Yemen’s Houthi movement said it attacked Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery with a drone on Sunday, escalating a confrontation that has again placed the kingdom’s energy infrastructure and Red Sea shipping routes under pressure. Saudi authorities confirmed that a fire broke out at the Aramco facility in Jazan, in the kingdom’s southwest, and said emergency teams extinguished it. No injuries were reported. Saudi officials did not immediately confirm […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Qatari Diar has launched the first phase of its $29.7 billion Alam Al Roum development on Egypt’s North Coast, advancing one of the largest integrated real estate and tourism investments planned along the Mediterranean. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attended the launch at the project site alongside senior government officials and Qatari Diar executives. The development is being implemented in partnership with Egypt’s […]
Google has opened its latest artificial intelligence weather technology to researchers worldwide after tests showed its cyclone forecasting system could deliver more than a day of additional warning on storm tracks, strength and damaging winds. The company has released the code and model weights for WeatherNext 2 alongside WeatherNext Cyclones, allowing meteorological agencies, scientists and developers to adapt the technology for research, operational forecasting and specialised regional […]
Beijing has been designated the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture for 2029, placing the Chinese capital at the centre of a global programme examining how architecture and urban planning can create more sustainable and liveable cities. UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany approved the designation following a recommendation from the Joint UNESCO-International Union of Architects Committee for the World Capital of Architecture, chaired by French architect Dominique Perrault. Beijing […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudia ranked as the world’s most punctual global airline for a third consecutive month in July, maintaining its operational lead despite the pressures of the peak summer travel season. The carrier recorded an on-time arrival rate of 87.24% across 16,406 flights during the month. The performance extended a run that began in May and continued through June, giving the Jeddah-based flag carrier three […]
Spain has introduced temporary border controls for travellers arriving from Italy, escalating a migration dispute between Madrid and Rome after Italy tightened checks on arrivals from Spain following the mass crossing of migrants into Ceuta. The Spanish Interior Ministry said the controls would take effect from midnight on Saturday and remain in place until September 7. The measure applies to arrivals from Italy and mirrors controls imposed […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation while calling for intensified diplomatic efforts to ease tensions across the Middle East. The two leaders held a telephone conversation on Friday, reviewing cooperation under the UAE-Russia strategic partnership and reaffirming their commitment to expanding ties in areas of mutual interest. Their discussions […]
Dubai-listed Emaar Properties posted a 9 per cent increase in second-quarter net profit attributable to shareholders, reaching AED 3.67 billion, as property demand and recurring income businesses helped the developer withstand geopolitical disruption across the region. The April-June performance extends a strong start to 2026 for one of Dubai’s largest listed property groups, although the quarter unfolded against a substantially more difficult backdrop. Conflict in the region […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has warned that sustained attacks on its vessels, employees and assets are significantly disrupting operations as insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz deepens pressure on Gulf energy supplies and commercial shipping. ADNOC said on Friday that 15 of its vessels had been targeted by missiles and drones while passing through the strategic waterway since the regional conflict erupted. […]
President Donald Trump has ordered a new layer of trade protection for the US solar supply chain, imposing tariffs and minimum import prices designed to favour domestic manufacturing while raising the prospect of higher costs for developers and households adopting solar power. The measures place a 15% tariff on imported polysilicon and products derived from it, alongside minimum prices covering key stages of crystalline-silicon solar manufacturing. The […]
Google Maps is moving beyond navigation and discovery with new Gemini-powered features that can prepare food orders, search for hotels and events, and tailor recommendations using information from a user’s connected Google services. The expansion gives Ask Maps, Google’s conversational artificial intelligence interface, more agent-like capabilities. Instead of merely suggesting restaurants, the service can now interpret a detailed request, locate a suitable business along a route and […]
BTS have pushed their comeback album ARIRANG beyond 4 billion Spotify streams, setting a new speed record for an album by a group and by an Asian act on the world’s largest subscription music-streaming service. The milestone was reached about 137 days after the album’s 20 March release, extending an extraordinary streaming run that began when all 14 tracks entered Spotify’s global chart simultaneously. The performance makes […]
Brain Corp has pushed its global fleet of BrainOS-powered autonomous mobile robots beyond 50,000 units, as deployment growth accelerated sharply during the first half of 2026 and artificial intelligence began removing one of the biggest manual steps in commercial robot installation. The San Diego-based robotics technology company recorded a 68% year-on-year rise in global deployments during the six months to June. Its machines logged more than 5.3 […]
A Windows Hello for Business authentication technique can allow malware operating inside an unlocked Windows session to gain access to Microsoft Entra ID services without obtaining the user’s password, PIN or biometric data. Security researcher Dirk-jan Mollema demonstrated that an attacker who already controls a user process can invoke the cryptographic key underpinning Windows Hello for Business, or WHFB, and use it to generate authentication signatures. The […]
A charity games bundle organised by Necrosoft Games is approaching its $200,000 fundraising goal, offering financial assistance to developers and other industry workers struggling after widespread job losses across the video game sector. The Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle, sold through itch. io for a minimum contribution of $10, has gathered momentum since launching at the end of July. The collection brings together more than 100 games […]
AMD has agreed to acquire Toronto-based chip startup Taalas, adding technology that embeds artificial intelligence models directly into silicon as the semiconductor group intensifies its push into the fast-growing AI inference market. The deal, announced on August 6, will bring Taalas’s specialised inference technology and engineering team into AMD’s Artificial Intelligence Group. Financial terms were not disclosed. Completion remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. […]
Wintermute has secured US broker-dealer registration, opening the door for the digital-asset market maker to trade equities and equity options and take a bigger role in exchange-traded products as the boundaries between crypto and conventional securities markets narrow. The expansion is being carried out through Wintermute USA LLC, its New York-based affiliate, which is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the […]
Coinbase has opened US stock trading to customers in the UK, accelerating its push beyond cryptocurrencies as the exchange seeks to become a broader financial platform spanning digital assets, equities, savings and borrowing. The service began rolling out progressively to eligible UK users on August 6, giving customers access to nearly 4,000 US stocks through the same Coinbase application used for crypto and fiat holdings. Trading is […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Sharjah’s property market recorded AED7 billion in transactions during July, marking a 61.8% increase from AED4.4 billion in June as sales, mortgages and ownership registrations accelerated across the emirate. The number of transactions rose 25.3% month on month to 9,376, while the total area covered by sales transactions reached about 27.2 million square feet. The figures extend the strong performance seen during the […]
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 August 2026 – One of the simplest ways to express your love is by spending quality time with the people who matter most. This August holiday, why not invite your mother and family to take a break from the everyday and enjoy a change of scenery together? After all, the true value of travel lies not only in the destination itself, but in the moments shared along the way and the lasting memories created together. Whether it is introducing your parents to the charm of local communities and cultural traditions, discovering the distinctive flavours of each destination, reminiscing over treasured family memories through heartfelt conversations, or simply sharing smiles and laughter while relaxing by the pool, every moment spent together becomes a memory to cherish.
Believing that the best journeys are those shared with the people who matter most, ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in the Asia-Pacific region specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, luxury residences, restaurants and spas, encourages families to reconnect and create meaningful moments together this holiday. Through thoughtfully curated experiences designed to bring generations together, each property offers a wide range of on-site activities alongside the unique attractions of its surrounding destination, creating opportunities for families to make every moment together even more meaningful.
Guided by its More of What You Love philosophy, ONYX Hospitality Group’s portfolio of hotels is committed to creating holiday experiences that extend far beyond the guest room. From memorable dining experiences and rejuvenating spa treatments to quality time spent together in the hotel’s shared spaces and opportunities to discover the charm of local communities and cultural heritage surrounding each destination, every journey is thoughtfully designed to be richer and more rewarding. Complemented by the benefits of ONYX Rewards and exceptional dining experiences through ONYX Dining, every stay is made more seamless, more rewarding and more memorable, from the moment guests arrive until they return home.
For families planning a short getaway within Thailand, with the turquoise sea as the backdrop to their ideal holiday, Amari offers meaningful moments of relaxation, creating opportunities to spend quality time with mothers and loved ones alike, whether on the Gulf of Thailand or along the Andaman coast.
Amari Pattaya offers everything families need for a memorable holiday, with accommodation options ranging from one-bedroom rooms to spacious three-bedroom suites accommodating up to six guests, allowing everyone to spend quality time together throughout their stay. At the same time, every generation can enjoy activities tailored to their own interests, whether relaxing at Club Napa, the exclusive lounge on the 19th floor overlooking panoramic views of Pattaya Bay, or letting younger guests enjoy the water park and Tree House Kids Club before coming together again to share memorable dining experiences. From authentic Thai cuisine and international favourites to homemade pasta and poolside bites, dining experience adds another special moment to the family getaway. The day concludes with a rejuvenating treatment at maai spa, where holistic wellness therapies inspired by the beautiful transformation of the silkworm create a deeply restorative experience for both body and mind.
Meanwhile, Amari Hua Hin offers another ideal destination for families wishing to create meaningful moments with their mothers during the holiday. Set within a relaxed seaside atmosphere, the hotel features comfortable accommodation suitable for guests of all ages, a swimming pool, Breeze Spa, and dedicated children’s facilities. Beyond the hotel, families can stroll along the beach, discover local cafés and restaurants, or explore the unique charm of Hua Hin together.
For families seeking a relaxing escape amid the beauty of the Andaman Sea, Amari Phuket is set on a secluded private headland, offering panoramic views across Patong Bay from its guestrooms and suites. The resort’s interiors thoughtfully blend contemporary Thai craftsmanship with a distinctive sense of place, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the stay. Families can enjoy memorable moments together over authentic Italian cuisine at La Gritta, the resort’s renowned seafront Italian restaurant, or unwind while taking in spectacular ocean views from La Gritta Bar, The Jetty, The TreePod, and Samutr Bar, each offering its own unique ambience. The resort also features two swimming pools, Breeze Spa, and a Kids Club, allowing guests of all ages to enjoy their preferred way of spending time before heading out to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Patong Beach, along with its restaurants and shopping destinations, all just minutes away.
Another excellent choice for a seaside family holiday is Amari Koh Samui, located on Chaweng Beach. Surrounded by natural beauty, the resort offers a range of accommodation options, including spacious two-bedroom suites, along with three swimming pools, Breeze Spa, and activities for children. Families can also enjoy exploring Bophut Fisherman’s Village or discovering the unique charm of Koh Samui together. The resort’s diverse collection of restaurants and bars further enhances every family dining experience, including Amaya Food Gallery, serving Thai and international cuisine through interactive live cooking stations; Amaya Café for coffee, tea and light refreshments; Amaya Bar by the beach; Prego Koh Samui, offering authentic Italian cuisine and pizzas; and Aqua Eatery & Bar, serving beverages and light meals in a relaxed poolside setting.
For families seeking greater tranquillity and a closer connection with nature, Amari Vogue Krabi is located on Tubkaek Beach, one of Krabi’s most peaceful stretches of coastline. Nestled amidst nature at the foot of Dragon’s Crest (Khao Ngon Nak), one of the province’s most renowned scenic viewpoints, the resort enjoys a setting that continues to attract travellers from around the world. Surrounded by the breathtaking Andaman Sea, picturesque offshore islands and lush green mountains, the resort provides an idyllic environment for families to spend quality time together, unwind completely and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Beyond the resort, guests can discover Krabi’s natural attractions through island-hopping excursions, kayaking adventures, visits to its famous beaches and viewpoints, or explore the local way of life in Krabi Town, with its restaurants, markets and vibrant evening attractions.
Whether it is taking your parents away for a well-deserved change of scenery, spending the holidays with children and grandchildren, gathering with siblings for a special occasion, or reconnecting with friends after a long time apart, ONYX Hospitality Group’s hotels and serviced residences are ready to be part of every meaningful moment. With a diverse portfolio that caters to different destinations, lifestyles and travel preferences, ONYX Hospitality Group believes that the true meaning of travel lies not simply in the places we visit, but in the people we share the journey with and the moments we create together. Bringing More of What You Love to every stay, the Group continues to create memorable travel experiences that matter.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ONYX Hospitality Group
ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.
Mentored by Industry Masters and Winner of the iF Design Award, Andrew Unlocks a New Paradigm for High-Net-Worth Residential and Diverse Commercial Spaces from an Eastern Aesthetic Perspective
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 August 2026 – As spatial aesthetics and lifestyle philosophies continue to converge across the Greater Bay Area, academic discourse and talent exchange within the interior design sectors of Hong Kong and Mainland China have reached a pivotal milestone. On the evening of July 3, the CIID Hong Kong Inaugural Gala Dinner, themed “AI x ESG,” took place at Lake House in Tai Po. During the event, the CIID Interior Architecture Design Exchange Center, one of the most authoritative academic bodies in China’s interior design industry, officially licensed the designation to “CIID Hong Kong,” marking the formal recognition of its official preparatory branch in Hong Kong by the headquarters.
Mr. Andrew Lam, Founder of am PLUS DESIGNS, was officially appointed Vice Chairman of the CIID Hong Kong Center
At this grand gathering of industry luminaries, Mr. Andrew Lam, Founder of am PLUS DESIGNS, a premier Hong Kong interior design firm, was officially appointed Vice Chairman of the CIID Hong Kong Centre. This prestigious industry title serves as a resounding endorsement of Andrew’s years of deep cultivation in spatial design and his exceptional international vision. Moving forward, he will work side by side with industry titans—including Mr. Joey Ho, Chairman of the CIID Hong Kong, and Mr. Steve Leung, Honorary Advisor—to co-author a new chapter of integration and synergy for design forces in the Greater Bay Area.
Prestigious Lineage and Artisan Foundation: Refining Eastern Aesthetics Through Structural Space
The calibre of an outstanding designer is often defined at the inception of their career. Andrew began his journey from an exceptional vantage point, studying under Mr. Kenneth Ko, widely venerated as the “Father of Modern Chinese Interior Design.” Imbued with Ko’s design philosophy, Andrew developed a profound understanding of spatial essence: infusing physical architecture with human warmth while allowing functional utility and cultural depth to complement one another. His subsequent encounters with master designer Steve Leung on the professional CIID platform further bolstered his industry standing and provided enduring inspiration.
To explore the broader possibilities of serene Eastern aesthetics within a contemporary context, Andrew pursued advanced studies in Japan earlier in his career, training under prominent local practitioners. He continuously contemplated how to harmonize the grand inclusivity of traditional Chinese culture with the understated restraint of Japanese mono no aware and yugen. Within Hong Kong’s densely populated urban landscape, he set out to construct poetic sanctuaries where human warmth and architectural soul harmoniously coexist.
“Contemporary design is no longer about the ostentatious stacking of lavish materials; it is about providing a sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul within a space,” Andrew explains. In his practice, the spiritual essence of traditional Eastern architecture is distilled into serene, restrained structural space and quiet aesthetics. Unbound by the constraints of any single regional style, he returns to the philosophical core of “exquisite simplicity without excess.” Through capturing natural light and shadow, highlighting the raw authenticity of wood and stone, and utilizing minimalist lines, he sculpts an understated beauty rich in Eastern philosophy.
Andrew’s meticulous craftsmanship and pursuit of this design philosophy have earned him top-tier global acclaim. Designed by the am PLUS team, the “St Michel” residential project stood out among nearly 11,000 entries from 72 countries to win the prestigious German iF Design Award 2024 in the Residential Interior Design category. Known as the “Oscar of Design,” the iF Design Award is judged by a panel of 132 independent global design experts. Receiving this honor signifies that am PLUS’s design prowess, blending international aesthetic refinement with exceptional functional utility, has gained unanimous recognition from world-class peers. Furthermore, Andrew was named one of the “40 UNDER 40 Outstanding Contemporary Young Designers.” He has also garnered an array of esteemed accolades worldwide, including the U.S. MUSE Design Awards as Gold Winner and the Taiwan Good Design Award, solidifying his industry renown through proven expertise.
Spatial Algorithms and Spiritual Resonance: Expanding from Luxury Residences to B2B Commercial Spaces
Both Hong Kong and top-tier cities in Mainland China face the rigorous challenge of high-density urban land scarcity. Market research and industry insights indicate that the spatial demands of urban high-net-worth individuals have evolved from conventional sensory decoration to a dual pursuit of optimized functionality and spiritual sanctuary. Addressing this trend, Andrew translates Eastern wisdom into a sophisticated “spatial algorithm.” Regardless of space constraints, he adeptly dissolves physical boundaries using dynamic partitions and adaptable raised platforms.
In expansive luxury residences, this algorithm translates into fluid circulation layouts and magnificent spatial proportions. Recently, am PLUS successfully executed a four-story villa project exceeding 3,000 square feet on Mount Austin Road, Hong Kong. Andrew skillfully employed Eastern quiet luxury aesthetics, utilizing pure, serene materials and natural light play within a dynamic three-dimensional space to effortlessly express understated luxury. Visual short films documenting the project’s execution received widespread acclaim upon release. “Expansive spaces provide designers with a broader canvas for creation,” Andrew notes. He observes that many high-net-worth clients with refined taste resonate deeply with the quiet luxury of modern Eastern design, and he looks forward to leading his team in crafting more expansive living spaces that embody aesthetic depth and spiritual resonance.
Andrew’s design ambitions extend beyond luxury residential projects. Currently, am PLUS maintains a portfolio ratio of approximately 30% commercial and 70% residential. With the official launch of the CIID Hong Kong Center, Andrew plans to guide the firm through a strategic transformation, gradually shifting toward a balanced 50/50 ratio between commercial and residential domains.
“We aim to translate the meticulous planning and human-centric experiences accumulated from years in luxury residential design into B2B commercial spaces, including corporate offices, retail flagships, and boutique dining,” Andrew affirms. He firmly believes that experiential commercial design not only helps businesses reduce costs and boost efficiency but also transforms rigid commercial environments into inspiring hubs for personal creativity and emotional connection.
Compassion Fueling Creativity: Enriching Design through Human Warmth
In their daily routine, interior designers work with hard architectural materials such as steel, timber, stone, and paint. Beyond his demanding design and managerial duties, Andrew has long dedicated himself to social welfare, actively volunteering with charitable organizations such as “Social Seed (社企苗).” Serving as a compassionate guest instructor, he teaches engaging introductory science courses to primary school students. This warm, cross-disciplinary engagement, seemingly unrelated to high-end design, actually serves as a primary source of Andrew’s creative inspiration.
Andrew reflects thoughtfully: “Design should not be confined to cold blueprints. Only by possessing empathy, loving life, and observing the subtle nuances around us can we truly understand the implicit, unspoken spatial aspirations of our clients. Every time I feel the authentic pulse of society and exchange genuine glances with children, it refines my ‘sixth sense’—my intuition and inspiration. I want every design I create to carry warmth, serving as a meaningful contribution to life and living.”
With the establishment of the CIID Hong Kong Center, Andrew will assume his new role to lead am PLUS DESIGNS forward, continuously exploring and advancing the dual dimensions of contemporary Eastern quiet aesthetics and high-end humanistic spatial design.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About am PLUS DESIGNS
Founded in Hong Kong in 2014 by Andrew Lam, Vice Chairman of the CIID Hong Kong Interior Architecture Design Exchange Center, am PLUS DESIGNS is a premier interior design firm dedicated to delivering solutions that combine cutting-edge aesthetics, functional excellence, and sustainable development for high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients across Greater China. Its portfolio encompasses ultra-luxury residences, luxury penthouses, modern corporate spaces, retail flagships, and boutique dining establishments. By synthesizing contemporary Eastern quiet aesthetics with precise functional pragmatism, am PLUS has earned numerous international accolades, including the German iF Design Award.
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