Category: What’s News Asia

LOS ANGELES, USA – Newsaktuell – 21 October 2026 – A newly released study of US state government performance found strong partisan and regional patterns within three pillars of governance: democratic accountability, state capacity and public goods provision. Yet, the US states’ outcomes differ in important ways from international comparisons, as the three governance dimensions show limited correlation, the researchers found.

The report, “The Governance Performance of the Fifty States: The U.S. Berggruen Governance Index”, applies the research team’s “governance triangle” from past global country rankings to the 50 US states. The report has now been presented to the public at Columbia University in New York.

“Unlike in the Berggruen Governance Index’s cross-national comparisons, where the three dimensions are broadly correlated, in the 50 U.S. states they often run counter to each other,” the authors conclude. “This may seem counterintuitive, as one might expect a well-governed state to finish high on all three and a poorly governed one to place low across all three.”

The report concluded that state capacity and public goods provision are “essentially uncorrelated.” Massachusetts, which has among the highest per capita incomes, was third in public goods but 49th in state capacity. Mining and agriculture-dependent Wyoming was 36th in public goods provision but No. 1 in state capacity.

• Public goods provision, which combines quality-of-life metrics such as health and educational outcomes with infrastructure and quasi-public goods that are often delivered by the private sector, saw four of the top five from the Northeast, while the bottom seven were in the South. All but one of the top 16 states were won by Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential election. Nineteen of the bottom 20 went to Donald Trump.
• Democratic accountability measures election procedures, which vary widely among states, along with scores for civil society activity and government openness. These include among others lobbying disclosures and state auditor independence. The top 12 states were a geographical mix of the West, Northeast and Midwest. Nine of that dozen voted for Harris, though the state with the highest score was reliably Republican Montana. The 10 lowest-ranked states were all Southern, and the bottom 20 were all won by Trump in 2024.
• State capacity foremost indicates debt levels, along with budget processes and effective welfare-state delivery such as unemployment insurance. The top-ranked states were geographically diversified, but no Northeastern state was among the top 12. All major regions were represented in the bottom 10, including notoriously debt-laden Rhode Island, Illinois, Connecticut and New Jersey.

The three components produce four state groupings identified by the authors:

• 14 fiscally sound and delivering states, which are half Republican and half Democratic and swing states, based on the 2024 presidential race.
• 16 strained but delivering states, which are mostly Democratic.
• Nine fiscally strong but poorly served states, almost entirely Republican.
• 11 low performing states, including only one Democratic state.

The report was written by principal investigator Helmut K. Anheier with co-authors Joseph C. Saraceno and Edward L. Knudsen, all of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, and produced as a collaboration of the Luskin School with the Berlin-based Hertie School, supported by the Berggruen Institute, a Los Angeles think tank.

During a panel discussion held with the release of the report at Columbia University, economic historian Adam Tooze focused on the states with poor scores for provision of public goods. He pointed out that for many public goods that in Europe are assumed to be state-led, such as health care, education and utilities, in the US the private sector has a greater role.

“If you look at all of the states which are underperforming, it’s the South, and the variable that’s operating here is race,” said Tooze, a Columbia professor. “The reason why these states don’t have large-scale public services is that white people who are richer don’t want to pay taxes to redistribute income to black people. And it’s not a secret; it’s the logic of American politics.”

Among the 11 low performing states, the very worst performers are in the South: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Kentucky.

Joseph C. Saraceno said that the 14 states classified in the report as fiscally sound and delivering “provide a moderate level of public goods while also having state capacity, or this measure of fiscal room that they find to be comfortable, or have a rainy day fund as needed.”

The group of fiscally strong, poorly served states have strong balance sheets but little to show for it in quality of life. Arkansas, for example, ranks seventh in state capacity but 46th in public goods provision. Tooze said those states have better fiscal resilience and “rank high on their capacity score because basically they’ve never done anything. So unsurprisingly, when push comes to shove, they could do something if one supposed they had politics that would allow them to.”

Edward Knudsen, another researcher who worked on the previous global versions of the Berggruen Governance Index, pointed out that the strained but delivering states are heavily traditionally Democratic Party states that also score higher for democratic accountability. “In a lot of the Democratic leaning states, you have more ability for the population to demand public goods. They in turn are able to receive them. That places this fiscal stress,” Knudsen said.

The full report “The Governance Performance of the Fifty States: The U.S. Berggruen Governance Index” can be downloaded here: https://ucla.app.box.com/s/hcruhr43fyhfw0uondid2e6fviqopmww

Frank Fuhrig, DNA

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Expanding Financing Scenarios and Leveraging Alternative Data for Efficient Credit Approval, Pioneering Trade SMEs to Set Sail Globally as their Preferred Banking Partner

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank” / “Bank”) remains steadfast in its commitment to trade SMEs, empowering the real economy through financial services and striving to become the premier banking partner for trade SMEs expanding overseas. To provide more comprehensive support for enterprises, Ping An Digital Bank is expanding its trade finance portfolio by launching Receivables Financing and Invoice Financing. The dual-track approach, powered by alternative data, enables streamlined credit assessments and facilitates one-stop platform loan disbursements in as fast as one day. The initiatives provide SMEs with robust support at every critical juncture of their trade lifecycle, championing their ascent to the international stage and unlocking vast global business opportunities.

Mr. Terry Tam, Head of Business Banking at Ping An Digital Bank, said, “Since its inception, Ping An Digital Bank has been a trusted partner for SMEs as they scale and venture overseas. As Hong Kong’s first digital bank to utilise alternative data for credit assessment, we have consistently broken down financing barriers for SMEs, providing tailored unsecured loans for trading enterprises to resolve business pain points at their root. The launch of these trade finance solutions marks a significant milestone in building a fully integrated trade finance ecosystem. Leveraging our fintech advantages and deep expertise, we hope to continue playing a leading role and strive to become the preferred bank for trading SMEs going global, assisting them in resolving funding pain points, and steadily expanding into broader international markets.”

Curated specifically for trading enterprises, these newly launched trade finance solutions offer flexible revolving credit facilities of up to HK$50 million, aligning seamlessly with every phase of the trade lifecycle. Among them, Receivables Finance is designed specifically for exporters, enabling them to obtain early liquidity against pending sales receivables simply by submitting commercial invoices and bills of lading. Invoice Financing addresses the procurement needs of importers. Approved financing amounts are paid directly into the supplier’s account, thereby streamlining cumbersome procedures, and offers flexible repayment terms of 3 to 6 months to alleviate upfront capital pressure. Furthermore, all drawdown processes are centralised on a single digital platform, allowing funds to be accessible in as fast as 1 business day.

Ping An Digital Bank stands as a steadfast partner for trading SMEs in their global expansion, providing strong support across key stages of the trade lifecycle with full-chain financing solutions. In addition to the newly introduced Receivables Finance and Invoice Financing for importers and exporters, the Bank provides Purchase Order Financing for cross-border e-commerce procurement, as well as Cross-border e-Commerce Revolving Loan for flexible cash flow management. As a market leader in alternative data applications, Ping An Digital Bank replaces traditional, tedious bank statement reviews with real-time operational data. This data-driven approach offers a deeper, more accurate picture of an SME’s actual business performance, allowing for fast, highly efficient credit approvals. Precise application of alternative data and effective leverage of fintech enable Ping An Digital Bank to offer exclusive unsecured loan for SME customers of Tradelink. By replacing financial statements with customs declarations and trade data, the “Trade-Connect Loan” requires no document submission for credit assessment, truly streamlining cumbersome loan approval procedures to benefit trade SMEs and empower enterprises through financial technology.

Moving forward, Ping An Digital Bank will continue to uphold the mission ‘Always with You. Always Ahead.’ Leveraging our forward-looking fintech capabilities, we offer an all-in-one digital banking experience spanning account opening, currency exchange, cross-border remittance, and flexible lending. We are committed to exploring the potential of the alternative data and transforming technological innovation into sustainable growth for SMEs, striving to be their most reliable partner on the global stage.

Hashtag: #平安數字銀行 #PingAnDB #商業銀行 #BusinessBanking #中小企 #SME #應收賬融資 #ReceivablesFinancing #發票融資 #InvoiceFinancing

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Ping An Digital Bank

Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank,” “PingAnDB”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318). Ping An Digital Bank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer retail banking and business banking services. Backed by Ping An’s advanced technology, Ping An Digital Bank is elevating banking experience, serving customers in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as Ping An Group’s integrated financial platform in Hong Kong.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a management company for hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences across Asia Pacific, is advancing its food and beverage vision through ONYX Dining with a strategic collaboration with ChaTraMue, a Thai tea brand that has been closely connected with consumers for generations since 1925.

Together, the two brands are creating new food and beverage experiences by combining the food and beverage expertise of ONYX Dining, the Group’s food and beverage business, with the distinctive character and appeal of ChaTraMue’s tea products to create new desserts and drinks that bring familiar flavours together with contemporary ideas and experiences, while expressing the distinctive character of Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence.

The “ONYX Dining × ChaTraMue Collaboration” forms part of ONYX Hospitality Group’s partnership strategy to create memorable new experiences for travellers. It is also part of the campaigns celebrating ONYX Hospitality Group’s 60th anniversary under the concept “More of What You Love”, as well as ChaTraMue’s 80th anniversary.

This collaboration brings together the strengths of two Thai brands with deep roots and strong connections to Thai identity. ChaTraMue brings familiar flavours that have long been part of the memories of Thai people, while ONYX Hospitality Group contributes its expertise in food, service and experience creation to reimagine these familiar flavours through new menus and activities. What is familiar therefore becomes an opportunity for guests and customers of both brands to experience Thai tea from a different perspective through desserts, drinks, lifestyle and hospitality, making something familiar feel interesting once again in the context of today’s lifestyles and travel.

Ms.Pornthip Paothong, Vice President, Marketing, ONYX Hospitality Group, said the collaboration reflects ONYX Dining’s vision of food and beverage as more than an element of a hotel stay. It is an important force in creating the identity of each brand and making it a destination that people want to visit and experience. ONYX Dining aims to develop experiences that appeal to both domestic and international audiences while creating lasting value for the business.

“We believe distinctive food and drink can be a compelling reason for people to visit a destination, and a lasting memory that brings them back. This is the direction in which we are developing ONYX Dining: going beyond quality menus to create dining experiences with a story and a character of their own in each destination. Our collaboration with ChaTraMue, a distinctive and widely recognised Thai brand, will further enrich these experiences while creating new reasons for travellers and local consumers to visit us, experience what we offer and continue to return.

For ChaTraMue, Mr.Setthakit Ruangritdet, Executive, Thai Tea International Co., Ltd., said: “This is the first time ChaTraMue has worked with a partner in the hospitality industry on this scale. It is an important step in bringing the strengths we have developed over many years together with ONYX Hospitality Group’s hospitality expertise to create new experiences for today’s travellers. We believe that bringing together the expertise and strengths of both brands will open a new dimension for Thai tea, allowing the distinctive character of each tea variety to be further developed through food, desserts and drinks while clearly retaining the identity of the tea. From original Thai tea and rose tea to green tea, this will offer consumers even more interesting experiences and open up a new way for them to experience ChaTraMue in the context of hospitality and travel.

Familiar Flavours, Reimagined by Each Brand

• Amari × ChaTraMue: “The Art of Indulgence”

From familiar Thai tea to desserts that invite guests to experience it from a new perspective, “The Art of Indulgence” takes inspiration from the rich flavour and gentle aroma of ChaTraMue tea to create drinks and desserts that blend Thai character with contemporary ideas. Familiar Thai tea is presented in unexpected ways, turning a simple cup of tea into a memorable experience. Available at participating Amari hotels.

• Amari × ChaTraMue: “The Origin of Thai Tea Experience”

The DIY Thai Tea Making Experience invites guests to brew their own Thai tea using ChaTraMue tea leaves and the equipment provided, with hotel team members guiding them through each step. This hands-on activity offers a simple way to learn about and experience Thai culture. Available at participating Amari hotels.

• OZO × ChaTraMue: “Brew. Sip. Smile.”

OZO brings a playful twist to familiar Thai tea flavours with “Playful Poolside Thai Tea”, a series of drinks that reimagines familiar Thai tea flavours to create something fun and vibrant in the distinctive OZO style. Perfect for enjoying a refreshing cold drink by the pool while relaxing or spending easy-going time with friends. Available now at participating OZO hotels.

• Shama × ChaTraMue: “Sip Into Thailand”

Guests are welcomed with an amenity pairing ChaTraMue Thai tea with a dessert inspired by local ingredients and flavours, offering a taste of Thailand from the moment they arrive. Those keen to discover more can join a Shama Social Club workshop to learn about different Thai teas before creating their own signature Thai tea drink. Available at participating Shama properties.

• Oriental Residence × ChaTraMue: “Saint-Honoré au ChaTraMue”

Experience the meeting of French classicism and the charm of Thai tea at Oriental Residence Bangkok, where Café Claire presents “Saint-Honoré au ChaTraMue”. The signature dessert features crisp caramel-coated choux, buttery puff pastry and smooth vanilla cream, served with ChaTraMue Infused Tea, which combines Thai tea with seasonal fruit and adds refreshing citrus and floral notes.

Beyond its collaborations with established partners, ONYX Dining offers a range of food and beverage experiences through eight flagship brands: Prego, ChomSindh, NILA, La Gritta, Café Claire, STACKed Burger, Amaya Food Gallery and EAT, alongside other brands across 19 venues in Thailand and overseas. Its restaurants bring together flavours from around the world with the roots, culture and local identity of each destination. They also reflect the warm, attentive approach to hospitality that ONYX Hospitality Group has developed over more than six decades.

ONYX Dining aims to make its restaurants places where local communities and travellers from around the world can connect. Its approach to sustainable business includes supporting local farmers, fishers and small producers, helping to bring quality, cultural value and benefits back to communities. In this way, ONYX Dining seeks to become part of the food culture and everyday life of each city.

ONYX Hospitality Group continues to expand the ONYX Dining portfolio in key destinations. Prego is expanding to Buriram, with another location planned for Don Mueang, while Prego Pattaya has introduced its Pasta Lab & Bar concept to offer a different take on Italian dining. ChomSindh is preparing to expand to Phuket and introduce pop-up experiences overseas. NILA also plans to bring its distinctive culinary concept to new markets through carefully curated pop-up dining experiences. These developments will further strengthen ONYX Dining as the Group’s strategic growth platform.

Discover Thai tea in a new light through the “ONYX Dining × ChaTraMue Collaboration”, where Thai character meets creativity and the hospitality standards of ONYX Dining. The campaign is available from now until 31 January 2027 at participating ONYX Hospitality Group hotels and destinations.

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ONYX Hospitality Group:

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – Watsons, the flagship health and beauty brand of AS Watson Group, has unveiled Asia’s first Watsons Plus at Isetan Lot 10 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, introducing a next-generation customer experience designed to redefine health and beauty retail across the region.

As the largest Watsons store in Malaysia and its most immersive customer experience to date, Watsons Plus represents the next evolution of health and beauty retail, bringing together personalised experiences, digital innovation, wellness services and lifestyle offerings within a seamless O+O (Offline plus Online) ecosystem. The launch also marks Watsons Malaysia’s 888^th store, underscoring the brand’s continued growth and market leadership.

Caryn Loh, Regional Managing Director, Health & Beauty Asia of AS Watson Group, said, “The launch of Asia’s first Watsons Plus customer experience marks a significant milestone in our retail transformation journey. As customers across Asia seek more personalised, immersive and connected experiences, Watsons Plus brings together our health and beauty expertise, O+O capabilities and innovation to create a future-ready retail destination. Malaysia is the launch market for this innovation, and we see significant potential to scale the Watsons Plus across Asia as we continue to help shape the next generation of customer experiences.”

Reimagining the Customer Experience

Spanning more than 18,000 square feet, Watsons Plus has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as Malaysia’s Largest Health and Beauty Retail Store. Featuring a modern and thoughtfully curated interior, Watsons Plus offers an immersive environment that seamlessly blends beauty, wellness and lifestyle elements. More than just a retail space, it serves as a living showcase of how Watsons is redefining customer experiences through innovation, discovery and lifestyle integration.

The flagship store offers over 17,000 health, beauty, wellness and lifestyle products, complemented by a range of immersive experiential zones. These include Luxury Fragrance, Beauty Verse showcasing the latest J-Beauty, K-Beauty and C-Beauty trends, Luxe Skincare, an extensive Mask Library, Malaysian Beauty, Slow Aging, Sleep & Calm Solutions, K-Health, Hair Health and Hair Experts zones, a dedicated Sustainability Zone, and an expanded Watsons Collection area. Customers can also enjoy a variety of health and beauty services, an enhanced Watsons Pharmacy, the Watsons Club Lounge and family-friendly facilities.

Further enhancing the Watsons Plus customer experience is an exclusive collaboration with ZUS COFFEE, introducing a dedicated café concept within the store. Customers can enjoy a curated selection of specialty beverages, including the exclusive Iced Strawberry Blue Matcha Latté, while receiving complimentary limited-edition cup sleeves and sticker packs, available exclusively at Watsons Plus.

Inspired by local culture and customer lifestyles, the store also features curated experiential destinations including Taste of Malaysia, Malaysia Cultural Souvenir and ASEAN Snacks Corner, transforming shopping into a journey of exploration and discovery.

Watsons Plus serves as a blueprint for the future of health and beauty retail in Asia, demonstrating how Watsons creates deeper customer engagement and stronger brand connections. As Watsons continues to innovate across its markets, Watsons Plus reinforces the brand’s position as Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer while setting a new benchmark for customer-centric retail excellence.

Hashtag: #Watsons

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Watsons

Watsons is the leading O+O (Offline plus Online) health and beauty retailer in Asia, currently operating 8,000 stores and more than 1,500 pharmacies in 16 Asian, European and Middle-East markets.

Watsons is named as the No.1 Personal Care and Beauty retailer in Asia*, providing personalised advice and counselling in health, beauty and personal care on top of its market-leading product range, making customers LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD, FEEL GREAT every day. Watsons is the flagship health and beauty brand of AS Watson Group.

Launched in 2019, Watsons’ Asia One Pass rewards our customers with local-member privileges and enables them earn points when they shop with Watsons in ten markets in Asia including the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Türkiye and the Philippines.

*Campaign Asia-Pacific’s Top 50 Brands survey with 10,000 respondents across 6 Asian countries

About AS Watson Group

Established in 1841, AS Watson Group is one of the world’s longest-standing and most recognised retail companies with roots in Asia. Today, the company operates over 17,000 stores across 12 retail brands in 31 markets, employing 130,000 people globally. This makes AS Watson Group the largest international health and beauty retailer in the world.

In the fiscal year 2025, AS Watson Group reported revenue of over US$26 billion. The company’s technology-enabled O+O (Offline plus Online) platforms serve over 6 billion shoppers annually, seamlessly integrating physical and digital retail experiences.

AS Watson Group supported over 180 charitable and non-profit organisations every year, dedicating over 40,000 hours of volunteer work to serve over 370,000 people in need in our operating markets.

AS Watson Group is also a member of the world-renowned multinational conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, which has four core businesses – ports and related services, retail, infrastructure and telecommunications in over 50 countries.

Please visit www.aswatson.com/our-company/o-and-o-strategy/ for more information.

At the historic Hôtel Pozzo di Borgo, the Chinese downwear brand reimagines winter dressing through craftsmanship and cultural exchange.

PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – Bosideng celebrated its 50th anniversary with “The Bloom” on 5 October 2026 at the Hôtel Pozzo di Borgo, Karl Lagerfeld’s former Paris residence. The presentation marked the brand’s first appearance on the official Paris Fashion Week calendar, following previous shows in New York, Milan and London.

Designed by Creative Director Pietro Ferragina, the collection transformed the down jacket from a winter essential into a fashion statement. Art Deco geometry met Chinese craftsmanship, including Haipai qipao-inspired tailoring and traditional Song brocade, in silhouettes combining warmth, structure and movement.

Four lines—Extreme Cold, Outdoor, Business and Puff—explored different expressions of modern winterwear. From sculptural evening silhouettes to technical outerwear and refined city dressing, the collection demonstrated the versatility of down. A finale of pink down evening looks offered a softer, unexpected interpretation of the material.

Jet Gao, Group Vice President and General Manager of International Business at Bosideng Group, attended alongside international supermodel Coco Rocha and guests from the worlds of fashion, culture and the arts, including actresses Mao Xiaotong, Michelle Chen and Ouyang Didi, and actor Chen Tianxiang.

For Gao Dekang, Founder, Chairman and President of Bosideng Group, the Paris presentation reflected five decades of expertise and a commitment to fashion and cultural exchange between China and France.

An accompanying anniversary exhibition traced the brand’s design evolution, highlighting collaborations with Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo Takada and MSGM alongside signature downwear innovations. Celebrations continued at the Eiffel Tower with “The Next Great Chapter,” Bosideng’s 50th Anniversary International Gala.

Bosideng has been China’s best-selling down jacket brand for 31 consecutive years. Now sold in 72 countries and worn by more than 200 million people, the brand enters its next chapter seeking to establish downwear as a lasting presence in international fashion.

Hashtag: #Bosideng

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), the 34^th Hong Kong International Optical Fair will be held from 4 to 6 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Under the theme “Bright Eyes · New Horizons“, the fair will bring together more than 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, featuring a wide range of products and solutions covering smart eyewear, eye care, sports and specialist eyewear, frames, lenses and more, providing buyers with a comprehensive one-stop sourcing platform.

Register for FREE buyer badge: https://tinyurl.com/ysa65azr

HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam said: “The eyewear industry is entering a new era driven by technological innovation, sustainability and changing lifestyles. AI-powered smart glasses, for example, recorded global shipments of 8.7 million units last year, representing a remarkable year-on-year increase of 322%, underscoring the sector’s strong growth momentum. The Hong Kong International Optical Fair showcases the latest products and technologies, and also inspires the industry to explore emerging market opportunities from fresh perspectives and foster cross-industry collaboration. From smart eyewear and green solutions to innovative fashion-forward designs, we look forward to providing a platform for exchanges and partnerships within and beyond the industry while reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international business hub and regional sourcing centre.”

Global brands unveil the next wave of eyewear innovation
This year, the fair brings together exhibitors from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, and across Asia, Europe and the United States. Industry associations and enterprises from various regions will also be featured, including the HKOMA, Danyang in Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang, Yingtan in Jiangxi Province, Taiwan, ASEAN, Korea and the Fukui Optical Association, as well as the Visionaries of Style zone dedicated to creative designer brands. Making its debut at the fair, Daegu Health College of Korea will bring a number of local eyewear companies and showcase their innovative products. The spotlighted “Brand Name Gallery” will showcase some 200 renowned brands from around the world, highlighting the latest designs and technological innovations.

The 34^th Hong Kong International Optical Fair has already attracted pre-registered buyers from leading retailers and distributors worldwide, including Capitol Optical (Singapore), Eyespace Eyewear (UK), Grand Optik (Indonesia), Kaundi GmbH (Austria), Optica Halperin Ltd (Israel), Optical London Drugs (Canada), Parasite Design (France), The Optical Company (Australia) and Vision Plus (US), demonstrating the event’s strong international sourcing appeal.

Capturing growth in smart eyewear and the silver economy
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence and wearable technology are driving strong growth in the smart eyewear sector. According to IDC, global smart glasses shipments reached 3.566 million units in the first quarter of 2026, up 130.1% year-on-year. Meanwhile, market research firm Omdia reported that global AI eyewear shipments reached 8.7 million units in 2025, representing annual growth of 322%, highlighting the transition of smart eyewear from a niche category to mainstream adoption.

This year’s fair will feature a wide array of smart eyewear equipped with augmented reality (AR), AI voice assistants, real-time translation, 4K recording and navigation functions. At the same time, growing demand from the silver economy is fuelling interest in vision care and eye-health products. Exhibitors will showcase progressive lenses, smart reading glasses, bone-conduction audio glasses and eye-care devices designed for older consumers, helping to enhance quality of life and visual wellbeing. Sports eyewear, performance eyewear, sustainability-focused products and green manufacturing technologies will also be among the highlights.

Industry events spotlight emerging trends and future opportunities
A series of forums and seminars will be held during the fair, covering topics such as smart eyewear, performance eyewear, testing and certification, enabling industry professionals to keep abreast of the latest market developments. The 24^th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optometric Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will take place on 5 November. Under the theme “Primary Eye Care in Action: Elevating Clinical Scope and Community Impact“, experts from Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States will share the latest research findings and clinical experiences on a wide range of topics, including paediatric eye care, digital eye strain, driving vision assessment, dry eye management, inherited retinal diseases, and collaborative management between optometrists and ophthalmologists.

In addition, the 26^th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition will hold its award presentation ceremony on the opening day of the fair. This year’s theme, “Mix & Match”, encourages designers to showcase eyewear as an expression of fashion and personal style through innovative designs. A new Technology Concept Award has been introduced for student participants to encourage the integration of creativity and technology.

The fair will continue to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model which seamlessly integrates online and offline elements to extend business opportunities. Exhibitors and buyers can connect and arrange meetings through the Click2Match online smart business-matching platform until 13 November. During the physical event, buyers can also use the Scan2Match function on the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ QR codes to bookmark favourite suppliers, access product details and interactive floor plans, and make product enquiries—enabling engagement with exhibitors before and after the fair to continue their sourcing journey.

【Featured Products】
Driven by technological innovation, demographic shifts and increasing health awareness, the eyewear industry is entering a new era of growth and transformation. This year’s fair spotlights five major trends: smart technology, the silver economy, fashion and design, active lifestyles, and sustainability. Showcasing innovative products and solutions that combine technology, wellness, design and environmental responsibility, the fair offers a glimpse into the future of the industry while opening up fresh business opportunities. Highlights include:

Smart Technology:

INMO AIR3 SMART Glasses Combining AI and AR technologies, the INMO Air3 features a Sony Micro OLED display that delivers a full HD1080P visual experience and supports the Android 14 ecosystem. Equipped with a ChatGPT-powered AI voice assistant, 4K first-person video recording and smart navigation functions, it offers a more immersive and convenient smart wearable experience.

GSPRO AI Glasses GetD GSPRO collection is the AI glasses with health monitoring and Apple Find My. Featuring a 6-axis gyroscope for neck health & fall detection with emergency alerts. Crafted with a lightweight 26g Japanese Titanium+Injected TR90 for all-day comfort. Integrated with GPT/Gemini, it supports 145+ languages AI real-time translation and Q&A, combined with GDirect™ open-ear audio and virtual bass.

Silver Economy:

Intelligence Presbyopia Glass (U10) Using the most advance lens technology, can according to your actual vision, automatically adjust the focal length, presbyopia plus or minus 100 – 400°. AI Intelligence chip, dual mode, you can press the button or pure voice control system, wake up the voice assistance, you can feel free to make a phone call, listen to music, and liberate your hands. Shenzhen Muedo Technology Co Ltd Product Zone: Smart Eyewear | Booth:1E-A23

Gemini Progressive Lenses Designed for older adults, the Gemini Progressive Lenses incorporate Vision Smart Technology and Free-Form digital surfacing technology to enhance stability in distance vision and minimise peripheral distortion. The lenses also optimise near-vision performance and everyday visual comfort, delivering a more natural and seamless viewing experience. Divel Italia s.p.a. Product Zone: Lenses | Booth:1D-G06

Sports and Functional:

Adaptive Photochromic Court Eyewear Move comfortably between indoor courts and outdoor play with adaptive photochromic sport eyewear. The UV-responsive lenses remain clear or lightly tinted in low-UV environments and gradually darken under outdoor UV exposure, helping reduce brightness while providing UV protection. Finished in translucent champagne beige with a refined sport-inspired shape and supportive black nose pads, this versatile eyewear is ideal for pickleball, padel, tennis, squash and everyday active use. Product Zone: Brand Name Gallery | Booth: GH-R03

Smart Kid’s Eye-protection Glasses Designed specifically for children, the smart eye-care glasses track viewing distance and posture in real time, encouraging healthy eye habits and helping to reduce vision risks caused by poor posture and prolonged close-up viewing.

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/4iuIl1Q

Websites
The Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en
Event details of the Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/programme
The 24th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/the-24th-hong-kong-international-optometric-symposium
The HKTDC’s Media Room:http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Fair Details

Date:	4 – 6 November 2026 (Wednesday to Friday)
Time:	(4 to 5 November) 9:30am – 6:30pm (6 November) 9:30am – 5:00pm
Venue:	Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Admission: For trade visitors aged 18 or above only. Onsite Registration Fee: HK$100 per person (free for e-Badge registration and pre-registered buyers)
Click2Match – Smart Business Matching Platform: Date: 28 October – 13 November

Hashtag: #HKTDC #HongKongInternationalOpticalFair

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) and UM Motorcycles have entered a strategic partnership to enhance motorcycle performance, reliability and the overall customer experience across UM Motorcycles’ key markets worldwide.

Under the agreement, PLI will supply a range of PETRONAS Sprinta motorcycle lubricants to UM Motorcycles’ extensive global network of distributors and aftersales dealers in selected markets across Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and Latin America. The initial phase of the collaboration will focus on introducing selected products from the PETRONAS Sprinta range, engineered with UltraFlex™ technology to deliver enhanced performance and protection while ensuring engine reliability and longevity, is designed to deliver instant response and protection across the bike’s engine, clutch and gears, all at once helping motorcycles perform responsively from cold starts and stop-start traffic through to demanding open-road riding so the riders can focus on what matters most: finding their own way and enjoying every journey.

Through a broad international distribution footprint, UM Motorcycles provides PLI with a strong platform for collaboration and future growth opportunities, while the UM Motorcycles’ participating distributors and dealer networks benefit from PLI’s recognised reputation in performance lubricants to raise the quality of customer engagement across multiple touchpoints. Along with bringing advanced lubricant expertise to drive greater customer value and aftersales reliability, PLI will also support dealer development initiatives, technical training programmes and coordinated marketing activities.

The range of PETRONAS Sprinta lubricants will be made available at UM Motorcycle distributors and dealer networks on a progressive basis, with the first batch of products set to reach shelves in October 2026, starting in Asia, followed by launches across EMEA and the Americas.

Hashtag: #PLI

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Hankyu Hanshin Brings Iconic All-Female Theatre Performance with Over 110 Years of History to Bangkok, inviting Thai audiences to discover the appeal of Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Group, a diverse business group that connects people with the culture, communities, and everyday appeal of the Kansai region, brought the glamour and imagination of Japan’s Takarazuka Revue to the heart of Bangkok at the Visit Japan FIT Fair #18 held from 16 – 18 October 2026 at Siam Paragon. The centerpiece of the event was a special stage performance on Sunday, 18 October, featuring the Takarazuka Revue’s Star Troupe Top Pair , Chisei Akatsuki and Chizuru Uta.

Takarazuka Revue is a spectacular all-female musical theatre company that originated in Japan and has a history spanning more than 110 years. Its performers are exclusively women, with otokoyaku taking on male roles and musumeyaku portraying female roles. Renowned for its dazzling stage productions, sweeping storytelling, and captivating blend of song, dance and drama, Takarazuka Revue has enthralled audiences across generations.

On the main stage of Visit Japan FIT Fair #18, the Star Troupe Top Pair took part in a talk session about their connection with Thailand, Takarazuka Revue, and one of Takarazuka Revue’s popular productions, TAKARAZUKA MUSICAL ROMANCE “Boys Over Flowers II” – Shooting STAR –, which was also screened via live viewing in cinemas in Thailand in June 2026.

The production is based on the renowned Japanese manga Boys Over Flowers, written by Yoko Kamio, which has been adapted for audiences around the world. In Thailand, the story was also adapted into the popular 2021 television series F4 Thailand: หัวใจรักสี่ดวงดาว Boys Over Flowers.

The Star Troupe Top Pair then performed two songs: the fan-favourite “Futatsu no Suisei – Two Meteors –” from Boys Over Flowers II, and “Kono Ai yo Eien ni – TAKARAZUKA FOREVER –,” a song that has long been cherished by Takarazuka Revue audiences. The performances offered Thai audiences a rare opportunity to experience up close the artistry, elegance and storytelling that have made Takarazuka Revue beloved across generations for more than 110 years.

By presenting a familiar story through Takarazuka’s distinctive theatrical tradition, the session created an engaging cultural bridge between Japan and Thailand while offering audiences a memorable glimpse into the world of Japanese musical theatre.

Norio Sasagawa, General Manager of the Tourism and Inbound Promotion Division at Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc., commented:

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to introduce Thai audiences to the glamorous world of Takarazuka Revue through the Star Troupe Top Pair’s [CN2] live stage appearance in Thailand. By bringing Takarazuka Revue – one of Japan’s proud cultural traditions – and its unique all-female performing arts closer to Thai audiences, we hope to inspire greater interest not only in Takarazuka Revue itself, but also encourage people to visit Japan, discover its history spanning more than 100 years, and experience the diverse culture and attractions found throughout the region.”

Beyond the stage, Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Group showcased the diverse appeal of the Kansai region to Thai travellers at its event booth. Hankyu Railway, Takarazuka Revue and Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores came together to introduce trip ideas and tourism highlights across Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. From convenient travel on the Hankyu Railway network to cultural and entertainment experiences such as Takarazuka Revue and shopping at Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, the booth highlighted the many ways visitors can experience the best of Kansai.

Beginning with its participation in the stage event in Thailand, a series of initiatives will be rolled out from October 2026 to bring Takarazuka Revue closer to Thai audiences. These include the launch of Takarazuka Revue-related content on TrueID, as well as a live viewing of the Snow Troupe’s Tokyo Takarazuka Theater production of The Poe Clan at SF Cinema in Bangkok on 25 October.

Official information about Takarazuka Revue is available on the official Thailand website:
https://www.tca-pictures.net/thailand_lp/

Thai audiences can continue exploring Takarazuka Revue through its official social media channels:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakarazukaRevueThailand
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590589614840
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takarazukarevueofficialth/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takarazukarevuethailand

Hashtag: #TakarazukaRevue

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Takarazuka Revue

Founded in 1914, Takarazuka Revue is a renowned Japanese theatre company featuring an all-female cast and celebrated for its spectacular musical productions. Today, it comprises five troupes – Flower, Moon, Snow, Star and Cosmos – as well as Senka, a group of specialist performers. Each troupe’s productions are led by its Top Pair, [CN1] who perform alongside the troupe’s other leading stars to bring a distinctive character and appeal to each production.

Takarazuka Revue presents more than 1,000 performances each year, primarily at the Takarazuka Grand Theater in Hyogo Prefecture and the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater in Tokyo.

About Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Group

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc. is the holding company of the Hankyu Hanshin Group, which operates a diverse range of businesses primarily in the Kansai region, including urban transportation, real estate, entertainment, information and communication technology, travel, and international transportation.

Through the Group’s wide-ranging businesses and services – including Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, Takarazuka Revue, and the Hanshin Tigers professional baseball team – the Group connects people with the culture, communities, and everyday appeal of the Kansai region.

BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, hosted “Thai Night Busan 2026” under the theme “Reimagining Thailand” on October 11, 2026, at the ballroom of Park Hyatt Busan. The event showcased Thailand’s film, entertainment and content industries while providing a platform for Thai businesses to connect with international buyers, investors and industry partners. Held during the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) 2026, the evening marked a significant year for Thailand as the market’s first-ever Country of Honor.

Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana graciously presided over the opening ceremony and delivered opening remarks highlighting Thailand’s capabilities and readiness across a wide range of sectors. Her Royal Highness then viewed the showcase presentation “REIMAGINING THAILAND: THAILAND WHERE FILMS COME ALIVE.”

The evening was hosted by Kim (Thitisan Goodburn), with actors Mew (Suppasit Jongcheveevat) and Tul (Pakorn Thanasrivanitchai) joining activities to promote Thai content and the country’s entertainment industry. Their participation brought energy to the evening and helped share the appeal of Thai entertainment with guests from around the world.

A highlight of the event was the Thai Company Showcase, which offered Thai businesses a stage to present their work and content production capabilities through showreels and live performances featuring cast members from their productions. The showcase gave international buyers, investors and potential partners a closer look at Thai content, with participating companies including World Premier Art, Waga Creative, Mojo Living and Dream Dimension.

The programme combined screen content and live performances to showcase the talents of Thai producers and actors. A networking reception and cocktail party also provided opportunities for Thai businesses and international partners to exchange perspectives and explore potential collaboration in content licensing, co-production and market expansion.

The return of Thai Night to Busan marks another step in DITP’s efforts to promote Thailand’s entertainment industry internationally. By showcasing Thai creativity and production capabilities alongside opportunities for business networking, the event supported the expansion of Thai content into global markets and the continued creation of economic value.Hashtag: #ThaiNightBusan2026

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The annual flagship program builds on the success of its first two editions, bringing global experts together around an agenda shaped by the green transition’s most urgent challenges and opportunities.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – GoImpact will convene the 3rd Green Tech Summit on October 21-22 at Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, Hong Kong, bringing together over 50 world-class experts and leaders from across sectors to exchange ideas and showcase solutions under the theme of “turning climate risks into opportunities”.

Now in its third year, the Summit builds on the success of its first two editions and its role as a signature annual convening for cross-sector expertise. This year’s agenda is designed to move beyond discussion—creating space for participants to examine shared challenges, connect perspectives and identify opportunities for meaningful progress. With continuous strong support from Corporate Partners like HSBC, Swiss Reinsurance, Stephenson Harwood, and Sino Group, with City University of Hong Kong as Academic Partner, US Green Building Council as Learning Partner, and many trade associations as Community Partners, the Summit is a focal point gathering over 400 participants.

“To achieve a green and sustainable future, we need green capital at an unprecedented scale. Hong Kong will continue to leverage our robust financial structures and technological innovation to connect green projects with international capital, and work with our partners to build a greener future.,” said Joseph Chan, Under Secretary of Financial Services and Treasury Bureau of the HKSAR Government who is the guest-of-honour opening the Summit.

“The intersection of Green and Tech continues to be the important nexus driving actions and results in a world that faces increasingly harsh consequences of climate change-related risks,” “The Summit is a collective call to action for us to come together and focus on such priorities,” said Helene Li, CEO & Co-Founder of GoImpact.

The programme will feature over 20 sessions and workshops, with contributions from leading players such as the Bank for International Settlements, Henderson Land Development, National University Health System of Singapore and more.. The Summit will bring different perspectives into the conversation to support practical collaboration.

Hashtag: #GoImpact #GreenTechSummit2026

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About GoImpact

Bridging the great divide between the talk and action, the move from ambition to action, accelerating the Sustainable Development agenda from intention to implementation – GoImpact means impact made easy and actionable.

GoImpact is an ecosystem developed to connect the dots and provide action enablers built around 2 key pillars:

• Education
• Advocacy

Through its partners network with online-to-offline initiatives along with connections to corporate organisations, higher-education institutes and regulators, GoImpact connects investors with deals relevant to their interests and provide learning opportunities to drive real change by example for everyone who is keen to understand more about the Sustainable Finance agenda.