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DITP Showcases Thai Culinary Excellence with “Thai SELECT Royal Gala Night”

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 May 2025 – Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi graciously presided over the “Thai SELECT Royal Gala Night.” The prestigious event, designed to spotlight Thai cuisine and the trusted Thai SELECT label on the global stage, celebrated the distinctive allure and tastes of Thai food, an integral part of the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. Held under the theme “THE FIVE SPIRITS OF THAI TASTE,” the gala provided an unparalleled culinary journey. The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Ministry of Commerce, organized the event on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok.

Her Royal Highness delivered the opening remarks, warmly welcoming the distinguished guests. The gala dinner featured an exquisite five-course meal, each course representing one of “THE FIVE SPIRITS OF THAI TASTE,” masterfully interpreted by acclaimed chefs associated with the Thai SELECT initiative:

  • (1) The Awakening Spirit (sour) presented by BLUE ELEPHANT
  • (2) The Grounded Spirit (salty) presented by Amdang Typhoon Group
  • (3) The Fiery Spirit (spicy) presented by Royal Osha
  • (4) The Soulful Spirit (creamy) presented by R-HAAN
  • (5) The Nostalgic Spirit (sweet) presented by The Artisans Ayutthaya

Adding to the evening’s significance was the participation of Ethan Bernath, a globally recognized American chef, writer, and content creator known for shaping global culinary narratives. He engaged in a compelling dialogue with Thailand’s leading chefs, exploring the authentic essence of Thai flavors.

Thai SELECT is a prestigious certification awarded by the Ministry of Commerce to outstanding Thai restaurants, both within Thailand and internationally, as well as to high-quality ready-to-eat Thai food products. This mark of excellence signifies adherence to authentic flavors and traditional cooking techniques, fostering a worldwide appreciation for genuine Thai cuisine. As a vital component of Thailand’s soft power, Thai food acts as a cultural envoy while driving business and economic prosperity.

Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Minister of Commerce, stated, “…Today, Thai SELECT has emerged as a trusted global symbol and a vital instrument in advancing Thailand’s soft power. Recently, the Ministry of Commerce has refreshed the image and upgraded the criteria for awarding the Thai SELECT label to four levels marked with a star symbol, comparable to Michelin stars, to better reflect international standards, authentic Thai flavors, and the rich cultural experience. This ensures that both domestic and international consumers can easily recognize and appreciate Thai cuisine, fostering its lasting acceptance on the global stage…”

Reflecting on the gala, Chef Ethan Bernath remarked, “Tonight’s event beautifully captured the essence of Thai cuisine, not only in taste but also in culture. Every element brings out the depth of wisdom and passion from its creators. I’m glad that we now have the Thai SELECT symbol, which assures consumers and guarantees that Thai restaurants and food products around the world uphold high standards while preserving the authentic flavors of Thailand..”

The Ministry of Commerce remains committed to elevating the global standing of the Thai SELECT program, including the introduction of the “Orchid Star of Honor” emblem, a mark of the highest refinement in Thai culinary arts. Restaurants are now categorized under four tiers: Thai SELECT 3 Stars, Thai SELECT 2 Stars, Thai SELECT 1 Star, and Thai SELECT Casual. Currently, there are over 18,800 Thai restaurants globally, with more than 1,800 holding the Thai SELECT certification. Furthermore, over 900 ready-to-eat Thai food products from more than 100 companies bear the Thai SELECT label. These accomplishments underscore the potent role of Thai cuisine in showcasing Thailand and its vibrant culture to the world.

Hashtag: #DITP #ThaiSELECT

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New Documentary A MONA LISA OBSESSION from Discovery to debut December 14 in Southeast Asia

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 December 2025 – A brand-new documentary A Mona Lisa Obsession explores various perspectives of the Mona Lisa, an iconic masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, set to air in Southeast Asia on the Discovery Channel on Thursday, December 11 2025 at 7:10 PM and on Discovery Asia on Sunday, December 14 at 9:00 PM.

A Mona Lisa Obsession touches on the origins of the Mona Lisa, from the Italian Renaissance, and the painting’s passage through France with King Francis l and Napoleon Bonaparte, to the Louvre – the documentary also zooms in on a rare private art collection in Taiwan which includes a likeness of the painting of Mona Lisa, a work of art that some consider to be a youthful depiction reminiscent of Mona Lisa.

Owned by Frank Huang, an art collector and Taiwanese technology leader from Taiwan, this depiction of the Mona Lisa from his private collection adds a unique perspective to the ongoing conversation surrounding one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most iconic works.

The Mona Lisa has long captivated the world with her enigmatic smile and mysterious gaze – over centuries, many artistic interpretations inspired by the Mona Lisa have emerged, with scholars discovering more hidden details and subtle symbols, fueling the fascination of the original painting.

Catch A Mona Lisa Obsession in Southeast Asia on the Discovery Channel, Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM SGT and on Discovery Asia on Sunday, December 14 at 9:00 PM SGT.

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Note to editors:

  • Watch highlights here
  • Download stills here

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About Discovery Channel

Across every platform, Discovery Channel is dedicated to connecting audiences who have a passion for adventure and crave a connection to the world around them. Popular series including Deadliest Catch, Expedition Unknown and Gold Rush, along with Shark Week, the annual tentpole programming event, serve as trusted portals that transport viewers directly into thrilling, real, high stakes moments. Through smart, authentic characters whose stories inform and inspire, Discovery celebrates the men and women who will stop at nothing to explore new spaces and achieve their dreams. For more information, please visit

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Financial Stress Keeps Singapore Awake, while Overall Well-Being in APAC Lags Behind Global Peers

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Promotion of exercise culture and therapy may boost physical and mental health

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 December 2025 – Despite mounting stress due to sustained concerns with the cost of living, vitality and overall well-being levels in Singapore remain consistent with last year. However, stress has a demonstrable effect on respondents’ mental and physical well-being, signaling the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare that encompasses both aspects.

The Singapore report of the Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2025, released today encompasses more than 11,000 respondents across 13 markets, including 1,000 in Singapore and 4,000 across the Asia-Pacific region. The study reveals that physical, mental and financial well-being are the three aspects prioritized by Singapore residents. However, financial well-being is ranked the lowest with almost four in 10 (39%) rating their financial health as “fair” or “poor”.

Raymond Ng, CEO & Country Manager, Cigna Healthcare Singapore & Australia said: “Health and vitality are key to building resilient communities. It promises the well-being of our workforce and enables us to grow and prosper as a society. While vitality and well-being levels held firm among Singapore residents, more needs to be done in today’s uncertain environment to tackle stressors that can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being.”

The key indicators of vitality and well-being in Singapore are as follows:

Vitality Score Overall Well-Being

(% rating as “excellent” or “very good”)

Top Three Areas of Well-Being

(% rating as “excellent” or “very good” in 2025)

2025: 61.2

2024: 61.4

2025: 34%

2024: 33%

Family well-being: 44%

Mental well-being: 36%

Physical well-being: 34%


On a regional level, overall well-being in Asia Pacific lags behind the global average, with less than three in 10 (28%) Asia-Pacific respondents rating their overall well-being as “excellent” or “very good”, compared to four in 10 (41%) globally. While physical and mental well-being are the two most important aspects of well-being for respondents globally, financial well-being is more important for those in Asia Pacific, coming in as the third most important aspect. With financial well-being remaining the weakest aspect across the globe, there is a pressing need for governments and organizations to render support to address financial concerns.

Robert Peat, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, Cigna Healthcare said: “Asia Pacific continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the world. To sustain this momentum, communities and employers need to recognize that healthy people are the foundation of a healthy economy and implement measures to close the gaps in their well-being.”

Sleepless in Singapore: Financial stress as the sleep killer

While mental well-being in Singapore remains stable with more than a third of respondents rating it as “excellent” or “very good” this year, eight in 10 (79%) respondents are stressed. Their greatest stressors are the current cost of living (53%); uncertainty about the future (47%); and personal finance (43%).

Stress affects more than mental and emotional health and can have huge implications on physical well-being. Our study reveals that disrupted sleep is the most common effect of stress among respondents in the nation, with close to half (48%) of respondents who are stressed reporting this effect, compared to 38% regionally.

Therapy remains underused by Singapore respondents. Despite nearly half (49%) of respondents reporting being negatively impacted by poor mental health, nearly nine in 10 (89%) say they did not receive counselling or therapy in the past 12 months, with 77% believing they do not need it. Given the impacts of stress and poor mental health on physical and overall well-being, more efforts are needed to raise awareness about the benefits of therapy and destigmatize seeking help.

Exercise culture runs strong in Singapore

More than a quarter (26%) of respondents in Singapore rate their exercise habits as “excellent” or “very good”.

When asked how they manage their weight, two-thirds (66%) said they exercise regularly, higher than the Asia-Pacific average of 61%; with only 4% of Singapore respondents turning to medication for weight management. The findings underscore a relatively strong exercise culture and the prioritization of healthy habits among those living in the nation. Communities and organizations may leverage the growing fitness trend to enhance physical well-being.

Cautious optimism around AI in healthcare

Close to half (47%) of Singapore respondents are positive about the impact of AI on healthcare, with 45% expecting it will reduce wait times within three years. This could have an outsized impact in Singapore, as respondents here are 29% more likely to have delayed or avoided getting care due to concern with wait times than their regional counterparts.

Additionally, almost half of Singapore respondents (48%) mention a reduction in human interaction as an expected change with the advent of AI. The challenge ahead is striking the right balance between efficiency and empathy.

The full findings of the report are available here.
Hashtag: #CignaHealthcare #CignaHealthcareInternationalHealthStudy #Health #Wellness #Wellbeing




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Cigna Healthcare Singapore

Cigna Healthcare is a division of The Cigna Group, a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the health and vitality of every individual and every community. Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the healthcare system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality.

Cigna Healthcare Singapore is a strong believer of total health and wellness and prides itself on delivering personalized solutions for the health of our clients and customers. To achieve this, Cigna Healthcare Singapore works as one global team and in close partnership with its customers, network providers and communities to understand and address their diverse needs. Learn more at

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SWISS REJU wins “JESSICA Best AI Body Slimming Award” with INDIBA

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 December 2025 – SWISS REJU has earned “Best AI Slimming Treatment Award” at the prestigious JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards, honouring exceptional mastery of artificial intelligence in the beauty industry. SWISS REJU also announces the official launch of INDIBA, an FDA and CE approved technology that helps to burn visceral fat and contour the body, creating an even stronger technical offering for its signature, multi-award winning program “SWISS REJU K-Lipolysis”.

SWISS REJU won the “Best AI Slimming Treatment Award” at the prestigious JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards

The JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards celebrate excellence across luxury beauty, healthcare and wellness. It is one of the most recognized beauty industry awards in Hong Kong. The organizer, JESSICA, is a major lifestyle and media company. For over 25 years, JESSICA has been reporting on fashion, lifestyle and business, as one of the most trustworthy and influential media sources in Hong Kong.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to win this new, Best AI Slimming Award with JESSICA,” said the spokesperson for SWISS REJU. “Our goal was to provide our guests with top medical aesthetic technologies. Platforms like BTL EXION and INDIBA, are exactly the type of top medical technologies which SWISS REJU is heavily investing in. The breathtaking results powered by AI, reflect the endless possibilities new technologies can bring to the beauty and slimming field”

The JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards is extremely selective and has a rigorous nominations and editorial selection process. Only brands that have been proven to provide genuine service and excellent results are eligible to compete. Amongst the Winners this year, are Australian organic brand “CANVAS” and Japanese household name “Panasonic VITALIFT” beauty appliances.

SWISS REJU, with its heavy investment in new and prestigious technologies such as INDIBA (recently approved in Europe under the Medical Device Regulation), offers a seamless blend of traditional wellness and innovation, allowing guests to experience what many considered to be one of the most effective slimming treatments in Hong Kong. INDIBA with its trademark Proionic 448khz technology, is loved by the Top 1% most influential users in the world, amongst them European royalties, celebrity footballers and international singers.

The recognition of this major annual Award, reaffirms SWISS REJU’s commitment to exceptional technology. It is the 12th annual award won by the brand, representing a new record.

SWISS REJU and integrative power of cutting edge technologies

SWISS REJU’s trademarked “K-Lipolysis” body contouring program offers winning technologies including INDIBA, BTL EXION, Winback, ATP LIPO X, amongst others. It is the unique contouring solution beauty lovers are craving for.
Hashtag: #SWISSREJU #熱光溶脂

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