‘World’s Most Famous Building’ Celebrates the Year of the Rabbit with Tower Lighting Ceremony, Musical Performance, Food Pop Ups, and Festive Displays on Observatory and in Fifth Avenue Windows NEW YORK, Jan 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Empire State Building today kicked off celebrations for Lunar New Year with a tower lighting ceremony and music performance; festive pop-up with NYC food vendor Sheng Mary Bakery; a corner display on the building’s iconic 86th Floor Observatory; and reveal of the Fifth Avenue Lobby window installation to honor the Chinese zodiac’s Year of the Rabbit. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230120005461/en/ "We are pleased to continue our annual Lunar New Year celebration and spread good fortune to the Chinese community here in the United States, in China, and around the world,” said Jean-Yves Ghazi, president of the Empire State Building Observatory. “Lunar New Year is the perfect time for Chinese visitors to take in New York City’s best views and discover our reimagined Observatory Experience and its immersive exhibits as they celebrate this joyous holiday.” For the first time since 2020, the Empire State Building held an in-person lighting ceremony to celebrate Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival alongside the Chinese Consul General of New York. The ceremony concluded with a traditional performance in the Observatory lobby. ESB’s iconic Fifth Avenue Lobby windows were unveiled to feature dynamic imagery that celebrate the Chinese zodiac’s Year of the Rabbit, with the animal’s silhouette among colorful landscapes of Chinese lanterns, flowers, and trees, on display until Feb. 15. A dimensional corner photo display now graces the northwest corner of the 86th Floor Observatory deck, with lanterns, blossoms and floral urns in a gold arch. Flushing’s Sheng Mary Bakery will reside on the building’s 86th Floor to offer traditional Chinese treats to guests from Jan. 20–29 from open to 3 pm. Tonight, New Yorkers can look skyward to see the Empire State Building’s world-famous tower lights lit up in red to honor Lunar New Year. More information about the Empire State Building’s tower lights can be found online. mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=45273
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Metadream launches Bondee, a next-gen social app (Graphic: Business Wire) SINGAPORE, Jan 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Metadream, a Singapore-based tech startup, recently launched Bondee, a next-gen social app, in Asia. Many have downloaded the app, drawn by its diverse and trendy avatars as well as its novel interactive features. Last week, Bondee ranked as the #1 free app in the App Store. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230125005382/en/ In Bondee, users can create trendy avatars and keep their friends posted on what they're up to, whether they're having some "me" time or cuddling with a cat. Users can express themselves freely by sharing their mood and status. Bondee also allows users to personalize their space, visit friends, and post comments as if they were actually living with them. According to insiders, Metadream, an independent tech company based in Singapore, acquired the intellectual property rights of the app True.ly in May 2022. After that, Metadream made a creative and international transformation of this app and gradually launched Bondee around the world by the end of 2022. The company was founded by investors from the United States and Australia. In addition to Japan and South Korea as the product, R&D, and operational bases, there are three independent data centers in Singapore, Japan, and the United States set up to ensure the safe use of products and meet the data security requirements of regional markets. Metadream also plans to set up regional operation centers in Thailand, Philippines, and other countries to meet the immediate demands of local users. In addition to Bondee, the company is also developing a series of metaverse creative products. Bondee redefines social interactions as we know them. With this disruption of the social media industry, we have much to look forward to. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230125005382/en/ Contact METADREAM TECH PTE. LTD. Metadream Team Email: [email protected] Source : METADREAM TECH PTE. LTD. Castries, Jan 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With global changes and constant developments in the global migration market, it can be difficult to distinguish between the true benefits of various Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes and making the right investment decisions.
As one of the youngest CBI products in the market, St Lucia has made tremendous progress in offering an alternative investment option in one of the Caribbean’s most developed and diverse economies. The island state is emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean region and the nation is well-known for offering various investment and business opportunities for those looking for options to plan their wealth and diversify their portfolios. As a popular second home to investors and their families, the island has been praised for its advanced and modernized infrastructure and offering one of the most modernized education and healthcare systems in the region. Introduction of the National Action Bond in 2023 The country’s CBI Unit has introduced a new investment option for its CBI offerings following approvals from the CBI Board and Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Ernest Hilaire. From 1 January this year, a new bond investment exists for investors purchasing non-interest-bearing Government Bonds. In order to participate in the CBI programme of St Lucia, applicants must choose one of four investment options, one of which is the National Action Bond (NAB), a new non-interest-bearing Government bond, that has been available since 1 January 2023. Previously, the Government Bond investment option provided a minimum investment amount of US$500,000. In May 2020, the limited time Special COVID-19 Relief Bond option was introduced for the purpose of allowing the government to borrow funds for public use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Special COVID-19 Relief Bond option, the minimum investment amount was US$250,000. However, this investment option expired on 31 December 2022. In order to provide a similar investment option for applicants, the Government has now introduced the National Action Bond (NAB) as a new non-interest-bearing Government bond. Under the NAB option, the minimum investment is US$300,000 per application, with a fixed government administrative fee of US$50,000, regardless of the number of qualifying dependents included. The NAB must also be held for a minimum period of five years. Other investment options Other investment options available to applicants to the CBI programme are: · The National Economic Fund (NEF) was established to receive qualifying investments to fund Government-sponsored projects on the island. Applicants can obtain citizenship by making a monetary contribution to the NEF via one of the prescribed contribution levels. The contribution starts at US$100,000 for a single applicant. · For the real estate option, the minimum investment required has been updated. The investment threshold has been reduced by a third from US$300,000 to US$200,000. Applicants may obtain citizenship by purchasing Government-approved property valued at a minimum of USD 200,000. This property must be owned and maintained for a minimum of 5 years after citizenship has been granted. · Applicants can obtain citizenship by making an investment, either independent or jointly, in a pre-approved enterprise project. Independent investment must be valued at USD 3.5 million and create at least 3 permanent jobs. For joint investments, each investor must contribute at least USD 1 million, resulting in a joint investment worth USD 6 million and creating at least 6 permanent jobs. Benefits of CBI There are many benefits to obtaining citizenship through investment, especially in St Lucia, as it attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the nation which is used for advancing various projects such as the development of infrastructure, advancement of real estate, business expansion and job innovation. A paradise for nature seekers, history buffs, and relaxation-seekers, St Lucia offers citizens all of the tropical benefits of the Caribbean. These benefits also include: · Global mobility · Right to hold dual citizenship · Citizenship for life, with the right to live and work in the country · Four investment options St Lucia's CBI programme is renowned for its high standards and exclusive benefits. It is one of the most sought-after programmes in the world. The programme offers various financial incentives, such as tax exemptions, permanent residence and access to visa-free travel for its citizens. According to Moody’s Analytics, the island nation has been able to attract foreign business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism industries, with its manufacturing sector being the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to invest in a secure and prosperous country. Is this CBI programme right for you? The following may be a good fit for the programme: · Individuals/businesspeople looking to establish overseas businesses · Families seeking better global mobility · Professionals who want to broaden their horizons · Families who would like their children to go to prestigious universities PR Saint Lucia Saint Lucia +1 758 458 6050 [email protected] Source: Saint Lucia --BERNAMA TOKYO, Jan 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- GMO Research (TOKYO: 3695) conducted an overseas travel survey in the last quarter of 2022 to understand the differences in travel patterns between Europe, North America, and the APAC region. The survey was conducted within its panel networks with 3,000 respondents across six countries, America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Australia. GMO Research had previously conducted the same survey¹ in October 2022 using the ASIA Cloud Panel² targeted at 3,328 monitors in 10 Asian countries and regions.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230125005294/en/ Europe and the US remain popular destinations among respondents. The top three international countries that respondents from North America would most like to visit in the future were: Italy (10.5%), the United Kingdom (9%) and Australia and Japan (both tied at 6.8%).³ The US is a popular destination for Europeans and respondents in the APAC region. The Europeans polled also indicated their preference to travel to other countries within their region, mainly Spain (9.3%) and Italy (7.7%). This is similar to those surveyed in the APAC region, indicating their preference for regional travel, visiting Japan (20.3%) and South Korea (6.6%). (Chart 1) When looking at the reasons for each of the countries selecting the US as their chosen country to visit, the most common reasons included ‘many tourist attractions (25.4%)’, ‘unique cultural experiences (13.5%)’ and ‘its own natural landscape (9.9%).’ In comparison, respondents would like to visit Italy as it offered ‘traditional food/drinks (29%)’, ‘unique cultural experiences (24.2%)’, and ‘historic buildings/sites (12.6%)’. A significant number of respondents chose Spain as their destination in the future for its ‘beach resorts’ (36.1%). (Chart 2) Frequency of travel In the coming year, the majority of respondents in North America (63.1%), Europe (69.4%) and APAC (56.9%) plan to travel overseas at least once. Specifically, 30–40% of respondents in the U.K., Germany, France and Canada plan to travel abroad twice or more, indicating a high willingness to travel (Chart 3). However, in comparison, most respondents in Japan (88.6%) and Indonesia (73.2%) have yet to make plans to travel overseas, suggesting that many in Asia remain cautious about international travel. Information sources on overseas travel When gathering information on overseas travel, ‘web search’ and ‘word of mouth from friends/acquaintances’ emerged as the most common sources across all countries. ‘Travel blogs’ and ‘online travel agencies’ were also frequently used. However, the use of ‘SNS’ (social media) as a source of information varies, with a significant number of respondents in Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Germany and France citing it as a source, compared to the relatively low percentage of respondents in North America. About GMO Research, Inc. GMO Research Inc. offers an online audience engagement platform that gives access to a multi-country online panel network, the Cloud Panel. The Cloud Panel currently consists of over 52 million⁴ online consumer panellists across 16 APAC countries, and more than 45 partner countries. Our services range from full service, game research, project management, sample only, qualitative research, and translations, to DIY. To learn more about GMO Research, visit gmo-research.com. --------------------------------------------------------------- ¹ Read more about the International Travel Survey in Asia here. ² ASIA Cloud Panel is a consumer panel that is specialised for the Asian regions in the GMO Research Cloud Panel Internet research services. ³ Travel within North America (US/Canada) is excluded. ⁴ Data as of January 2023. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230125005294/en/ Contact GMO Research, Inc. Willy Tey - APAC Sales [email protected] Source : GMO Research, Inc. --BERNAMA KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- The Spring Festival blessing cultural festival kicked off on the second day of China's lunar new year in Fengdu County in west China's Chongqing Municipality. Lasting through the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar from Jan 23 to Feb 21, the festival is divided into 23 colourful activities in six sections related with various blessing events, according to Chongqing Fengdu Ming Mountain Tourism Group in a statement. Held amid strong Chinese New Year festive elements, the festival showcased the Chinese people's vision for a better life and their blessings to their families and friends. In the evening, Fengdu County on both sides of the Yangtze River was illuminated by colourful lights and shadows. With the sound of the bell signifying good luck, a lifelike phoenix, a flamboyant Chinese auspicious bird, rose slowly from the north bank of the Yangtze River, lighting up the entire Fengdu County and marking the start of the light and shadow show. A string of activities including the phoenix light and shadow show, flying of blessing lamps, lantern festival, red-envelope sharing and a market fair will give people a warm New Year experience via different aspects such as travel, entertainment, display, music and shopping. This Spring Festival has seen strong traditional Chinese cultural elements across the downtown areas, scenic spots, as well as streets and alleys of Fengdu. “Holding a cultural festival to pray for good luck to showcase the charm of traditional Chinese culture in the rich festive elements of the New Year will promote the prosperity of local culture and tourism industry, thus injecting cultural impetus to economic and social development,” it said. -- BERNAMA |
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