Media OutReach
Wuxi Shows What It Takes to Become a UNESCO City of Music
The announcement was followed by a celebratory festival on Wuxi’s Bogong Island on the afternoon of Saturday 15 November, of which it seemed all of Wuxi wanted to be a part. Therein, Secretary of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Denise Bax (UCCN), within the Culture Sector of UNESCO, presented Mayor of Wuxi Jiang Feng with the approval letter recognising Wuxi as a “World Music Capital”.
In her inspiring speech, Bax said, “I would like to pay tribute to you, the citizens of Wuxi. In this city, music is not only performed and celebrated, but also believed and shared as the universal language that unites communities. … In becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Wuxi joins a global community of cities that believe in the transformative power of culture”.
City of Music is a designation appointed by UNESCO to a number of cities around the world “that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development”. Wuxi hereby joins cities such as Glasgow in the United Kingdom, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and Kingston in Jamaica. Some 84 cities to date have been granted the distinction.
Saturday afternoon’s excitement also featured a brass band, a children’s lakeside erhu ensemble, captivating dance from a school for the visually impaired, plus much more.
A group of performers’ faces beamed, alive more than perhaps ever before, still fresh from the exciting recent news. And now, a foreign internet celebrity had come to sing with them, as their brass band performed for senior residents in a Wuxi retirement community.
That brass-band orchestra was comprised mainly of entrepreneurs—company owners who choose to spend what little free time they have pursuing what they love. Their enthusiasm is a crucial ingredient in why Wuxi has won such a prestigious worldwide honor.
Practicing together for 10 years, the Wuxi Entrepreneur Art Troupe has played almost every venue imaginable: retirement communities, universities, enterprises, the army, children’s events, New Year’s dinners and more. For them, Wuxi as a City of Music is a dream coming true. The highlight of their visit was the Troupe’s orchestra performing as backing for Shanghai-based French celebrity singer Alice Roche the following day.
Still within the voluntary sphere, Vice President of the self-organized Wuxi Saxophone Club Xiao Zhengqing teaches more than 400 amateur saxophonists. They come from different industries, but they all love music and saxophone. Xiao even took them to participate in the World Saxophone Congress this year, making these citizens of Wuxi who love music very popular.
Elsewhere, the city centre is the surprising home of the Wuxi National Orchestra. Guo Pan, a graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Composition and Conducting Department of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, is the Orchestra’s Assistant Conductor—a notable achievement in a profession mostly dominated by more senior males.
Principal flautist Wang Yijing, who graduated with a bamboo flute major from the Central Conservatory of Music, feels that the UNESCO distinction will bring more musical events to Wuxi, encouraging more people to make the city an essential bucket-list item.
Meanwhile, Jason Hao, who plays double bass for the Orchestra, has dreams in a faraway land. He hopes to pursue his musical aspirations in the world of jazz in the USA, and believes Wuxi’s musical award might in some way enable this.
For evidence of Wuxi’s deep musical heritage, the Hongshan Relic Museum within the Grand Canal National Culture Park provides compelling examples. The Original Site of Qiu Chengdun’s Warring
States noble tomb includes 400 pottery replicas of bronze musical instruments unearthed from seven aristocratic tombs, underscoring music’s ancient presence in the region.
Wuxi also embraces the synergy between sight and sound. This is explored in the century-old building that now houses the Sound Hall within Wuxi’s Yingyueli in Huishan Ancient Town. Visitors can don headphones to hear recordings of the Yangtze River or various music genres, while browsing an extensive selection of vinyl records—overlooked by a colossal cyber statue of legendary erhu player A-Bing.
That Wuxi native’s influence is pervasive. At the Meicun Erhu Industry Park, a three-metre-long python skin is displayed as a highlight exhibit. This cultural and tourism venue showcases erhu craftsmanship and allows visitors to experience the making process. Techniques such as the searing of python skin—complete with its distinctive smell—demonstrate why the erhu stands out as a supreme example of intangible cultural heritage.
Connections between traditional and modern sound are also visible in the work of Kent Zhang, curator of a comprehensive audio museum. With tens of thousands of exhibits spanning audio cassettes, open-reel tape machines, Walkmans, Discmans, Digital Audio Tape and Minidisc players, plus signed albums from stars such as Michael Jackson and Jimi Hendrix and platinum-certified discs by Madonna and U2, Zhang has spent more than 20 years collecting globally and building a purpose-designed facility. It is, in essence, a City of Music within a City of Music.
Zhang’s reasoning is simple: the world—especially today’s youth—needs to understand the origins of the global modern music legacy.
Back with the Wuxi National Orchestra, Guo Pan’s aspirations have been bolstered by Wuxi’s UNESCO distinction. She laughs when asked whether it might increase her chances of conducting at the national level: “Of course.”
Guo’s conviction is infectious. The juxtaposition of musical traditions spanning thousands of years with state-of-the-art technology is further illustrated at the Digital Intelligence Center of Xingcheng Special Steel in Jiangyin City. Historically known for heavy industry, Wuxi is now integrating advanced technology with cultural vitality—and music is one of the beneficiaries.
The choir of steel workers performing in full voice offers a compelling demonstration of Wuxi’s musical culture and spirit. Their performance stands as one of the clearest affirmations of Wuxi’s qualification as a UNESCO City of Music.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Gandakan Kebaikan transforms nationwide kindness into real homes, delivering meaningful and lasting impact.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2026 – Tropicana Twister’s ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ campaign has reached a defining milestone with the completion and handover of homes to families in need, marking a tangible outcome of a nationwide movement built on everyday acts of kindness.
Developed in partnership with EPIC Homes, the initiative contributes towards the building of up to 100 homes for underserved communities, including Orang Asli families across Malaysia. What began during Ramadan as a simple call to do good has since translated into safe, liveable spaces that provide families with protection, stability and a chance to move forward.
“Gandakan Kebaikan reflects our belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose,” said Aditya Sheoran, PepsiCo Franchise Senior Director. “Through this initiative, we’re building homes and helping to create stronger foundations for families to thrive, today and for the future.”
Jennifer Lee, Head of Marketing, PepsiCo Malaysia Beverages, shared, “This is where intention becomes impact. Tropicana Twister’s Gandakan Kebaikan campaign started as individual acts of kindness, and now, the result is visible, that Malaysians are and will continue to show up for one another.”
“Families living in unsafe homes live in constant worry, especially during heavy rain. An EPIC Home gives them a place where they can feel secure. It goes beyond being just a shelter – a safe home gives peace of mind, stability, and the hope for a better future.” said Nadhira Halim, (Asst. Manager, Fundraising & Partnership, EPIC Homes).
More than just physical structures, these homes create a sense of security and dignity, while giving families a stable environment to rebuild their lives. Built with the support of volunteers and local communities, each home reflects a collective effort that goes far beyond a single campaign.
While ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ was rooted in the spirit of Ramadan, its impact continues to extend far beyond the festive season. By focusing on long-term community needs, Tropicana Twister reinforces its commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.
“As a brand, we believe in the power of collective goodness. This project is about turning that belief into action and bringing people together to create lasting impact,” added Jennifer. “Just like every beam and plank forms a home, each of you is a vital piece in building this journey.”
With the completion of these homes, ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ continues to build on its mission of supporting underserved communities across Malaysia, proving that collective goodwill can create an impact that lasts beyond a moment.
For more information, visit Tropicana Twister’s Facebook page @MYTropicana and watch here on YouTube to see the impact unfold.
Hashtag: #TropicanaTwister
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complimentary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Tropicana, Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change cafor the planet and people. For more information, visit 
www.pepsico.com, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.
From Orientation to a Continuous Student Journey
Orientation programmes have traditionally focused on introducing students to campus life. Today, they are increasingly seen as the starting point of a longer engagement model. Institutions such as the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), onboarding is complemented by a structured ecosystem of activities that extends throughout the academic lifecycle. These include Student‑led Student Club Recruitment drives,, leadership camps, and peer-led initiatives that encourage early interaction and sustained participation over time.
Building Bonds Through Shared Experiences
Rather than relying solely on informal social interaction, universities or institutions are creating structured environments where students collaborate regularly. SIM, for instance, offers more than 70 student clubs spanning arts, sports, and academic interests, alongside activities such as hackathons, overseas community projects, and student-led events. Such platforms allow students to work together on common goals, reflecting real-world team dynamics and reinforcing skills such as communication and collaboration.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The concept of student life is also expanding beyond academic settings. Dedicated platforms such as SIM’s Student Life initiatives are designed to provide a more holistic campus experience, reinforcing the idea that learning extends beyond formal instruction. At the same time, academic support systems such as the Student Learning Centre provide structured assistance through workshops, consultations, and learning resources, supporting both individual and group learning processes.
A Diverse and Global Learning Environment
With partnerships across universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and the United States, institutions like SIM bring together students from varied cultural and academic backgrounds. This diversity creates opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, which is increasingly relevant in a globalised workforce.
Connecting Student Experience to Career Outcomes
The emphasis on collaboration and engagement is also closely linked to employability. SIM’s broader model integrates academic programmes with industry partnerships, internships, and career services aimed at preparing students for a rapidly changing work environment. This reflects a wider trend in higher education, where experience is being designed not only around academic achievement, but also around the development of professional networks and workplace skills.
Redefining the University Experience
As learning models continue to evolve, universities or institutions are placing greater emphasis on how student interactions are structured over time. From orientation activities to co-curricular engagement and career preparation, the journey from enrolment to graduation is increasingly being shaped as a continuous pathway for collaboration, experience-building, and network development.
Reference:
- Project 1095 – https://project1095.simge.edu.sg/
- Singapore Institute of Management – https://www.sim.edu.sg
- SIM Global Education Overview – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/overview
Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills
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 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% 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 www.sim.edu.sg.
Media OutReach
Where Ancient Ritual Meets Runway: Sanyuesan Festival Gets Modern Makeover in Wuzhishan
Alex, a visitor ventured to China’s southernmost province primarily for its renowned black tea. What he did not anticipate was taking a front-row seat at a breathtaking fashion show staged on water.
“This unique stage has allowed me to capture some wonderful images,” said Alex, who happened to be in Wuzhishan during the Sanyuesan Festival. “I originally came here simply as a fan of Wuzhishan’s black tea, but now I find myself deeply fascinated by the culture of Wuzhishan as well.”
The “unique stage” he refers to is the immersive water-based performance space created for the 2026 Sanyuesan Festival, featuring the “Miss Li · Hainan Sanyuesan Water Village Show.” This innovative platform, with water as its runway and the rainforest as its backdrop, presents the Sanyuesan, a traditional celebration of the Li and Miao ethnic groups with thousands of years of history, through a contemporary lens, appealing to both local and international audiences.
The Sanyuesan Festival is memorable not only for its visual appeal but also for its interactive nature. In 2025, the event in Wuzhishan received 175,000 visitors and generated 110 million yuan (approximately 15.1 million US dollars) in consumption. This year, Wuzhishan introduced five premium tourist routes, converting ecological resources — including millennium-old tree fern groves, tropical rainforest tea gardens, and Yahu Terraces — into tourism products.
“Previously, folk culture felt distant,” said Shan Lijun, a tourist from northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. “But now, in Wuzhishan, I can sip tea, watch a village show, and dance with the locals— it all feels very ‘cool.'”
Additionally, the festival is witnessing the evolution of local intangible cultural heritage industries. A Li brocade fashion and cultural creative design competition showcased innovative garments and creative works, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. This heritage item, once listed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, has now, through the concerted efforts of many, been transferred to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and is reaching broader markets through collaborations with international designers.
Hashtag: #Sanyuesan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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