UNITS offers commercial and residential customers best-in-class containers and a hassle-free method for moving or storing personal belongings. Currently, UNITS Storage and Service Centers reach over 500 cities throughout the United States.

“We’re incredibly excited to start growing internationally,” UNITS Moving and Portable Storage CEO Michael McAlhany said. “We have no doubt our business model and service offering will translate to success for franchisees across the globe. It is an extremely scalable model with a tremendous ROI that provides both B2B and B2C business opportunities.”

The moving and portable storage industry continues to grow and find success. Even during slower economic times, the need for moving and storage services remains strong. The flexibility of the UNITS Moving and Portable Storage model gives both consumers and businesses a local solution that works with their needs and provides a necessary service during these uncertain times.

As a result of their partnership with World Franchise Associates, there are now UNITS franchise opportunities available across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. International expansion markets are now available in the following countries and regions: Australia, Cambodia, China, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, KSA, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and Scandinavia.

UNITS’ ideal candidates can manage a small team and hold them accountable for the daily activities, with many of the responsibilities able to be handled remotely. UNITS is also looking for empire builders who are looking to grow their portfolio with a proven model of success. While UNITS is expanding internationally, there are key markets still available in major metropolitan areas across the U.S.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with UNITS Moving and Portable Storage, visit https://www.unitsfranchisegroup.com/.

ABOUT UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage

Established in 2003, UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage is an Inc. 5000-ranked franchise that was founded by Michael McAlhany during the emergence of the moving and portable storage industry. The company’s mission was to provide personal customer service and supply the most innovative and highest quality equipment. Nationwide UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage are locally-owned and operated and familiar with the communities they serve. UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage offers high-quality constructed containers featuring barn-style doors and all-steel construction. The UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage container is clean, weather-resistant, spacious, and available in 16-ft. lengths. The UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage robotic delivery system is the most technologically advanced in the industry, virtually eliminating any shift in contents when lifting containers on and off transport vehicles. The container may be placed in a UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage service center or at the customers’ desired location, always at ground level for easy access. The national network of UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage and Service Centers currently services over 500 cities in North America with additional locations scheduled to open in 2020 and 2021.

The press release UNITS Moving and Portable Storage Expands Internationally comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, China, January 30, 2018 /Xinwengao.com/ - Ingenico Group, the global leader in seamless payment, and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s premier hotel companies, today announced an extension of their global partnership that sees Ingenico integrate native, in-app payment functionality into Shangri-La’s next generation mobile app. With the new Shangri-La Mobile app, guests can easily book rooms, access mobile check-in and check-out, manage loyalty points and redeem rewards.

As mobile phones have become central to how consumers interact with their environment, mobile apps are an increasingly important way for hotel groups to provide value-added services and unlock additional convenience for guests. With Ingenico Connect, Shangri-La can accept a wide variety of payment methods directly from within the app, with no need for redirects to scheme pages. Guests enjoy a seamless, in-app experience that includes single-click payments for recurring use. Through Ingenico’s strategic alliance with Oracle, online payment acceptance is fully integrated in Shangri-La’s Micros Property Management System (PMS) and Central Reservation System (CRS).

“Shangri-La’s new Mobile App plays an important role in enhancing the customer experience through technology and creates a seamless online to offline journey,” said Oliver Bonke, President and Chief Operating Officer of Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. “In Ingenico, we have a partner that shares our vision and has the technology and expertise to help us deliver an integrated payment process through our app for our travelers.”

“Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts represent the pinnacle in luxury and customer service, and they understand very well that the payment experience is an integral part of how their guests perceive their relationship with the company,” said Gabriel de Montessus, Senior Vice President, Global Online Business for Ingenico Group. “Whether it is through the website, call center, an Online Travel Agency or now through this innovative new mobile app, we are proud to support Shangri-La in their ongoing drive to optimize how they let their guests complete their stay.”

The Shangri-La Group owns and manages five-star luxury hotels and resorts throughout Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Indian Ocean. The Group is rapidly expanding its global footprint, with new hotels under development in Australia, Mainland China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Shangri-La selected Ingenico as its global payment partner in 2015, and now accepts online payments in more than 20 different currencies, letting guests pay for rooms in their native currency irrespective of their country of origin.

About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s premier hotel management companies, currently operates over 100 hotels in 22 countries and 76 destinations under the Shangri-La, Kerry, Hotel Jen and Traders brands. Prominently positioned in Asia, the group has established its brand hallmark of “hospitality from the heart” over four decades in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Indian Ocean. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Australia, mainland China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. For more information, please visit www.shangri-la.com.

About Ingenico Group
Ingenico Group (Euronext: FR0000125346 – ING) is the global leader in seamless payment, providing smart, trusted and secure solutions to empower commerce across all channels, in-store, online and mobile. With the world’s largest payment acceptance network, we deliver secure payment solutions with a local, national and international scope. We are the trusted world-class partner for financial institutions and retailers, from small merchants to several of the world’s best known global brands. Our solutions enable merchants to simplify payment and deliver their brand promise.
www.ingenico.com twitter.com/ingenico

The press release Ingenico Integrates Seamless Payment Capability in Shangri-La’s Next-Generation Mobile App comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Shenzhen, China, July 26, 2017 /Xinwengao.com/ - TiENPAY Limited, a premium global mobile wallet platform, today makes the global debut of its innovative mobile wallet app: TiENPAY Wallet.

The company successfully conducted a live cross-border digital currency during a press conference in Shenzhen today to mark the global launch. The company’s TiENPAY mobile iOS apps will be formally launched in August, and its Android apps will be launched in September this year.

At the same time, TiENPAY announced that it plans to produce 20 web films in the next few years to promote the usage of innovative technologies such as its own mobile wallet. The first film, a love comedy web film “Wallet”, will be produced by Beijing Jinmache Film & Television Culture Communication Co., Ltd.  Preparation will begin in August and production will start in September.

“I believe today’s launch of TiENPAY Wallet ushers in a new age of financial freedom and inclusion, as our innovative products integrating the most advanced financial technology will extend convenient financial services to people around the world,” says William Tien, founder and CEO of TiENPAY. “We are confident that users will fall in love with TiENPAY and we will become the best global mobile wallet platform.”

TiENPAY can be integrated with existing channel service providers into local merchant accounts through Point Of Sales (POS) using QR codes or EAN code scanning. TiENPAY has internal built-in clearance and settlement of cryptocurrency including Bitcoin and Ethereum through its digital exchange in Hong Kong.

The company also plans to launch its digital exchange platform in Hong Kong in August for the trading of cryptocurrency and assets such as Bitcoin. By its August launch, the exchange will allow conversion of four pairs of cryptocurrency and fiat money: Bitcoin/U.S. dollar, Bitcoin/Australian dollar, Bitcoin/Renminbi, and Bitcoin/Hong Kong dollar. The exchange will expand to allow conversions of other digital currencies, including the company’s own digital tokens that it plans to launch in the near future.

TiENPAY’s services are currently set to cover eight countries and regions, including the United States, U.K., Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Russia and India. The company has plans to expand to cover 35 countries in five years.

“I’ve spent years traveling around the world and always had difficulty conducting currency conversions and cross-border transactions. I thought we should have something universal so that people don’t need to wait for two weeks before receiving their money,” Tien adds. “TiENPAY is exactly the answer to solve these kinds of headaches suffered currently by international travelers, residents of remote places and enterprises conducting cross-border transactions.”

“After years of hard work, we are glad to mark the global launch of our innovative fintech product TiENPAY Wallet,” said Victor Chow, co-founder and group chief operating officer of TiENPAY. “Business and individuals will find our wallet as the most convenient option as it has the capacity to connect to more than 350 payment gateway or aggregators like Visa, MasterCard, China UnionPay, WeChat and Alipay.”

ABOUT TiENPAY:
Tracing its roots back to the first mobile phone mobile wallet in Australia in 1996, TiENPAY Limited is a leading global mobile wallet clearance and settlement platform. Founded by Singaporean entrepreneur and finance veteran William Tien and former Huawei executive Victor Chow, the company’s operations include mobile wallet apps and a digital currency exchange. The company currently has operations in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Australia, U.S., U.K., India and Russia.

The press release TiENPAY Launches Innovative Global Mobile Wallet Platform comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 12, 2017 /Xinwengao.com/ - Thailand’s first full-scale emergency center operated by a group of private hospitals, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Co. Ltd. (BDMS), provides 360-degree of international standard healthcare services, which include medical evacuations; conditions assessment and treatment plan; hospitalization and treatment; coordination with assistance and international insurance providers; and worldwide repatriation.

Foreign visitors in Thailand can simply dial 1724 for Thailand domestic calls and no. +66-2-226-4565 or +662 BANGKOK for international calls from neighboring countries, to access BDMS’ emergency medical assistance. The one-stop service center provides 24-hour English-speaking staff and on-call interpreters. With the network of 45 hospitals, of which BDMS Trauma Care Center at nine major hospitals carry Center of Excellence status, the network covers every corner of Thailand – including popular tourist destinations Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui – and in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China.

The center offers 65 board-certified medical specialties for emergency situations, available for consultation 24/7, include Trauma surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic surgery, Cardiothoracic surgery, Pediatric surgery, Travel medicine, Aviation medicine, Stroke, and many more.

The ethics-driven medical expertise and highly experienced Emergency/CCU teams are able to cope with complex disaster management on a mass scale, as well as timely and personalized response. Medical protocols include patient assessment, preparation, transportation, and treatment, are aided by close-at-hand communication channels on the ground in the provinces. Emergency evacuation will be dispatched as appropriate using BDMS’ dedicated CAMTS*accredited ambulance fleet consisting of air, land or sea medical ambulances. Timely and effective patient case management is ensured via integrated digital and GPS network.

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Note to editor:
*CAMTS: Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems

About BDMS:
BANGKOK DUSIT MEDICAL SERVICES Public Co., Ltd. (BDMS) is one of the most comprehensive hospital networks in Asia-Pacific. Boasting 14 JCI and 11 CCPC accreditations, BDMS delivers world-class care to an international clientele, providing top-tier services and facilities and skilled specialists in various fields. The unique BDMS network of 45 hospitals stretches across all of Thailand’s regions. The group currently owns and manages six major hospital brands: Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej Hospital, BNH Hospital, Phyathai Hospital, Paolo Hospital and the Royal Hospital. Our hospitals are located throughout Thailand, in all major cities, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Samui, as well as two hospitals in Cambodia.

Centers of Excellence:
In order to serve emergency patients across Thailand plus the neighboring countries better, BDMS upgraded nine hospitals into Centers of Excellence (CoE) focusing on 5 key clinical areas, Trauma, Orthopedics, Cancer, Cardiology, and Neurology. Altogether they offer 65 board-certified medical specialists who are available for emergency consultation 24/7. The CoE status exemplifies the highest standards of medical care not only based on their state-of-the-art facilities and scope of medical specialties, but also on their academic excellence covering clinical studies, training, innovation and international affiliations. BDMS’s nine CoE and their city location are: Bangkok Hospital, Bangkok; Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, Bangkok; Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, Bangkok; Phyathai 2 Hospital, Bangkok; Bangkok Hospital Phuket; Bangkok Hospital Pattaya; Bangkok Hospital Udon Thani; Bangkok Hospital Chiangmai; and Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The press release BDMS sets up Alarm Center to provide 24/7 medical emergency assistance for foreign visitors in Thailand and its neighboring countries comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, China, June 26, 2017 /Xinwengao.com/ - Action cameras, flat panel TVs and wearables were the fastest-growing technology products in the past year

The consumer technology market in Asia Pacific (APAC) has grown tremendously over the past year, with the introduction of new technologies and advancements of existing technologies.

One innovative product that is gaining popularity in the market is the action camera. More brands (from 2 brands in 2015 to 13 brands in 2016) that offer 360-degree features have entered the market. In the last 12 months, emerging markets in APAC have been the key growth driver for such action cameras, registering 57% and 33% increase in sales volume and value respectively, while the region’s developed markets experienced a corresponding 9% and 40% growth last year.

Action cameras with 4K features are also selling well with sales accounting for 47% and 52% growth in volume and value respectively in APAC. Meanwhile, emerging markets in the region contributed up to 46% share of the pie in both volume and value terms.

“Nowadays, consumers are increasingly sharing videos, contributing to the rising popularity of action cameras,” said Gerard Tan, Senior Director, Technology at GfK Asia. “Besides one of its key draw factors of being able to connect seamlessly to today’s smartphones, action cameras also tend to appeal to active consumers who are seeking new and interesting ways to record their lifestyle activities to view or share in full HD quality.”

Another product which has jumped onto the 4K bandwagon is TVs. In the past year, 4K TVs, also known as Ultra High Definition (UHD), have been gaining traction as sales growth hit over 103% in units across APAC in the past 12 months, with the market upgrading the display resolutions from Full High Definition (FHD) to UHD. Demand is expected to continue to rise at a rate of 42% in 2017, with emerging economies projected to register higher growth (55%) due to the erosion of UHD prices.

“There is a rising uptake of 4K TVs as discerning consumers are increasingly choosing UHD TV technology due to its sleek design and better image quality,” observed Tan. “The popularity of UHD will subsequently create more opportunities for content studios to produce better image content, especially when more recording devices are beginning to support 4K recording, enabling more UHD content to be made readily available for consumers.”

Since the advent of the Smart TV in 2011, there have been ample opportunities for companies to develop TV software for its platforms. In the last 12 months, sales of Smart TVs in APAC continued to increase by 40% to reach over 5 million units.

One of the latest technologies available in the TV market is OLED TV—a TV display technology based on the characteristics of organic light-emitting diodes. According to GfK findings, OLED TV has been registering significant growth since its launch in APAC in 2014, growing in demand from 7,000 units in 2014 to 98,000 units in 2016. As more brands continue to come into the equation, the OLED TV market is projected to expand further by more than 63% in 2017, with huge growth anticipated from the developed markets in APAC.

Meanwhile, core wearables, comprising smart watches, and, health and fitness trackers, is yet another thriving category within the consumer electronics. Total sales units in the last year reached 3.3 million across developed APAC markets as consumer spending on the product category grew 9% year on year.
“Heart Rate Sensor and GPS are generally the key features that appeal to consumers looking to purchase a wearable device, and this is reflected in the significant increase in devices that provide these features. The sales of wearables with heart rate sensors rose by 28% within a year, while devices with inbuilt GPS almost doubled (98%) during the same time period,” said Tan.

With consumers embracing the digital lifestyle and using smart devices, the overall consumer technology market in APAC is expected to perform positively this year, with TVs, action cameras and wearables likely to experience further growth.

Note:
#8226; APAC includes Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Australia and New Zealand
#8226; GfK Point of Sales tracking period: May 2016 – April 2017 versus May 2015 – April 2016
#8226; Value growth tracked based on local currency, but common currency for consolidated tracking based on USD.

The press release -Connected Consumers Driving Growth of Smart Devices in Asia Pacific comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, February 7, 2017 /Xinwengao.com/ - The 15th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) today unveiled its lineup of 25 outstanding film projects to be presented from 13 to 15 March 2017. The projects were selected out of over 350 submissions from 14 different countries and regions, including Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan.

This year’s selections include projects by young directors developing their first feature films, with an unprecedented increase in the number of women filmmakers. Most of the films are family-driven projects that touch on contemporary social issues, while others explore topics such as non-traditional families, marriages in upheaval, and the complexities of parent-child relationships. Shortlisted projects this year also include two genres not usually seen at HAF: science fiction and gothic thriller.

As one of the most recognized film-financing platforms in Asia, HAF continues its role in connecting filmmakers and their upcoming film projects with internationally prominent film financiers, producers, bankers, distributors, buyers, and funders for potential co-production ventures.

Five Hong Kong Projects to Be Presented

This year, the shortlisted projects include five from Hong Kong: veteran filmmaker Derek CHIU Sung-kee’s No.1 Chung Ying Street, a drama that examines the 1967 riots in Hong Kong; Sunny CHAN’s Man on the Dragon, a comedy-drama about five middle-age men who compete in a dragon boat championship to regain the braveness and passion of lives; Impossible Split, from TOM Chung-sing, which tells the inspiring story of bowling athlete WU Siu-hong, who achieved world championship status despite being haunted by a fatal disease. The film is produced by award-winning director Adam WONG, whose films The Way We Dance and She Remembers, He Forgets both received critical acclaim, and whose project Trains in the Night was presented at last year’s HAF.

The Goddess, from Sobel CHAN Ka-lok, pays homage to classic 1930s Chinese films and focuses on the issues of Hong Kong’s public-education system, the lives of Mainland immigrants and conflicts between mother and daughter. CHAN’s League of HK Movie Heroes was selected as one of the five finalists of the HAF/FOX Chinese Film Development Award at the 11th HAF in 2013. Completing the lineup of Hong Kong projects is Forget You, Still Love You?, about a couple whose troubled marriage finds focus again after a husband is diagnosed with a devastating illness, from co-directors Kenneth LAI Siu-Kwan and Paul SZE Pak-Lam, both of whom participated in last year’s HAF with the thriller Hypnotize the Jury.

Speaking on behalf of HAF, Mr. Jacob WONG, Curator of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society and Director of the HAF commented, “We are thrilled to receive HAF submissions worldwide with extremely high quality, offering distinct perspectives on a diversity of vibrant topics. The review process is, as expected, arduous yet exhilirating, and we are very proud of the dedication and persistence of our creative film talents.”

Women Directors Shining at the 15th HAF

Nearly half of the 25 selections consist of projects from female directors, including Femme Fatale, a dark comedy about two women whose parallel lives touch and collide, the first feature from Japanese documentary filmmaker MIYAKE Kyoko; and Made in Bangladesh, the first-ever HAF project from Bangladesh, about garment workers’ rights, from Rubaiyat HOSSAIN.

Other projects include Pawns With No Return, a touching story about fate bringing together an old man and a young boy, from CHEN Yi-Jung of Taiwan; I AM A BANANA!, an East-meets-West cross-cultural romantic comedy, from Honey B SINGH; and Rainbow Mountain, the second feature from Degena Yun of China, a drama about two Mongolian women from different generations whose lives cross paths throughout time and history. Degena’s critically acclaimed first feature, A Simple Goodbye, was presented at the 13th HAF and awarded The Spirit of Asia Award in Tokyo International Film Festival 2015.

Two more documentaries from women directors include The Grassland of Narangerel, which examines environmental challenges in Inner Mongolia, from YING Weiwei of China; and the Israeli-German co-production Leftover Women, from co-directors Shosh SHLAM and Hilla MEDALIA.

Exploring Family Dynamics and Science Fiction Genres

Family dynamics come into focus for several projects this year, including Ten Thousand Happiness from Chinese director Johnny MA, in which the sudden divorce of grandfather from an elite family in China sets off a chain of reaction, forcing each member to evaluate their own relationships with love and happiness; Indian filmmaker Shashwati TALUKDAR’s The New Wife, a Himalayan gothic thriller tale about a young bride’s discovery of the secrets harboured by her respectable new family.

The Asadas, the third feature from NAKANO Ryota of Japan, a drama with humor based on an original story inspired by the photographer Masashi Asada; and Chantou, Australian director Grant SCICLUNA’s gay-family drama about a couple who discover that their adopted Cambodian daughter is a victim of human trafficking.

Other projects include Restore Point from Robert HLOZ, a science-fiction murder mystery set in the future. It is the first sole Czech-Republic project feature to be presented at HAF. Also, an as-yet-untitled project commissioned by the Nara International Film Festival in Japan from director Ida PANAHANDEH and Japanese producer KAWASE Naomi, will be a free modern adaptation of a work by Shakespeare.

The HAF/FOX Project Award Presented to Drifting Lives

Sharing the same vision to encourage quality Chinese-language projects, HAF is pleased to continue its collaboration with FOX International Productions (FIP) and FOX Networks Group (FNG) Asia to present the “HAF/FOX Project Award” to suspense murder-mystery. Drifting Lives, from first-time director Danlly LI of China. The project will receive a cash award of US$10,000 (approx. HK$78,000) and a Development Contract with FOX. The award has established since 2012 to develop Chinese feature films with regional appeal, through providing support and nurture for promising scripts.

Ms. Cora YIM, SVP, Head of Chinese Entertainment and Territory Head of Hong Kong, FOX Networks Group Asia said, “With the support of HAF, we have the privilege to work with up-and-coming creative talent and being introduced to a new generation of emerging talent. We are absolutely thrilled to identify the potential cinematic storytellers who offer unique perspectives of Chinese-language cinema.” As one of the judges, Ms. Xian LI, Director of Production, Creative Development and Global Production of FOX International Productions also said that Asian cinema, especially Chinese-language cinema is one of the most significant markets for FOX. “We look forward to working with more talented filmmakers in this region to create exciting high-quality films.”

Extending Awards and New Partnerships

The 15th HAF will present a total of ten awards, amounting to HK$1,372,000 (approx. US$176,700) in cash and value in-kind. HAF is also proud to announce our new sponsor, mm2 Asia Limited to present an award to encourage and support Chinese-language film projects with a cash prize of HK$100,000 (approx. US$12,900).

“mm2 excavates stories in various Chinese speaking territories, turns them into movies with both artistic and commercial sense,” Mr. Melvin ANG, Chairman of mm2 Asia Limited said. “Through collaborating with HAF, the leading film platform in Asia, we are able to meet and support new pioneers in the Asian film industry.”

HAF is also delighted to extend collaboration with iQIYI for the third year with an award to encourage and support young film talents from Chinese-speaking territories. One cash award of HK$100,000 (approx. US$12,900) will be presented to an outstanding Chinese-language feature film project with commercial qualities. Other award sponsors include Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, China Film Foundation — Wutianming Fund For Young Talents, G2D Co. Ltd., Paris Coproduction Village, White Light Studio and Wouter Barendrecht Film Foundation.

Work in Progress Laboratory

In addition, HAF creates the “Work in Progress Laboratory” as a significant new initiative to help directors and producers securing post-production funds through meetings with distribution agents and film festival programmers. Representatives from shortlisted projects will be invited to present their work at HAF. The WIP Lab will assist interested industry professionals to set up individual meetings with them to obtain further collaboration details. The shortlisted projects will be announced later in February.

Media and Guest Accreditation for HAF

Journalists worldwide are cordially invited to join this premier film financing platform in Asia. Media accreditation will be opened for online application at http://society.hkiff.org.hk/en/press_accreditation_media.php from 23 January 2017 to 5 March 2017. Successful applicants will be given access to HAF, in addition to joining our official networking events, screenings, seminars or other special activities.

Film financiers, investors and participants can register and schedule appointments with filmmakers of the shortlisted projects at http://www.haf.org.hk/guest.php before 5 March 2017.

A complete list of the selected projects for the 15th HAF and HAF/FOX Project Award can be found in Appendix 1. For more information about HAF, please visit the official website at http://www.haf.org.hk/ and HAF Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/hafhkiffs/.

About The Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF)

The Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) is widely recognized as an established film financing platform in Asia. The HAF brings Asian filmmakers with upcoming film projects to Hong Kong for co-production ventures with top film financiers, producers, bankers, distributors and buyers. Attracting more than 1,000 filmmakers and financiers from at least 35 countries and regions, around 25 to 30 projects are selected annually to participate in the three-day event.

HAF has partnered with international organisations to provide a range of opportunities to participants. Previous partners include iQIYI (China), Fox International Productions (Greater China) (US), Cinemart (the Netherlands), Asian Project Market (South Korea), Golden Horse Film Project Promotion (Taiwan), New Cinema Network (Italy) and others. Cash and in-kind awards to the value of around US$150,000 are made with support from Create Hong Kong and Film Development Fund among others.

Past participants include China’s JIA Jiangke, JIANG Wen, LU Chuan and NING Hao; Hong Kong’s Peter CHAN, Stanley KWAN, Ann HUI, Fruit CHAN and PANG Ho-cheung; Taiwan’s TSAI Ming-Liang, WEI Te-Sheng, CHUNG Mong-Hong and Leon DAI; Japan’s KORE-EDA Hirokazu, KUROSAWA Kiyoshi, KAWASE Naomi and IWAI Shunji; South Korea’s PARK Chan-wook, KIM Jee-woon, BONG Joon-ho and IM Sang-soo; as well as Thailand’s Apichatpong WEERASETHAKUL, Ekachai UEKRONGTHAM, Nonzee NIMIBUTR and Pen-ek RATANARUANG.

About The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited (HKIFFS)

Uniting the World through Film

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organisation dedicated to the discovery and promotion of creativity in the art and culture of film.

Committed to the development of a vibrant film culture in Hong Kong and Asia, the Society organises two annual flagship events in March and April: “Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF)” and “Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF).”  “HKIFF Cine Fan”, a monthly screening programme features a variety of curated contemporary, retrospective and thematic showcases was also launched in April 2013.

Through its year-round programmes, the mission of the Society is to strengthen global appreciation of Asian and Chinese film culture and to promote inspiring films from around the world, enriching the cultural life of Hong Kong. Passionately believing in the power of films to unite cultures and generations, the HKIFFS is devoted to giving thousands of film lovers around the region direct access to the world’s most inspired films all year round.

About FOX International Productions

Fox International Productions (FIP) builds upon 20th Century Fox’s industry-leading international motion picture activities and upon parent company 21st Century Fox’s unparalleled global media reach by aligning all the company’s international film productions under one banner. FIP also complements Fox’s worldwide film releases with films sourced through partnerships with international producers, filmmakers, financiers, and strategic production & distribution agreements.

About FOX Networks Group

FOX Networks Group (FNG) is 21st Century FOX’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 300+ wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, sports, factual and movie channels in 45 languages across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. FNG’s core channel brands include FOX, FOX Sports, FOX Life, FOX+ and National Geographic Channel. FNG’s movie channels include FOX Movies, FOX Movies Premium and SCM (formerly Star Chinese Movies). Our non-linear brands include FOX Play, FOX Play+ and Nat Geo Play. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high- definition extensions, reach over 1.825 billion cumulative households worldwide. In addition, FNG owns and operates two production studios and produces thousands of local programming hours for its wholly owned channels and third parties.

The press release The 15th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum Project Announcement comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Beijing, China, July 7, 2016 /Xinwengao.com/ - China World Hotel, Beijing collaborates with Italian luxury handmade jewellery brand Damiani to create an elegant Butterfly Collection Afternoon Tea that will be served at the hotel’s Lobby Lounge  until 31 July 2016.

Inspired by the beautiful jewellery design, China World Hotel, Beijing’s Executive Pastry Chef Jonathan Wu will present a combination of culinary craftsmanship and precious jewels in the Butterfly Collection Afternoon Tea.  The vivid luxury handbag, high-heel shoes, exquisite diamond ring and carven butterfly are all made of fine chocolate and sugar for the ladies’ epicurean delights.  The delicate desserts will spoil guests with the most fabulous high-tea experience.

Damiani Afternoon Tea was the ultimate indulgence for Ms Nicoletta Romanoff, the Italian movie star when she stayed with us at China World Hotel.  Guests can now also enjoy the same beautiful Afternoon Tea in our Lobby Lounge and get a chance to win a surprise lucky draw gift on the last Sunday of the month!  Live orchestra performance is available from 3pm to 5pm every Sunday while you sip on your tea.

Damiani is the only Italian jewellery company to design and produce jewels since its inception.  Maintaining tradition is important at Damiani; handwork is still the same as it was decades ago, and each piece is handmade with centuries-old skills and an accurate attention to detail.  Every Damiani jewel is the most important expression of “Made in Italy” in high-end jewellery.  Damiani is the only known jewellery company to have received as much as 18 “Diamonds International Awards”.  Calderoni also won four of these awards, in 1960, 1977, 1978 and 1996.  It also received many other prizes, including two Tahitian Pearl Trophies, one Haute Couture Design Award, one Vogue Joyas award and quite a number of entrepreneurial and communication prizes.

The lightness and delicate flutter of a butterfly’s wings are the inspiration for the Butterfly collection.  The butterflies are in white or yellow gold and enriched by white or black diamonds with coloured stones like emeralds, rubies and amethysts.  Each butterfly can be used as a pendant, brooch or set onto a ring.

Damiani’s iconic design par excellence for beautiful rings and large crosses.  Belle Époque is inspired by the graphic design of cine film and, like the cinema, brings dreams and great feelings to life.

As the only Italian jewellery company to design and produce jewels since its inception, the Damiani company was founded in 1924 in the heart of the goldsmith district of Valenza Po (North West Italy) by Enrico Grassi Damiani.  Thanks to his skills as a goldsmith, Enrico quickly became the preferred supplier to important families and notables who asked him to create special and exquisite unique pieces.  He soon began to supply the Italian royal family, the earls of Cavour, Gabriele d’Annunzio and Luigi Pirandello.  Damiano Grassi Damiani, Enrico’s son, born in 1934, launched a serious industrial processes and thought of commercial expansions in the sixties.  He promoted design research and technical innovation, the two roots of the company’s future.  Damian jewels attracted more and more fame, thanks to a very revolutionary idea at the time: to guarantee the price to clients and to create catalogues of all the collections.  

Guests may contact the Damiani boutique at China World Trade Center at (010) 6505 9890 or find it at WB 123A, B1, China World Trade Center, No.1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing.

China World Hotel, Beijing anchors the China World Trade Center complex, and is attached to China World mall, in the heart of the city’s diplomatic and business district.  Hailed one of the first three hotels in mainland China to be awarded a Platinum Five Star rating by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), China World Hotel, Beijing has been named one of the world’s best hotels by both Condé Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure magazines.  China World Hotel, Beijing has also been voted “Best Hotel in Beijing” by Euromoney, Frommer’s Guide and Finance Asia; “Best Business Hotel in Beijing” by Business Traveller China and Asia Pacific, TTG Asia, The Asset and Asian Legal Business; received the “Top Ten Business Hotels in China – Golden Pillow Award” by 21st Century Business Herald; and named one of “The Top 50 Hotels in China” by Forbes and Travel + Leisure China.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently own 95 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 39,000.  Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.  Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.  The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar and Sri Lanka.  For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

The press release China World Hotel Beijing Partners With Italian Luxury Handmade Jewellery Brand To Offer Damiani Butterfly-Themed Afternoon Tea comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Beijing, China, May 10, 2016 /Xinwengao.com/ - Mr. Christopher Chia has been appointed vice president at Shangri-La International Hotel Management Limited and general manager of China World Hotel, Beijing. He will be responsible for the whole operations and services of three hotels, including China World Hotel, Beijing; China World Summit Wing, Beijing; and Traders Hotel, Beijing.

Mr. Chia has more than 30 years of management experience. Prior to joining China World Hotel, Beijing, he was the vice president and general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing. He started his hospitality career with the group as front office executive at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. He has since held management positions within the group in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong and Beijing.

China World Hotel, Beijing soars over the China World Trade Center complex, including the China World Exhibition Center and shopping mall, in the heart of the city’s diplomatic and business district. Hailed one of the first three hotels in mainland China to be awarded a Platinum Five Star rating by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), China World Hotel, Beijing has been named one of the world’s best hotels by both Condé Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure magazines. China World Hotel, Beijing has also been voted “Best Hotel in Beijing” by Euromoney, Frommer’s Guide and Finance Asia; “Best Business Hotel in Beijing” by Business Traveller China and Asia Pacific, TTG Asia, The Asset and Asian Legal Business; received the “Top Ten Business Hotels in China – Golden Pillow Award” by 21st Century Business Herald; and named one of “The Top 50 Hotels in China” by Forbes and Travel + Leisure China.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns 95 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 39,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar and Sri Lanka. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

The press release Shangri-la Hotel and Resorts Appoints Christopher Chia as VP at Shangri-La International Hotel Management Limited and GM of China World Hotel, Beijing comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Shanghai, China, January 4, 2016 /Xinwengao.com/ - Michel Molliet has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of AccorHotels, Greater China, effective January 01, 2016. In his new role, he will oversee the management of the group’s 125 operating hotels and projects in the pipeline across mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, a portfolio which includes 10 brands from the luxury and upscale to midscale and economy segments.

Formerly Senior Vice President, Luxury and Upscale, AccorHotels Greater China, Michel is a veteran in the hospitality industry having spent close to 30 years with AccorHotels. A French national, he first joined the group in 1987 and was appointed to his first General Manager post in Thailand in 1992. He subsequently took up several leading positions within the group, as the Director of Operations for Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos; Regional General Manager for North Queensland, Australia; and Cluster General Manager for four key hotel openings and a conference centre in Renmin Square, Xi’an. He left the group for two years to open the 3,000-suite Venetian Resort Hotel in Macau and rejoined AccorHotels in 2008 where he played a pivotal role in the repositioning of the Sofitel brand in Greater China in addition to his role as the General Manager of Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16.

His career highlights include key positions across The Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australia before Greater China.

In October 2014, the French government awarded Michel the “Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur” in recognition of his significant achievements in overseas promotion of French tourism, culture and business.

Michel takes over from the group’s former COO, Paul Richardson, who will be the Chief Commercial Officer, Greater China, leading the partnership with China Lodging.

“I am very excited to take on this role as the leader of AccorHotels Greater China at a time where the Group is embarking on a new era to develop growth opportunities with immense potential,” said Michel Molliet. “I look forward to working closely with the corporate and sub-regional teams in Shanghai and Macau to accelerate our hotel developments to new levels and expand our brands in the region.”

AccorHotels currently operates 167 establishments in 67 cities in Greater China.

The press release AccorHotels Appoints Michel Molliet Chief Operating Officer, Greater China comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, November 29, 2015 /Xinwengao.com/ - Asia Society’s Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, the Asia-Pacific’s preeminent network of next-generation leaders, will mark its tenth anniversary on December 2-4, when it holds a special summit at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center.

Asia 21 is a robust network of more than 800 young leaders from 30 countries, focused on shaping a brighter future for the Asia-Pacific, and confronting the most vexing challenges facing the region today. Asia 21 Young Leaders are selected through a highly competitive process based on outstanding achievement, commitment to public service, and a proven ability to make the world a better place.

“Next-generation leaders hold the keys to our future, and Asia has a treasure trove of leadership talent,” said Josette Sheeran, President and CEO of Asia Society. “Asia 21 includes the most brilliant pacesetters, young leaders who are already helping tackle poverty, hunger and creating new governance and business opportunities. We are proud to give them a global platform and a network of like-minded talent from throughout Asia.”

In addition to welcoming the Class of 2015, more than 100 of the initiative’s change-makers from previous classes will gather in Hong Kong to celebrate the achievements of the first decade, explore innovative ways to leverage the Asia 21 network for greater impact, and address critical issues facing the region.

“Asia 21 was born in Hong Kong a decade ago, and so we are proud to welcome this remarkable group to our Hong Kong Center for the 10th anniversary,” said Asia Society Co-Chair Ronnie C. Chan, who also serves as Chair of the Society’s Hong Kong Center. “These people represent great examples of what we are all about: building crucial bridges between the peoples and cultures of Asia.”

Among highlights of the Asia 21 10th Anniversary summit:

– Dinner hosted by Asia Society Co-Chair Ronnie C. Chan, featuring a short film about Asia 21 and testimonials from a half dozen distinguished alumni;

– Keynote conversation with retired U.S. Army General and chairman of KKR Global Institute, David Petraeus;

– Special sessions highlighting the impactful work of Asia 21 alumni including Tudor Clee, founder of New Zealand’s Touchable Earth; Scarlett Li, founder and CEO of Zebra Media, China’s most innovative entertainment platform; Myanmar’s Yin Myo Su, founder of Inle Heritage Foundation; Natharoun Ngo, Head of Program at United Nations, Cambodia; Penny Low, Founder, Social Innovation Park, Ltd. from Singapore; Malaysia’s Mun Ching Yap, Executive Director, Air Asia Foundation; Nepal’s Rabi Karmacharya, Founder & Executive Director, Open Learning Exchange Network; Itochu Corporation Executive Officer and General Counsel Mitsuru Claire Chino from Japan; Goldman Sachs Head of Corporate Engagement in Asia Wenchi Yu from the U.S.; Australia’s Ewa Wojkowska, Co-Founder and COO of Kopernik; International Security Fellow at New America Faiysal AliKhan from Pakistan; and Afghanistan’s Saad Mohseni, Chairman and CEO of Moby Group;

– Screening of Rosewater, followed by a discussion with Asia 21 young leader, author, and former political prisoner Maziar Bahari, whose life inspired the film;

– Screening of the recent HBO documentary, “The Diplomat”, followed by a conversation with filmmaker David Holbrooke, who will discuss leadership as embodied in the legacy of his late father, the film’s subject, and former Asia Society Chairman, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke;

“Asia 21 Task Forces” will leverage the collective experience and expertise of the Asia 21 network to generate a core set of recommendations on four topics—public health, good governance practices, innovation, and the environment.

These Task Forces will be respectively coordinated and led by four Asia 21 alumni: Dr. Akash Goel, who spearheaded the launch of India’s national Second Line ARV drug program that currently provides lifesaving medication to tens of thousands of individuals living with HIV/AIDS; Aaron Maniam, Director of the Industry Division at Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry; Armen Orujyan, the founder and CEO of Athgo International, one of the world’s leading entrepreneurial platforms in consultative status; and Dorjee Sun, Director of Carbon Conversation and one of Time’s “Heroes of the Environment” in 2009
Participating Asia 21 alumni at the summit will also include President & CEO of Philippines’ Bases Conversion and Development Authority Arnel Casanova (Philippines); CEO & founder of Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB) Veronica Colondam (Indonesia); Vice President for global ICT Programs and Policy, Internews Kathleen Reen (Australia); Executive Director, the Institute for Societal Leadership (ISL), Singapore Management University Martin Tan (Singapore); National Award-Winning Documentary and Producer Aarti Shrivastava (India); Founder and President of the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center Ejaj Ahmad (Bangladesh); and Partner Chief Engineer at NASA Adam Gilmore (U.S.).

For more information about Asia 21 Please contact Kathryn Cardenas at KCardenas@AsiaSociety.org.

The press release Asia Society Celebrates Tenth Anniversary of Asia 21 comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

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