​From Ancient Delicacy to Global Trend: The Industrial Upgrade and Global Journey of Ningxia Goji Berries

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ZHONGWEI, China, June 16, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

Lush plantations glitter across the sun-drenched Yellow River alluvial plain at an elevation of 1,100 meters on the eastern flank of the Helan Mountains. This is Zhongning County in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, located in northwestern China. As the opening ceremony of the 9th Goji Berry Industry Expo officially kicks off here, farmers are busy harvesting the first goji berries of 2026.

While goji berries are widely cultivated across China, Ningxia goji berries stand out for their exceptional quality and have become the region's most iconic specialty. As the core producing area of authentic Ningxia goji berries, also known as wolfberries, Zhongning enjoys over 3,000 hours of annual sunlight. The weakly alkaline soil, formed by the convergence of the Yellow River and Qingshui River, is rich in essential minerals and trace elements. These unique natural conditions have given birth to this distinctive "Magic Fruit."

"Every single goji berry is hand-picked," said Pan Tai'an, chairman of Ningxia Wolfberry Goji Industry Co., Ltd., a leading regional goji producer. "The goji trees blossom and bear fruit simultaneously, which means all berries must be harvested manually."

"Thanks to Ningxia's cool climate, pests and diseases are rare here. Still, we never use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. We only apply organic compost to guarantee the pure, natural quality of our goji berries," he added.

From a Local Specialty to a Health and Lifestyle Trend

In China, Ningxia goji berries have been treasured as a medicinal and edible delicacy. It is the only goji variety officially listed for medicinal use in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The ancient Chinese medical masterpiece, the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (Classic of Materia Medica), documents their anti-aging properties. This profound cultural heritage has laid a solid foundation for Ningxia goji berries to enter international markets.

Today, this ancient red berry has gained unprecedented global popularity. Boasting powerful anti-aging benefits, high vitamin C content, and abundant antioxidants, Ningxia goji berries have become a trending "superfood" on international social media. Overseas consumers are willing to pay a premium for authentic Ningxia products, freeing the berry from its former identity as a niche, rustic specialty.

"Western researchers have long been studying the health benefits of goji berries, including immune enhancement, anti-tumor effects, and anti-aging properties. They call it a 'superfood' and extract its active ingredients for use in health supplements and cosmetics," Pan Tai'an explains. "This inspired me to focus on deep processing, because that's where the real value lies."

For decades, the industry was held back by two major bottlenecks: the extreme perishability of fresh berries and underdeveloped deep-processing technology. To address these issues, the company invested six years in intensive R&D and successfully developed ambient-temperature preservation technology for goji puree. This pioneering breakthrough fills a technical gap and sets world-leading standards for the global goji industry.

To retain precious nutrients, fresh goji berries go through cleaning, pulping, sterilization and canning within two hours after harvest. This rigorous workflow best preserves key nutrients including goji polysaccharides, betaine and zeaxanthin to the greatest extent possible.

Powered by this core innovation, the company has produced over 100,000 tons of goji puree, with total sales exceeding 2 billion yuan (about 293 million U.S. dollars). More importantly, the technology has driven the construction of 50 high-standard production lines across Ningxia, marking a decisive shift - transforming the regional industry from raw material sales to high-value product manufacturing.

According to the latest data provided by the Goji Industry Development Center of the Ningxia Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ningxia's goji marketing network covers more than 50 countries and regions spanning Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In 2025, Ningxia's fresh goji berry output reached 200,000 tons, with the full industrial chain output value exceeding 21.3 billion yuan.

From Product Upgrade to a Global Cultural Brand

While technology-driven companies like Ningxia Wolfberry are deepening their presence in international supply chains, emerging players in the goji industry are reshaping the consumer perception of goji berries as "just a traditional medicinal herb." As a leader in e-commerce, Ningxia Qilixiang Goji Co., Ltd. is dedicated to promoting this traditional tonic to the younger generation. Founded in 2009 by three university students with a startup fund of just 700 yuan from their living allowances, the company has now grown into a top-tier brand with annual sales exceeding 1 billion yuan.

To transform traditional wellness into a trendy lifestyle, Qilixiang has developed a variety of blended purees - such as goji-ginseng, red date-goji, and mulberry-goji - all paired with eye-catching packaging. Operating about 200 online stores, the company has consistently ranked first in e-commerce sales for goji products.

These Innovative, high-value-added products derived from goji berries - including goji puree, goji seed oil, and goji juice - are now enjoying immense global demand. Once viewed as a mysterious Chinese herbal remedy, Ningxia goji berries have now become part of daily life for middle-class families from New York to London, a favorite among Hollywood celebrities, and a common ingredient in premium restaurants worldwide.

The international reputation is built on rigorous quality control. To meet the highest global food safety standards for organic products, Ningxia goji companies adhere to the world's most stringent regulations. For instance, Ningxia Wolfberry has held organic certifications from North America, the European Union and Japan for 21 consecutive years, earning a "green pass" to the global market. To date, its products have been exported to 33 countries and regions worldwide.

Today, Ningxia's goji industry is no longer confined to production and sales; it is gradually embracing a diversified development model. With the establishment of goji art galleries, history museums, and experience centers, the industry is shifting from merely "selling products" to "selling scenery" and "selling culture," growing into a multi-faceted and integrated economic driver.

The transformation of Ningxia goji berries reflects the progress and the rise of Chinese products and brands. It has evolved from a little-known northwest specialty and low-end raw material exporter into a global health trend and a modern, diversified industry fueled by technology, creativity, and culture. This journey mirrors the broader transformation of China's traditional agriculture and the innovative drive of its real economy.

Source: Goji Industry Development Center of the Ningxia Forestry and Grassland Administration

Vocalbeats.AI Joins SuperAI 2026 as Gold Sponsor

SINGAPORE, June 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vocalbeats.AI, a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company, today announces its Gold Sponsorship of SuperAI 2026, taking place on 10–11 June 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

As part of its Gold Sponsorship, Vocalbeats.AI will sponsor continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea sessions on Day 1, with branded signage in the Food & Beverage (F&B) area and the corporate logo displayed across the venue, event stages and website.

SuperAI convenes more than 10,000 founders, investors, and enterprise leaders to explore the frontiers of AI — spanning large language models (LLMs), agentic systems, voice AI, and AI infrastructure.

Vocalbeats.AI's focus on voice AI, real-time multimodal interaction, and practical consumer AI applications places it squarely within these themes. Its flagship applications, Owll, a voice-first productivity app, and Owll Translator, a real-time multilingual translation app, reflect that focus in everyday use across global markets. As AI development moves increasingly from capability to usability — how AI becomes integrated into communication, productivity, and daily life at scale, the company sees SuperAI as a timely platform to engage with the broader industry on that shift.

The sponsorship also reflects Vocalbeats.AI's deepening presence in Singapore's AI ecosystem. Earlier this year, the company established two university scholarship programmes — the Vocalbeats.AI–Turing AI Scholarship with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the Vocalbeats.AI Scholarship at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Both initiatives provide recipients with access to career pathways at Vocalbeats.AI, reflecting the company's commitment to nurturing Singapore's next generation of AI talent.

About Vocalbeats.AI

Vocalbeats.AI is a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company dedicated to innovating intelligent, user-friendly products and services designed to improve everyday life with more lifelike, intuitive, and accessible voice AI. Its expanding portfolio of AI-powered applications—spanning productivity, wellness, and beyond—is increasingly being embraced by a diverse global user base.

Beyond developing applications, Vocalbeats.AI is redefining how people interact with AI. Powered by an international team of engineers, designers and researchers, the Company pushes the boundaries of voice and AI technology to empower people everywhere to work smarter, connect more meaningfully, and live better.

For more information, please visit www.vocalbeats.ai.

Media contact: media@vocalbeats.com 

SOURCE: Vocalbeats

Agora, the Denodo Cloud Service, now available on the Microsoft Marketplace to Power Agentic AI Use Cases

Agora enables Microsoft Azure customers worldwide to leverage their full data estate across hybrid, multi-cloud, and data-sovereignty environments to accelerate agentic AI initiatives

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denodo, a leader in data management and a Microsoft AI Cloud Partner, announced that Agora, the Denodo Cloud Service — a fully managed platform — is now available on the Microsoft Marketplace. Agora provides native integrations with Microsoft services including Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS) Gen2, Power BI, and Azure Synapse Analytics, as well as partner services such as Azure OpenAI and Azure Databricks. Agora, combined with Microsoft’s AI and data services, enable organizations to extend their agentic AI capabilities to critical data residing in 200+ source systems across on-premises systems, SaaS offerings, and other cloud platforms while facilitating compliance with regulatory, data sovereignty, and security requirements.

Agora complements Microsoft Fabric’s semantic intelligence capabilities by providing the logical data access layer that connects AI agents to operational and analytical data outside Microsoft systems. While Microsoft Fabric delivers semantic understanding and orchestration capabilities for AI agents through Fabric IQ, Agora enables those agents to access live, trusted data from non-Microsoft sources — including SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Snowflake, and hundreds of additional systems across on-premises and hybrid environments. This complementary architecture supports multiple agent consumption patterns, from Microsoft Copilot agents accessing enterprise-wide data through Agora's Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration to custom AI agents built with Microsoft Foundry leveraging Agora’s APIs for real-time data retrieval. Agora also includes a data marketplace that enables PowerBI and other business users to find, access, and utilize enterprise data through the same semantic layer that powers AI agents, enabling humans and AI agents to share consistent business definitions and context.

Together, Agora’s agentic-AI-ready data foundation and Microsoft’s AI and data services power real-time decision-making, hyper-personalized experiences, agentic workflows, and other hybrid and multi-cloud use cases that depend on live, governed access to distributed data. This approach minimizes latency, reduces data drift risk, and ensures mission-critical insights and automated actions are always based on the most current information available. To support secure, governed access and enable seamless compliance, Agora integrates with Microsoft Entra ID and delivers fine-grained data governance capabilities such as attribute-based access control, end-to-end lineage, and policy enforcement for non-Microsoft sources.

“Microsoft is pleased to welcome Agora to Microsoft Azure and the Microsoft Marketplace,” said Jake Zborowski, general manager, Microsoft Azure Platform at Microsoft Corp. “Together with Denodo, we look forward to helping enterprises accelerate agentic AI initiatives — especially those operating in complex hybrid, multi-cloud, and data-sovereign environments.”

With Agora available on the Microsoft Marketplace, organizations can get started quickly with options ranging from free trials to private offers for annual contracts and consumption-based pricing. These options enable customers to choose the model that best fits their business needs, while streamlining procurement and enabling customers to apply their Denodo purchase — an Azure IP co-sell-eligible solution — toward their Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC).

“With Agora’s availability on the Microsoft Marketplace and seamless integrations to Microsoft’s AI and data services, we offer our mutual customers a powerful solution for agentic AI use cases that leverage an organization’s entire data estate across hybrid and multi-cloud environments,” said Suresh Chandrasekaran, executive vice president, Denodo. “Agora on the Microsoft Marketplace delivers new levels of agility, scalability, cost-efficiency, and ease-of-use.”

For more information

• Agora on the Microsoft Marketplace

About Denodo
Denodo is a global leader in data management, powering trustworthy AI agents and applications. The Denodo Platform, an award-winning logical data management solution, transforms enterprise data into reliable insights for AI, analytics, and self-service initiatives. Organizations worldwide use Denodo to deliver AI-ready, business-ready data in a fraction of the time compared to traditional data lakehouses, achieving up to 4x faster time-to-insight, 345% ROI, and 10x better performance. For more information, visit denodo.com.

Media contacts
pr@denodo.com

SOURCE: Denodo Technologies Inc. (“Denodo”)

--BERNAMA 

Tianjin Foreign Studies University Festival Draws Participants From 19 Countries

 

Tianjin Foreign Studies University holds International Culture Festival & College Fair.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- Tianjin Foreign Studies University (TFSU) recently hosted its Ninth International Culture Festival & College Fair, attracting more than 300 international teachers and students, alongside Chinese and foreign guests from 19 countries and regions.

Participants from countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Egypt, Vietnam and Guatemala took part in cultural exchange activities featuring both Chinese and international elements.

TFSU president and the party committee secretary, Li Yingying said the university has established long-term cooperation with more than 400 universities and institutions across over 50 countries through its multilingual education and international programmes.

Li said the university remains committed to international Chinese language education and the development of overseas Confucius Institutes while promoting cultural exchange initiatives.

In a statement, TFSU said a campus open day was also held alongside the festival, offering prospective students an opportunity to learn more about the university and its international programmes.

At the opening ceremony, the Belt and Road research centre for pharmaceutical regulations was inaugurated, together with the launch of a multilingual publishing project on Tianjin’s future development in Chinese, Russian and English.

-- BERNAMA

CGTN HIGHLIGHTS CHINA-RUSSIA TIES AHEAD OF PUTIN’S CHINA VISIT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 (Bernama) -- China Global Television Network (CGTN) has published an article ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China from May 19 to 20, highlighting the evolution of China-Russia relations and the role of head-of-state diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties.

The visit comes as both countries mark several milestones this year, including the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

According to CGTN in a statement, high-level exchanges between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin have become a defining feature of bilateral relations, with the two leaders having met more than 40 times over the past decade.

The report cited Zhao Long, a research fellow at the Center for Russian and Central Asian Studies at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, as saying that head-of-state diplomacy has become a pillar of political mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two countries.

CGTN said China and Russia have expanded cooperation in trade, energy, and cultural exchanges while also strengthening coordination on international platforms, including the United Nations, SCO, BRICS, APEC and the G20.

According to the latest data from China's Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade between China and Russia reached US$227.9 billion in 2025, marking the third consecutive year that trade surpassed the US$200 billion level. (US$1 = RM3.94)

The article also highlighted growing people-to-people exchanges, including cultural programmes held under the 2024-2025 China-Russia Years of Culture initiative and the introduction of a mutual visa-free policy in 2025.

CGTN said the upcoming meeting between Xi and Putin is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to global stability amid growing international uncertainty.

-- BERNAMA

GUANGZHOU ARBITRATION COMMISSION OPENS GLOBAL ARBITRATOR APPLICATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- The Guangzhou Arbitration Commission (GZAC) has opened global applications for its panel of arbitrators, seeking professionals with cross-border alternative dispute resolution (ADR) experience in fields including law, international trade and commerce.

The application process is conducted entirely online via the official application platform until June 15, with priority given to professionals with extensive experience in legal and commercial affairs, maritime and admiralty matters, science and technology, and ADR.

The commission in a statement said it is particularly interested in candidates with qualifications to practise in multiple jurisdictions, recognised professional standing, substantial experience in cross-border arbitral proceedings, and proficiency in at least one language, namely English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Italian.

According to the Regulations on the Construction of Guangzhou International Commercial Arbitration Center, effective May 2026, the GZAC will establish an internationally competitive remuneration system for arbitrators, providing overseas arbitrators with market-orientated compensation aligned with their expertise and contributions.

Guangzhou was ranked among the world's most preferred seats of arbitration, according to the 2025 International Arbitration Survey, while the GZAC arbitration rules were recognised as among the world's most widely used arbitration rules.

The Commission currently handles cases involving parties from 67 countries and jurisdictions, covering international trade, cross-border investment, intellectual property, and maritime and commercial disputes. Its arbitral awards have been recognised and enforced by courts in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States and Malaysia.

In 2025, the GZAC accepted a record-breaking 27,000 filings, involving a total dispute value of 92.1 billion Chinese yuan. Its international docket comprised 877 foreign-related cases worth 12.3 billion Chinese yuan. (100 Chinese yuan = RM58.06).

With overseas arbitrators appointed in 610 of these proceedings, the GZAC continues to solidify its position as China’s premier seat for international disputes by volume of foreign-related cases.

-- BERNAMA

LinkedIn is the #2 most-cited source in AI answers, new Meltwater report finds

 

Analysis of 9.5 million AI citations shows real-world expertise is driving visibility in AI search


SAN FRANCISCO, May 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meltwater, the global leader in actionable intelligence for PR, Communications and Marketing teams, today released new research showing LinkedIn is the #2 most cited source by AI models, second only to YouTube. An analysis of 9.5 million AI citations across 16 B2B categories using Meltwater’s GenAI Lens reveals the content that AI platforms prioritize, and why authentic, expert-driven content is emerging as a critical driver of B2B brand visibility.

How AI is changing the way information is found

AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Microsoft Copilot are fundamentally changing how people search for and consume information. When people turn to AI assistants for recommendations, research, or decision-making, the brands and products highlighted – or omitted – directly influence awareness, reputation, and buying behavior. In fact, research from 6sense shows that 94% of B2B buyers use LLMs during their buying process.

As AI becomes a primary source of information, optimizing for visibility inside AI-generated answers is no longer optional. For B2B brands who want to stay top of mind for buyers, Meltwater’s research underscores why LinkedIn is critical to a brand being discoverable in AI search.

What content AI models prioritize and cite

This research breaks down the specific signals and content types on LinkedIn that influence what AI models choose to cite. Several key patterns emerged, including:

• Individual voices drive the majority of visibility. Approximately 75% of LinkedIn citations came from individual member profiles and 25% come from Company Pages. While individual member content tends to get cited more often, balancing individual and corporate content remains important.
• Structured content performs best. The most frequently cited LinkedIn content, including articles and posts, consistently feature clear formatting (bullet points, numbered lists), strong headings, named entities, and quantitative data.
• AI rewards relevance over reach. More than half of citations (51%) came from members with less than 10k followers, showing that AI models prioritize clarity, expertise, and usefulness over popularity alone.
• LinkedIn dominates Tech, Professional Services, FinTech and Marketing. The platform performs especially well where questions are professional, technical, or decision-driven, ranking LinkedIn in the top 5 in citations for B2B searches across key industries, including Technology & SaaS, Consulting & Professional Services, Financial Services & FinTech, Marketing & Advertising, and HR & Talent.
• Third-party and user-generated content have an edge. Platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, and YouTube account for 47.5% of AI citations, compared to 15% from peer review sites and 18.7% from company websites.

“For the last twenty years, the job of a brand was to be discoverable. In an AI-first world, the job is to be the answer. LLMs are now the first stop for decisions that used to take hours of research – and if your brand isn’t being cited, you’re not in the consideration set,” said Chris Hackney, Chief Product Officer at Meltwater. “What this data makes clear is that AI models aren’t looking for the loudest voice in the room – they’re looking for the most credible voice. Organizations that are discoverable in reputable earned media, credible with structured, factual content, and consistent with the channels they engage on, are the ones that will show up when decisions are being made.”

“Product and brand discovery doesn’t happen in stages anymore – it starts with a question and ends with an AI assistant’s answer,” said Davang Shah, Vice President of Marketing at LinkedIn. “If your brand isn’t showing up in LLMs, you’re not just missing awareness, you’re missing the moment of decision. That’s why being discoverable, credible and consistently cited isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s what defines your buyability and determines whether your products or solutions get considered and ultimately get bought.”

To read the full report, visit: https://www.meltwater.com/en/resources/linkedin-gen-ai-visibility-report

For more information, please contact:
Kelly Costello
Corporate Communications Director
pr@meltwater.com

About Meltwater
Meltwater is the global leader in actionable intelligence for PR, Communications, and Marketing teams. By analyzing 1.3 billion pieces of content daily, Meltwater transforms media, social, and AI signals into intelligence that leaders rely on to make faster, more confident decisions. With 27,000 customers worldwide, Meltwater is the intelligence platform global brands trust to stay ahead. Meltwater: Intelligence you can act on.

Learn more at meltwater.com.

SOURCE: Meltwater

AGC Biologics Expands Deal With Novelty Nobility For Antibody Production

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- AGC Biologics, a global biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has expanded its manufacturing agreement with South Korea-based biotech company Novelty Nobility to advance a bispecific antibody drug candidate.

According to a statement, Novelty Nobility will progress its candidate, NN4101, through process development and GMP manufacturing at AGC Biologics’ facility in Chiba, Japan.

The partnership builds on earlier collaboration between the companies, including completed cell line development in Copenhagen, Denmark, and will leverage AGC Biologics’ global network for subsequent manufacturing stages.

AGC Biologics Senior Vice President and General Manager of its Chiba site, Susumu Zen-in said the company’s integrated global network enables seamless project execution.

“This approach is creating wins for our partners and for AGC Biologics throughout the APAC region. The upcoming capacity at our new Yokohama site will only strengthen our ability to meet the global demand for vital biopharmaceuticals,” he added.

Meanwhile, Novelty Nobility Chief Executive Officer, Sang Gyu Park said the partnership supports the advancement of complex biologics programmes.

“AGC Biologics has proven to be an ideal manufacturing partner for advancing our most complex programmes. Their global network gives us the confidence to move NN4101 forward with speed and precision,” he said.

NN4101 is a first-in-class bispecific antibody targeting neovascular retinal diseases, combining an anti-c-Kit monoclonal antibody with a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) trap.

AGC Biologics is also expanding its footprint in Japan with a new facility in Yokohama, designed to support large-scale GMP manufacturing using single-use bioreactor technology, making it one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Japan.

-- BERNAMA

What is the best internet solution for business travel? Why Holafly for Business is becoming the preferred choice for global companies

 

DUBLIN, May 5 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For IT teams, one of the biggest risks when an employee travels is not the flight itself, but what happens upon arrival: landing without reliable internet access. This goes far beyond lost time, as it often translates into lack of access to critical tools, reliance on unsecured public WiFi networks, and decisions being made without real-time information.

As global workforces become increasingly distributed, companies are rethinking how they support their teams abroad, moving away from fragmented solutions towards more integrated approaches. In this shift, solutions like Holafly for Business are emerging as a foundational layer that allows IT departments to regain control, visibility, and security, ensuring that employees can access mobile data the moment they land without dependency on external networks.

This transformation is closely tied to the evolution of business travel itself. According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), global business travel spend is expected to reach $1.69 trillion in 2026, reflecting a structural shift towards more geographically distributed ways of working, where the ability to operate seamlessly from anywhere is a baseline expectation.

The operational impact of connectivity gaps is already measurable, with GBTA data indicating that business travelers lose an average of 5.2 productive hours per trip due to connectivity-related challenges. At the same time, security has moved to the center of the conversation. With the average cost of a corporate data breach reaching $4.88 million, according to IBM Security, relying on public WiFi networks is no longer a viable option for many organizations.

Alongside these challenges, the way companies manage data services internally is also a challenge itself. Platforms like Holafly Business Center allow IT teams to centralize eSIM management, monitor usage in real time, and automate billing processes, reducing operational complexity while providing the level of visibility required to manage distributed teams effectively. According to Gartner, organizations that adopt automation in IT operations can reduce management costs by up to 30%, reinforcing the value of more scalable solutions.

Cost predictability when it comes to roaming fees is another factor driving this shift, as traditional roaming models continue to generate unexpected and difficult-to-forecast expenses, solutions like Holafly for Business can reduce these costs by up to 85%, offering both savings and the financial stability that global operations increasingly demand.

“Companies are no longer asking whether their teams will be online when they travel, but how reliably and securely they can operate from anywhere,” said Ricardo Rodriguez, Head of Sales at Holafly for Business.

About Holafly
Holafly is the global leader in eSIMs for travelers, offering coverage in over 200 destinations. With an outstanding 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot and more than 15 million satisfied users, it has become the preferred eSIM choice for international travelers. Its unlimited data offering ensures peace of mind anywhere in the world.

Contact: press@holafly.com 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ff9372ad-41f6-4acc-8266-5578d80cc425 

SOURCE: Holafly

CGTN: CHINA SOLAR PROJECT SHOWCASES GREEN DEVELOPMENT, LIVELIHOOD GAINS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- A solar power project in northwest China’s Qinghai Province is being highlighted as an example of how technology can support both economic development and environmental sustainability.

Located in the Talatan Gobi Desert, the solar facility has an installed generation capacity of 8,430 megawatts and combines renewable energy production with livestock grazing, allowing local herders to raise sheep beneath rows of photovoltaic panels.

According to CGTN in a statement, the model helps address desertification pressures that have affected traditional grazing while providing herders with stable income and restoring grass growth through improved land conditions.

Huanghe Corporation’s Hainan Branch Engineer, Cao Jun said local herders are granted access to graze livestock at the site, while water runoff from solar panel cleaning supports vegetation growth.

Meanwhile, ClientEarth Chief Representative for China, Dimitri De Boer described the model as a “win-win”, saying it supports local livelihoods while improving land quality and advancing sustainability goals.

The project was featured in CGTN’s Art of Governance, which examined how technological innovation is being used to support China’s green development strategy.

China’s green development agenda is a key component of its modernisation strategy and includes efforts to advance carbon peaking and carbon neutrality through emissions reduction, pollution control and expanded green capacity.

China is also a major global supplier of renewable energy equipment, providing about 70 per cent of the world’s wind power equipment and 80 per cent of photovoltaic components, contributing to lower global wind and solar generation costs.

China will continue pursuing green development and international cooperation on climate action as the 15th Five-Year Plan period begins.

-- BERNAMA

SINGAPORE’S TOP 100 BRANDS RISE 7 PCT TO US$84.1 BLN VALUE IN 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Singapore’s top 100 brands rose seven per cent year-on-year to a combined value of US$84.1 billion in 2026, driven by growth across the banking, engineering, food and real estate sectors, according to the Brand Finance Singapore 100 2026 report. (US$1 = RM3.95)

DBS Bank retained its position as Singapore’s most valuable brand for the 14th consecutive year, with brand value rising eight per cent to US$18.6 billion, supported by regional expansion and diversification efforts.

Marina Bay Sands ranked second in brand value at US$8 billion, rising 35 per cent, supported by strong revenue performance and ongoing upgrade investments that enhanced its premium positioning in the tourism sector, while OCBC Bank ranked third at US$6.8 billion, reflecting steady performance in wealth management and regional expansion initiatives.

The report highlighted strong performance across sectors, with engineering benefiting from aerospace and defence demand, food and agriculture supported by commodity trends, and real estate remaining stable on steady transaction activity, according to a statement.

Meanwhile, Changi Airport was named Singapore’s strongest brand, with a Brand Strength Index score of 91.2 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating, driven by record passenger traffic, expanded connectivity and continued service investment.

TeleChoice International was the fastest-growing brand in the ranking, with brand value surging 288 per cent to US$52.7 million, driven by strong demand in semiconductor-related segments and product expansion.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts was the top hotel brand, ranking 27th overall, supported by digital transformation initiatives, loyalty programme growth and expansion of its global property portfolio.

Separately, Singapore Airlines led sustainability perceptions among Singaporean respondents, particularly for its decarbonisation strategy, including its net zero emissions target by 2050 and investment in sustainable aviation fuel.

Other brands showing strong sustainability perceptions included Ascott and Banyan Tree for environmental sustainability, CapitaLand, Singapore Land and FairPrice in social sustainability, and DBS in governance, reflecting strong domestic recognition across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pillars.

-- BERNAMA

6TH ASIAN BEACH GAMES OPEN IN SANYA AFTER POSTPONEMENT FROM 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- The Sixth Asian Beach Games has officially opened in China's tropical resort city of Sanya, with the opening ceremony held at the seaside Yasha Park.

Around 10,000 participants, including 1,790 athletes, are taking part in the continental multi-sport event, which was originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin declared the Games open after 45 delegations marched into the stadium, according to a statement.

The games mark the first time Hainan has hosted a continental-level beach sports event. It is also the island’s first major international sporting event since the Hainan Free Trade Port was inaugurated last December.

Held from April 22 to 30, the games feature 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 events. It is the second time China has hosted the Asian Beach Games, after the 2012 edition in Haiyang, Shandong Province.

China has sent a delegation of 255 members, including 171 athletes, competing in 13 sports and 60 events, marking the country's highest participation in Asian Beach Games history.

-- BERNAMA

FUJIAN OPENS 2026 CULTURAL AND TOURISM CONFERENCE IN ZHANGZHOU

KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Fujian Provincial Conference on the Development of Cultural and Tourism Economy kicked off recently in Zhangzhou, China's Fujian Province, highlighting elements of Minnan (Southern Fujian) wisdom, lifestyle, and culture.

The conference, themed "Building a World-Class Destination, Cultivating a Pillar Industry", coincides with a major initiative to build the World Minnan Cultural Exchange Center and features six main activities and 60 peripheral events aimed at attracting global visitors, according to a statement.

The opening ceremony featured the Homing Minnan (Return to Southern Fujian) show, set against the backdrop of the historic Yuegang Port and local craftsmanship, utilising interactive staging to bring the "daring to try, striving to win" spirit to life.

The event focuses on industrial synergy and investment promotion, encouraging interaction across the cultural tourism sector, with projects covering emerging performance-driven economies, sports tourism, "film-and-TV-plus-tourism", and wellness retreats.

Highlighting regional identity, the conference also features Minnan cultural showcases, including comedy acts, galas and cross-strait Gezi Opera performances, alongside the "Fresh Fujian Lifestyle" campaign aimed at offering domestic and international visitors an authentic taste of southern Fujian.

Since 2023, the annual conference has been seen as a vital catalyst for boosting industry confidence and facilitating the deep integration of culture and tourism across the province.

-- BERNAMA

KWM Signs Exclusive Global Distribution Agreement with HYBE Covering BTS, SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM, and More — Targeting Annual Revenue in Excess of $100 Million

 

Through Play Company, KWM secures worldwide distribution rights for concert DVDs and digital codes. Substantial revenue generation expected as BTS launches its first world tour since members' return from mandatory military service


NEW YORK and SEOUL, South Korea, April 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- K Wave Media Ltd. (“KWM” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KWM), a global K-content, intellectual property (IP), and artificial intelligence (AI) technology platform, today announced via Form 6-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it has entered, through its wholly owned subsidiary Play Company Co., Ltd. (“Play Company”), into a global distribution agreement with HYBE for video and print merchandise related to 2026 concert activities. The agreement became effective on April 3, 2026, carries an initial term of one year, and may be extended upon mutual consent. The agreement encompasses not only BTS but also SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM, and additional HYBE artists.

Under the agreement, KWM will distribute and monetize digital video products derived from BTS live concert performances to global audiences, including in the United States and key Asian markets. BTS is widely regarded as one of the most influential global music acts, with a substantial international fan base and strong consumer engagement.

The most significant component of this agreement centers on BTS. Prior to the group's activity hiatus, BTS generated approximately $80 million in revenue in 2022 solely through video merchandising via Play Company. With all members having completed their mandatory military service and the 2026 world tour confirmed, market observers and analysts anticipate significant demand.

BTS’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, has already surpassed four million pre-orders. The accompanying world tour, launching in Korea on April 9th, encompasses 79 confirmed performances over an 11-month run through March 2027, with additional dates anticipated in Japan, the Middle East, and other markets that could bring the total to between 90 and 100 shows. In January, tickets for 41 stadium performances across North America and Europe sold out immediately upon release, with venues in Madrid, Brussels, London, Munich, and Paris selling out within 60 minutes.

Industry analysts project the tour could generate approximately $1.45 billion (approximately KRW 2.14 trillion) in revenue, placing it alongside Taylor Swift and Coldplay among the world’s highest-grossing concert tours. The Guardian reported that “BTS’s world tour as a reunited group has the potential to generate an economic impact that surpasses Taylor Swift’s records.”

The Company expects the renewed collaboration to reestablish a scalable, fandom-driven revenue stream as BTS resumes global activities. KWM intends to leverage its existing production, localization, and distribution capabilities to expand monetization across multiple formats, including digital content, fan-focused commerce, and related offerings.

Play Company has an established track record of working with leading Korean entertainment companies to develop and distribute official K-pop content globally. The Company believes this agreement represents a meaningful step in strengthening its position within the global fandom economy and expanding its portfolio of high-value entertainment IP.

In addition, KWM recently completed the acquisitions of Rabbit Walk and a controlling interest in Inticube Co., Ltd., further expanding the Company’s content production and AI-driven engagement capabilities. These acquisitions are projected to increase KWM’s pro forma annual revenue by approximately 50–70%.

When combined with the recently completed acquisitions, KWM expects total incremental revenue contributions to exceed $50–$75 million on a pro forma basis, representing an estimated 50–70% increase relative to the Company’s prior revenue base. This growth is expected to propel the Company’s total revenue beyond $100 million over the next 12 months and enable the Company to turn profitable for the current fiscal year.

Ted Kim, Chief Executive Officer of KWM, stated: “We will continue to pursue strategic partnerships, investments, and acquisitions to expand our IP portfolio and develop an integrated platform that combines content, commerce, and technology.”

The Company expects to explore potential synergies between its global content IP and Inticube’s technology capabilities, with a focus on enhancing fan engagement, personalization, and digital commerce initiatives. KWM intends to continue developing new revenue streams beyond traditional content distribution, including data-driven services, digital goods, and platform-based monetization strategies.

About K Wave Media

K Wave Media (KWM) is a publicly listed entertainment and Bitcoin treasury company dedicated to creating, distributing, and monetizing high-quality content across multiple platforms. Since going public in 2025, KWM has focused on strategic growth initiatives, including acquisitions, digital platforms, and digital asset treasury management.

Through its subsidiaries, KWM currently works with major K-pop entertainment companies, including HYBE, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and KQ Entertainment.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.

These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, and on the current expectations of K Wave Media’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of K Wave Media. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements could include changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political, and legal conditions.

If any of these risks materialize or K Wave Media’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that K Wave Media does not presently know, or that K Wave Media currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect K Wave Media’s current expectations, plans, and forecasts of future events and views as of the date hereof. Nothing in this communication should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this communication, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein and the risk factors of K Wave Media described in K Wave Media’s Form 20-F initially filed with the SEC on May 14, 2025, as amended, including those under “Risk Factors” therein. K Wave Media anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while K Wave Media may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, K Wave Media specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing K Wave Media’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Media Contact
Investor Relations: info@kwavemedia.com
Public Relations: info@redroosterpr.com 

SOURCE: K Wave Media 

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Coming Soon: Dao by Dorsett Puteri Cove

 

A Luxury Getaway in the Puteri Harbour Marina Front 


ISKANDAR PUTERI, Malaysia, April 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Far East Consortium International Limited’s (“FEC”, Stock code: 35.HK) subsidiary Dorsett Hospitality International (“DHI”) is excited to announce the opening of Dao by Dorsett Puteri Cove on Friday 15 May 2026, its first Dao by Dorsett hotel in Malaysia. Guided by Dao by Dorsett’s core philosophy to “Live Your Way, Anywhere”, the hotel boasts a modern approach to upscale stays in Iskandar Puteri’s waterfront.

Thoughtful Spaces for Balance and Comfort
Rising 32 storeys above the marina, Dao by Dorsett Puteri Cove features 213 rooms across four categories: Studio, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom and Two Bedroom Plus Facility. Each suite is designed for independent living, featuring a fully equipped kitchenette, laundry facilities and a refrigerator. Guests will enjoy exclusive access to a swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, meeting facilities and a spa/jacuzzi, offering spaces to unwind, recharge or focus on work.

A Seamless Gateway for Business and Leisure
Commanding a prime marina-front position, Dao by Dorsett Puteri Cove places guests at the heart of a vibrant waterfront lifestyle. The hotel is steps from Puteri Harbour’s premier dining and retail scene, with scenic river cruises and the Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal (950m) offering seamless regional access. Families are perfectly positioned just 4km from LEGOLAND Malaysia.

Strategically linked to the region’s key commercial, medical, and educational hubs, the hotel serves as a premier home base for corporate teams and long-stay guests:

• Regional Connectivity: 52km from Marina Bay Financial Centre, 59km from Changi Airport, 42km from Seletar Airport via TPE, and 32km from Senai International Airport.
• Commercial Hubs: Direct access to Tanjung Puteri data centres and Tanjung Pelepas offshore/marine hubs.
• Premier Healthcare: Minutes from Gleneagles Hospital and Sunway Medical Centre.
• Education Excellence: Surrounded by prestigious international schools including Sunway, Stellar and Invictus International Schools, MDIS Malaysia and Raffles American School.

“With Dao by Dorsett Puteri Cove, we are thrilled to introduce a new standard of hospitality to Puteri Harbour’s stunning marina front,” said Ms. Winnie CHIU BBS, JP, Executive Director and Joint Managing Director of FEC, Chairman, President & Executive Director of DHI and Chairman of AGORA Hospitalities. “As our fourth Dao property globally (two in the UK, one in Singapore and now one in Malaysia), Dao by Dorsett Puteri Cove reflects DHI’s fast-growing portfolio across key global cities. In the past 12 months alone, we have opened seven new DHI properties worldwide, including hotels, academic accommodations, student accommodations and youth hostels in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Osaka, Singapore, Johor and London. These new openings align with our commitment to strategically developing each location to meet guest needs and market demands.”

Download High-Resolution Imagery: [Link Here]

Dao By Dorsett Puteri Cove
Address: Tower 3, Persiaran Tanjung, Puteri Harbour, 79000 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

About Far East Consortium International Limited
Far East Consortium International Limited (“FEC”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1972 (HKEx Stock code: 35.HK). The Group is mainly engaged in property development, property investment, hotel operations and management, car park operations and facilities management, gaming and related operations, securities and financial product investments and provision of mortgage services. The Group adopts the diversified regional strategy and the “Asian Wallet” strategy with business covering Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and other European countries.

FEC official website: www.fecil.com.hk

About Dorsett Hospitality International

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Dorsett Hospitality International is one of Asia’s fastest-growing hotel groups. With a portfolio of 52 properties (includes affiliate hotels) across 22 gateway cities, including Hong Kong and destinations in Chinese Mainland, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and the South Pacific, Dorsett and its affiliates are committed to delivering outstanding hospitality.

Dorsett Hospitality International’s four core brands – Dorsett Hotels, Dao by Dorsett, d.Collection, and Silka Hotels – are designed to provide exceptional guest experiences while fostering strong connections within the local communities they serve.

For more information, visit www.dorsetthospitality.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Far East Consortium International Limited
IR and Corporate Finance Manager
Ms. Toby Chan
Email: pr@fecil.com.hk
Tel: (852) 2850 0635

IR and Corporate Finance Executive
Ms. Jasmine Chen
Email: pr@fecil.com.hk
Tel: (852) 2850 0602

Dorsett Hospitality International
Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing
Anita Chan
Email: anita.chan@dorsetthotels.com 
Tel: (852) 2921 9822

Assistant Marketing and Communications Manager
Ever Tang
Email: ever.tang@dorsett.com 
Tel: (852) 2921 9840

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a78ff46-e673-4f54-9bb7-e72b98fc904b 

SOURCE: Dorsett Hospitality International

Call for Nominations: 2026 Global Citizen Award

 

LONDON, April 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading international residence and citizenship planning firm Henley & Partners, in partnership with Andan Foundation, a Swiss non-profit humanitarian organization, is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2026 Global Citizen Award.

Created in 2014, the Global Citizen Award is a tribute that honors remarkable individuals working to advance any one of the global challenges affecting humanity today – challenges that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone.

The 2026 laureate will be selected by a distinguished, independent committee and honored at the Global Citizen Award ceremony which forms part of the annual Henley & Partners Global Citizenship Conference.

Henley & Partners Chairman and Founder of the Andan Foundation, Dr Christian H. Kaelin, says the awardee’s work needs to demonstrate a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable social groups, particularly with a connection to migration-related issues. “The Global Citizen Award is open worldwide to those working in a field with a direct link to the issues they are looking to affect. The committee is looking for remarkable and inspirational individuals who demonstrate vision, courage, and innovation in driving global change, and whose actions and outlook contribute to a more just, peaceful, connected, and tolerant world.”

The selection process is based on a majority decision of the Award Committee. The award itself consists of a bespoke sculptural medal designed by leading Italian artist Antonio Nocera, an award certificate signed by the Chairman of the Global Citizen Award Committee, and a monetary prize of USD 20,000, which goes towards supporting the awardee’s humanitarian efforts. In addition, Henley & Partners commits to working closely with the awardee for a period of one year, raising awareness of their work and supporting the selected project through the firm’s network of more than 70 offices worldwide.

Since its inception, the Global Citizen Award has honored many remarkable individuals, including German entrepreneur Harald Höppner, who set up the refugee humanitarian aid project Sea Watch, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of the Gift of the Givers Foundation, Africa’s largest disaster relief organization and Monique Morrow, Co-Founder of The Humanized Internet, a digital identity project that aims to bring hope to the estimated 1.1 billion individuals in the world who cannot prove their legal identity.

Diep Vuong, Co-Founder and President of the Pacific Links Foundation, was awarded for her work in Southeast Asia campaigning for the rights of those enslaved by human trafficking, while Prof. Dr. Padraig O’Malley received his Global Citizen Award in recognition of his work on conflict resolution and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, South Africa, and Iraq. Zannah Bukar Mustapha was honoured for the psychological, educational, spiritual and other developmental support he provided to the children and widows affected by the insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria, and Mohamed Nasheed, former President of the Maldives and the current Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, was acknowledged for his pioneering work as a human rights activist and advocate for climate action. Most recently, Professor Spyridon Flogaitis was presented with the 2025 Global Citizen Award for his work in advancing public law, legal education, and institutional reform, and for strengthening governance and access to justice in regions facing democratic fragility.

Reflecting on the award’s legacy and impact, Dr. Kaelin explains that the ideals of global citizenship have always been central to Henley & Partners. Through its collaboration with the Andan Foundation, the firm extends vital support to individuals displaced by conflict, war, and climate-related crises. “Every Global Citizen Award laureate has inspired us with their courage in tackling challenges that many consider insurmountable,” he says. “The issues we face today extend far beyond local communities or national borders. Now, more than ever, it is vital to support those who are making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable people around the world.”

Nominations close on Wednesday, 6 May 2026. You can submit your nomination online here or send it to gca@henleyglobal.com.

Media Contact:
Sarah Nicklin
Group Head of Public Relations & Communications
sarah.nicklin@henleyglobal.com
Mobile: +27 72 464 8965
 
SOURCE: HENLEY & PARTNERS GROUP HOLDINGS LTD