KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 (Bernama) — Universal Studios Japan, operated by USJ LLC, and The Pokemon Company announced an expanded, long-term alliance to deliver innovative, immersive, and world-class Pokemon experiences to theme park guests globally.
The project, which will debut at Universal Studios Japan, is a key part of USJ LLC’s strategy to enhance its offerings with fan-first, trip-driving characters and attractions, according to a statement.
Following the Japan launch, Universal Destinations & Experiences plans to roll out unique Pokemon attractions across its global park footprint.
“A bold new global project is set to begin at Universal Studios Japan, creating unprecedented and innovative experiences in collaboration with Pokemon—a beloved franchise born in Japan and cherished worldwide,” said USJ LLC Executive Vice President & General Manager, Tak Murayama.
Murayama expressed pride in launching this journey from Japan, promising extraordinary moments that will far exceed guest expectations and embody the spirit of ‘NO LIMIT!’.
Meanwhile, The Pokemon Company President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tsunekazu Ishihara said: “As Pokemon celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we are thrilled to launch this new project at such a significant milestone.”
He affirmed the company’s mission to enrich both the real and virtual worlds through Pokemon, with the goal of creating theme park entertainment that surprises and delights fans globally.
On the other hand, Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman and CEO, Mark Woodbury stated that collaborating with imaginative storytellers fuels its ability to create and deliver mind-blowing attractions.
Woodbury added that the ongoing partnership with The Pokemon Company will continue bringing its vibrant world to life for years to come.
Presentation Ceremony to Take Place in Tokyo in April
TOKYO, Jan 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — The Japan Prize Foundation announced the winners of the 2026 Japan Prize at 1:00 p.m. on 21 January 2026. Prof. Cynthia Dwork (USA) has been awarded the Japan Prize in the field of Electronics, Information, and Communication. Prof. Shizuo Akira (Japan) and Prof. Zhijian “James” Chen (USA) have been awarded the Japan Prize in the field of Life Sciences.
For this year’s Japan Prize, Prof. Dwork is being recognized for her Contribution to leading research for building an ethical digital society, including differential privacy and fairness. Prof. Akira and Prof. Chen are being recognized for their Discovery of the nucleic acid sensing mechanism by the innate immune system.
For the 2026 Japan Prize, the Foundation asked approximately 16,000 prominent scientists and engineers from around the world to nominate researchers working in this year’s fields. We received 107 nominations for the field of Electronics, Information, and Communication, and 185 nominations for the field of Life Sciences. This year’s winners were selected from a total of 292 nominees.
About the Japan Prize
The establishment of the Japan Prize in 1981 was motivated by the Japanese government’s desire to create an internationally recognized award that would contribute to scientific and technological development around the world. With the support of numerous donations, the Japan Prize Foundation received endorsement from the Cabinet Office in 1983.
The Japan Prize is awarded to scientists and engineers from around the world who have made creative and dramatic achievements that help progress their fields and contribute significantly to realizing peace and prosperity for all humanity. Researchers in all fields of science and technology are eligible for the award, with two fields selected each year in consideration of current trends in scientific and technological development. In principle, one individual in each field is recognized with the award, and receives a certificate, a medal, and a monetary prize. Each Presentation Ceremony is attended by the reigning Emperor and Empress, heads of the three branches of government and other related officials, and representatives from various other elements of society.
More than 50 master chefs handpick 250 restaurants to showcase the authentic flavours of Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods
HONG KONG, Jan 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hong Kong’s longstanding reputation as one of the world’s great food cities has been built on contrast — a destination where humble street stalls sit comfortably alongside polished Michelin-starred dining rooms, and where “Great Taste” can be found everywhere in Hong Kong. This season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) celebrates the city’s rich culinary culture with the launch of Taste Hong Kong, a new gourmet guide developed in collaboration with the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) that invites visitors to experience the city through the eyes — and appetites — of its master chefs.
Taste Hong Kong is a chef-curated culinary guide to the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. More than 50 master chefs — all graduates of CCI’s prestigious Master Chef Course in Chinese Cuisine — have collectively handpicked 250 restaurants throughout Hong Kong, shining a spotlight on the places they return to time and again. The guide offers a comprehensive and refined overview of the city’s culinary landscape, highlighting a rich tapestry of Chinese cuisines alongside an array of international flavours, from traditional noodle shops and classic dessert parlours to family run local gems, artisanal cafés, upscale hotel restaurants, and Michelin-starred fine dining destinations. Going beyond conventional rankings and accolades, the guide provides an authoritative, insider perspective on the city’s most authentic and distinctive gastronomic experiences.
At the heart of Taste Hong Kong are the chefs themselves. As the creative minds behind some of Hong Kong’s most celebrated dining rooms, they bring a rare perspective on what defines a great meal — and what makes a restaurant endure. Among them are acclaimed figures such as Adam Wong and Lee Man-sing, who have each contributed personal recommendations that reflect both their culinary roots and their deep connection to Hong Kong’s dining culture.
“When I think about Hong Kong food, I think about the neighbourhood places I always go back to — dai pai dongs, cha chaan tengs and small restaurants that define the city’s everyday dining culture. These spots reflect how locals really eat and the city’s culinary soul. I am excited to be part of this guide because it gives visitors a genuine way to experience Hong Kong through the food and neighbourhoods that locals know and love,” says Adam Wong, a 3-star Michelin Executive Chef at the Forum Restaurant.
“I have always believed that some of Hong Kong’s best food is found in the simplest settings, whether it’s a comforting bowl of noodles or hot pot shared with friends. The restaurants highlighted in Taste Hong Kong are places with history, consistency and heart. They show why Hong Kong is one of the world’s most exciting cities to eat in,” says Lee Man-sing, Executive Chef of Mott 32 Group.
Designed for both visitors and locals, Taste Hong Kong organises its 250 restaurant picks by neighbourhood. With various neighbourhoods represented, travellers are encouraged to venture beyond well-trodden dining districts and experience the distinctive character of each area. From sizzling woks in bustling street kitchens to quiet neighbourhood favourites passed down through generations, the chefs’ selections offer visitors and locals a deeper insight into Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant diversity, guiding them to the true “Great Taste” of the city.
The guide is supported by a rich suite of digital content, including neighbourhood videos and curated maps, hosted on the campaign’s dedicated website. A downloadable digital edition of the Taste Hong Kong guide will also be available, serving as an easy-to-use companion for planning meals and neighbourhood discovery. QR codes will be displayed at various MTR stations, bus shelters and visitor signage across neighbourhoods. HKTB will also broadcast the “Taste Hong Kong” promotional video at major tourist hotspots, and prominent shopping malls and hotels across the city, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global gourmet capital where exceptional food can be found everywhere — often in the most unexpected places.
To discover the full Taste of Hong Kong guide and begin your culinary adventure, visit tastehk.discoverhongkong.com. Download the digital guide, watch the neighbourhood videos and join the conversation using #TasteHongKong to discover the authentic flavours that define Hong Kong, one neighbourhood at a time.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) — The Saudi delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges spanning sustainability, tourism, artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial development.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States, Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, announced that Saudi Arabia will host the first Global Coral Reef Summit in 2026, bringing together global leaders, scientists and investors to advance solutions for coral reef protection and recovery.
According to a statement, the summit will focus on addressing policy and regulatory gaps, developing science-based solutions and advancing sustainable financing mechanisms to scale coral reef conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Ahmed A. Alkhateeb said tourism plays a role in fostering dialogue and peace, noting that tourism growth benefits communities, youth and women while encouraging cross-cultural engagement.
Additionally, Communications and Information Technology Minister Abdullah A. Alswaha highlighted the Kingdom’s progress under Saudi Vision 2030, stating that non-oil activities now account for 56 per cent of gross domestic product, alongside significant growth in the national technology workforce.
Separately, HUMAIN and the National Infrastructure Fund announced a Strategic Financing Framework Agreement of up to US$1.2 billion to support the expansion of AI and digital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the development of hyperscale AI data centre capacity. (US$1=RM4.03)
In the industrial sector, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM), in collaboration with WEF, launched the Lighthouse Operating System, a country-level framework aimed at accelerating manufacturing transformation, diversifying the economy and strengthening non-oil industries.
MIM and WEF also announced a cooperation agreement running until September 2027 to strengthen partnerships around critical minerals needed for energy and advanced technologies, supporting resilient and sustainable supply chains.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) — Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO has marked its first anniversary with the launch of a limited-edition “Thank You Anniversary Stay”, an all-inclusive premium accommodation plan designed for small groups seeking an elevated winter experience in Niseko.
Available for one exclusive party staying three nights between Jan 7 and March 8, 2026, the plan is priced at 3.9 million Japanese yen—a play on the Japanese pronunciation of “3.9”, which sounds like “thank you”. (100 Japanese yen = RM2.55)
The stay combines premium accommodation, private transportation, dining, guided tours, and curated experiences into a seamless winter getaway. The plan is limited to a single group per stay.
Guests will enjoy exclusive use of the hotel’s largest Nikko Style Suite and adjoining Premium Studio Suite View, connected by a private 66-square-metre rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the Niseko HANAZONO Resort slopes.
The plan accommodates up to seven adults and offers a secluded retreat amid Hokkaido’s winter landscape, according to a statement.
The package includes round-trip airport transfers, a private luxury vehicle with a dedicated driver allowing guests to travel freely throughout Kutchan, Hirafu, and the greater Niseko area, three-day lift passes for the Hanazono and Hirafu ski areas, and a half-day private tour to destinations such as Otaru, Sapporo, Lake Toya, or Lake Shikotsu.
Guests will be welcomed with a curated gift set featuring local Hokkaido and Niseko specialities.
Crafted in line with the brand promise “Your Stay, Your Style”, the anniversary plan offers an immersive and indulgent way to experience Niseko’s world-renowned winter season.
