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Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus Announces the Best Young Sommelier Competition – Asia Edition 2025 to showcase the talent of aspiring sommeliers across 10 regions in Asia

Nurturing The Future of The Sommelier Community
Dedicated to nurturing the next generation of wine professionals, the competition provides a platform for young sommeliers aged 18 to 30 to demonstrate their expertise and passion. Candidates will progress through three rigorous stages: preliminary selection, semi-finals, and finals. This year competition is particularly honored to have a distinguished judging panel of 8 renowned wine experts presiding over the semi-finals and finals.
Competition Timeline and Structure
The preliminary selection round has successfully concluded across regions in March and April, indentifiying the top 10 young talents who will be representing their nations in the semi-final and final rounds, taking place in Vietnam from May 20th to 21st, 2025, at Mai House hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

The preliminary round was notably supported by the esteemed local sommelier associations: the Hong Kong Sommelier Association, the Sommelier Association of Malaysia, the Sommelier Association of Singapore, the Taiwan Sommelier Association and the Indonesia Sommelier Association, to organize the selections in their respective regions.
On May 20th, the semi-finalists will participate in a private event featuring a thorough written examination and educational workshops to assess and elevate their knowledge and skills. The top three performers will proceed to the public final on May 21st. This final round will be a dynamic public showcase where finalists will demonstrate their expertise through live performances judged on wine region knowledge, sensory analysis, food pairing, and service technique.
The winner will receive a special prize package: a five-day immersive experience in Bordeaux, exploring the prestigious Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus estates; a Château Montlabert gift box; and a bottle of Château Beychevelle. The winning association will also be awarded a case of Castel wines and an exclusive online masterclass.
A Commitment to the Asian Sommelier Community
“We are thrilled to host the Best Young Sommelier Competition – Asia Edition 2025, bringing together talented young sommeliers from across the region” stated Mrs. Stephanie Voy, APAC Senior Marketing Manager at Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus. “This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering strong connections within the Asian sommelier community and empowering the next generation of wine professionals. We aim to provide an enriching and unforgettable experience, offering valuable knowledge, insights into Bordeaux wines, and unparalleled networking opportunities for the candidates.”Hashtag: #BestYoungSommelier
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Castel Châteaux & Grand Crus
Castel’s Family Estates have traditionally been based in the Bordeaux region, although the family have made acquisitions in 3 other major French winemaking areas: the Loire, the Languedoc and Provence. This means that the family can offer a range of red, white, and rosé wines built around 11 AOCs and 1 PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) area. This collection is made up with more than 60 exclusive wines from the 20 Family Estates.
These Great Wines’ standards are extremely high, inspired and upheld by the family’s commitment to excellence. Teams of experts are constantly at work to ensure that the products capture the quintessence of each one of these terroirs, hand-picked by the Castel family. One of the fundamental values close to the heart of the business as a whole is the preservation of the terroirs, reflected in Castel Estates and Vineyards’ growing commitment to sustainability. To date, 1000 hectares of vineyard are either Terra Vitis accredited or certified organic.
For more information about Castel Châteaux & Grand Crus, please visit: https://www.chateaux-castel.com/ or
https://www.instagram.com/chateauxdomainescastel/
About Apron Fine Wines & Spirits and Celliers d’Asie Vietnam
Red Apron Fine Wines & Spirits and Celliers d’Asie Vietnam proudly serve as the official platinum sponsors for the competition, demonstrating their shared commitment to empowering the next generation of sommelier talent across Asia.
Red Apron Fine Wines and Spirits is a leading wine company in Vietnam, offers over 3,000 wine and spirit selections, including renowned brands, estates, and chateaux, along with premium accessories. With 16 stores nationwide, they consistently aim to provide the finest wine experiences.
Celliers d’Asie Vietnam is a leading wine importer and distributor in Vietnam and serves as the direct supplier for Red Apron Fine Wines & Spirits. Their sophisticated selection and premium accessories make them a comprehensive resource for wine enthusiasts, contributing to Vietnam’s evolving wine culture.
About Lucaris
Lucaris is a world-renowned premium crystal glassware brand produced in Thailand, joining this year’s competition as the official glassware sponsor.
With world class quality and design, inspired by modern Asian cities lifestyle, Lucaris evokes the wining senses, enabling the wine to develop its full aromas and tastes, and creates an emerging paradigm in the art of pairing wines with modern Asian Cuisine.
About KadeKa
As the official wine chiller sponsor for the competition, KadeKa represents quality and innovation in wine preservation. Established in 1998, KadeKa revolutionized Singapore’s wine chiller industry by introducing the first-ever 30-bottle wine chiller, catering to the evolving needs of a burgeoning wine-drinking community. With continual effort, KadeKa expands its product line, aiming for seamless home integration and an elevated lifestyle.
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InvestHK promotes Hong Kong as Asia’s business launch pad in Eastern Europe and Middle East
Ms Lau said, “Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a global financial hub and Asia’s business launch pad make it the perfect partner for enterprises from Türkiye, Hungary and Egypt in expanding into the Mainland, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets, and further in Asia and beyond. Anchored in the Belt and Road Initiative, we look forward to fostering collaboration and showcasing how Hong Kong can drive their success across the region.”
She added that Hong Kong offers unmatched access to the Mainland and the Asia-Pacific region through initiatives such as the Greater Bay Area and its Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN. The city’s business-friendly environment, free capital movement and a robust innovation and technology ecosystem hosting nearly 10 000 companies from overseas and the Mainland, and close to 4 700 start-ups, empowers businesses to innovate and grow.
Ms Lau will arrive in Istanbul tomorrow (May 11, Istanbul time) to engage with Turkish companies from various sectors which are interested in using Hong Kong as a springboard to grow across the Asia-Pacific region. She will speak at different events, including an Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Business Seminar, a Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey Business Seminar, and meet with Turkish media to highlight Hong Kong’s business-friendly environment, which includes a low and simple tax regime, free capital flow, and a common law system under the “one country, two systems” principle.
In 2024, Türkiye was Hong Kong’s 30th largest trading partner, with bilateral merchandise trade between the two places amounting to HK$16.6 billion. The Hong Kong–Türkiye comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement signed in 2024 enhances tax certainty, facilitating cross-border transactions.
Since Türkiye’s inclusion in Hong Kong’s Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales has supported Hong Kong companies expanding into the Turkish market. To further strengthen bilateral business ties, InvestHK set up a second office in Izmir in January 2025 to promote opportunities that Hong Kong offers to Turkish corporates seeking regional expansion.
On May 13 (Budapest time), Ms Lau will arrive in Budapest to meet major Hungarian companies keen on using Hong Kong as a regional hub for Asia-Pacific expansion. She will meet with media to update them on Hong Kong’s latest business environment and opportunities. Ms Lau will also attend the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference in Hungary.
In 2024, Hungary was Hong Kong’s 33rd largest trading partner and around 9.4 per cent (HK$9.4 billion) of the total merchandise trade between Hungary and the Mainland routed through Hong Kong. Hong Kong serves as a gateway for Hungarian businesses targeting Asian markets, leveraging its role as “super connector” under the Belt and Road Initiative, while Hungary benefits from Hong Kong’s open investment environment. Hungarian manufacturing, technology, and healthtech companies can tap Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem, backed by global capital and world-class universities, to grow in ASEAN and China’s Greater Bay Area.
On May 17 (Cairo time), Ms Lau will visit Cairo to connect with global Egyptian businesses eager to establish operations in Hong Kong to seize Asia-Pacific opportunities. She will also attend the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference in Cairo.
In 2023, InvestHK signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones of the Arab Republic of Egypt, pledging mutual co-operation on investment promotion exchanges and support. In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Egypt amounted to HK$2.1 billion, up 5.4 per cent over 2023.
Hashtag: #InvestHK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Galaxy Macau Unveils World’s Largest Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner Fleet, Elevating Guest Experiences to New Levels of Luxury

As the first of its kind in Hong Kong and Macau, the record-breaking fleet of legendary limousines was officially launched at the Galaxy Macau Forecourt, with all nine vehicles on magnificent display.
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 May 2025 – In keeping with its commitment to providing ultra-luxurious comfort with unparalleled experiences, Galaxy Macau™, the award-winning integrated resort, last week unveiled nine “Galaxy Collection of Bentley Flying Spurs” to its legendary fleet. Marking the largest coach-built, bespoke Flying Spur fleet in the world, the addition of these extraordinary cars further elevates Galaxy Macau’s collection of vehicles dedicated to transporting guests in superlative style.
On April 29, Galaxy Macau unveiled this new addition to its legendary transport collection, featuring the “Galaxy Collection Bentley Flying Spur” fleet; the very first exemplar of this high-specification vehicle to arrive in Hong Kong and Macau. The grand reveal included Mr. Kim Airey, Managing Director of Bentley Motors for the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao; Mr. Hing Tak Mak, President of Kam Lung Motor Group; Mr. Elmen Lee, Director of Integrated Resort Services at Galaxy Macau; Mr. Troy Hickox, Head of Hotels and Lifestyle Development Services at Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG); Mr. Roger Lienhard, Executive Vice President of Hospitality at Galaxy Macau; Mr. James Koratzopoulos, Executive Vice President of Hotel & MICE Operations at GEG; and Mr. Jeremy Walker, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Event Services at GEG.

Mr. Roger Lienhard, delivered a heartfelt welcome speech on behalf of Galaxy Macau: “The acquisition of these extraordinary cars is the result of many months of close collaboration with the Bentley team in England, to custom-make the bespoke, hand-finished ‘Galaxy Collection.’ The unveiling of this fleet marks a new era of ultra-luxury hospitality, aligning with Galaxy Macau’s signature ‘World-Class Asian Heart’ service philosophy; while reinforcing Macau’s unique status as a ‘World Center of Tourism and Leisure.'”
Mr. Kim Airey remarked, “We’re delighted that Galaxy has chosen to co-create with Mulliner, Bentley’s personal commissioning division, to bring these handcrafted vehicles into a world-class chauffeur fleet. We hope these Flying Spurs will elevate the chauffeur experience at Galaxy Macau, delivering unparalleled style and luxury to every guest’s journey, while also showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail of Bentley’s artisans at our Dream Factory in Crewe, England.”

Ushering in a new era of VIP journeys in style, Galaxy Macau proudly unveiled the world’s largest fleet of Bentley Flying Spur Mulliners—the ultimate ultra-luxury exemplars of the bespoke specification Flying Spur—adding gravitas to the award-winning integrated resort’s collection of luxury limousines.
Mulliner is where Bentley’s long heritage in coachbuilding meets modern craftsmanship and innovation, bringing extraordinary versions of its vehicles to life. From an exclusive selection of colors, materials, and features meticulously curated by its artisans to bespoke options crafted in direct collaboration with its designers, Mulliner offers a realm of limitless possibilities.

In the Flying Spur Mulliner, Galaxy’s guests can enjoy the pinnacle of Bentley luxury and performance, uniquely combining sleek design, the finest hand-finished craftsmanship, sumptuous leather interiors, and exceptional power enabled by its phenomenal Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. The result is a fleet that features the unique hallmarks of Galaxy Macau, reflecting its status as the world’s largest and most highly awarded 5-star luxury integrated resort.
The introduction of the Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner fleet celebrates Galaxy Macau’s unwavering commitment to the craft of hospitality. With this latest addition to its fleet, the award-winning integrated resort continues to expand its distinctive offerings, driven by a vision to establish a world-class luxury resort destination that resonates with visitors and holds a special place in the hearts of its discerning guests.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort
Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau and Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theaters are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team.
Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com,
www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and
www.galaxyicc.com.
Media OutReach
Vietnam Maritime Corporation’s growth (VIMC) set to navigate in the new era

30 years of establishment and with a second-class labor medal
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 May 2025 – Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) solemnly celebrates its 30th anniversary and receives the Second-Class Labor Medal, marking three decades of establishment, development and significant contributions to Việt Nam’s maritime industry. The event will be honoured by the presence of leaders from the Viet Nam’s Party and Government, the Ministry of Finance, strategic partners and customers, along with the entire workforce of VIMC.
Three decades of establishment and development
Vietnam Maritime Corporation (formerly known as Vinalines) was established on April 29, 1995, through the restructuring of several shipping, port operations and maritime service enterprises.
Initially, Vinalines had a modest charter capital of less than VND 1,500 billion, managing a fleet of 49 vessels with an average age of 21.5 years and a combined tonnage of 400,000 DWT. At that time, the corporation lacked dedicated port infrastructure, possessing only 6,900 metres of berth.
Throughout its history, VIMC has undergone multiple phases of growth. At its peak, the corporation managed a fleet of 159 vessels, with a total capacity of nearly 3.5 million DWT, accounting for 45% of the national total tonnage. However, the global financial crisis of 2008 posed severe challenges, pushing VIMC to the brink of bankruptcy.
During this turbulent period, with the strategic direction and support from the Government and relevant ministries, VIMC successfully navigated the crisis. Inspired by the resilience and determination of seafarers, VIMC implemented transformative solutions that have been rigorously pursued over the past decade.
Undergoing a comprehensive restructuring, VIMC streamlined its operations to focus on three core business pillars: port operation, shipping and maritime services. It also decisively divested from loss-making entities and adopted modern governance and business models. New management tools and customer-centric strategies were integrated across all operations, ensuring greater efficiency and effectiveness.
With these breakthrough strategies, VIMC has achieved remarkable recovery and development. From an equity deficit of (USD 180 million) VND 4,600 billion, the corporation has now grown to (USD 900 million) VND17,000 billion in equity capital. Today, VIMC has transformed into a publicly listed enterprise with a market capitalization exceeding (USD 4 billion) VND 100,000 billion. The corporation operates more than 16 key seaports, handling nearly 30 per cent of Việt Nam’s total cargo throughput, while continuously expanding and modernising its shipping fleet.
VIMC is spearheading investments in major deep-sea ports, including Cai Mep – Thi Vai, Lach Huyen and Can Gio International Hub Port — a strategically significant project aimed at enhancing Vietnam’s maritime position on the global stage. Over three decades, VIMC’s relentless innovation has enabled its recovery, but also unlocked new pathways for sustainable growth, setting the stage for a future of groundbreaking advancements.
30th Anniversary Ceremony
The 30th anniversary and the awarding of the Second-Class Labor Medal to VIMC will take place on May 10, 2025, at the National Convention Center. The event will be attended by senior leaders from the Viet Nam’s Party and Government, representatives from ministries, international organisations, business partners and the entire VIMC workforce.
During the ceremony, Le Anh Son, Chairman of the VIMC’s Board of Directors, will emphasise: “The Second-Class Labor Medal, awarded by the President, is a tremendous honour and encouragement for all VIMC employees. Our 30-year journey is not only one of growth but also of challenges and innovation. VIMC is committed to expanding its operations, enhancing competitiveness and making significant contributions to Việt Nam’s economy.”
Sustainable Development Strategy
In the years to come, VIMC aims to optimise port operations, expand logistics services, and modernise its fleet with environmentally friendly vessels. The corporation is actively collaborating with leading global shipping companies to strengthen Việt Nam’s maritime connectivity. VIMC is developing an integrated logistics system that connects inland container depots (ICDs) and inland logistics centers to deep-water ports via rail and inland waterway transportation. This approach aims to reduce environmental emissions, ease the burden on the road transport network, contributing to Vietnam’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
VIMC is also prioritising digital transformation, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and big data into port operations and maritime logistics. These advancements will optimise costs, improve efficiency and minimise environmental impact and driving sustainable growth.
VIMC is also prioritising digital transformation, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and big data into port operations and maritime logistics. These advancements will optimise costs, improve efficiency and minimise environmental impact and driving sustainable growth.
Navigating into a new era
As a leading enterprise in Việt Nam’s maritime sector, VIMC remains committed to fostering economic growth, facilitating international trade and enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s port system. The corporation’s future vision includes maintaining sustainable growth while adopting global standards for green shipping and smart logistics.
The 30th anniversary marks a significant milestone in VIMC’s journey. With a solid foundation and a clear strategic vision, the corporation continues to assert its leadership in the maritime sector, striving for sustainable development and deeper global integration. With clear strategic direction and bold ambitions, VIMC is steadily advancing towards its goal of becoming a leading maritime corporation in the region.
Hashtag: #VIMC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About VIMC
Established in 1995 under the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 250 / TTg with the mission of being the core and key enterprise of Vietnam’s maritime industry. Over 29 years of establishment and development, VIMC is one of leading businesses in opening up cooperation, international integration, providing maritime services on a global scale, making an important contribution to the development of Vietnam’s marine economy. VIMC changed to operate as a joint stock company from August 18, 2020.
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