Unilever Unveils Plans For $270 Million US-Based Global Innovation Centre

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Unilever Unveils Plans For $270 Million US-Based Global Innovation Centre

The digital-first, AI-powered R&D facility in North America will accelerate scientific discovery and development for our beauty, wellbeing and personal care Power Brands, helping to drive growth both in the US and globally.

Unilever has unveiled plans for a new, purpose-built global innovation centre in the US, which will be home to research and development for our beauty, wellbeing and personal care Power Brands.

By increasing the pace of scientific breakthroughs, it will enable us to bring the next generation of premium, market-making products to consumers faster, helping drive strong and consistent volume growth both in the US and globally.

The centre will be located at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing biosciences innovation clusters – in New Haven, Connecticut – home to dozens of world-class universities and hundreds of companies. This gives our scientists, engineers and experts opportunities to co-create alongside pioneering researchers and technology partners.

The combination of assets and capabilities – including AI and quantum computing – will speed up materials discovery, product testing and development. The deeper insights this unlocks will help us advance the fundamental differentiators that make our brands distinct and products desirable: superior science, irresistible aesthetics and elevated sensorials.

What’s more, as every stage of the innovation cycle will be brought together under one roof – from formulation and fragrance creation to packaging design and consumer insights – our teams will be able to collaborate even more closely to further accelerate product development.

“This new centre is where we’ll innovate at the intersection of science, technology and culture,” says Herrish Patel, President of Unilever USA and CEO of Personal Care North America. “As the US becomes a centre of gravity for Unilever, we’re harnessing the best of American innovation to match our growth ambition here in the US and around the world.”

What specific capabilities will be housed at the centre?

The centre will include a global centre for skin care and cleansing, as well as our polycultural skin and hair centre of excellence, which specialises in creating ingredients and products that address the unmet needs of millions of consumers.

A human performance lab will generate unprecedented new data and insights into human physiology, enabling on-site testing of ingestibles, and accelerating growth across our wellbeing brands.

In a Unilever Fragrance House, perfumists, chemists and packaging designers will work together from the earliest stages of development, placing fragrance at the heart of product creation and sensory experience.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/01/spotify-rolls-out-mandatory-ai-music-labels-and-tougher-anti-spam-measures/

And a packaging innovation studio will allow us to incorporate real-time consumer feedback to enable the faster development of packaging prototypes with premium shelf appeal, both online and in physical stores.

Access to the universities and companies across the New Haven ecosystem will help us build on our expertise in skin biology, the microbiome and skin–brain axis. It will also enhance our use of cutting-edge neuroscience to create products that connect sensory attributes like texture, fragrance and bioactives with emotional, behavioural and wellness responses.

“Behind every Unilever product is world-leading science designed to deliver superior performance, combined with design, fragrance and sensory experiences that make our brands stand out,” says Richard Slater, Unilever Chief R&D Officer.

“The centre will bring these capabilities together to create products that are developed in the US and built to scale globally. The step change here is integration and speed: science, design and sensorials working as one, with AI accelerating every stage of the cycle.”

We will invest $270 million in the project over the long term, including $50 million in capital expenditure, our biggest R&D capex investment in the US in 40 years. This builds on nearly $15 billion invested in our US business over the past decade, across both acquisitions and capital projects.

Around 300 employees will work at the centre when it’s fully operational, which we expect to be by spring 2029.

The move supports Unilever’s strategy to become a sharper, focused beauty, personal care and wellbeing company, built on shared capabilities across science-led innovation, demand creation and operational execution.

Spotify Rolls Out Mandatory AI Music Labels And Tougher Anti-Spam Measures

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Spotify Rolls Out Mandatory AI Music Labels And Tougher Anti-Spam Measures

Spotify has announced a major overhaul of its music submission and moderation system, introducing compulsory labeling for AI-generated audio alongside stricter controls to curb streaming manipulation. The move comes as digital platforms face a rapid increase in automated music uploads, many of which are designed to game recommendation algorithms rather than serve listeners.

Under the new policy, creators and distributors will be required to clearly disclose whether a track was created or significantly assisted by artificial intelligence. These disclosures will form part of the core technical metadata submitted during distribution, allowing the platform to better distinguish between human-made works and machine-generated content. Spotify says the changes are aimed at protecting artists, improving discovery quality, and reducing clutter across playlists and recommendations.

Brandspur Brand News Desk understands that the streaming giant is relying on the globally recognised Digital Data Exchange (DDEX) framework to standardise and process these disclosures across its ecosystem. By embedding AI identifiers directly into metadata pipelines, the company plans to automate enforcement and reduce ambiguity around content origin.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/01/nafdac-shuts-16-sachet-water-factories-in-rivers-over-safety-and-regulatory-violations/

Tracks that do not meet the updated metadata standards will face swift penalties. According to the platform, non-compliant songs may be downgraded by recommendation algorithms, excluded from editorial and algorithmic playlists, or removed entirely from public access. The enforcement is designed to discourage low-effort uploads and organised streaming fraud operations that flood platforms with mass-produced audio.

The update signals a broader industry shift toward transparency and accountability as AI tools become more accessible. For creators, labels, and distributors, compliance with the new rules will be critical to maintaining visibility and revenue on Spotify’s global streaming network.

NAFDAC Shuts 16 Sachet Water Factories In Rivers Over Safety And Regulatory Violations

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NAFDAC Shuts 16 Sachet Water Factories In Rivers Over Safety And Regulatory Violations

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed 16 sachet water production facilities in Rivers State following the discovery of multiple violations of health, safety, and regulatory standards.

The enforcement operation, which targeted water factories across Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema, and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, was carried out as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to strengthen quality control and consumer protection within the packaged water industry.

Brandspur Health News reports that the affected facilities were allegedly operating outside approved regulatory guidelines, prompting immediate enforcement action by the agency.

According to NAFDAC, inspections revealed several infractions, including unhygienic production environments, the use of substandard filtration systems, expired operational licences, and the provision of inaccurate business addresses during registration processes.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/01/fidelity-bank-to-drive-sme-growth-with-quarterly-business-forum/

The agency disclosed that owners and operators of the affected factories have been summoned for further investigations as authorities determine the extent of the violations and appropriate sanctions.

Speaking on the development, NAFDAC’s South-South Zonal Director, Chukwuma Oligbu, said the exercise was designed to sanitise the sachet water production sector and ensure that manufacturers comply with established public health standards.

He warned that any producer found operating illegally, manufacturing unregistered products, or obstructing regulatory officials during inspections would face immediate closure and possible legal action.

NAFDAC also urged sachet water producers across the region to maintain strict compliance with regulatory requirements, including valid licensing and approved production practices.

The agency further called on members of the public to report suspected illegal water production activities, stressing that community participation remains critical to safeguarding consumers from unsafe packaged drinking water.

The latest enforcement action underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to improving food and beverage safety standards while protecting public health through stricter regulatory oversight of water production facilities across Nigeria.

Fidelity Bank To Drive SME Growth With Quarterly Business Forum

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Fidelity Bank To Drive SME Growth With Quarterly Business Forum

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to launch a strategic engagement platform aimed at promoting the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises across Nigeria.

Known as the Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum, the initiative is designed to bring together SME business leaders, founders, policymakers and industry experts to discuss business opportunities, economic trends, innovation and sustainable growth strategies.

Speaking on the initiative, Ugochi Osinigwe, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, Fidelity Bank Plc, said the forum reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering a wide range of initiatives that support the growth of small businesses in Nigeria.

“Our Quarterly Business Forum is part of our regular engagement with small businesses across the country. As you may know, Fidelity Bank is a leading supporter of SMEs through numerous financial products, and a strong advocate of a multi-dimensional approach to helping them succeed.

“Through this initiative, the bank will host engagements with businesses across the country to strengthen their capacity, encourage networking and provide relevant advisory support to help them navigate the evolving economic climate and achieve profitability,” Osinigwe said.

The maiden edition of the forum is scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. It will feature a range of activities, including a keynote address titled “Scaling Trade and Distribution Businesses for Sustainable Growth”, to be delivered by Pamela Shodipo, Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/01/cuktech-introduces-the-10-ultra-charger-delivering-a-smarter-next-generation-charging-experience/

This will be followed by a Business and Economic Outlook presentation themed “Doing Business in a Trade Driven Economy”, to be delivered by Okechukwu Ugoji, Group Head, SME, Fidelity Bank Plc.

The session will conclude with a networking event designed to foster valuable relationships among participants and encourage mutually beneficial business opportunities.

The Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum adds to the range of innovative solutions introduced by the bank to support sustainable business expansion. It will be recalled that Fidelity Bank established a dedicated physical facility for small and medium-scale enterprises and entrepreneurs in the creative sector, known as the Fidelity SME Hub, in Gbagada, Lagos State.

Through the hub, the bank provides entrepreneurs with networking and stakeholder engagement opportunities, as well as access to industry experts and mentors for practical guidance and business advisory support.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards

CUKTECH Introduces the 10 Ultra Charger, Delivering a Smarter Next-Generation Charging Experience

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CUKTECH Introduces the 10 Ultra Charger, Delivering a Smarter Next-Generation Charging Experience
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 June 2026 – Global smart charging brand CUKTECH has officially launched its latest flagship charger, the CUKTECH 10 Ultra Charger, designed to deliver a faster, smarter, and more efficient charging experience for today’s multi-device users.

Featuring 120W ultra-fast charging technology, the CUKTECH 10 Ultra Charger supports multiple mainstream fast-charging protocols, providing stable and efficient charging performance for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices.

The charger comes with a 3C + 1A four-port design, allowing users to charge multiple devices simultaneously. With dynamic power allocation technology, it intelligently distributes power output to ensure stable and efficient charging across different devices, making it ideal for work, travel, and everyday use.

One of the product’s standout features is its Bluetooth connectivity and integration with Mi Home for smarter control. Through the app, users can monitor charging status in real time and manage their charging experience more conveniently and intelligently.

The CUKTECH 10 Ultra Charger also features a 1.57-inch TFT smart display that shows real-time charging information such as power output, voltage, current, and temperature, offering a more intuitive and modern charging experience.

Designed with a compact GaN architecture, the charger weighs approximately 234g, making it portable and travel-friendly while maintaining powerful performance.

With years of experience in charging technology innovation, CUKTECH continues to develop products that combine performance, design, and smart technology, bringing next-generation charging experiences to users worldwide.

Hashtag: #CUKTECH

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Johnson Stokes & Master appoints new Senior Partner

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Johnson Stokes & Master appoints new Senior Partner
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 June 2026 – Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM) has appointed Geoffrey Chan as the Firm’s next Senior Partner, succeeding Terence Tung who served in the role for ten years.

Most recently Mr. Chan was the Firm’s Department Managing Partner for Litigation & Dispute Resolution, serving on the four-member Management Committee which he will now lead in overseeing the Firm’s operations and strategy.

Consistently recognised as a leading practitioner in construction law by the major legal directories, he has served on the Panel of Arbitrators of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) and the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC). He is chair of the 2036 Working Group, a Hong Kong-based coalition advocating for a joint 2036 Olympic bid with the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Tung said: “I am delighted to hand over the Firm’s Senior Partner responsibilities to a successor of Geoffrey’s high calibre. He keenly understands the heritage of our Firm, the tremendous talent of our people and how to lead the next chapter for JSM as the pre-eminent law firm in Hong Kong, among the international elite of independent law firms around the world.” Mr. Tung will continue as a partner of the Firm focusing on his practice in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to Terence for his stewardship of the Firm throughout a tenure of significant transformation” said Mr. Chan. “Under his leadership, the Firm has redefined the legal market in Hong Kong and built upon the trust of our clients and the community we serve. Our leadership transition is about growing from these strong foundations so that the Firm is primed for the next generation of JSM lawyers. As an independent law firm in Hong Kong, we have a distinctive new vision for our future, underpinned by strong values and a client-focused strategy resilient to the challenges and responsive to the opportunities of an era of unprecedented global change.”

Since its formal relaunch as an independent law firm on 2 December 2024, JSM has achieved significant milestones in internal promotions, lateral recruitment and advising on landmark cases and transactions. The Firm has enhanced its pre-eminent status in the region through multiple high-profile accolades and was recently recognised by the Financial Times as a leading innovative law firm in the Asia-Pacific region.

Hashtag: #JSM

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About JSM

Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM) is a pre-eminent law firm in Hong Kong with representative offices in Beijing and Shanghai and a Beijing IP agency which handles trademark registration matters in Mainland China. JSM advises clients on the full spectrum of legal issues arising on the most complex deals and disputes in and from Hong Kong and Mainland China. For more information, please visit .

ASSOE 2026 Connects Global Buyers with Advanced Safety & Security Solutions Through a Five-Month Online Exhibition

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ASSOE 2026 Connects Global Buyers with Advanced Safety & Security Solutions Through a Five-Month Online Exhibition
TAIPEI, TAIWAN –

Organized jointly by AsianNet and the global B2B marketplace TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), ASSOE 2026 provides suppliers with long-term international exposure while helping buyers efficiently discover products, compare suppliers, and submit sourcing inquiries online. Through TradeAsia’s B2B matchmaking platform, the exhibition supports cross-border procurement opportunities and strengthens business connections between global buyers and Asian manufacturers.

Expanding International Sourcing Opportunities Through Global Industry Exposure

To increase global visibility and sourcing opportunities, ASSOE 2026 aligns its exhibition period with several major international industry events, including INTERSCHUTZ 2026, Expo Seguridad México, NSC Safety Congress & Expo, SECURITY ESSEN, and FISP. By running alongside major international industry exhibitions, ASSOE 2026 helps increase global exposure for participating suppliers and creates more sourcing opportunities for international buyers.

Through the ASSOE 2026, buyers can review supplier information, browse product catalogs, and directly contact exhibitors for sourcing inquiries. ASSOE 2026 helps suppliers increase global exposure while giving buyers convenient access to qualified manufacturers and a wide range of safety and security solutions.

Comprehensive Product Categories Across the Safety & Security Industry

The exhibition also features a strong lineup of participating suppliers and manufacturers from across Asia’s safety and security industry. International buyers can explore products and sourcing solutions presented by companies including A-BELT-LIN INDUSTRIAL, PAN TAIWAN ENTERPRISE, DORIS INDUSTRIAL, MODERN AUTO, JI JUSTNESS INDUSTRIAL, CLEVER INTELLIGENCE UNITY, PERFECT MEDICAL INDUSTRY, LITEFILM TECH, ET&T TECHNOLOGY, FORMOSA GLOVE INDUSTRIAL, YAU YOUNG AUTO PARTS and HARCO ENTERPRISE.

These exhibitors showcase a diverse range of products and applications covering smart security technologies, industrial safety equipment, protective products, automotive safety solutions, access control systems, and related safety and security applications.

Supporting Global B2B Trade Through Digital Sourcing Solutions

Powered by TradeAsia’s B2B platform, ASSOE 2026 provides exhibitors with online product showcases, supplier profiles, and digital e-catalogs designed to increase international exposure and sourcing opportunities.

International buyers can browse products and communicate with suppliers online regardless of location or time zone, making it easier to compare products, evaluate supplier capabilities, and submit inquiries efficiently. The exhibition’s long-term online format also enables participating companies to maintain continuous visibility throughout the five-month exhibition period.

By integrating online sourcing, digital promotion, and buyer-supplier matchmaking services, ASSOE 2026 creates an efficient environment for global B2B trade and international procurement across the safety and security industry.

Start Sourcing Now

Explore suppliers, discover products, and connect directly with exhibitors through the official ASSOE 2026 online exhibition platform:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/46/Asian-Safety-Security-Online-Exhibition-2026.html

Hashtag: #TradeAsia

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About TradeAsia

The web-based marketplace located at functions as an essential vehicle for global B2B matchmaking by prioritizing transactional outcomes for procurement professionals and corporate vendors worldwide. This expansive network unifies an extensive audience of millions of registered buyers alongside more than 600,000 active manufacturing entities within a constantly evolving product database. Beyond its digital architecture, the enterprise leverages formal partnerships with hundreds of transnational trade federations and industrial expo organizers. This strategic framework merges cloud-based positioning with on-site promotional operations to optimize international market penetration and drive high-impact marketing results across geopolitical boundaries.

Siam Piwat Reinforces Its “Game Changer” Leadership, Expanding a Global Luxury Ecosystem with World-Class Partners to Unlock New Growth from the Rising HNWIs Economy

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Siam Piwat Reinforces Its “Game Changer” Leadership, Expanding a Global Luxury Ecosystem with World-Class Partners to Unlock New Growth from the Rising HNWIs Economy
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 June 2026 – Siam Piwat Group, owner and operator of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and joint-venture partner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, reinforces its “Game Changer” status by announcing a strategic collaboration with world-class titans: BELMOND (LVMH), GALERIES LAFAYETTE, INSIGNIA, and MJETS.

A Monumental Alliance to Elevate ONESIAM Member Privileges

This alliance strengthens the Global Privilege Partnership and elevates the Global Luxury Ecosystem. It connects the world of luxury for ONESIAM members and partner patrons through high-value experiences across Thailand and the globe. Currently, Siam Piwat commands over 70% of the luxury market share in Thailand, backed by Asia’s highest-purchasing-power customer base.

By integrating private aviation, ultra-luxury hospitality, premier department stores, and bespoke lifestyle management, Siam Piwat is shaping a “Borderless Luxury Ecosystem.” This milestone solidifies its retail leadership and drives Thailand to become a premier global luxury hub.

Siam Piwat Group, Belmond, Galeries Lafayette, Insignia, and MJets unite to elevate Borderless Luxury Ecosystem
Siam Piwat Group, Belmond, Galeries Lafayette, Insignia, and MJets unite to elevate Borderless Luxury Ecosystem

Mrs. Saruntorn Asaves, First Executive Vice President at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., stated “Siam Piwat remains committed to its ‘Co-creation & Collaboration’ strategy. In the high-value luxury sector, we possess deep expertise in catering to global High-Net-Worth individuals. In 2025, our premium members recorded expenditures exceeding 1 million Baht per transaction, with annual spending surpassing average customers by 35 times. This year’s partnership aims to elevate Thailand into the Luxury Hub of the World by integrating databases and cross-industry advantages to deliver ultimate privileges.”

Uniting 4 World-Class Partners into the Global Partnership Ecosystem

  • Elevated Travel Experiences with BELMOND (LVMH): Revolutionizing travel through curated journeys. Members enjoy 1-1 travel planning and VIP welcomes at legendary hotels or traveling aboard Belmond’s iconic luxury trains worldwide.
  • Exceptional Services with INSIGNIA: Elevating lifestyles via 24/7 bespoke client services and highly personalized support, seamlessly curated to fulfil every desire without geographical boundaries, from securing reservations at sought-after restaurants and gaining access to exclusive global events.
  • Seamless Travels with MJETS: Completing the puzzle of limitless mobility through bespoke private jet services, elite airport lounge access, and luxury chauffeur transfers directly from the runway to Siam Piwat’s landmarks.
  • Seamless Shopping with GALERIES LAFAYETTE: Bestowing exclusive privileges across two continents. In Paris, members enjoy access to a Private Personal Shopping Lounge, dedicated personal shoppers, and expedited tax refunds.

Joining Forces with Global Partners to Offer Curated World-Class Privileges

Beyond these four titans, Siam Piwat’s Global Privilege Partnership network includes international retail leaders such as PARCO (Japan), TAIPEI 101 (Taiwan), Hong Kong Times Square, ION Orchard (Singapore), Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Plaza Indonesia, FOSUN (China), and Hyundai Department Store (South Korea).

Siam Piwat expands its global luxury ecosystem, reinforcing its position as a game changer in luxury retail.
Siam Piwat expands its global luxury ecosystem, reinforcing its position as a game changer in luxury retail.

ONESIAM members receive exclusive discounts, promotions, and VIP hospitality abroad. Reciprocally, international partner members visiting Siam Piwat’s destinations enjoy premium privileges, including lounge access and dedicated customer relationship assistance. Furthermore, Siam Piwat has integrated database infrastructures with its partners to analyze customer insights, enabling hyper-personalized offers that foster long-term relationships.

“This synergy marks a monumental step toward borderless growth, establishing a definitive new benchmark for the ultimate luxury lifestyle experience,” concluded Mrs. Saruntorn.

Hashtag: #SiamPiwat #GameChanger #ONESIAMMember #GlobalPartnershipEcosystem #BorderlessPrivilege #GlobalLuxuryDestination #Bangkok #BELMOND #GALERIESLAFAYETTE #INSIGNIA #MJETS




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Siam Piwat

Siam Piwat is a leading retail and real estate developer behind Bangkok’s most iconic destinations, including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, globally recognized for pioneering experiential destinations.

For over six decades, Siam Piwat has been renowned for creating iconic destinations and world-class experiences, continuously redefining Bangkok’s retail landscape through award-winning developments that set new global benchmarks. Guided by creativity, innovation, and sustainability, the company continues to lead with a bold vision s that inspire, engage, and delight customers from around the world, while creating long-term value for society, businesses, and future generations.

Village Voyage: Where China’s rural soul meets the world

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Village Voyage: Where China’s rural soul meets the world
FOSHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 May 2026 – As global travelers seek more diverse destinations, China has emerged as a top choice. In the first quarter of 2026, the country recorded 21.33 million border entries and exit checks involving international visitors. Among the growing array of destinations in the vast country, China’s villages have emerged as a compelling draw. To explore these gems, CGTN presents Village Voyage, a series following American host Julian Waghann and Namibian traveler Absalom Absalom through villages in Guangdong Province, located in the Pearl River Delta, north of Hong Kong. For Absalom, the journey offers what he sees as a replicable model of how villages can thrive without losing their “souls.”

Ancestral halls and the scholars who never left

In Shunde’s Yang’e Village in southern Guangdong Province, Julian and Absalom step into the cultural space of a community – once the Lu Ancestral Hall, where scholar Lu Cang founded an academy after retiring from office. It is a small village but home to 14 civil and military jinshi scholars during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, a reflection of its long-held reverence for education. A jinshi was the highest and most prestigious rank in China’s imperial civil service examination system – a scholar who passed the final court-administered exam. But the village’s living heritage does not stop at books. Here, the lion dance – an intangible cultural heritage item – passes down from old masters to children. “If they want to learn, we just provide the opportunity for the kids,” said lion dance coach Feng Jianhua. “So, they can carry forward our millennia-old culture.”

The village that gave the world kung fu

Few know Bruce Lee’s ancestral home stands in Jun’an, Shunde. Guangdong has long been the heartland of southern Chinese martial arts. Locals greet each other not with “Have you eaten?” but “Have you had your night porridge?” – a phrase that means “Have you been practicing kung fu?”

Luo Dezhi, a fifth-generation inheritor of Shaolin Wing Chun and Bruce Lee’s fellow disciple, has trained for over 50 years. “For a martial artist, virtue comes first, then a strong body,” he said. “Kung fu represents traditional Chinese culture – to strengthen the body, protect oneself, and help others.”

Soft gold from village waterways

A century ago, merchant He Mingshi shipped xiangyunsha – gambiered Canton gauze, known as “soft gold” – from Shunde’s villages down the Pearl River Delta to countries abroad, like Malaysia.

The saying goes: “A tael of gold for a tael of silk.” Today, this UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage is still made by hand. “It’s way harder than it looks,” Absalom said as he tried the process. Inheritor Chen Hongfa watched and smiled. From Shunde, Guangdong, the craft reaches the world.

UNESCO gastronomy inside towns

Shunde is one of only a handful of UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy worldwide. Within Guangdong – a province famous for Cantonese cuisine – Shunde is widely regarded as its birthplace. “About ten years ago, they converted this place into a food street,” a fish skin vendor said. Now, visitors come for crispy African crucian carp skin, fried milk (a recipe unchanged since 2002), and Shunde raw fish slices. “This is the best choice I’ve made this year so far,” Absalom said. “I would never imagine tasting this in a village.”

More than a series – a travel companion

Village Voyage is more than a television feature. It is a living travel guide – a “road book” that maps Shunde’s hidden gems through detailed itineraries, rich photo essays, and short-form videos. The series expands beyond the screen with guest vlogs and first-person POV footage, placing viewers directly into the boat, the kung fu training hall, and the bustling food street. For armchair travelers and policymakers alike, it offers an immersive, replicable vision of rural development. Whether you seek cultural roots, martial arts legacy, merchant wisdom, or the simple warmth of a village meal, this series delivers it all, through the quiet rituals of daily life: a bowl of porridge, a punch practiced at dawn, a piece of silk dried in sunlight.

An open, confident rural China is not a relic. It is a flight or train ride away.

Hashtag: #CGTN

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Take Your Shot & Make Your Moment: OPPO Ignites Football Culture with Technology at the UEFA Champions League Final

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Take Your Shot & Make Your Moment: OPPO Ignites Football Culture with Technology at the UEFA Champions League Final

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 May 2026 – The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Final has drawn to a spectacular close in Budapest, with Paris Saint-Germain emerging victorious to lift the legendary trophy. As an official partner of the UEFA Champions League for four consecutive years, global technology brand OPPO joined the celebrations to mark the end of another action-packed season supporting football development and football culture worldwide with technology. With its advanced camera technology and Make Your Moment philosophy, OPPO has enabled millions of football fans worldwide to capture highlights and record life-defining moments both inside and outside the stadium this season, inspiring everyone to Take Your Shot with OPPO.

Legendary moments on the pitch shot on OPPO
Legendary moments on the pitch shot on OPPO

Telephoto Camera & AI Take Match Viewing to a New League

At the event in Budapest, OPPO showcased its latest telephoto camera technology and AI innovations in an immersive exhibition featuring the latest flagship Find X series—including the newly launched OPPO Find X9 Ultra—alongside the Find N foldable series and the Reno series. Equipped with a Hasselblad-powered 10x optical telephoto zoom, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra enables fans to capture detailed stadium moments with remarkable clarity, even from the upper tiers, while 8K ultra-clear video recording and advanced AI imaging capabilities make it easier than ever to capture decisive match moments, including game-winning shots, as if standing on the sidelines. Through the comprehensive end-to-end image ecosystem, OPPO Find X9 Ultra users can also share footages at near to original image quality across social platforms instantly. From high-resolution capture, smart editing, to lossless sharing, OPPO makes it effortless to Take Your Shot and Make Your Moment with exciting match moments preserved in vivid detail.

OPPO's activities in Budapest
OPPO’s activities in Budapest

Empowering Global Football Development and Igniting Passion Worldwide

Beyond the pitch, OPPO continues to support football development through innovation and partnership programs, using its advanced smartphone imaging capabilities to help fans around the world capture iconic match moments and share the passion and emotion of the game. In collaboration with Discovery, OPPO has produced a UEFA Champions League short film that showcases the emotional power of football told through real fan stories, using OPPO imaging technology to bring the spirit of the game to audiences globally.

Over the past year, OPPO has also launched a range of football partnerships and community initiatives around the world. In Indonesia, OPPO became the official smartphone partner of the BRI Super League for the 2025–2027 season, supporting the continued development of football in the country. Meanwhile in Mexico, as the official sponsor of football club Gambeta FC, OPPO supported the club’s youth academy through equipment donations, scholarship programs, tournament organization, talent development initiatives, and professional coaching resources. Through these efforts, OPPO is helping players of different ages to develop their talent and chase their dreams of becoming professional football players while continuing to support and inspire a shared passion for football across communities worldwide.

In May 2026, OPPO Colombia announced football star Luis Díaz as its official brand ambassador. As part of the partnership, OPPO teamed up with the Luis Díaz Foundation to launch the “Lucho por Colombia (Fight for Colombia)” social responsibility initiative. The program provides smart connected devices and support for digital skills training centers across Colombia’s La Guajira region, helping expand access to digital education in local communities. Through collaborations with the football star, alongside other public welfare initiatives and continued product innovation, OPPO continues to strengthen its connection with local communities and further expands its presence across Latin America under its long-term commitment to the market.

Beyond these social and community welfare initiatives, OPPO has also launched a number of football-themed events that bring the brand and football fans closer together worldwide through a shared passion for football. On the eve of the UEFA Champions League final, OPPO invited football legends Theo Walcott and Claude Makélélé to join a 5v5 friendly match in Budapest, where the legends shared skills, career experiences, and discussed their perspectives on the game with fans. Key moments throughout the match were captured using OPPO’s latest flagship smartphone, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra, with every pass, shot, and interaction recorded in vivid detail through the device’s advanced imaging capabilities.

Theo Walcott and Claude Makélélé joined fans for a friendly 5v5 game
Theo Walcott and Claude Makélélé joined fans for a friendly 5v5 game

Inspiring Young Creators and Championing Football Culture

Ahead of the final, OPPO partnered with Discovery Channel to launch the Filmmaker Accelerator Program. With mentorship from Discovery, the initiative encourages aspiring creators to capture diverse stories using OPPO imaging technology, helping to support young creators globally. With football culture as one of the program’s core themes, OPPO is not only empowering the next generation of creators with a platform for expression but also enriching stories around football culture through these diverse perspectives, taking the spirit of football beyond borders to connect with broader audiences worldwide. As part of the program, a special documentary video exploring football culture is set to premiere worldwide at the end of June 2026.

As another sensational UEFA Champions League season comes to an end, OPPO looks forward to continuing to use its world-leading innovation to bring football fans around the world more powerful and user-friendly technology that enables everyone to Make Your Moment by capturing football highlights both on and off the pitch. In the meantime, OPPO will continue to deepen its long-term partnerships with global football institutions, promoting new ways of expressing and sharing football culture as it takes the game to the next level worldwide.

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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