Maybank Marathon 2023, ‘Elite’ Label Road Race, achieves active participation of over 13,600 runners

BALI, INDONESIA, Aug 28, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The first and only 'Elite' Label Road Race event in Indonesia, Maybank Marathon, organized by PT Bank Maybank Indonesia Tbk (Maybank Indonesia), took place on Sunday, 27 August 2023 at Bali Safari & Marine Park, Gianyar Bali from start to finish. More than 13,600 runners from 50 countries enthusiastically participated in the 12th edition of the Maybank Marathon 2023.

Maybank Marathon 2023 start : Geoffrey Kiprotich Birgen of Kenya, bib10215, winner in record time of 02:15:04. [27-08-2023, Image : Antara]

Maybank Marathon 2023 mid-race : more than 13,600 runners from 50 countries participated in this years event. [27-08-2023, Image : Maybank]

The excitement among participants was palpable across the three categories, particularly during the flag-off moments. The Marathon category was flagged-off at 04:30 AM (Central Indonesia Time Zone/WITA), followed by the Half Marathon at 05:30 AM WITA, and the 10K category at 06:00 AM WITA. Additionally, a flag-off was held for the wheelchair category at 06:15 AM WITA, participated by 50 wheelchair runners.

As midday approached, the organizing committee of Maybank Marathon 2023 announced the race winners and concluded the series of events for the 'Elite' label road race endorsed by World Athletics. Maybank Marathon 2023, aptly called the 'feast' for runners, presented a total prize pool of IDR 2.7 billion for 86 winners, including record-breakers.

The press conference event at the Race Village Bali Safari & Marine Park unveiled the race winners of the Maybank Marathon 2023. In the Marathon Open Male category, Geoffrey Kiprotich Birgen from Kenya, bib number 10215, clinched victory with an outstanding record time of 02:15:04. Similarly, in the Marathon Open Female category, Sophy Jepchirchir, also from Kenya and bib number 22, secured first place with a remarkable record time of 02:31:04.

Both runners' record times broke the current threshold of 02:28:00 for Marathon Open Male and 02:33:00 for Marathon Open Female categories. These exceptional first-place finishers received cash prizes of IDR 240,000,000 each, with additional bonuses of IDR 33,750,000 and IDR 67,500,000 for breaking the records, respectively.

Furthermore, the Marathon National Male category won by Nurshodiq, bib number 21288, claiming victory with an impressive record time of 02:30:24. In contrast, Irma Handayani, bib number 21566, triumphed in the Marathon National Female category, clocking in a noteworthy record time of 03:01:44. Each of these first-place winners received cash prizes amounting to IDR 100,000,000.

The achievements of these exceptional athletes underscore the Maybank Marathon's commitment to promoting excellence and athleticism on both national and international level. Maybank Indonesia extends its congratulations to all winners for their remarkable performances.

Symbolically the prizes were handed over by President Director of Maybank Indonesia, Taswin Zakaria, to the Maybank Marathon 2023 winners.

Taswin, who actively participated in the Half Marathon category earlier that morning, expressed gratitude for the resounding success of the Maybank Marathon 2023 event. He extended his heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the execution of the 'Elite' label road race, Maybank Marathon 2023.

"On this occasion, we congratulate all participants who have triumphed and earned rewards from this year's 'Elite' label road race, the Maybank Marathon. We hope that these achievements inspire all running enthusiasts to strive for similar accomplishments in the future," Taswin remarked.

Regarding the event's conceptual and execution excellence, Taswin conveyed his positive impression of the enthusiasm displayed by thousands of participants who eagerly prepared themselves in the early morning hours to run on the distinctive running track of the Maybank Marathon 2023. Taswin emphasized that the Maybank Marathon is not only about the quantity of participants but also places paramount importance on the safety and comfort of the runners.

Furthermore, Taswin emphasized the company's dedication to continuously enhancing the Maybank Marathon event's quality. As the event has attained the status of an 'Elite' label road race endorsed by World Athletics, it has positioned both the Maybank Marathon and Indonesia in the global stage of athletic competition, particularly the marathon run.

"On behalf of the entire Maybank Marathon 2023 organizing committee, we extend our gratitude to the participants for their disciplined participation and to the field staff, including the security teams, medical personnel, pacers, and marshals, who vigilantly supervised the entire route. Moreover, the engagement of the local community, consistently cheering on the runners throughout the Maybank Marathon 2023 route, created an even more exhilarating race atmosphere," Taswin elaborated.

The success of Maybank Marathon 2023 was bolstered by the collaborative efforts of various entities, including the Bali Provincial Government, Bali Provincial Police, Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia) Bali Branch, Gianyar Regency Government, Gianyar District Military Command 1616, the Indonesian Athletic Association (PASI), sponsors, and media partners.

Maybank Marathon 2023 owes a significant part of its success to the unwavering support of its esteemed sponsors. This remarkable event was made possible through the valuable contributions of Aqua, Bali Safari & Marine Park, Etiqa, New Balance, Pocari Sweat, BMW, Herbalife, Extra Joss, Kahf, Rexona, Garmin, Traveloka, Bali Island School, Indofood Ice Cream, Taman Bhagawan, Bali Hai, YAMAtune, Atlas, Optik Tunggal, Rintis, Fitbar, Salonpas, Rejuve, Biznet, Gambino, Shokz, Cardea, Salomon, Plataran, Ibis Bali Benoa, Prama, and RS Kasih Ibu.

Furthermore, the Maybank Marathon 2023 received support from a select group of media partners, including Metro TV, Jawa Pos, Tribunnews, Gatra, Kumparan, The Jakarta Post, Tempo, and other renowned media outlets across Indonesia.

Stay updated on Maybank Marathon in Bali through the following channels:
– Website: www.maybankmarathon.com
– Instagram: @maybankmarathon
– Facebook: Maybank Marathon
– Twitter: @maybankmarathon

About Maybank Marathon

Maybank Marathon is an international-level marathon race organized by PT Bank Maybank Indonesia, Tbk. ("Maybank Indonesia") since 2012, which has competed in marathon events with a distance of 42.195 km, half marathon (21.0975 km), and 10K (10 km). Various awards have been won by Maybank Marathon, including one of eleven "Remarkable Races in the World that One Must Participate Before You Die" by the Active, one of "the 52 Best Races on Earth 2016" by Runner's World, Best Marathon 2016, Best Half-Marathon 2015, and the Most Popular Sports Event 2018 by the Venue magazine.

In 2020, Maybank Marathon won the 'Elite' label road race certification from the athletics body that regulates, supervises, and certifies the organization of marathons worldwide, World Athletics or formerly IAAF. In addition, the Maybank Marathon is also part of the qualifying event for the World Championship marathon series Abbott World Marathon Major ("Abbott WMM") Wanda Age Group World Rankings. It is one of the qualifying races for the Boston Marathon. Maybank Marathon 2019 is a qualifying National Sports Week ("PON") event in Papua in 2021.

Various awards have been won by Maybank Marathon, including one of eleven "Remarkable Races in the World that One Must Participate before you die" by the Active, one of "The 52 Best Races on Earth 2016" by Runner's World, Best Marathon 2016, Best Half-Marathon 2015, and the Most Popular Sports Event 2018 by theVenue magazine. More: www.maybankmarathon.com.

About Maybank Indonesia

Maybank Indonesia is one of the leading banks in Indonesia and is a part of the regional and international network of the Maybank Group. Maybank Indonesia provides a comprehensive range of products and services for individual and corporate customers through Community Financial Services and Global Banking and automotive financing through subsidiaries, WOM Finance for two-wheeled vehicles and Maybank Finance for four-wheeled vehicles. Maybank Indonesia also continues to develop Digital Banking services and capacity through M2U (App and Web), M2E for corporate customer and other various channels.

As of June 2023, Maybank Indonesia has 339 branches, including Shariah branches spread across Indonesia, including one overseas branch in Mumbai, India, 22 Mobile Branch and 855 ATMs (including 26 Cash Recycle Machines/CRMs) connected with over 20,000 ATMs available through ATM PRIMA, ATM BERSAMA, ALTO, CIRRUS, and connected to 3,500 Maybank ATMs in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. Maybank Indonesia manages customer deposits amounting to Rp110.38 trillion and has total assets value of Rp165.62 trillion as of June 2023. Visit: www.maybank.co.id.

For further information:
Dimas Tjahjono Dradjat
Head, Communications
Email: ccommunications@maybank.co.id
Telp: +6221 2922-8888

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Singapore-Based Global Schools Foundation Announces Strategic Partnership With Witty Group of Institutions

MUMBAI, INDIA, Aug 26, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Singapore-headquartered Global Schools Foundation (GSF) has entered a strategic partnership with Witty Group of Institutions from India. The partnership brings together two prominent international school platforms with a common vision of providing highly innovative education formats that create global learning opportunities and future ready skills for students.

Witty Group of Institutions has campuses in Mumbai, Udaipur and Bhilwara, where they offer international curricula like Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, as well as Indian curricula like CBSE and ICSE. The schools are known for their values-based education with special emphasis on kindling students' interest in innovative pursuits to make them inquisitive, informed, self-aware and ethical citizens.

GSF network of international schools, spread across 64 campuses in 11 countries, focus on a skills-based educational framework delivered through state-of-the-art infrastructure that use tools like proprietary Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, to bring good learning outcomes for students.

"We are delighted to welcome the Witty Group into the GSF network. We share a vision of providing quality education to students. Our collaboration is sure to greatly benefit the student community by encouraging ideation and peer-to-peer interactions at a global level," said Mr Atul Temurnikar, GSF Co-Founder and Executive Chairman.

Founded in Singapore in 2002, GSF is a not-for-profit organisation focused on the K-12 education sector. It offers multiple curricula like International Baccalaureate, American curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE & A levels, British National curriculum GCSE, IPC, CBSE, ICSE, and Montessori.

GSF students have been accepted by Ivy League universities such as Harvard, Princeton and Yale, other leading universities such as Stanford, UC Berkeley, and the G5 of UK such as Oxford & Cambridge Universities and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), as well as Top 50 ranked universities around the world. Each year over 150 global universities engage with GSF students who are guided by specialised in-house career counsellors.

Witty Group co-Founder Dr. Vinay Jain said, "Our goal has always been to give the best learning environment and opportunities to our students. Our collaboration with GSF has made this possible and expanded the horizons for our students to spread their wings. GSF's network will give a much better learning experience to the students to excel beyond academics and help shape them as global citizens."

Co-founder Dr Mrs Raina Jain said, "GSF's track record in progressive pedagogy will facilitate Witty school students & teachers to attain the next level of excellence."

GSF schools are known for giving opportunities to students to excel through many events where students from various schools are allowed to participate and exchange knowledge with their global counterparts as part of their learning journey. GSF India Country Director Mr Ashish Tibdewal added, "Witty Group students will be able to engage with international students in several collaborative projects and engagements and find these learning experiences beneficial for their overall growth and future prospects."

About GSF

GSF, a Singapore-based not-for-profit foundation has a network of 64 campuses across 11 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Cambodia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Malaysia, where 45,000 students from 70 nationalities study. GSF schools rank high in IB results, with over 100 students scoring World Topper (45/45) and Near Perfect Scores (44/45) in the IB Diploma exams. Over 800 of its students have achieved A* and A in at least 7 or more subjects in the Cambridge IGCSE exams. GSF schools are a recipient of over 500 education excellence awards from international quality organisations.

Contact Information
Rupali Karekar
Divisional Manager
rupali.karekar@myglobalschool.org
+6598734320

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

AWS Approves And Lists Verofax Martech Solution For Brands & Retail On Global Marketplace

DUBAI, Aug 25, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Verofax, an award-winning Brand & Retail Martech service provider, achieved Full Technical Review (FTR) approval on Amazon Web Services (AWS) marketplace. Verofax services are now available for direct acquisition by retail and for global brands, leveraging the unparalleled capabilities of AWS.

Verofax specializes in brand-customer direct engagement by transforming products into powerful marketing tools. With patented technologies such as computer vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and product digitization, Verofax enables brands to seamlessly connect directly to customers and access real-time first-party customer data to offer personalized brand experiences. The result? brands are able to reduce their cost of customer acquisition, and increase promotional marketing ROI (conversion rate) and brand loyalty (NPS).

With the AWS FTR approval, Verofax's advanced solutions have received the seal of validation and endorsement from AWS Solutions Architects. This recognition showcases Verofax's commitment to delivering exceptional performance, security, and scalability for brands worldwide.

Verofax's solutions go beyond traditional marketing. By assigning a unique web link to each product, Verofax's technology becomes a powerful tool for product traceability and counterfeit management. This added advantage brings significant value to brands, safeguarding their reputation and enhancing customer loyalty in their offerings.

Brands that choose to work with Verofax benefit from a range of advantages. By leveraging Verofax's solution, brands can circumvent traditional marketing channels and elevate customer acquisition rates by up to 60% while reducing costs of customer acquisition by an impressive 20-fold, when compared to online Ads. Verofax has successfully partnered with renowned Fortune 100 brands, including industry giants like Budweiser & Corona, to power global marketing campaigns and create frictionless direct-to-consumer experiences.

Rodrigo Cabaleiro, Global Director of Premium Brands, AB InBev said, "Verofax solution for interactive packaging improved acquisition and engagement during our FIFA World Cup promotion. By turning our products into a direct-to-consumer communication channel we observed higher ROI on promotional marketing and better data-driven decisions."

Moreover, Verofax empowers brands with real-time consumer insights, enabling data-driven decision-making and personalized marketing strategies in real-time. By leveraging this invaluable data, brands can deliver exceptional customer experiences, build unwavering loyalty, and achieve unparalleled commercial success.

Verofax's achievement of AWS Full Technical Review approval demonstrates its dedication to excellence and its ability to deliver top-tier software services. By partnering with Verofax, brands can unleash the full potential of their marketing efforts, accessing real-time consumer insights, driving customer engagement, and transforming their products into powerful marketing tools.

One of the key benefits of Verofax's AWS FTR approval is the assurance it provides to brands seeking exceptional software services. The rigorous FTR process involved a comprehensive assessment of Verofax's AWS infrastructure, architecture, and adherence to best practices. By achieving this status, Verofax demonstrates its ability to deliver superior solutions, ensuring optimal performance and security for its clients.

"We are incredibly proud to have achieved AWS Full Technical Review (FTR) status, which further solidifies Verofax's position as a leading provider of martech solutions. Collaborating with AWS has been instrumental in our journey, and this approval underscores the exceptional capabilities and performance of our software services. Together with AWS, we look forward to delivering unparalleled benefits to our enterprise clients by increasing Marketing ROI, enhancing customer satisfaction, and turning operations data-driven in real-time. — Wassim Merheby, CEO of Verofax.

Experience the transformative power of Verofax's solutions and join the ranks of global brands revolutionizing customer engagement. Discover why Verofax is the partner of choice for unlocking unparalleled marketing potential, achieving remarkable cost savings, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

As International Revenue Soars to $650M with 45% from SEA; Chiratae Expands SEA Regional Advisory Board with the addition of Mr. Puneet Pushkarna

SINGAPORE, Aug 24, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Chiratae Ventures, a leading venture capital firm, announces the appointment of Mr. Puneet Pushkarna to its esteemed Regional Advisory Board, reinforcing its commitment to the Southeast Asia (SEA) market.

The announcement comes soon after Chiratae’s significant milestone -its active portfolio companies surpass $650 million in revenue. Companies focusing on SEA or headquartered now contribute about 45% of the total international revenue across the company’s diverse portfolio. Companies such as Active.ai, Kristala.ai, and Lenskart have driven growth in the SEA market, with Lenskart’s strategic acquisition of Japan’s Own Days last year as a recent highlight.

Given the growing significance of SEA as an investor base and a burgeoning market, Chiratae Ventures has been active in the region, particularly in Singapore and Japan. The appointment of Puneet Pushkarna to the Regional Advisory Board reinforces Chiratae’s dedication to its growth and success in SEA. Puneet will provide strategic guidance to Chiratae’s international operations in this role.

*Mr Puneet Pushkarna (L) joins the Regional Advisory Board of Chiratae Ventures. In the picture with Mr Sudhir Sethi (R), Founder and Chairman of Chiratae Ventures.*

Sudhir Sethi, Founder and Chairman of Chiratae Ventures, shared, “With a strong foothold in the SEA market and our portfolio companies, either focusing on the region or being headquartered there, contributing over 45% of the total revenue, we are thrilled to welcome Puneet Pushkarna to our Regional Advisory Board. Puneet’s addition further bolsters our already formidable Advisory Board, whose collective efforts have significantly established Chiratae as one of India’s premier venture capital funds. His exceptional expertise and diverse background will undoubtedly guide our ventures to even greater heights within the Asian market while fostering stronger connections with our esteemed investors.”

Puneet Pushkarna brings a wealth of experience, currently serving as a General Partner at Solmark, a prominent private equity fund based in Singapore. Throughout his career, Puneet has excelled in nurturing and scaling companies in the competitive global landscape. He previously held the position of President at Headstrong, driving transformative initiatives in the Capital Markets domain through cutting-edge digital technology services. Additionally, Puneet co-founded TechSpan, backed by the prestigious institution Goldman Sachs, where he successfully led business solutions consulting and design thinking ventures, earning recognition as one of the fastest-growing companies in Silicon Valley.

Beyond his business acumen, Puneet is deeply involved in various Boards and Advisory Boards, including his role as Chairman of Core Committee, RIE2025, National Research Foundation, Singapore, Chairman Emeritus of TiE Singapore, and as a Board member of IIM Nagpur and Industry Advisory Board of SP Jain School of Management. Additionally, Puneet serves as a Catalyst at SMART (Singapore MIT Alliance for Research & Technology) and actively engages in philanthropic efforts, supporting initiatives such as the Indian Foundation for the Arts (IFA), the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS), and the South Asian Heart Society.

Puneet Pushkarna shared his excitement for the new role, adding, “I am honoured to join Chiratae Ventures and contribute to the growth of the platform they have built over close to two decades and its dynamic portfolio in Asia region. There are strong benefits for the Asian block to partner, invest and grow exponentially by understanding each other’s strengths and hope to bridge the gap. The Indian model of solving for population-scale problems using technology-led business models has relevance for the larger region and hoping to help Chiratae and its portfolio expand its regional footprint”

Anoop Menon, Principal-Investments who also leads Investor Relations in the East Asian region, says, “With the changing geo-political environment and India’s blistering economic growth, India has become a strong contender for increased investments and business partnership within Asia. Along with this, there is a strong need to contextualise the India narrative by a leader who has seen both sides closely, and Puneet helps us do that. Having him on our Advisory Board provides a valuable sounding board for our team and founders as we navigate the markets in Singapore, Japan, and other regions of Asia Pacific.”

Chiratae Ventures, recently announced the final close of its first Growth fund at $122 M, oversubscribed by 34% and is in the market for its next flagship Venture capital fund. It will continue looking to cement its presence in SEA and the larger Asian region, and Puneet will help strengthen the firm’s position as a leader in the Venture capital landscape.

About Chiratae Ventures:

Chiratae Ventures is a 16-year-old Indian technology venture capital fund advisor, having advised funds that collectively (across six funds) have $1.1 Bn AUM, 130+ investments, 48 exits, 8 Unicorns, 3 IPOs and a track record of having returned capital to LPs in each of the last 12 years. The funds advised by Chiratae Ventures have investments across sectors such as Consumer-Tech, SaaS, Fintech, and Healthtech and have been early backers of companies such as Bizongo, Fibe, FirstCry, Flipkart, Lenskart, Myntra, Pixis, PolicyBazaar and Uniphore, amongst many others.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tanvi Dubey
Chiratae Ventures
+91-8792059986

Neha Chaturvedi
Adfactors PR
+65- 87098749

Asia’s fashion spotlight CENTRESTAGE returns in September

HONG KONG, Aug 24, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Asia's premier fashion event CENTRESTAGE will be held from 6 to 9 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four-day event will feature runway shows, curated presentations, and interactive seminars and forums on fashion trends and sustainability. Cutting-edge concepts and designs will be unveiled at the event, which will shed light on the latest in fashion.

HKTDC's Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong (3L), HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee Chairman Katherine Fang (3L) and The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel CEO Edwin Keh (2R) share highlights of CENTRESTAGE and the latest industry trends at the CENTRESTAGE press conference.

The annual fashion extravaganza, now in its eighth year, is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region* as the Lead Sponsor.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, said, "The public's awareness of health and well-being has grown exponentially in recent years. Appropriately, CENTRESTAGE embraces the theme ''Radiant Wellness" this year. With over 210 brands from 18 countries and regions participating, the exhibition is open exclusively to fashion buyers on the first two days, and welcomes both buyers and the public on the final two days, allowing fashionistas to browse the latest designs."

Emerging Designers Unveil Collections, Fusion of Local Fashion and Ballet

The opening gala show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, spotlights the latest collection from acclaimed Hong Kong designer, Wilson Choi, and his premium streetwear brand, REDEMPTIVE. Wilson's designs have graced prominent runways around the world, including Paris Fashion Week, and he was a finalist for the YU PRIZE at Shanghai Fashion Week.

Additionally, the event will feature the debut of FETICO, a women's brand founded by Emi Funayama from Japan, who will present her Spring/Summer 2024 collection for the very first time. Emi, a recipient of the TOKYO FASHION AWARD and JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD in 2022 and 2023, respectively, infuses her designs with a captivating and timeless retro charm.

At this year's Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show, the talented dancers of the Hong Kong Ballet will showcase the latest collections from four renowned Hong Kong fashion brands: 112 mountainyam, ANGUS TSUI, DORISKATH and SUN=SEN.

CENTRESTAGE will also feature Brand Collections' Shows and Designers' Collection Shows. The former will showcase renowned Hong Kong fashion brands, while the latter will highlight the best creations from different fashion designers. The Hong Kong Kids Fashion Show which is always a hit with fashion-loving parents, will also be held.

Pioneering Sustainability in Fashion

CENTRESTAGE is thrilled to welcome esteemed institutions, such as the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's School of Fashion and Textiles (PolyU SFT), Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), Fashion Farm Foundation (FFF) and the Hong Kong Woollen & Synthetic Knitting Manufacturers' Association, which will present innovative creations from Hong Kong fashion brands.

Furthermore, the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong, a first-time participant of CENTRESTAGE, Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center, and institutions and fashion showrooms from Japan and South Korea will bring their unique and vibrant designs to Hong Kong.

With sustainable fashion a growing trend, CENTRESTAGE will feature renowned brands and organisations that champion sustainable development. Participating brands include DETERMINANT, a local brand using sustainable dyeing techniques, and The Billie, a recycled fashion brand by Novetex Textiles. Hong Kong brands Absurd Laboratory, Rou So and WHY, Earlyink from Macau, XAVAN from Vietnam, and PCES and Pei-wen Jin from Taiwan and more will also be featured.

Heavyweight speakers from Novetex Textiles and Redress will host a seminar on sustainability. CENTRESTAGE will stage the final of the world's largest sustainable fashion design competition, the Redress Design Award 2023, organised by Redress with CreateHK as the Lead Sponsor.

Moreover, the Partners for Progress Forum held by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) will look at how interdisciplinary collaboration drives innovation in the textile and apparel sector. Shanghai's Jiemian News, a subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group, will host its annual fashion summit at CENTRESTAGE to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities in fashion, make-up and skincare.

Giovanni Musillo, representing OnTheList, will analyse the latest market and consumer trends at the Fashion Trend Forum. Representatives from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Stratasys AP Ltd and CLO Virtual Fashion will also enlighten attendees about the latest developments in digital fashion.

Nurturing Local Talents, Discovering Stars of Tomorrow

CENTRESTAGE continues to shine a spotlight on local emerging design talents. The FASHIONALLY Collection #21, a fashion showcase held on the opening day on 6 September, will feature eight home-grown designer brands, including FromClothingOf, Lapeewee, MARCCH, MOODLABBYLORRAINE, POISSON, NONOBO, VO-YAGE, and WHY. Furthermore, three FASHIONALLY presentations will take place from 6 to 7 September, at which three emerging local fashion brands, Kin Yan Lam, the Hole, and IP-AXIS INDUSTRIAL, will unveil their latest creations.

The final of the Thread of Creativity – Fashion Design Competition 2023. organised by the Asian New Generation Creativity Design Association. will also take place at the event.

Furthermore, the finale of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) will take place on 9 September, with MINI Hong Kong as the event's lead sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. An esteemed panel of judges, including Han Chong, the mastermind behind self-portrait, will select the contest winners. The 10 shortlisted designers will compete for multiple honours, including Champion, the Excellence Award and the Best Visual Presentation Award. For the My Favourite Collection Award, members of the public can vote for their favourite collection online from now until 8 September to be in with a chance to win one of five HK$3,000 Lee Gardens Area e-gift coupons, sponsored by Hysan Development. Vote now: https://bit.ly/YDC2023_VOTENOW.

This year's event will once again feature various digital fashion and artificial intelligence (AI) concepts. Among others, AI will be utilised to create AI models that will appear throughout the fairground, showcasing various designers' creations.

CENTRESTAGE will be held concurrently with the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the Salon de TE, providing attendees with a one-stop opportunity to explore both branded fashion and timepieces.

CENTRESTAGE X Watch & Clock Lucky Draw will be held on 9 September, offering participants a chance to win exciting prizes.

Websites
CENTRESTAGE: www.centrestage.com.hk
CENTRESTAGE Visitor Pre-registration: https://bit.ly/3QNzd7M
Fashion Hong Kong: https://www.fashionhongkong.com.hk/tc
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC): www.fashionally.com/en
Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3qxWzqQ

Media enquiries
Best Crew Public Relations & Marketing
Diana Tang, Tel: +852 9199 6723, Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.com
Reni Kwok, Tel: +852 6291 4283, Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

The HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgJanet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org
About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

About Create Hong Kong

Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) in June 2009 to spearhead the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. From 1 July 2022 onwards, it is under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia's creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community.

*Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Exciting New Chapter Unveiled as YanaTV a YouTube Channel Takes Off Amidst Glitz and Glamour

SINGAPORE, Aug 23, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The digital entertainment landscape just got a whole lot more intriguing with the much-anticipated launch of the YanaTV YouTube channel. On this auspicious occasion, a star-studded gathering of local celebrities, friends, and well-wishers converged at the Retro Bar, Lofty Peaks to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new journey in the realm of online content. Present for the launch party were Yana Fry, Host and Founder of YanaTV, David Bachmann, Austrian Trade Commissioner for Singapore, business leaders, diplomats and ambassadors, famous writers, speakers, partners, and friends. The link to the channel is https://www.youtube.com/@yanatvsg.

(L) David Bachmann, Austrian Trade Commissioner for Singapore, Sofia Elalamy, Yana Fry, Founder- YanaTV and Ravi Chidambaram (Yana's Husband)

YanaTV, spearheaded by visionary content creator Yana Fry promises to be a dynamic and captivating addition to the YouTube universe. Offering a unique blend of entertainment, education, and inspiration, the channel aspires to become a haven for viewers seeking quality content that resonates with a global as well as ASIA audience.

Amidst a live talk show and some fun roasts with guests,attendees were treated to an enchanting evening filled with joy, laughter, and a palpable sense of anticipation. Distinguished local celebrities, known for their contributions to various facets of the entertainment industry, graced the event and shared their excitement for YanaTV's promising future. The gathering was a testament to the wide-ranging support and anticipation that the channel has garnered even before its official launch.

As guests mingled around sharing their experiences Yana Fry took to the stage to express gratitude to everyone who had supported the channel's journey from inception to this remarkable milestone. "YanaTV is more than just a channel; it's a community where ideas, stories, and experiences converge to create something truly extraordinary. We are committed to delivering content that engages, enlightens, and entertains, and we can't wait to embark on this adventure with all of you," Yana Fry, Host and Founder stated passionately.

The event featured a sneak peek of some of the captivating content that viewers can expect from YanaTV. Ranging from thought-provoking documentaries to light-hearted entertainment, the channel promises to cater to diverse interests and age groups. The launch of YanaTV marks a significant step in the digital entertainment arena, highlighting the power of innovative content and community engagement. With a strong emphasis on fostering a sense of connection among viewers, the channel aims to be a go-to destination for anyone seeking enriching and engaging content on YouTube.

About YanaTV

YanaTV is a groundbreaking YouTube channel by Yana Fry dedicated to delivering a diverse range of content that entertains, educates, and inspires audiences around the world. With a commitment to quality storytelling and innovative ideas, YanaTV seeks to create a global community united by the power of digital content. Yana has been a coach, speaker and facilitator in the field of human development for more than a decade and has helped leaders worldwide to unlock and embody their highest goals. She runs a company Awaken Human which has been running successfully for 11 years now. Yana has been hosting Timeless Teaching podcast which focuses on human advancement for the last 2.5 years. The podcast was one of the top 3 trending podcasts which garnered an organic follower base.

Contact:
Email- yana@yanafry.com

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Sri Trang Agro-Industry (STA) joins GPSNR

BANGKOK, Aug 22, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Sri Trang Agro-Industry PCL (STA) has joined the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) in the producers, processors and traders category.

STA, a prominent natural rubber company founded in 1987, is dedicated to promoting sustainable and fair production of natural rubber on a large scale. Operating extensive rubber plantations spanning nearly 7,000 hectares in 19 provinces of Thailand, STA holds a significant position in the global natural rubber market. By joining GPSNR, STA demonstrates its strong commitment to advancing a more sustainable and ethical natural rubber sector.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited to GPSNR," said Stefano Savi, Platform Director of GPSNR. "Given the company's scale and outreach, we look forward to their insights and contributions to important industry-wide processes on sustainable and equitable production currently underway at GPSNR, like our assurance model and shared investment mechanism."

Nattee Thiraputhbhokin, Chief Marketing Officer of STA, stated, "Joining GPSNR reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the natural rubber industry. In addition, in the ever-evolving world of rubber production, STA emerged as a trailblazer with its groundbreaking Sri Trang Ecosystem. This digitalized, transparent, and sustainable framework showcased STA's unwavering commitment to advancing sustainability in the natural rubber industry. With traceability ingrained in every step, from rubber tree cultivation to the delivery of traceable products, the ecosystem sets a new standard for better accountability. Joined by other industry leaders under the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), STA aimed to forge a more sustainable and equitable future for all stakeholders, inspiring a transformation that resonated far beyond their business borders."

Released by Public Relations Dept., MT Multimedia Co., Ltd. for Sri Trang Agro-Industry PCL
For additional information, please contact: Wasana "Jeab" Wongsiri
Tel: +66 84 359 0659, +66 2 612 2081 ext.131; E: wasana.w@mtmultimedia.com

Sri Trang Agro-Industry PCL, www.sritranggroup.com/en/home
[SET: STA] [SGX: NC2] [FRA: YTAA] [OTCPK: SLJUY]

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

HKTDC Food Expo and concurrent events reflect spending power

HONG KONG, Aug 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo and Home Delights Expo, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded on a high note today while the two trade fairs – Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair – drew to a successful close on 19 August. The five fairs featured more than 1,800 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions and attracted close to 480,000 public visitors, an encouraging recovery sign for the trade and fairs industries. The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIIA) in collaboration with the HKTDC and eight major research institutes, also concluded on 18 August.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, and Home Delights Expo concluded on a high note today.

Food tasting returned at the Expo following a ban during COVID-19, the Food Expo and concurrent fairs became festive public events attracting both local families and visitors.

The newly rebranded Food Expo PRO, previously known as the Trade Hall, was held for the first time since travel links returned to normal. Food Expo PRO and the Tea Fair together attracted more than 20,100 buyers from 69 countries and regions, including Mainland China, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the United States, Mexico and Poland, reaffirming Hong Kong's F&B trading hub role in Asia.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: "This year's Food Expo and the concurrent events have been truly exciting and bustling, with the number of visitors and exhibitors' sales showing positive signs, underlining strong public demand and appetite for food shopping. The two trade fairs, including the rebranded Food Expo PRO and concurrent Hong Kong International Tea Fair, were well supported by group pavilions and exhibitors from a vast spectrum of countries and regions. We are pleased to see that the five events have successfully created business opportunities for exhibitors and the public, who were truly satisfied."

Electronic payment helps boost spending

The second phase of the Consumption Voucher Scheme rolled out shortly before the fairs and the promotion of electronic payments at the expo by HKTDC has made transactions faster and more convenient. More than 50% of about 1,300 respondents in an on-site survey had spent HK$1,000 (US$128) or more at the exhibition; the overall per capita spending was about HK$1,500, a year-on-year rise of more than 8%. Nearly 80% of survey respondents paid electronically, underlining the spending boost e-payment brought.

Strong consumer sentiment brings rewarding sales

The Food Expo has always been Hong Kong's annual culinary highlight, bringing together a selection of the world's finest specialities. Eric Lin, Managing Director of exhibitor Hop Hing Loong Company Limited, said: "We import more than 100 brands from different countries worldwide. Consumers are keen to make purchases while Japanese fruit liqueurs and sake are among the best sellers. We expect total sales to reach HK$800,000 to HK$1 million at the Expo this year."

Trade buyers broaden business networks

The Food Science and Technology Zone was a new addition at the Food Expo PRO. A Hong Kong exhibitor, Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), showcased non-alcoholic beer and the "electronic tongue", a smart device which carries out a full range of quantitative and qualitative taste sensing analysis. Dr Carmen Man, a lecturer at the institute, said: "We have met a good number of food-tech companies and government representatives from different countries, including Japan and Singapore. They expressed keen interest in our technology and products and we will continue to explore business collaboration."

At the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Shobel Mulinge, Commercial Director of Nala Tea Company Ltd from Kenya, established links with buyers from Egypt, Mainland China and Singapore. The company expects to receive new orders worth US$400,000 through this year's fair.

EXHIBITION+ hybrid mode boosts borderless business exchange

Food Expo PRO and the Tea Fair are still being held online under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. Buyers and sellers can continue to check out AI-recommended business leads as well as arrange and conduct online meetings with each other through Click2Match, a smart business-matching platform, until 26 August. The trade fairs also launched the offline-to-online communication function Scan2Match, helping buyers bookmark favourite exhibitors, browse product information, and continue their online chat with exhibitors during and after the physical fairs.

The concurrent Beauty & Wellness Expo offered a wide range of beauty and health products. Exhibitor Erica Yu, Founder & CEO of Quantumbeauty Biotechnology Co, Ltd from Mainland China said: "Our main goal in participating in the Beauty & Wellness Expo for the first time is to promote our brand and our home beauty device. We prepared 100 sets at our booth, but they were all sold out on the first day. We had to immediately replenish another 500 sets from Shenzhen. We expect sales will reach HK$650,000."

Home Delights Expo exhibitor Qivation Company Limited, showcased various nano photocatalytic home and personal products. Director Jeff Chan expected that their onsite sales turnover would rise 30% from last year to HK$400,000.

Mainland and overseas participants return, unleashing business opportunities

This year's five major events featured various group pavilions, including Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, 10 provinces from Mainland China and more. The turnout showed that mainland and overseas exhibitors and buyers were eager to return to physical fairs in Hong Kong.

At Food Expo PRO, Singapore buyer Gary Lee, Business Development Director of San SeSan Global Pte Ltd, met 10 exhibitors through the business matching service, placing orders with exhibitors from Poland, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mainland China and more, seeking frozen foods, instant foods, cashew nuts and tea leaves completing orders worth SG$300,000 (US$221,000).

Chinese Medicine conference creates synergies

The Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA), together with the HKTDC and eight scientific research institutions, presented the latest International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM), offering invaluable Chinese medicine insights and information for industry participants. Under the theme Inheritance and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 18 keynote speakers from around the globe discussed Chinese medicine research and development and shared on successful product commercialisation. The conference was held in conjunction with five major fairs, achieving a cross-fair synergy effect.

For more comments from exhibitors and buyers, please visit:
HKTDC Food Expo PRO: http://bit.ly/3YH8zTf
HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair: https://bit.ly/3KKsz1C
HKTDC Food Expo: https://bit.ly/3YJuJEy
HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo: https://bit.ly/3YFWSMA
HKTDC Home Delights Expo: https://bit.ly/3qCgp3Z
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3KS72nJ

Websites:
HKTDC Food Expo PRO: https://foodexpopro.hktdc.com
HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair: https://hkteafair.hktdc.com
HKTDC Food Expo: https://hkfoodexpo.hktdc.com
HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo: https://hkbeautyexpo.hktdc.com
HKTDC Home Delights Expo: https://homedelights.hktdc.com
The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM): https://icmcm.hktdc.com
August Happy Buy website: https://ecoupon.hktdc.com/food/

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries
HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:
HKTDC Food Expo, HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC Food Expo PRO, HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair, ICMCM
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

HKTDC Home Delights Expo
Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4575, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.org

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

HKTDC Food Expo and inaugural Food Expo PRO open today

HONG KONG, Aug 17, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the eagerly anticipated HKTDC Food Expo, HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo, and HKTDC Home Delights Expo has grandly opened from today to 21 August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for five consecutive days. The three-day inaugural Food Expo PRO also kicked off this morning with the returning Hong Kong International Tea Fair at the same venue from today to 19 August. Moreover, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) together with the HKTDC and eight scientific research institutions, runs concurrently today and tomorrow. Guest of honour Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), officiated at this morning's opening ceremony for the concurrent fairs, joined by Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, and Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC.

The 33rd Food Expo, the seventh Beauty & Wellness Expo, the ninth Home Delights Expo, along with the inaugural Food Expo PRO and the 14th Hong Kong International Tea Fair jointly and officially opened today.

Officiating guests at the opening ceremony of the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM)

Starting from today until 21 August, the five-day Food Expo opens for the public to visit. On the opening day, the Public Hall of the Food Expo once again attracted huge crowds.

Welcoming guests to the fairs at the opening ceremony today, Dr Lam said: "Our flagship Food Expo and its concurrent events attracted more than 1,800 exhibitors and group pavilions from 24 countries and regions. The Trade Hall of the Food Expo has been renamed as Food Expo PRO this year. These fairs showcase an amazing variety of quality products and underline Hong Kong's position as Asia's leading hub for business. I am particularly grateful to the HKSAR Government for enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in trade and public exhibitions through various funding schemes, and the Consumer Voucher Scheme for providing the public with an exciting shopping experience. We hope that the various exhibitions will help the trading industries expand their business network, and everyone will return home with a rewarding experience."

Food Expo PRO – Building a trade network and presenting the latest and specialised food trends (17-19 August)

This year, the Food Expo's Trade Hall is renamed as Food Expo PRO. Today and tomorrow (18 August) the Expo will be open to trade buyers, while the last day (19 August) will be for the public and trade buyers. The Food Expo PRO showcases food and beverage products from 20 countries and regions, with 21 pavilions from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Thailand, and from Mainland China's provinces including Fujian, Heilongjiang, Hunan, Jilin, Sichuan, Zhejiang, and more.

Global exhibitors are showcasing a vast array of food, services, and technology that reflect the latest product trends, such as Mexico's Agave Syrup (Booth: 5C-C18A), Korea's flavoured pickled seafood, which is the female blue crab marinated with glasswort and soy sauce (Booth: 5B-E15), Thailand's freeze dried mango with sticky rice (Booth: 5C-A24), and Sakura Brightening soft gel capsule (Booth: 5B-B01). From food and beverage to health and wellness, the Expo has it all.

More industry-specific and tech-related insights are also provided at the fair alongside a wide range of exhibits. The new Food Science and Technology Zone showcases innovative food processing technologies, such as peanut protein-based and alternative plant-based chicken products (Booth: 5C-A29) developed by food tech start-ups, and non-alcoholic beers (Booth: 5C-E24) developed by local academic institutions. Two Food Tech Symposium sessions have been scheduled during the fair, with the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Controlled Environment Hydroponic Research and Development Centre and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong discussing the development of emerging technologies in the food industry in Hong Kong (17 August), and food technology start-ups sharing how technology is reshaping the F&B and retail industries (18 August).

Hong Kong International Tea Fair – The charm of tea cultures (17-19 August)

The 14th Hong Kong International Tea Fair is open to trade buyers on the first two days (17 and 18 August) of the fair, and to the public and trade buyers on the last day (19 August). There are 10 pavilions, including the debut participation of Kenya Pavilion, and returning exhibitors from Sri Lanka, and Mainland China's Fujian, Guizhou, Hunan, and Jiangsu provinces, exhibiting famous teas, tea products and tea wares. Select products include the Purple Tea originating from Kenya (Booth: 5G-D02), a modern version of Chaoshan Gongfu Tea that is brewed innovatively with a new method (Booth: 5F-E30), the Organic Jasmine Dragon Pearls that are produced by scenting high-quality green tea with freshly picked jasmine buds (Booth: 5G-B25), amongst others.

The Tea Fair also features several exciting events, including the KamCha Workshop (19 August), the Tea Forums (19 August), and the International Tea Arts Performance (17 to 18 August). The Hong Kong International Tea Fair Tea Competition 2023 has been one of the highlights of the Expo, with awards such as "The Best Aroma Award" and "The Best Taste Award", selected by professional tea judges in a blind tasting. The public and buyers will be able to taste the winning teas for free on the morning of 19 August and enjoy the rich flavours in the winning teas.

The two trade fairs continue to be held under the hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, allowing global food and tea buyers to view exhibitors recommended by AI, and to arrange and conduct online meetings with exhibitors through the smart business matching platform Click2Match from today to 26 August, in addition to the physical trade fairs. For the first time, the Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair are piloting a brand-new Scan2Match function that brings communications from offline to online. Buyers can scan exhibitors' unique QR codes using the HKTDC Marketplace app during the exhibition period, bookmark their favourite exhibitors, browse product information, and continue to chat with exhibitors online during or after the exhibition period, thereby extending their sourcing journey.

Food Expo – A culinary voyage around the world (17-21 August)

The 33rd edition of the Food Expo presents the Public Hall and Gourmet Zone. The five-day Public Hall (17 to 21 August) showcases global cuisines and dining options from around the world, including the Mainland China Agri pavilion, which is exhibiting high quality speciality agricultural products from 67 enterprises across 10 provinces, including trendy prepared and ready meals (Booth: 3C-A02). The Public Hall also features frozen dried ice cream from Thailand (Booths: 3B-D06 and 3D-A06), an organic Korean black garlic juice with 100% natural black garlic extract (Booth: 3B-C04), an Italian Fruit Paccherini made with premium durum wheat semolina and natural fruit puree-juice (Booth: 3C-D07). The Public Hall also features various exhibitors, including more than 30 well-known brands, such as Maxims, Tai Pan, Nissin, Sau Tao, Tao Ti, Kee Wah Bakery, Wing Wah, and Four Seas Group in the Premium Food Zone.

The Gourmet Zone features the finest cuisines assembled from all around the world, and comprises seven thematic zones, namely Asian Cuisine, Western Delicacy, Sweet Delight, Green Palate, Coffee Avenue, Beer Cheers, and an exciting new addition, Wine Whisky Wonderland along with the additional Korean food zone, K-Food. The thematic zones bring a wide range of food and beverage options, including Kyeongbokgung LA BBQ ribs (Booth: 3B-C02), an aged cocktail with taste of the ocean (Booth: 3B-F02), rich ice-cream made out of freshly handcrafted nut butters (Booth: 3B-E04), the first handmade truffle milk tea in Hong Kong (Booth: 3B-D11), and a local mead brand (Booth: 3B-C13).

Once again, there will be the ever-popular cooking demonstration at the Star Kitchen. This year, the Star Chef Cooking Demonstration will cover 18 sessions at the Food Expo. These will include Ronald Shao, Executive Chef of Mian; Hung Chi Kwong, Executive Chinese Chef of Run at St. Regis Hong Kong; Adam Wong, Executive Chef of Forum Restaurant Ah Yat Abalone; Chan Sai Fai, Executive Chef (Dim Sum) of Chuan Palace; Au-Yeung Chung Kei, Executive Chef of YUE; and Olivier Elzer, French founder, and mastermind behind Clarence.

Other activity highlights at the Food Expo include:

– Culinary master classes on "Less Salt and Sugar" recipes to encourage the public to develop healthy eating habits (17 August)

– Interesting tutorials and various activities on various food and beverages, will include "Lodi in USA and Its Grape Zinfandel Lecture and Wine Tasting", "Exploring New Frontier of Coffee: World-Class Judge Leads You Into the Revolutionary Wave of Specialty Coffee" , and "Hanwoo (Korean Beef) Cooking Demonstration", all taking place on 18 August.

– A series of seminars covering topics such as the "'EatSmart Restaurant Star+', for All!" event co-organised by the HKTDC with the Department of Health (17 and 18 August), "Master Chef Kitty Siu – 10 Minutes Meal" (19 August), a "Getting Matchy with Eagle Coin and Campari" session hosted by Ricky Cheung (20 August), and a session on "Current Development of Frozen Prepared Meal and Microwave Food" (21 August)

– Hosted by media veteran Jacky Chan, Chef's Dialogue features three renowned Hong Kong chefs who will share their tips on cooking, eating and ingredient selection (19 August)

Beauty & Wellness Expo – Rejuvenating the natural beauty from within (17-21 August)

The seventh Beauty & Wellness Expo will showcase a wide range of beauty, cosmetic, hairdressing, fitness, and wellness products. In addition to the major pavilions hosted by the Federation of Beauty Industry (H.K.), Hong Kong Hair & Beauty Merchants Association, International Beauty & Health General Union, Cosmetic & Perfumery Association of Hong Kong Ltd, and Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness, there will be new pavilions presented by the International CICA Association of Esthetics and Association of International Aesthetics Management, showcasing a wide range of Hong Kong-made beauty and skincare products to satisfy consumers who are looking for both beauty and fitness. For instance, the Advanced Derma Laser Skin Peel that is infused with natural extracts from seven alpine botanicals (Booth: 3E-B02), the Cytopeutic Eczema Cream that helps purify and extract microRNA from natural stem cells (Booth: 3D-D14), the Pharmano 30-day Hair Growth Package (Booth: 3E-A22), Aroma Sachet with essences of verbena and mint (Booth: 3E-A19), and more. In addition, the Hieggo Pavilion will be exhibiting for the first time at the Beauty & Wellness Expo, bringing a wide range of health products, with Lawrence Cheng and other guests sharing wellness knowledge at the fair.

A series of informative and exciting activities have been scheduled during the Expo, including an "Introduction to Mental Health" sharing session organised by Mind HK (20 August); a preview of the 2023 IFBB Hong Kong Fitness Awards Charity Open Championship (18 August); a seasonal autumn/winter make-up demonstration by expert Edmon Wong (17 August); and seminars on topics such as Japanese manicure (18 August), slimming and nutritional dieting (20 August), and more.

Home Delights Expo – Igniting an ideal smart home (17-21 August)

The ninth Home Delights Expo showcases smart home products, kitchen appliances, kitchenware, tableware, and household products. The Avenue of Delights features over 40 exhibitors and several lifestyle brands, including Towngas, ZWILLING JA Henckels, A-Fontane, LAURASTAR, Tiger, and German Pool. The Expo will present new home products, including MasterMind, an AI massage chair equipped with voice control and bespoke functions (Booth: 3F-C02), the Bursa cassia seed and lavender herbal neck pillow (Booth: 3F-D18), a multifunctional electric cooker (Booth: 3F-A18), and the LAURASTAR IGGI Hygiene Handheld Steamer (Booth: 3F-D22).

This year, the Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association pavilion continues to showcase home design elements that integrate technology into people's daily lives to build an ideal smart home. In addition, the Creative Corner provides a platform for young start-ups to promote and sell their products. Apart from cultural and creative products, the public can participate in exciting activities such as dried flower gift making workshops.

ICMCM – High-level experts will discuss the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine (17-18 August)

The Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association, together with the HKTDC and eight scientific research institutions, present the latest International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM), offering invaluable Chinese medicine insights and information for industry participants. This year's theme is "Inheritance and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine", featuring 18 keynote speakers from the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Mainland China, and Hong Kong who will discuss new Chinese medicine research and development and share successful product commercialisation cases. Running in a hybrid format, the conference stimulates and facilitates the exchange of ideas among speakers and participants. By attending the conference, registered Chinese medicine practitioners in Hong Kong may also apply for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits.

Electronic payment with Consumption Voucher Scheme comes in handy and daily lucky draw

With the second instalment of the Consumption Voucher Scheme rolled out, the HKTDC has been encouraging exhibitors to embrace electronic payment methods to streamline transactions and enable a more convenient and efficient shopping experiences for the public. There will be a "Lucky Draw" taking place daily during the exhibition period with prizes including hotel accommodation and buffet vouchers, homeware, skincare products, gourmet food, health products and fitness classes.

Spending HK$200 or more on a single receipt allows visitors to enjoy one lucky draw entry, with a maximum of five entries per receipt. The HKTDC's promotional website, "August Happy Buy", continues to help the public keep abreast of the latest shopping information, various flash sales, "HK$1" offers and more than 160 shopping coupons will be given away. In addition, the HKTDC has also launched a "BYO Utensils for Bonus Rewards" campaign during the Food Expo and concurrent events to encourage people to support environmental protection, and some exhibitors give bonus offers to those who bring their own utensils.

E-tickets are available for sale at AlipayHK, Alipay (HKTDC's ticketing partner), which offers a HK$3 and Rmb3 discount for every transaction. Other sales outlets include the 01 Space e-ticketing platform, all 7-11 and Circle K convenience stores, and via the Octopus App. Physical ticket sales for the August exhibitions will not be available at the fairground. Instead, toll booths will be set up at the entrance to allow visitors to use their AlipayHK, Alipay, or Octopus card for admission instantly. The HKTDC has also extended the discounted morning and night admission tickets for the public to visit the exhibitions during non-peak hours on designated dates.

HKTDC Food Expo PRO http://foodexpopro.hktdc.com
HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair http://hkteafair.hktdc.com
HKTDC Food Expo http://hkfoodexpo.hktdc.com
HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo http://hkbeautyexpo.hktdc.com
HKTDC Home Delights Expo http://homedelights.hktdc.com
The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM) http://icmcm.hktdc.com
August Happy Buy website http://ecoupon.hktdc.com/food/
Photo download: http://bit.ly/3KIbc1v

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries

HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:
HKTDC Food Expo, HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC Food Expo PRO, HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair, ICMCM
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

HKTDC Home Delights Expo
Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4575, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.org

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

BayWa r.e. sells Karadoc Solar Farm and enters into Strategic Development Agreement with Atmos Renewables

SYDNEY, AU, Aug 17, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Global renewable energy developer, service provider, and solar distributor BayWa r.e. announces the sale of the Karadoc solar farm and the strategic development partnership with Atmos Renewables (Atmos) for a series of wind projects, marking a significant milestone in the company's commitment to renewable energy development in Australia. BayWa r.e. is committed to the redeployment of resources from the sales proceed and further investments in its existing pipeline of 5GW in the Australian renewables market.

The Karadoc solar farm represents BayWa r.e.'s first owned and built solar plant in Australia, and it stands as one of Australia National Electricity Market (NEM)'s largest operating solar projects in terms of capacity. Situated around 25 km south of Mildura, Victoria, Karadoc has a capacity of 112.5 MWp and became operational in 2019. Featuring over 346,000 solar panels, this facility generates sufficient energy to cater to 47,000 households.

The partnership between BayWa r.e. and Atmos, a prominent player in the Australian renewable energy landscape, underscores BayWa r.e.'s dedication to fostering sustainable growth in Australia. It leverages Atmos' local expertise and BayWa r.e.'s global experience, creating a formidable force for developing a series of wind projects across the country.

Daniel Gaefke, Director of Projects APAC, BayWa r.e. AG., said, "At BayWa r.e., we are committed to advancing the global transition towards clean energy. The sale of Karadoc combined with the strategic development partnership with Atmos as well as our growing renewable pipeline are a testament to this commitment. Our strategic partnership for a series of wind development projects with Atmos exemplifies our efforts to synergize local insight and international expertise for the betterment of Australia's renewable energy landscape."

BayWa r.e. sees Australia as an important market and is committed to growing the renewable energy sector in the region. The renewable energy developer continues to contribute to Australia's future of clean energy with a strong pipeline of projects.

The transaction stands as a remarkable achievement in BayWa r.e.'s portfolio, which has completed more than 300 MW of installed capacity in the country and symbolizes the company's progress in the renewable energy domain.

BayWa r.e. AG (BayWa r.e.)

At BayWa r.e. we r.e.think energy – how it is produced, stored and can be best used to enable the global renewable energy transition that is essential to the future of our planet.

We are a leading global developer, service supplier, distributor and solutions provider and have brought over 5.5 GW of energy online and manage over 10 GW of assets. We are also an Independent Power Producer with an expanding energy trading business.

BayWa r.e. works with businesses worldwide to provide tailored renewable solutions. Operating 100% carbon neutral, we are also committed to our own sustainability journey.

Every day, we are working hard to actively shape the future of energy in a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.

Our shareholders are BayWa AG, a EUR27.1 billion global business, and Energy Infrastructure Partners, a leader in energy infrastructure investment.

Contact information:

Mark Cooper
Head of Global Communications
Tel: +49 89 383932 3611
E-mail: mark.cooper@baywa-re.com

Salim Pathan
Marketing Manager, APAC
Tel: +66 62 698 7162
E-mail: salim.pathan@baywa-re.com

PRecious Communications for BayWa r.e. APAC
Tel: +65 6303 0567
E-Mail: baywa-re@preciouscomms.com

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com