by | Jul 2, 2025 | Business
Kuala Lumpur, 2 July 2025 – VRITIMES, a leading press release distribution platform, is proud to announce its participation in the 5th Hospitality Malaysia Conference (HMC2025) held today at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre in Kuala Lumpur. As an exhibitor, VRITIMES presented its cutting-edge media technology solutions to over 400 delegates from more than 10 countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, China, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States .
The conference, organized by Hospitality Asia Media Pte. Ltd., serves as a premier platform for industry leaders to explore emerging trends and innovations in the hospitality sector. This year’s event featured three concurrent summits focusing on hotel investment, design, and revenue management, addressing the evolving demands of modern travelers and the integration of technology in hospitality services.
At its booth, VRITIMES engaged with professionals from various sectors, including hotel owners, designers, fintech innovators, and wellness consultants. The company’s team demonstrated how its platform enables businesses to create, distribute, and analyze press releases efficiently, enhancing media outreach and brand visibility.
“We are excited to be part of HMC2025 and to showcase how VRITIMES can empower businesses in the hospitality industry to communicate effectively and reach their target audiences,” said Ferry Bayu, CEO of VRITIMES. “This conference provides an excellent opportunity to connect with industry professionals and discuss the future of media relations in the hospitality sector.”
by | Jul 2, 2025 | Business
Kuala Lumpur, 2 July 2025 – VRITIMES, a leading media technology platform, has entered into an exciting partnership with Paparazzi 360, your ultimate guide to the lifestyle and vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur. With this collaboration, VRITIMES will publish press releases directly on Paparazzi 360’s dynamic platform, sharing the latest buzz, coolest spots, and hidden gems in the city with a global audience.
Paparazzi 360, known for curating the best of Kuala Lumpur’s lifestyle, brings insider access to the city’s most exclusive events, fashion trends, food spots, and urban experiences. From the latest hotspots to behind-the-scenes events, they offer a vibrant view of the city, helping both locals and visitors explore, discover, and indulge in the best experiences Kuala Lumpur has to offer.
Through this partnership, VRITIMES aims to enhance its media distribution capabilities by leveraging Paparazzi 360’s engaging lifestyle platform. The collaboration will ensure that brands’ press releases not only reach the right media outlets but also connect with the latest urban trends and exclusive content from the heart of Malaysia’s capital.
This exciting partnership represents a new way to amplify press releases, blending innovation with urban exploration, ensuring that both businesses and the city of Kuala Lumpur are presented in the best possible light.
by | Jul 2, 2025 | Business
PARIS—The Paris Court of Appeal will on 7 July weigh what may be the final bid by heirs of the Sultan of Sulu to enforce a controversial US$15 billion arbitration over Malaysia’s Sabah, after courts across Europe tossed out the claim.
Paris – On July 7, the Paris Court of Appeal will hear what is expected to be the final legal challenge in a dispute involving a nearly US$15 billion arbitration award tied to historical claims over Sabah, a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo.
The hearing follows multiple rulings across Europe rejecting attempts by individuals claiming to be heirs of the former Sultan of Sulu to enforce the award issued by Spanish arbitrator Gonzalo Stampa in 2022. Stampa was later convicted by a Spanish court for contempt and banned from acting as an arbitrator for one year.
At the heart of the case is an 1878 agreement between the Sultan of Sulu and European traders, which remains the subject of legal and historical debate.
Efforts to enforce the arbitration award have been dismissed in Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, with courts citing procedural irregularities, jurisdictional overreach, and the annulment of Stampa’s mandate by Spanish authorities.
With the upcoming Paris ruling, legal experts anticipate closure in a case that has tested the boundaries of international arbitration and sovereign immunity. Malaysian officials have expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal will reaffirm the inapplicability of arbitration to the 1878 agreement.
Despite legal setbacks, representatives of the claimants have signaled intentions to continue pursuing their case through alternative channels, although the path forward remains uncertain.
Full article here: https://knowsulu.ph/unforeseen-consequences/how-did-we-get-here-a-timeline-of-the-sabah-dispute
by | Jul 2, 2025 | Business
By overwhelming demand, Swan Lake returns to Singapore on 16 October 2025 for an encore tour, inviting audiences to relive the timeless magic of the world’s most iconic ballet. Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, the production stars former Mariinsky Ballet soloists, bringing the elegance of Russian classical ballet to Southeast Asia.
After a sold-out Southeast Asia tour in 2024, featuring Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, Crescendo Asia returns with a production praised for its emotional depth, breathtaking storytelling, and Tchaikovsky’s haunting score. This encore is a gift for both loyal fans and first-time viewers.
Singapore, 2 July 2025 – By overwhelming popular demand, the legendary Swan Lake returns this October for a spectacular encore tour—inviting audiences to once again immerse themselves in the enchantment, drama, and poetic beauty of the world’s most iconic ballet.
Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, this majestic production features former soloists from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, delivering the essence and tradition of Russian classical ballet to Southeast Asian stages.
Renowned as one of the most beautiful and magical ballets ever created, Swan Lake continues to mesmerize with its haunting Tchaikovsky score, emotional intensity, and breathtaking storytelling. The show is a celebration of grace, love, and mystery—a timeless masterpiece that stirs the soul and captures the imagination.
A Proven Triumph Last year
In 2024, Crescendo’s Southeast Asia ballet tour featuring Swan Lake and The Nutcracker were nothing short of phenomenal—selling out every venue and earning glowing reviews, standing ovations, and endless admiration from audiences across the region. “The first tour exceeded every expectation—sold-out venues, thunderous applause, and fans who demanded for more,” says Dimitri Montalto, Director of Crescendo Asia. “This encore is for everyone who loved the magic the first time — and for those about to fall in love with it for the very first time.”
Whether you’re a lifelong ballet lover or stepping into the theatre for the very first time, Swan Lake offers an unforgettable evening of elegance, emotion, and ethereal beauty—the kind of experience that lives on in the heart long after the curtain falls. Check the closest show from your home below:
Encore Tour Dates
• 11 October 2025 – KLCC Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur
• 16 October 2025 – The Star Theatre, Singapore
• 18 October 2025 – JIEXPO Theatre, Jakarta
The magic begins — public ticket sales go live on Friday, 4 July at 3PM (GMT+8). Don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s most iconic ballet. Follow us on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and tour updates: @crescendo_asia
by | Jul 2, 2025 | Business
The world-renowned Swan Lake ballet returns to Southeast Asia in October 2025 by overwhelming popular demand. Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, this encore tour features former Mariinsky Ballet soloists and brings the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece to new and returning audiences. Following a sold-out tour in 2024, this production promises an unforgettable experience of grace, emotion, and classical Russian ballet excellence.
Kuala Lumpur, 2 July 2025 – By overwhelming popular demand, the legendary Swan Lake returns this October for a spectacular encore tour—inviting audiences to once again immerse themselves in the enchantment, drama, and poetic beauty of the world’s most iconic ballet.
Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, this majestic production features former soloists from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, delivering the essence and tradition of Russian classical ballet to Southeast Asian stages.
Renowned as one of the most beautiful and magical ballets ever created, Swan Lake continues to mesmerize with its haunting Tchaikovsky score, emotional intensity, and breathtaking storytelling. The show is a celebration of grace, love, and mystery—a timeless masterpiece that stirs the soul and captures the imagination.
A Proven Triumph Last year
In 2024, Crescendo’s Southeast Asia ballet tour featuring Swan Lake and The Nutcracker were nothing short of phenomenal—selling out every venue and earning glowing reviews, standing ovations, and endless admiration from audiences across the region. “The first tour exceeded every expectation—sold-out venues, thunderous applause, and fans who demanded for more,” says Dimitri Montalto, Director of Crescendo Asia. “This encore is for everyone who loved the magic the first time — and for those about to fall in love with it for the very first time.”
Whether you’re a lifelong ballet lover or stepping into the theatre for the very first time, Swan Lake offers an unforgettable evening of elegance, emotion, and ethereal beauty—the kind of experience that lives on in the heart long after the curtain falls. Check the closest show from your home below:
Encore Tour Dates
• 11 October 2025 – KLCC Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur
• 16 October 2025 – The Star Theatre, Singapore
• 18 October 2025 – JIEXPO Theatre, Jakarta
The magic begins — public ticket sales go live on Friday, 4 July at 3PM (GMT+8). Don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s most iconic ballet. Follow us on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and tour updates: @crescendoasia
by | Jul 2, 2025 | Business
Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia was proud to join the vibrant Japanese cultural celebration at UCSI Lantern Matsuri 2025 as a Platinum Sponsor. From fireworks to festive vibes, here’s a look back at the unforgettable evening filled with culture, community, and karaoke joy!
Karaoke
Manekineko Malaysia proudly took
part as a Platinum Sponsor in the Lantern Matsuri 2025,
held on 28 June at UCSI Campsite. Organized by the UCSI
Japanese Cultural Society (JCS) with support from UCSI University and
Student Affairs & Alumni, the event was a vibrant celebration of
Japanese tradition, creativity, and community spirit.
From 4:00
PM to 10:00 PM, the festival welcomed visitors with exciting cultural
performances, yukata-clad guests, colourful booths, and a festive fireworks
finale. As a brand
deeply rooted in Japanese entertainment, Karaoke
Manekineko was honored to be
part of such a meaningful cultural gathering.
During the
event, we connected with many passionate fans of Japanese culture and karaoke.
Our team enjoyed interacting with attendees, including families and young
children, who brought a lively energy to the venue. It was truly heartwarming
to witness the shared joy and laughter that filled the evening.
Our
participation at Lantern Matsuri reflected our ongoing commitment to one of our
core mottos: “To revitalize local community and the world.” We
believe in using entertainment to bring people together—and this event was a
perfect reminder of the power of shared culture and celebration.
We extend our
sincere appreciation to the UCSI JCS committee for the smooth organization and
warm hospitality. Karaoke
Manekineko looks forward to more
opportunities to collaborate and bring joy to the community through future
cultural and student-led initiatives.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 2, 2025 | Stories
On May 20, 2025, I created an account on Letterlux, but I was still undecided about whether I should dip my toes into writing fiction. So, I pondered … for a couple of weeks. I kept stopping to think: Do I have a story in my head that’s worth writing?
In case you didn’t know, I’m a reader, editor, and reviewer—so you can just imagine how self-critical I must be.
At first, I tried other apps like Goodnovel and Dreame, but neither panned out. With one, a confusing conversation with a company rep left me frustrated (I won’t get into the details), while the other said my story wasn’t a good fit for the platform. That one, I actually understood—because I knew going in that the story didn’t follow any of the established tropes.
Then on June 11, 2025, I woke up with a brand-new story doing its best to burst out of my head. It was relentless, like a puppy trying its darnedest to get my attention. It forced me to sit up, open Word, and start typing—a YA/Teen story blending shifter romance and tech/gaming. Within a few hours, I had eight or ten chapters written. The words just kept coming!
That made me wonder: Where would be the best place to publish this?
I asked around. Friends who’ve published on reading platforms—and even on Kindle and paperback—shared their insights. Some of what they said, I’d already seen echoed on social media by other authors.
In the end, I narrowed it down to two platforms: Inkitt and Letterlux.
Inkitt is user-friendly and accepted my story quickly. However, it’s subscription-based (like Ream Stories), so unless I already have a solid following, it’s hard to know what to charge. On the upside, if my story performs well, it might end up on Galatea.
Letterlux, meanwhile, is an umbrella company that distributes to several reading apps. Self-promotion might be trickier once I sign a contract, but the good news is that I won’t have to apply to each app individually.
Even though Letterlux seems a bit more complex, I’m feeling optimistic. I applied for a contract on June 11, once I hit the 5,000-word minimum. On June 16, I received an encouraging message after their initial review. The next milestone is at 30,000 words.
On June 30, I received this system notification:
Good job on writing a longer story! We’ll review your story as soon as possible, and you’ll be notified when the result comes out. If your story passes our review, we’re more than happy to sign a contract with you! Please stay tuned!
I’ll be honest—I had already reached 30k+ words a few days earlier, but I didn’t want to stress myself out. So, I scheduled daily chapter releases. I guess you could say I “banked” chapters, just in case my creative well runs dry in the future.
To date, I’ve written 34 chapters for Call Me Alpha! on Letterlux. Here’s hoping the book gets signed soon, because that would be just the push I need to keep the momentum going. ✨
If you’re curious about the story or have tips on your own publishing journey, I’d love to hear from you!
by | Jul 1, 2025 | Business
Independent label led by Seoul-based entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt aims to develop the next generation of Filipino pop stars
Popolo Music Group (PMG), a rising independent music label founded by Seoul-based American entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt, has officially launched the first full-scale P-Pop trainee program in the Philippines, a move set to revolutionize how Filipino artists are trained and developed for the global stage.
Drawing inspiration from the proven Korean K-Pop training model, PMG’s program blends intense performance development with personal growth and professionalism. The six-month training system will cover vocals, dance, language, stage presence, image development, and media training, designed to mold raw talent into world-class performers.
“This isn’t just about launching new artists—it’s about building a platform for long-term global success,” said Paul Lunt, PMG Founder and CEO. “We believe the Philippines is ready to take center stage in the Asian pop music wave, and we’re committed to discovering and developing the artists who will lead it.”
Popolo Music Group is now actively auditioning the next generation of P-Pop stars. Filipino singers and dancers aged 14 to 25 are encouraged to apply. To be considered, interested applicants must submit a 2-minute performance video—vocals, dance, or both—along with their full name, age, location, and contact information via email to De***@*********ic.asia.
Only the most promising applicants will be selected for a second-round live audition and an in-depth interview process, after which a final group will be chosen to enter the trainee program.
Founded with a mission to elevate Filipino talent to international recognition, PMG already manages a roster of over 50 artists across recording, management, booking, and promotion. With operations connected to Seoul, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Manila, and a team of global producers and trainers from the U.S., U.K., South Korea, France, and the Netherlands, PMG is fast emerging as a leader in Asian music innovation.
As part of its broader vision, PMG aims to position the Philippines as Asia’s next pop music powerhouse by combining cutting-edge promotional strategies with authentic artistry and rigorous training.
For more details, visit www.popolomusic.asia or email in**@*********ic.asia.
by | Jun 30, 2025 | Business
Sprout’s 3,819-Employee Study Reveals Human Connection Trumps Technology in Post-Pandemic Retention Crisis.
[Manila, June 2025] – In a striking contradiction to Silicon Valley’s tech-first workplace revolution, new research reveals that as AI adoption soars to 62% across Filipino workplaces, employee retention depends more on workplace friendships than cutting-edge features.
The finding emerges from the 2025 State of HR Report prepared by Sprout Solutions and BS Works—the country’s most comprehensive workforce study involving 3,819 employees—unveiled at the State of HR Summit 2025. The research exposes what analysts call “The Great AI Retention Paradox”: while companies pour resources into AI-powered productivity tools, workers stay or leave based on fundamentally human factors.
The numbers tell a compelling story: Employees with three or more workplace friendships are 40% more likely to remain beyond five years, while those citing “sadness at leaving colleagues” as a retention factor outnumber those motivated by salary increases 3:1.
The Connection-Retention Formula
The research reveals “The 3 C’s of AI-Era Retention”: Connection, Contribution, and Community. Organizations scoring highest across these human-centered metrics show 35% lower turnover rates, even when offering below-market compensation.
Connection: Employees embedded in 1-3 workplace social groups demonstrate significantly longer tenure, with each additional meaningful relationship correlating with 8 months of extended employment.
Contribution: Workers reporting clear purpose and meaningful contribution stay 2.3 times longer than those focused primarily on career advancement or salary growth.
Community: Organizations fostering informal support networks see retention rates climb despite offering fewer remote work options than competitors.
“Companies implementing AI to boost efficiency while neglecting human connection are optimizing for the wrong variables,” explained Patrick Gentry, CEO of Sprout Solutions.
Generational Divide Reveals Leadership Evolution
The study uncovers striking generational differences challenging traditional management. While Baby Boomers prefer independent, low-context leadership environments, Millennials and Gen Z gravitate toward collaborative, high-context workplace cultures—coinciding with AI-augmented work environments.
“Gen Z workers don’t want AI to replace human interaction—they want it to enable deeper collaboration,” noted Maria Lourdes Ann “L.A.” Cruz, VP of People at Lufthansa Technik Philippines. “The most successful organizations use AI to create more time for meaningful human connection, not less.”
The AI Readiness Gap
Despite widespread adoption, research reveals a critical implementation divide. Organizations perceived as “AI-ready” show 3x higher tool adoption rates and significantly better retention outcomes. However, readiness depends less on technology infrastructure and more on change management and cultural preparation.
This aligns with recent MIT research showing successful AI implementation correlates more strongly with organizational culture than technical capability—positioning the Philippines data as a leading indicator for global workforce trends.
Global Implications for the $720B Talent Crisis
The findings arrive as global organizations grapple with what McKinsey estimates as a $720 billion annual cost from employee turnover. While most retention strategies focus on compensation and benefits, the Philippine data suggests a fundamentally different approach.
“If these patterns hold globally, we’re looking at a complete rethinking of retention strategy,” said Kislay Chandra, Chief Operations Officer of Sprout Solutions. “The solution isn’t more sophisticated AI tools—it’s more sophisticated human connection.”
Actionable Framework for Leaders
Based on the research, Sprout and BS Works developed the “HUMAN Protocol” for AI-era retention:
Host regular cross-functional social interactions; Understand individual purpose and contribution motivations; Measure and foster workplace friendship networks; Align AI implementation with human connection goals; Nurture interest-based communities and support groups
Early adopters report 25% improvement in retention metrics within six months.
Building on Success
The State of HR Summit 2025, co-presented with BS Works, brought together 500+ HR and business leaders at Manila’s Crowne Plaza Galleria. The event featured panels on “Lead to Last: Retaining Talent Through Empowered Leadership” with executives from Tala, Canva, and Lufthansa Technik Philippines, exploring practical applications of the research findings.
The summit builds on the momentum of 5 consecutive annual State of HR events hosted by Sprout Solutions, while introducing new data-driven insights for organizations navigating the intersection of AI adoption and human-centered workplace culture.
Sprout Sidekick Central
The event also saw the unveiling of Sidekick Central, a multi-functional AI platform offering specialized AI-Sidekicks for HR, payroll, management, and employee support that will help teams achieve up to 40% productivity gains and reduce repetitive admin across operations.
Report Access: The full State of HR Report 2025 is available here: https://bit.ly/SOHRReportMedia
by | Jun 30, 2025 | Business
Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai successfully passed its green hotel assessment and was awarded the Five-Leaf certification, the highest level for a China Green Hotel in May 2025. Behind this achievement lies not only Artyzen Hotel’s outstanding practice in sustainable development but also a prime example of the deep integration of technology and green concepts. To this end, we interviewed Amber Zhao, Director of Operations at Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai, to share how technology has become a core driving force for green hotel development. The involvement of the Neuron platform was not just a booster in the Green Hotel assessment for Artyzen, but more practically it also brought tangible benefits to the hotel’s daily operations.
About the Interviewee
Amber Zhao is the current Director of Operations at Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai and has extensive experience in hotel management. She studied Hotel Management and previously worked for international hotel groups such as IHG and Marriott, focusing on human resources and operations management. After joining Artyzen in 2022 when Artyzen hotel was in the construction phase, she oversaw the growth of the hotel from breaking ground to move-in, her role has also shifted from director of HR to Operations. As the Director of Operations, Amber has driven the hotel’s innovative practices in green and sustainable development, successfully helping Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai achieve the Five-Leaf China Green Hotel certification this year.
Amber is captivated by Artyzen’s commitment to empowering its team to drive initiatives that embody the brand‘s vibrant, sustainability-focused identity. A prime example is the innovative green walls and automated irrigation system at Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai. The hotel’s indoor trees and plants thrive under a time-regulated irrigation system, enhancing the guest experience while authentically reflecting Artyzen’s dedication to its sustainability goals. Amber excels at using technology to enhance operational efficiency.
She championed the adoption of the Neuron Smart Energy Management System to optimize energy use and leverage dynamic pricing, driving cost savings and enhancing efficiency. She believes a green hotels’ future hinges on technological innovation and owner support, advocating for practical ESG integration into daily operations to meet the hotel group’s sustainability goals. Additionally Amber is also known for her flexible customer service and crisis management skills, skillfully balancing the hotel’s interests with customer needs while demonstrating outstanding leadership and industry insight.
Technological Innovation Boosts Green Hotel Rating
Amber Zhao emphasized that the Neuron system played a pivotal role in the green hotel evaluation process. The assessment panel highly praised the system’s exceptional and flexible energy and waste management capabilities, recognizing it as a pioneer in energy and carbon emission management within China’s hospitality industry. “It not only enables precise energy management but also served as a significant advantage in our certification,” Amber commented. “To put it in perspective, while our hotel’s entire rainwater irrigation system can only earn 1 point, the Neuron system helped distinguish our hotel during the accessment.”
A Win-Win for Technology and Operations
Artyzen Habitat chose to implement the Neuron system not only to meet its green development goals but also for the operational benefits it can bring. Amber pointed out, “The system can intuitively analyze data like energy consumption and hotel occupancy rate, helping us optimize our business operation and reduce costs. For instance, by monitoring data on swimming pool usage, we can adjust its opening hours to cut down on unnecessary energy and labor.”
Furthermore, the Neuron system enables more precise dynamic pricing management for the hotel. Amber explained, “Previously, we could only roughly allocate energy costs. Now, we can accurately calculate them down to the room level on each floor, which is crucial for our pricing strategy.”
Owner Support and Industry Trends
Amber emphasized that the application of technology in the hotel industry largely relies on the support of the owner. “As a publicly listed company, Shun Tak Holdings Group prioritizes ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) as a key development direction and requires the implementation in every project and daily operation work. This top-down support is critical.” She believes that technology will play an increasingly larger role in the hotel industry in the future, but its widespread adoption depends on whether owners are willing to invest. Artyzen’s owner, Shun Tak, is a forward-thinking listed company.
Challenges and Rewards of the Green Hotel Assessment
Speaking of the assessment process, Amber found the self-assessment stage to be the most time-consuming. “We had to self-score against over 150 criteria while compile supporting documentation before the actual audit, but the Neuron system made capturing and analyzing energy data efficient and transparent, providing solid evidence for the panel’s review.”
Outlook: The Deep Integration of Technology and Green Principles
Amber is full of expectations for the future of Neuron platform: “It’s not just a management tool; it helps the hotel prevent issues before they arise. For example, by flagging abnormal energy consumption through data alerts, we can identify problems in advance.” She believes the combination of technology and green concepts will become a core competency for the hotel industry, not just a trend.
More about Five-Leaf China Green Hotel Standard
“Green Hotel” (GB/T 21084—2007) is a recommended national standard jointly issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China and the Standardization Administration of China on September 20, 2007, under the administration of the Ministry of Commerce, and officially implemented on March 1, 2008. This standard was jointly formulated by six ministries including the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission. With environmental protection, health, and safety as its core principles, it requires hotels to promote efficient resource utilization and pollution prevention and control through green management, and establishes a five-leaf rating system (with five-leaf being the highest level). The National Green Hotel Working Committee is responsible for organizing experts to conduct on-site evaluation and certification. As of December 2024, more than one hundred hotels nationwide have obtained five-leaf certification.
To find out more about Neuron’s smart energy management system, contact us today!
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