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New Funding to Accelerate Sandbox VR’s Global Franchise Program Set for Explosive Growth, With 200 Projected Stores in 2027

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2025 – Sandbox VR, the world’s premier destination for premium location-based virtual reality experiences, expects continued robust growth in its global franchise program in the coming years. To accelerate its growth in North America and Europe, the company has recently raised a US$6.8 million convertible note led by funds managed by Gobi Partners, who has supported the company in multiple rounds of financing.

With over 100k players monthly, Sandbox VR is rapidly growing its global footprint with thriving corporate-owned locations and a robust franchising program.

The company topped 1.4 million tickets sold in 2024. An average Sandbox VR location in the US achieved US$1.7 million in annual revenue.

With a predominant presence in the US and Western Europe, Sandbox VR has grown the number of lifetime franchise operators 3x in 2024 alone, from 8 to 25 total operators. With this momentum, the company plans to operate 200 locations before the end of 2027.

Other notable investors in this round include Abacus Ventures Growth Fund, which has invested over US $1 million, and Hyphen Capital.

Robust Expansion Through Franchise Program

With over 100k players monthly, Sandbox VR is rapidly growing its global footprint with thriving corporate-owned locations and a robust franchising program.

Sandbox VR’s franchise program launched in 2019 for international markets and opened up for the US territories since April 2024. Franchising has been instrumental in making Sandbox VR the fastest-growing location-based VR startup globally, and this momentum signals continued rapid growth, the company said. Its first franchise opened in Singapore in 2019.

“We are passionate about creating the future of entertainment and giving people the opportunity to step into a whole new reality. After opening corporate-owned locations and seeing millions of players gear up to enter our immersive virtual reality experiences, work together toward a common goal, and create connections while being active and having fun, we were excited to expand our presence further,” said Steve Zhao, Founder and CEO of Sandbox VR.

“We knew franchising was a key component of scaling and that it was critical that we work with the right partners, operators who share our passion and believe in our vision. Today, we are thrilled to be working with esteemed franchise partners across the globe and look forward to collaborating with additional partners as our franchise program continues to flourish.”

Chibo Tang, Managing Partner at Gobi Partners, expressed confidence in Sandbox VR’s trajectory, “As a serial backer of Sandbox VR, we have witnessed the company’s remarkable evolution from pioneering immersive entertainment to becoming a global leader in location-based virtual reality. Their focus on global expansion, franchise scalability, proprietary VR technology, and innovative IP development sets them apart in the industry. We are proud to lead this latest round of funding and continue supporting Sandbox VR in its mission to redefine entertainment and create unparalleled experiences for players worldwide.”

Franchise Partners Remain Key to Success with Growth Opportunity in Asia

Asia remains a key market for Sandbox VR, with its strong corporate presence in Hong Kong and Singapore, and corporate-owned locations in Hong Kong, Macau and Shanghai.

Apparel Group, a global fashion and lifestyle conglomerate in the Middle East, partnered with Sandbox VR to bring virtual reality innovation to the region. Apparel Group has over 85 brands and over 2,200 stores across 14 countries. This collaboration will begin with 25 locations in the Middle East.

Sandbox VR’s UK and Ireland franchise partners, VR Entertainment Group, is proof of the strength of the Sandbox VR franchise program. They have launched three UK locations, two in London and one in Birmingham, and plan to open additional locations across the UK and Ireland. In London alone, VR Entertainment Group has seen a 16.8% increase in guests year-to-date and projects their 2024 revenue to top $5 million.

Sandbox VR is working with two franchise partners in Germany, NextLevel Erlebnisse GmbH and Royal Casino DGS GmbH. The former signed an agreement to open three locations in 2022. The success of their first locations led NextLevel Erlebnisse GmbH to expand their agreement in 2023 to 12 locations across West Germany by mid-2026. Franchise partner Royal Casino DGS GmbH executed an ambitious 12-unit deal to open locations across Northern and Eastern Germany by the end of 2026 after reading an article about Sandbox VR. Their first two locations, in Hamburg and Berlin, opened in 2024. With six locations currently open and many more to come, Germany is Sandbox VR’s largest international market.

What Sandbox VR is offering

Sandbox VR is creating the world’s most immersive full-body VR platform and experiences using proprietary, patented technology that combines full-body motion capture and high-quality haptics to provide unprecedented realism and complete immersion that’s not possible with home VR or other location-based VR platforms.

As of January 2025, Sandbox VR offers nine exclusive games, including original and branded experiences, such as Squid Game Virtuals, created in collaboration with Netflix. They are all developed by in-house AAA gaming studios in Hong Kong and Vancouver, led by game industry veterans and are specifically designed for groups to play as social experiences. Teams of up to six freely roam and explore virtual worlds together while relying on each other to succeed and to experience being the stars of their own action movie.

The list of Sandbox VR immersive entertainment experiences

Rebel Moon: The Descent

– Images available HERE

The newest Sandbox VR experience and second partnership with Netflix, Rebel Moon: The Descent allows you to enter the thrilling sci-fi franchise that’s taken the world by storm.
Deadwood PHOBIA

– Images available HERE

The latest installment of VR’s most iconic zombie series, Deadwood PHOBIA takes players into a derelict medical facility crawling with unprecedented, mind-bending horrors.
Squid Game Virtuals – Images available HERE Compete against your crew in several pulse-pounding (yet more approachable, but just as thrilling) mini-games inspired by the #1 Netflix series. Play again and again to experience and master all-new games and challenges.
Seekers of the Shard: Dragonfire – Images available HERE Journey through a world of fantasy and explore a ruined fortress, an underground river, a haunted tomb and the dragon’s tower as you become Seekers of the Shard.
Deadwood Valley – Images available HERE Engage in an adrenaline-pumping thrill-ride through a town overrun by zombies. Your squad could stop the zombie menace forever – or die trying!
Deadwood Mansion – Images available HERE Do you have what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? Work with your team to protect Deadwood Mansion from a terrifying horde of undead.
Curse of Davy Jones – Images available HERE Battle on the high seas against a variety of supernatural creatures and hunt for the long-lost treasure of Davy Jones.
Amber Sky 2088 – Images available HERE Become heroic Androids equipped with futuristic weapons and soar through the clouds on a space elevator while defending Earth from an alien invasion.
UFL: Unbound Fighting League – Images available HERE Transform into a futuristic gladiator and compete against your friends in thrilling duels in a breathtaking arena beyond the limits of reality.
To learn more about Sandbox VR franchise opportunities, please visit https://franchise.sandboxvr.com

Hashtag: #SandboxVR


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

Sandbox VR

is the world’s premier destination for premium, location-based virtual reality games. The company has created the world’s most immersive full-body VR platform and boasts exclusive games, including original and branded experiences, such as Squid Game Virtuals, created in collaboration with Netflix. Now operating in 54 locations and attracting over 100k players monthly, Sandbox VR is rapidly growing its global footprint with thriving corporate-owned locations and a robust franchising program.

The company has been recognised as one of Fast Company’s and is the 129th fastest-growing company in America on the . Sandbox VR is headquartered in San Francisco, California with offices in Hong Kong and Vancouver. The company has raised over US$60 million from investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners, and Craft. Individual investors include Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Kevin Durant and Will Smith.

About Gobi Partners

Gobi Partners is an Asia-focused venture capital firm with US$1.6 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM). Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, the firm supports entrepreneurs from the early to growth stages and focuses on emerging and underserved markets.

Founded in 2002, Gobi has raised 21 funds and invested in over 380 startups, with 62 operating in the Circular Economy. Gobi has grown to 15 locations across key markets in Bangkok, Beijing, Dhaka, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manila, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore and Tianjin.

As a Participant in the United Nations Global Compact, Gobi Partners is committed to aligning strategies and operations with universal human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption principles to ensure long-term value creation and sustainability across its portfolio. The firm launched its third Sustainability Report in June 2024.

For more information about Gobi Partners, please visit https://gobi.vc

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Learn Smart Education launch AI System to Enhance Teaching and Learning Efficiency

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Elite, Regular, and Foundation Programs Available – Top Tutors Help Students Reach Their Full Potential

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2025 – The Learn Smart Education (LSE) team, which came together during the pandemic in 2021, started with only a handful of teachers but has persevered through challenges to achieve remarkable success. By 2024, the team has nurtured numerous students who have excelled in the HKDSE, with some achieving top-tier results as second and third place scorers. Recently, LSE announced the launch of its self-developed AI learning system, which adheres to the philosophy of “designing the most effective learning solutions for students.” This innovative system enhances teaching efficiency and accelerates students’ learning progress by leveraging advanced AI technology. It analyzes students’ strengths and weaknesses, providing targeted support for weaker areas, and offers personalized learning plans tailored to each student’s needs.

Elite, Regular, and Foundation Programs Available – Top Tutors Help Students Reach Their Full Potential

LSE is renowned for its highly efficient learning environment, where students can seamlessly engage with teachers in an interactive and enjoyable setting that further inspires their motivation to learn. The team members are all highly experienced educators, and its star tutors in various disciplines are graduates of the world’s top universities. Each tutor specializes in their respective subject and brings over five years of tutoring experience, ensuring a high level of teaching quality.

Students at Learn Smart Education consistently achieve outstanding results in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) each year. Over the years, LSE has cultivated multiple second and third place scorers in the HKDSE, solidifying its reputation for excellence.

1 to 1 Personalized Learning with AI-Powered Analysis

Unlike traditional teaching methods, LSE prioritizes individual students’ needs. Its in-house curriculum development team crafts intensive courses, and the advanced AI system analyzes students’ strengths and weaknesses, providing personalized learning plans with targeted support for areas needing improvement. This approach empowers students to identify their strengths while addressing weaknesses effectively, maximizing learning outcomes. The LSE student app features an enrollment system and practice exercises in both Chinese and English. For example, in Classical Chinese literature practice, teachers input passages and translations, selecting difficulty levels. The AI then generates practice questions and suggested answers. After completion, the system uses big data to analyze student performance, comparing it to peers and providing accurate predictive assessments.

LSE offers a diverse range of secondary school courses, covering Chinese, English, Mathematics, and other subjects for students from Forms 1 to 6. Three learning pathways – advanced, regular, and remedial – ensure students start at an appropriate level, gradually building their foundation and improving their learning effectiveness. All teachers are graduates of top universities with extensive teaching experience, providing high-quality instruction. Unlimited Chinese and English essay feedback and unlimited mathematics practice opportunities are included, promoting holistic development and improved learning outcomes.

Free DSE Strategy Workshops and Mock Exams

LSE regularly hosts free one-day DSE strategy workshops and a pre-exam “Register for One Subject, Practice All Subjects Free” campaign, providing additional practice opportunities for students with limited time or resources. Large-scale mock exams help students identify and address weaknesses, preparing them for the DSE examinations and fostering continuous improvement.

Industry Recognition and Future Plans

LSE has received numerous accolades, including the Most Outstanding Classroom Awards and recognition in the Second Mega Rich Family Good Employer Award Program. LSE continuously refines its teaching system, offering increasingly personalized learning solutions tailored to individual student needs. The institution is dedicated to developing strategies to enhance student motivation, encouraging practical application of classroom learning and continuous self-improvement. With the introduction of AI Systems and a series of effective initiatives, LSE aims to provide a superior learning experience, empowering students to overcome academic challenges and build a brighter future.
Hashtag: #LearnSmartEducation #AILearningSystem #AISystem #SecondaryCareer #EnhancementCourses #DSEexam #examtips #DSEprepare #HKTUTOR #Tuitionteacher #parentrelationship #Concentration #Tutor

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

Learn Smart Education

Currently operating four campuses in North Point, Prince Edward, and Mong Kok, Learn Smart Education boasts top-tier tutors in each subject. These tutors are graduates of prestigious universities, specializing in their respective fields with over five years of tutoring experience, guaranteeing expertise.

Address︰
North Point Java Road:7/F, 108 Java Road, North Point
North Point King’s Road:2/F, 383 King’s Road, North Point
Prince Edward Building:5/F, Central Commercial Tower, 736 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
Mong Kok Building:6/F, Hua Chiao Commercial Centre, 678 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
WhatsApp:852 5950 5987
Tel︰852 3580 8982
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CN Logistics Newly Launched Air-charter Flight Service Empowers China-Italy Airfreight Connectivity

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2025 – CN Express, a subsidiary of CN Logistics International, a listed company and a subsidiary of Cargo Services Group, has launched its first regular air-charter flight service between Ezhou, to the east of Wuhan, and Milan in Italy. The inaugural flight took place in the afternoon of January 19, 2025.

Ezhou is fast becoming an airfreight hub in China, with a huge cargo catchment area from Shanghai in the east, Chengdu in the west, Xian in the north and Changsha in the south of the country.

CN Logistics Newly Launched Air-charter Flight Service Empowers China-Italy Airfreight Connectivity

Italy has been the major airfreight station of CN Logistics International for many years, with a significant import of garments from China to well-known brands in Italy.

CN Logistics Newly Launched Air-charter Flight Service Empowers China-Italy Airfreight Connectivity

Italy and Europe are the key markets for China. An air service to Milan will have a big cargo catchment area in Europe, both for imports and exports, including France, Switzerland and Germany.

CN Logistics Newly Launched Air-charter Flight Service Empowers China-Italy Airfreight Connectivity

This newly-launched air-charter service will have three flights a week to satisfy the needs of the trade between these two regions. It is a strategic partnership between CN Express and Wuhan Financial Holdings and Hubei International Logistics, two major corporations in Hubei, the centre of China, with a business scope spanning from reefer products, high-tech electronics, general merchandise ( both B2B and B2C ), industrial products, minerals and cereals.

CN Logistics Newly Launched Air-charter Flight Service Empowers China-Italy Airfreight Connectivity

It is the vision of the partnership to expand the co-operation to the U.K., the Iberian, the Middle East and Africa in the coming years.

CN Logistics Newly Launched Air-charter Flight Service Empowers China-Italy Airfreight Connectivity

Mr. Lau Shek Yau, Chairman of CN Logistics, said “We are very pleased to have this opportunity to collaborate with Wuhan Financial Holdings and Hubei International Logistics to promote an airfreight service between the centre of China and Italy of the European Union. We appreciate the professionalism of the Ezhou airport which is manifested by the fast turnaround of the inaugural flight of a Boeing 767 which completed loading of 60 M/T ( chargeable weight ) of cargoes, refueling and supplies and Customs clearance within 3 hours. The efficiency of the Ezhou airport and the service will be well-liked by the eCommerce operators of China with substantial B2C business in Western Europe. Similar efficiency was achieved at the destination in Malpensa airport in Milan. With the support of the parent company of Cargo Services Group, DP World, in Europe, we will see the two-way trade between China and Italy to take a big stride forward with this new Ezhou – Milan air-corridor to be operated by CN Express. We will start planning for other air-routes with our partners to turn Ezhou into a major air-hub in the country.

Hashtag: #CNLogistics #Logistics

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

About CN Logistics International Holdings Limited

Established in 1991, CN Logistics is a well-established international logistics solutions provider with core business of providing airfreight forwarding services and distribution and logistics services in relation to fashion products and fine wine, primarily focusing on high-end fashion (including luxury and affordable luxury) products. According to the CIC Report, the Company ranked first in the distribution and logistics market for high-end fashion products in both the PRC and Hong Kong in 2019. For more details, please visit the Company’s website:

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World-Renowned Pianist Lang Lang Debuts at Galaxy International Convention Center with the Macao Orchestra for a Night of Romantic Classics

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MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2025 – On Sunday, January 19, the internationally acclaimed piano virtuoso Lang Lang, alongside the Macao Orchestra, captivated audiences at the Galaxy International Convention Center (“GICC”), one of Asia’s most iconic and advanced MICE destinations, with a grand symphony of romantic classical music. Lang Lang carefully curated pivotal works from his artistic journey and 2025 tour, presenting masterpieces by Chopin and Rachmaninov through both solo and concerto performances. The nearly two-hour sold-out performance concluded with Lang Lang’s heartfelt encore of “Jasmine Flower”.

Lang Lang Returns to Asia with a Stunning Reinterpretation of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 After a Decade.
Presented under the banner of “Galaxy Music Gala: Lang Lang and Macao Orchestra”, the event was organized by Galaxy Macau™, with the Bank of China (Hong Kong) as the preferred credit card partner. It kicked off with Shostakovich’s “Festival Overture” performed by the Macao Orchestra under the baton of the esteemed conductor Lio Kuokman. Following this vibrant introduction, Lang Lang delivered a mesmerizing solo performance of Chopin’s 12 pieces of “Mazurkas”, with expressive technique and enchanting style, Lang Lang brought to life Chopin’s vibrant, Polish folk-inspired music, evoking the joy and rhythm of a traditional village dance. The Macao Orchestra then presented Mascagni’s Intermezzo from “Cavalleria Rusticana”, showcasing their exceptional performance skills under Lio’s direction. The tense and abrupt melodies held the audience in suspense, touching the hearts of every listener.

Lang Lang performed a solo recital of 12 Chopin's "Mazurkas," which was extremely infectious and enchanting.
Lang Lang performed a solo recital of 12 Chopin’s “Mazurkas,” which was extremely infectious and enchanting.

The evening reached its peak with Lang Lang’s extraordinary collaboration with the Macao Orchestra on Rachmaninov’s “Piano Concerto No.2”, enveloping the audience in an atmosphere of profound romance and passion. Lang Lang’s seamless partnership with the orchestra allowed the audience to experience a rich and complex emotional journey through the music, culminating in a breathtaking climax. Many concertgoers, including aspiring young musicians accompanied by their parents, left the venue inspired, with one attendee remarking that the experience lingered in their heart long after the final notes faded.

Lang Lang, together with the Macao Orchestra, jointly performed Rachmaninov's "Piano Concerto No. 2," pushing the atmosphere to a climax.
Lang Lang, together with the Macao Orchestra, jointly performed Rachmaninov’s “Piano Concerto No. 2,” pushing the atmosphere to a climax.

In a heartfelt moment, Lang Lang shared his long-standing passion for Rachmaninov, revealing that this was his first performance of the concerto in Asia in nearly a decade. His fresh interpretation, imbued with new insights and emotional resonance, was a special dedication to the audience in Macau. Notably, this concert marked Lang Lang’s first formal collaboration with conductor Lio Kuokman, a rising star in classical music. Chasing back for his connection to Macau, which began with his first solo recital in 2003, Lang Lang praised the city’s growing cultural vibrancy, particularly with its increasing presence of international orchestras, making it a hub for the high-standard performances. Reflecting on his debut at the GICC, Lang Lang described the experience as particularly special. In such a spacious venue, the sound was focused and immersive, allowing him to feel the collective breath of the audience during his performance.

Witnessed by Mr. Francis Lui, Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group, Lang Lang stamped his handprint and gifted it to Galaxy Macau, marking the perfect conclusion to the entire performance itinerary.
Witnessed by Mr. Francis Lui, Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group, Lang Lang stamped his handprint and gifted it to Galaxy Macau, marking the perfect conclusion to the entire performance itinerary.

As one of the Phase 3 projects at Galaxy Macau, GICC features a world-class event venue, continuing to be a beacon of first-rate arts, sports, and exhibition events from 2023. The “Galaxy Music Gala: Lang Lang and Macao Orchestra” not only enriched Macau’s cultural tapestry but also reinforced the city’s reputation as a “City of Performing Arts,” delivering an unforgettable performance to its audience.

Tons of music fans came in admiration, and numerous young musicians came with their parents to experience the works of the master up close.
Tons of music fans came in admiration, and numerous young musicians came with their parents to experience the works of the master up close.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.

Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.

Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavors & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavors at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.

Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

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