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Catwalk Entertainment Group signs HK director for Pan-Asian push, propels C-pop to global NBA stage

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TAIPEI, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Catwalk Entertainment Group, the premier Pan-Asian entertainment conglomerate, today announced a strategic partnership with acclaimed Hong Kong director and screenwriter Tze Yiu Chui. The alliance marks a major milestone in Catwalk’s aggressive expansion into international content production, targeting the surging global demand for premium Asian-language screen content.

Catwalk Entertainment Group Boosts International Content Layout through Strategic Partnership with Hong Kong Director Tze Yiu Chui
Catwalk Entertainment Group Boosts International Content Layout through Strategic Partnership with Hong Kong Director Tze Yiu Chui

Tze Yiu Chui brings a powerful synergy of content planning, directing, and screenwriting expertise to the Group. With extensive experience in cross-regional production and international collaboration, this partnership is central to Catwalk’s strategy to bridge creative hubs across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia for the global market.

Scaling the Pan-Asian Content Ecosystem 

The partnership grew from a connection made during the production of the supernatural thriller Love Curse. The project featured Catwalk’s actress Regina Lei in the leading role. Centered on Southeast Asian folklore, the film has already generated significant industry heat across Mandarin-speaking and Southeast Asian markets, laying the groundwork for this long-term strategic relationship.

“Catwalk has established a complete industrial chain, spanning IP development, talent integration, and cross-brand content creation,” said Felix Wu, CEO of Catwalk Entertainment Group. “Starting in 2026, our partnership with Tze Yiu Chui will connect the markets of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and broader Asia, steadily advancing our long-term layout for world-class screen content development and production.”

An Integrated Entertainment Engine 

Catwalk’s cross-market influence is driven by its three core business pillars: Catwalk Talent Management, representing over 400 artists, models, and KOLs; Seed Music, responsible for music production and international distribution; and the TDI (Taiwan Dream Institute), which provides a comprehensive talent cultivation system. With strategic hubs in Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, and Malaysia, Catwalk is uniquely positioned as a premier cross-market entertainment platform. The Group remains committed to the systematic export of Mandarin-language content to the global stage, fostering an entertainment ecosystem with world-class competitiveness.

The Group’s global trajectory is underscored by a series of high-impact milestones. Following the release of his new album, Mando-pop superstar Allen Ren delivered a landmark halftime performance at an NBA Houston Rockets game. This performance is widely recognized as a key indicator of Chinese-language entertainment’s increasing influence within global mainstream culture. Furthermore, actress Regina Lei has successfully entered the South Korean production system with a project appearing on Disney+, showcasing the Group’s cross-border casting capabilities. These achievements, alongside boy band AcQUA’s major stage debut in Shanghai and actor Yusuke Fukuchi’s leading roles in key regional productions across Singapore and Malaysia, demonstrate Catwalk’s comprehensive layout and international influence.

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Jemmia Diamond Hosts Vietnam-UAE Trade Connectivity Dialogue with the Participation of the UAE Ambassador to Vietnam

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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On February 9, Jemmia Joint Stock Company was honored to welcome Dr. Bader Almatrooshi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Vietnam, together with representatives of the UAE Embassy, for an official visit and working session at Jemmia’s headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City.


Dr. Bader Almatrooshi is widely recognized for his important contributions to strengthening the UAE’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Asian countries, particularly in key sectors such as trade, energy, technology, and sustainable development. His visit to Jemmia is regarded as a positive milestone, reinforcing bilateral dialogue and supporting Vietnamese enterprises in accessing the UAE market more effectively in 2026.

Why Jemmia?

The UAE Ambassador’s decision to visit Jemmia reflects a strong foundation of collaboration established over recent years. Jemmia has actively participated in and co-organized multiple Vietnam – UAE trade promotion initiatives in partnership with DMCC, one of the UAE’s leading free trade hubs. These efforts have included economic forums and connectivity events attended by the UAE Ambassador, contributing to deeper mutual understanding and cooperation.


In addition, Jemmia is recognized as a trusted provider of high-standard diamonds in Vietnam, offering products that are officially imported, fully compliant, and transparent in origin. Jemmia’s diamonds belong to a quality segment approaching the top 2% globally, serving as an important basis for continued engagement and dialogue with the UAE Embassy.

Jemmia as a Bridge Between the UAE and Vietnamese Enterprises

Within the framework of the visit, Jemmia hosted an open dialogue session designed to foster direct trade exchange between Vietnamese businesses and the UAE Embassy. Enterprises from a wide range of sectors – including real estate, agriculture, coffee, robotics, high technology, renewable energy, and education – had the opportunity to share cooperation needs, explore market potential, and discuss challenges in expanding internationally.

Mr. Lam Ngoc Cuong, CEO of Jemmia, stated:

“With a clear vision to serve as a bridge, Jemmia is not only committed to delivering internationally certified diamonds to Vietnamese consumers, but also proactively bringing reputable global partners closer to Vietnam’s business community. Through this, we aim to unlock new collaboration opportunities with the UAE market in 2026 for both Jemmia and the broader ‘Friends of Jemmia’ ecosystem.”

Showcasing Vietnamese Cultural Identity Through Dialogue

Alongside its role in trade connectivity, Jemmia remains dedicated to honoring and promoting Vietnamese cultural values as part of its international engagement strategy. The dialogue was hosted in Jemmia’s cultural tea space, thoughtfully designed in traditional Vietnamese style. Featuring tea introduced as the “Quốc Tộ Chi Hương,” the setting created an open and respectful atmosphere while highlighting Vietnam’s cultural sophistication and hospitality.

Jemmia believes that cultural identity is an essential element of international cooperation, helping build trust, long-term relationships, and deeper connections beyond business transactions.


Advancing Jemmia’s Definition of “Prosperity Diamonds”

The visit of Dr. Bader Almatrooshi represents a meaningful milestone in further shaping Jemmia’s concept of “Prosperity Diamonds.” Beyond exceptional quality, transparency, and full legal compliance, this definition expands to encompass sustainable development, international partnership-building, and shared prosperity for enterprises and the wider community.

Through initiatives such as this Vietnam–UAE trade connectivity dialogue, Jemmia continues to position itself not only as a high-end diamond brand, but also as an active platform for business exchange, cultural diplomacy, and cross-border collaboration.

The event reaffirmed Jemmia’s long-term commitment to supporting Vietnam’s business ecosystem in reaching global markets, particularly in strategic regions such as the Middle East, where opportunities for trade and investment are rapidly growing.

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Modern love is burnt out and this Valentine’s Day gift is saving relationships across Australia

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Modern relationships are exhausted. Not bored, not broken, not lacking chemistry. Just tired. Emotional burnout, digital overwhelm, financial pressure and the constant low-grade stress of modern life have reshaped intimacy.

When the body is stuck in survival mode, connection becomes harder, communication gets sharper and emotional safety starts to feel like a luxury instead of a foundation.

Science backs it. When nervous systems are deregulated, relationships suffer. Shared regulation, calming the body together, has been shown to increase emotional attunement, soften conflict and strengthen intimacy.

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It turns connection from something you try to do into something your body actually feels safe enough to experience.

This is where City Cave is changing the Valentine’s Day conversation.

Couples float therapy experiences that prioritise calm, presence and shared regulation.
Couples float therapy experiences that prioritise calm, presence and shared regulation. Credit: City Cave

For over nine years, City Cave has pioneered bringing science-backed wellness therapies to Australia that target both mental and physical stress in a fast-paced world.

This Valentine’s Day, they are reframing romance through a very different lens: nervous system care as relationship care.

Date night packages, couples experiences and gift card options are built around regulation, presence and calm, not performative romance.

As co-founder Jeremy Hassell explains, couples are craving something deeper than grand gestures.

“Valentine’s Day has always been about showing love, but we’re seeing a clear shift towards couples craving connection, presence, and calm, which all feel increasingly rare in a world full of stress and time pressure.

“Wellness experiences are memorable because they change how you feel, not just what you have.”

Why stress is killing connection

The research is confronting.

Studies show that relationship stress compounds over time, affecting biological systems including endocrine, cardiovascular and immune function. Emotional pressure does not stay emotional. It becomes physical. It becomes behavioural. It becomes relational.

Australian data makes it even clearer. NCLS Research found that 46 per cent of Australians rated their stress at 7 to 10 out of 10 in the past month in the 2024 Australian Community Survey, up from 40 per cent in 2022.

That is not just personal burnout. That is collective nervous system overload.

When two dysregulated people try to connect, intimacy becomes effortful instead of natural. Touch feels rushed. Conversations become transactional. Presence disappears. Love starts to feel like another task on the to-do list.

A gift that supports both mental and physical wellbeing for couples.
A gift that supports both mental and physical wellbeing for couples. Credit: City Cave

Why wellness gifting actually works for couples

City Cave’s approach taps into something deeper than trends.

Wellness gifting works because it creates shared downtime that is intentional, bookable and protected from daily chaos. Whether it’s a couple’s float, a sauna session or simply slowing down together in one of their centres, the experience supports nervous system regulation first, which allows emotional connection to follow.

This is not about luxury. It is about function. Regulation allows safety. Safety allows vulnerability. Vulnerability allows intimacy. Intimacy strengthens relationships.

Hassell explains it simply:

We’re seeing a shift towards gifts that feel intentional. Whether it’s a couples float, a sauna, or simply slowing down together in one of our centres, experiences that support the nervous system help couples reconnect in a deeper, more meaningful way. That’s the kind of gift that doesn’t just feel good for a moment, but one that can strengthen relationships long after Valentine’s Day has passed.”

Intimacy reimagined through science-backed relaxation experiences.
Intimacy reimagined through science-backed relaxation experiences. Credit: City Cave

Why this feels more meaningful than flowers

Flowers are lovely. Chocolates are sweet. But they are symbolic, not systemic. City Cave’s model is built on lasting impact. It offers couples a practical way to regulate together, reset together and reconnect without pressure or performance.

In a culture obsessed with productivity, gifting rest becomes radical. Gifting calm becomes intimate. Gifting regulation becomes relationship care.

This Valentine’s Day, City Cave is not selling romance. It is offering something more valuable: a nervous system reset that gives connection space to return naturally.

Because sometimes the most romantic thing you can give your partner is not another object. It is a body that feels safe enough to love properly.

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American Airlines flight attendants picket as CEO tries to calm frustrated employees

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Can American Airlines turn itself around?

American Airlines flight attendants’ union held a picket outside the company’s headquarters on Thursday pushing for new leadership at the carrier, which has lagged rivals Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in profitability and punctuality.

Ahead of the picket on Wednesday night, American CEO Robert Isom sought to calm frustrated employees and listed improvements the carrier expects this year, including a jump in profits as well as improvements to schedules and new cabins.

“We look forward to working with all of you to make it happen,” Isom said in a video message filmed at the airline’s Fort Worth, Texas headquarters.

The picket came days after the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, representing American’s 28,000 cabin crew members, issued a vote of no confidence in Isom, which the union said was its first such move. The chief executive was also criticized by the pilots’ union, which sought a meeting with the airline’s board, of which Isom is a member, to discuss the problems. Unions for pilots, flight attendants and mechanics have all recently said the company needs to do better to improve reliability and financial results.

The protest is an unusual move outside of contract negotiations.

The signals from the labor groups have increased pressure on Isom, who took the helm nearly four years ago, and American’s leadership team, which is investing in cabin upgrades, bigger airport lounges and other on-board products.

Last month, American forecast stronger revenue and profits for 2026 and said it expects to report adjusted earnings per share of as much as $2.70, up from an adjusted 36 cents last year.

American is in the middle of a revamp that it hopes will help revive profits with more modern airplane cabins that command higher fares, which is especially important as coach-class fares have dropped. It has also built bigger lounges and added free Wi-Fi for customers.

For the first 11 months of the year, American ranked eighth in punctuality with a 73.7% on-time rate, according to the Department of Transportation. It is now adjusting its schedules, including at its massive Dallas-Fort Worth International hub where it is spreading out flights more throughout the day.

But it has a long way to go. In 2025, American posted net income of $111 million compared with Delta’s $5 billion and more than $3.3 billion from United. The lower profits meant a smaller profit-sharing pool for employees, which staff members have complained about.

In a town hall with employees last month, Isom noted that American’s pilots, flight attendants and other groups have recently sealed new labor contracts that have meant higher wages compared with their counterparts at rival United. But he said he was disappointed by the profit-sharing.

The flight attendants have also said they were frustrated with American’s struggles to recover from major winter storms, which left some crew members without a place to sleep.

Picketing crew members on Thursday carried signs that said “everything froze, AA melted down,” referring to the disruptions, and “Failed Ops=Failed CEO,” nodding to the carrier’s operation.

“This airline is headed down a path that puts our careers at risk,” the flight attendants’ union said in a notice about the picket. “Now is the time for Flight Attendants to stand together and show up in protest. American Airlines needs real accountability, decisive action, and leadership that will put this airline back on a competitive path.”

Isom is also trying not only to win support of frontline crews but also to rally higher-ups. Last week, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Isom spoke to about 6,000 managers about the years ahead as the airline turns 100.

“We’ve filled an entire Major League Baseball field with this proud and talented team. The best in the industry,” he said, according to a transcript of his remarks, which were seen by CNBC. “It’s incumbent on all of us to build on our progress … and to ensure that we grow profitability so American is around for the next 100 years.”

Read more CNBC airline news

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Country offers new fast-track citizenship to wealthy Americans seeking other opportunities

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With the growing popularity of “golden” visas among wealthy Americans, one country is expanding the pathways for those interested in gaining citizenship in this fashion. 

Greece has introduced the “Greek Startup ecosystem,” expanding citizenship opportunities beyond just an investment in real estate.

Those eligible can invest around $259,000 in select startups listed on the country’s National Startup Registry in sectors that include real estate, defense and finance, according to the official platform Elevate Greece (EG).

US OFFICIALS SOUND ALARM ON ‘GOLDEN’ VISAS, CITING SECURITY RISKS, RELAXED REQUIREMENTS

“A strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship drives the public and private sectors to join forces through Elevate Greece and reach out into global markets, promoting Greece as a major innovation hub in Southeast Europe,” the EG website says.

Americans have been increasingly seeking second citizenship residencies as an “insurance” against global uncertainty, Fox News Digital previously reported. 

Greece

Greece is opening a new citizenship pathway for international entrepreneurs through startup investments. (Mehmet Emin Menguarslan/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Canada-based Mohamed Bennis, senior vice president at Arton Capital, a global financial advisory and consultancy firm, told Fox News Digital “golden” visa programs have become “mainstream” today. 

“We’re seeing a clear shift away from passive real estate toward more active investments that directly support the local economy, including startups, operating businesses and private equity, with more risk but also more potential reward,” said Bennis.

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He added that countries need to innovate and adapt to new investor expectations.

“Greece is playing to win, using popular residency policy tools to pull in tech money, while other countries are still stuck in red tape,” said Bennis. 

a horse in Greece

Those eligible for the new program in Greece can invest around $259,000 in select startups that are listed on the country’s National Startup Registry. (iStock)

“This is a country saying, ‘If you invest and build, we’ll make it easy for you to stay.'”

“America pioneered the idea that capital and entrepreneurship should be welcomed, not punished.”

Arton Capital advises high-net worth individuals on the process of investing in citizenship or residency all around the world.

“America pioneered the idea that capital and entrepreneurship should be welcomed, not punished,” said Bennis. 

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“The Trump Gold Card made that clear, and I think Greece is following that logic.”

The Trump Gold Card was launched in December to provide a new, streamlined path to U.S. citizenship.

view of santorini cliff

“This is a country saying, ‘If you invest and build, we’ll make it easy for you to stay,'” said an expert in citizenship residency and investment programs.  (iStock)

The card is a visa for individuals who can provide substantial benefit to the United States.

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It requires a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee and a $1 million gift after vetting, with expedited review once fees and documents are submitted, according to TrumpCard.gov.

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Fox News Digital’s Emma Bussey contributed reporting.

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Tower Capital Asia announces majority investment in V-Key – a leader in digital identity and mobile application security

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SINGAPORE, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tower Capital Asia (“TCA”) is pleased to announce a strategic majority investment in V-Key (“the Company”), an Asia-Pacific focused provider of digital identity and Mobile Application Protection and Security (“MAPS”) solutions.

The investment reflects TCA’s conviction in V-Key’s strong technology leadership and deep product capabilities, amid the growing importance of secure, seamless digital experiences across financial services and the broader digital economy. V-Key’s end‑to‑end platform helps banks, fintechs, and enterprises securely onboard users, authenticate access, and protect mobile applications and transactions.

Today, V-Key’s technology supports and protects over 300 applications for customers across 15 countries, including several of the largest financial institutions in Asia-Pacific. Built on a software‑based security architecture, the platform is designed for efficient deployment and scalability, supporting institutions as they expand digital services across Asia-Pacific and international markets.

“Secure digital identity has become foundational to how financial institutions and digital platforms serve customers,” said Mr Danny Koh, Founder and CEO of Tower Capital Asia. “V‑Key has built a robust platform that enables organisations to manage identity, authentication, and mobile app security at scale, with a strong track record in highly regulated environments. We are excited to partner with the team to accelerate product innovation and support the Company’s growth.”

Commenting on the transaction, Mr Eddie Chau, Co‑Founder and Chairman of V‑Key shared, “For over a decade, V‑Key has focused on helping institutions secure digital identity and mobile transactions. As we considered a partner for our next phase of growth, TCA stood out for its long‑term partnership mindset, experience backing founder‑led technology businesses, and regional network.”

Mr. Joseph Gan, Co-Founder and CEO, and inventor of V-OS, the patented Virtual Secure Element currently deployed across more than 500 million mobile devices globally, said “Together we will invest further in strengthening our unified digital identity and mobile application security capabilities – so clients can deploy confidently with speed and scale as their needs evolve.”

Looking ahead, the partnership will focus on accelerating product innovation, strengthening V-Key’s regional presence, and deepening relationships with financial institutions and digital platforms as demand for secure, mobile‑first digital services continues to grow. TCA will work alongside the leadership team to support organic growth and strategic initiatives, with a focus on long‑term value creation.

“V‑Key operates at the intersection of security, identity, and mobile applications – where execution and compliance standards are exacting,” added Mr Seth Lim, Senior Vice President at Tower Capital Asia. “We see a clear opportunity to support the team as they expand across financial services and adjacent digital sectors.”

About Tower Capital Asia

Established in 2016, Tower Capital Asia is a mid-market private equity firm based in Singapore. Backed by global expertise and anchored in Asian values, the firm has led investments in the privatisation and / or buyout of Southeast Asian businesses – such as AXS, BoardRoom, Eu Yan Sang and I Can Read – in close partnership with business sponsors. As of 30 September 2025, the firm manages assets of more than US$900 million in investments and commitments across all vehicles. For more information on the firm, please visit www.towercapitalasia.com.

About V-Key

Founded in 2011, V‑Key provides digital identity, authentication, and mobile application security for banks, enterprises, and government‑linked organisations. Its AI-powered platform enables secure onboarding, access, and transaction protection across mobile environments and is built around the patented V‑OS Virtual Secure Element and V-OS App Identity — delivering hardware‑grade security in software for deployments in regulated digital markets across Asia and beyond. For more information on the Company, please visit www.v-key.com.

V-Key
V-Key

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Spirit Airlines sells more planes, calls back 500 flight attendants from furlough ahead of spring break

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A Spirit Airlines plane is at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Dec. 29, 2025.

Reginald Mathalone | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Spirit Airlines, trying to emerge from its second bankruptcy in less than a year, has sold another 20 of its Airbus planes and is bringing flight attendants back from furlough.

The sale of the 20 aircraft, most of which are not in service, comes as Spirit is attempting to stabilize after years of financial struggles that have executives fighting to keep the carrier alive.

“At this time, natural attrition and voluntary actions are providing flexibility needed to right-size our staffing levels for both Pilots and Flight attendants,” Spirit Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis said in a note to employees Wednesday night.

The sales brings Spirit’s fleet to 94 aircraft, and is “consistent with our plan to focus on our strongest routes and the most efficient fleet,” Bendoraitis said. The aircraft will be phased out starting in April, he said.

Deal talks with investment firm Castlelake and fellow budget carrier Frontier Airlines haven’t yielded an agreement that would give Spirit a path forward, though the airline could forge a plan on its own.

Read more CNBC airline news

The Dania Beach, Florida-based carrier is also calling 500 flight attendants back from furlough, just as it gears up for the spring break travel season.

“Fixing this airline is a shared effort,” Bendoraitis said. “There’s a lot in this moment that crews can’t control, but we do need you to continue giving us the foundation for a strong operation.”

Spirit has slashed its network and fleet and furloughed more than 1,300 flight attendants and hundreds of pilots to save cash.

“This is good news for 500 Flight Attendants and their families and critical to those of us on the line that have faced a grueling operation over the last two months,” the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the union for Spirit flight attendants, said in a message to members Wednesday. “The company’s goal in recalling Flight Attendants is to ease some of the operational issues since the furloughs.”

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CENTRAL CHIDLOM: The Store of Bangkok, Bringing Shopping, Dining and Lifestyle Together in One Destination

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BANGKOK, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For today’s travellers, visiting Bangkok is about more than sightseeing. Many seek places that are easy to navigate, and reflective of the city’s modern lifestyle. Central Chidlom, known as The Store of Bangkok, brings shopping, dining, and world-class services into one destination. Guided by its core pillars: The Store of Curation, The Store of Design, The Store of Excellent Services, and The Store of Communities, Central Chidlom delivers thoughtful selection, design, and attentive service, welcoming everyone as part of #CitizenofChidlom.

CENTRAL CHIDLOM: The Store of Bangkok, Bringing Shopping, Dining and Lifestyle Together in One Destination
CENTRAL CHIDLOM: The Store of Bangkok, Bringing Shopping, Dining and Lifestyle Together in One Destination

Conveniently located with direct access to Chit-Lom BTS station, Central Chidlom is a must‑visit for international tourists. The store features an intuitive layout showcasing leading global brands alongside contemporary Thai designers, making discovery effortless across each floor. Guests can explore an extensive selection including Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Bvlgari (PopUp), Celine, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Fendi, Gucci, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Prada, and more. Every zone is designed as a calm, elegant shop-in-shop atmosphere that reflects Bangkok’s modern character with global appeal.

Dining plays a key role in the experience. Central Chidlom offers a diverse range of international options across every floor, including signature destinations such as Lofter, Public Lane, and Public Market, with offerings ranging from Thai favourites to Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, Indian cuisines, premium cafés, and Halal-friendly options. The inviting layout allows guests to enjoy a relaxed meal or take a convenient break during their shopping.

Central Chidlom enhances the visitor experience through services designed specifically for international travellers. The exclusive Personal Shopping service offers tailored guidance and personalised recommendations. Hotel delivery ensures a hands-free shopping experience, while interpreter services provide seamless communication in English, Chinese and Arabic. Prayer rooms offer comfort and inclusivity, and VAT refund with global payment options ensure effortless transactions. Together, these services make every visit flow with ease.

More than a department store, Central Chidlom represents The Store of Bangkok as a smart, stylish, and globally connected destination with a clear promise: everything you need, curated and effortlessly delivered.

Opening Hours: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm daily
How to Get There: Direct access from Chit-Lom BTS station; taxi and private car options available.
Website: www.central.co.th/en
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/CentralDepartmentStoreGlobal/

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BTS comeback tour turbocharges concert tourism, with hotel searches jumping as much as 6,700%

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Concert tourism is expected be one of the travel industry’s more lucrative drivers this year, according to Trip.com, and the upcoming global comeback tour by K-pop group BTS appears to be reinforcing that trend.

Flights and hotel rooms at their tour locations — in 34 cities across Asia, North and South America, Australia, Europe and the UK, from April 2026 to March 2027 — have sold out just as fast as their concert seats, and spillover tourists are expected to lend an additional income boost to host cities.

Within 48 hours of the tour announcement on Jan. 13, travel searches for South Korean cities Seoul and Busan increased by 155% and 2,375%, respectively, compared with the week before the announcement, according to the travel booking platform Hotels.com.

The momentum’s also extended beyond South Korea. In the host city Kaohsiung, Taiwan, searches surged 6,700% year on year during the Nov. 19 tour date, according to another travel agent platform, Booking.com.

Other major tours expected to draw international travel this year include those by Bruno Mars, Harry Styles and K-pop group EXO.

Fastest fingers win

A woman poses for a photo in front of the stairs displayed with the logo of BTS’ 2026 album and release date at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on January 14, 2026. K-pop megastars BTS will launch a comeback world tour from April, the band’s label said on January 14. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP via Getty Images)

Jung Yeon-je | Afp | Getty Images

Despite covering more regions than they’ve ever had and tripling their ticket inventory, BTS’ latest tour titled ‘Arirang,‘ sold out in 20 minutes. Their last “Permission to Dance” tour in 2021-2022 sold out in 5-6 hours.

Fans who were unable to complete their purchases due to internet connection issues or poor reflexes during ticket sales have had to resort to the secondhand market.

Resale ‘Arirang’ ticket prices responded to the voracious appetite of fans, with some tickets featured on the resale platform StubHub going for around $7,276, nearly 40 times the original price, according to checks by CNBC.

Fans also struggled to find suitable accommodations, as high demand fueled price gouging.

Hotel rooms near major transit hubs in South Korea were fully booked on BTS’ tour dates, despite some charging more than double typical weekend rates, according to local reports.

Short-term tourism boost

Though concert tourists typically travel only to see their idols on stage, their sporadic yet concentrated presence can generate sharp spikes in spending, said Prudence Lai, a consultant at Euromonitor International.

That’s because the scarcity of such one-off events, as opposed to the reliability of annual events, creates a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for fans, which drives up demand and makes the industry so lucrative, Event Tickets Center’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ben Kruger said.

For comparison, the annual music and arts festival Coachella in California generated roughly half as many web searches as BTS’ ticket announcement managed to procure, Kruger noted.

There was a concentrated surge in searches for three- and four-star accommodations close to BTS’ concert venues across host cities, according to Hotels.com.

More than just proximity to concert venues, these tourists also consider other factors when choosing an accommodation. Travelers also consider cost, safety and service consistency when booking accommodations, Lai said.

Some hotels are already adjusting to cater to the needs of concert tourists. In Spain, Palace Hotel Madrid has prepared concierge teams to support transportation planning and dining options before and after concerts by BTS and Puerto Rican performer Bad Bunny, whose world tour overlaps in June.

Concertgoers who add a couple of days to their trip, on the other hand, are more akin to “business travelers, adding on a leisure trip after the business trip”, Lai said.

She added that as opposed to luxury travelers who want the full-on personalized experience, concertgoers only “want a place to sleep and then go to the concert. So it’s a very different type of tourism that we’re looking at right now.”

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Novel Anti-Fibrotic Drug AK3280 Cleared by FDA to Initiate Phase 2 Proof-of-Concept Clinical Trial in IPF

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SHANGHAI, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“ArkBio”) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for AK3280, a novel anti-fibrotic therapy for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This clearance enables ArkBio to initiate a Phase 2 proof-of-concept (PoC) clinical trial of AK3280 in the United States.

The Phase 2 study is a multi-center, randomized, partially double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of oral AK3280 in patients with IPF. Authorization to proceed with a U.S. Phase 2 study represents a significant milestone in the global clinical development of AK3280.

IPF is a progressive, irreversible, and ultimately fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by fibrotic remodeling of lung tissue that leads to respiratory failure. The median survival following diagnosis is approximately 2–5 years. Currently approved therapies, including pirfenidone, nintedanib, and nerandomilast, can slow disease progression; however, their clinical benefit remains limited and they are frequently associated with gastrointestinal adverse events such as diarrhea and nausea. These tolerability challenges contribute to poor long-term adherence in a substantial proportion of patients. There remains a significant unmet need for therapies that provide improved efficacy with enhanced safety and tolerability profiles.

AK3280 is an optimized, small-molecule, broad-spectrum anti-fibrotic agent. In a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study conducted in China, AK3280 demonstrated encouraging clinical activity, including a statistically significant, dose-dependent absolute increase from baseline in forced vital capacity (FVC) at Week 24. Improvements were also observed across additional lung function parameters, suggesting meaningful clinical benefit. Importantly, AK3280 exhibited a favorable safety and tolerability profile, with no apparent increase in the gastrointestinal adverse effects commonly associated with currently available IPF therapies.

FDA clearance of the IND marks a pivotal step in the global development of AK3280. The upcoming international Phase 2 PoC trial is expected to generate critical clinical data to support future regulatory submissions and potential commercialization in the United States and other major markets. ArkBio remains committed to advancing AK3280 globally and to delivering more effective and better-tolerated treatment options for patients living with IPF.

About ArkBio

ArkBio is a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics for respiratory and pediatric diseases. Founded in 2014, the company has established proprietary technology platforms and a differentiated R&D pipeline through internal innovation and strategic collaborations.

Key pipeline assets include: Ziresovir (AK0529), the first direct-acting antiviral for RSV with positive pivotal Phase 3 results; AK3280, a potentially best-in-class anti-fibrotic agent with positive Phase 2 results in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; AK0901, approved in China for the treatment of ADHD and currently commercialized.

ArkBio has established strategic partnerships with multinational pharmaceutical companies and leading academic institutions, including Roche, Genentech, The Scripps Research Institute, and the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as domestic and international biotech companies and venture capital partners.

For more information, please visit: www.arkbiosciences.com
Investor Inquiries: IR@arkbiosciences.com

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