Category: China

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Wuxi, the Newest UNESCO City of Music, Charms Europe with 2026 Folk Tour

Source: Media Outreach

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – A high-level cultural delegation from Wuxi, China’s renowned “Home of Erhu,” has completed a landmark two-week musical tour across Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Featuring an over 80-member ensemble from the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group, the tour represents the city’s most significant international outreach since it was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music in 2025.

Caption: A standing ovation for the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.

Launched on February 14, the “Chinese Folk Music Odyssey” featured seven major concerts alongside a series of academic and grassroots cultural exchanges. The tour served as a high-level dialogue between the traditional heritage of China’s Jiangnan region and the classical musical heartlands of Europe.

The tour opened at the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels, where a capacity crowd of 2,000 experienced the vibrant Spring Festival Overture. The ensemble presented a “Chinese Music Feast,” using traditional instruments to paint an auditory “Jiangnan Scroll” of southern Chinese life. In a poignant finale, Chinese fiddles joined forces with local keyed violins to perform the classic Horse Racing. The fusion of Eastern and Western strings brought tears to the eyes of the Chinese diaspora and earned standing ovations from local attendees.

“The melodies possess both natural charm and profound cultural heritage,” noted Belgian music critic Philippe, following six curtain calls. “It is a truly borderless musical exchange.”

Beyond the concert halls, the group engaged with European pop culture in the heart of Brussels’ Comic Strip district. A “flash mob” titled Tintin’s Encounter with Jiangnan Music saw musicians performing alongside iconic murals of Tintin, engaging local youth and residents through social media-friendly cultural interaction.

Caption: Local residents experienced traditional Chinese instruments at the street event.

The journey continued through Germany’s elite venues, including Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie and the Tonhalle Düsseldorf, showcasing the technical precision of Chinese folk orchestration. In the Austrian Tyrol, the tour took an improvisational turn as Wuxi musicians performed alongside local artists against the backdrop of the Alps, a live demonstration of the “beauty without borders”.

The tour concluded on February 26 in Vienna, where the ensemble hosted the “Dreamy Jiangnan” cultural salon at the Wiener Konzerthaus. The event paired musical performances with an interactive exhibition of Wuxi’s intangible cultural heritage, featuring traditional embroidery and clay figurines. The delegation also visited the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna for the “Jiangnan Charm, Harmonious Resonance” China-Austria Music Exchange event. Through a series of academic dialogues with faculty and students, both sides engaged in a meaningful cultural encounter. These interactions went beyond simple performances, significantly deepening mutual understanding and strengthening the musical ties between East and West.

By integrating the “Voice of China” into the “World Symphony,” the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group has opened a new chapter in Wuxi’s enduring musical engagement with the world.

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– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/28/wuxi-the-newest-unesco-city-of-music-charms-europe-with-2026-folk-tour/

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Experiencing an Authentic Chinese New Year in Chinese Gardens Around the World

Source: Media Outreach

NANJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – Since 1980, when the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened “Ming Xuan” modeled after Dianchun Yi of Suzhou’s Master of the Nets Garden, Suzhou gardens have taken root in more than 30 countries and regions. As the Chinese New Year arrives, these gardens have launched Spring Festival celebrations, sharing festive joy and cultural traditions with visitors from around the world.

Kunqu Performing Art in the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney

On Feb. 6, the China Cultural Center in Budapest hosted the “Galloping into the Spring Festival in the Garden” event. Audiences marveled at Kung Fu tea performances, where tea masters skillfully poured water from long-spouted copper kettles in graceful arcs. Artisans demonstrated traditional sugar painting and dough figurine crafting, drawing crowds of curious children, while opera performers in elaborate costumes captivated visitors with refined singing and elegant movements.

Beginning Feb. 17, the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland launched a series of celebrations, including a ceremony to welcome the God of Wealth, a zodiac handover ceremony, lantern fairs, and dragon and lion dance performances. The garden was adorned with red lanterns and Spring Festival decorations, while Taohuawu woodblock New Year prints, silk scarves, and other cultural creative products were displayed throughout the venue. Interactive experiences such as lantern-making, Year of the Horse paper-cutting, and themed stamp-collecting sites invited visitors to take home New Year blessings.

In Vancouver, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden — North America’s first full-scale classical Suzhou-style garden — marked its upcoming 40th anniversary in 2026 with festive events on Feb. 21 and 22. Gifts from its sister garden, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, added to the celebratory atmosphere. Activities included calligraphy workshops, sugar painting demonstrations, rice cake tastings, and lion dance performances, drawing local families and visitors alike.

Tourists experience the Kunqu Performing Art in the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney

On Feb. 23, the Spring Festival event was also held at the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney, which maintains close cooperation with the Humble Administrator’s Garden in garden conservation and cultural exchange. Kunqu opera artist Wang Yueli performed an excerpt from The Peony Pavilion and guided audience members in learning basic movements and gestures. Visitors also viewed documentaries highlighting Suzhou’s intangible cultural heritage and classical gardens, further appreciating the refined elegance of Jiangnan culture.

From Budapest to Portland, from Vancouver to Sydney, Spring Festival celebrations in Chinese gardens worldwide have integrated “gardens to be seen” “opera to be heard” and “cultural creations to be taken home.” Together, they present a vivid portrait of Suzhou culture, attracting tens of thousands of local residents and tourists to celebrate a Chinese New Year filled with Eastern charm.

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– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/28/experiencing-an-authentic-chinese-new-year-in-chinese-gardens-around-the-world/

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Enhancing Hong Kong’s strength as a global financial centre: 2026-27 Budget

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – In his 2026-27 Budget announced on Wednesday (25 February), Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) outlined areas for comprehensively reinforcing the city’s position as a leading international financial hub.

Despite the complex and ever-changing external environment, Mr Chan noted that Hong Kong’s financial market had performed strongly and the city’s financial system remains robust.

HKSAR’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan (second left), outlines areas for comprehensively reinforcing the city’s position as a leading international financial hub

In 2025, Hong Kong ranked first globally for funds raised through initial public offerings.

“We will continue to consolidate our existing strengths, tap into emerging fields, strengthen market systems and risk control and deepen financial co-operation in the Greater Bay Area,” Mr Chan said. “By doing so, we will enhance Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre on all fronts and contribute to the national strategic goal of ‘accelerating China’s development as a financial powerhouse’ “.

With Hong Kong being the world’s largest hub for offshore Renminbi (RMB) business, the Financial Secretary said the city would leverage its unique strengths and proactively align with national development strategies.

For advancing the internationalisation of the RMB, Mr Chan said Hong Kong would facilitate the wider use of RMB in activities such as trade and cross-boundary business; reduce transaction costs; enrich product offerings in the offshore RMB market; improve price discovery in the short-to-medium-term-interest-rate market; and attract high-quality issuers to increase RMB bond issuance in Hong Kong.

In 2025, the stock market delivered a stellar performance. The Hang Seng Index rose by 28 per cent over the year. The daily turnover surged by 90 per cent to a historic high of close to $250 billion (US$32 billion).

Mr Chan said the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) would continue enhancing the securities market, attracting issuers and boosting market efficiency.

“We will also introduce the next stage of reforms, including enhancing the regulatory regime for listed companies, providing specific guidelines for overseas companies seeking secondary listing in Hong Kong, offering more overseas markets as recognised exchanges, and continuing to explore with the market the provision of an over-the-counter trading platform for delisted stocks or those requiring special handling.

“The electronic bond-trading platform will also be launched in the second half of this year, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a global fixed income and currency hub,” he said.

To attract more family offices and funds to set up in Hong Kong, Mr Chan said Hong Kong would enhance the tax regime, including expanding the scope of “fund” to cover specific funds-of-one, as well as classifying digital assets, precious metals, and specified commodities, etc. as qualifying investments eligible for tax concessions.

Regarding the development of digital assets, the Government published the second policy statement for developing Hong Kong into a global hub for digital asset innovation through the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework.

A bill will be introduced this year to establish licensing regimes for, among others, digital asset dealing and custodian service providers.

“We will also explore the adoption of electronic signature for bond issuance documents and the digitalisation of bearer bonds,” Mr Chan said.

To promote the application of fintech and enhance the efficiency of the asset management market, the CMU OmniClear, a market infrastructure operator established by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, will establish a digital asset platform this year. It will support the issuance and settlement of digital bonds. The platform will also be gradually extended to other digital assets and linked with other tokenisation platforms in the region, consolidating Hong Kong’s leading role in the realm of digital assets.

In order to build an international gold trading market in Hong Kong, Mr Chan said the Government would explore offering tax incentives for eligible institutions conducting gold trading and settlement in Hong Kong; assist the industry in setting up an industry-led trade association to consolidate resources, step up promotion, and foster ties with industry stakeholders from around the world; and help the industry keep abreast of the latest gold market developments, acquire relevant skills and develop a training framework.

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– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/enhancing-hong-kongs-strength-as-a-global-financial-centre-2026-27-budget/

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Kiwi who disrupted mosque prayer in Indonesia could face deportation

Source: Radio New Zealand

The woman reportedly disrupted a Qoran recitation night session at a musalla (a small prayer room) near her villa on Gili Trawangan 123RF

A New Zealand woman who reportedly disrupted a mosque prayer session being played over a loudspeaker in Indonesia could face deportation.

According to the South China Morning Post the woman disrupted a Qoran recitation night session at a musalla (a small prayer room) near her villa on Gili Trawangan due to the noise.

It said she was unfamiliar with the traditional celebrations that could last until midnight and a meeting had since been held with her to provide understanding.

However immigration officials said her tourist visa expired in January, which could be grounds for deportation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it’s providing consular assistance to a New Zealander in Indonesia.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/kiwi-who-disrupted-mosque-prayer-in-indonesia-could-face-deportation/

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Pulsar Opens Hong Kong Office to Serve Asia Maritime Satellite Internet Market

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 February 2026 – Pulsar International, a leading global provider of satellite internet communications, managed hybrid networking, cybersecurity, and crew welfare solutions, has opened its APAC headquarters in Hong Kong to better serve the Asia market. With more than 30 years of experience, Pulsar maintains a well-established global presence, already operating 20 offices across North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Pulsar’s Network and Partners

This expansion into the Asia-Pacific market reflects Pulsar’s “Global Network, Local Offices” approach, delivering local expertise, faster response times, and dedication to solving regional network restrictions in Asia and Greater China. The new office will support maritime operators and commercial fleets across Hong Kong and Mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia, and India – key shipping hubs driving global trade throughout the APAC region.

Pulsar Asia delivers a true end-to-end maritime connectivity solution, managing everything from onboard equipment installation to high-speed satellite internet services through direct partnerships with leading satellite operators. As the only Tier 1 provider for all four major satellite networks, Pulsar can equip vessels with connectivity from Viasat/ Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, and Globalstar, as well as Starlink, OneWeb, SES/Intelsat, and Space Norway.

Through its partnership with Inmarsat, Pulsar delivers NexusWave, a bonded multi-network architecture that streamlines hybrid connectivity, with automatic network failover and 100% high-speed global coverage. Powered by NexusWave, Pulsar enables real-time data exchange and voyage optimization to support maritime digitalization, decarbonization, and global green shipping goals.

Through a comprehensive suite of Pulsar’s managed IT and ship connectivity services, vessel operators gain full visibility, control and seamless management of onboard communications, enabling real-time network monitoring, optimized bandwidth management, and enhanced crew welfare.

With cyberattacks posing an increasing risk to vessel safety and maritime business operations, Pulsar embeds enterprise-grade cybersecurity across its entire network and all digital services to safeguard critical operational systems and crew networks.

Beyond the high seas, Pulsar Asia strengthens business continuity and disaster recovery communications for Hong Kong enterprises. With fully redundant satellite connectivity and hybrid failover networks, businesses can maintain mission-critical operations during network outages or cyber incidents. IoT connectivity and remote asset tracking, ensure safety, compliance, and operational reliability across ports, logistics hubs, and transport facilities.

“Entering the Asia Pacific market makes Pulsar truly global,” said Robert Sakker, President & CEO of Pulsar International. “With our Hong Kong office, we are delivering always-on connectivity to one of the world’s most dynamic maritime regions. Our customers across the APAC region can now benefit from local expertise backed by our global multi-orbit satellite network, ensuring resilient, secure, and high-performance communications at sea and onshore.”

Pulsar’s Hong Kong office is now open, with satellite connectivity experts available to assist with any enquiries, offering tailored guidance and solutions for your operational and technical maritime requirements.

Contact
Alice Cheung | Sales Director | +852 5162 6116 | Alice.Cheung@pulsarbeyond.com | Contact on WhatsApp

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– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/pulsar-opens-hong-kong-office-to-serve-asia-maritime-satellite-internet-market/

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Global Ticketing Platform Veritickets Goes Live on Web and Mobile, Promising 100% Verified, Authentic Tickets with Delivery in 12 Hours

Source: Media Outreach

  • Veritickets offers a ticket issuance promise as fast as 12 hours and guarantees that every ticket is verified and valid for entry.
  • The platform is an officially certified partner of Alipay, China’s leading payments and digital services platform, and of the cross-border e-commerce platform Tmall Global.
  • It provides multilingual interfaces and multi‑currency payment options.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 February 2026 – Veritickets, a next‑gen global ticketing platform, recently launched its website and mobile app. The platform pledges to issue confirmed, in‑stock tickets in as fast as 12 hours and offers multilingual interfaces and multi‑currency payment options to address major pain points for cross‑border buyers and streamline the purchase experience.

The platform also guarantees “100% verified tickets,” supported by a consumer‑protection policy that offers a full refund plus additional compensation of up to the ticket price if a ticket is not delivered. Users can access the service via the Veritickets website or by downloading the mobile app from various app stores.

Screenshot of the Veritickets website showing the platform’s newly launched web ticketing interface.

Screenshot of the Veritickets app, now available for both iOS and Android users.

Designed specifically for international buyers, Veritickets accepts major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard and JCB. It is also an officially certified partner of China’s leading payments and digital services open platform Alipay and of the cross-border e-commerce platform Tmall Global.

The platform has already listed multiple high‑demand events, including the BTS 2026-2027 World Tour, the World Cup 2026 and Stefanie Sun _After Sunset_ World Tour.

With an initial focus on Hong Kong, Macau and Southeast Asia, Veritickets is positioning itself as a global ticketing platform, aiming to deepen its presence across the Asia‑Pacific region while expanding into additional markets in phases.

To reduce search friction and enhance transparency, Veritickets aggregates official, vetted inventory into a single interface, enabling users to compare options efficiently. The platform provides real‑time availability and pricing, supported by an all‑in pricing model intended to minimize unexpected fees and last‑minute adjustments.

Its smart recommendation engine curates event suggestions based on user preferences. The platform also offers round‑the‑clock customer support and real‑time transaction verification as part of its agent supervision standards.

Veritickets is currently recruiting internationally qualified ticketing agents, requiring valid operating licenses, strong credit records and proven professional service capabilities. All agents must comply with stringent requirements, including real‑time ticket updates, instant transaction validation and round-the-clock customer support, ensuring a consistent and reliable experience for buyers worldwide.

Hashtag: #Veritickets

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– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/global-ticketing-platform-veritickets-goes-live-on-web-and-mobile-promising-100-verified-authentic-tickets-with-delivery-in-12-hours/

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Hong Kong 2026-27 Budget: Driving High-quality, Inclusive Growth with Innovation and Finance

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 February 2026 – Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, delivered his 2026-27 Budget today (February 25), with a range of initiatives to support and diversify Hong Kong’s economic growth, boost innovation and technology (I&T), speed up development of the Northern Metropolis and proactively align with China’s National 15th Five-Year Plan.

The theme of the 2026-27 Budget, the fourth Budget of the current-term Government, is “Driving High-quality, Inclusive Growth with Innovation and Finance”.

Hong Kong SAR’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, delivers the 2026-27 Budget today (February 25)

“Over the past year, as a result of the booming economy and capital market, our tax revenue has increased. Coupled with the reinforced fiscal consolidation programme gradually bearing fruit, our public finances have improved sooner than expected,” Mr Chan said.

The Financial Secretary revealed that Hong Kong’s Consolidated Account was expected to register a surplus of $2.9 billion in the current fiscal year, instead of a deficit of about $67 billion as originally estimated. The Operating Account for 2025-26, which was originally estimated to record a deficit of about $3 billion, will register a surplus of $51.3 billion, he said.

It was also confirmed that Hong Kong’s economy expanded by 3.5% in 2025, with growth forecast to be between 2.5% and 3.5% for 2026.

Mr Chan noted that this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and he stressed the need for Hong Kong to actively align with the Plan.

“Our country’s sustained high-standard two-way opening-up, coupled with scientific and technological innovation, have presented us with new opportunities,” he said. “We must embrace the 15th Five-Year Plan with an innovative mindset, fostering new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions.”

Mr Chan set out a series of measures to drive I&T development, including establishing the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy; taking forward the Sandy Ridge data facility cluster project; promoting AI training; and accelerating digital intelligence transformation of the Government.

“We are pressing ahead with the industrialisation of AI and deepening its integration across various industries, while encouraging wider AI application, thereby achieving the target of adoption and utilisation by all,” he said.

The International Clinical Trial Academy will, he said, also be established to help enable the Chinese Mainland’s biomedicine technology to go global, attract foreign investment, and help develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.

To facilitate the development of new industrialisation, the Budget has earmarked resources for establishing in Hong Kong the first national manufacturing innovation centre outside the Mainland, and the New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises Nurturing Scheme will be launched.

The Government will promote the full integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation through key infrastructure, including the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, and the San Tin Technopole in the Northern Metropolis.

To support financial services, Hong Kong will proactively align with national development strategies, advance the internationalisation of the Renminbi, and continuously reform the securities market.

The Government will legislate this year to enhance tax regimes for family offices and funds, as well as establish licensing regimes for digital asset dealing and custodian service providers.

“Despite the complex and ever-changing external environment, Hong Kong’s financial market has performed strongly and our financial system remains robust,” Mr Chan said. “We will continue to consolidate our existing strengths, tap into emerging fields, strengthen market systems and risk control and deepen financial co-operation in the GBA (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area).”

Noting that Hong Kong saw a year-on-year 12 per cent increase in visitor arrivals last year, which had created business and job opportunities for related sectors, the Budget will allocate $1.66 billion (US$212 million) to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

“The HKTB will scale up its flagship events and promotion, introducing new elements and extending event duration, and organise more signature festive events to highlight Hong Kong’s East-meets-West uniqueness,” Mr Chan said.

The Budget also earmarks an additional funding of $1 billion (US$128 million) for the Built Heritage Conservation Fund to enrich city culture. Elsewhere, the Government will launch the Northern Metropolis Urban-rural Integration Fund as a pilot scheme to support rural tourism projects.

To further promote sports development in Hong Kong, the Financial Secretary will inject $1.2 billion (US$154 million) to the sports portion of the Arts and Sports Development Fund.

Mr Chan said that the global environment has remained volatile over the past year, and Hong Kong has continued to undergo economic transformation.

“Technological innovation, in particular the development of AI, has brought us a mix of opportunities and challenges. Yet, Hong Kong has always thrived amid changes and progressed through innovation. We must make full use of our strengths and leverage the resolute support of our country to speed up and scale up our economic development sustainably for creating better development opportunities for the people and enhancing their quality of life,” Mr Chan said.

For more details on the 2026-27 Budget, click here.

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– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/hong-kong-2026-27-budget-driving-high-quality-inclusive-growth-with-innovation-and-finance/

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Response to the Budget 2026/2027 by Cushman & Wakefield

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 February 2026 –
Response to the Budget 2026/2027 by KK Chiu, International Director, Chief Executive, Greater China,Cushman & Wakefield:

Enhancing Implementation Efficiency in the Northern Metropolis through Anchor Institutions and Clear Role Definition

In the Budget, the Government mentioned that it will further encourage developers holding land in the Northern Metropolis to collaborate with technology or advanced manufacturing enterprises in submitting joint development proposals. At C&W, we believe that introducing a public–private partnership model can enhance execution efficiency and help alleviate fiscal pressure, thereby accelerating the implementation of the Northern Metropolis development while leveraging market efficiency and innovation capabilities. However, the key lies in how clearly the Government defines public and commercial roles, and ensures transparency in long-term industry objectives, land use and return allocation, in order to attract private sector participation. Subject to clear planning, phased implementation and prudent regulation, the PPP model can become an important tool in advancing the industrialisation of the Northern Metropolis.

As noted in our earlier research, the Government may consider securing strategic “anchor institutions” and avoiding blurred industrial positioning across different precincts, so as to establish clear district identities and enhance overall attractiveness. We hope the Government will announce details of university and technology industry participation as soon as possible to strengthen developers’ confidence in advancing projects within the district. At the same time, we welcome the Government’s adoption of our earlier recommendation to introduce flexible arrangements for land premium payment in the Northern Metropolis. This will help alleviate cash flow pressures for enterprises undertaking land development, and enhance the feasibility and pace of public–private partnerships and industry introduction initiatives.

Suggest to Leverage MPF Assets to Broaden Financing Channels for the Northern Metropolis

We support the Government’s proposal to increase the borrowing ceiling of the two bond programmes to HK$900 billion to finance the development of the Northern Metropolis, and to issue more longer-term bonds to better align with cash flow requirements and capital deployment for infrastructure works. Beyond direct bond issuance, we suggest that, from a broader asset allocation perspective, the Government could make better use of the sizeable Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) asset pool. According to MPFA data, total MPF assets reached approximately HK$1.55 trillion as at end-December 2025, a record high. The Government may consider moderately relaxing MPF investment restrictions to allow a certain proportion of assets (for example, 10%) to be invested in long-term bonds issued for Northern Metropolis development. This would provide a stable source of funding for the Northern Metropolis while offering MPF members an additional investment option with relatively lower risk and stable returns, creating a win-win outcome.

Land and Housing Supply

The land sale programme for the coming year, together with the projected supply of first-hand private residential units in the next three to four years, indicates that land and housing supply is stabilising. We recommend that the Government streamline tender conditions and release sites to the market in an orderly manner to attract broader developer participation and revitalise market sentiment.

Suggest to Assist “Basic Housing Unit” Residents with Rehousing

The regulatory regime for “Basic Housing Units” is expected to take effect on 1 March this year, with a 48-month transitional period. Some units may fail to meet the new requirements, potentially resulting in tenant displacement. In addition, there are approximately 27,000 units in public rental housing estates aged over 50 years, creating significant rehousing pressure. We consider that the urban renewal strategy should be flexible and financially sustainable. The Government should establish clear rehousing priorities and allocate units reasonably among affected residents, tenants of old estates and applicants on the waiting list.

Under the Urban Renewal Authority’s prevailing acquisition approach, compensation based on prices comparable to first-hand residential properties (including owner-occupier allowances) has imposed substantial financial pressure. We therefore recommend further optimisation of the “flat-for-flat” mechanism to alleviate cash compensation burdens. Specifically, the Government could explore allocating land in new development areas, such as Tseung Kwan O, to the Urban Renewal Authority or related bodies for non-local rehousing under the “flat-for-flat” arrangement. While the current “seven-year-old flat” compensation benchmark has its basis, the Government may also consider offering more attractive exchange terms to older building owners as an incentive to expedite relocation and redevelopment progress.

We believe that such measures would not only reduce the substantial upfront cash outlay at the initial stage of redevelopment and ease liquidity pressure on the Urban Renewal Authority but also enable capital recycling upon project completion and sale, thereby establishing a financially sustainable urban renewal model with a virtuous funding cycle.

Response to the Budget 2026/2027 by John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield:

Collaboration between the Hong Kong Investment Corporation and Market Capital to Support Quality Commercial Property Development

We agree with the Government’s decision, having regard to prevailing market supply and demand conditions, to continue refraining from the sale of commercial sites in the coming year. As at the end of the fourth quarter last year, the overall availability rate of Grade A offices in Hong Kong stood at approximately 20.3%. The temporary suspension of commercial land sales will allow the market to gradually absorb existing vacant floor space and help stabilise the office market. Nevertheless, the Government should review market conditions regularly and resume the sale of commercial sites in a timely manner when appropriate.

Regarding collaboration between the Hong Kong Investment Corporation and market capital to guide funds towards quality commercial property projects aligned with Hong Kong’s industry positioning, and to facilitate matching between such projects and enterprises in target sectors, we consider the overall direction to be positive and consistent with market-oriented principles. This approach can enhance the efficiency of matching projects with enterprises, provide more suitable premises for emerging industries such as innovation and technology and medical research, and inject new demand into the commercial property sector.

Sandy Ridge data facility cluster to enhance Hong Kong’s data hub position

The Government has accelerated efforts to promote the industrialisation of artificial intelligence (AI), encouraging its wider adoption and deeper integration across industries. Over the longer term, this will substantially increase demand for computing power, thereby strengthening local absorption capacity for high-specification data centre facilities.

Regarding the proposed data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge, which will provide over 2.5 million square feet of gross floor area, this represents approximately 25% of Hong Kong’s existing data centre stock of around 10 million square feet, marking a rare large-scale supply in recent years. Should the project be successfully tendered, it will provide the high-power capacity and infrastructure necessary to support AI development, and in the longer term enhance Hong Kong’s position as a data hub within the Greater Bay Area and across Asia.

Strengthening Hong Kong’s Position as an International Maritime Hub and Responding Flexibly to Logistics Land Needs

The Government has proposed supporting the national maritime strategic development, advancing the elevation of Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre, and accelerating the smart transformation of the logistics industry as well as the expansion of cargo hinterland. The reservation of approximately 32 hectares of land in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area for the development of a modern logistics hub will further help consolidate Hong Kong’s role as an international maritime centre. However, we consider that in developing a modern logistics industry park, the Government should adopt a market-oriented, enterprise-centred approach, in order to respond flexibly to the needs of businesses and offer appropriate incentives to attract enterprise participation.

Diversified Policies and Continuous Investment to Energise Retail Consumption and Leasing Market

We welcome the Government’s introduction of diversified initiatives and continued funding to promote Hong Kong’s exhibition industry, incentive travel, revitalisation of historic buildings, international cruise development, major sports events, harbourfront enhancement works and the “urban-rural integration” initiatives. Through these targeted and wide-ranging programmes, Hong Kong will be able to attract visitors of different segments and spending power, broaden its visitor base and enhance the overall competitiveness of the tourism industry. We believe these measures will drive the development of high value-added economic activities, further stimulate local retail consumption and invigorate the shop leasing market, thereby injecting additional momentum into the overall economy and delivering long-term benefits.

We remain optimistic about the medium- to long-term outlook for retail rents in Hong Kong. As the relevant policies are progressively implemented and tourism continues to strengthen, we expect retail rents to show more positive adjustments.

Response to the Budget 2026/2027 by Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

Optimising Land Resources to Promote Student Hostel Development

With the implementation of various talent admission schemes, the planning of the Northern Metropolis University Town, and policies aimed at attracting outstanding students from around the world to study in Hong Kong, demand for residential accommodation and student hostels is expected to continue rising.

The Development Bureau earlier announced the rezoning of three commercial sites in Kai Tak, Siu Lek Yuen in Sha Tin and Tung Chung East for post-secondary student hostel use, which are expected to provide around 4,500 hostel places. The further implementation of relevant measures in this Budget will help alleviate the shortage of hostel places and, in the longer term, ease rental pressure in the residential market, supporting the healthy development of the property market.

However, as student hostel projects are not permitted for strata-title sale and typically involve a longer payback period, we recommend that the Government provide appropriate incentives in the land sale conditions. For example, priority could be given to sites located near post-secondary institutions, and greater flexibility could be offered in land premium arrangements or tender terms to encourage active participation by developers.

Northern Metropolis University Town

Regarding development of Northern Metropolis University Town, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to expediting the development of higher education and advancing the “Study in Hong Kong” initiative by granting three sites in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area and earmarking HK$10 billion in loans to support campus construction. This will help further enhance Hong Kong’s overall attractiveness as a regional education hub.

We hope that, as student intake and campus sites are introduced into Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen, they will be closely aligned with the district’s industry positioning and functional roles, generating synergy. At the same time, a clear division of roles and complementary development should be established with future education sites to be launched in Ngau Tam Mei.

Response to the Budget 2026/2027 by Tom Ko, Executive Director, Head of Capital Markets, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

Adjustments to Investment Immigration Policy to Draw Global Capital

We support the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen talent admission from both Mainland and overseas markets. However, this year’s Budget did not set out concrete measures to assist incoming talent in acquiring properties in Hong Kong. We recommend a calibrated adjustment of the investment threshold and an expansion of the categories of qualifying investment properties. Instead of restricting investment solely to non-residential assets, the Government could consider prudently incorporating selected residential properties into the scope.

At the same time, we propose a review of the banking and mortgage restrictions applied to non-local investors, with a view to enhancing flexibility in capital deployment and circulation. These refinements would help attract additional international capital and high‑calibre talent to establish a long‑term presence in Hong Kong.

Prudent Adjustment of Stamp Duty on Luxury Residential Properties

Regarding the Government’s increase in stamp duty on residential property transactions exceeding HK$100 million, and in line with the “affordable users pay” principle, we consider the adjustment to remain at a rational level. Nevertheless, in the short term, it may lead some potential buyers to defer their purchasing decisions. We believe that once the market has adjusted, transaction momentum in the luxury residential segment should remain resilient. We would encourage the Government to continue exercising prudence in adjusting stamp duty rates on luxury properties, so as not to undermine the overall attractiveness of Hong Kong’s property market.

Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/response-to-the-budget-2026-2027-by-cushman-wakefield/

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China’s Dairy Serves Overseas Winter Olympics for the First Time Mengniu’s “World-Class Quality” Nourishes Global Athletes’ Drive to Excel

Source: Media Outreach

MILAN, ITALY – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 February 2026 – From February 7 to 23, 2026, during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, Mengniu Group, as a Worldwide Olympic Partner (TOP), has introduced three specially crafted dairy products—pure milk, yogurt, and butter—into the Milan Olympic Village. These products provide high-quality nutritional support to athletes, coaches, and staff from around the world. This marks the first time China’s dairy industry has served an overseas Winter Olympic Games. Mengniu is the only Chinese dairy enterprise supplying products for this Winter Games, once again demonstrating its world-class product quality and its strong capability to lead China’s dairy industry onto the global stage.

The second “China Night” event, hosted by Mengniu Group and guided by the Chinese Olympic Committee, was held in Milan

Notably, during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, the second “China Night” event, hosted by Mengniu Group and guided by the Chinese Olympic Committee, was held on the evening of February 7 in Milan. The event, themed “China Night, Light of the Five Rings,” aimed to unite Chinese sports culture, promote the Olympic spirit, and foster international cultural exchange and mutual learning. Speeches were delivered by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Coventry, Chinese Olympic Committee Deputy Secretary-General and Director of Market Development Yu Jianyong, and Mengniu Group President Gao Fei. Attendees included IOC Executive Board Member and Chinese Olympic Committee Vice President Li Lingwei, IOC Member Zhang Hong, Asian Olympic Council Athletes’ Commission Chair Ding Ning, TCL Technology CEO Wang Cheng, Alibaba Olympic Marketing Department General Manager Xie Long, as well as representatives from sports, culture, business, and media sectors.

“‘China Night’ has become a bridge for promoting sports and cultural exchange, which is the essence of the Olympic Games: bringing people together and building mutual understanding,” said Bach in his speech. Coventry added that her 2025 visit to Mengniu deeply impressed her with their shared values. Looking ahead, he expressed his commitment to continue partnering with Mengniu to advocate the Olympic spirit through healthy products, sustainable development, and a passion for sports and culture, and he looks forward to the next “China Night” event at the Los Angeles Olympics.

Mengniu Group President Gao Fei stated that sports and milk are natural allies. Mengniu’s corporate spirit of “Born to Excel” resonates perfectly with the Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together.” Mengniu aims not only to bring healthy, nutritious products to the Olympic arena but also to extend its corporate responsibility and commitment worldwide, further promoting the Olympic spirit.

As the world’s first dairy TOP partner, Mengniu leverages its solid product strength and outstanding quality to provide comprehensive nutritional support for the Olympics. At the Milan Olympic Village, Mengniu Group offers three dairy products—milk, yogurt, and butter—ensuring high-quality nutrition for athletes, coaches, and staff from around the globe.

Mengniu’s three products (whole milk, lactose-free simple yogurt, butter) serving the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games

Mengniu has supplied three products to the Olympic Village: whole milk, lactose-free simple yogurt, and butter. These three complementary dairy categories cover athletes’ basic nutritional needs while also catering to the personalized requirements of special groups, fully realizing the goal of “drinking milk, drinking good milk, and drinking the right milk” for athletes. When China’s dairy innovation meets the Olympic spirit of striving for excellence, a mutual journey of “breakthrough” shines brilliantly on the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games stage.

This cultural expression through paper-cutting art aligns perfectly with Mengniu’s brand story told to the world. On the occasion of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games opening, Mengniu released the opening theme film “Opening” under the slogan “Crossing Thousands of Mountains and Seas, Together for the Winter Olympics.” The film invites billions of viewers worldwide to experience the warmth of Chinese New Year reunions on the global stage of ice and snow sports, jointly witnessing the mutual pursuit of “excellence” and “togetherness.” The “Opening” film uses the snowy landscape as paper and ice sports as the carving tool to create Chinese paper-cut art. With lively morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and throat singing, it features Mengniu brand ambassadors—Eileen Gu, Jia Ling, Xiao Zhan, and Jackson Yee—conveying the spirit of “Born to Excel.” The film cleverly connects scenes of the grasslands, the Great Wall, the Leaning Tower, and the sports venues, symbolizing Mengniu’s journey from grassland cattle and Chinese cattle to world-class cattle in its pursuit of excellence. Released at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games opening, this theme film once again showcases the style and responsibility of Chinese brands to the world. “Born to Excel” shines like a radiant spiritual totem, adding a moving Eastern echo to the long history of the Olympics.

The Milan chapter of “China Night” concluded successfully, while a new chapter of dialogue between Chinese brands and the world has just begun. Looking ahead, Mengniu will inspire perseverance through the light of sports, connect hearts through the light of culture, and illuminate the future through the light of sustainability. With this warm and powerful “Light of China,” Mengniu aims to contribute even greater strength to the global development of the Olympic movement.

Hashtag: #Mengniu

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/chinas-dairy-serves-overseas-winter-olympics-for-the-first-timemengnius-world-class-quality-nourishes-global-athletes-drive-to-excel/

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Triple agonist UBT251 delivers up to 19.7% mean weight loss after 24 weeks in phase 2 trial in China

Source: Media Outreach

  • UBT251 is a triple agonist of the receptors for GLP-1, GIP and glucagon (triple G), being jointly developed by United Biotechnology and Novo Nordisk
  • In a placebo-controlled phase 2 trial in Chinese people with overweight or obesity, UBT251 led to a statistically significant mean weight loss of up to 19.7% after 24 weeks
  • UBT251 appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile consistent with incretin-based therapies.

GUANGDONG, CHINA & BAGSVÆRD, DENMARK – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2026 – The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (TUL) and Novo Nordisk A/S (Novo Nordisk) today announced topline results from a Chinese phase 2 trial of UBT251, a triple agonist of the receptors for GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon (triple G).

UBT251 is being jointly developed by TUL’s wholly-owned subsidiary The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. (United Biotechnology) and Novo Nordisk under an agreement signed in March 2025. United Biotechnology is responsible for development in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, while Novo Nordisk is responsible for development in the rest of the world.

The trial, conducted by United Biotechnology, investigated the safety and efficacy of once-weekly injectable 2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg doses of UBT251 compared to placebo in Chinese people with overweight or obesity. From a baseline mean body weight of 92.2 kg, the highest mean weight loss observed for people treated with UBT251 was 19.7% (-17.5 kg) compared to 2.0% (-1.6kg) in the placebo group after 24 weeks of treatment[i].

Moreover, all dose groups of UBT251 showed statistically significant improvements relative to placebo on key secondary endpoints, including waist circumference, blood glucose, blood pressure and lipids.

In the trial, UBT251 appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal, and the vast majority were mild to moderate and diminished over time, consistent with incretin-based therapies.

“The success of the phase 2 clinical trial of UBT251 in China represents another significant milestone in TUL’s innovation-driven development,” said Mr Tsoi Hoi Shan, Chairman of TUL. “We will continue to focus on chronic diseases, including endocrine and metabolic disorders, accelerate the further development of UBT251, and strive to bring more high-quality treatment options to patients worldwide at the earliest opportunity.”

“We are very encouraged by these data from the trial in China, which demonstrate the potential of UBT251 and its differentiated clinical profile and safety and tolerability profile,” said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president, chief scientific officer and head of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk. “We look forward to reporting data from a global trial with UBT251 conducted by Novo Nordisk next year.”

Novo Nordisk recently initiated a global phase 1b/2a trial investigating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of different doses of UBT251 for up to 28 weeks in around 330 people living with overweight or obesity. Topline data from that trial is expected in 2027. Novo Nordisk also expects to initiate a phase 2 trial with UBT251 in people with type 2 diabetes in the second half of 2026.

United Biotechnology will present detailed data from the Chinese phase 2 trial at a medical congress later this year. Based on the results of this trial, the company is planning to initiate a phase 3 trial in Chinese patients with overweight or obesity.

About the Chinese phase 2 trial

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled a total of 205 Chinese patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m²) or overweight (24.0 kg/m² ≤ BMI

Patients were randomly assigned to receive weekly subcutaneous injections of UBT251 in doses of 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, or placebo for 24 weeks.

The primary endpoint of the trial was the percentage change in body weight from baseline after 24 weeks of treatment.

About UBT251

UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist targeting the receptors for GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and glucagon.

In March 2025, United Biotechnology entered an exclusive license agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S for UBT251. Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk obtained exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) to develop, manufacture and commercialise UBT251. United Biotechnology retained the rights for UBT251 in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

[i] Based on the efficacy estimand according to the trial protocol, regardless of dose modification

Hashtag: #UBT251

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/triple-agonist-ubt251-delivers-up-to-19-7-mean-weight-loss-after-24-weeks-in-phase-2-trial-in-china/

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The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops: Asia Pacific’s Notable Winners

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – The second edition of THE WORLD’S 100 BEST COFFEE SHOPS 2026 with DaVinci Gourmet announced its global rankings at CoffeeFest Madrid 2026, revealing a reshaped coffee landscape for the Asia Pacific region.

This definitive list of the world’s best specialty coffee shops saw Australia deepening its leadership with seven coffee shops in the global ranking, Taiwan with four, returning favourites such as Singapore’s Apartment Coffee maintaining its 2025 ranking, and Malaysia’s Story of Ono climb one level up.

Australian newcomer Only Coffee Project Crows Nest clinched 4th position followed by Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters in 5th. Returning to the list were Proud Mary Coffee and Coffee Anthology, joined by newcomers Beta Coffee and Single O. The blend of returning icons and new entrants underlines Australia’s ongoing influence on global café standards.

In Asia, Apartment Coffee in Singapore and Story of Ono in Malaysia took 6th and 8th place respectively, with The Republic of South Korea, Japan, China, and The Philippines securing placements in this year’s Top 100 rankings.

See the full list at The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops

The list confirms the emergence of new global capitals of quality coffee, as well as the consolidation of an increasingly diverse and innovative international coffee community that includes The United States, which leads the ranking with nine selected coffee shops, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and Middle East.

“Congratulations to all 100 ranked coffee shops. The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026 with DaVinci Gourmet is the global benchmark celebrating the cafés shaping the future of coffee, and as a leading beverage solutions brand, DaVinci Gourmet is proud to stand alongside it as the global title partner,” said Eloise Dubuisson, General Manager, Food Service Brands, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.

A GLOBAL EVALUATION PROCESS

The ranking is produced through a mixed system combining the evaluation of more than 800 professional judges from all continents with public voting, which exceeded 350,000 votes in this edition. In total, more than 15,000 coffee shops worldwide were analysed.

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE IN COFFEE

A benchmark for the industry and professionals, The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops aims to highlight coffee shops that not only serve exceptional coffee but also create unique coffee experiences.

As Global and Title Partner of the 2026 edition, and together with initiatives like the DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship, DaVinci Gourmet remains committed to championing global beverage artistry and café culture.

Hashtag: #TheWorlds100BestCoffeeShop #DaVinciGourmet

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/23/the-worlds-100-best-coffee-shops-asia-pacifics-notable-winners/

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Joint statement on AI Generated Imagery

Source: Privacy Commissioner

AI systems generating realistic images and videos depicting identifiable individuals without their knowledge and consent has led to the New Zealand Office of the Privacy Commissioner co-signing a joint statement on the issue. The concerns about these technologies include the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery and potential harms to children and other vulnerable groups.

The co-signatories remind all organisations developing and using AI content generation systems that these systems must be developed and used in accordance with applicable legal frameworks, including data protection and privacy rules. The statement also notes that fundamental principles should apply when using AI content generation systems, including implementing robust safeguards, transparency, and addressing specific risks to children.

Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy

The co-signatories below are issuing this Joint Statement in response to serious concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) systems that generate realistic images and videos depicting identifiable individuals without their knowledge and consent.

While AI can bring meaningful benefits for individuals and society, recent developments – particularly AI image and video generation integrated into widely accessible social media platforms – have enabled the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery, defamatory depictions, and other harmful content featuring real individuals. We are especially concerned about potential harms to children and other vulnerable groups, such as cyber-bullying and/or exploitation.

Expectations for Organisations

The co-signatories remind all organisations developing and using AI content generation systems that such systems must be developed and used in accordance with applicable legal frameworks, including data protection and privacy rules.

We also highlight that the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery can constitute a criminal offence in many jurisdictions.

Whilst specific legal requirements vary by jurisdiction, fundamental principles should guide all organisations developing and using AI content generation systems, including:

  • Implement robust safeguards to prevent the misuse of personal information and generation of non-consensual intimate imagery and other harmful materials, particularly where children are depicted.
  • Ensure meaningful transparency about AI system capabilities, safeguards, acceptable uses and the consequences of misuse.
  • Provide effective and accessible mechanisms for individuals to request the removal of harmful content involving personal information and respond rapidly to such requests.
  • Address specific risks to children through implementing enhanced safeguards and providing clear, age-appropriate information to children, parents, guardians and educators.

Coordinated Response

The harms arising from non-consensual generation of intimate, defamatory, or otherwise harmful content depicting real individuals are significant and call for urgent regulatory attention.

To encourage the development of innovative and privacy-protective AI, the co-signatories of this statement are united in expressing their concern about the potential harms from the misuse of AI content generation systems. The co-signatories aim to share information on their approaches to addressing these concerns that can include enforcement, policy and education, as appropriate and to the extent that such sharing is consistent with applicable laws. This reflects our shared commitment and joint effort in addressing a global risk.

Conclusion

We call on organisations to engage proactively with regulators, implement robust safeguards from the outset, and ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of privacy, dignity, safety, and other fundamental rights – particularly for the most vulnerable of our global society.

List of signatories 

  • Information and Data Protection Office of the Republic of Albania
  • Andorran Data Protection Agency, Andorra
  • Agency of Access to Public Information – DPA Argentina
  • Ombudsman’s Office of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina 
  • Office of the Information Commissioner, Queensland, Australia
  • Basque Data Protection Authority, Spain
  • Data Protection Authority, Belgium
  • Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Bermuda
  • National Data Protection Agency, Brazil
  • Commission for Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Bulgaria
  • Commission for Information Technology and Freedoms, Burkina Faso
  • Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
  • Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta, Canada
  • Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia, Canada
  • Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
  • Commission on Access to Information of Quebec, Canada
  • National Commission of Data Protection, Republic of Cabo Verde
  • Catalan Data Protection Authority, Catalonia (Spain)
  • Superintendence of Industry and Commerce of Colombia
  • Croatian Personal Data Protection Agency
  • Commissioner for Personal Data Protection, Cyprus
  • Superintendence of Personal Data Protection of Ecuador
  • European Data Protection Board
  • European Data Protection Supervisor
  • National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties, France
  • Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, Germany
  • Data Protection Commission Ghana
  • Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
  • Office of the Data Protection Authority, Bailiwick of Guernsey
  • Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong (SAR), China
  • The Icelandic Data Protection Authority
  • Data Protection Commission, Ireland
  • Isle of Man Information Commissioner
  • Israeli Privacy Protection Authority
  • Italian Data Protection Authority
  • Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner, Bailiwick of Jersey
  • Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, Kenya
  • Information and Privacy Agency, Kosovo
  • Office of the Information and Data Protection Commissioner of Malta
  • Mauritius Data Protection Office
  • Institute for Transparency, Access to Public Information and Personal Data Protection of the State of Mexico and Municipalities, Mexico
  • Institute for Transparency, Access to Public Information and Personal Data Protection of Nuevo León, Mexico
  • Personal Data Protection Unit of the Anti-Corruption and Good Government Secretariat, Mexico
  • Personal Data Protection Authority, Monaco
  • Dutch Data Protection Authority, Netherlands
  • Office of the Privacy Commissioner, New Zealand
  • Nigeria Data Protection Commission
  • Norwegian Data Protection Authority
  • The National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information, Panama
  • National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data, Peru
  • National Privacy Commission, Philippines
  • Personal Data Protection Office, Poland
  • Portuguese Data Protection Supervisory Authority, Portugal
  • Personal Data Protection Commission of the Republic of Singapore
  • Information Commissioner of the Republic of Slovenia
  • Personal Information Protection Commission, Republic of Korea
  • Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner, Switzerland
  • ADGM Office of Data Protection, Emirate of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
  • Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, Emirate of Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
  • UK Information Commissioner’s Office, United Kingdom
  • Regulatory and Control Unit for Personal Data, Uruguay

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/23/joint-statement-on-ai-generated-imagery/

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‘War orphans’ express gratitude to Chinese foster parents

Source: Media Outreach

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2026 – Organized by the Japanese Repatriates and Japan-China Friendship Association, a delegation of 90 Japanese “war orphans,” along with their descendants and family members, visited Harbin in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province on September 11, 2025, for a cultural performance. The event served as an opportunity for participants to convey heartfelt gratitude to their Chinese foster parents who raised them, while also promoting messages of peace and historical reflection through their artistic expressions.

The association is dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and China. Its mission includes supporting the social welfare of Japanese “war orphans” left behind in China—individuals who endured significant hardship during the post-war turmoil and are still facing various challenges today. The organization also seeks to preserve and transmit the memories of these experiences to younger generations and to deepen bilateral exchanges.

Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, more than 4,000 Japanese children were left behind in China and raised by Chinese families. Now advanced in age, the group has decided to undertake what they call their final “gratitude tour,” which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Since 2009, these orphans have been traveling to China every few years to acknowledge the kindness of their Chinese foster parents and other benefactors who supported them.

Sumie Ikeda, 81, head of the association of friendship of repatriates from China, is herself one of the Japanese orphans left behind in China. In an exclusive interview with CNS, she spoke in the fluent northeastern Chinese dialect of her childhood, reminiscing about her upbringing in Heilongjiang. “How could I be Japanese?” she reflected, her early identity obscured by the war’s aftermath. Separated from her biological family as an infant, she was raised in Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province. “My foster mother was truly an exceptional Chinese woman,” Ikeda said, noting that memories of her foster mother’s strength continue to sustain her.

A pivotal moment occurred when she was eight and local Chinese authorities identified her Japanese heritage. The words of her foster mother, who insisted “This child is mine,” left an indelible mark on Ikeda. As an adult, her search for biological roots in 1980s Japan ended in hardship and betrayal, leaving her destitute and suicidal until rescued by the Chinese consulate.

“My first life was given by my birth parents; my second by my adoptive parents,” she recounted. “In the most difficult times, it was always the Chinese people who reached out to us.”

Ikeda’s story reflects a broader historical experience. Official Japanese records recognize 2,818 such “war orphans.” Their lives, Ikeda stresses, are a living indictment of the catastrophes caused by war.

Yet, despite their hardships, their enduring sentiment is one of profound gratitude towards China. “Though Japanese by birth, we would not have survived without Chinese people,” Ikeda said.

Their collective narrative delivers a dual message of profound gratitude and solemn warning. It pays tribute to the extraordinary compassion of ordinary Chinese people—a love that chose nurture over vengeance. “We must never let war happen again. Situations like ours must never be repeated,” Ikeda urged.

“We are a group with the dual identity of both perpetrators and victims,” she reflected, a statement that embodies the complex legacy of history, humanity, and a plea for lasting peace.

Hashtag: #ChinaNewsService

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/22/war-orphans-express-gratitude-to-chinese-foster-parents/

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Electrical and mechanical machinery lead imports for year ended January 2026 – Overseas merchandise trade: January 2026 – Stats NZ news story and information release

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/21/electrical-and-mechanical-machinery-lead-imports-for-year-ended-january-2026-overseas-merchandise-trade-january-2026-stats-nz-news-story-and-information-release/

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Winter Olympics: Kiwi Mischa Thomas qualifies for halfpipe final as rival stretchered off

Source: Radio New Zealand

Canada’s Cassie Sharpe receives medical assistance after crashing during the women’s freestyle skiing halfpipe at the Winter Olympics. 2026. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP

Auckland freeskier Mischa Thomas has qualified for the final of the halfpipe at the Winter Olympics.

The 17 year old landed a score of 77.00 in her first run and followed that up with a slightly improved 77.50 in her second.

With the best score from the two runs counting, Thomas qualified tenth.

The field had to contend with falling snow during the competition and Thomas said it provided some challenges.

“It was a run I was pretty comfortable doing, I’ve done quite a few times,” she told Sky Sport.

“The pipe was still fast and it is kind of scary to see what it is going to be like when it’s not snowing. It was a little bumpy so just had to manage that, but you get given what you’re given and you just have to deal with it.”

Zoe Atkin of Great Britain topped the qualifying with a best score of 91.50, while defending champion Eileen Gu of China qualified fifth with a score of 86.50.

The competition was paused for 15 minutes when Canadian Cassie Sharpe, who won halfpipe gold in 2018 and silver in 2022, fell and appeared to knock her head. She received medical attention but still qualified third.

The final is on Sunday morning.

New Zealand freeskier Mischa Thomas competes in the halfpipe at the Winter Olympics, 2026. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP

Heavy snow again forced organisers to change the schedule with qualifying for the men’s freeski halfpipe pushed back a day.

It means Fin Melville Ives, Luke Harold, Gustav Legnavsky and Ben Harrington will start their qualifying on Friday night with the final scheduled for Saturday morning.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/winter-olympics-kiwi-mischa-thomas-qualifies-for-halfpipe-final-as-rival-stretchered-off/

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Tourists through new pathway triple in two months

Source: New Zealand Government

A new travel option that enables eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors to cross the ditch to New Zealand visa free is bringing in a considerable boost in tourism and revenue, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston say.

“In December, we announced that 13,000 Chinese and Pacific travellers had already visited, with 24,000 total requests approved. After two months, that number has now almost tripled to 36,800 visits, along with 54,000 requests approved,” Ms Stanford says.

“With average visitor spend at $5,800 for Chinese visitors, according to the International Visitor Survey, that amounts to an estimated economic injection of $210 million for Kiwi businesses from those who have visited, with Chinese visitors making up around 36,200 of visits through the new pathway.

“We are committed to supporting Kiwis businesses to thrive, and these results, which boost our wider tourism sector. Tourism is our second largest export and it is fantastic to see results which boost our wider tourism sector.” 

“Everybody wants the chance to visit and experience New Zealand, and through our change to allow more people to visit through visa-free travel from Australia, it appears to be a no-brainer.”

Ms Stanford says the change that was introduced was a deciding factor in people visiting New Zealand – 85 percent of Chinese travellers and 82 percent of Pacific travellers surveyed said they travelled here specifically because of the new NZeTA option.

Ms Upston says this is already bringing in a sizeable boost in revenue across the country, and in particular our key tourism regions.

“Visitor spending is going directly into local businesses. That includes shops, eateries, accommodation, and tour operators – and this is spending which may not have come into New Zealand prior to the change. This is all part of our Government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future. 

“The South Island remains extremely popular, with 67 percent of Chinese and Pacific visitors arriving at an international airport in the South Island to start their travels.

“The travel changes we’ve made are reflective of this Government’s stance – we back Kiwi businesses and we back our regions. We are relentlessly focused on making smart, commonsense, and sometimes simple changes, which bring big value for New Zealanders.”

Notes to editor:

Since November, eligible Chinese and Pacific Island Forum passport holders travelling to New Zealand from Australia no longer need to obtain a Visitor Visa . Instead, they can apply for a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) as part of a 12-month trial. 

Instead of spending $441 and waiting an average of 4 days, individuals from China travelling via Australia can pay as little as $117 and have their application for an NZeTA processed in 24 hours. Individuals from the Pacific can pay as low as $17 instead of spending $216 and waiting an average 6 days for a visitor visa.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/tourists-through-new-pathway-triple-in-two-months/

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Auckland Airport posts ‘positive’ half-year result

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland Airport has posted a steady half-year result. RNZ / Kim Baker-Wilson

Auckland Airport has posted a steady half-year result, with the company cautiously optimistic about passenger growth in the near term.

Key numbers for the six months ended December 2025 compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $177m vs $187.3m
  • Revenue $519.6m vs $499.9m
  • Underlying profit $157.1m vs $148.1m
  • Passenger numbers 9.64m vs 9.46m
  • Interim dividend 6.5 cents per share v 6.25 cps

Its bottom line profit decreased 5 percent amid a jump in depreciation expenses reflecting new assets the airport commissioned. Stripping aside one-offs, underlying profit increased 6 percent.

Chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said the passenger demand trend was “positive”, and singled out the China Eastern Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires service as a highlight, which she said was proving popular.

“While the passenger demand trajectory is certainly positive, we expect the ongoing global fleet shortages to continue to weigh on the availability of new seat capacity supply and the pace of growth in the near term,” she said.

The airport said it had been a promising start to the 2026 financial year for international travel, with seat capacity up 1.8 percent from a year ago, lifting non-transit passenger movements to 93 percent of pre-Covid levels.

“Travellers on North American routes continue to be exceptionally well served with seven airlines competing in the market, and we’re welcoming more inbound visitors to New Zealand on these routes than ever before,” Hurihanganui said.

Temporary disruption as work continues on terminal

Hurihanganui said construction of the integrated domestic jet terminal remained on track for completion in 2029.

Construction activity at the international terminal over the next 18 months would become more visible to travellers with the opening of a temporary check-in facility.

“This next stage of the build, where we are upgrading the check-in area at the international terminal, is an essential step in delivering the long-term capacity, resilience and improved customer experience travellers have been asking for at Auckland Airport,” she said.

“Travellers can expect some temporary disruption as this complex work gets underway, particularly in international departures.”

Hurihanganui said the airport was working with airlines and government agency partners to minimise

The airport forecast full-year underlying profit of between $295 million and $320m, and forecast capital expenditure guidance of between $1 billion and $1.2b.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/auckland-airport-posts-positive-half-year-result/

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Arts – Global exhibitions coming to Tāmaki Makaurau: Auckland Museum announces 2026/2027 international exhibition programme

Source: Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum

Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum announces an exciting line-up of international touring exhibitions, including an exclusive new Triceratops exhibition, coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland over 2026 and 2027.

Auckland Museum Director of Audience Engagement Victoria Travers says the upcoming programme brings a diverse range of exhibitions from around the world.

“The next two years of our international exhibition programme reflects Auckland Museum’s commitment to presenting world-class touring exhibitions, with March of the Triceratops set to be a major highlight.”

“As the only Australasian venue on the exhibition’s international tour, Auckland Museum will give visitors the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with the world’s only known Triceratops herd, alongside other exceptional international exhibitions arriving in Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Travers.

Due to strong public interest, Sharks, created by the Australian Museum, has been extended through to Monday 1 June 2026. This exhibition explores the diversity and evolution of sharks, their significance within First Nations and Pasifika knowledge systems, and the latest global research into shark conservation, offering visitors a deeper understanding of these ancient and often misunderstood ocean predators.

Opening on Saturday 27 June 2026, Wildlife Photographer of the Year returns to Auckland Museum in its 61st year, presenting a breathtaking selection of images from the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition. The exhibition celebrates the beauty, complexity and fragility of the natural world, captured by photographers from across the globe.

Coming September 2026, families and dinosaur enthusiasts can step back into the prehistoric past with March of the Triceratops. This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition showcases the world’s only Triceratops herd, with a rare group of five recently excavated fossils. Through immersive displays, life-size models, animatronics and augmented reality, this exhibition brings the story of Triceratops to life, exploring their behaviour, biology, and the ancient environments they once roamed.

Opening in June 2027, Ming: The Golden Empire showcases the brilliance of China’s Ming dynasty. This exhibition explores revolutionary social change, artistic achievement, and cultural richness through treasures from the Nanjing Museum that rarely leave China.

Auckland Museum Membership, with three options to select from, provides unlimited free entry to all paid exhibitions, as well as discounted event tickets and exclusive Member-only events. Find out more at: aucklandmuseum.com/membership

Further details, and public programmes and events to be announced; sign up to our What’s On email for updates.

Auckland Museum exhibition programme for 2026/2027:

SHARKS
EXTENDED UNTIL MON 1 JUN 2026
ADULT $22, CHILD (5-15 YRS) $11, UNDER 5 YRS FREE, FAMILY (2 ADULT, 2 CHILD) $59, CONCESSIONS (STUDENTS & SENIORS) $20
FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS

Created by the Australian Museum, Sharks invites you to explore the fascinating, and often misunderstood, world of sharks. Come face-to-face with life-sized, scientifically accurate shark models, including one of the most famous and feared species of shark, the Great White Shark. Learn through artefacts and tactile displays; be immersed in a digital oceanarium; and see the world in a 360-degree view through the eyes of a Hammerhead Shark.

Sharks is produced and toured by the Australian Museum and proudly supported by Earth Sciences NZ.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 61
SAT 27 JUN – SUN 23 AUG 2026
FREE WITH MUSEUM ENTRY

Now in its sixty-first year, and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, Wildlife Photographer of the Year features some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe.

The exhibition shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species, and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images share stories and species from around the world, encouraging a future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

MARCH OF THE TRICERATOPS
SEPT 2026 – APR 2027
ADULT $29.90, CHILD (5-15 YRS) $19.90, UNDER 5 YRS FREE, FAMILY (2 ADULT, 2 CHILD) $90, CONCESSIONS (STUDENTS & SENIORS) $27.90, FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS

March of the Triceratops brings to life one of the world’s most iconic dinosaurs, revealing how these extraordinary creatures lived, moved, and survived millions of years ago.

The exhibition features the only known Triceratops herd ever discovered, with a rare group of five recently excavated fossils. Alongside the fossils are life-size Triceratops models and animatronics, created using the latest scientific research, and hands-on interactives and animated experiences that offer fascinating insight into a prehistoric world.

Explore how fossils are formed, learn what palaeontologists do, and use augmented reality to step into the Triceratops’ natural environment and imagine a landscape shaped by dinosaurs.

March of the Triceratops is a collaboration between Naturalis Biodiversity Center, and MuseumsPartner, both based in Europe.

MING: THE GOLDEN EMPIRE
JUN 2027 – OCT 2027
ADULT $25, CHILD (5-15 YRS) $15, UNDER 5 YRS FREE, FAMILY (2 ADULT, 2 CHILD) $72, CONCESSIONS (STUDENTS & SENIORS) $23, FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS

Discover the brilliance of the Ming dynasty in Ming: The Golden Empire. This stunning exhibition explores revolutionary social change, artistic achievement, and cultural richness through treasures from Nanjing Museum that rarely leave China. From imperial luxuries to everyday objects, journey through China’s Great Ming era, which spanned 1368-1644, all brought to life with striking visuals, films, and interactive displays.

Ming: The Golden Empire is produced by Nomad Exhibitions in association with Nanjing Museum.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/arts-global-exhibitions-coming-to-tamaki-makaurau-auckland-museum-announces-2026-2027-international-exhibition-programme/

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Ushering in a Year of Prosperity: Celebrating Thailand’s Chinese New Year Festival Siam Paragon Joins Forces with TAT and Kasikornbank to Launch “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026”

Source: Media Outreach

Showcasing Spectacular Entertainment and Chinese Cultural Performances, Featuring Renowned Chinese Artist “Zhu Zhengting” to Bless the People of Thailand in the Heart of the City

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 February 2026 – Siam Paragon, Thailand’s premier global landmark and the top destination in the hearts of Thai people and international tourists, has partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Kasikornbank, ushers in a grand celebration for the Year of the Horse. The event “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026,” bringing an array of rare cultural performances from China to offer a magnificent experience in the heart of Bangkok, The celebration also features special performances by leading Thai artists and an exclusive appearance from Chinese superstar “Zhu Zhengting,” who flew in to deliver New Year blessings to Thai fans at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon.

The Grand Opening Ceremony, held on 14 February 2026, was honored by the presence of Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, alongside Mr. Han Zhiqiang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand, who both joined in delivering Chinese New Year blessings. Also in attendance were Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat Group; and Mayuree Chaipromprasith, President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., all gathered amidst a grand and festive atmosphere. The event captivated the audience with special performances, including “Chinese New Year Welcome Dance” from China and the “Siam Noble Steed Dance” from Thailand, symbolizing the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. The celebration also featured rare and exquisite Chinese cultural showcases from four renowned troupes originating from Beijing, Chongqing, Henan, and Fujian.

The highly anticipated highlight was the appearance of renowned Chinese artist “Zhu Zhengting,” who joined the festivities to wish fans wealth, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead, while delivering a special performance as a New Year gift. Additionally, the celebration featured mini-concerts by leading Thai T-Pop artists, including Better Weather and Daou Pittaya, who brought joy and left a lasting impression amidst the spectacular sight of giant auspicious lanterns illuminating the entire of Parc Paragon.

The grand celebration of “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026″ presents a magnificent parade of entertainment to deliver joy and prosperity for the Year
of the Horse, running from today until 18 February 2026. In addition to the spectacular colors of giant auspicious lanterns and exquisite cultural performances from the People’s Republic of China, there are concerts from leading Thai artists performing on a rotating schedule to provide non-stop fun at Parc Paragon and Fashion Hall.

The lineup includes:

  1. 15 February 2026: Enjoy performances by HERS and MEAN Band;
  2. 16 February 2026: Meet 2Ectasy, Jeffy, Kakagoesbackhome, and Slapkiss;
  3. 17 February 2026: Have fun with SERIOUS BACON and Klear;
  4. 18 February 2026: Concluding with Wanyai and OABNITHI.

Simultaneously, Siam Paragon is packed with activities to enhance luck and wealth across various areas, featuring many more highlights such as:

  • Be mesmerized by the art installation “The Fortune Guardians,” depicting a pair of lions in a rhythmic and lively spirit of celebration, created by Suthipa Kamyam, a renowned artist and illustrator who has collaborated with numerous international brands. She has transformed the Jewel zone and Cascade on the M Floor into an artistic landmark for the Chinese New Year, symbolizing the opening of gates to welcome positive energy, inviting luck and joy to flow in and reach all visitors.
  • The Sculpture Exhibition by Ren Zhe: This exhibition features the work of the renowned Chinese sculptor, celebrated for his masterful fusion of Eastern cultural roots with a contemporary global perspective. His powerful sculptures are imbued with dynamic movement, harmoniously communicating Eastern philosophical values through modern materials. The exhibition will be on display from 5 March 2026 at the Glass Wall on the M Floor.
  • NEXTOPIA, the prototype for the world of tomorrow, welcomes the Chinese New Year festival with the heartwarming concept “Let Good Things Grow: Lucky in Love, Lucky in Green.” This initiative invites everyone to share positive energy through self-care, meaningful connection with others, and sustainable growth alongside the planet. Visitors can immerse themselves in contemporary interactive activities and workshops that are engaging and accessible to all ages. We invite you to fulfill your special moments at NEXTOPIA with eco-friendly, heart-healthy menus amidst a romantic atmosphere and melodies —perfect for hanging out until midnight.
  • For those seeking spiritual guidance and an opportunity to give back, the Siriwattana Cheshire Foundation under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen presents the “Siriwattana Fortune Telling for the Disabled” charity event. To welcome the Year of the Horse, the event features 40 renowned experts specializing in various disciplines. The event takes place from February 13–20, 2026, at Crystal Court, 2nd Floor (North Zone), Siam Paragon, from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Fortune-telling tickets are available at the venue for 400 THB.

Beyond the exceptional experiences offered across all zones, Siam Paragon delights shoppers with the exclusive “A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026,” promotion, running from today until 22 February 2026, featuring discounts of up to 50% at participating stores. Shoppers meeting the spending requirements can receive Siam Gift Cards and Paragon Department Store Cash Coupons with a total value of up to THB 1,700. Special privileges are also available for Kasikornbank credit cardholders, while ONESIAM members can earn 4x ONESIAM Coins upon qualifying spend, along with up to 15% credit cashback from participating credit cards, or 0% interest installments for up to 6 months on Siam Gift Card purchases.

Additionally, the special “Lucky with Love” promotion will run from today until 17 February 2026. Shoppers meeting the spending requirements can redeem Siam Gift Cards and Paragon Department Store Cash Coupons with a total value of up to THB 31,800, plus an additional bonus of up to 1,550 ONESIAM Coins when spending via ONESIAM KBank Credit Cards. Furthermore, purchases of THB 2,000 or more will be rewarded with an extra Ang Pao (containing gift vouchers or discount coupons from participating stores). For top spenders at participating luxury brands, an exceptional prize of 2 Baht weight of gold, valued at THB 149,500 (price as of 26 January 2026), will be awarded to those with a cumulative spend of THB 4 million or more.

Experience the grandeur of the Chinese New Year celebration, a spectacular and radiant start to a prosperous Year of the Horse at “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026.“ Join the festivities at Siam Paragon from today until 20 February 2026. For more information, please visit Facebook: SiamParagon

Hashtag: #SiamParagon #SiamParagonCNY2026

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/ushering-in-a-year-of-prosperity-celebrating-thailands-chinese-new-year-festival-siam-paragon-joins-forces-with-tat-and-kasikornbank-to-launch-siam-paragon-a-prosperous-chinese-new/

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Turning a Lunar New Year staple into a daily delight

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Taiwanese family in Auckland is turning a Lunar New Year staple into an everyday purchase, producing about 300,000 dumplings a week as demand grows on mainstream supermarket shelves.

While eaten year-round, many families in China eat dumplings around midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve, which falls on 16 February this year.

The dumplings’ shape is traditionally believed to resemble ingots, signalling greater wealth in the year ahead.

Such symbolism helped fuel a seasonal rush each year, said Amy Sevao, chief executive of Old Country Food, an Auckland-based dumpling manufacturer.

While consumed year-round, many families in China eat dumplings around midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve. RNZ / Yiting Lin

The Lunar New Year was the company’s busiest time, she said.

The factory produces about 300,000 dumplings a week, or roughly 1.2 million a month, and orders from mainstream supermarkets typically rise by as much as 20 percent during the festival period.

Sevao, who moved from Taiwan to New Zealand with her parents in 1995, is married to a Samoan man. The couple has two young sons.

She said dumplings had become a thread that tied together different generations in her family.

“It’s such a traditional food,” she said.

“You get together for Lunar New Year, have dumplings and the parents or older relatives will say, ‘Oh, look, this looks like an old gold ingot. It means good fortune, money.’ Those stories get passed on, and that’s always really fun.”

Amy Sevao and her parents will eat dumplings to celebrate Lunar New Year on Monday night. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Drawing on memories from her childhood, Sevao said dumplings were everyday fare in Taiwan and had steadily gained popularity in New Zealand.

In her view, that rise has tracked the broader story of Asian immigration in the country.

Old Country Food had been in business for about 35 years, she said.

It was founded by immigrants from Hong Kong and has since changed hands several times among Asian immigrant families, before Sevao’s parents bought the business in 2015.

“In a way, the history of OCF (Old Country Food) reflects the history of Asian immigration in New Zealand,” she said.

A Taiwanese family in Auckland needs to produce about 300,000 dumplings a week as demand for the dish grows. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Sevao said breaking into the mainstream market could be challenging for businesses owned by migrants.

“When I first started in the business, we were 100 percent in Asian supermarkets,” she said.

“After a while, we thought the mainstream market was much bigger, we should give it a go,” she said.

“We started selling to independent grocery stores like Fresh World or Fruit World,” she said.

“Now we’re in PAK’nSAVE and New World [stores] across the North Island and also in the South Island.

A Taiwanese family in Auckland needs to produce about 300,000 dumplings a week as demand for the dish grows. RNZ / Yiting Lin

She said immigrants had less support because they often didn’t have extensive networks in the community.

“We often have to overcome language barriers,” she said.

“There are lots of laws and regulations, and the way business is done in New Zealand can be very different from the way it is done in Asia.

“To overcome all of that, to have a great team working toward the same goal and to have that effort recognised not only by supermarkets, but by everyday people who go and buy our food, our products every single week, that’s a really great feeling.”

Sevao’s parents agreed that breaking into the mainstream market could be difficult for migrant-owned businesses, but said it was not impossible.

Bingnan Cai, 72, and Lingxin Huang, 66, bought the dumpling manufacturer a decade ago, hoping to help make dumplings a more mainstream part of New Zealand’s food landscape.

“After we moved here, we really missed the taste of our hometown,” Huang said. “Dumplings are one of them.

“We wanted to integrate into society,” she said. “We wanted to help popularise traditional cuisine, so we started this dumpling factory.”

While consumed year-round, many families in China eat dumplings around midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Cai said sushi, long a symbol of Asian cuisine abroad, had gained popularity among New Zealanders.

Seeing that sushi was now sold in most shopping malls, he was confident his dumplings could also become part of everyday eating in New Zealand.

Cai said he wanted dumplings to become one of New Zealand’s signature foods.

“If you want to enter the mainstream market, you must accept this challenge,” Cai said. “The number of people eating dumplings here would not exceed 15 percent [of the whole population].

“It’s really challenging to grow such a small market into a big one,” he said. “But everything is possible.”

Sevao was confident dumplings had become a staple for many households in New Zealand.

“I think good food is cross-cultural,” she said.

“If it tastes good, it doesn’t matter what culture you come from. … I think dumplings are a very universal food.”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/turning-a-lunar-new-year-staple-into-a-daily-delight/