HONG KONG, Dec. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dreame Technology, a global tech company dedicated to innovation in smart home appliances, officially opened its first offline flagship store in Hong Kong. Since entering the Hong Kong market, Dreame has been steadily strengthening its local presence. The opening of this flagship store marks a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion within the region.

Located in the Tsim Sha Tsui District at Mira Place, the new store marks the first public showcase of Dreame’s two latest flagship stick vacuums — the S50 Station and V50 — while also offering an exclusive early hands-on trial of the H16 Pro Steam. Visitors can explore Dreame’s full range of smart cleaning and personal care solutions, including the Aqua 10 Pro Track and Aqua10 Roller robot vacuums, the Pocket Uni global-voltage high-speed hair dryer, and more. In addition, Dreame’s latest air purifier, the PM20, makes its official debut in Hong Kong.

New Flagship Stick Vacuum Debut: Introducing the Dreame’s First Tangle-Cut™ Motorized Dual Blades Technology

At the event, Dreame unveiled two new stick vacuums — the V50 and the S50 Station. Both models are equipped with Dreame’s breakthrough Tangle-Cut™ Motorized Dual Blades Technology, capable of cutting up to 210,000 strands of human or pet hair in a single cleaning session, ensuring truly zero tangling.

Utilizing aerospace-grade, dual-layer titanium-coated blades, the system features approximately 200 high-density serrated blades that rapidly intersect and shear hair at speeds of up to 2,000 cuts per minute, significantly enhancing cutting efficiency. This innovation effectively addresses the long-standing issue of hair tangling found in traditional roller brushes, enabling both pet-owning households and users with long hair to enjoy a truly hands-free cleaning experience.

Equipped with a 130,000 RPM high-speed motor delivering 210AW suction power, both models effectively remove fine dust and dirt from floor crevices. The 140° wide-angle illumination reveals hidden dust, making cleaning even more thorough. Users can also upgrade with the AquaCycle™ 2.0 Suction-Washing Head, which uses electrolyzed water for sterilization and Dreame’s unique “Wash–Suction–Separation” process to efficiently handle both wet and dry messes.

S50 Station: Tangle-Cut™ Motorized Dual Blades with Auto Empty

As Dreame’s newest premium auto-empty stick vacuum in Hong Kong, the S50 Station features a multi-functional dust removal Hub that automatically performs dust collection and charging after each cleaning session. The 3L antibacterial dust bag, offering up to 100 days of long-term dust storage, significantly reduces maintenance while ensuring a hygienic home environment.

To ensure clean air out, the S50 Station is equipped with a multi-layer filtration system that delivers 99.99% whole-machine filtration efficiency, capturing particles as small as 0.1 µm. In addition, the HEPA H14 filter effectively traps bacteria and viruses, achieving a remarkable 99.99% filtration efficiency*. The Ultra Mode further enhances antibacterial performance before purified air is released back into the room. The smart indicator lighting clearly displays dust collection status, sterilization mode, and vacuum placement at a glance. With its high level of automation, hygiene, and efficiency, the S50 Station showcases Dreame’s leadership in high-end cleaning technology, delivering a smarter and healthier cleaning experience for Hong Kong households.

V50: Tangle-Cut™ Motorized Dual Blades with 1.6kg Lightweight

Designed for flexibility and ease of use, the V50 features an ultra-lightweight form factor paired with Tangle-Cut™ Motorized Dual Blades. Without the need for a base station, it is ideal for quick cleanups and everyday touch-ups, especially in small apartments or households that require frequent spot cleaning. With enhanced maneuverability and strong value for money, the V50 stands out as an excellent choice for users seeking a lightweight and versatile vacuum solution.

H16 Pro Steam: Dual-arm powered, 200°C Steam-enhanced clean

Now available for early experience at the flagship store and officially launching across Hong Kong on December 22, 2025, the H16 Pro Steam features industry-leading SaunaClean™ 200°C Steam Wash, combined with a 3000 mg/min high steam spraying to effectively dissolve grease, tackle stubborn stains, and achieve up to 99.9999% sterilization. Paired with ThermoRinse™ 90°C Hot Water Mopping, its dual-heat source floor washing is particularly suited for kitchens and dining areas with heavy grease buildup. The world’s first Dual-Arm Robotic AI DescendReach system delivers gap-free cleaning, zero water residue, and 100% tough stain removal, effectively minimizing cleaning blind spots and enhancing overall coverage and efficiency.

With enhanced true steam and hot water washing, the H16 Pro Steam provides faster, more effective, and more reliable home cleaning results.

Aqua 10 Pro Track: Mopping with 45°C Fresh Hot Water

Over the past two years, Dreame robot vacuums have redefined the market with industry-first innovations such as Robotic Retractable Legs, Dual Flex Arm Technology, VersaLift™ Navigation Technology, and advanced intelligent algorithms. These technologies have not only improved user experience but also earned Dreame the #1 market share in 18 countries worldwide. This year, Dreame takes robot vacuuming to the next level with its innovative Aqua 10 Pro Track and Aqua10 Roller, part of the fresh water cleaning series.

The Aqua 10 Pro Track, Dreame’s most advanced robot vacuum to date, introduces the industry’s first 45°C TrackSync™ Constant Hot Water Mopping, allowing the mop to clean and self-clean simultaneously with every rotation — solving the common problem of “the more you mop, the dirtier it gets.” Equipped with intelligent dirt detection and an extended track design for edge cleaning, it delivers deep cleaning performance even on heavy stains, oil spills, and tile grout. Beyond mopping, Aqua 10 Pro Track features 25,000Pa powerful suction, HyperStream™ Detangling DuoBrush, and Dual Flex Arm Technology for a comprehensive cleaning performance. OmniSight™ Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance and ProLeap™ 6cm Obstacle Cleaning ensure smooth movement across thresholds and carpets. The all-in-one smart base station takes the cleaning experience to a whole new level of automation. From ThermoHub™ 100°C Mop Self-Cleaning and Mop and Dust Bag Auto-Drying to UV sterilization, Auto Solution Refilling, and 100 Days Auto-Empty, it handles all maintenance in a single step — delivering a more convenient, hygienic, and intelligent whole-home cleaning solution.

Pocket Uni: The Ultimate “Travel Anywhere” Styling Tool

A Hong Kong fan favorite, the globally compatible 100–240V foldable high-speed hair dryer Pocket Uni has sold over 10,000 units in Hong Kong since launch. Weighing only 330g, its triple-fold design makes it ideal for travel and business trips. Powered by a 110,000 RPM high-speed motor, it delivers fast drying and styling with strong, stable airflow. Plasma Ion Concentration reduces frizz and enhances hair shine, while the upgraded SmartVolt™ Global Voltage Compatible ensures seamless use worldwide. The compact hair dryer also includes a Unfrizz Nozzle and Curling Barrels for versatile styling anytime, anywhere.

PM20：Dreame Hong Kong’s First All-in-One Smart Air Purifier

Dreame officially launches its first air purifier in Hong Kong, the PM20, which combines cooling and heating with intelligent air purification. In summer, it rapidly circulates air to deliver a refreshing flow of cool, clean air. In winter, it heats up in just three seconds, instantly filling the home with comfortable warmth even during cold weather.

Powered by jet airflow technology and a dual-way air outlet design that directs airflow both upward and forward, the PM20 delivers far-reaching airflow of up to 10 meters and a CADR of 400 m³/h, ensuring more uniform air circulation and comprehensive purification across the home.

The PM20 is equipped with a 4-Layer Filtration System, featuring an high-efficiency composite filter, an activated carbon layer, and an MnO₂ catalytic decomposition filter. Working together, the system effectively captures ultra-fine particles and allergens while continuously breaking down formaldehyde and other harmful gases, helping to maintain cleaner, healthier indoor air without the need for frequent filter replacement. Combined with intelligent environmental sensing and App connectivity, the PM20 allows users to monitor indoor air quality in real time, delivering a smart, hygienic, and comfortable living environment for the entire home.

Grand Opening Promotions

To celebrate the launch, Dreame will offer limited-time discounts, exclusive member benefits, and an opening raffle.

About Dreame

Established in 2017, Dreame Technology is an innovative consumer product company that focuses on smart home appliances with the vision to empower lives through technology. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information, visit dreametech.com.hk

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• The iconic Yas Marina Circuit included in Gran Turismo 7, for PlayStation 4 and 5, offering global players the chance to explore and race the emirate’s flagship track
• Announcement made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals in Fukuoka, Japan

ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi will host the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event, scheduled for 28^th of March 2026 at the Space42 Arena. The landmark event will bring together the world’s top Gran Turismo drivers to compete in an elite live championship, engaging fans in the emirate and highlighting Abu Dhabi’s esports capabilities to millions worldwide.

For the first time in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi will host the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event, scheduled for the 28th of March 2026 at the Space42 Arena.

The announcement was made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre in Japan, where H.E. Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), took the stage to share the news.

The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event is organised by Polyphony Digital Inc, a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, the developer and publisher of the Gran Turismo series, and Abu Dhabi Gaming, an initiative led by DCT Abu Dhabi that coordinates efforts to transform the emirate into a global gaming hub.

At the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals, held at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre in Japan, H.E. Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo series producer, announce that Abu Dhabi will host the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event, for the first time in the Middle East.

H.E. Al Fazari said: “Hosting the Gran Turismo World Series opener is a proud moment for Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region, reflecting our ambition to be a destination where possibilities are limitless. It marks a significant milestone for our esports and motorsport sectors, bringing elite global competition to the emirate and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s proven capability to deliver world-leading esports and motorsport experiences. Abu Dhabi continues to offer a secure, future-ready environment for businesses, investors and talent, supporting our vision to become a global hub for innovation, entertainment, gaming and motorsport.” 

The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition to determine the world’s best Gran Turismo player, comprising online qualifiers open to all players and live World Series events in which top racers travel to iconic destinations worldwide to compete.

Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo series producer., said: “We are thrilled to see Abu Dhabi host the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series opener in March 2026, marking the first time the event will be held in the Middle East. This is a historic milestone for our championship and a testament to the region’s growing presence in global motorsport and esports. Additionally, we are delighted that Yas Marina Circuit, one of the world’s most distinctive motorsport venues, is now available in Gran Turismo 7. Our aim has always been to connect players with the thrill and heritage of racing, and Yas Marina offers a unique experience that will resonate with motorsport fans and the gaming community worldwide.”

The Yas Marina Circuit’s inclusion in Gran Turismo 7 further extends Abu Dhabi’s motorsport legacy into the digital arena, creating new opportunities for global audiences to connect with the emirate’s culture of competitive excellence.

“This announcement marks an exciting moment for motorsports and esports fans in this region and the world, and positions Abu Dhabi Gaming at the forefront of the global sim racing conversation, reflecting our role as a connector of world-class partners and opportunities,” said Marcos Muller‑Habig, Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming. “As we continue to drive the emirate’s vision to become a premier global destination and a leading hub for the gaming and esports industries, events like the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 become catalysts for growth and a key milestone in our journey to build an ecosystem that empowers talent, attracts partnerships and accelerates business development.”

Gran Turismo, developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, is regarded as one of the most visually and dynamically accurate driving simulators available, recently surpassing 100 million sales of the series.

For more information about Gran Turismo World Series 2026 Opener in Abu Dhabi and tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.ae/event/1588346815.

For more information about Abu Dhabi Gaming, follow Abu Dhabi Gaming on Instagram, YouTube and Twitch.

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SINGAPORE, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gene Solutions, a pioneering genetic testing company, announced key achievements at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia Congress 2025—held in Singapore on December 5–7. Highlights included a full-house symposium, seven scientific abstracts with two earning Best Poster designations, and meaningful engagement with thousands of oncologists from across the Asia-Pacific region at the company’s exhibition booth.

2025 has marked a year of substantial progress for Gene Solutions, with expanded presence and partnerships across India, Turkey, Taiwan region, Hong Kong SAR, and Mainland China. The company advanced precision oncology through Asia’s first multicancer early detection (MCED) test in a large prospective study of 9,024 participants (published in BMC Medicine). In parallel, a real-world circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) molecular residual disease (MRD) study involving 623 patients (published in JCO Oncology Advances, ASCO Publications) demonstrated high accuracy for early relapse detection versus imaging, supporting more timely interventions.

Symposium Highlights: AI-Powered Liquid Biopsy & Multi-Omics Across the Cancer Care Continuum

Chaired by Prof. Herbert Ho Fung Loong (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR) and Prof. Nick Pavlakis (The University of Sydney, Australia), the symposium — “Ai-powered Liquid Biopsy And Multi-omics In Action: Bridging The Gap In Genomic Insights Across The Asia-pacific Region”— drew a full-house audience. It featured actionable clinical evidence spanning early detection, treatment selection, and post-treatment monitoring.

Faculty included Asst. Prof. Aaron Tan Chia-Ken (National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore), Dr. Le Son Tran and Dr. Dang L. Nguyen (Medical Genetics Institute, Vietnam), and Prof. Aya El Helali (The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR). Key topics addressed:

• Early detection at scale (SPOT-MAS): A single 10 mL blood, multi-omics assay combining genetic, epigenetic, fragmentomic features through deep-targeted and shallow genome-wide sequencing.
  Trained on data from over 20,000 cancer patients and 25,000 healthy controls, it incorporates retrospective (K-DISCOVERY) and prospective (K-DETEK) cohorts of more than 11,000 asymptomatic individuals, with real-world deployment in over 30,000 people across six Asian countries.
• Real-world performance of SPOT-MAS in 10 cancers: In a large real-world study comprising 12,281 individuals (median age 43 years) with enrichment for familial cancer risk (24.5%), the assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 78.2%, specificity of 99.8%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 67%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.9%, and tumor-of-origin prediction accuracy of 80.3%. These results were comparable to previously reported in the K-DETEK prospective validation study (n = 9,024).
• Treatment selection & monitoring (K-TRACK ctDNA-MRD): Validated across colorectal, breast, lung, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and gastric cancers to enable risk stratification and earlier intervention. Real-world Asian data indicate ctDNA detection of progression up to 14 months ahead of imaging and identification of resistance mechanisms in metastatic settings.
• Advanced AI-driven Biomarkers (K-4CARE): The K-4CARE platform integrates DNA profiling (504 genes), transcriptomic profiling (19,435 genes), and longitudinal ctDNA-MRD monitoring—to support precision decision-making, including complex scenarios such as detecting tissue-of-origin with 87.7% prediction accuracy in cancer of unknown primary (CUP) and improving fusion detection by 20%.
• ESMO consensus: The recent ESMO consensus (EBAI), published in November 2025, provides basic requirements for AI-based biomarkers in oncology – including ground truth, performance, generalizability, fairness and evidence requirements to establish their robustness.

Selected faculty insights:

“The challenge is balancing multi-cancer early detection performance with affordability—we achieve this via robust feature engineering, supervised machine learning, and high-quality multi-omics training datasets” said Dr. Le Son Tran.

“In early-stage cancer, cancers may still recur in some patients despite adjuvant treatment, while some patients may already be cured and do not need additional adjuvant therapy. MRD testing has the potential to transform how we manage these patients by allowing clinicians to escalate or de-escalate treatment more appropriately” added Asst. Prof. Tan Chia-Ken Aaron.

“AI driven biomarkers won’t replace molecular testing; they will amplify it—especially when tissue is limited” commented Prof. Herbert Ho Fung Loong.

Scientific Recognition: Seven Abstracts and Two Best Posters

Gene Solutions presented seven posters spanning MCED, tumor profiling, MRD, immunotherapy, and population genetics. Two studies received Best Poster awards:

Best Poster (229P) – Integrated cfRNA + ctDNA Liquid Biopsy for Improved Early Colorectal Cancer Screening — Trang T. Tran
Best Poster (183P) – Scalable Platform to Produce Allogenic NonGenetically Modified NK Cells and Predict Cytotoxicity in Solid Tumors — Thu Dao

Additional abstracts:

• 913P: Multimodal cfDNA assay for early detection of lung cancer in patients with suspicious pulmonary nodules — Ho D. Vo
• 11P: BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic variant spectrum in 14,529 Vietnamese women — Le Phuong Thuy
• 227P: Integrated genomic & immune profiling improves chemotherapy benefit prediction in resectable colorectal cancer — Tran B. Nguyen
• 791P: Harnessing multi-omics data from tumor and plasma ctDNA in advanced lung cancer — Phuc Nguyen
• 784P: Real-world performance of hybrid tumor informed & tumor agnostic ctDNA testing predicting recurrence/progression in Southeast Asia — Van Anh H. Nguyen

Exhibition Engagement:

Live demonstrations and clinical discussions at Gene Solutions’ exhibition booth engaged thousands of oncologists and researchers from across Asia, underscoring the need for accessible, high precision genomic solutions to improve patient outcomes

“Our presence at ESMO Asia program highlighted regionally validated multi-omics solutions—from SPOT-MAS to K-TRACK and K-4CARE—alongside the recognition of our scientific contributions through two Best Poster awards” said Dr. Sinh Nguyen, Oncology Medical Director, Gene Solutions. ”Moving into 2026, we remain committed to enhancing access through costs optimization, and strategic partnerships, enabling broader patient benefit from earlier detection, informed treatment decisions, and real-time monitoring.”

About Gene Solutions

Gene Solutions is a global biotechnology company headquartered in Singapore with a mission to make advanced genomic solutions accessible and affordable. Leveraging multi-omics, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and Artificial Intelligence, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio, including next-generation prenatal screening for fetal and maternal health (triSure), multi-cancer early detection (SPOT-MAS), and comprehensive tumor profiling and ctDNA monitoring (K-TRACK, K-4CARE).

Since 2017, Gene Solutions has performed over three million genetic tests worldwide through CAP-accredited laboratories across multiple markets. Through continuous innovation and strategic collaborations, the company is advancing earlier cancer detection, precision care and reproductive health globally.

For more information, visit www.genesolutions.com or contact pr@genesolutions.com

Important Disclaimer

Tests described may be offered as laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) in CAP-accredited laboratories; availability and regulatory status vary by country/jurisdiction. Results are for professional use only. Performance characteristics are study-specific and may vary by population, setting, or sample quality. This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations regarding study outcomes, test performance, clinical utility, partnerships, and potential benefits. Actual results may differ materially due to risks and uncertainties, including regulatory, clinical, market, and competitive factors. Gene Solutions undertakes no obligation to update these statements.

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Against a backdrop of unparalleled aviation connectivity, China will leverage the FITUR trade fair to elevate its tourism positioning.

MADRID, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 FITUR International Tourism Fair, taking place from 21 to 25 January 2026 at Madrid’s IFEMA exhibition centre, will further cement the deepening cooperation between China and Spain’s tourism sectors. According to data from the Spanish National Tourist Board’s Beijing office, Chinese tourist arrivals to Spain reached 163,856 in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 26.12% increase compared to the same period in 2019. Separate statistics from the Chinese Embassy in Madrid indicate approximately 157,000 Spanish travellers visited China in 2024.

The 2026 FITUR International Tourism Fair, taking place from 21 to 25 January 2026 at Madrid’s IFEMA exhibition centre, will further cement the deepening cooperation between China and Spain’s tourism sectors.

China will occupy a strategic position at FITUR 2026, with the China National Tourism Administration and the tourism authorities of the Macao and Hong Kong Special Administrative Regions participating in an official capacity. Airlines including Cathay Pacific, local tourism bureaus from Shanghai and Beijing, alongside leading tourism technology companies such as Shiji Group and Xiwang, will also join the event. China’s prominence at this year’s fair coincides with enhanced aviation connectivity: China Southern Airlines has recently launched a Madrid–Guangzhou route, with direct weekly flights projected to reach a record high of 61 during the 2025-2026 winter season.

A report from Spain’s National Tourism Secretariat indicates that by 2025, the country’s tourism sector will benefit from a strong tailwind from the Chinese market. Following a recovery in spending during 2024, China’s outbound travel demand continues to gain momentum. Meanwhile, Spain’s position as a tourism brand has been further consolidated, securing its place among the most popular travel destinations. Meanwhile, the latest data indicates that Chinese tourists’ expenditure in Spain will reach €1.417 billion in 2025, representing a 1.4% increase over 2024. This trend demonstrates Spain’s growing appeal to Chinese visitors, particularly among high-purchasing-power segments.

Regarding China’s overall tourism demand, the Spanish National Tourism Administration notes that both domestic and international source markets are experiencing sustained growth in travel expenditure. By 2026, driven by the lifting of travel restrictions, consumption recovery, and improved air connectivity, China’s domestic source market is projected to grow by 6%, while the international source market is expected to increase by 9% to 10%.

Media Contact: 
Helena Valera
International Press
Tel.: 629 64 42 08
evalera@ifema.es

Alejandra Elorza
Chief Press
Tel.: 629 64 49 68
aelorza@ifema.es 

A new edition of FITUR, the International Tourism Fair held at the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre, which has established itself as one of the benchmarks for the tourism sector with the presence of 156 countries and an attendance of more than 250,000 people, including professionals and visitors.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — One Universal Production Group (OUP), a leading intellectual property (IP) ecosystem and tourism company in Asia, today celebrated the official opening of its new corporate building, marking a significant milestone in its journey of creating world-class entertainment and edutainment experiences.

The opening reflects OUP’s growing role in shaping IP-led entertainment, edutainment, and themed tourism across Asia and beyond. Over the past decade, the company has built a reputation for record-breaking productions and large-scale immersive experiences, earning recognition from the Guinness World Records, ASEAN Book of Records, and Malaysia Book of Records.

OUP is widely known for delivering some of the region’s most successful thematic attractions and live shows, including Ultraman Live 2015, one of Asia’s highest-attended live entertainment productions, the longest-running Pokémon Festival, the world’s largest inflatable duck installation, and award-winning family experiences such as Discover Fun with CoComelon.

As a master licensee and strategic partner to leading global IP owners, OUP manages and develops a diverse portfolio of internationally recognised brands, including CoComelon, Ultraman, Bruce Lee, Blippi, Angry Birds, Crayola, and B.Duck. The company integrates these IPs into immersive attractions, live experiences, retail activations, and tourism developments tailored for Asian audiences.

During the event, OUP formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kayou Cultural Creativity Co., Ltd., China’s largest collectible card company. Under the partnership, Kayou will enter the Malaysian market alongside OUP, introducing new IP-driven collectible products and entertainment concepts aimed at Southeast Asian fans.

OUP also unveiled its upcoming international development roadmap, including the Hadi Excellence Collection – Thematic Safari Villas in the UAE, and the Hadi Premium Collection in Malaysia, featuring Malaysia’s first sea-front crystal-clear lagoon villas.

Commenting on the milestone, Alvin Lee, CEO of One Universal Production & Group of Companies, said the new headquarters represents OUP’s next chapter in delivering world-class, IP-led experiences globally.

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LONDON, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This week at London’s Royal Society, board members of the world-leading science and music festival STARMUS—Garik Israelian, Sir Brian May, Peter Gabriel, Lord Michael Hintze, and Lord Martin Rees—were joined by members of Jane Goodall’s family and Mary Lewis, Vice President of the Jane Goodall Institute, to announce STARMUS VIII and the launch of the Jane Goodall Earth Medal.

Garik Israelian, Peter Gabriel, Mary Lewis, Sir Brian May, Nick Van-Lawick, Merlin Van-Lawick, Angel Van-Lawick – Jane Goodall’s grandchildren.

The medal will be awarded for the first time at STARMUS VIII, to be hosted in Tenerife and La Palma in 2026.

The announcement took place exactly ten years after STARMUS and Professor Stephen Hawking stood together at the Royal Society to launch the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication, marking a decade of STARMUS’s commitment to uniting science, art, and humanity.

STARMUS Director and Co-Founder Garik Israelian said:
“Ten years ago, Stephen Hawking joined us to launch a medal that inspired millions to look to the stars. Today, with the blessing of Jane Goodall and her family, we launch a medal that calls us to protect the Earth. STARMUS VIII will unite these two visions — the cosmic and the planetary — in a festival dedicated to the search for truth.”

Stephen Hawking once said of STARMUS:
“In a world beset by so many terrible problems, STARMUS offers a ray of hope… a unique debating chamber for the future of the human race.”

In 2026, STARMUS will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Stephen Hawking Medal, honoring a decade of scientists, creators, musicians, filmmakers, and communicators who have carried forward Hawking’s vision—encouraging humanity to question deeply and embrace the power of science.

At the same time, the festival will award the inaugural STARMUS Jane Goodall Earth Medal, a global honor recognizing voices who protect the planet, defend biodiversity, and redefine humanity’s relationship with nature. Approved and blessed by Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, and her family, the medal extends the STARMUS mission into environmental and humanitarian action.

Jane Goodall held a cherished role within STARMUS as an Advisory Board Member, Hawking Medal laureate, keynote speaker, and a source of inspiration—particularly for the people of La Palma following the volcanic eruption. In private conversations with Israelian and Mary Lewis, she gave her blessing for an environmental and humanitarian medal to bear her name.

Merlin Van-Lawick, Jane Goodall’s grandson, said:
“We are deeply grateful that STARMUS chose to honor my grandmother in this way. We fully support this initiative, and Jane has given it her blessing.”

STARMUS Co-Founder Sir Brian May added:
“Jane Goodall and Stephen Hawking changed how we see the world — one by looking to the stars, the other by reminding us to protect life on Earth. Bringing their legacies together is profoundly necessary for our time.”

www.starmus.com

Starmus cofounders – Peter Gabriel, Garik Israelian, Sir Brian May

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