wonderland

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) — Following the success of the 2024 Hanoi Art Light Festival, Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam), in collaboration with Hanoi People’s Committee and other sponsors, will once again present the “Glamour Thang Long” art programme.

The highlight of the event, scheduled for Jan 28 (Lunar New Year’s Eve) at My Dinh Square, My Dinh National Stadium, will be a Guinness World Record-setting pyro drone display featuring 2,025 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It will be broadcast live on Hanoi Television, with a special segment on Vietnam Television (VTV) on New Year’s Eve, with rehearsal on Jan 26.

According to a statement, this spectacular event is expected to become one of Hanoi’s most important cultural celebrations in 2025, combining pyro drones and high-altitude fireworks with a vibrant artistic programme, promising an extraordinary aerial light display.

Anticipated to draw over one million live spectators, with millions more tuning in via television and social media, the event will showcase Vietnam’s technological advancements and cultural innovation, positioning Hanoi as a renowned global light destination alongside places like Vivid Sydney (Australia) and Fête des Lumières (France).

Under the theme “Glorious Springs”, the programme will celebrate the beauty of spring with stories of renewal, love, family reunions, and national pride, featuring performances from A-list Vietnamese celebrities, blending traditional and modern elements, highlighting Hanoi’s cultural heritage in a contemporary light.

The high-tech drone display, powered by advanced South Korean technology, will ensure a breathtaking and safe show, marking a memorable Lunar New Year’s Eve.

Nam Tu Liem District Chairman of the People’s Committee, Mai Trong Thai expressed pride in leading the event and emphasised the commitment to ensuring its safety and success, establishing “Glamour Thang Long” as an annual tradition.

As one of Vietnam’s leading economic groups, Petrovietnam is proud to support national events that align with the country’s growth, and “Glamour Thang Long 2025” is part of the group’s vision for 2025. Co-sponsors of the event include PVEP, PV GAS, PV Power, PVOIL, BSR, PVCFC, and PVcomBank.

Organised by Corex Business Solutions, a cultural projects & destination development company, the event is expected to break its own record for the largest pyrodrone display, further establishing Corex’s leadership in delivering innovative cultural events.

The event will undoubtedly solidify Hanoi’s reputation as a leading creative city and a global cultural destination, attracting visitors worldwide to experience historic spectacles.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) — Ambiq, a developer of ultra-low-power semiconductors and solutions enabling Edge artificial intelligence (AI), has partnered with ThinkAR, to unveil AiLens, the most lightweight smart glasses designed for everyday wear.

Weighing just 37 grammes, AiLens redefines lightweight smart glasses with an extraordinary over 10 hours of battery life, more than three times the industry average, ensuring all-day usability without the need for frequent recharging.

Powered by Ambiq’s ultra-efficient Apollo4 System-on-Chip (SoC), which is built on its proprietary Subthreshold Power Optimization Technology (SPOT) platform, and ThinkAR’s advanced voice-activated augmented reality (AR) capabilities, AiLens provides a seamless, intuitive hands-free experience with personalised insights driven by Edge AI processing.

“Our collaboration with ThinkAR marks the start of a new era for smart AR glasses. The leap in energy efficiency, performance, functionality, and practicality offers a major shift in wearable Edge AI technology for consumers,” said Ambiq Chief Executive Officer, Fumihide Esaka in a statement.

Meanwhile, ThinkAR Founder, Joe Ye said the partnership with Ambiq for AiLens underscored the company’s commitment to innovation.

Key features and innovations of the smart glasses include advanced processing power that delivers up to 192 megahertz (MHz) for graphics, audio, and AI processing; AI-powered personal assistant that adapts to user preferences and delivers tailored responses; and exceptional display technology that ensures smooth performance while conserving energy.

With support from SoftBank, AiLens targets industries such as healthcare, workplace productivity, retail, education, and travel, offering key functions like real-time language translation, notes and reminders, healthcare solutions, and workflow optimisation.

With its lightweight design and advanced processing capabilities, AiLens ensures user comfort for extended use while minimising external components, whereby this innovation creates an unparalleled experience in the AR glasses market.

ThinkAR AiLens will be available simultaneously in North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Europe, with initial availability in the United States beginning this month, followed by APAC and Europe in April.

— BERNAMA

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