The Ghana edition of Cooking with Gamechangers has officially launched, bringing a unique blend of business storytelling, entertainment, culture and food to audiences while spotlighting some of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs, executives and public figures.
The reality television programme, which first gained recognition in Nigeria, is designed to present successful leaders in a more relatable setting by taking them out of traditional interview environments and placing them in the kitchen, where viewers can learn about their personal journeys, leadership experiences and professional achievements.
Unlike conventional business-focused television formats, the show combines storytelling with culinary challenges, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities shaping industries across the continent while highlighting the values, resilience and mindset that drive success.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the Ghana launch reflects the growing popularity of content that merges education, inspiration and entertainment, particularly among younger African audiences seeking practical lessons from accomplished business and cultural figures.
Organisers say the programme was developed to bridge the gap between successful leaders and everyday viewers by creating authentic conversations around entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and personal growth. Through the relaxed environment of food preparation and friendly competition, participants are able to share experiences that might not emerge in a traditional studio setting.
The Ghana edition features a diverse lineup of personalities drawn from business, entertainment and cultural sectors, reinforcing the show’s objective of demonstrating that success can be achieved across different industries through determination, creativity and strategic thinking.
Adding to the appeal of the programme is a judging panel made up of prominent public figures rather than professional chefs. The producers believe this approach creates a more relatable viewing experience while allowing contestants to be evaluated from the perspective of everyday consumers.
Award-winning actor James Gardiner has been selected as host for the Ghana season, bringing a mix of humour, charisma and audience engagement that organisers believe will strengthen the programme’s entertainment value.
The show will be distributed across television and digital platforms, ensuring broad accessibility for viewers across Ghana and other African markets. Producers say the multi-platform strategy is intended to maximise audience reach while encouraging greater engagement with stories of innovation, leadership and achievement.
Beyond entertainment, the programme is also positioned as a platform for promoting African excellence and celebrating individuals making significant contributions within their respective fields. Organisers believe exposure to such stories can inspire young people to pursue ambitious goals and contribute positively to society.
Looking ahead, the producers have outlined plans to expand the format across additional African countries, creating a pan-African platform that highlights entrepreneurial success, cultural diversity and innovation from different parts of the continent.
As Africa’s creator economy and television industry continue to evolve, Cooking with Gamechangers is seeking to carve out a distinctive niche by combining business leadership, personal storytelling and lifestyle entertainment in a format designed to resonate with audiences both within Africa and beyond.
Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has admitted 20 young Nigerians into the 2026 edition of its Youth Empowered Internship Programme, strengthening efforts to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace readiness.
The six-month programme is designed to provide participants with practical industry experience, professional mentorship and career development opportunities across critical business operations, including commercial and supply chain functions.
The latest intake represents a significant expansion of the initiative as NBC continues to invest in youth employability and workforce development amid growing concerns over graduate unemployment and skills gaps in Nigeria.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the selected participants emerged from a competitive screening process involving beneficiaries of the company’s Youth Empowered programme drawn from several Nigerian tertiary institutions, including the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, University of Abuja and the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
During the internship, participants will work closely with experienced professionals, gain exposure to real business operations and develop practical competencies required to thrive in today’s evolving job market.
The programme builds on the success of its inaugural internship cohort launched in 2025. NBC disclosed that several participants from the pioneer group successfully transitioned into permanent roles within the organisation, highlighting the programme’s potential as a pathway to long-term employment.
Since its introduction in 2017, the Youth Empowered initiative has reached more than 70,000 young Nigerians through employability training, entrepreneurship support, professional development programmes and vocational skills acquisition. The platform has also created opportunities for participants pursuing specialised careers in areas such as hospitality and service-related industries.
Industry stakeholders increasingly view internship and mentorship programmes as essential tools for preparing graduates for workplace realities, particularly as employers seek candidates with both academic qualifications and practical experience.
The 2026 cohort is expected to benefit from direct exposure to one of Nigeria’s leading fast-moving consumer goods companies, gaining valuable insights into corporate operations, business strategy and professional leadership.
NBC said the programme aligns with its broader sustainability and social impact objectives, which focus on creating economic opportunities, supporting youth development and contributing to the growth of a skilled workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s future economic growth.
As businesses across the country continue to place greater emphasis on talent development, initiatives such as the Youth Empowered Internship Programme are becoming increasingly important in helping young Nigerians build careers, enhance employability and access opportunities within the formal economy.
The admission of a new cohort underscores NBC’s ongoing commitment to nurturing future professionals while supporting efforts to create a more resilient and competitive workforce for Nigeria’s rapidly changing business environment.
The MasterChef Nigeria kitchen transformed into a bakery this week as the contestants faced a daunting White Apron Challenge that pushed them far beyond their comfort zones.
With no elimination on the line, the challenge instead offered something equally valuable – the coveted Immunity Pin.
To put the home cooks to the test, MasterChef Nigeria welcomed renowned pastry chef Tosan Jemide, who travelled all the way from Australia to share his expertise. Chef Tosan is celebrated across the continent and holds the record for creating the tallest cake in Africa.
For contestants more comfortable with savoury dishes than sponge cakes, the challenge immediately sparked nerves. Their task was to recreate Chef Tosan’s cake recipe while also decorating their creations. Just when they thought they had enough on their plates, the judges introduced a surprise twist: every contestant had to decorate a cookie as an additional challenge.
As the pressure mounted, emotions began to boil over.
Favy suffered a major setback when her cakes toppled over in the oven. The devastating moment triggered a panic attack and left her questioning whether she could continue. However, with encouragement from the judges, she regrouped, adapted her approach and found a creative way to work with what remained of her bake.
Meanwhile, Isabella’s challenge unravelled when an error in her measurements resulted in a mixture that resembled soup rather than cake. Disappointed and frustrated, she even considered presenting nothing to the judges. Ultimately, she chose to persevere and plate the best version of what she had. Unfortunately, the judges were not impressed with the outcome.
Even the usually calm and collected David found himself overwhelmed during the cake decorating stage. Struggling with the intricate finishing touches, he experienced a rare meltdown before receiving guidance and encouragement from the judges to keep pushing forward.
Loye entered the challenge admitting that baking was far outside his comfort zone. Despite his nerves, he managed to stay focused and successfully presented the judges with a fully decorated cake, proving that determination can sometimes be just as important as experience.
After tasting and judging all the bakes, the judges rewarded resilience, adaptability and perseverance.
In a result that perfectly captured the spirit of the challenge, Favy was named Dish of the Day. Despite her early disaster, she refused to give up, demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure and delivered a bake worthy of the top honour.
Her reward? The coveted Immunity Pin, giving her a powerful advantage in the competition moving forward.
Next week, the competition intensifies as the home cooks face another demanding challenge. With the stakes getting higher and the field becoming stronger, who will rise to the occasion and who will crumble under the pressure?
Produced by Primedia Group, MasterChef Nigeria is supported by a strong coalition of leading Nigerian brands, including headline sponsor Power Oil, alongside Indomie, Dano Milk, Malta Guinness, Sonia Tomato, Kiara Rice, Golden Penny Flour, Golden Penny Sugar, Golden Penny Garri, Golden Penny Semolina, Golden Penny Chocolate Spread, and Golden Penny Wheat.
The show airs weekly on Sundays at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family with rebroadcast on Wednesdays at 6 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12 pm on Africa Magic Family.
For more information and a chance to win great prizes, visit www.masterchefnigeria.com and follow the conversation on social media: Facebook: MasterChef Nigeria | Instagram: @masterchefngr | TikTok: @masterchefngr | X (formerly Twitter): @masterchefngr
The data integration allows public transit users to locate and book shared commuter routes directly through the Google Maps platform. Monday, 8th June 2026, Lagos, Nigeria – Shuttlers, the technology-enabled shared mobility platform, today announced two operational milestones: its official integration into the Google Maps Transit system in Nigeria and the completion of its 10 millionth journey.
This integration enables commuters searching for transit directions on
Google Maps to view Shuttlers’ routes and book seats within the
platform. The partnership expands access to reliable shared transport
for businesses and professionals navigating urban centres.
This milestone reflects the growing need for structured, shared mobility
in urban Africa. Across the continent’s fastest-growing cities, formal
public transport infrastructure faces significant pressure from rapid
population growth, leaving millions of professionals dependent on
fragmented and costly alternatives. According to the World Bank, African
cities lose an estimated 2% to 5% of GDP annually to transport
inefficiency. In Lagos, the average commuter loses more than 30 hours a
month to gridlock.
To qualify as a Google Transit Partner, Shuttlers aligned its data
architecture, route systems, and real-time operational capabilities with
Google’s partner infrastructure requirements.
Speaking on this achievement, CEO and Co-Founder of Shuttlers, Damilola
Olokesusi, shared, “We are incredibly proud of our integration into
the Google Maps Transit system. This, alongside hitting 10 million
journeys since launch, is a reflection of years of hard work. For
millions of professionals, commuting is still unpredictable, exhausting
and expensive. We have spent the last 10 years building technology and
operational infrastructure that makes daily transportation more
dependable – for commuters, businesses that employ them, and the fleet
operators who power our network.”
Olumide Balogun, Director for West Africa at Google, said: “We are
pleased to welcome Shuttlers into the Google Transit ecosystem in
Nigeria. Reliable transit information helps people navigate cities more
confidently and efficiently. As more Nigerians adopt digital tools for
everyday mobility, integrations like these help make trusted
transportation easier to discover and access.”
Shuttlers currently serves 30,000 active users across more than 1,000
itineraries, operating more than 430 buses daily across Lagos, Abuja and
Port Harcourt. Since launching in 2016, the platform has maintained a
99% trip completion rate and a 99.94% incident-free rate across its
entire journey history. The average Shuttlers commuter saves 60% to 88%
on transport costs compared to ride-hailing services, and reclaims 8 to
12 hours from gridlock every month.
With an ongoing commitment to urban climate impact, Shuttlers is
actively integrating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric buses
into its fleet, reducing emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional
diesel alternatives.
As Shuttlers continues to grow its mobility offering, the company
remains focused on building structured mobility solutions that improve
how people move through African cities, creating better outcomes for
commuters, businesses, and transport operators alike.
SANYA, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 June 2026 – As the morning sun bathed Sanya Bay in golden light, a group of international tour operators began their exploration of the city. From June 4 to 5, delegates participating in the Overseas Tour Operators Hainan Tour 2026 visited Sanya for an in-depth familiarization tour of its luxury resort hotels, coastal cultural and tourism destinations, and duty-free shopping complexes.
From the spectacular underwater suites at Atlantis Sanya, to the colorful street-art alleys of Tianya Town, and the rooftop infinity pool at Sanya Conifer Resort, each stop gave the visitors a fresh impression of Hainan. Many visitors paused to capture the scenery, remarking with delight: “Sanya is full of surprises!”
Exploring Luxury Resorts and Applauding World-Class Service
At 10 a.m. on June 4, the tour operators arrived at Atlantis Sanya. Upon entering the lobby, they were immediately captivated by the resort’s massive aquarium, where sharks, rays, and other marine creatures glided gracefully through the water. The group was visibly amazed.
The group toured both the ocean-view suites and the resort’s signature underwater suites. In the latter, floor-to-ceiling windows offer direct views into the aquarium, allowing guests to lie in bed and watch marine life drift by as if they were beneath the sea.
“The underwater suite concept is truly unique. Very few hotels in the world can offer an experience like this,” said tour operator Vivian He from Hong Kong. “The dreamlike setting would make an outstanding feature for honeymoon packages and would appeal strongly to younger travelers. I’ve already taken plenty of photos and videos on my phone and plan to use them for promotion when I return.”
The group then traveled to Hyatt Regency Sanya Tianli Bay in Tianya District. Strolling through palm-lined gardens, they were greeted by breathtaking views where the infinity pool seemed to merge with the sea and sky beyond. Many guests stopped to take photos, fascinated by the striking visual effect, which made it look as though water flowed directly into the ocean.
“The design is incredibly clever. It gives you the urge to dive right in and swim toward the sea,” said Julia, a tour operator from Germany, while taking photos of the stunning view. Having worked in the European outbound travel market for many years, she was visiting Sanya for the first time. “In Europe, hotels with sea views like this often come with a very high price tag. Hainan offers excellent value for money. Combined with China’s visa-free policy for travelers from 86 countries, it has tremendous appeal for European visitors.”
The hotel’s representative introduced the group to the property’s all-ocean-view suites, children’s amusement facilities, and its distinctive pink-sand beach. Natthapat, a tour operator from Thailand, showed particular interest in these features. “The children’s facilities and the pink-sand beach are perfect for family travel products. When I return home, I’ll discuss with my team how we can incorporate this destination into our product offerings.”
The delegation then proceeded to Rosewood Sanya. The hotel’s sky lobby, located on the 14th floor, offers sweeping 270-degree ocean views. Equally impressive was the elevated infinity pool on the 13th floor. Suspended between sea and sky, the pool’s edge appears to merge with the horizon, creating a spectacular setting from every angle.
“This is one of the most visually stunning hotel pools I’ve ever seen,” said Amy, a tour operator from Australia, while admiring the view from the poolside. She noted that Australian travelers also have a strong preference for luxury resort experiences, and the design aesthetic and sense of privacy here align perfectly with the expectations of the high-end market.
Throughout the visit, many tour operators actively exchanged business cards with hotel sales representatives, inquiring about partnership opportunities, group rates, and capacity for group reception. A tour operator from Southeast Asia said that he hopes to bring a group of high-end family travelers to experience Sanya’s luxury resort offerings.
Tianya Town’s Artistic Transformation Resonates with Tour Operators
The delegation also visited Tianya Town, where they experienced the unique charm of this “seaside arts village.” From the colorful mural-covered walls at the entrance of Huanglong Street, to the pure-white architecture of Sanya Guanxia Seaview B&B, and the cave-inspired interiors of Malt Cave Seaview Café, every corner became a favorite photo stop.
“This is completely different from the fishing village I imagined,” said Eter, a tour operator from Georgia, pausing at the iconic “18° North Latitude” landmark to examine the coordinates displayed on the wall. She noted that the destination could be easily integrated with the coastal tourism resources of Sanya, Lingshui, and Wanning. “Visitors are drawn to places with distinct geographic markers, which give the destination a sense of occasion.”
A local guide accompanying the group explained that in recent years, Tianya Town has undergone a series of small-scale renovations and refined upgrades. While retaining the original layout and character of a traditional fishing village, it has incorporated contemporary artistic elements, evolving into a popular photo-friendly destination. Today, Tianya Town is home to dozens of seaview guesthouses, cafés, and cultural and creative shops, making it especially popular among younger travelers.
“These small but beautifully designed destinations are exactly what many European travelers are looking for,” said Zhang Jing, a tour operator from Ireland. “Many European visitors are keen to experience local culture and everyday life when they travel. Tianya Town combines fishing village stories, artistic ambiance, and seaside accommodations. It has tremendous appeal.”
Inside one of the town’s cultural and creative stores, the visitors showed great interest in souvenir products featuring traditional Li ethnic totems. France, a tour operator from the United States, even inquired on the spot about purchasing the products in bulk as gifts for clients.
Meanwhile, Korean tour operator Lee Jae-hyun was particularly impressed by the town’s photogenic appeal. “Every corner is picture-perfect. Young people in Korea love destinations that look great in photos. If Tianya Town were included in independent travel packages, I’m sure it would be very popular.”
Duty-Free Shopping Drives Strong Interest and New Cooperation Opportunities
On the afternoon of June 4, the tour operators continued their familiarization tour with visits to Sanya Conifer Resort and Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa.
At Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa, the group was introduced to the hotel’s comprehensive conference facilities and family-oriented amenities. Guests were particularly intrigued by the hotel’s exclusive underground passageway, which provides direct access to Sanya Bay Beach.
Sanya Conifer Resort, meanwhile, impressed visitors with its iconic 70-meter-high rooftop infinity pool. Offering panoramic views of the Sanya Bay coastline, the elevated waterscape has become one of the hotel’s signature attractions. Its distinctive architectural design also earned high praise from the international tour operators.
Later that day, the delegation arrived at the final highlight of their Sanya tour—a self-guided visit to the CDF Sanya International Duty Free City. As the world’s largest single-building duty-free shopping destination, the complex brings together more than 800 international brands.
Aziz, a tour operator from Malaysia, found himself spoiled for choice in the cosmetics and fragrance section. “Malaysian travelers love duty-free shopping. The selection of brands here is impressive, and the pricing is highly competitive. If duty-free shopping can be combined with resort stays as part of a travel package, I believe it would be extremely well received by the market.”
Julia, a tour operator from Germany, was equally impressed by the scale and variety of the shopping complex. “European travelers enjoy purchasing luxury goods and cosmetics, and Sanya’s duty-free advantages are very clear. I believe Sanya has the potential to become a new favorite destination among European visitors.”
After several days of exploration across Hainan, tour operators from around the world expressed strong interest in developing partnerships in sectors ranging from sports tourism and wellness travel to cultural and leisure tourism. Shirley, a tour operator from Australia, paid particular attention to Hainan’s sports tourism resources. “Hainan has outstanding assets for sports tourism, especially golf and coastal outdoor activities. These resources are ideal for developing sports-focused holiday products. Australian consumers are passionate about sports travel, and I plan to introduce Hainan’s sports tourism offerings to the Australian market.”
According to officials from the Sanya Municipal Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, the city has launched several new international air routes since the beginning of this year, contributing to steady growth in inbound visitor arrivals. Looking ahead, Sanya will continue to improve its inbound tourism services and strengthen international market outreach, encouraging more global tour operators to include the city in their product portfolios.
Sunny Hainan, heart’s desire. Although the two-and-a-half-day familiarization tour was brief, it provided tour operators from around the world with a firsthand look at Sanya’s diverse tourism offerings and strong hospitality capacity. More importantly, it allowed visiting industry professionals to identify tangible opportunities for future cooperation. With the continued expansion of international flight connections and the ongoing optimization of inbound travel policies, Sanya is embracing the world with an increasingly open and welcoming outlook, ready to receive more visitors from across the globe.
Hashtag: #SanyaTourismBoard
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 June 2026 – The Washington Blueberry Commission has solidified its market presence in Southeast Asia through the successful completion of trade seminars in Thailand and Indonesia, marking an important step in building awareness, trade confidence, and long-term market engagement across the region.
Held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 27 April 2026, and Jakarta, Indonesia, on 29 April 2026, the seminars brought together importers, distributors, retailers, foodservice professionals, media, and industry stakeholders for a focused introduction to Washington Blueberries and their market potential in Southeast Asia. Together, the Thailand and Indonesia seminars welcomed close to 100 attendees, underscoring the region’s robust appetite for premium imported blueberries and the growing depth of trade opportunity.
The seminars were designed to advance market education and deepen understanding of Washington Blueberries among key trade audiences. Alan Schreiber, Executive Director of the Washington Blueberry Commission, attended as a principal representative of Washington Blueberries and delivered insights on their export potential, spotlighting opportunities for deeper and more sustained trade engagement throughout Southeast Asia.
Washington State offers a premium product that aligns well with growing consumer demand in the region for healthy, high-quality, and great-tasting foods,” said Alan Schreiber.
Bryan Sakuma of Sakuma Brothers Farms also provided first-hand perspectives from a grower and exporter standpoint, giving attendees a greater understanding of Washington’s blueberry supply capabilities, and the market opportunities available to regional partners.
Through product presentations, market insights, culinary applications, and networking sessions, attendees gained a comprehensive appreciation of the outstanding quality, versatility, and commercial potential of Washington Blueberries across fresh, frozen, and dried formats.
A key highlight of both events was the live culinary demonstration, which showcased the application of Washington Blueberries across foodservice, dessert, and menu innovation. In Thailand, the demonstration was led by Chef Arttasit Pattanasatienkul, widely known as Chef Big, winner of Top Chef Thailand 2023. In Indonesia, the demonstration was led by Chef Degan Septoadji, a respected chef and television personality best known as a judge on MasterChef Indonesia.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of Washington frozen blueberries compared to other frozen blueberries available in the Indonesian market. They are able to hold their shape and texture very well, making them suitable for a wide range of culinary applications,” said Chef Degan Septoadji.
Their demonstrations brought the product experience to life, showing trade audiences how Washington Blueberries can be used creatively across both Western and Asian-inspired applications.
In Thailand, the seminar at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, attracted a distinguished group of importers, retailers, foodservice representatives, culinary professionals, media, and influencers. The event firmly positioned Washington Blueberries as a premium fruit of choice with potential across retail, bakery, beverage, dessert, breakfast, and health-focused product categories. The Thailand seminar further extended its reach beyond the venue through targeted media and influencer engagement, amplifying awareness among a broad consumer audience.
In Indonesia, the seminar at Park Hyatt Jakarta established a high-impact B2B platform for direct engagement with importers, traders, retailers, foodservice operators, and industry leaders. The event introduced Washington Blueberries to a dynamic market with rapidly growing interest in premium imported fruits, superior ingredient quality, and foodservice innovation. Through hands-on product education, guided tastings, and substantive trade discussions, the seminar built strong familiarity with Washington Blueberries and catalyzed conversations about future collaboration.
Across both markets, the enthusiastic response from trade audiences affirmed the outstanding relevance and commercial appeal of Washington Blueberries in Southeast Asia’s evolving food and beverage landscape. As consumers and businesses alike continue to seek out premium imported fruits, healthier snacking options, and versatile ingredients, Washington Blueberries is uniquely positioned to lead retail and foodservice growth in Thailand, Indonesia, and across the wider region.
The success of the Thailand and Indonesia seminars reflects the Washington Blueberry Commission’s unwavering commitment to investing in market education, partnership-building, and long-term trade development in Southeast Asia.
Hashtag: #WashingtonBlueberries
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
An affordable, compact camera for everyday photography, with 64MP photos, 4K video, built-in filters and a soft, natural image style.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 June 2026 – LUMOS, the award-winning Singapore lifestyle technology brand best known for its home cinema projectors, today announced the launch of the LUMOS EVOKE Digital Camera, a compact digital camera designed for everyday users, students, travellers and casual creators.
LUMOS EVOKE is an affordable S$149 digital camera designed for everyday photography, featuring 64MP photos, 4K video and built-in creative filters.
Priced at S$149, EVOKE marks LUMOS’ expansion beyond home cinema projectors into everyday photography and broader lifestyle electronics. The camera is designed for consumers who want the feel of a dedicated camera without the cost, complexity or learning curve of professional camera systems.
While smartphone cameras have become increasingly powerful, many users still want an easy-to-use, single-purpose device that allows them to capture memories without notifications, apps, or distractions. EVOKE is designed to sit between smartphones and professional cameras, offering a fun photography experience at an accessible price point.
“Smartphones are convenient, but photography is also about the experience of capturing a moment,” said Zac Tan, Co-Founder of LUMOS. “With EVOKE, we wanted to create a simple, well-built digital camera that helps users feel more present when taking photos, while keeping it accessible for everyday users.”
LUMOS EVOKE at a Glance
S$149 price point: An affordable compact digital camera for everyday photography, travel and casual creators.
64MP photos: Captures detailed images for daily memories, family moments, social outings and trips.
4K video at 30fps: Records clear video clips for travel highlights, casual content and everyday moments.
16 built-in filters: Lets users create different photo styles directly in-camera, without relying on editing apps.
Flip screen: Makes it easier to frame selfies, group photos and creative angles.
16x zoom: Brings distant subjects closer for travel, events and everyday scenes.
Built-in flashlight: Supports shooting in dim indoor settings, parties and low-light moments.
Compact design with USB-C charging: Easy to carry daily and convenient to charge through a laptop, power bank or car.
An Affordable Digital Camera
At S$149, EVOKE is designed to offer a digital camera at an accessible price, pairing advanced features with a unique image style that feels different from using a phone.
The camera captures 64MP photos and records 4K video at 30 frames per second, making it suitable for travel memories, family gatherings, social outings, casual content and everyday snapshots.
Its image style is designed to deliver a softer and more natural aesthetic, avoiding the overly sharpened or heavily processed feel often associated with smartphone photography. For users who care about mood, feeling and character, EVOKE offers a more intentional way to capture every moment.
Designed for Ease Of Use
EVOKE comes with 16 built-in filters, including styles such as Retro Fade, Warm Vintage, High Contrast Black and White, and Cinematic Cool. These filters allow users to create different moods directly in-camera, without needing third-party editing apps.
The camera also includes a flip screen for selfies, group shots and flexible angles, while its 16x zoom gives users added reach during travel, events and everyday scenes. A built-in flashlight supports shooting in dim indoor settings, parties and night scenes.
Together with autofocus and anti-shake support, these features are designed to make handheld shooting easier, particularly for casual users and first-time camera buyers.
A Natural Extension of the LUMOS Brand
The launch of EVOKE reflects LUMOS’ broader direction as a lifestyle technology brand. While the company remains strongly associated with home cinema projectors, it is increasingly focused on products that fit how Singaporeans live, work, travel and enjoy – and a camera like EVOKE fits naturally into this.
The company’s direct-to-consumer model also plays a key role in EVOKE’s pricing. By selling directly to customers, LUMOS aims to reduce traditional retail markups and deliver a well-built camera at a more accessible price point.
Rather than a professional camera system, EVOKE is positioned as a practical camera for users who want the joy of a dedicated photography device without the cost or complexity of advanced camera gear.
Pricing and Availability
The LUMOS EVOKE Digital Camera is available now through LUMOS’ official online store at S$149 for 32GB and S$199 for 128GB.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About LUMOS
LUMOS is an award-winning Singapore-born lifestyle technology brand focused on creating affordable, well-designed products that fit naturally into everyday lifestyles. Best known for its home cinema projectors, LUMOS was voted Best Mini Projector Brand at the HardwareZone Tech Awards Readers’ Choice in both 2024 and 2025.
The brand has built a strong local following by delivering value-driven technology with reliable customer support, and is now expanding into broader lifestyle technology categories, including digital cameras.
Investment by leading industry institute supports Tracr’s evolution to becoming an independent, industry-wide platform for natural diamond provenance
LAS VEGAS, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 June 2026 – De Beers Group and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement for GIA to acquire a 30 per cent shareholding in Tracr, the De Beers Group-backed company behind the development of the pioneering diamond provenance blockchain-driven platform.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in Tracr’s evolution towards independence and reflects GIA’s confidence in the platform’s role as an industry-wide infrastructure to advance natural diamond provenance and traceability at scale.
GIA’s investment – which builds on a 2023 initiative to include diamond provenance information registered on Tracr’s platform on eligible GIA diamond grading reports – represents a significant step in this transition, reinforcing Tracr’s long-term credibility across the diamond value chain.
Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, said: “Consumers deserve to know where their diamonds come from and they should feel more confident in their understanding of each diamond’s source. At De Beers we have been providing provenance data on diamonds through Tracr for several years and we believe that delivering provenance should become an industry standard. Following our promise to open Tracr up to broad ownership, we are proud to be partnering with GIA as Tracr evolves into an independent, industry-wide platform. We will work alongside GIA to advance provenance transparency for the entire diamond sector.”
Pritesh Patel, President and CEO of GIA, said: “At GIA, our mission has always been rooted in trust, integrity, and consumer confidence. Our collaboration with Tracr over the past several years reinforced our belief that combining source-based blockchain provenance with GIA’s independent grading and identification expertise can help unlock a new level of transparency for the diamond industry. As Tracr continues to scale globally, we see a tremendous opportunity to deliver meaningful, verifiable provenance information from the source to the consumer. We are proud to deepen our commitment through this investment and help shape the next evolution of transparency, traceability, and trust across our industry.”
Jillian Wolk, CEO of Tracr, said: “The start of Tracr’s evolution into an independent platform, as a result of GIA’s investment, creates a strong foundation for the future. I am excited to continue scaling the platform and bringing more producers on board, which will support Tracr in enabling the individual journey of every registered diamond to come to life. Each stone carries its own narrative, defined by its source and the craftsmanship that has shaped it, and as Tracr continues to grow we have a fantastic opportunity to help reveal those unique stories.”
De Beers has been developing Tracr since 2018 and it is now a leading distributed diamond blockchain platform that starts at the source, registering diamonds at the point of recovery. In 2023, De Beers opened the platform to the wider diamond industry, positioning Tracr as an industry-wide, scalable solution for rough-to-polish verification of natural diamond provenance, which starts at a stone’s source.
Today, more than five million rough diamonds have been registered on Tracr at source, representing around two-thirds of De Beers’rough diamond production by value. Since January 2025, single country of origin for De Beers diamonds has been available on Tracr, with all newly sourced De Beers rough diamonds of one carat and above being registered on the platform.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About De Beers Group
Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo-American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.
About GIA An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism.
Set to Appear at Bangkok Mega Show and Paris Maison&Objet
HONG KONG SAR –
About The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association
Founded in 1955, The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association (The HKEA) is a non-profit making trade association registered under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance as a company limited by guarantee. The HKEA is committed to creating new business opportunities and enhancing market value for Hong Kong exporters, aiming to position Hong Kong as a premier trading hub. The HKEA focuses on serving the industry and taking export trade as its core value, helping members expand their business by closely liaising with the government, initiating different projects, and organising seminars, business gatherings, business delegation trips and exhibitions. The HKEA also disseminate the latest local and international trade information and provides online product display and search services for additional publicity, to further promote Hong Kong’s export trade and enhance market competitiveness.
The HKEA website:
About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
The second edition of the popular topiary showcase introduces an interactive area starring Disney’s Frozen, and more beloved Disney and Pixar character dioramas including Toy Story 5 and Disney Princess
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 June 2026 – Disney magic blooms anew at Singapore’s premier horticultural destination Gardens by the Bay as the second edition of Disney Garden of Wonder, opens today. Featuring 23 vibrant topiaries inspired by beloved Disney and Pixar characters, the enchanting showcase transforms Floral Fantasy into a world of floral artistry and imagination through 14 March 2027.
Beauty and the Beast
Organised in collaboration with Disney and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Disney Garden of Wonder is inspired by Disney and Pixar stories that have charmed generations of fans around the world, inviting people of all ages to re-discover their favourite stories of courage, kindness, friendship and love through the beauty of plants. Following the success of its debut at Gardens by the Bay in 2024, the enthralling floral showcase returns in an even more special second edition.
Anna and Olaf from Frozen
Visitors can look forward to five themed areas:
Frozen, in which topiary versions of Anna, Elsa and Olaf preside over an enchanting snowy landscape, brought to life through themed lighting that imagines a frost-kissed world of wonder. Inspired by Elsa’s Ice Palace, visitors can step on a floor where magical snowflakes dance and respond to movement.
Disney princesses, where Rapunzel appears alongside her best friend Pascal the chameleon; Belle is with the Beast and their enchanted companions; and Jasmine is accompanied by her loyal tiger Rajah.
Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger gather in a cheerful party scene. Tigger bounces up and down while Piglet twirls, and visitors can picture themselves joining everyone at the table!
Toy Story 5, where Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear appear as topiaries in a playful setting inspired by Bonnie’s Room, alongside displays of new characters Lilypad and Smarty Pants.
Go Local, a Singaporean-themed zone where Disney characters are reimagined in familiar local settings. Chip ‘n Dale perch atop a giant ice cream sandwich; Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck share the spicy rice noodle dish laksa; and Mickey Mouse makes the traditional beverage teh tarik with Donald Duck.
Outside Floral Fantasy, a 4m-tall Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey marks the entrance and welcomes visitors to Gardens by the Bay.
The hand-assembled topiaries are crafted from more than 40 species of preserved and dried floral materials, which took more than 16,000 man hours.
Each material was selected for its colour, texture and form, helping to reflect each character’s features. Plenty of flowers are used for the Disney princesses for example, while Rapunzel’s hair is crafted from Stipa, a perennial grass that has fluffy or oat-like flowerheads.
The surrounding landscapes also use plant palettes that reflect the mood of each zone — sunflowers and marigolds reflect the honey-toned meadow setting of Winnie the Pooh, while lilies and roses bring out the romantic and jewel-toned settings of Disney Princess stories. Hydrangeas and dusty miller evoke the icy blues, whites and silvers of Frozen.
Throughout the duration of Garden of Wonder, visitors can enjoy select weekend Meet and Greet sessions with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in outfits inspired by Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. Donald Duck and Daisy Duck will also join the experience on select weekends, dressed for a sunny getaway on our tropical island. Meet and Greet dates are available at www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/disneygardenofwonder.
Visitors can round off their experience with shopping at the gift shop, which carries items launching exclusively at Disney Garden of Wonder.
Disney Garden of Wonder
Date: 8 June 2026 to 14 March 2027
Time: 10am to 9pm
Venue: Floral Fantasy at Gardens by the Bay
Details: Tickets are priced at SG$24 for adults and SG$16 for children
Getting here: Take the MRT to Bayfront station. Alternatively, drop off at the Bayfront Plaza carpark via taxi or ride-hailing service. More information available here.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Gardens by the Bay
An integral part of Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, Gardens by the Bay is a national garden and premier horticultural attraction that showcases the best of garden and floral artistry for all to enjoy. Spanning 101 hectares in the heart of Singapore’s downtown Marina Bay, it comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, officially opened on 29 June 2012.
Guided by the vision to be a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish, the Gardens’ extensive plant collection, ever-changing floral displays, and myriad of engaging programmes have captured the imagination of many, while its Gift of Gardens community initiative, with Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore as Patron, reaches out to people from all walks of life.
Since opening, Gardens by the Bay has welcomed more than 115 million visitors and garnered numerous international accolades including the third Top Attraction in the World in Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026, Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2024, Best Theme Attraction at TTG Travel Awards 2022 and 2023, and Best Attraction Experience at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2019. The Gardens continues to refresh and refine its offerings, to be a place that everyone can enjoy – a garden where wonder blooms.
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