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World Wildlife Day: Medicinal and aromatic plants.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on 3 March to celebrate and raise awareness about wild animals and plants. This year, the focus is on medicinal and aromatic plants. 

Today is World Wildlife Day

The date was chosen because the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed on 3 March 1973. This global agreement uses permits to control the international trade of wild plants and animals, making sure it is legal and sustainable. 

Which New Zealand native plants have medicinal or aromatic properties?

New Zealand has many native medicinal plants (rongoā) such as kawakawa, mānuka, horopito, kūmarahou, harakeke, kōhūhū, hoheria and tōtara. We also have several aromatic native plants, including tarata (lemonwood), kānuka, mānuka, kopoti, kohukohu, fragrant hebe, and Olearia (tree daisy) species. 

These plants are increasingly used in local skincare products.  Kawakawa balm is popular for eczema and sensitive skin, and kūmarahou is valued for its natural, soap-like cleansing properties. 

Most of New Zealand’s medicinal and aromatic plants are not protected under CITES, because they are not currently threatened by international trade.

Kawakawa plant – Herb, Christophers

Which New Zealand Native plants are protected by CITES?

The only New Zealand native plants protected under CITES are orchids and tree ferns. The whole orchid family (Orchidaceae) and the tree fern genus Cyathea are listed globally. 

New Zealand has 26 genera and 118 species of native orchids. Orchids are used in beauty and health products overseas, but native orchids are not commonly used this way in New Zealand. 

Thelymitra cyanea – Christopher, Stephens

Cyathea has over 450 species, with many globally threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and overuse for horticulture. In New Zealand, there are seven native and one introduced Cyathea species. Only two species, found only on Raoul Island, are classified as at risk. 

The black tree fern (mamaku, Cyathea medullaris) and the silver fern (ponga, punga, Cyathea dealbata) are the primary native Cyathea ferns used in rongoā. 

Cyathea medullaris – Jacqui, Geux

Some trade has occurred in these species: 

  • Cyathea dealbata has been exported as live plants and sometimes logs to the UK, Europe, and China. 
  • Cyathea medullaris has been exported as live plants, powdered trunks, and tissue extracts, mainly to Europe and Japan. Powdered trunks have been exported to French cosmetic companies for use as exfoliants, and small amounts of plant fluid extracts have more recently gone to Australia, China, and France for use in health supplements. 

These exports were managed under CITES regulations. 

What medicinal and aromatic species are listed under CITES internationally?

Many medicinal and aromatic plants listed globally under CITES are available in New Zealand. 

Medicinal plants: 

  • American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): A North American plant – vulnerable to endangered, depending on the region. 
  • Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): A vulnerable North American herb. 
  • Pygeum/African Cherry (Prunus africana): A vulnerable tree from central and southern Africa. 
  • Costus root (Saussurea costus):  Also known as Kuth or Aucklandia.  A critically endangered medicinal herb from the Himalayas. 
  • Dendrobium (Dendrobium):  A large genus of orchids, with many species used in traditional medicines.  At high risk because of habitat loss, climate change and illegal harvesting. 

Aromatic plants: 

Agarwood-producing species (Aquilaria): Trees from Southeast Asian rainforests that produce the fragrant resin agar (used in Oud perfume). Twenty-one species now classified from vulnerable to critically endangered. 

Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng – Doug McGrady

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Saussurea costus, Vinayaraj

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What can we do for World Wildlife Day?

Support our native medicinal and aromatic plants so they aren’t over-harvested, as has happened to many species overseas.  

  • Buy beauty and health products from trustworthy sources to make sure ingredients are collected responsibly.  
  • Check permit requirements when bringing or taking any CITES protected products across international borders. 

Find out more about CITES 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/world-wildlife-day-medicinal-and-aromatic-plants/

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MWC 2026 | China Telecom President Liu Guiqing Delivers Keynote Speech

Source: Media Outreach

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – On March 2 local time, the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC 2026) opened in Barcelona, Spain. China Telecom President Liu Guiqing attended the Congress and delivered a keynote speech entitled “The Transformation of a Large Telco to a Key Promoter in AI Era.”

Liu Guiqing stated that China Telecom is fully embracing AI and advancing its corporate strategy toward the “Cloudification, Digital Transformation and AI for Good” upgrade, consistently placing technological innovation at the core of its corporate strategy and driving the company’s transformation from a traditional telecommunications operator into a technology-oriented enterprise. China Telecom’s eSurfing Cloud has already become the world’s largest carrier cloud service provider and China’s largest hybrid cloud service provider, and is now stepping into a new phase of intelligent cloud development.

Liu Guiqing noted that, in advancing the commercial deployment of 5G networks, how to achieve industrial coordination and promote green, sustainable development is a question that operators around the world have been continually exploring. China Telecom and China Unicom have jointly explored 5G co-construction and sharing, overcoming a series of world-class technical and engineering challenges to build the world’s first and largest 5G SA co-built and shared network, providing invaluable experience for large-scale 5G deployment globally. The two parties have now shared over 1.54 million 5G base stations and over 2 million 4G base stations, cumulatively saving USD 56.5 billion in investment, reducing annual operating costs by USD 6.5 billion, and cutting carbon emissions by 13 million tonnes per year.

Liu Guiqing introduced that, in the era of AI, China Telecom is fully leveraging the operator’s integrated advantages in “computing power + algorithms + data” to build its core technology “Xirang” and construct a five-in-one intelligent cloud system encompassing “computing power, platform, data, models, and applications.” At the IaaS layer, it has built a computing power layout covering general computing, intelligent computing, supercomputing, and quantum computing, achieving three-dimensional coverage across all-optical networks, computing-power internet, mobile communications networks, and satellite networks. At the PaaS layer, it provides one-stop computing scheduling and AI development services. At the DaaS layer, it builds high-quality datasets and a trusted data circulation toolchain. At the MaaS layer, it independently develops AI large models, establishing leading advantages in the fields of semantics, speech, vision, and multimodal capabilities. At the SaaS layer, it builds standardized AI products and launches industry-specific large models and intelligent agent services. Simultaneously, it is actively building a mutually beneficial and win-win cooperative ecosystem and a security framework spanning models, data, and applications, releasing the “Jianwei” security large model and open-sourcing China’s first foundational security guardrail for large models.

China Telecom is advancing cloud-network integration to provide customers with integrated computing-network services offering ultra-strong computing power, ultra-low latency, and full-domain scheduling. It is continuously upgrading intelligent computing data center construction, with a total data center rack scale exceeding 590,000 racks. It is continuously upgrading fundamental network capabilities, building a millisecond-access computing network, deploying AIDC-centric inter-node networks and lossless intra-node networks, and completing the world’s largest 100G/400G all-optical network, reducing inter-hub node round-trip latency to 12 ms. It is continuously upgrading the integrated computing-network system — the Xirang integrated intelligent computing service platform — with schedulable computing power reaching 87 EFLOPS. The Triless platform architecture has been launched, achieving triple decoupling of resources, frameworks, and tools to provide users with flexible scheduling of cross-domain and heterogeneous computing power. China Telecom is also deepening “computing-power and electricity coordination.” In Shanghai, it has established the world’s first subsea data center, deployed directly on the seabed and powered directly by an offshore wind farm, with a green electricity utilization ratio exceeding 95% and electricity costs reduced by 50%.

China Telecom is working to become a provider of data and foundational large model services. It has built a Data Intelligence Middle Platform that aggregates proprietary, open-source, and third-party data — including 10 trillion tokens of telecommunications-industry data and over 350 TB of industry data spanning 14 sectors — to empower model training and applications, and to provide customers with dataset and annotation services. It independently develops the Xingchen large model system and the intelligent agent service platform, and actively introduces third-party foundational large models and various industry-specific large models to meet the needs of different industries and customers for large model selection and application scenario innovation, accelerating the drive toward more inclusive model services.

Liu Guiqing emphasized that only by continuously expanding the breadth and depth of applications can AI bring about qualitative change. China Telecom integrates AI into the core processes of its own network operations, customer service, and technology R&D, using AI to transform corporate workflows and comprehensively enhance operational efficiency. For example, in network operations, it has built a cohort of digital employees based on network large models to handle repetitive and foundational operational tasks, reducing the average monthly number of on-site repair visits by field technicians by 35%. Leveraging R&D large models, AI-generated code now accounts for 40% of all code produced, improving R&D efficiency by 20%. AI is comprehensively reshaping core services, with the development of a series of intelligent products including eSurf Smart Ring, eSurf IntelliHub, AI Cloud Computer, and AI Phone. For instance, the “eSurf IntelliHub” has reengineered the traditional “FTTR + IPTV” home service model, becoming the unified gateway for home AI and integrating full-scenario services including security and protection and healthcare. It is also driving AI empowerment of enterprise clients’ core processes, providing AI services to customers in industrial manufacturing, education, healthcare, and other sectors, facilitating the digital-intelligent transformation of the economy and society.

Liu Guiqing stated that operators inherently possess the resource endowments of extensive network connectivity and rich data scenarios. How to transform these core advantages into forward-looking core competitiveness in the era of AI is a question requiring in-depth exploration and collaborative resolution. Drawing on China Telecom’s own practice, Liu Guiqing put forward five proposals:

  1. 6G standard innovation and network deployment must fully account for the rapid development of AI. Global operators should consolidate industrial efforts to build a globally unified 6G standards framework. 6G standard-setting must proactively adapt to the rapid iteration of AI development, achieving deep integration between network connectivity and the intelligent engine.
  2. Cloud-network integration will play an ever greater role in the AI era. Global operators should fully leverage the core driving force of “cloud-network integration,” actively advancing the upgrade of DCs to AIDCs, providing customers with integrated computing-power interconnection and scheduling services, fulfilling the strategic mission of AI infrastructure providers, and building a solid computing-power foundation for AI.
  3. AI security governance will become a mandatory topic for global operators, and is also a watershed defining the strength of operational and service capabilities in the intelligent era. Security has become a vital cornerstone of AI — “no security, no intelligence.” Global operators must collaborate in governance, actively participating in the improvement of AI security governance frameworks, and steering the healthy and orderly development of AI in a beneficial, safe, and equitable direction.
  4. Computing-power and electricity coordination capability will become the key to the sustainable development of intelligent computing infrastructure. Global operators must jointly address the challenges posed by energy supply, coordinate and schedule computing-power resources, deepen computing-power and electricity coordination — strengthening computing power through electricity — and promote the integrated development of AI and green, low-carbon practices.
  5. The flourishing development of AI applications requires operators to open up and cooperate with greater force. Global operators should deepen communication and collaboration, promoting the open sharing of AI models and the inclusive prosperity of AI applications, so that the fruits of AI innovation benefit global industry partners.

Finally, Liu Guiqing stated that China Telecom is willing to use this Congress as a bond to join hands with GSMA and global industry partners, and together build a bright future for operator development in the era of AI.

Hashtag: #ChinaTelecom #LiuGuiqing #MWC2026

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/2026/03/03/mwc-2026-china-telecom-president-liu-guiqing-delivers-keynote-speech/

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Many happy returns as Kai Tak Sports Park celebrates first anniversary

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) celebrated its milestone first anniversary on Sunday (1 March), successfully hosting nearly 50 major events and delivering over 120 international and local sports and entertainment days since its grand opening.

KTSP has established a unique identity as the city’s new “Home Venue” for major sports and entertainment events. Highlights have included the Hong Kong Sevens (rugby), the Hong Kong Football Festival featuring top teams such as Liverpool, AC Milan, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as concerts by British rock band Coldplay, Mandopop rock band Mayday, singer Jay Chou and global pop icons BLACKPINK.

Kai Tak Sports Park has established a unique identity as Hong Kong’s new “Home Venue” for major sports and entertainment events

Sports activities at the Park have welcomed more than 840,000 participants so far. In terms of sports activities, the three major facilities—Kai Tak Stadium, Kai Tak Arena and Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground—together with the bowling centre, outdoor sports facilities and open spaces in the precinct, are expected to surpass 200 event days from the Park’s opening through to the end of March 2026.

In the past year, the utilisation rates of the Kai Tak Stadium and Kai Tak Arena have reached close to 90%. Kai Tak Stadium has already attracted over 1.8 million attendees, rapidly becoming a powerful new driving force in advancing Hong Kong’s sports industry, events economy, and tourism development.

“Our first anniversary is not only a major milestone for Kai Tak Sports Park, but also a moment of pride for Hong Kong. Over the past year, we witnessed athletes’ determination, outstanding performances from artists, and the unforgettable energy of cheering audiences. Each event has touched and inspired us.

“As Hong Kong’s largest integrated sports, leisure and entertainment landmark, we are committed to bringing the community together while strengthening Hong Kong’s connection with the Greater Bay Area and the international stage,” said a spokesperson for KTSP.

The centerpiece 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium was ranked third in the world and top in Asia for total ticket sales in 2025 just nine months after its debut, according to Pollstar’s 2025 year-end stadium charts (published mid-December 2025). Pollstar also ranked Kai Tak Stadium No.5 worldwide and No.1 in Asia for total gross revenue (1.25 million passes worth US$191.34 million). Meanwhile, the 10,000-seat Kai Tak Arena, was ranked Asia’s No. 8 in terms of total gross revenue.

“Seeing the Park evolve over the past year into a major sports destination for Hong Kong has been incredibly inspiring,” said Hong Kong, China karatedo team former representative, Lee Chun Ho. “Every time I walk in, I can feel the energy. The professional facilities not only support large-scale events but also make it easier for the public to access different sports, whether they’re beginners or experienced enthusiasts.”

With an expanding line‑up of exciting events, enhanced visitor experiences and an increasingly compelling programme of global attractions, KTSP will further advance the integration of culture, sports and tourism, ushering in an even brighter and more vibrant chapter for Hong Kong.

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #KTSP #Sports #Entertainment #Landmark #MegaEvents

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/2026/03/03/many-happy-returns-as-kai-tak-sports-park-celebrates-first-anniversary/

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Nina Hotel Island South Presents a New Look as an Urban Oasis

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – Nina Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Chinachem Group, announces the launch of a major renovation at Nina Hotel Island South, which first opened in 2010. The project redefines the property as an urban oasis on Hong Kong Island’s south side, with proximity to all of the island’s attractions, where comfort meets value. Located five minutes from Wong Chuk Hang Station and moments from Ocean Park and Aberdeen, the hotel now presents a transformed lobby alongside 432 newly refreshed guestrooms and Nina Communal, a vibrant communal lounge with bar and pantry facilities designed for families, business travellers and leisure visitors.

Nina Hotel Island South Presents a New Look as an Urban Oasis

“The over-HK$120-million renovation marks a significant milestone in our mission to deliver great value, comfort and a contemporary lifestyle experience for every guest,” said Simon Manning, Managing Director of Nina Hospitality. “Spaces have been designed to feel warm, flexible and family-friendly while offering convenient connections to Hong Kong Island’s attractions.”

Inspired by the Natural Landscape of Hong Kong Island’s South Side

Designed by LAUD Limited, the renovation draws inspiration from the natural landscape of Hong Kong Island’s south side, articulating a refined design language that is both grounded and elegant. The reimagined lobby combines sophistication with warmth, using natural wood, marble accents and soft lighting in an open layout that connects reception, lounge and communal areas. Curated seating zones provide comfort for families, business travellers and groups, transforming the lobby into both a welcoming gateway and a social hub.

Guestrooms continue this design narrative with open layouts that invite natural light into the space. Natural oak introduces warmth and tactile richness, while an ivory-toned palette expands spatial perception. Accents of safari brown leather and ivy green upholstery establish a contemporary yet natural harmony. Each element is carefully curated to evoke a calm, inviting retreat where interior and environment converge.

Nina Communal with Bar: A Vibrant Social Hub

Central to the enhanced guest experience is Nina Communal, unveiled as part of the newly reimagined lobby. As the Group’s signature brand offering — already established at Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West and Nina Hotel Kowloon East — the Island South edition marks the third in the series, each with its own unique proposition. Spanning approximately 260 sqm, it serves as a communal lounge where guests can cook, eat, drink, socialise, work and play. The space features a pantry and a stylish bar that offers a relaxed setting for drinks and conversations, making it an ideal spot to unwind or gather with friends. It also offers travellers a modern space to work, meet, and network.

Inspired by urban energy, the lounge offers a cosy yet refined setting with thoughtfully curated seating arrangements. It creates a contemporary and elegant atmosphere, catering not only to solo travellers, families and groups, but also appealing long‑stay guests who value flexibility, comfort and community. Beyond daily use, Nina Communal also provides opportunities for social events and placemaking, reinforcing its role as a vibrant hub that connects people and enriches the neighbourhood experience.

An Ideal Accommodation for All Visitors

The hotel features 432 rooms and suites, ranging from 30 to 81 square metres. Accommodations include 6 rooms with private balconies, 13 family rooms accommodating up to five guests, and 4 signature balcony suites on the top floor with stunning southside views. The hotel is already welcoming guests, with newly renovated family rooms and suites scheduled for launch in Q3 2026.

Guests can enjoy Southeast Asian flavours at I-O-N, the hotel’s buffet restaurant. Business needs are supported by three meeting rooms, while leisure facilities include a well-equipped gym with 24-hour access and an outdoor pool. These amenities complement the communal lounge and support both social and business occasions, reinforcing the hotel’s position as a convenient base for family getaways, business trips and city escapes.

Discover the New Nina

To mark this new chapter, a special room package is available. The “Discover the New Nina” offer includes a 15% discount on the Best Available Rate, daily breakfast for two persons at the I-O-N, and complimentary access to the new communal lounge. In addition, the hotel is introducing a dedicated long‑stay package, priced from HK$18,480nett for a minimum of 28 nights, crafted to attract long‑stay guests with spacious living, practical amenities, and a welcoming social environment. Reserve now at https://www.ninahotelgroup.com/en/nina-hotel-island-south

Nina Hotel Island South is ideally for family getaways, business trips or city escapes.

Address: 55 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen
Telephone: +852 3968 8888

https://www.ninahotelgroup.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninahospitality/

Hashtag: #NinaHospitality #NinaHotelIslandSouth

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/2026/03/02/nina-hotel-island-south-presents-a-new-look-as-an-urban-oasis/

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Co-presented by the Hong Kong Arts Festival and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust The 8th No Limits Opens with Performance by World’s 1st Professional Inclusive Orchestra of The Nature of Why

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 March 2026 – The eighth edition of “No Limits”, jointly presented by the Hong Kong Arts Festival and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, officially opened on 28 February evening at the Auditorium of Kwai Tsing Theatre. The opening programme, The Nature of Why, is performed by Paraorchestra—the world’s first professional inclusive orchestra—offering audiences an immersive arts experience inspired by Nobel Prize–winning physicist Richard Feynman. Fusing live orchestral music, contemporary dance and audience interaction, the work redefines the boundaries of inclusive art.

Under the theme “All of Us, All Ways”, the eighth edition of “No Limits” is committed to revealing the richness of diverse values and connecting people through the arts. For the first time, “No Limits” has collaborated with two of Hong Kong’s flagship performing arts companies—the Hong Kong Dance Company and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra—to produce multidisciplinary inclusive programmes. These collaborations aim to inspire new perspectives, demonstrate how inclusive arts are being further integrated into Hong Kong’s cultural mainstream, and open up the limitless imagination that diversity brings.

“No Limits” 2026 presents 11 boundary-breaking programmes across music, theatre, dance and film, in a total of 29 performances. In addition to Paraorchestra’s immersive orchestral-dance production The Nature of Why, highlights include: Wayfaring Beyond, a brand-new large-scale outdoor dance work co-produced by “No Limits” and the Hong Kong Dance Company, and co-choreographed and performed with the award-winning China Hong Kong Para Dance Sport Association; Light and Shadow on Strings, co-produced by “No Limits” and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, featuring visually impaired rising star erhu player Yang Enhua in a concert blending traditional and contemporary Chinese music; the Asia premiere of award-winning contemporary dance work Harmonia by Theatre Bremen and Hungarian choreographer Adrienn Hód, challenging established notions of bodily value in dance; the Asia premiere of Precarious Moves, a semi-autobiographical solo performance by Vienna-based artist Michael Turinsky that confronts social expectations and established frameworks surrounding disabled bodies; “No Limits” Asia newly commissioned theatre work Two Blind Women in the Snowy Tokugawa Nights – Sleeping Fires with renowned director Kuro Tanino; and the Asia premiere of Zer-Brech-Lich, an original playful and sensorial musical dance theatre work by Swiss-based choreographer Alessandro Schiattarella, created and performed with three disabled performers. This year, “No Limits” launches the “Local Creative Research and Development Scheme”, pairing local artists with individuals of diverse abilities to co-create new works exploring inclusive practices. The initiative injects fresh vitality into Hong Kong’s inclusive arts landscape, while research outcomes will be presented during “No Limits” 2026 to showcase the potential of inclusive arts.

Ms Sum Fong-kwang, Vivian, JP, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “‘No Limits’ provides a stage for artists with different abilities to showcase their creativity and talents, fostering an inclusive community. It bridges people with different origins, backgrounds and abilities, which on the one hand enriches our arts and cultural offerings, and on the other, showcases the role of creativity as a continuous driver of societal development. I wish this year’s ‘No Limits’ resounding success, and every audience find inspiration and enlightenment through the programmes.”

At the opening ceremony, Mr Sebastian Man, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society, said: “Since its inception in 2019, ‘No Limits’ has promoted inclusion through local and international inclusive arts performances, as well as the Jockey Club ‘No Limits’ Education and Community Outreach Programme, showcasing the remarkable talents of artists with diverse abilities. As we enter the eighth edition, we are delighted to collaborate for the first time with Hong Kong’s flagship arts companies to present two locally produced programmes that embody the spirit of diversity and inclusion. We sincerely thank The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, co-presenter of ‘No Limits’, for its long-standing support. We also thank our Strategic Supporting Partner, Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong, for providing comprehensive accessibility services to ensure that everyone can experience the power of the arts. Above all, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every participating artist for their tremendous dedication.”

Mr Nicholas D Hunsworth, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “In keeping with No Limits’ theme this year “All of Us, All Ways” – a series of community programmes will be presented by artists with varying abilities to promote inclusion. It reminds us that differently abled people are not different at all, but an integral part of a diverse society. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has long supported arts and cultural projects to enrich lives and build a culturally vibrant city – as evidenced by over 50 years’ funding for the Hong Kong Arts Festival. The Hong Kong Jockey Charities Trust – in partnership with the Hong Kong Arts Festival – has co-presented No Limits since its inauguration in 2019.”

Photo Caption: (From left) Ms Ida Lam, Chairperson of the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong; Mr Sebastian Man Shiu-wai, Vice Chairman, Hong Kong Arts Festival Society; Ms Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr Nicholas D Hunsworth, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Ms Flora Yu, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Arts Festival, jointly served as officiating guests for the No Limits 2026 opening ceremony.

Building on its established practices, “No Limits” 2026 continues to advance social inclusion and talent development through a wide range of initiatives under the Jockey Club “No Limits” Education and Community Outreach Programme. These initiatives promote inclusivity and creativity, strengthen networks across the education and community sectors, and lay the foundation for a more empathetic and inclusive society. Programmes include the inclusive dance project VISION, International Symposium The Way Forward: A Humanistic–Tech Framework for Inclusive Innovation, school touring concert The Ways We Move, as well as the “No Limits” Creative Training Programme and Community Showcases.

In addition to live performances, online screening programmes include the documentary A Space in Time by Riccardo Servini and Nick Taussig, which follows a couple and their two sons born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy as they journey forward together; Sarah Polley’s Away from Her, portraying a couple of over 40 years facing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease; Taku Aoyagi’s documentary Fujiyama Cottonton, set at Mirai Farm, which serves people with disabilities, and exploring the beauty of everyday life, creativity and community; and Caroline Cavalcanti’s Lapse, a heart-warming story of two teenagers—a deaf skateboarder and a rap enthusiast—who form a bond through sign language and shared struggles.

Tickets for live performances are now available via URBTIX. Half-price concessionary tickets are offered to full-time students, people with disabilities and one companion, and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients. (www.urbtix.hk/series/124?bannerCode=NL2026)
Community programmes are free and open to the public without prior registration. Programmes screened online will be available free of charge on the official website www.nolimits.hk from 30 March to 25 May 2026.

Extending the spirit of inclusion beyond the stage, “No Limits” has also launched a brand-new accessibility-themed plush toys collection. Purchase “No Limits” programme tickets worth HK$500 or more in a single transaction via URBTIX to receive one No Limits Inclusive Plush Toy Redemption Coupon upon ticket collection. Available while stocks last.

Arts Accessibility Services
“No Limits” collaborates with the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong to enhance high-quality art projects with accessibility services and ensure that audiences with varying needs can enjoy performances without barriers. Accessibility services differ from programme to programme, and include audio description, accessible captions, sign language interpretation, theatrical interpretation, braille booklets, audio booklets, easy-to-read booklets and relaxed performances. Extra wheelchair seats may be available at the venues, and guide dogs are welcome.

For more event details, please visit the “No Limits” website: www.nolimits.hk
Click here for programme details: www.nolimits.hk/programme
Urbtix: https://www.urbtix.hk/series/124?bannerCode=NL2026

Appendix

Programme

Date Programme Performer/ Director Venue
Highlights
27 Feb – 1 Mar 2026 The Nature of Why Paraorchestra Auditorium,

Kwai Tsing Theatre
28 Feb – 1 Mar 2026 Wayfaring Beyond Hong Kong Dance Company & China Hong Kong Para Dance Sport Association Parade Ground,

Tai Kwun
13-15 Mar 2026 Zer-Brech-Lich Alessandro Schiattarella and Ensemble Black Box Theatre,

Kwai Tsing Theatre
17-18 Mar 2026 Precarious Moves Michael Turinsky The Box,

Freespace, WestK
21-22 Mar 2026 Harmonia Unusual Symptoms / Theatre Bremen / Adrienn Hód The Box,

Freespace, WestK
27-29 Mar 2026 Two Blind Women in the Snowy Tokugawa Nights – Sleeping Fires Kuro Tanino Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
28 Mar 2026 Light and Shadow on Strings Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (Chamber Ensemble)

Yang Enhua (Solo and Ensemble)

 Auditorium,

Tsuen Wan Town Hall
“No Limits” International Symposium
8 Mar 2026 The Way Forward: A Humanistic–Tech Framework for Inclusive Innovation JC Cube, Tai Kwun

Online Programmes

Free screening available on “No Limits” website Programme Director
30 Mar – 25 May 2026 A Space in Time Riccardo Servini & Nick Taussig
30 Mar – 25 May 2026 Away From Her Sarah Polley
30 Mar – 25 May 2026 Lapse Caroline Cavalcanti
30 Mar – 25 May 2026 Fujiyama Cottonton Taku Aoyagi

Hashtag: #NoLimits

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Huawei Launches Comprehensive U6GHz Portfolio to Unlock 5G-A Potential and Pave the Way for 6G

Source: Media Outreach

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 March 2026 – At MWC Barcelona 2026, Huawei unveiled a full suite of U6GHz products and solutions designed to fully unleash the potential of 5G-A and enable a smooth evolution towards 6G. This suite provides the large capacity, low latency, and premium user experience required for the emerging mobile AI era.

AI is rapidly emerging as the core engine of the intelligent world. According to IDC, AI applications and devices have seen explosive growth over the past year: global monthly active users surpassed 1 billion, AI-powered smartphones accounted for over 50% of new shipments, AI glasses and other emerging devices saw an annual growth rate of over 50%, and token consumption surged by hundreds of times. This brings great opportunities for the mobile industry but also raises multi-dimensional requirements on the network. For example, AI multimodal interactions increase uplink traffic demand by three to five times; real-time decision-making requires low latency and deterministic assurance; ubiquitous AI agents demand more secure and reliable wide-area connectivity.

Currently, 5G-A has become the mainstream commercial technology for global operators, and is also the focus of service innovation and future evolution. The U6GHz band, with its large bandwidth and superior coverage, is becoming a key band for 5G-A evolution and commercial use. Following WRC‑23, U6GHz has been designated as a key mobile communications band. China, the UAE, Brazil, and several European countries are actively promoting spectrum identification, allocation, and testing. In terms of the industry chain, mainstream CPEs and smartphones are expected to be commercially available in 2026, paving the way for large-scale commercial use of U6GHz.

Huawei’s full U6GHz product suite covers a complete matrix of macro sites, micro sites, and microwave equipment, maximizing the advantages of ultra-large bandwidth in U6GHz. It precisely meets the core requirements of mobile AI applications for high capacity, low latency, and superior experience, providing a systematic solution for both the performance leap of 5G-A networks and the seamless evolution towards 6G.

To address outdoor coverage and capacity needs, Huawei has launched a series of AAU products. The U6GHz 256 TRX AAU adopts the extremely large antenna array (ELAA) design and digital-analog hybrid intelligent beamforming algorithms to deliver coverage capabilities comparable to C-band. Meanwhile, with the hyper-resolution MU-MIMO algorithm and 400 MHz ultra-large bandwidth, the product can achieve ultra-large capacity of 100 Gbps in the downlink and over 10 Gbps in the uplink, as well as optimal experience of 10 Gbps in the downlink and 1 Gbps in the uplink, to cope with the connection pressure brought by massive AI terminals and applications. To meet the network performance and deployment requirements in different scenarios, Huawei will also launch U6GHz AAUs with flexible combinations of channels and arrays, helping operators deploy 5G-A networks on a large scale in U6GHz and fully meet service requirements in the mobile AI era.

To meet the high concurrency and large capacity requirements of indoor AI applications, Huawei has launched U6GHz small cell products. They support the ultra-large bandwidth of 400 MHz in U6GHz and integrate and coordinate the U6GHz band with all sub-6 GHz bands. With simplified design and deployment, the products can help operators ensure consistent multi-dimensional experience of AI applications in both indoor and outdoor scenarios, allowing users to enjoy high-quality connections anytime and anywhere.

In terms of transmission, Huawei has launched new microwave products to meet the high‑bandwidth transmission requirements of U6GHz base stations. With industry-unique full-duplex technology, they can significantly improve the bandwidth and capacity of transport networks, meeting the peak traffic requirements of 5G-A and laying a solid foundation for evolution to 6G.

As AI adoption accelerates, U6GHz has become the key to exploring the present and unlocking the future. Huawei’s full U6GHz product suite is now commercially available. It can not only address the capacity challenges of 5G-A, but also support smooth evolution to 6G. This will open up new commercial opportunities for operators and lay a robust connectivity foundation for the intelligent world.

Hashtag: #Huawei

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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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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.

Hashtag: #WuxiInformationOffice

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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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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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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.

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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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Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #Budget #Inclusive #Growth #Innovation #Finance

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/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.

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– 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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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/