An Exclusive Collaboration of Iconic Artistic IPs by Talented Artists from the Greater Bay Area, Celebrating Chinese Culture with Prosperity and Joy
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – Today, Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG”) proudly unveiled the Boom and Bloom Exhibition, which has transformed the GalaxyArt, located within Galaxy Macau™, the world-class luxurious integrated resort (Galaxy Macau), into an artistic paradise. The exhibition brings together leading artistic talents from the Greater Bay Area and exclusively debuts the collaborative creations of two iconic IPs by Shenzhen based artist Ray Chan and Macau based artist Sanchia Lau. Curated by renowned Hong Kong art advocate Gary Mok, this vibrant art journey seamlessly blends creativity with Chinese cultural traditions, offering blessings of prosperity and joy for the festive season.
Distinguished guests including Mr. Cheang Kai Meng, Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government (middle), Ms. Jennifer Si Tou, Head of Tourism Product and Events Department of the Macao Government Tourism Office (third from left), curator Mr. Gary Mok (first from right), artists Ms. Sanchia Lau (first from left) and Mr. Ray Chan (second from right), Mr. Buddy Lam, Director of Corporate Affairs of GEG (third from right) and Ms. Hazel Wong, Executive Vice President of Retail of GEG (second from left), honored the opening ceremony of the Boom and Bloom Exhibition with their presence.
This exhibition is supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and Macao Government Tourism Office. The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Cheang Kai Meng, Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and Ms. Jennifer Si Tou, Head of Tourism Product and Events Department of the Macao Government Tourism Office. Also, in attendance were curator Mr. Gary Mok, Shenzhen based artist Ray Chan, and Macau based artist, Macau Cultural Ambassador Sanchia Lau, Mr. Buddy Lam, Director of Corporate Affairs of Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG”) and Ms. Hazel Wong, Executive Vice President of Retail of GEG, celebrating together the launching of the remarkable exhibition. Adding to the day’s festivities, the artists hosted an engaging workshop with students from local universities, sharing not only their creative concepts and inspirations but also their IP’s collaborations across different fields.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Hazel Wong remarked: “Through our ongoing commitment to promoting local Macau talents and introducing international artists, GalaxyArt strives to foster cultural and artistic innovation and exchange within the Greater Bay Area through our ‘Culture + Art’ initiatives. The Boom and Bloom Exhibition showcases the creativity of a new generation of artists from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. In this auspicious time of renewal, we are thrilled to present this extraordinary artistic journey of Chinese culture, offering Macau locals and global visitors alike an inspiring start to 2025”.
As the Chinese New Year approaches, The Boom and Bloom Exhibition emerges as a highlight of Galaxy Macau’s New Year celebrations. Curator Gary Mok has creatively transformed the 6,500-square-foot GalaxyArt into a traditional Chinese garden, complete with signature architectural features, vibrant plants, and colorful blooms. This serene and meandering landscape serves as the backdrop for the debut collaboration between Sanchia Lau’s Wishing Doll and Ray Chan’s Shake Money Tree.
Curator Mr. Gary Mok, artists Sanchia Lau and Ray Chan have joined forces for the first time to merge their well acclaimed artistic IPs — Wishing Doll and Shake Money Tree.
At the opening ceremony, the curator and two artists expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Macao SAR government and GEG for their generous support. Ray Chan shared the artistic vision behind their collaboration, blending pop art with trends popular among young people to reinterpret traditional Chinese New Year blessings. He remarked, “This is not just a visual and artistic feast; it’s a journey of cultural heritage.” Sanchia Lau introduced a new series of blessing-themed characters created for the exhibition, explaining, “The combination of the money tree and wish doll represents love and wealth.” Gary Mok highlighted GEG’s exemplary role in supporting the arts, noting that the exhibition offers both visual appeal and entertainment, benefiting artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Ray Chan’s Shake Money Tree centers around a fortune-attracting pine tree, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of wealth and nature while emphasizing the importance of financial management. Designed as a roly-poly toy, it inspires young people to maintain a positive mindset and embrace hope and aspirations in life. Meanwhile, Sanchia Lau’s Wishing Doll reflects a profound understanding of the pursuit of dreams. Together, their works merge auspicious Chinese symbols with modern design, sparking a compelling dialogue between tradition and contemporary art that resonates deeply with younger audiences.
The exhibition features three specially commissioned thematic artworks premiering in Macau, alongside five captivating creations from the Shake Money Tree series. The three exclusive designs, known for their intricate craftsmanship and auspicious symbolism, are particularly noteworthy: “Joy and Glory” is inspired by precious jewels and metals, featuring large, lustrous “pearls” and glittering “gold ingots” that symbolize opulence and blessings for a prosperous year ahead. “Boom and Bloom” is an interactive installation that brings the Shake Money Tree to life. Guests can shake the golden tree to release symbolic gold ingots, attracting endless prosperity. Meanwhile, “A Propitious Omen” embodies the concepts of love and prosperity, with the lotus — the symbol of Macau — adding a unique touch and representing fortune and harmony for the new year.
The Boom and Bloom Exhibition showcases three specially commissioned thematic artworks —Boom and Bloom, A Propitious Omen, Joy and Glory— exclusively created for Galaxy Entertainment Group and premiering for the first time in Macau.
Throughout the exhibition, GalaxyArt transforms into a dazzling artistic paradise. Guests can explore the newly launched art boutique, showcasing limited-edition collectibles and exclusive merchandise inspired by the artists’ creations. The exhibition also features interactive photo zones and regular art workshops, offering a vibrant experience for visitors of all ages.
GalaxyArt unveiled an exclusive art boutique, offering a curated collection of meticulously crafted merchandise and limited-edition blind boxes by the featured artists, inviting guests to bring home a piece of this artistic journey.
GEG upholds its “Culture + Art” philosophy, actively fostering artistic exchange within the Greater Bay Area and establishing GalaxyArt as a premier hub for contemporary art and interactive experiences. Since its opening in July 2021, GalaxyArt has hosted an impressive array of solo and group exhibitions, featuring art talents from Macau, Hong Kong, and international artists. Spanning a variety of art forms and themes, these exhibitions have included live mural painting by resident artists, immersive digital art installations, cinematic photography, and large-scale installations. GalaxyArt has become a cornerstone of GEG’s commitment to advancing art and culture, while also playing a pivotal role in supporting the Macao SAR Government’s initiatives to promote the diversified development of the city’s tourism industry.
On the opening day, students from the local universities joined the artists for a special sharing session.
Exhibition Details
Event: Boom and Bloom Exhibition
Date & Time: 10am – 10pm, now until March 9, 2025 (Free Admission)
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) will be setting aside up to $6 million in associated costs and subsidies to launch the Polytechnic Pathway Programme (PPP), specially curated for all local polytechnic graduates who embark on the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) programme after completing their diplomas. The newly-minted programme is in line with recommendations by the Accountancy Workforce Review Committee, announced in May 2023, to ensure a sustainable pipeline of high-quality accountancy talent.
Under the PPP, polytechnic graduates from full-time Pre-Employment Training Diplomas who sign up for the SCAQ Foundation Programme (FP) will receive a sponsorship of SCAQ-related fees and learning support from ISCA for a period of two years after graduation. The PPP will also allow polytechnic students to enrol as ISCA student members and gain access to SCAQ learning resources. Students from all local polytechnics in Singapore are eligible for the programme regardless of the diploma they hold, and ISCA aims to attract students across various non-accountancy disciplines, such as business, information technology, and even design and media.
This initiative builds on the success of ISCA’s Accelerated Pathway Programme (APP), which was launched in April 2024 to offer university students studying accountancy a dedicated route to becoming a Chartered Accountant of Singapore. Since the expansion of the SCAQ in November 2023 to include non-accountancy diploma holders, ISCA has seen a twofold increase in the number of polytechnic graduates enrolling for the SCAQ, including graduates who held non-accountancy diplomas. Presently, ISCA has over 110 polytechnic graduates currently enrolled in the SCAQ FP, which comprises around 11% of the total SCAQ FP candidature pool. This number is projected to increase, especially with the launch of the PPP and other student outreach efforts that ISCA will scale up over the next few years.
In addition, ISCA will be establishing Campus Enterprise Hubs across six polytechnics and universities by end-January 2025. These hubs are dedicated spaces which aim to provide an avenue for students to engage with ISCA and ISCA’s wide network of Accredited Training Organisations and Professional Accountancy Hub member organisations[1], collectively bringing together over 520 employers and 3.6 million members to connect with students. ISCA will also facilitate engagement sessions between students and employers, with the objective of cultivating a strong pool of talent for employers to tap on, and conversely helping students pursue internship and job opportunities. Earlier today, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Finance, Trade and Industry Mr Liang Eng Hwa and ISCA President Mr Teo Ser Luck opened ISCA’s first Campus Enterprise Hub in Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP).
ISCA President, Mr Teo Ser Luck, said: “All our diploma holders who completed the SCAQ are fully employed. This speaks volumes for both the SCAQ and the value of polytechnic education in Singapore. We are pleased to expand our SCAQ support to polytechnic graduates on their journey to become a Chartered Accountant and cultivate accountancy as a study of choice here in Singapore.”
Mr Lim Kok Kiang, Principal & CEO of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, said: “We are pleased to welcome the launch of ISCA’s Polytechnic Pathway Programme and the opening of ISCA’s Campus Enterprise Hub in NP. Besides enhancing the education and career opportunities for polytechnic students in the accountancy field, these initiatives will encourage more students trained in different fields to explore a career in this sector.”
[1] ISCA’s Professional Accountancy Hub consists of 23 organisations from a wide variety of fields, such as the Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Computer Society, and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI).
Arlo is an award-winning, industry leader that is transforming the ways in which people can protect everything that matters to them with advanced home, business, and personal security solutions. Arlo’s deep expertise in AI- and CV-powered analytics, cloud services, user experience and product design, and innovative wireless and RF connectivity enables the delivery of a seamless, smart security experience for Arlo users that is easy to set up and interact with every day. Arlo’s cloud-based platform provides users with visibility, insight, and a powerful means to help protect and connect in real-time with the people and things that matter most, from any location with a Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. Arlo has recently launched several categories of award-winning connected devices, software, and services. These include wire-free, smart Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled security cameras, video doorbells, floodlights, security system, and Arlo’s subscription services: Arlo Secure and Arlo Safe.
With a mission to bring users peace of mind, Arlo is as passionate about protecting user privacy as it is about safeguarding homes and families. Arlo is committed to implementing industry standards for data protection designed to keep users’ personal information private and in their control. Arlo provides enhanced controls for user data, supports privacy legislation, keeps user data safely secure, and puts security at the forefront of company culture.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “estimate,” “project,” “outlook,” “forecast” or other similar words are used to identify such forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements represent Arlo’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events based on information available at the time such statements were made and include statements regarding the development and performance of Arlo’s services and products; and the impact of the strategic partnership with Origin, including the impact on Arlo’s results of operations or technology and capabilities. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including the following: any failure to successfully integrate Origin’s AI SensingTM technology, including TruShieldTM and Allos into Arlo’s services and products; the period or scope of exclusivity may be shorter or more limited, respectively, than anticipated; consumers may choose not to utilise payment plans or to adopt the Arlo’s new product offerings, or may adopt competing products; and product performance may be adversely affected by real-world operating conditions. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect Arlo and its business are detailed in its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risk factors described in its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these circumstances, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Arlo undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
From Hong Kong to Florence, FabriX continues to tour Europe after Paris Fashion Week FW2024, debuting at Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025 with the world’s first Fashion AR kiosk
Cross-disciplinary tech trailblazers Avery Dennison, Genesis-One and ZERO10 continue to propel digital fashion further and beyond
Featuring digital fashion creations from a full squad of 10 Hong Kong and international designers
Full launch of men’s fashion to the gaming world: Roblox
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – From the vibrant streets of Hong Kong to the historic heart of Florence, FabriX is transcending borders and reimagining the boundaries of fashion with technology. Fresh from our successful showcase at Paris Fashion Week Sep FW2024 and crowned with HKFDA’s ‘Top 10 Fashion Visionaries Award 2024’, FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow debuted at Pitti Immagine Uomo on 14 January 2025.
FabriX Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025
Founded in 2022 with support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA, formerly CreateHK) and PMQ, FabriX was envisioned as a platform for Hong Kong’s fashion designers to present their digital fashion creations on virtual runways worldwide. Today, FabriX has emerged as a global force, gracing two of Europe’s premier fashion weeks since 2023.
Our mission? To establish FabriX as the ultimate Digital Fashion Hub and Curated Marketplace, where cutting-edge artistry meets commercial opportunities. We want to shape a future where digital fashion is a seamless part of everyday life – by connecting and collaborating with designers, fashion houses, industry associations, tech innovators, key influencers and the media.
At Pitti Immagine Uomo, the world’s leading tradeshow for men’s clothing and accessories, fashion buyers, media and fashion lovers can experience the future of fashion with our enhanced FabriX AR Try-on Kiosk 2.0.1. Be immersed in a phygital realm – try on, capture selfies, promote your design in digital format, or pre-order your favourite digital fashion looks, including exclusive made-for-Roblox avatar outfits.
The FabriX experience will be incomplete without our featured collaborations. Joining us at Pitti Immagine Uomo are a series of creations from 4 new designers, alongside showpieces from the recent Paris Fashion Week bringing the total to 13 digital fashion items on tour.
FabriX is curated by a team of experienced creative drivers lead by Shin Wong, FabriX’s Founder along with Designer’s Curator, Declan Chan, exploring the best tech partner in the world, with the unlimited support by William To, Executive Director of PMQ, bringing a new dimension to the virtual fashion experience.
Enhanced AR try-on kiosk 2.0.1 travels to Florence Touring to FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025 is the acclaimed FabriX AR Try-on Kiosk, where visitors can effortlessly try on, capture selfies and pre-order digital fashion pieces. Premiered last year in London Fashion week and Paris Fashion week, the enhanced Kiosk 2.0.1 comes with improved features, travels to Florence this year. The AR enabled mirror and photobooth hybrid allows users and buyers to digitally try on digital fashion items. It is a new, innovative and accessible way to experience fashion. Users can pose and collect their digital outfit photos and directly acquire their favourite digital fashion items on online platform. With a truly immersive “See Now – Try Now – Buy Now” shopping experience, fashion retail is redefined through digital pixels. Prepare to be captivated by this immersive phygital fashion retail experience, showcasing the breathtaking ideation from Hong Kong to the world.
Tech trailblazers propel digital fashion to go further and beyond FabriX’s role is to scout all possible digital creatives in the fashion industry. FabriX continues to work with some of the most innovative tech trailblazers, each striving to push boundaries and offer ground-breaking tools and solutions. The collective exponential synergy propels fashion industry to go beyond imagination.
(In alphabetical order) Avery Dennison, Embelex Avery Dennison is a global leader in materials science and digital identification solutions that provides a wide range of branding and information solutions that optimise labour and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers.
Avery Dennison’s @Embelex product portfolio includes apparel branding labels and tags digitally enabled with NFC or RFID technologies, as well as software applications that bridge the physical and digital to enhance consumer experience.
Avery Dennison provides customisable NFC-enabled digital woven badges for the featured designers. These custom-designed badges can be triggered using NFC-enabled smartphones to connect to specialised digital content and information, opening doors to exciting consumer engagement opportunities.
Genesis-One Genesis-One by Virtual Touch is transforming the fashion industry with its innovative virtual stores, online-to-offline selling platform and digitalisation services. By offering a comprehensive one-stop digital ecosystem, Genesis-One empowers fashion creators to establish their brands without the high upfront costs and complexities of production, logistics and inventory management. With advanced 3D and AI-enabled design tools, an integrated marketplace and a pre-order system, creators can easily design, produce and launch products directly to the market. This fully-automated, on-demand model delivers efficiency and sustainability – allowing creators to focus on design, marketing and crafting unique customer experiences for their brands. Exclusively for the FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2025, physical versions of selected digital fashion pieces and FabriX merchandise are now available for online purchase https://www.genesis-one.co/fabrixworld/creation, thanks to Genesis-One’s powerful digital tools enabling a simplified, streamlined experience from design to the shelf.
ZERO10 ZERO10 is a pioneering tech company focusing on advanced augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) try-on solutions that bring interactivity, engagement and innovation to fashion, entertainment, sports and retail sectors. Their proprietary AR Mirror software transforms digital screens into powerful business tools, offering virtual try-on capabilities that enhance consumer engagement, collect valuable customer data and improve in-store sales conversion. With the technological support by ZERO10, the designers’ physical creations can now turn into virtual outfits.
DRESSX Leveraging their experience and tech know-how, DRESSX once again, transformed all FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2025 designer’s roster and their designs into a collection of 13 Roblox avatar outfits, allowing users to rock their favourite digital fashion pieces in-game. At the Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025, we are making breakthrough and infusing new energy on menswear by Roblox, customers will have other choices on their outfits instead of relying on traditional tailors.
10 international designers showcasing their creative designs FabriX Digital Fashion Florence Roadshow brings 4 more designers and together they make a remarkable squad of 10 international designers: joining the team this year we have Mii Collection (their latest collection are showcased at Pitti Immagine Uomo), Ouest Paris, PRONOUNCE and Xander Zhou with the existing designers who were featured in Paris FabriX Roadshow last year – PONDER.ER and Wilsonkaki from Hong Kong; Bianca Saunders, Charles de Vilmorin, Florentina Leitner and Paolina Russo.
(In alphabetical order) New designers joining Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025
Mii Collection Founded in 2012 by the French-Indian designer duo Lucie Bourreau and Bapan Dutta, Mii Collection is a brand dedicated to handmade ready-to-wear garments and accessories. The couple met while studying Textile Design at the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs de Paris, embodying the yin and yang of two distinct backgrounds, geographies, languages, and temperaments. This diversity contributes to the unique and complementary dynamic of their partnership.
Their journey to India in 2009 exposed them to the plight of local craftsmen facing economic challenges. This experience inspired them to establish Mii Collection, which stands for ‘Made In India’. Through the brand, Lucie and Bapan strive to make a difference by combining their creative talents and cultural backgrounds to support the artisans, while preserving and promoting unique, ancestral and endangered skills through their handcrafted pieces.
OUEST Paris Founded in late 2021 by Arthur Robert, OUEST Paris brings a hedonistic twist to denim and workwear. The brand reflects a distinctive blend of Robert’s Parisian roots, coastal Biarritz heritage and California dreams, shaped by his experiences as a French queer kid in the 1990s and 2000s.
OUEST Paris delivers a cool and creative wardrobe featuring denim, rugged outerwear and skin-positive designs with most products manufactured within the EU. Proudly based in a multicultural city, OUEST Paris is mindful of the environmental and societal issues of our times. The brand was also a finalist for the 2023 Pierre Bergé ANDAM Prize.
PRONOUNCE Founded in 2016, PRONOUNCE is an independent fashion house led by Creative Directors Jun Zhou and Yushan Li. Based between Milan and Shanghai, Li is a Central Saint Martins graduate, while Zhou is an alumnus of London College of Fashion and Istituto Marangoni. Merging Eastern philosophy with Western aesthetics, the brand focuses on traditional craftsmanship to create contemporary menswear that challenges gender norms with their ‘Gender Share’ concept.
The duo’s ground-breaking approach has earned them significant accolades, including winning ‘The Latest Fashion Buzz’ prize and receiving a nomination for the Woolmark Prize in 2017. They have also been featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 lists for 2017 and 2018. Recognized as a leading contemporary brand from China, PRONOUNCE has presented their collections at London Fashion Week Men’s and is the first Chinese designer label invited to showcase their work at Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy in 2019.
XANDER ZHOU Ever since his Spring/Summer 2016 collection titled “Far East”, Xander Zhou has been reconnecting with his Asian roots while exploring the ties between oriental mysticism and the futuristic modernity of Asia. With the coined term “techno-orientalism”, the designer has been building his own vastly diverse universe by sketching a map of future humanity, merging the real and the ideal by creating a virtual dimension in which the characters from his collections coexist and interconnect – whether they are humans, androids or aliens.
In the XANDER ZHOU universe, new boundaries of diversity can be stretched far beyond ethnic, racial, cultural, sexual and gender identities. His vision of the acclaimed “Supernatural, Extraterrestrial & Co.” continues to surprise and open up a Milky Way of imagination, absurdity and romanticism.
Designers from Paris Fashion Week with FHCM selection
Bianca Saunders Bianca Saunders brand gained international acclaim, debuting at London Fashion Week and later at Paris Fashion Week in January 2022. The brand continues to produce two collections annually and participates in various collaborations.
Known for innovative silhouettes and craftsmanship, Saunders often explores body mapping through bespoke prints. She views clothing as a dynamic expression, embracing a multi-disciplinary approach. Rooted in her British Caribbean identity, Saunders’ designs reflect the rich tapestry of Anglo-Caribbean relations.
Charles de Vilmorin Charles de Vilmorin launched his own label in 2020 by posting several images of his creations on Instagram, quickly gaining attention with his distinctive, dreamlike hand-painted motifs.
Known as ‘The Yves Saint Laurent of Gen Z’, his designs were praised by Christian Lacroix. Fashion legend, Jean Paul Gaultier, also sponsored him as an on-schedule guest at haute couture week in January 2021. At the age of 24, he was appointed as the creative director at Rochas two weeks after the show.
In 2023, de Vilmorin took on several high-profile projects such as being the president of the fashion Jury of the 38th edition of the Hyères International Festival and the Artistic Director of the Galeries Lafayette Christmas. In 2024, he launched his first ready-to-wear collection and collaborated with Moët & Chandon and chef Yannick Alléno in designing the Moët restaurant in Paris.
Florentina Leitner Created in February 2022, the brand is the eponymous label of Austrian designer Florentina Leitner. She graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and worked for Dries van Noten before launching her label.
With a vision to create a bold, fun and vibrant brand for all ages, the brand is characterised by distinctive 3D flowers, floral prints, textile combinations and feminine details – promising to evoke smiles, and lift moods at every turn. She and her team strive to construct immersive experiences that transport you into a uniquely imaginative world.
Paolina Russo Paolina Russo seamlessly merges futurism and nostalgia through community-driven craft and innovation. From their London-based studio, Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard combine artisanal methods with industrial production, creating a fusion of traditional crafts and modern technology. By distilling the essence of craftsmanship, they propel it into new, contemporary directions.
Their work modernises and challenges traditional crafts such as knitwear, natural dyeing and wood carving – resulting in a distinctive aesthetic that blends folkloric tradition with futuristic innovation.
PONDER.ER PONDER.ER by Alex Po and Derek Cheng challenges gender norms with thought-provoking gender-fluid designs that stimulate self-exploration. By dismantling conventions and embracing diverse choices, the label reinterprets contemporary classics to defy rigid preconceptions of fashion and gender behaviour. Prioritising comfort, their collections spark conversations while showcasing a vibrant spectrum of aesthetics. In 2024, PONDER.ER was shortlisted as a semi-finalist of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.
Wilsonkaki Wilsonkaki is the namesake label of designer Wilson Yip, which was inspired by a simple yet relatable mishap – forgetting to zip up the fly. The label is known for poetic creations that exude hypermodernity – constantly questioning conventions, rethinking reality, and reinterpreting everyday wardrobe with an experimental approach. He garnered much praise in the industry by working with singers and celebrities in Hong Kong and was honoured as one of the 10 Asian Designers to Watch in 2021.
‘FabriX 2025 – Digital Fashion Roadshow: Florence’ Be part of the digital fashion revolution with FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at Pitti Uomo, Florence. Connect, collaborate and create with us – follow FabriX on social media for updates and exclusive content.
Date:
14-17 January 2025
Time:
09:00 – 18:00 (Last day: 09:00 – 16:00)
Venue:
Fortezza da Basso, Florence, Italy
Note: Follow FabriX on social media for exclusive coverage and content!
Tonight, the Auckland community will gather at the Auckland Domain to honour the recent ceasefire in Palestine and stand in solidarity with those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The event, scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM, will include heartfelt speeches, cultural performances, and a moment of silence to commemorate the lives lost. Attendees will acknowledge the Palestinian people’s resilience and reaffirm a collective commitment to justice, freedom, and human rights.
This ceasefire offers a moment of relief, but it must not mark the end of our efforts. We gather tonight not only to mourn the losses but to demand a future where peace and justice are realized for all Palestinians. True peace is rooted in freedom and dignity.
Organizers urge Aucklanders to attend and demonstrate their solidarity with the Palestinian cause. This gathering is a reminder of the power of collective voices, united in compassion and determination, to advocate for change and inspire hope for those enduring the crisis.
Event Details:
Date: 20 January 2025 Time: 8:00 PM Location: Auckland Domain.
ChildFund New Zealand continues to support critical humanitarian assistance to more than 629,698 people in Gaza, including 383,819 children, through its ChildFund partner,WeWorld. (ref. https://www.weworld.it/en )
“Hope in Gaza, and for the families of the Israeli hostages, is fragile. But since the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, we are in much better position than we were a week ago,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund New Zealand.
“Children in Gaza have endured unimaginable violence and trauma. There have been more than 42,000 casualties (the majority of whom are children and women), and almost 100,000 injuries, out of a population of approximately 2.1 million people. Our partners have been on the front line since the war started (and before), and will continue to provide life-saving support. The relief response does not stop as the recovery phase begins.”
Children need drinking water and food every day, and safe toilet and sanitary areas to use, plus access to medical care. Basic services are the priority. The on-going psychological recovery from war and severe trauma is going to take years.
WeWorld is a member of our ChildFund global Alliance, and has been present in Palestine since 1992.
The Gaza Emergency Operation team consists of 32 staff (of which 7 based in Jordan), 60 daily workers, 1 operational base and 1 warehouse to stock emergency response items. The Humanitarian Aid Unit provides additional coordinating support to the emergency operation.
“Funding will continue to be provided through ChildFund New Zealand, thanks to the generosity of New Zealanders who see the devastation, and want to do something to help children in Gaza.
20 January 2025 – Fish & Game New Zealand is pleased the Government has retained the Hunting and Fishing portfolio and looks forward to working with the newly appointed Minister James Meager.
“The portfolio reflects Fish & Game’s vision for a New Zealand where hunting and fishing traditions thrive, and all New Zealanders enjoy access to a healthy environment and sustainable wild fish and game resources,” says Fish & Game chief executive Corina Jordan.
“Kiwis have a deep connection to our wild spaces, and a strong history of hunting and freshwater fishing.
“It’s vital that we ensure these habitats and the species they support are healthy and that hunting and fishing remain part of the fabric of the country.
“Hunting and freshwater fishing not only provide sustainable kai for our families, but also foster a deep connection to our natural environment, provide physical and mental health benefits, and an opportunity to connect with family and friends.
“Minister Meager is a keen outdoors enthusiast and we look forward to working closely with him to help support recreational hunters and anglers, enhance public access to natural resources, protect our natural environments and the valued introduced species that live there.”
Fish & Game’s key priorities include advocating for the interests of hunters and anglers, protecting and enhancing access to our wild places, legislative reforms, working collaboratively with rural communities and mana whenua to protect and restore habitats, and foster the next generation of hunters and anglers.
Fish & Game New Zealand also thanks outgoing Hunting and Fishing Minister Hon. Todd McClay for his dedication during his tenure.
“Minister McClay has been a passionate advocate for hunters and anglers, and was pivotal in the establishment of the Hunting and Fishing portfolio. He recognises the importance of hunting and freshwater fishing in New Zealand, along with the sustainable management of game bird and sports fish species while safeguarding the habitats that support them.
“He has also worked hard to address important issues like improving access with a new Charter and strengthening collaboration across agencies responsible for managing sport fish and game birds.”
Police can confirm that the jetskier missing on Lake Taupō has been located deceased by Police Dive Squad this afternoon.
Police offer condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
We wish to thank all involved in the search including members of the public, Harbourmaster and Coastguard, and to thank Tuwharetoa Māori Trust Board and local hapu who assisted whānau during the search.
A rāhui will remain in place in the Nukuhau / Acacia Bay area of the lake for the next few days and an update is expected to be issued when it is lifted.
Police can now name the man who died in a two-vehicle crash on Lloyd Street, Parkvale on Tuesday 24 December.
He was Christopher Bernard Halligan Lee, 36, of Ohauiti.
Police extend our sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
The following message is from Chris’ close friend and colleague, Caleb Hutchings:
It is with immense sadness that I acknowledge the tragic loss of Chris in a motorcycle accident.
Chris was not only a close colleague of mine for many years but also an integral part of my team when he came to work for me, who was an exceptional individual both personally and professionally.
He was a Master of his Trade and dedicated to his craft who upheld the highest standard of work ethics.
Beyond his professional excellence Chris had a profound and positive impact on my life and that of my family.
His kindness and generosity and unwavering support made him not just a colleague or employee but a true friend and an extended part of our family.
We are heartbroken by his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Christopher will always be remembered for his remarkable character and the lasting impression he left upon all who were privileged to know him.
