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Football legend Gianfranco Zola to headline The Famous CFC Bangkok, as Ascott presents Chelsea’s global fan experience for the second time this season
The upcoming Famous CFC in Bangkok will feature Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, a beloved figure among fans for his exceptional contributions to the club from 1996 to 2003. A two-time Chelsea Player of the Year, Zola’s impact on the Blues was immeasurable, with supporters voting him the club’s greatest-ever player in 2003. Throughout his illustrious career, Zola helped Chelsea secure numerous major titles, including the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Super Cup, two FA Cups, the League Cup and the Community Shield. Zola’s visit to Bangkok is eagerly awaited, with the event marking Chelsea’s much anticipated return to the city for the first time since 2017.
Zola’s star power was on full display during the Singapore edition of The Famous CFC on 30 November and 1 December 2024, where he received an overwhelmingly warm reception from fans, many of whom travelled from across the region to meet him. While Zola’s footballing legacy was widely celebrated, it was his approachable nature that truly captured the hearts of supporters. His first visit to Singapore deepened the admiration and respect fans already had for him, and now Zola is set to bring that same warmth and rapport to Bangkok’s passionate Chelsea fanbase this April.

The Famous CFC is an international fan engagement programme designed by Chelsea to strengthen its bond with supporters worldwide while fostering collaboration with international partners and brands. Launched in 2023, the event has already made its mark in cities like Mumbai, Los Angeles, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, bringing together fans and creating unforgettable moments that showcase the togetherness and spirit of Chelsea. The Bangkok edition will feature an exciting lineup of activities, including a watch party for Chelsea’s match against Everton on 26 April and an exclusive meet-and-greet with Zola.

Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “Following the resounding success of The Famous CFC in Singapore, we are thrilled to bring this extraordinary fan engagement experience to Bangkok, Thailand. Headlined once again by Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, this latest edition of The Famous CFC reaffirms Ascott’s commitment to engaging Chelsea’s global fanbase and elevating our hospitality experiences to deliver heartfelt moments that extend far beyond the pitch. Much more than just a gathering, Ascott Star Rewards members will have the exclusive chance to meet Gianfranco Zola in person, hear firsthand stories from his illustrious career, and immerse themselves in the legacy of Chelsea Football Club with behind-the-scenes insights. The Famous CFC Bangkok will offer an exclusive layer of engagement, including priority access, VIP hospitality experiences and curated stays at Ascott properties in Bangkok, ensuring that every moment – from check-in to the final whistle – is infused with meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that go beyond booking a stay.”
“Since becoming Chelsea’s Official Global Hotels Partner, Ascott has been bringing global fans closer to the club they love while redefining hospitality with our exclusive Ascott Star Rewards offerings, such as match-and-stay experience packages that include football clinics with Chelsea soccer school coaches at Cobham Training Ground and VIP access to Ascott’s private hospitality suite at Stamford Bridge. Our loyalty members are also eagerly anticipating the rebranding of the two stadium hotels – currently operating as Stamford Bridge Hotel London – to Ascott’s lyf brand by the second half of this year. lyf’s experience-led social-living concept aligns seamlessly with Chelsea’s spirit and the vibrant atmosphere of Stamford Bridge, promising an exciting new chapter for both our guests and Chelsea fans,” added Tan.
Casper Stylsvig, Chelsea’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “We are excited to return to Bangkok as part of The Famous CFC global series, offering a unique opportunity for the club to engage with its passionate fanbase around the world. This marks our first visit to Bangkok since 2017, and we are delighted to partner once again with Ascott to bring our global vision to life in innovative ways following the successful trip to Singapore last November. We look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for our supporters and Ascott Star Rewards members alike.”
Gianfranco Zola said: “I’m thrilled to be part of The Famous CFC again this year and to return to Southeast Asia for the second time with the programme. After my memorable visit to Singapore, I’m looking forward to spending more time with our incredible fanbase in the region and discovering the beauty of Bangkok. It’s always special to connect with fans in such spirited communities.”
Win An Evening with Gianfranco Zola in Bangkok, exclusively for Ascott Star Rewards members
In anticipation of The Famous CFC in Bangkok, Ascott is pleased to launch an exclusive campaign for ASR members. Participants who book and stay with Ascott will have the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime fan experience with Zola, including passes to the Ascott x Chelsea pre-match party, featuring a special appearance by Zola. For more information on the campaign and prizes, visit https://www.discoverasr.com/en/ascott-chelseafc.
The Famous CFC Experience Packages
Ascott has also launched two exclusive experience packages for The Famous CFC in Bangkok, available only to ASR members. Both packages come with ASR points, which can be redeemed for stays at Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok, Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok or any other participating ASR property. The ‘Intimate Fan Experience with Gianfranco Zola’ for two includes access to the Ascott x Chelsea pre-match party, featuring a special appearance by Zola, and a limited edition Ascott x Chelsea co-branded merchandise pack. The higher-tier ‘Ultimate Weekend with Gianfranco Zola’ for two includes all the same benefits, plus an exclusive VIP meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Zola.
For ticketing details and the latest updates on The Famous CFC in Bangkok, please visit https://www.discoverasr.com/en/ascott-chelseafc.
About Ascott Star Rewards (ASR)
Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) offers members a range of exclusive privileges designed to elevate every aspect of their travel experience. From priority welcome services and access to airport lounges, to enhanced stay benefits such as car rental privileges, bonus ASR points, airline miles and travel vouchers, ASR ensures a seamless, start-to-finish experience. Beyond exceptional stays, ASR members also enjoy access to Ascott Privilege Signatures, which unlocks invitations to prestigious global events, including Premier League football matches, renowned tennis tournaments, and elite gastronomy and lifestyle experiences. To become an ASR member, sign up today at https://www.discoverasr.com/en/sign-up.
Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #AscottStarRewards #DiscoverASR #StayRewarded
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About The Ascott Limited
Since pioneering Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with about 980 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott’s presence extends across about 230 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.
Ascott’s diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, coliving properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include
Ascott,
Citadines,
lyf,
Oakwood,
Somerset,
The Crest Collection,
The Unlimited Collection,
Fox,
Harris,
POP!,
Preference,
Quest,
Vertu and
Yello. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott’s loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.
A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit
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About CapitaLand Investment Limited
Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021,
CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 December 2024, CLI had S$136 billion of assets under management, as well as S$117 billion of funds under management held via stakes in seven listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres, private credit and special opportunities.
CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm. In 2025, CapitaLand Group celebrates 25 years of excellence in real estate and continues to innovate and shape the industry.
As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
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Apical Strengthens Women’s Health to Support Stunting Prevention in Cilincing, North Jakarta
The initiative was launched on 15 December 2025 at the RW 03, RW 09 and RW 10 community offices within the Cilincing public housing complex. Targeting women of reproductive age, the programme was designed as a preventive effort to raise awareness and improve access to essential health services, particularly reproductive health, as a foundation for healthy families and future generations.
Apical’s CSR Manager, Sugiantoro, said the collaboration reflects the company’s long-term, preventive approach to public health. “We believe that healthy women are the pillars of strong families and a key force in shaping healthy communities. Through PT AAJ’s involvement, we aim to create tangible impact by prioritising early prevention, rather than focusing solely on treatment,” he said.
A key focus of the initiative was the early detection of cervical cancer, a serious but largely preventable disease when identified through routine screening and timely intervention. Services provided included IVA screening (visual inspection with acetic acid) and HPV (human papillomavirus) testing.
Dr Kezia Ivana from the Cilincing Community Health Centre explained that IVA and HPV screenings are effective methods for detecting cervical cancer at an early stage.
“Early detection allows us to identify the virus that causes cervical cancer sooner, significantly reducing the risk of disease progression. When detected early, the chances of recovery are very high. However, if left undetected, cervical cancer can lead to severe pain, abnormal bleeding, kidney and urinary tract disorders, swelling of the legs, and fertility problems that may prevent women from having children,” she said.
Apical’s participation in this initiative aligns with the company’s 5Cs philosophy that whatever it does must be good for the Community, Country, Climate and Customer, and only then will it be good for the Company, which underpins its commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. Through partnerships with local stakeholders, Apical, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, continues to support government efforts to address stunting while contributing to improved social and women’s health outcomes, particularly in communities surrounding its operational areas.
Hashtag: #RGE #Apical #CSR #Stunting #Indonesia #Women #Health #Communities
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Apical
Apical is a leading vegetable oil processor with an expanding global footprint. Our vertically integrated mid-stream refining and value-added downstream processing makes us an integral supplier that supports the needs of various industries namely food, feed, oleochemicals and renewable fuel, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which enables a great reduction of CO2 emissions.
With integrated assets in strategic locations spanning Indonesia, China and Spain, Apical operates numerous refineries, oleochemical plants, renewable fuel plants and kernel crushing plants. Through joint ventures and strategic partnerships, Apical also has processing and distribution operations in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Middle East, Africa, USA and Vietnam.
Apical’s growth is built on the foundations of sustainability and transparency, and motivated by our strong belief that we can contribute to a circular economy for a more meaningful impact, even as we continue to grow our business and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.
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Vingroup Signs Strategic Cooperation with The Government of Uzbekistan, Opening Large-Scale Investment Opportunities in Central Asia
Under the MOU, the two parties agreed to jointly study and develop strategic cooperation opportunities in areas such as urban development, sustainable transportation, tourism and leisure infrastructure, as well as other investment projects aligned with Uzbekistan’s development orientation, affirming the scale and capabilities of Vietnamese enterprises on the global economic map.
Specifically, in the area of urban development, Uzbekistan is ready to allocate approximately 1,000 hectares of land in a prime location of the capital Tashkent for Vingroup to study, propose, and invest in the development of a large-scale, integrated urban complex. The project would include residential areas, living infrastructure, commercial and cultural facilities, and public infrastructure facilities. The development is envisioned to form a “Vietnam Town”, creating a modern and sustainable urban landmark while enhancing cultural exchange and economic cooperation between the two countries.
In the field of sustainable transportation, Vingroup has proposed studying the deployment of electric taxi and urban mobility services using VinFast electric vehicles in Uzbekistan, together with a charging infrastructure system and support services. The project is expected to contribute to the green transition, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of urban transportation services in major Uzbek cities.
In tourism and leisure infrastructure, the two sides will explore the potential development of integrated tourism and recreational center, including entertainment facilities, hotels, golf courses and related tourism infrastructure, aiming to unlock tourism potential and enhance Uzbekistan’s attractiveness to international visitors.
In addition, this strategic cooperation also establishes a framework for the two parties to identify, assess, and select other potential investment projects that align with the development strategies and long-term priorities of each side.
On the Uzbek government’s side, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade committed to supporting Vingroup by providing information on the investment environment, legal framework, and incentive policies, as well as coordinating with relevant authorities and local governments in project preparation, including land allocation, licensing, and access to investment support mechanisms in accordance with legislation.
On Vingroup’s side, the Group will propose conceptual proposals, technical expertise and investment plans, participate in feasibility studies and project structuring, and mobilize member companies within the Vingroup ecosystem to implement suitable projects in Uzbekistan.
Mr. Kasimov Ilzat Ablaxatovich, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, stated: “We welcome Vingroup’s interest and commitment to cooperation in Uzbekistan. With its experience in urban development, sustainable transportation, and infrastructure projects, Vingroup is considered a strategic partner to jointly explore and implement investment initiatives aligned with Uzbekistan’s socio-economic development priorities in the coming period.”
Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, shared: “Uzbekistan is a market with strong potential, supported by a clear development direction and an improving investment environment. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, Vingroup aims to gradually explore suitable cooperation opportunities and work alongside the Government of Uzbekistan in developing urban areas, sustainable transportation, and sectors that bring positive contributions to local communities.”
Uzbekistan holds a strategic position in Central Asia, with a growing economy and strong potential in urban development, infrastructure, tourism, and services. The Government of Uzbekistan is actively promoting reforms and attracting foreign investment to drive sustainable economic growth and international integration.
Vingroup is Vietnam’s leading private multi-sector corporation, operating across six core pillars: Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture, and Social Enterprises, with the vision “To create a better life for people”. With its proven reputation, scale and capabilities, Vingroup is steadily expanding globally, contributing to elevate the global standing of Vietnamese enterprises.
Hashtag: #Vingroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Vietnam Is Shining, and Can Gio Is the Hidden Jewel Awaiting Its Moment
A year later, the landscape has morphed into something far more complex, rippling with tariff shocks, persistent inflation, rising bond yields, and growth downgrades across traditional economic powerhouses. The world feels as if it is moving through a narrow channel, buffeted by waves from every direction. And yet, amid all the noise, Asia has not only held its ground but stepped forward with a clarity and confidence that few regions can match.
Why Asia Now: A New Era of Resilience, Growth, and Opportunity
The forces shaping Asia’s rise have been gathering momentum for decades. What we are witnessing now is their convergence. Asia is not simply adapting to global volatility, it is redefining the foundations of resilience and growth. Its economies are becoming wealthier, stronger, and more self-reliant, and its real estate markets are revealing layers of opportunity that long-term investors have waited years to see.
The near-term picture, though challenged, underscores this resilience. Tariffs have uneven effects, and countries with strong domestic engines such as Australia are absorbing shocks with surprising ease.
But it is the longer horizon that illuminates Asia’s true arc. The region’s working-age population and middle class have expanded at a breathtaking pace, setting the stage for decades of consumption-led dynamism. Education levels are rising, service sectors are flourishing, and manufacturing capabilities are climbing the value chain.
Meanwhile, intra-Asia trade has quietly become the backbone of global commerce, with Asia-to-Asia routes now forming the largest share of world trade. As the region turns inward, not in isolation, but in self-reinforcing collaboration, Asia ex-China is projected to contribute more to global growth than the United States and Europe combined.
Real estate, often seen as a mirror for economic sentiment, is telling a similar story. Transaction volumes across Asia have been less volatile than those in Western markets, and pricing has remained more stable, offering a predictable return profile. Supply constraints, elevated construction costs, and a decade-low pricing position relative to long-term trends are creating what can only be described as an extraordinary entry window.
Why Capital is Flowing into Vietnam
If Asia’s trajectory could be captured in a single idea, it would be the beginning of a Value Uprising, a structural rise in long-term asset worth, powered by demographics, policy, and economic integration, rather than speculation.
From this continental narrative emerges Vietnam, a nation whose ascent is increasingly impossible to ignore. Over the past decade, Vietnam has transformed from a rising star into a gravitational force for global investors. Supply chain diversification has accelerated its role as a manufacturing and logistics nexus. Even with global tariffs shifting, Vietnam’s logistics sector continues to expand in sophistication, efficiency, and international relevance. Its demographic profile, marked by a median age years younger than China, offers a demographic dividend that many Asian economies have already spent. And as Southeast Asia’s digital backbone grows, Vietnam is stepping into the spotlight as one of the region’s next major data-center markets, a signifier of future industrial depth.
Ho Chi Minh City, in particular, has entered a new chapter. Its standing among Asia-Pacific cities for investment and development has climbed steadily, reflecting not only macroeconomic resilience but the confidence of global capital. It has become a symbolic frontier, an emerging metropolis where the contours of modern Asia are being redrawn.
At the heart of Vietnam’s momentum lies another extraordinary phenomenon: The consistent and rising flow of remittances. Vietnam ranks among the world’s top recipients, and Ho Chi Minh City alone welcomed over USD 9.46 billion in 2023, USD 9.6 billion in 2024, and more than USD 5.3 billion in the second quarter of 2025.
A remarkable portion of these funds, around one-fifth, finds its way into real estate. But this is not passive investment. It is a gesture of return, of building a future homeland, of preparing for business, family, and retirement. It is long-term capital with long-term intent.
Vinhomes Green Paradise: A Hidden Gem Poised to Shine in Vietnam’s Real Estate Market
Regulatory reform is reinforcing this trust. The revised Land Law and Real Estate Business Law offer stronger protections and broader rights for Vietnamese citizens, including those living abroad. In a period where global currencies fluctuate and deposit rates decline, investors are increasingly confronting a hard truth: Holding cash is, in many cases, a slow erosion of value. As economist Can Van Luc notes, the VND has lost 3.4 percent of its value in two years, even as the USD depreciated. Real estate, therefore, is not merely an alternative, it has become one of the few asset classes capable of preserving and multiplying value in real terms.
Against this backdrop, regions entering new cycles of infrastructure development are drawing accelerated capital inflows. And among them, one name rises above all others: Can Gio.
For decades, Can Gio stood quietly at the edge of Ho Chi Minh City, an ecological jewel, admired but distant. Today, it has become the most powerful symbol of Vietnam’s coastal urban future. Massive infrastructure investment is reshaping its accessibility, and yet its real estate prices remain a fraction of central districts. Compared to Phu My Hung, Can Gio’s price base is nearly half; compared to Districts 1 and 3, just one-fifth. The gap is not a discount, it is untapped potential waiting to be realized.
The emergence of Vinhomes Green Paradise has pushed this transformation into global consciousness. As the first official participant in the New7Wonders “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign, the project is channeling the same catalytic energy once witnessed in iconic developments. Internationally, such recognitions do not merely elevate prestige, they accelerate valuation cycles, attract global capital, and redefine a city’s future skyline.
With its one-of-a-kind geographic formation and proximity to Can Gio’s million-year-old biosphere reserve, Vinhomes Green Paradise stands as a once-in-a-century asset. It embodies scarcity in its purest form, an asset class that cannot be replicated, reshaped, or reborn elsewhere.
And that is where the narrative converges. Asia’s rise, Vietnam’s momentum, Ho Chi Minh City’s evolution, and Can Gio’s emergence are not isolated stories. Together, they form a new investment epoch characterized by structural uplift, demographic acceleration, and a rapidly expanding middle class. It is the era of the Value Uprising, a phase in which the forces of economics, policy, population, and global capital align to propel real estate into a new price horizon.
In moments like this, markets rarely wait. History shows that investors who move early define the benchmark for everyone who follows. The question is no longer whether Asia will rise, or whether Vietnam will lead, or whether Can Gio will transform. The question, now, is whether investors will seize a moment that may not return for another generation.
Sources:
https://www.hines.com/asia-real-estate-opportunity-in-the-midst-of-uncertainty
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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