KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) — Guigang, Guangxi in China, has officially launched the 15th Lotus Culture Series, a multi-month celebration that blends tradition, culture, and technology to fuel the city’s booming tourism sector.
Running from July to October, the event will feature theatrical performances, poetry contests, and the selection of “Top Lotus-Viewing Spots”, all aimed at deepening visitor engagement and cultural pride.
Endowed with exceptional ecological strengths, Guigang is building an ecotourism destination serving the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and ASEAN, with its “Three Mountains, One Gorge, One Culture” as the core.
Currently, the city boasts 52 national A-level tourist attractions, 37 rural tourist areas rated four-star or above, and 17 themed tourism camps, while its brand “Camping Paradise, Carefree Guigang” is gaining increasing acclaim.
According to the Publicity Department of Guigang City in a statement, Guigang welcomed over 32 million tourists in the first half of 2025, generating 30.121 billion Chinese yuan in tourism revenue, up 12.88 per cent and 13.87 per cent year on year, respectively. (100 Chinese yuan = RM58.82)
To extend its reach, the city is leveraging performances and events to boost urban development, which include the Guangxi division of the “Village Basketball Association”, the “Douyin Football Carnival”, the “Gangren Gangye Concert”, along with the hosting of the 15th National Games Basketball Qualifiers, highlighting its reputation as a “City of Sports, Capital of Leisure”.
The Douyin event alone earned 1.83 billion online exposures, pushing Guigang into the top three of Douyin’s city search rankings. These events generated significant spikes in hotel stays and local consumption, demonstrating a clear “event-driven, extended-stay” tourism pattern.
To sustain this momentum, Guigang is stepping up its three-year intensive campaign for the cultural and tourism industry, signing 22 new projects worth 2.401 billion Chinese yuan and accelerating 42 key cultural and tourism projects in the first half of 2025.
The city is also pushing forward with “culture-tourism + AI” integration, recently launching an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered interpretation system at the Pingnan County Museum.
With the Lotus Series in full bloom, Guigang once again embraces its millennium-old heritage as the “Lotus City”—inviting the world to explore its vibrant mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and technological innovation.
“For decades, the Mary Kay pink Cadillac has symbolized accomplishment, aspiration, and the power of recognition,” said Ryan Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Mary Kay. “With the introduction of the all-electric OPTIQ, we’re honoring that iconic legacy while driving into a transformative future—one grounded in our commitment to sustainability and dedication to inspiring and celebrating the achievements of our independent sales force for generations to come.” (Photo Courtesy: Mary Kay Inc.)
Next-Gen Career Car Drives Innovation, Sustainability, And Business Opportunity into the Future
DALLAS, July 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Global cosmetics giant, Mary Kay Inc., today announced a major milestone in its legacy of empowerment: the transformation of its beloved pink Cadillac into a fully electric vehicle (EV). The pink Cadillac OPTIQ made its debut during Mary Kay’s annual Seminar, hosted for the first time in the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Cadillac OPTIQ is a significant step forward in Mary Kay’s commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and meeting expectations of the next generation of both Mary Kay independent sales force members and their customers. The transition from internal combustion to electric symbolizes more than just a vehicle upgrade, it marks a recharged vision for the future of the iconic beauty brand.
“For decades, the Mary Kay pink Cadillac has symbolized accomplishment, aspiration, and the power of recognition,” said Ryan Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Mary Kay. “With the introduction of the all-electric OPTIQ, we’re honoring that iconic legacy while driving into a transformative future—one grounded in our commitment to sustainability and dedication to inspiring and celebrating the achievements of our independent sales force for generations to come.”
“Our relationship with Mary Kay spans decades and is built on shared values of innovation, empowerment, and excellence,” said Ian Hucker, VP GM Envolve. “As the organization takes bold steps into the future with the transition to an electric vehicle, we are proud to stand beside them, supporting a vision that’s not only sustainable but also deeply inspiring. The pink Cadillac OPTIQ is an exciting step forward, bringing together the performance and luxury you expect from Cadillac with meaningful innovation and purpose-driven impact.”
About The Pink Cadillac OPTIQ:
OPTIQ retains the instantly recognizable pink pearl exterior, while introducing a sleek, modernized chassis with cutting-edge features. As part of Mary Kay’s commitment to sustainability, the vehicle showcases the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint while continuing to inspire.
OPTIQ’s exceptional aerodynamic performance enables its EPA-estimated 302-mile driving range1. The revolutionary GM EV Battery Platform and drive units, along with the use of low rolling resistance tires, also play an important role in the impressive range of the vehicle.
A vented rear spoiler, diffusers, and other sculptural elements enhance aerodynamics at the rear of the vehicle without compromising the striking SUV vehicle design.
OPTIQ packages interior spaciousness and luxury into a comfortable suite. Illuminated décor and embellishments add to OPTIQ’s unique interior interpretation of Cadillac luxury, while the suite of in-vehicle technology includes features such as the 19-speaker AKG Audio System and Dolby Atmos, creating an intuitive experience.
Did You Know:
The iconic pink Cadillac was born in 1968 when Mary Kay Ash purchased a Cadillac Coupe De Ville from a Dallas dealership and promptly had it painted to match the pale pink Mary Kay® lip and eye palette. General Motors later named the color Mary Kay Pink Pearl, and the shade is exclusive to Mary Kay.
Mary Kay has been named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World2 by Euromonitor International for three consecutive years, in 2023, 2024, and again in 2025.
About Mary Kay One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 40 markets. For over 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.
1
GM-Estimated range based on development testing and/or analytical projection consistent with SAE J1634 revision 2017- MCT and subject to change prior to production. Actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, loading and how you use and maintain your vehicle. Visit www.cadillac.com for more information.
2
“Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”
The cover visual represents our “moonshot.” It embodies our commitment to achieving the ambitious goal of a sustainable society for future generations.
TOKYO, June 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Kao Corporation (TOKYO:4452) has published the Kao Integrated Report 2025 on its website, offering shareholders, investors, and all stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the company’s initiatives and strategic direction. Kao Integrated Report 2025
To achieve its Mid-term Plan “K27,” Kao aims to become a unique presence indispensable to someone in the world and is advancing its Global Sharp Top strategy. In FY2024, Kao exceeded its targets by strengthening Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) management and strategically investing to build stronger, more robust businesses.
This report offers an in-depth look at Kao’s progress under K27, highlighting how Kao’s dedicated employees—through the Global Sharp Top strategy and agile scrum team approach—are actively creating new value and driving meaningful impact. It also outlines Kao’s ongoing efforts to take on bold challenges by leveraging its unique scientific expertise to address global social issues and help realize a Kirei world where all life lives in harmony.
Kao hopes this report deepens stakeholders’ understanding and fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration. The company is committed to actively incorporating feedback and insights from diverse partners as it continues to enhance its positive contributions to society and corporate value.
About the Kirei Lifestyle Plan Over the past 130 years, Kao has worked to improve people’s lives and help them realize more sustainable lifestyles—a Kirei Lifestyle. The Japanese word “kirei” describes something that is clean, well-ordered, and beautiful all at once. For Kao, this concept of “kirei” not only describes appearance but also attitude—a desire to create beauty for oneself, for other people, and for the natural world around us. Aiming to realize a more sustainable way of living, in April 2019, the Kao Group established its ESG strategy known as the Kirei Lifestyle Plan. By 2030, Kao aims to empower at least 1 billion people, to enjoy more beautiful lives. Kao also strives to have 100% of its products leave a full lifecycle environmental footprint that science says our natural world can safely absorb. Please visit the Kao sustainability website for more information.
About Kao Kao, a Japan-based manufacturer of personal care and household products, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals creates high-value-added products and services that provide care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet. Through its brands such as Attack laundry detergent, Bioré and Jergens skin care products, Laurier sanitary products, Curél, SENSAI, and MOLTON BROWN cosmetics, and Oribe hair care products, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people across Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Combined with its chemical business, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,630 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 32,600 people worldwide and has more than 130 years of history in innovation. As an enterprise that provides products people use on a daily basis, the Kao Group takes responsibility to actively reduce the environmental footprint of its products throughout the product lifecycle. This is laid out in Kao’s ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, which launched in 2019. Please visit the Kao Group website for additional information.
Global lifestyle brand JOE & THE JUICE and tennis GOAT Novak Djokovic are joining forces to redefine functional health, one sip at a time
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 5 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, JOE & THE JUICE, the global concept known for its electric vibes, killer tunes, and seriously great sips, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with tennis legend (currently breaking records on court) and Olympic gold medalist, Novak Djokovic. More than just a collaboration, Djokovic is stepping onto the court as a Health & Wellness Ambassador and a shareholder, ready to lend his champion mindset to the brand.
“I’m proud to announce my new role as a Health & Wellness Ambassador for Joe & The Juice,” says Novak Djokovic. “Throughout my career, physical and mental wellness have been the foundation of my performance on and off the court. From training and recovery to nutrition and mindset, I’ve learned that what you put into your body directly impacts how far you can push it.
Joe & The Juice shares that same commitment to clean ingredients, energy, and balance. I’ve long admired their fresh, functional approach to fuelling the body and mind – whether it’s a pre-match juice or a mid-day reset. Together, we’ll be working on bringing purposeful wellness to more people around the world.”
As an all-time record holder with 24-Grand Slam singles titles, remaining as world no.1 for a record 428 weeks, Djokovic knows what it takes to fuel the body and mind for success. These values resonate deeply with what JOE & THE JUICE stands for. Djokovic’s unapologetic approach to living well aligns intrinsically with JOE’s core values.
“We believe in making better-for-you options accessible and inspiring a balanced and vibrant way of living,” says Thomas Nørøxe, CEO of JOE & THE JUICE. “Bringing Novak into the JOE family means enhancing that philosophy and reaching even more people. He’s a global icon who embodies well-being and authenticity – values central to who we are. This partnership is about growing together and continuing to empower people to elevate their lifestyle. And trust me, we’re just getting started.”
As this long-term partnership unfolds, Djokovic will be an active participant within the JOE & THE JUICE world, contributing to brand campaigns, offering valuable input for product development, and sharing his unique perspective on wellness and performance.
And for those who know, you know that JOE & THE JUICE has always been about pushing boundaries. With Novak Djokovic’s support, we’re planting roots deeper, specifically through his involvement in developing the JOE & THE JUICE franchise in Serbia and Montenegro. This is about bringing the unique JOE experience to more people than ever before, starting in a region close to Novak’s heart.
With a presence across 400+ locations worldwide, JOE & THE JUICE continues to expand its footprint as the primary health-centric lifestyle destination.
Keep an eye on our channels for the first powerful activation, dropping later this year. The blend just got stronger.
New Research Suggests that People Seek Aesthetic Treatments to Align Inner Self with Outward Appearance
RALEIGH, N.C., Jan 31 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Merz Aesthetics, the world’s largest dedicated medical aesthetics business, today announced the findings of its inaugural global study, Pillars of Confidence: Global Insights on Aesthetics and Self-Affirmation. The study explored the role confidence plays in daily life and overall well-being, as well as the connection between our internal selves and outward expression.
As part of its Confidence to Be platform, Merz Aesthetics surveyed 15,000 adults from around the world who have had an aesthetic treatment in the past or are open to having one in the near future. The Pillars of Confidence study revealed that a global majority of study participants have a strong sense of self-confidence, with 72% agreeing with the statement, “I am confident in who I am.”
The findings of the Pillars of Confidence study also link external appearance to internal self-concept. When it comes to aesthetic treatments specifically, 73% of respondents reported saying they feel “empowered” after having an aesthetic treatment, 69% seek aesthetic treatments to reflect how they feel inside and 72% said that aesthetic treatments impact how they view themselves.
Conducted in partnership with Ipsos*, one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, the Pillars of Confidence study engaged 15,000 adults aged 21 to 75** from 15 countries. Participating regions and countries included:
Asia-Pacific: China, South Korea, Thailand
Europe, the Middle East & Africa: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates
Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico
North America: United States, Canada
“Since becoming a standalone global business nearly five years ago, Merz Aesthetics has been committed to our purpose of fueling confidence by helping people look better, feel better and live better. We believe in the importance of feeling confident and what makes you feel like the best version of yourself—however you define it,” said Bob Rhatigan, CEO, Merz Aesthetics. “Our Pillars of Confidence research shows what we anecdotally knew to be true—that aesthetic treatments appear to do more than just enhance our appearance; they can help people feel empowered and support their self-confidence journey.”
“The Pillars of Confidence data shows how aesthetic treatments enable patients to take an active role in aligning their self-perception with their outward appearance,” said Dr. Shannon Humphrey, cosmetic dermatologist, medical director at Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology and clinical associate professor at the University of British Columbia. “As a physician, I see this impact every day. These insights can help us better understand and support our patients as they work toward personal empowerment, which ultimately enhances the care we provide.”
Whether it’s the things we say, the people we surround ourselves with, or our choices around aesthetic treatments, Merz Aesthetics believes that every person’s journey to look, feel and live their best is unique. With a purpose to fuel confidence worldwide, Merz Aesthetics hopes that the data-backed insights of the Pillars of Confidence study will inspire meaningful conversations that enable even more people to celebrate being their authentic selves, both inside and out.
For more information on the Pillars of Confidence study and to download a full report of the findings, please visit www.merzaesthetics.com/confidence.
*Merz Aesthetics. (2025). Pillars of Confidence: Global Insights on Aesthetics and Self-Affirmation. Supported by research partner Ipsos.
**Age range in Asia-Pacific region was 21 to 65.
About Merz Aesthetics
Merz Aesthetics is a medical aesthetics business with a long history of empowering health care professionals, patients and employees to live every day with confidence. We aim to help people around the world look, feel and live like the best versions of themselves — however they define it. Clinically proven, its product portfolio includes injectables, devices and skin care treatments designed to meet each patient’s needs with high standards of safety and efficacy. Being family owned for more than 115 years, Merz Aesthetics is known for building unique connections with customers who feel like family. Merz Aesthetics’ global headquarters is in Raleigh, N.C., USA, with a commercial presence in 90 countries worldwide. It is also a part of Merz Group, which was founded in 1908 and is based in Frankfurt, Germany. Learn more at merzaesthetics.com.
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