Latest news with #VivianWang
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
03-08-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
No passports, no study abroad: China limits public employees' travel
Vivian Wang When Tina Liu was hired to teach literature in a public elementary school in southern China, her contract included the usual warnings about absenteeism and job performance. Then came another line: Travelling abroad without the school's permission could get her fired. The rule was reinforced in a staff group chat. 'According to regulations from higher-ups, teachers need to strengthen their disciplinary awareness,' the message said. 'We will currently not permit any overseas vacations.' Across China, similar warnings are spreading as the authorities tighten control over state employees' contacts with foreigners. Some kindergarten teachers, doctors and even government contractors and employees of state-owned enterprises have been ordered to hand in their passports. Some cities make retirees wait two years to reclaim their passports. In many cities, travel overseas by public employees, even for personal reasons, requires approval. Business trips abroad for 'ordinary research, exchange and study' have been banned. And in most provinces, those who have studied abroad are now disqualified from certain public positions. Officials cite various reasons, including protecting national security, fighting corruption and cutting costs. But the scope of the restrictions has expanded rapidly, sweeping up employees who say they have no access to sensitive information or government funds. The New York Times spoke to public employees, including an elementary school music teacher, a nurse and a literature professor, who confirmed the restrictions. The rules are part of a push by the central authorities to impose greater so-called political discipline and ideological loyalty on government workers. Some local governments have banned civil servants from eating out in groups of more than three, measures that came after several reports of excessive drinking at official banquets. But the authorities are especially vigilant about overseas contact. The Chinese government has long been wary of the threat of espionage and what it sees as hostile foreign forces seeking to sow discontent. In July, People's Daily, the Chinese Communist Party's mouthpiece, published an article declaring that people-to-people diplomacy 'exists because of the party' and should be led by the party. The result is that even as Beijing advertises itself as eager to attract foreign businesses and tourists, it is preventing many of its own people from leaving. 'On the one hand, you want foreigners to come to China. You advertise Chinese culture and hope they'll boost the economy,' Liu, who is in her 20s, said. 'But on the other hand, why are you trapping us here, rather than letting us see more of the world?' Travel restrictions for some state employees are not new. Since 2003, high-ranking officials or those handling state secrets must report foreign travel in advance. Their names are given to border officials to prevent unauthorised exits. But under Xi Jinping, the controls have extended to far lower-level workers. Full-time officials at six fishing villages near the city of Zhoushan, in coastal Zhejiang Province, were told to surrender their documents, a local government notice shows. In a city in Jiangxi Province, a public health agency also told employees to report any overseas trips they'd taken since 2018. A nurse at a hospital in Zhejiang said she would need four layers of approvals to travel abroad. The restrictions, she said, seemed to show a fear that even ordinary workers might flee with sensitive information or illicit funds.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kingpins New York 2025 ups attendees on expanded denim roster
Kingpins New York 2025, which took place on 23-24 July saw almost 690 attendees from nearly 320 companies meet with its denim exhibitors. It noted that its attendance was up over July 2024 show and companies included Levi Strauss; Gap; Alexander Wang; Ralph Lauren; Good American; Calvin Klein; Michael Kors; Carhartt; and Kontoor Brand among others. Kingpins New York 2025 introduced a new area devoted to Japanese mills and manufacturers and also had a showcase of new denim innovations and an educational programme for the denim community. Kingpins CEO Vivian Wang explained: 'The feedback has been clear: people noticed the thought and care we put into every detail, from a full house of seminars to the energy on the floor. That tells me we did something right, and I'm truly grateful. "We understand our industry faces ongoing challenges — from tariffs to shifting supply chains and global uncertainty. But brands continue to come to our show. That is important. "In the years since the pandemic, we've all learned to adapt — and more importantly, to reprioritise. So seeing both new and familiar faces at the show means the world to us.' Other new initiatives included the Jeanius Hub, which was an area for new companies, innovations and ideas, including LAB Denim, Circ, COLOURizd, and Circulose. The show also featured Denim 101, an interactive discussion about denim history and fibre led by industry experts with extensive hands-on denim business experience, including Freedom Denim's Michael Morell; Proximity Manufacturing Company's Evan Morrison; and Cone Denim's Caitlyn Holt. The seminar programme featured a denim forecast, Future Fit Forum and discussions on nearshoring as well as a meet the creator session and from lab to loom. Ahead of the event Kingpins New York shared a preview of its new exhibitors, programmes and advancements that would be on display. "Kingpins New York 2025 ups attendees on expanded denim roster" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kingpins New York to feature denim innovation, Japanese mills
Kingpins New York will be taking place on 23-24 July at Pier 36/Basketball City and the exhibition will introduce a new section dedicated to Japanese mills and manufacturers. New additions to the Kingpins New York show include: "Made in Japan" - A segment that will focus on the quality and craftsmanship of Japanese denim. It will feature a handpicked group of companies such as Ideablue, ICE, Japan Delivery Service, REFLOS, and Rainbow Textiles "The Jeanius Hub" - A space dedicated to emerging companies, advanced innovations, and fresh concepts. This includes LAB Denim's patented indigo-free post-weave colourisation technology; Circ's recycling technology; COLOURizd's dye process that significantly reduces water consumption; and Circulose, previously known as Renewcell "Denim 101 by Kingpins Show" - An interactive seminar focusing on the history of denim and its fibres, conducted by three industry veterans with experience in the denim sector: Michael Morell from Freedom Denim, Evan Morrison from Proximity Manufacturing Company, and Caitlyn Holt from Cone Denim. Kingpins chief executive officer Vivian Wang said: 'Each season and for every city, we strive to bring new ideas, new technologies and new sources of inspiration to Kingpins. Our show is not just a platform for retailers and brands to meet with the best denim suppliers in the world. It is also a space for inspiration, education and connection across the entire supply chain. At a time when we all can use a hopeful reminder of the progress that has already been made toward a more sustainable and successful denim industry, we believe Kingpins can be a platform where those changes begin.' Kingpins is an invitation-only event that showcases a select group of global industry players, from fibre producers and mills to chemical suppliers and machinery manufacturers, catering to the denim and jeans sector. The previous Kingpins New York event in January featured 75 exhibitors, including fabric mills, fibre producers and machinery vendors from the denim industry. The event attracted approximately 640 attendees representing nearly 290 companies. "Kingpins New York to feature denim innovation, Japanese mills" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South China Morning Post
20-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Malaysian durian sales surge in China amid growing demand for naturally ripened fruit
Malaysian durian growers are expected to expand their market share in China this year, buoyed by local consumers' growing appetite for fresh, naturally ripened fruit. Advertisement The Southeast Asian nation's durian exports to China have surged this year as a result of a steady supply and improved logistics, food processors and traders said on Friday. 'Fresh durians, which are transported to China by air within 48 hours of pickup, are well-received by affluent Chinese consumers,' said Guo Min, deputy marketing director with fresh fruit distributor Joy Wing Mau's China operations. 'Our Malaysian suppliers are able to increase exports of the fruit by 30 per cent this year, which has largely boosted our confidence in propelling sales here.' Vivian Wang, marketing director at Dole Asia Holdings, echoed the sentiment. 'Fresh durians were among the fastest-growing fruits imported to China,' she said. 'It creates big opportunities for growers in Malaysia.' Fruits from the Philippines are displayed during a matchmaking meeting organised by the CIIE Bureau in Shanghai on April 18. Photo: Daniel Ren Unlike Thailand and Vietnam, where pre-cutting methods are common, Malaysian durians are typically allowed to ripen naturally on the tree before they fall and are collected by farmers.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trade Show Organizers Brace for Geopolitical Headwinds
Five years ago, during the deadliest days of the pandemic, the future of trade shows was uncertain. With travel and in-person meetings on hold, the denim industry began to question the necessity of gathering multiple times a year in distant locations. As a result, digital programming surged, online fabric libraries started to replace physical samples and collaborations formed over Zoom. However, the appeal of long-distance business relationships eventually faded. By 2021, in regions where travel restrictions had lifted, professionals were once again boarding flights—face masks on and negative Covid test results in hand—to attend trade shows. 'The landscape of business communications has shifted significantly with the rise of digital tools; however, I firmly believe that trade exhibitions will still hold a crucial role in our marketing approach. These events provide unique opportunities for face-to-face engagement, which is instrumental in building and nurturing trust within our long-term relationships,' said Mostafiz Uddin, the founder and CEO of the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange and Bangladesh Denim Expo. 'Even in an increasingly interconnected world, nothing quite compares to the personal connections that can be forged at trade shows. They allow us to not only showcase our products and services but also to interact directly with clients and potential partners in a meaningful way.' More from Sourcing Journal Hong Kong's NEXT@Fashion InStyle Event Brings Global Next-Gen Materials to Life Hong Kong's Fashion InStyle Show to Highlight Global Innovation Kingpins Show Elevates Vivian Wang to CEO The purpose of B2B events, along with expectations regarding their size and attendance, has evolved since the pandemic. Fabio Adami Dalla Val, show manager for Denim Première Vision, said attendance at the Milan events in 2024 has been shaped by a variety of factors, reflecting both broader industry trends and shifting global dynamics. 'We have seen a progressive return to in-person events after the pandemic, with a renewed appreciation for physical interactions. However, the focus has clearly shifted from quantity to quality, with companies prioritizing meaningful engagements over sheer volume,' he said. 'At the same time, the denim market itself is evolving, with key players consolidating and becoming more selective about where they invest their presence.' Denimandjeans, which hosts shows in Bangladesh, India, Japan and Vietnam, restarted its events in 2023. Since then, Sandeep Agarwal, its founder, said the organizers have 'more or less sustained' interest. Panos Sofianos, the denim curator for Munich-based Bluezone, said 2024 was a challenging year. 'However, against the backdrop of economic challenges, we were very happy with the overall result. 2025 started with a good and strong show that recorded a slight increase in visitor numbers which makes us confident for the next months to come,' he said. Uddin said Bangladesh Denim Expo had 'an incredible turnout with over 5,543 visitors from 56 different countries' attend the last Dhaka event in November. In the past, the success of an event was often measured by its attendance. While the metric continues to be a way to gauge interest, exhibitors and attendees are increasingly using the events for education and networking. 'Trade shows are no longer just about networking; they must offer real strategic value to justify participation,' Adami Dalla Val said. Though the show started in NYC 20 years ago, Kingpins Amsterdam has become the organizer's second home. The Dutch event, which will take place this year on April 16-17 and Oct. 15-16, is widely consider the industry's kick-off event for each season. 'Kingpins operates more as a platform than a traditional trade show. Of course, we organize events where the denim suppliers and buyers can review the latest collections and place orders. But we also are a place for the global denim community to meet, get inspired and share ideas. The mechanics of what we do has not changed fundamentally. But it appears more and more important to provide a place to encourage business, as well as the exchange of ideas,' said Vivian Wang, the newly appointed CEO of Kingpins Show. While Kingpins has experimented with bringing a consumer element to their events, its strength is in education and fostering connections between industry stalwarts and the next generation of designers, wash experts and sustainability experts. 'Education has always been central to Kingpins and that will continue going forward. We want to keep bringing new ideas and innovations—and innovators, as well—to our shows. That is what keeps our industry moving forward and has propelled the development of new sustainable products and practices,' Wang said. Despite a polar vortex that had temperatures drop below freezing during Kingpins New York in January, retailers and brands showed up. 'It is typically the smaller of our two shows in New York and we found that our attendance was in line with previous January shows,' Wang said. Adami Dalla Val feels a responsibility to create experiences that sparks creativity and facilitates meaningful and high-level interactions between exhibitors and buyers. 'What sets Denim Première Vision apart is its unique format, blending exhibition spaces, artistic installations, and exclusive content to foster dialogue and discovery,' he said. 'It is more than a marketplace; it is an experience—a space where the boundaries of denim are constantly pushed, embracing cross-industry contamination with the lifestyle sector, technology, art, and craftsmanship. The event celebrates denim's evolution beyond its classic definition, acknowledging its role as a cultural and creative force that intersects with multiple industries.' Sofianos described Bluezone's programing strategy as 'edu-tainment,' adding that a diverse range of expert talks, keynotes, panel discussions and trend forecasting is working very well. The addition of Keyhouse, a curation of sustainability and tech-focused market disruptors, brings a unique perspective to the show as well. 'There is still a platform to launch and present novelties, however the focus is shifting toward networking, education, collaboration and implementing technology. Building and strengthening relationships within the industry is easier when you meet in person. Getting educated in seminars, workshops or trend forecasting sessions is possible on a broader scale when industry players with different expertise meet at one place. Establishing new collaborations on existing challenges is being enabled when you address the problem and concrete action points within the network of a trade show and its experts from different fields of competence,' he said. Balancing the needs of exhibitors and visitors is a juggling act, but Agarwal said Denimandjeans succeeds because it delivers value and efficiency to both parties. 'The exhibitors should be able to reach out to the buyers they want, and visitors should be able to find the products, knowledge and networking they are looking for. If we [can] give them that value, I think the shows work,' he said. While shows are no longer battling covid, they're being faced with new issues beyond their control. Geopolitical disturbances that complicate travel and 'general instability' in key sourcing regions are among the challenges that Agarwal sees for 2025. On top of it, he said they're happening more frequently now. 'We are keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that some of these conflicts will come to an end. Such conflicts affect not only denim but each industry and there is big hope that positive news will flow which will boost up the markets,' he said. Sofianos pointed out how ongoing global economic uncertainties as well as price discussions in the textile industry complicate planning events accordingly ahead in time. Besides that, he said difficulties like deciding on the right date for an event and the quantity of denim events for the industry persists. In addition to B2B denim events being very competitive now, Uddin said its crucial for organizers to consider the implications of the ongoing trade wars and various socio-political conflicts currently unfolding around the globe. 'The denim industry, like many other sectors, is likely to feel the effects of these external challenges in several ways. Trade tariffs may increase costs for manufacturers, possibly leading to higher prices for consumers. Additionally, we might see a shift in sourcing strategies as companies seek to navigate these complexities, to maintain competitiveness and profitability,' he said. Moreover, the participation of denim brands in global events could also be impacted, forcing trade show organizers to revisit old pandemic alternatives. 'We could see a change in which countries are able to showcase their collections due to restrictions or diplomatic tensions,' Uddin said. 'Events may need to adapt to these realities and perhaps focus more on localized markets or virtual presentations.' Despite the challenges being felt across the B2B network, Wang is optimistic for 2025. 'There is a lot of uncertainty affecting all businesses right now,' she said. 'We are keeping an eye on current events, but our aim is to continue to be a place that connects the denim industry and to put together programs that inform and inspire and encourage collaboration.' This article is published in SJ Denim's spring issue. Click here to read more. Sign in to access your portfolio
