Media OutReach
Taiwan’s TVBS captures Sagrada Família historic ceremony
The collaboration marks a significant moment for Taiwan’s international media presence, as the completion of Gaudí’s vision draws global attention to one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks. NHK has documented the construction of the Sagrada Família for decades, building a relationship of trust with the basilica’s team that enabled joint coverage.
TVBS crews filmed in areas rarely accessible to media, including the crypt where Gaudí is buried, architectural workshops, and key structural sections of the basilica. The team conducted interviews with architects and experts involved in the project during preparations for the inauguration ceremony. Construction on the church began in 1882, one year before Gaudí took over as chief architect.
Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling joined the reporting team in Barcelona as a cultural ambassador for the project. Lin met with architects and experts to explore the basilica through the perspectives of architecture, aesthetics, and cultural heritage. Her involvement added a cultural dimension to the coverage beyond conventional architectural reporting.
The coverage brought together partners from Taiwan’s technology and financial sectors. HTC, through its VIVE Arts initiative, contributed its immersive experience “Gaudí, the Atelier of the Divine.” The virtual reality program allows audiences to explore Gaudí’s architectural world in new ways, transcending geographical and physical boundaries.
TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd., which has long supported arts and cultural exchange, sponsored the live broadcast. The company cited values of integrity, innovation, and sustainability in joining the project. The cross-sector collaboration extended Taiwan’s cultural advocacy onto the international stage, connecting the 144-year architectural endeavor to audiences in Taiwan and Chinese-speaking communities worldwide.
TVBS integrated AI-powered real-time translation technology throughout the live coverage, facilitating multilingual communication across international production teams. The project showcased Taiwan’s ability to connect industries and communities across borders. TVBS, NHK, HTC, and TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd., together documented a defining milestone in the Sagrada Família’s history.
Hashtag: #TVBS
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Media OutReach
Ascott Accelerates Vietnam Expansion With Nine Signings in 1H 2026, Growing Portfolio by Over 30%
- Signs four new projects with longstanding partner Sun Group and five with owners new to Ascott, adding over 3,200 units
- Deepens presence in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, expands along the coast in Da Nang and Phu Quoc, and enters Quy Nhon for the first time
- Debuts The Crest Collection in Vietnam, with signings spanning seven brands
- Expects signing momentum to continue in 2H 2026
Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Ascott, said: “Vietnam is one of the most exciting hospitality growth stories in Asia. Demand is rising in the cities, along the coast and across traveller segments, and our flex-hybrid model gives us the versatility to capture it through asset-light growth. Property owners value that our platform can serve both long and short stays, and operate formats as diverse as serviced residences, hotels, resorts and social living properties. With these new signings, we are reinforcing our leadership in serviced residences and extended stay while extending into the leisure destinations and luxury segments where new demand is taking shape.”
Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said: “Vietnam’s hotel development pipeline is moving quickly into construction, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and owners are selecting their operating partners now. In these conversations, Ascott’s operating track record in extended stay is a clear differentiator, offering owners resilient returns through market cycles, while our multi-typology brand strategy allows us to deploy the right brand and format for each opportunity. The depth of owner confidence underscores the opportunity in Vietnam, and with active discussions underway across several markets, we expect the signing momentum to continue into the second half of the year.”
The four signings with Sun Group deepen a partnership that began with Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi and grew to include Oakwood Ha Long. In Phu Quoc, Ascott will manage three properties totalling 1,400 units within a single integrated development in Sunset Town, set in the Ong Quan Mountain precinct in the island’s south. The properties will serve travellers across generations and lengths of stay: premium serviced residences under Ascott, social living spaces with co-working facilities under lyf, and family-friendly resort accommodation under Harris. Guests will be within easy reach of Bai Kem Beach, Sun World Hon Thom and the fast-developing Harbour District, with direct access to Sun Group’s expanding ecosystem of entertainment, retail and connectivity on the island.
Among the owners new to Ascott, DOJI Group, one of Vietnam’s five largest private enterprises with core businesses spanning gold, gemstones and luxury real estate, will bring Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection to Hanoi’s Tay Ho district. Set on the Quang An Peninsula with direct frontage to West Lake, in an enclave long favoured by expatriates, diplomats and affluent residents, the property will offer one- to four-bedroom residences, suites and duplex units in one of Hanoi’s most sought-after lakeside addresses. Intertruck Co., Ltd will bring Citadines Riverside Hai Phong to the heart of the city’s new administrative centre in Thuy Nguyen, as Hai Phong grows into northern Vietnam’s industrial and government hub. In Ho Chi Minh City, an Oakwood property enters Thao Dien, one of the city’s most established residential districts.
Along the central coast, Somerset Non Nuoc Da Nang Resort will sit on the pristine Non Nuoc Beach, with golf courses nearby and easy access to Hoi An Ancient Town. Offering serviced apartments and villas alongside a beach club, specialty dining and children’s facilities, the resort brings Somerset’s residential-style serviced living to the Da Nang and Hoi An coastline. Further south, Citadines Quy Nhon Resort marks Ascott’s entry into a new city, with the beachfront mixed-use resort positioning Ascott early in the destination gaining attention on the back of infrastructure upgrades and rising visitor arrivals.
1. Ascott property in Phu Quoc, 385 units
2. lyf property in Phu Quoc, 441 units
3. Harris property in Phu Quoc, 574 units
4. The Crest Collection property in Ho Chi Minh City, 154 units
5. Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection, Hanoi, 181 units
6. Citadines Riverside Hai Phong, 250 units
7. Oakwood Thao Dien Ho Chi Minh City, 356 units
8. Somerset Non Nuoc Da Nang Resort, 549 units
9. Citadines Quy Nhon Resort, 357 units
Ascott currently operates 16 properties across seven cities in Vietnam. The most recent is Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection on the northern coast, where a wellness-focused resort tower opened in April. From 2027, Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi will launch 1,165 guestrooms and 10 food and beverage concepts in phases. Confirmed concepts include Maison Kayser, the acclaimed French bakery and café making its Hanoi debut, and Ukai, the established Tokyo-based dining group with restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred teppanyaki to traditional tofu-focused kaiseki. The property’s International Convention & Wedding Centre is already operational, with 13 event venues including Hanoi’s largest pillarless ballroom. The centre has hosted high-profile events such as the official Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 Ceremony, and the Vietnam debut of The Famous CFC, the international fan engagement programme of Chelsea Football Club, for which Ascott is Official Hotels Partner.
Ascott’s growth in Vietnam builds on its strongest year of signings in Southeast Asia, with more than 7,300 units signed across the region in 2025, up 55% from 2024. This placed Ascott among the top three hospitality companies in the region by new signings for the year, according to Horwath HTL.
Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #Hospitality #Growth #NewSignings
https://www.discoverasr.com/en
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/the-ascott-limited
https://www.facebook.com/discoverasr/
https://www.instagram.com/discoverasr/
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The Ascott Limited
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood Premier, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Adoor Apartment, Adoor Suites, Fox, Harris, POP!, Preference, Quest, Vertu and Yello.
Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.
As a wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott generates fee-related revenue by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Alternatively, connect with Ascott on Facebook, Instagram, 
TikTok and LinkedIn.
About CapitaLand Investment Limited (SGX: 9CI)
CapitaLand Investment (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong presence in Asia. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CLI operates in over 40 countries, connecting institutional capital to investment opportunities through its on-the-ground expertise and deep local capital networks. Its portfolio spans strategic investments in commercial, lodging and living, logistics and self-storage, data centres and real estate credit, aligned with its high conviction themes. CLI is focused on scaling its asset-light, recurring fee income across fund management, commercial and lodging management, delivering sustainable long-term value through disciplined capital management and responsible investing. For more information, please visit: www.capitalandinvest.com.
Largest category marketing investment in 15 years supports Desert diamonds’ debut in Asia, opening a brilliant new chapter for natural diamonds
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – De Beers Group hosted the Desert diamonds Asia launch event in Shanghai on 29th July, marking the official arrival of the Desert diamonds beacon in China, embodying the spirit of “authenticity, individuality and inner radiance”. This is the first new beacon launched by the Group in over a decade. Backed by its largest category marketing investment in 15 years, the campaign champions a renewed perspective for natural diamonds and aims to unite the industry, further underscoring the strategic role of China in shaping future demand for natural diamonds and supporting the industry’s long-term growth.
First unveiled in 2025 at the JCK Las Vegas Show, the Desert diamonds beacon marks a new chapter in the celebration of natural diamonds. Drawing inspiration from the desert landscapes that echo the ancient desert routes of Dunhuang and the lingering charm of the Silk Road, Desert diamonds pays tribute to the untamed authenticity of natural diamonds, celebrating a spectrum of colours from warm whites to champagne tones and amber hues. Desert diamonds jewellery has been seen on international stages – worn by celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bad Bunny, Doja Cat, and Aryna Sabalenka. By bringing the beacon to China, De Beers Group aims to meet the growing consumer demand for self-reward, emotional gifting, and milestone celebrations — reaffirming the enduring desirability of natural diamonds for a new generation of consumers.
Departing from traditional jewellery marketing, De Beers Group has creatively invited “Real People” to interpret the unique allure of Desert diamonds. These “Real People” are not celebrities or professional models, but pioneering individuals from diverse fields who dare to pursue authenticity and illuminate their individuality through their own stories. They vividly embody the authenticity, individuality and inner radiance that Desert diamonds represent, through their personal journeys. This groundbreaking approach forges a deeper resonance between natural diamonds and genuine emotions, echoing today’s consumer desire for sincere and diverse narratives.
Lynn Serfaty, General Manager, Natural Diamonds, De Beers Group, said, “From red carpets to everyday life, consumers want a natural diamond that tells their personal story – a unique symbol for life’s most precious moments. Following its global success, we are confident in bringing Desert diamonds, a natural inspiration from the desert to China.”
She added: “Our research shows that Desert diamonds resonate strongly with Chinese consumers: 95% desire to own them, 94% find them distinctive, and 96% consider them innovative. Consumers increasingly see jewellery as a key expression of emotional connection and self-affirmation. The authenticity, individuality and inner radiance they seek are the soul of Desert diamonds. I’m delighted to see the industry is uniting to reignite passion for natural diamonds and shape a brilliant future.”
Departing from conventional advertising fronted by celebrities, De Beers Group has for the first time selected four “Real People” through authentic storytelling, breaking away from the traditional celebrity endorsement model. Each of them interprets the campaign’s theme — “Authenticity” — through their unique life stories: embracing every mark of life with truth, the singular stance of being born one of a kind, and the brilliant light that shines from deep within.
In China, consumers are increasingly drawn to jewellery that is authentic, rare, and everlasting — a clear shift toward self-expression through pieces that reflect authenticity, individuality, and inner radiance. De Beers Group observes that today’s consumers seek not only the timelessness of natural diamonds but also designs that are distinctive, personal, and value-driven — Desert diamonds perfectly embodies this exceptional realm of effortless refinement.
Leading retailers Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang and TSL | Tse Sui Luen, which are the strategic partners of the Desert diamonds campaign, have been developing collections that showcase the desert-inspired palette, underscoring the industry’s strong confidence in the campaign. The retailers will debut their Desert diamonds jewellery collections at the launch and lend their firm support to the campaign in future marketing initiatives.
Created to resonate with a new generation, this campaign targets young consumers through a holistic media and digital strategy. Today’s young consumers are proudly embracing tradition, finding meaning in their cultural roots. The creative storytelling parallels each diamond’s natural journey with the wearer’s own path, allowing the authenticity, individuality and inner radiance of Desert diamonds to strike a chord, and reinforcing that every Desert diamond and every individual is one of a kind. This narrative also echoes a timeless legacy of diamonds as the indestructible stone, a symbol of resilience and everlasting brilliance, and qualities this generation deeply admires. The campaign will steadily ramp up marketing investment, harnessing robust media and social influence to establish Desert Diamonds as the preferred choice of discerning consumers.
Beyond engaging consumers and retailers, the Desert diamonds campaign supports national efforts to drive quality consumption and product innovation. It aligns with the Shopping in China initiative, which promotes high-quality goods with strong provenance, traceability and sustainability. De Beers Group is leveraging the launch to drive natural diamond category education in China and champion premium natural diamond jewellery. With a focus on brand building, quality assurance, product innovation and sustainable development, Desert diamonds provides Chinese consumers with a trustworthy, high-quality choice, supporting the high-quality development of China’s consumer market and the initiative’s goal of stimulating domestic consumption.
Building on its global momentum, Desert diamonds has become a powerful cultural phenomenon. In the U.S., it has captured attention on red carpets and through high-profile celebrity engagements, with warm-toned diamonds growing increasingly visible across fashion, music, and entertainment. Retailers who took part in the initial U.S. campaign reported higher foot traffic and a surge in enquiries tied to life milestones – clear signs of growing consumer desire for these naturally warm diamonds at life’s defining moments. By drawing a parallel to the wearer’s own journey, the campaign positions Desert diamonds not just as gems, but as emotional keepsakes rooted in the earth and elegant symbols of true individuality and enduring meaning.
Please follow the official accounts to find more information regarding Desert diamonds.
De Beers Group Official Website www.debeersgroup.com
Natural Diamond Instagram Page：@ADiamondisForeverhk
Hashtag: #Naturaldiamonds #Diamonds #DeBeersGroup #Desertdiamonds #ADiamondisForever
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About De Beers Group
Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘
Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.
Media OutReach
Two Thai Legends Take Muay Thai Beyond the Ring with the Year’s Most Talked-About Culture-Meets-Fashion Collaboration
Where the spirit of Muay Thai meets eight decades of retail heritage: a special-edition bag available from 1 July 2026 at participating Central Department Stores and Rajadamnern Stadium.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – Two Thai legends have joined forces on a collaboration that lets travellers carry a piece of Thai culture with them. Central Department Store, under Central Retail, Thailand’s leading department store, and Rajadamnern Stadium, one of the country’s most treasured cultural landmarks and a home of Muay Thai, have launched the Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag. The bag is available from 1 July to 31 October 2026, or while stocks last.
The magic lies in how the bag brings their stories together.
The limited-edition bag reimagines Muay Thai in contemporary form, bringing together the signatures of both institutions for shoppers and travellers around the world to experience and own.
- Central Department Store revives the classic logo it used between 1947 and 1973, marking a return to the heritage and legacy of the store’s founding era.
- Rajadamnern Stadium brings the Yant PaedTidt (Eight-Direction Yantra), an ancient sacred symbol believed to offer protection, courage and strength from every direction — qualities that echo the heart of Muay Thai.
- Central Department Store’s red meets Rajadamnern Stadium’s signature blue, uniting both identities in one design.
- The choice of a fabric tote reflects Central Department Store’s commitment to sustainability.
Own the collaboration everyone is talking about.
Free with a qualifying purchase between 1 July and 31 October 2026, or while stocks last:
- Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag Red version: Free with a purchase of 15,000 Baht or more at nine participating Central stores: CENTRAL @ centralwOrld, Central Bangrak, Central Rama 9, Central Phuket, Central Patong, CentralFestival Samui, CentralFestival Chiangmai, Central Udonthani and Central Pattaya Beach.
- Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag White version: Free with a purchase of 20,000 Baht or more at Central Chidlom.
Take Home the Collectible for 990 Baht
- The Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag Red version is available for purchase from 25 July 2026 at 23 participating Central stores: Central Chidlom, CENTRAL @ centralwOrld, Central Ladprao, Central Pinklao, Central Bangna, Central EastVille, Central Silom Complex, Central Rama 2, Central Rama 3, Central Chaengwattana, Central Ramindra, CentralPlaza WestGate, Central Future Park Rangsit, CENTRAL @ Megabangna, Central Nakhon Pathom, Central Fashion Island, CentralFestival Samui, Central Phuket, CentralFestival Hadyai, CentralFestival Pattaya Beach, CentralFestival Chiangmai, Central Khonkaen and Central Udonthani.
- The Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag Red and White versionsare available for purchase from 1 July 2026 at the Rajadamnern Stadium Official Store.
Something worth taking home
For shoppers, it is more than a bag. It is a combined expression of Muay Thai spirit and Thai retail heritage, shaped by two Thai legends and created for travelers to carry home. The collaboration has also earned the endorsement of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), whose current strategy prioritises quality of experience over visitor volume. By leveraging Thailand’s cultural capital — from Muay Thai and Thai cuisine to locally rooted products and destinations — TAT aims to create meaningful value for travellers and the tourism sector alike.
Learn more:
- For Central Department Store’s special activities and offers, follow Facebook: Central Department Store and Instagram: Central Department Store
- For tourist privileges and services, visit: www.central.co.th/en/tourist
- For the latest from Rajadamnern Stadium, follow Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: Rajadamnern Stadium.
- For Muay Thai tickets, visit: rajadamnern.com
Hashtag: #CentralDepartmentStore #RajadamnernStadium #MuayThai
http://www.central.co.th/en/tourist
https://www.facebook.com/CentralDepartmentStore/
https://www.instagram.com/centraldepartmentstore/?hl=enhttps://rajadamnern.com/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Central Retail
Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited (“the Company” or “Central Retail”) is the leading Multi-Format, Multi-Category, Omnichannel Retail and Wholesale platform in Thailand and Vietnam. The Company has a network of 3,777 stores (as of 31 March 2026) such as department stores, specialty stores, supermarket, hypermarket, wholesale, and retail plaza. Central Retail’s business is organized into 4 operating segments based on business units; (1) Food, which focuses on groceries and items including products and services for both people and pets under portfolio of retail and wholesale banners, for example, TOPS, TOPS FOOD HALL, TOPS FINE FOOD, TOPS DAILY, TOPS CARE and GO WHOLESALE in Thailand and Big C / GO! hypermarket, Tops Market Vietnam, go! and Lan Chi Mart in Vietnam; (2) Hardline, which focuses on electronics, home improvement, stationery, office equipment, book, and e-Book under portfolio of retail banners, for example, Thaiwatsadu, Thaiwatsadu x BnB home, Auto1, Power Buy, OfficeMate, B2S, Meb, and Nguyen Kim; (3) Fashion, which focuses on apparel and accessories under portfolio of retail banners, for example, Central Department Store, Robinson Department Store, Supersports, and Central Marketing Group; (4) Property, which focuses on leasing retail property to third parties and to its own stores at retail plazas, for example, Robinson Lifestyle, Tops Plaza, and Big C / GO! mall Vietnam. As of 31 March 2026, Central Retail has a presence in 2 countries: comprising of 63 provinces in Thailand and 26 provinces in Vietnam.
Rajadamnern Stadium is the world’s first Muay Thai stadium. It remains the birthplace of Muay Thai’s official ranking system and championship belt, and a living arena where every fight night begins with a ritual dance honouring teachers, discipline and history through an immersive experience.
About Both Partners
Central Department Store stands as the country’s foremost department store and the curated retail lifestyle destination, bringing together trend setting, high-quality and unique assortment, lifestyle experiences, and world-class services that inspire customers. With branches across Thailand, Central Department Store offers a comprehensive retail universe spanning beauty, fashion, watches and jewellery, mom and kids, home, bedding, small appliances, and elevated services designed to make every visit more than a shopping trip with stores across Thailand’s major tourist cities.
