BEIJING, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shanghai Fashion Week has risen to the fourth place globally, overtaking New York, according to a report released Thursday in Shanghai. The Global Fashion Industry Index-Fashion Week Vitality Index Report (2025), issued by China Economic Information Service, describes Shanghai as the fastest-growing node city in the global fashion landscape.

Paris and Milan fashion weeks retained the top two positions globally. London and Shanghai ranked third and fourth, with commercial vibrancy and digital transformation cited as their core competitiveness.

For the first time, the report added a “commercial trade activity” indicator to quantify each fashion week’s ability to integrate commercial resources and convert them into market transactions. Shanghai Fashion Week recorded 1,217 trade brands, second only to Paris, and operated seven digital trade platforms which is the highest figure among all eight fashion weeks surveyed.

The report noted persistent gaps. Shanghai Fashion Week’s 23 product categories and average transaction price of 420 U.S. dollars represent only 64 percent and 54 percent of Paris Fashion Week’s figures respectively, reflecting a market still dominated by mid-range and emerging brands but with significant growth potential.

In the elements aggregation dimension, Paris and Milan led with 429 and 387 participating brands and 544 and 529 events respectively, while Shanghai hosted around 200 events and distinguished itself through new brand participation. In industry influence, Shanghai ranked first globally in the number of designers, and its innovation trend score also placed near the top.

China’s apparel and fashion retail market reached nearly 460 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, maintaining its position as the world’s largest single market. Global fashion e-commerce penetration rate rose from 18 percent in 2020 to approximately 36 percent in 2025, surpassing 45 percent in emerging markets.

On sustainability, approximately 72 percent of global consumers said they were willing to pay a premium for sustainable products, with most accepting a markup of 5 to 10 percent. The report devoted a dedicated chapter to artificial intelligence, noting that 58 to 60 percent of global fashion retailers have integrated AI into operations and marketing.

The report concluded that Shanghai Fashion Week is at a critical transition from scale expansion to capability upgrading, and should deepen integration of local culture, contemporary design and haute couture to strengthen its role as a commercial hub connecting design with consumption.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/350009.html

Source

SINGAPORE, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund, a partnership between Agoda, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore, and the UnTours Foundation, has announced its second round of investments alongside early impact results from the Fund’s inaugural cohort.

Designed to provide affordable, flexible financing to small and medium-sized tourism enterprises, the Fund supports businesses that integrate environmental restoration, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development into their core operations. Indonesia-based Livingseas Asia and Bambike Ecotours in the Philippines are the beneficiaries of the new investments. Each new investee receives USD 25,000 in loan capital to expand impact-driven initiatives across the region.

In Indonesia, Livingseas Asia combines dive tourism with coral reef restoration in Padangbai, Bali. Its nonprofit arm, the Livingseas Foundation, has restored more than 7,300 square meters of degraded reef, deploying artificial reef structures and planting over 320,000 coral fragments, with measurable biodiversity recovery. The Fund’s investment will support the construction of modular housing for staff and trainees near the restoration site. This will expand Livingseas Asia’s hosting capacity and strengthen the Foundation’s ability to deliver marine education, conservation training, and reef restoration activities. 

Bambike Ecotours in the Philippines connects bamboo agroforestry, fair trade bicycle manufacturing in rural communities, and regenerative tourism experiences. The loan will support the development of Ligtasin Cove in Batangas, a bamboo-built tourism destination that will include coastal ecotours and a bamboo nursery for reforestation and erosion control. The initiative aims to create local jobs while expanding lower-carbon tourism experiences that connect travelers with community-led environmental restoration.

“At Agoda, we believe the future of travel depends on the resilience of the destinations we serve,” said Timothy Hughes, Vice President of Corporate Development at Agoda. “These investments support local pioneers integrating environmental restoration and community well-being into their operations, demonstrating the potential of impact-driven travel.” 

Six months after the Fund’s initial investments, early results across Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines demonstrate encouraging environmental and community impact. 

Across Southeast Asia, three organizations advanced community-led tourism in meaningful ways. In Thailand, Local Alike expanded its Travel With Care initiative to 10 destinations, launching 16 regenerative tourism activities and securing partnerships with national parks and tourism authorities to develop a white paper on regenerative tourism. In the Philippines, Ecohotels grew its Bahay Farms initiative by onboarding 22 farmers, planting 500 mango trees, increasing plant-based menu offerings from 35% to 50%, and launching its Green Warriors workforce program, with 5 of 15 trainees already placed in hospitality roles. In Indonesia, Sejiva introduced heritage walking tours and coral restoration experiences across West Java and Jakarta, while scaling its #travelpositive campaign to reach broader audiences. 

“We are incredibly encouraged by the impact created so far by our inaugural cohort,” said Sarah Payne, Senior Director of Impact at the UnTours Foundation. “These businesses are expanding regenerative tourism models, strengthening local livelihoods, and embedding measurable environmental outcomes into their growth. Their progress shows how flexible financing can translate into tangible impact on the ground.” 

The Fund is part of Agoda’s broader sustainability strategy and builds on its partnership with WWF-Singapore through Agoda’s Eco Deals program. Through Eco Deals, Agoda works with hotel partners across Asia to offer travelers discounted stays while directing a portion of proceeds to WWF’s conservation initiatives. Those funds also support the Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund, extending conservation impact to small tourism enterprises, strengthening ecosystem health and community resilience at the destination level. 

Tourism enterprises across the region advancing conservation, climate resilience, sustainable mobility, and community-led economic development are encouraged to apply for the next round of funding at: https://untoursfoundation.org/sustainable-tourism-impact-fund.

Source

Transaction unites Canadian and U.S. culinary institutions under Triumph portfolio

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. and VANCOUVER, BC, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Triumph Higher Education Group today announced it acquired PICA Holdings Incorporated, the parent company of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA), a Vancouver-based institution for professional culinary and pastry arts education, effective April 1.

The acquisition brings PICA into Triumph’s culinary education portfolio alongside Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts (Escoffier), the largest culinary school brand in the United States,* expanding its network of accredited, career-focused culinary institutions across North America. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In addition to its business-focused curriculum that includes entrepreneurship and wellness programs, Triumph said the acquisition aligns with its strategy to further expand professional education programs in high-demand sectors including hospitality and culinary arts to address employers’ skilled labor shortages. Both PICA and Escoffier blend traditional methods with modern innovation representing a foundation that has shaped current culinary arts across North America and globally. This shared philosophy and approach underscores the alignment between the two institutions.

“We are pleased to welcome the students, faculty and partners of PICA to the Triumph family,” said Jack Larson, chairman, CEO and president of Triumph Higher Education Group. “PICA’s approach to culinary education, rooted in excellence, tradition and innovation, aligns with our strategy to expand career-focused programs in hospitality and culinary fields, where demand for skilled professionals continues to grow.”

“PICA has earned a strong reputation for developing industry-ready graduates through disciplined, hands-on training and deep employer connections,” said Kirk T. Bachmann, provost at Escoffier. “Our missions share a commitment to cultivating passion and lifelong careers in the culinary and hospitality professions. Bringing PICA into the Triumph family allows us to expand opportunities for students while strengthening the culinary talent pipeline across North America and internationally.”

Founded in 1997 in Vancouver, British Columbia, PICA offers intensive diploma programs in culinary and baking and pastry arts, with a training model centered on hands-on instruction, small class sizes and direct industry engagement. The institution is accredited in British Columbia and prepares students for careers in restaurants, hotels, bakeries and food-related businesses. The institution has also participated in industry events tied to Vancouver’s growing international culinary profile.

PICA will continue operating from its Vancouver campus, with no disruption expected for current students or programs. Former owners Yves and Sylvia Potvin will continue in an active advisory role following the acquisition. The institution will maintain its hands-on instructional model and local industry relationships. PICA will operate within Triumph’s culinary division, alongside Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Triumph will continue to invest in the PICA campus, facility, and community.

Students at both institutions will have access to expanded academic resources, broader employer partnerships, international experiences and cross-border career pathways. The combined programs will support the education and development of future culinary and hospitality leaders.

“Joining Triumph marks an important step forward for PICA,” said Yves Potvin, of Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. “We are proud of our role in Vancouver’s culinary community and look forward to expanding opportunities for our students, alumni and instructors while continuing to serve Western Canada and our international student population.”

PICA has trained more than 4,500 alumni since its founding, with graduates working across restaurants, hotels and hospitality businesses throughout North America and internationally.

The acquisition expands Triumph’s culinary education and workforce development capabilities through its existing operations, including Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Escoffier offers accredited degree and diploma programs through campuses in Boulder, Colorado, and Austin, Texas, as well as online. Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions provides hiring, training and retention support for hospitality employers.

Together, Triumph’s network will serve approximately 8,000 students annually, with an alumni network of more than 25,000 and over 125 faculty and chef instructors across North America.

About Triumph Higher Education Group
Triumph Higher Education Group is a global provider of education, training and recruitment of professionals for the hospitality and culinary arts industries. Its operations include Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Gecko Hospitality, Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions and Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts.

About Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Canada’s oldest, private culinary school, was founded in 1997 and is located at the entrance of Granville Island, one of Vancouver’s most iconic tourism and hospitality destinations. Consistently ranked as one of Canada’s best culinary training centers, the institute’s offerings range from professional diploma programs in the culinary and baking and pastry arts to wine education and cooking classes for the public. An onsite bakery and marina-side bistro event space ensures that there is something for every kind of culinary enthusiast. Committed to excellence, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts’ mission is to provide the highest quality culinary and hospitality education for all.

About Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is the largest culinary school brand in the U.S.*, with a community of thousands of alumni represented across the United States and internationally. Escoffier’s programs blend a classic and contemporary approach to culinary and pastry arts, emphasizing sustainability, farm-to-table practices, business skills, and food entrepreneurship. The Austin, Texas, campus is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and the Boulder, Colorado, campus (including online programs) is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Escoffier is ranked one of the Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America 2026 by Niche.com. Both the Boulder and Austin campuses are Great Place to Work-Certified™ institutions. Escoffier’s Boulder campus (including online programs) has also been recognized as a Military Friendly® School and by Newsweek as a Top Online Learning Provider for 2026.

*Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is the largest culinary school brand in the U.S. (based on comparable student population data currently reported in IPEDS).

Source

JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lebaran is more than a celebration, it’s the moment families come alive again. Homes get a fresh coat of paint, new curtains go up, and kitchens fill with the warmth of ketupat, opor ayam, and sambal goreng. For many, it’s also the time to finally upgrade the home for aging parents in the kampung, or to properly furnish a new place before welcoming guests after the long mudik journey. Amid all this preparation, one thing every household quietly depends on is a reliable air conditioner that can handle the heat — and everything else Indonesia throws at it. That’s exactly what Comfee, a brand committed to delivering smart, locally-adapted home appliances, set out to build with the Gusto.

From Day to Night, From Road to Home: Smart Care in Your Palm

Imagine this: you’ve just braved the bustling Lebaran traffic to pick up your relatives from the station. After a long, exhausting journey, stepping into a hot, stuffy house is the last thing anyone wants. With Gusto’s Smart Control, you can easily turn on the AC via the SmartHome App on your way back. With Location-Based Services (LBS), the AC can automatically detect your location and turn on from 15 km away, welcoming your tired family with a perfectly chilled room the second they step inside.

When night falls, thoughtful care continues. Whether you are maintaining your own sleep habits, ensuring an elderly parent sleeps comfortably without feeling too cold, or making sure the little ones don’t wake up sweating, the Sleep Curve feature handles it all. It can be customized based on personal needs, effortlessly weaving your love for the family into every detail of their rest.

Throughout all these festivities, you won’t have to stress over the electricity bill. The Energy Management makes power consumption visible and manageable on your phone. You can track data down to the daily, weekly and monthly level through the Energy Monitor, review your ECO+ mode savings via the Energy Report and use Time Estimate to see how fast the room will cool down. You can set an Energy Reminder before you hit your monthly budget. Amidst the busy holiday rush, it quietly acts as your reliable guardian, protecting your wallet while keeping every day comfortable.

A Full House, A Full Heart, and The Comfort Of A Lighter Electricity Bill

With a full house comes full-time cooling and the electricity bill that follows, Comfee Gusto tackles this for you. Powered by  AI algorithm, ECO+ Mode reduces energy consumption. Verified by SGS, with just one press of the ECO+ button, it could reduce over 30% energy compared to normal cooling mode, without any compromise on comfort. The upgraded 5-level Gear Control lets you accurately adjust power usage, when you feel cool enough, you can choose a lower power level to save energy, which perfectly meets different usage scenarios. Think of it this way: the savings on your monthly bill may cover a hearty family makan-makan for the whole extended family.

Fresh Mood, Fresh Air

When the living room fills with loved ones from across the island, providing them with fresh, clean air is just as important as keeping them comfortably cool. The Gusto’s Active Clean+ system runs a self-cleaning cycle about 42-minutes — condensed, frost, defrost wash, and dry — removing significantly more dust, bacteria and mold than conventional water-wash methods. No unpleasant smells when you switch AC on, just consistently fresh air throughout the festivities. Caring for your family with every breath of clean air.

Family Joy, With more comfy, No more Stuffy

During Lebaran, the living room becomes the heart of the home, often packed with extended family sharing stories over bowls of warm meals. With a full house and unpredictable tropical weather—from stuffy afternoons to sudden sticky downpours—the indoor air can easily feel heavy and uncomfortable, which could easily ruin all the happiness. This is where Comfee AI Humidity Control steps in. It intelligently adjusts fan speed and cooling power to add or remove moisture. With only one click on SmartHome APP, it can automatically maintain the ideal 40%-70% RH range. Whether you’re hosting a crowded daytime gathering or winding down to rest, it delivers ultimate comfort every day and night.

Engineered For Indonesia, Reliable Every Single Day

Indonesia’s intense heat, high humidity, coastal air, and unpredictable voltage are a real test for any appliance. The Gusto is engineered to meet all of it: Golden Coating condenser fins that pass a 1,000-hour salt spray and acid for 30 minutes test protect against coastal humidity and acid rain, particularly relevant for homes along Indonesia’s vast coastline. Compared to traditional conformal coatings, PCB with UV Conformal Coating has a longer lifespan, and provides double the thickness and higher density protection. It guards against corrosion. Meanwhile, a wide voltage tolerance of 80V–265V ensures stable performance even during peak festive grid loads or in kampung settings where supply can fluctuate. Whether it’s a new home in the city or a thoughtful gift for your parents back in the village after mudik, the Gusto is built to last.

Enjoy A Breezier Life From This Levaran!

This Lebaran, installing a Comfee Gusto isn’t just a temporary fix for the holiday heat, it’s a lasting investment in the place we call home. When the suitcases are packed away and the mudik journey becomes a fond memory, the Gusto remains, quietly taking care of your family’s daily comfort. Because the truest spirit of the season lies in enduring love and care for those who matter most. Make this festive season the beginning of a better, breezier life. Upgrade your home or your parents’ home with the Comfee Gusto today, and let the warmth of home stay with you, for many comfortable years to come.

Follow Comfee:

Source

Download images here

SUNSHINE COAST, Australia, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is delighted to introduce Bella, a six-year-old rescued Australian fur seal who recently joined the aquarium. Weighing 50.5 kilograms, Bella is currently the only individual of her species in human care, making her arrival a significant moment for both the aquarium and the community.

Named after Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, Bella was rescued from St Leonards Beach following an incident involving a dog that likely separated her from her mother. She sustained an injury to her left flipper, required extensive care and rehabilitation, and continues to be monitored annually to ensure her long-term health.

Having successfully completed her quarantine period, Bella is setting into life at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and is gradually integrating with the resident seal colony. She can often be seen alongside her new seal friends, confidently exploring her environment and delighting in the presence of visitors.

“Bella’s arrival is an exciting step forward for our seal family,” said Carla Haskell, Mammal and Bird Manager at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. “She has such a curious and energetic nature and has already captured the hearts of our animal care team. We’re thrilled to see her building bonds with the rest of the seals.”

As the only Australian fur seal currently in human care, Bella offers a rare and meaningful opportunity for visitors to connect with her species and better understand the challenges facing wild seal populations. Her story reinforces SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast’s ongoing commitment to conservation and protecting our oceans for future generations.

Visitors can also interact with the seals in a whole new way with our Seal Encounter experience. Meet them face to flipper in a hands-on encounter that lets you get up close to these amazing animals. Spaces are limited, so be sure to pre-book online: www.visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast/tickets-passes/experiences/seal-experiences/

With the school holidays just around the corner, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is the perfect destination for families looking for fun and educational experiences. Young ocean lovers can take part in the Junior Marine Biologist program (last remaining slots for 14^th & 16^th Apr), enjoy the unforgettable Sleep Under the Sea overnight adventure (last remaining slots for 11^th & 18^th Apr), or experience the aquarium in a more relaxed environment during the monthly Sensory Sessions. Book online to secure a spot!

Capture the moment with a professional photo to take home or extend the adventure with our immersive VR game for an unforgettable underwater journey. For those who can’t get enough, guests looking to visit more often can also take advantage of great value Annual Pass options, offering unlimited entry and exclusive benefits throughout the year. Purchase at: www.visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast/tickets-passes/tickets/annual-passes

MEDIA CALL
When: 10am, Thursday, 9^th April
Where: SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
Photo/Video Opportunities: Bella the Australia fur seal playing with his companions
Interviews available with: Carla Haskell, Mammal and Bird Manager, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium

About Merlin Entertainments:

Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates over 140 attractions, 23 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries and across 4 continents. Merlin’s purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its millions of guests around the world, through its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its employees.

Merlin currently has 9 attractions in Australia, including WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds, Sydney; Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures and Otway Fly Treetop Adventures & Zip Line; the Sydney Tower Eye; SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, Queensland, and Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium in Auckland. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

Source