On the evening of September 24, the 2026 Beijing Chaoyang International Light Consumption Season & 2026 Liangma River International Arts Festival officially opened. This year’s annual theme is “AMAZING YOU.” The Light Consumption Season runs until October 11, spanning both the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays for the first time; the Liangma River International Arts Festival continues until November 20, featuring ten major themes and over a hundred performances.

A Panorama of the City’s Nightscape
As a vivid scroll of the city’s nighttime beauty, this year’s Light Consumption Season creates a vast space for nocturnal storytelling. With the Liangma River Cultural and Economic Belt and the Olympic Central Area as its two cores, the event links key districts such as CBD, Sanlitun, Chaowai UIC, Dawangjing, and Gaobeidian, unfolding a night-tour landscape where water and land intertwine. Visitors can board the Liangma River cruise “Light-Chasing” to watch light and shadow bloom in sequence upon the waves of Lotus Lake and North Lake; or stroll along the Chaoyang Park night-tour route, from the East Fifth Gate to the Shell Theatre, immersing themselves in the light-and-shadow night tour Romance of Light and Shadow.

Romance of Light and Shadow is jointly created by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group Co., Ltd. and other professional teams. With the narrative thread of “journeying toward an unexpected romance,” it is divided into three acts and seven chapters, transforming the entire Chaoyang Park into a borderless, three-dimensional theatre of light and shadow. Seven themed theatres are scattered across diverse settings—mechanical installations, waterborne cruises, floating stages—creating a unique experience of “one river, seven realms; a journey shared by water and land.”

A Stage for World Art
Chaoyang’s night is also the world’s night. As an urban stage where Eastern and Western art converge, it uses the waterfront as its parlour, fostering encounters and dialogue among civilisations.

Under the night sky, the elegance of Chinese tradition flows—ancient architectural aesthetics, ink-wash imagery, and traditional Chinese music gatherings speak of Eastern romance. Meanwhile, global artistic forces gather along the Liangma River. A French creative team presents a floating piano and double bass duet; balloon artists from the Netherlands and France offer whimsical interactive performances; and the giant light installation Arch Flower by a French artist blooms like a magnificent flower, becoming a new landmark for visitors. Inside the Shell Theatre, more than ten exquisite performances take the stage in succession, including the waterside exclusive edition of Yang Liping’s Dynamic Yunnan, a retro jazz night with ZaZaZsu, and a performance by the Beijing Music Festival Youth Orchestra.

East and West, tradition and modernity, converge on this riverbank into an open and inclusive urban stage, vividly interpreting the city’s spirit of “Rising with the World.”

An Invitation to “Rise with the World”
The Beijing Chaoyang International Light Consumption Season has now been held for four editions. Today, “Sleepless Chaoyang” has become a calling card of Beijing’s nighttime economy and a window through which the world can understand the vitality of Chinese cities.

Light is not only for viewing; it also weaves together the warmth of everyday life. During the event, Chaoyang District presents over a hundred integrated cultural, commercial, tourism, sports, and exhibition activities: during the 2026 China Open, the National Tennis Center creates an “immersive carnival”; the Olympic Forest Park hosts outdoor concerts, fluorescent night runs, and night rock climbing; the Olympic Park International Carbohydrate Festival brings together delicacies from across the country; and the Chaowai UIC Block launches the “READYGO City Playground,” featuring the nation’s exclusive “Batman Day,” the DC Merchandise Store, celebrity pop-ups, and the Stray Kids official pop-up SKZOO, appearing in turn.

Light-and-shadow performances, trendy consumption, sports and leisure, and the warmth of daily life interweave. Every visitor who comes from afar can find their own wonderful experience.

As the autumn breeze sweeps over the Liangma River, lights across the city come on one after another. Friends from all over the world are welcome to come to Chaoyang—to boat on the shimmering waterfront, stroll through dazzling streets, and feel the urban charm where past and present, China and the world, coexist. Sleepless Chaoyang awaits the brilliance of you.

Hashtag: #Chaoyang

The achievement also exceeded the RM5.0 billion sales target by RM1.78 billion, or 35.5% increase, further reinforcing MIHAS’ role as a key halal marketplace for connecting Malaysian businesses with international markets and translating trade engagements into commercial opportunities.

Commenting on the outcome, Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, said, “MIHAS 2026 demonstrates that the platform is not only growing in terms of sales, but is also creating greater opportunities for Malaysian businesses, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to access international markets. We remain committed to strengthening SMEs and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) to expand into global markets especially the emerging and non-traditional markets.”

“The RM6.78 billion in sales achieved at MIHAS 2026 represents valuable opportunities. With the integration of Agentic AI, MIHAS is evolving into a more connected and digitally enabled trade facilitation ecosystem, helping Malaysian companies identify potential buyers, build meaningful business relationships and pursue new export opportunities beyond the exhibition floor. Under the MADANI Digital Trade Platform (MDTP), we shall provide Malaysian exporters with continuous connectivity with global buyers and support them in securing sustainable export opportunities,” he added.

MIHAS 2026 attracted 69,104 visitors from 93 countries, up from 50,340 visitors in 2025 — an increase of 18,764 visitors or 37.3%, the highest since its inception in 2004. The event also brought together participating exhibitors and INSP buyers from 58 countries, further strengthening MIHAS’ international reach and appeal as a global halal trade exposition.

The growth was supported by strong performance across the key components of MIHAS. The International Sourcing Programme (INSP) generated RM4.02 billion, compared with RM3.63 billion in 2025, representing an increase of RM394.5 million or 10.9%. INSP facilitates structured business meetings between Malaysian sellers and international buyers, creating targeted opportunities for sourcing, business matching and potential export transactions.

Meanwhile, the MIHAS Exhibition recorded approximately RM1.99 billion, compared with RM1.89 billion in 2025, an increase of RM103.9 million or 5.5%. Among the top products driving exhibition sales were processed food and confectionery, food technology and packaging, frozen food, and fertilisers and agrochemicals, reflecting the diverse range of halal products showcased at MIHAS.

Creating More Opportunities for Malaysian SMEs

Importantly, the success of MIHAS is also reflected in its sustained contribution to Malaysian SMEs.

At MIHAS Exhibition 2026, Malaysian SMEs generated RM620 million in sales, compared with RM557 million in 2025, representing an increase of approximately RM63 million or 11.3%. This builds on the strong growth recorded over the past six editions, with SME participation increasing from 64 companies in 2021 to 339 companies in 2026, representing a significant 429.7% increase.

The strong performance of Malaysian SMEs comes against the backdrop of Malaysia’s growing halal export sector. Malaysia’s halal exports reached RM68.52 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.9% from RM61.79 billion in 2024. Under RMK13, Malaysia has set a target of RM80 billion in halal exports, highlighting the significant opportunity for Malaysian companies, particularly SMEs, to further expand into international markets.

MIHAS 2026 continues to support this ambition by providing Malaysian SMEs with access to international buyers, business matching, sourcing opportunities and digital tools to expand their market reach and strengthen their export capabilities.

AI Transforming Business Connections

The 2026 edition also marked a significant step forward in MIHAS’ digital transformation through the integration of Agentic AI.

More than 22,000 AI-assisted business appointments were generated during MIHAS 2026, demonstrating how AI is transforming the way businesses connect and pursue new trade opportunities.

Of these AI-assisted appointments, 324 matches reported RM28 million in sales associated with these completed AI-assisted appointments.

Importantly, the AI platform will continue to operate until 2027, enabling participating businesses to continue connecting, engaging with potential buyers and pursuing new trade opportunities beyond the four-day exhibition.

Overall, MIHAS 2026 demonstrates how the trade platform is evolving beyond a conventional trade exhibition — combining strong sales performance, growing international participation, SME development and AI-powered business matching to create a more connected and digitally enabled trade facilitation ecosystem for Malaysian businesses.

Hashtag: #MIHAS2026

Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026

MATRADE

Vitals is a diagnostics-led health and wellness platform founded and led by Charles Temple, a New Zealand entrepreneur with more than 18 years of operating experience in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Its proposition is straightforward: rather than asking consumers to guess which vitamins, supplements or lifestyle changes they need, test first, interpret the results properly and build the recommendation around the individual.

The entry point is testing, and Vitals has made it deliberately easy. Its Comprehensive Wellness Test is non-invasive: a small hair sample collected at home is analyzed using German technology to screen more than 700 biomarkers spanning nutritional, metabolic and systemic indicators. For customers who want clinical-grade data, Vitals Longevity blood programs — Essential Wellness, Advanced Vitality and Executive Longevity — cover up to 82 laboratory indicators, with a licensed nurse drawing the sample at the customer’s home or office. Samples are processed by partner laboratories certified to ISO 15189 and by the Ministry of Public Health, and customers can add individual tests to any program.

Results are delivered digitally through the Vitals platform, where an AI analysis layer, working with the laboratory and the company’s clinical team, turns raw values into a personalized report and a recommended protocol. Vitals is rolling out online consultations with licensed doctors for interpreting blood results, general health questions and, over time, physician-supervised programs, so that the customer does not have to bridge the gap between data and decision alone.

“Thailand offers a useful case study in how traditional consumer categories can be rebuilt around data,” said Bruce Rockowitz, spokesperson for Vitals. The Vitals model connects testing, interpretation, medical advice, recommendations and recurring products into a single digital relationship.

Thailand already has many of the ingredients required for a wellness economy: a sophisticated healthcare sector, accredited laboratories, a strong tourism industry, established hospitality infrastructure and consumers increasingly familiar with premium health and beauty products. The personalized testing and supplements market in Thailand is forecast to grow from about $80 million in 2026 to $124 million by 2033, according to Grand View Research.

Vitals extends its data-driven wellness model across Asia

Vitals’ own-brand supplement range is developed using the company’s formulations, produced by third-party manufacturers in Thailand and independently tested. It sits alongside more than 100 global and local brands sold through Vitals’ retail stores and online platform. Because every recommendation traces back to the customer’s own results, the company can stay in contact to retest, refine the protocol and refill rather than relying on one-off purchases.

Vitals is now extending its model to Singapore and Hong Kong. The same logic can extend beyond supplements into hospitality, food, beauty, travel and healthcare, where adding data, personalization and digital distribution can potentially turn traditionally service-based businesses into recurring consumer platforms.

For more information about Vitals, visit: https://vitals.co.th/en

Hashtag: #Vitals

About Vitals

Banyan Group Residences records 900 per cent year-on-year rise in luxury sales value, underlining the widening gap between prime and mass-market residences

PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 September 2026 – Phuket’s residential property market is becoming increasingly polarised. Genuinely differentiated luxury residences continue to attract strong demand, while lower-priced, investment-led segments are showing signs of saturation and, in some areas, oversupply. Banyan Group Residences, whose luxury sales value in Phuket rose 900 per cent year-on-year to nearly US$50 million, illustrates the resilience of well-located, high-quality residences even as conditions become tougher elsewhere in the market.

The divide is becoming more pronounced. There is a clear distinction between genuinely differentiated luxury residences and more commoditised products built for short-term speculation. Premium buyers continue to commit capital to prime locations, trusted brands and long-term lifestyle value, while a wave of new, commoditised supply aimed largely at short-term investment has outpaced demand at the lower end, intensifying competition and, in some cases, leaving units unsold.

Among Banyan Group Residences’ results, sales of the exclusive luxurious Banyan Tree Beach Residences projects Oceanus, Varuna, Aegir and Nammu have recorded an increase in sales of 900 percent year-on-year including what is believed to be the most expensive condominium transaction recorded in Phuket to date.

Bangtao and the wider Laguna Phuket area have emerged as the island’s most sought-after residential locations, combining west-coast beaches with an established international community and a growing concentration of restaurants, schools, wellness and lifestyle amenities – characteristics of a mature international market rather than an emerging one.

Continued interest from high-net-worth buyers seeking to diversify wealth into tangible, personally enjoyable assets amid currency depreciation, inflation and market volatility is also supporting demand at the top of the market. Today’s luxury buyer is acquiring a home that supports their family’s lifestyle and serves as a long-term store of value – not a speculative purchase based on short-term rental projections, the kind of buying that has fuelled much of the oversupply at the lower end.

Thailand’s political stability, established tourism economy and relative distance from regional conflicts continue to support demand from buyers across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond, though unevenly across price tiers.

As supply increases across the wider market, buyers are expected to place greater emphasis on developers’ track record, construction quality, professional management and reputable services. The market is not weakening uniformly – it is becoming more polarised, with well-positioned luxury developments continuing to perform strongly while oversupplied, lower-tier projects face a longer period of adjustment, encouraging higher standards, greater transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable development across the industry.

Banyan Group Residences will continue to focus on prime locations, distinctive high-quality design and the creation of residential communities that deliver lasting value for owners.

https://www.banyangroupresidences.com/

Hashtag: #BanyanGroupResidences

About Banyan Group Residences

First London sales event showcases Banyan Tree Beach Residences Nerea, Oceanus and Varuna on 7 and 8 October, as buyers turn to Phuket as a safe haven

LONDON, ENGLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 September 2026 – Banyan Group Residences, the property development arm of Asian luxury hospitality group Banyan Group and its flagship Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts brand, will present its Banyan Tree Residences collection in Phuket to UK buyers for the first time at a London sales event on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October 2026.

The event takes place in the Crystal Palace Suite of the London Hilton on Park Lane, from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Attendance is by RSVP, with private consultations available.

The event follows a record first-half for Banyan Group Residences sales, particularly in the luxury segment, with international buyers increasingly looking to Phuket for lifestyle diversification, long-term ownership and exposure to a resilient tourism market.

“In uncertain times, international buyers are increasingly looking for homes in destinations that combine lifestyle, long-term appeal and proven infrastructure,” said Stuart Reading, Managing Director of Banyan Group Residences. “Phuket offers that combination, and Banyan Tree Residences represents the highest expression of what we are developing within Laguna Phuket.”

Ranked first in Asia and fifth globally according to Savills’ 2025-26 Branded Residences annual report, Banyan Group Residences will showcase its exclusive new Banyan Tree Beach Residences collection:

Banyan Tree Beach Residences Nerea

Unveiled in August, Nerea offers just six yacht-inspired three-bedroom duplexes between the lagoons of Laguna Phuket and Bangtao Beach, with private pools, timber-decked living areas and a home gym in every residence.

Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus

Sixteen absolute beachfront residences on Bangtao Beach, each with a private pool and up to 768 square metres of space. Five have sold, including what is believed to be one of the highest value condominium transactions recorded in Phuket.

Banyan Tree Beach Residences Varuna

Unveiled in July, Varuna offers eight four-bedroom beachfront townhomes on Bangtao Beach, each with a private lift and rooftop infinity pool facing the Andaman Sea sunset.

Owners of all residences receive Sanctuary Club membership, with global privileges at Banyan Group hotels and resorts, RAVA Beach Club and Laguna Golf access, concierge services and a year of complimentary property management and insurance.

Banyan Living

Owners who wish to rent their residence while away can opt into Banyan Living, Banyan Group’s hospitality-led rental and property management platform, providing professional distribution, guest services and residence management.

Why Phuket, Why Now

Phuket continues to attract international buyers seeking a combination of year-round lifestyle, international connectivity, established tourism demand and professionally managed residential ownership. Banyan Group Residences anticipates launching up to USD 1 billion in new luxury projects in Phuket over the next two to three years.

To attend, RSVP to info@banyangroupresidences.com or visit go.banyangroupresidences.com/london-showcase.

Hashtag: #BanyanTree #BanyanTreeResidence

The 2026 edition marked an important evolution of the MIHAS Awards, with a stronger emphasis on future-ready business practices, emerging technologies, digitalisation, sustainability and inclusive growth. The awards recognised companies not only for what they have achieved, but also for how they are innovating, adapting and creating sustainable value in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven global marketplace.

A total of 13 awards were presented across three core flagship categories, namely the Excellence Awards; Innovation, Sustainability & Digitalisation Awards; and, for the first time, the Women in Export (WiEX) Awards.

Introduced for the first time in 2026, the WiEX Awards recognise exceptional women-led businesses across the Excellence and Innovation, Sustainability & Digitalisation categories, reinforcing MIHAS’s commitment to promoting greater inclusivity and recognising the important contributions of women entrepreneurs and business leaders to the growth and internationalisation of the halal economy.

The 2026 awards placed greater emphasis on innovation, sustainability and digitalisation as drivers of competitiveness. In particular, the assessment recognised businesses that are leveraging digital solutions and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance products and services, improve business processes, strengthen market reach, and create new sources of value.

This broader approach reflects the changing nature of the global halal industry, where competitiveness increasingly extends beyond product quality and commercial performance to encompass technology adoption, responsible business practices, innovation capability and the ability to respond to rapidly changing market demands.

The MIHAS Awards 2026 were open to eligible Malaysian and international exhibitors participating in MIHAS 2026. Entries underwent a comprehensive and structured evaluation process, comprising pre-assessment and pitching sessions before an independent panel of judges. The pitching component provided applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their business achievements, innovation capabilities, sustainability initiatives and use of digital technologies and emerging solutions.

To further strengthen the integrity, transparency and credibility of the awards, an independent external auditor was appointed to observe and validate the evaluation process.

The winners were announced at the official MIHAS Awards 2026 ceremony under the following award categories:

• Product / Service Excellence Awards;
• Product / Service Emerging Star Awards;
• Product / Service Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalisation Awards;
• WiEX Product / Service Excellence Awards; and
• WiEX Product / Service Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalisation Awards.

Chairman of MATRADE, YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, said the evolution of the MIHAS Awards reflects the changing priorities of the global halal industry and the need for businesses to remain future-ready.

“The MIHAS Awards are no longer only about recognising excellence achieved today. They are also about recognising the capabilities that will shape the halal industry of tomorrow. This year, we have placed greater emphasis on innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and emerging technologies because these are increasingly important to how businesses compete and create value globally.

“The winners recognised today have demonstrated the resilience, creativity and forward-thinking capabilities needed to navigate a rapidly changing global marketplace. Through the MIHAS Awards, we hope to inspire more companies to innovate, embrace technology, compete internationally and contribute meaningfully to the continued growth of the global halal economy,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, YBhg. Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, said the quality and diversity of entries reflected the increasing sophistication and maturity of businesses within the halal ecosystem.

“The entries received this year demonstrate that businesses in the halal ecosystem are continuously evolving, innovating and adapting to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global market. What stood out this year was the increasing recognition of sustainability, digitalisation and emerging technologies as integral components of business competitiveness and long-term growth”.

“The introduction of the WiEX Awards and the strengthened assessment framework further broaden the scope of the MIHAS Awards, while the independent validation of the evaluation process by an external auditor, reinforces our commitment to credibility and transparency. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their outstanding achievements and for demonstrating the dynamism and diversity of the global halal industry,” he said.

Looking ahead, the MIHAS Awards will continue to evolve in line with developments across the global halal ecosystem, with greater recognition for businesses that demonstrate measurable impact, technological adoption, responsible and sustainable growth, innovation and international market potential.

The awards will continue to serve not only as a platform to celebrate achievement, but also as a catalyst for businesses to raise their standards, embrace new technologies, pursue sustainable growth and strengthen their global competitiveness.

The MIHAS Awards 2026 therefore marks more than a celebration of this year’s achievements. It represents a continued commitment to shaping a more innovative, sustainable, digitally enabled and inclusive halal economy – and to recognising the businesses that are helping to build it.

Hashtag: #MIHAS

Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026

MATRADE

Flagship Halal Showcase Connects Exporters Across 58 Countries, Unifying Global Sourcing, Sector MoUs, and Industry Knowledge Hubs

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2026 – The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 which is organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) from 23 to 26 September 2026, moved into its third day on a high note today, as it sets to meet its target number of visitors. This year’s edition which features 2,000 booths alongside 1,700 exhibitors and 450 buyers representing 58 countries remains firmly on track to achieve its total target of 50,000 business visitors. As of day 2, the showcase has already drawn 30,000 visitors, demonstrating sustained local and international interest and poised to be the most attended Halal edition of MIHAS thus far.

Further cementing its role as a premier platform for tangible international partnerships, MIHAS 2026 witnessed the exchange of key strategic agreements, including a milestone Letter of Intent (LOI) between MATRADE and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). This strategic collaboration establishes the Halal Development Officer (HDO) Programme under the Malaysia Halal Global Nexus (MyHGN) initiative, empowering MATRADE officers stationed worldwide to guide global industries on Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem, strengthen international certification recognition, and drive Halal exports.

GhaS was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on behalf of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur today. The strategic and inclusive importance of this national platform was underscored by the distinguished presence of key government leaders, from the Ministries and Agencies relating to the Malaysian Halal ecosystem. Their joint attendance reflects the highest level of Government commitment to positioning Malaysia as the premier global Halal hub, seamlessly aligning robust Shariah governance with international trade promotion.

Hosted by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), GHaS serves as Malaysia’s flagship platform for global Halal diplomacy, governance, and capacity-building. GhaS brings together Government certification bodies, relevant Government agencies, Islamic scholars, policy makers, and global industry leaders, in one platform to build technical capacity, streamline international compliance, and facilitate seamless market access for Malaysian companies.

Beyond the showcase and business matchmaking, MIHAS 2026 offers a complete enablement ecosystem for Halal enterprises. MATRADE’s Knowledge Hub delivers actionable market intelligence featuring industry leaders from DHL Express Malaysia, UOB Malaysia, and Farm Fresh Malaysia, while the Women in Export (WiEX) initiative showcases 80 women-led booths. Celebrating excellence across the ecosystem, the prestigious MIHAS Awards honours standout industry innovators, recognising exceptional achievements in product innovation, sustainability, and global market expansion.

Since its inception in 2004, MIHAS has generated more than RM35.0 billion in export sales and drawn over half a million business visitors from around the world. Now in its 22nd edition, the showcase continues to chart new frontiers in positioning Malaysia at the heart of the global Halal economy.

Hashtag: #MIHAS

Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026

MATRADE

According to the Mastercard Economics Institute’s Travel Trends report, purpose-driven travel, including culinary discovery and cultural immersion, is becoming an increasingly important driver of destination choice, as travellers seek authentic experiences and meaningful connections. Luxury hospitality is therefore evolving beyond traditional festive events to create celebrations that connect guests more deeply with the destinations they visit.

“Today’s travellers are looking for more than a holiday. They seek thoughtfully curated experiences that unlock the destination, inspire discovery and create meaningful connections with the people they travel with,” said Jirarat Ninpradub, General Manager of Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort. “Our festive programme celebrates the joy of the season alongside Phuket’s unique culture, flavours and creativity, allowing guests to discover the destination in an authentic and memorable way.”

Throughout December until January 4, 2027, Ocean Kitchen Lawn will host Tuesdays’ Mai Khao Fisherman Market, Thursdays’ Beach BBQ evenings and authentic Thai cuisine, plus live Muay Thai demonstrations, traditional dance, and fire shows every Saturday. J’s Restaurant will offer Asian and International-themed buffets on Mondays and Fridays, alongside a festive Afternoon Tea featuring seasonal pastries and Le Méridien’s signature coffee.

On Christmas Day, the resort’s Christmas Market will showcase handcrafted products by local artisans and resort associates, seasonal treats and live music, combining the charm of a European festive village with Phuket’s distinctive creativity. The market reflects the resort’s commitment to local craftsmanship and community partnerships, giving guests another way to discover Phuket while celebrating the season.

The celebrations culminate in two signature beachfront events. Christmas Eve features an international festive buffet with premium seafood, live cooking stations, Christmas carols, a Santa Giveaway and entertainment beneath the stars. On New Year’s Eve, The Andaman Lumina Soirée transforms Mai Khao Beach with immersive performances, live music, DJs, LED and fire shows, exceptional dining and a spectacular fireworks display welcoming 2027.

By bringing together festive traditions with Phuket’s culture, cuisine and community, Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort continues offering guests a celebration experience that embraces both the season and the destination.

For more information on additional offers, visit Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort Official Website.

Hashtag: #LeMéridienPhuketMaiKhaoBeachResort

About Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort

As a new hub for aerospace science and patriotic education in Binzhou, the center features a professional, systematic, and immersive aerospace science education system, making it a premier venue for youth study tours. Covering 9,456 square meters, with nearly 15,620 square meters of exhibition space, the center features a Visitor Service Center and five themed exhibition areas: Planet Paradise, Beyond the Dome, Interstellar Voyage, Touching the Stars and Mars Base.

Designed for visitors of all ages, the center will provide aerospace science education, immersive experiences, family activities and study tours, adding a new destination for science and cultural tourism in Binzhou.

Hashtag: #BinzhouInformationOffice

Vitals is run by its founder and chief executive, Charles Temple, a New Zealander with more than 18 years of operating experience across Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. The company’s proposition is to start with a test, turn the results into a personalized picture of what an individual’s body needs, and then recommend what to do about it.

Customers begin with a non-invasive Comprehensive Wellness Test, which uses a small hair sample collected at home to screen more than 700 biomarkers covering nutritional status, metabolic function and broader systemic indicators. For a deeper clinical picture, Vitals Longevity blood programs measure up to 82 laboratory indicators. A licensed nurse comes to the customer’s home or office to draw the sample, which is processed by partner laboratories certified to ISO 15189 and by the Ministry of Public Health.

The results do not arrive as a spreadsheet of numbers. An AI analysis layer built into the Vitals platform, working alongside the laboratory and the company’s clinical team, translates them into a plain-language report and a personalized protocol covering what is deficient, what is out of range and what to prioritize.

The telehealth rollout adds online consultations with licensed doctors for customers who want their blood results interpreted or have a broader health question. Customers can speak to a physician from the same app that delivered the report. Data alone can leave people with more questions than answers; putting a doctor into the flow at the right moment takes the guesswork out.

Only at the end of that chain does the product come in. Vitals sells its own range of supplements, developed using its own formulations and manufactured by third-party producers in Thailand, alongside more than 100 global and local brands through its stores and online platform. Because the recommendation is grounded in the customer’s own results, the natural next step is to retest, adjust and continue.

“The attraction is not simply the growing market for vitamins and supplements. It is the broader business opportunity created when technology is applied to an established consumer behavior,” said Bruce Rockowitz, spokesperson for Vitals.

Vitals connects testing and wellness services in Thailand

Thailand already has much of the infrastructure needed for such a transition, including internationally recognized hospitals, accredited laboratories, a sophisticated private healthcare sector, a large tourism economy and a consumer base accustomed to spending on beauty and wellness. The same logic can extend into hospitality, food, beauty, travel and healthcare, where adding data, personalization and digital distribution can potentially turn traditionally service-based businesses into recurring consumer platforms. Vitals is also expanding into Singapore and Hong Kong, extending the model beyond Thailand.

For more information about Vitals, visit: https://vitals.co.th/en

https://vitals.co.th/en

Hashtag: #Vitals

About Vitals

Now in its fifth edition, the race has grown from a regional event into a UCI Class 1 one-day race and a featured sports tourism event in China. It has become an international platform for elite teams and riders to compete and gain experience.

After fierce competition, the professional category champion claimed the Yellow Jersey, while the Green, Red and Polka Dot Jerseys went to the winners of the sprint, Greater China and climbing classifications, respectively. In the team classification, Li-Ning Star, Hengsheng-VONOA-Taishan Sports Continental Team and Phoenix Finiss-SCOM-Hengxiang Continental Team finished first, second and third.

Hashtag: #BinzhouInternationalCyclingRace

Singapore-founded healthtech company brings its Anzu clinical AI platform to Thailand, with further regional growth planned across Southeast Asia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – Singapore-founded healthtech company AIGP Health is expanding its footprint across Southeast Asia, launching its Anzu clinical AI platform in Thailand through a strategic partnership with Borderless Healthcare Group (BHG) as part of its wider regional growth strategy.

The Thailand launch builds on AIGP Health’s presence in Singapore and Australia, bringing its current footprint to three markets. Through its regional growth, the company aims to bring its clinical AI technology to a wider range of physician-led care settings, including hospitals, clinics, wellness centres, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices and other healthcare environments where doctors and clinicians are involved in patient care.

AIGP Health’s regional expansion comes as healthcare providers increasingly explore how artificial intelligence can support clinicians beyond administrative tasks and clinical documentation. Its Anzu platform is designed to support clinicians across the patient journey by bringing together relevant patient information and clinical context to support more informed decision-making, while keeping clinicians firmly in control.

“Anzu addresses a complete new category, called Clinical Risk. Anzu tackles clinical risk, keeping the patient at the centre. What this means is that Anzu highlights drug-drug interactions, lays out differential diagnosis, trigger factors and more, which are personalised to each patient. Our USP is our deep clinical workflows built to be able to address these factors, therapy wise,” said Sheetal Nanwani Doshi, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AIGP Health.

“This is personal for me, having been through the specialist merry-go-round only to get varied differential diagnosis – from a life threatening to a chronic case. Doctors do not lack information, they lack the structure to make the right decision within the consultation time.”

Anzu is designed to work alongside healthcare providers’ existing technology infrastructure. Through its plug-in and integration capabilities, the platform can connect with existing medical CRM and clinical management systems, allowing healthcare providers to incorporate Anzu into their current workflows without having to replace the systems they already use.

The platform builds on AIGP Health’s experience with more than 3,000 live patients across Singapore and Australia, with its entry into Thailand providing a new market to demonstrate how its technology can support clinicians and patients across different healthcare settings.

“Healthcare systems across Southeast Asia may be at different stages of digital transformation, but clinicians across the region face a common challenge: making important decisions within limited consultation time while navigating increasingly complex patient information,” said Dr Anindita Santosa, Co-Founder and CEO of AIGP Health.

“Our aim is not to replace clinical judgement, but to give doctors clearer access to the information and context they need to make more informed decisions. As we bring Anzu into more markets, we want to demonstrate how clinical AI can be adapted to different healthcare environments while keeping doctors and patients at the centre of care.”

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Wei Siang Yu, Founder and Chairman of BHG, said: “The future of healthcare will increasingly depend on how effectively technology can support doctors while maintaining the human connection at the heart of patient care. Through our partnership with AIGP Health, we are bringing together complementary technologies that can support clinicians with better access to patient information and clinical context. Thailand provides an important environment to demonstrate how these innovations can work together in real-world care settings, with the potential to support new models of healthcare across the region.”

In Thailand, AIGP Health has introduced its technology within the country’s healthcare and wellness ecosystem, beginning with a deployment at the Global Institute of Aesthetics (GIA), a longevity, wellness and aesthetic centre in Bangkok.

GIA serves as AIGP Health’s flagship launch site in Thailand, where clinicians have access to the company’s Anzu clinical AI platform to support consultations and patient care. The deployment brings AIGP Health’s technology into a real-world care environment spanning longevity, wellness and aesthetic medicine.

The Anzu platform includes Anzu Dr Assist, an in-consult clinical assistant designed to support clinicians during consultations, and Anzu Preclerk, which supports pre-consultation clerking and patient intake. Together, the tools are designed to help clinicians access and manage relevant patient information more efficiently throughout the consultation journey.

Through the partnership, AIGP Health’s clinical AI technology is being brought together with Borderless.ai’s healthcare technology ecosystem, providing a foundation to demonstrate how AI-assisted clinical care can be applied across different healthcare settings.

Thailand represents a strategic growth market for AIGP Health given the country’s established healthcare sector and position as a regional destination for wellness and medical tourism. Beyond its initial deployment at GIA, AIGP Health plans to build relationships with more clinics, hospitals and healthcare institutions as it expands its presence in the country.

Thailand isn’t just our next market — it’s proof that Anzu works in yet another market. Our thesis has always been that clinical AI only earns its place when it proves itself inside a live consultation, not a slide deck, and Borderless.ai gives us exactly that: distribution, an operating ecosystem, and the regulatory rigor this market demands,” said Sheetal Nanwani Doshi, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AIGP Health.

We’re deliberately building market by market, not chasing headlines. We’re not building a product that sits on top of healthcare — we’re building the layer that helps clinicians see what they’d otherwise miss, so patients get the care they deserve. That’s the bar we hold every collaboration to as we scale from three markets to ten. If you’re a clinic, hospital or investor ready to bring Anzu into your practice or your portfolio, this is the moment to reach out — talk to our team at www.aigp.health.”

Building on its operations in Singapore and Australia and its latest launch in Thailand, AIGP Health is also exploring expansion opportunities in Malaysia and Indonesia as part of the next phase of its Southeast Asian growth.

Hashtag: #AIGPHealth

About AIGP Health

AIGP Health is a Singapore-founded healthtech company, founded by a clinician and patient advocate, addressing current lapses in the healthcare ecosystem. AIGP is building AI-powered technology that helps clinicians make safer, more informed decisions at the point of care. Its Anzu platform goes beyond clinical documentation, supporting clinicians across the patient journey — from pre-consultation intake to in-consult decision support — while keeping clinical judgement and responsibility firmly with healthcare professionals. AIGP Health is HSA Class A-certified and operates across Singapore, Thailand and Australia.

About Borderless.ai

Borderless.ai is the AI division of Borderless Healthcare Group (BHG), a Singapore-founded healthcare ecosystem operating across health and wellness, longevity, and consumer healthcare innovation. Founded by Dr Wei Siang Yu, Chairman of Borderless.ai and Founder of BHG, Borderless.ai is building a network of AI hubs across Asia, starting in Bangkok, to help health and wellness partners bring AI-enabled products into real clinics and markets across the region, including Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Economists interviewed for the series said that, as a key gateway to the world’s second-largest single market, ASEAN businesses cannot afford to overlook the historic opportunity to enter the Chinese market through Hainan. Chen Bo, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, said that with multiple policy incentives taking effect, the next decade represents a golden opportunity for Hainan. Xiao Saizi, a professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, noted that in the six months since the launch of special customs operations, the number of foreign trade companies registered in Hainan has grown rapidly. High-end manufacturing and processing industries—including chip packaging and testing, premium food processing, aviation maintenance, green energy, medical devices, and biopharmaceuticals—are among the sectors most likely to benefit.

Located at the southernmost tip of China, Hainan is within a four-hour flight of 21 Asia-Pacific countries. This natural geographic advantage makes it an important springboard for ASEAN businesses seeking to enter the Chinese market. Xiao said that Hainan received 106 million domestic and international tourist visits in 2025, making it an ideal testing ground where foreign investors can test the market at relatively low cost.

Previous surveys have shown that foreign exchange settlement is one of the key concerns for foreign investors. By the end of 2025, 11 banks in Hainan had launched EF accounts, enabling cross-border fund flows with 91 countries and regions, with total transaction volume equivalent to CNY 350.9 billion.

Several economists advised ASEAN businesses to conduct thorough internal assessments before making investment decisions. If they determine that the Chinese market will form part of their future growth strategy, they should consider entering Hainan early while the benefits of the Free Trade Port’s policies continue to unfold.

Hashtag: #FreeTradePort

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – Following the International Day of Charity on September 5 and ahead of World Tourism Day on September 27, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) announced a donation of HK$1.8 million to Po Leung Kuk to jointly nurture youth development in dance and performing arts in Hong Kong.

Through the initiative, more young people with a passion for dance will have opportunities to develop their talent and pursue their dreams, while injecting new momentum into Hong Kong’s cultural tourism development.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment of HKDL and Po Leung Kuk to support youth development. The donation will support dance training program and enhance training facilities, creating more opportunities for young people to access professional training, unlock their potential, build confidence, and pursue their dreams through performing arts.

A Stage Where Young Dreams Take Flight

Hong Kong Disneyland’s Dance-Off program has provided young local dancers with a professional platform to perform and inspire one another. Rockz Elements, trained by Po Leung Kuk Fong Shu Fook Tong Children and Youth Development Centre, won the championship at last year’s “Hong Kong Disneyland Dance-Off Party” held on the Tomorrowland stage at Hong Kong Disneyland. The team’s success is a testament to what can happen when dreams meet opportunity.

From a community dance studio to the spotlight of a Hong Kong Disneyland stage, the team showcased its talent and passion before earning an invitation to perform at the Hong Kong Coliseum, bringing its dreams to an even bigger stage.

Member of Rockz Elements, River said, “The ‘Hong Kong Disneyland Dance-Off Party’ is not just a competition, but also a platform where we can be seen, challenge ourselves and pursue our dreams. Having the opportunity to perform on a professional stage reinforced my belief that dreams really can come true with hard work and perseverance. I hope this will inspire more young people with a passion for dance to pursue their dreams.”

Chris, tutor of Rockz Elements and project coordinator of Po Leung Kuk Fong Shu Fook Tong Children and Youth Development Centre, said, “To many young people, the most important thing is not the competition result itself, but having someone who believes in them and gives them an opportunity to shine.

Hong Kong Disneyland has provided young dancers with an encouraging and inspiring platform, helping them build confidence, broaden their horizons, and explore new pathways for their future. These experiences play an important role in their growth and development.”

Cultivating Talent Together, Empowering More Dreams

Anita Lai, vice president of Communications and Public Affairs, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said, “Every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams and shine. As Hong Kong’s leading tourism and entertainment brand, HKDL believes that culture, creativity and talent are powerful drivers of the city’s continuous development.

We are delighted to collaborate with Po Leung Kuk, leveraging HKDL’s unique stage, to support more young people to unleash their potential and pursue their dreams. When their stories are seen and their talents are cultivated, we are not only creating a brighter future for them, but also injecting more energy and possibilities into Hong Kong’s cultural landscape.”

Dr. Jenny Tam, chairman of Po Leung Kuk said: ” Po Leung Kuk and Hong Kong Disneyland share a common vision and a strong belief that every young person has limitless potential, and we are committed to creating more opportunities for youth to grow and thrive. We are sincerely grateful for Hong Kong Disneyland’s support, which not only provides valuable resources, but also leverages its inspiring stage to provide an opportunity for more young people to showcase their talents, build confidence, and pursue their dreams with courage.”

Helping More Dreams Be Seen

The donation will support Po Leung Kuk’s youth dance training program and enhance training facilities, providing an enhanced learning environment for youth to develop their talents.

Looking forward, HKDL will continue to join hands with Po Leung Kuk to foster youth development. HKDL will also continue to host the beloved “Hong Kong Disneyland Dance-Off Program”, providing a professional platform for young dancers to showcase their talents, inspire one another, and thrive through arts and culture.

Details about the next “Hong Kong Disneyland Dance-Off Program” will be announced later. Aspiring dancers can look forward to the future program to further develop their talents.

Hashtag: #HongKongDisneyland

At the event, mayors and city representatives from six international sister cities of Wuhan called for closer cooperation in technology, industry, education and culture.

Representatives from Manchester in Britain, Kemi in Finland, Cape Town in South Africa, Yangon in Myanmar, Rzeszów in Poland and Turkistan in Kazakhstan took part in discussions on urban innovation, industrial cooperation and cultural exchange.

Manchester: a new start after 40 years of friendship

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Wuhan and Manchester.

Shaukat Ali, lord mayor of Manchester, said the city was ready to deepen cooperation with Wuhan in education, culture, youth affairs, innovation and industry.

“Manchester is committed to promoting urban transformation through open cooperation, sharing opportunities, and fostering common development with international sister cities like Wuhan,” he said.

Ali said Manchester had developed from a post-industrial city into an innovation-oriented economy, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences and green technologies.

He said the two cities could share experience in urban transformation, innovation districts, university-industry cooperation and low-carbon development, while encouraging links among universities, businesses and research institutions.

He also highlighted existing educational and cultural links, including cooperation between Hubei University and Manchester Metropolitan University and exchanges between the Royal Northern College of Music and Wuhan Conservatory of Music.

Kemi: balancing growth with environmental protection

Mikko Koivulehto, chairman of the City Council of Kemi, said the Finnish city sought to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

“We believe that protecting nature and building a prosperous city can go hand in hand,” he said.

Kemi, a port city in Finnish Lapland, has developed industries based on renewable raw materials, clean energy and the bioeconomy. The city is also seeking to expand tourism and improve livability.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the friendly exchange relationship between Wuhan and Kemi. The two cities have cooperated in areas including trade, the circular economy, tourism and youth exchanges.

Cape Town: technology and jobs key to urban transformation

Lungelo Mbandazayo, city manager of Cape Town, said technological innovation, talent development, infrastructure and green renewal were key to Wuhan’s transformation.

Cape Town, a UNESCO City of Design, is seeking to expand its technology and digital sectors while promoting green technology and an inclusive economy.

Mbandazayo said youth unemployment remained a major challenge for Cape Town and that technological development needed to create jobs.

After visiting Wuhan companies and technology facilities, he said Cape Town hoped to deepen exchanges with Wuhan in technology and talent.

Yangon: seeking practical cooperation with Wuhan

Yangon Mayor Myo Myint Aung said the city was looking to Wuhan for experience in smart-city development, digital governance, intelligent transport and urban resilience.

Wuhan and Yangon signed a letter of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Yangon is developing a long-term plan to accommodate population growth and expand its urban, industrial and transport infrastructure.

During a visit to Wuhan on Sept. 19, Myo toured the Optics Valley “Photon” suspended monorail, HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory.

“We came to Wuhan not just to observe, but to learn and cooperate,” he said, adding that Yangon hoped to develop smart manufacturing and strengthen cooperation in information technology.

Rzeszów: opportunities in aerospace and technology

Rzeszów Mayor Konrad Fijołek said the Polish city hoped to cooperate with Wuhan in aerospace, sensor technology, biodiversity and climate action.

Rzeszów is home to the “Aviation Valley,” a major aerospace cluster in Central Europe.

“Exploring cooperation with Wuhan is the reason I came here,” Fijołek said.

After visiting HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory, he said Wuhan’s automated manufacturing and technologies in sensors and satellite systems had impressed him.

He said cities could help connect universities, businesses and research institutions and promote international cooperation.

Turkistan: five areas for cooperation

Turkestan Mayor Azimbek Pazylbekuly said his city hoped to expand cooperation with Wuhan in tourism and culture, education and science, investment and entrepreneurship, digitalization and innovation, and transport and logistics.

Wuhan and Turkistan signed a memorandum of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Turkistan, an ancient Silk Road city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been developing industries including food processing, textiles, furniture and construction materials.

Pazylbekuly said cooperation between governments, businesses, universities and research institutions could help turn the two cities’ exchanges into concrete projects.

The conference also included friendship-city anniversary celebrations and a signing ceremony for 10 cooperation projects. A digital list of cooperation opportunities and an initiative on international friendship-city cooperation were released.

During their stay, the visiting mayors toured Wuhan’s technology, manufacturing and ecological facilities, including the Optics Valley suspended monorail, a Yangtze finless porpoise conservation center, Xiaomi, HGTECH and Dongfeng Motor facilities.

Hashtag: #wuhan

Over 4,000 high-impact B2B meetings scheduled to connect local exporters with top global buyers

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2026 – The 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) opens today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. The showcase commences with its signature International Sourcing Programme (INSP), facilitating over 4,000 scheduled pre-arranged meetings between Malaysian exporters and international buyers from 58 economies.

The INSP will once again serve as the primary growth driver, leveraging high-intensity B2B matchings to convert pre-vetted, high-intent global buyers into immediate export orders for Malaysian businesses. Demonstrating strong international demand, this year’s programme brings together around 450 buyers, including 50 premium buyers.

Participating buyers represent a balanced mix of traditional and non-traditional markets, highlighting the INSP’s global footprint. First-time participating economies, including Comoros and Rwanda, are tapping directly into Malaysia’s established Halal ecosystem to source high-quality products and services. As the global Halal market scales toward USD10 trillion by 2030, the INSP offers local exporters the strategic foothold needed to capture premium market share.

In terms of regional turnout, Northeast Asia and ASEAN anchor the buyer contingents, closely followed by expanding representation from Africa as a key non-traditional growth market. This broad multi-regional footprint underscores the widespread international demand for Malaysian Halal products and reinforces our standing as the premier global Halal hub.

“The INSP represents the core engine and ‘soul’ of MIHAS. With international buyers actively seeking high-quality Malaysian Halal products and services, our local SMEs must take full advantage of this platform. This strategic initiative has always served as a direct catalyst for local businesses, unlocking their access to high-value global trade networks and driving sustainable, long-term export growth”, stated Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of MATRADE.

“The commercial calibre of these buyers directly advances Malaysia’s export diversification. With premium buyers representing nearly RM700 billion in combined annual revenue, procurement spans beyond standard F&B into specialised ingredients, biotechnology, Islamic finance, logistics, and education, driving our shift toward services-led exports and deeper global supply chain integration”, he added.

The physical International Sourcing Programme (INSP) takes place today, 23 September 2026, at MITEC, alongside the virtual INSP component running from 1 April to 30 November 2026. Beyond the on-site B2B sessions, up to 150 international virtual buyers will participate remotely to conduct business with local exporters. Visitor registration remains open via the official MIHAS 2026 portal at https://register.mihas.com.my/visitor/register

Hashtag: #MIHAS

Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026

MATRADE

Stars from Korea, Japan and Hong Kong Perform at the Moon-Met Indigenous Voices Concert, Opening a Season of Sustainable Tourism

HUALIEN, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2026 – Hualien, a destination on Taiwan’s east coast known internationally for its mountain and ocean scenery, will host its major annual music event, the 2026 Hualien Moon-Met Indigenous Voices Concert, on September 26 and 27. This year’s performers include NIEL, lead vocalist of the popular Korean boy band TEEN TOP; Aisa Senda, a Ryukyuan singer from Okinawa, Japan; Sheron Tan, an Indigenous singer from Sabah, Malaysia; and William So, Hong Kong’s “King of Love Songs.” Spanning K-pop, Austronesian culture and Mandopop, the concert will be held at Hualien’s well-known Dongdamen Square and reflects Hualien’s long-standing openness to diverse cultures.

A Gift from Nature: Hualien’s Mountains, Coastline and Indigenous Culture

With the towering gorges of Taroko National Park, the blue Pacific coastline and a pleasant climate throughout the year, Hualien has long been a first choice for international travelers exploring Taiwan’s natural scenery. In addition to its natural landscapes, Hualien has a rich Taiwanese Indigenous cultural heritage. This year’s concert is combined with an Indigenous-themed market, allowing visitors from abroad to explore the mountains, coastline and Indigenous communities during the day, then walk in the moonlight in the evening, sample local night market food and try Indigenous handicrafts, with music and nature as the backdrop.

A Full Second Half of the Year: A Different Theme Each Month

As autumn sets in, Hualien is presenting a series of international themed events in the second half of the year, inviting travelers from around the world to experience Hualien in every season:

• September – Moon-Met Indigenous Voices Concert: Artists from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan come together for an international concert celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
• October – Indigenous Culture and K-Pop Crossover Festival: Continuing the momentum, October brings a crossover concert that combines traditional Taiwanese Indigenous culture with Korean pop music (K-pop), bringing together striking visuals and sound.
• November – Hualien Pacific Hot Spring Festival: With winter approaching, the Hot Spring Festival in November invites visitors to enjoy Hualien’s high-quality natural hot springs and relax in a mountain setting for a restorative break.
• December – Hualien Pacific Tourism Festival (New Year’s Eve Concert): The final major event of the year, Hualien’s New Year’s Eve celebration attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually and is an excellent opportunity for international travelers to experience New Year’s Eve in Taiwan.

An Ideal Destination for International Travelers: Countdown Celebrations and Relaxing Travel

In addition to well-developed tourism facilities and abundant natural and cultural resources, Hualien offers subsidy programs specifically for international travelers, and its range of themed events in the second half of the year provides an excellent opportunity to experience Taiwanese culture in depth. The New Year’s Eve celebration in December is particularly well suited to travelers planning a year-end holiday abroad, offering the chance to welcome the new year amid Hualien’s mountain and ocean scenery and festive atmosphere.

Hualien warmly invites travelers from around the world to take advantage of the peak travel season in the second half of the year and plan a trip to experience its natural scenery, rich culture and international performances.

EVENT INFORMATION

https://hualien.travel/zh-tw/events/2026/?utm_source=gemini
https://reurl.cc/7YnRdb
https://concert.hl.gov.tw/
https://iapc.hl.gov.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=30681&sms=24976&s=205755

Hashtag: #Hualien #MoonMetIndigenousVoicesConcert #SustainableTourism

Initiatives aim to support high-quality development of the GBA, align rules and mechanisms within the region, and promote cross-boundary collaboration.

“The HKSAR Government will continue its efforts in fostering synergistic development of the GBA,” said Mr Lee. “We will strengthen co‑operation in technological innovation, promote ‘hard connectivity’ in infrastructure, foster ‘soft connectivity’ by deepening the alignment of rules and mechanisms, and achieve ‘connectivity of hearts’ among residents of the three places.”

The HKSAR Government will continue to actively participate in the development of the various major co-operation platforms, including Qianhai of Shenzhen, Nansha of Guangzhou, Hengqin of Zhuhai and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Co-operation Zone, to promote mutual benefits.

In terms of “hard connectivity” the HKSAR Government will support Nansha in its role as a high‑standard gateway for opening up, including encouraging the trade to participate in Nansha’s infrastructure development.

“To promote the co‑ordinated development of rail transit in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, we are pressing ahead with the Northern Link Project and the Hong Kong‑Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu‑Qianhai), with target commissioning in 2034 and 2035 respectively, to fully connect the rail transit networks of Hong Kong and Shenzhen,” Mr Lee said.

Regarding “soft connectivity”, Mr Lee said the HKSAR Government will set up a Task Force to explore ways to advance the alignment of rules and mechanisms within the GBA.

To achieve “Connectivity of Hearts” among residents across the GBA, Hong Kong will strengthen co-operation between its higher education institutions and those in other GBA cities by establishing cross‑disciplinary partnerships, facilitating scientific research, knowledge transfer, and commercialisation, with a view to promoting high‑level research.

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Janice Tse, noted that the First Five-Year Plan clearly states that Hong Kong will participate in the development of the GBA into an international first‑class bay area and a world‑class city cluster with global influence.

“Hong Kong will forge closer alignment and synergy with the nine GBA cities in Guangdong Province and Macao, making full use of our respective advantages to jointly promote the high-quality development of the GBA,” Miss Tse said.

To foster financial development in the GBA, Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on institutional innovation, financial infrastructure upgrading and enhanced regulatory alignment to encourage the orderly flow of financial elements among GBA cities.

The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited’s Core Climate, in collaboration with the Guangzhou Power Exchange Centre, is working towards the pilot trading of national renewable‑energy, green electricity certificates in Hong Kong in 2026.

“On connecting the Chinese Mainland and the world, the HKSAR Government will continue to support green technology development through the HK$400 million (aboutUS$51 million) Green Tech Fund, leveraging Hong Kong’s function as a springboard for green technology and assisting national green technologies and products in going global,” said Hong Kong’sSecretary for Environment and Ecology, Tse Chin-wan. “On the development of hydrogen energy, we have participated in drafting national hydrogen energy standards with a view to helping these standards align with international practice.”

To meet the country’s “dual carbon” targets and fulfil Hong Kong’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality before 2050, the HKSAR Government steered the establishment of a production base for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Dongguan, leveraging the leading position of Hong Kong enterprises in the international SAF industry.

“By combining technology strengths with industrial foundation, Hong Kong and Guangdong will jointly develop a globally influential green industry,” Mr Lee said.

The HKSAR Government will take forward the construction of an SAF blending facility in Hong Kong to build an end‑to‑end SAF value chain and reduce logistics costs to make SAF prices more competitive. The target is to achieve an SAF consumption ratio of 1% to 3% for flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport in 2030.

Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan promotes the integrated development of culture, sports, and tourism, to develop the GBA into a cultured bay area.

Under the strategic framework of the Agreement on Strengthening of Sports Cooperation and Promotion of Integrated Development, Hong Kong will deepen co-operation, and strive to co‑organise important regional and international single‑sport events. It will also strengthen cultural exchanges, pass on Cantonese opera and the characteristics of Lingnan culture, and promote the sales and cross‑boundary exhibition of Hong Kong publications.

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

Hashtag: #HongKong #PolicyAddress #First5YearPlan #GBA #Green #Transformation

Centering on the development of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and marking the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, this year’s expo focused on deepening the integration of artificial intelligence and the real economy. UnionPay leverages AI technology and connectivity to enhance the effectiveness of China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation and drive the high-quality development of the digital ecosystem.

Driving AI-Powered Real Economy to Build New Advantages for ASEAN Digital and Intelligent Finance

Based on Guangxi’s strategic position as a gateway to the ASEAN region, UnionPay is building an “AI + finance” innovation hub characterized by integrations in Guangxi, service delivery to ASEAN, and wider reach across the Asia-Pacific. Collaborations in progress include the development of high-quality, ASEAN-oriented financial corpora for AI training, the assessment and testing of the China-ASEAN financial AI service sharing network, and the co-creation of Guangxi’s alliance for combating telecom fraud.

Powered by the AI-driven risk control system that it has developed in-house, UnionPay continues to strengthen cross-border risk governance. The Out-of-Band (OOB) enhanced authentication implementation has seen the overall fraud rate of pilot banks drop by 90% against pre-deployment levels. UnionPay is also collaborating with overseas terminal manufacturers to roll out intelligent upgrades on their devices, effectively preventing various cross-border payment risks and making cross-border financial services easier to use and more secure.

Echoing the expo’s highlights, the UnionPay exhibition area also featured immersive experience zones for intelligent in-vehicle systems and smart glasses, showing how the Agentic Payment Open Protocol (APOP) framework enables the end-to-end integration of services and AI-powered payment in multiple use cases. The intuitive presentations demonstrated the efficacy of the financial AI product cycle that starts with R&D in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, integration in Guangxi, and eventually ends with application in the ASEAN nations. They also showcased AI’s innovative value in powering the real economy and upgrading the financial sector.

Connecting Cross-Border Payment Rails to Drive Regional Economic and Trade Integration

This year’s expo also featured a dedicated area for matching supply and demand in AI-powered procurement. Focusing on the three themes of “Procurement in China,” “Export to China,” and “Investment in China,” UnionPay continues to refine its payment service system for ASEAN by strengthening the infrastructure for regional economic and trade connectivity.

UnionPay’s acceptance network has expanded to ten ASEAN countries, covering over 38 million QR merchants in the region. Contactless payment acceptance at POS terminals and ATMs, as well as local card issuance, is also available extensively in these markets. In multiple ASEAN countries, UnionPay is creating benchmarks for cross-border connectivity under the government-to-government cooperation model. A prime example is the China-Indonesia QR payment linkage that went live this past June, bringing the number of UnionPay’s overseas QR merchants to over 46 million. The interoperability of payment network standards and the integration of the systems involved have also been completed with many other ASEAN members. For example, the cooperation between China and Vietnam is accelerating. A single integration of systems has ensured standards harmonization, allowing Chinese consumers to use their wallets in Vietnam, while work is underway to enable the acceptance of Vietnam-based wallets in China.

Building on retail payment connectivity, UnionPay continues to broaden its service offerings. To meet the needs arising from the cross-border expansion of enterprises and industrial chains, UnionPay leverages its self-developed integrated information service platform for cross-border B2B transactions to create digital payment solutions for emerging business models, such as cross-border e-commerce and flight and hotel services, empowering industry partners in the process.

Upgrading Cross-Border Consumer Services to Unlock Potential for New Use Cases of AI-Powered Purchasing

This year’s expo placed a strong focus on the upgrade of everyday consumption. A first-ever “AI product marketplace” was set up that promoted cross-border AI-driven consumer purchasing. Addressing the various needs of business people and general consumers visiting China during their travel cycles, which ranges from transport, shopping to the final departure from the country, UnionPay has launched the Nihao China App, an all-in-one platform of intelligent and digital cross-border services. The solution targeted precisely the above needs of the ASEAN businesses and consumers during the expo. Supporting easy sign-up with international mobile numbers and email addresses, the Nihao China App allows users to pay via mainstream Chinese QR codes without needing to link a Chinese bank card. The app provides multilingual assistance across high-frequency use cases in 27 languages, such as cross-border shopping, cultural tourism, transit, and everyday purchases. The app also facilitates departure tax refunds by streamlining the process for travelers, closing the payment loop with an intelligent, all-inclusive service.

An immersive journey through dreams, gratitude and love, complemented by new lifestyle experiences at Galaxy Promenade

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 September 2026 -Founded upon its commitment to enriching Macau’s cultural landscape and curating world-class lifestyle experiences, Galaxy Macau proudly collaborates with acclaimed Chinese contemporary sculptor Gao Xiaowu to present Dream Voyage @ Galaxy Resort: Gao Xiaowu’s Art Exhibition at Galaxy Promenade, the integrated resort’s immersive luxury shopping destination. Art Exhibition at Galaxy Promenade, the integrated resort’s premier luxury shopping destination.

Running from now until 17 November, the exhibition showcases six groups of Gao’s representative works across five thematic chapters, inviting guests to reflect on dreams, personal growth, gratitude and love while embarking on an inspirational journey of self-discovery.

The exhibition unfolds in five chapters that explore different stages of life and the pursuit of dreams. From the hope and imagination embodied in “Dreams Begin”, to the celebration of individuality in “Breaking the Mold”; to “Dreams Return”, which encourages visitors to reconnect with their original aspirations and re-examine their dreams, and “Gratitude Shared”, a tribute to sincere appreciation; the journey culminates in “Love Expressed”, illustrating how love serves as a powerful force that sustains dreams and strengthens meaningful connection.

The opening ceremony was held yesterday afternoon and officiated by distinguished guests including Mr Cheng Wai Tong, Acting Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr Ho Hong Pan, Head of Department for Promoting Cultural and Creative Industries of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR Government; Mr Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group; Ms Eileen Lui, Group Director of Human Resources and Administration of Galaxy Entertainment Group and the title feature artist, Mr Gao Xiaowu.

Adding a distinctive, authentic local dimension to the exhibition, Galaxy Macau has partnered with the Macau Artist Society to invite six emerging Macau artists, alongside participating fashion and lifestyle brands from Galaxy Promenade, to reinterpret Gao Xiaowu’s iconic Future Dreams’ in mini sculpture. Through their own artistic expression, each collaborator imbues the work with unique colours, creativity and perspectives. In addition, guests are invited to express their talent at the Colour Your Angel Workshop, where they can personalise a Future Dreams mini sculpture with their own creative touch, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind artistic keepsake and bringing home a treasured memory from their dream voyage.

One of China’s most recognised contemporary sculptors who is widely recognised for the philosophy of “the moment that is” and the practice of “popular arts”, Gao Xiaowu seeks inspiration from the experiences, emotions and aspirations of ordinary people. Through a visual language characterised by humour, warmth and accessibility, Gao explores urban life, social issues and human connection, while conveying a strong sense of empathy and public engagement.

Through this exhibition, Galaxy Macau invites guests, visitors and art enthusiasts alike to embark on a dream voyage, rediscovering the significance of aspiration, the value of gratitude and the warmth and connection that love brings.

A Larger-than-Life Dream Friend Arrives at Pearl Lobby

Extending the exhibition’s spirit of imagination, art and wonder beyond the gallery space, Galaxy Macau will welcome Dream Friend, a large-scale sculptural installation of a mechanical plush cat at Pearl Lobby from 1 October to 19 November.

Nestled inside a giant suitcase, the larger-than-life feline will delight guests with playful movements and lifelike interactions throughout the day. Dream Friend brings to life a whimsical world where art and fantasy intertwine, creating an unforgettably immersive and highly shareable experience for guests of all ages.

Guests who fall in love with Dream Friend can also take the experience home. Galaxy Promenade will launch a collection of three limited-edition Dream Friend blind-box figurines, available for redemption with qualifying purchases, allowing visitors to relive the joy of their dream-filled journey with this treasured keepsake.

Extend the Fun and Immersive Journey at Galaxy Promenade with New Discoveries

Beyond the exciting exhibitions, guests are invited to discover Galaxy Promenade’s latest luxury, dining and lifestyle offerings, creating a multifaceted journey that seamlessly blends art, fashion, gastronomy and contemporary living.

Recently unveiled at Pearl Lobby, Ralph Lauren‘s new boutique at Galaxy Macau brings the signature brand of American sophistication to the award-winning integrated resort. Guests can discover Purple Label and Collection, both available exclusively in Macau at the Galaxy Macau boutique. Complementing the retail experience is Ralph’s Coffee, the first and only location in Macau, where visitors can enjoy Ralph Lauren’s signature coffee blends, specialty beverages and exquisite, freshly made desserts in an elegant and welcoming setting.

Moose Knuckles’ first standalone store in Hong Kong and Macau is now officially open at Galaxy Promenade. Celebrated for its bold design aesthetic, exceptional craftsmanship and fusion of luxury and performance, the brand has garnered a loyal global following among fashion enthusiasts and trendsetters alike. The arrival of the Canadian luxury lifestyle brand further enriches Galaxy Promenade’s fashion forward, international portfolio. Guests will receive an exclusive inaugural store opening gift with any purchase from now until 30 September, while stocks last.

From 26 September, Galaxy Promenade visitors can also visit the newly opened Starbucks Reserve Coffee Experience Store, located along Promenade Central and just moments away from Dream Voyage @Galaxy Resort: Gao Xiaowu’s Art Exhibition. Here, the aroma of expertly crafted coffee complements the surrounding artistic atmosphere, adding another layer of inspiration and sensory enjoyment to the dream voyage.

In addition, a roster of renowned international luxury and contemporary brands have already established at Galaxy Promenade, with more set to arrive soon, including a new Loro Piana boutique, Scents Library, APM Monaco, vinavast, a refreshed On store and a Versace pop-up boutique adding to the cutting-edge and immersive experiential brand showcase.

As the world-class integrated resort destination encompassing art, culture, entertainment, luxury retail and exceptional dining experiences, Galaxy Macau continues to enrich Macau’s tourism offerings through innovative and inspiring experiences. Dream Voyage @Galaxy Resort: Gao Xiaowu’s Art Exhibition represents another milestone in Galaxy Macau’s commitment to advancing cultural and artistic development while supporting Macau’s vision as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.

By bringing together internationally acclaimed contemporary art, local creative talent and enriching lifestyle experiences, the exhibition offers visitors from around the world a meaningful and inspiring artistic journey.

The brand-new Galaxy Resort App and Galaxy Rewards membership programme transform shopping at Galaxy Macau, connecting guests to over 200 luxury and lifestyle brands through exclusive rewards, member privileges and personalised offers. Designed to inspire discovery and enhance every visit, the platform makes each shopping journey more rewarding than ever. Download today at www.galaxymacau.com/galaxy-resort-app/.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau, world-class luxury integrated resort, delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-metre high and 150-metre pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.

• Asia’s 289 active REIT products reached a combined market value of US$279.4 billion as at 31 March 2026, up from US$235.8 billion at end of 2024
• The Chinese mainland contributed 21 out of 27 new listings in Asia in the same period
• India’s REIT market value rose 62% to US$17.7 billion, up from US$11 billion in end 2024

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 September 2026 – The Asia Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market entered a new phase of expansion in 2025–2026, with the Chinese mainland and India REIT markets emerging as the principal engines of regional growth, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s Asia REIT Market Insight 2025–2026.

The annual report showed that there were 289 active REIT products in Asia with a combined market value of US$279.4 billion as at 31 March 2026, up 18% from the end of 2024. Mature markets such as Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong stabilised and recovered moderately, while emerging markets such as Chinese mainland and India gained momentum through new product issuance, expanded asset classes and deeper institutional participation. In addition, ESG disclosure, operational efficiency and asset quality are becoming increasingly important differentiators for investors across Asia’s REIT markets.

Total Number and Market Value of Active REITs on Major Asia Exchanges (as at 31 March 2026)

*India REIT data includestwoSM REITs

Source: Bloomberg database, websites of Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Singapore Exchange, and Tokyo Stock Exchange; NAREIT; compiled by Cushman & Wakefield Beijing Valuation & Advisory Services

The Chinese mainland remained one of Asia’s most significant REIT growth stories, contributing 21 of the 27 new listings in Asia between end 2024 to March 2026, far outpacing other new listings from Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea, and underscoring its dominant role in driving the region’s REIT market growth. As at 31 March 2026, 79 public infrastructure REITs were listed in the Chinese mainland, with a cumulative issuance value of approximately US$31.3 billion (RMB215.5 billion) and a combined market value of US$32.1 billion (RMB221.3 billion).

A key development supporting the Chinese mainland market was the launch of the commercial real estate REIT pilot programme in late 2025, which marked a major broadening of the market beyond infrastructure. Eligible assets were expanded to include offices, shopping malls, hotels, outlets and mixed-use commercial properties, creating a new capital recycling channel for stabilised operating assets.

Andrew Chan, Managing Director, Head of Valuation & Advisory Services, Greater China, at Cushman & Wakefield said, “The Chinese mainland REIT market is moving into a more sophisticated phase. Regularised infrastructure REIT issuance has established scale and investor familiarity, while the commercial real estate REIT pilot programme introduces a powerful second growth pillar. By opening the market to a wider range of income-producing properties, the new framework can support asset revitalisation and optimise capital, but long-term performance will increasingly depend on asset quality, operating capability, and ESG credentials.”

India’s REIT market also advanced from an emerging platform toward institutional scale. Market value rose 62% from end 2024 to March 2026, allowing India to surpass Hong Kong for the first time and become Asia’s fourth-largest REIT market by market value.

New listings, including Knowledge Realty Trust and Bagmane Prime Office REIT, substantially increased portfolio scale, adding a combined 53.7 million sq ft and accounting for around three-quarters of the total new space added to the six India REITs between June 2025 and June 2026. Office REIT occupancy remained high amid tightening Grade A vacancy, while sustained multinational occupier demand and continued expansion by Global Capability Centres (GCCs) remain. As at June 2026, six listed REITs collectively held approximately 178 million sq ft, with a further 36.7 million sq ft under construction or planned.

Somy Thomas, Executive Managing Director, Capital Markets, India, at Cushman & Wakefield said, “India’s REIT market has reached an important inflection point, with larger listed portfolios, strong occupancies and a healthy development pipeline reinforcing its institutional depth. Demand from multinational companies and GCCs continues to favour high-quality, professionally managed office assets, while recent regulatory measures are widening the investor base and improving access to financing. Together, these developments create a stronger foundation for continuous REIT portfolio growth and market liquidity.”

Across the mature markets, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong recorded market value growth of 12%, 14% and 8%, respectively, between end 2024 and March 2026, reflecting a period of steady expansion. Japan benefited from recovering office fundamentals and strong hotel performance, while Singapore entered a vigorous acquisition phase, and Hong Kong recorded valuation recovery alongside policy initiatives designed to strengthen liquidity.

Data centre and hospitality REITs are expected to remain highly visible, supported by AI-led digital infrastructure demand and tourism recovery, while M&A and asset acquisitions should stay active as managers pursue scale, diversification and portfolio quality.

Catherine Chen, Research Director, Asia Pacific, at Cushman & Wakefield noted, “Looking ahead, we expect the Chinese mainland and India REIT markets to remain the region’s key growth engines, while established markets focus on operating efficiency, capital structure and selective portfolio expansion. The opportunity set is becoming broader, while investors will be increasingly discerning about income resilience, operational efficiency, ESG performance and the ability of managers to create value through active asset management.”

Please click here to download the report.
https://www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china

Hashtag: #CushmanWakefield #REIT #AsiaREITMarket

About Cushman & Wakefield

Located in southwest China, Guangwu Mountain boasts a forest coverage rate of 97%, earning its reputation as a “natural oxygen bar.” Each autumn, 680 square kilometers of mountain forests burst into a dazzling palette. Over 40 tree species, including Fagus pashanica, maples and lindens, weave the mountains into a stunning autumn landscape.

Known as “Asia’s longest natural red carpet,” the Mountain has become a top autumn destination for backpackers, photographers and travelers seeking immersive cultural and nature experiences, and is widely recognized as one of western China’s signature autumn attractions.

The tourism area caters to international visitors who prefer slower-paced, in-depth, off-the-beaten-path travel. The new Yanziling Loop Boardwalk, launched in May 2026, winds along mountain cliffs, with a sea of clouds rolling beneath visitors’ feet and brilliant foliage unfolding alongside the trail, creating the feeling of “stepping into a painting.”

Guangwu Mountain offers a wealth of outdoor attractions. Highlights include the 1,888-meter Red Leaf Coaster and a glass water slide certified by Guinness World Record, combining thrilling experiences with stunning natural scenery.

The large-scale immersive production “New Dream of Guangwu Mountain” integrates cutting-edge light and visual technology with Bashan folklore and traditions, transforming the forest into an atmospheric nighttime experience. Visitors can also enjoy welcome performances and interactive robot activities, which offer more ways to discover the mountain’s late-autumn charm.

A major highlight of this year’s festival is the newly completed Micang Avenue. Stretching 85 kilometers, the route connects seven core scenic spots, including Guangwu Mountain, Micang Mountain, and Nuoshui River, reducing a four-hour drive to just one hour. Lined with continuous stretches of colorful forest and layered peaks, the avenue brings brand-new travel experiences for autumn foliage enthusiasts.

The festival will also feature cultural, sports and international exchange activities, including the third season of the “Sending You a Red Leaf” campaign, the China Micang Avenue International Road Cycling Race, and the “World Red Leaf Landmark” global collection campaign.

In addition, 31 scenic attractions and 18 museums and cultural venues across Bazhong will provide special ticket offers and visitor benefits during the festival.

Across mountains and seas, Guangwu Mountain invites visitors from around the world to witness one of China’s most vibrant red-and-gold autumn displays.

Mr Lee unveiled measures to support the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism which will help develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange. These included enriching the supply of high-quality tourism products, while bolstering infrastructure and ancillary facilities as well as deepening engagement with markets in the Chinese Mainland and around the world.

“Hong Kong is blessed with a unique cultural vision, shaped by both Chinese and foreign influences,” Mr Lee said. “We will continue to engage and collaborate with Mainland and overseas culture, arts and creative sectors to consolidate Hong Kong’s role as a hub for the exchange, collaboration and promotion of culture, arts and creativity. We will also host international cultural and arts exhibitions and performances to attract visitors to Hong Kong.”

To support Hong Kong’s film industry and promote “Film + Tourism”, the Support Unit for Non‑local Film Productions will be set up to provide one‑stop services for Mainland and overseas film crews filming in Hong Kong, attracting the production of more quality films to promote Hong Kong.

Mr Lee noted that the Kai Tak Sports Park has substantially expanded Hong Kong’s capacity to host international mega events, with more than 170 sessions of international and local sports and cultural entertainment mega events having been held there so far, attracting over 2.6 million spectators.

Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government will explore the redevelopment of Victoria Park Centre Court and other ancillary facilities into an iconic all‑weather, multi‑purpose venue for holding larger‑scale and higher‑level sports events, as well as performance activities.

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law, highlighted the growing trend of multi-destination tourism. Ms Law said that Hong Kong welcomed around 36.67 million visitor arrivals in the first eight months of 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of about 11 per cent.

“The proportion of overseas visitors travelling onwards to the Chinese Mainland via Hong Kong has continued to rise, exceeding 20% in the first half of 2026,” Ms Law said.

The HKSAR Government will continue to capitalise on measures introduced by the Central Government to facilitate visits by foreign travellers to the Chinese Mainland, deepen collaboration with Mainland provinces and municipalities, and explore with the country additional immigration facilitation arrangements for international visitors. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will promote multi destination travel itineraries to overseas visitors, partner with airlines to roll out relevant tourism products and promotional offers, and intensify publicity overseas.

It will take forward “+ Tourism” joint initiatives, integrating various events with tourism to raise their appeal, aiming to extend visitor stays in Hong Kong and generate value‑adding momentum. Such joint initiatives would integrate tourism with mega events, ecology, heritage, finance and industrial brands.

On developing the yacht economy, Mr Lee said that a variety of new yacht berth projects are now moving ahead, including the tender for the composite development project in Aberdeen comprising a marina, recreational facilities and residential development scheduled for the first half of 2027, and the yacht bay project under the Airport City “SKYTOPIA”.

“In addition, starting from May, Hong Kong and Macao yachts may navigate in nine Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities, with the requirement for guarantee exempted and under temporary ship nationality registration,” Mr Lee said. “The first northbound travel of yachts from Hong Kong set sail in June. The Marine Department will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration for the implementation of southbound travel for yachts from Guangdong, adding impetus to cross‑boundary leisure consumption.”

To further enhance the city’s appeal as a Muslim‑friendly destination, the HKTB will extend the Hong Kong Restaurants Halal Certification Funding Scheme to the end of 2027, encouraging the industry to provide more Muslim‑friendly food options.

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

Hashtag: #HongKong #PolicyAddress #First5YearPlan #Tourism #Sports #Culture

A key highlight is the “three festivals and one biennale”cultural lineup, featuring the 11th China Peking Opera Festival, the 15th Qintai Music Festival, the 16th Wuhan International Acrobatic Art Festival and the 2026 Wuhan Biennale. A range of premium productions and international artworks are presented during the season.

For the first time, the city is also staging an automotive carnival, teaming up with carmakers including Xiaomi, AITO and VOYAH to create new consumption experiences integrating culture, tourism and automobiles.

Another new addition is the Wuhan City Music New Showcase, which brings pop-up performances to metro stations, riverside urban balconies and other city landmarks, moving the stage from conventional venues into residents’ everyday surroundings.

Meanwhile, Wuhan is offering Yangtze River fireworks shows, nighttime river cruises and autumn-themed activities across its districts, along with several new themed travel routes.

A total of 160 cultural and tourism businesses across the city are providing 173 promotional offers, including the “Heartbeat Wuhan Weekend Pass.” The city will also unveil its top 10 autumn attractions, a digital check-in passport and culture-and-tourism blind boxes, offering visitors a range of discounts and other benefits.

The bureau will strengthen market supervision and enhance safety and emergency response measures to ensure a safe and orderly cultural and tourism market. Visitors from around the world are invited to experience Wuhan in its golden autumn.

For more information on Wuhan’s culture and tourism, follow our official account, @VisitWuhan, on Meta and X.