can enjoy. Pandan is a flavour close to Malaysian hearts, so for the rest of October, Ola Pandan and Dreamy Pandan are RM1 at every outlet,” he said.
Ola Pandan has a fragrant pandan glaze topped with a creamy vanilla swirl. Dreamy Pandan has a sweet pandan glaze with a dreamy, creamy vanilla topping and drizzle.
Big Apple’s network in Malaysia includes both company-owned and franchised stores, and the brand welcomes new franchise partners.
“The F&B scene keeps changing, and customers have more choice than ever. To stay relevant, we keep listening to them. One hundred stores is a milestone, not a finish line. We will continue to grow and evolve into a brand that is loved by more customers and brings even greater happiness to their everyday lives,” he added.
“Looking ahead to 2027, we plan to open another 10 stores across Malaysia as part of our continued expansion. Our ambition is to strengthen our presence nationwide and work towards becoming the number one donut brand in Malaysia,” he said.
Milestone: 100th Big Apple Donuts & Coffee store in Malaysia
Opened: Saturday, 10 October 2026, at IOI Mall Puchong, Selangor
Offer: Ola Pandan and Dreamy Pandan at RM1 each, all outlets nationwide, until 31 October 2026, while stocks last (100 pieces per store per day, in-store only)
Heritage: first store opened in 2007 at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara
Franchise: Big Apple welcomes new franchise partners
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Big Apple Donuts & Coffee
Big Apple Donuts & Coffee is a donut and coffee brand born and grown in Malaysia. Since opening its first store at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, in 2007, the brand has grown to 100 stores in Malaysia and 10 in Cambodia, serving freshly made donuts and coffee for 19 years. Its products are halal-certified, and the brand welcomes new franchise partners. For store locations, visit www.bigappledonuts.com.
Delhi police detained more than 1,500 people, including prominent youth movement leaders, on Saturday as authorities imposed extensive security restrictions across the capital to prevent a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and senior organisers Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport after arriving from Mumbai. Their detention followed overnight police operations targeting supporters preparing to assemble at Jantar Mantar.
Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across New Delhi, with barricades, vehicle inspections, transport restrictions and mobile internet disruptions affecting movement through several districts. Security arrangements extended to railway stations, major intersections and roads leading towards the proposed demonstration.
Police maintained that the gathering had not received official permission and that preventive measures were necessary to protect public order. Organisers accused authorities of attempting to suppress peaceful dissent over disputed revisions to electoral rolls.
The protest, organised under a campaign to safeguard democracy, sought Kumar’s removal following allegations that the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of voter lists had excluded substantial numbers of eligible voters.
The commission has rejected accusations of partisan manipulation, maintaining that electoral roll verification is intended to identify inaccuracies and ensure that voter registers remain accurate. It has also pointed to procedures allowing eligible citizens to challenge exclusions and seek reinstatement.
Police confirmed that detentions occurred across several districts, including areas near transport terminals and Delhi’s borders. The number of people detained increased throughout Saturday as officers intercepted groups attempting to reach central Delhi.
Dipke, Das and Ranka were subsequently taken to separate locations. Dipke was moved towards Gurugram, Ranka to Dwarka and Das to another location within Delhi, according to information emerging after their detention.
The CJP condemned the action against its leadership and maintained that its supporters were exercising their constitutional right to protest. Videos circulated by the organisation showed its leaders confronting officers aboard an aircraft and raising slogans before being escorted away.
The Delhi Police had refused permission for the Jantar Mantar gathering, citing concerns about public safety, traffic disruption and compliance with regulations governing demonstrations. Authorities said previous conduct by organisers had contributed to their assessment of potential risks.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had alerted state governments and Union Territories to possible disturbances associated with the planned mobilisation. Its communication called for coordination with Delhi Police, intelligence sharing and preventive action under applicable laws.
Security personnel established checkpoints along major approaches to the capital, while restrictions at metro stations complicated journeys for commuters. Traffic diversions were introduced around sensitive government installations and routes associated with the proposed rally.
Mobile internet services were suspended in parts of central Delhi, adding to disruption caused by transport controls. Railway operations also faced restrictions, with some services delayed or cancelled amid the security arrangements.
Opposition politicians criticised the detentions, arguing that denying permission for the gathering and restricting movement undermined the right to peaceful assembly. Government supporters defended the precautions as necessary to prevent disorder and disruption to essential services.
The controversy centres on the Special Intensive Revision, an electoral verification exercise that opposition parties allege has resulted in the removal of legitimate voters from official lists.
Critics have cited figures suggesting that approximately 130 million electoral entries were affected by revisions, although the circumstances and validity of individual deletions remain contested. The figure does not establish that an equivalent number of eligible citizens were unlawfully disenfranchised.
Opposition parties contend that the exercise could disadvantage particular communities and alter electoral competition. The Election Commission denies political bias and maintains that verification procedures operate within the established electoral framework.
The dispute has sharpened scrutiny of election administration ahead of state assembly contests scheduled for 2027. Opposition representatives have demanded greater transparency concerning deletions, verification procedures and opportunities for affected voters to appeal.
The CJP has attracted support from students, activists and digital campaigners who have questioned the handling of electoral records. Its mobilisation has also drawn participation from opposition groups, although their political affiliations and demands are not identical.
Police deployments included specialised units assigned to crowd management and the protection of sensitive locations. Officers used loudspeakers to warn prospective demonstrators against entering restricted areas without authorisation.
Jantar Mantar, a designated venue for public demonstrations near Parliament, remained under heavy security throughout Saturday. Small groups nevertheless attempted to assemble at scattered locations, prompting further interventions by police personnel.
Authorities also monitored movement around accommodation facilities and transport hubs used by visitors arriving for the demonstration. Additional security checks remained in place at major entry points to central Delhi.
By Dr Arun Mitra The unprecedented security arrangements in Delhi, which have virtually turned the capital into a cantonment, are reminiscent of the British Raj, when colonial rulers resorted to brute force to suppress popular movements and crush dissent. The arrests of leaders and activists of CJP, AISF, SFI and AISA, along with students and […]
Hurricane Isaias struck Florida’s Gulf Coast with destructive winds and heavy rainfall, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity as emergency crews confronted flooding, fallen trees and damaged power lines across the southeastern United States. The hurricane made landfall near Destin in Florida’s Panhandle on Friday as a Category 2 storm, carrying maximum sustained winds of 105 miles per hour, according to the National […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Wall Street is confronting a fresh source of pressure on US government bonds as the extra compensation investors demand for holding longer-term debt climbs to its highest level in more than a decade. The so-called term premium on 10-year Treasury securities has risen by roughly 40 basis points since mid-September to about 0.98%, according to a model maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank […]
A viral video showing a sinister-looking Rumpelstiltskin dancing around a frightened woman has been identified as an artificial intelligence creation, ending speculation that the footage originated from a forgotten fantasy film. The clip, widely circulated on TikTok, Instagram and X, depicts a diminutive, curly-haired figure tiptoeing through a barn filled with straw. Its combination of vintage cinematography, unsettling facial expressions and comic movements has generated widespread attention, […]
USA Today Co. and publishers representing 19 newspapers have filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, seeking more than $250 million in damages over allegations that the artificial intelligence developer unlawfully used their journalism to train ChatGPT. The complaint, filed on Thursday in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, accuses OpenAI of copying hundreds of thousands of copyrighted articles without permission or payment. […]
China will introduce a new employment initiative to help workers adapt to artificial intelligence, officials announced on Saturday, as Beijing seeks to create jobs while managing technological changes across its economy.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security outlined the initiative during a State Council Information Office briefing, placing workforce development and emerging employment opportunities at the centre of China’s economic priorities for the next five years.
The programme will focus on aligning workers’ skills with changing industrial requirements as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into manufacturing, services and other sectors. Officials identified technological transformation as an important consideration for employment policy during the 2026–2030 planning period.
The announcement comes as China reported creating 10.52 million urban jobs during the first nine months of 2026, equivalent to 87.7 per cent of its annual employment target. The ministry described overall employment conditions as generally stable despite continuing pressure on the labour market.
China’s surveyed urban unemployment rate averaged 5.2 per cent during the first eight months of the year. Authorities are seeking to maintain employment in labour-intensive industries while developing opportunities in emerging sectors and strengthening recruitment across services.
The government also plans additional measures to expand service-sector employment, coordinating policies across departments to support businesses and improve access to jobs. Services remain a major source of employment, making their continued expansion important for absorbing workers entering the labour market.
The artificial intelligence initiative forms part of a broader employment strategy that emphasises vocational training, occupational mobility and closer coordination between educational institutions and employers. Beijing has identified mismatches between available skills and business requirements as an obstacle to improving employment quality.
Under the government’s five-year employment framework, vocational training programmes will be expanded to help workers acquire competencies demanded by changing industries. Particular attention will be directed towards graduates, migrant workers and people experiencing difficulties securing employment.
The authorities have also committed to improving systems that match jobseekers with vacancies, including the use of artificial intelligence in recruitment services and occupational guidance. These measures are intended to make employment services more responsive to changing business demand.
Separate guidelines issued by four government agencies in June established a framework for applying artificial intelligence across human resources and social security administration. The agencies included the human resources ministry, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Data Administration.
Those guidelines envisage using intelligent recruitment systems to identify employers’ requirements, assess applicants’ capabilities and provide personalised career guidance. They also call for improved monitoring of how artificial intelligence affects employment, including the development of assessment mechanisms to identify potential disruption.
The government wants employment services to connect information about vacancies with vocational training, skills assessment and recruitment assistance. Such integration could help workers identify qualifications required for positions emerging from technological transformation.
The initiative arrives alongside broader efforts to accelerate artificial intelligence deployment across China’s economy. Policy guidelines released this week call for stronger technological research, industrial applications and safeguards against risks associated with rapid investment in advanced technologies.
Beijing’s approach combines support for technological innovation with measures intended to prevent speculative investment and improve oversight. Authorities have called for artificial intelligence applications in established industries alongside development of intelligent products and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Evidence of changing workplace requirements has emerged from research published by the International Labour Organization in September. Its examination of 21 Chinese enterprises across several industries found that every participating company was either deploying artificial intelligence or preparing to introduce it.
A complementary survey involving 1,591 professionals found that 56 per cent regarded artificial intelligence as an inevitable development, while 47 per cent believed the technology would create more jobs than it displaced. The findings also highlighted uncertainty surrounding employment effects.
The research identified productivity improvements in recruitment, customer services and manufacturing, although it noted limitations in measuring results consistently. These findings underline the importance of distinguishing potential employment opportunities from the displacement of existing tasks.
China’s employment authorities are also pursuing digital improvements to social insurance administration. Official figures showed that basic pension insurance covered more than 1.079 billion people at the end of September, while unemployment insurance covered 251 million.
Work-injury insurance covered 327 million people, according to the ministry. The combined balance of the country’s three principal social insurance funds stood at 11.2 trillion yuan at the end of September, providing a financial measure of the existing social protection system.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The UAE economy expanded by 0.4 per cent in the first half of 2026, reaching Dh961.9 billion in real gross domestic product, as non-oil activities sustained growth despite a contraction during the second quarter. Figures released on Friday by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) showed that non-oil GDP increased by 1.8 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2025, lifting […]
New Delhi was placed under heightened security on Saturday as authorities imposed sweeping restrictions to prevent a mass demonstration by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over controversial electoral roll revisions.
Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the capital, with barricades, surveillance equipment and detention facilities positioned around Jantar Mantar, where the youth-led movement planned to assemble despite being denied permission.
Delhi Police strengthened checkpoints at major entry routes, restricted access to sensitive areas and warned that unauthorised gatherings would face action. Security arrangements included drones, closed-circuit television cameras, body-worn cameras and additional personnel assigned to monitor crowd movements.
The authorities prepared for approximately 7,000 demonstrators, although organisers have claimed substantially wider support. Police officials said their priority was maintaining public order while preventing confrontations between protesters and security personnel.
The Ministry of Home Affairs instructed police chiefs across states and Union Territories to remain vigilant, citing possible law-and-order consequences arising from the mobilisation. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan communicated the concerns after Delhi Police rejected the organisers’ application.
Police said the request had not complied with the prescribed ten-day advance notice requirement. Authorities also cited alleged failures to follow lawful instructions during an earlier demonstration and concerns about traffic disruption and public safety.
CJP representatives challenged the restrictions, arguing that peaceful assembly was a constitutional right. Founder Abhijeet Dipke maintained that the demonstration would proceed despite the security measures, accusing the government of attempting to suppress public opposition.
The planned protest centres on allegations that the Election Commission’s special intensive revision of electoral rolls has resulted in widespread exclusion of eligible voters. Organisers accuse the commission of conducting the exercise in a manner that benefits the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations of electoral manipulation. The dispute has nevertheless drawn opposition parties, student organisations and civil society campaigners into demonstrations demanding greater transparency and accountability.
The confrontation has intensified following claims by opposition groups that more than 130 million names were removed from electoral registers during the revision exercise. The figure remains politically contested, while the commission maintains that electoral roll verification follows established procedures.
Security officials said approximately 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel were available for deployment. Additional forces were mobilised from outside Delhi, while officers established multiple layers of security around government buildings, transport hubs and approaches to the proposed protest venue.
Preventive detentions began before the scheduled gathering. Police acknowledged detaining hundreds of people as part of security operations, while CJP leaders alleged that substantially larger numbers of supporters had been stopped or taken into custody across several states. The organisers’ figures could not be independently established.
Transport restrictions compounded the disruption. Delhi Metro authorities curtailed access to several stations, while railway services connecting the capital with neighbouring states faced cancellations and rescheduling. The restrictions affected commuters travelling for purposes unrelated to the demonstration.
Mobile internet access was also restricted in parts of central Delhi, alongside heightened monitoring of roads leading towards government offices. The measures attracted criticism from civil liberties campaigners concerned about their impact on communication and freedom of movement.
The Supreme Court’s intervention over the extent of transport restrictions prompted authorities to reconsider some closures, reflecting concerns about the consequences for ordinary passengers. Police nevertheless retained powers to regulate access to areas considered vulnerable to large gatherings.
Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory identifying 30 locations where diversions could be imposed from 6 am. These included Connaught Place, Mandi House, Dhaula Kuan, Patel Chowk and roads approaching Jantar Mantar.
Commuters were advised to allow additional travelling time, particularly when heading towards railway stations, interstate bus terminals and the airport. Traffic arrangements were to be adjusted according to conditions on the ground.
Joint Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma urged officers to exercise restraint and maintain professional standards while handling demonstrators. The instructions emphasised minimum force, discipline and the protection of public safety during crowd-control operations.
Student organisations supporting the CJP maintained that their campaign would remain peaceful. The All India Students’ Association and other groups joined calls for accountability over electoral roll changes, while organisers appealed to participants to avoid confrontation.
Police also sought information from authorities outside Delhi about planned journeys, accommodation arrangements and organisers coordinating the mobilisation. Intelligence-sharing arrangements covered railway stations, road transport routes and potential assembly points.
Hotels and guest houses around central Delhi were asked to restrict bookings where necessary, while security personnel monitored arrivals at transport terminals. Police established designated detention facilities to accommodate people taken into preventive custody.
The traffic advisory identified additional possible restrictions around Lodhi Road, Sardar Patel Marg, Moti Bagh and the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital roundabout, with diversions subject to operational assessments by traffic officers.
China’s DEEP Robotics has tested waterproof humanoid robots at busy intersections in Hangzhou, deploying machines to direct traffic, identify road violations and assist tourists during persistent rainfall. The trials, conducted during the National Day holiday in early October, involved several DR02 humanoid robots operating across Xihu District in eastern China’s Zhejiang province. The company said the exercise examined whether autonomous machines could undertake routine roadside duties while […]
India’s communications minister has rejected suggestions that powerful business interests are preventing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service from launching, insisting that the country does not permit monopolies and applies common regulatory requirements to competing operators.
Jyotiraditya Scindia responded on Friday after Musk questioned billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s influence over the approval process, escalating a dispute over Starlink’s prolonged wait to begin commercial operations in one of the world’s largest telecommunications markets.
“India does not allow a monopoly in any sector,” Scindia told a media briefing, defending the government’s handling of satellite communications licences and its approach to competition.
The intervention followed Musk’s question on his social media platform X on Thursday: “Is Ambani the real boss of India?” Musk suggested that Starlink’s difficulties reflected the influence of established business interests but offered no evidence that Ambani had interfered with regulatory decisions.
The Ministry of Communications had already dismissed Musk’s earlier allegation that unnamed oligarchs were obstructing Starlink to protect their market position. It described the regulatory framework as fair and non-discriminatory and called suggestions of unequal treatment “baseless and misconceived”.
Officials said three licensed satellite communications operators were undergoing security assessments and remained at broadly comparable stages of the approval process. Those operators are Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite venture and Eutelsat OneWeb, which has links with Bharti Airtel.
Starlink has obtained a licence to provide satellite services, but that authorisation does not itself permit an immediate commercial launch. The company must satisfy security conditions before proceeding to spectrum assignment, another requirement for starting operations.
The distinction has become central to the disagreement. Musk has questioned why his company cannot begin serving customers after years of work to meet regulatory requirements, while the government maintains that obtaining a licence is only one stage of a process applicable to every provider.
Security scrutiny covers issues arising from satellite networks’ ability to deliver communications across borders and from the need for operators to comply with domestic interception, monitoring and other lawful requirements. The government has not announced a date for completing the assessments or assigning spectrum to Starlink.
Musk initially accused unnamed influential figures of seeking to preserve what he described as a monopolistic hold over connectivity. He argued that delays harmed people without adequate internet access, particularly communities that could benefit from satellite connections where terrestrial networks are difficult to extend.
His subsequent reference to Ambani made the dispute more personal. Reliance Jio, part of the conglomerate led by Ambani, is among the dominant providers of mobile connectivity in India, alongside Bharti Airtel. Neither the size of those businesses nor their presence in the satellite sector establishes the interference alleged by Musk.
Reliance Jio had not publicly answered the accusation by Friday. The absence of a response leaves Musk’s specific suggestion about Ambani unsupported, while the government’s explanation addresses the formal approval process rather than every concern raised about its duration.
The controversy has also drawn political attention. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi joined the exchanges on X, responding to Musk’s remarks with a pointed comment about the influence of powerful figures. His intervention widened a disagreement initially centred on satellite licensing into a debate about corporate power and government decision-making.
Starlink’s proposed service differs from conventional mobile broadband. Its network uses low-Earth-orbit satellites to connect customer terminals, potentially extending internet access to remote locations without the same dependence on ground-based fibre or mobile towers.
That potential has made the timing of market entry important for Starlink, although affordability, equipment costs and regulatory obligations will also shape the service’s commercial prospects. No confirmed nationwide launch date or final retail pricing has been announced for customers in India.
The regulatory dispute follows years of preparations by SpaceX to enter the market. Starlink has also explored distribution partnerships with established telecommunications companies, including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, demonstrating that competition in satellite broadband can coexist with commercial cooperation.
India’s satellite spectrum framework envisages administrative assignment rather than conventional auctions, subject to prescribed charges and conditions. Operators still require individual approvals before they can activate services, and holding an authorisation does not remove obligations connected with network security.
The Ministry of Communications has said a licensee may move towards spectrum assignment once its security assessment is completed. That sequence applies to the three companies currently seeking to introduce satellite broadband services under the government’s approval framework.
Gold prices climbed to a one-week high on Friday as declining oil prices eased inflation concerns and pressure on US Treasury yields, encouraging investors to return to bullion despite uncertainty over further Federal Reserve interest rate increases. Spot gold advanced 1.4% to $4,190.49 an ounce during US trading, extending gains for a second consecutive session. The metal was heading towards a weekly increase of approximately 1.2%, recovering […]
The Wikimedia Foundation has identified unauthorised activity by artificial intelligence agents it believes were operated by OpenAI, including attempts to misuse online tools and automated traffic that may have disrupted a public data service. The organisation, which operates Wikipedia and other open knowledge projects, said its investigation uncovered unapproved wiki edits, unsuccessful attempts to exploit a shared note-taking service and millions of requests to its public interfaces. […]
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in Asia-Pacific specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences, is bringing its 60th anniversary campaign, “More of What You Love,” to life through a series of collaborations designed to create new experiences for today’s travellers.
Strategic collaborations with partners including ChaTraMue, Benzilla and Grab bring together Thai heritage, contemporary creativity and seamless travel experiences.
Bringing together Thai heritage, contemporary creativity and digital connectivity, ONYX Hospitality Group is collaborating with ChaTraMue, Thailand’s iconic tea brand; internationally recognised Thai artist Benzilla; and Grab Thailand, a leading digital platform for mobility and everyday services. Each partnership adds a different dimension to the ONYX experience, spanning food and beverage, art, lifestyle and mobility, while connecting the Group’s Thai roots and hospitality expertise with the way people travel, dine and discover today.
Two Thai Brands, One Shared Heritage
ONYX Hospitality Group and ChaTraMue unite two Thai brands with longstanding legacies and generations of consumer recognition. With a tea-making heritage dating back to 1925, ChaTraMue contributes one of Thailand’s most familiar flavours, complemented by ONYX’s expertise in hospitality, dining and experience creation.
The collaboration will introduce new menus, beverages and guest experiences that give a much-loved part of Thai culture a fresh expression across ONYX hotels and restaurants. From a familiar cup of Thai tea to new interpretations created for different occasions, the partnership invites guests to experience more of a flavour they already know and love.
OZO Meets the Creative World of Benzilla
For OZO, Thai artist Benzilla brings the brand’s playful personality to life through a collection of four specially designed luggage stickers, turning the suitcase into a canvas for travel memories. Inspired by OZO’s lively, youthful spirit and interpreted through Benzilla’s bold contemporary style, the collection captures the fun and spontaneity at the heart of the brand. Designed to travel beyond the hotel, the stickers give guests a reminder of their journey while showing how Thai creative talent can translate OZO’s personality into something personal, expressive and shareable.
Connecting Travel and Discovery with Grab Thailand
ONYX Hospitality Group’s collaboration with Grab Thailand brings hospitality and digital convenience closer together, connecting Grab’s ecosystem and consumer reach with ONYX hotels, restaurants and lifestyle experiences. By integrating transport, dining and destination discovery, the partnership helps make the guest journey more seamless while allowing travellers to engage with ONYX through a platform already part of their everyday lives. It also creates new opportunities for the Group to reach digitally active consumers before, during and beyond their stay, making its brands, dining and destinations easier to access and enjoy.
Different Strengths, More to Experience
While each initiative is distinct, they share a common idea: combining ONYX’s hospitality expertise with the strengths of each partner to create meaningful value for today’s guests.
Pornthip Paothong, Vice President, Brand and Marketing, ONYX Hospitality Group said: “Our 60th anniversary celebrates our Thai roots and the hospitality experience we have built over the past six decades, while also looking at what guests value today. ‘More of What You Love‘ is about giving people more reasons to enjoy their time with us – from the hotels they stay in and the food they discover to the destinations they explore. Together, they allow us to create experiences that reflect how people live and travel today.”
The collaborations form part of ONYX Hospitality Group’s wider 60th anniversary campaign, creating new reasons for guests to engage with and return to its brands. Across Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to develop experiences shaped around the distinct character of each brand, supported by its deep understanding of hospitality and destinations across Asia-Pacific.
As ONYX enters its seventh decade, the Group will continue to explore partnerships that connects its heritage with creativity and contemporary lifestyles, with further anniversary initiatives to be introduced throughout the year.
Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ONYX Hospitality Group:
ONYX Hospitality Group is a leading hospitality management company in Asia-Pacific, with a complementary portfolio of brands comprising Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence. Together, these brands serve the diverse needs of business and leisure travellers across the region, where ONYX has deep market expertise. Beyond accommodation, the Group also operates spa and food and beverage businesses. Drawing on six decades of management experience, ONYX delivers innovative hospitality solutions across the region while upholding internationally recognised standards and maintaining operational agility. By building enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers distinctive experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, responding to the evolving needs of today’s travellers.
Guided by the Central Passport, LANDMARK invites visitors to experience Central anew— from Louis Vuitton’s global spectacle to cultural, dining and seasonal celebrations.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2026 – LANDMARK today unveils Destination CENTRAL, inviting local residents and international visitors to rediscover the many sides of Central through the collectible Central Passport. The programme celebrates the district’s long-standing role as Hong Kong’s gateway for arrival, exchange and discovery. Inspired by the spirit of travel, Destination CENTRAL connects experiences across Central, bringing together travel-inspired activations in partnership with Hong Kong Tramways and Asia Miles; district-wide dining privileges; a global spectacle by Louis Vuitton; and THE CHATER, an exclusive dining concept presented by LANDMARK.
Your Passport to Central
Created by LANDMARK, the luggage-inspired Central Passport is a collectible guide bringing together experiences both within LANDMARK and across the wider district into a seamless journey. Inside, a curated map is paired with personal stories and recommendations from people who know Central closely—from tram motormen, singers and public figures to athletes, celebrated chefs and bar founders—inviting visitors to uncover the area’s hidden character.
Available from collection points across the district, the Central Passport can be personalised with stamps from eight designated locations. Visitors who collect any three stamps can visit the Destination CENTRAL Redemption Counter on 2/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM to enter a lucky draw and unlock a surprise gift. Lucky winners stand a chance to receive up to 66,000 Asia Miles—equivalent to a round-trip business-class flight to Japan—alongside photobooth experiences, limited-edition keepsakes and dining vouchers. The Central Passport also includes exclusive dining privileges from more than 40 participating partners, including Lan Kwai Fong and The Murray.
Louis Vuitton at LANDMARK
Following iconic presentations on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, 57th Street in New York and ‘The Louis’ in Shanghai, Louis Vuitton brings the latest chapter of its global series to Hong Kong. Unveiling soon, the Maison will present a monumental mega-art installation at LANDMARK, reimagining its enduring “Spirit of Travel”. Complemented by the pop-up store currently at LANDMARK ATRIUM and the upcoming dedicated Basement Brand Exhibition , the experience offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Louis Vuitton—setting the stage for the highly anticipated Louis Vuitton Maison at LANDMARK.
Transit Through Central’s Changing Landscape
The travel narrative continues with the LANDMARK Tram Station and Heritage Route, created in partnership with Hong Kong Tramways. Together, they offer an interactive look at Central’s transport heritage and evolving urban landscape—from its early harbourfront and trading past to today’s connected city centre. The LANDMARK Tram Station recreates one of the city’s first-generation trams, fitted with authentic archive pieces from Hong Kong Tramways, including a traditional ticket punch, a coin box, driving console and “Dick, Kerr” controller.
A First Class Stop for Dining and Views
Taking the travel theme into hospitality, LANDMARK presents THE CHATER, an exclusive dining concept opening on 6 October, featuring an all-day menu curated by Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Inspired by the elegance and anticipation of a grand station lounge, the new venue brings together Hong Kong and international flavours, with highlights including bubble tea and gourmet quick bites, alongside Pierre Hermé macarons and gelato set to be launched later in the season. The experience will extend to Platform 1889 on 3/F, a first-class railway carriage-inspired feature within THE CHATER’s terrace. Named for the year Sir Paul Chater co-founded Hongkong Land, Platform 1889 pays tribute to a defining moment in Central’s history while offering a prime view of Louis Vuitton’s monumental mega-art installation and the Central skyline.
Halloween Takes Over Central
From 17 to 31 October, Hongkong Land, supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and district partners, presents Halloween in Central—a heritage-led celebration that transforms Central’s iconic streetscape into a citywide Halloween playground.
At Statue Square Gardens, South, four large-scale installations set a striking scene: I Am Watching You, a giant eyeball rising over the fountain; The Awakening, a monumental gateway; the photo-ready Coffin Throne; and The Jail, a haunted reimagining of the pavilion.
On Chater Road, the programme begins with Boo-st Your Mood – Pickleball Day in partnership with Pick & Match on 17 October, a wellness-focused afternoon of active fun. This is followed by OPEN by HE.R – Halloween in Central Kick-Off Party on 18 October, bringing live music and high-energy celebrations to the street. Monster Mash Fest – Family Day arrives on 24 October with costumes, face painting, themed bouncy-castle sessions, performances and Halloween treats, before Halloween Day Unleashed closes the programme on 31 October, featuring cosplay, roving characters, themed performances and late-night festivities. Full details are available at https://www.halloweenincentral.com/
“As a key stakeholder deeply rooted in Central, Hongkong Land is delighted to bring Destination CENTRAL to life alongside our district partners, inviting the public to discover the extraordinary charm of Central anew,” said Olivia Luk, General Manager, Marketing, Hong Kong Central, Hongkong Land Limited. “Together with a rich programme of dining privileges and seasonal celebrations, we hope everyone—from daily office workers and local residents to visitors—can shape their own memorable story of Central.”
Exclusive Rewards and Privileges
Destination CENTRAL brings added benefits to every qualifying LANDMARK visit with HSBC-exclusive offers for BESPOKE members. From 28 September to 18 November 2026, eligible BESPOKE members paying with an HSBC Privé Mastercard® or HSBC Premier Mastercard® can receive up to HK$3,000 in BESPOKE Bonus Reward Vouchers, up to 135,000 Bonus BESPOKE Points, and Complimentary Beverage Passes to Platform 1889 at THE CHATER upon registration of cumulative same-day eligible spending.
Terms and conditions apply. For full programme and promotional details, including specific Central Passport mechanisms, please visit https://destinationcentral.hk.
@landmarkhk #LANDMARKHK #DestinationCENTRAL
APPENDIX
Please visit the Destination CENTRAL website at https://destinationcentral.hk for the latest programme details, terms and conditions.
Central Passport Collection & Reward Details (28 September – 18 November 2026)
Collection Points
Stamp Station Checkpoints
Over 20 Collection Points across Central, including:
Destination CENTRAL Stamping Stations
Destination CENTRAL Redemption Counter (2/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM)
Destination CENTRAL Photobooth (3/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM)
LANDMARK Concierges
Hongkong Land Office Lobby Concierges
The Plaza LKF Lobby (21 D’Aguilar Street, Central)
HSBC Main Building (LG/F, 1 Queen’s Road Central — Until 7 October)
Please refer to the website for the complete list of collection points.
Eight Designated Checkpoints Across Central
Louis Vuitton Pop-up Store (G/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM — Until 29 October)
Central MTR Exit (B/F, Near LANDMARK)
The LANDMARK Tram Station (West Bridge, 2/F LANDMARK ATRIUM)
THE CHATER (2/F, LANDMARK CHATER)
BaseHall 01 (LG/F, Jardine House)
Frenchies (1/F, LANDMARK PRINCE’S)
HSBC Main Building (LG/F, 1 Queen’s Road Central — Until 7 October)
The Plaza LKF Lobby (21 D’Aguilar Street, Central)
Other Destination CENTRAL Activities At A Glance
Experiences & Highlights
Dates
Locations
Inside LANDMARK
Destination CENTRAL Redemption Counter
28 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
2/F LANDMARK ATRIUM
The LANDMARK Tram Station & The Heritage Route
28 September 2026 – 18 November 2026
West Bridge, 2/F LANDMARK ATRIUM
Destination CENTRAL Photo Booth
28 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
3/F Edinburgh Tower
THE CHATER
From 6 October onwards
2/F LANDMARK CHATER
Platform 1889
Late October
2/F LANDMARK CHATER
Louis Vuitton At LANDMARK
Louis Vuitton Pop-up Store
11 September – 29 October
G/F LANDMARK ATRIUM
Louis Vuitton Mega Art Installation
Late October
G/F LANDMARK ATRIUM
Louis Vuitton Basement Exhibition
Late October
B/F LANDMARK ATRIUM
Halloween In Central
Central Halloween Takeover
17 October – 31 October
Statue Square Gardens, South
Boo-st Your Mood – Pickleball Day
17 October 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Chater Road
OPEN By HE.R – Halloween In Central Kick-off Party
18 October 3:00pm – 10:00pm
Chater Road
Monster Mash Fest – Family Day
24 October 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Chater Road
Halloween Night Unleashed
31 October – 1 November
2:00pm – 1:00am
Chater Road
Destination CENTRAL Redemption Gifts
66,000 Asia Miles—equivalent to one Cathay Pacific Business Class round-trip ticket to Japan*
26,000 Asia Miles—equivalent to one Cathay Pacific Economy Class round-trip ticket to Japan*
Destination CENTRAL Tram Plush Charm
Destination CENTRAL Magnet
Destination CENTRAL Photobooth Experience
Destination CENTRAL Mini Camera
Ami Signature Beef Sando
BaseHall HK$50 Gift Certificate
THE CHATER HK$50 Gift Certificate
*Based on Cathay Flight Awards – Standard Awards as of 1 September 2026. Terms and conditions apply.
Hashtag: #LANDMARKHK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About LANDMARK
LANDMARK represents the epitome of top-tier luxury shopping and lifestyle experiences. Drawing from a rich heritage which began in 1904 – LANDMARK today is the luxury shopping destination of Hongkong Land’s Central portfolio including 4 iconic connected buildings, LANDMARK ATRIUM, LANDMARK ALEXANDRA, LANDMARK CHATER and LANDMARK PRINCE’S. LANDMARK offers approximately 208 of the finest stores and restaurants, all seamlessly linked by pedestrian bridges. From high fashion and accessories to watches and jewellery, from luxury living to beauty and grooming, from international cuisine to authentic gourmet dining, LANDMARK brings the ultimate shopping experience to the discerning customer.
About Hongkong Land
Hongkong Land is a major listed property investment, management and development group. The Group focuses on developing, owning and managing ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. Its mixed-use real estate footprint spans more than 850,000 sq. m., with flagship projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands. The Group’s Hong Kong Central portfolio represents some 450,000 sq. m. of prime property. The Group has a further 165,000 sq. m. of prestigious office space in Singapore mainly held through joint ventures and five retail centres on the Chinese mainland, including a luxury retail centre at Wangfujing in Beijing. In Shanghai, the Group owns a 43% interest in a 1.1 million sq. m. mixed-use project in West Bund, which is due to be completed in 2028. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), the global Asian sauces and condiments brand, has been named a winner in the Healthy Food Guide 2026 Awards in New Zealand for its Gluten Free Soy Sauce. This marks the first time the product has received this recognition. The win also comes as Lee Kum Kee Gluten Free Soy Sauce continues to grow its presence in Australian and New Zealand supermarkets.
Lee Kum Kee Gluten Free Soy Sauce wins the Healthy Food Guide 2026 Awards in New Zealand.
Judged by a panel of qualified dietitians, the Healthy Food Guide Awards is one of New Zealand’s independent guides to healthy eating and nutritious supermarket products. Products are assessed by dietitians, based on nutritional profile, value for money and taste. Lee Kum Kee Gluten Free Soy Sauce was awarded Best Soy Sauce for its simple ingredients and gluten free formulation, enabling consumers with gluten sensitivities to enjoy authentic, flavourful meals with confidence.
“We’re proud to receive the Healthy Food Guide Awards, alongside reaching a decade of availability for our Gluten Free Soy Sauce in New Zealand” said Gary Hui, Business Development Director – Oceania of Lee Kum Kee Sauce. “This award validates our commitment to quality and to ensuring consumers with dietary requirements never have to compromise on flavour.”
Trusted by home cooks across Australia and New Zealand, Lee Kum Kee Gluten Free Soy Sauce has become a go-to pantry staple for everyday cooking.
Traditionally fermented using non-GM soybeans, Lee Kum Kee Gluten Free Soy Sauce contains no added colouring, flavouring or preservatives, and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. It is designed for use across everyday cooking, from stir-fries and marinades to dipping sauces. It serves as a trusted pantry staple for home cooks seeking a gluten-free alternative that delivers the same depth of flavour and versatility expected from traditional soy sauce.
The product also carries the Coeliac New Zealand Crossed Grain logo — the nationally recognised symbol for tested and certified gluten-free products, giving shoppers reassurance at a glance. As a sponsor of Coeliac Awareness Week by Coeliac New Zealand and Coeliac Australia, Lee Kum Kee has been a keen supporter of the programme that helps raise awareness of coeliac disease across the country.
Meet us at the upcoming gluten-free events this October in Australia and New Zealand for cooking solutions with Lee Kum Kee Gluten Free Soy Sauce, food sampling and special offers. Stay tuned for more updates on the brand’s Instagram accounts:@leekumkeeaustralia, @leekumkeenz.
Melbourne Gluten Free Expo
Date: 17-18 October 2026 (Saturday: 9am-5pm; Sunday: 9am-4pm) Booth and Venue location: Stand #30, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Website: https://www.glutenfreeexpo.com.au/
Auckland Gluten Free Food Festival
Date: 31 October 2026 (9am-4pm) Booth and Venue location: Stands H1 & H2, Due Drop Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau City, Auckland Website: https://www.theglutenfreefoodfestival.co.nz/
Lee Kum Kee Gluten Free Soy Sauce is available nationwide at major supermarkets across New Zealand and Australia. Discover more about our recipes and serving inspiration featuring Lee Kum Kee Gluten Free Soy Sauce at: https://nz.lkk.com/en/products/gluten-free-soy-sauce.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Lee Kum Kee Sauce
Lee Kum Kee Sauce is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee Sauce’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee Sauce’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.lkk.com.
About Healthy Food Guide Awards
The Healthy Food Guide Awards is the credible and definitive guide to the most nutritious food products on supermarket shelves, brought by Healthy Food Guide magazine. Judged by qualified dietitians, the annual awards help consumers identify healthier food choices across a wide range of categories. For more information on this year’s award list in New Zealand, visit https://awards.healthyfood.com/winners/nz/.
International condemnation of Houthi attacks on two Saudi Arabian airports has intensified, with the United Nations, France, Britain and several Middle Eastern governments denouncing strikes that killed three civilians and injured 36 others. The attacks targeted Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 6 and 7, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The casualties included three foreign residents, […]
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have pledged support for a Japanese initiative to strengthen oil supplies and strategic reserves across Southeast Asia, as disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict intensify concerns over regional energy security. Representatives of both Gulf producers attended a special session of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) in Manila on Thursday, joining discussions involving ministers from 11 partner countries, including […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia’s Almarai plans to invest more than $4 billion through 2031 to expand production capacity, diversify its food and beverage portfolio and strengthen its presence across priority markets. The Riyadh-based company unveiled details of its 2026–2031 growth strategy at a capital markets day on Thursday, outlining four priorities covering established businesses, new product categories, emerging distribution channels and geographical expansion. The investment […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Lufthansa Group, IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air have suspended flights to Riyadh following renewed threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement and its claim of a ballistic missile attack on the Saudi capital’s international airport. The cancellations announced on Thursday disrupted international services as airlines assessed security conditions around King Khalid International Airport, where explosions and smoke were reported following the alleged attack. Lufthansa […]
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