Experience the festive spirit as Link Partners with SPORT b. and PAC-MAN at its malls this Christmas

HONG KONG, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This Christmas, Link shopping malls will bring together timeless classics and modern style in an exclusive collaboration with French fashion & lifestyle brand SPORT b. and Japan's beloved PAC-MAN game. This limited-edition release merges SPORT b.'s iconic brand identity "Dino", with PAC-MAN's iconic characters PAC-MAN and Ghosts, creating two globally-exclusive limited-edition holiday collectible gift sets. From 14 November to 31 December 2024, Link Up members can redeem these exclusive sets by spending a designated amount at any of the 44 participating Link malls.

Throughout the holiday season, Link shopping malls will host PAC-MAN-themed attractions to spread festive cheer. Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre will launch the "PAC-MAN Glow-in-the-Dark Maze Adventure", while Lok Fu Place will invite families to enjoy the "PAC-MAN Racing Challenge". Additional photo-friendly PAC-MAN Christmas displays will be set up across Cheung Fat Plaza, Kai Tin Shopping Centre, Leung King Plaza, TKO Spot, and Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre, offering families and friends festive fun and memorable moments to enjoy together.

Bringing together two classic brands for Christmas exclusives

As PAC-MAN nears its 45th anniversary, the beloved arcade game—featuring the mischievous PAC-MAN and his ghostly adversaries, BLINKY, PINKY, INKY and CLYDE—continues to evoke fond childhood memories for many. Meanwhile, French fashion & lifestyle brand SPORT b., incorporates the timeless style of agnès b. with playful and street elements. The iconic brand identity "Dino" of SPORT b. is inspired by the favourite toy of Agnès' grandson when he was young, showcasing the playful and energetic design inspiration of the youthful brand.

In celebration of the season, Link has brought together PAC-MAN and SPORT b. to create two exclusive, limited-edition Christmas gift sets, infusing its malls with a fresh, youthful vibe. The "PAC-MAN X SPORT b. Christmas Gift Set" includes a PAC-MAN X SPORT b. eco-friendly tote with coin pouch, a SPORT b. thermal bottle, and a plush Dino dinosaur—all elegantly packaged in a festive gift box, making it a perfect Christmas gift. Additionally, the collection includes the exclusive "PAC-MAN X SPORT b. Crossbody Bag", a trendy accessory popular among the younger generation this season.

From 14 November to 31 December 2024, Link Up members can collect electronic stamps by spending $50 or more using electronic payment at designated malls or markets. Collecting 100 electronic stamps allows members to redeem the PAC-MAN X SPORT b. Crossbody Bag, while 260 stamps are required for the PAC-MAN X SPORT b. Christmas Gift Set. Stocks are limited, and redemptions are on a first-come, first-served basis.

PAC-MAN Glow-in-the-Dark Maze Adventure: Capture whimsical moments with the four-panel photo booth
During the event period, Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre will feature a large "PAC-MAN Glow-in-the-Dark Maze", recreating the iconic arcade game's maze scene in real life. With optical illusion art, funhouse mirrors, and glow-in-the-dark elements, this maze is the ultimate Christmas photo destination. On weekends and public holidays, visitors can also enjoy a four-panel photo booth inside the maze to capture quirky moments with friends and family, along with two interactive mini-games. Link Up members who spend $100 or more in a single electronic payment at Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre on the same day can redeem a "PAC-MAN Glow-in-the-Dark Maze Adventure" experience voucher.

PAC-MAN Racing Challenge: a captivating glow-in-the-dark BLINKY takes centre stage
At Lok Fu Place's outdoor leisure area in Zone B, kids can dive into the excitement of the "PAC-MAN Racing Challenge", navigating children's electric cars along a 30-metre track. Link Up members who accumulate $300 in same-day electronic spending at Lok Fu Place, or $200 with one receipt from a designated home goods store, can redeem a "PAC-MAN Racing Challenge" e-voucher. A captivating inflatable glow-in-the-dark BLINKY stands at the track's centre, inviting everyone to strike fun poses and create memorable holiday snapshots with this icon.

Check in at PAC-MAN Christmas Wonderland: Complete tasks to win PAC-MAN prizes

Five Link shopping malls—Cheung Fat Plaza, Kai Tin Shopping Centre, Leung King Plaza, TKO Spot, and Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre—will be transformed into PAC-MAN Christmas Wonderland hotspots throughout the festive season. Link Up members can open the Link Up mobile app and access the "Link Up x PAC-MAN Mission" event page at participating locations. By completing specified tasks and collecting all eight badges, members can redeem an exclusive "PAC-MAN Gift."

Power-Up Christmas Feasts

To boost holiday cheer, Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre and Lok Fu Place have teamed up with six restaurants to offer special "Power-Up Christmas Feasts" perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings. Featured dishes at Lok Fu Place include SoyMart's signature creation Giant Sticky Rice Roll, Koon Thai Cuisine's Giant Mango Sticky Rice (order 3 days in advance), and Aidan Korean Dessert Cafe's Grand "Snow Mountain Fried Chicken Platter". Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre offers a Jumbo Bubble Tea from SHARE TEA, Aroi Thai's Giant Volcano Ribs with a limited-edition festive drink, and Okayama Ichibangai's specialty dish Extra Large Onsen-tamago Ramen, bringing holiday indulgence to a new level.

All activities are subject to terms and conditions. Programme content is subject to change without prior notice.

 "Link X PAC-MAN Christmas wonderland" event details:  
Date: 16 November – 31 December 2024
Locations: Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre, Lok Fu Place, Cheung Fat Plaza, Kai Tin Shopping Centre, Leung King Plaza, TKO Spot and Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre

"PAC-MAN Glow-in-the-Dark Maze Adventure" event details:
Date: 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 November; 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 24-26, 28, 29, 31 December 2024 (18 days in total)
Time: 12noon – 8pm
Location: G/F outdoor space, Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre

"PAC-MAN Racing Challenge" event details:
Date: 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 November; 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20-31 December 2024 (22 days)
Time: 12noon – 7pm
Location: Zone B outdoor area, Lok Fu Place

PAC-MAN X SPORT b. Limited-Edition Christmas Gift Sets
Available at 44 participating malls and markets
Promotion and electronic stamp redemption period: 14 November to 31 December 2024
Stamp redemption locations: Customer service counters at 44 designated Link malls or markets
Stamp and gift redemption hours: 11am to 8pm

Location: 44 participating malls – T Town, Tin Chak Shopping Centre and Market, Tin Shui Shopping Centre, Tin Shing Shopping Centre, Tin Yiu Plaza, Butterfly Plaza and Market, Leung King Plaza, Choi Yuen Plaza, Tai Wo Plaza, Fu Shin Shopping Centre and Market, Tai Yuen Commercial Centre and Market, Cheung Wah Shopping Centre, Chung On Shopping Centre and Market, Wo Che Plaza and Market, Sha Kok Commercial Centre, Hin Keng Shopping Centre and Market, Mei Lam Commercial Centre, Yiu On Shopping Centre, Yu Chui Shopping Centre and Market, Lok Fu Place and Market, Temple Mall, Chuk Yuen Plaza, Kai Tin Shopping Centre, Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre and Market, Lei Yue Mun Plaza, Po Tat Shopping Centre, Tak Tin Plaza and Market, Choi Ming Shopping Centre, TKO Gateway and TKO Market, TKO Spot and Spot Mart, Maritime Bay, Nam Cheong Place and Market, Homantin Plaza and Market, Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre, Choi Wan Commercial Complex and Phase 3 Market, Oi Man Plaza and Market, Fung Tak Shopping Centre and Market, Cheung Fat Plaza, Oi Tung Shopping Centre, Siu Sai Wan Plaza, Fu Tung Plaza and Market, Stanley Plaza, Yat Tung Shopping Centre and Hing Wah Plaza

Gift Redemption Period: 20 December 2024 to 31 December 2024

Redemption Locations: Customer Service Counters at the following 27 designated malls:

Hong Kong Island: Siu Sai Wan Plaza

Kowloon: Lok Fu Place, Temple Mall, Kai Tin Shopping Centre, Lei Yue Mun Plaza, Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre, Choi Wan Commercial Complex, Nam Cheong Place, Homantin Plaza, Oi Man Plaza and Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre

New Territories: T Town, Tin Chak Shopping Centre, Tin Shing Shopping Centre, Butterfly Plaza, Leung King Plaza, Choi Yuen Plaza, Tai Yuen Commercial Centre, Tai Wo Plaza, Sha Kok Commercial Centre, Wo Che Plaza, TKO Gateway, TKO Spot, Choi Ming Shopping Centre, Cheung Fat Plaza, Fu Tung Plaza and Yat Tung Shopping Centre

All activities mentioned above are subject to terms and conditions, and the event details are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information, please visit: https://www.linkhk.com/en/promotion/

Download images: https://bit.ly/4enX1dT

This press release is sent by Boxing Promotions Limited.

About Link

Link Asset Management Limited (Link) is a leading global real estate investor and asset manager based in Hong Kong. It manages Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Hong Kong stock code: 823), the largest REIT in Asia. Link REIT has been 100% held by public and institutional investors since its listing in 2005 in Hong Kong. It is a constituent of the Hong Kong securities market benchmark Hang Seng Index, as well as a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index, the FTSE4Good Index Series and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index. Through Link REIT, Link owns and manages a diversified portfolio of retail facilities, car parks, offices and logistics assets spanning from China's Beijing, Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen), and Yangtze River Delta centred around Shanghai, to Singapore, Australia's Sydney and Melbourne and the UK's London. With its expanded investment capability and dynamic growth strategy, Link aspires to be a world-class real estate investor and manager, serving and improving the lives of people around us. For details, please visit https://www.linkreit.com.

About SPORT b.

Since its first boutique launched in Marseilles in 1999, SPORT b. collection had been very well received among the youngsters. Catering for the vibrant modern lifestyles, SPORT b. not only inherits the simplicity brand identity much loved by founder Agnès Troublé, its comfy touch and functionality are nicely preserved. SPORT b. and music are indivisible! It is a brand inspired by music and street art. dino dinosaur and flash became the signature icons of the brand. "dino" is Agnès grandson's favorite dinosaur toy when he was a child and has now been transformed into a playful and unique iconic character in the SPORT b. collection. dino is brave to try new things, always optimistic and carries on the spirit of music!

*Electronic payment methods include credit cards, EPS, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, Tap & Go, AlipayHK, BoC Pay, PayMe from HSBC, WeChat Pay, Octopus, Octopus Wallet, or other mobile payment applications, or other stored value payment tools regulated under the Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 584).

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Experience the festive spirit as Link Partners with SPORT b. and PAC-MAN at its malls this Christmas

IBM and UFC to develop UFC Insights Engine built with IBM watsonx to offer enhanced fight analysis across viewing platforms

ARMONK, N.Y. and LAS VEGAS, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) and UFC^®ï¸, the world's premier mixed martial arts organization and part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), today announced an innovative new partnership that will combine the power of IBM's AI and data platform, watsonx, with the vast global reach of UFC's content platforms to enhance the viewing experience for millions of UFC fans around the world.

With the new agreement, IBM will become UFC's Official Global AI Partner, marking the first time UFC has opened up this marketing category to a brand partner.

The core of the partnership will feature UFC Insights Engine built with IBM watsonx.  Insights Engine will harness IBM's expertise in data and AI technologies – including its family of Granite large language models – and UFC's rich data feeds to provide the UFC global viewing audience with more timely, in-depth information. This includes unique insights and advanced analysis of live bouts, fighter tendencies, projections of possible match outcomes, and method of victory – all of which will be engineered to update in real-time on-screen as more live data is generated.

"This partnership with IBM is one of the most significant milestones for UFC and a game changer for how fans will experience our sport," said Grant Norris-Jones, Head of Global Partnerships at TKO. "IBM is an iconic blue-chip, global brand with decades of experience in sports marketing. Together, we're pioneering a product to revolutionize analytics and information in live sports. This partnership marks a pivotal win, not only for UFC and IBM, but also for fans around the world who will experience our sport in a whole new way."

As its first official Global AI Partner, IBM will work with UFC to accelerate and scale existing capabilities, driving fan engagement with unique content experiences and unprecedented access to UFC fight information. Insights Engine, produced in collaboration by IBM and UFC's Research and Development team, is expected to debut in early 2025. The branded insights, stats and graphics – integrated into key touch points across UFC consumer platforms, including pre-event programming, UFC Pay-Per-View broadcasts, UFC social media channels, in-venue video boards, and more – are expected to reach hundreds of millions of UFC fans in 170 countries that receive UFC's broadcasts and follow UFC's social media channels.

"Data and AI solutions like UFC Insights Engine built with IBM watsonx can offer current fans entirely new ways to connect with their favorite athletes and sports, while also building excitement among new generations of MMA fans," said Jonathan Adashek, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at IBM. "Leveraging watsonx and our Granite models also allows UFC to enhance its digital operations and to harness the power of its extensive library of match data – all to the benefit of current and future fans."

"IBM watsonx is synonymous with AI, and they have been leading the charge in this space from the beginning," said Alon Cohen, Senior Vice President, UFC Research and Development. "UFC has been working on the concept of the Insights Engine for several years,  and now we finally have the right partner in IBM with the depth of expertise in AI to bring it to life. We're looking forward to rolling this out to our fans in the months ahead."

About UFC^®
UFC^® is the world's premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 290 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC's athlete roster features the world's best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization's digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world's leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media Contacts:

Chris Bellitti
UFC Corporate Communications
cbellitti@ufc.com

Sarah Benchaita
IBM Corporate Communications
sarah.benchaita@ibm.com 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

UFC Names IBM as First-Ever Official AI Partner