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Expo 2025 Osaka draws to a close today: Koelnmesse welcomed three million visitors to the award-winning German Pavilion

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  • German Pavilion “Wa! Germany” closes after 184 days with over three million visitors
  • Koelnmesse, as the organisation responsible for operations, reports resounding success

COLOGNE, GERMANY and OSAKA, JAPAN – Newsaktuell – 13 October 2025 – After 184 days, the German Pavilion “Wa! Germany” at Expo 2025 in the Japanese city of Osaka has closed its doors. More than three million people from around the world visited the pavilion during this time, and it has now been recognised with two awards from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) – the Sustainability Award and the Silver Award for Theme Development. Koelnmesse GmbH, commissioned by the Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) to organise and operate the German Pavilion, reports a resounding success.

View of the German Pavilion at Expo Osaka, with the iconic ring structure in the background. Photo credit: Jakob Studnar/Koelnmesse

“The German Pavilion has demonstrated impressively how large-scale international projects made in Germany can captivate audiences worldwide,” said Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH. “The BIE’s awards are a special acknowledgement of the concept, the outstanding teamwork of all those involved – and clear proof that Koelnmesse continues to set benchmarks in international competition.”

Koelnmesse CEO Gerald Böse at the German Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. For more than three decades, Koelnmesse has organized and operated German Pavilions at World Expos held under the auspices of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs.
Koelnmesse CEO Gerald Böse at the German Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. For more than three decades, Koelnmesse has organized and operated German Pavilions at World Expos held under the auspices of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs.

A flagship project for circular innovation

Under the theme “Shaping a Circular World Together”, the German Pavilion combined architecture, technology and emotion into an immersive experience. Visitors were able to explore how circular economy approaches, urban agriculture, hydrogen technologies and sustainable design can pave the way towards a sustainable future.

“Our aim was to present Germany as a land of innovation and as a driving force for a circular future,” explained Commissioner General Patrick Specht of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. “That we were able to inspire more than three million visitors with our pavilion, and were additionally honoured with the Sustainability Award as well as the Silver Award for Theme Development, is a tremendous achievement. It shows how strongly our concept resonated with people.”

Both the concept and its implementation captivated audiences: in visitor surveys, more than 90 per cent of guests said their expectations had been exceeded. Many described the German contribution as one of the best at the Expo. Particularly popular was the pavilion mascot Circular, which Expo visitors voted as the most beloved mascot of the entire Expo.

Great recognition for the German Pavilion

Shortly before the Expo concluded, the German Pavilion team welcomed its three-millionth visitor. At the same time, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) also honoured the German Pavilion with two awards: the Silver Award for Theme Development, which recognises pavilions that convey the Expo’s guiding theme in a particularly convincing, creative and coherent way, and the Sustainability Award, presented to the German Pavilion for its exemplary integration of sustainability both conceptually and in practice. This distinction places the project among Germany’s most successful Expo presentations to date.

“This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when creativity, engineering excellence and project management work hand in hand,” said Böse. “Expo 2025 showcased Germany as an open, innovative and sustainable partner within the global community – and we as Koelnmesse are proud to have played our part.”

An international collaborative effort

Commissioned by the BMWE, Koelnmesse once again delivered the German Pavilion – as it had done for several previous World Expos, most recently for Dubai 2020, Shanghai 2010 and Aichi 2005.The concept, planning and realisation this year were managed by the German Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka Consortium, consisting of facts and fiction (concept and media design) and GL events Live (construction and implementation), with support from their Japanese subsidiary. Architectural design was provided by LAVA Architects (Berlin). The Culture Connect programme was curated by VOSS+FISCHER and Mike P. Heisel, while catering and retail operations were managed by 78degrees.

Press images of Expo 2025 in Osaka and the German Pavilion are available in our image database: Expo 2025 Photos | Koelnmesse

Video impressions of Expo 2025 in Osaka and the German Pavilion are available on our YouTube channel: Video Expo 2025 | Koelnmesse

Hashtag: #Expo2025Osaka #Koelnmesse

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

About Koelnmesse:

Koelnmesse employs around 1,200 people. As a city trade fair in the heart of Europe, it occupies the third largest trade fair grounds in Germany and, with almost 400,000 m² of hall and outdoor space, is among the top ten largest trade fair grounds in the world. Each year, Koelnmesse organises and manages around 80 trade fairs, guest events and corporate events in Cologne and in the most important markets all over the world. Its portfolio reaches over 49,000 exhibiting companies from 129 countries and around 2,5 million visitors from more than 220 nations. Until 2040, Koelnmesse is investing more than 1 billion euro in the development of the trade fair grounds with the most extensive investment program in its history, to allow it to cover all event formats in the future. Koelnmesse has celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024 – 100 years in which Koelnmesse has brought people and markets together worldwide.

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Hong Kong Company Formations Surge 40.5% in 2025, Outpacing Regional Competitors

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Air Corporate data reveals 9 in 10 founders incorporated in Hong Kong do so remotely, driven by a 20% surge in Middle Eastern entrepreneurs seeking cost-effective operational alternatives to Dubai.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – Air Corporate registered a 40.5% increase in Hong Kong incorporations in 2025, with the first quarter of 2026 already up 48% year-over-year. This data indicates that Hong Kong is reasserting itself as the leading Asian jurisdiction for company formation, fueled by a new wave of remote founders from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.

The prevailing narrative over the past five years suggested that Singapore was eclipsing Hong Kong; however, recent incorporation volumes challenge this. According to city-wide official figures cited by Vivian, Founder of Air Corporate, approximately 195,000 companies were registered in Hong Kong in 2025, compared to around 77,000 in Singapore.

“There was a lot of fuss about Singapore taking over Hong Kong as preferred jurisdiction over the last few years, but for 2025 alone, around 195,000 companies were formed in HK, vs around 77,000 for Singapore,” said Vivian. While city-wide registrations rose roughly 35% in 2025, incorporations at Air Corporate specifically grew by 40.5%. Vivian added, “With a 35% increase in the number of companies registered in 2025, Hong Kong is definitely back in the game as the top jurisdiction to start a company.”

The reality of Hong Kong company formation is increasingly global, lean, and founder-led. Nine in ten founders incorporated in Hong Kong with Air Corporate do not live there.

Key demographic and operational insights from Air Corporate’s client base include:

  • Approximately 90% of founders operate remotely from abroad, while 10% or less are based in Hong Kong.
  • Entrepreneurs aged 35 to 44 represent the largest age cohort at 38%, demonstrating that Hong Kong attracts founders in their prime career years rather than just younger digital nomads.
  • Serial entrepreneurs make up 60% of Air Corporate’s client mix, utilizing Hong Kong as an operational base for multiple companies, while first-time founders account for the remaining 40%.
  • A total of 89% of new companies are launched by solo founders (58%) or small teams of two to five individuals (31%).
  • Mainland China, Hong Kong, Turkey, India, the UAE, Australia, France, and Morocco rank among the top source markets for these founders.

Furthermore, 73% of new Hong Kong incorporations are directly tied to physical goods trade with China. This consists of e-commerce and dropshipping businesses (38%) and the trading of goods (35%). The recovery of in-person trade flows, including events, such as the Canton Fair and various industrial fairs, is pulling foreign founders back into the Greater China orbit and establishing Hong Kong as the natural entry point and financial layer over the world’s largest manufacturing base.

Air Corporate’s data recorded a 20% year-over-year growth in founders originating from the Middle East. This shift highlights a reverse migration where founders previously incorporated in Dubai are now choosing Hong Kong. Based on Vivian’s observations, founders often arrive in Dubai expecting fast incorporation and low costs, but discover that incorporation and maintenance are significantly more expensive than in Hong Kong, and banking remains difficult. Consequently, many founders move to Hong Kong after 12 to 24 months in the UAE, a trend accelerated by the Hong Kong government’s strategic outreach to the region.

For lean, remote-first businesses, speed-to-market is a critical factor. A founder located anywhere in the world can incorporate in Hong Kong and open a working bank account in approximately 7 days using digital banking partners. Currently, 90% of Air Corporate’s clients utilize these digital banking partners.

“Hong Kong and Singapore are the only places in Asia where you can set up your company, get a corporate account, and be in business in less than a week,” concluded Vivian.

Air Corporate is a service provider facilitating company formation and incorporation in Hong Kong for serial entrepreneurs, first-time founders, and remote-first business owners operating globally.

Media Inquiries
To learn more about Hong Kong company formation, visit Air Corporate’s website or contact their team directly.

Hashtag: #AirCorporate

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

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Natural Diamonds Sparkle on The Red Carpet at The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art”

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Today’s biggest stars express individuality and confidence with natural diamonds

NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – The 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” took place May 4th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, bringing together leading figures from across the globe for an unforgettable evening. These tastemakers showcased the most classic, refined and distinctive diamond jewelry looks of the season. Below, A Diamond is Forever highlights the standout trends from the event.

Desert diamonds

Desert diamonds emerged as a striking throughline on the Met Gala carpet, with a range of hues in distinctive settings taking focus.

Rihanna led the trend in a pair of exceptionally rare old Moghul Golconda fancy brown-yellow diamond earrings by Glenn Spiro, featuring two pear-shaped natural diamonds totaling 51.9 carats. Doja Cat offset her all nude look with a pair of large Leviev Diamonds floral-shaped earrings while Paloma Elsesser made a statement in a 29.5-carat diamond necklace by Bernard James, centered around a 15-carat fancy light yellow pear-shaped natural diamond. Cara Delevingne wore a De Beers London Forces of Nature High Jewelry ring, featuring marquise yellow diamonds set as eyes, while Emma Chamberlain opted for yellow and white diamond earrings by Chopard, underscoring the continued allure of warm diamond hues.

Magnificent Diamond Earrings

A wide variety of captivating silhouettes defined the natural diamond earrings on the Met Gala carpet. Zoë Kravitz delivered a modern twist with oversized diamond flower earrings by Jessica McCormack. Chase Sui Wonders opted for Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. Sea Fan earrings, bringing an element of sculptural artistry to the look. Gracie Abrams selected gently dangling Chanel earrings, adding understated fluidity, while Connor Storrie selected simple hoop earrings from Tiffany & Co., reinforcing the clean and enduring appeal of natural diamonds.

Standout Diamond Moments

Natural diamonds appeared in personal, unconventional and eye-catching ways, offering moments of surprise and awe. Power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z embodied this trend with Beyoncé wearing Chopard’s Queen of Kalahari necklace, named after the rare 342-carat diamond that provided 23 stones for Chopard’s Garden of Kalahari collection. Jay-Z contributed to the narrative with a vintage diamond brooch by Briony Raymond worn at the collar as an unexpected placement that underscored the piece’s versatility. Isha Ambani made the styling of diamonds an art form in itself, wearing her own diamond jewelry featuring approximately 150 carats of old mine-cut diamonds, including a three-strand necklace and chandelier earrings, while also incorporating diamonds sewn directly into the bodice of her sari to represent significant moments in her life.

Together, these looks highlighted a shift toward natural diamonds as vessels of personal expression, styled with intention, individuality, and a sense of the unexpected.

Hashtag: #MetGala #RedCarpet #ADiamondisForever #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds





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Turn Your Savings into a Front-Row Experience: HL Bank Singapore Offers Exclusive Passes to AsiaTop Music Festival 2026

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The premier music festival will play host to 16 K-pop, regional and Malaysian stars including, in performance order: Day 1 – NexT1DE, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Win Metawin, NMIXX, WINNER, DAESUNG, KUN. Day 2 – Uriah See, Firdhaus, Butterbear, 82MAJOR, STAYC, CRAVITY, TWS, CxM

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2026 – Your next major K-pop experience is just a savings goal away as HL Bank Singapore (“HLB Singapore”) bridges the gap between financial wellness and the front row. In an exclusive collaboration designed for the ultimate music enthusiast, the bank is offering fans the chance to secure a pair of sought-after AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 tickets, valued at up to RM1,098 (approx. S$355), simply by growing their wealth.

HL Bank Singapore is giving music fans the chance to redeem exclusive passes to the AsiaTop Music Festival 2026, featuring top Asian acts, through its iSavings Reward Campaign.

This unique initiative stems from the regional synergy between Hong Leong Bank (“HLB”) and Tencent Music Entertainment Group (JOOX and QQ Music). By aligning with Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026, HLB is transforming the traditional banking experience into a gateway for premium entertainment. Scheduled for 30 and 31 May 2026 at the iconic Sepang International Circuit, the festival promises a high-octane weekend featuring an elite lineup of Asian superstars, including the largest K-pop showcase in the ASEAN region.

Securing a spot at the heart of the action has been streamlined through the iSavings Reward Campaign, running from 9 May 2026 to 18 May 2026. To participate, fans first decide on their preferred festival experience, selecting either a pair of Standard Passes with a S$5,000 deposit or the high-energy, nearer-to-the-stars Rockzone Passes with a S$8,282 deposit for their chosen day.

Once a tier is selected, customers can register by depositing the qualifying funds into an iSavings account via FAST or Links transfer. To validate their entry, customers must include the specific Comment Code, such as PALLIR1 for Day 1 Rockzone, within the funds transfer description. The qualifying balance must be maintained within the account for a six-month (182 days) earmarked period.

With only 88 pairs of tickets available for this exclusive campaign, the stakes are high. Allocation is limited to 22 pairs per day for each ticket category and will be awarded strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to ensure their savings work as hard as they do while securing a premier seat at the musical event of the year.

For full terms & conditions, and further details, please visit: www.hlbank.com.sg/AsiaTop2026

Hashtag: #HLBankSingapore

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

HL Bank Singapore

HL Bank Singapore is the Singapore branch of Hong Leong Bank Berhad, a leading digital-centric Malaysia-based financial services institution with a rooted heritage in the country spanning over 120 years. Operating under a Full Bank Licence in Singapore, HL Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services to our business, retail and high networth customers through our 4 core business segments – Business & Corporate Banking, Personal Financial Services, Private Wealth Management and Global Markets.

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