wonderland

(HKTB provides satellite live feed and social media livestreaming of countdown in Central. Details on pages 2-5)

HONG KONG, Dec 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that this year’s New Year Countdown will take place at the Chater Road Pedestrian Precinct in Central. The event will feature a brand-new format combining live performances by renowned singers and a light show, aiming to spread positive energy and heartfelt blessings. Additionally, HKTB has introduced a variety of countdown activities across Hong Kong on its website to make it easier for both locals and visitors to participate and welcome the New Year with new hopes.

A novel countdown showcase combining music and lights

From 11:30 pm on New Year’s Eve to 00:10 am on New Year’s Day, the event will feature a thrilling line-up of music performances. Headlining the event will be internationally acclaimed group Air Supply, performing a selection of their timeless classics, on top of live appearances by renowned local artists Jay Fung and Cloud Wan. There will also be performances from a children’s choir and the Hong Kong Police Band, setting the stage for the countdown moment.

The walls of eight iconic buildings participating in the Immersive Light Show in Central will welcome the New Year with light projections of a giant countdown clock and seasonal patterns. These buildings will present a three-minute light performance, themed “New Hopes, New Beginnings”, sending blessings to both the on-site audience and viewers worldwide as we welcome the New Year.

This year’s countdown event is fully supported by Hongkong Land, the partner for Winter Wonderland in Central.

Large screens will be set up in Chater Garden and Edinburgh Place with live broadcasts of the performances and countdown. Additionally, an outdoor live projection will be displayed at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. A giant countdown clock will be shown on the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, building anticipation as midnight approaches.

The New Year countdown will be broadcast live on a number of media channels, including the official HKTB website, DiscoverHongKong.com, HKTB’s social media channels (Facebook & YouTube). HKTB will simultaneously broadcast the event via satellite to audiences around the world to welcome 2026.

HKTB one-stop website showcases countdown activities across the city

On New Year’s Eve, various countdown activities will take place across the city, including the “New Year’s Eve Countdown Party Moment” in Hong Kong Disneyland, and for the first time, a special countdown concert in West Kowloon Cultural District, as locals and visitors celebrate the arrival of 2026. HKTB’s one-stop travel information portal provides a list of various countdown activities in Hong Kong to help the public plan their itinerary.

HKTB Hong Kong New Year Countdown website:
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/new-year-countdown.html

Information of Video and Image Download
Download link: 
https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?CSRF=wOPp2DhWfdal1ID0dmAQ&categoryId=2287&categoryTypeId=2

• Reference images of Hong Kong New Year Countdown are available for download at the link above.
• Post-event video footage and photos of Hong Kong New Year Countdown will be available for download from 1 January 2026, 03:00 Hong Kong Time (31 December 2025 GMT 19:00).

Information of Social Media Livestreaming and Satellite Live Feed of “Hong Kong New Year Countdown”

1.   Details of Social Media Livestreaming:

Discover Hong Kong YouTube	https://www.youtube.com/@hongkong
Livestreaming time	31 December 2025, 23:25-24:17 Hong Kong Time (GMT 15:25-16:17)

2.   Details of Satellite Feed for Broadcasters:

Live feed time	31 December 2025, 23:35-24:10 Hong Kong Time (GMT 15:35-16:10)
Signal testing time	31 December 2025, 20:00-20:15 Hong Kong Time (GMT 12:00-12:15)
Technical support	Tel: (852) 2888 1944/ (852) 2883 2867

• For RTMP live streaming signals or other technical support related to live broadcasts and live streaming, please contact the Hong Kong Tourism Board to arrange the necessary services.

Asia Sat 5, 100.5 degrees East (covering Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe, CIS and Australia)

Programme Name		New Year Countdown Event
On-air Date and Time		GMT: 31 Dec 2025 15:35 – 16:10
Satellite		Asia Sat 5（100.5°EAST）/ C-band
Transponder		TXP C9V 9_4V (9MHz)
Uplink Frequency		6218.5 MHz (Horizontal)
Downlink Frequency		3993.5 MHz (Vertical)
Symbol rate		7.2 Msps
FEC		3 / 4
Video Format		High Definition 1080i/50 4:2:0
Aspect Ratio		16 : 9
Modulation		DVB-S2 / 8PSK
Pilot		on
Roll off		0.2
Encoding Bit Rate		14.0Mbps (MPEG4 H.264)
Encryption		NIL- Free to Air
Audio assignment	1	Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	2	Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	3	Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	4	Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)

IntelSat 19, 166.0 degrees East (covering Asia-Pacific region with reach to the Western United States)

Programme Name		New Year Countdown Event
On-air Date and Time		GMT: 31 Dec 2025 15:35 – 16:10
Satellite		IntelSat 19（166.0 °EAST）/ C-band
Transponder		TXP 12C Slot D (9MHz)
Uplink Frequency		6178.5 MHz (Vertical)
Downlink Frequency		3953.5 MHz (Horizontal)
Symbol rate		7.2 Msps
FEC		3 / 4
Video Format		High Definition 1080/50i 4:2:0
Aspect Ratio		16 : 9
Modulation		DVB-S2 / 8PSK
Pilot		on
Roll off		0.2
Encoding Bit Rate		14.0Mbps (MPEG4 H.264)
Encryption		NIL- Free to Air
Audio assignment	1	Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	2	Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	3	Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	4	Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)

IntelSat 34, 55.5 degrees West (covering the Americas)

Programme Name		New Year Countdown Event
On-air Date and Time		GMT: 31 Dec 2025 15:35 – 16:10
Satellite		IntelSat 34 (55.5° WEST）/ C-band
Transponder		TXP 02C (9MHz)
Uplink Frequency		5992.5MHz (Vertical)
Downlink Frequency		3767.5 MHz (Horizontal)
Symbol rate		7.2 Msps
FEC		3 / 4
Video Format		High Definition 1080i / 59.94 4:2:0
Aspect Ratio		16 : 9
Modulation		DVB-S2 / 8PSK
Pilot		on
Roll off		0.2
Encoding Bit Rate		14.0Mbps (MPEG4 H.264)
Encryption		NIL- Free to Air
Audio assignment	1	Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	2	Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	3	Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	4	Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)

Eutelsat 7B, 7.0 degrees East (covering Europe)

Programme Name		New Year Countdown Event
On-air Date and Time		GMT: 31 Dec 2025 15:35 – 16:10
Satellite		Eutelsat 7B（7.0° EAST）/ Ku-band
Transponder		TXP F06 D9
Uplink Frequency		14203.83 MHz (Horizontal)
Downlink Frequency		12703.83 MHz (Vertical)
Symbol rate		7.2 Msps
FEC		3 / 4
Video Format		High Definition 1080i / 50 4:2:0
Aspect Ratio		16 : 9
Modulation		DVB-S2 / 8PSK
Pilot		on
Roll off		0.2
Encoding Bit Rate		14.0Mbps (MPEG4 H.264)
Encryption		NIL- Free to Air
Audio assignment	1	Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	2	Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	3	Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
	4	Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Ms Alice Chen	Ms Janus Lai
Tel: 2807 6364	Tel: 2807 6428
Email: alice.chen@hktb.com	Email: janus.lai@hktb.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/302fc3d0-e504-4514-b9d8-a8ef2af24c76
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45d97d62-fb50-4ae5-a1fe-eb41726c3dcd

SOURCE: Hong Kong Tourism Board

–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) — Hilton and Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group, have unveiled an exclusive partnership that brings high-end cruising into Hilton’s global loyalty ecosystem, marking Hilton’s first major expansion into luxury ocean travel.

Hilton president, global brands and commercial services, Chris Silcock said the partnership creates the perfect moment to introduce Hilton Honors Adventures, opening new ways for members to explore iconic and lesser-known destinations through elevated experiences.

Meanwhile, Explora Journeys president, Anna Nash said this partnership unites two brands committed to thoughtful travel, meaningful connection, and deep discovery.

She added that the collaboration blends the freedom of ocean travel with personalised, well-being-focused hospitality.

Central to the collaboration is the debut of Hilton Honors Adventures, a new extension of Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty programme focused on immersive, adventure-driven travel, according to a statement.

Beginning summer 2026, Hilton Honors members will be able to earn and redeem Points on Explora Journeys’ voyages spanning the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and beyond. Explora Journeys currently operates two ships, with plans to grow its fleet to six vessels by 2028.

To mark the launch, Hilton Honors members can access a limited-time preview offer through June 7, 2026, featuring exclusive benefits on all Explora Journeys itineraries, with 16 curated sailings highlighted for added value and early access ahead of full Points integration.

The initiative builds on Hilton Honors’ reach of more than 235 million members worldwide and complements its portfolio of over 9,000 properties, including more than 1,000 luxury and lifestyle hotels, while extending loyalty benefits into fast-growing experiential travel segments.

With ocean travel gaining momentum among travellers seeking slower, more immersive journeys, the Hilton-Explora alliance positions both brands at the intersection of luxury hospitality, experiential travel and loyalty innovation.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) — The 21st International Congress on Luobing Theory Overseas Forum concluded recently in Hanoi, Vietnam, aiming to promote Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) development and strengthen international cooperation in Luobing theory, also known as the theory of collateral diseases.

According to a statement, the forum was co-hosted by the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies Specialty Committee of Luobing and the Vietnamese Traditional Medicine Association.

The forum focused on clinical applications of Luobing theory in cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, anti-ageing and oncology treatments.

At the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Traditional Medicine Association president, Truong Viet Binh emphasised that innovations in Luobing theory provide valuable references for contemporary medical practice and serve as an example of efforts to modernise traditional medicine in countries such as Vietnam.

Meanwhile, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Professor Wu Yiling, joined the forum online to present an academic report on the construction, innovation, and transformation of the Luobing theoretical system.

He shared recent advances within the framework of the theory, including its applications in areas such as vascular health, immune system support, and anti-ageing research, emphasising ongoing study and exploration.

During the forum, experts from several countries released a new guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which highlights the concept of integrating heart and lung treatment in TCM practice.

— BERNAMA