wonderland

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 (Bernama) — Triller Inc, a leading artificial intelligence (AI)-powered creator platform and Epik, producer of the world’s premium digital items and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), has teamed up to launch the Showdown NFT Collection on Binance NFT.

Binance NFT is the official NFT marketplace for the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider.

According to a statement, the Showdown NFT Collection digital collectibles feature the legendary Manny Pacquiao and the powerful martial artist DK Yoo, launched in time for their upcoming boxing match taking place on Dec 10.

“We are proud to announce this partnership between Triller and Epik to launch Showdown in collaboration with Binance NFT marketplace, a unique and rare NFT collection that showcases an innovative approach in handling the star power of legends Pacquiao and DK Yoo,” said head of Metaverz and Web3 Strategy for Triller, Christopher Taurosa.

The Showdown NFT Collection will be available on Dec 10 for 24 hours with four rarity levels, Super Super Rare (SSR), Super Rare (SR), Rare (R) and Normal (N).

“There are 8,000 NFTS in total available by Mystery Box for 40 Binance US$ (BUSD). The actual NFT is revealed after opening the Mystery Box,” the statement said.

All details for breakdown of rarity of levels and rewards are available on http://www.trillersportsnft.com.

— BERNAMA

BASSETERRE, Dec 7 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Saint Kitts and Nevis is boosting its local hospitality and tourism sector with investments received through its citizenship by investment programme.

This is according to the recently elected Prime Minister of the twin-island federation who concluded a four-day visit to Dubai, from 29 November to 3 December 2022.

Prime Minister Terrance Drew was in the state to engage with important stakeholders including high-level government officials, international investors, government-approved agents and promoters, who play a vital role in promoting and supporting the country’s recently upgraded citizenship by investment programme.

With the country’s citizenship by investment programme undergoing a facelift, Prime Minister Drew said the changes to the programme were not just superficial but would ensure that the programme achieved what it was designed for – strengthening St Kitts and Nevis’ economy.

Traditionally, the economy of the two-island state has depended on the growing and processing of sugar cane, but the impact of decreasing world prices on this commodity over the last few decades has moved the government’s attention to tourism, export-oriented manufacturing, and offshore banking.

Tourism is the mainstay of St Kitts and Nevis’ economy, with the United States, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago being some of its trop trade partners. The travel and tourism sector accounted for one-tenth of the gross domestic product (GPD) in St Kitts and Nevis in 2021 and it is estimated that roughly 200,000 tourists visited the islands in 2009.

With a revamped citizenship by investment programme that will be underpinned by better legislative and administrative oversight, Prime Minister Drew said he was confident that the programme would have even more impact on the country’s tourism sector.

The new cabinet aims to ensure that the destination continues to make strides towards the full resumption of tourism activity, including the return of airlift and cruise ship arrivals, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of the people of the Federation.

St Kitts and Nevis is committed to enhancing its tourism presence and strengthening the economic impact of the tourism sector.

Recently during November this year, Wonder of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, made its inaugural call to Port Zante in St Kitts and Nevis.  The ship from the Royal Caribbean Group brought along nearly 6,500 guests and over 2,000 crew members.  This cruise call has also been the fifth inaugural cruise call to St Kitts and Nevis since October 2022.

This year, on November 26, a superyacht named Evrima made its inaugural visit to the island sporting the finest amenities and affluent guests. Evrima accommodates 298 guests and is the first of the yachts to be introduced for the new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection line. This event maintained St Kitts and Nevis’ reputation as an exclusive destination.

According to the CIA World Factbook, tourists, mainly Americans, come to the island via cruise ships via Port Zante in Basseterre, air travel via Robert L Bradshaw International Airport, and the private airport and private dock for private yachts. St Kitts and Nevis is also home to Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site.

The country’s citizenship by investment programme has been instrumental in bringing globally renowned brands such as the Park Hyatt Hotel that has recently been launched in Christophe Harbour in Banana Bay. The country will be looking to use its revamped citizenship by investment programme to develop its hospitality sector further which is a major drawcard not just for tourists, but investors looking for legitimate offshore real estate products to buy into.

Part of the change process has seen consultations with various stakeholders in the St Kitts and Nevis CBI unit who will closely now monitor and ensure that real estate projects funded by the CBI programme are completed.  To this end, the government is also seeking out reliable and trustworthy developers who are ready to put capital behind creative and strong projects that will further enhance St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment offering. 

St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment programme stands as the oldest and one of the most trusted programmes of its kind. Since 1984, it has allowed investors and their families to legally obtain citizenship of one of the Caribbean’s most idyllic locations.

St Kitts and Nevis’ citizenship by investment programme has been pivotal in developing other important sectors such as healthcare, business, and education in the nation. With the help of the tourism industry and the citizenship by investment programme, the country has witnessed socio-economic development at a significant pace. Funds generated by the citizenship by investment programme will continue to aid the country in paving the path of development efficiently. Spending on infrastructure has made the country unrecognisable from only 20 years ago – for example there is a thriving cruise ship port complex, and new roads have been built to take pressure off traffic in Basseterre. 

Prime Minister Drew was accompanied by a delegation including Marsha Henderson, Minister of Tourism, Attorney-General, Garth Wilkin; Cabinet Secretary Dr Marcus Natta; Sylvester Anthony and Veira Galloway.

PR St Kitts and Nevis
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
mildred.thabane@csglobalpartners.com

SOURCE: Government of St. Kitts and Nevis

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=44949

_{Scene of the 10th Straits Youth Day}

FUZHOU, China, Dec. 7, 2022 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

On December 2, the 10th Straits Youth Day, co-sponsored by Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, All-China Youth Federation and Fujian Provincial People’s Government, was held in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, and attracted 350 guests from all walks of life on both sides of the Straits.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Straits Youth Day. Themed as “Work Together for Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation”, this year’s event showcased stories of the young people across the Straits who have forged bonds with concerted efforts. With people participating in person and online, keynote dialogues were conducted between Fuzhou and Taipei via video link, according to Office of Organizing Committee of Straits Youth Day.

Qiu Xinyi, a performer of Fuzhou Straits Symphony Orchestra, Wang Tingwei, the first Taiwan “apartment manager” in Fujian Province and other young Taiwan people shared their experiences and exchanged ideas at the event. They also discussed about the opportunities and challenges facing Taiwan youth and their roles would play in the process towards Chinese modernization, and emphasized mutual learning between young people across the Straits for a better future.

The Straits Youth Day will also host a series of activities including Straits Youth Cultural Exchange Week, “The CPPCC in Taiwan Youth’s View” and cross-Straits dialogue on meteorological cooperation.

Source: Office of Organizing Committee of Straits Youth Day

Image Attachments Links:

Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=435575

Caption: Scene of the 10th Straits Youth Day

–BERNAMA

Momentum from global regulatory approvals and customers’ product launches drives strong valuation and investment demand.

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Dec 6 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —Sweegen announced its strategic investment and partnership snapshot ahead of the FI Europe 2022, where it will exhibit zero sugar solutions in immersive food experiences, displaying consumers’ favorite foods and beverages with zero sugar solutions in Paris, France, Dec. 6-8.

In the wake of the 2022 company developments of major customer launches, a growing global footprint, and regulatory approvals on its sweeteners and stevia technology, Sweegen is attracting major partners and moving forward with additional growth capital raised from current shareholders, Pasaca Capital and Sumitomo Chemical Co. (Sumitomo), reaching the “unicorn” status.

“Our growth is meaningful in the world of sweetener innovation as we are bringing wellness solutions to food and beverage brands and consumers in new global regions where sugar reduction is not only a major health trend and need but also a movement for a wellness lifestyle,” said CEO Steven Chen. “We’re grateful that these shareholders continue to have confidence in our vision to open new markets with our global regulatory plans and explore exciting wellness technologies for food and beverages.”

Largest CPG Companies as Customers

Sweegen’s Signature Bestevia® Reb M was the first new-generation stevia technology to receive approval from the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA).

This landmark approval in 2021, combined with the approval of the regulatory framework for steviol glycosides by the international food safety authority CODEX in 2022, is opening new markets and creating significant opportunities for Sweegen’s customers to launch new products.

The world’s largest food and beverage producers, including top brands for beverage (non-alcoholic and alcoholic), condiment, dairy, and plant-based products, have entered into commitments, contracts, and purchase orders with Sweegen. 

Manufacturing Alliance

With Sumitomo, Sweegen entered into a strategic alliance in which Sumitomo will contribute one of its manufacturing factories in Asia to a joint venture between the two companies.

Sumitomo will assist in quality assurance and quality control at both the Asian facility and Sweegen’s manufacturing site in Europe.

“Our manufacturing alliance with an exceptional partner like Sumitomo gives Sweegen’s customers the added security and benefit of multiple production facilities and is expected to accelerate Sweegen’s market penetration greatly,” said Chen.

New Technologies

In addition to the industry’s widest range of non-GMO better, tasting Signature stevia ingredients, Sweegen is introducing more advanced sugar-reducing products, such as the sweet proteins Ultratia™ brazzein and thaumatin.

Sweegen’s disruptive peptide technology enables industrial-scale production of brazzein for great cost savings to CPG customers. The commercialization of brazzein has already begun, and Sweegen anticipates a first regulatory approval for the product in 2023.

Thaumatin is 100,000 times sweeter than sugar on a molar basis. The high sweetness factor can translate into a strategic, cost-effective sugar reduction solution for brands seeking to get the most out of natural sweeteners. Sweegen has recently announced the successful scale-up production of these high-intensity sweeteners, and the company expects to receive regulatory approval in the near future.

The Market

The global sugar market is currently at $160 billion. Many global food and beverage companies are currently incorporating Sweegen’s products to replace artificial sweeteners, reduce sugar, and launch branded products containing these Sweegen products.

Contacts at FIE

At the FI Europe 2022 trade fair in Paris, Sweegen’s booth will be at Stand #7.1D20, where Sweegen’s management and global food and beverage applications teams will welcome all food and ingredient customers and business partners.

About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet-taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world. 

We are on a mission to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in the global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future. 

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Sweegen’s actual results may differ from the estimates, assumptions, and other illustrative material contained herein, and consequently, a reader should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, illustrative information regarding Sweegen’s bottom-up assumed market potential, assumed hit rate, and the resulting revenue based on these model inputs. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

Industry, Market, and Other Data
In this press release, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding market participants in the sectors in which Sweegen competes and other data. We obtained this information and statistics from our own internal estimates and third-party sources, including reports by market research firms and company filings. We do not expressly refer to these sources. All of this information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and the sources of such information cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. The industry in which Sweegen operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, any of which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by Sweegen or third parties.

Attachments

· Sweegen exhibits at Food Ingredients Europe 2022
· Sweegen exhibits at Food Ingredients Europe 2022

Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com

Source: Sweegen

–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) — Hong Kong Tourism Board has unveiled five Instagrammable spots that visitors should not miss in the coming weeks.

“The winters may be gentle in Hong Kong, but the festive spirit here shines bright in the region. Heartstring-tugging, romance-inviting Christmas décor is just part and parcel of the whole holiday experience,” it said in a statement.

Among others, this holiday season, an over-20-metre, gloriously lit Christmas tree sits centrestage at the romantic Christmas town in West Kowloon Cultural District harbourfront from Nov 25, 2022 to Jan 1, 2023.

Featuring music and special twinkling lighting effects, the city’s tallest outdoor Christmas tree, paired with gorgeous panoramic views of the world-famous Victoria Harbour, will be tempting visitors’ smartphone camera.

In addition, from Nov 17, 2022 to Jan 2, 2023, one of the largest shopping malls in town has turned into a “Unicorn Merry-Go-Round Paradise” this year, leading visitors to the land of fairytales.

Walking through the Ocean Terminal Forecourt, visitors will be surrounded by a myriad of sparkling Christmas trees, both earth-bound and sky-high.

Meanwhile, from Nov 18, 2022 to Jan 2, 2023, it’s all about the glitz and glam this festive season at Lee Tung Avenue.

It features Asia’s biggest disco ball — at seven metres tall, and covered in over 2000 mirror pieces — hovering over the Avenue’s tree-lined walkway, while golden hits from the 70s and 80s blast through the air.

More details at https://www.discoverhongkong.com.

— BERNAMA