Author: Durian

BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov 6, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - SMC Entertainment, Inc. ("SMC" or the "Company") (OTC PINK: SMCE), a Fintech incubator company focused on acquisition and support of commercialized financial services and technology (Fintech) companies, is pleased to announce that it has executed an Acquisition Agreement to acquire a 100% interest in Australia-based Bateau Asset Management, a boutique investment manager (“Bateau”). The acquisition will provide SMC with an initial presence in the Southeast Asia Fintech market.Since 2016, Bateau has offered an absolute-return investment philosophy delivered by a multi-manager approach to investing. Services include investment research andeducation with the objective of providing clients with rigorously constructed absolute return portfolios that they can understand.As further detailed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, under the terms of the executed Acquisition Agreement, SMC will acquire 100% of Bateau in exchange for the issuance of 14,000,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock and $2,000,000 in convertible promissory notes.About Bateau Asset ManagementBateau Asset Management is a boutique investment manager founded in 2016 based in Australia with offices in Singapore. Bateau follows an absolute-return investment philosophy and a multi-manager approach to investing.To learn more, go to https://www.bateauam.com.au/.About SMC Entertainment, Inc.SMC is a versatile holding company focused on acquisition and support of proven commercialized financial services and technology (Fintech) companies. SMC's multi-discipline growth by acquisition approach is to enhance revenues and shareholder equity. For more information on SMC, visit www.smceinc.com.Press Release Contact:Erik BlumChief Executive OfficerSMC Entertainment, Inc.360-820-5973Safe Harbor StatementSome of the statements in this press release may be forward-looking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. Such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions, future market conditions, unusual catastrophic loss events, changes in the capital markets, and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. The Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or updated status of such forward-looking statements or information provided by any third-party. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will the Company and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or any related damages. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Road Town, BVI, Nov 6, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Alpaca Network, a decentralized AI research lab, is excited to extend an invitation to AI engineers, researchers, developers, founders, and key opinion leaders worldwide to become part of its “Mentor Lab”. Founded by seasoned AI and web3 industry visionaries, Alpaca Network is on a mission to create the decentralized task-layer of web3, enabling a collaborative environment where innovators can contribute, learn, and shape the future of artificial intelligence by understanding the real demand and use cases. Alpaca Network is putting out a call to action for individuals to sign up as “Lab Mentors” , a role which gives AI engineers and founders an insider-lens into early stage cutting-edge AI projects. You will join a growing Brain Trust of high-level thinkers and advisors. The Lab Mentors will engage with a community wanting to build a user owned, positive sum and general purpose evolution of AI, all the while maintaining the flexibility to participate at their own pace, working with projects that relate to them."Our vision is to build a hub where decentralized AI research and development is incentivized through task requests that are then coordinated by a multi-agent network of AI and AI-augmented humans." said Joaquim Miro, Co-Founder of Alpaca Network. "By inviting AI engineers and enthusiasts to join us as Lab Mentors and be part of our Brain Trust, we're charting a path to a new type of open and ethical advancement in AI which is network driven."What Does It Mean to Be a Lab Mentor?As a Lab Mentor you will:- Access: Early insights into Alpaca Network's stealth-mode AI projects and initiatives.- Engage: Connect with a global community of high-level thinkers, advisers, and engineers.- Contribute: Have a forum to share your ideas and expertise with ongoing projects.- Learn: Stay informed about the latest developments in decentralized AI research.Whether you're an experienced AI engineer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, your perspective is valuable in our collaborative effort to advance AI technology."By bringing together a diverse group of AI experts, visionary thinkers, and business leaders we aim to accelerate innovation and make AI more ethical and transparent." added Vaughn DiMarco, Co-Founder of Alpaca Network. "Lab Mentors play a crucial role in this mission by providing fresh insights and fostering collaboration and connectivity between thought leaders and reducing knowledge gaps."If you are passionate about AI and interested in collaboration then we invite you to join us as a Lab Mentor and become part of our Brain Trust of high level thinkers.About Alpaca NetworkAlpaca Network is a decentralized AI research lab offering a comprehensive suite of products and services for AI researchers and developers. These include access to computing resources, funding, token launch support, and a global braintrust dedicated to creating and scaling an AI-coordinated task layer across the web3 ecosystem.Media Contact:Alpaca Network x.com/alpacanetworkaicontact@alpacanetwork.ai Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

- Featuring over 200 renowned brands from around the globe at the Brand Name Gallery- New thematic labels for Elderly Products, Green Design and Smart Eyewear categories- Symposium explores myopia control and prevention- Award-winning and shortlisted designs of the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition on displayHONG KONG, Nov 6, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The 32nd Hong Kong International Optical Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), brings together over 700 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions. Under the theme of “Seeing is Believing”, the Fair provides a one-stop promotion and procurement platform for the industry. The Fair continues the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, running a physical exhibition from today through to 8 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, while the online exhibition will be accessible until 15 November.Sophia Chong, Acting Executive Director, HKTDC, said: "The Hong Kong International Optical Fair brings together leading eyewear suppliers to present cutting-edge craftsmanship, innovation, and trendsetting products from across the world. This platform fosters networking and business opportunities within the industry.”“To help the industry expand international business networks, the HKTDC has organised 80 buying missions from 45 countries and regions,” Ms Chong added. “Notable buyers include Best Group from Mainland China, Chilli Beans and Vista Import from Brazil, The Intersett Ltd. from Hungary, EYFE Inc. from Japan, Opticalia Okulux from Mexico, Foptics from Singapore, Grey Sunglasses from Spain, and Euro Vision and Vision Plus from the USA.”The annual optical fair is a hallmark event for the industry. In addition to internationally renowned local brands, this year's Fair features exhibitors from Europe and the Americas, such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as from Asia, including Mainland China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, and from the Middle East, such as Türkiye. The Fair also welcomes back exhibitors from Australia and Malaysia, which are returning after the pandemic.This year’s Optical Fair features several group pavilions, including Mainland China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, as well as the Visionaries of Style and HKOMA Pavilion; along with pavilions from cities in Mainland China, including Danyang in Jiangsu, Jiaojiang in Zhejiang, Shenzhen in Guangdong and Yingtan in Jiangxi. The Fair provides valuable networking opportunities for exhibitors and supports the local industry in entering the international market and capturing the enormous opportunities in emerging markets.Brand Name Gallery Showcases World-Class DesignsThe Brand Name Gallery showcases a curated selection of over 200 renowned local and overseas brands, such as Rosie Allan from Australia, MINIMA from France; STEPPER from Germany; FRANCO FERRARO from Italy; PLUME from Korea; Nano Vista from Spain; Pepe Jeans, Taylor Morris London, Ted Baker, and Vivienne Westwood from the United Kingdom; along with Anna Sui from the United States and more. Highlighted eyewear pieces include:- Karavan (Booth: GH-C08): This French brand presents handcrafted metal and acetate optical frames in bold colours.- TAVAT (Booth: GH-A20): The SoupCan series by this Italian brand features meticulously handcrafted mixed-material frames which undergo more than 100 production steps, resulting in rich texture and depth.- Miyamoto Optical (Booth: GH-B04): This Japanese brand adds weights at the temple tips for ultra-balanced frames. This innovative design has earned top honours in Japan’s Functional and Technical category awards.- Art Optical (Booth: GH-K01): This Hong Kong brand utilises materials with exceptional stability and impact resistance to create lighter, thinner frames for enhanced comfort. The lenses boast superior scratch resistance and high transparency, ensuring durability and clarity.- Solos Technology Limited (Booth: GH-B26): This Hong Kong brand presents the cutting-edge Solos AirGo™ V smart eyewear range, complete with integrated cameras and ChatGPT-4o functionality.Three New Thematic Labels for Facilitating Buyer’s Procurement ExperienceThe Optical Fair this year features 12 product zones showcasing a diverse variety of eyewear products. Three product categories will be highlighted using special labels to facilitate buying: Smart Ageing Products, Green Solution Suppliers, and Smart Eyewear.Highlighted eyewear:- Eleung Limited (Booth: 1E-D14): Featuring BioCell material in their eyewear frames, a cellulose acetate derived from cotton or wood pulp. It contains no industry-standard plasticisers and is compatible with polycarbonate lenses.- Wenzhou Skysea (Booth: 1D-B33): Offering compact, foldable anti-blue light unisex reading glasses weighing just 15 grams, designed to easily fit into a pocket or purse, ideal for seniors.- Wenzhou Brilliant Vision (Booth: 1D-F02): Introducing relaxing and blue light-blocking reading glasses made of high-quality material for comfort and durability. The unique blue-blocker feature protects eyes from harmful light, reducing the risk of glaucoma and vision-damage.- Wenzhou Innovision Optical (Booth: 1B-D31): Showcasing bio-acetate, a material derived from renewable resources, reducing carbon use and plastic waste.- Chongqing Deding Optical Technology (Booth: 1CON-038): Unveiling ultra-thin smart glasses with a temple thickness of less than 5mm, equipped with a magnetic induction switch and Bluetooth 5.2 for efficient transmission, supporting calls, music playback, and navigation.- Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. (Booth: GH-B30): Introducing Kubota Glass, utilising AR technology to achieve myopic defocus. This system projects an artificially myopically defocused image in front of the retina.Gathering International Optometrists to Explore Progress in Myopia Control and PreventionThe 22nd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium will be held tomorrow, 7 November. Organised by HKTDC in partnership with The Hong Kong Optometric Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the symposium will explore myopia control and prevention.Dr Simon TANG, Director of Cluster Services, Hong Kong Hospital Authority, will deliver the opening remarks. Speakers include Professor Ian Morgan from the Australian National University, Dr. Regan Ashby from the University of Canberra, Professor Frank Schaeffel from the University of Tübingen, Professor Kee Chea-su from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Chen Zhi from Fudan University, and Dr. Chen Jun from Shanghai Eye Hospital. This event is an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course by the Optometrists Board, Hong Kong and is endorsed by the Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE).The inaugural Asia-Pacific Eye Health Summit (Hong Kong) and the Greater Bay Area Optometric Practice Development Forum will take place on 8 November, to explore the latest trends and opportunities in the eye health sector within the Greater Bay Area. The Fair will also offer talks and seminars on smart eyewear, sports eyewear, and eyewear for the elderly, helping industry professionals stay updated on global market trend.Exploring Local Creative DesignEyewear parades by professional models will be held to show different styles of eyewear products. To foster Hong Kong’s creativity and innovation, the HKTDC and HKOMA have organised the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition under the theme of “Be Bold”. The competition award ceremony will be held this afternoon, and the award-winning and shortlisted designs will be prominently displayed in Exhibition Hall 1D, The Forum, throughout the exhibition. For more details on the overview of competition entries, please visit: finalist_design_Info.pdf.Furthermore, to acknowledge exhibitors who incorporate sustainable elements into their booth designs, the fair has introduced the "Green Booth Design Award". This initiative seeks to commend exhibitors for reducing the environmental footprint of their exhibition booth.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4hBe7aTThe 32nd Hong Kong Optical Fair opens today, showcasing the latest eyewear and optometric products from over 700 exhibitors across 17 countries and regionsModels showcase new products at the eyewear paradeThe Brand Name Gallery showcases over 200 renowned brands from around the world, featuring works from various local and international designers.The fair introduces new category labels, including Smart Ageing Products, Green Solutions Suppliers, and Smart Eyewear, to facilitate purchases for buyersThe Fair continues to feature the "Designer Cafe", showcasing a range of emerging designers and brand productsWinning and shortlisted entries from the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition are currently on display in Exhibition Hall 1D, The ForumWebsites:Hong Kong International Optical Fair:https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/enEvent Details of the Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/intelligence-hub 22nd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/the-22nd-hong-kong-international-optometric-symposiumHKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enFair Details (Physical)Date:Wednesday 6 – Friday 8 NovemberTime:6 to 7 November 9:30am – 6:30pm8 November 9:30am – 5:00pmVenue:Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition CentreAdmission:For trade visitors aged 18 or above only.Onsite Registration Fee: HK$100 per person (free for e-Badge registration and pre-registered buyers)Click2Match – Smart Business Matching Platform: 30 October – 15 NovemberMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC Communications and Public Affairs Department:Johnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgSharon HaTel: (852) 2584 4575sharon.mt.ha@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA & MUMBAI, Nov 6, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - CleverTap, the all-in-one engagement platform, today released its latest Market Research Report with insights into the global banking landscape, “Banking on AI: A Leader's Guide to Customer Engagement Excellence in Banking”. The report reveals that 57% of banking executives have yet to achieve a unified customer view, indicating significant challenges with data silos due to technological barriers and cost constraints. These data challenges are impacting banks’ ability to deliver personalized, seamless customer experiences in an era where AI-driven engagement is becoming essential.The research explores the transformative shift within the banking sector leveraging AI to address modern banking challenges, including the need for personalized and secure digital experiences amid rapid digital transformation. Through this study, CleverTap set out to identify where the AI opportunity lies for banks and introduced its strategic framework to help banks build excellence in customer engagement, along with highlighting key trends for Banks in customer engagement within the AI space, while understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by banking leaders. Furthermore, the company also assessed AI's role in enhancing customer experiences.The methodology included a survey of 50 senior executives in India’s banking sector, in-depth interviews for qualitative insights, and analysis of industry benchmarks and best practices. This research covered banks with a combined total asset size of about $3.03 trillion, spanning APAC, the Middle East, North America, LATAM, and the EU.Insights from the report reveal that 3 out of 4 banking executives may be missing out on critical opportunities to build customer loyalty and drive sustainable growth, as they focus heavily on short-term revenue targets. To effectively balance short-term metrics with long-term financial outcomes, banks need to harness advanced analytics that not only track current performance but also predict future customer behaviors.To assess the gaps and identify opportunities for the banking sectors in the age of AI, CleverTap has developed a framework that will serve as a foundation to improve customer experiences and drive long-term value. CleverTap’s Core Four Framework – encompassing Trust, Technology, Touchpoints, and Transactions – is designed to help banks transition from product-focused to customer-centric approaches, cultivating deeper relationships and delivering phy-gital experiences. The research covers the nuances for retail banks, neo-banks, and specialized banks, providing insights across the four core pillars.Key gaps identified basis of the framework include:Loyal customers generate 2.5x higher transaction value than others, and referred prospects are 3.5x more likely to onboard. However, 50% of banking executives do not effectively leverage their high-NPS (Net Promoter Score) customers57% of banking executives have yet to implement a unified customer view, suggesting issues with data silos. The primary obstacles to unification are technological challenges and associated costs41% of banking executives are not using real-time segmentation capabilities, limiting their ability to deliver timely and personalized communicationBanks using more than four channels in their engagement campaigns see a 53% improvement in conversions compared to those using fewer than four channels, yet only about 33% of banks have adopted this approachBanks can harness the power of the Core Four by implementing a comprehensive AI strategy, as detailed in CleverTap’s report Banking on AI: A Leader's Guide to Customer Engagement Excellence in Banking.This approach consists of three key stages:Operational Optimizers focus on using AI to enhance operational efficiency through the automation of routine tasks and improved workflow processesPersonalization & Experimentation Architects where AI is applied to improve orchestration while personalizing interactions and conducting experiments at scale to boost conversionStrategic Innovators showcase the use of AI for automating strategic decision-making and providing deeper insights for long-term planningCommenting on the report, Jacob Joseph, VP - Data Science, CleverTap said, “The banking sector has often played catch-up when it comes to tech innovations, but customer familiarity with digital solutions is making it clear that banks need to bridge this divide quickly. The banking sector often remains a 'follower' in tech adoption. This cautious stance means banks typically wait for proof of concept before fully embracing new technologies. Our latest report dives into how AI can bridge the current gaps in customer experience and operational efficiency, helping banks not only meet evolving customer expectations but exceed them. By deploying integrated, AI-powered solutions, banks can deliver the hyper-personalized experiences today’s customers expect, building lasting trust and loyalty. For banks aiming to stay competitive in a digital-first world, AI isn’t optional - it’s essential.”Looking ahead at the future of the banking sector with AI, CleverTap’s latest insights highlight six transformative AI outlooks that are poised to redefine customer engagement and operations:Customer engagement for banking is driven by innovations like synthetic data, which enhances analytics without compromising privacyBanks are also prioritizing emotional engagement, using AI to create immersive experiences and personalized gamification that fosters customer loyaltyModernizing MarTech through AI-powered ecosystems allows banks to integrate data and services seamlessly, enhancing customer experiencesA shift towards a customer-centric approach, leveraging AI for dynamic personalization, further strengthens relationships and retentionAdditionally, implementing responsible AI frameworks builds trust by ensuring transparency and complianceFinally, the collaboration with fintech firms through AI-powered open banking creates holistic financial ecosystems, offering a wider range of services and real-time insights to customers, thereby increasing trust and engagementFor more information and insights download the report here.About CleverTapCleverTap is the leading all-in-one customer engagement platform that helps brands unlock limitless customer lifetime value. CleverTap is trusted by over 2000 brands like Domino’s, Levis, Jio, Papa John’s, Zomato, Kotak Bank, Air Asia, Carousell, TD Bank, and Tesco to help build personalized experiences for all their customers. The platform is powered by TesseractDB™ – the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering speed and cost efficiency at scale.Backed by top-tier investors such as Accel, Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, CDPQ, and 360 One, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, with presence across Seattle, London, São Paulo, Bogota, Mexico, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Singapore, Vietnam, and Jakarta.For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/ X: https://twitter.com/CleverTap Forward-Looking StatementsSome of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap's belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, the impact of a pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.For more information:SONY SHETTYDirector, Communications, CleverTap+91 9820900036sony@clevertap.com ASHMIT CHAUDHARYAssociate Consultant, Archetype+91 8850752121ashmit.chaudhary@archetype.co Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

BANGKOK, Nov 6, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Tourists, visitors and passersby around Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district looking for a place to dine now have one more option to choose from. Bird House Cafe & Bar opened in July 2024 with the aim to be an all-day comfort place for patrons of all ages.Bird House Cafe & Bar boasts a unique range of beverages at its cafe, including (from left to right): Lime Soda with Anchan Flower, Iced Tea with Honeycomb and Espresso Orange.Located right in the centre of The Racquet Club’s new community space, RQ Bite 49, Bird House is a two-storey glasshouse cafe by day, and bar by night, offering an extensive menu ranging from beers to burgers, and wine to sandwiches.Open daily from 8am till midnight, Bird House boasts a unique range of beverages at its cafe. Caffeine connoisseurs can sip on unique blends of coffee sourced directly from Ethiopia, Brazil and within Southeast Asia, with unique beverages like Espresso Orange, Espresso Passion Fruit and Ice Whiskey Latte. The cafe also serves familiar beverages like Americanos, Lattes, Mochas, Matcha and juices. By night, the cafe transforms into a bar serving American craft beer Sierra Nevada, Spanish lager Mahou, Belgian ale Duvel and more, to cater to the nighttime crowd.The cafe serves a range of sweet and savoury treats, such as sandwiches, muffins, croissants and cookies. Patrons looking for a meal can turn to Goodburgs, the hole-in-the-wall take-away burger outlet next door. Goodburgs is known for its smash burgers and fries, suited for all taste buds, and offers up to nine different types of sauces and three types of loaded fries - BBQ Pulled Pork, Chilli Cheese and Oklahoma Blue Cheese.Bird House and Goodburgs founder Nikhil Rattanaphas said, “The food and beverage industry is constantly evolving, and it is crucial for business owners to be aware of the ever-changing environment. While we originally intended Bird House to be a bar, we saw the opportunity to open for longer hours and serve customers throughout the day, especially at our location beside The Racquet Club. I am grateful to my investor, advisor, and most importantly, friend, Thanit Apipatana who suggested the strategic location for the cafe and bar.”Apipatana, a Bangkok-based entrepreneur and investor, commented about how he saw the location as ideal for Nikhil’s F&B venture. “I visit The Racquet Club frequently and have been in conversations with Nikhil to set up his own F&B establishment. I saw this place as an opportunity for an establishment to attract customers of all ages, as its unique location attracts different footfall traffic throughout the day. Nikhil took my advice and now he has his own cafe and bar serving different menus to cater to customers of all ages throughout the day,” he said.Patrons can enjoy a range of food beyond what the cafe and bar offers, as Bird House has a unique and welcoming policy which allows customers to bring outside food and dine in the cafe as long as they order a drink. The variety of food offered at RQ Bite 49 includes Korean street food, gelato and patisserie, as well as fresh, made-to-order pizza among others.Nikhil expressed gratitude towards Apipatana for his expertise as an advisor and investor. “Apipatana not only shared his experiences in growing businesses, which helped me develop Bird House to offer unique products and services to our customers. His expertise and insights provided me with strategic guidance, and helped me navigate the complexities of the business landscape. The partnership with Apipatana built on trust, mutual respect and aligned goals, was a cornerstone of the success of Bird House,” he said.From an extensive range of unique menu items to serving high-quality beers at competitive prices, such as Sierra Nevada on tap, Bird House aspires to be an all-day dining establishment catering to residents, visitors and patrons of all ages, lifestyles and needs.“Bird House is up and running, and will be a long-standing fair place giving people what they want. The business landscape is going to be challenging, but Bird House offers a variety and we are confident that the business can grow in time to come,” Nikhil added.Bird House Cafe & BarBird House Cafe & Bar is located at 3 unit no. RQ.7 001, Soi Prachankadee 3 (Sukhumvit 49/9), Klongton-Nua, WattanaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdhousebkkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdhouse.bkk/ Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

- The 14th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) will take place on 18 and 19 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre- Under the theme of “Shaping the Future of Supply Chains: Resilience and Sustainability”, ALMAC aims to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international shipping centre, in alignment with the Resolution of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and measures proposed in the latest Policy Address- Around 80 distinguished speakers will delve into discussions on how to create resilient and sustainable supply chains- 2,000+ participants from more than 30 countries and regions are expected to attend- Discussions will focus on 3 major trends - supply chain diversification, sustainability and green energy and innovation and technologyHONG KONG, Nov 5, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The 14th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will take place on 18-19 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Supply Chains: Resilience and Sustainability”, the event aligns with the Resolution of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and supports measures proposed in the latest Policy Address to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as an international shipping centre and aviation hub and to foster the development of the city’s maritime industry. In addition to around 80 heavyweight speakers, the conference is expected to attract over 2,000 participants from more than 30 countries and regions to explore the latest trends and business opportunities in the aviation, logistics and maritime sectors, and to promote high-quality development of the logistics and supply chain management industry.Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director, HKTDC said: “As the flagship supply chain event in Asia, this year’s ALMAC presents an impressive line-up of experts from the aviation, logistics and maritime sectors, with a wide coverage of countries and regions, including Middle East, Central Asia and other regions, demonstrating Hong Kong's strength as a platform for international trade and investment. In addition to the attendance of Fu Xuyin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Transport, People’s Republic of China, for the first time a number of ASEAN officials are invited, including Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia, H.E. Heng Nan, Secretary of State, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Cambodia, H.E. Saysongkham Manodham, Vice Minister of Public Works and Transport, Lao PDR and Nguyá»…n Xuân Sang, Deputy Minister of Transportation, Vietnam. The support of leaders from these ASEAN member countries reinforces Hong Kong's position as a superconnector and an international shipping centre and aviation hub.”He said: "HKTDC has been promoting the advantages of Hong Kong's eight centre priority sectors and strengthening the development of high-value supply chain services. We encourage companies to leverage our trade platforms and activities and capitalise on Hong Kong's international platform to explore global opportunities."Three major trends in the logistics service industryThis year’s ALMAC will address three major trends in the logistics service industry: supply chain diversification and market opportunities, sustainability and green energy, and innovation and technology. The global landscape is rapidly changing and supply chain management plays a pivotal role in driving long-term business development. In addition, sustainability has emerged as a paramount focus for businesses aiming to future-proof their operations while innovative technologies and digitalization, such as AI, big data, robotics and drones, offer promising solutions to improve the efficiency of global value chains.Featured speakers include Dr Shamika N. Sirimanne, Director, Division on Technology and Logistics, UN Trade & Development; Dr Erez Agmoni, Head of Innovation (Logistics & Services), Maersk; Achim Martinka, Vice President Global Airfreight- Commercial & Sustainability, DSV; Arjen van Diepen, Head of Global Strategic Planning, The HEINEKEN Company; Bjoern Neal Kirchner, Corporate Vice President Supply Chain Management, Henkel; Rebekka Carey-Smith, Head of Sustainability, THE ICONIC; Nicholas Borsotto, Head of Lenovo AI Innovators and many more.Two debut thematic sessions exploring new trade lines and green energyDisruptions in supply chains have highlighted the vulnerabilities of relying on a single supply and distribution network. To build more resilient networks, businesses are exploring new trade routes to minimise the impact of disruptions on operations and customers.To examine new trade routes and opportunities for supply chain diversification and risk mitigation, a debut panel discussion “Navigating New Trade Lines for Mitigating Disruptions” will feature speakers such as Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited; Eng. Loay Mashabi, Managing Director, Saudia Cargo; David O. King, Senior Vice President, Commercial, SEKO Logistics, Delia Sun, Global Head of Supply Chain, DKSH; and Louis Tang, Managing Director, Ocean Network Express (East Asia).The Policy Address proposed developing Hong Kong into a leading green international maritime centre. To explore long-term sustainable solutions, strategies and technologies that facilitate energy transition, this year's conference will include an inaugural “Green Energy Forum: Energy Transition towards Net Zero Emissions”, which will be hosted by Peter Thompson, East Asia Energy Business Leader, Arup. Speakers including Scott Childress, Chief Sustainability Officer, UPS; Marcella Franchi, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of SAF, Haffner Energy; Paolo Gallieri, Chief Operation Officer, Zhero; Neil McDonald, Managing Director, Gold Hydrogen Limited; Benjamin Mee, Executive Director, HyTerra Ltd.20 thematic forums and workshops over two daysTogether with forums related to the 3 major trends, ALMAC will feature some 20 thematic forums and workshops, including special sessions on air freight, shipping, supply chain management and logistics. The Global Spectrum session on the first day, Navigating Global Supply Chains for Inclusive Growth, will explore how governments and businesses can mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions on global trade.Shippers are key stakeholders in the logistics industry, accounting for one-third of ALMAC participants last year. Speakers from international brands, including leading fashion brand THE ICONIC, electronics brand Lenovo, food and beverage brands such as MondelÄ“z International, Heineken and Henkel, and fast-moving consumer goods company Reckitt will shed light on supply chain transformation and development.ALMAC will continue to host a series of workshops this year, covering topics including e-commerce, youth development, and new subjects including Halal Logistics and sustainable fuel. Industry experts from Shell Aviation, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited, Arup, and DKSH will provide practical, hands-on tips for participants. The debut workshop titled “Seamless Integration of Halal Logistics in the Global Halal Supply Chain” will delve into strategic approaches to the seamless integration of halal practices across the entire supply chain process, and how businesses can achieve halal compliance.Hong Kong’s NextGen Logistician Awards promotes the logistics industryThe Hong Kong’s NextGen Logistician Awards Presentation Ceremony will take place on the second day of the conference. It is a new annual award for the logistics industry advocated by the Transport and Logistics Bureau in the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development and jointly organised by the Hong Kong Shippers' Council and the Hong Kong Logistics Association with the support of the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. It aims to recognise young talents in the logistics industry who have made significant achievements and shown remarkable potential in innovative, high-end, smart and green logistics. The Secretary for Transport, Lam Sai-hung, will attend the Ceremony.Exhibition area to feature three major air cargo terminalsALMAC will also feature some 90 exhibitors to showcase the latest supply chain management and logistics technology solutions in three exhibition zones including Logtech Salon, Supply Chain Management and Logistics Services, and Maritime and Port Services. The “Logtech Salon”, which was first held last year, showcases artificial intelligence, big data and cloud technologies applicable to the industry. Three of Hong Kong’s major air cargo terminals, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals, Cathay Cargo Terminal, and Asia Airfreight Terminal will participate in the exhibition, together with other leading companies such as Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ocean Network Express. The Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) will host exhibition pavilions.Business matching sessions will continue to be offered to bring together shippers and service providers to create business opportunities and promote industry development.Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Cbp2IhStephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director, HKTDC (second left); Frankie Yick, Chairman, HKTDC Logistics Services Advisory Committee and Legislative Council member (Functional Constituency - Transport) (second right); Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (first right); and Gary Lau, Chairman, Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics Limited (first left), took part in the ALMAC media briefing Media enquiriesYuan Tung Financial Relations:Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hkEdmund Choi Tel: (852) 3428 2360 Email: echoi@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Stanley So Tel: (852) 2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.orgClayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgHKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, Nov 5, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Champion Real Estate Investment Trust (“Champion REIT” or the “Trust”) (Stock Code: 2778), owner of Three Garden Road and Langham Place, has achieved its second consecutive highest five-star rating, alongside receiving the prestigious titles of “Global Listed Sector Leader”, “Regional Sector Leader (Asia)”, and “Regional Listed Sector Leader (Asia)” under the “Diversified Office/Retail Sector” category in the 2024 GRESB Real Estate Assessment. This inaugural attainment of these esteemed accolades marks a significant milestone for the Trust.GRESB is a leading global sustainability benchmark within the real estate industry. In the 2024 Global Real Estate Assessment, more than 2,200 organisations took part, including over 208,000 assets in 15 sectors across 80 countries.Champion REIT demonstrated exceptional performance in this year’s GRESB assessment, achieving full points in the aspects of Leadership, Policies, Reporting and Risk Management, Targets and Building Certifications. Receiving the top honour as Sector Leader reflects the Trust’s unwavering commitment to its net-zero goal and ongoing efforts to create a smart and sustainable building environment for its tenants and visitors.The Trust also takes pride in being awarded the Grand Award of the GRESB x HERA Standing Investment Benchmark Award for Mainland China and Hong Kong at the Hong Kong ESG Reporting Awards 2024. The acknowledgement reflects the collective efforts of Champion REIT with its tenants and business partners in driving stakeholder engagement and achieving operational excellence.Ms Christina Hau, Chief Executive Officer of Champion REIT, said, “Being recognised as a Global Listed Sector Leader by GRESB and receiving the Grand Award from HERA underscores Champion REIT's leadership and efforts in sustainability. Over the years, we have been leveraging new technologies and innovative solutions to maximise our environmental performance and sustainable practices. I extend my gratitude to our team, tenants, business partners and those who have been part of this shared journey with us. Such recognitions motivate us to explore further sustainability innovations, while we remain committed to working closely with our stakeholders to foster sustainable value creation.”Champion REIT prioritises sustainability, innovation and partnerships as key focus areas. Its noteworthy accomplishments include Three Garden Road becoming Hong Kong's first "Quadruple Platinum" Grade-A office in the existing building certification category. The Trust actively fosters collaboration among stakeholders to promote sustainable development and social benefits through initiatives such as the “Champion REIT ESG Week” and the “EcoChampion Pledge Programme”.Photo caption: Champion REIT has been recognised as the “GRESB Global Listed Sector Leader”, achieving its second consecutive highest five-star ratingChampion REIT takes pride in being awarded the Grand Award of the GRESB x HERA Standing Investment Benchmark Award at the Hong Kong ESG Reporting Awards 2024 ceremonyAbout GRESBGRESB is a mission-driven and industry-led organization providing standardized and validated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data to financial markets. Established in 2009, GRESB has become the leading ESG benchmark for real estate and infrastructure investments across the world, used by 150 institutional and financial investors to inform decision-making.About Hong Kong ESG Reporting Award (HERA)HERA is organised by Hong Kong ESG Reporting Awards Limited, a registered non-profit organisation. Since 2022, HERA has partnered with GRESB to introduce two award categories, "Excellence in Real Estate" and "Excellence in Infrastructure." The two awards use information from GRESB Assessment results to determine eligible companies, based on their GRESB Score and GRESB Rating.About Champion REIT (2778)Champion Real Estate Investment Trust is a trust formed to own and invest in income-producing office and retail properties. The Trust focuses on Grade-A commercial properties in prime locations. It currently offers investors direct exposure to nearly 3 million sq. ft. of prime office and retail area. These include two Hong Kong landmark properties, Three Garden Road and Langham Place, as well as a joint venture stake in 66 Shoe Lane in Central London. The Trust has been awarded the top five-star rating by GRESB since 2023.Website: www.championreit.com Media Enquiries:Strategic Financial Relations LimitedVicky LeeTel: 2864 4834Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hkCynthia NgTel: 2114 4952Email: cynthia.ng@sprg.com.hkTheresa OuyangTel: 2864 4848Email: theresa.ouyang@sprg.com.hkWebsite: www.sprg.com.hk Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

SINGAPORE, Nov 5, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - As policy, regulatory, and market forces create new sustainability and operational considerations in business, the Asia-Pacific region is at the cusp of change. As the cornerstone of global textile and garment manufacturing, it is brimming with companies trying new things and coping with the new demands of a changing world.Taking place from 13 to 15 November 2024 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, the Asia-Pacific Textile and Apparel Supply Chain Expo & Summit (APTEXPO 2024) will bring industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators together to share best practices and explore solutions that will propel the region's textile and apparel supply chain forward.The event is jointly organised by MP Singapore and The Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT TEX), and hosted in Singapore by the Singapore Fashion Council.In line with this year’s theme, "Re-engineering towards a Resilient, Adaptive and Sustainable Supply Chain", APTEXPO 2024 will see over 20 leaders and experts such as Kristen Nuttall, Head of Programs, The Fashion Pact, and Jonas Wand, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, FOURSOURCE, take to the stage to discuss challenges and opportunities faced by global supply chains and explore different ideas in digitalisation, sustainability and risk resilience.Highlights of APTEXPO 2024 include:Global perspective: Representatives of key global brands, heads of manufacturing chain enterprises, and executives of fintech companies will engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as supply chain security trends and opportunities for regional trade and investment.Frontier Technology & Digitalisation: Showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions to promote innovation, development, operational efficiency, cost and resource optimisation in the textile and apparel industry.Cross-border trade: Utilising global e-commerce platforms to build a new network enabling cross-border trade between the Asia-Pacific region and the global market. APTEXPO also aims to provide a channel for international organisations and brands seeking to penetrate key markets like ASEAN and China.Green procurement: Key discussions and showcases on sustainable manufacturing and a green supply chain.The summit will also feature special investment briefing sessions on the Asia-Pacific Textile Industrial Park to provide participants with greater insights into promotional and investment opportunities.“We are pleased to be playing an important role in supporting long-term, purpose-led value creation in fashion and its supply chains. APTEXPO 2024 is set to encourage much needed conversation, insight-gathering and collaboration for companies navigating the opportunities of this new, changing landscape,” said Sharon Lim, President, Singapore Fashion Council.Over 300 delegates from key brands, large chain retailers, regional and international designers, trading companies, policymakers, and technology providers from around the world are expected to attend the accompanying thought-leader summit.“Looking at the numerous registrations and interest that have come from over 30 economies, we have been so encouraged to see the market interest in APTEXPO 2024. The idea of an event that brings together the whole ecosystem from garment and textile manufacturers, to warehousing and transportation, distribution and sales, including e-commerce platforms, financing solutions and more, seems to echo the buyers’ sentiments for such a turnkey platform," said Jason Ng, Managing Director, MP Singapore.APTEXPO 2024 is supported by the ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX) and the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) and co-organised by MP Singapore Pte Ltd and The Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT TEX). The Singapore Fashion Council (SFC) is the host association in Singapore, while FOURSOURCE, as the special digital partner, is managing the digital aspect of the event.For more information on APTEXPO 2024, please visit ap-texpo.comHashtag: #aptexpohttps://ap-texpo.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/aptexpo-2024https://www.facebook.com/aptexpo2024/About AFTEXASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX) was established in 1978 with the objective to promote common trade position and cooperation among textile and apparel industry in ASEAN member countries in line with the objective of the ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASEAN-CCI).Every year, AFTEX hold its regular meetings plus side events on a rotational basis among member countries to discuss concrete issues of significant relevance to the regional growth and development of the textile and apparel industry, ranging from ASEAN trade linkages to workforce development, from trade fairs & investment promotion to sustainability issue, from regional cooperation to broader partnerships, and more.About CNTACChina National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) is a national federation serving China's textile and apparel industry and enterprises. As a non-profit social organisation dedicated to the high-quality development of industry and enterprises, the services of CNTAC cover the entire textile industrial chain including cotton, linen, wool, silk, knitting, man-made fiber, printing and dyeing, filament fabric, home textiles, industrial textiles, clothing and textile machinery.The wide-ranging services involve areas such as R&D, standards setting, technology transfer, application of information technology, environmental protection, sustainability, inspection and testing, new products, fashion designing, branding, social responsibility, intangible heritage, marketing, trade fairs, industrial layout, industrial clusters, overseas investment, international exchanges, industry- finance integration, training programs and publication.About SFCSingapore Fashion Council (SFC) - formerly known as Textile and Fashion Federation (Singapore) is the official association for the textile and fashion industry in Singapore. Embracing a transformative vision, SFC aspires to become a Vibrant Asian Hub for Responsible Fashion.With a focus on three key pillars: Sustainability, Innovation & Technology and Asian Craftsmanship, SFC works closely with diverse partners across the value chain to offer thought leadership, extensive networks, and resources - to drive impactful change throughout the ecosystem.About MP SingaporeThe MP Group (MP) is a global full-service events management, marketing and community engagement company.Established since 1987, MP embodies more than a quarter century of event building, marketing and management experience in both Eastern and Western cultures, practices, and business philosophies. We bring world-class talent, industry expertise, and incredible enthusiasm into the design and management of extraordinary online-to-offline experiences for your organisation.MP is part of Pico Group, a global group of agencies specialising in engaging people, creating experiences and activating brands for businesses, institutions and governments. As part of the Pico group, MP has unlimited access to a wide network of industry contacts and resources. Pico Far East Holdings has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1992.About CCPIT TEXThe Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT TEX) was officially established in 1988. Three decades after its establishment, CCPIT TEX has gradually developed into an excellent organiser for professional exhibitions in China's textile and apparel industry.Independently or along with its partners, CCPIT TEX has organised a series of world-renowned exhibitions which cover the entire textile and garment industry both at home and abroad, including but not limited to Intertextile shanghai apparel fabrics, Intertextile shanghai home textiles, ITMA ASIA + CITME and CINTE.About FOURSOURCEFOURSOURCE, is one of the world's largest tech-enabled B2B apparel and textile networks, connecting over 50,000 companies across 120 countries, facilitating the buying and selling of apparel, fabrics, trims, yarns, and home textiles. The network provides professional tools for brands and suppliers to speed-up their cycle time and reduce cost.FOURSOURCE is dedicated to making the industry smarter, safer, more transparent, and sustainable. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, with offices in Portugal, Turkey, Pakistan and China.Media ContactPRecious Communicationsaptexpo@preciouscomms.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.