HONG KONG, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Herbalife, a premier health and wellness company, community and platform, today released findings from its Asia Pacific (APAC) Health and Economic Empowerment Survey 2025. The findings revealed strong economic optimism among entrepreneurs, with three in four (74%) expecting their economic well-being to improve in the next 12 months, compared to half (48%) of non-entrepreneurs sharing the same outlook.

The survey also highlighted significantly higher levels of economic and health empowerment levels among entrepreneurs versus non-entrepreneurs in the region. Defined as the ability to make informed decisions that enhance one’s physical, mental and emotional well-being (health empowerment), and improve one’s financial stability (economic empowerment), these levels came in at 17 percentage points higher among the entrepreneurs surveyed. This underscores the greater sense of control entrepreneurs have over both their health and economic well-being.

“Contrary to the popular belief that entrepreneurship is inherently stressful and often leads to burnout, the survey shows that entrepreneurs report higher levels of economic optimism, confidence, and empowerment,” said Thomas Harms, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Herbalife. “In today’s economic climate, many individuals are exploring ways to create additional income streams. Herbalife is committed to supporting them by helping people strengthen their health and wellness, while offering opportunities for those who want to build a business for themselves as individual distributors.”

Conducted in October, the APAC Health and Economic Empowerment Survey 2025 polled 8,505 respondents, including 2,245 entrepreneurs across 11 markets, covering Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan region, Thailand and Vietnam.

Entrepreneurs show strong confidence in their economic well-being

Across the region, entrepreneurs are more likely to see their economic well-being positively. 43% of entrepreneurs rate their current state of economic well-being as being ‘very good’, compared with just 25% of non-entrepreneurs who share the same view. Looking ahead, 74% of entrepreneurs expect their economic well-being to improve in the next 12 months, while less than half (48%) of non-entrepreneurs share the same level of confidence.

Entrepreneurs also show greater optimism in achieving their economic goals. Half of the entrepreneurs surveyed are confident they will meet their short-term economic goal in 12 months, 23 percentage points higher than non-entrepreneurs. Similarly, 51% are confident about reaching their long-term economic goals within five years, 21 percentage points higher than those who are not entrepreneurs.

Higher economic and health empowerment among APAC entrepreneurs

Beyond optimism and confidence in their current and future economic well-being, the findings also revealed higher economic and health empowerment levels among APAC entrepreneurs. Nearly six in 10 (59%) of entrepreneurs said that they feel empowered to make decisions to improve their financial stability and economic well-being, 18 percentage points higher than the 39% of non-entrepreneurs who share the same view. Health empowerment levels were similarly higher among entrepreneurs, with 65% feeling empowered compared to 48% of non-entrepreneurs.

This sense of empowerment could explain why entrepreneurs report greater confidence in achieving their health goals in the next 12 months. More than half (56%) of entrepreneurs believe they can reach their health objectives within the next 12 months, compared to just 33% of non-entrepreneurs who share the same belief.

Strong correlation between health and economic empowerment

The findings underscore a strong correlation between health and economic empowerment. Individuals who feel highly empowered to make decisions that improve their economic well-being are more likely to report higher levels of health empowerment in tandem. This suggests that confidence in financial decision-making may just go hand-in-hand with one’s confidence in managing personal health.

With greater control over goal setting, time and resource management, and intentional lifestyle and financial choices, entrepreneurs experience a profound sense of empowerment to achieve their aspirations. This agency fuels confidence and drives better health and economic outcomes. It’s a powerful reminder that when individuals take charge of their economic and health decisions, they unlock the potential to transform not just their future—but also their lives.

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About Herbalife Ltd. 

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life. 

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ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IAAPA, the premier association representing the global attractions industry, has announced a new global partnership with Expression Capital Partners LLP, marking a significant investment in the long-term success, financial health, and innovation capacity of IAAPA members around the world.

IAAPA Announces Global Partnership with Expression Capital Partners to Support Growth and Investment Across the Attractions Industry

As IAAPA’s exclusive private equity and M&A advisory partner and Platinum Sponsor of all IAAPA Expos, Expression Capital Partners will bring expanded financial expertise, investment resources, and strategic guidance to attraction owners, developers, and operators across all global regions.

Expression Capital Partners – authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority – brings a uniquely deep connection to the leisure and entertainment industry. Unlike traditional private equity firms, most of Expression Capital’s founders were born into the entertainment industry, representing generations of building, operating, financing, and innovating within attractions, hospitality, and live entertainment.

“IAAPA is thrilled to welcome Expression Capital Partners as our global private equity and M&A advisory partner,” said Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA. “Their multigenerational expertise and deep understanding of our industry bring tremendous value to IAAPA members. This partnership opens the door for members to access high-level investment guidance, strategic financial support, and opportunities to bring bold ideas to life. We look forward to working together to strengthen and advance the attractions industry worldwide.”

During IAAPA Expo 2025. Elliot Hall, a founding partner at Expression Capital Partners LLP. shared Expression Capital’s vision for supporting the global attractions community. 

“We are proud to serve as IAAPA’s exclusive private equity and M&A advisory partner. With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, our team understands this sector in a unique way.

“Whether members are looking to invest, raise capital, bring a new concept to life, or navigate a buy, sell, or merge opportunity, we’re here as a trusted resource to support long-term growth across the attractions industry.”

How IAAPA Members Will Benefit

Through this global partnership, IAAPA members will gain:

• Direct access to specialized investment expertise from a firm deeply rooted in the attractions and entertainment sectors.
• Support with buying, selling, merging, or raising capital, including guidance through complex transactions.
• Opportunities to explore strategic investments through Entertainment Investments 1 LP and other capital channels.
• Advisory services for emerging concepts, helping visionary ideas evolve into fully funded, operational attractions.
• Stronger global financial connections, enabling companies of all sizes – from start-ups to major operators – to pursue transformative growth.

This collaboration ensures that IAAPA members have a trusted partner ready to help them innovate, expand, and build sustainable futures for their businesses.

www.expressioncapitalpartners.com 

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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Club Med, the world leader in premium all-inclusive mountain and beach resorts, announced the development of Club Med Tremblant, marking a strategic expansion of its presence in North America. The new resort marks the brand’s second Canadian resort, after the successful opening of Club Med Québec Charlevoix in 2021 and elevates Club Med’s global mountain leadership with existing resorts in Canada, France, Italy, China, Switzerland, and Japan.

“Canada continues to be a key market in our North American growth strategy,” said Carolyne Doyon, CEO Club Med North America & Caribbean. “With the upcoming opening of Club Med Tremblant, we are thrilled to introduce a new destination offering an original premium all-inclusive mountain experience, providing immersive, one-of-a-kind vacations that have defined Club Med for decades.”

On December 05, Carolyne Doyon and Rémy Bourgeon, President of Alderan, representing SCPI Comète, signed a major financing agreement for the construction of Club Med Tremblant. In parallel, Alderan, on behalf of SCPI Comète, acquired the land from real estate developer Brivia.

Nestled in the heart of the Laurentians, one of North America’s most iconic four‑season destinations, Mont‑Tremblant is known for world‑class skiing, vibrant village life, and striking natural landscapes. Scheduled to open in December 2028, Club Med Tremblant will offer a premium all‑inclusive mountain experience inspired by a contemporary Alpine chalet, combining playful charm with a warm, refined atmosphere.

Designed for families and active travelers, the resort will offer ski-in/ski-out access with daily lift tickets included, gourmet dining inspired by Alpine heritage with a local twist, Kids Clubs for children from 04 months to 17 years, wellness facilities, and various summer activities, delivered by Club Med’s multicultural team of G.Os and G.Es.

As the region’s first premium all-inclusive resort, Club Med Tremblant is projected to create nearly 300 direct jobs, alongside comparable indirect roles, with approximately half of employees housed on-site. The resort will target LEED and Green Globe certifications and develop partnerships with regional suppliers and experience providers to reflect the spirit of the Laurentians while contributing to the local community.

Previously, Club Med and Station Mont Tremblant signed agreements to develop future partnerships, especially on the ski school, while also including commitments from Station Mont Tremblant to carry out new improvements to the mountain.

Club Med

Founded in 1950 by Gérard Blitz, who was later joined by French businessman, Gilbert Trigano, Club Med pioneered the all-inclusive concept and childcare with the creation of the Mini Club in 1967. With more than 75 years of rich history, Club Med operates nearly 70 premium beach and mountain resorts in 40 countries across 5 continents with new openings and renovations planned every year, offering even more hidden treasures to worldwide travelers.

Thanks to the support of its shareholder, Fosun Tourism Group, and the success of its repositioning strategy, today Club Med is not only the world leader in premium, all-inclusive vacations, but also a global brand offering unique experiences to active families and couples worldwide. Club Med employs nearly 28,000 Gentle Organizers (G.Os) and Gentle Employees (G.Es), representing 110 nationalities.

Tremblant

Tremblant is a top year-round destination that offers an exciting and unforgettable experience, from the mountain summit to the charming pedestrian village at its base, secured its place among the top 05 ski destinations in Canada. Whether visiting with family, as a couple, with friends, or in a group, Tremblant welcomes guests to 1,900 accommodation units across 13 hotels, close to 70 restaurants and shops.

Alderan

Alderan is an independent French portfolio management company, founded in 2015 by Rémy Bourgeon. Alderan manages, on behalf of six regulated funds intended for non-professional clients (SCPI) and professional clients (Professional OPCIs and other AIFs), as well as under managed mandates, the acquisition, management, valuation, and arbitration of real estate assets.

SCPI Comète

Comète is a diversified SCPI created by Alderan, intended to invest strictly outside mainland France, registered with the Paris Trade and Companies Register under number 980.596.811.

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BEIJING, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China Daily: 

Spring Festival is emerging as a vital force in fostering cultural confidence and dialogue among world civilizations, as its core values of harmony, inclusivity and ecological wisdom resonate with global sustainable development goals, officials and experts said.

“Spring Festival stands as the most extensively celebrated and profoundly meaningful traditional festival for the Chinese nation. It not only embodies the spiritual pursuit of harmony inherent in the Chinese people, but also represents the universal values of family unity, social inclusiveness and harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature,” Chen Xing, vice-president of Beijing Normal University, said at the second Spring Festival Culture Forum held in Beijing in early December.

Revolving around Spring Festival culture and sustainable development, the forum gathered representatives from universities and cultural institutions at home and abroad to hold in-depth discussions on topics such as the implementation and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, cultural exchange and mutual learning, as well as the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and sustainable development.

On Dec 4, 2024, Spring Festival, the social practice of celebrating the traditional Chinese New Year, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As the most widely observed and significant traditional festival of the Chinese nation, Spring Festival has now become a shared cultural heritage for all humanity.

“The inscription of Spring Festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity showcases to the world the enduring cultural heritage, distinctive aesthetic pursuits, the value of living traditions and the deeply ingrained cultural DNA of the Chinese nation,” said Li Xiaosong, deputy director-general of the department of intangible cultural heritage at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

“Since the festival belongs to the people, it is essential to strengthen its connection with everyday life, ensuring that this traditional celebration remains vibrant and relevant in contemporary society,” Li said.

Rong Shuqin, secretary-general of the China Folk Literature and Art Association, noted that the forum holds meaning in multiple aspects. These include celebrating the anniversary of Spring Festival’s inscription as an intangible cultural heritage, exploring how traditional festivals can highlight humanistic values and strengthen interpersonal bonds in the era of digitalization and artificial intelligence, and reflecting on how Spring Festival can contribute to socioeconomic development.

By fostering cross-sector integration and the participation of stakeholders, the festival can drive the creative transformation and innovative development of China’s outstanding traditional culture, Rong said.

Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, said holding this forum on the anniversary of Spring Festival’s inclusion on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity carries meaning. With 44 UNESCO intangible cultural heritage items, China ranks first in the world: a testament to its steadfast commitment to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

“Spring Festival serves as a vital window into understanding the wisdom of Chinese culture and its connection to world civilizations,” Khan said.

Khan noted the concepts emphasized in Spring Festival practices — such as renewal, respect for nature, and intergenerational heritage — align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, providing a cultural foundation for inclusive and resilient global development.

It is hoped that this forum can build consensus and join forces to safeguard humanity’s living heritage, contributing to a more peaceful, inclusive and sustainable world, he added.

During the forum, the department of intangible cultural heritage at the School of Sociology of the BNU was inaugurated. Its establishment aims to address the contemporary imperatives of intangible cultural heritage protection and sustainable development. Through better scientific documentation, academic research and innovative transmission, the department seeks to provide robust theoretical support and a talent pipeline for intangible cultural heritage causes, including Spring Festival.

“Traditional festivals represent the essence of Chinese culture and serve as a crucial vessel for the nation’s spirit. They carry multiple dimensions of value: ecological value in harmonizing with nature; historical and cultural significance in honoring ancestry and tradition; social value in reinforcing and transmitting family ethics; and communal value in strengthening social cohesion and identity, as well as personal value in balancing body and mind,” said Xiao Fang, head of the department of intangible cultural heritage at the School of Sociology of the BNU.

Xiao emphasized that traditional festivals remain relevant in contemporary times and should be renewed in the process of transmission, providing nourishment for the cultural roots of the Chinese nation, safeguarding its spiritual core and enhancing cultural confidence.

During the forum, six parallel subforums were held, where participants engaged in discussions on Spring Festival-focused topics. These included the historical evolution and contemporary expression of the festival; its local practices and cultural diversity; the culture and Chinese national identity; the festival in the era of policies, practices and diverse communities; overseas transmission of festival culture; and the community with a shared future for humanity and its role in international Chinese language education.

Additionally, a cultural knowledge exhibition themed “Seeing Spring Festival” was held concurrently. The event featured live demonstrations and interactive experiences by a student drum society from the BNU, as well as inheritors of intangible cultural heritage such as Chinese paper-cutting and calligraphy.

Cohosted by the BNU, the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum and the China Folk Literature and Art Association, this year’s Spring Festival Culture Forum was elevated to an international academic symposium. It represents a high-level scholarly event convened on the anniversary of the festival’s inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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YIWU, China, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. As December reaches its midpoint, the results of the 2025 Yiwugo Top 10 Vendors Competition are soon to be announced. Which ten outstanding businesses will rise above thousands of competitors across Yiwu to become the year’s leaders in sales, reputation, and brand influence? Which industry heavyweights will distinguish themselves as frontrunners within their respective sectors? With the competition entering its final phase, a number of Yiwugo’s strongest contenders have already come into focus, including several “dark horses”.

Wang Yanqing has led Yiwu Jiayan Cosmetics Co., Ltd. for more than a decade, gaining deep expertise across the entire industry chain—from raw-material formulation for perfumes and nail polish to product design and marketing. This extensive experience has enabled him to precisely anticipate consumer preferences in markets across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America. In 2020, Jiayan Cosmetics’ Yiwugo storefront attracted a new customer from South America, who noted that they had evaluated numerous merchants on the platform before ultimately choosing the company and placing an inaugural order totaling an entire shipping container of goods.

Jiayan Cosmetics’ strong customization capabilities, short response times, and strict alignment with local fragrance preferences have earned the company deep trust among overseas buyers. Over the following three years, the South American customer’s annual order volume increased by more than 40%, establishing them as one of Jiayan Cosmetics’ key agents in the region. By combining sharp insights into niche overseas markets with an agile supply chain, Wang has constantly refined the company’s product portfolio, driving five consecutive years of steady growth on Yiwugo. By 2025, the South American customer’s annual orders volume had surpassed 10 million, and Jiayan Cosmetics—powered by exponential growth in cross-border demand—secured a leading position on the Yiwugo Top 10 Vendors list, setting a new benchmark for China’s cosmetics export industry.

Wang noted that the company is working to build Jiayan into a highly competitive global brand. Jiayan Cosmetics already holds multiple international quality and safety certifications, and it sells well in mid- to high-end markets such as Japan and France. Moving forward, the company will expand its product categories starting with pet fragrances, elevate its brand identity, and leverage platforms like Yiwugo to reach an even wider global audience.

While Jiayan Cosmetics may not rank among China’s largest enterprises, real strength in today’s rapidly evolving global marketplace lies not in scale, but in the ability to continually innovate, upgrade products, shape industry trends, and define market aesthetics. It is unwavering quality and service that ultimately lead the market. Another prime example is Wawabao Toys Firm, a company that has led its industry for more than three decades.

Jin Aifen has worked in the plush toy industry for over 30 years, and her daughter has now joined the business, bringing youthful energy and fresh perspectives to Wawabao’s day-to-day operations. The company rolls out numerous new products every month. Just last month, it completed the delivery of its 2026 Valentine’s Day–themed plush dolls, and it is currently developing and producing new items inspired by the FIFA World Cup and relevant themes.

Jin noted that the past two years had witnessed a remarkable surge in customers from South America, with nearly every buyer registering a 30%-40% increase in orders—underscoring the tremendous effort invested by Wawabao Toys Firm. She added that while long-pile and rabbit-fur fabrics once dominated the plush toy industry, the company has since undertaken a comprehensive upgrade to premium plush and faux mink materials. Craftsmanship details, including embroidery and bow ties, have also been refined across the board, resulting in markedly higher customer satisfaction.

Take the case of a new customer in the South American market. Two years ago, their first order placed through Yiwugo was valued at roughly RMB 100,000; this year, each individual purchase has exceeded RMB 1 million. The customer remarked that whether their orders totaled RMB 100,000 in the past or more than RMB 1 million today, Wawabao has consistently provided prompt responses and attentive follow-up—an impressive demonstration of the company’s service consciousness and professional integrity. Wawabao has also cultivated a group of high-quality customers who have experienced rapid growth over the past two years. For the company, 2025 is poised to be a year of abundance, and expectations remain high for its performance in this year’s Yiwugo Top 10 Vendors Competition.

To further help vendors attract online traffic and acquire customers, Yiwugo launched a new feature called “Live-streamed Store Tours” in October.

As part of its effort to open new paths for online marketing, the feature deploys professional hosts to conduct real-time broadcasts from brick-and-mortar shops inside the Yiwu International Trade City. By pairing the extensive product offerings of physical storefronts with the immediacy of live-streaming, the initiative creates a brand-new channel for branding and sales.

During each session, streamers guide viewers through the market from a first-person perspective, visiting showrooms of original manufacturers and reputable suppliers. They provide real-time commentary on trending products—highlighting their design, functions, materials, and pricing advantages—while interacting directly with merchants and responding to audience inquiries. This format not only brings to life the diversity and cost-competitiveness of Yiwu’s vast product landscape, but also transcends geographic boundaries, enabling global buyers to gain an inside view of Districts 1-5 of the International Trade City, as well as the newly launched District 6, the Global Digital Trade Center. It empowers domestic and overseas customers to browse offerings, evaluate products, and engage in business negotiations—all without ever leaving home.

This initiative represents a key milestone in Yiwugo’s digital transformation and its commitment to empowering the physical marketplace. Many participating merchants report that the “Live-Streamed Store Tours” have generated highly targeted customer inquiries, greatly increasing store visibility and credibility. This feature has proven especially effective in attracting online wholesale buyers and cross-border e-commerce sellers.

Time is the truest measure of value. Since its launch 13 years ago, Yiwugo has continually explored new paths for online-offline integration. Its “Live-Streamed Store Tours” marks a breakthrough in B2B e-commerce, seamlessly combining the strengths of physical wholesale markets with the traffic-driven power of live streaming. This “Yiwu model” offers a blueprint for specialized markets nationwide seeking integrated O2O development. As this model continues to gain traction, it will bring renewed vitality to global small-commodity trade. We eagerly await the new stars who will shine on the 2025 Yiwugo Top 10 Vendors list.

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