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Preview of the 2025 CIFTIS: Key Highlights Revealed in Advance
With less than a month remaining before the opening of CIFTIS, how are preparations progressing, and what new highlights can be expected from the exhibitions? Reporters conducted on-site visits for a closer look.
More Open: New Entry Policies to Facilitate International Engagement
It was learned that exhibitor recruitment for both the thematic and specialized exhibitions has been largely completed. Nearly 70 countries and international organizations have indicated their intention to participate by setting up booths or hosting events. The nine major specialized exhibitions have attracted interest from more than 800 companies to exhibit offline, including over 330 Fortune Global 500 companies and leading industry enterprises. The overall internationalization rate of the exhibition exceeds 20%, covering 24 of the top 30 countries and regions in global service trade.
Yang Huasen, Spokesperson of Beichen Group, stated that over 170 forums, conferences, and promotional events have already been scheduled. More than 70 companies, including Schneider Electric, have applied to release over 130 new products and achievements during the event.
To further facilitate international engagement, this year’s CIFTIS continues to expand on entry facilitation measures initiated last year, such as setting up immigration service counters at the venue. This year, seven new convenience measures will be implemented, including: allowing foreign participants with official invitations to apply for port visas at Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport; offering online accommodation registration services for foreign visitors; and streamlining the business travel filing process for Chinese enterprises attending events in Hong Kong and Macau.
Australia, as the guest of honor country, will have an unprecedented exhibition scale at this year’s event. Nearly 60 institutions and enterprises will form the Australian National Pavilion. Daniela Assis, the Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Australian Embassy in China, expressed: “The bilateral trade relationship between Australia and China is marked by strong complementarity, with stable cultural ties and significant achievements in cooperation across various fields. Australia is honored to be the guest of honor at the 2025 CIFTIS and looks forward to more communication and exchanges with attendees and visitors.”
Dale Pinto, the Global President and Chairman of the Board of CPA Australia, remarked, “CIFTIS provides a platform for us to enhance our brand recognition, engage with other organizations, and explore new cooperation opportunities. Participation in the fair not only raises the visibility of CPA Australia but also strengthens our relationship with Chinese partners, laying a solid foundation for future development.”
More Focused: From “Two Venues” to “One Unified Venue”
In contrast to previous CIFTIS events, which were held at both the National Convention Center and Shougang Park, this year’s event will be held entirely at Shougang Park in Shijingshan District, Beijing. Since CIFTIS moved to Shougang Park in 2021, the venue has fostered a new ecosystem for integrated consumption across culture, business, sports, tourism, and entertainment, covering the full spectrum of “eat, stay, travel, shop, and enjoy.”
Jiang Nan, Deputy General Manager of Shougang Group Co., Ltd., explained that Shougang Park will fully host CIFTIS activities this year. The core exhibition area will exceed 100,000 square meters, with green spaces and public areas also open to the public. These spaces are designed to foster human-to-human and human-to-scene interactions, enhancing the overall attendee experience. “We are upgrading Shougang Park to version 5.0 for the fair, planning a convention town, and creating a new exhibition ecosystem by integrating the ‘Two Parks and One River’.”
In addition to optimizing and upgrading the spatial layout, Shougang Park has also introduced a double-decker sightseeing bus and enhanced the night view framework of “Two Axes—Two Zones—Two Lakes—Multiple Centers.” Scenic viewpoints will be established to meet the quick transfer and sightseeing needs of visitors. The Shougang Park Operations Service Center has integrated data on foot traffic, vehicle flow, and other aspects of the exhibition area, enabling centralized scheduling and further improving service quality.
Hu Hao, Deputy District Governor of Shijingshan District, explained that the district has fully coordinated local resources, driving improvements with a dual approach of technology and services. Focus is being placed on key areas such as transportation, accommodation, and dining to enhance support capabilities. “There are currently 72 specialty restaurants around Shougang Park. During CIFTIS, temporary commercial facilities will be added in areas like Gaoxian Park and the Ski Jump site to meet the diverse dining needs of attendees.”
More Integrated: Multi-faceted Integration of Culture, Business, Tourism, and Sports Creates Diverse Consumption Scenarios
Beijing is also leveraging the CIFTIS platform to create diverse service consumption scenarios. Wan Weiwei, Deputy Director of the Beijing International Trade in Services Affairs Center, noted: “By emphasizing interactive experiences, CIFTIS will integrate service consumption with culture, business, and tourism, using unique venues such as blast furnaces to host engaging activities.”
Lin Zengwei, Second-Level Inspector at the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, added that over 40 supporting events will be held across Beijing, including cultural tourism and sports activities. At the heart of this is Shougang Park, which will host 11 unique activities, such as events at Big Air Shougang, to further enrich sectors like “ticket-stub economy” and “night economy.”
During CIFTIS, business negotiations, exploring the history of the Beijing West Ancient Path, and enjoying the Olympic spirit at Big Air Shougang… The “Big Air Shougang—Moshikou Camel Caravan Road—Shougang Industrial Heritage” Themed Tourism Route in Western Beijing is being planned to integrate culture, tourism, and consumption. During the event, Beijing will organize business inspection tours for exhibitors and visitors, focusing on areas such as technological empowerment, investment promotion, industrial tourism, cultural heritage, and the night economy. Around 10 business inspection routes will be designed and launched.
To strengthen the interconnection between CIFTIS and the surrounding areas, Shijingshan District will also open a special driverless transport service, connecting the exhibition area with the Yongding River waterfront. This initiative is part of a broader effort to connect the fair with surrounding cultural and ecological attractions. Projects like the Xishan Yongding River Cultural Belt Greenway in Shijingshan will be showcased before the fair opens, providing an enhanced visitor experience and easier access to cultural and natural attractions.
Hashtag: #CIFTIS
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ICONSIAM’s ‘THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2026’ to Immerse Bangkok with Thailand’s Most Spectacular Water Festival
A UNESCO-Recognized Festival Reimagined Through Immersive Cultural Experiences, Iconic Entertainment, and Thailand’s Most Breathtaking Chao Phraya Riverfront Setting from April 10–15, 2026
BANGKOK, THAILAND –
A Global Celebration Driving Thailand’s Festival Economy
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., stated, “Songkran remains one of the most significant drivers of Thailand’s festival economy, particularly across the tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this year’s Songkran period is projected to generate over 30.35 billion baht in domestic economic circulation—an increase of 6% from the previous year, with approximately 500,000 international visitors expected to travel to Thailand, reflecting a 4% year-on-year growth. These figures underscore Songkran’s growing status as a truly global festival and one of Thailand’s most powerful attractions for international travelers.
As a leader in creating iconic, world-class experiences, ICONSIAM continues to elevate ‘ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN 2026′ as a landmark celebration that showcases the rare and enduring beauty of Thai cultural traditions. Under the concept of ‘Splashing Fun, Joyful Celebrations, and Auspicious Thai New Year,’ the event brings together the very best of Thailand into one extraordinary riverside experience along the Chao Phraya River. More than a celebration, this festival is a powerful expression of national pride and cultural identity, reinforcing ICONSIAM’s position as a Global Experiential Destination. We are confident that this year’s event will further strengthen Bangkok’s reputation as one of the world’s most compelling cultural destinations, while driving tourism growth and stimulating economic momentum throughout the second quarter of the year.”
Highlights of the “4 THAICONIC Experiences – The Ultimate Songkran Journey”
- THAICONIC WATER FESTIVAL – The Ultimate Riverside Water
ExperienceExperience Songkran like never before with an extraordinary water playground inspired by Thailand’s beloved national symbol, the elephant. At its heart stands a spectacular 9-meter-tall water-spraying installation created in collaboration with Dee SweetDrug Studio. The vibrant space also features a dedicated Kids Zone for family-friendly fun, alongside solar-powered drying zones —reflecting ICONSIAM’s commitment to sustainability.
- THAICONIC ENTERTAINMENT – A Festival of Modern Icons
Immerse in an electrifying lineup of Thailand’s top artists and rising stars through dynamic mini concerts and live performances throughout the six-day celebration. Artists include Tle–Firstone, TeeTee–Por, Auau-Save, Daou–Offroad, KT Kratae, New Country, Sornram Namphet, and more.
- THAICONIC HERITAGE – A Living Showcase of Thai Identity
Witness a magnificent Songkran parade that brings Thailand’s cultural legacy to life through elaborately designed floats inspired by historical eras. For the first time, cultural icons LingOrm, a popular Thai actress duo, and 4EVE, Thailand’s leading T-pop girl group, embody the Songkran Goddess “Rakshasadevi,” reinterpreting Thai tradition through a contemporary global lens. Visitors can further explore authentic Thai culture through traditional performances and regional culinary delights at SOOKSIAM, alongside over 170 dining options across ICONSIAM.
- THAICONIC BLESSED BEGINNINGS – A Sacred Start to the Thai New Year
Embrace the spiritual essence of Songkran through a revered Buddha bathing ritual at River Park. Enhanced with holy water from nine esteemed temples across Thailand, this sacred ceremony symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and auspicious beginnings for the year ahead.
A Must-Visit Songkran Destination in Bangkok
Seamlessly blending cultural authenticity, rich traditions, and large-scale entertainment, ICONSIAM continues to redefine Songkran as a truly global celebration.
Join us at “ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2026,” where Thailand’s most cherished tradition is brought to life in an unforgettable riverside experience of water, culture, and joy—set against the iconic Chao Phraya River from April 10–15, 2026, with free entry for all visitors. As part of the celebration, international visitors dressed in traditional Thai attire will receive a 300-baht gift card, adding a special touch to their cultural experience.
For more information, please call 1338 or visit Facebook: ICONSIAM.
Hashtag: #ICONSIAMSongkran #ICONSIAM #SongkranFestival2026 #GlobalFestival #Thailand
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Money20/20 Asia Elevates Its 2026 Agenda with the Launch of The Intersection Stage, Featuring the Industry’s Most Influential Voices
Industry Leaders, Regulators, and Innovators to Convene in Bangkok at the Intersection Where Digital Assets and Traditional Banking Enter a New Era of Collaboration
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2026 – the world’s leading fintech show and the place where money does business, today announced the introduction of The Intersection Stage at Money20/20 Asia happening on April 21-23 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok bringing together the region’s most powerful voices across banking, payments, digital assets, and financial innovation.
This year’s theme, “From Infrastructure to Impact – Where Technology Meets Humanity,” underscores how the Intersection Stage will explore the real-world outcomes of Traditional Finance and Decentralized Finance convergence across APAC, addressing how banks, fintechs, and emerging technologies are reshaping the global financial ecosystem. The stage brings together leaders from major financial institutions and well-known fintech companies to discuss how innovation, regulation, and new financial infrastructure are transforming areas such as digital assets, trust and cybersecurity, and cross-border payments. [1]
Siva Kumar, APAC Legal Director, Sumsub, said, “The convergence of TradFi and DeFi can only succeed if trust, identity, and compliance evolve alongside technology. Asia is leading this shift by adopting regulatory models that enable innovation without compromising security. At Sumsub, we’re witnessing institutions accelerate digital identity and verification standards at unprecedented speed. The Intersection Stage brings these critical stakeholders together to turn regulatory progress into real‑world impact.”
Speakers include Siddharth Gupta of Bank of America, Dhiraj Bajaj of Standard Chartered Bank, Fangfang Jiang of the International Finance Corporation, Ran Goldi, SVP Payments & Network, Fireblocks and Kaushik Sthankiya of Kraken, who will share insights on regulatory innovation, digital asset adoption, developments in stablecoin, tokenization, blockchain‑enabled settlement, and how new payment rails are enabling faster and more efficient cross-border transactions.
For decades, Traditional Finance aimed to protect the system while Decentralized Finance wanted to reinvent it. Today, these two worlds are converging where digital money moves faster than ever, said Danny Levy, EVP & Managing Director for APAC & the Middle East at Money20/20. The Intersection Stage brings together the regulators and innovators driving the frameworks that will guide the next decade of global finance.”
The broader 2026 program also features keynote speakers such as Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Government of Hong Kong SAR; Shahril Azuar Jimin, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Maybank; and Sunita Kannan, Global Head of AI Product & Strategy at Microsoft, underscoring the calibre of leadership shaping the future of finance across the region.
From Asia’s pioneering regulatory sandboxes and CBDC initiatives to the Genius Act in the US to MiCA in Europe. Regulated institutions like AMINA Bank are at the forefront of this transformation, particularly in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape across key markets.
Cora Ang, Head of Legal & Compliance APAC, AMINA Bank said, “Asia is demonstrating what responsible innovation truly looks like. As digital assets, tokenization, and new payment rails gain momentum, strong legal and compliance frameworks are essential to scaling them safely. At AMINA Bank, we see the region embracing this balance with clarity and ambition. The Intersection Stage at Money20/20 Asia is the perfect forum to advance these conversations and align the industry on what the next generation of financial infrastructure should be.”
Key Sessions on The Intersection Stage
- Day 1: Tuesday 21 April, at 15:40 – Banking on Digital Transformation 101
By Barbaros Uygun, Chief Executive Officer, Mox Bank Limited, Jessica Lam, Group Chief Strategy Officer, WeLab, Vivien Tan, Senior Vice President, Alliance Bank Malaysia, Andy Wu, General Manager, Hong Kong, Yusys Technologies, Rupa Ramamurthy, Senior EVP, Banking Operations, TP
- Day 1: Tuesday, 21 April 2026 at 12:00 – Building the Golden Record for Tokenised Asset Markets
By Etelka Bogardi, Partner, Reed Smith Singapore, Aaron Gwak, CEO & Founder, Libeara, Alvin Chia, Head of Digital Assets Innovation APAC, Northern Trust, moderated by Tanzeel Akhtar, Journalist, Morley Sterling LLC
- Day 2: Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at 10:00 – The Rise of Blockchain and Stablecoin Payment Rails
By Tran Hung, CEO, Uquid, Paul Veradittakit, Managing Partner, Pantera Capital, Maggie Wu, Co-Founder & CEO, VelaFi, Facilitated by Amanda Pecanha, Chief Compliance Officer, Trace Finance
- Day 2: Wednesday 22 April, 15:45 – How Digital Asset Ecosystems Will Redefine Money
By Dhiraj Bajaj, Global Head of FI, Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank, Julia Zhou, Chief Operating Officer, Caladan, Giorgia Pellizzari, Chief Product Officer & Head of Custody, Hex Trust, Dr. Karin Boonlertvanich, Executive Vice President, KASIKORNBANK & Chairperson of the Board, Orbix Group
- Day 3: Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 10:25 – Money’s Next Evolution, Stablecoins, CBDCs and the New Payment Stack
By Rahul Advani, Global Co-Head of Policy, Ripple, Lissele Pratt, Founder, Capitalixe, Bhau Kotecha, Co-Founder, Paxos Labs, Maria Oldham, COO, Yellow Card, moderated by David Birch, Global Ambassador, Consult Hyperion
Alongside the Intersection Stage, Money20/20 Asia will feature three additional stages: The Radiant Stage, uniting Asia’s most influential industry voices; The Inner Forum Stage for deep‑dive sessions and workshops; and The MoneyPot Stage that also includesfor live podcasting and networkingexperiences, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for learning, debate, and collaboration.
The show brings together leaders from more than 120 banks and the world’s largest payment providers, including Standard Chartered, Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Maybank, and J.P. Morgan to name a few. Experts from leading payment providers including Visa, Nium, Thunes, Mastercard, Razorpay, PayPal, and Fiserv will discuss the evolution of payments across the region.
The show will also host the Startup & Investor Park, where 20 standout APAC startups will connect with global investors, enterprise partners, and decision‑makers, and compete for the Golden Ticket to the 2026 Startupbootcamp Sustainability Singapore Accelerator. [2]
Attending media can register for a press pass: HERE and the full agenda HERE.Hashtag: #Money20/20
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Sanya, China Deepens Tourism Ties with Malaysia - Exclusive Benefits Launched for Malaysian Tourists, Ushering in a Tropical Island Getaway at a Moment’s Notice
In addition, the Sanya Tourism Development Bureau has entered into cooperative exchanges with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association (MBHA) to strengthen synergy in tourism management, product development, and visitor exchange. The newly established Sanya Tourism Overseas Promotion (Malaysia) Liaison Office will serve as a one-stop information and booking platform for Malaysian travelers, reinforcing Sanya’s position as a preferred gateway to China.
Seamless Entry, Fully Upgraded Travel Convenience
Visa-free access with zero barriers
Under China’s visa-free policy for Hainan, Malaysian citizens may enter with only a passport and stay for up to 15 days—no prior visa, financial proof, or invitation letter is required, allowing for truly spontaneous getaways.
Faster flights, greater efficiency
Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sanya take just about three hours, with high occupancy rates during peak seasons reflecting strong demand. Plans to launch direct flights from Penang and Kota Kinabalu to Sanya are under discussion, promising greater accessibility and cost-effective travel options.
Streamlined clearance procedures
Efficiency is prioritized with paperless self-declaration at both Phoenix Cruise Port and Sanya Phoenix International Airport, significantly reducing clearance time. International arrival halls support payments via all major international credit cards, ensuring seamless transactions.
Comprehensive multilingual support
Multilingual support is in place across Sanya—from bilingual signage at attractions and hotels to a dedicated foreign-language service line via the 12345 hotline. The multilingual official website visitsanya.com provides comprehensive information, guaranteeing smooth communication for Malaysian tourists.
Exceptional Value: Exclusive Promotions for Malaysian Visitors
To offer a more value-packed holiday experience, Sanya has prepared tailored benefits and significant discounts, from customized packages to special Asian Beach Games offers, demonstrating its warm hospitality.
The newly established Sanya Tourism Overseas Promotion Liaison Office, in collaboration with the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, will launch specially curated travel packages that align with local preferences.
On Trip.com, the “Travel with the Asian Beach Games” promotion features discounted Sanya tourism products, covering hotels, attractions, and holiday packages, with exclusive offers for the Malaysian market.
The 2026 Asian Beach Games bring additional surprises: popular attractions like Wuzhizhou Island and Atlantis Sanya offer tickets at up to 73% off . Hotel rooms across categories—family, couples, and resort suites—enjoy discounts of up to RMB 5,899. Local delicacies and international cuisines are available at discounts of around 48% , promising a delightful culinary journey.
Moreover, 118,000 Asian Beach Games tickets are now on sale globally. With just a few clicks online, visitors can secure their seats to experience the excitement of the 6th Asian Beach Games up close.
Diverse Experiences for Every Traveler
Sanya offers far more than just sun and sand. Whether traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends, everyone can find their ideal way to enjoy the destination.
For families :
Atlantis Sanya Water Park, ranked among the “2026 Global Top 20 Water Parks” and tied for seventh place worldwide with Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, offers endless aquatic fun for children, while parents can explore the adjacent world-class duty-free complex for shopping and leisure.
For Adventure Seekers:
Wuzhizhou Island, known as “China’s Premier Diving Base,” features crystal-clear waters with visibility up to 27 meters and abundant coral reefs. A variety of water sports, including diving, parasailing, and jet skiing, deliver an adrenaline-filled coastal experience.
For Culture and Wellness:
The 108-meter-tall Guanyin statue at Nanshan and immersive Li and Miao ethnic cultural experiences provide a harmonious blend of spiritual reflection and cultural discovery.
For Luxury and Retail: Sanya’s world-class duty-free complex brings together international brands, art exhibitions, and immersive experiences, creating a high-value shopping and lifestyle destination.
Sanya’s commitment to visitor convenience, diverse offerings, and tailored benefits continues to strengthen its appeal among Malaysian travelers. Since the beginning of this year, Hainan has welcomed a remarkable 204% increase in Malaysian tourist arrivals, making Malaysia one of the fastest-growing Southeast Asian source markets for Sanya.From visa-free access and direct flights to enhanced services and multifaceted experiences, Sanya is positioning itself as a leading gateway for Malaysian tourists to China.
As the Hainan Free Trade Port continues to develop, tourism cooperation between Sanya and Malaysia is poised to deepen, evolving from one-way attraction to mutual engagement.For those planning their first trip to China, Sanya offers an ideal starting point—where azure seas, golden shores, modern amenities, and heartfelt hospitality come together to create the perfect tropical escape.
Hashtag: #SanyaTourismDevelopmentBureau
https://www.visitsanya.com/The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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