“Swan Lake” Returns to Kuala Lumpur This 11 October: Everyone’s Favorite Timeless Tale

  

The world-renowned Swan Lake ballet returns to Southeast Asia in October 2025 by overwhelming popular demand. Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, this encore tour features former Mariinsky Ballet soloists and brings the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece to new and returning audiences. Following a sold-out tour in 2024, this production promises an unforgettable experience of grace, emotion, and classical Russian ballet excellence.

Kuala Lumpur, 2 July 2025 - By overwhelming popular demand, the legendary Swan Lake returns this October for a spectacular encore tour—inviting audiences to once again immerse themselves in the enchantment, drama, and poetic beauty of the world’s most iconic ballet.

Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, this majestic production features former soloists from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, delivering the essence and tradition of Russian classical ballet to Southeast Asian stages.

Renowned as one of the most beautiful and magical ballets ever created, Swan Lake continues to mesmerize with its haunting Tchaikovsky score, emotional intensity, and breathtaking storytelling. The show is a celebration of grace, love, and mystery—a timeless masterpiece that stirs the soul and captures the imagination.

A Proven Triumph Last year

In 2024, Crescendo’s Southeast Asia ballet tour featuring Swan Lake and The Nutcracker were nothing short of phenomenal—selling out every venue and earning glowing reviews, standing ovations, and endless admiration from audiences across the region. “The first tour exceeded every expectation—sold-out venues, thunderous applause, and fans who demanded for more,” says Dimitri Montalto, Director of Crescendo Asia. “This encore is for everyone who loved the magic the first time — and for those about to fall in love with it for the very first time.”

Whether you’re a lifelong ballet lover or stepping into the theatre for the very first time, Swan Lake offers an unforgettable evening of elegance, emotion, and ethereal beauty—the kind of experience that lives on in the heart long after the curtain falls. Check the closest show from your home below:

Encore Tour Dates

• 11 October 2025 – KLCC Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur

• 16 October 2025 – The Star Theatre, Singapore

• 18 October 2025 – JIEXPO Theatre, Jakarta

The magic begins — public ticket sales go live on Friday, 4 July at 3PM (GMT+8). Don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s most iconic ballet. Follow us on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and tour updates: @crescendoasia

About Primuse

Crescendo Asia is a prominent organizer of cultural and entertainment events across Asia, showcasing a wide array of performing arts and spectacular shows. Specializing not only in classical music and ballet performances, but also in a variety of artistic expressions, Crescendo Asia is dedicated to excellence and fueled by a profound passion for the arts. Our mission is to present the beauty of classical arts to diverse audiences, enriching cultural experiences through unforgettable performances.

“Swan Lake” Returns to Singapore This 16 October: Everyone’s Favorite Timeless Tale Singapore, 1st July 2025

 

 By overwhelming demand, Swan Lake returns to Singapore on 16 October 2025 for an encore tour, inviting audiences to relive the timeless magic of the world’s most iconic ballet. Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, the production stars former Mariinsky Ballet soloists, bringing the elegance of Russian classical ballet to Southeast Asia.

After a sold-out Southeast Asia tour in 2024, featuring Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, Crescendo Asia returns with a production praised for its emotional depth, breathtaking storytelling, and Tchaikovsky’s haunting score. This encore is a gift for both loyal fans and first-time viewers.

Singapore, 2 July 2025 - By overwhelming popular demand, the legendary Swan Lake returns this October for a spectacular encore tour—inviting audiences to once again immerse themselves in the enchantment, drama, and poetic beauty of the world’s most iconic ballet.

Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, this majestic production features former soloists from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, delivering the essence and tradition of Russian classical ballet to Southeast Asian stages.

Renowned as one of the most beautiful and magical ballets ever created, Swan Lake continues to mesmerize with its haunting Tchaikovsky score, emotional intensity, and breathtaking storytelling. The show is a celebration of grace, love, and mystery—a timeless masterpiece that stirs the soul and captures the imagination.

A Proven Triumph Last year

In 2024, Crescendo’s Southeast Asia ballet tour featuring Swan Lake and The Nutcracker were nothing short of phenomenal—selling out every venue and earning glowing reviews, standing ovations, and endless admiration from audiences across the region. “The first tour exceeded every expectation—sold-out venues, thunderous applause, and fans who demanded for more,” says Dimitri Montalto, Director of Crescendo Asia. “This encore is for everyone who loved the magic the first time — and for those about to fall in love with it for the very first time.”

Whether you’re a lifelong ballet lover or stepping into the theatre for the very first time, Swan Lake offers an unforgettable evening of elegance, emotion, and ethereal beauty—the kind of experience that lives on in the heart long after the curtain falls. Check the closest show from your home below:

Encore Tour Dates

• 11 October 2025 – KLCC Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur

• 16 October 2025 – The Star Theatre, Singapore

• 18 October 2025 – JIEXPO Theatre, Jakarta

The magic begins — public ticket sales go live on Friday, 4 July at 3PM (GMT+8). Don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s most iconic ballet. Follow us on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and tour updates: @crescendo_asia

About Primuse

Crescendo Asia is a prominent organizer of cultural and entertainment events across Asia, showcasing a wide array of performing arts and spectacular shows. Specializing not only in classical music and ballet performances, but also in a variety of artistic expressions, Crescendo is dedicated to excellence and fueled by a profound passion for the arts. Our mission is to present the beauty of classical arts to diverse audiences, enriching cultural experiences through unforgettable performances.

What is Cardano Midnight Airdrop: A Historic, Multi-Chain Airdrop Aimed at Revolutionizing Blockchain Privacy

Midnight Network, a privacy-focused Cardano sidechain, launches a record-breaking airdrop, Cardano Miidnight Airdrop or Glacier Drop, distributing 24 billion NIGHT tokens across eight major blockchains. Discover how it works and why it matters.

In an unprecedented move poised to reshape the way blockchain projects distribute tokens, Midnight Network, a privacy-first sidechain built on the Cardano ecosystem, has announced its massive "Glacier Drop", an airdrop of 24 billion NIGHT tokens.

Unlike typical airdrops limited to a single blockchain community, Midnight's initiative spans eight major networks, marking a significant shift toward inclusive, multi-chain user engagement.

What Is the Glacier Drop?

The Glacier Drop is Midnight Network’s inaugural airdrop event, distributing NIGHT, the governance token of its ecosystem, to over 37 million users.

Eligibility was determined by a snapshot taken on June 11, 2025, and applies to holders of at least $100 worth of tokens on the following chains:

1. Cardano (ADA)

2. Bitcoin (BTC)

3. Ethereum (ETH)

4. Ripple (XRP)

5. Solana (SOL)

6. BNB Chain (BNB)

7. Avalanche (AVAX)

8. Basic Attention Token (BAT)

NIGHT Token Allocation Breakdown

The 24 billion NIGHT tokens will be distributed as follows:

1. 50% (12 billion) to Cardano (ADA) holders

2. 20% (4.8 billion) to Bitcoin (BTC) holders

3. 30% (7.2 billion) shared among ETH, XRP, SOL, BNB, AVAX, and BAT holders

Vesting Schedule & Redemption

Eligible users will not receive their tokens all at once. Instead, the distribution follows a vesting model:

1. 25% unlock every 90 days

2. Full unlock completed in 360 days

Tokens will initially be locked in smart contracts on the Cardano network, and users must claim them within a 60-day window (July–August 2025).

Unclaimed tokens will be redirected to the Scavenger Mine, where they can be earned through computational mining. A Lost-and-Found phase will follow for those who missed the initial claim period.

What Is the Midnight Network?

First revealed in 2023 and developed by Input Output (IO), the team behind Cardano, Midnight Network is designed to support confidential smart contracts using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs).

Unlike traditional privacy coins such as Monero or Zcash, Midnight allows selective disclosure, giving users control over what data is shared and with whom.

Key use cases include:

1. Privacy-preserving DeFi

2. Confidential medical and identity data storage

3. Secure enterprise-grade blockchain interactions

Midnight aims to bridge the gap between privacy and compliance, enabling real-world use without compromising on data protection.

NIGHT and DUST: The Dual Token Model

Midnight’s ecosystem will run on a two-token system:

1. NIGHT: Used for governance and staking

2. DUST: A utility token used for private transactions and executing smart contracts

Unlike most blockchain projects that reserve large token shares for VCs and insiders, Midnight is entirely user-focused. 100% of NIGHT tokens in the initial phase are designated for the community.

Bridging to XRP: DeFi Without Moving Coins

One of the most innovative features of Midnight is its upcoming DeFi bridge to the XRP Ledger. This bridge allows XRP holders to engage in staking, lending, and liquidity provision, without transferring tokens off-chain.

By leveraging confidential smart contracts, the bridge ensures privacy while expanding XRP’s functionality. Additionally, Midnight is exploring compatibility with RLUSD (Ripple’s stablecoin) and Cardano’s Lace wallet, signaling deeper interoperability.

How Midnight Differs From Other Airdrops

The Glacier Drop is being compared to recent airdrops from Jupiter and Starknet, both of which distributed billions in tokens. Yet, Midnight sets itself apart in several key ways:

1. Largest by participant count: 37 million eligible addresses

2. No VC involvement: Community-first approach

3. Cross-chain reach: Touches multiple blockchain ecosystems

4. Strong privacy framework: Built with ZKPs for selective transparency

5. Post-airdrop utility: Real-world use cases beyond speculation

By focusing on network-wide inclusion instead of quick financial gain, Midnight may redefine the future of token distribution.

What Comes Next?

The Midnight Network is currently in testnet, with a full mainnet launch expected in late 2025, approximately 90 days after the Glacier Drop.

Updates on the claiming process, integrations, and mainnet features are expected in the coming months.

This project could spark a new era of decentralized, privacy-respecting finance, prioritizing community ownership and cross-chain interoperability.

Conclusion

The Glacier Drop isn't just an airdrop, it's a vision for the future of blockchain privacy and community-led growth.

With 24 billion tokens, a dual-token system, and support for eight major blockchain networks, Midnight is poised to become a cornerstone of Web3’s next evolution.

For anyone interested in the convergence of privacy, DeFi, and blockchain inclusivity, Midnight is one to watch.

Stay ahead of the crypto curve, follow the Bitrue Blog for the latest updates on airdrops, blockchain tech, and market insights.

About Bitrue

Bitrue is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering a wide range of digital assets, innovative features, and user-focused services. Founded with the mission to empower the world’s crypto enthusiasts, Bitrue continues to expand its platform with new products, events, and opportunities for users worldwide.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Karaoke Manekineko Celebrates Culture and Community at UCSI Lantern Matsuri 2025

Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia was proud to join the vibrant Japanese cultural celebration at UCSI Lantern Matsuri 2025 as a Platinum Sponsor. From fireworks to festive vibes, here’s a look back at the unforgettable evening filled with culture, community, and karaoke joy!

Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia proudly took part as a Platinum Sponsor in the Lantern Matsuri 2025, held on 28 June at UCSI Campsite. Organized by the UCSI Japanese Cultural Society (JCS) with support from UCSI University and Student Affairs & Alumni, the event was a vibrant celebration of Japanese tradition, creativity, and community spirit.

From 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the festival welcomed visitors with exciting cultural performances, yukata-clad guests, colourful booths, and a festive fireworks finale. As a brand deeply rooted in Japanese entertainment, Karaoke Manekineko was honored to be part of such a meaningful cultural gathering.

During the event, we connected with many passionate fans of Japanese culture and karaoke. Our team enjoyed interacting with attendees, including families and young children, who brought a lively energy to the venue. It was truly heartwarming to witness the shared joy and laughter that filled the evening.

Our participation at Lantern Matsuri reflected our ongoing commitment to one of our core mottos: "To revitalize local community and the world." We believe in using entertainment to bring people together—and this event was a perfect reminder of the power of shared culture and celebration.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the UCSI JCS committee for the smooth organization and warm hospitality. Karaoke Manekineko looks forward to more opportunities to collaborate and bring joy to the community through future cultural and student-led initiatives.

About Koshidaka International KL Sdn Bhd

Koshidaka International was incorporated in 2021 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a full subsidiary of Koshidaka Holdings. The company serves as a management consultancy arm for the Karaoke Manekineko operations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Karaoke Manekineko is a friendly and safe environment for Karaoke that is designed to accommodate a diverse range of customers, from families with young children to groups of friends and corporate teams.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

 

Popolo Music Group Launches the Philippines’ First P-Pop Trainee Program

  

Independent label led by Seoul-based entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt aims to develop the next generation of Filipino pop stars

Popolo Music Group (PMG), a rising independent music label founded by Seoul-based American entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt, has officially launched the first full-scale P-Pop trainee program in the Philippines, a move set to revolutionize how Filipino artists are trained and developed for the global stage.

Drawing inspiration from the proven Korean K-Pop training model, PMG’s program blends intense performance development with personal growth and professionalism. The six-month training system will cover vocals, dance, language, stage presence, image development, and media training, designed to mold raw talent into world-class performers.

“This isn’t just about launching new artists—it’s about building a platform for long-term global success,” said Paul Lunt, PMG Founder and CEO. “We believe the Philippines is ready to take center stage in the Asian pop music wave, and we’re committed to discovering and developing the artists who will lead it.”

Popolo Music Group is now actively auditioning the next generation of P-Pop stars. Filipino singers and dancers aged 14 to 25 are encouraged to apply. To be considered, interested applicants must submit a 2-minute performance video—vocals, dance, or both—along with their full name, age, location, and contact information via email to Demos@popolomusic.asia.

Only the most promising applicants will be selected for a second-round live audition and an in-depth interview process, after which a final group will be chosen to enter the trainee program.

Founded with a mission to elevate Filipino talent to international recognition, PMG already manages a roster of over 50 artists across recording, management, booking, and promotion. With operations connected to Seoul, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Manila, and a team of global producers and trainers from the U.S., U.K., South Korea, France, and the Netherlands, PMG is fast emerging as a leader in Asian music innovation.

As part of its broader vision, PMG aims to position the Philippines as Asia’s next pop music powerhouse by combining cutting-edge promotional strategies with authentic artistry and rigorous training.

For more details, visit www.popolomusic.asia or email info@popolomusic.asia.

About Popolo Music Group

Popolo Music Group (PMG) is an emerging independent music label founded by Seoul-based American entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt. Headquartered in Manila—with ties to Seoul, Tokyo, and Los Angeles—PMG supports a roster of 50 artists in management, booking, production, and promotion. It is building the Philippines’ first structured P-Pop trainee program, modeled after the Korean system, featuring intensive six-month training in vocals, dance, language, performance, and media. Leveraging global talent and cutting-edge promotional strategies, PMG is committed to nurturing authentic Filipino talent and elevating the local music industry onto the global stage.

Paris Court of Appeal to Hear Final Challenge on Sulu Arbitration Award

  

PARIS—The Paris Court of Appeal will on 7 July weigh what may be the final bid by heirs of the Sultan of Sulu to enforce a controversial US$15 billion arbitration over Malaysia’s Sabah, after courts across Europe tossed out the claim.

Paris - On July 7, the Paris Court of Appeal will hear what is expected to be the final legal challenge in a dispute involving a nearly US$15 billion arbitration award tied to historical claims over Sabah, a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo.

The hearing follows multiple rulings across Europe rejecting attempts by individuals claiming to be heirs of the former Sultan of Sulu to enforce the award issued by Spanish arbitrator Gonzalo Stampa in 2022. Stampa was later convicted by a Spanish court for contempt and banned from acting as an arbitrator for one year.

At the heart of the case is an 1878 agreement between the Sultan of Sulu and European traders, which remains the subject of legal and historical debate.

Efforts to enforce the arbitration award have been dismissed in Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, with courts citing procedural irregularities, jurisdictional overreach, and the annulment of Stampa’s mandate by Spanish authorities.

With the upcoming Paris ruling, legal experts anticipate closure in a case that has tested the boundaries of international arbitration and sovereign immunity. Malaysian officials have expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal will reaffirm the inapplicability of arbitration to the 1878 agreement.

Despite legal setbacks, representatives of the claimants have signaled intentions to continue pursuing their case through alternative channels, although the path forward remains uncertain.

Full article here: https://knowsulu.ph/unforeseen-consequences/how-did-we-get-here-a-timeline-of-the-sabah-dispute

About KnowSulu.ph

Know Sulu is a collective of scholars dedicated to preserving and sharing the Sulu people’s heritage and present-day realities. Through rigorous research and firsthand narratives, it documents Sulu’s historic leadership, cultural richness, and ongoing socioeconomic challenges. The platform amplifies Sulu voices, fosters informed dialogue, and invites partners to support a resilient community’s future.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

The Great AI Retention Paradox: Despite 62% Workplace AI Adoption, Filipino Workers Stay for Friends, Not Features

 

 Sprout's 3,819-Employee Study Reveals Human Connection Trumps Technology in Post-Pandemic Retention Crisis.

[Manila, June 2025] – In a striking contradiction to Silicon Valley's tech-first workplace revolution, new research reveals that as AI adoption soars to 62% across Filipino workplaces, employee retention depends more on workplace friendships than cutting-edge features.

The finding emerges from the 2025 State of HR Report prepared by Sprout Solutions and BS Works—the country's most comprehensive workforce study involving 3,819 employees—unveiled at the State of HR Summit 2025. The research exposes what analysts call "The Great AI Retention Paradox": while companies pour resources into AI-powered productivity tools, workers stay or leave based on fundamentally human factors.

The numbers tell a compelling story: Employees with three or more workplace friendships are 40% more likely to remain beyond five years, while those citing "sadness at leaving colleagues" as a retention factor outnumber those motivated by salary increases 3:1.

The Connection-Retention Formula

The research reveals "The 3 C's of AI-Era Retention": Connection, Contribution, and Community. Organizations scoring highest across these human-centered metrics show 35% lower turnover rates, even when offering below-market compensation.

Connection: Employees embedded in 1-3 workplace social groups demonstrate significantly longer tenure, with each additional meaningful relationship correlating with 8 months of extended employment.

Contribution: Workers reporting clear purpose and meaningful contribution stay 2.3 times longer than those focused primarily on career advancement or salary growth.

Community: Organizations fostering informal support networks see retention rates climb despite offering fewer remote work options than competitors.

"Companies implementing AI to boost efficiency while neglecting human connection are optimizing for the wrong variables," explained Patrick Gentry, CEO of Sprout Solutions.

Generational Divide Reveals Leadership Evolution

The study uncovers striking generational differences challenging traditional management. While Baby Boomers prefer independent, low-context leadership environments, Millennials and Gen Z gravitate toward collaborative, high-context workplace cultures—coinciding with AI-augmented work environments.

"Gen Z workers don't want AI to replace human interaction—they want it to enable deeper collaboration," noted Maria Lourdes Ann "L.A." Cruz, VP of People at Lufthansa Technik Philippines. "The most successful organizations use AI to create more time for meaningful human connection, not less."

The AI Readiness Gap

Despite widespread adoption, research reveals a critical implementation divide. Organizations perceived as "AI-ready" show 3x higher tool adoption rates and significantly better retention outcomes. However, readiness depends less on technology infrastructure and more on change management and cultural preparation.

This aligns with recent MIT research showing successful AI implementation correlates more strongly with organizational culture than technical capability—positioning the Philippines data as a leading indicator for global workforce trends.

Global Implications for the $720B Talent Crisis

The findings arrive as global organizations grapple with what McKinsey estimates as a $720 billion annual cost from employee turnover. While most retention strategies focus on compensation and benefits, the Philippine data suggests a fundamentally different approach.

"If these patterns hold globally, we're looking at a complete rethinking of retention strategy," said Kislay Chandra, Chief Operations Officer of Sprout Solutions. "The solution isn't more sophisticated AI tools—it's more sophisticated human connection."

Actionable Framework for Leaders

Based on the research, Sprout and BS Works developed the "HUMAN Protocol" for AI-era retention:

Host regular cross-functional social interactions; Understand individual purpose and contribution motivations; Measure and foster workplace friendship networks; Align AI implementation with human connection goals; Nurture interest-based communities and support groups

Early adopters report 25% improvement in retention metrics within six months.

Building on Success

The State of HR Summit 2025, co-presented with BS Works, brought together 500+ HR and business leaders at Manila's Crowne Plaza Galleria. The event featured panels on "Lead to Last: Retaining Talent Through Empowered Leadership" with executives from Tala, Canva, and Lufthansa Technik Philippines, exploring practical applications of the research findings.

The summit builds on the momentum of 5 consecutive annual State of HR events hosted by Sprout Solutions, while introducing new data-driven insights for organizations navigating the intersection of AI adoption and human-centered workplace culture.

Sprout Sidekick Central

The event also saw the unveiling of Sidekick Central, a multi-functional AI platform offering specialized AI-Sidekicks for HR, payroll, management, and employee support that will help teams achieve up to 40% productivity gains and reduce repetitive admin across operations.

Report Access: The full State of HR Report 2025 is available here: https://bit.ly/SOHRReportMedia

About Sprout Solutions Phil Inc

About the Research: The 2025 State of HR Report represents the largest workplace study conducted in the Philippines, surveying 3,819 employees across industries, company sizes, and generational cohorts. The research was conducted by Sprout Solutions in partnership with BS Works, combining quantitative analysis with qualitative insights. About Sprout Solutions: Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Sprout Solutions serves over 1,800 clients and 300,000 users across the Philippines and Thailand as the region's largest homegrown B2B SaaS and HR Tech company. The company's mission centers on improving business outcomes through AI-enhanced HR solutions that prioritize human connection and financial wellness.

An Interview with Amber Zhao, Director of Operations at Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai, on the Future of Technology and Green Hotels

Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai successfully passed its green hotel assessment and was awarded the Five-Leaf certification, the highest level for a China Green Hotel in May 2025. Behind this achievement lies not only Artyzen Hotel’s outstanding practice in sustainable development but also a prime example of the deep integration of technology and green concepts. To this end, we interviewed Amber Zhao, Director of Operations at Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai, to share how technology has become a core driving force for green hotel development. The involvement of the Neuron platform was not just a booster in the Green Hotel assessment for Artyzen, but more practically it also brought tangible benefits to the hotel’s daily operations.

About the Interviewee

Amber Zhao is the current Director of Operations at Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai and has extensive experience in hotel management. She studied Hotel Management and previously worked for international hotel groups such as IHG and Marriott, focusing on human resources and operations management. After joining Artyzen in 2022 when Artyzen hotel was in the construction phase, she oversaw the growth of the hotel from breaking ground to move-in, her role has also shifted from director of HR to Operations. As the Director of Operations, Amber has driven the hotel’s innovative practices in green and sustainable development, successfully helping Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai achieve the Five-Leaf China Green Hotel certification this year.

Amber is captivated by Artyzen’s commitment to empowering its team to drive initiatives that embody the brand‘s vibrant, sustainability-focused identity. A prime example is the innovative green walls and automated irrigation system at Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai. The hotel's indoor trees and plants thrive under a time-regulated irrigation system, enhancing the guest experience while authentically reflecting Artyzen’s dedication to its sustainability goals. Amber excels at using technology to enhance operational efficiency.

She championed the adoption of the Neuron Smart Energy Management System to optimize energy use and leverage dynamic pricing, driving cost savings and enhancing efficiency. She believes a green hotels' future hinges on technological innovation and owner support, advocating for practical ESG integration into daily operations to meet the hotel group’s sustainability goals. Additionally Amber is also known for her flexible customer service and crisis management skills, skillfully balancing the hotel’s interests with customer needs while demonstrating outstanding leadership and industry insight.

Technological Innovation Boosts Green Hotel Rating

Amber Zhao emphasized that the Neuron system played a pivotal role in the green hotel evaluation process. The assessment panel highly praised the system’s exceptional and flexible energy and waste management capabilities, recognizing it as a pioneer in energy and carbon emission management within China’s hospitality industry. “It not only enables precise energy management but also served as a significant advantage in our certification,” Amber commented. “To put it in perspective, while our hotel’s entire rainwater irrigation system can only earn 1 point, the Neuron system helped distinguish our hotel during the accessment.”

A Win-Win for Technology and Operations

Artyzen Habitat chose to implement the Neuron system not only to meet its green development goals but also for the operational benefits it can bring. Amber pointed out, “The system can intuitively analyze data like energy consumption and hotel occupancy rate, helping us optimize our business operation and reduce costs. For instance, by monitoring data on swimming pool usage, we can adjust its opening hours to cut down on unnecessary energy and labor.”

Furthermore, the Neuron system enables more precise dynamic pricing management for the hotel. Amber explained, “Previously, we could only roughly allocate energy costs. Now, we can accurately calculate them down to the room level on each floor, which is crucial for our pricing strategy.”

Owner Support and Industry Trends

Amber emphasized that the application of technology in the hotel industry largely relies on the support of the owner. “As a publicly listed company, Shun Tak Holdings Group prioritizes ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) as a key development direction and requires the implementation in every project and daily operation work. This top-down support is critical.” She believes that technology will play an increasingly larger role in the hotel industry in the future, but its widespread adoption depends on whether owners are willing to invest. Artyzen’s owner, Shun Tak, is a forward-thinking listed company.

Challenges and Rewards of the Green Hotel Assessment

Speaking of the assessment process, Amber found the self-assessment stage to be the most time-consuming. “We had to self-score against over 150 criteria while compile supporting documentation before the actual audit, but the Neuron system made capturing and analyzing energy data efficient and transparent, providing solid evidence for the panel’s review.”

Outlook: The Deep Integration of Technology and Green Principles

Amber is full of expectations for the future of Neuron platform: “It’s not just a management tool; it helps the hotel prevent issues before they arise. For example, by flagging abnormal energy consumption through data alerts, we can identify problems in advance.” She believes the combination of technology and green concepts will become a core competency for the hotel industry, not just a trend.

More about Five-Leaf China Green Hotel Standard

“Green Hotel” (GB/T 21084—2007) is a recommended national standard jointly issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China and the Standardization Administration of China on September 20, 2007, under the administration of the Ministry of Commerce, and officially implemented on March 1, 2008. This standard was jointly formulated by six ministries including the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission. With environmental protection, health, and safety as its core principles, it requires hotels to promote efficient resource utilization and pollution prevention and control through green management, and establishes a five-leaf rating system (with five-leaf being the highest level). The National Green Hotel Working Committee is responsible for organizing experts to conduct on-site evaluation and certification. As of December 2024, more than one hundred hotels nationwide have obtained five-leaf certification.

To find out more about Neuron’s smart energy management system, contact us today!  

About Neuron Operations Limited

Neuron is the pioneer of building transformation. It provides the most comprehensive platform for building management and optimisation, with integration across more than 280 buildings.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES