Another week, another player free agency question for NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster.

One of the many sideshows provided by the NRL is the seemingly non-stop procession of off-contract players trying to secure their futures with rival clubs, while also supposedly devoting themselves to the task immediately at hand – helping their current club to a championship.

Some fans see this as part of the entertainment, others as an unwanted distraction or even a conflict of interest.

This week’s fairly substantiated rumours involve Warriors five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita in discussions with North Queensland Cowboys over a possible move next season.

Harris-Tavita is currently battling with Tanah Boyd and Luke Metcalf for his starting spot in the halves, while Te Maire Martin, Luke Hanson and Jett Cleary are also breathing down his neck.

His form during the Warriors’ 6-2 start to the season has been compelling.

In the opening win over Sydney Roosters, he scored two tries, but was knocked out early in the following game and missed the third under concussions protocols. He was benched for the only two losses of the campaign, but returned when Metcalf tweaked a hamstring and starred in a historic win over Melbourne Storm.

Despite Metcalf’s return from injury this week, Webster has retained the status quo, but exactly where Harris-Tavita fits into the equation beyond 2026 is still unknown.

“That’s a private conversation we’d have with Chanel,” Webster said. “We love him and we don’t want him to leave, but we’ll see how it continues to play out.”

If that sounds familiar, the coach expressed very similar sentiments just days before four-time Simon Mannering Medal winner and former club captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck confirmed he was heading to England next season.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten knows Harris-Tavita well from his tenure as Warriors assistant and interim head coach, when Stephen Kearney was sacked during Covid exile across the Tasman, so a reunion doesn’t seem that farfetched.

The Cowboys are currently well served by Queensland Origin star Tom Dearden and Jake Clifford in the halves, but there are doubts over the latter’s future with the club.

“I obviously knew he’s off contract,” Webster said of Harris-Tavita. “He’s been off contract since 1 November, so I know it’s a busy period for every player off contract.

“Chanel and I are in dialogue around it. Communication’s been good, I’ll say that, but I don’t know the ins and outs of it from an external point of view.

“I just know that we continue to have conversations.”

The term “off contract” is slightly misleading. Harris-Tavita is still contracted for this season, but last November, he was allowed to start talking to other clubs on the open market.

“I just need to keep playing my best footy – and I think that’s still ahead of me – and let the agent take care of everything else,” he deflected two weeks ago.

Luckily, Webster tends to avoid scrolling social media, but the thought of Harris-Tavita heading elsewhere is breaking the hearts of ‘Wahs’ faithful, who have embraced him as a fan favourite, since he ruptured a testicle in service of their team in 2022.

He brought up his century of games for the club last week against the Dolphins.

“I’m having conversations with him, me personally, but I don’t like to play recruitment out in the media,” Webster insisted.

“I understand it. At the end of the day, players are off contract on 1 November and we have so many halfbacks in that situation, so we all need to sit and wait and see how the season unfolds.

“A week in rugby league is a long time, let alone six months, and we’re at the halfway point from 1 November – it’ll work itself out.”

At times like this, Webster’s priority must be keeping his team focused on the next game and taking the emotion out of contract negotiations that may leave players feeling slighted by their club.

“I don’t think they spit the dummy, I just think they have to look after their interests,” he said. “It’s their business, and they have to put food on the table and pay the mortgage.

“I just understand it and no-one’s spat the dummy. I don’t think we’ve had anyone spit the dummy here that’s left our club … maybe one or two.

“If you have open dialogue and you chat, it’s just the business side of it.”

Metcalf led the Dally M Medal standings last year, when he suffered a season-ending knee injury, and extending his contract became a clear priority for the club during the off-season. He is now committed until the end of 2028.

Boyd is also in the final year of a two-year deal, but his outstanding performances this season have really turned the halves rotation on its head. He leads the competition in kicks and kick metres, and slotted a conversion from near the sideline for victory against the Dolphins.

Martin played five-eighth for North Queensland in the 2017 NRL grand final, but is possibly the most dispensable of the leading contenders, while Cleary – son of former Warriors coach Ivan and brother of Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan – is biding his time in reserve grade, before his inevitable elevation to first grade.

Meantime, Webster has learned not to tinker with a winning combination, with Metcalf currently consigned to the interchange bench against Parramatta Eels on Saturday.

“I think it’s been clear, at the moment, we’re just rewarding the team that’s playing well,” he said. “Luke’s back this week, but we’ve rewarded Boydy and Chanel.

“They all have a part to play at different stages, and it’ll work itself out through form and the rugby league gods – they always pull you into line at the right time.

“I thought it was a really good time [for Metcalf] to come back last time. We had had a lack of continuity around that six spot for a while, through head knocks and injury.

“Luke Hanson debuted against the Knights, so it was a good time to put [Metcalf] back in, but unfortunately, through injury, it didn’t work out.

“How we integrate him will be based on circumstances – form, winning, injuries. I’m just going to play it by ear.

“I always find, when I plan ahead, it goes the other way anyway, so I just stay openminded.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

The lead choreographers for the new Michael Jackson biopic say it’s an honour to represent the Pacific as the film smashes box office records worldwide.

The film traces the rise of Michael Jackson, from child star to becoming one of the most influential artist in the world.

Despite receiving negative reviews for its ommission of child molestation charges against the late superstar,‘Michael’ moonwalked its way to a record-breaking US$217 million in its opening weekend world-wide; a record for a music biopic.

Michael choreographers Rich and Tone Talauega played an essential role training the lead actor Jaafar Jackson, who is Michael Jackson’s nephew.

The Talauega brothers grew up in Richmond, California but are proud of their Samoan roots, descending from the villages of Pava’ia’i and Sa’ilele in American Samoa.

They rose to prominence on the street dance scene in the early 1990s but through the mentorship of renowned choreographers and dancers, Travis Payne and LaVelle Smith Jr, the Talauega brothers honed in on their choreography skills, learning how to put a performance together for recording artists whether it was for a music video, commercial, film, TV or concerts.

The Talauega brothers have since accumulated an impressve list of high-profile artists on their resume including Madonna, Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez to add a few but they are best known for their work with Michael Jackson, dancing on the HIStory World Tour in 1996 and choreographing his music video ‘You Rock My World’ in 2001.

While the brothers have become influential figures in the entertainment industry, they attribute their Samoan upbringing for their accomplishments. Tone Talauega recalls their mother hosting church choir practices at their home and that they would perform cultural dance items while taking an interest in street dancing.

As the youngest of 14 kids, the Talauega brothers said watching how their parents managed to support them instilled in them strong work ethics and family values, which they’ve carried on in their dance careers.

Speaking to Pacific Waves, the Talauega brothers said ‘Michael’ was four years in the making and to see it rise as the number one movie in the world is “like living in a dream”.

“I’m trying to take those little moments of being, of the appreciation,” Rich said.

“We knew it was going to be big but again, you know, what’s in your head is not really reality, right? So to be able to sit back and see that this movie’s number one, it just makes us feel good. It’s like all the hard work is paying off.”

Filming of Michael started in early 2024, however, the Talauega brothers explained that they spent two years prior working with Jackson who had no formal acting or dancing experience.

“As we were talking back and forth, we realised that, you know what, if we’re going to start somewhere, we should start with Billie Jean,” Tone said.

“So that was the very first number that we started with Jaafar in terms of the numbers that he had to learn and perfect for the movie. The reason why we picked Billie Jean was because of we thought that was not only the bar in terms of like one of the best performances ever on television, it was a one-man show, no dancers, it was just him, a microphone and the audience. That is it.

“We thought that if he can pull this off, he can take the weight of the rest of the film.”

The brothers contribution in Michael’ has not gone unnoticed in the Pacific community, one person has taken to TikTok to praise both Rich and Tone during the post-credits.

They said they are honoured at the responses.

“To have your people, you know, love you and support what you do because that’s who we do it for…. we don’t fake it, we’re Samoans,” Rich said.

While the movie has been a hit with some audiences, reviews have heavily criticised the film’s ommission of child molestation charges against the late singer.

Richsaid it’s “fine” for film critics to have their own opinions but that ‘Michael’ is a reminder of who the man was.

“All of us know Michael as the ‘King of Pop’ right? But we don’t know Michael Jackson, Michael Joe Jackson, ‘MJJ’ so to be able to create, to be a part of a story that to show him in the light that is human and real,” he said.

“It’s the number one movie in the world, it has surpassed what all the critics are saying right now, and it’s about time for the critics to jump on the train and celebrate the film with us. It’s okay, there’s more room on the train!”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Spider-Noir

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Crafted for the enjoyment of life without compromise, the renewed Dry Crystal features Ryusei Yokohama as the new campaign’s face and is now available in supermarkets and restaurants throughout the region

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

A Landmark Exhibition Exploring Seven Decades of How Hong Kong Told Its Story to the World

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MIL OSI

The mother of a young man who fell to his death while on drugs says legislation now going through Parliament could save lives, and politicians had the “power to make a difference”.

A member’s bill by Green MP Kahurangi Carter passed its first hurdle on Wednesday night. The legislation would prevent low-level drug prosecutions against those who call in suspected overdoses or bad drug reactions.

Shelley O’Dwyer’s son Jacob Gunnell died in 2022 after a negative reaction to LSD and a police statement told her emergency services were not called.

She told RNZ she believes if those with him at the time knew they would not “get in trouble” and called for help, “he could still be with us”.

“How would you feel if you had to live for the rest of your life knowing that you should have actually rang an ambulance and now that person’s passed away,” O’Dwyer said.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation has long called for change in this area, and executive director Sarah Helm said the law change could make a “big difference”.

“New Zealand loses three people every week to completely preventable, unintentional overdose, and that is a huge number of people,” she told RNZ.

Helm said currently people hesitate or fail to ring 111 or call for help in the event of an overdose or acute drug harm situation.

“We know from coronial cases that people do hesitate and that that causes death.”

The law change would “remove that fear of prosecution that stops people from calling for help”, Helm said.

She said this was one of the “key planks” to prevent overdose, and currently there were not enough interventions to do so.

“We can expect to see, unfortunately, more overdose fatalities over the coming years because of the increase of the potency and volatility of the drug market.

“So every intervention we can get in place will help to protect New Zealand from that,” Helm said.

The bill passed its first reading on Wednesday night, with only National and New Zealand First opposed.

ACT’s Todd Stephenson said Carter pulled off a “feat” for a first-term Green MP, “She’s going to get the support of the ACT party on first reading to send this to the select committee.”

Carter’s bill makes narrow amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act, the Bail Act and the Parole Act.

It specifies someone calling for help during a suspected overdose would not be charged for low level offences such as personal possession or use of drugs, possession of drug utensils, or a breach of parole conditions relating to drug use

The Bill does not protect drug dealing, violent offending or Crimes Act offences and it preserves accountability for serious criminal behaviour.

Ultimately – it is designed to stop people from hesitating if they are in doubt.

Carter, speaking first during the debate, said normally when someone calls an ambulance to save a life, “they’re considered a hero”.

“When someone is trying to help their friend experiencing an overdose – that should remain the case.”

Labour’s Camilla Belich spoke in support, referencing evidence by the NZ Drug Foundation highlighting witnesses hesitancy to call for help as a contributing factor in drug deaths.

She said that evidence showed there was a “need” for the Bill.

“This is not about providing avenues for people to avoid arrest in cases of serious crime,” Belich added.

Speaking for ACT, Stephenson said under the current settings it was “sometimes unclear” if you reach out for help what the consequences were.

He said he wanted to make sure that when something does go wrong, people do not hesistate in calling emergency services, “because if you can get help quickly, drug overdoses can be attended to and people can actually survive”.

“It does actually matter how quickly people get medical attention.”

He emphasised it was not a “soft on crime” bill.

Speaking for Te Pāti Māori, Oriini Kaipara said for too long “our laws have created silence where there should have been action, they’ve created hesitation where there should have been urgency”.

She also said that Māori were almost three times more likely to die from an accidental overdose than non-Māori, and highlighted that Māori were “overpoliced, overcharged and over-represented in convictions for low level drug offences”.

“This bill directly addresses inequity.”

New Zealand First’s Casey Costello raised concerns about the Bill, while acknowledging the wider societal issue.

“It is important that we communicate the need to always seek help.

“I think it is a very sad indictment on our society that we have a message that is taken up by anyone, that they would defer or refuse to call help on the risk of a low level drug offence. I hope that we are a better society than that.”

However, Costello said in her experience it was not fear of prosecution that prevented people from seeking help, but a lack of knowledge, awareness and appreciation of the severity and seriousness of people’s conditions.

“I challenge the idea of legislating out discretion for police officers. For anyone who is involved in these situations, I have more faith in our police officers than I think is demonstrated here.”

She said it was not a law of clarity, but a law of complexity, and asked who the discretion would apply to in a particular situation.

National MP Rima Nakhle said her party was not supporting the Bill, “not because we’re politicking” or because the party did not care about O’Dwyer’s experience.

Nakhle said perceptions mattered, and it mattered if the government was seen to say, “someone can escape criminal prosecution because they thought about themselves more than thinking about that person that was overdosing and could die.”

Fellow National MP Sam Uffindell said police do routinely use discretion on minor posession in instances where lifesaving help is sought.

“Health services treat anyone in a crisis without refusing them or without billing.”

The Bill would now be considered further by the Health Select Committee, where the public would also have an opportunity to have their say.

O’Dwyer had been shocked to learn her son had taken drugs.

At 24 years old, she said Gunnell had “everything going for him”.

She described him as happy, social, positive, entrepreneurial, and fit: a Les Mills instructor and a team leader at a council gym in Auckland. She also said he was a great cook.

O’Dwyer learnt Gunnell had an adverse reaction to LSD. Reports later told her he was “all hot and flustered and he didn’t look well”.

“On CCTV, we found out later on that he’d run across the road at Symonds Street, and he just basically jumped off Symonds Street Bridge,” she said.

She later had to identify his body at the morgue, “I was in total shock.”

“It’s like an out of body experience.

“You see it in the movies, you see it on the news and – it’s just the worst thing right, for any parent to live through that and having to live it every day.

“It was just so sudden and tragic.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is pleased to announce BK8 News as the Presenting Partner of the prestigious BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026.

Through this partnership, BK8 News will support the tournament in its role as Presenting Partner, contributing to enhanced global visibility and deeper fan engagement through integrated media coverage and content-led initiatives.

Owen Leed, Commercial & Communications Director at the Badminton World Federation, said: “We are delighted to welcome BK8 News onboard for our flagship team competition, the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026.

“The collaboration highlights the rising commercial strength of our premier championships and supports broader international exposure through BK8 News’ media reach.”

Michael Gatt, Managing Director of BK8 News, added: “We are excited to be a Presenting Partner of the prestigious BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026, a tournament with a rich legacy and one of the most anticipated events on the global badminton calendar.

“This partnership marks a major milestone for BK8 News, providing a global stage to elevate our brand and bring fans closer to the excitement of world-class badminton through engaging content, storytelling, and immersive experiences.”

The deal was facilitated by BWF’s commercial and broadcast partner, Infront, with support from Outlast Sports & Entertainment.

Salauddin Sinnakandu, CEO of Outlast Sports & Entertainment, commented: “This collaboration marks a noteworthy milestone, and we look forward to seeing the ways it will evolve and the impact it will create.”

Hashtag: #BK8News #BWF #Sports #Entertainment

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

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

MIL OSI

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – SUNeVision Holdings Ltd. (“SUNeVision”, SEHK: 1686), the largest data centre provider in Hong Kong and the technology arm of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (“SHKP”), announced the successful completion of the third edition of its Startup Programme. The final winners emerged from a distinguished cohort of home-grown startups that showcase AI-driven innovations integrating advanced technology with sustainability, while contributing to Hong Kong’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

This year’s programme attracted nearly 100 high-calibre applications, the majority of which showcased AI-native solutions across smart city, green technology, digital assets, EdTech, and immersive entertainment. Through a structured series of intensive workshops, expert mentorship, and ecosystem engagement, SUNeVision supported participating startups in refining their business models and pitches, strengthening their technological capabilities, and accelerating go‑to‑market strategies.

The award-winning startups from this year’s programme include:

• AquaSage Group: A maritime fintech startup specialising in vessel tokenisation, converting traditional maritime business into regulated digital assets.
• ChatnLearn EdTech Limited: An AI‑powered platform delivering interactive and personalised English learning and speaking training.
• Green Vigor Limited: A greentech innovator deploying hydropower recycling systems within building water tanks and cooling infrastructure to generate renewable energy.
• Oh My Ink Technology Limited: An AI‑enabled tattoo try‑on platform offering real‑time skin visualisation before permanent application.

Helen Lo, Executive Director & Director, Commercial at SUNeVision, said: “We are impressed by this cohort’s exceptional ideas, which demonstrate how AI can be harnessed to deliver smarter, more personalised experiences and propel sustainable energy advancements, transforming technological innovation into tangible, real-world impact for the industry. Now in its third year, our Startup Programme has become a launchpad for high-impact innovation, empowering startups to accelerate their growth journeys and expand into global markets. We remain committed to fostering a dynamic AI ecosystem and strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a global innovation hub.”

The programme winners will receive SUNeVision Credits valued at up to HK$160,000, redeemable for support services offered by SUNeVision and the programme partners. The initiative equips startups with a solid digital foundation to deploy and scale AI‑driven applications within SUNeVision’s hyperscale data centre facilities, supported by low-latency connectivity. Participants will also gain access to a vibrant ecosystem of more than 300 technology and business partners, service providers, and key stakeholders. An array of tailored support will be provided by the programme partners, covering:

• Angelflow: Syndicate technology infrastructure
• Dataplugs: Internet and managed hosting
• Finda Cloud: Value-added cloud services and SaaS
• Nexusguard: DDoS protection and cybersecurity
• SUNeVision: Data centre colocation and hosting
• Sustainable SmartTech Ventures: AI-powered smart building management technologies
• the Hive.: Co-working space
• Votee AI: Authentic Cantonese translation
• WeExpand: Agentic AI services for sales and marketing automation

For more details about the SUNeVision Startup Programme, please visit [website].

Hashtag: #SUNeVision

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

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

What does the nervous system do?

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Following its successful presentation at LANDMARK, Central in March, the 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture will be showcased at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 to 30 April 2026, as part of Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle 2026.

Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle bring together a wide range of international brands celebrated for their craftsmanship and creativity, serving as a dynamic platform for exchange across the design and lifestyle industries while sparking new ideas and collaborations.

Organised by the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) under the Vocational Training Council (VTC), and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the 2nd MOTIFX invites emerging designers to reinterpret traditional Chinese motifs for contemporary living. Under the theme “Culture to Nature – A Surreal Garden of Botanical Patterns,” the exhibition explores the Chinese “grass” radical (艹 / 艸) through diverse creative perspectives. The works span a range of contexts and formats, from two- and three-dimensional pieces to both physical and digital mediums.

Curated by Michael LEUNG, the exhibition features works by 30 local design students and emerging designers from a range of disciplines, alongside participating local and international designers including Chulan KWAK, Cynthia MAK, Made by Sandwich, Karmuel YOUNG, Tomy NG, Moon.noon, STICKYLINE, and Leona FUNG. Over 100 original patterns inspired by the 艹 / 艸 radical bloom in Chinese character across the exhibition space, each rooted in the same ancient, ever‑living origin yet expressing distinct creative voices.

Artist Panel Discussion: “Cultural Fusion in Lifestyle Design: The Surreal Aesthetics of MOTIFX”
30 Apr 2026 | 11am-12pm

On 30 April 2026, in an artist panel discussion titled “Cultural Fusion in Lifestyle Design: The Surreal Aesthetics of MOTIFX,” moderated by Edith CHEUNG, Creative Director of MOTIFX, curator Michael LEUNG, artist Leona FUNG, and Moon HUNG will share their insights on blending traditional Chinese elements with contemporary lifestyle design. Through their works across multiple MOTIFX venues, they will discuss the effortless fusion of East and West in Hong Kong’s creative life, revealing the surreal beauty born from cultural intersection.

Featured Highlights: From Calligraphic Lines to Gardens of Time

Chulan KWAK – “Cursive Structure”

Chulan KWAK’s Cursive Structure series transforms two‑dimensional calligraphy into three‑dimensional objects. Inspired by the flowing strokes of Caoshu (草書) and the Small Seal Script (小篆體) form of the 艹 / 艸 radical, the work turns “Radical Grass (艹 / 艸)” into a pair of low chairs.

By keeping the distinction between 艹 / 艸 and 木 (tree), the pieces are set apart from the vertical form of trees and bring the energy and tension of calligraphic brushwork into physical space.

Cynthia MAK – “Tea Lamp”

Drawing inspiration from the Chinese character 茶 （tea） and the poetic essence of “Life is like tea – bitter at first, then sweet,” Cynthia reflects on life’s delicate balance between darkness and brightness in her creation, “Tea Lamp”. She reimagines the traditional Chinese lantern through vibrant colours and geometric abstraction, which serves as a warm reminder that, after a bitter day, a gentle radiance always awaits at home.

Made by Sandwich – “Garden of States”

Made by Sandwich’s Garden of Time probes the philosophical relationship between the 艹/ 艸 radical and time. The designers argue that numerous 艹/艸 – derived characters (such as 茂, 蘇, 萎, 荒) illustrate the shifting conditions of plants across time rather than static shapes. The work breaks away from a linear conception of time, layering moments of growth, decline, and disappearance onto a single visual. By assembling these “time slices” into one composition, it constructs a garden of time in which multiple states coexist, showing the simultaneous presence of flourishing and disappearance.

Karmuel YOUNG & Tomy NG – “Tower”

Inspired by the radical grass symbol (艹 / 艸), Karmuel YOUNG and Tomy NG collaborate on the multimedia work, “Tower”. A still yet highly charged installation that captures a moment of growth, “Tower” fuses art, fashion, and furniture using contemporary raw materials, dutifully interpreting growth as a process of emergence, layering, and change.

Karmuel shapes the base on Suprematist and Constructivist ideas, using rigid geometric forms and a neutral palette to highlight the texture of the materials, creating a stable, balanced yet restrained structure.

Tomy adds a glowing cellular element that acts as both light and living form. The floor lamp is designed as a suspended “cell”: a translucent 3D‑printed resin core wrapped in an inflatable latex membrane that functions like a placenta. As the latex inflates and deflates, the shape expands and contracts, shifting between open and enclosed states. Compared with the solid base, the structure feels fragile, porous, and time‑based, turning light into a living presence shaped by pressure and duration.

Immersive Experiences: The Intersection of Virtual and Reality

The exhibition utilizes multi-media works and installations, leading visitors into a sensory experience.

Moon.noon – “Blossom Unbounds”

Moon.noon’s “Blossom Unbounds” creates a multisensory, immersive experience that brings together dynamic visuals and music into one seamless environment for MOTIFX. Drawing inspiration from the grass radical (艹 / 艸) in Chinese characters, the work abstracts botanical forms into flowing patterns that reflect the cycles of the 24 solar terms and local flora.

Visual and auditory elements are carefully combined so that viewers move between the real and the digital, experiencing the changing seasons—from spring’s blossoming to winter’s quiet dormancy—and feeling the continuous rhythm of nature and culture. The installation invites personal discovery while dissolving the boundaries between traditional art and immersive, sensory‑driven design.

STICKYLINE – “Geometric Variants in Growth”

STICKYLINE’s large-scale installation Geometric Variants in Growth questions the boundary between the virtual and the real. This lush geometric jungle is built entirely from the endless stacking of two simple paper modules, each patterned with lines that resemble leaf veins while also echoing digital barcodes.

The work suggests that, as we allow real, tangible nature to gradually fade away, every like, share, and copy‑paste on social media nurtures an ever‑expanding virtual jungle that spirals out of control.

By inviting visitors to step into this man-made landscape, the installation prompts reflection on the increasingly blurred symbiosis between humans and nature—where both are quietly disappearing at once.

Contemporary Transformations of Traditional Craft

The exhibition also features works by artist Leona FUNG. Her brand ByLeona’s premium porcelain series blends the auspicious symbolism of traditional Chinese floral motifs with contemporary geometric aesthetics.

Leona moves beyond ceramics as mere tableware, selectively blended in Motifx ambassadors’ pattern with ByLeona’s original designs, extending intricate patterns onto functional objects such as floor lamps, mirrors, and candle holders. Guided by the principle that “every pattern carries meaning, and every meaning is auspicious,” she seamlessly integrates cultural symbols into modern living spaces, showing how traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design can speak to each other.

This April, step into the symbolic world hidden within Chinese characters and immerse yourself in the myriad forms of this fantastical natural realm.

Curator: Michael LEUNG
Born in Hong Kong, Michael LEUNG earned his Master’s degree from Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where he later founded Studio AA (previously MIRO). His practice spans graphic, product, and spatial design, often exploring the intersections of craftsmanship and industry, local culture, and sustainability. Recipient of the Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award and Perspective 40 Under 40, his work has been showcased at Milan Design Week, Dutch Design Week, and other major international exhibitions. In recent years, he has collaborated with institutions such as the Vitra Design Museum (Germany) and the V&A (UK), extending his creative vision into exhibition curation.

Participating Designers
Chulan KWAK
Chulan KWAK is a Seoul‑based designer whose work spans sculpture, furniture, and spatial design. Trained in craft and conceptual design (BFA, Hongik University; MA, Design Academy Eindhoven), he focuses on transforming the energy and rhythm of calligraphy into three‑dimensional form, allowing shapes to extend as if freely brushed through space.

His practice centres on the distinction between the static line and the dynamic stroke, using layered plywood and MDF to construct fluid, volumetric gestures that replace carving with assembly. Through his ongoing Cursive Structure series, KWAK turns calligraphic strokes into chairs, benches, and sculptures that capture movement, balance, and the constant transformation of nature and form.

Cynthia MAK
Cynthia MAK is an emerging Hong Kong artist and designer whose work is known for its distinctive compositional language and geometric arrangements, forming a unique abstract style. Her paintings combine colour, form, and aesthetic judgment with emotional expression, drawing viewers into a cheerful and uplifting atmosphere.

Initially drawn to art as a way to express herself beyond words, Cynthia re‑engaged with painting during the 2021 pandemic, embracing the creative control it offered and embarking on a new professional path. Her work has been shown at institutions such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Ginza Six in Tokyo, and Abu Dhabi Art, and she has collaborated with renowned brands including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Isetan Shinjuku, and Hong Kong Landmark on projects that bring joy to audiences and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Made By Sandwich

Made by Sandwich is a Shanghai‑based creative collective founded in 2023. Attuned to the fast‑changing visual landscape, the studio offers integrated services including visual identity, packaging design, book and publication design, 3D and motion design, and exhibition curation. At Made by Sandwich, design is not just an output but the condition for fostering communication.

Karmuel YOUNG

Karmuel YOUNG is a Hong Kong–based menswear designer and founder of the cross‑media brand KARMUEL YOUNG. After graduating, he worked at Damir Doma in Paris and Ute Ploier in Vienna, then returned to Hong Kong to lead creative projects at Lane Crawford and design menswear for I.T. He launched his label in 2014, initially focusing on footwear and accessories, and presented his first full menswear collection in 2019.

He has received Lane Crawford’s “Creative Call Out” award and was named one of “10 Asian Designers To Watch” in 2021. The brand continues to explore innovative cutting, sustainability, and cross‑disciplinary collaborations, gradually building a contemporary men’s wardrobe.

Leona FUNG

Leona FUNG is the founder and artist of Hong Kong aesthetic brand ByLeona. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she studied at the University of Cambridge and began her career in private banking before launching her own ceramic brand, combining business insight with artistic sensibility.

Leona specialises in translating Eastern cultural symbols through modern design, using ceramics and home‑living products to express an “Eastern essence, Western expression” aesthetic. Her works have been shown at international platforms such as Maison&Objet and Fine Art Asia, and are now in the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and other art institutions, high‑end hotels, and shopping malls. She also creates bespoke designs for global brands, promoting contemporary Eastern aesthetics and cross‑cultural dialogue.

Exhibition Details

The 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture
@ Home InStyle & Fashion InStyle 2026
Date: 27–30 April 2026
Time:
9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Monday to Wednesday)
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Thursday)
Venue: Booth 3CON‑001, Hall 3E South Concourse area,
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

“Cultural Fusion in Lifestyle Design: The Surreal Aesthetics of MOTIFX” Artist Panel Discussion
Date: 30 April 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Venue: THE RUNWAY, Halls 3FG, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Moderator: Ms. Edith Cheung
Speaker: Mr. Michael Leung, Ms. Leona Fung, Mr. Moon Hung

Hashtag: #MOTIFX

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

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

The author of a new report is calling for a long-term population strategy as the population ages, birth rates decline and ethnic diversity increases.

Titled “People, Place and Prosperity”, the report was published by independent think tank Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures on Tuesday.

Co-author Paul Spoonley warned that New Zealand was at a demographic inflection point, noting that it was essential to plan ahead.

“The point we’re making is that it’s 2026, and we know what the population is going to look like in 2036 or 2046,” Spoonley told RNZ’s Midday Report.

“None of these should come as a surprise. Why don’t we plan for it at this point?”

The report outlined how slowing population growth, record-low fertility, a rapidly ageing population, and an increasing reliance on immigration as the major source of population and workforce growth would shape New Zealand’s future.

The country would also continue to see a rapid increase in ethnic diversity, it said.

By 2048, 22 percent of New Zealanders are expected to be over the age of 65 while 48 percent are expected to identify with an ethnicity other than New Zealand European, the report said.

Many regions will exceed the threshold for “hyperageing”, with over-65s making up more than 30 percent of their respective populations, the report said.

“Firstly is the cost, so the cost of superannuation and the cost of healthcare. And then secondly, where are the services and infrastructure to support that ageing population,” Spoonley said.

“We are seeing enormous growth in our major city, Auckland, mainly because of immigration. But when we get into the provinces, the rural sectors, the smaller towns, they are struggling to meet the ageing needs of a population.”

In addition, high rates of immigration since 2013, albeit with some dips, have added to the ethnic and cultural diversity of New Zealand, especially in younger age groups, the report said.

“Today, diversity is no longer something that arrives from abroad, it is embedded in our demography, given the ethnic and cultural diversity of new generations of New Zealanders,” it said.

Spoonley said migrants relocated here because there were labour force shortages in the country but, at the same time, that had brought challenges to housing and infrastructure.

“For me, the question is, we need to have a debate about immigration, but what’s the number where we can manage the impact on demand but also make sure that we’re meeting our needs as a labor market.”

The report said growing ethnic diversity presented unique opportunities for innovation, creativity and problem-solving.

“But, as we have seen elsewhere, it also represents a point of fracture and division if underlying anxieties are not addressed,” it said.

The country’s fertility rate had fallen to a record low of 1.55 births per woman, well below replacement fertility of 2.1, the report said.

These trends, combined with the loss of talent overseas and growing global competition for workers, especially skilled workers, were placing pressure on productivity, workforce supply and public finances, it said.

Spoonley said the development of a coherent, consistent and bipartisan population strategy was needed, and having an independent agency might help.

“The three-year cycle where things get politicised very quickly does not help anticipating and then investing in the infrastructure and services and whatever else you need the policies over the longer term,” he said.

“We need to do that, and that’s why we suggest taking it out of the political arena and making it the responsibility of an independent commission.”

A population strategy, spearheaded by a new population commission and informed by evidence and engagement from wider government, research institutions, industry and civil society would be the first step to prepare New Zealand to thrive amongst demographic change, the report said.

The strategy also needed to consider evidence relating to all the elements of the country’s changing demography: rapid ageing, declining fertility, the growth and decline trajectories for different regions, and the growing reliance on immigration as a major source of both population growth and labour supply to understand the overall story of demographic change, it said.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

The Company’s 11th Mainland project has achieved >90% retail leasing rate across ~250 stores

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

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Australian travellers looking for a short-haul cultural escape to Singapore this May can experience the Five-Footway Festival, which is taking place from 2–10 May 2026 in Chinatown Singapore Smith Street.

Organised by the Chinatown Business Association, the Festival celebrates the theme “Our Living Heritage,” transforming Chinatown Singapore’s iconic five-footways into vibrant spaces of culture, storytelling and community.

Festival Highlights:

Visitors can look forward to a lively line-up of cultural programming, including:

• Live stage performances by established groups such as Chin Woo, presenting traditional lion dances; Tian Eng, known for their captivating face-changing acts; and Choy’s Brothers, delivering an action-packed musical performance.
• Visitors can also participate in ticketed cultural including paper folding, tea appreciation, opera appreciation and a hands-on traditional wife-cake baking experience.
• Cultural experiences such as Beijing Opera makeup experience, where participants can learn about the intricate artistry behind this traditional art form
• Community storytelling, where artisans and elders share personal histories across generations
• Game booths featuring traditional childhood games such as pick-up sticks, five stones and glass marbles

More than a festival, the event brings to life the historical significance of five-footways as communal spaces—offering visitors a deeper understanding of Singapore’s multicultural roots while engaging directly with its living traditions.

For Australians planning a May escape, the Five-Footway Festival presents a timely opportunity to experience Singapore beyond its skyline—through culture that is not just preserved, but actively lived.

Set against the backdrop of conserved shophouses, Chinatown Singapore offers a compelling mix of old and new—just minutes from the city centre and key lifestyle attractions. The Festival site is walking distance from Chinatown MRT and Maxwell MRT.

With frequent direct flights from major Australian cities, Singapore remains an easy and appealing destination for a cultural getaway or long weekend escape.

More details of the Five Footway Festival can be found on fivefootway.chinatown.sg.

https://fivefootway.chinatown.sg/
https://x.com/chinatownsg
https://www.facebook.com/chinatownsingapore
https://www.instagram.com/chinatownsingapore

Hashtag: #Chinatown #FiveFootwayFestival

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

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

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – “Step onto the stage with the legends and the idol, now under one roof.” Madame Tussauds Singapore invites guests to experience this star-studded encounter as beloved figures of Lay Zhang(Zhang Yixing) and Lin Dan take centre stage in a dynamic, cross-cultural showcase of Asian icons.

The global icon Lay Zhang‘s figure captures his refined stage charisma in a sleek, dark-blue tailored suit. The figure invites fans to step into an intimate concert moment – standing alongside Lay as if sharing the spotlight during a live show. From his confident stance to his signature polished look, every detail brings his on-stage persona vividly to life.

Adding a powerful sporting presence, Lin Dan‘s figure immortalises the badminton legend in a high-energy pose. Dressed in his iconic red athletic gear and captured mid-motion with racket in hand, the figure reflects the intensity and pride of a championship moment, evoking the electrifying atmosphere of a world-class match.

The figure of legendary musician Huang Jiaju, launching from mid-May, also pays tribute to his timeless artistry and connection with generations of fans. Styled with his signature guitar and casual stage outfit, it embodies his enduring influence on Asian music.

These talent figures bring together music, sport, and cultural legacy in one immersive space, where fans can engage with their idols across generations and genres.

To celebrate, visitors can enjoy a limited-time promotion from 28 April to 10 May 2026, with 20% off tickets using promo code LAY20. Guests who take a photo with Lay’s figure and share it on Instagram tagging Madame Tussauds Singapore with #MadameTussaudsSG #MTSG, will be eligible to receive a complimentary photo frame, redeemable on-site (first 100 ONLY).

“Madame Tussauds has continually featured figures who have made a lasting impact across industries and cultures,” said Steven Chung, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Singapore. “This special experience brings together beloved personalities in a way that allows fans to not only admire them but truly feel part of their world.”

As a leading attraction that brings global icons closer to fans, Madame Tussauds Singapore continues to craft immersive experiences that celebrate the impact of entertainment, sport, and cultural influence. Step into the Hall of Fame, enjoy the exclusive interactions with them up close!

For more information about booking tickets to visit Madame Tussauds Singapore, please visit www.madametussauds.com/singapore/

Hashtag: #MerlinEntertainments #MadameTussaudsSingapore

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

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

Step Into the World of Runway with Cinematic Installations, Stylish Experiences and Exclusive Shopping Rewards

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

The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) says keeping unions and the public in the dark on the India-New Zealand Free Trade agreement means the deal risks enshrining exploitative labour conditions.

The deal will be formally signed on Monday night in New Delhi, with the full text expected to be made public on Tuesday.

CTU president Sandra Gray said there had been a complete lack of consultation with unions and the public.

A deal of this size warranted a tripartite approach from unions, business and government, she said.

“In this case, we have seen absolutely nothing. It’s being signed without unions even seeing the text, let alone contributing to the conversation.”

The Labour Party – whose support the government required to get the agreement through parliament – agreed to back the deal just days ago.

Asked if that was premature, given the CTU’s concerns about the deal’s contents, Gray reiterated the importance of including international labour standards in the agreement.

“I think we get very wound up in this idea that larger governments are going to walk away from free trade agreements with us if we don’t just get in and sign on the dotted line. I think we need to hold on to our sovereignty and say New Zealand needs to make sure it is acting ethically and rightly when it comes to workers’ rights.

“We’ve been really, really strong defenders of international law for decades and decades. We should not give up on that, and we should make sure that we use proper scrutiny of anything we sign and that includes unions being at the table.”

The organisation accepted the need for free trade agreements, but wanted confirmation international labour agreements were being adhered to, Gray said.

“My fear around this trade agreement because unions have not been involved is that we’re going to end up buying products and exchanging goods and doing free trade with really, really hostile work environments in India that really exploit workers.

“We don’t know, because we haven’t seen the agreement, but why are they hiding it from the public? Why are they hiding it from unions if it’s a good, fair trade agreement?”

The Maritime Services Union (MSU) last week called on the government to hold off signing the deal until it publicly released the text.

National Secretary Carl Findlay said the government’s secretive approach was an insult to workers.

He also raised concerns about 5000 temporary skilled work visas included in the deal, given high unemployment and infrastructure and housing deficits.

Sandra Gray said the CTU was less concerned about the temporary work visas than secrecy surrounding the deal, which made it impossible to know what labour standards had been agreed to.

Findlay’s comments came as New Zealand First minister Shane Jones made racist remarks on the deal’s immigration implications.

Gray would not be drawn on whether the MSU should be focused on the visa issue amid heightened xenophobic rhetoric.

“The Maritime Union has a stronger idea of what’s right for their members and for their union.”

Political parties should be cautious with their comments, Gray said, noting New Zealand First’s opposition was “built on a moment in time we have to be very careful not to get drawn into”.

“Government parties in particular need to pay real attention to the tone they’re setting for our country around migrants, immigrants and anyone who is coming to work here.”

Temporary migrant numbers ‘relatively small’

Immigration consultant Paul Janssen said New Zealand had agreements, that included visa programmes, with a number of countries and the figures in the India-New Zealand deal were comparatively low.

“In terms of the number of temporary migrants we bring in, it’s a relatively small number, given it’s 1667 per year, capped at 5000 for three years.

“That represents a small number of people and given the skill level they’re aiming for, I think it’s a drop in the bucket, really.”

The vast majority of the visas in the deal were for occupations on the Immigration New Zealand green list of in-demand, hard-to-fill roles, Janssen said.

An Indian government press release said the visas would be in “sectors of interest to India which include Indian iconic occupations (AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, Indian chefs and music teachers) and other sectors of interest – IT, Engineering, Healthcare, Education and Construction.”

AYUSH stands for traditional medical systems Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.

The 1000 working holiday visas paled in comparison to other countries, such as the United Kingdom, which New Zealand offers 15,000 working holiday visas, or the 3000 places offered to young Koreans a year, Janssen said.

“This isn’t new – this is something we’ve done and do quite often, so it’s interesting we get different levels of commentary depending on which country we’re dealing with.”

He said Immigration NZ had rigourous processes.

“We go through quite a lot of work to make sure the people coming into the country are well vetted, so it isn’t simply submitting an application and away you go.

“There’s a lot that goes into the background, particularly when you’re looking at temporary visas where Immigration assesses the applicant’s genuine intent to come for a temporary purpose, whether they have the right skills – there’s a lot of hoops to jump through… and it isn’t a cheap exercise, there’s a lot of investment on the applicant’s part.”

New Zealand needed to recognise the added value and improved productivity provided by skilled migrants, he said.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand