Category: Uncategorized

Hong Kong Welcomes Chinese New Year With A ‘Pandastic’ Extravaganza

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) — Hong Kong is celebrating the Chinese New Year with an exciting fusion of traditional and modern festivities, making it one of the richest celebrations in Asia.

According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in a statement, a special highlight this year is the arrival of two giant pandas, An An and Ke Ke, alongside local-bred giant panda twin cubs, offering travellers an unprecedented experience filled with adorable photo opportunities.

The city’s immersive panda theme begins the moment visitors arrive. Panda-themed displays will greet travellers aboard the Airport Express Line, High Speed Rail, and South Island Line, as well as in concourses at Hong Kong and Ocean Park Mass Transit Railway (MTR) stations.

Throughout the city, there are numerous chances for panda encounters. The Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade on Jan 29 will feature a float dedicated to giant pandas, incorporating local Hong Kong elements, while giant panda-themed 3D billboards will be dotted in bustling areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok from Jan 6 until early February and Causeway Bay from Jan 13 to 26.

The Festive Lunar New Year Stop of PANDA GO! FEST HONG KONG exhibition will take place from Jan 17 to March 6 at D·PARK, Tsuen Wan, featuring over 800 panda sculptures, and another 200 will appear at Central Market from Feb 17 to March 6.

As the home of six giant pandas, Ocean Park will transform into a panda-tastic wonderland, with thematic experiences like “Panda Wonders: An Illuminated Journey”, featuring interactive installations, 3D projections, and augmented reality (AR) pandas for photo opportunities. Guests can also indulge in panda-themed food and beverages while experiencing the only real-life panda encounter in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, several Hong Kong hotels are also getting into the spirit of the citywide panda-monium, with Regala Skycity Hotel offering a playful Panda Dim Sum collection and a creamy sesame and coconut Panda Mousse Cake, while The Harbourview offers a Panda Bamboo Bliss Afternoon Tea Set.

The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel invites guests to spend a full day holiday getaway with pandas, featuring the Panda Party Room, a thematic Panda Fufu Afternoon Tea, and Snack & Concoction Menu at the iconic Lighthouse Lounge.

Furthermore, the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel features a classic panda-themed room, Bao Bao Paradise, surrounded with numerous panda-themed decorations filled throughout the hotel, and the twinkling panda-inspired immersive light show.

This Chinese New Year, do not miss out on the chance to explore Hong Kong’s unique panda-themed attractions, blending festive fun with cultural discovery.

— BERNAMA

ANTOM, AIRASIA MOVE JOIN FORCES FOR SEAMLESS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) — Singapore-headquartered Ant International announced its payment and digitisation services provider, Antom, with AirAsia MOVE, has signed a partnership agreement to transform travel, including seamless payment experiences on the app.

Under the agreement, AirAsia MOVE will work closely with Antom and 2C2P, a full-suite global payments platform and a subsidiary of Antom.

According to a statement, this collaboration is set to integrate Antom and 2C2P’s advanced payment solutions, including payment orchestration and acquiring for both cards and local payment methods (LPMs), into AirAsia MOVE’s platform.

These cutting-edge technologies will empower AirAsia MOVE to streamline payment methods, reduce cross-border transaction costs and operational expenses, and broaden its consumer base while providing customers with a wider range of preferred payment options.

“Our advanced solutions, including payment orchestration and acquiring for both cards and LPMs, enable AirAsia MOVE to expand its reach to more consumers across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

“By combining our expertise and AI-driven payment technologies, we are committed to improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and unlocking long-term value together,” said General Manager of Antom, Ant International, Gary Liu.

Meanwhile, AirAsia MOVE Chief Executive Officer, Nadia Omer said: “By integrating Antom and 2C2P’s advanced solutions, we are enhancing efficiency, improving customer satisfaction, and delivering significant cost savings.”

This partnership agreement between AirAsia MOVE, Antom, and 2C2P is part of a strategic partnership announced last March between Capital A and Ant International that covers various areas.

This includes exploring ways to integrate more payment methods and providing acquiring services to Capital A’s platforms, working on digital marketing and sponsorship opportunities to drive business growth, and cooperating in enhancing access to sustainable finance while transitioning to a low-carbon economy for the micro, small and medium enterprise community.

— BERNAMA

HONG KONG-TAIPEI IS 2024 WORLD’S BUSIEST INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE ROUTE, SAYS OAG

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) — The Hong Kong (HKG) to Taipei (TPE) route has been revealed as the world’s busiest international route in 2024, according to a latest analysis by OAG.

OAG in a statement said the Hong Kong (HKG)-Taipei (TPE) route is among the top 10 that has seen the biggest growth, reaching 6.8 million seats and a 48 per cent capacity increase between 2023 and 2024, pushing it up from third place last year.

Powered by OAG’s Global Airline Schedules Data, the analysis provides an overview of route performance and trends, both internationally and domestically.

According to the analysis, Asia Pacific continues to dominate the annual rankings, with seven of the top 10 international busiest routes and nine of the top 10 domestic routes.

The analysis also reveals that Cairo (CAI)-Jeddah (JED) follows in second spot with 5.5 million seats, one of two routes operating in the Middle East that have entered the top 10 since 2019, which has experienced 68 per cent growth in five years. Dubai (DBX)-Riyadh (RUH) holds the sixth position with 4.3 million seats and 37 per cent capacity growth since 2019.

Other international routes seeing impressive year-on-year growth are Seoul Incheon (ICN)-Tokyo Narita (NRT), which jumps from fifth to third spot with 30 per cent capacity growth, and Bangkok (BKK)-Hong Kong (HKG), which returns to the top 10 at seventh after placing 11th in 2023.

For the busiest international route in Europe and in North America, New York (JFK)-London Heathrow (LHR) takes the top spot, while Cairo (CAI)-Jeddah (JED) leads in both Africa and the Middle East, and Orlando (MCO)-San Juan (SJU) is the top route in Latin America.

OAG is a data platform for the global travel industry offering an industry-first single source for supply, demand, and pricing data.

— BERNAMA

Hello Kitty Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Japanese Fruits Promotion

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) — The Japan Fruit and Vegetables Export Promotion Council, in collaboration with The Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO), has teamed up with the popular Sanrio Co Ltd character “Hello Kitty”.

According to a statement, the collaboration marks Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary, and aims to promote Japanese-grown fruits and vegetables.

A social media campaign will run, inviting participants to post photos on Instagram centered on the themes of major seasonal events such as Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Valentine’s Day. These photos are to be entered into the draw to win a special “Smile Japanese Fruits Gift”, ideal for family enjoyment.

The campaign will focus on fruits that carry the “Japan-grown Fruit” label, indicating strict quality standards set by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. The target fruits include peaches, grapes, apples, persimmons, citrus fruits, strawberries, and sweet potatoes.

The campaign for Christmas runs from Dec 14 to 31 while the New Year will run from Jan 1 to 10, 2025; followed closely by Chinese New Year from Jan 29 to Feb 14, 2025, and wrapping up with Valentine’s Day from Feb 14 to 22, 2025.

To participate, entrants must follow the official Instagram account japanesefruit_official and post a video related to one of the campaign themes, tagging the account.

Participants can either create videos using the playful japanesefruit x Hello Kitty filter, or share videos or images capturing moments of joy with Japanese fruits. For the latter events like Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day, posting joyful visuals is sufficient for entries.

Residents of Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are eligible for the draw, with the chance to win the exclusive “Smile Japanese Fruits Gift” set.

— BERNAMA

MICHELIN Guide Doha 2025 Unveiled, Recognising 33 Top Restaurants

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) — The inaugural MICHELIN Guide Doha 2025 was launched at a ceremony in Raffles Doha, spotlighting 33 of the city’s finest restaurants.

MICHELIN Guide International Director, Gwendal Poullennec expressed excitement over the Guide’s debut in Qatar, stating that their anonymous Inspectors had thoroughly explored the city’s diverse food scene to curate the best options across various price points and cuisines.

According to a statement, two restaurants, Jamavar and IDAM by Alain Ducasse, each earned One MICHELIN Star for their exceptional culinary experiences.

Jamavar, helmed by Chef Debdash Balaga, serves refined Indian dishes, while IDAM, under Chef Fabrice Rosso, blends Alain Ducasse’s signature style with local Qatari flavours.

Meanwhile, four restaurants were awarded the Bib Gourmand for offering excellent quality at great value.

These include Isaan, specialising in Thai cuisine with three open kitchens; Jiwan, known for its modern reinterpretations of Qatari dishes; Argan, offering authentic Moroccan flavours; and Hoppers, focusing on Sri Lankan and South Indian specialities.

Three Special Awards were also given: Sirijan Saelee from Isaan received the Young Chef Award for her leadership and Thai menu; the Service Award went to Paulo Bastos and his team at Morimoto for exceptional hospitality; and Robi Ratan at IDAM was honoured with the Exceptional Cocktails Award for his creative mocktails that enhance the dining experience.

Additionally, three Special Awards were also presented. Sirijan Saelee of Isaan received the Young Chef Award for skilful leadership and a diverse Thai menu; the Service Award went to Paulo Bastos and his team at Morimoto for outstanding hospitality; and Robi Ratan at IDAM was honoured with the Exceptional Cocktails Award for his innovative mocktails that enhance the dining experience.

The launch of the MICHELIN Guide to Doha highlights the city’s growing and dynamic culinary scene.

— BERNAMA