SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – 24/7 FITNESS, one of Hong Kong’s most renowned fitness brands, has officially debuted in Singapore with the opening of its flagship club on Orchard Road. This expansion follows the acquisition of local fitness chain GymmBoxx, marking 24/7 FITNESS’s commitment to providing accessible, world-class fitness solutions to Singaporeans. With plans to open 40 locations over the next three years, the brand is set to become a go-to destination for fitness enthusiasts.
24/7 FITNESS has officially debuted in Singapore with the opening of its flagship club on Orchard Road.
The 10,000-square-foot Orchard flagship club is Singapore’s largest 24/7 FITNESS facility and boasts state-of-the-art equipment from world-renowned brands. Offering advanced cardio machines and weight-training equipment, the gym is designed to meet the needs of all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. As a 24-hour gym, members can work out conveniently, enjoying unparalleled flexibility in their fitness schedules.
“Our goal is to redefine fitness accessibility in Singapore by providing world-class facilities and services at an affordable price,” said Ingrid Wong, CEO of 24/7 FITNESS. “By expanding to 40 locations over the next three years, 24/7 FITNESS is committed to becoming the fitness brand of choice for Singaporeans who prioritize their health and well-being.”
24/7 FITNESS has already opened 13 branches in strategic locations across Singapore, including popular spots like Ci Yuan Community Club, Keat Hong Community Club, The Seletar Mall, Margaret Market and Yew Tee MRT. Upcoming sites include prominent destinations such as The Cathay, Jalan Besar, Beauty World and Tampines North Community Club, ensuring that members across the island have easy access to 24/7 FITNESS’s world-class facilities.
24/7 FITNESS offers a transparent pricing model starting at just $98 per month, with no joining fees or prepayment required. This straightforward pricing ensures that members receive exceptional value without the hidden costs often associated with other gyms. With access to all 24/7 FITNESS locations across the Asia-Pacific region, members can enjoy flexibility and convenience wherever they go. For those seeking personalized guidance on their fitness journey, the gym has a team of dedicated personal trainers available to help customers achieve their goals.
24/7 FITNESS is also introducing cutting-edge technology with its Smart Face Recognition Terminal, allowing for seamless and secure access to all locations worldwide without the need for a physical key fob or card. This contactless entry system is ideal for those with busy schedules or traveling abroad, ensuring quick and easy access whenever needed. Additionally, the gym’s welcoming atmosphere, designed with a neutral color scheme and soothing Tiffany Blue accents, fosters a comfortable environment where members of all fitness levels can feel at ease and motivated to reach their goals.
Founded in Hong Kong, 24/7 FITNESS has rapidly grown to over 200 locations across the Asia-Pacific region, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau. Its entry into Singapore marks a significant milestone in the brand’s mission to make fitness accessible and affordable for all. As part of its commitment to the local community, 24/7 FITNESS aims to redefine the fitness experience in Singapore by combining convenience, technology, and value, ensuring that all Singaporeans can achieve their health and wellness goals.
For further details about 24/7 FITNESS clubs, please visit: https://bit.ly/3BzsHj9.
https://sg.247.fitness/
Hashtag: #247fitness
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
18-29 year olds significantly more optimistic and feel more financially prepared to confront the year compared to 40-49 year olds.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – AIA Singapore today announced findings from the seventh edition of the AIA Live Better Study, which reflects the evolution of a society where more than 4 in 5 (83%) of Singapore residents plan to actively manage their finances amid concerns of a sluggish economy in 2025. The survey aims to uncover the aspirations and concerns of Singapore residents as they navigate these challenging times in the new year.
The study also found a stark contrast in the temperament and financial preparedness between two age groups. While more than half (54%) of those aged 18 – 29 feel financially prepared to tackle the challenging economic situation in 2025, only 34% of those aged 40 – 49, many of whom are taking care of their parents or kids, share similar sentiments.
Conducted in November 2024, the AIA Live Better Study[1] investigated the evolving financial, health, and wellness needs of Singapore consumers. Against expected muted economic growth in 2025[2], this year’s study explores the mindset and actions of Singapore citizens and PRs as they navigate these challenging times.
Unsurprisingly, only 47% of Singapore residents are optimistic about the economy. Inflation and cost of living (50%) remain the top economic concern amongst the population, followed by worries over job security (35%) and income levels (34%).
“Despite the expectation of challenging times, the people of Singapore are showing remarkable resilience and proactiveness. This reflects a maturing society which has a better understanding and appreciation of the value of planning early and planning well for their future and that of their loved ones, which is especially noteworthy as we celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday this year,” said Irma Hadikusuma, Chief Marketing and Healthcare Officer at AIA Singapore.
“AIA Singapore is committed to supporting the community with compelling solutions, tools and resources needed to overcome today’s challenges and secure a prosperous future. Our mission is to help people live healthier, longer, better lives, ensuring financial and overall well-being,” she added.
Securing financial resilience: Insurance and investments take centerstage in long-term financial plans
Rather than wringing their hands in despair, Singapore residents are taking on a positive mindset with more than 1 in 2 (54%) indicating that financial readiness in the long-run is more important to them in 2025 compared to the previous year.
The top three priorities Singapore residents believe will help them achieve financial security are savings (62%), a stable income (57%), and to have emergency funds (52%). Notably, 1 in 2 (48%) Singapore residents also cited insurance as an important way to ensure financial stability, a positive indication of an increased understanding about the importance of insurance as part of long-term financial planning.
Looking ahead, Singapore residents have plans to uptake a myriad of long-term financial solutions to prepare against the volatile economy in 2025:
Approximately 3 in 5 (59%) Singapore residents are tightening their purse strings and planning to spend less on daily expenses or big-ticket purchases.
Singapore residents are making plans to build emergency funds (29%), plan for retirement (28%), and diversify investments (27%) to strengthen their long-term financial readiness.
Singapore residents are likely to see an increased uptake in endowment and investment plans as over a fifth of respondents intend to boost their expenditure towards insurance (22%) and investments (27%) in the coming year.
AIA Singapore offers a comprehensive range of compelling solutions designed to align with the unique aspirations of individuals and families, encouraging them to start their savings journey early. By leveraging the power of compounding interest, we help individuals and their families grow their investments for the long-term and secure a prosperous future. AIA insurance representatives are here to provide personalised guidance to help you make informed decisions about your financial well-being.
Balancing the budget in preparation for rising healthcare expenses
A substantial subset when it comes to Singapore’s cost of living is healthcare costs. Aligned with Health Minister Ong Ye Kung[3], the study noted that the increasing cost of healthcare is a key economic concern that must be addressed. Key insights include:
More than half (53%) of Singapore residents perceive healthcare costs to be expensive.
Yet, less than half (47%) feel financially prepared to manage these costs, calling for more support, financial and non-financial, by both the government and private sectors.
Singapore residents are taking matters into their own hands, planning to combat the potential high healthcare costs via insurance plans (57%), personal savings (56%) and government healthcare financing and support (49%).
A Generational Gap: 18 – 29 year olds are stressing and skimping less compared to their 40 – 49 year old counterparts
Many in their 40s are feeling the pressures of being in the sandwiched generation, and they are the most pessimistic about their outlook for 2025 across all demographics. This is in comparison to the more optimistic demographic of 18 – 29 year olds in Singapore.
Financial Priorities Shift with Age: From Experiences to Stability
Despite the nation’s overall sentiment, the younger generation (aged 18 – 29) are less stressed about the economy and are less likely to take steps towards financial preparedness. This is in contrast to Singapore residents in their 40s.
The younger generation is more optimistic (56%) about the economy than those in their 40s (38%),
They are less concerned about inflation and cost of living (34% compared to 63%).
Fewer 18-29 year olds strive to be debt and loan free (16%) compared to their older counterparts (28%).
Less than 2 in 5 (34%) younger adults foresee themselves cutting back on daily expenses and only 35% planning to reduce their budgets for big-ticket items.
In contrast, approximately 1 in 2 (47%) of those in their 40s will be cutting their daily spending and 45% will be reducing purchases of big-ticket items.
This could be attributed to their current phase in life – between completing their education and starting their working life – those between the ages of 18 and 29 are focused on experiencing the fun and joys of life[4].
Stresses on the Job Market
Having stable employment is important to all Singapore residents regardless of age. Approximately 1 in 2 (47%) of those aged between 18 and 29 years old, and approximately 3 in 5 (61%) of those in their 40s cited it as an increasingly important aspect of their overall wellness in 2025.
However, their likely approach to pre-empting a potential loss of job differs:
While the younger ones prioritise upskilling (40%) more than the older generation (28%),
The latter will focus on building their savings (55%) and setting aside emergency funds (46%).
Even the support that the two age groups require differs:
While 18 – 29 year olds find mental health and well-being support (40%) to be more important,
40 – 49 year olds would prefer more practical support in the form of job placements, career transition services (52%) and access to online training and upskilling programmes (47%).
The differing reactions and behaviours towards the economy underscore the stage of life that both groups are in. While the younger generation is still learning to live life and experience the joys that come with it, those in their 40s recognise the many responsibilities they have. While their approaches differ, both generations share the goal of securing a stable future in challenging times.
[1]The seventh wave of the AIA Live Better Study is anindependent study that was conducted from 29 November to 9 December 2024 with a sample size of 1,000 representing Singapore’s general population. [2]‘Economic trends to watch for Singapore in 2025’ (Jan 1, 2025) The Straits Times. Available at:https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economic-trends-to-watch-for-singapore-in-2025 [3]‘Healthcare costs are rising in Singapore. Is there really nothing we can do about it?’ (Nov 23, 2024) CNA. Available at:https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/healthcare-costs-rising-singapore-hospitals-government-subsidies-moh-4764391 [4]‘The Big Read: Understanding why millennials and Gen Zers feel the way they do about work’ (Jul 30, 2022) CNA. Available at:https://www.todayonline.com/big-read/big-read-understanding-why-millennials-and-gen-zers-feel-way-they-do-about-work-1956641
Hashtag: #AIASingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation) or NIA, has revealed an overview of Thailand’s startup growth for 2024. The data shows a consistent upward trajectory, with a cumulative growth rate of 3.3% since 2021, reinforcing Thailand’s position as one of the world’s most startup-friendly hubs.
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA)
As we step into 2025, startups face a dynamic landscape marked by economic fluctuations, evolving consumer behaviours, and the rapid emergence of new technologies. Amid these challenges, three key technology sectors are poised for significant growth and investment opportunities: Artificial Intelligence (AI); Sustainability Technologies, including Green Tech, CleanTech, and Climate Tech; and Financial Technologies (FinTech).
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), stated that over the past year, Thailand has been home to approximately 2,100 startups, comprising 700 in the pre-seed stage and 1,400 in the go-to-market or growth stage. When compared to other countries in Southeast Asia, Thai startups have demonstrated consistent growth, with seed-stage funding increasing by 4% year-on-year and a cumulative growth rate of 3.3% since 2021.
According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index published last year by StartupBlink—a leading global hub for startup ecosystem data—Thailand ranked 54th globally and 4th in Southeast Asia, following Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This reflects the significant progress of Thailand’s startup ecosystem, which is increasingly recognised on the global stage as one of the region’s emerging hubs for entrepreneurial ventures.
One of the key challenges for Thailand’s startup ecosystem lies in the rapid expansion of Data Centres, with the country emerging as a prime destination for both domestic and global investors. Positioned as the region’s new “Digital Economy Hub,” Thailand’s data centre capacity has surged by over 54% in the past three years, ranking third in ASEAN, following Singapore and Malaysia. Projections for 2024–2027 estimate that Thailand could attract around 260 billion baht in data centre investments.
However, to fully capitalise on this growth, Thailand must accelerate talent development to meet market demands and establish robust, long-term policies that inspire investor confidence. These efforts are critical in fostering a sustainable ecosystem that aligns with the broader challenges of the AI-driven society, the need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce, and the global shift towards ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Embracing ESG not only ensures sustainable business practices but also positions Thailand competitively within the evolving global economic landscape.
Looking ahead to 2025, both in Thailand and globally, the startup landscape is set to be driven by transformative technologies that promise significant growth potential. These key trends include:
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is rapidly revolutionising industries, with Generative AI at the forefront due to its versatility across sectors. This technology fuels continuous, efficient innovation by creating new content, solutions, and processes. Additionally, the rise of AI Agentic Systems—capable of autonomous thinking, analysis, and decision-making—marks a major leap forward. These systems excel at managing complex tasks and solving multidimensional problems, with over 70% of business leaders and investors confident in their potential to transform operations, from strategic planning and production to customer service. AI Agents not only enhance responsiveness to market demands but also significantly reduce resource consumption, making them an essential asset for future-focused organisations.
Sustainability Technologies (Green Tech, CleanTech, and Climate Tech): As environmental challenges intensify, businesses are increasingly prioritising ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, while consumers demand eco-friendly, socially responsible products and services. This shift is propelling the global environmental tech market towards exponential growth, with forecasts predicting an average annual increase of nearly 25% over the next decade. Innovative solutions addressing clean energy, waste management, and sustainable products are driving this momentum. For startups to succeed in this space, it’s critical to develop business models that balance profitability with positive environmental and social impact.
Financial Technology (FinTech): In Southeast Asia, FinTech continues to dominate the investment landscape, securing an impressive 26% of seed funding in 2024—the highest across all sectors—followed closely by blockchain technologies at 20%. This underscores the sector’s resilience and attractiveness, fuelled by innovations in digital payments, decentralised finance, and blockchain applications.
In an era defined by rapid technological change, agility is key. Startups must cultivate adaptability, building flexible systems that can pivot in response to evolving market conditions. This dynamic approach not only strengthens business foundations but also ensures sustained growth and scalability in an increasingly competitive global environment.
Dr. Krithpaka emphasised that in 2025, under its role as Thailand’s “Focal Conductor of Innovation,” the National Innovation Agency (NIA) remains committed to fostering and accelerating the growth of startups through its extensive mechanisms and networks. The agency will focus particularly on the development of “Impact Tech”—technologies designed to create positive economic and social impacts, reinforcing Thailand’s global image and recognition as an “Innovation Nation.”
NIA’s support framework spans the entire startup journey, from inception to international market expansion guided by the strategic pillars of Groom -> Grant -> Growth -> Global.
GROOM (Knowledge Incubation & Network Building): This phase nurtures entrepreneurial capabilities through the NIA Academy, offering comprehensive courses in collaboration with strategic partners and self-paced learning via online platforms like MOOCs. Additionally, the Startup Thailand League plays a pivotal role in enhancing innovation skills among university students, equipping them with entrepreneurial mindsets and preparing them to transition from academic environments to the real-world startup ecosystem.
GRANT (Funding Support): NIA provides diverse forms of non-repayable grants tailored to stimulate innovative business development. These grants support both economic drivers—such as national innovation business promotion platforms and regional innovation ecosystems—and social impact projects, including the ‘Innovation Village’ initiative and urban and community-focused programmes.
For startups aiming to scale rapidly and penetrate new markets, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) offers robust opportunities to drive business growth under the GROWTH pillar. This is achieved through a suite of tailored incubation and acceleration programmes across four key sectors: Food Technology – via the flagship SPACE-F programme, designed to nurture food-tech startups towards global competitiveness; Agricultural Technology – through the AGROWTH initiative, focusing on innovations that revolutionise modern agriculture; Health Technology – supporting startups that develop cutting-edge health and medical solutions. Climate Technology – fostering sustainable innovations that address climate change and environmental challenges.
To inspire and showcase outstanding innovation success stories, NIA runs the “Nin Mangkorn” project, a platform highlighting transformative ventures. This initiative has evolved into “Nin Mangkorn 10X,” with a bold mission to propel high-potential entrepreneurs into capital markets, targeting revenues of no less than 100 million baht within three years.
Under the GLOBAL pillar, NIA is committed to expanding Thailand’s startup footprint on the international stage through the establishment of a Global Startup Hub. This initiative facilitates cross-border market access, strategic partnerships, and international networking. NIA has forged strong alliances with key global ecosystems, including Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and the Nordic countries, creating a dynamic bridge for Thai startups to thrive in diverse markets.
In addition to its growth and global expansion strategies, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) is actively fostering investment opportunities through mechanisms such as Corporate Co-Funding, in partnership with the Thai Venture Capital Association (TVCA). This initiative provides co-investment funding of up to 10 million baht to support high-potential startups.
Complementing this effort are key government and industry bodies offering robust financial support: The Board of Investment (BOI) promotes promising startups with incentives ranging from 20 to 50 million baht, particularly for those in the Pre-Series A+ stage and beyond; The One Innovation Fund, managed by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), offers substantial backing with a total fund allocation of 1 billion baht to accelerate industrial innovation; and Beacon Venture Capital has launched the Beacon Impact Fund, focusing on investments aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, with an initial fund of 1.2 billion baht.
Moreover, the upcoming “Startup Promotion and Development Act” or the long-waited “Startup Act”, a landmark legislative framework is set to play a pivotal role in solidifying Thailand’s startup landscape. The Act will introduce comprehensive measures to support entrepreneurship, attract investment, and create a more conducive environment for startups to thrive, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Thailand as a leading innovation-driven economy.
https://www.nia.or.th/
Hashtag: #NIA #NationalInnovationAgency
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Culturally safe ratios within nursing must be urgently introduced in Aotearoa to turn around Māori health inequities and improve whānau health and wellbeing, a new report released today by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) has found.
The report Kaupapa Māori Culturally Safe Staffing Ratios: Māori nursing leaders’ perspectives was released at Waitangi by NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku.
The report tells a compelling and previously untold story through a Māori lens about the impact culturally unsafe practice has on our people, she says.
“It highlights that nurses needed to be both clinically and culturally safe in their practice; and they need enough time to be both.
“It shows the need for mandatory, fully-funded and legislated culturally safe staffing ratios.”
Māori nurses need to lead the development and implementation of culturally safe staffing ratios, Kerri Nuku says. Kaumātua and kuia need to be involved, to ensure tikanga is upheld and whānau, hapū and iwi need to define what is culturally safe practice.
“Māori nursing and the wider Māori health workforce needs to continue to grow across the entire health system. Decision-making about staffing levels needs to be based on consideration of both clinical and cultural factors.”
Kerri Nuku says there is considerable international interest in the experiences of Māori nurses whose “soft skills” or whanaungatanga and building trust – are critical to keeping Māori whānau engaged in the health system.
“Māori nurses in the report explain how they do all the regular things required of them, but often get called on to do more. Their cultural work is often invisible.
“They don’t work with individuals, they work with whānau. They check whether they have kai, whether they are vaccinated. This takes time and can’t be a matter of ‘you’re up next’,” she says.
A Police officer has been injured in an incident at 8pm last night in Huntly.
The officer, who was conducting enquiries at an address in Huntly on an unrelated matter, had stepped out of their patrol car when another vehicle drove toward them, colliding with the patrol vehicle and the officer.
The offending driver fled but was located and arrested.
The officer was transported to Waikato Hospital, assessed and treated for a moderate injury and discharged. They are expected to make a full recovery and are being provided with support through the process.
The offender, a 47-year-old man, was taken into custody and is due to appear to Hamilton District Court today facing charges in relation to this incident.
Police investigating an assault in Wainuiomata last night are asking for the public’s help, after a man was left seriously injured.
About 10pm, Police were called to a car park on The Strand after a report of people fighting.
Those involved have left the scene in two vehicles before Police arrived.
A short time later, emergency services have received another call for service to Riverside Drive, stating a man had been injured and required medical assistance.
He was located in his vehicle with serious injuries, which are believed to have been sustained in the altercation at The Strand.
He was transported to hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.
Police are now working to establish the full circumstances of what has occurred and to locate those responsible for the man’s injuries.
We are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who has information about those involved, to please get in touch and share what you know.
You can do so by calling 105 and quoting reference number 250205/0193.
You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Successful Event Draws 200,000 Global Visitors with Hong Kong’s Local Creativity
29 January to 2 February 2025: 38 Featured Creations & 16 Visiting Hong Kong Comics Artists/ Illustrators
Watch drawing demonstrations by Hong Kong comics artists in real-time at one of the top three major overseas comics festivals in the world
February to May 2025: All the participating artists will be invited to share their exchange experiences and achievements with Hong Kong creators and readers
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2025 – Reading comics is like embarking on a journey with wonders. Comics artists invite readers to step into an intricate realm where imagination and creativity know no bounds, and where scripts and visual elements harmoniously intertwine to weave fantastic stories that transcend words. ‘Comics made in Hong Kong’ are known for their rich variety of artistic styles and whimsical, captivating narratives. Hong Kong original comics are therefore well-liked by comics enthusiasts both locally and overseas.
Hong Kong Arts Centre team, Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation team, and Hong Kong Comics Artists & Illustrators at the 52nd Angoulême Internatinal Comics Festival
【 Hong Kong Arts Centre (Comix Home Base) 】, with sponsorship from the 【Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region】, is once again partnering with the【Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation】 to participate in the 52nd edition of the Angoulême International Festival in 2025. A remarkable and wonderful collection of 38 local mid-to-full-length comic and picture book titles has been showcased to represent Hong Kong. The showcased comics this time span various genres, ranging from action and adventure to sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and heart-warming, encompassing a wide spectrum of creative expressions and infinite possibilities. Some of the participating comic artists and illustrators recently received several international awards.
The Angoulême International Comics Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the European history. Crowds of visitors, comics enthusiasts of all ages and professions, flock to this annually. The 38 featured creations were selected from ‘The 1st to 3rd Hong Kong Comics Support Programme Book Series’ and ‘GO! Illustrators Series – The 1st Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators at International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme Series.’ Through this large-scale overseas exchange programme, the aim is to further highlight Hong Kong comics of high quality, meanwhile, to enhance the global recognition of local creators.
As the title suggests, the project aims to bring ‘waves of whimsical words’ abroad, allowing readers and practitioners from all over the world to explore the fascination of Hong Kong comics. During this event, we successfully attracted 200,000 visitors worldwide with Hong Kong’s local creativity. In addition, we actively sought overseas licensing opportunities in anticipation of more Hong Kong comics being translated into multiple languages and published afterwards. A wider readership with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds could see the infinite possibilities of Hong Kong’s creativity.
Reaffirming the commitment to promoting local talents and creativity globally, Hong Kong Arts Centre has led 16 talented Hong Kong artists to participate in the festival in person. They engaged in live-drawing demonstrations, book signing sessions, and sharing, meeting audience and comics professionals from all over the world.
The attendee from abroad expressed that he personally admires Hong Kong comic artist Shui-pan Wong. Meeting him in person in France this time, he was delighted to be able to purchase all of his books and obtain his autograph.
Hong Kong comic artist Bonnie Pang pointed out that Hong Kong comics often face challenges in reaching foreign readers or publishers, especially due to the language barrier with Chinese comics. This year, we made a new attempt by utilizing AI technology to create a French video for each invited creator, allowing them to personally introduce their works and leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Bonnie believes, “This event has been most helpful to Hong Kong comic artists by directly bringing everyone’s works to overseas markets, reaching more foreign readers. The licensing market and various exchange activities promote collaboration opportunities. Additionally, experiencing the atmosphere of the comic festival in person and seeing a large number of comics in different styles broadens our horizons and gives us more inspiration and creative motivation.”
Hong Kong comic artist Pen SO, who participated in the exhibition, believes that one of the challenges Hong Kong comic artists face when going international is the issue of networking. This event could help them secure publishing opportunities, establish connections, and provide creative inspiration. Additionally, being sponsored by CCIDA for this event can lead Hong Kong comics towards the international market. He stated, “Although the rise of digital media has made it easier for our works to be exported overseas, publishers not only consider popularity, fame, and quality of work, but also the credibility of the artist. Artists need to know if foreign publishers are reliable. Therefore, the Hong Kong Arts Centre acts as an intermediary, helping us organize and resolve these issues.”
In addition to the popular booth at the Asian comics pavilion (Manga City) where we could engage with a large group of readers, the booth at the International Rights & Licensing Market offered a valuable opportunity for us to connect with international publishers and production houses of comic books and related art forms. This actively contributes to the development of Hong Kong comics.
Comics fans in Hong Kong could also follow comics artists’ social media platforms to relive their on-site live drawing demonstrations, and feel the zest of of the world’s third-largest comic festival!
During February and May 2025, all the participating artists will be invited to share their exchange experiences and achievements with Hong Kong creators and readers. Professionals in the comics industry from other countries will be invited to introduce the trend of comics and other related creations in Europe and the United States. This initiative seeks to help Hong Kong creative talents expand their network and shine in the world arena!
Waves of Whimsical Words
Hong Kong Comics @The 52nd Angouleme International Comics Festival 2025 in France
Organiser: Hong Kong Arts Centre (Comix Home Base)
Co-organiser: Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation
Lead Sponsor: Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Supporter: Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels
In Association with: Innovative Entrepreneur Association, Angoulême International Comics Festival
Special Thanks: La Boîte à Bulles, Editions Paquet, Asian District éditions
2023/24 & 2024/25 The Arts Talents Internship Matching Programme is supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
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Dates: 29.01. – 02.02.2025 Venue: Angoulême International Comics Festival, France
Venue: Manga City (Booth No. MC19/ Rue Jean Didelon)
Venue: International Rights & Licensing Market (Booth No. RL47/ Rue des Frères Lumières) Dates: 29.01-01.02.2025 (Wed-Sat) Time: 1000-1800
Festival admission ticket required
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16 Visiting Hong Kong Comics Artists/ Illustrators:
● Amy CHAI ● ARYU ● Kuma CHAN ● Karman CHIU ● CHIYA ● HIN ● ISATISSE ● Hei-lun IU ● Chi-kit KWONG ● Chi-tak LI ● Ben LIU ● Bonnie PANG ● Enoch SIN ● Pen SO ● WAI ON ● Shui-pan WONG
38 Featured Creations
The 1st to 3rd Hong Kong Comics Support Programme Book Series
● ARYU Lost in Red ● Cheuk-ka CHAN Chungyuan ● Kuma CHAN That Summer, The Glowing Monkey That Only I Could See ● Ling CHAU My Dear Patient No.44 ● Chiu-lok CHEUNG In-between Crevices ● CHIYA Blend Dark and Light ● FCP La Revanche ● HIN Lullaby of the Untamed ● Chi-man HO Dai Fu ● Hei-lun IU Morning, Sean ● KAI Graffiti Sorcerer ● Chi-kit KWONG Indigo and The Architect’s Epiphany (French Edition) ● Chi-tak LI Heroes ● Ben LIU Down to Earth Hugo ● Linus LIU Cat Mask Boy (French Edition) ● LONHEI Étranger ● LOSZEHAHA The Shining Moment ● Tin-kit MARK MCF ● Bonnie PANG Chronos Express ● ROKU SAKAKI Q. ● SANDYPIG A Song of Freedom ● Enoch SIN God Bless You ● Pen SO Dali Libreria ● Sineko SO What the Muck: The End of the World ● Bobby TANG Man in The Box ● Taku TANG Collapse ● Three TO Soul People Deacon ● Man TSANG The Zeros (French Edition) ● Tai-po TSUI Soul in the Figure ● WAI ON Fear Of the Dark ● Jay WONG Tides of Time ● Shui-pan WONG Time Girl ● YIP WONG Phenomenon ● Yuen-wong YU Shepherd Café
GO! Illustrators Series – The 1st Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators at International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme Series
● Amy CHAI A Butterfly that Lives 14 Days ● Karman CHIU Tears ● ISATISSE Just Close Your Eyes
Events
Presented by Hong Kong Arts Centre CHB
Live Drawing Demonstrations & Book Signing Sessions Venue: Manga City (Booth No. MC 19)
TELTOW, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 5 February 2025 – The EU-funded micro2MACRO (m2M) project, launched in December 2024, aims to advance tissue regeneration through an innovative bioprinting platform.
m2M focuses on precisely patterning cell aggregates and microtissues into stable, customizable grafts that remodel into functional tissues after implantation. The project unites leading academic institutions, research centers, and companies to develop scalable, personalized grafts for tissue repair.
“We are proud to be a partner in the m2M project and believe in its potential to significantly advance the development of therapies for the regeneration of tissue. We are happy to contribute and share our more than 30 years of experience in the field of regenerative medicine as well as our regulatory expertise as the holder of an EU approved cell-based therapy for cartilage repair” explained Dr. Giulietta Roël, Executive Director of CO.DON GmbH.
Beyond technical development, m2M will foster knowledge exchange and workshops to enhance researchers’ and healthcare professionals’ skills across Europe.
CO.DON develops, produces and distributes autologous cell therapies for the minimally invasive repair of cartilage defects. The product being marketed is a cell therapy product for the minimally invasive treatment of cartilage damage in the knee joint that uses only the patient’s own cartilage cells. More than 20,000 patients have already been treated with CO.DON’s method. In January 2023, CO.DON GmbH was acquired by ReLive Biotechnologies, a global company headquartered in the US.
Managing Director: Dr. Ying Zhou
Further information is available atwww.codon.de|www.relivebio.com
Hashtag: #GPMGmBH
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
