Searches on Airbnb by Malaysian travelers in 2025 increased year-on-year by over 200% for check-ins during Ramadan and by nearly 50% for check-ins during Hari Raya.
Group travel continues to lead festive travel patterns.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – With Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Hari Raya falling in close succession in early 2026, Malaysians are planning ahead for meaningful reunions and shared celebrations.
Airbnb data shows that searches in 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins during Ramadan grew by over 200% year-on-year, reflecting heightened festive travel intent*. Searches during the same period for travel during Hari Raya also grew by nearly 50%**, as families and friends plan trips to reconnect and celebrate together.
Festive travel spreads beyond major cities
While Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Ipoh and Malacca emerged as the most popular domestic destinations during the festive season***, travel demand extended well beyond urban hubs.
Hari Raya saw growing interest in states such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Perak, reflecting the enduring balik kampung tradition. Meanwhile, Chinese New Year saw travel dispersed even further afield to East Malaysian destinations including Kuching, Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah***.
International travel also peaked during the festive stretch, with Malaysians leveraging public holidays for overseas getaways. Top outbound destinations searched included Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, as well as Perth, Australia.***
Togetherness drives travel behaviour – Group and family travel dominate
Whether travelling within the country or heading overseas, Malaysians continue to centre their celebrations on togetherness and shared moments. Across all three celebrations, group and family stays accounted for an average of over 80% of the searches, underscoring a clear preference for shared travel experiences.****
Searches by Malaysians for entire homes increased by an average of approximately 95% during the festive period– signalling a preference for stays that can comfortably host families and larger groups for family reunion****.
Top searched amenities for this period included pools, washing machines, Wi-Fi, parking and air conditioning, highlighting the practical considerations that shape longer festive stays***.
Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head, India and Southeast Asia, states, “Festive moments in Malaysia are deeply rooted in togetherness. With major celebrations converging this year, we’re seeing travel become an integral part of how Malaysians reconnect, whether returning home for balik kampung, gathering with extended family, or planning meaningful getaways. On Airbnb, we’re seeing strong demand for larger homes that allow families and friends to celebrate comfortably, reflecting how shared spaces continue to shape the way people travel during important cultural moments.”
*Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made between Jan-Dec 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins between 18-20 February 2026 vs searches made between Jan-Dec 2024 for check-ins between 1-3 March 2025
**Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made between Jan-Dec 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins between 20-22 March 2026 vs searches made between Jan-Dec 2024 for check-ins between 30 March – 1 April 2025
***Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made between Jan-Dec 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins between 16-18 February 2026 (CNY), 18-20 February 2026 (Ramadan) and 20-22 March 2026 (Hari Raya) vs searches made between Jan-Dec 2024 for check-ins between 28-30 January 2025 (CNY), 1-3 March 2025 (Ramadan) and 30 March-1 April 2025 (Hari Raya)
**** Based on Airbnb internal data of searches by Malaysian guests in 2025 for check-ins between 16-18 February 2026 (CNY), 18-20 February 2026 (Ramadan) and 20-22 March 2026 (Hari Raya) for group, family travel and entire homes.
Hashtag: #Airbnb
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MADRID, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – MadriHuawei is proud to announce an inclusive upgrade to the Activity rings feature of Huawei watches, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to using technology for the benefit of all. On November 29, 2025, Activity rings introduced Wheelchair mode, a feature designed exclusively for wheelchair users. Wheelchair mode empowers wheelchair users to track their daily activities by accurately monitoring their pushes. Activity rings have been meticulously redesigned with wheelchair users in mind. Enhanced icons, motivational messages, and optimized algorithms work together to provide a seamless, supportive experience—one defined by both precision and encouragement.
The Wheelchair mode is more than an isolated advancement; it is the culmination of Huawei’s long-term commitment to inclusivity and innovation in the health and fitness sector. Over the years, Huawei has steadily expanded its R&D investments in wearable technology, while consistently prioritizing accessibility and inclusive design throughout its product evolution journey. From health monitoring features like heart rate and SpO2 measurement to the development of specialized algorithms for wheelchair users, every step in the evolution of Huawei wearables reflects a dedication to transforming cutting-edge technology into meaningful health solutions. As a leader in technological innovation, we embrace our duty to empower all—not just the many, but the overlooked and the underserved—ensuring a future where every individual thrives in health, dignity, and vitality.
To further highlight the humanistic values behind this innovation, Huawei wearables has released a powerful documentary-style video titled “Rolling Ahead.” This video captures the inspiring journeys of multiple wheelchair users on the sports field. Through Huawei wearables, their efforts are translated into quantifiable health data, vividly demonstrating how technology can serve as both a witness and a companion to extraordinary lives.
From technical breakthroughs to emotional resonance, Huawei is redefining the boundaries of health and fitness. By integrating the real needs of specific groups into the core of technological evolution, Huawei wearables are evolving from a mere provider of health technology to a catalyst for equal social participation. This is more than just a product feature upgrade—it’s a tangible realization of the vision to “bring digital to every person, home, and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.”
A new workout mode, Rolling, will be available at the end of December, with the latest HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series being the first to support it. This mode precisely tracks the frequency and number of wheelchair pushes, ensuring that every movement is accurately tracked.
Moving forward, Huawei remains committed to exploring the convergence of technology and humanity. By collaborating with more partners, Huawei aims to build a more inclusive and compassionate digital health future—one where technology truly serves the needs of everyone.
Hashtag: #Huawei
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Transportation Management System mobilizes over 80,000 Olympic stakeholders
Media Rights Rights Holders had access to 4,198 video highlights produced by Alibaba Cloud’s Real-Time 360º Replay systems
Qwen models power first use of LLM Technologies supporting fan engagement and Olympics ecosystem
MILAN, ITALY – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – In a ongoing effort to redefine the digital landscape of the Olympic Movement, Alibaba Group, the Worldwide TOP Partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has supported the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (Milano Cortina 2026) in becoming the most intelligent Games in Olympic history.
Through a suite of advanced cloud and AI-driven solutions, Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, is empowering the IOC and the Milano Cortina local organizing committee to monitor and manage energy consumption, optimize transportation systems, enhance broadcasting operations, and foster IOC’s first use of LLM technology.
Kirsty Coventry, International Olympic Committee President, said: “Every Olympic Games leaves its own mark in terms of technological innovation. With Alibaba’s Cloud technologies and Qwen models, these Games have set a new benchmark for intelligence and creativity.”
Dr. Feifei Li, Senior Vice President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, President of International Business, said: “Milano Cortina 2026 marks a milestone with the first use of LLM technologies in the Olympic history powered by Alibaba’s Qwen models. Our cloud and AI-powered systems that supported Milano Cortina 2026 demonstrate our dedication to enabling smarter operations, deeper engagement, and new possibilities for the Olympic Movement.”
Sustainability successes
Alibaba Cloud’s AI-driven sustainability solutions and energy-efficient cloud infrastructure enabled Milano Cortina 2026 to effectively measure and analyze carbon emissions. This move sets a scalable model for future host cities to deliver more energy-efficient and carbon-saving Olympic Games.
Key systems developed and deployed include:
Enhanced Energy Data Management System deployed across all competition venues, allowing the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee and the IOC to monitor and analyse energy consumption and carbon emissions in real time. The IOC is also testing the Intelligent chatbot powered by Alibaba’s Qwen large language models, which enables staff to access both historical and real-time insights on electricity usage and power demand contingency.
Energy Issue Tracking System that digitalise workflows for identifying, escalating, and resolving energy anomalies, ensuring rapid responses and improving operational efficiency.
Codeveloped Sustainability Platform that allows organisers to assess the full lifecycle footprint of Milano Cortina 2026, with a dedicated focus on generating long-term benefits for local communities.
Accelerating efficiency
Drawing on iconic, world-class winter sports venues, Milano Cortina 2026 unfolded across more than 22,000 square kilometres of northern Italy’s alpine mountains and historic cities. Milano Cortina 2026 marked the Winter Games with the widest geographical spread in Olympic history. Spanning tens of thousands of square kilometres across the Alps, the event utilized Alibaba Cloud’s systems to assist game judging, coordinate logistics and operations, ensuring the Games ran smoothly and efficiently.
The IOC has worked with Alibaba Cloud to debut a sophisticated Video Adjudication system for the Milano Cortina 2026. Built on Alibaba Cloud’s low-latency livestreaming technology, this solution has been integrated into the core competition infrastructure to improve officiating precision. By synchronized management of multi-signal video feeds, the system assists referees in identifying fouls and provides instant arbitration playback to resolve scoring disputes. The technology has been deployed in Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard Slopestyle events to ensure accuracy for the judging panel.
The Transportation Management System (TMS), built on Alibaba Cloud, seamlessly connected venues across vast distances and delivered precise mobility assurance for Olympic stakeholders including IOC staff, athletes, volunteers, media and key personnel. Through the Milano Cortina 2026 Transport App and related system services, athletes and Olympic staff accessed personalised journey planning and real-time updates via connected official transport services. Throughout the Games, the app has mobilized over 80,000 individuals.
Other operational service applications — from e-voucher system supplying meals to tens of thousands of Olympic stakeholders, to meteorological service portal providing real-time weather information for Milano Cortina Organizing Committee to ensure the safety of outdoor competitions — also ran on Alibaba Cloud’s stable and resilient infrastructure.
In addition, the cloud provider’s Apsara Video technology has powered cloud-based live streaming and broadcasting for Milano Cortina 2026, enabling global media access to press conferences, IOC daily briefings, and post-competition athlete interviews in real time. This fully cloud-hosted Game Video Content Distribution service supported journalists with seamless video processing, editing, live and on-demand distribution, and secure download capabilities — all delivered through Alibaba Cloud’s resilient infrastructure.
An AI makeover on Olympic Tradition
Alibaba Cloud introduced an “Intelligent Pin Trading Station” in the Milano Olympic Village, adding an AI-enabled twist to one of the Games’ most cherished traditions.
Powered by Alibaba’s Qwen model, the station combines embodied devices with an AI system capable of understanding both language and visuals. Athletes place a pin into a capsule and interact naturally using voice and gestures. The AI interprets commands in real-time and guides a robotic arm to select a pin left by a previous participant. The result is a playful exchange that connects athletes through a tradition they already love, while broadening the range of people, countries, and stories represented in each trade.
The Intelligent Pin Trading Station demonstrates how cloud-based AI can support new forms of engagement—creating small moments of delight that encourage connection and discovery. Throughout the Games, Alibaba Cloud Intelligent Pin Station facilitated over 8,000 pin exchanges among athletes.
Intelligent by design
At Milano Cortina 2026, Alibaba Cloud’s Qwen large language models powered the first use of LLM technologies in Olympic history, advancing the IOC’s digital transformation and delivering a smarter, more connected Games. Qwen supported a range of applications, from enhancing global fan engagement to streamlining information management and operations across the Olympic ecosystem.
Key platforms — including the Olympic AI Assistant, NOC AI Assistant, and the Sports AI Platform — used Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure to enable multilingual fan interactions, intelligent content search, and largescale media management. Collectively, these AI-driven systems set new benchmarks for accessibility, efficiency, and intelligence within the Olympic environment.
Broadcasting redefined
In broadcasting, the OBS Live Cloud Platform, powered by Alibaba Cloud, transformed how the Olympic Games were produced and delivered. Replacing traditional satellite operations, the cloud-based platform provided flexible, scalable, and high-quality content distribution of 442 live video feeds for 42 broadcasters worldwide.
Cloud broadcasting significantly reduces the physical footprint. Milano Cortina 2026’s International Broadcasting Centre was 25% smaller than Beijing 2022 and 30% smaller than Pyeongchang 2018.
Complementing this were advanced AI solutions such as the Real-Time 360º Replay systems and the Qwen-powered Automatic Media Description System (AMD). Together, these innovations modernised live production workflows, improved media turnaround speed, and set a new standard for intelligent broadcasting in the Olympic Movement. Throughout the Milano Cortina 2026, AMD has processed livestream signals of 391 competition sessions; meanwhile, Media Rights Holders (MRHs) had access to 4,198 video highlights of exciting moments from the competitions, all captured and produced by Alibaba Cloud’s Real-Time 360º Replay systems.
Through its longstanding collaboration with the IOC, Alibaba Cloud continues to transform the Olympic Games, making them more sustainable, efficient, and intelligent for all participants and audiences worldwide.
Hashtag: #Alibaba
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – Anomali, the first intelligence-native Agentic SOC Platform, today announced a strategic partnership with ABP SecuritePte Ltd, a global Value-Added Distributor (VAD) specialising in cybersecurity and network performance solutions. The partnership will strengthen access to intelligence-led detection, investigation, and response capabilities for organisations across the Asia Pacific region, amid an increasingly complex and fast-evolving threat landscape.
Through this collaboration, ABP Securite will distribute and support Anomali’s cutting-edge, cloud-native platform across key markets in Asia Pacific. Leveraging its extensive regional footprint and strong partner ecosystem, ABP Securite will deliver technical enablement, partner training, solution integration, and pre- and post-sales support to help organisations operationalise threat intelligence more effectively.
The Anomali Agentic SOC Platform delivers an intelligence-native approach to modern security and operations. Built for the speed, scale, and complexity of today’s AI-enabled adversaries, the platform combines a high-performance, unified security data lake with next-generation threat intelligence, analytics and workflow automation. Agentic AI is woven thoroughly throughout the platform versus being bolted on. This comprehensive architecture enables complete visibility, improves detection precision and quality, accelerates investigations, and provides agentic response and recommended next-step actions, which reduces operational complexity and scaling security operations across hybrid, cloud, and high-volume enterprise environments. Many of the world’s largest enterprises and leading government agencies currently rely on the company’s Agentic SOC Platform.
Key Benefits Include:
Customers move beyond passive threat data to actionable intelligence embedded directly into detection, investigation, and response workflows, making threat intelligence a daily operational asset rather than a standalone feed.
By combining Anomali’s advanced analytics and automation with ABP Securite’s regional delivery expertise, organisations strengthen their ability to detect, withstand, and respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Organisations modernise security and operations without added complexity, supported by a trusted regional distributor, enabling faster adoption of intelligence-driven security practices and improved detection and response outcomes.
“As the threat landscape across Asia Pacific grows in scale and sophistication, organisations are looking for more proactive, intelligence-led defence strategies. This partnership unites Anomali’s advanced threat intelligence capabilities with ABP Securite’s regional expertise to deliver outcomes that truly enhance our customers’ resilience. Together, we’re enabling enterprises and partners to strengthen cyber defences, accelerate response, and build sustained security maturity across the region,” shared Joyce Ng, Chief Executive Officer of ABP Securite Pte Ltd.
“Our partnership with ABP Securite marks a significant step in expanding our commitment across Asia Pacific. By bringing together our intelligence-native platform and ABP Securite’s deep local relationships, we’re empowering enterprises and government agencies to operationalise next-generation threat intelligence and transform how they detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats,” commented Alexandre Depret-Bixio, Senior Vice President, International, at Anomali.
“ABP Securite’s strong regional footprint and proven execution capabilities make them an ideal partner as we expand intelligence-driven security across Asia Pacific. Together, we are enabling organisations to move beyond static threat data and embed actionable intelligence directly into their security operations—improving detection effectiveness and accelerating response in an increasingly complex threat environment,” added Yen Nee Si, Regional Director, Asia, at Anomali.
Hashtag: #ABPSecurite
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading provider of hotel, resort, serviced apartment, and luxury residential management in the Asia-Pacific region, will participate in the world-renowned travel trade show, ITB Berlin 2026, held from 3–5 March 2026 at Messe Berlin (Hall 26, Booth 211).
OZO Chaweng Samui
This year’s presence is particularly significant as ONYX celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of shaping hospitality experiences across the region and reinforcing its long-standing reputation as a trusted name in Asian travel.
At the show, the company will focus on expanding strategic partnerships within the European market while showcasing its exceptional management capabilities through a portfolio of distinctive brands designed to deliver memorable experiences for both leisure and business travellers worldwide. ONYX remains committed to driving efficient results and sustainable growth for its partners in response to the evolving demands of modern travellers. Today’s guests are no longer simply looking for a spacious room or an attractive design; they seek accommodation that truly understands the context and purpose of their journey. This guest-centric mindset has always been at the heart of ONYX’s approach — shaping the development of its brands, the delivery of its services, and the thoughtful expansion of its portfolio to meet the needs of modern travellers.
Aligned with its strategic philosophy, “A Tailored Approach to Hospitality,” ONYX will highlight opportunities across the leisure and city break sectors, particularly in Thailand’s key destinations, while emphasising its consultancy-led approach to building mutually beneficial, long-term partnerships.
This strategy reflects Thailand’s strengths, especially Bangkok’s positioning as a regional travel hub, offering the perfect starting point for European travellers to plan a combined “City Break & Leisure” holiday. Visitors can immerse themselves in Bangkok’s vibrant lifestyle and cultural scene before easily connecting to a variety of iconic and beautiful Thai destinations. These include a one-hour flight to Samui or Phuket or a two-hour drive to Pattaya. This convenience and flexibility allow ONYX to deliver a true “City-to-Sea” experience that resonates with today’s travel trends focused on value, comfort and exploration.
Beyond geographical advantages, ONYX also leverages its deep regional expertise and international standards, using cultural insights and traveller behaviour as the foundation for designing experiences that meet a wide range of preferences. Guided by the principles of “Quality Partnership & Growth,” the group ensures high-quality, transparent growth, earning the trust of global partners through over six decades of operational excellence. This legacy is seamlessly integrated with modern service innovations.
At ITB Berlin, ONYX Hospitality Group will showcase several flagship properties that are popular with international travellers:
Amari Bangkok: A landmark hotel in the heart of Bangkok’s business and fashion district, surrounded by world-class shopping centres. It offers the ultimate “City Break” experience, upscale shopping, and versatile facilities for MICE groups and grand celebrations.
Amari Phuket: A romantic beachfront resort on Patong Bay, offering premium relaxation with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. Featuring modern, private rooms, exceptional seaside dining, and a top-tier spa, it is an ideal destination for leisure getaways, honeymoons, and picturesque beach weddings.
Amari Pattaya: A premium resort catering to couples, families, and business events. Located in a tranquil area of Pattaya Bay yet close to the city’s vibrant scene, it features spacious grounds, a large pool with a kids’ water park, and modern meeting facilities—making it suitable for holidays and special beachfront celebrations.
Amari Koh Samui: A beachside haven on the serene Chaweng Beach, where tropical beauty blends with contemporary design and international service standards. This resort appeals to all lifestyles, offering a relaxing seaside pool, the renowned Italian restaurant Prego, and family-friendly facilities amid the peaceful island atmosphere.
OZO Chaweng Samui: A modern lifestyle hotel on Chaweng’s prime beachfront, redefining relaxation under the brand’s concept “Sparking Adrenaline of Happiness.” Designed for new-generation travellers seeking both value and comfort, it focuses on providing a full, energising rest experience.
With its regional expertise and world-class standards, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to play a key role in driving the tourism industry forward, delivering memorable travel experiences to guests worldwide. As ONYX celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, it remains committed to reinforcing its position as a trusted and thoughtful partner, backed by a track record of award-winning management and global recognition.
Through ITB Berlin, ONYX aims to deepen connections with strategic partners and support mutually beneficial growth worldwide.
For more information on ONYX Hospitality Group please visit:www.onyx-hospitality.com
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – Direct Funeral Services, Singapore’s leading funeral service provider, introduces new approaches to grief support with the launch of two pioneering resources: Music for Comfort and The Colours of Missing You.
Music for Comfort is the world’s first music album developed using monaural beats specifically designed for grief support in open spaces, while The Colours of Missing You is a children’s book that guides both young and old through the experience of grief using colour and storytelling. Together, these resources offer gentle, accessible pathways for emotional expression and reflection.
In line with the same commitment to bridging tradition and technology, Direct Funeral Services has also introduced Memory Weave, an AI-driven tool designed to help families honour and celebrate their loved ones through deeply personalised digital tributes, extending remembrance beyond the farewell.
Music for Comfort, a global first in funeral sound healing
Driven by a deep understanding of the needs of grieving families, Direct Funeral Services partnered with The TENG Company to co-develop Music for Comfort. The album is positioned as the world’s first to utilise monaural beats specifically designed for grief support in open environments such as funeral wakes.
Comprising 10 original tracks, the album was developed in collaboration with researchers from the Singapore Institute of Technology, with compositions aligned to the emotional stages of farewell. Early research findings indicate promising reductions in commonly reported grief-related symptoms, including anxiety and emotional overwhelm.
Alongside the album, Memory Weave, an interactive digital tool that offers families and friends a collaborative way to celebrate a life well lived. Attendees can contribute photos, videos, or audio messages via the app. These shared memories are then woven into a personalised digital montage, accompanied by music from the Music for Comfort album and played throughout the wake, offering attendees an intimate and reflective glimpse into the many facets of the departed’s life.
Jenny Tay, Managing Director at Direct Funeral Services, shares, “Every person’s life is a tapestry of stories and moments that deserve to be celebrated. With Memory Weave, we aim to provide families with meaningful ways to remember their loved ones, while creating a deeply personal farewell. By combining innovation with compassion, we hope to honour the beauty of each life lived.”
While Music for Comfort was initially conceived for funeral settings, its therapeutic potential extends beyond death care. The album may also support individuals navigating other forms of emotional loss, including divorce, illness, separation, or major life transitions. Building on The TENG Company’s Music for Mindfulness album released in 2023, Music for Comfort represents a continued exploration into emotional well-being through music. Four of the album’s ten tracks were released on Spotify in the last quarter of 2025:
The Colours of Missing You, a tender guide through loss
Written by Darren, The Colours of Missing You is an exquisitely illustrated book that helps both children and adults navigate the intricate emotions of grief. Inspired by Darren’s personal experience of losing his sister in 2022, and drawing on his expertise as a psychotherapist and leader in the deathcare industry. As the third title in a series of grief-support publications, this book uniquely uses the colours of the rainbow to represent the non-linear nature of grief.
Each colour – from red for anger to blue for sadness and indigo for healing – invites readers to acknowledge and process their feelings without judgment. The book’s captivating visuals were brought to life by Shan Jiang, a Shanghai-born, London-based artist renowned for his collaborations with global brands like Nike and NASA.
“The typical ways of addressing grief through silence, avoidance, or clinical terms can feel heavy and inaccessible. What we need is a softer entry point. Music and story help us feel first, before we think,” said Darren TK Cheng, CEO of Direct Funeral Services.
Together, these initiatives by Direct Funeral Services reflect a growing shift towards more compassionate and inclusive approaches to grief support in Singapore, underscoring how thoughtful integration of art, technology and human care can create meaningful spaces for remembrance, reflection and healing.
Hashtag: #DirectFuneral
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI features a suite of fully upgraded technologies that deliver a truly hands-free and ultra-powerful experience, setting a new standard in the mid-range robotic vacuum market. Integrating advanced innovations such as OZMO ROLLER 3.0 and PowerBoost Technology within an exclusive minimalist Nordic design, the T90 PRO OMNI offers a top-of-the-line, premium floor cleaning experience and delivers the best value in its class.
OMNI Station features Fresh-flow Power Washing and Dirty Water Box Auto-Cleaning so users no longer have to clean the machine manually. AGENT YIKO uses intelligent scene recognition to detect cleaning zones and avoid pets while cleaning.
ECOVACS ROBOTICS, a pioneer in service robotics, introduces the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI – an all-new generation of hands-free, ultra-powerful robotic cleaning built on fully upgraded technologies. Powered by the new OZMO ROLLER 3.0 Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology and PowerBoost Technology with Perpetual Runtime, the T90 PRO OMNI ensures spotless results with zero interruptions, creating a daily life with a calm, Nordic-inspired aesthetic that naturally blends into your home and daily life.
Elevated mopping performance with the new OZMO ROLLER 3.0 Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology. TruEdge 3.0 Extreme Edge Cleaning that reaches into hard to clean edges while protecting furniture.
With the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI, ECOVACS redefines what mid-range robotic vacuum cleaners can achieve. This new addition brings together premium cleaning performance, long-lasting reliability, and a seamless design that effortlessly fits into contemporary homes. Delivering top-tier results with class-leading value, the T90 PRO OMNI sets a new benchmark for what consumers can expect from the mid-range segment.
Spotless Cleaning, Perpetual Runtime
The DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI elevates mopping performance with the fully upgraded OZMO ROLLER 3.0 Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology. A 50% longer 27-cm roller covers more floor area in each pass, while a high-performance pressurized water pump feeds 16-nozzle 32-way precision nozzles to tackle stubborn messes. The roller spins at up to 200 RPM to prevent streaks and secondary contamination, keeping floors consistently spotless with no manual scrubbing required.
Equipped with the revolutionary PowerBoost Technology that redefines intelligent charging for robotic vacuum cleaners, the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI showcases ECOVACS’ latest leap in cleaning efficiency through ultra-fast energy boosts and non-stop cleaning freedom. A self-optimizing algorithm dynamically reserves power to prioritize full-space completion, enabling 10% battery power to be restored in three minutes during routine mop cleaning intervals, and up to 500 m² can be cleaned in a single run without interruption. This intelligence-driven, perpetual operation ensures that even large homes stay clean in a single cycle – no need to worry about a low battery or incomplete tasks.
Total Home Coverage, Unstoppable Clean
The fully upgraded TruEdge 3.0 Extreme Edge Cleaning ensures edge-to-edge cleanliness. Its 1.5 cm air-cushion suspended roller adapts in real time to glide smoothly along walls, while a protective felt strip prevents scratches to furniture and baseboards. Two soft rubber edge-gliding wheels and a fixed side brush further extend cleaning reach, capturing hidden debris that typical vacuums leave behind.
When facing impassable obstacles, the TruePass Adaptive 4-Wheel-Drive Climbing System gives the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI unmatched mobility. Two auxiliary levering wheels deploy automatically when needed, using soft rubber gripping teeth to climb single steps up to 2.4 cm and consecutive steps up to 4 cm. This ensures the robot cleans seamlessly across uneven surfaces without missing rooms or getting stuck.
The all-new ZeroTangle 4.0, with lateral airflow channels, and a reinforced wide-span dual-bearing structure, captures dust and hair efficiently without tangling. This reduces maintenance and keeps suction strong and stable, giving users a smooth, quiet, and worry-free cleaning experience every day.
Elegant Design Meets Effortless Maintenance
Understanding consumers’ desire for both style and convenience, ECOVACS designed the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI with a refined, minimalist aesthetic inspired by Nordic design. Its monochromatic point-cloud texture and fabric-like finish offer a warm, premium appearance while ensuring durability and easy upkeep, effortlessly complementing any home interior.
To make cleaning truly hands-free, the OMNI Station features Fresh-flow Power Washing and Dirty Water Box Auto-Cleaning. Fresh-flow Power Washing uses a new high-pressure direct pump to deliver heated water (up to 75°C) through 16 nozzles, saturating and deep-cleaning the mop roller for maximum cleanness. The self-cleaning wastewater system — with a 5,000 RPM propeller, straight-down drainage, a dual-layer scraping mechanism, and an independent sediment trough — removes dirt quickly to eliminate odors and prevent contamination. Users can enjoy a consistently fresh cleaning experience without touching dirty components.
An AI-Powered Experience that Truly Understands You and Your Home
With AGENT YIKO, the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI becomes more than a cleaning device — it is an intelligent home companion. Using intelligent scene recognition, AGENT YIKO identifies room types, floor materials, and pet zones, then automatically generates adaptive cleaning plans based on your habits and living space. It adjusts suction, water flow, and route planning in real time to deliver optimal results with zero management.
For pet families, the T90 PRO OMNI offers a gentle yet smart cleaning experience. It can sense and avoid pets while they roam. Users can set customized pet activity zones, so the robot focuses where it’s needed most, keeping both floors and furry friends happy.
Whether you’re at home or away, you can count on a spotless space, a healthier environment, and a cleaning experience that fits naturally into your lifestyle.
DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI and DEEBOT mini 2 Debut at the Singapore IT Show 2026
Marking their first public showcase in Singapore, the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI and the DEEBOT mini 2 will officially debut at the Singapore IT Show 2026, taking place from 12 to 15 March 2026. Visitors to the show will be among the first in Singapore to experience ECOVACS’ latest DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI launch in person, with live demonstrations highlighting its upgraded OZMO ROLLER 3.0 Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology and PowerBoost Technology with Perpetual Runtime, as well as the refined Nordic-inspired design.
Consumers will also be able to experience the new ultra-compact DEEBOT mini 2, for those seeking a powerful cleaning solution without compromising on space. With a diameter of just 28.6 cm – smaller than a sheet of A4 paper – the DEEBOT mini 2 is designed for small apartments, from compact studios to two-bedroom homes. Despite its size, the DEEBOT mini 2 is equipped with advanced technologies like TrueMapping 2.0 and TrueDetect 3D, to plan cleaning routes and detect different surfaces, providing up to 91% whole-home cleaning coverage. It effortlessly navigates tight corners and hard-to-reach areas, offering 100% edge and corner coverage. Whether it’s under coffee tables, between furniture legs, or in narrow hallways, the DEEBOT mini 2 ensures that no spot is left behind.
The showcase underscores ECOVACS’ commitment to bringing intelligent, hands-free home cleaning innovations closer to local consumers through immersive, hands-on experiences.
Pricing and Availability
The DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI and DEEBOT mini 2 will be available in Singapore from 8PM on 2 March 2026via the ECOVACS official webstore, NTUC FairPrice webstore, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTokShop.
The DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI will be offered at a pre-sale price of S$1,199 (U.P. $1,899). Purchases made on the official webstore, Fairprice Online, Shopee, Lazada, and Tiktok will include a Tineco iCarpet Spot Cleaner worth S$379, while stocks last.
The DEEBOT mini 2 will be offered at a pre-sale price of S$599 (U.P. $749). Purchases made on the official webstore, Fairprice Online, Shopee, Lazada, and Tiktok will include an accessories pack worth S$48.90, while stocks last.
Hashtag: #ECOVACS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Two Napier men have been charged in connection with the homicide of Sharlene Smith – one charged with her murder.
Sharlene’s body was located on a worksite in Omahu on 3 February.
Detective Inspector Martin James says to have made two significant arrests within the month is exceptional, and he hopes it reassures Sharlene’s family and the community.
“It’s been 24 days since Sharlene’s body was found, and for our busy team to have achieved this result so promptly should reassure the community we take these significant incidents incredibly seriously,” he says.
A 47-year-old man has been arrested today and charged with murder and injuring with intent, and is expected to appear in Napier District Court tomorrow.
A 45-year-old man was arrested yesterday and charged with accessory after the fact to a culpable homicide. He appeared in court today and is remanded to reappear in Napier on 4 March.
He also faces three domestic-related charges unrelated to Sharlene’s death.
Detective Inspector James is praising the work of the investigation team, and members of the community who have come forward with information.
“I want to thank our Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kris Payne, and everyone in the team who has been working so hard on this enquiry,” Detective Inspector James says.
“I also want to extend a huge thanks to members of the public who have helped us with information such as CCTV footage.
“They have taken the time to trawl through video and then notify Police, and their efforts have helped immensely in getting these quick arrests.”
New Zealand stockpiles pre-pandemic influenza vaccine as part of the National Reserve Supply. The pre-pandemic vaccine stockpile is a public health tool that could support the initial response to an avian influenza health emergency or pandemic.
New Zealand has a very limited quantity of pre-pandemic vaccine and must use the vaccine wisely and in ways that best protect the health of the population.
The Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Framework outlines the Ministry of Health’s flexible, principles-based approach for managing and using the pre-pandemic vaccine stockpile. The framework supports effective and ethical use of the pre-pandemic stockpile and is part of the Ministry of Health’s wider pandemic preparedness work programme.
The Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Framework aims to help decision makers prioritise and use the pre-pandemic vaccine to prevent and minimise deaths and serious illness in the initial phase of an avian influenza health emergency or pandemic.
A number of people are before the courts facing new charges following an operation by Manawatū Police on 25 February.
Operation Maxim is taking place across Central District and is focused on locating people wanted for a range of offending, including retail crime and bail breaches.
Officers from Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Tararua and Feilding participated on 25 February, dealing with 29 people in total. A total of 14 new charges were also filed.
“Some people don’t seem to understand that if the Court directs you to appear in Court and abide by bail conditions, then that is what you have to do,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson.
“We are here to enforce those directions, and we will continue to do so until people understand that it is simply easier to appear in Court and abide by the bail conditions.”
“It is also pleasing that we were able to locate a number of people that had been carrying out retail crime in recent weeks,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Thompson.
“Our local businesses have rightly had enough of being targeted by these offenders and we are committed to holding people to account for this offending.”
Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager:
A man is before the courts after assaulting a woman in Ōpōtiki overnight.
Police were notified of the assault, that occurred on Ohiwa Harbour Road, at around 10:30pm.
Area enquiries were made to locate the alleged offender, who was located on Phoenix Drive, Whakatane shortly after 12:30am and taken into custody.
The victim is understandably extremely shaken and has sustained moderate injuries following the assault. Police are offering her all the necessary support.
A scene examination will be carried out on Ohiwa Harbour Road today, and Police continue to investigate this heinous attack.
We understand the community will be shaken following this incident, and Police will conduct reassurance patrols in the area.
Our initial enquiries suggest this is an isolated incident, and there is not believed to be any further risk to the public.
The man, 34, is due to appear in the Whakatāne District Court today, charged with abduction, wounding with reckless disregard and assault with intent to commit sexual violation, indecent assault, and strangulation.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand received calls for 17 incidents between 12pm and 1pm today, Friday 27 February, the fourteenth time the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) has taken strike action.
Of the 17 incidents, 11 were in areas impacted by the strike.
Nine of these were fire alarms which did not result in a fire.
One was a medical incident which we did not attend. Hato Hone St John responded as per our contingency plans.
The remaining incident was a small fire, which was extinguished by building occupants prior to our arrival.
Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler thanked Fire and Emergency’s 11,800 volunteers across the country, particularly those volunteers who were called to attend events in areas impacted by the strike.
“I would also like to thank our Operational Commanders and Communication Centre Managers, who contributed to the response.”
Megan Stiffler also thanked New Zealanders for their extra care during the strike hour.
“Continued strikes by the NZPFU including an escalation to twice weekly strikes, continues to unnecessarily put the public at risk while we remain in facilitated bargaining,” Megan Stiffler says.
KiwiRail continues to lift its performance in line with our long-term performance expectations, Rail Minister Winston Peters said today.
“We make no apologies for bothering to fix New Zealand’s rail system after decades of mismanagement and malaise, and we are seeing the benefit of the taxpayer’s investment,” Mr Peters says.
“The half-year result of a $73.4 million operating surplus and a 7 percent lift in volumes is evidence that our no-nonsense commercial discipline is paying off, and is a credit to the hardworking ops, track gangs, crews and wider team at KiwiRail.
“Schedule reliability drives customers and volumes and the steady improvement in reliability is thanks to the firm focus on this metric by every worker combined with vastly better locomotives, shunts, wagons and carriages funded when we were last responsible for rail.
“New Zealand’s freight rolling stock will shortly be the youngest in the world – brand new wagons have rolled off the assembly line in the rebuilt Dunedin Hillside Workshops, yard operations have benefited from new shunts, and soon the old South Island locomotive fleet will be entirely replaced by state-of-the-art Stadler locomotives.
“The network is also improving because we changed the law in 2020 to fund rail like we fund roads, but with an emphasis on maintaining infrastructure better and replacing old assets. The two major storms in the last month saw just one washout, whereas a decade ago it was normal to have days of shutdowns to fix slips, washouts and clear floodwaters.
“The Infrastructure Commission recommended last week that 60 cents of every infrastructure dollar go to maintenance and renewals, but we already do that in rail and the ten-year forecasts show this will rise to 75 cents.
“Interislander has also performed well, with 100 percent reliability over the busiest Christmas and New Year period while moving more than 52,000 passengers and 14,000 vehicles to cap off the half-year.
“Freight is a tough business, but with a firm focus on reliability, cost control, a strategy set years ago with a healthy dose of experience and commonsense, the hard work does pay off.
“We extend our thanks to Chair Suzanne Tindal and her entire team,” Mr Peters says.
Applications have opened for the first round of the Government’s Flexible Fund, paving the way for up to 770 new social homes and affordable rentals for New Zealanders in high housing need, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.
“Our Government believes in social housing. For families and individuals who are struggling to find a stable, secure place to live, we’re focused on turning housing need into real homes,” Mr Bishop says.
“Last year we established the Flexible Fund to replace the confusing patchwork of social and affordable housing programmes with a single, contestable fund focused on delivering the right homes, in the right places for the people who need them most.
“The new system uses detailed data and local insights to identify where housing need is highest and which types of homes are required. This allows providers to bring forward solutions that best meet local demand. Instead of forcing good ideas into rigid categories, we can support interventions that target need and offer strong value for money.
“Opening the Flexible Fund for applications today marks the next phase of our targeted investment in social housing and affordable rentals.
“Affordable rentals allow people to pay less than the market rent in a region. They are a missing link in the social housing system. There should be an intermediate option between traditional social housing, where people usually pay 25 per cent of their income, and market rentals.
“That targeted investment is underpinned by our Housing Investment Plan, released last year, which provides a clear blueprint for where funding will go and how it will achieve the greatest impact. The Flexible Fund is a key part of making sure that happens.
“The focus is on value for money, strong housing delivery partners, and ensuring public investment provides homes for as many people as possible.
“The Flexible Fund will support delivery in priority locations including the Far North, South Auckland, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne–Tairāwhiti, Hastings, and key main centres such as Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch.
“The Flexible Fund is part of a wider push to boost social housing and get better results from every dollar spent. Through Budgets 2024 and 2025 we are already delivering more than 2,000 additional homes, including more one-bedroom and accessible homes where they are needed most. We have sharply reduced the number of families stuck in emergency housing motels, and Kāinga Ora is focused on renewing and maintaining its existing stock as part of its turnaround plan.
“At the same time, we are fixing the wider housing system through our Going for Housing Growth reforms so the market can build more homes overall. The Flexible Fund ensures that alongside those system changes, we are continuing to invest in targeted support for New Zealanders who need it most.”
“The Flexible Fund will support social housing and affordable rentals delivered by community housing providers, iwi Māori providers and other capable organisations. Applicants will need to demonstrate delivery capability, financial strength, alignment with local housing need, and value for money,” says Mr Potaka.
“This is about disciplined investment. We want warm, dry, safe homes that meet local need and can be delivered on time and within budget.
“For many whānau, housing security is the foundation for better health, education and employment outcomes. Iwi providers are often best placed to respond to that need because they understand their communities and the pressures they face. The Flexible Fund gives them a clear pathway to partner with the Government to deliver warm, safe homes that support long-term stability for whānau.
“Stage one applications open today and close on 24 April 2026.”
Note to editor:
Further details are available on the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development website www.hud.govt.nzand on Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS).
Workers belonging to the Public Service Association and New Zealand Nurses’ Organisation alongside public supporters will rally in support of pay equity at Parliament this Monday.
Care and support worker Kate Halsall is bringing along a trolley of groceries to symbolise the earnings she is missing out on every week. On average, care and support workers have been missing out on $145.85 every week since their pay equity claim was cancelled.
“Groceries, warrants of fitness, absolutely everything is going up except my pay packet,” she says.
“I hear from my coworkers that everyone is constantly juggling their budgets. If there’s even one unexpected little hiccup, our whole budgets are blown. We do important, life-saving work – it’s so wrong that we’re not valued for the work we do.”
“Women have not forgotten the betrayal of the National-led Government when, under the cover of darkness, they cancelled pay equity claims and gutted the Equal Pay Act,” PSA National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.
“As we saw in the People’s Select Committee report this week, the changes to pay equity that this Government made last year were an abhorrent abuse of power. New Zealanders value women’s work, and believe everyone in female-dominated sectors deserve to be paid fairly.
“This rally is part of a whole week of action in support of working women in the lead-up to International Women’s Day on 8 March.”
NZNO spokesperson and aged care health care assistant Lisa Marriner had her pay equity claim cancelled last year.
“It’s taken for granted that women in female-dominated sectors such as care and support are paid much less than men in other sectors,” she says.
“We are acutely aware we are undervalued compared to men. We know our value and how important our work is but it’s more than that. It’s actually not fair that a man with similar skills and experience to us in a male-dominated sector is paid much more than us because someone, somewhere decided their work is worth more than ours.
“That’s why we must keep speaking out. For ourselves, our colleagues, our daughters and our nieces.”
Rally details
What:Rally in support of pay equity and working women.
When:12:00-12:30pm, Monday 2 March.
Where:Parliament Lawn.
Confirmed MPs in attendance include Labour MP Jan Tinetti.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahiis Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
The track, a historic route linking Wānaka and Arrowtown and crossing private land, is part of the Te Araroa Trail and is popular with hikers and trail runners.
DOC Operations Manager Charlie Sklenar says a recent routine assessment of the 400 m slip, between Highland Creek Hut and Roses Hut, found it was at risk of becoming larger during storm events.
We’ve been monitoring the slow-moving slip for a number of years. Safety is our highest priority, so when a recent reassessment found it was at risk of further movement, potentially damaging the track, we made the call to close this section and reroute it to a safer location, Charlie says.
DOC staff had been working with the landowner to identify a new path, and a team of rangers was deployed to the remote spot to complete the work last week.
The track was rerouted 350 m, across 180 m of elevation. Marker posts have been moved to the new section, vegetation planted across old entrance points, and directional signs at each end of the re-route are in place to ensure users can easily follow the new route.
“Judging by the amount of foot traffic while staff were undertaking the work, it won’t be long before this new section is well and truly worn in,” says Charlie.
“It’s great to have the new route in place for people out naturing in this iconic Central Otago spot.”
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
Mercury Lane and Beresford Square, two upgraded public spaces framing the forecourts of Karanga-a-Hape Station, are finished and now open for the public to explore.
This milestone completes many years of complex construction works above ground, preparing the area for the opening of the City Rail Link (CRL) in the second half of 2026.
The improvements – led by Auckland Transport and supported by Auckland Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) – include upgrades to Pitt Street, Beresford Square, Mercury Lane, Cross Street, Canada Street and East Street.
The works include new footpaths, bus stops, bus lanes, bike lanes, rain gardens and public art in redesigned streets and spaces around the station.
Councillor Andy Baker says the upgrade of station neighbourhoods, the CRL itself and the CRL-enabled timetable will improve how the city moves, grows and competes.
“When you look at the big modern cities, they are all premised on having a really well functioning, efficient and attractive public transport network based on rail, generally.
“Looking at all four CRL station precincts, the one I think is going to go nuts is Karanga-a-Hape. It’s one of our most iconic places in the city. It mirrors a lot of the funky, cosmopolitan parts of other big cities – like Fitzroy in Melbourne,” Councillor Baker says.
“I’m really looking forward to being able to jump on a train down the road from my place in the south, exit the station at Mercury Lane, and head to St. Kevin’s Arcade with its awesome restaurants, or the other eclectic parts of Karangahape Road,” he says.
Auckland Council Director of Resilience and Infrastructure, Barry Potter, says the CRL is a real driver of positive change across the region.
“The CRL’s new stations will also drive development, just as Waitematā Station has in downtown. We’re seeing high quality development around the stations, and that’s massively important. It has a catalyst effect,” he says.
Next station neighbourhood – ready
First it was the Waitematā Station neighbourhood in downtown that was completed. And now Aucklanders can experience the next completed CRL station neighbourhood.
We’ve created a ten-stop walk along Karangahape Road, taking in many of the newest design elements and discovering how they reflect this area’s unique history and identity.
1. Pāua bus shelters
These are much more than bus shelters, sitting on the motorway overpass at the Ponsonby Road end of the main street. The layers of colour symbolise the pāua-shell eyes of Māori carvings reimagined into a material adorning the structures.
Photo credit: KBA.
2. Cycleways
Separated bike lanes along each side of Karangahape Road are popular for active commuters, as are new separated cycle lanes on Canada Street and East Street linking up with existing cycle routes such as Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath. Pitt Street and Vincent Street are also now linked into the cycle network.
3. Public art
Thief sculpture on Karangahape Road.
Karangahape Road has playful public art on almost every corner. Favourites are Twist and Thief, both by Tanja McMillan and John Oz. Small in stature, Thief is a bronze sculpture of a boy and a piglet playing tug of war over a turnip. And Twist is a charming, cartoon-like sculpture of a young girl and her elephant. To find other artworks along Karangahape Road, digitally geo-locate them at aucklandpublicart.com.
4. Rain gardens
Rain gardens bring welcome splashes of foliage to the street, while supporting the city’s stormwater system. Rain run-off flows into the gardens where the soil and plant roots absorb and filter contaminants before the water flows into the stormwater network.
5. Engraved metal discs
Under wooden street furniture you’ll see stainless-steel circular inlays in the paving. Designers drew inspiration for the discs from shell pathways, once said to be found along this ridgeline, reflecting the moonlight and lighting the way. The discs reflect the colours and patterns of light in present day Karangahape Road. Artist Tessa Harris (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki) guided the design of both the pāua bus shelters and steel discs.
6. Rainbow crossings
An aerial shot of Karangahape Rd. Photo credit: Landlab.
Karangahape Road wouldn’t be true to its identity without a celebration of the rainbow community, embraced by this street throughout its evolution. Walk the two rainbow crossings and feel the vibe of this colourful, inclusive neighbourhood.
7. Beresford Square
Arrive in Beresford Square, the northern forecourt of Karanga-a-Hape Station, and you’ll notice Te Pō – a striking 6-metre vent embellished with bronze-cast manaia (figures) on all four sides. The figures represent kaitiakitanga (stewardship and protection of the natural environment). You’ll see a weathered patina reflecting the texture of pounamu on the surface of each bronze figure. The square’s paving also tells a story. The pattern resembles dappled light shining through a forest canopy, symbolic of Tāne Mahuta, God of the Forest.
8. Mercury Lane
Mercury Lane and station. Photo credit: Auckland Transport.
In Mercury Lane – now a pedestrian-priority space – you will see lighting posts depicting the story of Tāne Mahuta. As the legend goes, with tall trees acting as tokotoko (posts), Tāne held up the sky and let in the light. You’ll also see four engraved kōwhatu (volcanic rocks) in the landscape of Mercury Lane and surrounding streets – these are symbols of life force that acknowledge the flow of people, energy, and stories from all directions and walks of life. Overhead lighting and star motif projections will mark Te Whānau Marama, the light-giving family – the sun, moon, and stars. Lead mana whenua artist for Mercury Lane and Beresford Square was Pāora Puru (Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua).
9. St Kevin’s Arcade
St Kevins Arcade. Photo credit: Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
Built in 1924, St Kevin’s Arcade is one of the city centre’s heritage jewels. Home to thriving restaurants and clubs, it sits in the heart of this creative, culinary neighbourhood. Take a moment to pause and admire the view of Myers Park.
10. Myers Park
Waimahara artwork at Myers Park.
Myers Park is a place where art truly meets infrastructure. 344 mature trees provide shade in the park, attract birds, improve air quality and absorb carbon. The park’s award-winning artwork Waimahara is interactive – sing a special waiata and the artwork will listen and respond, accompanying you with an awe-inspiring display of light and sound. Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hāua, Ngāti Manu) led this ground-breaking art project.
Read more about the benefits of CRL on OurAuckland.
City Rail Link information brochures are available in eight languages on the Auckland Transport website.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 February 2026 – Fast-tracking innovation and technology (I&T) development is a core feature of the 2026-27 Budget, unveiled yesterday (February 25) by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Mr Chan said Hong Kong would be stepping up support measures such as computing power, land and capital, to enhance the city’s influence as a global source of original innovation.”Hong Kong’s strengths in innovative scientific research and commercialisation of research outcomes lie in our internationalised qualities, strong research capabilities, support of financial sector and a rich pool of high-calibre talents,” Mr Chan said.
He added that the Government is pressing ahead with the industrialisation of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepening its integration across various industries, while encouraging wider AI application, referred to as AI+, with an initial focus on life and health technology and embodied AI.
HKSAR’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, sets out strategies to propel Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development
“I will establish and chair the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy to formulate strategies and create favourable conditions for AI to empower the transformation and development of industries,” Mr Chan said.
“We are making proactive efforts to align with the National AI+ Initiative by promoting ‘industries for AI’ and ‘AI for industries’ through application.”
The Financial Secretary highlighted that the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute Company Limited will come into operation in the second half of this year, to promote AI+ development and transformation of R&D outcomes and advise the Government on relevant matters.
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, echoed the need for holistic development of AI+ development. “When you talk about AI, you cannot just talk about AI research, or just talk about the infrastructure, we have to do it together. Actually, that is what we have been doing in the past three years. Everything is very important.”
Central to the Government’s efforts in promoting I&T is the San Tin Technopole area in the Northern Metropolis development.
“The San Tin Technopole will provide a large piece of land which can help accelerate the commercialisation of R&D results and provide industrial space for prototyping, pilot and mass production,” Mr Chan said. He proposed injecting $10 billion (US$1.28 billion) as initial capital to take forward the development, while leveraging market resources to accelerate the progress.
Mr Chan also earmarked $10 billion (US$1.28 billion) to accelerate the development of the Hetao Hong Kong Park by engaging the market to speed up the disposal of the remaining land parcels under Phase 1 development, providing key infrastructure, further strengthening support to start-ups and establishing a venture fund.
Mr Chan set aside about $220 million (US$28 million) to establish in Hong Kong the first national manufacturing innovation centre outside the Chinese Mainland. This, he said, reflects the Government’s commitment to implementing the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces and the Promotion of New Industrialisation signed with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to promote industrial collaboration.
The Budget also sets out support measures for various technology-related emerging industries. Among them is the aerospace industry. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises will take the lead to identify aerospace enterprises to develop in Hong Kong. Also, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited would review the relevant listing requirements to facilitate and attract the listing of aerospace enterprises in Hong Kong.
Noting that low earth orbit satellites can support the development of high-end industries, Mr Chan said the Government would proactively expand telecommunications infrastructure, streamline the relevant licensing regime and promote future 6G applications.
Meanwhile, the $10 billion (US$1.28 billion) Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, introduced by the Government to channel market capital to invest in emerging fields of strategic importance, such as life and health technology, AI and robotics, as well as future industries, is expected to commence operation within this year.
“The key is to popularise the understanding and use of AI by all levels of society,” Mr Chan said.
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 February 2026 – Marking a dynamic arrival of the Year of the Horse, on February 21 and 22 (the fifth and sixth day of the Chinese New Year), Galaxy Macau Presents: The Jimmy O. Yang Chinese New Year Show brought luck and laughter to a full-house Galaxy Arena, bringing a vibrant festive show to over 18,000 spectators. The two-night show presented a star-studded line-up: besides standup Hollywood comedic star Jimmy O. Yang, international pop star Jackson Wang, Cantopop legend Wan Kwong and popular Hong Kong R&B singer Tyson Yoshi took the stage for an action-packed variety show format, with Cantonese stand-up comedian Kong Chiho warming up the crowd on both nights.
The opening act performed by Kong Chiho warmed up the crowd with his sharp, funny Cantonese humour. A glittering lion and dragon dance show commanded the stage – with Jimmy camouflaged – surprising guests as he sprang out from under one of the lucky gold lions. Delivering his signature rapid-fire, culturally resonant humour, Jimmy sent shockwaves of laughter echoing through Galaxy Arena, with the comedian wishing the house a lucky Chinese New Year as he warmly welcomed them to Galaxy Arena.
Taking place during Chinese New Year, “Galaxy Macau Presents: The Jimmy O. Yang Chinese New Year Show” spread joy and laughter with Jimmy and his special guests.
In addition to the comedy sets, Jimmy’s novel variety show format offered more fun and surprises with his father, Richard O. Yang performing as the God of Fortune and spreading cheer among the front rows of the audience.
Eagerly awaited appearances by pop luminaries amped up the show’s star power, as guests Tyson Yoshi, Wan Kwong and Jackson Wang, who took to the stage for funny, tongue-in-cheek repartees with Jimmy. The joyful interactions between the guests and Jimmy’s continual dialogue of humour-meets-talk show style sparked waves of laughter from the audience, with the stars’ personal Chinese New Year greetings transforming the Galaxy Arena into a hive of celebration.
In association with Tyson Yoshi, Wan Kwong and Jackson Wang, Jimmy staged two joyful spectacles at Galaxy Arena. The combination of stars ignited wondrous inspirations.
Once again presenting world-class performers in its Galaxy Arena – especially during the Chinese New Year period – Galaxy Macau offered over 18,000 guests and spectators a festive programme full of excitement and auspicious cheer. Together with the resort‑wide festive campaign themed “Start the Year Lucky at Galaxy Macau”, a multitude of visitors from across the region were attracted to enjoy Macau as a crossroad for eastern and western culture during the most important festival in Chinese culture, cementing the territory’s position as the World Centre for Tourism and Leisure.
Kong Chiho, an uprising stand-up comedian from Guangzhou performed a hilarious warm-up set over the two nights.
For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.
The largest indoor arena in Macau, Galaxy Arena is proud to be hosting Jimmy O. Yang again, spreading Chinese New Year joy and blessings over two nights.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ADELAIDE, Australia, Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On 13 February 2026, DENZA officially opened its first showroom in South Australia, marking another step in the brand’s expansion across Australia. The launch in Adelaide signals the continued growth of the premium new energy brand and the increasing global presence of Chinese intelligent manufacturing.
More than 150 guests attended the opening ceremony, including representatives from government, business and media, along with DENZA VIP customers. Guests included Wing You, General Manager of BYD Australia and New Zealand; Brian Jia, Deputy General Manager of BYD Australia and New Zealand; Mark Harland, Chief Operating Officer of DENZA Australia and New Zealand; Robert Milne, Regional Manager of DENZA Australia and New Zealand; Judy Sun, Country Representative of Harmony Auto Australia and New Zealand; Daniel Fang, Deputy Country Representative of Harmony Auto Australia and New Zealand; and Max Chapman, the Dealer Principal at Harmony DENZA Australia.
Following DENZA’s official entry into Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth on 10 December 2025, the opening of DENZA Adelaide represents the next step in the brand’s Australian journey. Operated by Harmony Auto, the Adelaide showroom is its first location in South Australia. Guided by a long-term vision and a customer-first philosophy, DENZA Adelaide is committed to delivering a premium ownership experience to local drivers. Combining advanced technology with refined luxury, DENZA continues to expand its footprint across Australia, bringing high-quality, intelligent electric vehicles to South Australian consumers while strengthening the global presence of premium Chinese new energy brands.
During the ceremony, Max Chapman welcomed guests and acknowledged Adelaide’s first DENZA B5 owner and his family, while Mark Harland, Chief Operating Officer of DENZA Australia and New Zealand, thanked Harmony Auto for its support in the brand’s international expansion.
A ceremonial vehicle handover was also held during the event. Wing You presented the keys to Rod Ventura, Adelaide’s first DENZA owner, and his family. The moment symbolised the trust between brand and customer, and marked the beginning of a new chapter in intelligent, safe and sustainable mobility for more Australian families.
Located in one of Adelaide’s prominent inner-city precincts, the DENZA Adelaide showroom blends contemporary design with local cultural inspiration. The space integrates artistic aesthetics with advanced automotive technology, creating a refined environment for customers to explore the brand’s vehicles and services. The showroom is scheduled for its official grand opening in March, with the wider community warmly invited to attend.
As the economic and cultural centre of South Australia, Adelaide is home to a steadily growing premium consumer market, alongside increasing demand for new energy vehicles. The launch of DENZA Adelaide further strengthens the brand’s Australian network and introduces a new benchmark for premium electric mobility in the region.
Looking ahead, DENZA will continue to position Adelaide as a strategic hub to deepen its presence in Australia, promote intelligent and sustainable mobility, and work alongside local partners to shape the future of premium new energy transportation.