Media OutReach
The Famous CFC Makes Vietnam Debut with Chelsea Legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi
The two-day programme brought over 300 Chelsea supporters and Ascott Star Rewards members together for immersive fan experiences, including the Night with the Blues event at Hanoi’s newest integrated events and hospitality destination
LONDON/HANOI/SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 April 2026 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the Official Hotels Partner of Chelsea Football Club, has concluded its fourth edition of The Famous CFC, Chelsea’s international fan engagement programme. The Hanoi showcase marked the programme’s Vietnam debut and featured Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, a two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner. Held across Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi, Oakwood Residence Hanoi and Somerset West Point Hanoi on 17 and 18 April 2026, the two-day programme brought together more than 300 fans and Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) members for a curated series of fan engagements, including a fireside chat, an exclusive member meet-and-greet, and the newly introduced Night with the Blues event.
The Hanoi edition marked two notable milestones. For Hasselbaink, it was his first official club visit to Vietnam, a moment long anticipated by the country’s Blues community. For Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi, it signalled the official debut of its international convention centre: a purpose-built event destination anchored by the Ho Tay Ballroom – the largest pillarless ballroom in Hanoi – one of 13 meeting venues. The convention centre is part of the 1,165-room integrated property scheduled to open fully later this year.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said: “Spending the weekend with so many Chelsea fans in Hanoi was an amazing experience. You could really feel the passion for the club, and Ascott created an environment that brought fans closer to the Chelsea spirit. Moments like these help strengthen the connection between the club and its supporters.”
John Rogers, Head of Partnerships at Chelsea Football Club, said: “Hanoi showed exactly what The Famous CFC, presented by Ascott, is all about. Our passionate fans brought great energy to the event and made it an unforgettable experience. The turnout and engagement from Chelsea supporters and Ascott Star Rewards members further proves the incredible connection we share with our established fanbase across Southeast Asia. We’re proud of what we’ve built through our partnership with Ascott, and excited to take it even further in the seasons ahead.”
Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “Every edition of The Famous CFC is designed to introduce new experiences, and Hanoi was no exception. Southeast Asia is home to more than 30% of Ascott’s global portfolio, with Vietnam among our most active markets for new openings. This edition brought together two firsts – Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s inaugural official club visit to Vietnam, and the official debut of Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi‘s international convention centre – creating a distinctive experience for Chelsea fans and Ascott Star Rewards members alike.”
“The Famous CFC reflects how Ascott’s partnership with Chelsea translated into real value for our members and guests. Ascott Star Rewards is built on our ‘Stay Rewarded’ promise, and through this partnership, we continue to extend that promise beyond stays into curated experiences – from close interactions with club legends to early access to key properties across our portfolio,” she added.
Highlights from The Famous CFC Hanoi
The two-day programme kickstarted on Friday, 17 April, when Hasselbaink joined a coaching session for young beneficiaries of the Centre for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI), a Hanoi-based non-profit organisation supporting the social inclusion of vulnerable communities. During the session, Hasselbaink shared football tips and encouraged the participants, drawing on personal lessons from his journey as a professional player. The activity reflected The Famous CFC’s focus on engaging local fan communities and aligned with Ascott’s ongoing commitment to community engagement through its sustainability programme, Ascott CARES.
Following the community initiative, Hasselbaink visited Oakwood Residence Hanoi to experience the brand’s signature warmth and comfort food philosophy before participating in an intimate fireside chat at Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi. There, he recounted some of his fondest memories as one of Chelsea’s most celebrated forwards, including defining goals, team culture and lessons that have remained with him beyond his playing years. The session brought together a Chelsea legend with Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi, a world-class venue designed to host landmark international events.
On the second day on Saturday, 18 April, Hasselbaink took time to explore the city before joining Ascott Star Rewards members for an exclusive meet-and-greet at Somerset West Point Hanoi. In keeping with Somerset’s emphasis on shared experiences, the session provided members with the opportunity to engage directly with the Chelsea legend through a Q&A segment and photography opportunities.
The programme culminated with Night with the Blues at Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi‘s Ho Tay Ballroom, which was transformed for the occasion into a football-themed event space that brought the energy of London’s Stamford Bridge right to the heart of Hanoi. For the more than 300 fans, some of whom had travelled in from across the region, the electrifying matchday atmosphere arrived well before kick-off. The event combined Ascott’s signature hospitality, fan activations and extended engagement with Hasselbaink, building to a crescendo as Chelsea prepared to face Manchester United later that evening.
Said Supachok Pornsri, a Chelsea fan and ASR member who travelled from Bangkok, Thailand to attend The Famous CFC in Hanoi: “Meeting Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in person was a dream come true. As a devoted Chelsea fan, getting up close with a club legend is something I will not forget. Having attended past editions of The Famous CFC in Bangkok and Jakarta, this Hanoi edition once again showed how seamlessly Ascott brings together world-class hospitality with fans’ passion for Chelsea. That is what makes being an ASR member truly worthwhile. I hope ASR continues to offer experiences like this, and Ascott will definitely be my first choice for future travels.”
For the latest updates on exclusive offers from Ascott’s partnership with Chelsea, including the upcoming editions of The Famous CFC, 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 #Hospitality #ChelseaFC #Football #Vietnam #CSR
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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,
Somerset,
The Crest Collection,
The Unlimited Collection,
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.
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 2025, CLI had S$125 billion of funds under management. CLI holds stakes in eight 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 and credit.
CLI aims to scale its fund management, commercial management and lodging 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.
CLI is committed to growing in a responsible manner, delivering long-term economic value and contributing to the environmental and social well-being of its communities.
Media OutReach
Vinpearl Partners With Three Leading Indian Travel Companies, Unlocking Access To A 1.47 Billion-Person Market
The agreements were signed at the Vietnam–India Business Forum, held as part of the State visit of General Secretary and President To Lam to India, in the presence of General Secretary and President To Lam and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis.
The partnerships are expected to open direct access channels to all customer segments, stimulate travel demand and experiential tourism, and ultimately position Vietnam as a “preferred destination” for India’s 1.47 billion people.
Representing India are three of the country’s most influential and trusted travel distribution channels: Thomas Cook India, SOTC Travel, and MakeMyTrip. Thomas Cook India has strong expertise in group travel, corporate travel, and large-scale MICE tourism. SOTC Travel is well known for family vacations, group tours, and mid- to high-end leisure travel. Meanwhile, MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel platform, has a strong advantage in reaching younger travelers, independent tourists, and digitally-driven booking behaviors.
Representing Vietnam is Vinpearl, the country’s leading hospitality, tourism, and entertainment brand, operating nearly 60 properties nationwide. Its diverse five-star “all-in-one” ecosystem offers accommodation, shopping, dining, entertainment, golf, and MICE services, making it particularly well-suited to the travel preferences of Indian visitors, including large group travel, multi-generational family vacations, and experience-rich holidays.
Through these partnerships, the parties aim to maximize each other’s strengths, enhance tourism development capabilities, and shape tailored travel products, gradually positioning Vietnam as a “preferred destination” for Indian travelers in the near future.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, CEO of Vinpearl, said: “India is one of the key markets in Vinpearl’s international expansion strategy. Through partnerships with leading industry players, we are not only broadening our market reach but also proactively developing products tailored to each customer segment. Vinpearl aims to strengthen its presence in the Indian market while contributing to positioning Vietnam as an attractive and distinctive destination on the global tourism map.”
Mr. Anubhav Bansal, Vice President of MakeMyTrip and representative of the three Indian partners, added: “Vinpearl operates one of the region’s leading integrated tourism and hospitality ecosystems, with a scale, product diversity, and destination experience portfolio that increasingly align with the preferences of Indian travelers. We believe Vinpearl is playing an important role in positioning Vietnam as an attractive destination for this market. Combined with the extensive distribution strengths of both sides, this partnership is expected to significantly boost Indian tourist arrivals to Vietnam in the coming years.”
India is currently the world’s most populous country, with 1.47 billion people. The country’s rapidly expanding middle class is driving a strong surge in demand for international travel.
Recognizing the strategic importance of the Indian market, Vinpearl has not only leveraged its scale and integrated “all-in-one” ecosystem but has also continuously developed specialized offerings for Indian travelers, including luxury wedding tourism, MICE travel, multi-generational family holidays, group trips, and couple getaways. In 2025, the number of Indian guests staying within the Vinpearl system surged by a record 402% year-on-year, followed by a further 335% increase during the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year.
The signing of MoUs with these three major market access partners marks the next step in Vinpearl’s strategy to sustainably grow its visitor base from the 1.47 billion-population Indian market, while also helping position Vietnam as a “preferred destination” for Indian travelers.
Hashtag: #Vinpearl
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Vinpearl
Vinpearl is Vietnam’s leading hospitality, tourism, and entertainment brand, currently operating 60 properties across 20 provinces and cities nationwide. Its ecosystem includes a network of five-star hotels and resorts in 35 provinces and cities with more than 17,300 rooms; 15 VinWonders theme parks offering attractions for all age groups; six world-class golf courses; and three international-standard convention centers and theaters under the VinPalace brand. The ecosystem also features two semi-wildlife conservation and care parks, an equestrian academy, and spectacular multi-million-dollar live performance shows in destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, attracting millions of visitors each year.
About Thomas Cook India
Founded in 1881, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL) is one of India’s leading omnichannel travel and tourism groups, operating across foreign exchange, corporate travel, MICE, leisure travel, and value-added services.
TCIL owns and operates several major B2C and B2B brands, including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Sterling Holiday Resorts, Asian Trails, and Desert Adventures. The group has a presence in 28 countries across five continents and is one of the largest travel service networks headquartered in the Asia-Pacific region.
About SOTC Travel
Established in 1949, SOTC Travel is one of India’s oldest and most reputable travel and tourism brands. The company is part of Fairfax Financial Holdings through Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL).
Operating through an omnichannel model, SOTC offers a wide range of services across leisure travel, incentive travel, and corporate travel. With more than 75 years of experience, SOTC has served millions of travelers across destinations worldwide and is recognized for its deep understanding of Indian travelers’ preferences and behaviors.
About MakeMyTrip
MakeMyTrip is India’s leading online travel booking platform, holding a dominant position in flight bookings, hotel reservations, and travel packages. With tens of millions of users and a strong digital ecosystem, MakeMyTrip covers the entire customer journey while maintaining a strong advantage in reaching younger travelers and independent tourists.
Media OutReach
Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs’ Mother’s Day Flagship 2026 Concludes Successfully
Bringing Together Business Leaders and Paralympic Gold Medalist to Discuss the “Invisible Strength” of SEN Mothers and Full-Time Moms
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 May 2026 – Hong Kong registered charity Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs (HKM) successfully held its annual Mother’s Day flagship event yesterday. This year’s event, themed “The Invisible Strength: Nurturing Families, Building Futures” (堅毅雙翼:滋養家庭‧創建未來), brought together business leaders and a Paralympic gold medalist to recognise and celebrate the resilience of full-time mothers and mothers of children with special educational needs (SEN) – both within their families and in society at large.
About Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs and the Moms4Moms Fellowship Program
Since its establishment in 2018, Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs has been committed to encouraging mothers to rediscover their value through lifelong learning and an entrepreneurial mindset. Its flagship programme, the Moms4Moms Fellowship Program, aims to help mothers transform their “invisible labour” into socially recognised capabilities – combining entrepreneurial knowledge with practical skills, so that mothers can pursue their dreams while caring for their families.
Lena Wong, Founder of HKM, said: “The potential of full-time mothers has long been overlooked, leading to a hidden waste of talent. Through our Fellowship, we hope to take the soft skills and life experiences cultivated through motherhood, combine them with practical entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, and channel them back into society – creating a positive impact across different communities and levels.”
Annual Theme & Partner Support
This year’s theme focused on a marginalised group of mothers – especially SEN mothers who face multiple challenges. The event was supported by The Payment Cards Group as its lead supporting partner.
In her keynote address, Beatrice Tai, CEO of The Payment Cards Group, shared how the development of accessible payment technology can provide meaningful support to mom entrepreneurs:
“Mobile payments enable mothers to work from home, run online stores, or participate in markets. The application process is relatively simple, funds flow back quickly, and it also provides data analytics reports – allowing merchants to understand sales figures, customer profiles, and payment habits, and thus make more precise marketing strategies.”
Ms. Tai added: “AI and accessible payment technology are becoming a powerful ‘Invisible Strength’ for mom entrepreneurs – helping them close opportunity gaps and solve business pain points.”
Star Panel: Cross-Sector Guests Share Heartfelt Experiences
A highlight of the event was the themed panel discussion, where guests shared their insights on supporting mothers – from both personal and corporate perspectives:
- Ho Yuenkei, BBS (Paris 2024 Paralympic Boccia Double Gold Medalist) – Shared a moving account of how her mother’s unconditional love, support, and acceptance shaped her childhood, enabling her to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
- Olivia Wong (General Manager – Environmental & Social Responsibility, MTR Corporation) – Pointed out that flexible working hours offered by companies can effectively help mothers balance work with their children’s school schedules.
- Lucia Ngan (Project Manager, Learning Bridge) – Shared how diverse daily activities can support SEN youth and their mothers in both learning and daily life.
Professional Judging Witnesses 12 Mothers’ Business Pitches
The event also hosted the Moms4Moms 2025/26 Graduation Ceremony. Twelve fellows from diverse backgrounds – including mothers of SEN children – delivered 60-second business pitches to a distinguished panel of judges. These graduates showcased the confidence they had regained through the programme, transforming their caregiving experiences into commercially viable plans. Their brilliance shone through.
Judging Panel:
- Danny Lap Lee – Managing Partner, VCA Capital Limited
- Prudence Wat – Human Resources Director, Cyberport Asia
- Lisa Lam – Deputy Executive Director, HandsOn Hong Kong
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Lena Wong shared that Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs will continue to explore more diverse forms of support, guided by the real needs of the community – helping mothers realise their own value while caring for their families, and growing together.
Hashtag: #HongKongMomtrepreneurs
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs
Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs is a registered charity in Hong Kong that believes in the power of mothers supporting one another. Through its flagship Moms4Moms Fellowship, the organisation empowers mothers to bravely pursue their dreams – built on a foundation of trust, honesty, and mutual respect.
Media OutReach
VinFast Deepens Its EV Push in the Middle East Through Technology and Smart Mobility
As Gulf markets accelerate toward smart and sustainable mobility, VinFast is expanding its EV presence in the Middle East with technology-focused products, connected vehicle capabilities, and long-term ownership solutions.
DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 May 2026 – The Middle East is increasingly emerging as one of the next major battlegrounds for global electric vehicle brands, particularly as younger consumers across Gulf countries show rising interest in smart, technology-focused mobility solutions that combine premium specifications with advanced software and digital experiences. That shift has opened the door for newer EV manufacturers to compete alongside more established automotive brands.
The opportunity reflects larger market dynamics already transforming the region. Asian EV brands have rapidly expanded their footprint across Gulf countries in recent years, supported by growing demand for feature-rich vehicles, manufacturing scale advantages, and increasingly competitive pricing.
Against that backdrop, VinFast is positioning itself as part of a broader transformation reshaping the automotive landscape across the region. As governments accelerate investments in renewable energy, charging infrastructure, and smart city development, the transition toward electric mobility is gaining momentum across the Gulf.
For VinFast, the Middle East represents a strategic growth market within its wider international expansion plan. The company has been strengthening its presence with the VF 8 electric SUV, targeting consumers seeking a combination of advanced technology, premium features, and long-term ownership value.
VinFast’s broader strategy aligns closely with those changing consumer expectations. Rather than operating solely as a conventional carmaker, the company is developing a vertically integrated EV ecosystem that combines intelligent software, connected services, and smart manufacturing capabilities.
Globally, VinFast has delivered more than 400,000 vehicles and accumulated several years of real-world driving data. That foundation has supported the development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, connected vehicle technologies, and over-the-air software capabilities designed to continuously improve the ownership experience.
In the Middle East market, the VF 8 is positioned around technology, comfort, and practicality for regional driving conditions. The all-electric SUV offers dual-motor all-wheel drive capability with up to 402 horsepower in the Plus variant and a driving range of up to 493 km on a full charge under the NEDC standard.
Developed in collaboration with Italian design house Pininfarina, the VF 8 combines a modern exterior design with a spacious cabin focused on digital integration and passenger comfort. Available features include a 15.6-inch infotainment display, ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, an air ionization-equipped climate control system, and multiple ADAS technologies, including Highway Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, and 360-degree Surround View Monitoring.
VinFast is also emphasizing after-sales support and ownership assurance as key differentiators in the region. The company offers a 10-year vehicle warranty or 200,000 km, alongside a 10-year unlimited-kilometer battery warranty. Customers additionally receive access to mobile services, roadside assistance, DC fast charging networks, and over-the-air software updates.
As Gulf markets continue embracing electrification and smart mobility concepts, VinFast is seeking to establish itself as a long-term player in the region’s evolving automotive sector. By combining advanced technology, connected vehicle capabilities, and scalable EV solutions, the company is reinforcing its ambition to compete in one of the world’s fastest-changing mobility markets.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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