HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – China Telecom Global (CTG) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have held the signing ceremony for the HKUST–China Telecom Joint Laboratory on AI for Telecommunications at the HKUST campus, followed by the laboratory's first Scientific Advisory Committee meeting. The milestone marks the entry of the two parties' industry–academia–research collaboration in AI for telecommunications into its implementation phase.
The project teams of China Telecom Global and HKUST
Chen Kai, Executive Vice President of CTG, and Prof. Guo Yike, Provost of HKUST and Director of the Joint Laboratory, delivered key addresses and executed the cooperation agreement on behalf of the two parties.
"China Telecom is accelerating its development into a technology-driven enterprise," said Chen Kai. "Leveraging the company's business scenarios in global networks and the AI-powered intelligent computing cloud, the joint laboratory will work with HKUST on frontier research, drive collaborative innovation across telecommunications and artificial intelligence, and serve the development of Digital China and the Greater Bay Area."
"The joint laboratory is an important platform for HKUST to advance the deep integration of AI research with real-world industry scenarios," said Prof. Guo. "We will give full play to the university's research strengths, accelerate the translation of research outcomes, and contribute to building Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub."
The establishment of the joint laboratory is a key outcome of the strategic cooperation agreement signed between China Telecom and HKUST in March 2025, under which the two parties committed to deepening industry–academia–research collaboration and advancing frontier technology research and commercialisation.
Focusing on frontier AI technologies for telecommunications, the laboratory will define research topics around CTG's business scenarios in global networks and the AI-powered intelligent computing cloud, explore joint talent development, and build a closed-loop pathway from business scenarios through research topics to commercialised outcomes.
At its first meeting, the Scientific Advisory Committee approved the laboratory's first batch of research projects and adopted the Laboratory Charter and its Rules of Procedure, with in-depth discussions on 2027 research and development directions and the translation of telecommunications business scenarios into research topics. The laboratory will operate a mechanism combining quarterly written reports with biannual review meetings to ensure that research remains aligned with industry needs and that outcomes are measurable and translatable.
Looking ahead, the two parties will deepen their long-term cooperation in AI for telecommunications through the joint laboratory, accelerate the industrialization of research outcomes, support Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology hub, and inject fresh momentum into the high-quality growth of the digital economy in the Greater Bay Area.
Hashtag: #ChinaTelecomGlobal
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About China Telecom Global
China Telecom Global Limited (CTG) was established in 2012 and headquartered in Hong Kong as a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Telecom Co., Ltd. As of now, CTG has a presence in 53 countries and markets, with business spanning the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Leveraging its vast network resources of 185 submarine and terrestrial cables with over 304T in intercontinental capacity, 259 Points-of-Presence, and 15 proprietary data centres around the world, CTG has become a global player with an extensive network of service branches and communications infrastructure.
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Hankyu Hanshin Brings Iconic All-Female Theatre Performance with Over 110 Years of History to Bangkok, inviting Thai audiences to discover the appeal of Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Group, a diverse business group that connects people with the culture, communities, and everyday appeal of the Kansai region, brought the glamour and imagination of Japan's Takarazuka Revue to the heart of Bangkok at the Visit Japan FIT Fair #18 held from 16 - 18 October 2026 at Siam Paragon. The centerpiece of the event was a special stage performance on Sunday, 18 October, featuring the Takarazuka Revue's Star Troupe Top Pair , Chisei Akatsuki and Chizuru Uta.
Takarazuka Revue is a spectacular all-female musical theatre company that originated in Japan and has a history spanning more than 110 years. Its performers are exclusively women, with otokoyaku taking on male roles and musumeyaku portraying female roles. Renowned for its dazzling stage productions, sweeping storytelling, and captivating blend of song, dance and drama, Takarazuka Revue has enthralled audiences across generations.
On the main stage of Visit Japan FIT Fair #18, the Star Troupe Top Pair took part in a talk session about their connection with Thailand, Takarazuka Revue, and one of Takarazuka Revue's popular productions, TAKARAZUKA MUSICAL ROMANCE "Boys Over Flowers II" – Shooting STAR –, which was also screened via live viewing in cinemas in Thailand in June 2026.
The production is based on the renowned Japanese manga Boys Over Flowers, written by Yoko Kamio, which has been adapted for audiences around the world. In Thailand, the story was also adapted into the popular 2021 television series F4 Thailand: หัวใจรักสี่ดวงดาว Boys Over Flowers.
The Star Troupe Top Pair then performed two songs: the fan-favourite "Futatsu no Suisei – Two Meteors –" from Boys Over Flowers II, and "Kono Ai yo Eien ni – TAKARAZUKA FOREVER –," a song that has long been cherished by Takarazuka Revue audiences. The performances offered Thai audiences a rare opportunity to experience up close the artistry, elegance and storytelling that have made Takarazuka Revue beloved across generations for more than 110 years.
By presenting a familiar story through Takarazuka's distinctive theatrical tradition, the session created an engaging cultural bridge between Japan and Thailand while offering audiences a memorable glimpse into the world of Japanese musical theatre.
Norio Sasagawa, General Manager of the Tourism and Inbound Promotion Division at Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc., commented:
"We are delighted to have had the opportunity to introduce Thai audiences to the glamorous world of Takarazuka Revue through the Star Troupe Top Pair's [CN2] live stage appearance in Thailand. By bringing Takarazuka Revue – one of Japan's proud cultural traditions – and its unique all-female performing arts closer to Thai audiences, we hope to inspire greater interest not only in Takarazuka Revue itself, but also encourage people to visit Japan, discover its history spanning more than 100 years, and experience the diverse culture and attractions found throughout the region."
Beyond the stage, Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Group showcased the diverse appeal of the Kansai region to Thai travellers at its event booth. Hankyu Railway, Takarazuka Revue and Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores came together to introduce trip ideas and tourism highlights across Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. From convenient travel on the Hankyu Railway network to cultural and entertainment experiences such as Takarazuka Revue and shopping at Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, the booth highlighted the many ways visitors can experience the best of Kansai.
Beginning with its participation in the stage event in Thailand, a series of initiatives will be rolled out from October 2026 to bring Takarazuka Revue closer to Thai audiences. These include the launch of Takarazuka Revue-related content on TrueID, as well as a live viewing of the Snow Troupe's Tokyo Takarazuka Theater production of The Poe Clan at SF Cinema in Bangkok on 25 October.
Official information about Takarazuka Revue is available on the official Thailand website:
https://www.tca-pictures.net/thailand_lp/
Thai audiences can continue exploring Takarazuka Revue through its official social media channels:
Hashtag: #TakarazukaRevue
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Takarazuka Revue
Founded in 1914, Takarazuka Revue is a renowned Japanese theatre company featuring an all-female cast and celebrated for its spectacular musical productions. Today, it comprises five troupes – Flower, Moon, Snow, Star and Cosmos – as well as Senka, a group of specialist performers. Each troupe's productions are led by its Top Pair, [CN1] who perform alongside the troupe's other leading stars to bring a distinctive character and appeal to each production.
Takarazuka Revue presents more than 1,000 performances each year, primarily at the Takarazuka Grand Theater in Hyogo Prefecture and the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater in Tokyo.
About Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Group
Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc. is the holding company of the Hankyu Hanshin Group, which operates a diverse range of businesses primarily in the Kansai region, including urban transportation, real estate, entertainment, information and communication technology, travel, and international transportation.
Through the Group's wide-ranging businesses and services – including Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, Takarazuka Revue, and the Hanshin Tigers professional baseball team – the Group connects people with the culture, communities, and everyday appeal of the Kansai region.
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Takarazuka Revue Delivers a Special Performance at the "Visit Japan FIT Fair #18" Stage Event Held at Siam Paragon
