Monday, April 27, 2026

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

Thursday, April 23, 2026

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

Monday, April 20, 2026

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

Sunday, April 12, 2026

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 

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

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

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

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

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Vocalbeats.AI Partners with NTU Singapore to Establish the Vocalbeats.AI-Turing AI Scholarship for Singapore’s Next Generation of AI Talent


SINGAPORE, April 2 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vocalbeats.AI, a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company, today announces a partnership with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) to establish the Vocalbeats.AI‑Turing AI Scholarship. The partnership was formalised at a signing ceremony at NTU on April 1.

The scholarship aims to recognise and support exceptional undergraduates enrolled in the College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS) at NTU, reflecting Vocalbeats.AI’s commitment to nurturing world-class talent in Singapore. Recipients of the scholarship will be encouraged to apply for internships, mentorships, and career pathways within the company, as Vocalbeats.AI continues to grow its team in tandem with the expanding global reach of its products and services.

Marco Lai Jinnan, CEO of Vocalbeats.AI, said: “Voice AI is reshaping how people connect across languages and cultures. This scholarship is our commitment to ensuring we have the world-class talent to advance that frontier, and our experience working with NTU students and graduates has shown us what is possible when the brightest young minds take on real-world challenges. We look forward to creating more of those opportunities for students who are ready to build the future of voice AI with us.”

The scholarship comes at a time when demand for AI engineering talent continues to outstrip supply globally. In Singapore, the National AI Strategy 2.0 has set an explicit goal of tripling the nation’s AI practitioner pool, calling directly on industry to co-invest in building that capacity alongside universities, including NTU.

Professor Luke Ong, Dean of NTU’s College of Computing and Data Science and Vice President (AI & Digital Economy), said: “This partnership highlights the importance of industry-university collaboration in developing AI talent. The Turing AI Scholars Programme at NTU combines rigorous training in AI and computing with masterclasses, hands-on research opportunities, and international immersion experiences. With Vocalbeats.AI’s support, our students will have valuable opportunities to engage with industry, apply their skills, and contribute to Singapore’s growing AI ecosystem.”

Vocalbeats.AI has already been contributing to Singapore’s AI talent capacity-building objectives. In 2025, the company strengthened its university partnerships, welcoming students from local universities into its internship programme. One of the graduates from NTU has since transitioned into a full-time role and is currently contributing to the company’s research capabilities.

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

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Distinctive Consumer Scenarios in Chongqing, China's Mountain City, Offering International Visitors a Whole New Experience


Table
Visitors enjoy Chongqing hotpot in an air-raid shelter in Chongqing. 
 
CHONGQING, China, March 31, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/ --

Step into the "Underground City" hotpot restaurant in Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area, and it feels like walking into a time tunnel back to old Chongqing. Converted from a former air-raid shelter, the hotpot restaurant has 218 tables arranged across the space and can accommodate more than 1,300 diners at the same time. Inside, the cave's original rock walls have been preserved, while thousands of sky lanterns twinkle across the ceiling, creating a unique and romantic atmosphere.

"Having hotpot in an air-raid shelter is a really novel experience. I'll definitely recommend this place to my friends," said Jonathan, a tourist from Germany, who came across the restaurant on social media and headed there as soon as he landed in Chongqing.

With "ChinaTravel" gaining popularity worldwide, an increasing number of overseas visitors are looking beyond whirlwind sightseeing tours, seeking to immerse themselves in the distinctive everyday charm of Chinese cities.

Earlier, a video by an overseas blogger featuring the experience of enjoying Chongqing hotpot in an air-raid shelter garnered more than three million views on YouTube. The video has drawn large numbers of international visitors eager to experience it for themselves - clear proof of its popularity.

In 2025, Chongqing's ports handled more than 760,000 inbound and outbound trips by foreign travelers, setting a new record high. Known as an "8-dimensional magic city," Chongqing is steadily becoming a top destination for visitors from around the world who want to experience urban life up close, thanks to more than 100 distinctive consumption scenarios built around its rivers, cliffs, streets, caves, and skyline, including air-raid shelters and cliffside walkways.

At present, Chongqing is making full use of its mountain-city night views, air-raid shelters, waterfront stretches, back streets and alleyways, and rooftop spaces to develop a new batch of consumer destinations with distinctive Chongqing cultural features.

By better leveraging its historical and cultural resources, preserving local features and cultural heritage, and encouraging greater integration across different business formats, Liangjiang New Area aims to better respond to varied consumer demand, further unlock the potential of differentiated consumption, and create a more distinctive and attractive new calling card for the city's consumption landscape. 

Source: Chongqing Liangjiang New Area

--BERNAMA

​Xiong'an "Artificial Intelligence+" Industry Ecosystem Integration Development Forum Held in Xiong'an

XIONG'AN, China, April 2, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

Recently, the parallel forum of the 2026 ZGC Forum  - the Xiong'an "Artificial Intelligence+" Industry Ecosystem Integration Development Forum  - was held in Xiong'an New Area. More than 400 experts in the field of artificial intelligence, industry leaders, and representatives of investment institutions from around the world gathered together to discuss the development of the AI industry and explore opportunities for Beijing-Xiong'an collaborative innovation, under the theme of "Beijing-Xiong ' an Intelligent Innovation and Ecosystem Integration."

At the forum, an overview of Xiong'an New Area's artificial intelligence industry development and its policy support system was presented, with a package of enterprise-friendly measures unveiled, covering everything from research and development support to scenario-based applications. Collaborative innovation achievements between Beijing and Xiong'an, key application scenarios, and the "Open Competition Mechanism to Select the Best Candidates" list were also released simultaneously, charting the course for industrial collaboration from three dimensions: achievement demonstration, scenario application, and technological breakthroughs. A number of initiatives were collectively inaugurated, including Beijing-Xiong'an collaborative science and technology projects, investment projects under the Xiong'an Fund, enterprises settling in the Xiong'an Zhongguancun Park, and key innovation platforms. In addition, the Xiong'an New Area "Hundred Models Competition" was officially launched. The competition solicits outstanding models and application solutions from all sectors of society, aiming to accelerate the development of a highland for AI innovation and entrepreneurship through a mechanism of "promoting innovation through competition and gathering talent through competition."

During the keynote speech session of the forum, He You, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Zhang Jianwei, a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Guo Song, a professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, analyzed the development trajectory of intelligent integration from various dimensions, including domestic research accumulation, international cutting-edge trends, and the evolution of theoretical paradigms, highlighting Xiong'an's unique advantages in the field of artificial intelligence.

As the sole host city for the parallel forum of the 2026 ZGC Forum held outside Beijing, Xiong'an New Area is accelerating the construction of an innovation chain encompassing "technology research and development, incubation and acceleration, and industrial clustering." Looking ahead, Beijing and Xiong'an will continue to leverage the collaborative development of the artificial intelligence industry as a key driver, steadily strengthening the development of the Beijing-Xiong'an Science and Technology Innovation Corridor and contributing greater momentum to the integrated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
 
Source: Xiong'an "Artificial Intelligence+" Industry Ecosystem Integration Development Forum