Half-Price Movie Day Drives Cinema Traffic Surge in Hong Kong, Damai Entertainment’s iCIRENA System Ensures Smooth Sales

October 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2025 – During the National Day holiday, the Hong Kong SAR Government partnered with various sectors to launch a series of cultural and leisure initiatives aimed at celebrating the festive season with the public. Among these, the “Half-Price Movie Day” campaign, organized by commercial cinemas citywide on October 1, sparked a surge in demand. Several cinema ticketing systems experienced unprecedented traffic spikes within a short timeframe, leading to long queues and congestion, with estimated wait times reaching up to 99 minutes. In contrast, cinemas such as Emperor Cinemas and Cinema City demonstrated operational resilience, maintaining stable system performance under heavy traffic and delivering a seamless seat selection and ticketing experience for customers. This stability was underpinned by the robust capabilities of Damai Entertainment’s Fenghuang Yunzhi iCIRENA smart system.

Fenghuang Yunzhi is a digital cinema management platform developed by Damai Entertainment, currently deployed across 5,600 cinemas in mainland China, where it holds a leading market share. In March 2024, drawing on of its extensive experience in the mainland film market, Damai Entertainment launched iCIRENA — the international version of Fenghuang Yunzhi — at the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market.

iCIRENA’s strong performance during the National Day cinema surge can be attributed to its native cloud-based architecture and advanced algorithmic technology. The platform overcomes the technical limitations of traditional cinema management systems, delivering significant improvements in data processing efficiency and overall system performance.

A cinema manager using the iCIRENA smart system said: “The system performed exceptionally well, particularly during the presale for ‘Half-Price Movie Day’, when many other cinemas experienced long queues and system outages. iCIRENA delivered a seamless ticketing experience, which undoubtedly boosted our sales performance.” Another cinema staff member added: “The stability of iCIRENA far exceeds that of our previous system. Its core strength lies its real-time responsiveness to market dynamics, enabling us to adjustment screening strategies on the fly based on live data.” Additionally, iCIRENA’s comprehensive functionality has enhanced the cinema’s broader “Movie+” business operations. “With iCIRENA, customers can conveniently purchase popcorn and snacks online, further increasing our revenue.”

The performance disparity between cinema systems during this National Day period underscores a growing technological divide in the film industry’s digital transformation. The digital management model exemplified by iCIRENA not only enhances system performance and user experience in ticketing operations, but also paves the way for broader innovation and technological advancement across the sector. As audience expectations for online ticketing continue to rise, stable, efficient, and intelligent systems are becoming essential to a cinema’s competitive edge. iCIRENA’s success during the “Half-Price Movie Day” campaign offers a replicable blueprint for digital upgrades, potentially accelerating the development of smart cinemas throughout Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #DamaiEntertainment

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Asia’s Economic Rewiring and the Rise of Future Business Leaders

MIL OSI

October 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HKUST MBA prepares leaders for innovation, inclusion, and leadership in a fast growing region

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2025 – The MBA has faced its share of skepticism in recent years, with some questioning whether it still holds relevance in today’s fast-changing world. At the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the answer is clear: it does— when it evolves. As Asia steps into a new era of economic leadership and traditional education models in the West face growing pressure, HKUST has reshaped its MBA to meet the moment. The program is now more inclusive, tailored for the fast-growing Asia region, more flexible, and more connected to innovation and global networks than ever before.

The HKUST MBA Full-Time Class of 2026 reflects this transformation. With 59% female representation, the program signals a new generation of inclusive leadership across the region. Students come not only from traditional business backgrounds but also from journalism, education, government, and the social sector—underscoring HKUST’s commitment to professional diversity and public impact. A dedicated Social Sector award supports high- potential applicants from not-for-profits, NGOs, government, or social enterprises.

Asia’s economic trajectory is central to HKUST’s vision. For example, China’s per capita GDP* reached $13,390 in 2023, with Forecasters expecting GDP to double by 2035 to double by 2035. Indonesia, with its young and fast-growing population, is emerging as a regional powerhouse.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong continues to serve as a vital hub for trade, finance, and innovation across Asia. HKUST’s MBA curriculum is designed to align with these shifts, offering electives such as Practical AI for Business, Winning Strategies in the Digital World, Chinese Tech Strategy in the Global AI Era, and Doing Tech in Asia and China. The program’s flexible structure allows students to personalize their learning by choosing among an extensive selection of elective courses, while the MBA audit program enables alumni to continue their lifelong learning.

While HKUST has long been recognized as a business research powerhouse, what’s less well known is how its faculty integrate practical insight with academic rigor. Approximately two- thirds of HKUST’s MBA courses are taught by faculty with significant business and industry experience. Many others have consulted on challenging topics with corporations and government organizations.

“Asia’s business landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and theoretical knowledge alone won’t cut it,” said Professor Paul Kitney, Professor of Business Practice at HKUST. “With over three decades in central banking, investment strategy, and hedge fund management, I’ve seen firsthand how markets reward those who can bridge insight with execution. At HKUST, we challenge MBA students to think like economists, act like strategists, and lead like entrepreneurs—equipping them to navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.”

International exposure remains a cornerstone of the HKUST MBA experience. Over 200 students participated in global study programs last year, while the school welcomed 195 visiting students from partner institutions—a 42% increase from the previous year. HKUST now partners with 80 leading institutions worldwide, including recent additions in Japan, Germany, South Korea, France, and Austria. The Executive Exchange series brings global business insights directly to campus, with recent speakers including the Non-Executive Chairman of HSBC Hong Kong, the CEO of Cathay Group (owner of Cathay Pacific Airways), the Chairman of Schneider Electric, and the CEO of Bain & Company.

Innovation is deeply embedded across the program, with cross-campus collaboration driving new opportunities. HKUST’s Unicorn Day connects students with Asia’s most promising startups, while the university’s Entrepreneurship Center offers hands-on support for venture creation and growth. During the recent Unicorn Day, several HKUST MBA startups—ranging from high-tech building materials to AI-enabled healthcare—pitched to investors.

“As new industries reshape the region’s economy, the need for innovative, inclusive, and practical business leadership has never been greater,” said Professor Stephen Shih, Associate Dean of the HKUST MBA Programs. “Our students are immersed in a curriculum that reflects Asia’s economic dynamism and prepares them to lead with purpose.”

David Carreno Cerrillo (HKUST MBA Intake 2020) from Spain chose Asia over Europe or North America for a reason. “Asia is one of the world’s most important and rapidly growing areas. In some industries, it is no longer a region where companies simply offer their products and services, but an area in which innovation is happening and where the most well-known companies are based,” he explains. “Companies such as Tencent, Alibaba, and Huawei are clear examples of this trend—and that’s only considering China. The spectrum is wider if we include Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.”

He adds, “The growth that the continent is experiencing made me decide to pursue my MBA in Asia, where I can gain a competitive edge in the labor market thanks to the cultural and operating knowledge acquired through being there.”

For Carmen Chan (HKUST MBA Intake 2024), choosing Hong Kong was about embracing change. “I got a sense of ‘itchy feet’ and wanted a change of scene,” she recalls, describing her decision to leave the UK for Hong Kong. The city’s magnetic appeal lies in its unique blend of East-meets-West culture. From its renowned culinary scene to abundant hiking trails, Hong Kong offered the perfect backdrop for both professional growth and personal adventure.

With a diverse student body, a curriculum aligned with Asia’s future, and a global network of partners and practitioners, the HKUST MBA is preparing the leaders who will define tomorrow.

*See, for example, China’s Economic Transition – Debt, Demography, Deglobalization, and Scenarios for 2035 by Dinny McMahon, Andrew Polk

Hashtag: #HKUST #MBA

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Man charged with drug and firearms offences, Russell

LiveNews Publisher

October 14, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A 55-year-old man has been charged with drug and firearms offences following a search warrant in Russell last week.

Police executed the search at the property around 9am on Friday 10 October after the man, who was wanted to interview and required to arrest, self-presented to the Russell Police Station.

During the search Police located a .22 calibre sawn-off rifle which was loaded with three .22 calibre ammunition rounds, two cannabis grow tents with a small amount of cannabis inside, and other illicit drug paraphernalia and equipment used for cultivating and selling cannabis.

Russell Police Sole Charge Senior Constable Michael Gorrie says the arrest will help keep the small community safe.

“This was a great catch and I’m glad the offender can now be held to account.

“The planning and execution of this warrant ensured the team’s success.

“Staff efforts on Friday have not gone unnoticed, and I’d like to thank those involved. The Police mission is to make our communities as safe as possible, and this result really speaks to that mission,” Senior Constable Gorrie says.

The arrested man is due to appear in Kaikohe District Court on 28 October, charged with unlawfully possessing a pistol/restricted weapon, possessing cannabis for supply, assault on a person in family relationship, and threatening to kill.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Serious crash update, SH1, Ward

LiveNews Publisher

October 14, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 1, south of Ward, Marlborough is currently closed in both directions following a serious three-vehicle crash.

Police were called to the scene around 2.50pm today.

Initial indications are that one person received critical injuries, and two others received minor/moderate injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit will attend the scene to carry out enquiries.

Motorists are advised to adjust their plans as the road is expected to be closed for some time.

Police thank drivers for their patience.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Levelling playing field for broadcast advertising

LiveNews Publisher

October 14, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays will soon be scrapped as legislation passes third reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“We need to level the playing field by ensuring local media companies are not disadvantaged by restricted advertising times which don’t apply to digital streaming platforms.

“This change could help a sector facing intense competition, with industry estimates showing this could generate approximately $6 million annually.

“These restrictions have become increasingly redundant as a growing share of audiences turn to streaming services for their news and entertainment. New Zealand on Air data shows YouTube was the most popular platform in the country last year, reaching 43 per cent of the population daily.

“New Zealand’s media sector has been calling for this change for a long time, and this Government has done it.”

MIL OSI

Green SM debuts in Surabaya, driving a cleaner and smarter way to travel

MIL OSI

October 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SURABAYA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2025 – Residents and visitors in Indonesia’s “City of Heroes” can now enjoy quieter, safer, and more affordable rides with the launch of Green SM, the country’s first premium all-electric taxi service. To celebrate its debut, Green SM is offering up to IDR 50,000 off per ride, giving passengers a chance to experience modern, eco-friendly travel at an accessible price while contributing to cleaner air for Surabaya.

Mr. Deny Tjia – Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia (fifth from the right), Mr. Agus Imam Sonhaji, S.T., M.M.T. – Expert Staff to the Mayor for Development, Economy, and Finance (center), together with representatives of government agencies and strategic partners at the launch ceremony.

The launch was attended in person by Mr. Agus Imam Sonhaji, S.T., M.M.T., Expert Staff to the Mayor for Development, Economy, and Finance, representing the Mayor of Surabaya; Mr. Trio Wahyu Bowo, A.Md. LLAJ, S.E., M.M., Acting Head of the Surabaya Transportation Agency; Police Commissioner Ms. Endang Srie Narullita; Mr. Agus Hebi Djuniantoro, S.T., M.T., Head of the Surabaya Office of Industry and Manpower; Mr. H. M. Ali Affandi La Nyalla Mahmud Mattalitti, Chairman of the Surabaya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN); Lt. Col. (Inf.) Ifan Alfa, Kasiter Korem 084/BJ; as well as officials from various municipal departments and agencies, along with members of the local business community.

The arrival of Green SM marks a significant milestone for Surabaya, a central economic and trading hub in the eastern part of Java. With more than 3.8 million vehicles registered in 2024, mostly motorbikes and private cars, the city faces rising congestion and air pollution that challenge both productivity and quality of life. Green SM’s all-electric fleet, operated by professionally trained drivers and supported by seamless booking on the Green SM app, introduces a reliable, comfortable, and sustainable alternative that directly supports Surabaya’s Smart City vision and Indonesia’s carbon-reduction commitments.

Green SM first entered Indonesia in Jakarta in December 2024, where its signature cyan-colored VinFast electric taxis quickly gained public support for their quiet rides, courteous drivers, transparent fares, and tangible environmental benefits. Earlier this month, the service expanded to Makassar and Bekasi, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse urban environments, from coastal tourism destinations to industrial commuter corridors. With its launch in Surabaya, the nation’s second-largest urban hub, Green SM moves from a step-by-step rollout to a true nationwide push for green mobility, proving that sustainable transportation is no longer aspirational, but achievable today.

Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, shared: “Our expansion into Surabaya is more than just adding a new city, it reflects a deeper commitment to the people and rhythm of Indonesia’s most dynamic urban centers. Within just one month, we have expanded to Makassar, Bekasi, and now Surabaya, demonstrating both the strong demand for premium green mobility and our ability to scale rapidly. Surabaya, as eastern Java’s commercial hub and international gateway, is the ideal place to demonstrate that electric taxis are not only practical but also establish a new benchmark for sustainable urban mobility.”

For families returning from long flights or commuters rushing to work, Green SM provides more than just transportation. Passengers step into cabins free of fuel odors and exhaust, enjoy the peace of quiet electric engines, and benefit from spacious interiors that hold children, luggage, or shopping bags. Whether families, professionals, or seniors, Green SM turns every journey into a healthier, safer, and stress-free experience.

As part of the launch, Green SM is offering a 100% discount, up to IDR 50,000 per ride, for the first ride taken between October 14 and 16, followed by a 50% discount, up to IDR 50,000, for one ride between October 17 and 20, applicable for bookings made through the Green SM app. In the following week, Green SM will offer an another 35% discount, up to IDR 50,000, for one ride from October 21 to 27. Every driver has completed professional training focused on safety, service, and eco-friendly driving, ensuring passengers receive both premium comfort and peace of mind.

With Surabaya now added to its expanding network, Green SM reaffirms its long-term mission: to make sustainable mobility accessible to everyone while supporting Indonesia’s transition to a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future. Each ride in the City of Heroes is not only a step toward greater convenience but also a meaningful contribution to cleaner skies, fresher air, and smoother streets for generations ahead.

https://id.greensm.com/en

Hashtag: #GSM

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Science funding change raises fresh concerns about jobs and research independence – PSA

LiveNews Publisher

October 14, 2025

Source: PSA

The Government’s decision to consolidate science research funding into a new body – Research Funding New Zealand – raises serious questions about job security and the future independence of research funding decisions.

The Government today announced the shift of the Endeavour, Marsden and Strategic Science Investment Funds into Research Funding NZ, along with health research funding shifting from the Health Research Council. But there is no new funding.

“After hundreds of science and research jobs were lost and the impending closure of Callaghan Innovation, workers in the science and research system are facing yet another major restructure with no guarantee of job security,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

The PSA is particularly concerned about staff at the Royal Society Te Apārangi, which currently administers the Marsden Fund independently from government.

“The Royal Society has provided crucial independence in research funding decisions for 30 years, keeping them at arm’s length from political interference.

“We’re also concerned about the future of blue skies research, which is essential to a healthy science and research system, and has already been hammered by cuts to the Marsden Fund and the axing of all humanities and social sciences funding last year.

“How do we understand an ageing population, or the impacts of new technologies without research in humanities and social sciences? These disciplines are fundamental to addressing complex challenges facing New Zealand.

“Countries that perform well economically invest in fundamental research across all disciplines. You can’t just pick winners and expect innovation to flourish.

“The Minister says the funding system will be independent, but consolidating research funding under a single board to be administered through MBIE raises real questions about whether funding decisions will be based on research excellence or political priorities.

“This Government has forced many scientists offshore, gutted research institutions, and now announces another restructure. How will today’s announcement help attract our best and brightest scientists and researchers back to the science system or back to New Zealand after they have been burnt already by changes made by the Government?

“You can’t restructure your way to excellence. You need sustained funding, job security for researchers, and the freedom to pursue the fundamental research that drives real innovation.”

Previous statement re Marsden Fund

MIL OSI

Blocked, Old Taupō Road, Waikato

LiveNews Publisher

October 14, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are at the scene of a vehicle stuck in flood waters just north of Tokoroa, on Old Taupō Road between Wiltsdown and Matanuku Roads.

The vehicle’s occupants are safely out of the vehicle.

Due to the high flood waters motorists are advised to avoid the area.

ENDS

MIL OSI

New Zealand secures major shipbuilder for new ferries

LiveNews Publisher

October 14, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government, through its procuring company Ferry Holdings Limited has secured Guangzhou Shipyard International as the builder of two new ferries, Rail Minister Winston Peters confirmed today.

“GSI is the largest modern integrated shipbuilding enterprise in Southern China, founded in 1954 and is listed on the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges,” Mr Peters says.

“We want the best deal possible for New Zealand taxpayers and a shipbuilder of the competence, capability and capacity of GSI underscores the high degree of confidence in our no-nonsense ferry replacement programme.

“Ferry Holdings and GSI are still in negotiations, and details will not be disclosed until these negotiations are completed along with the port agreements with CentrePort Limited and Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited.

“As we said in early September, we have secured major components including a fixed price, completion in 2029, and full delivery of our ship specifications for 200-metre-long ferries with road and rail decks, and room for 1,500 passengers each.

“We intend to make an announcement before the end of this year detailing our agreements and how we have saved the taxpayer billions by cancelling project iReX and returning to the no-nonsense solution we started in May 2020,” Mr Peters says.

MIL OSI

Local Elections – Rural voices lead the way in council elections

LiveNews Publisher

October 14, 2025

Source: Federated Farmers

Farmer voices will be heard loud and clear in council chambers over the next three years, with nearly 70 candidates linked to Federated Farmers elected.

“In the lead-up to this election, Federated Farmers urged rural people to get involved in local decision-making – both by standing as candidates and by voting,” Feds local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says.

“The response on both fronts has been really heartening.

“I congratulate all who put their names forward. We look forward to continuing to constructively engage on matters affecting rural communities.”

While this year’s local government elections have seen the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with only 32.65% of eligible voters bothering to have their say, the response in provincial and rural New Zealand was significantly better.

The rural turnout was 43.6%, and in provincial cities it was 38.3% – both eclipsing the 28.8% who cast a vote in metro areas.

“Perhaps this shows that rural and provincial residents better understand how decisions by local authorities – on things like roading, water infrastructure, district planning rules – affect their daily lives,” Faulkner says.

“A major part of Federated Farmers’ work is advocating to district and regional councils for a focus on core infrastructure, reining in rates rises, fairer cost-sharing, and common-sense planning rules.

“We urged candidates with a strong understanding of rural and farming needs to fight for election.

“They did just that – and clearly plenty of voters appreciated their policies and skillset.”

Based on preliminary election results, there are 10 current or former Federated Farmers provincial presidents among the 69 successful candidates linked to Feds.

They are: Will Foley (Mayor, Central Hawke’s Bay District), Andrew McGiven (Matamata Piako District), Luke Pepper (Ruapehu District), Jamie Falloon (Masterton District), Keith Holmes (Waikato Regional Council), Geoff Young and David Rose (Environment Southland), Ben Fraser and Sally Dryland (Horizons Regional Council), John Blackwell (Northland Regional Council).

MIL OSI

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