Media OutReach
World’s Largest Van Gogh Pikachu Card Wall Debuts at Hong Kong Grade10 Festival
- Record Turnout Signals City’s Rise as Asia’s Trading Card Hub
- Event Backed by Virtual Asset Venture MemeStrategy, Entertainment Platform 9GAG
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 November 2025 – In a city long synonymous with skyscrapers and stock tickers, an unlikely subculture is staking its claim: trading cards. The just-concluded Grade10 Festival, drawing a record 23,000 attendees to Hong Kong’s bustling convention hall in Wan Chai, underscored the territory’s ascent as Asia’s go-to hub for collectors chasing everything from vintage Pokémon rarities to autographed NBA gems. Amid the frenzy, a towering wall of Pikachu cards — each a PSA10 homage to Vincent van Gogh — stole the show, symbolizing how pop culture nostalgia is blending with high-stakes investment in the world’s fastest-growing collectibles market.
The event’s centerpiece was a world-first installation: over 400 PSA 10-graded “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat” cards, stacked into a mosaic valued at around HK$5 million (US$641,000). Originally released in 2023 as part of a special Pokémon collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the card pays homage to Van Gogh’s Self‑Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, reinterpreted with Pikachu wearing the artist’s signature grey felt hat — a cheeky fusion of 19th century genius and 21st century mascot mania. Four such cards, including two flawless PSA 10s, were given out through on-site participation.
Hong Kong’s trading card scene is fast becoming a barometer for a regional boom. The global market, valued at US$11.4 billion in 2024, is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5% through 2033, with Asia-Pacific leading the charge thanks to anime fever and esports crossover. Grading volumes in Hong Kong now rival Chinese Mainland’s entire output, per local retailer HobbyX, while tax-free imports and global connectivity make the city a magnet for deal-makers. “I traveled to Hong Kong for the festival because of its strong market growth and unique position as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures,” said James Bui of U.S. exhibitor JayBee Collectibles, one of more than 120 international exhibitors at Grade10 — a new high for the territory. “The city’s diverse selection of collectible cards and increasing number of collectors, along with low taxes and convenient transportation, make it an ideal hub for trading cards in Asia.”
Overseas participation was notable, with 20% of attendees traveling from outside Hong Kong, among them world‑renowned collector Nick Uliano from the United States. Uliano, celebrated for his extensive Michael Jordan collection, specializes in one‑of‑one rarity cards and autographed Buyback cards reissued by publishers. Commenting on the event, he said: “The ‘Grade10 Festival’ is a rare large-scale card event in Asia, and its scale and card diversity are impressive. It brings together top collectors and exhibitors from around the world, and I am delighted to participate in person in this international-level collecting event.”
That sentiment echoed through the festival’s packed aisles, where 60% of the floor space pulsed with anime icons — Pokémon, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh! — and the rest bowed to sports cards from basketball to soccer.
The festival featured dedicated zones, including areas for grading, gameplay, networking, trading, and the Threads interactive experience. As the first major event jointly supported by publicly listed virtual asset venture MemeStrategy (Stock Code:2440.HK) and online meme platform 9GAG with 200 million users worldwide, the festival introduced the “Threads Wall”, developed by 9GAG in collaboration with Meta’s Threads. The installation proved a major attraction, drawing influencers and generating high levels of on‑site and online engagement.
Beneath the frenzy lies serious economics. Asia’s collectibles surge — from Labubu’s to serialized Pokémon merch — has minted millionaires overnight, with cards like the Illustrator Pikachu fetching six figures. Hong Kong, with its free-port status and proximity to manufacturing powerhouses, is positioning itself as the nexus. As Ray Chan, CEO of event backer MemeStrategy Inc., put it amid the post-festival buzz, “Hong Kong isn’t just hosting; it’s connecting worlds — Japan’s IPs to America’s collectors, culture to capital.”
Hashtag: #MemeStrategy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About MemeStrategy
MemeStrategy (Stock Code: 2440.HK) is Asia’s first publicly listed digital asset venture, managed by the team behind 9GAG, a globally acclaimed meme platform with over 200 million users. Leveraging its social media and Web3 expertise, MemeStrategy adopts a people-first approach to strategically invest in three key growth pillars: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Culture, aiming to bridge the new economy with traditional finance and accelerate the development of decentralized technologies.
About Grade10
Grade10 was founded in 2023 to unite Hong Kong’s trading card industry and collector community. Over the years, it has grown into the city’s premier platform for card enthusiasts and industry professionals. Grade10 is a division of MemeStrategy (Stock Code: 2440.HK), a publicly listed company founded by the team behind 9GAG, a global social platform with over 200 million users worldwide. Since becoming part of MemeStrategy in September 2025, Grade10 has embarked on a new phase of growth, positioning Hong Kong as the festival’s annual home and establishing Grade10 as the leading touring event for collectible trading cards and related cultural treasures across Asia. In the collecting world, “Grade 10” signifies the highest standard of excellence. True to its name, the Grade10 Card Show brings fresh energy and opportunities to Asia’s collectibles market – offering passionate enthusiasts a vibrant platform to connect, exchange, and showcase their prized collections, while exploring new horizons together with fellow collectors.
Southco’s E3 VISE ACTION® Compression Latch with Visual Indicator displays latch open status that can be seen from a minimum of five meters, making it an ideal choice for rail, semiconductor and industrial machinery enclosures where an unsecured door or panel could impact safety during operation. By allowing operators to easily detect latch status, the E3 VISE ACTION® Compression Latch with Visual Indicator improves efficiency, enhances safety and reduces maintenance errors.
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For more information about the functionality of E3 Compression Latches, please visit https://www.southco.com or email the 24/7 customer service department at [email protected]
Hashtag: #Southco #E3VISEACTION
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Southco
Southco, Inc. is the leading global designer and manufacturer of engineered access solutions. From quality and performance to aesthetics and ergonomics, we understand that first impressions are lasting impressions in product design. For over 70 years, Southco has helped the world’s most recognized brands create value for their customers with innovative access solutions designed to enhance the touch points of their products in transportation and industrial applications, medical equipment, data centers and more. With unrivalled engineering resources, innovative products and a dedicated global team, Southco delivers the broadest portfolio of premium access solutions available to equipment designers throughout the world.
Southco Asia Limited
2401, Tower 2, Ever Gain Plaza
88 Container Port Road, Kwai Chung
University of London
The University of London (UoL) is one of the most established overseas degree providers in Singapore, having partnered with SIM Global Education (SIM GE) for more than 38 years.
Through this collaboration, students can pursue degrees in fields such as Business, Banking and Finance, Data Science, Economics, and International Relations. The programmes follow the same curricula and are examined by the same academic boards as those in the UK. SIM complements these with academic support, career services, a vibrant campus life and helping students gain a truly global education while staying rooted in Singapore.
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham, a member of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, partners with SIM Global Education (SIM GE) to offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Singapore.
At the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Business Management (Top-up) equips students with analytical and strategic skills necessary for today’s competitive business environment.
For postgraduate learners, SIM GE offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership, strategic management, and decision-making capabilities. The programme blends academic rigour with practical business applications, preparing graduates for senior management roles and global career opportunities.
University of Stirling
The University of Stirling at SIM offers globally recognised, research-led programmes designed to develop career-ready graduates. With flexible learning options, industry-relevant curriculum, and opportunities for global exposure, Stirling equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
For students who prefer an American-style education, the University at Buffalo (UB) offers full U.S. degree programmes at SIM GE. Students can major in Communication, Psychology, or International Trade, earning a degree directly from UB – “a premier U.S. public university in Singapore … at a fraction of the cost” The UB programmes are taught by faculty approved by the home campus, maintaining the same academic standards and assessments as in New York.
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta holds a position among the top 4 universities in Canada and is internationally recognized as a leading post-secondary institution, ranking within the top 100 universities worldwide. Its steadfast dedication to excellence in research, teaching, and innovation spans over a century.
RMIT University
RMIT University, based in Melbourne, is another major Australian partner of SIM GE. Known for its industry-focused learning, RMIT’s programmes in Business Management, Marketing, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management are designed with employability in mind.
Students gain hands-on experience through case studies and project-based learning. The partnership allows Singapore students to graduate with the same Australian degree as those studying in Melbourne, often within two to three years.
University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong (UOW), ranked among the world’s top 200 universities, partners exclusively with SIM Global Education in Singapore to offer IT, business information systems, cybersecurity, and data analytics programs taught by UOW faculty. Since 2005, over 3,000 UOW degrees have been awarded at SIM, with pathways for transfers to Australia and industry internships. Students enjoy access to SIM’s vibrant campus life, academic support, and opportunities for awards from agencies like CSIT and IMDA.
The University of Sydney
Over 3,500 of Singapore’s most talented health professionals have graduated with our nursing and health science related degrees, offered in partnership with SIM GE. The nursing programmes are developed, fully taught and awarded by The University of Sydney and accredited by the Singapore Nursing Board.
La Trobe University
La Trobe University is a public research university located in Melbourne, Australia. It was established in 1964 and is now the third university in the state of Victoria. The university is in the top five per cent of business schools worldwide to have earned an AACSB accreditation for delivering excellence in every aspect of the university’s work.
Monash College
Monash College is fully owned by Monash University, Australia’s largest university. The College is the preferred pathway to Monash University for international students. Through innovative programmes which align with the high standards of Monash University, we equip students for life at university, and beyond.
Grenoble Ecole de Management
Founded in Grenoble, Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) has greatly developed its expertise in the management of technology and innovation—an expertise that is now the foundation of the institution’s excellence and international renown. The school is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, and is a member of the French ‘Conférence des Grandes Ecoles’.
A Hub for Global Degrees
SIM Global Education offers over 140 full-time and part-time academic programmes from international universities partners.
Students here can earn world-class qualifications, gain exposure to diverse teaching approaches, and access global alumni networks all at lower cost and greater convenience than studying abroad.
As SIM GE highlights, its degrees are “globally recognised, with the same curricula and academic standards as those awarded onshore”
In an increasingly competitive world, these overseas degree options in Singapore offer the best of both worlds – international credentials with local advantage.
References:
- University of London – Teaching Centre: Singapore – https://www.london.ac.uk/study/where-study/teaching-centre/singapore
- SIM Global Education – University of London Programmes – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/university-…
- SIM Global Education – RMIT University – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/rmit-univer…
- SIM Global Education – University at Buffalo – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/university-…
- SIM Global Education – University of Alberta – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/university-…
- SIM Global Education – University of Birmingham – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/university-…
- SIM Global Education – University of Wollongong – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/university-…
- SIM Global Education – The University of Sydney – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/the-univers…
- SIM Global Education – La Trobe University – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/la-trobe-un…
- SIM Global Education – Grenoble Ecole de Management – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/grenoble-ec…
- SIM Global Education – Monash College – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/monash-coll…
- SIM Global Education – University of Stirling – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/university-…
- SIM Global Education – Overview of Degree and Diploma Programmes – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/overview
- SIM Global Education – University Partner Page – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge
Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #CareerReady #FutureSkills #HigherEducation #GlobalDegrees
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg
Media OutReach
Yunnan Showcases Top 10 Must-try Experiences at Trip.Best: Southeast Asia Travel Trends Unpacked
The event gathered representatives from the Singapore Tourism Board, Trip.com, leading travel agencies from Southeast Asia, international mainstream media, travel influencers, and industry experts. Trip.com business leaders shared data-driven insights into evolving travel consumption patterns in this region, covering entry and exit, accommodation, attractions, and dining trends, before revealing the highly anticipated Trip.Best Southeast Asia Travel Rankings.
Yunnan’s presentation on its “Top 10 Must-try Experiences,” took the audience on an immersive journey from the Yuanyang Rice Terraces and Xishuangbanna Rainforest to the Shangri-La Snow Mountain. These tours integrate intangible cultural heritage, ethnic cuisine, and artisanal crafts, creating authentic experiences for global travelers. Complementing the presentation, an outdoor Yunnan lifestyle experience zone was set up, where guests could savor Yunnan specialties, admire Yi embroidery, and capture memorable moments in traditional ethnic attire.
Yunnan also emphasized its traveler-friendly policies, including the 240-hour visa-free transit for international visitors in nine popular tourist destinations, including Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, and Xishuangbanna, and tax refund benefits for overseas shoppers. Enhanced connectivity through Yunnan’s expanding “air corridor” has significantly boosted passenger traffic between Yunnan and South and Southeast Asia. Kunming Changshui International Airport now offers flights to 37 international destinations, with 32 routes linking directly to South and Southeast Asia.
By leveraging Trip.Best‘s global travel rankings and experiential marketing strategies, Yunnan further solidified its brand presence as an international tourist destination, paving the way for deeper collaboration in Southeast Asia’s tourism market.
Hashtag: #Trip.Best
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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