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DFA Design for Asia Awards 2025 Unveiled Gathering Design Intelligence for Asia with Revolutionary Global Vision

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 October 2025 – Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is proud to announce the winners of the DFA Design for Asia Awards 2025. Organised by the HKDC and with Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Lead Sponsor, this prestigious international award honours and celebrates outstanding projects that embody exceptional design with distinctive Asian perspective, while recognising the significant contributions and achievements of exemplary designs.

Since its establishment in 2003, the DFA Design for Asia Awards has recognised over 3,000 remarkable design works from more than 40 economies, serving as a vital platform for design talents to showcase their outstanding contributions to the world, while emphasising the impact of design in Asian societies and businesses. The Awards highlights leading and influential design achievements for Asia, especially projects dedicated to the region. Encompassing six design disciplines including Communication Design, Digital & Motion Design, Fashion & Accessory Design, Product & Industrial Design, Service & Experience Design, and Spatial Design, the Awards fully represents the broad vision and rich cultural depth of various designs, whilst closely aligning with the global design landscape to reveal innovative ideas and forward-looking design styles.

Entries from over 20 economies including Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Japan, Korea, U.S., Singapore, Germany were assessed by a professional judging panel comprising nearly 30 design leaders from around the world to ensure a fair, transparent, and authoritative awarding process. In 2025, a total of 254 awards are conferred, recognising excellence across diverse design fields with imaginative and creative works. The accolades include 10 Grand Awards, 20 Gold Awards, 46 Silver Awards, 72 Bronze Awards, and 106 Merit Awards.

“The winners of the DFA Design for Asia Awards 2025 fully reflect Asia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and unique charm, showcasing the impressive potential of innovation and creativity. The award-winning designs not only highlight the designers’ exceptional talents but also provide valuable insights and guidance to the global design community. As the pioneer nurturing Asian design and promoting its development, we hope the Awards can further encourage winners to pursue breakthroughs and create value, while inspiring more designers to jointly lead and shape the future of Asian design,” said Mr. Joseph Lo, Chairman of the Hong Kong Design Centre.

Hashtag: #HongKongDesignCentre #HKDC #DFA #DFAAwards #DFAA #DFADesignforAsiaAwards #DFAA2025

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

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

Fatal crash, State Highway 3, Rukuhia, Waipa

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: New Zealand Police

One person has sadly died following a crash on State Highway 3, Rukuhia this afternoon.

Police and other emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash, near the Narrows Road intersection, at around 1:20pm.

Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

Two other people were transported to hospital in critical and serious condition.

The road remains closed, with diversions in place, while the Serious Crash Unit complete a scene examination.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Water Safety – November is Water Safety Month. Ahead of New Zealand’s highest risk drowning season, Water Safety New Zealand calls for participation – We All Play a Part!

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: Water Safety New Zealand

We All Play a Part: Water Safety New Zealand Encourages Collaboration and Participation for Water Safety Month 2025 (November)

Ahead of New Zealand’s highest risk drowning season.

As New Zealand heads into summer – the season when 43% of drownings occur – Water Safety New Zealand and partners across the sector welcome Water Safety Month, held every November.  This year’s theme, “We All Play a Part,” is a reminder that everyone – from sector organisations to community groups, whānau and individuals – has a role to play in preventing drownings and building a stronger culture of water safety across Aotearoa.

“Summer is a time of celebration and connection – but also when we need to be most vigilant,” says Gavin Walker, Acting CE at Water Safety New Zealand. “An average of 37 New Zealanders drown each summer, and we’re three times more likely to drown around Christmas. These are confronting statistics and Water Safety Month is a reminder to reflect and commit to positive change”.

As of 31 October, 54 New Zealanders have drowned this year – six fewer than at the same point in 2024, but still 54 too many. Last year 74 people drowned in New Zealand.  “The need to make smart decisions around water is more critical than ever – the power is in prevention,” Gavin says, noting a rise in female drownings this year and increased drownings in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

“Drowning prevention is complex – no single group can solve it alone,” says Gavin. “By recognising the role each of us plays, we can create a safer, more connected water culture in every region.”

Throughout November, Water Safety Month will highlight stories of people and organisations making a difference – from iwi-led initiatives, to surf lifesaving clubs, water skills educators, to volunteers and individuals.

“This month is about celebrating the big and small actions that save lives,” says Gavin. “Whether you’re a parent teaching your child to float, a volunteer patrolling the beach, or a local business supporting water safety education – every action showing Kiwis doing the right things at the right time – every part matters.”

There are many ways to show how you’re playing your part in water safety this summer.

The campaign’s puzzle and jigsaw imagery symbolise how every action, no matter how small, connects to the bigger picture of water safety in New Zealand.

Post your stories, photos, or videos on social media using the hashtag #WeAllPlayAPartor tag @WaterSafetyNZ to join the national conversation.  Assets are free to download at watersafetynz.org.

You could share your story or someone else’s effort to promote water safety, highlight a local champion – an individual, club, or organisation making a difference, make a pledge to take small steps that keep your whānau safe around water this summer.  Water Safety New Zealand will support amplification of these stories.

In 2024, 74 New Zealanders drowned:

MIL OSI

Analysis – Values up modestly for two months in a row – Cotality

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: Cotality

Property values in Aotearoa New Zealand edged up by 0.2% in October, the second modest rise in a row, according to Cotality NZ’s latest hedonic Home Value Index (HVI). Values had previously ticked up by a minor 0.1% in September, after five consecutive falls over April to August, with the national median now sitting at $811,662.

Across the main centres, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland fell again (-0.2%), with Kirikiriroa Hamilton flat in October. Tauranga and Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington both lifted by 0.2%, while Ōtautahi Christchurch (0.4%) and Ōtepoti Dunedin were stronger (0.7%).

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson, said that the second consecutive lift in property values may signal the early stages of a market recovery. However, he emphasised the importance of maintaining a measured outlook.

“It’s a cliché, but upturns obviously have to start somewhere, and the recent emergence of small increases in property values would certainly be consistent with the falls in mortgage rates over the past year or so.”

“That being said, sentiment remains tilted to the cautious end of the spectrum, and of course, the economy and labour market are still subdued. Meanwhile, the gains in September and October were clearly reasonably small in the grand scheme of things.”

He pointed out that one notable shift in credit policy in recent weeks has been the announcement on 14 October that the loan to value ratio rules are set to ease from 1 December.

“That may possibly benefit investors a bit more than owner-occupiers, although the potential scope for more pre-approvals for low equity loans could bolster first home buyers.”

“We’ve seen in the past that banks tend to act early on these rule changes, so the effects may start to show through even as soon as the release of October’s mortgage lending stats in late November.”

“Meanwhile, it’s still very early days for Labour’s capital gains tax policy, given of course it won’t mean much if they don’t get into power. One lesson from other countries is that CGT doesn’t stop house price growth, although this policy proposal does add to the general sense that property returns in future could be a touch less than in the past.

Index results for October 2025
Change in dwelling values
Median value
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
$1,051,796
Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington*
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Ōtepoti Dunedin
Aotearoa New Zealand

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s various sub-markets remained a bit patchy in October, with Franklin rising by 0.3% and North Shore edging slightly higher too. However, Rodney, Manukau, and Papakura all ticked down by -0.1%, with bigger drops in Auckland City and Waitakere.

Over the past 12 months, the super-city has seen a -2.0% drop in values, reflecting weakness in North Shore, Auckland City, and Manukau – which combined account for almost 70% of all dwellings in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Compared to the previous peak, the falls across Tāmaki Makaurau continue to range from around -20% down to -25%.

“The stock of available listings across the super-city has eased downwards this year, potentially lessening buyers’ pricing power to a degree. But the new-build pipeline remains active. And several economic sentiment indicators or surveys for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland are still subdued, and this cautious mood is clearly pervading the property market too,” Mr Davidson noted.

Change in dwelling values
Median value
$1,201,898
Te Raki Paewhenua North Shore
$1,257,236
Auckland City
$1,116,351
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
$1,051,796

Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

It was also a mixed bag for the wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area in October, with Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt seeing property values fall by -0.4%, and Porirua down by -0.2%. However, the other sub-markets were either flat or higher, with Wellington City itself seeing a 0.5% increase.

That said, the falls from peak remain significant across the region, ranging from around -23% in Kāpiti Coast and Porirua, to -26% in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.

“Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington is another area where the stock of available listings has drifted lower this year. But the market still remains in favour of buyers, with plenty of choice out there. The subdued state of the Wellington economy and muted confidence both remain a factor in its sluggish housing market too. That said, the hints of growth in Wellington City could be something to watch in the next few months.”

Change in dwelling values
Median value
Kāpiti Coast
Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt
Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt
Wellington City
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

Property market outlook

Looking ahead, Mr Davidson noted: “There’ll obviously be a lot of focus on the Reserve Bank’s final OCR decision for the year on 26th November, which at this stage looks likely to be a 0.25% drop. This, however, could mark the end of the cuts in this cycle.”

“If so, it’ll then be a case of judging how these effects are eventually filtering through to the economy, consumer spending, and the housing market.”

“With mortgage rates already having fallen a long way, housing affordability more favourable, listings down a bit, and the economy set to improve, 2026 looks likely to see a rise in both property sales activity and house prices.”

“However, would-be buyers may not necessarily need to be too concerned about falling behind. After all, with the stock of housing having risen in recent years relative to population, and debt to income ratio caps also now in action, only a modest rise in prices of perhaps 5% or less seems more likely than a fresh boom.”

“Prospective buyers, whether that’s owner-occupiers or investors, will also no doubt be pleased that values remain around 17% below their early 2022 peak – with some likely to be viewing this as a strong opportunity to snap up ‘bargains’ at what might prove to be the low point for the market,” Davidson concluded.

MIL OSI

Health Employment – Nurses vote to hold two-week Safe Staffing Strikes

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Two-week partial strike action to highlight unsafe staffing levels will be undertaken by more 37,500 of NZNO’s Te Whatu Ora nurses, midwives, health care assistants and kaimahi hauora.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO members voted strongly today to take two weeks of partial strike action in mid-November.
NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goulter says Te Whatu Ora is increasingly relying on health workers to cover-up chronic short staffing by moving them away from their patients to fill roster gaps in other parts of hospitals and public health.
“These roster gaps are caused by known and preventable staffing shortfalls. This partial strike action from 17-30 November will allow Te Whatu Ora members to focus on patient safety by providing care for the patients in their area of work.
“The workers will refuse to be redeployed to other areas of work to cover staff shortages. They will also refuse to work additional hours they are not rostered to do and refuse any roster changes proposed by Te Whatu Ora.
“If Te Whatu Ora safely staffed shifts, none of these actions would be needed,” he says.
Paul Goulter says workers are frustrated that after more than 30 days of bargaining with Te Whatu Ora, their concerns that short staffing is putting patient safety at risk remain unaddressed.
“The Government is ignoring the evidence showing our hospitals are chronically understaffed and they are refusing to listen to nurses. Yet again it is nurses who have to prove the danger to their patients of ongoing staff shortages.
“Nurses have been calling for enforceable safe staffing ratios for over a year because they understand that safe staffing saves lives,” Paul Goulter.
Safe Staffing Strike details:
These three types of national Safe Staffing strikes will occur at every place in New Zealand where Health New Zealand provides health services and/or disability support services.
As always, NZNO members will provide Life Preserving Services as agreed between NZNO and Te Whatu Ora.
Strike 1 – Strike on Redeployment, 17-30 November
  • The nature of the strike is a refusal by employees to accept reallocation to any area or to any work they are not rostered to do.
Strike 2 – Strike on Additional Hours, 17-30 November
  • The nature of the strike is a refusal by employees to work any duty or shift other than those they are rostered to do.
Strike 3 – Strike on Roster Changes, 24-30 November
  • The nature of the strike is a refusal by employees to agree to any roster changes proposed by Te Whatu Ora. 

MIL OSI

Day walk turns dangerous prompting reminder to prepare

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: New Zealand Police

A solo day walk turned into a rescue mission when Southland was in a state of local emergency.

Southland Police are urging anyone heading into the bush to make sure they’re doing it safely after a day walker became lost attempting the Makarewa Falls Track on a stormy Labour Day.

Sergeant Alun Griffiths from Police Search and Rescue, Southland, says Police were alerted through the iPhone emergency satellite system shortly after 5pm on Monday. 

“There was significant tree fall in the area, and she’d lost her way.

“With limited gear and no navigational aid, we told her to stay put.”

Snow was low on the bush line, and the ambient temperature was a mere two degrees, so Police responded swiftly with Land Search and Rescue teams from Gore and Invercargill.

“Thankfully we found her, but she was very cold,” he says.

She was given dry clothes and hot drinks then, once sufficiently warm, was assisted out to the carpark around 10pm.

“We’re lucky to have great access to stunning scenery in this part of the country,” Sergeant Griffiths says.

“But we recommend when people head into the bush, they do it safely.

“Assess the weather and conditions and take sufficient gear for your activity.

“Carry two forms of communication.

“Even experienced hikers can end up in situations where they need help.”

If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hiking, hunting or climbing, please follow the five simple steps of the Land Safety Code:

Choose the right trip for you

Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it. It is important to choose a trip that suits everyone in your group. When you are looking at options, make sure to think about everyone’s fitness levels and experience in the outdoors.

Understand the weather

New Zealand weather can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed. Weather can make or break a trip. It is one of the most important things to consider when going into the outdoors.

Pack warm clothes and extra food

Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out. Any trip, even if it is short and easy, needs preparation. Packing the right things can make trips safer and more enjoyable.

Share your plans

Telling a trusted person about your trip details and taking a personal locator beacon can save your life. We all want our trips to go as planned – but sometimes they don’t. If you get hurt or lost on your trip, how would you get help? Leaving trip intentions

Take care of yourself and each other

Eat, drink, and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together. The best way to enjoy your experience in the outdoors and make it home safely is to look out for one another.

Distress beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation Visitor Centres, and outdoor tramping and hunting stores.

If you have purchased a beacon, make sure to register it at www.beacons.org.nz

More information on trip planning can be found at: Trip Planning — NZMSC

ENDS

MIL OSI

TDCX sees global outsourcing supercycle opportunity; Positions company for next wave of growth with refreshed brand

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

  • New tagline “Enable the Future” signals TDCX’s deepened capabilities — where AI, CX, and human expertise converge to drive the next wave of growth
  • Complimentary CX Sentiment Scan Report to celebrate 30 years of innovation

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 October 2025 — TDCX Group, a leading global digital customer experience (CX) solutions firm, today unveiled a refreshed brand identity and tagline — Enable the Future — to mark its 30th anniversary and its next evolution in an era of accelerated technological change.

Mr. Laurent Junique, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TDCX, at TDCX’s 30th anniversary celebration where he launched the company’s refreshed brand to mark TDCX’s transformation into a strategic orchestrator of growth to deliver intelligence-led outcomes for clients.

Mr. Laurent Junique, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, TDCX, said, “Across industries, we’re seeing companies re-evaluate how they operate in the digital economy. Forces such as AI adoption, digital transformation, the worldwide talent shift and new compliance demands are expanding the demand for specialized partners who can blend technology, data, and human intelligence to help businesses grow faster, smarter, and more sustainably. These form the perfect confluence of factors to drive a supercycle of growth in the global outsourcing industry.”

TDCX’s new logo reflects the company’s role as a trusted guide — blending technology and human expertise to empower brands with clarity, confidence, and purpose on their path to the future.

A brand for velocity and navigation

At the heart of the new identity is the concept of the Future Path — a fluid line extending from the “T” in TDCX that symbolizes forward motion, agility, and shared purpose with clients as they navigate transformation.

The refreshed wordmark’s clean geometry and rounded forms express precision, inclusivity, and balance, capturing TDCX’s philosophy that technology and human empathy must move in harmony.

Mr. Junique, said, “For thirty years, TDCX has evolved ahead of the curve — from telesales to CX to digital services. Today, we enter our fourth iteration: AI as a growth power. The world is changing at an unprecedented speed. Enable the Future expresses our conviction that AI and human capability, working together, are the engines of the next growth cycle. As global confidence returns and industries invest in AI, automation, and digital trust, TDCX is perfectly positioned to help clients capture this momentum.”

From outsourcing to orchestration
The brand refresh reflects TDCX’s transformation into a strategic orchestrator of growth, moving beyond traditional outsourcing to deliver intelligence-led outcomes. Its three core engines — Enterprise CX, Digital Sales and Marketing, and Trust and Safety — are now augmented by embedded AI tools, analytics, and agile operating models designed to maximize performance and value creation.

TDCX’s evolution and new identity mirrors its readiness to navigate this supercycle of global megatrends:

  • AI and Large Language Model (LLM) adoption, which amplifies productivity and personalization;
  • Digitalization and e-commerce expansion, driving demand for omnichannel CX;
  • Tight global labor markets, pushing companies toward flexible, high-skill outsourcing;
  • Rising regulatory and trust expectations, expanding the need for ethical and transparent operations.

Together, these forces are redefining how brands grow and TDCX is well-positioned to be a strategic partner with clarity and purpose.

30th anniversary offer: Complimentary CX sentiment report

To commemorate its 30th anniversary, TDCX is offering a complimentary CX Sentiment Analysis Report to help businesses decode customer sentiment and identify growth opportunities. The report provides actionable insights on customer perception, satisfaction, and loyalty drivers. The limited-time offer runs until January 31, 2026, and can be accessed at TD30.tdcx.com.

https://www.tdcx.com
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/tdcxgroup
https://x.com/tdcxgroup
https://www.facebook.com/tdcxgroup/
https://www.instagram.com/tdcxgroup/

Hashtag: #TDCX

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

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

Road blocked, State Highway 3, Rukuhia, Waipa

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 3, near the Narrows Road intersection, is blocked following a serious crash this afternoon.

Police were called to the two-vehicle crash at around 1:20pm.

Initial indicators suggest that there have been critical injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified, and the road will remain blocked while emergency services work at the scene.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible, and expect delays.

ENDS

MIL OSI

DOC urges caution as wild weather impacts tracks, further delays to some Great Walks

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  31 October 2025

DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says wild spring weather across Southland, Otago and Fiordland has led to slips, flooding and track damage across many of the region’s popular hiking locations and caution is required.  

“Rangers have not yet been able to access and fully assess conditions in many areas due to ongoing severe weather and the vast area to cover,” Aaron says. “We’re asking people to think carefully before heading out and urge them be prepared to turn back or change their plans if needed. 

“Naturing is about connecting with the outdoors, but that connection also means respecting nature’s power and knowing when to pause or change plans.” 

Heavy snow and avalanche risk are key concerns, particularly on the alpine passes. 

The Routeburn Track is partially closed, with the section between Routeburn Falls Hut and Lake MacKenzie Hut inaccessible due to waist-deep snow and significant avalanche danger. 

The Milford Track, which opened two weeks later than scheduled due to avalanche damage earlier this month, will now be delayed by a further week because of ongoing avalanche risk following recent snowfall.  

The opening date for the Milford Track is now expected to be 19 November. The Kepler Track is expected to be inaccessible between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut for up to a week due to avalanche risk, and has also been affected by flooding in low-lying areas. 

Booked hikers affected by the closures will be contacted and offered refunds. In some cases (such as the Routeburn), alternative options may be available, and DOC staff will discuss these directly with walkers when they get in touch. 

Conditions and the weather are changing quickly, so visitor patience is appreciated as DOC staff work through contacting customers ahead of their planned walks. 

In southern Fiordland, the Hump Ridge Track has also sustained some storm damage however is fully open. 

There is also damage to tracks and infrastructure in other parts of the region, including the Catlins, Forest Hill Scenic Reserve, and a large slip on the Dart Track in Mount Aspiring National Park. 

“Our teams are trained and ready to carry out the necessary repair and avalanche control work, but we need a break in the weather to get in safely,” says Aaron.

Safety for both staff and visitors remains our top priority. We will directly contact booked hikers if any further delays or disruptions are expected. 

“We want to get these tracks safe and repaired as quickly as possible. Teams have been out this week making repairs where they can, and we’re bringing in more people and resources as weather conditions improve.” 

Visitors are advised to check the DOC website for the latest track alerts before setting out. 

DOC will provide another update on the impacted Great Walks on Friday 7 November. 

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

Negotiations launched for trilateral agreement supporting green trade and investment

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay joined their Singaporean and Chilean counterparts today to launch negotiations for the Green Economy Partnership Agreement (GEPA) in the Republic of Korea.

“New Zealand, Singapore, and Chile have a proud history of shared leadership in developing innovative trade agreements to drive integration and economic growth in our region,” Mr McClay says.

“This agreement is an opportunity to work together to position our businesses to seize trade and investment opportunities in the growing global green economy, the value of which is estimated to more than quintuple to US$11 trillion by 2040.”

The agreement will boost trade and investment and will involve the partners working together on issues like environmental credit markets, sustainable finance and investment, green goods and services, sustainable agriculture and food systems and low and zero emissions fuel alternatives.

“New Zealand is committed to meeting its climate targets, and this innovative agreement will help drive our transition to a greener, more resilient economy,” Mr McClay says.

Negotiations are set to begin immediately and will continue into 2026. The launch closely follows the signature of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Singapore on 10 October and the agreement will be a flagship initiative under the Climate Change and Green Economy, and Trade and Economics pillars.

It also comes after successful Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings and bilaterals this week.

“In an increasingly fragmented and unpredictable international trading landscape, APEC remains a leading platform for international dialogue on trade and economic issues.

“Trade with APEC economies constitutes around 75 per cent of New Zealand’s exports, and accounts for about 60 per cent of global GDP.

“Meeting with important trading partners presented a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties with key economic partners and advance the interests of New Zealand exporters.”

MIL OSI

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