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).

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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.

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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.

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• Hyundai Motor Company launches a global marketing campaign “Next Starts Now,” rooted in its commitment to innovation
• Hyundai brings robotics to the FIFA World Cup, deploying Boston Dynamics’ Atlas® and Spot® to support tournament operations and enhance fan experiences
• Football star Son Heung‑min is named Hyundai brand ambassador, appearing alongside Boston Dynamics’ Atlas in a new campaign spot
• The partnership extends into local communities through youth football camps hosted in four U.S. cities

Visit the Hyundai Media Hub for more content

SEOUL, South Korea and NEW YORK, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Company today highlighted its partnership with FIFA, alongside the unveiling of its new global campaign, “Next Starts Now,” at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Hyundai Motor Unveils “Next Starts Now” Campaign, Set to Showcase Robotics at FIFA World Cup 2026™

Shaping the Future with “Next Starts Now” 

Inspired by Hyundai Motor’s ‘Progress for Humanity’ vision, “Next Starts Now” reflects the Company’s commitment to advancing innovation in mobility and robotics. At the 2026 New York International Auto Show, Hyundai Motor named Son Heung-min, captain of South Korea’s national football team, as its global brand ambassador ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Hyundai Motor Welcomes Son Heung-min as Global Ambassador

Global football icon, South Korean National Team captain and LAFC forward Son Heung-min embodies the values that define both Hyundai Motor and football—determination, teamwork, and the power to inspire. As a global role model, he will represent the “Next Starts Now” campaign on and off the pitch, appearing alongside Boston Dynamics’ Atlas, an advanced humanoid robot, in one of two new campaign spots available across Hyundai Motor’s social channels.

“I strongly believe that the future belongs to those who chase it, and that mindset drives me to work harder every day and stay ready for whatever comes next. The belief that ‘Next Starts Now’ is one that I share with Hyundai Motor, and together, we are playing a role in driving the future forward.”
— Son Heung-min, South Korea national team captain and Hyundai Motor Company global ambassador.

“As we continue our 27-year partnership with FIFA, Hyundai Motor is committed to delivering its most ambitious collaboration yet at the largest World Cup ever in 2026. We are creating new and meaningful ways for fans to experience the game by introducing innovative technologies and immersive interactions that will be both memorable and impactful. This year, we are expanding our role on the world stage by bringing advanced robotics— including Atlas and Spot, in collaboration with Boston Dynamics. We’re also thrilled to partner with Son Heung-min, a global icon whose inspiring journey reflects our vision of connecting communities through football and beyond.” — José Muñoz, President and Chief Executive Officer at Hyundai Motor Company.

“‘Next Starts Now’ is Hyundai’s global campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ to life. Rather than waiting for the future to unfold, we’re bringing it directly to fans. With every match, we see what’s next—new talent, fresh energy, and new possibilities—reflecting our commitment to progress and to leading change.”
— Sungwon Jee, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company.

Driving Innovation: Hyundai Motor at FIFA World Cup 2026™

As an official FIFA partner for 27 years, Hyundai Motor has supported the tournament through vehicle provision, transporting teams, officials, and media between venues. For the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Hyundai Motor—in collaboration with Boston Dynamics—expands that role by bringing robotics to the World Cup, deploying Atlas and Spot at designated venues to enhance match operations, fan engagement, and safety and efficiency throughout the tournament.

Hyundai Motor will deploy its largest and most advanced mobility fleet to date, working alongside these robots to support seamless operations across tournament venues.

Inspiring the Next Generation Through Football

Hyundai Motor’s commitment to supporting the next generation of football goes beyond technology to the young athletes and communities who shape the future of the game. Beginning in April, Hyundai Motor will host youth football camps across the U.S., led by football legends Mia Hamm and Tim Howard.

Camps will be held in four FIFA World Cup 2026™ host cities—Atlanta, Miami, New Jersey, and Los Angeles—for children ages 6 to 12, directly connecting Hyundai Motor’s partnership with local communities.

Hyundai Motor, in partnership with FIFA, also launched the global children’s drawing contest “Be There With Hyundai,” inviting children ages 5 to 12 around the world to submit artwork in support of their favorite national teams. Through the program, Hyundai Motor celebrates young fans as active participants in the future of football. Selected designs will be showcased on official team buses throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026™. For more information, visit Hyundai’s Brand Journal.

To watch the “Next Starts Now” campaign spot featuring Atlas and Son Heung-min, visit Hyundai Motor’s official YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/HyundaiWorldwide.

About Hyundai Motor Company 
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision ‘Progress for Humanity,’ Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of a sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero-emission vehicles with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies. 

More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at:
https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/ or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai 

Follow our Hyundai Global Newsroom Instagram channel @hyundai_mediahub 

About Boston Dynamics 
Boston Dynamics is the global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots capable of tackling the toughest industrial and safety challenges. Our robots are equipped with advanced mobility, dexterity and intelligence, enabling automation in unstructured or hard-to-traverse and unsafe spaces, from manufacturing facilities, power plants, and construction sites, as well as warehouses and distribution centers. We have three robots in our portfolio: Spot®, a quadruped that conducts industrial inspections for enterprise asset management and keeps people out of harm’s way through public safety applications; Stretch®, a box-moving robot currently being deployed with logistics and retail customers; and Atlas®, our electric humanoid platform currently in development. For more information on our company and our technologies, please visit www.bostondynamics.com.

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HONG KONG, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prudential Hong Kong Limited (“Prudential”) hosted the Prudential Health Summit: Improving care for every patient (“the Summit”) on 27 March, 2026. The Summit brought together healthcare experts, providers, academia, industry partners and patient groups from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to exchange practical ideas for building a more collaborative healthcare system while supporting better patient experiences and outcomes in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.  

Speaking at the Summit, Lawrence Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Hong Kong, said: “Patient experience is at the heart of how we continue to evolve our health business at Prudential. Improving clarity, coordination and support for patients is a shared responsibility across the entire health ecosystem. Today’s discussions reaffirm the importance of working together to deliver more seamless and reassuring healthcare journeys.”

Arjan Toor, Chief Executive Officer, Health, Prudential plc, added: “Listening to patients is essential to improving how care is experienced. Collaboration across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and recovery enables different industry players to bring their strengths together, providing patients with greater clarity and support at critical health moments, when reassurance and peace of mind matter most.”

The Summit reflects Prudential’s ongoing engagement with healthcare partners, with a shared focus on improving the experience for customers when they are unwell and helping them navigate medical care with greater clarity, assurance and confidence. The panel discussions also drew on insights from Prudential’s Patient Voices survey, which highlights patient experiences and expectations across different stages of their healthcare journeys.

Candy Au Yeung, Chief Customer Operations and Health Officer of Prudential Hong Kong Limited, said: “When people face health concerns, clear information, timely support and peace of mind matter most. Without timely access to care, many are left feeling confused and frustrated. Patients are not outsiders; they are central to the healthcare ecosystem, which is why education and cross–sector collaboration are essential.”

Prof. Eng-kiong Yeoh, Director, Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, said: “It is critical that patients are informed, engaged and empowered throughout their health journey. To achieve this, we need an ongoing platform that brings together medical service providers, healthcare professionals, insurers, regulators and policymakers to work together in strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of our healthcare system.”

Dr Yannie Soo, Assistant Chief Hospital Manager of Union Hospital, said: “We really have to take action to strengthen the healthcare system so patients can trust it and adhere to the treatment they need, which will help bring the overall healthcare burden down. We also need more coordinated collaboration and better communication among insurers, healthcare providers and patients, so they are aware of potential shortfalls in medical expense early in the treatment process and can prepare ahead.”

Alex Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Patients’ Voices, said: “Many patients feel uncertain when health issues arise, and finding the right doctor or hospital for appropriate treatment can be challenging, particularly when they are unsure where to turn. Hence, access to clear, trustworthy information and support to navigate care is essential. Greater transparency in medical pricing also plays a critical role in helping patients make informed decisions throughout their healthcare journey.”

Dr. Kin Lai Chung, Chief Executive Officer, CUHK Medical Centre, said: “Healthcare institutions play a critical role in the broader health ecosystem. We see strong value in working more closely with insurers and their agency force to share insights on medical developments, specialist expertise and emerging service models, equipping insurance agents with essential medical knowledge to facilitate healthcare decision making for customers and patients. Through stronger industry collaboration, greater transparency and improved affordability, we can build greater trust among the public in medical institutions and deliver care patients can rely on.” 

About Prudential Hong Kong Limited
Prudential has been serving the people of Hong Kong since 1964. Through Prudential Hong Kong Limited and Prudential General Insurance Hong Kong Limited, we provide a range of financial planning services and products including individual life insurance, investment-linked insurance, retirement solutions, health and medical protection, general insurance, and employee benefits to protect over 1.4 million customers in Hong Kong. In 2023, Prudential established its Macau branch to offer health insurance and financial solutions for the Macau community, completing its footprint in the Greater Bay Area. Please visit www.prudential.com.hk for more information.

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