Working in concert with Ethic Ocean, the Association’s World Culinary Council will lobby European ministers to protect biodiversity

PARIS, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The members of Relais & Châteaux’s World Culinary Council has voted to immediately remove eel from their own menus and are sending a call to action to the rest of the group’s 580 hotels and restaurants to do the same, after its NGO partner Ethic Ocean launched an alert that public authorities must urgently listen to scientists who recommend suspending European eel fishing.

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The European eel (Anguilla anguilla), which is featured in menus all over the world–and revered in certain French, Spanish, Belgian, Dutch and Japanese culinary cultures–is considered critically endangered and features on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Over the last 20 years, European scientists from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) have been warning about all the causes of the alarming decline of this species–but for the last three years, they have recommended suspending fishing.

In this context, the 21 Relais & Châteaux chefs elected to the Association’s World Culinary Council gathered in October and voted to approve an immediate ban of European eel from its menus. In partnership with Ethic Ocean, Relais & Châteaux calls on the 27 European Union ministers to hear this chef mobilization and scientific recommendation in order to take the necessary measures this December to safeguard this species.

The effort follows a similar approach taken by the Association, in 2009, to save the bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) stocks in the North-East Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, which were close to collapsing. This action contributed to public mobilization around this species, which encouraged legislators to enact management measures adapted to the situation of the state of the stock.

A Variety of Issues

The situation with eels is very alarming because this species suffers from a numerous challenges including water pollution (particularly rivers), habitat destruction, dams that impede their biological cycle and illegal fishing, which has created a black market, fetching up to €5,000 per kilo. Eels are the only fish that are targeted at their juvenile stage, on top of the fact that it takes them a long time to reach reproductive maturity.

While it is urgent to suspend eel fishing today, it is crucial that the public authorities take the necessary measures to fight against the other causes of the decline of this species.

Mauro Colagreco, Vice President, Chefs of Relais & Châteaux and therefore leader of the World Culinary Council, and chef-owner of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur in the South of France, said, "Chefs have a critical role to play: we can stop the demand. We have a chance to protect eels from becoming extinct, and of preserving biodiversity to allow future generations to continue to enjoy them, but only if we act now. As the world’s largest network of chefs, Relais & Châteaux hopes to save this species."

Gastronomy: Dependent on Nature

The World Culinary Council–an international committee of 21 chefs from across the Relais & Châteaux network–had gathered over October 8-10, 2023, under the Association’s president, Laurent Gardinier.

Laurent Gardinier said: "We have an acute understanding that Relais & Châteaux, and our very art de vivre, is dependent on nature. We must lead in sustainability to protect the ecosystems and biodiversity that our culinary and travel experiences rely on. It is these experiences that move our guests emotionally. And this would not be possible without nature."

A Vehicle for Change

The World Culinary Council wishes to draw attention to the plight of eels.

Relais & Châteaux has had a partnership with Ethic Ocean since 2009 and regularly unites its members around actions in favor of the environment, especially marine biodiversity (for example, World Oceans Day). 

Gilles Boeuf, president of Ethic Ocean, said, "I am happy to see the Relais & Châteaux association support this alert, which aims, above all, to preserve an exceptional species that reflects humanity’s relationship with the environment. This cause to save the eel touches on many biodiversity issues. Let’s act before it’s too late."

To learn more about sustainability at Relais & Châteaux, the Association’s annual report with 15 objectives for 2025 and 2030 can be found here:

https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/discover/commitments   

About Relais & Châteaux

A MOVEMENT WITH MEANING  

Relais & Châteaux, established in 1954, is an association of 580 unique hotels and restaurants throughout the world, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs – most often families – who are passionate about their craft and deeply committed to forging warm, lasting relationships with their guests. Relais & Châteaux members protect and promote the wealth and diversity of the world’s culinary and hospitality traditions, to ensure they continue to thrive. They are equally dedicated to preserving local heritage and the environment, as articulated in the association’s Vision presented to UNESCO in November 2014.  

www.relaischateaux.com 

About Ethic Ocean 

Ethic Ocean is a non-governmental environmental organization dedicated to the conservation of fisheries and marine ecosystems. Its mission is to create opportunities for change and help implement sustainable practices in the fisheries industry. Ethic Ocean works with all stakeholders to help them source species having stocks that are not overfished or which have been farmed responsibly.

For more information, visit www.ethic-ocean.org. 

PRESS CONTACT

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Contact SCANDINAVIA
By Baungaard
email: [email protected]

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email: [email protected]

LIST OF WORLD CULINARY COUNCIL CHEFS:

1.  Mauro Colagreco
Vice President, Chefs, Relais & Châteaux
Relais & Châteaux Mirazur, FRANCE

2.  Peter Tempelhoff
Chef Delegate, Africa & Indian Ocean,
Relais & Châteaux Ellerman House, SOUTH AFRICA

3.  Josep Espuga 
Chef Delegate, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific,
Relais & Châteaux Laura at Pt. Leo Estate, AUSTRALIA

4.  Jef Schuur
Chef Delegate, Benelux, Eastern Europe & Scandinavia,
Relais & Châteaux Bij Jef, THE NETHERLANDS

5.  Frédéric Doucet
Chef Delegate, France: Great East & Rhône-Alps,
Relais & Châteaux Maison Doucet, FRANCE

6.  Cédric Béchade
Chef Delegate, France: Great Southern West,
Relais & Châteaux L’Auberge Basque, FRANCE

7.  Mathieu Guibert
Chef Delegate, France: Great West,
Relais & Châteaux Anne de Bretagne, FRANCE

8.  Julien Dumas
Chef Delegate, France: Paris & Champagne,
Relais & Châteaux Saint James Paris, FRANCE

9.  Jacques Pourcel
Chef Delegate, France: Provence, French Riviera, Corsica & Languedoc,
Relais & Châteaux Hôtel Richer de Belleval, FRANCE

10.  Holger Bodendorf
Chef Delegate, Germany & Austria,
Relais & Châteaux Landhaus Stricker, GERMANY

11.  Vicky Lau
Chef Delegate, Greater China, Indian Subcontinent & Southeast Asia,
Relais & Châteaux Tate Dining Room, HONG KONG

12.  Emanuele Scarello
Chef Delegate, Italy,
Relais & Châteaux Agli Amici dal 1887, ITALY

13.  Shinichiro Takagi
Chef Delegate, Japan & Korea,
Relais & Châteaux Zeniya, JAPAN

14.  Marko Gajski
Chef Delegate, Mediterranean, Middle East & Morocco,
Relais & Châteaux Lešić Dimitri, CROATIA

15.  Jason Bangerter
Chef Delegate, North America: Canada,
Relais & Châteaux Langdon Hall, CANADA

16.  Gabriel Kreuther
Chef Delegate, North America: USA East & Caribbean,
Relais & Châteaux Gabriel Kreuther, NEW YORK, USA

17.  Kyle Connaughton
Chef Delegate, North America: USA West & Mexico,
Relais & Châteaux SingleThread Farm-Restaurant-Inn, CALIFORNIA, USA

18.  Norman Brandt
Chef Delegate, South America & Central America,
Relais & Châteaux Pikaia Lodge, GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

19.  Pedro Subijana
Chef Delegate, Spain & Portugal,
Relais & Châteaux Akelarre, SPAIN

20.  Stéphane Décotterd
Chef Delegate, Switzerland & Liechtenstein,
Relais & Châteaux Restaurant Stéphane Décotterd, SWITZERLAND

21.  Michael Caines
Chef Delegate, United Kingdom & Ireland,
Relais & Châteaux Lympstone Manor, UNITED KINGDOM

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Source : Relais & Châteaux chefs pledge to stop serving eel with immediate effect to prevent its extinction

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GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — With the theme of "Multilateralism: More Exchanges, Greater Inclusiveness and Cooperation," the 2023 Imperial Springs International Forum (ISIF), jointly held by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, and the World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid, opened Monday in Guangzhou.

More than 130 guests from political, academic, and business circles in over 40 countries attended the Forum. This impressive gathering included over 30 former heads of state, heads of government, and leaders of international organizations. Additionally, there were over 60 internationally-renowned experts and scholars, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions.

"The current international situation is complex and multifaceted, and human society is facing unprecedented challenges. The theme of the ISIF, ‘Multilateralism: More Exchanges, Greater Inclusiveness and Cooperation,’ aims to emphasize to the international community the importance of achieving consensus through communication, resolving conflicts through inclusiveness, and realizing development through cooperation." Zhou Zerong, President of the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association and Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Region of the World Leadership Alliance, expressed his expectation for insightful individuals to engage in in-depth discussions on the topics, exchange ideas, and contribute more wisdom to the development of global peace.

According to Zhou Zerong, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area have emerged as one of the most dynamic economic powerhouses in the world today. With robust economic prowess, comprehensive industrial supply chains, and a thriving innovation ecosystem, they have become highly sought-after investment destinations for multinational corporations. Since its establishment, the ISIF has made a group of good and true friends. We all agree that opposing each other is not beneficial, and win-win cooperation is the only choice. Sincere wishes will be made for the resounding success of the "2023 ISIF".

"Our goal is not just a multipolar world. Our goal is one in which multipolarity is harmonized through the strength of multilateral institutions." Danilo Turk, Former President of Slovenia and President of World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid, emphasized the crucial role of multilateral institutions.

At the opening ceremony of ISIF, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Former President of Latvia and Co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, said that China is a concrete example of multilateralism. She believes that the Belt and Road Initiative contributes to guaranteeing a world where multilateralism exists in reality and in practice.

Since its inauguration in 2014,ISIF has been held for seven consecutive sessions. With extensive and in-depth discussions, ISIF has been enormously successful.

ISIF is a new type of high-end platform for China to conduct in-depth communication with the rest of the world, with the aims of initiating substantive discussions on world peace, economic development, and cultural exchanges, promoting greater understanding and consensus among all parties, and fostering regional as well as global cooperation.

Source : 2023 ISIF Kicks Off in Guangzhou, Deepening Global Exchange and Cooperation to Foster Understanding among Peoples

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–The Phase III clinical trial of ASC40 for moderate to severe acne vulgaris will enroll 480 subjects

–The protocol of Phase III clinical trial has been agreed by Center for Drug Evaluation, National Medical Products Administration and obtained the approval from Institutional Review Board of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University

–Professor Leihong Xiang of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, serves as the principal investigator of this Phase III clinical trial

HANGZHOU and SHAOXING, China, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX: 1672, "Ascletis") today announces initiation of the Phase III clinical trial of fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitor ASC40 (Denifanstat) for treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris.

This Phase III clinical trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial in China to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ASC40 for the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. 480 subjects with moderate to severe acne vulgaris will be enrolled and randomized into one active treatment arm and one placebo control arm at the ratio of 1:1 to receive 50 mg ASC40 or matching placebo orally, once daily for 12 weeks.

The co-primary efficacy endpoints are: proportion of subjects achieving treatment success at week 12, percentage change from baseline in total lesion count, and percentage change from baseline in inflammatory lesion count (ILC) at week 12. Treatment success is defined as at least a 2-point reduction in Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score from baseline and a score of clear (0) or almost clear (1).

The protocol of Phase III clinical trial has been agreed by Center for Drug Evaluation, National Medical Products Administration and obtained the approval from Institutional Review Board of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University.

On May 2, 2023, Ascletis announced that ASC40 achieved primary and key secondary endpoints in the Phase II clinical trial for the treatment of acne vulgaris, demonstrating superior efficacy and good safety.

ASC40 is an oral, selective small molecule inhibitor of FASN. Mechanisms of ASC40 for treatment of acne are (1) direct inhibition of facial sebum production, through inhibition of de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in human sebocytes; and (2) inhibition of inflammation, through decreasing cytokine secretion and Th17 differentiation. Ascletis holds the rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize ASC40 in Greater China under an exclusive license from Sagimet Biosciences Inc.

Acne is the eighth most prevalent disease in the world and affects more than 640 million people globally [1]. Adherence to topical therapies is worse when compared with that for oral agents: an estimated 30% to 40% of patients do not adhere to their topical treatments [2]. Currently, effective oral treatment for acne are mainly isotretinoin which can cause a lot of severe adverse events such as hepatotoxicy, hearing impairment and depression, etc. ASC40 has the potential to be a first-in-class, once-daily oral acne therapeutic with high patient compliance.

"There has been a lack of new drugs on the market for acne treatment. ASC40 is an oral drug candidate with a novel mechanism of action for acne treatment." Professor Leihong Xiang, Chief Physician of Dermatological Department, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Executive Deputy Director of Institute of Dermatology, Fudan University, Deputy Director of Dermatology Division of Chinese Medical Doctor Association and principal investigator (PI) of ASC40 Phase III clinical trial for moderate to severe acne.

"I’m glad that Ascleits has achieved another milestone, which reflects our strong execution to advance our pipeline programs into late-stage clinical development. As a first-in-class drug candidate with novel mechanism for acne treatment, ASC40 has demonstrated significant efficacy and good safety in the Phase II study. We believe that the novel mechanism of action will translate ASC40 into a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe acne treatment." said Dr. Jinzi J. Wu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis.

[1]Tan J K, Bhate K. A global perspective on the epidemiology of acne [J]. Br J Dermatol 2015, 172 Suppl 1(3-12). DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13462.

[2]Purvis CG, Balogh EA, Feldman SR. Clascoterone: How the Novel Androgen Receptor Inhibitor Fits Into the Acne Treatment Paradigm. Ann Pharmacother. 2021;55(10):1297-1299. doi:10.1177/1060028021992055.

About Ascletis

Ascletis is an innovative R&D driven biotech listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK), covering the entire value chain from discovery and development to manufacturing and commercialization. Led by a management team with deep expertise and a proven track record, Ascletis focuses on three therapeutic areas with unmet medical needs from a global perspective: viral diseases, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and oncology. Through excellent execution, Ascletis rapidly advances its drug pipeline with an aim of leading in global competition. To date, Ascletis has multiple drug candidates in its R&D pipeline. The most advanced drug candidates include ASC22 (CHB functional cure), ASC40 (acne), ASC40 (recurrent glioblastoma), ASC40 (NASH), ASC41 (NASH) and ASC61 (advanced solid tumors).

For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com.

Source : Ascletis Announces Initiation of Phase III Clinical Trial of ASC40 (Denifanstat) for Treatment of Acne

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GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO; HKEX: 9896) ("MINISO", "MINISO Group" or the "Company"), a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design, today made an announcement on a voluntary basis to keep the shareholders of the Company and potential investors of the Company informed of the latest business developments of the Group.

The board of directors (the "Board") of the Company has noted the recent unusual fluctuation in the price and trading volume movements of the ordinary shares (the "Shares") of the Company. Having made all reasonable enquiries in the circumstances, the Board confirms that, as at the date of this announcement, it is not aware of any reason for the recent fluctuation of the price of the Shares or trading volume movements, or of any information that is required to be disclosed to avoid a false market in the securities of the Company, or of any inside information that is required to be disclosed pursuant to Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong).

As at the date of this announcement, the business of the Group is running normally and smoothly. There were no significant adverse changes in the daily operations and financial positions of the Group.

The Board was informed that Mr. Zhang Jingjing, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, together with Mr. Huang Zheng, General Manager of MINISO Overseas distributor markets and Vice President, and Mr. Yao Jianzheng, General Manager of MINISO China and Vice President (together as the "Management"), planned to acquire certain shares in the open market in the coming month. Any share purchase will be conducted in compliance with the applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the Management Trading of Securities Policy adopted by the Board and the applicable provisions under the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

The plan for share purchase demonstrates our Management’s unwavering confidence in the value and long-term development of the Company. The Management may further increase their shareholding in the Company as and when appropriate and subject to compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.

To enhance communication with shareholders, the Company’s management will hold a conference call at 3:45 A.M. Eastern Time on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 (4:45 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day). The conference call can be accessed by the following Zoom link or dialing the following numbers:

Access 1

Join Zoom meeting.

Zoom link: https://dooyle.zoom.us/j/86907972514?pwd=GNi09Bq3CPWN8XbABy0iuQ0pI19pCO.1
Meeting Number: 869 0797 2514
Meeting Passcode: 9896

Access 2

Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers by using the same meeting number and passcode with access 1.

United States:

+1 213 338 8477 (or +1 646 518 9805)

Mainland China:

400 182 3168 (or 400 616 8835)

Hong Kong, China:

+852 5803 3730 (or +852 5803 3731)

United Kingdom:

+44 203 481 5237 (or +44 131 460 1196)

France:

+33 1 7037 9729 (or +33 1 7037 2246)

Singapore:

+65 3158 7288 (or +65 3165 1065)

Canada:

+1 438 809 7799 (or +1 204 272 7920)

Shareholders and potential investors should note that any proposed Share purchase by the Company’s management may be done subject to market conditions and at the individual’s absolute discretion. There is no assurance of the timing, quantity or price of any Share purchase. Shareholders and potential investors should therefore exercise caution when dealing in the Shares. 

About MINISO Group

MINISO Group is a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO’s wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide. For more information, please visit https://ir.miniso.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to,", "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. Among other things, the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as MINISO’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. MINISO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "HKEX"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about MINISO’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: MINISO’s mission, goals and strategies; future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; the expected growth of the retail market and the market of branded variety retail of lifestyle products in China and globally; expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of MINISO’s products; expectations regarding MINISO’s relationships with consumers, suppliers, MINISO Retail Partners, local distributors, and other business partners; competition in the industry; proposed use of proceeds; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to MINISO’s business and the industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in MINISO’s filings with the SEC and the HKEX. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and MINISO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact:

Raine Hu
MINISO Group Holding Limited
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +86 (20) 36228788 Ext.8039

Source : MINISO Group Responded to Unusual Price and Trading Volume Movements and Increase Plan in Shareholding by Managements

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BEIJING, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — While traditional cultural art forms presumably tend to struggle in resonating with younger generations, China’s latest Yueju Opera production, New Dragon Gate Inn performed by Xiao Bai Hua, one of the most remarkable Yueju Opera troupes from East China’s Zhejiang Province, has emerged as a phenomenal hit. The innovative adaptation has not only rejuvenated a traditional art form that definitely deserves more attention, but has also enthralled younger audiences who are usually not opera-goers. 

Through her cross-dressed role as the eunuch Jia Ting, nicknamed the "Jade-faced Young Lord," 31-year-old female performer Chen Lijun has suddenly rose to fame on social media. Her gorgeous appearance, elegant air and skillful performance, combined with the irresistible chemistry between Chen and her partner played by Li Yunxiao, have even sparked a Yueju Opera fever across the internet.

A livestream of the opera in August attracted millions of viewers and sparked heated discussions online, earning over 14,000 comments. Clips of Chen and Li’s performances, such as a scene where Chen lifts and spins Li with one hand, went viral on various social media platforms.

According to domestic media reports, when tickets for the December performances of New Dragon Gate Inn officially went on sale in mid-November, the three performances featuring the duo sold out almost within seconds while the other 14 performances by other cast members sold out within two minutes. Moreover, on second-hand trading platforms, the price of tickets skyrocketed to even 6,666 yuan ($942) from the original price of 399 yuan.  

As a major school of traditional Chinese opera, Yueju Opera originated in Shengzhou county in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province. Compared to other schools of traditional opera in China, it is relatively young, dating back to 1852. Similar to Peking Opera, Yueju Opera has a unique form of storytelling that combines classical singing, dancing and acting into one. 

Chen is not the only case of cross-gender performance. Most Yueju Opera performers are women, with even the male parts traditionally played by women, giving the opera a distinctively feminine style. The performance is characterized by a soft, gentle style of singing and graceful movements. 

Yet, like many classical art forms, Yueju Opera has faced dwindling interest from younger audiences, until the groundbreaking New Dragon Gate Inn broke the spell. 

Different from previous Yueju Opera performances, the novelty of New Dragon Gate Inn is reflected in several aspects. First, it features an immersive experience. A bit like Sleep No More, where the theater has been turned into an inn filled with secret passages, integrating the stage and the audience seats. It redefines the viewers’ role in storytelling. The audience can interact with the actors and fully engage in scenes, participate in the exploration and progression of the plot, creating a novel and interesting experience that resonates with those in attendance. 

As Chen told media, "The concept of the stage seems to disappear. So does the distance between performers and the audience. The audience and I are all part of the performance."

With the entire creative team mainly composed of relatively young crew members, including a post-1985 director, a post-1995 playwright, a post-1990 stage designer, and a group of young actors, the opera explores ways of expression that align with the development of the times and the aesthetics of contemporary young audiences. They give their attention to each detail in the story, costume and makeup, the stage lighting and stage design to make everything more relatable and appealing to younger audiences. Through this, they managed to broaden their audience and increase their cultural influence, creating new development opportunities for Yueju Opera. 

In addition to the bold and innovative adaptation, the marketing approach has also been a new experiment that has turned out successful. 

"New Dragon Gate Inn uses short video platforms to provide barrier-free online viewing in a way that resonates with young people," said Wang Binmei, director of the Xiao Bai Hua troupe.

The success of New Dragon Gate Inn signals a promising future for other traditional Chinese art forms. It exemplifies how innovation, when grounded in respect for tradition, can open new horizons. This approach preserves the art form.

But at the core of its success is the distinct aesthetics and charm of traditional Chinese culture and the persistence of its committed guardians, the unwavering policy support of governments and organizations across the nation. 

Mao Weitao, a famous Yueju Opera artist and former head of Xiao Bai Hua, is the performance director of the opera. She noted that Chen has dedicated a great deal of time to practicing Yueju Opera. Chen herself also acknowledged that there was a time that she felt it was very hard to go on, but she never thought about giving up.   

"Opera is engraved in the DNA of the Chinese people. After a small stone is cast, the DNA awakens," said Chen.

With New Dragon Gate Inn being a shining example of how cultural heritage can be both preserved and revitalized, we look forward to more Chinese traditional art forms seeking innovation and vitality, so they may continue to enchant and inspire generations to come.

Read more: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202311/1302739.shtml

Source : Global Times: Chinese classic operas can be great hits again

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SINGAPORE, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The staff from UD Trucks, in collaboration with the Singapore Zoo, held a year-end event on 25 November 2023 that brought many merry and unique experiences for the children of orphanages in Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Staff from UD Trucks together with children from Willing Hearts Orphanage (Philippines) posing in front of a UD Trucks’ Croner as part of UD Trucks’ “Better Life for the People” initiative to inculcate truck road safety tips, held on 25 November 2023 across Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines in collaboration with the Singapore Zoo.

The half-day event was filled with a variety of experiential activities which included a ‘get-to-know-a-truck’ road safety awareness, a live virtual journey of the Singapore Zoo, and a pen-pal program with children from orphanages in Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

"A part of UD Trucks’ ‘Better Life for the People’ means to engage with the less fortunate communities around us. One of the main activities we have been consistently conducting around the world is a traffic safety program for school-going children, to educate and impart awareness on ways to prevent traffic accidents, particularly those involving trucks. The children learn and participate in activities with actual heavy-duty trucks to demonstrate blind spots, be aware of the sheer size of the truck and the space required when turning corners," shared Supriono Madayin, General Manager, UD Trucks Hub Malaysia.

Actual UD heavy-duty trucks were brought in and stationed at the orphanages to give the children a hands-on experience to help them understand the risks and safety precautions around trucks. The children’s interests were piqued throughout the event which began with basic explanations about the truck’s chassis anatomy and the features inside the driver’s cab, before they were brought around the truck to experience blind spot education at the rear, front, and side of the vehicle.

Following a safety brief on the correct way to mount and dismount from the driver’s cab, the children were then given the chance to climb onto the truck’s cab to experience the limits of a truck driver’s view. Their excitement was evident when they made a beeline for it.

Alongside the ‘get-to-know-a-truck’ session, they were also shown various animated road safety videos to further instill in them the basics of maintaining road safety rules and good pedestrian habits. The children also participated in a simple and fun pop quiz on road safety where everyone received a goodie bag.

Adding more delight for the children, a live and interactive virtual field trip to the Singapore Zoo was organised. Led by a ranger, the children embarked on a wildlife exploration, enjoying the full zoo experience from the comfort of their own locations. During this virtual tour, the children had the chance to closely observe various animals, including orangutans, giraffes, rhinoceroses, tigers, and zebras. Moreover, they had the valuable opportunity to gain insights into these animals’ habitats, diets, and lifespans.

"In our unwavering pursuit of a ‘Better Life,’ UD Trucks is thrilled to announce our latest corporate social responsibility (CSR) project in collaboration with the Singapore Zoo. This initiative is just the beginning of our commitment to fostering positive change, and we aspire to extend its benefits far and wide. Beginning with countries sharing the same time zone as Singapore, we’re embarking on a virtual journey to connect with children globally, providing enriching experiences and forging lasting friendships. Our heartfelt thanks to the Singapore Zoo for their invaluable support in making this possible, as we aim to broaden young minds and instill a global perspective. As a key component of our CSR program, we remain dedicated to imparting crucial road safety education, underscoring our commitment to creating a safer and better world for all." shared Crystal Ma, Marketing Manager, UD Trucks Singapore.

In addition, a pen-pal program was also organised for the children where they get to meet and make new friends. "To foster cross-cultural understanding and friendship among the children, we initiated a pen-pal program. Through this program, children from diverse backgrounds will have the opportunity to exchange letters, share their unique perspectives, and forge meaningful connections. This initiative not only encourages the children to practice writing in English but also cultivates empathy and appreciation for different cultures, laying the foundation for a more harmonious global future." shared Etsuko Kurihashi, External Communication Director, UD Trucks Japan.

Maria Teresa, Center Head for  Willing Hearts Orphanage Inc. shared, "One of our core missions is to provide temporary shelter and family care. We also give emotional, psychological, and spiritual support and formal and non-formal education. Additionally, we implement individual case management for every child. We are very thankful that companies such as UD Trucks and Civic Merchandising have approached us to organise fruitful activities for our children".

The event concluded with everyone treated to a lunch and goodie bag.

About UD Trucks

UD Trucks is a leading Japanese commercial vehicle solutions provider, active in more than 60 countries on all continents. Since its inception in 1935, the company has been an innovation leader with a clear vision to provide the trucks and services the world needs today. Better Life is our purpose. Providing the trucks and services that the world needs today, we are committed to Better Life – to make life better for people and the planet through sustainable transport solutions. In addition, UD Trucks works closely with communities, focusing on road traffic safety seminars for local schools, disaster relief and other community outreach initiatives. For more information, please visit www.udtrucks.com.

Source : UD TRUCKS SINGAPORE DRIVES HOME TRUCK ROAD SAFETY TIPS FOR ORPHANS

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