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Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) Creative Tourism Project “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” officially starts

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Exploring the Unique Characteristics of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok and Presenting Hong Kong’s Diverse Tourism Experience

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 December 2024 – “Design District Hong Kong” (#ddHK) creative tourism project, organised by the Tourism Commission of Hong Kong, officially relaunches TODAY (12 December 2024), bringing visitors from around the world to explore the captivating neighbourhoods of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. From 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025, a new #ddHK event curated by Number 2 and themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” integrates creative elements with the local cultural, heritage and natural offerings, promoting cultural tourism, island hopping and eco-tourism in an innovative manner, embarking visitors on an in-depth exploration of Hong Kong in brand new ways.

Creative Units from Overseas, the Mainland and Hong Kong
Creative Works Adorning Historical Monument and the Nature

Continuing its mission to create brand new travel experiences through design and creativity, #ddHK will bring together a lineup of seven creative units from overseas, the Mainland and Hong Kong to enliven public space and innovatively highlight the charms and culture of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok through placemaking. In particular, #ddHK will install creative designs at a declared monument, a country park as well as on the sea, integrating tourism with design, cultural heritages and the natural scenery of Hong Kong. In addition, through crossovers with the cultural and creative hotspots, heritage sites, green destinations and local delicacies, an array of immersive visiting routes and brand new diverse experiences will be introduced to visitors. The collaborating creative units include animation artist Coolman Coffeedan (USA), interactive public art and technology studio ENESS (Australia), multi-disciplinary artist En Iwamura (Japan), floral installation artist Kiki Ji (The Mainland), contemporary artist Louis To Wun (Hong Kong), artist and illustrator Vivian Ho (Hong Kong), and knot designer Zoe Siu (Hong Kong). (Please refer to “Appendix 1: Biographies of Creative Units”)

The seven sets of time-limited creative works crossing over with local attractions of the two neighbourhoods are briefly introduced as follows (For a more detailed introduction, please refer to “Appendix 2: Introduction of Creative Installations”):

Animation artist Coolman Coffeedan (USA)
“Coolman x Tsuen Wan”

Coolman Coffeedan, at Sai Lau Kok Garden which is a focal point of the neighbourhood, re-creates stories about Tsuen Wan in the project “Coolman x Tsuen Wan.” The popular cartoon character, Spesh, leads his friends on their first journey to Tsuen Wan, exploring and experiencing the diversity and vibrancy of the neighbourhood.

Interactive public art and design studio ENESS (Australia)
“Cupid’s Koi Garden”

ENESS brings their “Cupid’s Koi Garden”, the world’s first inflatable fountain with bright patterning, interactive jets of water and a rich soundscape to Tsuen Wan Park. Interactive and immersive, Cupid and his koi squirt jets of water on unsuspecting passers-by whenever they stop to admire his beauty.

Floral installation artist Kiki Ji (The Mainland)
“Flowing Natural”

Inspired by the graceful flow of wind and water, as well as the fluttering of butterflies, the artist creates the “Flowing Natural” using traditional bamboo artistry fused with a modern take. It embodies fluid lines and movements blends itself seamlessly into the Shing Mun Country Park‘s landscape, representing a harmonious fusion of traditional craftsmanship and the beauty of nature.

Knot designer Zoe Siu (Hong Kong)
“Woven Dreams: Prayers of Modernity”

Inspired by the patterns of “caimen” at Sam Tung Uk Museum, a declared monument in Tsuen Wan, the designer combines wish-making tradition with contemporary auspicious themes. Employing the intricate weaving techniques of Hakka floral bands, the designer creates “Woven Dreams: Prayers of Modernity”, adorning this 200-year-old Hakka walled village. The reinterpretation showcases the charm of Hakka culture and intangible cultural heritage in a new light.

Multi-disciplinary artist En Iwamura (Japan)
“Interwoven Horizon”

“Interwoven Horizon” delves into the ties among the sea, mountains, geology, islands as well as the sun and the moon. This creative installation floats leisurely in the sea near Sha Tau Kok Pier, offering a blend of art and nature against the stunning backdrop of the natural landscape. The artist takes inspiration from the nature to outline the landscape and geological features near Sha Tau Kok, bringing out the natural colours.

Contemporary artist Louis To Wun (Hong Kong)
“The Auspicious Dance”

The artist combines traditional sculpting techniques with modern design structures, transforming Sha Tau Kok Square into a stage for dancing fishes. The dance moves and the waves mimicking the fluid and graceful movements of fishes, embodying harmony between humanity and nature. It honours the intricate relationship between the fishermen, their customs, and the sea.

Artist and illustrator Vivian Ho (Hong Kong)
“Stories on Wheels”

Located at the Sha Tau Kok Promenade Sitting-out Area, “Stories on Wheels” is an innovative installation designed to capture and celebrate the vibrant narratives and everyday experiences of the residents of Sha Tau Kok. Utilising train as artistic canvases, the artist aims to showcase the unique cultural history and community life of Sha Tau Kok through vibrant and colourful illustrations with multi-media immersive experience inside the carriage.

Vibrant and Diverse Activities Showcasing the Charm of Local Travel Experiences

In addition to injecting creative elements into the neighbourhoods, #ddHK has collaborated with different teams to curate a series of activities filled with local flavours for participants to further experience Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. In particular, various themed guided tours will be organised to introduce a diversity of in-depth visiting routes to cater for the interests of different participants. These include “Shing Mun Reservoir Healing Tour” for exploring the nature, “Hidden Gem Discovery Tour” at Sha Tau Kok for discovering the islands in the Northeast New Territories, “Tsuen Wan Art and Harbour Cycling Tour” combining sports and culture, and “Tsuen Wan Hidden Gem Cultural Walk” for exploring the fascinating stories and cultural insights behind unique landmarks. #ddHK will also offer eco-friendly creative workshops, authentic cultural handicraft experiences, interactive traditional dance, and more. Market festivals, themed “Into the Landscape: Eco-art Festival” and “Sha Tau Kok Seaside Weekend Market” will be held in Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok respectively, featuring local delicacies, lifestyle essentials, local handmade goods as well as music and local cultural experiences. (For details, please refer to “Appendix 3: Market Festivals”) The first activity “Hidden Gem Discovery Tour – Ap Chau & Kat O” will be held on 14 December. More activities will be offered in the following weeks.

Through cross-sectoral collaboration, #ddHK will launch a number of collaborative activities with multiple parties in Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok, with a view to highlight the existing cultural, creative and tourism atmosphere in the neighbourhoods, thereby introducing a more diverse tourism experience for tourists and locals. Specifically, in order to further develop the elements of Sha Tau Kok tourism and island-hopping tours in Yan Chau Tong, a seaside cultural space entitled “Joyful Reading‧Cultural Discovery @ Sha Tau Kok” will be set up in partnership with the Sha Tau Kok Public Library of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at the Sha Tau Kok Promenade Sitting-out Area, offering titles on local history, travel, art and more; “In-Depth Exploration of Double Haven (Lai Chi Wo, Kat O, Ap Chau)” tours, with Sha Tau Kok as the starting point, will also be organised in partnership with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s Hong Kong Geopark. In addition, “Countryside Harvest Festival: Kuk Po ‘Sound-Sight-Taste Fusion’ Tour,” organised by the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, will also be held concurrently. They all aim to offer a more diverse experience of blue-green tourism for tourists and locals.

The curatorial team has published the details of the event and registration information on #ddHK website https://designdistrict.hk/en/ which will be updated from time to time. Both tourists and locals are welcome to enjoy Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok in brand new ways and experience the charm of Hong Kong’s local culture. (For details, please refer to “Appendix 4: Activities & Experiences”)

Enhanced Transport Services to Sha Tau Kok

To facilitate visitors joining the #ddHK activities at Sha Tau Kok, the Transport Department has strengthened the transport services, including enhancing the services of bus route 78S departing from Sheung Shui MTR Station, as well as increasing the services of minibus route 55S passing through the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point on weekends and public holidays. The #ddHK website’s “Planning Your Visit” page provides a one-stop place to view the transport information, as well as useful information about applying for the Tourism Closed Area Permit.

Besides, to enable visitation by car, a short-term tenancy car park adjacent to the Sha Tau Kok Closed Area will be opened, offering 100 parking spaces for use by the public upon prior reservation. Details will be announced by the concerned operator.

Walking Map to Promote Unique Attractions in the Neighbourhoods

Lastly, #ddHK has specially created the “Walking Map” for this event to introduce the seven creative installations and various distinctive attractions in Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok, including historical landmarks, natural scenic spots and innovation and cultural spots. The map is available in printed and digital versions, making it convenient for visitors to explore Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok and experience their charms in single-day trips. To encourage deeper exploration of the event, an exclusive souvenir redemption activity is set up to reward visitation to #ddHK creative installations and local spending in the two neighbourhoods.

Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) – “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery”

Event Period:
12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025

Stay tuned for further information and event announcements:
Website: https://designdistrict.hk/en/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/designdistricthk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/designdistricthk_ddhk

Hashtag: #ddHK

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK)

Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) is a creative tourism project that celebrates authentic culture and creativity and livens up unique neighbourhoods in Hong Kong through design elements. Launched in 2018, #ddHK has transformed different neighbourhoods into new tourism destinations filled with characteristics, and has become a well-acclaimed creative cultural tourism project. A brand new #ddHK event themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” will be held from 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025, leading visitors from around the world to immerse themselves into two diverse, distinctive and captivating neighbourhoods, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. Creative elements will also be injected to highlight the unique charm of the two places.

About Tsuen Wan

Tsuen Wan is an emerging destination for immersive travel, attributable to its multi-faceted characters evolved in an organic manner. It is where history meets creativity, intangible cultural heritages mixed with chic lifestyle, and vibrant cityscape immersed in natural scenery. Well connected externally by two rail lines and internally by a district-wide footbridge network, a day trip there cannot be easier.

About Sha Tau Kok

Sha Tau Kok is a township in the northeastern-most part of Hong Kong adjacent to the Mainland. It has been a Frontier Closed Area with restricted access for decades, but when it was progressively opened up for tourism in recent years, many visitors have been immediately attracted by the lesser-known history, culture and natural elements there. Apart from its unique attractions, Sha Tau Kok is also the starting point for blue-green eco-tourism in the Northeast New Territories where tourists may easily access to the stunning nearby islands and villages, such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O and Ap Chau in Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, by kaito ferry services, as well as the Robin’s Nest Country Park, Hong Kong’s newest country park.

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Development Bank of the Philippines Celebrates Consecutive and Dual Honors at Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) 2024

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2024 – DBP has once again been recognized as a trailblazer in sustainability with the conferment of two prestigious accolades at the ACES Awards 2024: the Outstanding Leaders in Asia Award and the Green Initiative Award. These honors recognize DBP’s enduring commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible economic growth, and social inclusion—principles that have guided the institution since its founding in 1947.

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) shines at the ACES Awards 2024! Receiving the prestigious Green Initiative Award on Day 1, DBP was represented by Michael de Jesus, President and CEO (right center), and Carolyn Olfindo, SVP/Head of the Branch Banking Sector (left center). The award was presented by Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of the ACES Awards (far left), and Luis Bueno Nieto, Advisor to the ACES Council (far right). Adding to the celebration, Michael de Jesus was honoured on Day 2 with the Outstanding Leaders in Award, in recognition of his exemplary leadership that continues to drive DBP towards sustainable and impactful growth. DBP leading the way in green initiatives and inspiring leadership!

Under the leadership of PCEO Michael O. de Jesus, who brings more than 37 years of domestic and international financial experience, DBP solidified its position as a catalyst for sustainable development. With a strong ethical framework, the bank’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and good governance has been instrumental in driving national progress.

As a flagship environmental undertaking and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the DBP Forest Program was launched in 2005. Over 6.6 million trees have been planted across 48 project sites spanning 6,000 hectares in collaboration with local communities, universities, and non-governmental organizations—achieving 85% of the 2030 target. This initiative enhances biodiversity, improves local livelihoods, and contributes to the Philippines’ climate action goals through carbon sequestration.

As a key player in driving the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy, with target of 35% renewable energy in the power mix by 2030, DBP actively channels resources to climate financing and renewable energy projects. Through its pioneering Solar Merchant Power Plant (SMPP) financing program, the bank supports developers supplying clean electricity to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. Likewise, DBP’s Assistance for Economic and Social Development (ASENSO) for Local Government Units (LGUs) financing program ensures funding for essential infrastructure and socio-economic development projects, including clean energy solutions to uplift living standards nationwide.

DBP’s holistic approach extends beyond financing to education, exemplified by its Resources for Inclusive and Sustainable Education (RISE) CSR program, which provides scholarships to underprivileged students. This emphasis on human capital development underscores the bank’s conviction that education is integral to lasting social and economic progress.

The recent induction of DBP into the Corporate Governance Scorecard Hall of Fame further validates its adherence to high ethical standards, transparency, and good governance. Bolstered by the Senate’s approval of a new charter increasing its authorized capital, DBP stands well-positioned to broaden its development impact, fostering responsible growth, and resilience for future generations.

Hashtag: #ACESAwards2024 #SustainabilityAward #LeadershipAward #Sustainability #leadership #regionalrecognition #DBP #Philippines #leadershipexcellence #outstandingleadersinasia #greeninitiativeaward

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the Development Bank of the Philippines:

DBP is a government financial institution dedicated to fostering national progress through strategic financing and technical support for priority sectors, including infrastructure, the environment, social services, and MSMEs. With a solid foundation and a renewed mandate, DBP is poised to continue its mission of fostering sustainable development and empowering communities across the Philippines.

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Management change at X-CAGO: Ingo Kästner takes over the reins

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BERLIN/ROERMOND, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 19 December 2024 – On 1 January, Ingo Kästner, Managing Director of PMG Presse-Monitor, will also take over the management of X-CAGO. The Dutch company is a leading international specialist for data and content conversion in the international publishing industry. The previous Managing Director and founder, Koos Hussem, will be taking his well-deserved retirement at the turn of the year, but will continue to be available to the company with his expertise.

Ingo Kästner has headed PMG Presse-Monitor since 2019. He played a leading role in initiating the acquisition of X-CAGO in 2021. Since then, he has been responsible for the Dutch company’s business together with Koos Hussem.

Olivera Kipcic, Chairwoman of the PMG shareholders’ meeting and shareholder representative of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, emphasises:

‘Ingo Kästner is an accomplished manager and expert in digital content marketing. In recent years, he has created new opportunities to successfully market high-quality content digitally. Under his leadership, PMG and X-CAGO have become a strong strategic unit. His takeover of the management is the next logical step in continuing this success story.’

Ingo Kästner bids Koos Hussem farewell with the following words: ‘I would like to thank Koos warmly for the trusting collaboration over the last few years. With his commitment and vision, he has made X-CAGO one of the most sought-after providers of content management and data conversion since it was founded in 2000. It is an honour for me to continue on this successful path.

Together with his first-class team, we will continue to expand X-CAGO’s role as a technical pioneer and offer content producers worldwide perfect solutions for successful digital marketing.’

About PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG and X-CAGO B.V.
With the largest daily updated press database in the German-speaking world, PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG is a leading provider of digital media monitoring, press review creation and media analysis.

PMG markets the content and rights of around 900 newspaper and magazine publishers. Of over 4,000 print and online sources, around 3,000 are available digitally in the PMG press database. The company supplies over 5,000 customers from companies, associations, public institutions, media monitoring services and PR agencies from its base in Berlin.

Founded in 2001, PMG is a joint venture of German newspaper and magazine publishers with the shareholders Axel Springer, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Gruner + Jahr, Handelsblatt Media Group, Hubert Burda Media, Spiegel-Verlag, Süddeutsche Zeitung as well as the Bundesverband Digitalpublisher und Zeitungsverleger and the Medienverband der freien Presse.

In 2021, PMG is taking a major step towards becoming a central data hub for content publishers with the acquisition of Dutch data converter X-CAGO B.V. The company is internationally successful in converting and standardising a wide variety of content formats. ArchiveExpress, X-CAGO’s digital archive solution, is used by publishers worldwide as a distribution platform for their content.

Hashtag: #PMG

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Sansiri, Thailand’s Most Trusted Brand, Launches ‘the Society’: A New Social Space In Cherngtalay-Bang Tao, Phuket, Set To Become A Global Brand

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PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 December 2024 – Sansiri Public Company Limited, Thailand’s leading property developer with a 40-year track record, is regarded as Thailand’s most trusted fully integrated real estate developer among Thai and international clients. The company has recently garnered a number of prestigious awards, including the top spot among Thai property developers on the inaugural Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list, two Asia-level awards (Best Ultra Luxury Housing / Landed Development (Asia) for BuGaan Pattanakarn and Best Luxury Housing / Landed Development (Asia) for Narasiri Phaholwatcharapol) and an additional 11 honours at the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards 2024. These include Best Developer in Thailand and Best Developer in Phuket, underscoring its leading position in the real estate sector both in Thailand and across the region.

Mr. Uthai Uthaisangsuk, President of Sansiri Public Company Limited, reaffirmed the launch of The Society, ‘We are proud to have contributed to Phuket’s development for over 13 years, having successfully completed a portfolio of 27 projects on the island, valued at 26 billion baht. These include notable developments such as Baan Mai Khao Phuket, THE BASE Central Phuket, THE DECK Patong, and Saransiri Koh Kaew. Sansiri plans on continuing its success in the region with the launch of more than 27 Phuket projects over the next five years.’

‘This unwavering trust stems from the company’s high-quality project locations in the island’s choicest areas, alongside comprehensive after-sales services, values that have translated into exceptional returns. We value the potential of Thailand’s recovering tourism sector, especially in Phuket, which is gaining global attention as one of the world’s largest vacation real estate destinations, with an increasing number of foreigners choosing to invest in Thai properties as their second homes. Phuket’s unique indigenous identity, including its cuisine, arts, and culture, serves as powerful magnets for both foreign customers and investors. In addition, Thailand’s visa exemption policy has catalysed unprecedented growth in global tourism, resulting in an “Always High Season” phenomenon for Phuket.’

‘Sansiri developed The Society in the prime Bang Tao-Cherngtalay area to establish it as a global brand at the heart of the exciting developments taking place, enabling visitors to explore all that Phuket and the distinctive Sansiri lifestyle have to offer through new perspectives.’ Mr. Uthai emphasised,

Over four decades, Sansiri has successfully curated exceptional collaborations with the world’s most sought-after international design talents; virtuosos whose masterful touch has graced prestigious private estates and ultra-luxury hotels globally. These visionary collaborations have given rise to extraordinary and bespoke design residences under the Sansiri Luxury Collection portfolio. Each project showcases a rare and highly customised living space, spanning both ultra-luxury flagship and luxury developments across landmark projects in Thailand. These include 98 Wireless, super-luxury flagship condominiums commanding Thailand’s most prestigious resale values, inspired by Ralph Lauren Home with interiors meticulously curated by Anne Carson; KHUN by YOO inspired by Starck, a pioneering Design Branded Residence condominium in the Thong Lo district; and an anthology of extraordinary signature residences presenting the aesthetic vision of world-renowned designers at THE MONUMENT Thong Lo, including Gert Voorjans, the Antwerp-based design virtuoso behind the architectural poetry of Dries Van Noten’s flagship boutiques, and Lorenzo Castillo, the mastermind behind LOEWE’s ethereal retail sanctuaries in Spain, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

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Sansiri showcases its design prowess at ‘The Society,’ a new, luxurious yet accessible social hub in Phuket. This first-of-its-kind space by Sansiri is designed to foster community bonding and elevate Phuket as a premiere tourist destination. It offers a continuous lineup of lifestyle activities, featuring contributions from top designers and illustrators to create an immersive experience. Open daily, ‘The Society’ serves as a cultural focal point where both Thai and international visitors can engage with local lifestyle through unique, tailored experiences in food, fashion, arts, and sustainability.

Key attractions include the Day-to-Night Eatery with an authentic Spanish menu at VAMOS Spanish Tapas Bar, and specialty coffees from BEANS Coffee Roaster. The venue also provides a co-sharing workspace ideal for private meetings and podcasting, an art exhibition space, and a vibrant calendar of lifestyle events. Additionally, it houses a sales gallery showcasing Sansiri’s developments like CANVAS Cherngtalay, the first condominium in the Cherngtalay zone, and THE TALES, Sansiri’s first Pool Villa Collection in Phuket with ‘THE TALES STORY ONE – BANGJO’.

The world-class architectural design by Ed Tuttle’s team complements the venue’s welcoming atmosphere, similar to visiting a friend’s home. Iconic furniture pieces like the Cocoon by Louis Vuitton from the exclusive Objets Nomades collection and Amanta armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia from the 1960s enhance the sophisticated setting, making ‘The Society’ a must-visit for those seeking to connect and be inspired. Follow us on IG and Facebook: @thesocietyth, or visit the website www.sansiri.com/thesociety

Hashtag: #sansiri

www.sansiri.com/en

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Sansiri Public Company Limited

Sansiri, Thailand’s most trusted full-service real estate developers with over 40 years track record is expanding vigorously both in Thailand and international markets emphasizing on design and livability. With a workforce of over 4,000 employees, Sansiri has built more than 400 projects with over 5 million sq.m. throughout Thailand, one residential building in London and one luxury hotel, The Manner, in Soho – New York City. The company also has an affiliated company for property management and sales management services, PLUS Property.

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