Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
State Highway 14 at Tangiteroria in Kaipara will be closed for several hours while Police investigate a crash.
The single-vehicle crash was reported about 6.30pm.
The Serious Crash Unit is conducting a scene examination and diversions are being arranged. Motorists are advised to expect delays.
No further information is available at this time.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: Media Outreach
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!
Hashtag: #FabriX #FashionMeetsFuture #fabrixworld #pmqhkdesign
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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.
Date: 20 January 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Auckland Domain.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
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.
The death has been referred to the Coroner.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
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.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Media Outreach
Immerse Yourself in the Joyful Installation by Knot Designer Zoe Siu This Lunar New Year
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – This Lunar New Year, Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct invite you to a celebration of luck, tradition, and modern artistry with the “Weaving Celebration of Fortunes”, running from today till16 February 2025. Immerse yourself in dazzling installations, special lucky knot charms, exclusive Lai See packets, shopping rewards, captivating performances, and the vibrant energy of a Lion Dance Parade. This festive experience promises to weave joy and prosperity into every corner, making it the perfect way to welcome the Year of the Snake.
Discover Incredible Ropework Displays: Woven Joy by Zoe Siu
At the heart of this celebration is a spectacular installation crafted by renowned Hong Kong knot designer Zoe Siu, whose bold and sculptural creations blend traditional Chinese knotting techniques with modern aesthetics. In addition to the centrepiece, the entire installation features numerous splendid creations by Zoe Siu, showcasing her signature blend of traditional knotting and modern design. It took her and her team about 300 manhours of meticulous work to complete all the weavings, underscoring the scale and dedication involved in this extraordinary artistic endeavour.
This year’s theme features extensive floral arrangements and elegant peach blossoms, symbolising interconnected prosperity and growth. The vibrant colours and modern floral decorations add a refreshing contemporary twist to the installations.
| Garden of Woven Delights
Location: Garden Court, Level LG1, Pacific Place |
Step into a vibrant and enchanting garden, where woven elements come to life among the blossoms and glowing lanterns, including a stunning giant lantern over nine metres tall. The lantern is adorned with eight intricate knots, such as the Knot of Infinity, representing fortune and success, and the Knot of Prosperity, symbolising abundant wealth and endless opportunities. Inspired by Tang Dynasty palace lanterns, Zoe Siu has skillfully blended techniques from both East and West, incorporating survival knots and macramé alongside traditional Chinese knotting to create a contemporary touch. These designs not only showcase Zoe Siu’s mastery of knotting but also infuse the display with rich cultural significance. Exquisite patterns and textures intertwine throughout the exhibit, enhanced by beautifully crafted woven hangings that invite shoppers to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. Adding to the charm are floor lamps surrounded by floral arrangements. Featuring delicately handwoven tops designed by Zoe Siu, the lamps cast a warm, artful glow over this magical weaving celebration. |
| Prosperity Lanterns
Location: Level L1 (near lululemon), Pacific Place |
This dynamic centrepiece installation features a dazzling display of woven lanterns in bright red and orange tones, inviting shoppers to walk through and immerse themselves in the delightful atmosphere. Interactive Gashapon Machine: Unlock Your Fortune For a touch of good fortune this holiday season, shoppers can enjoy a special gift with HK$500 same-day electronic spending and registration as an above member*. Upon registration, receive a token for the “Unlock Your Fortune” gashapon machine, where you can try your luck to get one of five exclusive lucky knot charms designed by Zoe Siu. Each charm symbolises a different blessing for the year ahead, so come and discover the festive surprises!
Here are the lucky knots:
*Terms and conditions apply. |
| Path of Good Fortune
Location: Level L1 (near Lane Crawford), Pacific Place |
Step into this mesmerising display, where you can walk along an auspicious bamboo pathway. This immersive setup transforms the space with its intricate weaving yarns, inviting you to explore and bask in the unique atmosphere created by the colourful blooms.
In this zone, bamboo takes centre stage, adding a traditional touch that resonates with Chinese New Year celebrations. Known for its symbolism of good luck, prosperity, and resilience, bamboo is believed to bring blessings for the year ahead. As you stroll along the path, be sure to enjoy the stunning lighting effects that enhance the magic of this unique bamboo garden, creating a truly unforgettable experience. |
| Woven Dreamland
Location: Park Court, Level L1, Pacific Place |
Discover inspiration in this striking and truly unmissable display at Pacific Place. This alluring garden features peach blossoms and new year elements, all harmoniously intertwined. Experience the excitement of exploring this captivating space.
What sets this zone apart is its bold use of colour. Sharp pink and yellow hues are prominently featured here for a refreshing sense of vibrancy and energy. |
| Glowing Joy
Location: Outside Three Pacific Place on Wing Fung Street and Star Street |
Visit Starstreet Precinct on Wing Fung Street, where you can capture stunning photos under the glowing lanterns while admiring the magnificent giant woven floral installation. Elevate your experience by heading to Star Street, where the enchanting glow of lanterns creates a truly magical atmosphere. |
Share Prosperity in Style with “Woven Blessings” Lai See Packets
Embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year with the exclusive “Woven Blessings” Lai See packets, a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. These packets showcase meticulously crafted knot motifs, seamlessly intertwined with vibrant weaving patterns, symbolising unity, good fortune, and heartfelt blessings. The intricate designs pay homage to timeless craftsmanship while infusing a contemporary flair, making them an elegant gesture for sharing prosperity and joy with loved ones.
Each set features 10 exquisite packets, thoughtfully curated in two distinct colour designs—five in each style—to add a vibrant touch to your festive celebrations. The harmonious blend of traditional symbolism and modern aesthetics ensures these Lai See packets are not just a token of wealth but a visual delight that enhances the festive spirit.
As a delightful addition, each set is accompanied by a versatile woven Lai See bag, designed in two striking colour combinations: a warm and inviting pink with red, and a cheerful yellow with orange. This bag is more than just a festive container; it doubles as a chic accessory, perfect for carrying your blessings in style. Its durable yet elegant design ensures it remains a cherished part of your festivities, offering both practicality and a touch of sophistication that extends beyond the New Year.
Celebrate this season of giving with “Woven Blessings” Lai See packets, where tradition meets contemporary design, creating moments of joy and shared prosperity.
Shopping Rewards to Kickstart the Year
From now to 28 January 2025, indulge in a series of rewarding shopping experiences designed to kickstart your year in style. Enjoy enticing offers that make it the perfect time to treat yourself to new clothes or fresh items for the new year, and find the ideal gifts for loved ones. Each eligible redemption also includes a token for the “Unlock Your Fortune” gashapon machine, offering exclusive lucky knot charms designed by Zoe Siu. Additionally, Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders may receive extra rewards, elevating the shopping experience even further. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to enhance your shopping adventures while enjoying exceptional rewards!
| Accumulated Same-day Electronic Spending | General Rewards* | Extra Rewards
for Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders+ |
|
| HK$2,800 – HK$5,799 | One set of
“Woven Blessings” Lai See Packets |
MOViE MOViE Pacific Place Ticket Exchange Coupon
(valued at HK$130) |
Extra
HK$50 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher |
| HK$5,800 – HK$17,999 | HK$250 Pacific Place
Shopping e-Voucher |
Extra
HK$100 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher |
|
| HK$18,000 – HK$37,999 | HK$500 Pacific Place
Shopping e-Voucher + DALLOYAU Almond Mille Feuille Gift Box (valued at HK$188) |
Extra
HK$250 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher |
|
| HK$38,000 – HK$87,999 | HK$1,300 Pacific Place
Shopping e-Voucher + Boutique by The Grand Assorted Butterfly Puff Gift Box (valued at HK$298) |
Extra
HK$650 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher |
|
| HK$88,000+ | HK$2,000 Pacific Place
Shopping e-Voucher + Boutique by The Grand Assorted Butterfly Puff Gift Box (valued at HK$298) |
Extra
HK$1,600 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher |
|
| All eligible redemptions will also be rewarded with one
“Unlock Your Fortune” Gashapon Machine Token to get an exclusive lucky knot charm designed by local knot designer Zoe Siu. |
|||
*General shoppers and eligible Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders are required to join the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above and meet the accumulated same-day spending requirement by electronic payment during the Promotion Period in order to be entitled to redeem Shopping Rewards. Other Terms and Conditions apply.
+ “Standard Chartered Credit Card” means credit cards issued by Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, including Standard Chartered Credit Card and its Co-branded Card, MANHATTAN Credit Card and its Co-branded Card (except Standard Chartered Business Card and Standard Chartered Corporate Card). Extra Rewards for Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders is applicable to Mobile Payment Purchase (including Apple Pay, Google Pay™ and Samsung Pay), but NOT applicable to the transactions made via any e-wallets (including but not limited to Alipay, WeChat Pay, Tap & Go, Octopus Wallet and PayMe).
What’s more? Register on Standard Chartered’s website to participate in the Lucky Draw to win two round-trip economy class tickets to Osaka or the latest Samsung smartphone. Please visit sc.com/hk/swiremalls for details.
Terms and Conditions apply. To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!
Dates: Now – 28 January 2025
Time: 11am – 10pm
Location: Gift Redemption Counter on Level L2 (near JOYCE)
Join Us for Festive Performances and a Dynamic Lion Dance Parade!
Experience the joyful spirit of the Lunar New Year with our spectacular Festive Performances, featuring charming a cappella performances, a traditional Eye-dotting Ceremony, and an exhilarating Lion Dance Parade. Join us as talented artists come together to celebrate this joyous occasion, showcasing rich cultural heritage through harmonious melodies and dynamic displays.
| Eye-dotting Ceremony and Lion Dance Parade | Welcome the Year of the Snake with blessings and energy at our Eye-dotting Ceremony followed by a Lion Dance Parade.
Date: 4 February (Tuesday, 7th day of Chinese New Year) Time: 1pm Location: Park Court, Level L1 |
| Harmonious Echoes of Celebration | Enjoy mesmerising a cappella performances by SENZA A Cappella as they reimagine festive tunes and beloved pop classics. This talented group creates an irresistible atmosphere, blending harmonies and intricate vocal rhythms to bring fresh interpretations of your favourite songs.
Since their debut in 2018, SENZA has made history as the first vocal group to break into the mainstream music scene in Hong Kong. Committed to promoting a cappella singing since 2009, the group’s music videos and cover songs have garnered over eight million views on YouTube. Date: 8 & 15 February (Saturday) Time: 2pm and 4pm Location: Park Court, Level L1 |
Join us at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct to embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year through artful installations, amazing shopping rewards, and captivating performances. Together, let’s weave a celebration of fortunes and start the Year of the Snake with joy and colour.
Hashtag: #KnotsOfFortune #WovenBlessings #WeavingFortunesAtPP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police investigating the death of a man in Stratford on Saturday 18 January can confirm that the death was the result of a medical event and is not being treated as suspicious.
Police offer our condolences to the man’s family and friends at this sad time.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Media Outreach
Pooi To Middle School and HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College emerge as champions
Youngest primary school team proudly claims the Most Potential Award
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – The unique allure of a cappella lies in its harmonious melodies, created solely by human voices, without instrumental accompaniment. On 18 January, local and international talent came together to celebrate the art of a cappella at the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals.“
At the HKFYG’s “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals 2024,” the Open Division featured professional teams from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, who competed alongside local vocal talent in an extraordinary musical showdown.
An annual event organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), the Contest was a resounding success. The team from Pooi To Middle School claimed both the Championship and Outstanding Harmony titles in the “School Division: Pop Chorus.“ Meanwhile, HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s HLC Harmonix won the “School Division: Vocal Band,“ along with the Best Presentation, Outstanding Lead Vocal and Outstanding Harmony awards.
In the Open Division, the youngest a cappella ensemble, Little by little Kids, earned the Most Potential Award with their original children’s song “A Happy Day” and their rendition of the cartoon theme song “Problems Every Day.” Comprising six members aged eight to ten from three different primary schools, including a nine-year-old beatboxer who started teaching himself to beatbox at age four, they delivered their performance with great poise and were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. All members expressed delight at their competition debut. Despite their young age, they demonstrated sophistication in rhythm, lead vocal, harmony, choreography, beat, and even the finer details of song introduction
Also making their competition debut was Pooi To Middle School’s 12-member team, the winner of the “School Division: Pop Chorus.” Having started practising since last September, they attributed their success to their enjoyment of performing and strong team spirit. The team emphasised the importance of individual performances as well as that of their fellow team members. They revealed that while they initially focused too heavily on pitch accuracy, they disordered that shifting their attention the meaning behind the lyrics eventually enhanced their performance.
The Open Division featured professional teams from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, who competed alongside local talent in an extraordinary musical showdown. TunaStars from Hong Kong ultimately emerged victorious, securing both the Vocal Band (International) and (Hong Kong) Championship titles.
Carrie Wong, Supervisor of the HKFYG, congratulated the winning teams and commended all participants for their exceptional virtuosity and teamwork. She remarked, “By bringing together top teams from Hong Kong and around the world, the Contest serves as a valuable platform for artistic and musical exchange. A cappella groups, without relying on expensive equipment, showcase the power and versatility of the human voice.”
Wong also expressed gratitude to the judges for their professional guidance and extended special thanks to the Hong Kong Arts Development Council for its steadfast support. She affirmed the HKFYG Cultural Services Unit’s continued commitment to promoting a cappella education and fostering exchange through the art form.
The panel of judges for the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals” included: Ray Chu, Pop and Jazz Artistic Director of Taiwan Choral Music Center; Zhang Mingming, Chief Executive Officer of Guangzhou Modern A Cappella Club; baratti, A Cappella Producer and Member of Japanese vocal harmony group “Nagie Lane”; Alfred Wong, composer and recipient of CASH Golden Sail Music Awards; and Guddy Chan, renowned vocal coach.
Appendix: Prize winners of the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest 2024 Finals”
School Division: Pop Chorus
| Prize | School/Team |
| Champion, Outstanding Harmony Award |
Pooi To Middle School |
| Second Place, Best Presentation Award, Outstanding Lead Vocal Award |
HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s HLCers |
School Division: Vocal Band
| Prize | School/Team |
| Champion, Best Presentation Award, Outstanding Lead Vocal Award, Outstanding Harmony Award |
HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s HLC Harmonix |
| Second Place | SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School’s LKaMella |
| Third Place, Outstanding Rhythm Award |
Kwok Tak Seng Catholic Secondary School’s Trend |
| Best Arrangement Award | Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College’s ERA |
Open Division: Vocal Band (International)
| Prize | Team |
| Champion (International), Champion (Hong Kong), Best Presentation Award |
TunaStars (Hong Kong) |
| Second Place, Best Arrangement Award, Outstanding Lead Vocal Award |
JiU (Taiwan) |
| Third Place | SHAKA-SHOKU-SHAKAI (Japan) |
| Outstanding Harmony Award | TunaDream (Hong Kong) |
| Most Potential Award | Little by little Kids (Hong Kong) |
Hashtag: #ACappella #contest #HKFYG
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