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Blokees exhibits at CCXP25 in Brazil: World Premiere of the New Saint Seiya Product

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SHANGHAI, Dec. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From December 4 to 7, Assembly Character Toys brand Blokees made its first debut at Brazil Comic Con Experience (CCXP). Blokees exhibited its two major categories “Blokees Model Kits” and “BLOKEES WHEELS”, with nearly 60 products based on over 10 world-renowned IPs including Transformers, Jurassic World, Saint Seiya, EVANGELION.


At CCXP, the Saint Seiya GALAXY VERSION 03 Gold Zodiac ① was officially announced for a world premiere, meeting the Brazilian market’s anticipation. This new set included 9 characters with rich expressions and detailed Golden Cloths. It vividly recreated the classic original work, sparking fan recognition and enthusiasm for collecting all the twelve Golden Saints.

Saint Seiya was commercialized by Blokees through HERO 10 and Champion series in 2024. At CCXP, three grey models, three painted models, and two already-released models from Blokees’ Saint Seiya Champion series were officially first revealed. Leveraging its strong R&D capabilities and over 500 patents, Blokees has released 3 series for HERO 10 and nearly ten characters for Champion series, continuously providing Saint Seiya fans with diverse products and experience of assembly.

Furthermore, globally renowned IPs such as Transformers also boasted a large and solid fan base in Brazil. At CCXP, nearly 10 new products from Blokees made their debuts, including Transformers HERO 5 for consumers aged 6 to 16 and Legend series for consumers aged over 16.

At CCXP, Blokees also exhibited outstanding global works from THE 3RD BFC CREATION CONTEST 2025 FEARLESS SEASON, which was the first offline appearance of BFC works of this season, attracting the attention of the audience. Since 2025 FEARLESS SEASON, the BFC contest has officially expanded from China to the world, and has received hundreds of works submitted by enthusiasts from various countries including the US, the UK, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc, indicating the global influence of BFC culture.

In the future, Blokees will continue to leverage its strong innovation and R&D capabilities, deliver the joy of assembling.

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Strutt ev¹ the CES 2026 Best of Innovation Winner Announces Super Early Bird Begins

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The awards-winning robotics company officially kicks off its pre-order window ahead of its main launch at CES 2026.

SINGAPORE, Dec. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Strutt, a Singapore-incorporated robotics company advancing smart everyday vehicle, announced the opening of Super Early Bird access for the Strutt ev¹, the only product winning both 2026 CES Best of Innovation Award in the Vehicle Tech and Advanced Mobility category and 2025 Red Dot: Luminary. Strutt will officially launch the ev¹ on January 5, 2026 at CES.

To thank our earliest community supporters, Strutt offers the Co-Designer Rewards as a member-only exclusive program in the Strutt’s official Facebook group (Strutt Drivers Club), ensuring a best-ever offer including special discount, priority for delivery, beta test access and more. This only goes to whom the team designs the ev¹ together with. The ev¹ creates a new category of smart everyday vehicle that integrates that integrates automotive and robotics technologies into a compact personal driving experience.

Strutt will officially launch the ev¹ at CES 2026, with showcases at CES Unveiled, Pepcom Digital, and the CES trade floor at Booth 53413. Demonstrations will highlight the ev¹’s stability, slope performance, obstacle detection, and intelligent navigation features. At CES 2026, attendees will get up close and personal with the ev¹ to test its stability, challenge it with slopes, see how it detects obstacles around, and watch it navigate all on its own in a live demonstration.

The ev¹ also aligns with major global trends shaping the CES agenda, including aging population needs, independence technology, the emergence of AI for real-world applications, robotics in daily environments, and the evolution of micro-mobility into safer and more intelligent platforms. 

Quote from Tony Hong, Founder and CEO of Strutt

“The ev¹ has been engineered to bring automotive technology and robotics intelligence into a compact form factor that meaningfully enhances everyday mobility and safety. Because this unit was co-designed with real users, we wanted to ensure our best-ever offer goes to them first. Ahead of our official global launch at CES 2026, we will release the exclusive Co-Designer Rewards program on December 5 in our community. We look forward to showcasing the results of our collaborative development with our users soon.”

Invite for CES Attendees

Strutt welcomes media, creators, analysts, and industry partners to book a hands on demonstration of the Strutt ev¹ during CES 2026. Demonstrations will be available at CES Unveiled, Pepcom Digital, and at the Strutt booth on the CES show floor. To schedule a meeting or secure a demo slot, please contact comms@strutt.inc

About Strutt

Strutt is a Singapore incorporated robotics company redefining personal transport through advanced sensing, autonomous support intelligence, and awards winning industrial design. The company’s flagship product, the Strutt ev¹, is engineered to deliver Electric Vehicle grade safety, intelligence, and control in a compact personal vehicle built for everyday use.

Find out more: Strutt | Home

Join our Community: Strutt Drivers Club | Facebook

Source: Strutt Inc.

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WBBL game in Adelaide between Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes abandoned after ball gets rolled into pitch

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A crucial WBBL game has had to be abandoned during the innings break because an errant ball went under the roller, leaving a hole in the pitch.

The no-result on Friday night in Adelaide between the Strikers and the Hobart Hurricanes further complicated a tight battle for WBBL finals berths.

Adelaide had made 4-167 at Karen Rolton Oval when rain delayed the Hobart innings.

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Then the ball went under the roller and according to a post on the WBBL Instagram feed, officials had no choice but to call off the game.

“With teams warming up, a ball was inadvertently rolled onto the pitch while the roller was being used. The ball went beneath the roller creating a hole in the pitch,” the post read.“As a result, the pitch conditions were changed significantly. After consultation between the match referee and the umpires, it was considered unreasonable to expect the Hurricanes to bat in conditions that were materially different than those the Strikers had experienced.”

It added the two captains were consulted and accepted the decision.

Remarkably, it is the third no-result out of nine Adelaide games this season.

Fans were in shock by the unheard of reason to call off a match,

“WEIRD and WILD! 😱 In the WBBL today, Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes took an unexpected turn! Strikers scored 167/4, but during the break, the heavy roller CRUSHED a stray ball into the pitch! 😳 Ground staff tried to fix it, but it was too risky—game abandoned! 🤯,” the Cric.X social account said.

And Fox Cricket said the WBBL clash had come to a “crazy end” and called it an “unprecedented error during the innings break”.

While the Melbourne Renegades’ win over the Sydney Sixers earlier on Friday means Hobart will finish top and host the final on Saturday week, the rest of the top four is undecided.

Only two points separate the second-placed Melbourne Stars from sixth side Adelaide, with the three remaining regular-season games this weekend all having a bearing on who makes the finals.

After crawling to 1-60 at the halfway mark on Friday night against Hobart, the Strikers blasted to 4-167 off 20 overs thanks to an unbeaten 63 from opener Maddie Penna.

Apart from Penna’s knock, the highlight of the Strikers’ innings was a stunning catch in the deep from Heather Graham off the bowling of Natalie Sciver-Brunt to dismiss Tahlia McGrath.

Earlier on Friday, Renegades duo Georgia Wareham and Courtney Webb produced a match-winning partnership to sink the Sixers and keep the defending WBBL champions in finals contention.

It ended the Sixers’ late-season surge of three wins.

By winning their last regular-season game the Renegades also improved to fourth, while the Sixers are third.

But the Renegades must sweat on other results to find out whether they play in the finals.

Chasing 131 for victory, Wareham (49 not out) and Webb (33no) took the Renegades to 4-134 from 16.2 overs on Friday in Melbourne.

The pair put on a whirlwind unbroken 85-run stand, rescuing the Renegades from a wobbly 4-49 in the 10th over.

Wareham, who earlier took three wickets, finished with a furious flourish, cracking five fours and two sixes from her 29 deliveries.

Webb also found the boundary four times as the Renegades (five wins, five losses) climbed from sixth to fourth on the table.

The Sixers (five wins, three losses) remain third after failing to capitalise on an Ellyse Perry special with the bat.

Perry top-scored with 65 from 47 balls, but the Sixers struggled to 9-130.

The allrounder dominated Sydney’s innings, hitting nine fours and a six, despite frequently losing partners as Wareham took 3-21 from four overs.

The Stars will be the first finals contenders to play on Saturday and cannot afford a slip-up when they host the Sydney Thunder, who are out of contention.

The late Saturday game will feature fifth-placed Perth at home against bottom side Brisbane, while the Sixers host Adelaide on Sunday in a massive end to the regular season.

Tuesday’s knockout final will feature the third-placed team at home against fourth.

The winner of that game travels to the second-placed team on Thursday for the challenger final, which will decide who faces the Hurricanes for the title.

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/C O R R E C T I O N — Seegene Inc./

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In the news release, “Seegene Establishes French Subsidiary to Expand European Footprint”, issued 05-Dec-2025 by Seegene Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the first sub-headline should read “France becomes Seegene’s eighth overseas sales subsidiary and third in Europe, following Italy and Germany” rather than “France becomes Seegene’s ninth overseas sales subsidiary and third in Europe, following Italy and Germany“; The sixth paragraph should read “The addition of France brings Seegene’s overseas sales subsidiaries to eight, complementing its global distribution network of 90 distributors across 94 countries.” rather than “The addition of France brings Seegene’s overseas sales subsidiaries to nine, complementing its global distribution network of 90 distributors across 94 countries.” as originally issued inadvertently. Complete, corrected release follows:

Seegene Establishes French Subsidiary to Expand European Footprint

–  France becomes Seegene’s eighth overseas sales subsidiary and third in Europe, following Italy and Germany

– The country ranks as Europe’s second-largest molecular diagnostics market, driven by demand in sexually transmitted infections and gastrointestinal testing, and respiratory virus detection.

– The new subsidiary is expected to accelerate broader adoption of Seegene’s developing solutions, CURECA™ and STAgora™, in Europe

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Seegene, Inc., a global leader in molecular diagnostics (MDx), announced today the establishment of a new subsidiary in France to reinforce its European presence and support global sales expansion.

The new subsidiary will strengthen local engagement with customers and partners through enhanced technical support, market development and collaboration with healthcare stakeholders.

According to global market research firm Grand View Research, Inc., France’s MDx market is estimated to reach approximately EUR 600 million, accounting for around 15 percent of Europe’s total. It is the second-largest market in the region after Germany, which holds a 19 percent share. Demand in France is particularly high for diagnostic tests targeting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gastrointestinal (GI) tract infections, and respiratory infections. Through its subsidiary, Seegene aims to expand sales of these product lines while introducing a broader portfolio including cervical cancer and other multiplex diagnostic categories.

“On the French market, which is divided between the private and public sectors, the ability to quickly deliver innovative products and meet laboratories’ efficiency needs is a key factor for competitiveness,” said Daniel Shin, Executive Vice President and Chief Global Sales and Marketing Officer at Seegene. “The subsidiary will enable Seegene to gain a better understanding the French healthcare landscape, strengthening local customer service, and accelerate the growth of the company’s in vitro diagnostics business with dedicated local expertise.”

The subsidiary also provides a strategic foothold for the European rollout of Seegene’s solutions that are in development, CURECA™, a fully automated, unmanned PCR system, and STAgora™, a real-time diagnostic data analytics and predictive insights platform.

The addition of France brings Seegene’s overseas sales subsidiaries to eight, complementing its global distribution network of 90 distributors across 94 countries.

As of the first half of 2025, overseas sales accounted for approximately 93 percent of Seegene’s total revenue, with Europe representing 63 percent. The region remains a key growth driver for the company’s global expansion roadmap.

Disclaimer

CURECA™ and STAgora™ are under development and not available for diagnostic use.

About Seegene

Seegene has more than 25 years of dedicated experience in R&D, manufacturing, and business related to syndromic real-time PCR technologies. This expertise was particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when Seegene provided over 340 million COVID-19 tests to more than 100 countries worldwide. The core feature of Seegene’s syndromic real-time PCR technology is the ability to simultaneously test for 14 pathogens that cause similar signs and symptoms in a single tube with quantitative information.

Visit: Seegene.com and follow linkedin.com/company/seegene-inc

Source: Seegene Inc.

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Supercent Breaks into the Global Top 10 Mobile Game Publishers at 7th – A First for South Korea

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SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Supercent, a fast-rising force in the mobile gaming industry, has made history by becoming the first South Korean company to enter the global Top 10 mobile game publishers by downloads, according to leading app analytics platform Sensor Tower.

Top 10 Global Mobile Game Publishers by Downloads (App Store & Google Play) — Source: Sensor Tower
Top 10 Global Mobile Game Publishers by Downloads (App Store & Google Play) — Source: Sensor Tower

In its latest annual rankings, Sensor Tower listed Supercent at No. 7 worldwide, marking the highest placement ever achieved by a South Korean game publisher since the rankings began in 2014. This milestone follows the company’s initial entry into the global Top 10 at No. 10 last year — a remarkable three-spot climb in just 12 months, underscoring its rapid global ascent.

Breakout Hits Power Global Growth

Supercent’s rise has been propelled by two major hits: “Pizza Ready” and “Snake Clash”.

“Pizza Ready” dominated the hybrid casual space in 2025, ranking as the most-downloaded hybrid casual game globally. The title amassed 150 million downloads this year alone, contributing to nearly 40% of its 400 million lifetime installs. Impressively, it also ranked No. 3 among all global app launches since January 2023, and No. 1 among games, according to Sensor Tower.

The game’s innovative ad strategy has been a key differentiator. Unlike typical mobile games that show ads within the first minute, “Pizza Ready” delays ad exposure until around three minutes into gameplay, allowing users to immerse themselves before encountering monetization. This user-centric approach has been praised for balancing engagement and revenue effectively.

Meanwhile, “Snake Clash” has emerged as a global hyper-casual phenomenon, surpassing 180 million lifetime downloads and ranking No. 4 in global hyper-casual downloads this year. Half of its downloads came in 2025 alone, highlighting its explosive growth. Departing from the genre’s traditional reliance on ad monetization, “Snake Clash” implemented a more refined in-app purchase model with skins and packages — a move that significantly improved monetization and user satisfaction. In fact, 33% of user reviews praised the game’s minimal ad experience, contributing to high player retention.

Breaking the Mold: A Milestone for South Korean Gaming

This entry into the Top 10 carries particular significance as it shatters the long-standing perception of South Korea as a “challenging market” for casual games. Despite possessing world-class development infrastructure and creative talent, the South Korean gaming industry has historically been heavily skewed toward domestic-focused MMORPGs, yielding few global successes in the casual genre for over a decade.

Industry observers view Supercent’s rise as a watershed moment. By leveraging South Korea’s robust infrastructure to break through global barriers, the company has effectively proved that the nation’s development and creative capabilities can dominate the mass-market casual sector just as effectively as they have the hardcore genre.

AI-Powered Publishing: A Competitive Edge

Supercent is also gaining attention for its unique integration of AI technology and content strategy into its development and publishing pipeline — a rare achievement in South Korea. The company’s AI-driven publishing system, data-informed decision-making, and content-first mindset have created a sustainable growth engine that sets it apart in a crowded market.

“Amid a flood of new mobile titles launching daily, Supercent continues to generate consistent, large-scale download momentum — not just fleeting viral hits,” said Junsik Kong, CEO of Supercent. “This achievement is proof of our long-term growth potential and resilience in a fast-changing market.”

Kong added, “By combining AI-powered systems, data analytics, and competitive content development, we’re building a virtuous cycle of sustainable growth. Moving forward, we’ll continue maximizing the synergy between AI and creativity to deliver successive global hits.”

About Supercent

Founded in 2021, Supercent has surpassed 1.3 billion total downloads globally and boasts over 20 titles with more than 10 million downloads each. In August, the company expanded its headquarters to the Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Seoul, and has been accelerating hiring and organizational growth in line with its global ambitions.

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Nation’s ‘most stressful’ airport called out in study for poor check-in times, departure delays

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A record 3.1 million travelers were screened by the TSA on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.

Now, as Americans prepare to travel across the nation for the Christmas and holiday season, a new study is pinpointing the airport that ranks as “most stressful” of all. 

The study, conducted by Australian travel insurance company iSelect, analyzed 50 major airports around the globe by looking at average departure delays, canceled flights, security checks, baggage claim issues and more.

AMERICA’S TOP AIRPORT SNACKS REVEALED — AND A FAVORITE DOMINATES NATIONWIDE

Coming in first place: Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, which scored an 18.46 out of a possible 100 — making it the “most stressful,” according to the study. 

The airport is “a hot spot for travel stress, ranking with the worst check-in score [on] our list,” the study says.

A line of travelers in an airport with a welcome sign above.

Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey was ranked as the “most stressful” airport in the world even as it’s in the midst of major upgrades and redevelopment. (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg )

The study also noted that Newark Liberty had “the second-worst score for ease of getting to the airport [on] our list.”

It was also reported to have an average departure delay time of 21.40 minutes. It scored as the third worst in baggage retrieval.

“The new system will meet an increasing number of travelers and deliver the airport experience they deserve.”

In October, construction on a new AirTrain Newark system began — a new $3.5 billion system, the airport says on its website, to replace the existing AirTrain, “which opened in 1996 and has become outdated, over capacity and unable to accommodate Newark Liberty’s rapid growth.” 

LARA TRUMP SHARES THE CONTROVERSIAL ‘NO-WAIT-AT-THE-GATE’ TRAVEL STRATEGY THAT HAS SPARKED DEBATE

The airport is in the midst of ongoing redevelopment, the site says in detail.   

“Newark Airport is the front door to our region — and modernizing the AirTrain system is part of our commitment to reimagining a world-class airport that is worthy of our state,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) in a release.

NEW TSA POLICY TO CHARGE PASSENGERS NEARLY $50 IF THEY DON’T HAVE ACCEPTABLE ID

“Building on the transformation of Terminal A, the new system will meet an increasing number of travelers and deliver the airport experience they deserve.”

A group of people are waiting by the exit of the airport, with one woman sleeping on the bench.

The study ranked 50 major airports around the world based on departure delays, canceled flights, location, security checks, baggage claim issues and more. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Fox News Digital reached out to the airport for comment. 

In second place was Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal, the study said. 

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The airport earned a score of 22.39 in the “most stressful” index.

Manchester Airport in the United Kingdom came in third place, with a score of 23.10.

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Its baggage claim was ranked the lowest in the index at 69%. Security check wait times came in at 69%.

Coming in fourth and fifth, respectively, on the “most stressful” list: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City and Chicago O’Hare International. 

A group of people are waiting in the area to check their bag at the airport. People look stressed, tired and overwhelmed.

After Newark Liberty, Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon and Manchester Airport in the U.K. ranked second and third on a high-stress list. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu)

Newark Airport was also called out in J.D. Power’s annual airport satisfaction survey, which ranked “mega” U.S. airports.

The survey looked at ease of travel, airport trust, terminal facilities, airport staff, food and retail options, plus the experience of arriving and departing at airports.

Newark came in last place, reflecting a year of ground delays and flight cancellations.

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Fox News Digital reached out to iSelect for further comment on the study

On its website, the company said its “comprehensive list” was created to “help travelers identify and prepare in advance for stress-free travel.” 

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Pan Pacific Hotels Group Named Official Hotel Partner for the Singapore Premiere of Broadway’s Beetlejuice The Musical

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PPHG partners with Beetlejuice The Musical to bring Broadway magic to Singapore with an exclusive themed stay experience, special ticket savings, and backstage access for theatre lovers

SINGAPORE, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) is pleased to announce our appointment as the Official Hotel Partner for the highly anticipated Singapore premiere of Broadway’s Beetlejuice The Musical. This partnership marks PPHG’s continued commitment to supporting world-class cultural and entertainment experiences in Singapore.

Pan Pacific Hotels Group Named Official Hotel Partner for the Singapore Premiere of Broadway’s Beetlejuice The Musical
Pan Pacific Hotels Group Named Official Hotel Partner for the Singapore Premiere of Broadway’s Beetlejuice The Musical

The show will have a limited-season run at Esplanade Theatres from 15 January to 15 February 2026, marking the only Asian stop on its international tour.

Celine Du, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at PPHG said, “Beetlejuice The Musical is one of Broadway’s most inventive shows, and PPHG is proud to be its Official Hotel Partner. We are delighted to bring the imaginative world of Beetlejuice to life both onstage and in our spaces, creating whimsical, memorable and differentiated experiences.”

Introducing the “It’s Showtime! Beetlejuice Stay & Dine Package”

To elevate the theatre-going experience, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore has curated a fully immersive hotel escape inspired by the musical’s quirky charm and offbeat spirit.

Guests who book the package will enjoy:

  • SGD15 savings on premium category tickets to Beetlejuice The Musical
  • Exclusive backstage tour access (on select performance days)
  • Beetlejuice Afternoon Tea for two at Portman’s Bar, featuring whimsical creations such as:
    • Creepy Crawlers: crispy soft-shell crab with tarragon tartar
    • Beetlejuice Macaron: salted caramel crème
    • Tropical Bloom Verrine: mango passion and blue pea coconut

With each room boasting a private balcony overlooking the city skyline or Marina Bay, and the Esplanade Theatres only minutes away, the Stay & Dine package invites guests to enjoy a complete Beetlejuice-themed journey – from afternoon indulgence to an unforgettable Broadway night out.

Bookings are open now to 14 February 2026, for stays from 15 January to 15 February 2026.

For more information and bookings, click here.

Pan Pacific DISCOVERY: In addition to 10% savings and membership benefits, Pan Pacific DISCOVERY members will enjoy exclusive access to two limited-time ticket bundles offering SGD15 savings on premium categories, along with the rare opportunity to join a 15-minute backstage tour on select performance days.

  • Option A — $15 Off & Backstage Tour
    • Available for Premium and A Reserve price categories
    • Applies to Wednesday and Thursday performances
    • Limited to the first 10 patrons per performance
  • Option B — $15 Off 
    • Available for Premium Plus, Premium, and A Reserve for Friday evening, Saturday matinee & evening, and Sunday matinee performances
    • Premium and A Reserve for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evening performances

Social Media Contests to Spark Whimsy: To further engage families and fans, PPHG has launched social media contests throughout the campaign period. This includes a giveaway in the month of December 2025, where one lucky winner will receive a pair of Beetlejuice The Musical tickets.

–Ends–

About Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Pan Pacific Hotels Group is a global hospitality company that owns and manages over 50 hotels, resorts, and serviced suites comprising three brands – “Pan Pacific”, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, and PARKROYAL in more than 30 cities across Asia Pacific, North America, Africa and Europe. Headquartered in Singapore, it is a member of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited.

Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts deliver sincere and graceful service to every guest with a passion for excellence.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Hotels & Resorts is driven by our passion for life and sustainability.

PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts is distinguished by its passion for people and places, immersing every guest into local and authentic cultures.

Visit www.panpacific.com.

About Pan Pacific DISCOVERY  

Pan Pacific DISCOVERY is a loyalty programme designed to enhance every guest experience. Members can savour the benefits of DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), a user-friendly digital rewards currency, granting exclusive discounts on room rates, dining experiences, and more. With each tier progression, members elevate their status to unlock enhanced privileges and the opportunity to earn and spend D$ on premium hotel amenities and experiences, including Pan Pacific Hotels Group-owned dining outlets worldwide. Pan Pacific DISCOVERY is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotels with 40 brands and over 800 hotels around the world. To become a member, visit panpacific.com.   

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Xinhua Silk Road: A bowl of Changle gangmian noodles comforts homesickness thousands of miles away

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BEIJING, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 3rd Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development was held in Fuzhou, capital city of southeast China’s Fujian Province on December 1-3, with overseas Chinese of Fujian origin from 39 countries and regions gathering by the Minjiang River.

As a famous hometown of many overseas Chinese, Changle District in Fuzhou has over 700,000 overseas compatriots. There is one simple bowl of noodles called Changle gangmian noodles that links folk customs of the Dragon Boat Festival, the warmth of a mother and the homesickness of a wanderer.

These thick and springy handmade noodles are not only a name card of local flavor but also a cultural code carrying the shared memory of Changle people, making them a unique bond between Changle and its wanderers across the world.

According to the folk customs of Changle, gangmian and zongzi (glutinous rice dumpling) are both essential food for the Dragon Boat Festival. The locals say that zongzi is shaped like “dragon horns”, and gangmian noodles are symbolized as “dragon whiskers”. Eating both during the festival implies “the dragon in the heart”, expressing people’s good wishes of warding off evils and disasters, and seeking good health.

The traditional way of making gangmian noodles is a skill that is full of strength and craftsmanship. From kneading, rolling out and cutting the flour, every step tests the experience and patience of the chef. The hand-rolled noodles are chewy, smooth and do not become mushy even after long cooking, representing the Changle people’s persistent and fighting spirits.

Soup base is the soul of a bowl of authentic Changle gangmian noodles. The soup is made with pork ribs and pork large intestines to enhance the aroma, and boiled with crab, dried shrimp, dried fish, clams and other seafood. The mixture of the ingredients makes the soup base fresh, rich, and multi-layered, combing flavors both from mountains and sea. This implies Changle people’s characteristics of open-minded, inclusive and dare to venture and strive.

Today, although gangmian noodles are innovating while inheriting, giving rise to various ways of enjoying, the traditional craftsmanship and emotional value at the core have remained unchanged. For the people of Changle who have gone abroad to make a living, gangmian has long transcended food itself and become a synonym for homesickness.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348638.html

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US renews ‘do not travel’ alert over terrorism, kidnapping amid Trump narco-terror fight

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The State Department renewed its “do not travel” advisory for Venezuela.

Without edits, the travel advisory was reissued Wednesday, with the State Department citing a myriad of high risks related to crime, terrorism, detention and poor health infrastructure.

“All U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents in Venezuela are strongly advised to depart immediately,” the advisory says.

AIRLINES PULL VENEZUELA FLIGHTS AMID SAFETY WARNING, AS TRUMP RATCHETS UP PRESSURE ON MADURO

In 2019, the U.S. severed diplomatic ties with Venezuela, closing its embassy. It says it no longer has the ability to provide emergency services or consular assistance to U.S. citizens in the country.

“There is no safe way to travel to Venezuela,” the advisory states, adding that people should avoid traveling to the country by any means.

People walk at El Yaque Beach in Margarita Island, Nueva Esparta State, Venezuela

The State Department has renewed its “do not travel” warning for Venezuela. (Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images)

Officials state that tourists have a very high risk of being detained if they even accidentally step a few feet over the border.

“Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping and carjacking, are common in Venezuela,” the advisory reads.

If tourists are detained, the U.S. is generally not informed about the detainee. 

“Travelers face [an] increased risk [if] using unregulated taxis from the Maiquetia Simón Bolívar International Airport and using ATMs in the area,” it also notes. 

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Dangerous Colombian terrorist groups operate in Venezuela’s border areas with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana, the advisory points out.

Security forces have detained U.S. citizens for up to five years without respect for due process.  

venezuela military marching in day light

If tourists are detained, the U.S. is generally not informed about the detainee, who will be cut off from any communications and subject to “inhumane” torture, according to the State Department.  (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)

If tourists are detained, the U.S. is generally not informed about the detainee, who will be cut off from any communications and subject to “inhumane” torture.

Officials warn of severe beatings, prolonged restraint in stress positions and waterboarding, according to former detainees and independent human rights organizations.

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Any American with plans to travel to or from Venezuela should not rely on government assistance and should create a “proof of life” plan prior.

In March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there are Americans wrongfully detained in Venezuela.

Boat shown before US military strike

“We’re knocking out drug boats right now at a level that we haven’t seen,” President Trump said Wednesday. “Very soon we’re going to start doing it on land too.” (X.com/SecWar)

The advisory also notes shortages of gasoline, electricity, water, medicine and medical supplies in the Boliviarian socialist country.

While the Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from providing U.S.-Venezuela flights, Venezuela is full of dramatic landscapes that attract tourists. 

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For example, Canaima National Park in Salto Angel is home to the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall, and Los Roqyes Archipelago is touted for its white sand and turquoise waters. 

The renewed advisory comes as President Trump ramps up his campaign against narco-terrorism.

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“We’re knocking out drug boats right now at a level that we haven’t seen,” Trump said Wednesday. “Very soon we’re going to start doing it on land too.”

The president doubled down on calling out the Maduro government for weaponizing migration. He repeated his claim that Venezuela “sent us killers, murderers … drug dealers at the highest level … gang members and people from their mental institutions.”

Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr contributed reporting. 

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UK hedge fund Kernow says this cruise operator’s share price could surge by over 400%

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