Xanh SM, Indonesia’s first 100% electric ride-hailing service, has arrived in Jakarta, revolutionizing urban mobility with a sustainable transportation solution and setting a new standard for 5-star service.

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 December 2024 – Jakarta, a sprawling metropolis known for its relentless traffic and highly-polluted air, now bears witness to a quiet revolution. Amid the city’s ceaseless motion, a fleet of bright cyan taxis has begun to glide silently through its streets. Xanh SM has arrived—not just as a means of transportation, but as a promise of a cleaner, greener, and more refined urban future.

This is more than a debut. For a city ranked among the most polluted in the world, it’s a glimpse of what sustainable living could feel like.

A Breath of Fresh Air in a Smoggy City

For those navigating Jakarta’s bustling streets, the hum of exhaust and the acrid stench of emissions are all too familiar. Official data reveals that transportation accounts for 44% of the city’s air pollution—a public health crisis that hangs heavy in the air.

Enter Xanh SM, a fleet of fully electric vehicles that emit zero pollution. Quiet, odorless, and refreshing, they stand in stark contrast to the usual cacophony of noise and fumes from gasoline-powered taxis. Imagine stepping into a taxi free from the odors and rumble of combustion engines. The air inside is pristine, the cabin tranquil, and the ride remarkably smooth. Whether you’re heading to work or unwinding after a long day, Xanh SM offers a new kind of comfort—a commute that’s both calming and efficient.

But beyond comfort, Xanh SM represents a broader ambition: contributing to Indonesia’s sustainability goals. By choosing Xanh SM, riders don’t just reach their destinations—they actively support a cleaner Jakarta. It’s a small act with profound implications, helping reshape a city long known for its gray haze.

5-Star Service: The Heart of Xanh SM

Xanh SM’s appeal isn’t just environmental; it’s about redefining commutes with 5-star service.

Gone are the days of rattling rides and less-than-stellar interiors. Every Xanh SM car is brand new, meticulously maintained, and designed for passenger comfort. The whisper-quiet hum of the electric motor creates a tranquil atmosphere, turning even the most chaotic commute into a peaceful journey.

The drivers are no ordinary chauffeurs. With its stringent driver training program, Xanh SM implements a thorough recruitment and training process, ensuring professionalism and 5-star service at every level. Supported by a 360-degree monitoring system, they prioritize safety and courtesy. Whether it’s a late-night ride or a morning rush-hour dash, passengers can trust Xanh SM to keep them secure.

One of Jakarta’s perennial challenges is ride availability during peak hours. Too often, commuters are left stranded, watching their plans unravel as they struggle to book a ride. Xanh SM promises to change that. Its operational efficiency, aided by an exemption from Jakarta’s odd-even traffic rule, ensures minimal waiting times—even during gridlock. Riders can trust that their Xanh SM taxi will arrive promptly, keeping their day on track.

Even booking reflects Xanh SM’s customer-first approach. The Xanh SM app makes securing a ride effortless, allowing passengers to track their journey in real time. Additionally, customers can directly hail a vibrant cyan taxi on the road if its green light is on, or simply call the hotline at 14068 for quick assistance. Either way, Xanh SM adapts to your schedule, not the other way around.

A Ride to Remember

Xanh SM is not simply a transport service; it’s about offering a better way to move—one that’s eco-friendly, luxurious, reliable, and accessible.

For commuters, this means a better experience from start to finish. No more squeezing into uncomfortable, noisy vehicles. No more uncertain waits or disappointing cancellations. Instead, you get a polished, customer-first approach: safe drivers, impeccable service, and the quiet luxury of electric travel. And with every ride, passengers contribute to a cleaner, quieter, and healthier Jakarta, replacing noise and pollution with peace and progress.

So, whether you’re commuting to work, exploring Jakarta’s vibrant streets, taking a safe ride with your family, or taking a break from the city’s relentless pace, Xanh SM is ready to take you there. Step inside and experience the future of urban mobility—green, seamless, and undeniably luxurious.

To experience Xanh SM’s electric taxi service, Jakarta residents can download the Xanh SM app, call the hotline 14068, or simply hail a taxi with a green-lit sign.

As part of its grand launch, Xanh SM is offering exciting promotions: two free rides per day from 12th to 17th December 2024, exclusively via the Xanh SM app.
Hashtag: #XanhSM

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PHU QUOC, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 December 2024 – Boasting a comprehensive tourism ecosystem, Phu Quoc has been chosen by the prestigious Rixos brand to debut its concept of ‘luxury all-inclusive’ resorts in Southeast Asia. This milestone positions Pearl Island as a promising destination to attract high end visitors.

Visitors can find everything in Phu Quoc

Sun Group signed an agreement with Accor & Ennismore, a leading global hospitality management group, to bring the world-renowned luxury all-inclusive brand Rixos to Hon Thom island, Phu Quoc on December 5. It’s the Rixos’ first Southeast Asian destination.

Rixos introduces a revolutionary standard and concept in global hospitality – the ‘all-inclusive’ model. The brand’s resorts offer guests access to every personalised amenity, from accommodation to recreation, entertainment and relaxation. All are tailored to the highest standards of luxury. With a one-time package price, it is also known as a ‘worry-free vacation.’

Upon its launch, Rixos Phu Quoc is set to offer a comprehensive range of services. These include accommodation, diverse dining experiences across nearly 20 restaurants and bars and exclusive amenities such as a family-friendly beach area, multiple playgrounds, the Rixy Kids Club, swimming pools, outdoor recreational areas, fitness centres and spas.

Guests can also fully explore the Sun Paradise Land ecosystem in Phu Quoc, including visiting Sunset Town and Kiss Bridge, riding the world’s longest three-rope cable car, experiencing the thrills of Aquatopia Water Park at Sun World Hon Thom and taking time to catch world-class art performances.

Explaining why Phu Quoc was chosen as Rixos’ first Southeast Asian destination, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Ennismore, Gaurav Bhushan, said, “Rixos is synonymous with luxury, offering guests an unforgettable experience with its exceptional design and programming. The exclusive island of Phu Quoc is the perfect location to bring the Rixos all-inclusive experience to Asia for the first time, with its breath-taking landscape, sandy beaches and clear blue waters. As the only all-inclusive resort on the island, Rixos Phu Quoc will set a new standard inspired by local culture and Turkish influences, establishing itself as the ultimate luxury leisure escape.”

At the signing ceremony, many representatives of leading tourism brands also agree that Phu Quoc is an ideal destination to realise the potential of the ‘all-inclusive’ concept fully: “Depending on their preferences, visitors can find everything they desire in Phu Quoc.”.

CEO of KKday, Weichun Liu, a leading global online travel platform, highlighted: “Phu Quoc accommodates the luxury travel segment, family travel segment, as well as the millennial and Gen Z travel segment. I believe this is a destination you can revisit annually, with each visit offering fresh and unique experiences.”

From ‘all-inclusive’ destination to ‘ultra-luxury’ island

Unlike the image of Phu Quoc in the early 2010s, when experiences were limited to swimming and enjoying seafood, Pearl Island has undergone a rapid transformation to take the lead and cater to all the new resort tourism trends. With the ‘all-inclusive’ concept, Phu Quoc is poised to attract high-spending and long-staying visitors.

The arrival of the Rixos brand is predicted to help the island open new flight routes, particularly from Gulf countries and Turkey, the brand’s birthplace and also the key markets home to world-class airlines and bustling international hubs like Dubai and Qatar.

Moreover, the ‘all-inclusive’ concept is expected to extend visitors’ stays on the island by offering a variety of attractions and activities to explore. This approach simplifies the booking process, as everything is included in a package. This convenience appeals particularly to business visitors with tight schedules who find it challenging to plan detailed itineraries.

Sun Group has also recently introduced some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands to Phu Quoc, including JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, La Festa Phu Quoc – Curio Collection by Hilton, The Luxury Collection and Ritz Carlton Reserve. On December 10, Sun Group hosted the breaking ground on the Aspira Tower in Hon Thom island with a total investment of US$512 million (VND13 trillion). It is expected to become ‘the world’s second sail tower in Southeast Asia.’ – a tourist “magnet” like the Burj al-Arab did for Dubai.

“Brands like Rixos and Crystal Bay, along with other international corporations arriving in the future, will redefine Phu Quoc’s image and strengthen its marketing appeal. I believe that within the next five years, the island will become a premier destination, gaining widespread fame and attracting numerous tourists,” Mehmet Kin, Vice President of Crystal Bay Group, said.
Hashtag: #SunGroup

https://sungroup.com.vn/en

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 December 2024 – Celebrating its 10th year, Chiang Mai Design Week 2024 (CMDW2024), organized by Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, has become a key platform for local creators, designers, artists, and craftsmen. It serves as a hub for talent showcases, knowledge exchange, and innovation, fostering meaningful collaborations among entrepreneurs, designers, and investors. These partnerships create new commercial opportunities while driving sustainable economic growth through the strategic use of local resources.

Far from being a static event, Chiang Mai Design Week (CMDW) has continuously evolved, fostering diverse dynamics that have propelled Chiang Mai toward becoming a global City Branding icon as a hub of creativity. Recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), Chiang Mai has also emerged as a center for design in Southeast Asia. The festival reflects the transformative power of design in driving societal, cultural, and economic development while promoting environmental sustainability. It has also inspired a significant homecoming movement, encouraging local talents to return and contribute to their hometown’s development. Over the past decade, Chiang Mai Design Week has undergone remarkable changes, creating a lasting impact across various dimensions:

1. From Local Festival to International Stage

Launched in 2014 through collaboration between the Thailand Creative and Design Center, or TCDC and local organizations, Chiang Mai Design Week began as a showcase for the city’s unique blend of traditional art and modern creativity. By 2015-2016, it introduced the creative market, workshops, and seminars, creating tangible networks and market opportunities.

From 2017 to 2019, the festival gained national and international recognition, featuring exhibitions by renowned designers and innovative integrations of technology with traditional craftsmanship. These efforts catered to global markets while preserving local cultural identity.

During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), the festival adapted its format to emphasize sustainability and environmentally conscious design. Initiatives like the HomeComing Creator project encouraged local talents to return and contribute to their communities. Exhibits such as “En.Light.En” brought together artists with connections to Chiang Mai and northern Thailand, fostering collaborations that revitalized local areas like Chang Moi and the Lanna Folklife Museum.

The festival also embraced music and performing arts, as seen in the International Street Music and Performing Arts Festival, which transformed local spaces into vibrant cultural hubs. Other initiatives included the Thai Local Coffee Festival, promoting sustainability in the coffee industry, and LABBfest, a live music event blending art and international cultural exchange.

Since 2022, the festival has aligned its activities with Chiang Mai’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, forging partnerships with global creators and organizations. Notable initiatives include projects like “SANDBOX” from Moscow, which used film and animation as a developmental tool for children. The festival also featured lectures and workshops, alongside innovative events such as “MOSCOW EXPERTISE: VR/AR,” festivals and concerts in the Metaverse during and post-pandemic, presented by Russian VR artists, directors, producers, and festival curators. These initiatives underscore the festival’s role as a platform for cross-cultural exchange and innovation.

2. A Catalyst for Social, Economic, and Environmental Impact

Ms. Imhathai Kunjina, Director of the Creative Economy Agency (Chiang Mai Office), highlighted the significant positive impacts that Chiang Mai Design Week has generated across social, economic, and environmental dimensions.

“Over the past decade, Chiang Mai Design Week has driven meaningful change, raising awareness within local communities about the value of creativity and design in enhancing cultural assets. The festival has also established Chiang Mai as a destination for global travelers, showcasing vibrant creative spaces that go beyond traditional attractions. Today, Chiang Mai Design Week serves as the ‘mothership’ for annual creative events, inspiring other festivals to align their schedules, ensuring that the city becomes a hub of creative energy and diverse events during the same period. This synergy not only amplifies the city’s creative atmosphere but also offers tourists a truly unique and immersive experience.”

Economic Contributions: The festival’s economic impact has been profound, attracting increasing numbers of visitors from countries such as Taiwan, Japan, China, Singapore, Europe, and America. Over nine years, Chiang Mai Design Week has welcomed more than 1,022,869 attendees and generated over 5.36 billion THB in economic value for Northern Thailand (2018–2023). Additionally, it has revitalized historic buildings by drawing investors to renovate and repurpose them, transforming these spaces into thriving creative hubs and contributing to sustainable urban development.

Interdisciplinary Art Integration: The festival has fostered collaboration across disciplines, such as matching craft designers with emerging chefs to create unique and value-added products. Initiatives like the 2020 Homecoming Creator project have brought talented individuals back to their hometowns, reconnecting them with local communities. Moreover, events like the Chiang Mai Street Jazz Festival, featuring world-class jazz artist Igor Butman, have elevated the city’s reputation as a vibrant jazz hub. These achievements reflect the festival’s holistic approach to creative growth.

Environmental Sustainability: Chiang Mai Design Week has consistently prioritized sustainability, setting an example for eco-conscious practices. As Ms. Imhathai noted:

“The festival emphasizes ‘leading by example’ over ‘mandating actions.’ From the beginning, we encouraged creatives and architects to design reusable exhibition pavilions. In our 10th year, all pavilions are repurposed from the first festival. Informational signs are reused annually, and this year, over 95% of sign materials were replaced with recyclable options like corrugated cardboard instead of foam board, ensuring post-festival recyclability.”

Efforts to minimize environmental impact extend to reducing printed materials, utilizing solar-powered LED screens, and promoting green transportation. Since 2020, printed materials have been reduced by 30%—from 30,000 brochures and 150 booklets to 20,000 brochures in 2024—using eco-friendly paper. The festival also features electric tram shuttles and walkable event spaces, with bicycle services provided by Anywheel Co., encouraging sustainable mobility.

For vendors, we’ve organized training sessions on eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices, encouraging responsibility and adaptability for future sustainable business operations.”

Chiang Mai Design Week 2024, “SCALING LOCAL – Transforming Local to Global through Creativity, Technology, and Sustainability”

This year, Chiang Mai Design Week 2024 is set to take place under the theme “SCALING LOCAL: Creativity, Technology, and Sustainability – For Reviving Recovery.” The festival aims to elevate cultural assets and community resources to achieve global recognition while maintaining a focus on resilient community spaces that have thrived despite the challenges of COVID-19.

“Chiang Mai’s creative industries have grown significantly, showcasing the potential of local assets and talents nurtured over the years. To scale local creativity to the international stage, it is essential to integrate Creativity, Technology, And Sustainability—the three pillars that set the standard for festivals locally and globally. This year, we’re excited to welcome creators from neighboring northern provinces like Phrae, Nan, Lampang, and Sukhothai, demonstrating the festival’s decade-long influence in attracting regional creative talent,” explained Ms. Imhathai.

Chiang Mai Design Week 2024 will feature 6 activity categories with over 150 programs. Key highlights include:

• Lanna Gastronomy Tourism Economy Exhibition: A sustainable culinary tourism showcase exploring Lanna cuisine while creating income opportunities for local communities.
• Ready Set Old Exhibition: Reimagining Chiang Mai becoming the world’s 7th “Blue Zone” city for healthy aging, following in the footsteps of Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), Loma Linda (USA), and Singapore.
• Super Slow Exhibition: Immerse yourself in the beauty of slowness through innovative art that promotes sustainable and mindful living in a fast-paced world.
• Floral Wonders Exhibition: Showcase the potential of the local floral industry by merging creativity with technology, driving economic growth and job creation.
• LABB.Fest 2024: Enjoy live music performances blending Thai and international artists. This platform facilitates creative exchanges between artists, music entrepreneurs, and promoters from Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.

The Next Chapter for “Chiang Mai Design Week”: Towards Sustainable Global Recognition
The future vision for Chiang Mai Design Week is to elevate its global prominence by fostering collaboration among designers, artists, entrepreneurs, and local and international networks. The festival aims to maintain high standards while adapting to urban trends and contexts to craft remarkable experiences for attendees and tourists. At the same time, it seeks to sustain interest among investors and sponsors for continued support.

“Chiang Mai Design Week is evolving towards a new standard that prioritizes not just aesthetics but the integration of creativity and environmental responsibility. This approach sets a benchmark for other creative festivals in Thailand, as seen in Chiang Rai and Phitsanulok, which have leveraged knowledge gained from the festival with support from CEA Chiang Mai. Looking ahead, the festival will shift its focus from audience quantity to quality, targeting visitors who actively engage and carry forward ideas inspired by the event,” explained Ms. Imhathai.

The ultimate goal is to establish Chiang Mai Design Week as a globally renowned festival that grows alongside the city’s holistic development. As a member of the World Design Week network, the festival reflects a decade of progress and potential. To secure a lasting global presence, the festival must uphold international standards, strengthen networks, and expand global outreach. Achieving this vision would position Chiang Mai Design Week as a cultural hallmark, akin to Milan Design Week, capable of attracting 100% investor interest.

Experience the transformative power of design at Chiang Mai Design Week 2024 (CMDW2024) under the theme “SCALING LOCAL” from December 7-15, 2024, across Chiang Mai’s old city areas, including the Three Kings Monument, Chang Moi, TCDC Chiang Mai, Thapae, and nearby districts like Hang Dong and San Kamphaeng.

Stay updated with the latest news and activities at: Website: www.chiangmaidesignweek.com Facebook: Chiang Mai Design Week, Instagram: ChiangMaiDesignWeek

Hashtag: #chiangmaidesignweek #CMDW2024 #scalinglocal

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About Chiang Mai Design Week

Chiang Mai Design Week is an annual design festival hosted in Chiang Mai by the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), celebrating its 10th year (2015–2024). The festival serves as a dynamic platform for exchanging perspectives, experiences, and knowledge in design and creativity. It also fosters engagement through design, offering meaningful experiences to children, youth, communities, tourists, and enthusiasts alike. The festival features diverse activities, including exhibitions, talks, workshops, arts programs, and live performances, aimed at enhancing quality of life while infusing Chiang Mai with a vibrant, creative atmosphere. Events span iconic areas like Klang Wiang, rich in culture and local traditions, and Chang Moi–Tha Phae, home to TCDC Chiang Mai, a modern hub of design knowledge. In addition to these key districts, Chiang Mai Design Week also hosts programs in other significant areas throughout the city, offering visitors a fresh perspective on Chiang Mai and the chance to experience its unique creative spirit up close.

About Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization)

The Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA was established on August 14, 2018, as an organization under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office to promote and develop the potential of the creative economy as a driving force towards a balanced and sustainable economy in the long term. One of CEA’s key missions is to establish creative economy districts by promoting and developing areas that foster a creative environment and encourage the growth of new businesses as well as aims to strengthen connections with surrounding communities. Additionally, CEA is responsible for promoting the growth of the creative industries by developing capabilities and linking networks, utilizing creativity as a tool to enhance businesses and improve the quality of life for the Thai people.