JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 July 2026 – Swiss-Belhotel International continues to reinforce its strategic growth within Indonesia’s premium hospitality market with the soft opening of the 5-star Ashva Swiss-Belresort Ubud Bali. Nestled in one of Bali’s most celebrated cultural and nature-driven destinations, this upscale property marks a major milestone for the brand ahead of its official Grand Opening slated for September 2026.

The launch reflects the group’s unwavering confidence in Bali’s resilient luxury tourism segment. Designed to meet the evolving preferences of modern travelers, Ashva Swiss-Belresort Ubud Bali brings sophisticated international hospitality standards to a sanctuary engineered for multi-generational family bonding, couples’ retreats, and immersive, experience-focused stays.

Sudharman Shetty, President Director of PT Ratna Forever Hospitality, stated:

“The development of Ashva Swiss-Belresort Ubud Bali represents a strategic step in expanding our hospitality business while supporting the growth of quality tourism in Ubud. We believe that Ubud’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique attractions can be combined with international service standards to create a destination with strong value and long-term sustainability. Through the presence of the Swiss-Belresort brand, we hope Ashva will grow into a preferred resort choice for both domestic and international travellers, while also making a positive contribution to the local community and economy,” said Sudharman Shetty, Founder & Owner of Ratna Forever Hospitality.”

Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, added: “Indonesia continues to be a cornerstone of our global expansion vision. This development not only reflects the deep trust of our partners at PT Ratna Forever Hospitality in our balanced approach to guest comfort and operational excellence, but it also underscores our strong confidence in the market—particularly within the high-growth segment of travelers seeking spacious, lifestyle-oriented resort experiences.”

Developed with a contemporary yet culturally rooted resort concept, Ashva Swiss-Belresort Ubud Bali features 90 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, alongside 4 exclusive wooden pavilions. Accommodations range from a generous 40 to 106 square meters, perfectly catering to families and groups. Select premium room and suite tiers elevate the stay experience with private heated plunge pools and smart in-room technology.

The culinary landscape introduces diverse dining destinations, including Giwangkara All Day Dining and the renowned Udupi Multi-Cuisine Restaurant, which boasts a strictly separated, dedicated kitchen section for pure vegetarian preparation.

The resort’s striking architectural centerpiece is a terraced swimming pool concept, designed with cascading water elements and a Petanu Pool Bar overlooking Ubud’s layered natural landscape. To accommodate business and celebratory milestones, the property features a grand ballroom, versatile meeting spaces, and scenic outdoor areas beautifully tailored for weddings and social events.

Ilkin Ilyaszade, Senior Vice President – Operations and Development, Indonesia at Swiss-Belhotel International, commented: “As we actively strengthen our footprint across key hubs in Indonesia, Bali remains an essential, highly resilient destination with exceptional growth potential. The soft opening of Ashva Swiss-Belresort Ubud Bali directly supports this trajectory. Beyond creating vibrant leisure experiences, our comprehensive facilities and scenic setting are strategically positioned to capture the rising demand for premium corporate meetings, weddings, and high-profile social events.”

During the soft opening phase in July and August 2026, guests can take advantage of exclusive introductory rates before the resort transitions to its grand launch in September. To discover a new expression of refined living or to secure reservations, please visit ashvaswiss-belresort.com.

SBEC Loyalty Programme: Enjoy 10%–35% OFF on Rooms, Dining, and other services at 165+ hotels globally by becoming an SBEC loyalty member. Sign up for FREE and enjoy instant benefits through the Swiss-Belhotel International App—available in the App Store and Google Play Store.

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Hashtag: #SwissBelhotelInternational #UbudResort #5StarResort #IndiaMarket #WellnessResort

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

Source: Island Innovation

27 July, 2026: The Virtual Island Summit (VIS), the premier free online conference for island communities worldwide, will return on 15-17 September 2026.

Now in its eighth year, VIS marks a significant shift from previous editions. The three-day event will follow a narrative arc, with each day building on the last and programming spanning time zones from the Pacific to the Caribbean so audiences everywhere can join live at times that work for them.

• Day 1, Adapt to Change, looks at how island communities are responding to conditions that have already shifted, from decarbonising marine transport and adapting to coastal erosion, to the generational knowledge and ocean governance practices that have sustained island communities for decades.
• Day 2, Transform Systems, examines the models and mechanisms already reshaping island futures: rethinking tourism before pressures become irreversible, turning waste into a circular local economy, reviving indigenous languages, and building food sovereignty in the face of import dependence.
• Day 3, Mobilise Action, turns to what moves people, capital and political will: the funding structures, coalitions and leadership approaches that turn plans into results.

The event is free to attend and open to the public, continuing the Summit’s commitment to accessible, Zero-Carbon knowledge sharing between islanders and global partners alike.

“The Virtual Island Summit is our flagship online event and we are proud to deliver a high-level knowledge-sharing platform that puts islands at the heart of global discussions,” said James Ellsmoor, Chief Executive Officer of Island Innovation. “The Summit highlights islands not simply as places facing shared challenges, but as places developing practical solutions with relevance far beyond their own shores. This year we are evolving the format to reflect how island communities actually work through challenges: understanding the problem, finding what works, and mobilising the resources to scale it. We want attendees to leave VIS 2026 with a clearer sense of where islands stand and what comes next.”

The first confirmed speakers for VIS 2026 include heads of government and senior policy leaders such as:

• Lourdes Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam;
• Feleti Penitala Teo, Prime Minister, Government of Tuvalu;
• Cora Richardson-Hodge, Premier of the Government of Anguilla;
• Albert Bryan, Governor of the US Virgin Islands
• Jache Adams, Minister of Public Works and the Environment, Government of Bermuda;
• Hannah Mary Goodlad, MSP for Shetland Islands & Minister for Public Finance, Scottish Government;
• Chris Lee, Senator, Hawaii State
• Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, Chief Executive Officer, Hawai’i Green Growth
• Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate;
• Chris Elmore, MP and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Multilateral, Human Rights, Latin America and the Caribbean at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis, President of the Corsican Assembly & President of the Islands Commission of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR)

They are joined by researchers, educators and sector experts including:

• Dr Dai-Yeun Jeong, Director of the Asia Climate Change Education Center;
• Maria Ackrén, Director of the Stefansson Arctic Institute;
• Laurie Brinklow, Chair, Institute of Island Studies, University of Prince Edward Island, University of Prince Edward Island;
• Peter Van Aert, Researcher and Teacher at the Institute of Culture, Society and State, National University of Tierra del Fuego;
• Chalapan Kaluwin, Director of Momis Ocean and Climate Research institute & Dean of School of Sustainable Resources Management & Business Studies, PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment;
• Olly Newton, Executive Director of The Edge Foundation.

Additional speakers will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Previous editions have brought together heads of state, ministers, and senior practitioners from over 500 island communities across the Caribbean, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and beyond, drawing more than 10,000 attendees.

All sessions will be available free of charge. Registration is now open at islandinnovation.co/events/virtual-island-summit-2026.

MIL OSI

GUIZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – As July brings scorching heat to Vietnam, Guizhou enjoys a refreshing breeze. Recently, a group of Vietnamese travel merchants and tourism influencers landed at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport, embarking on a journey to explore Guizhou. Known as a “Green Kingdom” steeped in natural beauty and rich culture, Guizhou is redefining summer travel for Vietnamese tourists with its cool 23°C climate, world-class landscapes, and vibrant local lifestyle.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwgVyMKMj2M

Spectacular Mountain Scenery, Nature‘s Air Conditioner

From the dazzling urban energy of Guiyang’s Qingyun Market to the starry nightscape of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, and from the majestic Huangguestu Waterfall to the sky-high Huajiang Canyon Bridge—the “world’s highest bridge”—every corner of Guizhou is a masterpiece worth pausing for.

“Guizhou’s summer feels like natural air conditioning,” shared a young Vietnamese travel influencer. “The seamless blend of daytime nature and vibrant city life made our journey incredibly exciting and fulfilling”

Link: https://www.guizhoutravel.com/feature/list

Immersive Culture & Play your way Through Guizhou

During their trip, the influencers dressed in exquisite traditional Miao costumes for stunning social media photos against the backdrop of historic wooden stilt houses. They also explored urban landmarks like Qingyun Market and Colorful Guizhou Town, experiencing the fusion of local heritage and modern trends amidst neon lights and bustling night markets. Food-wise, local delicacies like sour fish soup, beef rice noodles, and Siwawa (veggie wraps) continuously delighted their palates, offering a perfect mix of cultural depth and trendy adventures.

Pack your bags and go: Effortless Travel to Your Next Getaway

With direct flights now operating from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Guiyang—taking just over three hours—traveling to Guizhou has never been easier. Supported by China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy and a safe, welcoming environment, Guizhou is becoming the ideal and ultimate “summer escape” destination for young Vietnamese travelers.

Guizhou is actively building a world-class tourism product system tailored for the international market, centering on the core themes of “Summer Escape + Eco-tourism + Cultural Experience.”

Pack your bags this summer and embark on your own adventure to mystical Guizhou!

Discover more of mystical Guizhou: www.guizhoutravel.com

Hashtag: #Guizhou #Vietnam #SummerEscape

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

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2026 – Ocean Park is set to ignite a summer of joy with the Pandastic Summer Birthday Celebration for its entire family of six beloved giant pandas, running from now until 31 August 2026. Join us in celebrating the second birthday of the panda twins, Elder Sister Jia Jia and Little Brother De De, alongside their August-born parents Ying Ying and Le Le, and June birthday stars An An and Ke Ke. Come immerse in the celebration brimming with interactive games, performances and water play.

Even more exciting, visitors could take home fabulous prices, including the newly launched MAXUS MIFA 7 PLUS, the mid-size family pure electric MPV – by entering the Summer Joy Lucky Draw* on every eligible visit during the promotion period of 3 July and 31 August 2026!

Birthday photo spots and Panda Friends encounters

Celebrate the pandas’ special days with pandastic photo opportunities across the Park. Capture snapshots at the main entrance’s gigantic birthday countdown zone. Don’t miss the charming 5-metre-tall Giant Panda Birthday Bun Tower at Waterfront Plaza, adorned with piles of pink birthday buns to celebrate the pandas’ birthdays in true Hong Kong style.

Explore the Panda Friends Cute & Cuddly zone at Eco-Herbal Trail, featuring over 60 Panda Friends sculptures, each carrying magnifying sunglasses and cameras, ready to discover the wonders of nature.

The precious panda moments

Relive the heartwarming journey of all six giant pandas at the Pandastic Happy Moments exhibit next to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures. This special display showcases precious footage commemorating the rapid growth of twins Jia Jia and De De and other adorable life stages from all the giant panda members. It is a truly unmissable experience for all panda enthusiasts.

Fans can also visit the Giant Panda Fans Zone near the exhibit, created for fans to meet and connect and exchange their own handmade crafts and treasured panda keepsakes until 31 August 2026!

Summer splashing fun with Panda Friends

Dive into body-cooling water fun at the Panda Friends Splashy Birthday Camp outside Applause Pavilion. Experience the thrill of dashing through giant water curtains or facing a massive waterfall-style deluge from the mega water bucket. Unleash your playful instincts with all-time favourite water bomb fights at Panda Friends Water Bomb Fun or get caught in refreshing water gun ambushes from Ocean Park’s special Celebration Squad during their energetic Pandastic Birthday Splash, featuring adorable dance routines inspired by the panda twins.

Delightful entertainment and limited-edition performances

The highly-anticipated Pandastic Summer Birthday Spectacular features giant inflatable Panda Friends roaming the Park, accompanied by various performance groups delivering vibrant songs and dances at the Pawsome Summer Party on 8, 15 and 16 August 2026. Ocean 6N1 dress up with their special birthday outfits and showcase incredible singing and dancing in All Star Jam talent show. Whiskers & Friends will also give a birthday edition special performance at Ocean Park Star Match. Ocean Park’s lively roving band will also keep the festive atmosphere high.

Exclusive collectibles

Commemorate the twins’ second birthday with exclusive, limited-edition Giant Panda Birthday stamps. Collect all the stamps from designated Park locations to complete your very own beautiful birthday card. Test your skills and reflexes at interactive game booths to win special prizes. The talented coloured-chalk artists painting adorable giant panda figures in the Park.

Adorable merchandise and food and beverage

Check out our adorable Panda Friends Summer Collection, vibrant with colourful and summery designs. Highlights include the Giant Panda Plush Keychain Blind Box, featuring all the Panda Friends in their cutest summer outfits. Jia Jia and De De have transformed into the “Lemon Twins”, starring in a new range of summer essentials to keep everyone cool and refreshed throughout the season. Equally unmissable is the Panda Friends Hong Kong Food Collection, which charmingly captures iconic Hong Kong food elements.

Beyond these, the all-new Ocean Park x Maltese Crossover Series and the Panda Friends Hong Kong Food Collection prize items will be making their way to game booths across the Park, starting from mid-July. On top of that, fans can also look forward to Panda Friends photo frame, claw machines and press penny machines to bring in another level of excitement.

To celebrate the giant pandas’ birthdays, Ocean Park has prepared a tempting lineup of panda-themed treats, including the Panda Twins Mini Burgers and Panda Snack Platter. No birthday celebration is complete without desserts and cakes. The Park has also launched a delightful selection of treats, as well as refreshing snow cones and frozen fruits for visitors to beat the summer heat. What’s more, other restaurants across the Park will be introducing a summer menu featuring fruit-inspired recipes, so you can savour the flavours of summer with surprises in every bite.

Summer Joy Lucky Draw

Adding a final layer of excitement, the Summer Joy Lucky Draw* offers fantastic surprises. From 3 July to 31 August 2026, upon Park admission, visitors can register to participate for a chance to win from over 1,000 prizes with a total value of more than HK$815,000, including the grand prize, a brand-new MAXUS MIFA 7 PLUS Pure Electric 7-Seater MPV worth HK$369,102, sponsored by Inchcape Hong Kong. Every visit offers another chance to win!

Pair up and dive into summer fun with Summer Duo Pass

Pair up with a friend or family for an unforgettable summer adventure and enjoy up to 30% off with the Summer Duo Pass^# available from now until 31 August 2026. Weekday tickets for two adults or two kids start at HK$753 and HK$377 respectively, while any-day tickets for two adults or two kids start at HK$861 and HK$430 respectively.

New Get Closer to the Animals experiences

Beyond the panda birthday festivities, Ocean Park is launching two new Get Closer to the Animals programmes. You can enjoy snorkelling in the Park’s world-class aquarium and visit behind the scenes to interact with the mysterious yet adorable sharks and rays for the very first time in the newly launched Fish Friends Face-Off X Shark & Ray Discovery! There is also a new Meerkat Feeding experience for visitors to learn more about these adorable ambassadors!

Elevating the digital visitor experience

To coincide with the launch of Ocean Park’s summer celebrations, Ocean Park is also enhancing its digital experience with a redesigned official website, which features enhanced mobile compatibility and a more intuitive browsing experience across all devices. This new website supersedes the previous mobile application and enables viewers to access the latest park information anytime, anywhere on one platform.

Ocean Park Named “Muslim-friendly Attraction of The Year”

Ocean Park has been named Muslim-friendly Attraction of The Year at the prestigious Halal in Travel Awards 2026 organised by CrescentRating, the world’s leading consultant on Muslim-friendly tourism. This recognition highlights the Park’s dedication to welcoming diverse guests through comprehensive facilities, including dedicated prayer rooms and an expanded portfolio of Halal-certified dining options like the recently certified Bayview Restaurant. With this milestone, Ocean Park looks forward to welcoming even more international visitors to experience its unique blend of conservation, entertainment, and exceptional cultural hospitality.

*The Summer Joy Lucky Draw (Trade Promotion Competition Licence Number: 61599) will be held from 3 July to 31 August 2026. Terms and conditions apply. For eligibility, registration procedures and promotion details, please visit https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/a-day-at-the-park/events/summer-joy-lucky-draw

# Terms and conditions apply. For information of the Summer Duo Pass, please visit: https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/ticket-offer/admission-ticket-special-offers

Hashtag: #OceanPark

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

GUILIN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 July 2026 – Known worldwide for its dramatic karst landscapes, Guilin has long been one of southern China’s most iconic travel destinations. As travelers increasingly seek deeper connections with local communities, rural Guilin offers a different way to experience the countryside. Here, visitors are not simply observers of the landscape — they become part of it, walking through rice terraces, cycling along rivers, tasting local cuisine, and discovering traditions that have evolved alongside nature for generations.

In the latest season of Village Voyage, CGTN host Julian Waghann from the United States and Filipino traveler Eliza Arce journey into Longsheng and Yangshuo, exploring how the mountains, rivers and people of Guilin continue to inspire a unique rural lifestyle.

Terraces shaped by generations of farming wisdom

Rising high in the mountains of Guangxi, the Longji Rice Terraces are far more than a spectacular agricultural landscape. Carved into the hillsides over centuries by generations of local communities, they embody a remarkable balance between human ingenuity and the natural world.

For local villager Liao Yanmei, the terraces are inseparable from everyday life. “They mean everything to us,” she says. “They’re our life.” Today, she is leading efforts to restore and preserve the ancient terraces, ensuring this living heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.

Julian and Eliza arrive during the Shuyang Festival, one of Longsheng’s most important annual farming celebrations. Walking along the narrow paths between the fields, they join villagers in the traditional seedling-throwing ritual and carry torches through the illuminated terraces as night falls.

For Eliza, the landscape evokes memories of the Banaue Rice Terraces in her native Philippines. “They’re in the northern part of the country,” she says. “They were also carved into the mountains by local communities. I was amazed by how closely our rice terrace cultures mirror each other. It made me realize we share deeper roots. And, in that moment, I truly felt at home.”

Through these encounters, Julian and Eliza discover that the Shuyang Festival no longer marks only the beginning of the farming season. It has also become an immersive cultural experience, inviting visitors to step into the rhythms of rural life and discover a new way of experiencing China’s countryside.

The secret behind the world’s long hair village

Deep within the Longji Rice Terraces lies Huangluo Yao Village, home to the Red Yao people and renowned for its centuries-old long hair tradition. For generations, Red Yao women have cared for their famously long, glossy hair using fermented rice water, a natural hair treatment passed down from one generation to the next.

“Long hair, in Red Yao culture, symbolizes longevity and prosperity,” said local cultural ambassador Haili. “We believe that healthy hair reflects a healthy body, bringing both long life and good fortune.”

Drawing on generations of ecological knowledge, the Red Yao have long used rice water together with locally grown herbs to create a natural hair-care recipe. Rooted in the surrounding landscape, the tradition reflects a sustainable way of living that values natural resources and respects the rhythms of the environment.

Beyond their long hair tradition, the Red Yao are equally renowned for their exquisite costume craftsmanship. According to master artisan Pan Jifeng, completing a single traditional outfit can take an entire year. Weaving, batik, natural dyeing, and intricate embroidery come together in garments whose patterns are inspired by the mountains, animals, and everyday life, preserving generations of cultural memory.

Beyond the landscape: A new way to experience rural Guilin

While Guilin has long attracted visitors with its iconic scenery, a new generation of travelers is discovering the region through more immersive experiences.

In Yangshuo, the mountains and rivers have become a playground for outdoor exploration. Cycling through countryside paths, hiking among karst peaks, drifting along rivers on bamboo rafts, and experiencing cliffside adventures offer visitors a chance to engage with the landscape rather than simply admire it.

Supported by convenient transportation, diverse outdoor activities and growing tourism facilities, Yangshuo is emerging as an international destination where nature, culture and local life come together.

More than a journey: Villages connected by nature and culture

Every village tells its own story.

Some are written in the mountains, others in the rivers. Some live on through songs and festivals, while others survive through everyday traditions passed from one generation to the next.

From the rice terraces to the Karst landscapes, Guilin shows how rural communities continue to grow from the landscapes that shaped them — welcoming new visitors while keeping their own stories alive.

Hashtag: #CGTN #Guilin

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

TAOYUAN, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 July 2026 – Visitors strolling through the bustling streets of major Asian hubs-Tokyo, Busan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur-may have recently spotted a familiar face. Yeh Shu-hua, the popular Taoyuan native and member of the global K-pop girl group i-dle, is taking center stage as Taoyuan’s official Tourism Ambassador. Starring in a dynamic new international promotional campaign, Shu-hua is inviting travelers worldwide to discover her hometown. Far more than just Taiwan’s primary international gateway, Taoyuan boasts seamless transportation, an abundance of natural landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned local cuisine.

Three uniquely curated signature travel routes are recommended. Via the Taoyuan Airport MRT line, travelers can easily experience marine life at the Xpark Aquarium and enjoy premium shopping at Gloria Outlets. Culturally rich and scenic, the Dalongmen Tourism Corridor connects the historic areas of Daxi, Longtan, and the Shimen Dam, offering beautiful landscapes paired with authentic local traditions. Showcased at the historic districts of Taoyuan and Zhongli is a vibrant multicultural identity-blending Minnan, Hakka, and diverse global traditions-alongside legendary local delicacies.

Global travelers are encouraged to plan their upcoming trips around an exciting series of major flagship festivals scheduled for the latter half of 2026: Taoyuan Land Art Festival (July 4–August 30) that celebrates the striking natural beauty of the city’s coastline through large-scale art installations; Pearl Coast Music Festival (August 1–2); Taiwan Design Expo (September 24–October 11); Taoyuan Halloween that kicks off at the end of October.

“As the first stop for many international visitors to Taiwan, Taoyuan combines excellent transportation with diverse tourism resources and vibrant festivals,” said Chen Ching-fang, director of the Department of Tourism, Taoyuan City Government. “We warmly welcome travelers from around the world to experience Taoyuan’s unique blend of culture, nature, and year-round festivities.”

For more information, visit the multilingual “Taoyuan First Stop in Taiwan” website: https://travel.tycg.gov.tw/en.

Hashtag: #Taoyuan

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

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

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) opened in Shanghai on July 17 and runs through July 20 under the theme “Intelligent Partners, Co-create the Future,” covering three major exhibition areas: the Expo area, Zhangjiang area, and West Bund area. Matrix Robotics, a technology company focused on general-purpose humanoid robots and Physical AI, presented four third-generation general-purpose humanoid robots, MATRIX-3, at the event. The company showcased the core capabilities of its self-developed WAVE Physical World Foundation Model, its full-stack technology system and multi-scenario deployment achievements, demonstrating the general-purpose capabilities and scalable commercial potential of China-developed Physical AI and humanoid robotics.

During WAIC 2026, Matrix Robotics moved beyond conventional static displays by creating four live demonstration zones. The four hardware-identical MATRIX-3 units, supported by a unified general-purpose Physical AI foundation, flexibly switched between diverse and complex tasks, directly demonstrating the core commercial value of general-purpose Physical AI: low cost, high adaptability and rapid transferability. The company delivered continuous multidimensional live robot demonstrations, announced the latest technical upgrade to the WAVE model, shared updates on its RAAS ecosystem partner program, and officially launched the MATRIX Global Partner Program for regional market expansion, presenting its progress in technology iteration, commercialization and global ecosystem development.

WAVE Physical World Foundation Model Lays the Core AI Foundation for General-Purpose Humanoid Robots

Unlike large language models trained primarily on internet text, Matrix Robotics’ self-developed WAVE Physical World Foundation Model is purpose-built for physical robots operating in real-world environments. It serves as the core “brain” that enables MATRIX-3 to perform intelligent tasks and human-like interactions. Trained on large-scale real-world and simulated interaction data, the model has learned patterns of physical dynamics, allowing it to adapt precisely to complex real-world task scenarios and move beyond traditional robots’ reliance on fixed scripts and single-scenario constraints.

Architecturally, WAVE uses a proprietary “brain–cerebellum” collaborative architecture: the WAVE model, as the “brain,” is responsible for global scene understanding, logical reasoning, task planning and generalized operations; the general-purpose motion control model, as the “cerebellum,” generates natural and smooth full-body motion. Together, they enable the robot to “think clearly and move naturally,” delivering human-like intelligent performance.

Relying on training infrastructure and an end-to-end data toolchain that it has fully developed and built in-house, Matrix Robotics can independently manage the full end-to-end process, from model iteration and data acquisition to data annotation and governance. Through large-scale real-robot deployment and continuous feedback of real-world scenario data, the company is building a technical flywheel in which “more data leads to stronger models and broader scenario adaptability,” continuously improving cross-scenario generalization and providing core intelligent support for multi-scenario robot deployment.

Full-Scenario Live Demonstrations Validate Commercialization Readiness of General-Purpose AI

Empowered by the WAVE Physical World Foundation Model, MATRIX-3 completed multiple standardized live task demonstrations at the event, covering four core scenarios: commercial service, empathetic human-robot interaction, fine manipulation and humanoid motion. The demonstrations validated the deployment value of general-purpose Physical AI in commercial services, daily-life assistance, cultural tourism and science education, public services and other fields.

1. Live Consumer Service Demonstration: End-to-End Autonomous AI Barista Operations

The exhibition featured a live coffee service experience area, where MATRIX-3 served as an AI barista. With multimodal perception and precise force-control capabilities, the robot autonomously operated coffee machine buttons, picked up cups and collected prepared beverages. The stable and coherent workflow recreated a commercial reception service scenario and validated its deployment feasibility in retail service, exhibition reception and commercial service settings.

2. Empathetic Human-Robot Interaction: Creating Warm, Human-Like Intelligent Experiences

Matrix Robotics also demonstrated flexible, human-like interaction capabilities. Supported by visual recognition and advanced speech and semantic understanding, MATRIX-3 can move beyond fixed scripts for natural interaction and perform a range of interactions such as musical finger dances, rock-paper-scissors games with audiences, biomimetic handshakes and all-day voice Q&A. With differentiated emotional response capabilities, it enables warmer human-robot collaboration and is suited to science education exhibitions, public services and cultural tourism interactions.

3. Fine Manipulation for Everyday Tasks: Generalized Handling Capabilities for Diverse Objects

In the everyday fine manipulation demonstration, MATRIX-3 showcased its ability to handle objects across different categories and forms, autonomously completing compound tasks such as grasping fruit and bottled water and delivering items. The robot can adapt to objects of different sizes, weights and materials, reflecting the generalized operation capabilities of general-purpose Physical AI and broad applicability across household assistance, retail sorting, warehouse support and other use cases.

4. Humanoid Gait and Intelligent Interaction: Recreating Natural Human-Like Motion

The on-site gait demonstration area showcased MATRIX-3’s humanoid motion capabilities. The robot walked with coordinated, natural and stable movements, autonomously identified visitors in the exhibition crowd, proactively paused, and delivered standardized brand and product introductions, fully demonstrating its whole-body motion control performance and real-time human-robot interaction capabilities.

MATRIX-3 Hardware Advantages Strengthen the Foundation for Commercial Deployment

As Matrix Robotics’ third-generation general-purpose humanoid robot designed for real-world commercial scenarios, MATRIX-3 was developed around the three core concepts of “safety, dexterity and generality.” Its hardware platform is designed to fit human living and working environments and serves as the core carrier for the deployment of general-purpose Physical AI. The robot is 1.70 meters tall and weighs 65 kilograms, matching adult human proportions and enabling seamless adaptation to spaces and workstations designed for people.

In terms of core performance, MATRIX-3 is equipped with a 27-DOF tendon-driven dexterous hand that replicates human hand anatomy and offers lightweight, high-speed and high-precision characteristics, enabling it to use standard human tools, operate precision components and handle flexible fabrics. It is also equipped with 3D-knitted biomimetic safety skin and whole-body distributed tactile sensing, with fingertip sensing precision as low as 0.1 Newton, enabling safe close-proximity human-robot coexistence. Through Matrix Robotics’ self-developed integrated linear joint control algorithm and general-purpose motion control model, the robot achieves near-human natural gait and whole-body coordinated movement. It also supports 4 hours of continuous stable operation in a single session, fully matching the rhythm of real-world commercial operations.

In terms of commercial accessibility, MATRIX-3 is priced from RMB 580,000 per unit. Leveraging its scaled smart manufacturing system, the company continues to reduce production costs and is driving humanoid robots from high-end demonstration scenarios toward broader industry and household applications.

Vertically Integrated Full-Stack System Drives Scalable Industrial Deployment and Ecosystem Collaboration

Matrix Robotics is one of the industry’s most vertically integrated companies, with all nine layers of its technology stack, from data to deployment, independently developed and built in-house. This creates a hard-to-replicate technological and industrial compounding effect and provides strong support for scaled product deployment. The company has built its own full-chain data engine and toolchain, model training infrastructure, core components and end-to-end smart manufacturing system, creating a closed loop from technology R&D to mass production.

On the industrialization front, Matrix Robotics’ Zhangjiang MFH Smart Manufacturing Base in Shanghai has established independent end-to-end production capabilities, with a planned annual capacity of 5,000 units in 2026 and a target annual capacity of 10,000 units in 2027. To date, the company has accumulated approximately 1,000 robot orders across diverse scenarios, including chain restaurant services, hotel services, research, culture and entertainment. In mid-2026, Matrix Robotics launched initial partner pilot deployments, laying the foundation for the product’s transition from demonstration verification to scaled application. The company is also continuing to advance its RAAS (Robot-as-a-Service) ecosystem partner program, opening interfaces to the industry ecosystem and working with partners to build an embodied intelligence ecosystem.

Continuous Technology Iteration Broadens Applications for China-Developed Humanoid Robots

The multidimensional live demonstrations at WAIC 2026 provide a focused validation of Matrix Robotics’ general-purpose Physical AI technologies and industrialization capabilities. Guided by real-world scenario needs, the company continues to iterate core technologies such as WAVE model intelligence, fine robotic manipulation, stable long-duration operation and human-like interaction, broadening applications for humanoid robots. Its technology solutions can be widely adapted to summit receptions, commercial retail, household assistance, exhibitions and cultural tourism, smart warehousing and other scenarios.

Looking ahead, Matrix Robotics will continue to focus on Physical AI, iterate and upgrade its full-stack technology system and MATRIX-3 product capabilities, and deliver standardized, replicable integrated humanoid robot solutions. The company aims to accelerate the accessible, large-scale deployment of China-developed general-purpose humanoid robots, empowering intelligent upgrades across real-economy industries through advanced Physical AI technologies.

MATRIX Global Partner Program Launched to Recruit Regional Partners in China and Overseas

As its technology, product capabilities and production capacity continue to mature, Matrix Robotics has officially launched the MATRIX Global Partner Program, openly recruiting regional partners in China and overseas markets to jointly expand the global commercial footprint of humanoid robots.

The program focuses on recruiting enterprises and institutions with regional customer networks, government, enterprise and industry resources, scenario development capabilities, and local sales, delivery and after-sales service capabilities. Partners will participate in local customer expansion, project implementation, scenario operations and service system development for MATRIX, helping accelerate the application of humanoid robots in commercial services, cultural tourism and exhibitions, public services, industrial manufacturing and other key sectors.

Matrix Robotics will open key regional cooperation opportunities and provide systematic support across products, technology, branding, marketing, training and delivery. Together with its partners, the company aims to create regional benchmark projects and develop, refine and replicate mature industry solutions.

As the program moves forward, Matrix Robotics will accelerate the construction of a global commercial and service network, driving MATRIX from exhibition stands into real-world scenarios and from single-point demonstrations toward scaled applications.

Hashtag: #MatrixRobotics

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

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• Deep dive into the DNA of Thailand’s wellness giants—BDMS Wellness Clinic and Chiva-Som—and their strategic blueprints to transform the kingdom into the ultimate global wellness destination.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – In the modern era, “good health” has redefined the meaning of true wealth. Consumers worldwide are now heavily investing in innovations that promote longevity and extend healthspan—the period of life spent in good health. Even amid economic uncertainty, health and well-being remain top priorities for consumers. This behavioral shift helping drive the global wellness economy to a reached USD 6.8 trillion in 2024, representing a 7.9% growth from the previous year. Furthermore, the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) projects the market to surge to USD 9.8 trillion by 2029, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 7.6%. Driven by this exponential growth, nations worldwide, including Thailand, are aggressively developing wellness services and innovations to serve as a “New Growth Engine” and a key indicator of long-term national competitiveness.

Where Does Thailand Stand in the Global Health & Wellness Industry?

When evaluating Thailand’s potential, Thailand ranks among the world’s leading healthcare destinations. According to the Numbeo Health Care Index 2026, Thailand’s healthcare system is ranked 8th globally, making it the sole ASEAN nation to secure a spot in the Top 10. Focusing specifically on the health and wellness sector, Thailand achieved the highest growth rate globally in 2023, with the market value soaring past USD 40 billion—a remarkable 28.4% increase. The “Wellness Tourism” segment alone skyrocketed by 36.4%, outperforming the global average by threefold.

These figures reflect much more than financial profits; they underscore Thailand’s robust readiness and distinct advantages. The country boasts world-class medical infrastructure, accredited hospitals, highly skilled medical professionals, reasonable treatment costs, and an established reputation as a top wellness destination. Additionally, Thailand possesses unique cultural assets—such as traditional Thai herbs, Thai massage, healthy cuisine, and medical tourism—that can be strategically leveraged into a high-value economy.

Driving a High-Income Economy with Deep Tech in the Wellness Market

Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), announced a strategic vision to transform Thailand’s wellness industry from traditional services into a high-value, globally competitive innovation sector. The strategy aims to unlock the potential of Thai culture, local wisdom, and rich biodiversity by implementing modern science and technology to establish evidence-based efficacy. Furthermore, cutting-edge innovations such as Health Tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) will be deployed to analyze deep health data. Equipping the sector with Deep Tech will significantly elevate international credibility.

Prof. Dr. Yodchanan emphasized: “MHESI is fully prepared to act as a vital gear in mitigating R&D investment risks for the private sector through an end-to-end support system. We aim to accelerate the commercialization of Thai innovations by systematically connecting the innovation ecosystem. This includes matchmaking entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, and universities, alongside injecting comprehensive financial and resource support. Our assistance spans R&D grants, advanced laboratory access, clinical trials, global production standard upgrades, and intellectual property protection. Collectively, these mechanisms will propel wellness into a New Growth Engine, boosting national competitiveness and establishing Thailand as a true global wellness hub.”

NIA’s Four Strategic Pillars to Propel the Thai Wellness Economy Globally

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), stated that driving the wellness industry sustainably cannot be achieved by the private sector alone. It requires cross-sector collaboration to foster an innovation ecosystem conducive to research, technological development, standard testing, and global market expansion. The NIA has continuously supported entrepreneurs in health, wellness, and medical technology through capacity-building initiatives like the Wellness Academy, startup incubation, university network integration, and innovation competitions to translate ideas into market-ready businesses.

The NIA prioritizes data, research, and scientific evidence to build trust and add value to Thai wellness products and services. Simultaneously, the agency connects entrepreneurs to vital resources and innovation networks to stimulate the healthcare economy, creating jobs and new revenue streams through four key strategies:

1. Connecting Innovative Businesses: Fostering synergies across the ecosystem.
2. Upgrading Wellness Establishments and Labor Skills: Elevating service standards and workforce capabilities to international levels.
3. Driving Progress via Thailand Innovation Hubs: Utilizing regional hubs to stimulate localized innovation.
4. Scaling Up and Building International Recognition: Enhancing global awareness of Thai wellness as credible, safe, verifiable, and uniquely high-value.

The NIA’s ultimate goal is not merely to create new innovative businesses, but to build a sustainable ecosystem that empowers Thai entrepreneurs to grow robustly and integrate seamlessly into the global health and wellness supply chain.

BDMS Champions “Healthspan” and Preventive Medicine to Secure a Competitive Edge

As longevity becomes a primary aspiration for the global population, BDMS Wellness Clinic—a premier wellness leader in Thailand—is accelerating the preventive healthcare industry. By utilizing health science and personalized medicine, the clinic designs deep-level bodily care to firmly establish Thailand as a pioneer in modern health trends.

Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, Chief Executive Officer of BDMS Wellness Group, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS), highlighted that transitioning from treating illnesses to preventing them is an undeniable global megatrend. This aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) data indicating that every 1 Baht invested in wellness yields up to a 35-fold return by reducing public healthcare expenditures and enhancing citizen quality of life. This expertise has positioned BDMS Wellness Clinic as a major private-sector anchor, attracting high-spending global consumers to Thailand through its concept of “Scientific Wellness.” This approach features evidence-based healthcare, ranging from advanced genetic testing and personalized nutrition and vitamin formulations to blending modern medical innovations with traditional Thai medicine for verifiable results. Upgrading these standards shifts Thailand’s image from a leisure destination to a highly credible, advanced medical hub, serving as a crucial mechanism in partnering with the government to promote the nation as “Wellness Hub Thailand, The Land of Life” and a top-of-mind Global Wellness Destination.

Chiva-Som Showcases the “Thai Spirit” to Redefine the Health Economy

Complementing advanced medical dimensions, Thailand possesses iconic brands in health tourism marketing, such as Chiva-Som—the country’s first wellness resort and a pioneer in Asia. Spanning over three decades, Chiva-Som evolved from a modest beachfront holiday home in Hua Hin into one of the world’s top wellness resorts, capturing the loyalty of high-net-worth consumers from the West. What sets Chiva-Som apart is not just its world-class international treatments, but the “Thai spirit of hospitality”—characterized by humility, gentleness, and sincerity—seamlessly integrated with a profound understanding of holistic wellness.

Drawing from this tangible success, Mr. Krod Rojanastien, Consultant to President of Chiva-Som International Health Resort Co., Ltd., shared a pivotal insight: In a digital era where people face chronic stress and burnout, wellness has become mainstream. Thailand holds a distinct competitive advantage through its innate service spirit, gentle culture, and centuries-old traditional Thai medical wisdom. Moving forward, the priority must be backing this traditional wisdom with scientific research to secure international trust. Thailand’s future marketing goal must transcend being a temporary vacation spot; it must elevate into a global “Sanctuary” where people intentionally travel to restore their body, mind, and overall quality of life.

When science, technology, innovation, and Thai wisdom are systematically woven together, the wellness economy will transform from a mere service sector into a powerful economic engine. It will lead Thailand toward becoming a definitive Global Wellness Destination, generating economic wealth and holistic well-being simultaneously.
Hashtag: #NIA #NationalInnovationAgency

https://www.nia.or.th/

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

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

While most of the world’s websites have never answered the AI question at all, New Zealand quietly leads the planet in answering it: 15.3% of Kiwi sites have published a formal, machine-readable AI policy — the highest share of all 43 countries in the study, ahead of Australia, and double or triple most of Europe. That is the picture from an analysis of 41.8 million websites by data platform Piperic.

Piperic analysed the robots.txt files and AI directives of 76,371 live New Zealand websites. On blocking, the country is unremarkable: 4.1% (3,150 sites) exclude at least one known AI crawler — 23rd of 43 countries, mid-table, slightly more cautious than Australia (3.4%). ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini are free to learn from the content of the remaining 95.9%.

The record is elsewhere: 15.3% of Kiwi sites have consciously opted in, publishing an llms.txt policy file — roughly one in seven websites, the highest rate measured anywhere, ahead of Australia (14.7%) and far ahead of the UK (9.5%), Germany (4.6%) or France (6.2%). As a result, New Zealand’s “silent majority” — sites that never made any AI decision — is the smallest in the study: 80.6%, against global norms above 90%. It’s a small web that has done its homework.

The tourism paradox — and a cautious press

The sector table repeats a pattern seen across tourism economies: attractions block AI at 9.1% — more than twice the national average — precisely as travellers increasingly plan their trips with ChatGPT. In this market, hiding from AI means hiding from future visitors. The Kiwi press is cautious too: 15.7% of the 223 news sites analysed block AI crawlers — well below Australia’s barricades (25.1%), well above the relaxed British press (3.6%). Meanwhile, of 22,606 New Zealand online shops, only 2.9% block — the catalogues of more than 21,900 Kiwi shopsare already readable by AI shopping assistants. And Kiwi blocking is clean: only 4.7% of GPTBot-blockers accidentally exclude ChatGPT’s search robot (global average: 6%).

“New Zealand punches far above its size on AI awareness: fifteen percent of Kiwi sites have published an llms.txt — the highest rate of all 43 countries we analysed. Nowhere else has a larger share of the web actually sat down and decided what AI may do with its content. The one blind spot is ironic for a country that lives on visitors: attractions block AI at twice the national average, just as travellers hand their itineraries to ChatGPT,” — says Attila Rácz-Akácosi, founder of Piperic.com.

The full interactive New Zealand report — with sector comparison, world ranking and quarterly updates — is freely available: piperic.com/ai-report/nz

THE NUMBERS AT A GLANCE

76,371 live New Zealand websites analysed · 41.8 million worldwide
15.3% have consciously opted in (llms.txt) — the HIGHEST rate of all 43 countries (Australia: 14.7%, UK: 9.5%)
the “silent majority” is 80.6% — the smallest in the study (global norm: 90%+)
95.9% block no AI crawler · 4.1% (3,150 sites) block — 23rd of 43
attractions: 9.1% block (2.2x the average) — the tourism paradox · press: 15.7% (n=223)
more than 21,900 Kiwi online shops are already readable by AI shopping assistants
only 4.7% of NZ GPTBot-blockers accidentally lock themselves out of ChatGPT Search (global: 6%)

METHODOLOGY Piperic analyses the public web continuously; these figures come from a snapshot taken on 13 July 2026 covering 41,818,678 live websites, of which 76,371 are New Zealand sites. Live = reachable (HTTP 2xx) and not parked. AI blocking = robots.txt excludes at least one known AI crawler (GPTBot, ClaudeBot, Google-Extended, CCBot and others). Important: these figures cover the ENTIRE New Zealand web, not just the biggest sites — the 19–25% blocking rates often cited in international coverage refer to the global top 1,000 most-visited sites, where awareness (and legal exposure) is far higher. The two numbers don’t contradict each other: they describe different populations.

ABOUT PIPERIC Piperic (piperic.com) is a business-data platform that maps and makes searchable the technology, content and AI-access data of 41.8 million live websites. The AI Report is the platform’s free research series covering 43 countries, updated quarterly.

MIL OSI

The launch combines a unified, action-oriented world model with Ambient Capture Engine 2.0, three commercial solutions and a new industry benchmark, connecting high-density data with real-world robotic operations.

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Visitors looking to experience Singapore beyond its iconic attractions can now immerse themselves in two hands-on heritage workshops in the heart of Chinatown. Organised by Chinatown Business Association (CBA), these interactive experiences invite International tourists, families and local Singaporeans to create memorable souvenirs while discovering Singapore’s multicultural traditions.

Hashtag: #ChinatownBusinessAssociation

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

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As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026, Forest City expects heightened regional interest in eco and golf tourism

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GUIZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Direct flights now connect Malaysia and Guizhou, complemented by visa-free policies between China and Malaysia. Travelers can easily reach Guiyang from Kuala Lumpur in four hours and stay for up to 30 days per visit. With its cool climate, convenient transport, and favorable policies, Guizhou is becoming a preferred summer holiday destination for more Malaysian tourists. Guizhou is also building an international tourism product system centered on “summer retreat + ecology + culture.”

Link: Guizhou in July

In midsummer July, Malaysian travel operators and cultural tourism influencers visited Guizhou, China, a renowned summer retreat, as if stepping into another season. Known as the “Green Karst Kingdom” and a “Natural Air Conditioner,” Guizhou has a mountainous area coverage of 92.5% and an average summer temperature of just 23°C. Beyond its cool climate, Guizhou offers a hidden-gem experience where spectacular landscapes meet diverse cultures, leaving every visitor amazed.

Link: https://youtu.be/nL7ayiYqB-k?si=nfasDLnhaBIFgkqB

Spectacular Landscapes at Every Turn

From the lush peak forests of Wanfenglin to the magnificent Huangguoshu Waterfall; from the emerald waters of Xiaoqikong to the cloud-covered summit of Mount Fanjing; and to the world-record Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge spanning a deep gorge, every landscape in Guizhou is worth a stop. A Malaysian travel influencer remarked, “Before departure, I had only heard that Guizhou was a summer retreat. After visiting, I realized the surprises go far beyond 23°C.”

Cultural Experiences Full of Surprises

Visitors can enter distinctive villages and try intangible cultural heritage crafts such as Miao embroidery and batik; gather around a long-table banquet to taste local specialties such as sour soup fish and spicy chicken; explore cool hidden landscapes within a World Natural Heritage site with children through waterfall play and paddleboarding; or venture deep into ancient caves for an underground adventure. From heritage crafts to nature exploration, Guizhou offers family-friendly experiences for everyone to enjoy.

A Spontaneous Trip Made Easy

This summer, reserve a ticket for Mysterious Guizhou, and begin your “summer escape plan.”

Explore more of Mysterious Guizhou: www.guizhoutravel.com

Hashtag: #Guizhou

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ENSHI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2026 – With China’s inbound visa-free policies continuing to be optimized, the Suobuya Stone Forest Scenic Area, located in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei Province, is welcoming Southeast Asian tourists with a refreshed experience. Known as the “World’s First Ordovician Stone Forest,” this 460-million-year-old geological wonder has introduced a series of diverse cultural experiences and interactive programs in 2026, offering Southeast Asian visitors a journey through natural and cultural wonders spanning hundreds of millions of years.

Geological Wonder: Exploring an Ancient Underwater World from 460 Million Years Ago

Located in Taiyanghe Township in the northwest of Enshi City, Suobuya Stone Forest is approximately a one-hour drive from the city center. The scenic area was formed during the Ordovician Period 460 million years ago. Originally covered by an ancient ocean, it gradually evolved through geological transformations over hundreds of millions of years into the extraordinary stone forest landscape seen today. Covering a total area of 21 square kilometers, the area features towering stone peaks surrounded by lush greenery, resembling a vast “underwater labyrinth.” As a “crowned stone forest” with one of the highest vegetation coverage rates in China, the scenic area enjoys a cool and pleasant average summer temperature, making it an ideal destination for summer retreats and nature-based relaxation.

The four major scenic areas currently open to visitors each have their own unique appeal. Qinglongtai serves as the highest point of the scenic area, offering panoramic views of the entire stone forest from above. Lianhuazhai features the breathtaking “Xiniugou” secret landscape, where towering cliffs on both sides and changing light and shadows create a dreamlike atmosphere. Mozigou is rich in ancient biological fossils, allowing visitors to touch traces of life from the Ordovician Period with their own hands. Jiulonghui features circular rock walls and groups of waterfalls, with stone peaks rising dramatically from the ground to create a magnificent landscape. The scenic area also features the 5D theater “Shanhaijing,” where visitors can enjoy an immersive experience of the evolution of the Ordovician ocean world. With gentle walking trails and an easy travel route, the area is suitable for families and nature exploration enthusiasts.

Cultural Feast: Immersive Experiences of Tujia Folk Traditions

Suobuya Stone Forest is not only a treasure trove of geological wonders but also an important carrier of Tujia culture. The Tujia ethnic group is one of the major ethnic minorities in the Enshi region, with a long history and distinctive cultural traditions. The “Baishou Dance” is one of the most representative folk dances of the Tujia people and has been listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The dance movements often imitate scenes such as hunting, farming, and warfare, featuring a lively rhythm. Visitors can personally participate in this cultural experience at the Tiejiazhai Square and Duigetai Stage.

The Tujia Girls’ Festival is one of Enshi’s most distinctive traditional folk festivals and has been held at Suobuya Stone Forest during the seventh month of the lunar calendar for many consecutive years. The festival is a traditional social activity where young Tujia men and women use songs as a medium for communication and dances to express emotions. It carries the unique marriage customs and collective memories of the Tujia people and has been recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Hubei Province and one of the “Top Ten Most Charming Festivals in China.” During the festival, the scenic area hosts a variety of activities, including matchmaking through folk songs, traditional cultural parades, and traditional handicraft exhibitions, allowing visitors to experience the rich ethnic culture amid the stone forests and mountain scenery. Suobuya Stone Forest has therefore also been recognized as the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art” and the “Hometown of Mountain Folk Songs.”

Since 2026, the scenic area has continued to enhance its tourism products and cultural experiences. During the May Day holiday, it launched the “Exploring Wonders on Horseback · Fun in the Million-Year Stone Sea” folk culture series, featuring interactive programs such as folk song and dance flash mobs, the “Nature Guardians” activity where visitors exchange collected litter for cultural souvenirs, the immersive intangible cultural heritage experience “Stone Workers’ Chant,” and the outdoor role-playing game “Stone Forest Secret Order · Pursuing the Shadow of Rocks.” These activities allow visitors to explore the ancient stone sea while deeply engaging with Tujia cultural traditions.

Improved Transportation: Easier Access to Enshi for Southeast Asian Tourists

Since the opening of Enshi Xujiaping International Airport’s aviation port, the international flight network has continued to improve. In 2026, the Enshi–Hong Kong route achieved year-round regular operation, while flights between Enshi and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have resumed successively, creating a dual-route network connecting Vietnam’s two major cities in the north and south. According to the development plan of the Enshi aviation port, new routes to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and other destinations will be steadily promoted in the future, further strengthening the Southeast Asian aviation network. Tourists from major Southeast Asian cities can fly directly to Enshi and reach this 460-million-year-old underwater world after only a one-hour drive. Hidden deep within the Wuling Mountains, this ancient stone forest wonderland is welcoming visitors from around the world with a more open and international approach.

Hashtag: #SuobuyaCulturalTourism

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Queenstown Lakes, New Zealand (14 July 2026) – Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown have opened applications for their 2026 Impact Grants, with close to $100,000 raised this year to support environmental initiatives across the Queenstown Lakes district.

The annual grants programme supports charitable organisations and community groups working to protect and regenerate local ecosystems. Eligible organisations can apply for funding between $5,000 and $10,000, with applications open from 14 July to 6 August 2026.

Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown Community Fund Coordinator Ash Bickley says the annual grants round is an opportunity to direct community support towards local environmental projects.

“There is always a real sense of excitement when applications open, because this is where the generosity of visitors and local businesses turns into practical support for our communities,” Ash says.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributes to Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown, from visitors making donations through to local businesses and partners who continue to back this work year after year.

“These grants support work that is often hard to fund, but incredibly important for the wellbeing of our place. It’s a joy to see that support flow through to local projects and play a small part in looking after the environment that makes Queenstown and Wānaka so special.”

Funding is available for project, programme, or operational costs.

Previous grants have supported a wide range of community-led initiatives, including conservation programmes in Tāhuna-Glenorchy, region-wide planting initiatives, wetland restoration at Wai Whakaata-Lake Hayes, citizen science projects, efforts to reduce single-use cups in Wānaka, and programmes that connect visitors with local conservation and restoration stories.

Since launching in 2023, Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown have raised more than $250,000 for environmental mahi, supported the planting of more than 10,000 native trees, and shared stories of sustainable and regenerative travel with more than 12 million visitors.

Funds are raised through donations from visitors, local businesses and the visitor industry, including one-off contributions, customer donations and support from Impact Partners. Impact Partners make an annual commitment to contribute 1% of their net proceeds, or $10,000 or more.

Last year, $85,505 was shared across 12 organisations working across the district, while 20% of every contribution was also invested into endowment funds, helping build a legacy for community and environmental projects in Queenstown and Wānaka.

2025 grant recipients included Mana Tāhuna, Plastic Free Wānaka, WAI Wānaka, Whakatipu Wildlife Trust, Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust and the Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Skies Group.

Mat Woods, chief executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, thanks everyone who has contributed.

“That support means a lot in any year, but especially in a year when the cost of running a business has been under real pressure,” he says.

“For businesses to keep showing up, contributing where they can, and supporting local environmental action says a lot about the commitment in this region.

“These funds are a practical example of tourism giving back to the places and communities that make Queenstown and Wānaka so loved.”

Funding is allocated in partnership with the 45South Community Foundation, with applications assessed by an independent distribution committee.

More information, including full eligibility criteria and application details, is available at lovewanaka.co.nz or loveqt.co.nz.

About Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown

The Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown Community Funds support grassroots environmental efforts, providing an opportunity for visitors and businesses to give back and help care for the environment at the heart of our region.

Launched in 2023, Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown were the first initiatives to come to life from the region’s Destination Management Plan: Travel to a Thriving Future. They are delivered in partnership with Destination Queenstown, Lake Wānaka Tourism and the 45South Community Foundation.

Grants are available on an annual, contestable basis for charitable organisations undertaking local climate, conservation and biodiversity work.

Impact Partners include:
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Skyline Enterprises
Tourism Innovation Group
Southern Trails
Alpine Luxury Tours
Relax It’s Done
iSite Visitor Centre (Queenstown)
New Zealand Photography Workshops
Release NZ
Wānaka Mountain Guides
Wildwire
Active Massage
Racers Edge
Brand and Butter
Flooring Xtra (Wānaka)
Catch a Fish
Bella Vista Motel (Wānaka)
Copper Beech Lodge
Sweet Cheeks
iSite Visitor Centre (Wānaka).

MIL OSI

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2026 – As students and parents in Singapore evaluate higher education pathways, employability, starting salary and return on investment are increasingly important considerations. A degree is often assessed not only by academic interest, but also by how it supports entry into the workforce and future career development.

Graduate salary data provides useful guidance, but it should not be read in isolation. Starting salary is one indicator of return on investment. It should be considered alongside employment rates, full-time permanent employment, industry pathways, career support, programme fit and long-term skills relevance.

For students considering Singapore Institute of Management Global Education (SIM GE), SIM’s Graduate Outcome & Employability page provides a reference point for understanding graduate outcomes. The page explains how SIM graduates have performed in the Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey (PEI GES), where they have worked, and how SIM supports students in building career readiness.

Why the PEI Graduate Employment Survey matters
For students considering private education pathways, the PEI Graduate Employment Survey (GES) is an important reference because it provides employment and salary outcomes for graduates from registered private education institutions.

The 2024/2025 PEI GES focused on economically active fresh graduates who graduated between May 2024 and April 2025 from full-time Bachelor’s level External Degree Programmes. The survey covered about 6,150 full-time graduates across 26 private education institutions, with a response rate of 61.6 per cent, and was conducted from October 2025 to January 2026.

Among 2,600 economically active PEI fresh graduate respondents in the labour force, 78.9 per cent secured employment within six months of graduation. The median gross monthly salary for PEI fresh graduates in full-time permanent employment remained stable at S$3,500.

This makes the PEI GES useful for students and parents who want to compare graduate outcomes within the private education sector. It also allows SIM’s graduate outcome data to be read against a broader PEI sector benchmark.

What SIM graduate outcome data shows
SIM’s Graduate Outcome & Employability page reports that SIM fresh graduate respondents recorded 81.0 per cent secured employment, 77.9 per cent currently employed, 47.0 per cent in full-time permanent employment and a median gross monthly salary of S$3,565. The page attributes these figures to Skills & Workforce Development Agency 2024/2025 PEI GES.

This comparison places SIM’s graduate outcomes at the top spectrum of the PEI sector. It also shows why employability should be assessed through more than one indicator. Secured employment, full-time permanent employment and median gross monthly salary each provide a different view of graduate outcomes.

Secured employment indicates whether graduates entered work, accepted job offers or were taking steps to start a business venture. Full-time permanent employment provides a view of stable employment. Median gross monthly salary shows the middle salary point among full-time permanently employed graduates.

Where SIM graduates have worked
SIM graduates have entered a range of sectors, including aviation, aerospace and engineering, airline and tourism, banking and financial services, information and communications technology, cybersecurity, insurance, consumer services, public sector and government, consulting and professional services, healthcare, logistics, transportation, retail and manufacturing.

These employer destinations are relevant because students are not only selecting a degree. They are also considering possible pathways into industries, job functions and future career options. A business-related pathway may support roles in banking, consulting, retail, logistics or entrepreneurship. A technology-related pathway may lead to opportunities in information and communications technology, cybersecurity, data, digital services or business technology roles.

How students should compare salary, employability and ROI
A practical approach to comparing degree options is to consider four areas: relevance, return, readiness and resilience.

This approach helps students avoid selecting a degree based only on the highest salary benchmark. While starting salary is an important consideration, long-term value also depends on whether the student can build relevant skills, gain experience and adapt to changes in the labour market.

How SIM supports employability
SIM supports students through career preparation and employer engagement, including résumé writing, interview preparation, job search guidance, career fairs, employer talks, recruitment events, internship search guidance and workshops that build communication, teamwork, problem-solving and professional confidence.

Such support is relevant to return on investment because employability is influenced not only by the qualification awarded, but also by how prepared students are to enter the workforce. Career readiness, employer exposure and workplace skills can support the transition from study to employment.

Conclusion
Graduate starting salary is an important consideration for students and parents assessing higher education options in Singapore. However, it should not be the only measure used to evaluate a degree pathway.

A more balanced assessment considers employment rates, full-time permanent employment, median gross monthly salary, industry pathways, career support and long-term skills relevance. This provides a broader view of how a higher education pathway may support employability and future career development.

When read together with the PEI Graduate Employment Survey, national salary benchmarks and SIM’s Graduate Outcome & Employability page, graduate outcome data can help students and parents make more informed decisions about salary expectations, employability and return on investment.

References

1. SIM’s Graduate Outcome & Employability page – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/parent-resource-hub/graduate-outcome-employability
2. SWDA PEI Graduate Employment Survey 2024/2025 – https://www.swda.gov.sg/home/skills-career-resources/private-education-resources/graduate-employment-survey/2024-2025
3. Employment Outcome for PEI Graduates – https://www.swda.gov.sg/home/newsroom/employment-outcomes-for-private-education-institution-graduates-remain-stable-in-2024-2025
4. SIM Career Service – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2026 – Open visa policies, a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, acclaimed cuisine, warm local hospitality, and increasingly convenient payment options are fast positioning Vietnam as one of the most compelling destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Visitors to Vietnam can now look beyond conventional payment methods to enjoy a seamless transaction experience. With a home-country banking app or e-wallet, users need only scan a QR code to complete payments through VietQR Global, the cross-border payment solution provided by National Citizen Commercial Joint Stock Bank (NCB), Vietnam. The solution enables international travellers to make transactions instantly and securely.

The solution currently supports visitors from key inbound tourism markets, including China (Alipay and UnionPay), South Korea (GLN, Hana Financial Group and Naver Pay), Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, with further expansion planned for Japan, Singapore, India, Malaysia and other markets.

The service is now available across a network of premier partners, spanning Sun World’s entertainment destinations nationwide as well as Sun Group’s prestigious hotels and resorts. These include Capella Hanoi (Hanoi), Oakwood Ha Long (Quang Ninh), Serena Resort (Hoa Binh), InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Novotel Danang Premier Han River, Ba Na Hills Golf Club (Da Nang), JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, La Festa Phu Quoc, and Eschuri Vung Bau Golf (Phu Quoc). The network additionally encompasses Sun PhuQuoc Airways, Vietnam’s first resort airline, alongside many other participating merchants.

How to use VietQR Global

Simply open the preferred banking or e-wallet app, scan the NCB VietQR code displayed at participating merchants, confirm the payment amount, and authenticate the transaction as usual. The payment is processed instantly within the same app, making every purchase fast, secure and convenient throughout the journey in Vietnam.

Through this innovative solution, NCB aims to optimize the travel itinerary for international visitors, ensuring a highly convenient and enriching exploration of Vietnam.

Hashtag: #NCB

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

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NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Ministry of Commerce, will present the THAI SELECT Festival 2026 on 21 July 2026 at Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, New York City. The festival is designed to strengthen the presence of authentic Thai cuisine in the United States, expand international recognition of the THAI SELECT certification, and create new commercial opportunities for Thai restaurants, food producers, and exporters.

As one of Thailand’s largest export markets for food products, the United States plays a strategic role in supporting the continued growth of Thailand’s food industry. Through the THAI SELECT Festival 2026, DITP aims to connect American consumers with authentic Thai cuisine while reinforcing the competitiveness of Thai restaurants and promoting greater demand for premium Thai ingredients and food products.

The Ministry of Commerce is deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi has graciously accepted the invitation to preside over the festival’s opening ceremony. Her participation underscores Thailand’s continued commitment to promoting authentic Thai cuisine and the THAI SELECT certification on the international stage.

Held under the theme “Thai SELECT Playground – Play with Thai Flavors,” the festival offers an immersive culinary experience where visitors can explore Thailand’s rich food culture through authentic flavours, regional specialties, cooking demonstrations, cultural showcases, and interactive activities. Inspired by the concept of a playground, the event encourages guests to discover the diversity, creativity, and craftsmanship that define Thai cuisine.

A major highlight of the festival will be signature dishes prepared by 15 THAI SELECT-certified restaurants from across New York, showcasing both traditional favourites and contemporary interpretations of authentic Thai cuisine. Visitors will also have opportunities to engage with Thai culinary traditions through hands-on cultural experiences and interactive exhibitions celebrating Thailand’s culinary heritage.

Internationally acclaimed Thai actors Mile Phakphum Romsaithong and Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat will make special appearances throughout the festival, participating in exclusive fan activities while helping introduce authentic Thai cuisine to broader international audiences. Their participation reflects Thailand’s integrated approach to promoting culture, entertainment, and gastronomy as complementary drivers of the country’s global soft power and creative economy.

The festival forms part of DITP’s broader strategy to strengthen the international competitiveness of Thailand’s food industry by increasing global awareness of the THAI SELECT certification, encouraging wider adoption of Thai ingredients by restaurants overseas, and creating new opportunities for Thai food exporters. By strengthening the international profile of authentic Thai cuisine, DITP continues to support sustainable growth across Thailand’s food value chain while reinforcing the country’s long-standing position as one of the world’s leading culinary destinations.

THAI SELECT is Thailand’s official certification mark awarded by the Ministry of Commerce to restaurants and food products that meet recognized standards of authentic Thai taste, quality, and culinary excellence. The certification serves as a trusted guide for consumers worldwide seeking genuine Thai dining experiences while supporting Thai businesses in international markets.

As Thailand continues to expand the global presence of its food industry, THAI SELECT Festival 2026 demonstrates how culinary diplomacy can generate tangible economic value by strengthening international consumer confidence, supporting Thai entrepreneurs overseas, and creating new opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, and long-term business partnerships between Thailand and the United States.

Hashtag: #DITP

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

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

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Paymentology, the leading global issuer processor, today announced a strategic partnership with Thailand-based fintech and payment technology provider T2P to expand access to modern card issuing capabilities and accelerate digital payment innovation across Thailand.

Through the partnership, T2P will leverage Paymentology’s next-generation issuer processing platform to deliver scalable, secure and flexible card programmes for fintechs, financial institutions, corporates and enterprises looking to launch innovative payment solutions.

The collaboration strengthens T2P’s growing payments ecosystem, enabling businesses to bring new prepaid, corporate and digital wallet-linked card programmes to market more quickly while benefiting from Paymentology’s real-time processing capabilities, global expertise and highly configurable platform.

Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital payments markets. According to the Bank of Thailand, online payments increased by 13.5% year-on-year in 2025, reflecting growing adoption of digital wallets, QR payments, embedded finance and cashless payment experiences. As businesses look to capitalise on this shift, they increasingly need trusted technology partners that can reduce complexity and accelerate innovation.

By combining Paymentology’s cloud-native issuer processing platform with T2P’s local market expertise, the partnership will help organisations develop payment solutions that meet evolving consumer and business expectations while supporting Thailand’s continued digital transformation.

Minh Ha Truong, Head of Growth APAC at Paymentology, said:“Thailand is one of the most exciting payments markets in Asia. As demand grows for embedded financial services and innovative card programmes, organisations need technology that allows them to launch quickly while remaining flexible enough to evolve with customer expectations.We’re delighted to partner with T2P as they continue expanding their payment capabilities.“

The partnership will initially support a broad range of use cases including:

• Prepaid card programmes
• Corporate and commercial payments
• Employee spend management
• Digital wallet-linked cards
• Embedded finance solutions
• Cross-border payment programmes supporting Thailand’s thriving tourism sector

TaweechaiPureethip, Chief Executive Officer at T2P, said: “Our partnership with Paymentology is an important step in strengthening T2P’s card and payment technology capabilities. Paymentology’s modern issuer processing platform, real-time processing capabilities, flexibility and experience across markets give us confidence as we continue to develop reliable and scalable payment solutions for businesses in Thailand. Together, we aim to make it easier for organisations to bring practical, secure and flexible card-based payment programmes to market.”

As payment services become increasingly embedded into everyday consumer journeys and business operations, the partnership positions both organisations to support the next generation of payment innovation while expanding access to more secure, reliable and practical payment tools for businesses and consumers across Thailand.

https://www.paymentology.com/en/

Hashtag: #Paymentology #T2P

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

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

Christchurch / Global – 9th July, 2026 – Tourplan, the world’s leading provider of inbound tourism technology, today marks its 40th anniversary with the launch of a global brand campaign celebrating four decades of partnership, innovation, and the quiet, essential role the company plays in making extraordinary travel possible.

Founded in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1986, Tourplan began with a single client and 29 users. Today, the platform supports more than 450 tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), and inbound travel specialists across 75 countries, with over 10,000 users and five regional offices worldwide.

The milestone marks not only a commercial achievement but a testimony to the company’s founding ethos: partnership over transactions, innovation guided by real client needs, and an unrelenting focus on helping the travel industry thrive.

“For 40 years, Tourplan has been behind the magic of travel, the systems that quietly power every itinerary, every booking, every seamless moment that a traveller will remember for a lifetime. This anniversary is a celebration of our clients, our global team, and the industry we’ve grown alongside.” Said Craig Gray, CEO of Tourplan.

Tourplan’s evolution mirrors the broader transformation of the global travel technology sector. From one of the travel industry’s earliest web-based booking systems in the mid-1990s, through a Windows platform rewrite in the early 2000s, to its current fully modular, cloud-based SaaS ERP, Tourplan has adapted at every turn, growing from 19 clients in the early internet era to more than 450 today.

Throughout that journey, the company expanded continent by continent, establishing regional offices to ensure proximity-led support, a philosophy that remains central to its service model. The platform now serves boutique operators and multinational travel brands alike, underpinning hundreds of inbound tourism businesses across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific.

As Tourplan enters its fifth decade, the company is focused on expanding its worldwide footprint, alongside the evolution of its flagship software solution into a global travel technology ecosystem, with AI-powered productivity and streamlined distribution for its clients. With a team of more than 130 specialists globally and a client base spanning the world’s leading inbound tourism destinations, Tourplan is positioned to remain the technology backbone of the industry for decades to come.

About Tourplan

Tourplan is a global tourism technology company based across 5 continents, providing world-class software and services to our customers. Founded in 1986, Tourplan is proud to partner with 450 Tour Operators and Destination Management Companies in 70 countries around the world. Tourplan is passionate about creating and delivering value in the tourism industry through leading software and services provided by local experts in every time zone. Learn more at www.tourplan.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/tourplan/

MIL OSI

HAIKOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 July 2026 – The IWUF 4th Taolu World Cup successfully wrapped up in Haikou, Hainan, China, on July 8, 2026. The competition featured 11 men’s and 11 women’s events, covering four major categories, including fist routines, long weapons, short weapons, and duilian. Over two days, a total of 22 gold medals were contested.

The Taolu World Cup is one of the six flagship official events of the IWUF (International Wushu Federation) and stands as the highest-level and most influential elite professional competition in the global taolu discipline. This November, wushu will make its historic debut as an official medal sport at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, marking the first time this traditional Chinese martial art has been incorporated into the Olympic sports program.

This event marked the first high-level international wushu single-discipline competition hosted by Hainan since the inception of the Hainan Free Trade Port. It attracted 206 athletes, team leaders, and coaches from 29 countries and regions worldwide, including 117 elite competitors. Ultimately, athletes from 18 countries and regions secured medals with their outstanding competitive performances.

Leveraging the unique geographical and policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port, combined with visa-free access for citizens of 86 countries and the 240-hour transit visa-exemption policy, overseas participants, technical officials, and media personnel have enjoyed fast-track customs clearance. Meanwhile, specialized competition equipment has benefited from zero-tariff treatment and simplified cross-border customs clearance procedures.

Hainan boasts a rich and distinctive wushu culture. Through centuries of inheritance and development, it has integrated the essence of various martial arts schools and blended them with local island folklore and regional characteristics to form a unique “Qiong-style” wushu system. Two counties and one city in Hainan, namely Tunchang, Qiongzhong, and Wanning, have been designated as “National Wushu Hometowns,” reflecting a deep-rooted local tradition of martial arts appreciation. Indigenous fighting styles such as the Li ethnic group’s Li Family Fist, Tunchang Pochen Five-Form Stakes, and Wanning Mazai Kung Fu have been passed down through generations, standing as treasured gems of Hainan’s folk culture.

During the event, Hainan concurrently hosted the inaugural Hainan International Wushu Culture Month event, featuring multiple “wushu + tourism” travel routes. These activities allowed domestic and international guests to enjoy Hainan’s island scenery and duty-free shopping benefits while taking in high-level wushu competitions.

Looking ahead, Hainan will continue to deeply integrate wushu elements into its sports-tourism product system, developing a range of wushu-themed tourist destinations, study and research bases, and signature events. This will make “spectator travel” a new model for Hainan’s cultural tourism. At the same time, Hainan will continue to promote the hosting of various international wushu competitions, training camps, professional development programs, and cultural exchange activities, attracting wushu enthusiasts and professional teams from around the world to compete, train, and study in Hainan, with the goal of establishing the island as a global hub for wushu development and cultural exchange.

Separately, the 43rd Executive Committee Meeting of the IWUF has decided that Haikou City in Hainan Province will host the 12th Sanda World Cup.

Hashtag: #IWUF

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

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

Designed for today’s experience-driven travellers, the locally inspired hotel brand will bring its distinctive blend of thoughtful design, meaningful connections, and neighbourhood experiences to two of Southern Thailand’s most dynamic destinations

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Core Grade A Offices Lead Rental Recovery, Hong Kong Island High Streets Outperform Kowloon

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MIL OSI

•             Easing oil prices have strengthened New Zealand’s outlook and reduced the risk of a prolonged inflation shock
•             Lower fuel costs and stronger than expected economic momentum have put New Zealand’s recovery back on firmer footing
•             Geopolitical risks remain a key watchpoint, but the immediate threat to household spending and business costs has eased.

New Zealand’s economic outlook has markedly improved in recent months, with falling oil prices easing pressure on inflation, household budgets and business costs, according to ASB’s latest Economic Forecast Update.

ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley says the sharp decline in global oil prices has materially changed the outlook since ASB’s March forecast: https://www.asb.co.nz/content/dam/asb/documents/reports/quarterly-economic-forecasts/asb-forecast-update_mar26a.pdf

“The New Zealand economy has shown greater resilience than many expected in the face of global uncertainty and higher fuel prices,” says Nick.

“While geopolitical risks remain elevated, falling oil prices have significantly reduced one of the biggest risks to growth and inflation this year.”

Global oil prices have dropped sharply from their March peaks amid hopes that negotiations between Iran and the United States will ease disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz. While shipping through the Strait remains disrupted and energy infrastructure has been damaged, fuel prices have declined substantially in recent months, reducing pressure on inflation and easing the squeeze on household spending.

“Higher fuel prices were starting to crowd out household spending and lift business costs across the economy,” says Nick.

“Those pressures are now easing substantially. Consumers are likely to feel more confident than they did earlier in the year, and businesses have greater certainty about their cost environment.”

The New Zealand economy entered 2026 with stronger momentum than previously estimated. GDP rose 0.8% in the March quarter, while revised 2025 data showed growth was stronger than previously thought and becoming more broad-based across the economy.

However, Nick says elevated fuel prices and heightened uncertainty are still expected to weigh on activity through the middle of 2026.

“The recovery has not been derailed, but it has been delayed. Household spending, business investment and some export sectors are still feeling the effects of the oil shock, and the labour market remains soft.”

Inflation remains a key focus. ASB forecasts annual CPI inflation will rise to around 4.1% in the June 2026 year, driven largely by earlier fuel price increases. However, falling oil prices are expected to ease inflation pressure through the second half of the year and into 2027.

“The inflation outlook remains highly uncertain and depends heavily on developments in the Middle East,” says Nick. “But the recent fall in oil prices means inflation now looks considerably less challenging than it did a few months ago.”

The changing inflation outlook is expected to give the Reserve Bank more time to assess economic conditions before raising interest rates. ASB Economists now expect the Official Cash Rate to remain on hold until September before gradually increasing through late 2026 and early 2027.

Looking ahead, ASB expects the recovery to continue gradually, supported by resilient commodity prices, recovering tourism and lower fuel costs, although geopolitical risks remain elevated. Dairy and meat export sectors continue to benefit from strong global demand, while tourism has recovered to 93% of pre-COVID visitor levels.

“The outlook has improved, but uncertainty remains high,” says Nick.

“It would only take one significant geopolitical shock to reverse recent gains, so businesses and households still need to prepare for a range of possible outcomes. For now, though, the recovery appears to be back on track.”

MIL OSI