Vision Knight Capital-Backed Online Furnishings Brand Ziel Home Technology Lists on SZSE

ZHENGZHOU, China, Jun 28, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The successful IPO of online furnishings brand Ziel Home Technology signifies exceptional enterprises operating in overseas markets are likely to emerge successively and expedite integration into the financial market. The capital support is expected to propel the cross-border route into a phase of rapid growth in China, resulting in the emergence of prominent brands and multinational corporations that enjoy widespread popularity among international consumers.

On June 21, 2023, Ziel Home Furnishing Technology Co., Ltd ("Ziel Home Technology") successfully listed on the A-share GEM Board of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) under the stock code SZ:301376. This marked the second cross-border enterprise invested by Vision Knight Capital to list with an A-share IPO, following Anker Innovations (SZ: 300866).

Ziel Home Technology effectively achieved a successful IPO offering of 40.15 million shares at an issue price of CNY 24.66 (USD 3.41) per share, generating total funds of CNY 990 million (USD 137 million). The money will be allocated towards the company's primary business development such as the establishment of product R&D centers in Shenzhen and Dongguan, the expansion of overseas warehouses in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, and the construction and upgrading of the Zhengzhou headquarters operation and management center.

Founded in 2010, Ziel Home Technology specializes in the home and furniture sectors, utilizing detachable, flat panels for small and medium-sized products that fall under the category of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). The company has developed three major private brands, namely SONGMICS, VASAGLE, and FEANDREA, offering a product SKU of over 3,000. The company provides a comprehensive product portfolio for global consumers that cater to various living spaces such as the living room, bedroom, and patio.

In 2022, Ziel Home Technology achieved revenue of CNY 5.46 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36% from 2018 to 2022. In terms of main business segments, revenue generated from the furniture series amounted to CNY 2.59 billion, with a CAGR of 41%. The revenue generated from the home series amounted to CNY 1.87 billion, with a CAGR of 32%. The revenue generated from the patio was CNY 530 million, with a CAGR of 30%. The revenue generated from the pet series was CNY 380 million, with a CAGR of 33%.

Europe and North America are the two primary sales regions for Ziel Home Technology. In 2022, the company's revenue in Europe reached CNY 3.07 billion, with a CAGR of 33% from 2018 to 2022, while the revenue in North America exceeded CNY 2.24 billion, with a CAGR of 39%.

According to the world's leading provider of market and consumer data Statista, the global furniture and home furnishings market was approximately USD 1.3 trillion in 2021. Statista's latest data released on 1 June this year shows that the global furniture market size is expected to reach USD 931.9 billion by 2027, a CAGR of 21.63%, indicating a large room for market growth and expansion.

Ziel Home set up a design and R&D center in Los Angeles, as well as logistics and distribution centers in Western Europe, North America, and Japan. Its products are sold in more than 50 countries and regions worldwide. In recent years, the company has received honors such as "Amazon All-Star Seller" and "Amazon's Most Popular Brand Seller," and has exhibited commendably in international markets. According to Marketplace's statistics, the company ranks first in the furniture and home furnishings category on Amazon in Europe, and third in the United States.

In addition to the Amazon platform, Ziel Home Technology is developing its businesses on different online and offline channels. The company has already penetrated various sales channels, including Wayfair (the largest online furniture sales platform in the United States), Otto (one of Germany's largest domestic online retail e-commerce platforms), and Target (the second-largest retailer in the United States).

Vision Knight Capital and IDG Capital provided multiple investment rounds, empowering and supporting the long-term development of Ziel Home Technology

Ziel Home Technology's successful IPO could not have been achieved without the support of the relevant parties. Since 2019, Vision Knight Capital has demonstrated its commitment and support by taking two consecutive investment rounds. Vision Knight Capital has been supporting Ziel Home's growth in various aspects, including monthly business analysis, the expansion of product lines, the construction of the industry ecosystem, the building of the talent system, and various nodes in the IPO process. Apart from Vision Knight Capital, IDG Capital has also been continuously supporting Ziel Home since its first investment in 2018.

Wei Zhe, Chairman and Founding Partner of Vision Knight Capital, said, "Ziel Home Technology is positioned as the 'online IKEA', adhering to long term and accelerating development in multiple categories, channels, and regions. The company focuses on providing global consumers with a one-stop online shopping platform that integrates trendy aesthetics, economic feasibility, and an unwavering commitment to superior standards. As a shareholder, Vision Knight Capital extends its felicitations to Ziel Home in a successful IPO. We hope that Ziel Home will continue to provide enhanced comfort to households worldwide and contribute to the creation of improved living spaces."

Mr. Lian Meng, partner of IDG Capital, told EqualOcean, "IDG believes that Chinese furniture companies with global vision and localization landing capabilities will grow into global furniture brands in the future. With strong e-commerce operations and product development capabilities over the years, Ziel Home Technology has continued to strengthen its warehousing and logistics overseas and has seized the opportunity of the emergence of global furniture e-commerce. The pragmatic and steady style of Ziel Home instills optimism in us."

Mr. Song Chuan, Chairman of Ziel Home Technology said, "Ziel Home has emerged as a highly recognized online home furnishing brand in Europe and America, and has practiced the transformation and upgrading from Chinese manufacturing to Chinese branding. The successful IPO is an important milestone in the history of our company's development and marks the commencement of a new phase in our journey."

About Vision Knight Capital

Founded by former Alibaba CEO Mr. David Wei in 2011, Vision Knight Capital is a private equity fund with over CNY 17 billion in assets under management in both USD and CNY. It focuses on investments in internet, new channel, consumer brands empowered by internet, and B2B platform/services/products empowered by internet sectors in China. To date, Vision Knight Capital has helped more than 30 portfolio companies grow into unicorns and even super unicorns, including Smoore International Holdings Ltd (HK: 06969), Anker Innovations (SZ: 300866), Pop Mart International Group Ltd (HK: 09992) and Guoquan Shihui in addition to Ziel Home Furnishings Technology.

Vision Knight Capital has long been focused on the cross-border e-commerce track. It is one of the few fund managers in the market with dedicated and professional investment teams focusing on cross-border e-commerce. Vision Knight Capital has supported the A-share IPOs of cross-border e-commerce companies such as Anker Innovations and Ziel Home Technology. It has also invested in outstanding cross-border e-commerce brand companies such as consumer-level new energy brand RENOGY, cross-border swimwear brand Cupshe, toy and festival supplies brand Joyin, and cross-border footwear brand Miracle Miles.

Vision Knight Capital believes that in light of China's supply chain benefits and robust branding capabilities for international expansion, companies going overseas possessing favorable categories, brand potency, and formidable product development proficiencies will undoubtedly emerge as frontrunners in their respective domains. According to Mr. David Wei, "A wave of cross-border e-commerce brands from China's capital market will soon expand overseas. This development is expected to occur in the near future." See more at www.vkc-partners.com/index_en.php.

About IDG Capital

Since 1993, IDG Capital has been pioneering venture capital business in China. It has always focused on investing in Chinese technology-based companies and companies driven by technology and innovation, covering all the stages of startups, with investments ranging from millions of dollars to hundreds of millions of dollars.

IDG Capital has been strategically planning for international businesses for more than a decade and is dedicated to identifying Chinese companies that offer exceptional products and services on a global scale. Thus far, IDG Capital has successfully acquired notable enterprises within various industries, including SHEIN, Cider, patpat, Xiaomi, Ecovacs, Anker Innovations, insta360, Dreame, and Ziel Home Furnishings, encompassing international e-commerce, consumer electronics, and other sectors. See https://en.idgcapital.com/.

About EqualOcean

Founded in November 2018, EqualOcean is a business information platform and think tank that focuses on Chinese brands going global and on helping overseas investors or organizations to grasp China's development opportunities. For clients from China, EqualOcean provides macro political and economic analysis, overseas market and industry research, brand international makeup photos, overseas resource building, among others. EqualOcean has both Chinese and English websites and is one of the very few organizations in China with the ability to write in-depth reports in English. EqualOcean's global partners include Bloomberg, Refinitiv, SeekingAlpha, Nasdaq, ACN Newswire, SeaPRwire and other platforms. EqualOcean's business analysts are frequently interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Financial Times, SCMP and other well-known media outlets. Visit https://equalocean.com to learn more.

Authors: Yiran Xing, Zhisheng Wang, Editor: Yiran Xing,(c) EqualOcean.

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

Hypebeast Ltd. (0150.HK) reports year-end financial results

HONG KONG, Jun 26, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Hypebeast Limited (Stock Code: 0150.HK) is the global leading platform for contemporary culture and lifestyle, and a premier destination for editorially-driven news and commerce. The Group announced its annual results for the year ended 31 March 2023 ("FY2023"). The Group recorded revenue growth in FY2023 with revenue amounted to HK$960 million, up from HK$895.6 million in FY2022, representing an increase of HK$64.3 million or 7.2%. Eliminating an one-off professional fee related to the planned merger (the "Merger"), and non-cash operating expenses such as impairment of assets and change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit and loss ("FVTPL"), the Group would record adjusted EBITDA of HK$93.1 million and adjusted net profit of HK$27.9 million.

— The Group recorded revenue growth in FY2023, with revenue amounted to HK$960 million, up from HK$895.6 million in FY2022, representing an increase of HK$64.3 million or 7.2%.

— 12-month average website monthly unique visitors (number of users who request webpages across Hypebeast, Hypebae and Popbee platforms in a month) amounted to 18.8 million, representing a 14.6% increase over FY2022.

— Aggregated social media following (defined as the total number of followers on all third-party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok) increased by 4.9%, from 32.4 million as at 31 March 2022 to 34.0 million as at 31 March 2023.

Positive forecast on the Media Segment over the long term
Under the Media Segment, the Group noted consistent demand for event production and offline partnerships, particularly in Europe and North America. Although the Media Segment in the Asia Pacific region was impacted by COVID-19 related policies in FY2023, with the pandemic and related restrictions drawing to a close, management believes demand in the region will resume growth amongst broader increases in consumer spending and increased demand for media and agency services.

After COVID-19, the Group has identified new ways to connect with niche audiences. The digitalization of advertising has accelerated, resulting in global brands shifting marketing dollars from traditional channels to digital channels. As a result, the Group forecasts a positive effect on the Media Segment with an increase in the number and size of media contracts over the long term, and the future of brand activations to incorporate both live experiences and digital interactions.

The Group has proactively adjusted to the new macroeconomic environment and industry dynamics in the post-COVID era. Our value proposition, centered around immersive media campaigns that blend real-life experiences, omnichannel engagement and digital amplification, remains attractive to global brand partners. The Group continues to see sales growth and new opportunities with clients in expanding categories like alcohol, automobiles, travel, and financial services.

A broadened reach: Expanding user-customer base and footprint
In aim to attract and reach a wider user-customer base, the Group continued to develop new editorial properties, particularly into adjacencies such as golf, arts and entertainment, and other content that appeals to our audience. The Group further expanded its regional footprint globally by presenting the cultural festival, BRED Abu Dhabi, which offered fully immersive experiences ranging from fashion and music to art across the site as well as an exclusive retail space. In terms of digital presence, the Group launched Hypebeast Latin America and Hypebeast Africa, where the platforms offered quality contents tailored to the unique interests and preferences of the new regions. To drive the Group's brand awareness and increase engagement with wider and new users and customers, the Group will continue to explore similar opportunities by curating region specific content, and establishing various offline channels and touchpoints.

The New York Flagship Building: An intersection of Commerce and Media
In June 2022, the Group opened its flagship building at 41 Division Street in Manhattan, New York. The flagship location hosts the Group's HBX retail store, a Hypebeans cafe and multifunctional spaces for cultural activations, events and Media Segment sales campaigns. The space will be a strong accelerator for the Group's growth in North America and core point of marketing for the E-commerce and Retail Segment, and an attractive venue for Media brand partnership executions. Several high profile sales campaigns and cultural events were hosted at the space during FY2023, and the Group continues to realize its strategy of omnichannel and immersive experiences with retail execution at the New York flagship location.

By integrating its E-commerce and Retail Segment services directly with the compelling and engaging content produced from the Group's media platforms and its loyal and engaged follower community, the Group continues its cadence in monetizing its wide-reaching and ever-growing follower base by encouraging user conversion. With the ultimate aim to allow the Group's loyal community of readers to enjoy a seamless shopping experience on an integrated site and mobile app, the Group continued to upgrade and invest on the HBX platform and various back-end platforms to enhance its user journey. The Group remains focused on value-added, return-on-investment driven upgrades to its E-commerce capabilities on broadening its reach and base of customers and enhancing revenue and margin over time.

Hypebeast Ltd. is geographically and strategically well-positioned to capture significant growth opportunities in both its Media, and E-commerce and Retail Segments in its key operating regions, through leveraging the Group's brand popularity and high-profile networks, particularly, in the U.S., United Kingdom, Mainland China, South Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia.

For further details on the Annual Results performance, visit the Group's corporate website to view the full results announcement.
https://hypebeast.ltd/investors

For investor inquiries, please contact:
investors@hypebeast.com

For more information, please contact:
media@hypebeast.com

About Hypebeast Ltd.
Hypebeast is a leading global platform for contemporary culture and lifestyle, and a premier destination for editorially-driven news and commerce. Founded in 2005, it became a publicly listed media company in 2016, and today boasts a global readership across North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and more. The Group has expanded its publishing brands to a wider scope, encompassing Hypebeast and its multiple content distribution platforms, creative agency Hypemaker, and e-commerce and retail platform HBX. For more information, visit https://hypebeast.ltd/investors.

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

Refik Anadol Headlines ‘In Resonance’ at Scorpios Curated by HOFA Gallery

LONDON, Jun 23, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Art and tech pioneers HOFA and Scorpios, renowned Mykonos-based creative gathering place, partner for 'In Resonance', an exploratory art, music and culture program showcasing the interplay between contemporary art and music.

'In Resonance' is the inaugural edition of Scorpios Encounters, a newly launched platform for cultural experimentation, which will run during peak summer from 13 July until 3 September 2023. For 7 weeks, the eminently well-curated program will feature captivating installations by prominent generative artists, high-profile music collaborations, live musical performances, and exclusive digital art drops.

HOFA Co-founder Elio D'Anna explains, "In Resonance is a multidisciplinary program which brings leading AI artists and renowned musicians together to explore the profound connections between art and music as reflections, complements and natural evolutions of each other."

Headlining 'In Resonance' is the phenomenal Turkish-American media artist and director Refik Anadol. Renowned for his mesmerising immersive and interactive works, Anadol's creative endeavours have achieved global acclaim with digital collectible sales exceeding $30 million, amid notable collaborations with esteemed institutions like Sotheby's Hong Kong and MOMA New York.

At Scorpios, Anadol will unveil his latest collection of artworks, co-created with the Yawanawa Indigenous communities of Aldeia Sagrada and Nova Esperanca from Brazil (13 – 14 July) to reflect the dynamic interrelationship between Yawanawa culture and the Brazilian Amazon. Facilitated by Impact One as part of their "Possible Futures" program, this collaboration will explore the deep connections between human consciousness and nature with Anadol and Impact One donating their share of proceeds towards funding long-term initiatives for the protection of Yawanawa heritage.

Also headlining 'In Resonance' is trailblazing female AI artist Dr. Ivona Tau, renowned for her experimental photography and motion paintings created using GAN models trained on rich photographic data. Tau's new works, developed in collaboration with Jean Claude Ades, maestro of eclectic dancefloor rhythms, is based on light data collected in the island of Delos and is billed to go live during the second set (23 – 24 July) of the summer-long program.

French biological generative artist and musician Agoria will also present a new artwork created through the algorithmic fusion of sunset data captured at Scorpios, Mykonos (24 – 25 Aug), while New Zealander Jesse Woolston will release new AI artworks created around the theme of knowledge, spiritual beliefs and the power of AI in the fight against climate change (31 Aug – 1 Sept).

Other feature artists and musicians include Hugo Johnson, the hypnotic visual storyteller, who alongside Bedouin, known for their Middle Eastern and Western sound fusions, will present their collaborative masterpiece, Zorba, which reimagines extreme weather phenomena using geographic data.

Australian light sculptor Jason Sims, in collaboration with musical protege of meditative soundscapes Satori, will immerse viewers in a light-mediated exploration of natural systems (10 – 11 August), while the pioneering Azeri new media artist Orkhan, along with the music director of Scorpios Mykonos Lannka, will present a new work in the Relic series exploring eastern cultural heritage and tapestries through physical data sculptures and paintings (4 – 5 August).

Scorpios Co-Founder and President, Thomas Heyne, believes the new program will resonate with Scorpios' growing community. He says, "Charting new creative territory is what we do at Scorpios and our vision for 'In Resonance' is to create a more multidimensional and fulfilling experience for artists and our community."

WWW.THEHOUSEOFFINEART.COM
WWW.SCORPIOSMYKONOS.COM

Contact:
Emma-Louise O'Neill
emmalouise@thehouseoffineart.com

Contact Information
Emma-Louise O'Neill
Comms & Brand Collaborations Director
emmalouise@thehouseoffineart.com
+447515136909

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Peter Lake, the World’s Only Anonymous Singer-Songwriter, Hits Again With His Genre-Bending Masterpiece ‘Colors of Suspension’

MANHATTAN, NY, Jun 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Peter Lake, the world's only anonymous singer-songwriter, has released his latest single "Colors of Suspension." The song is a stunning blend of electronic synthesizers and traditional jazz horns, and is sure to captivate audiences with its nostalgic feel. "Colors of Suspension" is inspired by Lake's childhood memories of watching food-coloring dissolve in water, and will transport listeners back to a simpler time.

Colors of Suspension (cover)

The single features the vocals of Lake's friend Yousha, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion to the already powerful track. Yousha, a talented songwriter in her own right, joins Lake to create nostalgic soundscape.

Says the artist, "I was with a young boy who I mentor and he was having a rough day. I told him about how I used to relax letting drops of food-coloring dissolve in water. We got some and watched the shapes. It was a meditation. No phones. No sounds. Just peace and color. I never want to forget that moment."

Lake has been releasing music for almost two years now, and has already garnered over 60 million streams on Spotify and YouTube. With roughly a million followers on Instagram, Lake has built a dedicated fanbase that is eagerly anticipating the release of "Colors of Suspension."

"Colors of Suspension" is now available wherever music is streamed.

About Peter Lake:

Peter Lake is a Canadian-born, New York City-based singer-songwriter who revels in anonymity.

In an age where privacy is rare, Lake is convinced that his ability to create music is protected by his anonymity, and by working with unconventional partners in an attempt to avoid the constraints of traditional record deals, which often consider recorded music as a means to promote tours.

Peter Lake is the first of a kind: an artist who will only do live concerts via a web-based platform, thereby freeing him to focus exclusively on writing and recording new, original music that crosses all genres. In the process, he has assembled one of the largest singer-songwriter catalogues in the industry. His musical influences include Neil Young, Max Martin, David Bowie, Motown, and Drake.

It's no surprise that his songs are hard to place, often flying between (and combining) House beats, crunchy guitar riffs and "traditional chants and natural sounds." When asked about his goal, he replied as follows, "My goal is to wake up every day and make music and one day through that process, write and perform what will later be seen as the greatest song in history, a song that will define humankind for centuries."

Contact Information
Tetyana Shvachuk
PR
t@peterlakesounds.com
+6464069190

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

HKTDC Design Gallery co-organises LoveHK exhibition with multimedia artist Agnes Pang

HONG KONG, Jun 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The HKTDC Design Gallery's annual LoveHK exhibition returns from tomorrow (20 June) to 9 July, displaying more than 60 artworks made from everyday waste items such as coffee filters, wine corks, egg cartons, vegetable and fruit nets and glass bottles at its Wan Chai CEC shop. The exhibition shows visitors the beauty of Hong Kong's landscapes and living scenes in a sumptuous visual feast in collaboration with multimedia artist Ms Agnes Pang on the theme A Green HK.

Collaborating with local multimedia artist Agnes Pang on the 'A Green HK' theme, the annual LoveHK
exhibition presents the beauty of Hong Kong's landscapes and living scenes, offering visitors
a sumptuous visual feast.

Upcycled artwork promotes green living

Hong Kong is a vibrant, multicultural international city where environmental consciousness gradually permeates peoples' lives. As an artist who has always been committed to promoting environmental art, Ms Pang uses innovative techniques to transform inconspicuous everyday waste materials into works of art, integrating her painting skills to present aspects of the city.

The exhibition comprises five sections.

1. Costal Landscape: Simple yet gentle brushstrokes on coffee-filter canvas capture the stunning scenery of Hong Kong's coastal areas, such as Sam Mun Tsai, Cheung Chau and Central.
2. Hong Kong Life: Coffee grounds are the primary medium to depict Hong Kong daily scenes such as cha chaan teng eateries, fish markets and meat stalls, conveying a strong sense of life that transports visitors to the bustling streets of the metropolis.
3. Walk & Sketch: Ms Pang likes to carry paper and pen and sketches wherever she goes – streets, alleys or tourist attractions.
4. Waterfront of Lantau: Wine corks express the natural texture of stones and soil, presenting beautiful Lantau Island scenery.
5. Hong Kong is My Home: Foam nets collage Hong Kong's skyline, with a background of blue skies and white clouds painted in acrylic, showing the unique cityscape.

Ms Pang hoped that while visitors appreciated the artwork, they could also feel her concern for and devotion to environmental protection and be inspired to go green. "I love the nature and humanity, and I am eager to educate others to cherish everything around us. While appreciating art, visitors can also appreciate the beauty of nature." Her works are rich in colour, innovative in concept and full of positive and optimistic thoughts. She often draws inspiration from daily life and nature. She likes to take walks and explore the surrounding environment, discovering interesting discarded materials and incorporating them into her art.

She explores new techniques and shapes whenever she begins to create a new artwork. In this exhibition; she will also display diversified artworks such as dim sum made from form nets, champagne cap and shell-made miniature chairs, and flowers made from plastic labels, creating a stunning visual effect.

Design Gallery's selected products

Under the LoveHK theme Ms Pang has especially handmade form-net baskets and greeting cards available for purchase at Design Gallery. The Wan Chai boutique is also offering a selection of Hong Kong-themed products, including EASTPRO PUBLISHER HONG KONG Kent Mok Hong Kong Devotion Photo Book,WHY NOT HONG KONG Hong Kong Sheung Wan Tram/ Kai Tak Plane Passport Holder and HONG KONG OAPES 925 Sterling Sliver Bauhinia Shaped Earrings with Enamel. During the exhibition period customers can enjoy an extra 15% discount on their entire purchase with a net spending of HK$400 (US$51) or more.

Redeem a free gift by posting on social media

During the exhibition, visitors who post a photo of any exhibit on Facebook or Instagram, and tag both the Design Gallery (@HKTDC Design Gallery) and Ms Pang (@Agnes Recycles) can redeem a handmade foam net keychain, or with net spending of HK$2,000 (after applying all discounts) to redeem a sketch of Hong Kong's scenery by her. Quantities are limited and available while stocks last.

HKTDC Design Gallery – LoveHK x Agnes Pang "A Green HK" Exhibition Details

Date: June 20 – July 9, 2023
Venue: G/F, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday & Public Holidays: 10:30 – 19:30
Enquiries: +65 2584 4146 / 2584 4149
Website: www.hkdesigngallery.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HKTDC.DesignGallery
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3qUu2v3

Editor's Note: Interviews with Agnes Pang are welcome. Please contact the HKTDC Communications and Public Affairs Department for further arrangements.

About Agnes Pang

Agnes Pang is a local multimedia artist, educator and columnist with four degrees (BA, LLB, MBA & MAJSP), also known by her brand, Agnes Recycles. By working with disposable everyday objects, she creates vibrant, innovative, authentic, and colourful images of life. Her artistic genius has left its mark on many commercial and charity projects.

About HKTDC Design Gallery

Established by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in 1991, the HKTDC Design Gallery's mission is to promote the creativity, innovation and excellence of Hong Kong products, including toys, watches, jewelry, electronics, household items, gifts and premiums, clothing, and accessories.

The Design Gallery provides consignment services to designers for entering the retail market at a low cost. Its showcase rental services offer an excellent platform for designers to establish their brand image, effectively attracting the attention of international buyers from exhibitions and opening up new markets. Its business matching services give free access to designers and international buyer information, facilitating cooperation and deals. Its gift procurement services search for the most suitable corporate gifts according to the enterprise's budget and needs.

The Design Gallery has two local branches located at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Hong Kong International Airport respectively. To assist Hong Kong businesses in entering the mainland market, the Design Gallery has begun to develop in the mainland since 2009 and has established an online store in 2010. It is now operating e-commerce stores on "Taobao.com" and "JD International". HKTDC Design Gallery website: http://www.hkdesigngallery.com

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 & Public Affairs Department:
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

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

CROSSTEC Group (3893.HK) Changes for Strong Capability

HONG KONG, May 29, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – CROSSTEC Group Holdings Limited (HKEX stock code: 3893) has updated various recent changes, including its shareholding structure, the composition of Board committees, management team, and main office location. This is anticipated the changes benefit the further development of the Company.

At present, the retail shareholders in the market occupy the largest part of the shareholding holdings of the Company. According to information from the Disclosure of Interests on Hong Kong Stock Exchange, CGH (BVI) Limited owned by ex-Chairman and his wife has been no longer the major shareholder of CROSSTEC Group since early March this year due to shares sold in the market. The changes to the shareholding structure enable us to create value for more shareholders.

Since the new appointments of the Chairman of the Board Mr. Hu Xiongjie last December and the new Chief Executive Officer Mr. Lam Wing Hung this March, the Group has reorganised its Board structure and management team. With good leadership by Mr. Hu, Group Chairman and Mr. Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Finance Director and Joint Company Secretary, the Group is driving growth gradually. The members of the Board of Directors have also been expanded to two Executive Directors, one Non- Executive Director and four Independent Non- Executive Directors.

In April this year, the Company moved its headquarters and principal place of business in Hong Kong to a new location in North Point. This move can make cost efficiency in addition to providing staff a more spacious and more comfortable working environment. It shows that the Management cares about staff and values their sense of belongings in the office. We look forward to working together with our staff to create business success.

Media enquiries:
New Smile Limited Strategic IR & PR Consultancy
Tel: +852 2126 7076
Jenny Lai jenny.lai@newsmilehk.com
Jenny Cheung jenny.cheung@newsmilehk.com
Richard Wong richard.wong@newsmilehk.com

About CROSSTEC Group Holdings Limited
CROSSTEC Group Holdings Limited is principally engaged in the provision of bespoke and total interior design solutions to the retail stores and property facilities of global luxury brands, which covers a wide range of services including millwork and furniture provision, facade development and fabrication, interior solutions, design, maintenance and project consultancy. The Group has been conducting its business since 1999 and has been developing its business to China, US, Europe, Middle East and other Asian countries. Please visit www.crosstec.com.hk for details.

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

2023 World Culture Festival: Preliminary Lineup Announced

Washington, DC, May 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Today, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser joined global humanitarian and peacemaker Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living, to announce the preliminary lineup for the 2023 World Culture Festival, to be held September 29 through October 1, 2023, on the historic National Mall in the U.S. capital.

World Culture Festival
The World Culture Festival will come to the United States for the first time in its history this fall:
Sept 29 – Oct. 1 on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

The Honorable Mayor Muriel Bowser: "We are delighted to host the fourth-annual World Culture Festival. Washington, D.C. is the perfect city to bring people together from around the globe. We are a city that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, a global city, a welcoming city, and a city that loves visitors. We know that Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's message that 'diversity is the beauty of creation' aligns with our D.C. values. So, we invite people to plan their visits, and we'll see you in the fall!"

The World Culture Festival, which has attracted millions in its previous iterations in Asia and Europe, will come to the United States for the first time ever for an epic celebration of global diversity, unity and peace:

– #YOUnitedWeCelebrate: Gurudev and Mayor Bowser invited the public to join in on the world's largest celebration of diversity and belongingness.
– Bridging the Divide: Amidst increasing political and societal polarization, world leaders will come together to affirm a collective intention for unity and peace.
– Social Connection: As the world grapples with epidemic loneliness, isolation, and mental health burden, the Festival's attendees will experience the power of social connection.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: "We need to bridge the gap. There is a lot of polarization in the world. The World Culture Festival is an occasion for people to come together and celebrate each other's differences. It is the need of the hour, to bring people together in celebration and to spread the message of peace and to say that we are one human family."

PRELIMINARY LINEUP:

– Over 50 world leaders, including current and former heads of state, members of national parliaments and international governmental organizations, have already committed to attending the Festival, including:
– H.E. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary General of the United Nations
– H.E. Chan Santokhi, President of Suriname
– H.E. Pravind Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius
– H.E. Vicente Fox, Former President of Mexico
– H.E. Federico Franco, Former President of Paraguay
– H.E. Venkaiah Naidu, Former Vice President of India
– H.E. Alojz Peterle, Former Prime Minister of Slovenia
– H.E. Rosalia Arteaga Serrano, Former President of Ecuador
– H.E. Kjell Magne-Bondevik, Former Prime Minister of Norway
– Hon. Hildebrando Tapia, Former Member of Andean Parliament

Thousands of unique performers and artists will take part in the jam-packed entertainment lineup. All performers are based in the United States, representing the cultures and heritage of over 35 countries and counting. Performance groups include:

– 1,000+ Chinese Cultural Performers
– 1,000-Person Gospel Choir
– 500 Indian Classical Dancers
– 500-Person Global Dance Mashup
– 200 Hip-Hop Dancers
– 200 Ukrainian Dancers
– 200 Latin-American Dancers
– 100 Afghan Performers
– 100 Native American Performers

A global Faith Advisory council is being convened in support of the World Culture Festival. The council, composed of leaders from faiths of the world, will share messages about common values of peace, harmony and partnership to nurture greater unity and togetherness. More details to come.

There will be a diverse international food festival associated with the event that is expected to attract thousands to sample international cuisines made by chefs from around the capital region. Over 50 ethnic food trucks are expected to be in a designated area along the National Mall.

There will be multiple pop-up cultural events throughout the District of Columbia leading up to the festival, including at least one in each of D.C.'s eight community wards. These pop-ups will be a chance for D.C. residents and visitors to preview and experience the celebration of culture and unity before the historic event from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. Details and dates for all upcoming pop-ups will be announced soon.

The first D.C. pop-up is Saturday, May 20 at the picturesque Meridian Hill Park. The free pop-up is open to the public and will have music, dance, yoga and meditation. The afternoon's highlight will be a live meditation conducted by Art of Living founder Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. For more information, please visit tiny.cc/wcfpopup.

WCF'S EXPANSIVE SCOPE AND SCALE:

The World Culture Festival is expected to attract more than 150,000 visitors. This festival is expected to have an economic impact of over $30M in revenue.

The previous WCF in New Delhi, India, created a 45% increase in the GDP of the union territory of Delhi and contributed $300 million dollars to the economy of the union territory of Delhi.

As of mid-May, 45,000 people have already registered to attend the World Culture Festival, with 80 percent of registrants coming from the United States and 20 percent from abroad.

– Of the US registrants, 27 percent come from the greater D.C. area, while the rest are from all corners of the country.

Thousands of hotel rooms have already been booked ahead of the Festival. As of mid-May, 2,180 hotel rooms have been booked at the various neighboring hotels in the area.

Festival grounds will span the entire National Mall and will be similar in size to presidential inaugurations. It is being designed to be the largest event in D.C. this year, based on the permit given by the U.S. National Park Service.

Hargrove is working as the event designer, bringing Gurudev's vision to life across the National Mall. The Festival is a D.C. endeavor that has been in the works for the better part of a year.

There will be an expansive performer/speaker stage – with vast audience seating (over 12,000 seats) to watch the events unfold – in addition to a large portion of the Mall dedicated to various World Culture Festival Activations. The dance floor is expected to be over 32,000 sq ft and will provide over a football field's worth of performance space.

RECEPTION COMMITTEE/ORGANIZING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The Reception Committee is composed of high-level government officials lending their experience and expertise to the Festival. Full list of names are below.

Video testimonials from Hon. Danny Davis, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL); Hon. Andy Kim, Member of House of Representatives (D-NJ); Hon. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL); Virginia State Senator Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax City); Hon. Michelle Steel, Member of House of Representatives (R-CA); Hon. Mike Quigley, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL) can be found here. https://vimeo.com/827652763/73cac82d98?share=copy

Reception Committee Members:

– H.E. Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the Reception Committee
– H.E. Pravind Jugnauth, Prime Minister, Mauritius
– H.E. Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, President, Fiji
– H.E. Chan Santokhi, President, Suriname
– H.E. Jacques Santer, Former President, European Commission and Former Prime Minister, Luxembourg
– H.E. Erik Solheim, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and Former Minister of International Development & Environment, Norway
– H.E. Venkaiah Naidu, Former Vice President, India
– H.E. Kjell Magne Bondevik, Former Prime Minister, Norway Founder and Executive Chair, The Oslo Center
– H.E. Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister, New Zealand
– H.E. Nambaryn Enkhbayar, Former President, Mongolia
– H.E. Mark Eyskens, Former Prime Minister, Belgium
– H.E. Vicente Fox, Former President, Mexico
– H.E. Federico Franco, Former President, Paraguay
– H.E. Mohamed Moncef Marzouki, Former President, Tunisia
– H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President, Nigeria
– H.E. Alojz Peterle, Former Prime Minister, Slovenia
– H.E. Rosalia Arteaga Serrano, Former President, Ecuador and Executive Director, Fidal Foundation
– H.E. Jigmi Yoser Thinkley, Former Prime Minister, Bhutan
– H.E. Akie Abe, Former First Lady, Japan
– H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
– Hon. Ryszard Czarnecki, Former Vice President of the European Parliament, Poland
– Hon. Prof. Herman De Croo, Minister of State, Honorary Speaker of the House, Honorary Mayor of Brakel, Belgium
– Hon. Armin Laschet, Member of German Parliament and Vice President, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and Former Minister-President, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
– Hon. Sumitra Mahajan, Former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, India
– Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, United States of America
– Right Honorable Sir Robert James Buckland KBE KC MP, Former Lord Chancellor and Wales Secretary, United Kingdom
– Hon. Ted Baillieu, Former Premier of Victoria, Australia
– Hon. Bruno Bruins, Former Minister for Medical Care, Netherlands
– Hon. Raymond LaHood, Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, United States of America
– Hon. Hakubun Shimomura, Member of the House of Representatives and Former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan
– Hon. Hildebrando Tapia, Former Vice President, Andean Parliament, Peru
– Hon. Geoffrey Van Orden CBE, Former Leader of British Conservatives in the European Parliament, United Kingdom
– Hon. Danny Davis, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL), United States of America
– Hon. Mike Quigley, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL), United States of America
– Hon. Bill Foster, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL), United States of America
– Hon. Andy Barr, Member of House of Representatives (R-KY), United States of America
– Hon. Richard Hudson, Member of House of Representatives (R-NC), United States of America
– Hon. Marc Veasey, Member of House of Representatives (D-TX), United States of America
– Hon. Ro Khanna, Member of House of Representatives (D-CA), United States of America
– Hon. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL), United States of America
– Hon. Andy Kim, Member of House of Representatives (D-NJ), United States of America
– Hon. Jake Auchincloss, Member of House of Representatives (D-MA), United States of America
– Hon. Jerry Carl, Member of House of Representatives (R-AL), United States of America
– Hon. Young Kim, Member of House of Representatives (R-CA), United States of America
– Hon. Deborah Ross, Member of House of Representatives (D-NC), United States of America
– Hon. Michelle Steel, Member of House of Representatives (R-CA), United States of America
– Hon. Kevin Kiley, Member of House of Representatives (R-CA), United States of America
– Hon. Laurel Lee, Member of House of Representatives (R-FL), United States of America
– Hon. Rick McCormick, Member of House of Representatives (R-GA), United States of America
– Hon. Shri Thanedar, Member of House of Representatives (D-MI), United States of America
– Hon. Binod Chaudhary, Member of Parliament, Nepal and Chairman and President, The Chaudhary Group (CG)
– Hon. Yvonne Feri, Member of Parliament, Switzerland
– Hon. Dr. Nik Gugger, Member of the Parliament, Switzerland and Member of the European Parliament
– His Highness Azzan Bin Qais Al Said, Vice Chairman, Oman National Olympic Committee, Oman

Organizing Committee Members:

The Organizing Committee contributes their leadership, experience, and counsel to build an unforgettable World Culture Festival IV.

– Rob Trombold, President of Art of Living and Convener of World Culture Festival
– Ann Luskey, Founder and Trustee, Charlotte's Web Foundation
– Hon. Binod Chaudhary, Member of Parliament of Nepal and Chairman and President of The Chaudhary Group (CG)
– Chirag Patel, President and CEO, Amneal Pharmaceuticals
– Courteney Monroe, President, National Geographic Global Television Networks
– Hon. Francisco Sanchez, Former U.S. Under-Secretary of Commerce at the US Department of Commerce
– Hon. Jo Leinen, Former Member of European Parliament
– Hon. Luis Moreno Ocampo, Founding Prosecutor of International Court of Justice
– Louis Gagnon, Founder and CEO of the Regenerative Group
– Madhu Rao, Former CEO of Shangri-La Group
– Dr. Manoj K. Jain, Founder and President of Mid-South Infectious Disease Associates
– Mike Perlis, Vice Chairman of Forbes Media
– H.E. Nirj Deva DL FRSA, President Envoy to Western Europe & Commonwealth of Nations for the Commonwealth Union and Former Vice President for International Development, European Parliament
– Prem Jain, Co-Founder of Pensando Systems, now the Networking Solutions Group AMD Pensando
– Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers
– Ranvir Trehan, General Trustee, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
– Reginald Van Lee, Partner and Chief Transformation Officer, Carlyle Group
– Rodney Mims Cook Jr., President of the National Monuments Foundation
– Ross Perot Jr., Chairman of the Perot Group
– Sanjay Govil, Chairman, Infinite Computer Solutions
– Sanjay Pradhan, CEO of Open Government Partnership
– Dr. Sreenivas Reddy, MD, Vascular Interventional Radiologist
– Tim Draper, Founder of Draper Associates, DFJ, and Draper Venture Network
– Hon. Tim Ryan, Former Congressman D-OH13
– Tonya Vidal Kinlow, Vice President of Community Engagement, Advocacy and Government Affairs at Children's National Hospital and Chair of the Board of DC Chamber of Commerce
– H.E. AMB. Vijay Nambiar, Former Chef-de-Cabinet of the United Nations & Special Ambassador to Myanmar
– Vivek Paul, Adjunct Professor, Stanford University

TICKET INFORMATION

All World Culture Festival events are free and open to the public. All ages are encouraged to join. Registration and ticket information for the fall festival in Washington, D.C. can be found at www.worldculturefest.org. Please direct all inquiries to WCF2023@lindarothpr.com for further information.

PAST WORLD CULTURE FESTIVALS:

Bangalore (2006): 2.5 million attendees, including 3,800 musicians and performers, 750 political and business leaders, alongside 1,000 spiritual and religious figures.

Berlin (2011): 70,000 attendees from 151 countries including 6,000 artists and dignitaries including ministers and members of parliament.

New Delhi (2016): 3.75 million attendees from 155 countries including 36,603 artists and 2,500 religious and spiritual leaders from Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Zoroastrian, Islamic, Jain, Native American, and Tribal faiths.

MEDIA ACCESS:

World Culture Festival 2023 welcomes press outlets from Washington, D.C. and around the world to cover the weekend's festivities. We are happy to provide approved members of the media with exclusive access. Please check back soon as applications for media will be available this spring. Reach out to WCF2023@lindarothpr.com with any questions or for pre-event interview opportunities.

MEDIA RESOURCES:

– World Culture Festival Compilation Video (Video Credit: Art of Living) https://pr.report/ps27niWT
– Brochure for World Culture Festival 2023 https://pr.report/51QHoFlN
– Past World Culture Festival Photos from 2016 and 2011 (Photo Credit: Art of Living) https://pr.report/pPOvNnKy
– #WCF2023: Official Hashtag for World Culture Festival 2023

About Art of Living Foundation

Operating in 180 countries, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a nonprofit, educational and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by the renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. All of AOLF's programs are inspired by Gurudev's philosophy of creating world peace through a stress-free and violence-free society. AOLF has touched over 800 million lives through numerous educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness and well-being for individuals.

About Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a global humanitarian, spiritual leader, and peace envoy. He has helped millions of people worldwide find peace and resilience in the face of adversity, learning not only how to excel in their own lives, but also how to become powerful agents for social change.

Gurudev has created trauma-relief and meditation programs for at-risk youth, war veterans, prisoners and survivors of disaster. He has also created numerous educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness and well-being for individuals.

Standing for the Gandhian principles of non-violence, Gurudev has mediated and progressed negotiations for peace in conflict-stricken areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and Colombia, where he is credited for playing a central role in ending the violent 52-year conflict between FARC and the Colombian government. He has received 39 governmental awards, including the highest civilian awards from several nations. Twenty-four universities have awarded him with honorary doctorates for his peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts.

Contact Information
Samantha Pell
Publicist
sam@lindarothpr.com
4256476478

Related Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=741dSBVkjdE

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

GroundUp Studios Launches Creative Council of Producers to Accelerate Web3 Music and Art in Asia

Award-winning producers Derrick Sepnio, Fergus Chow and Jae Chong join Creative Council – with more to come
Creative Council’s main goal is to support member community in their music career development
Producers aim to share professional tips on the music industry; provide insights and mentorship on music creation and production; identify and recruit member artists for potential collaborations and more

HONG KONG, May 17, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – GroundUp Studios, a forward-thinking, web3-focused music label today announced its Creative Council of professional veterans in the music industry, to accelerate the pace of web3 music and art creation among its community members. As part of the announcement, Derrick Sepnio, Fergus Chow and Jae Chong will become GroundUp Studios’ first wave of award-winning producers to support the label’s community of songwriters and musicians in their career development.

*GroundUp Studios’ Creative Council will house award-winning producers Derrick Sepnio (L), Fergus Chow (M) and Jae Chong (R)*

GroundUp Studios’ vision is to shine a light on the impressive pool of musical and artistic talent in the region. It plans to build a comprehensive web3 ecosystem using NFTs as an access pass, to attract NFT art investors; technology enthusiasts; music and art lovers; songwriters; producers; and artists of all disciplines. As members socialize and connect, GroundUp believes that this would inspire new artistic ideas, allowing them to re-imagine the music and art they are capable of creating.

Fast-tracking Web3 Music and Art With The Creative Council

The Creative Council is GroundUp’s longer term plan to bridge undiscovered and independent artists with top-tier industry professionals in music and art. The main responsibilities of Council producers are to connect and socialize with the label’s community members; pass on valuable knowledge about music creation and production; and generally broaden their artistic horizons by sharing great music within the community. As working professionals, the producers will also keep a close eye on emerging talent within the GroundUp community, and eventually find ways to collaborate directly with them.

GroundUp’s trio of producers represent some of the most seasoned and in-demand veterans working currently in Asia. Working closely with GroundUp, the producers will evaluate opportunity gaps in the traditional music industry and develop trailblazing initiatives and projects that will shape the future of digital art and music.

“GroundUp Studios is honored to work with Derrick, Fergus and Jae – arguably three of the best producers in Asia – to re-imagine music and art using web3 technology,” said Adrian Fu, co-founder and Creative Director. “In our view, web3 is not purely about technology; rather, we see it as a new way and attitude towards the creation and monetization of music and art. I look forward to working closely with the producers to evolve music from an artistic, commercial and technological standpoint. This will ultimately deliver unique experiences for lovers of new music and art.”

Producer Profiles & Quotes

About Derrick Sepnio

Derrick is a celebrated producer, guitarist and artist across Asia. A 7-time winner of the prestigious Golden Melody Awards, Sepnio is a producer in high demand especially in Greater China. In his career, he has worked with some of the biggest artists including Eason Chan, Sandy Lam, Khalil Fong, Karen Mok, JJ Lin to name a few. He has played over 1,000 concerts, and produced and recorded over 500 albums and is often a regular guest on China’s music-related TV shows.

Quote:

“I look forward to working with GroundUp Studios. In my view, technological innovation always inspires individuals and communities to discover new ways of doing things. Invariably, web3 will inject excitement and new energy into music – regardless of the commerciality of the product. I am confident that my experience as a producer and performer in the industry, combined with the creativity and ingenuity of our artist and their community of fans will lead to some great things!”

About Fergus Chow

Fergus is one of Greater China’s pre-eminent producers and Musical Directors. He has led headline tours with Khalil Fong, Gin Lee, ALin, Tia Ray and others. As a performer, he has toured extensively, performing for artists like Faye Wong, Sandy Lam, Karen Mok, Li Rong-Hao. His production credits are equally impressive, having produced for ALin, Coco Lee, Fiona Sit, Karen Mok among others.

Quote:

“This is an exciting time for music and the arts. Web3 transforms the dynamics of the recording industry, and deepens the transactional relationship between fan and artist. To the artist, this means greater creative, commercial and monetary control, as well as more sustainable careers. Furthermore, new generation social media platforms are empowering truly borderless connections and collaborations, opening up limitless possibilities in artistic output. I look forward to working with GroundUp’s fans and artists – the sky’s the limit!”

About Jae Chong

Jae is an acclaimed producer, musician and entrepreneur who began his career in Korea, as one of the founding members of SOLID. The band was the first R&B group to reach over 4 million in unit sales. Jae then launched Taiwan’s first hip-hop entertainment group, MACHI Entertainment, and was the first Korean-American producer to receive awards from Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards in 2005 and 2006. His portfolio of artist collaborations is incredibly wide, including Coco Lee, Stanley Huang, Jolin Tsai, Elva Hsiao and more. Jae brings extensive industry connections in Korea, Taiwan and the US.

Quote:

“I’m excited to work with GroundUp Studios to explore the potential of web3 applications in music. I believe web3 will bring about greater transparency to the music industry and equity to artists. As someone who lives in the US with networks there and across Asia, I’m particularly interested in using web3 to build organic relationships between artists in these countries, facilitate connections and ideas to bring projects to life.”

About GroundUp Studios

GroundUp is a forward-thinking, web3-focused music organization that views music and art in a brand new light. We aspire to empower #ExtraOrdinaryArt and artists, by creating a borderless space for creators to connect, collaborate and monetize. We do so by capitalizing on rapidly transforming technologies, economics and consumer/artist dynamics.

For all enquiries, please email contact@groundupstudios.io

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GroundUp Studios Launches in Hong Kong to Re-imagine Music & Art in Web3

Music label to establish a borderless community for web3 enthusiasts, musicians and artists to connect, socialize and collaborate on extraordinary multimedia art projects
Use of blockchain and NFT technology unleashes artistic creativity; more equitable compensation for artists; and new opportunities in music distribution, licensing
Core management team led by award-winning songwriter, recording artist and brand marketing veteran Adrian Fu, alongside seasoned professionals in entertainment, brand partnerships, technology infrastructure and fintech
NFT membership access pass planned within 1H 2023

HONG KONG, May 11, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – GroundUp Studios, a forward-thinking, web3-focused music label today announced that it has officially launched its operations in Hong Kong. The company is one of the first entertainment platforms in Asia focused on the development of original art and music utilizing NFT and blockchain technology.

GroundUp Studios’ vision is to shine a light on the impressive pool of musical and artistic talent in the region. By using transformative technologies like blockchain and NFTs, it aims to drive the creation and commercialization of art that will be ultimately seen and embraced around the world.

GroundUp’s plan is to build a comprehensive web3 ecosystem of NFT art investors; technology enthusiasts; music and art lovers; songwriters; producers; and artists of all disciplines. The goal is to use new-generation social media platforms to create a borderless space for artists to socialize and connect with the web3 world. This in turn inspires artists with new artistic ideas, empowering them to re-imagine the music and art that they are capable of creating.

As part of this community building effort, GroundUp Studios plans to issue its first NFT membership access pass in the coming months. Apart from networking opportunities, owners of this access pass will gain a wide range of benefits – from virtual music sharing sessions; to live songwriting jams; and exclusive IRL artist performances. More details will be provided in the coming weeks.

Multi-disciplined Management Team

GroundUp Studios is led by co-founder and Creative Director Adrian Fu. Fu is a multi-disciplined executive with over 20 years of experience in brand marketing and partnerships, as well as having extensive work experience in technology sectors. Furthermore, he is also an award-winning songwriter and recording artist in his own right, having written for top-tier artists in Greater China such as Eason Chan, Sammi Cheng and others. As a recording artist, he has released two albums to his name, of which his debut album “Good Morning, Hard City” earned him a nomination in 2015 at the 26th Golden Melody Awards for best newcomer of the year.

Fu will be joined by a dynamic team that engages with a vibrant Web3 global community. The team has minted out several NFT projects in recent years, and also has extensive experience building and operating regulated CeFi platforms, DeFi infrastructures, and blockchain-based applications for mainstream adoption.

Collectively, the team will advise artists on how to build (and own) their brand utilizing Web3 tools including minting NFTs, representing themselves in virtual worlds, and establishing an engaged community.

“Adrian’s uniquely diverse experience across marketing; recording artist; published songwriter; and NFT / blockchain project execution is a natural fit with the team’s extensive web3 and fintech expertise. Together, we will unlock the true value of web3 to artists and fans, as we achieve true democratization and equality of music, commerce and monetization,” said Alexander Lee, Executive Director. With experience across TradeFi, CeFi, and DeFi, Lee was involved in spearheading the early developments of SFC-licensed virtual asset platforms, and continues to drive mass adoption of Web3 across mainstream sectors.

Fu said, “I am excited about the promise of web3 music, which presents incredible new opportunities for artists around the world – both commercially and artistically. I firmly believe that the timing is right to launch a music company like GroundUp Studios. We are witnessing a giant leap in technological innovation right now, which is rewriting the mechanics and rules of most industries and businesses. Now, professional and amateur artists are able to create and connect with audiences halfway around the world, while generating steady revenue. In my view, we are on the cusp of a golden age in art and music.”

Web3 music sector ramping up

As an umbrella family of new technologies, web3 is still in its early stages of development but it has already transformed the arts industries. Currently, the music NFT market is only valued at around US$87 million (source: Token 2049), but artists are now realizing the potential opportunities – including new monetization models, to new forms of creative expression.

Commercially, artists now leverage blockchain technology and NFTs to sell their music directly to fans without intermediaries such as traditional record labels, managers and distributors. This enables faster payouts and expanded revenue streams for all levels of artists. For example, iconic rapper Nas teamed up with DJ 3LAU’s platform, Royal, to release his first-ever NFT collection. 1,870 NFTs were issued across two drops; both were sold out in minutes which generated over US$560,000 in revenue.

From a music fan’s perspective, web3 music (through NFTs) offers new ways for them to engage with their favorite artists and music. In many cases, NFTs allow fans to actually own a unique piece of digital art or song, and could deepen their engagement and support for their artists beyond sharing social media posts. As owners of an artist’s NFT, fans can play a more active role in shaping an artist’s day-to-day business and creative decisions, allowing audiences and artists to grow together in more meaningful ways.

About GroundUp Studios

GroundUp is a forward-thinking, web3-focused music label that views music and art in a brand new light. It aspires to empower #ExtraOrdinaryArt and Artists, by creating a borderless space for creators to connect, collaborate and commercialize. We do so by capitalizing on rapidly transforming technologies, economics and consumer/artist dynamics.

For media enquiries, please contact PR@groundupstudios.io

For all enquiries, please email contact@groundupstudios.io

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Forward Fashion’s New Multi-Dimensional Premium Art Space Artelli Expands in Zhangyuan, Shanghai

HONG KONG, Apr 25, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited ("Forward Fashion" or the "Group"; Stock Code: 2528), is pleased to announce that Artelli, the Group's pioneering multi-dimensional premium art space, has officially opened in Zhangyuan, Shanghai. As a part of the opening, the new collection by contemporary Japanese artist Hikari Shimoda, Children of this Planet, is being showcased simultaneously in Shanghai, Macau and Taiwan for the first time.

The new collection by contemporary Japanese artist Hikari Shimoda, Children of this Planet, is being showcased simultaneously in Shanghai, Macau and Taiwan for the first time

Artelli, Forward Fashion's pioneering multi-dimensional premium art space, has officially opened in Zhangyuan, Shanghai

Hikari Shimoda's new series, Children of this Planet, will have its global debut in Artelli in Zhangyuan, Shanghai

The latest giant sculpture of Hikari Shimoda, the 160 cm tall life-size "Amitabha"

In recent years, Forward Fashion has strengthened its operations and further enriched its brand portfolio, evolving into an integrated group with three synergistic business segments – fashion, art and lifestyle – dedicated to creating innovative retail business models. With extensive retail experience and IP resources, the Group has continued to spearhead exclusive collaborations with brands and the arts and culture community to expand its brand influence in the Greater China region.

Following the successful opening of Artelli in Macau last October, the Artelli brand has expanded into four prime locations in just six months, including City of Dreams on Macau's Cotai Strip, Queen's Road Central in Central, Hong Kong, FEDS Xinyi A13 in Taipei, and Zhangyuan in Shanghai. The Group is committed to diversifying its business and collaborating with local governments to create new cultural landmarks, further reinforcing its position as a pioneer in art and culture. The simultaneous viewing of Children of this Planet in different locations demonstrates Forward Fashion's close relationship with artists, ample resources and strong curatorial capabilities, which have become significant advantage for the Group in the development of its art business.

Mr. Patrick Fan, Founder and Chairman of Forward Fashion, said, " We are very much looking forward to opening Artelli in Zhangyuan, a place full of history and culture, and an important hub in the business district of downtown Shanghai. Through this viewing, we believe that Artelli will be able to attract more local art lovers and consumers and bring them a new art experience. Forward Fashion has been committed to building a creative comprehensive operating entity, and by promoting collaborations between fashion brands and artists, it will bring more diverse and richer cultural and artistic experiences to the public."

Zhangyuan, where Artelli in Shanghai is located, is a famous cultural landmark in China. It is a renowned classical garden in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, once a luxurious residential area in the heart of the city during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and one of the earliest Western-style gardens in Shanghai. This area is located in the business center of Nanjing West Road Station, with over three million people passing through every day. Hikari Shimoda's new series, Children of this Planet, will have its global debut in Artelli in Zhangyuan, Shanghai, and then be presented to art and fashion lovers at City of Dreams in Macau and Taipei's Xinyi A13. This is her second time showcasing her work in China, following her solo exhibition in Hong Kong in 2019. The highlight of Children of this Planet is her latest giant sculpture, the 160 cm tall life-size "Amitabha". The sculpture was previously staged at the ART021 Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair, but the color palettes of the sculpture displayed at the three Artelli locations will be unique. Forward Fashion intends to facilitate Hikari Shimoda's visit to Macau to meet her fans and the local community, organize an autograph session and exchange creative experiences to promote the development of trendy local art and culture.

In addition to the Children of this Planet, a limited number of 20 premium custom-made "Amitabha" sculptures from the fantasy world will be available for sale. Made of fiberglass, the 20 different color palettes perfectly reflect the candy-colored art style used by Hikari Shimoda. Moreover, each sculpture is carefully crafted, making them unique gems. A deeper meaning is hidden in the adorable brightly colored characters. Through Amitabha, Hikari Shimoda hopes to evoke thoughts of life and death, the changing global environment, and the relationship between society and people.

In addition to life-size sculpture, Hikari Shimoda is also introducing for the first time 15 cm-sized small sculptures with exquisite, perfectly-fitting parts that showcase a high level of craftsmanship. Shimoda creates multiple characters in this series, including those from human world, heaven and hell. Even though these characters belong to a fantasy world, surrounded by a complex and changeable environment and different scenarios, they all strive to remind audiences to maintain the energy and spirit of moving forward.

Hikari Shimoda has also presented sculptures and bronze sculptures in different sizes, prints using electroluminescent (EL) technology, and diffusers to the viewing. For audience interested in the viewing and art collections, they can follow Artelli's official WeChat account or visit official website: www.artelli-meta.com for more information.

Details of the Viewing
Children of this Planet showcases a world of cuteness and horror in the signature creative style of Hikari Shimoda. She portrays starry-eyed children in heroic costumes resembling superheroes and magical girls, serving as a mirror to our own fantasies of heroes while representing adults' desire to nurture children and protect the world. Children of this Planet features Hikari Shimoda's imaginative and emotionally expressive works in various art forms, including giant sculptures, graphic works, and installations, with the aim of inspiring the audience to reflect on and pay attention to contemporary society and the fate of humanity.

With her unique and impressive artistic style, Hikari Shimoda has held exhibitions in renowned galleries around the world, including Japan, US, Canada, and Europe, making her one of the most popular Japanese contemporary artists in the art world today. Her various IP collaborations and art derivative collaborations have also continued to achieve excellent results in the auction market, establishing her a place in the field of Superflat art. As a must-visited art experience in this summer, let us follow Hikari Shimoda into her dazzling yet melancholic artistic world.

"Children of this Planet" – Shanghai
Date: 2023/04/24 – 05/24
Venue: No. 588, Weihai Road, Lane 588, Zhangyuan W1, Jingan District, Shanghai

"Children of this Planet" – Macau
Date: 2023/04/26 – 06/20
Venue: The Showroom, City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau

"Children of this Planet" – Taiwan
Date: 2023/05/01 – 05/28
Venue: 1/F, Far Eastern Department Stores, A13 Xinyi District, Taipei

About Artelli
Artelli is a Pioneering Multi-dimensional Premium Art Space. Joining hands with artists, Artelli has a strong devotion to deliver art projects, including exclusive and debut collections. In the future, the art space would ascend into the world of Metaverse, Digital Art and more. Artelli creates exceptional art experiences and atmosphere, reimagining art with brands and culture collaborations to unveil a state-of-the-art multi- dimensional and diversified space, setting them apart from traditional retail and art exhibition models. Artelli will be expanding footprints worldwide in the next five years, from the Greater Bay Area to Tokyo, Seoul, New York, London and Paris, becoming the new global landmark of art and culture.

Website: www.artelli-meta.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/artelli.official
Instagram: www.instagram.com/artelli.official
Weibo: Artelli-Official
Red: Artelli
Wechat: Artelliofficial

About Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited
Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited is an integrated group with three synergistic business segments – fashion, art and lifestyle – and a commitment to creating innovative retail business model. With a track record of managing over 100 brands, the Group has helped many brands to establish their presence in Greater China. In recent years, the Group has actively enhanced its operations and developed its own brands, such as Artelli, UMJ, WF Fashion, to further enrich its brand portfolio. Leveraging its extensive retail experience and IP resources, the Group has spearheaded exclusive collaborations with brands and cultural and art communities to expand into the international market.

Mr. Fan Wing Ting, Patrick, is the founder, chairman and executive director of Forward Fashion Holdings. In 2005, he founded the first company of the Group in Hong Kong focusing on fashion apparel retail in Greater China. Following the Group's 2020 listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, Forward Fashion has embarked on eCommerce platforms and introduced international fashion and artistic brands and visionary international art projects to Greater China. The Group aims to cater for the preferences and needs of local youths and promote business diversification.

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