ผู้เขียน: Kanokwan

The Pros and Cons of Applying for Quick Cash Loans in Singapore

SINGAPORE, May 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Navigating financial surprises in a fast-paced city like Singapore requires adaptability and access to the right tools. Whether you are dealing with an urgent medical bill, a sudden home repair that requires immediate funding, quick cash loans can provide the necessary liquidity.However, borrowing money should never be a hasty decision. Understanding both the benefits and the potential risks is essential for maintaining long-term financial stability. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you should consider before applying for a quick cash loan.Why choose quick cash loans?Curious about the benefits of cash loans? Explore the advantages below.Rapid access to fundsThe primary benefit of quick cash loans is speed. Traditional term loans can sometimes take days or even weeks to process. In contrast, many modern credit lines may offer faster approval and quicker fund transfers via digital banking platforms. This is crucial when you face an emergency, such as preventing late-payment penalties or urgent payment needs.Flexible borrowingUnlike fixed-term loans, where you receive a lump sum and pay interest on the whole amount, many quick cash loans operate as revolving credit lines. You only pay interest on the amount you actually withdraw. For example, if you have a credit limit of SGD 10,000 but only use SGD 2,000 to replace a broken refrigerator, you only get charged interest on that SGD 2,000 until it is paid off. This may offer flexibility in managing small, unpredictable gaps in your cash flow.Minimal documentationIn Singapore, the application process for quick cash loans has become more streamlined. Banks can now retrieve your income and employment data automatically, where available. This removes the need for physical paperwork and branch visits. For busy professionals, this convenience is a major advantage that saves time and reduces the stress of borrowing.Bridging short-term gapsQuick cash loans can be used for acquiring temporary funding. If you expect a work bonus or a tax refund next month and have considered your repayment obligations but require short-term cash, these loans may allow you to access funds more quickly without disrupting your savings plan. You can access the funds when needed and clear the balance once your expected income is received.Risks of quick cash loansTake a closer look at some of the risks associated with quick loans.Higher interest rates compared to long-term loansBecause quick cash loans offer speed and convenience without collateral, they often come with higher interest rates than secured loans like mortgages or car loans. If you do not have a clear repayment plan, interest can accumulate over time. It is important to compare the Effective Interest Rate (EIR) to understand the true cost of borrowing before you commit.Risk of overspendingThe ease of access has both risks and benefits. When funds are available instantly, it can be tempting to use them for non-essential lifestyle choices, such as luxury shopping or expensive holidays. This can lead to overspending, where you begin to rely on credit for routine costs rather than staying within your monthly salary.Impact on your credit scoreEvery time you apply for a loan or a credit line, a formal credit check is recorded with Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS). Multiple applications in a short window may negatively affect your credit assessment with lenders. Furthermore, if you fail to make even the minimum monthly payments on your quick cash loans, your credit score may drop. This could make it harder for you to get a home loan or other essential credit in the future.Potential hidden feesBeyond the interest rate, some facilities come with annual fees, processing fees, or late payment charges. Some lenders may charge a fee of SGD 100 or more just for missing a payment deadline by one day. You must read the fine print to ensure that the quick solution does not become a more expensive burden due to overlooked charges.How to use quick cash loans responsibly?To make the most of quick cash loans without falling into debt, follow these simple guidelines:Borrow only what you need: Just because your approved limit is high doesn't mean you should use all of it. Withdraw only the specific amount required for your emergency.Have a clear repayment strategy: Before you choose to withdraw, figure out your repayment options.Use for emergencies, not luxuries: Keep your credit line as an emergency backup for when you really need it. Avoid using it for lifestyle expenses.Monitor your balance: Regularly check your banking app to see how much you owe and when your next payment is due. Staying informed prevents late fees and high interest.Final thoughtsQuick cash loans can be a useful financial tool that provides flexibility, when used prudently. They allow you to handle life's surprises without the need to ask friends for help or sell your long-term investments. However, the responsibility lies with you to use this tool with discipline. By weighing the pros and cons carefully, you can ensure that your choice supports your financial goals rather than hindering them.Disclaimer: This content is published by iQuanti Singapore Pte Ltd, an external marketer engaged and compensated by UOB Ltd.Contact Information:Name: Sonakshi MurzeEmail: Sonakshi.murze@iquanti.comJob Title: ManagerSOURCE: iQuanti Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-27

OMP Launches Unison Express to Fast-Track Supply Chain Planning from Ambition to Early Value

ANTWERPEN, BELGIUM, May 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - OMP, a leading provider of AI-powered supply chain planning solutions, today announced the launch of Unison Express - an industry-specific, ready-to-deploy planning offering for mid-market companies looking to move beyond the tools and processes they have outgrown. Unison Express enables teams to realize value quickly while establishing a strong planning foundation that scales with their business over time.From spreadsheets to structured planningOrganizations across industries face mounting pressure to modernize supply chain planning. Yet implementation projects can feel long, costly, and difficult to justify, especially when teams still rely on tools and processes they have outgrown, such as spreadsheets, legacy systems, and manual coordination. The result is higher operational risk and slower, less coordinated decision-making.Unison Express bridges this gap by providing a complete planning solution out of the box, configured to industry‑specific best practices and leveraging the latest AI advances through UnisonIQ. Teams gain end-to-end visibility by planning consistently across sites and functions, leaving behind fragmented, disconnected ways of working.Delivering visibility and value from day oneWith standardized planning cycles, predefined scenarios for everyday planning decisions, and built-in day-in-the-life guidance, Unison Express delivers early value with predictable timelines and fast adoption. Built on the same foundations as Unison PlanningTM, it reflects more than four decades of OMP's industry experience and allows for seamless extension of capabilities as needs evolve.For a full overview of capabilities, visit the OMP website."With Unison Express, we packaged proven supply chain planning practices into a true, lean, standardized solution," said Jan Lemmens, Vice President Industry at OMP. "It helps organizations move away from fragmented, manual planning and adopt proven ways of working quickly, with the option to expand on the same platform when their needs evolve.""With Unison Express, we packaged decades of supply chain planning expertise into a true, lean, standardized solution."Proven in real-world environmentsWith Unison Express, organizations across industries are already delivering results with a standardized, value-first approach to supply chain planning.In consumer goods, Duvel Moortgat is rolling out Unison Express across three Belgian breweries to professionalize demand planning, operational planning, and scheduling. The project prioritizes fast onboarding and early value realization while building a scalable foundation for future expansion.In metals, Bekaert implemented a lean, highly standardized planning setup to support a fast-growing business unit, replacing spreadsheet-based coordination with structured S&OP and scenario planning. By maintaining strict scope discipline and focusing on rapid deployment, the organization reached full adoption in a short timeframe while retaining the flexibility to extend capabilities over time.Learn more about Unison ExpressLearn more about Unison Express and how organizations can move beyond spreadsheets with a complete planning solution that delivers fast results and scales over time. Visit the website.About OMPOMP helps companies facing complex planning challenges to excel, grow, and thrive by offering the best digitized supply chain planning solution on the market. Hundreds of customers in a wide range of industries - spanning consumer goods, life sciences, chemicals, metals, paper, packaging, plastics, tires, and building products - benefit from using OMP's unique Unison Planning™.Solution and product inquiriesContact OMP+32 3 650 22 11Media inquiriesKira Perdue (Carabiner)SOURCE: OMP Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-27

Unitree Robotics IPO Nears Listing Committee Review; Shoucheng Holdings (697.HK), with a 3.8% Stake, Opens a Revaluation Window for Its Robotics Assets

HONG KONG, May 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Driven by news of the accelerated IPO process of Unitree Robotics, the share price of Shoucheng Holdings (00697.HK) has been notably active recently. On the evening of May 25, the official website of the Shanghai Stock Exchange disclosed that Unitree Robotics' STAR Market IPO application will be reviewed by the listing committee on June 1, 2026. Following the news, Shoucheng Holdings rose by more than 5% intraday on the next trading day, reaching a high of HK$1.84, indicating that market attention toward the revaluation of the company's robotics investment value continues to rise.Unitree Robotics' STAR Market IPO had previously been accepted by the Shanghai Stock Exchange. According to its prospectus, the company plans to raise RMB4.202 billion. As a representative domestic enterprise in embodied intelligence and humanoid robotics, Unitree Robotics has entered a critical stage in its capitalization process. This is expected to further raise capital-market attention toward the robotics sector and provide a clearer public-market pricing reference for related industrial-chain assets.For Shoucheng Holdings, the significance of Unitree Robotics' IPO lies not only in the change in equity value of a single project, but also in the fact that the company's robotics investment layout is beginning to enter a stage of public-market validation. According to Unitree Robotics' prospectus, Shoucheng Holdings participated in the investment in Unitree Robotics through the Beijing Robotics Industry Development Investment Fund. The fund held approximately 3.8262% of Unitree Robotics before the offering and approximately 3.44% after the offering. Based on this valuation, the corresponding value of this equity interest is estimated at around RMB1.446 billion. As Unitree Robotics' listing process continues to advance, the market visibility of Shoucheng Holdings' robotics investment assets is expected to increase accordingly.From a valuation perspective, Unitree Robotics' IPO is expected to become an important catalyst for the revaluation of Shoucheng Holdings' robotics assets. Compared with unlisted equity interests, which mainly rely on primary-market financing valuations, the market capitalization performance of listed companies is easier for the market to observe, compare and price. If Unitree Robotics successfully lists on the capital market, its public-market valuation will provide a reference for related assets such as embodied intelligence and humanoid robotics, and will also help the market reassess the value of robotics assets held by Shoucheng Holdings through its sector-focused investment funds.More importantly, Unitree Robotics is not the only case within Shoucheng Holdings' robotics investment portfolio. According to company disclosures, through the sector-focused investment funds it manages, Shoucheng Holdings has made cumulative investments of more than RMB2 billion across the broader robotics ecosystem, covering over 20 companies. These include Unitree Robotics, Noetix Robotics, Galbot, Deep Robotics, Booster Robotics and Galaxea AI, among other projects. Its layout spans multiple segments, including robot bodies, embodied intelligence, aerial robotics, key components and application scenarios. As portfolio companies such as Unitree Robotics and Deep Robotics continue to advance their listing processes, Shoucheng Holdings’ earlier deployment across the robotics value chain is transitioning from the capital deployment phase to the value realization phase.From the perspective of the Hong Kong stock market, Shoucheng Holdings' scarcity value has therefore increased further. At present, there are not many Hong Kong-listed companies that can directly reflect the mainland humanoid robotics and embodied intelligence industrial chain. By participating in investments in leading companies such as Unitree Robotics through sector-focused investment funds, Shoucheng Holdings has developed a well-defined proxy exposure to the robotics sector. Against the backdrop of relatively scarce technology growth assets in the Hong Kong market and sustained enthusiasm for the robotics theme, the company's robotics industrial investment layout is expected to attract greater market attention.Overall, Unitree Robotics' IPO is an important validation milestone for Shoucheng Holdings' robotics investment strategy. As the listing process continues to advance, related public-market valuations are expected to provide a clearer pricing reference for Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics assets and further strengthen its proxy value within the Hong Kong robotics concept segment. For investors, the market’s understanding of Shoucheng Holdings’ value may also extend from traditional asset operations toward a comprehensive valuation framework of "infrastructure assets + sector-focused funds + robotics investments", while the revaluation theme for the company’s robotics assets is becoming increasingly clear. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-27

“Mogu Mogu” Launches Global Campaign “Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew” to Engage Gen Z Worldwide

BANGKOK, May 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sappe Public Company Limited (SAPPE), a leading innovator in beverages from Thailand and the creator of the global “Snack Drink” category, continues to energize the international market with the launch of its latest global campaign for “Mogu Mogu” under the concept “Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew.” The campaign invites Generation Z worldwide to keep going through life’s unskippable moments simply by drinking and chewing “Mogu Mogu,” transforming everyday challenges into enjoyable and manageable experiences while reinforcing the brand’s position as a global snackable drink that brings fun into every moment.As a fruit juice with nata de coco beverage that has pioneered a unique category and achieved market leadership in several countries, including the Philippines, South Korea, and the United Kingdom (based on NIQ data), “Mogu Mogu” continues to differentiate itself through its signature “Tangible Fun” experience, combining refreshing fruit flavors with its iconic chewy coconut jelly. Beyond enjoyment, the act of chewing is also associated with a sense of relaxation, making it a natural companion for moments that feel beyond control. The campaign builds on a key insight into Generation Z, who have grown up in a digital world where they can easily skip unwanted content, yet cannot skip real-life situations. “Mogu Mogu” steps in as a simple yet meaningful solution, helping them navigate those moments in their own way through a playful and sensory drinking experience.Ms. Piyajit Ruckariyapong, Chief Executive Officer of Sappe Public Company Limited, said, “Generation Z is a powerful force shaping global trends. They value experiences, fun, and authenticity. The ‘Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew’ campaign reflects our deep understanding of their behavior. ‘Mogu Mogu’ is not just a beverage; it is an experience that helps consumers navigate everyday moments in a fun and natural way. This aligns with our ambition to grow a Thai brand into a truly global brand that resonates with consumers across diverse markets.”The campaign adopts a 360-degree strategy across both online and offline channels. Digitally, it leverages full-scale social media engagement and influencer collaborations in each market to drive awareness and participation. On-ground, the brand activates sampling and immersive brand experiences across key markets, including the Philippines, South Korea and the United Kingdom, bringing consumers closer to the brand and reinforcing emotional connections. This global rollout reflects SAPPE’s vision to elevate “Mogu Mogu” beyond refreshment into a “moment of tangible fun” that fits seamlessly into everyday life.“Mogu Mogu” is one of SAPPE’s flagship brands and a pioneer of the “Snack Drink” category, being the world’s first fruit juice beverage with nata de coco. Today, the brand is available in over 100 countries worldwide, known for its wide variety of flavors and distinctive chewy texture that sets it apart. With its strong global presence and continuous innovation, “Mogu Mogu” continues to win the hearts of consumers and strengthen its position as a fast-growing global brand. For more information and updates, follow “Mogu Mogu” on TikTok and Instagram, or visit www.mogumogu.com.About SAPPESappe PCL (SAPPE) is a leading Thai beverage innovator and the creator of the "Snack Drink" category through its iconic global brand, Mogu Mogu, now exported to over 100 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The company specializes in fruit juice and functional health beverages designed to serve the evolving lifestyle needs of modern consumers around the world.SAPPE's diverse portfolio includes globally recognized brands such as Mogu Mogu, the world's first snackable drink; Sappe Aloe Vera, known for its refreshing taste and natural ingredients; and Sappe Beauti, a functional drink line focused on health, wellness, and women empowerment. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, SAPPE is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) under the symbol SAPPE.Driven by innovation, deep consumer insights, and a strong commitment to sustainability, SAPPE operates with a balanced focus on product innovation, economic performance, social responsibility, and environmental impact. The company believes that building a sustainable future begins with valuing people, embracing diversity, and leading with authenticity, creativity, and the courage to drive positive change. SAPPE's mission is to inspire lives worldwide one meaningful beverage at a time.Sappe official: https://www.sappe.com/en/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sappeplaygroundInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mogumogu_global/Line: https://shop.line.me/@sappeonlineShopee: https://shopee.co.th/sappe.officialEmail: corpcom@sappe.comSappe PCL [SET: SAPPE, SAPPE/F, SAPPE-R] https://www.sappe.com/en/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-27

‘European Dairy from Ireland’ Responds to Growing Demand for Functional Nutrition

SINGAPORE, May 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The European Union is strengthening its engagement with Singapore as a regional hub for advanced food manufacturing and nutrition innovation. This comes as demand for functional dairy ingredients accelerates across Southeast Asia. Led by Bord Bia – The Irish Food Board, the initiative is part of the “European Dairy: Ireland, Where Nature Meets Science” campaign, a €3.2 million investment co-funded by the European Union to strengthen Asia’s nutrition pipeline and foster long-term trade partnerships. The campaign showcases sustainable farming and scientific research behind European dairy production. Singapore is a Strategic Gateway for Functional Nutrition in AsiaSingapore is globally recognised as a hub for innovation, positioned at the heart of Southeast Asia’s food ecosystem, and has an important role in regional product development and distribution. Manufacturers across ASEAN are increasingly seeking high-quality science-backed ingredients, as demand for targeted life-stage nutrition, preventative health products and functional foods is increasing. This is largely driven by the fact that Southeast Asia’s population is growing and aging rapidly, particularly in Singapore, leading to increased demand for functional foods to support healthy aging and overall wellbeing. Given limited domestic dairy production in Singapore, F&B innovators and manufacturers are driven to rely on imports and seek trusted international partners.Ms. Lorna Allen, South East Market Manager of Bord Bia, mentioned, “Singapore is a key gateway for European dairy engagement in Southeast Asia, particularly as demand for functional and science-backed nutrition continues to grow. Ireland has exported €276 million value of dairy products to Southeast Asia in 2025, a y-o-y increase of 16.4%. Through the EU-funded campaign, Bord Bia is supporting closer collaboration between European dairy producers from Ireland and regional food and nutrition innovators.”Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran, Deputy Director, industry partnerships and Head, Glycemic Index Research Unit at Temasek Polytechnic, commented, “Dairy ingredients play a vital role across the life course. With protein‑fortified and functional dairy products gaining strong momentum, the opportunity to improve population health through evidence‑based dairy innovation has never been greater.”A Science-Led Advantage Supporting Industry Needs European dairy from Ireland combines a natural grass-fed, pasture-based system with the support of advanced scientific research. This combination of natural production methods and scientific validation allows European dairy to meet the performance and quality requirements of manufacturers across Asia.Dr. André Brodkorb, Senior Researcher, Teagasc Food Research Centre Moorepark, said, “Irish grass‑fed milk is scientifically proven to deliver superior nutritional benefits, with Teagasc research showing dairy cows who operate on an Irish grass-fed system, produced milk with higher percentages of omega-3 and conjugated linoleic (CLA) fatty acids compared to cows fed medium and low proportions of grass.”European Dairy Powders at FHA Singapore 2026Bord Bia brought leading European dairy suppliers from Ireland to Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) in Singapore last April. Industry professionals attending FHA Singapore were invited to explore partnership opportunities and discover how European dairy from Ireland is supporting the next generation of nutrition solutions in Asia. Bord Bia focused on: Functional dairy ingredients designed for sports nutrition, healthy ageing, life-stage nutrition, and foodservice.Solutions that support product innovation for Asian consumers.Opportunities to connect directly with suppliers for sourcing and collaboration.Strengthening Collaboration Across the RegionAs part of the European Union’s engagement in Singapore, Bord Bia is also facilitating a closed-door industry session bringing together stakeholders from research, development, and manufacturing. This reflects ongoing collaboration between European dairy stakeholders and regional partners, including organisations such as Temasek and Teagasc, to support innovation and knowledge exchange in functional nutrition. More information about the campaign is available at: https://european-dairy.eu/Media Contact:Wani DiwarkarE: wani@prbespoke.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-27

New Tech, Greener Future: Sinoma International Green and Intelligence Innovation Exchange Held in Chengdu

CHENGDU, CHINA, May 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Sinoma International Green and Intelligence Innovation Exchange, themed "Green Intelligence Empowers Cooperation" opened in Chengdu, Sichuan Province on May 19, 2026.The event was attended by diplomatic envoys from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Syria and other countries, representatives of industrial associations worldwide, academicians from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Royal Academy of Engineering, as well as officials from global organizations including the Global Cement and Concrete Association and World Cement Association.Zhou Yuxian, Chairman of China National Building Material Group (CNBM), stated in his speech that cement is evolving from a traditional industrial product into a high-performance, low-carbon and eco-friendly material. The company stands ready to work with global peers to reshape industrial value and build a more resilient cement industry ecosystem.Officials with Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce and Department of Science and Technology introduced local policies to advance high-end, intelligent and green transformation of the building materials sector, inviting global investors to seek cooperation in Sichuan.Ambassadors of Zimbabwe and Ghana to China spoke highly of Sinoma International’s achievements in cement manufacturing and infrastructure construction in their respective countries, voicing expectations for deeper practical cooperation across diverse fields.Four major innovative achievements of 2026 in the industry were unveiled at the forum: full-industrial chain treatment solutions for waste-free cities, ultra-low emission system for industrial flue gas, full-process intelligent open-pit mine solution and intelligent operation and maintenance system solution.Three academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering Miao Changwen, Liu Jiaping, Peng Shou, and Karen Scrivener from the Royal Academy of Engineering delivered keynote speeches, sharing cutting-edge insights on cement-based new energy materials, aluminosilicate cementitious systems, advanced building material upgrading and sustainable construction.Four themed sub-forums were arranged covering green and low-carbon, mining development, digital intelligence and green energy and environmental protection. Guests also paid field visits to a circular economy industrial park, an intelligent mine and a prefabricated construction base.During the conference, senior executives of CNBM met with diplomatic envoys and held talks with cement association representatives from Germany, Iraq, Vietnam, Brazil and Russia. Client delegates from 12 international building material enterprises including Heidelberg Materials, TITAN Group and YTL Group joined strategic communication sessions.Yin Zhisong, Chairman of Sinoma International, remarked that technological innovation serves humanity and protects the planet. Boasting over seven decades of technological expertise and a global operational network, Sinoma International is willing to share technologies, set industrial standards and jointly pursue sustainable development with global partners.Company: SINOMA International Engineering Co., LtdContact Person: Deng JiexiEmail: dengjiexi@sinoma.com.cn Website: http://www.sinoma.com.cn/Telephone: (010) 64399322City: Beijing Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-27

Digital China Holdings Wins Capital Market Approval for Its ‘Data x AI’ Strategy

HONG KONG, May 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Recently, Digital China Holdings Limited (861.HK) has successively garnered significant recognitions from the capital market. This marks the increasing clarity of the company's "Data x AI" strategic roadmap and demonstrates the capital market's strong confidence and high expectations for its future development.At the "8th GOLDEN KUNPENG CHINA FINANCIAL VALUE RANKING" awards ceremony, hosted by the Hong Kong Commercial Daily in Hong Kong on May 26, the company won two major accolades: "Best CFO of a Listed Company - Zhang Yunfei" and "Listed Company with the Greatest Value Growth Potential." Upholding the principles of "openness, fairness, and justice," the "Golden Kunpeng" China Financial Value Rankings are dedicated to building an authoritative, professional, credible, and influential evaluation platform and brand content for listed companies in the Chinese capital market. Furthermore, a number of mainstream domestic and international brokerages—including Guotai Haitong Securities, CSC Financial, ICBC International, Global Wealth, Zhongtai Securities, Great Wall Securities, and China Post Securities—have released their 2025 earnings review reports of the company, initiating "Buy" and "Overweight" ratings. The market unanimously favors the company's earnings inflection point and the strategic value of its AI initiatives.On March 30, Digital China Holdings announced its full-year results for 2025, delivering an impressive performance by turning losses into profits. The company's annual operating revenue reached RMB 21.02 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 26%. Non-IFRS adjusted net profit swung from a loss to a profit of RMB 215 million, while net profit attributable to the parent company turned from a loss to a profit of RMB 31.42 million. Net cash flow from operating activities stood at RMB 490 million, with cash on hand amounting to RMB 3.49 billion. The value of newly signed contracts reached RMB 16.19 billion, indicating abundant orders on hand. This high-quality growth is a direct manifestation of the company's "Data x AI" strategy transitioning from a concept to tangible business implementation.Building upon the technological foundation that won the First Prize of the State Technological Invention Award, the company achieved a leapfrog upgrade of its YanYun technology system. It released the YanYun 2.0 Infinity Data Intelligent Decision Enabling Platform and pioneered the "AI First FDE" business model. This enables the deep integration of AI technology with customer business processes, boosting overall operational efficiency by 30 to 50 times and accelerating the project delivery cycle by 5 to 7 times.On May 20, the company officially launched a new-generation AI digital asset management system—the Shenzhou Zhiliao Smart Management Platform. Centered on a "Cloud-Native Architecture + AI Agents," the platform directly addresses the pain points of traditional asset management and establishes a closed-loop system for full-lifecycle asset management. Equipped with an asset management AI agent and a maintenance expert AI agent, the system enables 7x24 fault diagnosis, automatic generation of maintenance plans, and intelligent spare parts matching. Implementation data reveals a 40% reduction in maintenance time, a 20% drop in secondary on-site visits, and a 50% decrease in spare parts mismatch rates. The platform has been efficiently deployed across various industry scenarios, including Tsinghua University, Qin Cloud Infrastructure, and Tai'an City Construction Investment. Concurrently, the company established the Omni-Domain AI Ecosystem Alliance to continuously expand the boundaries of AI applications.In terms of the company's highly advantageous supply chain scenarios, relying on its data intelligence technology base, the self-developed "Little King" intelligent agent cluster has reconstructed the OWTB execution system and the supply chain control tower. The company rolled out applications such as intelligent Q&A, decision-making assistants, and AI-native workstations. These achievements were successfully selected as excellent practice cases for AI industry empowerment at the Economic Observer Tech Innovation Summit, setting an "AI + Supply Chain" benchmark for the industry.From technological breakthroughs and product innovations to a successful earnings turnaround and award recognitions, these milestones signify that Digital China Holdings' "Data x AI" strategy has fully blossomed. Looking ahead, the company will accelerate the deep integration of AI technology across multiple scenarios, accumulate platform experience data, and inject robust momentum into the digital and intelligent transformation of enterprises, as well as the high-quality development of the industry.  Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-27

Adyton Successfully Achieves Major Mining Advancement Milestone at The Wapolu Gold Project

BRISBANE, AUS, May 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Adyton Resources Corporation (TSXV: ADY) ("Adyton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Mining Lease Warden's Hearing for the recommencement of mining operations at the historic Wapolu Gold Mine ("Wapolu" or the "Project") on Fergusson Island, Papua New Guinea. The Hearing, held on May 21, 2026, represents a significant milestone in the Mining Lease application process and an important step toward advancing Wapolu toward potential redevelopment and future production.Conducted by senior Mineral Resources Authority ("MRA") Mining Warden Mr. Kopi Wapa at the Wapolu exploration camp, the Hearing forms a mandatory component of the Mining lease approval process and is intended to formally assess community support for the granting of a mining lease to the project developer. The Hearing was attended by all principal landowners, alongside key representatives from Adyton, its joint venture partner, East Vision Investment Holdings ("EVIH") and the Provincial Government, underscoring the strong engagement and collaborative approach being taken as the Company advances the Project. The Warden will now submit a report on the hearing to the Mineral Resources Authority Mining Advisory Council (MAC) following which the MAC will complete its assessment for the grant of the Mining Lease.Exploration Licence EL 2549, which hosts the Wapolu Gold Project, is currently the subject of a Mining Lease application ML 1390 and Lease For Mining Purposes, LMP 152. Together, these statutory permits are intended to support the recommencement of mining operations at the historic Wapolu mine. The Mining Lease application covers the proposed mining and processing operations while the LMP application relates to supporting non-processing infrastructure including such facilities as airstrips.The Wapolu Project, together with the neighboring Gameta license area, represents two of the most advanced development assets on Fergusson Island. Both projects are being actively advanced through the permitting and development process by Adyton and EVIH."The successful completion of the Warden's Hearing marks another major milestone in advancing Wapolu toward the potential recommencement of mining operations. In Papua New Guinea, the Warden's Hearing is a critical and mandatory component of the regulatory process, providing local stakeholder and landowners with the opportunity to formally participate in the transition from exploration to mining," said Tim Crossley, CEO of Adyton. "We are extremely encouraged by the strong support demonstrated by land holder, community representatives and other stakeholders throughout the Hearing process. Their support reflects the collaborative relationships Adyton and EVIH have built on Fergusson Island and reinforces the significant opportunity we see in advancing Wapolu and the broader Fergusson Island projects toward development."Louis Wang, Project Director of EVIH, commented, "We are very pleased with the show of support by the Wapolu community for the re-start of mining at Wapolu. This community from day 1 of EVIH commencing exploration work at Wapolu has been a pleasure to work with and always shown strong support for our activities. We now look forward to working with the community as we transition the project back into a full-scale mining, processing and concentrate export operation." Mining Warden Kopi Wapa addresses local Wapolu LandownersTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7416/298733_c560c22e942a18ba_001full.jpgMining Warden Kopi Wapa, Clifford Pakailasi from the Provincial Government, Adyton and EVIH representatives Tom Charlton, Louis Wang and Gary Wang along with community representatives following the completion of the warden hearing formalitiesTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7416/298733_c560c22e942a18ba_002full.jpgFor further information please contact:Tim Crossley, Chief Executive Officer E‐mail: tcrossley@adytonresources.comPhone: +61 7 3854 2389Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.ABOUT ADYTON RESOURCES CORPORATIONAdyton Resources Corporation is focused on advancing gold and copper projects in world-class mineral jurisdictions. The Company holds a portfolio of highly prospective assets in Papua New Guinea where it is actively working to expand its existing gold Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources and build on recent high-grade gold and copper drill results at its 100% owned Feni Island ‎project.Adyton's projects are located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, on accessible island settings that host several globally significant deposits including the Lihir gold mine and ‎Panguna copper-gold mine on Bougainville Island, both in close proximity to Feni, highlighting the district-scale potential of the Company's land package.Feni Island Au-Cu projectThe Feni Island Project currently has a mineral ‎resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 dated October 14, 2021, which has outlined an initial inferred ‎mineral resource of 60.4 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.75 g/t Au, for contained gold of 1,460,000 ounces, ‎assuming a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au. See the NI 43-101 technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feni Gold-Copper Property, New Ireland ‎Province, Papua New Guinea prepared for Adyton Resources by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon ‎Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant ‎and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101, available under Adyton's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.Fergusson Island Au projectsThe Fergusson Island Projects currently have a mineral resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, which outlined an indicated mineral resource of 5.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.28 g/t Au for contained gold of 206,000 ounces and an inferred mineral resource of 23.2 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.99 g/t Au for contained gold of 733,000 ounces, both inferred and indicated resources used a 0.5g/t Au cut-off grade, refer Table below for a breakdown of the Fergusson Island projects Mineral Resources.ProjectIndicatedInferredAu(g/t)Tonnes(million)Au(koz)Au(g/t)Tonnes(million)Au(koz)Gameta exploration licence1.334.01731.0110.5340Wapolu exploration licence1.001.0330.9712.7393Fergusson Island Gold Project1.285.02060.9923.2733  Gameta and Wapolu resources at 0.5g/t gold cut-off See the technical report dated October 14, 2021, entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Fergusson Gold Property, Milne Bay ‎Province, Papua New Guinea" prepared for Adyton Resources by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon ‎Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant ‎and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.See the technical report dated January 7, 2026, entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on Wapolu Gold Project" prepared for Adyton Resources by Louis Cohalan (MAIG), an independent mining consultant ‎and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.For more information about Adyton and its projects, visit www.adytonresources.com.To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7416/298733_c560c22e942a18ba_003full.jpgForward-looking statementsThis press release includes "forward‐looking statements", including forecasts, estimates, expectations, and objectives for future operations that are subject to several assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Adyton. Forward‐looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward‐looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include plans pertaining to the drill program, the intention to prepare additional technical studies, the timing of the drill program, uses of the recent drone survey data, the timing of updating key findings, the preparation of resource estimates, and the deeper exploration of high-grade gold and copper feeder systems. The forward‐looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.Forward‐looking information are based on management of the parties' reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses, and opinions, which are based on such management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the projects in a timely manner; the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development; construction and continued operation of the Fergusson Island Project and the Feni Island Project; the ability to effectively complete the drilling program; and Adyton's ability to comply with all applicable regulations and laws, including environmental, health and safety laws.Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Adyton's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of managements considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Adyton believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and under reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by Adyton. Among the key risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are the following: impacts arising from the global disruption, changes in general macroeconomic conditions; reliance on key personnel; reliance on Zenex Drilling; changes in securities markets; changes in the price of gold or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave‐ins and flooding); discrepancies between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of and changes in the costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward‐looking statements. Such forward‐looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward‐looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Adyton Resources Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forward‐looking information except as required by applicable law.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/298733 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-26

The Hong Kong Institute of Directors Awards for Director Excellence 2026 Open for Nominations

HONG KONG, May 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD) has officially announced that nominations are now open for the HKIoD Awards for Director Excellence 2026. This flagship award programme continues to serve as a cornerstone for promoting outstanding corporate governance and director professionalism across Hong Kong.This year's Awards theme, Navigating Through Disruptive Forces in Challenging Times, underscores the resilience required by modern boards to steer their organisations steadily through rapid digital transformations, macroeconomic shifts, and evolving stakeholder expectations.In its 26th edition, HKIoD will once again present its signature accolades across three critical governance pillars: the Directors of the Year Award, the Climate Governance Award, and the Social Impact Award. These honours go beyond simple recognition; they celebrate visionary leaders who deeply embed corporate governance, climate governance, and social sustainability in the core of their business frameworks.Mr Richard Tsang, Chairman of HKIoD, during his keynote address, stated: "As fellow directors, we serve as stewards of corporate governance, tasked with balancing the interests of all stakeholders. This year’s theme perfectly captures the prevailing uncertainties we face today—times are undeniably tough, yet we continue to forge ahead with resolve. Through this impactful initiative, we remain deeply committed to honouring role models, fostering peer learning, and raising the overall standard of corporate governance in Hong Kong."Mr Jonathan Shea, CEO of HKIoD, introduced the key highlights and arrangements for the 2026 project cycle and encouraged eligible candidates to submit their nominations well ahead of the deadline.Insights from Distinguished Past AwardeesThe briefing session featured an insightful panel discussion, titled "Distinguished Directors' Insights", moderated by Mr Vincent Chan (Council Member & Chairman of the Awards Organising Committee). Three distinguished past awardees shared their experiences on how rigorous board oversight translates into organisational resilience:- Mr Alvin Lee (Executive Director, FSE Lifestyle Services Limited) highlighted the critical need for forward-looking governance in the face of technological shifts. He noted that boards must proactively embrace technology rather than passively approve management decisions. For instance, establishing dedicated AI committees can help organisations seamlessly integrate digital tools into daily practices like cost analysis and ESG tracking.- Ms Helen Li (Group Chief Auditor, The Bank of East Asia Limited) discussed strengthening risk and audit frameworks under stringent regulatory landscapes. She emphasised that true board diversity—compassing expertise across such areas as financial oversight and cybersecurity—is essential for managing unpredictable "unknown unknowns" and allowing directors to constructively challenge executive management.- Ms Theresa Yeung (Managing Principal, East Asia, Arup) shared her extensive experience steering massive infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. She explained that when driving deep organisational change, boards must look beyond simple slogans and explicitly hardcode sustainable concepts into clear, actionable checklists and daily KPIs.The panel collectively reminded prospective applicants that the assessment process functions as a free corporate "health check". Nominees are strongly encouraged to prepare robust, quantitative data to back up their achievements for review by the independent judging panels.Nomination Details & CategoriesThe deadline for submitting all nominations for the 2026 Awards is 23 July 2026. The nominations will be rigorously evaluated by a highly credible panel of prominent business leaders, professionals, and regulatory representatives.Awards are granted across the following categories:Company CategoriesDirector CategoriesListed CompaniesNon-Listed CompaniesStatutory / Non-Profit OrganisationsExecutive DirectorsNon-Executive DirectorsBoard of DirectorsTo download nomination forms and access detailed guidelines, please visit the official HKIoD portal: https://www.hkiod.com/award-series-for-director-excellence-2026/.Photo Caption: (Left to Right) HKIoD Awards Organising Committee Chairman Mr Vincent Chan hosts the interactive panel discussion alongside past awardees Mr Alvin Lee, Ms Helen Li, and Ms Theresa Yeung, highlighting best practices in corporate leadership and sustainable governance.About The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”)The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”) is Hong Kong’s premier body representing directors working together to advance corporate sustainability in creating long-term value for companies, their owners, stakeholders, humankind and Planet Earth through advocacy and standards-setting in corporate governance and director professionalism.  Led by Founder Chairman Dr The Hon Moses Cheng, HKIoD was founded in 1997.  Throughout the years, HKIoD is honoured to have the Chief Executive of HKSAR as the Institute’s Patron.  Membership of HKIoD comprises of directors from diverse industries and corporate types and includes Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors and Independent Non-Executive Directors.  With multi-culturalism and international perspectives, HKIoD organises activities that cover director training, seminars and forums, collective director voice, guideline establishment, public education, Award Series for Director Excellence, assessment of Corporate Governance Scorecard for listed companies etc.  As a member body of the Global Network of Director Institutes (“GNDI”), HKIoD is committed to global collaboration in promoting good corporate governance and director professionalism.  HKIoD is the appointed Host of the Hong Kong Chapter of Climate Governance Initiative, a global network that collaborates with the World Economic Forum in actively promoting directors’ address of the risks and opportunities of climate change.For details please visit: http://www.hkiod.com | http://www.gndi.org | https://climate-governance.org/Awards Enquiries: Media Enquiries:The Hong Kong Institute of Directors Strategic Public Relations GroupOdessa So Brenda Chan / Karen Ng+852 2889 4988 / odessa.so@hkiod.com +852 2114 4396 / 2114 4978brenda.chan@sprg.com.hkkaren.ng@sprg.com.hkFax:+852 2889 9982 Fax:+852 2114 4948  Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-26

Sentire(R) Surgical System Receives EU CE Mark (MDR) and Singapore HSA Approval, Cornerstone Robotics Accelerates Global Strategic Expansion

HONG KONG, May 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Cornerstone Robotics, a leading innovator in surgical robotics based in Hong Kong, is pleased to announce that its proprietary Sentire(R) Surgical System has officially received European Union CE mark certification under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and has simultaneously obtained approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore. These certifications cover minimally invasive surgical procedures in General Surgery, Gynecology, Thoracic and Urology. This milestone marks the formal entry of the Sentire(R) Surgical System into the core medical markets of Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Cornerstone Robotics has thus become the first Hong Kong-based surgical robotics brand to simultaneously complete EU regulatory certification and in-depth European clinical validation, signaling that Hong Kong’s high-quality medical device innovation has officially entered the international market’s main track. Achieving Combined Regulatory Approval and Clinical ValidationThe Sentire(R) Surgical System is a high-end surgical robotic platform that combines clinical workflows with integrated engineering, software, and imaging technologies. Achieving CE certification not only demonstrates that its safety, efficacy, and quality management system fully comply with stringent international regulatory standards but also affirms that this high-quality platform possesses the robust capability and credentials to serve physicians and patients worldwide.Alongside regulatory certification, Cornerstone Robotics has simultaneously advanced its international clinical validation. By leveraging its three global R&D centres and establishing an early presence in the UK, the Company has integrated European talent and clinical resources to inject international innovation momentum into product iteration and clinical adaptation. Since 2025, the Company has partnered with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) to undertake a fully compliant clinical investigation for the Sentire(R) Surgical System, steadily accumulating real-world European clinical data to support evidence-based research, training protocol development, and clinical adoption. To date, the Sentire(R) Surgical System has successfully completed numerous complex procedures in the UK, spanning core specialties including urology, gynecology, and upper and lower gastrointestinal surgery. The investigation achieved positive patient outcomes, and the clinicians were very satisfied with the system’s performance.   Concurrently, the Singapore HSA certification, as one of the highly mature and internationally recognised medical device market access systems in the Asia-Pacific, is similarly renowned for its rigorous safety and efficacy evaluations. The Sentire(R) Surgical System's simultaneous achievement of certifications from both the EU and Singapore fully demonstrates Cornerstone Robotics' quality and compliance across different global regulatory frameworks.Deepening Global Presence with One-Stop Localised ServicesAdhering to its “From Hong Kong to the World” strategy, Cornerstone Robotics has deepened its global localisation efforts with the strategic support of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation (the HKIC), aiming to empower physicians and patients worldwide through professional service. In the European market, to further support regional customers and enhance clinical responsiveness, the Company established its UK subsidiary in 2025, initiating a one-stop service provision encompassing professional training, clinical technical support, and after-sales service. The Company has already completed multiple training sessions in the UK, covering surgeons, operating room nursing teams, and hospital technical support personnel, helping clinical teams rapidly build proficiency and confidence in operating the Sentire(R) Surgical System, thereby establishing a solid foundation for scaled commercial rollout.While continuing to deepen its European footprint, Cornerstone Robotics has also been actively expanding its Asia-Pacific collaboration network. Previously, Cornerstone Robotics signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Healthcare Group (NHG) and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKC Medicine) of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, to jointly advance the development of Singapore's healthcare innovation ecosystem. In April 2026, Cornerstone Robotics completed the first installation of the Sentire(R) Surgical System in Singapore at Woodlands Hospital under NHG. The system is being made available to surgical teams from multiple local hospitals for system testing, operation training and clinical workflow adaptation assessments. This deployment leverages the system’s performance in research and training, steadily advancing the adoption of innovative surgical robotic applications in Singapore and the broader Asia-Pacific region.Full-Stack In-House R&D and Vertical Integration: The Foundation for High-Quality Global ExpansionCornerstone Robotics has consistently adhered to the long-term strategy of full-stack in-house R&D and vertical integration, which forms the foundation of its competitive advantage and high-quality international expansion. Anchored in this strategy, the Company has successfully built an underlying technology platform spanning mechanical, electrical, software, algorithmic, and vision imaging technologies. This high degree of technological autonomy ensures superior clinical performance, secures supply chain resilience, and enhances the agility and long-term innovation potential of its R&D. Built upon this vertically integrated architecture, the Sentire(R) Surgical System delivers exceptional stability and predictable performance in demanding surgical environments.Professor Samuel Au, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, commented: “Receiving both EU CE and Singapore HSA certifications marks a major milestone in Cornerstone Robotics' evolution from technology innovator to a global clinical solution provider. From our first clinical investigation in Portsmouth, UK, to formally securing multi-jurisdictional regulatory approvals, every step of the journey reflects our commitment to proprietary innovation, product excellence, and clinical value. Looking ahead, we will continue expanding into key global markets and partnering with leading medical institutions to bring advanced surgical robotic solutions to more physicians and patients worldwide.”The successive approvals of both EU CE and Singapore HSA certifications represent not only important market access gateways for the Sentire(R) Surgical System, but also a signal that Cornerstone Robotics' globalisation strategy has entered an accelerated phase. Strategic capital support has injected further momentum into this global push. In November 2025, Cornerstone Robotics successfully completed an oversubscribed financing round of approximately US$200 million, led by the HKIC with participation of global strategic investors and top-tier sovereign funds. As a flagship “patient capital” investor wholly owned by the HKSAR Government, the HKIC’s investment underscores market confidence in Cornerstone Robotics' global commercial capabilities and long-term growth prospects. With the European and Asia-Pacific markets as strategic anchors, Cornerstone Robotics is delivering more precise and reliable robotic solutions to physicians worldwide and extending higher-quality life protection to patients across the globe.About Cornerstone Robotics (CSR)Established and incubated in Hong Kong, Cornerstone Robotics (CSR) is an innovative surgical robotics unicorn driven by the vision of leading medical innovations for a healthier world. It advances surgical care with cutting-edge robotic systems that make high-quality healthcare more accessible and efficient globally. With three global R&D hubs and six business centers worldwide, the company has established a 30,000-square-meter manufacturing facility in China. Developed entirely in-house, its Sentire(R) surgical system has successfully completed multi-specialty clinical trials and received market approval in multiple countries and regions, including China, the European Union and Singapore, serving medical professionals globally and bringing better care to more patients.To find out more information, please visit our website at https://en.csrbtx.com/   Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-26

Unitree Robotics IPO Review Approaches, Shoucheng Holdings Robot Assets Poised for Valuation Re-rating

HONG KONG, May 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Shoucheng Holdings (697.HK) is seeing a new valuation catalyst from its forward-looking deployment across the robotics industry chain. On May 25, information on the Shanghai Stock Exchange website showed that the SSE Listing Review Committee is scheduled to hold its 31st review meeting of 2026 on June 1, 2026, to review the STAR Market IPO application of Unitree Robotics Co., Ltd. As a representative company in China’s embodied intelligence and humanoid robotics sectors, Unitree Robotics’ steady IPO progress is expected to raise capital-market attention toward the robotics value chain and provide a clearer valuation reference for Shoucheng’s related robotics assets.Public information shows that Unitree Robotics’ STAR Market IPO application was accepted by the SSE on March 20 this year, with planned fundraising of RMB4.202 billion. Based on the assumption that the new shares will account for no less than 10% of the post-issue share capital, Unitree Robotics would have an implied post-issue valuation of no less than RMB42.0 billion. Shoucheng Holdings participates in the investment in Unitree Robotics through the Beijing Robotics Industry Development Investment Fund. The fund held 3.8262% of Unitree Robotics before the offering and is expected to hold approximately 3.44% after the offering. Based on the above valuation estimate, the corresponding value of this equity stake would be about RMB1.446 billion.For Shoucheng Holdings, Unitree Robotics’ upcoming review means that its robotics industry investment is entering a value-validation stage. In recent years, the company has continued to deploy capital and resources in embodied intelligence, service robots and commercial application scenarios, gradually building an integrated model of industrial fund investment, offline scenario implementation and capital-market exits. If Unitree Robotics is successfully listed, it will help enhance the visible valuation of Shoucheng’s robotics assets and strengthen market recognition of its industrial investment capabilities. Overall, Unitree Robotics’ IPO creates a clear industrial catalyst and valuation re-rating window for Shoucheng, with the company’s medium- to long-term valuation upside expected to be further unlocked. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-26

Patents Build Solid Barriers, Technologies Achieve All-Round Breakthroughs, New Vision Leads the New Track of AR Interaction

HONG KONG, May 22, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Patents are the key assets of technology enterprises, a solid moat for defending against market competition, and an important yardstick for measuring an enterprise's technical strength and seizing market dominance. At a time when the intelligent vehicle industry is accelerating iteration and intelligent cockpit interaction experience has become a core decision-making factor for users, HUD, as the core interactive terminal of intelligent cockpits, has become a key track for automakers' differentiated competition. The depth, breadth and accuracy of patent layout directly determine an enterprise's position and long-term development ceiling in the industry.As the first Hong Kong-listed stock in AR interaction, New Vision (02632.HK) has always adhered to the development strategy of "R&D-driven and innovation-led", continuously increased R&D investment, and built a comprehensive, in-depth and globally radiating patent system, laying a solid foundation for the Company to maintain technological leadership and lead industry development for a long time.Upgrading and Expanding Patent Layout, Core Technologies Leading the IndustryIn 2025, New Vision maintained strong innovation vitality, with 151 new patent applications filed throughout the year, achieving remarkable results in the commercialization of innovative achievements. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had obtained 228 valid patents in total. Its patents and pending applications cover key areas of the entire industrial chain such as HUD optical systems, mechanical structures, software interaction, electronic circuits, testing equipment and methods, forming an all-round, multi-level and comprehensive technical protection network and keeping core technologies firmly in its own hands.In terms of patent structure, the Company focuses on breakthroughs in high-end technologies, with a high proportion of invention patents in the industry. It has focused on laying out hardcore technical patents such as underlying optics, algorithms and core devices to build solid core technical barriers. Meanwhile, it has coordinated the layout of utility model and design patents, balancing product structure optimization, practical application and terminal visual experience, realizing the resonance between technological innovation and market demand.In terms of technical layout, the Company has deeply cultivated four core advantageous fields: optical imaging, AR algorithms, eye box adaptation and system reliability. It has targeted long-standing industry pain points such as blurred imaging, limited field of view, poor adaptability and insufficient stability in extreme environments, continuously strengthened differentiated technical barriers, and built an insurmountable innovative advantage for competitors.Meanwhile, New Vision is accelerating the internationalization of patents. Through the PCT international patent application channel, it has launched the construction of an intellectual property protection system, and gradually built a patent network covering major automotive markets such as Asia, Europe and North America. This global patent layout not only further consolidates the Company's international competitive barriers but also provides solid intellectual property protection for overseas market expansion, laying an important foundation for the Company's localized global operations.Precise Positioning of Core Patents, Tackling Frontier Technologies to Break Industry MonopolyDifferent from the general patent layout in the industry, New Vision focuses more on tackling high-value core patents and precisely positions core technologies and next-generation technology trends in the AR-HUD track.The Company's self-developed bifocal plane AR-HUD mass production technology, relying on its complete independent patent system, solves industry pain points of traditional single-focal-plane HUD such as short imaging distance, poor virtual-real integration and insufficient multi-scenario adaptation. It enables layered imaging of far and near scenes, improving the safety and intelligent experience of vehicle interaction. At present, this technology has been mass-produced on a large scale, becoming a benchmark product for domestic high-end AR-HUD.In the global patent layout, the Company has made advance arrangements for AR-HUD-related technologies, providing core technical patent endorsement for product overseas expansion and building core intellectual property barriers for its participation in competition in the global high-end vehicle interaction market.Empowering Development Through Patents, Industrialization Achievements Highlighting Core CompetitivenessThe strategic significance of patent layout has been fully reflected in the development of New Vision, becoming the core driving force for its high-quality development.First, breaking foreign monopoly and realizing independent control of HUD core technologies. In the past, the vehicle HUD market was long monopolized by Japanese and German enterprises, with prominent "bottleneck" problems in core technologies. Through continuous patent layout and technological innovation, New Vision has gradually got rid of its dependence on foreign capital technologies, provided domestic automakers with independently controllable high-end visual interaction products, and promoted the independent development of China's vehicle HUD industry.Second, building a solid technical moat and consolidating industry-leading position. Through an all-round and multi-level patent layout, New Vision can effectively prevent competitors from imitating technologies and continuously maintain industry-leading technological advantages. Relying on the dual advantages of patented technologies and mass production capacity, the Company has so far obtained 106 vehicle models, covering 23 leading mainstream OEMs. Its market share has steadily increased, making it a benchmark enterprise with excellent technology, scale and reputation in the domestic vehicle AR-HUD field.Third, supporting the implementation of global strategy and accelerating overseas market expansion. Based on PCT international patent layout, the Company has built a patent protection network covering major global markets, escorting product overseas expansion and overseas localized operation. It is reported that New Vision has set up subsidiaries in Germany, Hungary and Japan, initially realizing the transformation of localized global operations. It is continuously expanding its global market territory and enhancing the global influence of China's AR interaction technologies.Efficient Industrialization of Patents, Realizing Commercial Closed-Loop Through Technology Value TransformationDifferent from some pure technology enterprises and pure technology R&D enterprises that emphasize R&D but neglect application, New Vision's core competitiveness lies in the efficient transformation and industrialization of patented technologies. The Company has built a closed-loop transformation system of "patented technologies - mass-produced products - market application", realizing efficient linkage among intellectual property rights, core technologies and commercial value. It has rapidly applied core patented technologies to its two core product matrices, CyberLens and CyberVision. Core products such as bifocal plane AR-HUD and local dimming PGU have achieved large-scale mass production, demonstrating the commercial value of patented technologies.Meanwhile, the application of patented technologies has not only greatly improved core product performance and successfully solved industry pain points such as sunlight backflow, blurred imaging and extreme environment adaptation, but also achieved precise cost control through platform-based design and technical optimization, enhanced product cost performance, helped HUD products quickly penetrate from luxury models to the mass market, and unlocked incremental opportunities in the 100-billion-level vehicle interaction market.In addition, New Vision's core patents also have broad space for external licensing and technical cooperation. Through diversified cooperation modes such as patent licensing, joint technology development and joint R&D, the Company is expected to further explore the derivative value of intellectual property rights, open up new profit spaces, effectively hedge operational risks in a single product market, and further enhance the Company's risk resistance capacity and long-term profitability.From the perspective of industry development, as a leading enterprise in AR interaction, New Vision builds core competitiveness with patents and breaks the industry ceiling with technical reserves. Through precise, three-dimensional and global intellectual property layout, it continuously expands the technical boundary of vehicle AR interaction. The Company has not only broken foreign technological monopoly but also promoted China's AR interaction technology to gradually move onto the global stage. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-25

How to Manage Large Purchases During Sale Season Responsibly

SINGAPORE, May 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sale seasons in Singapore, such as the Great Singapore Sale or the year-end 12.12 events, offer significant opportunities to save on high-ticket items. However, the pressure of flash deals and limited-time offers can easily lead to impulsive overspending. Managing these large purchases responsibly requires disciplined planning and using financial tools like quick loans to maintain your long-term stability.Selecting a flexible credit line or quick loans may provide access to funds that can be considered as part of managing expenses during sale periods. This approach may help you with short-term cash flow management while meeting daily expenses. The following strategies focus on how to navigate major sale events while keeping your financial health intact.Create a prioritised shopping listBefore the sales begin, you should identify what you truly need versus what you simply want. A common mistake is falling into the trap of discount illusion, where buying a discounted item you do not actually need is viewed as a saving when in reality, it is an unnecessary expense.List your intended large-scale purchases in a spreadsheet, noting their original prices and the stores that sell them. Prioritise these items based on their utility and longevity, such as essential home appliances or quality electronics. This preparation allows you to act decisively on genuine deals while ignoring filler items that only serve to drain your budget.Set a hard budget capThe excitement of a sale can often cloud your financial judgment, leading to multiple impulsive purchases, thus making you lose track of your total expenses. To avoid this, determine a realistic total amount you are willing to spend across the entire sale season.If your high-priority items exceed your current cash in hand, you might consider using quick loans to bridge the gap. A flexible credit line can offer immediate access to funds, but you must ensure the total loan amount fits within your calculated repayment capacity. Establishing this limit early may help you not to fall short of funds for the remainder of the month due to a single weekend of shopping.Use flexible financing to control cash flowLarge purchases often require significant upfront cash that can temporarily destabilise your monthly balance. In such cases, quick loans or a personal line of credit can serve as a valuable tool for managing short-term cash flow.Some credit lines may offer promotional interest rates of up to 0% interest for several months, subject to applicable terms and conditions. This flexibility allows you to secure the sale price of a large item immediately while spreading the cost over a few months. Repaying the balance quickly may help you benefit from the sale discount without losing those savings to interest charges.Think twice before you payFlash sales and discount banners are designed to trigger a fear of missing out, thus forcing you to act in haste. One of the effective ways to counteract this is the 24-hour rule: wait a full day before proceeding to purchase any non-essential large item.Giving yourself this time allows the initial emotional impulse to fade, helping you decide if the item truly adds value to your life. If the deal is still available and fits your budget the next day, you can proceed with confidence. This simple pause can save you a lot of funds and from buyer's remorse in the foreseeable future.Focus on quality and long-term valueA low price tag does not always equal a good deal if the product requires frequent repairs or expensive maintenance. When shopping for large items during a sale, prioritise quality over quantity by researching product reviews and warranties.Investing in a durable, high-quality appliance, even at a slightly higher sale price, often costs less in the long run than a cheaper, lower-quality alternative. Additionally, always check return policies before purchasing, as being stuck with a non-returnable faulty item can turn a temporary bargain into a long-term loss.Final thoughtsManaging large purchases during Singapore's sale seasons is about making informed decisions that align with your financial goals. By using a structured plan and leveraging tools like quick loans responsibly, you can enjoy the full benefits of a sale without lingering financial distress.Disclaimer: This content is published by iQuanti Singapore Pte Ltd, an external marketer engaged and compensated by UOB Ltd.Contact Information:Name: Sonakshi MurzeEmail: Sonakshi.murze@iquanti.comJob Title: ManagerSOURCE: iQuanti  Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-25

Sentire(R) Surgical System Receives CE Mark (MDR) and Singapore HSA Dual Certification, Cornerstone Robotics Enters a New Era in its Global Expansion

HONG KONG, May 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Cornerstone Robotics (“CSR”), a leading global innovator in surgical robotics based in Hong Kong, China,  is pleased to announce that its Sentire(R) Endoscopic Surgical System (hereinafter “Sentire(R) Surgical System”) has officially received European Union CE mark certification under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and simultaneously obtained Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) certification, both covering minimally invasive surgical procedures in General Surgery, Gynecology, Thoracic and Urology. This milestone formally grants the Sentire(R) Surgical System access to both the European and Asia-Pacific markets.Achieving Combined Regulatory Approval and Clinical ValidationThe Sentire(R) Surgical System is a high-end surgical robotic platform that combines clinical workflows with integrated engineering, software, and imaging technologies. Achieving CE certification affirms that its safety, efficacy, and quality management system comply with stringent regulatory standards and is now positioned to serve physicians and patients worldwide.The Company established an early presence in the UK. Since 2025, CSR has partnered with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) to undertake a fully compliant clinical investigation of the Sentire(R) Surgical System, steadily accumulating real-world clinical data to support evidence-based research, training protocol development, and clinical adoption. To date, the Sentire(R) Surgical System has completed numerous complex procedures in the UK, spanning core specialties including urology, gynecology, and upper and lower gastrointestinal surgery.  The investigation achieved the patient outcomes and the clinicians were very satisfied with the system's performance. Concurrently, the Singapore HSA certification, as one of the highly mature and internationally recognised medical device market access systems in the Asia-Pacific, is similarly renowned for its rigorous safety and efficacy evaluations. The Sentire(R) Surgical System's simultaneous achievement of certifications from both the EU and Singapore fully demonstrates Cornerstone Robotics' quality and compliance across different global regulatory frameworks.Deepening Global Presence with Localised ServicesFrom its inception, CSR has embraced a ‘think global, act local’ approach — pursuing a global strategy empowered by local physicians and patients. In Europe, CSR formally established its UK subsidiary in 2025, initiating a one-stop service provision encompassing professional training, clinical technical support, and after-sales service. The Company has already conducted multiple training sessions in the UK, helping clinical teams rapidly build proficiency and confidence in operating the Sentire(R) Surgical System, thereby establishing a solid foundation for scaled commercial rollout.While continuing to deepen its European footprint, Cornerstone Robotics has also been actively expanding its Asia-Pacific collaboration network. Previously, Cornerstone Robotics signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Healthcare Group (NHG) and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKC Medicine) of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, to jointly advance the development of Singapore's healthcare innovation ecosystem. In April 2026, Cornerstone Robotics completed the first installation of the Sentire(R) Surgical System in Singapore at Woodlands Hospital under NHG. The system is being made available to surgical teams from multiple local hospitals for system testing, operation training and clinical workflow adaptation assessments. This deployment  leverages the system’s performance in research and training, steadily advancing the adoption of innovative surgical robotic applications in Singapore and the broader Asia-Pacific region.Full-Stack In-House R&D and Vertical Integration: The Foundation for High-Quality Global ExpansionCSR’s full-stack in-house R&D capabilities and vertically integrated model are the foundation of its competitive advantage and global growth strategy.  The Company’s high level of technological integration not only drives strong clinical performance, supply chain resilience, and operational stability, but also enhances agility and supports long-term innovation.Professor Samuel Au, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, commented: “Receiving EU CE and Singapore HSA certifications marks a major milestone in Cornerstone Robotics’ evolution from a technology innovator to a global clinical solutions provider. From our first clinical investigation in Portsmouth, UK, to achieving European regulatory approval, each step of the journey reflects our commitment to proprietary innovation, product excellence, and clinical value. Looking ahead, we will continue expanding into key global markets and partnering with leading medical institutions to bring high-quality surgical robotic solutions to more physicians and patients worldwide."The successive approvals of both EU CE and Singapore HSA certifications not only enable market access for the Sentire(R) Surgical System across Europe and Asia-Pacific, but also mark a major milestone in Cornerstone Robotics’ global expansion. In November 2025, the Company successfully completed an oversubscribed financing round of approximately US$200 million, underscoring strong confidence from leading international investors in its long-term growth potential and global commercial capabilities.  Supported by proprietary technological innovation and strong strategic resources, Cornerstone Robotics is well positioned to accelerate the global adoption of high-quality, accessible surgical robotic solutions for physicians and patients worldwide.About Cornerstone Robotics (CSR)Cornerstone Robotics (CSR) is an innovative surgical robotics unicorn driven by the vision of leading medical innovations for a healthier world. It advances surgical care with cutting-edge robotic systems that make high-quality healthcare more accessible and efficient globally. With three global R&D hubs and six business centers worldwide, the company has established a 30,000-square-meter manufacturing facility in China. Developed entirely in-house, the Sentire(R) Surgical System has completed multi-specialty clinical trials and received market approval across China, the European Union and Singapore, advancing high-quality surgical care worldwide.To find out more information, please visit our website at https://en.csrbtx.com/For media inquiries, please feel free to contact Public Relations and Brand Communication Department of Cornerstone Robotics.Email: branding@csrbtx.com Website: https://www.csrbtx.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-25

GTJAI Won Two Awards at HR Asia 2026

HONG KONG, May 22, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Recently, HR Asia, a leading authority in human resources media in Asia, officially announced its award results in 2026. Guotai Junan International Holdings Limited (“Guotai Junan International” or “GTJAI”, Stock Code: 1788.HK), a subsidiary of Guotai Haitong Group, has won two prestigious awards — “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” and “Tech Empowerment Award” — in recognition of its outstanding practices in workplace development, employee care, and digital enablement.HR Asia is a widely influential HR media brand in Asia. Through independent employee surveys and expert judging, it recognizes companies that demonstrate outstanding performance in employer branding, talent development, workplace culture, and technological innovation. The “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” award aims to honor companies that adhere to a people-oriented approach, build a high-quality workplace ecosystem, and foster the shared growth of employees and the organization. The “Tech Empowerment Award” recognizes companies that leverage innovative technologies to enhance employee productivity, engagement, and overall work efficiency, setting industry benchmarks in digital transformation and workplace empowerment. (The Human Resources team of GTJAI Accepted the Awards)GTJAI has always regarded talent as its core driving force. It continuously improves its systems for talent acquisition, development, incentives, and career progression, while building diversified career pathways and providing growth support that covers professional capabilities, management competencies, and an international perspective. At the same time, GTJAI places great emphasis on fostering an inclusive, equitable, and healthy workplace atmosphere, with a focus on employee experience and work-life balance, creating an open, collaborative, and positive team environment. In terms of technology empowerment, GTJAI drives the deep integration of financial technology with internal management, office collaboration, and business operations. By leveraging innovative technology solutions, it optimizes management processes, enhances collaboration efficiency, and improves employee work experience. Through digital tools, it boosts organizational efficiency and employee satisfaction, providing strong support for steady business development and global expansion.As a key international business platform under Guotai Haitong Group, GTJAI is headquartered in Hong Kong and serves global markets. It adheres to a compliant and prudent management philosophy, continuously building a competitive employer brand amid its business development while attracting and nurturing outstanding financial talent. The recognition of receiving two prestigious HR Asia 2026 awards affirms GTJAI’s efforts in employer brand building, talent management practices, and technology empowerment achievements, and will further enhance its brand image within Asia’s financial industry and human resources sector. GTJAI will take this award as an opportunity to fulfill corporate responsibilities, promote the shared growth of employees and the Company, enhance professional service capabilities and global market influence, leverage cross-border financial advantages, bring together top-tier talent, create long-term value for clients, provide a broad development platform for employees, and contribute to the development of Hong Kong as an international financial center.About GTJAIGuotai Junan International (Stock Code: 1788.HK), a subsidiary of Guotai Haitong Group, is the market leader and first mover for internationalization of Chinese Securities Company as well as the first Chinese securities broker listed on the Main Board of The Hong Kong Stock Exchange through initial public offering. Based in Hong Kong with subsidiaries in Singapore, Vietnam and Macau, GTJAI’s business covers major markets around the world, offering high-quality and diversified comprehensive financial services for clients' overseas asset allocation. Core business includes wealth management, institutional investor services, corporate finance services, investment management and other business. GTJAI has been assigned “Baa2” and “BBB+” long term issuer rating from Moody and Standard & Poor respectively, as well as an MSCI ESG “AAA” rating, Wind ESG “A” rating and SynTao Green Finance “A” rating in ESG. Additionally, its S&P Global ESG score leads 81% of its global peers. The controlling shareholder, Guotai Haitong Securities (Stock Code: 601211.SH/ 2611.HK), is the comprehensive financial provider with a long-term, sustainable and overall leading position in the China’s capital markets. For more information about GTJAI, please visit https://www.gtjai.com.  Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-22

Everest Medicines Receives Shareholding Increase from Substantial Shareholder CBC Group, Global Expansion Expected to Benefit

HONG KONG, May 22, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Everest Medicines announced that its substantial shareholder, CBC Group, purchased 600,500 ordinary shares of the Company on the market from 20 May 2026 to 21 May 2026. The total consideration for the transaction was approximately HK$19.2 million, representing an average purchase price of approximately HK$31.91 per share.The purchase represents a further increase in CBC Group’s shareholding in the Company. Since December 2025, CBC Group and the Directors have cumulatively purchased more than 3.062 million shares of the Company on the market for a total consideration of more than HK$113.8 million in aggregate. Additionally, Mr. Wei Fu, a non-executive Director, the honorary chairman of the Board and a substantial shareholder of the company, increased his holdings of the Company's shares twice on 27 March and 14 May 2026. He purchased 860,000 shares and 660,000 shares respectively, with corresponding transaction amounts of approximately HK$32.7 million and HK$20.7 million. CBC Group and the Directors stated that, based on their firm confidence in the Company’s future prospects and long-term development, and subject to compliance with the applicable laws and regulations, they do not rule out the possibility of further increasing their shareholdings in the Company when appropriate.The increased shareholding comes as CBC Group recently announced a merger agreement with GHO Capital, a leading European healthcare-specialist investment firm. The transaction will be structured as a 50:50 merger of equals and is expected to close in early 2027. Following completion, the combined platform is expected to manage more than US$21 billion in assets, potentially becoming the world’s largest healthcare-focused investment management platform. The combined entity will span North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific — regions that together account for approximately 90% of global healthcare R&D investment.According to analysts, the merger between CBC Group and GHO Capital is expected to further enhance resource synergy and global expansion capabilities for Everest Medicines. Everest Medicines achieved 142% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025, with core product NEFECON® generating RMB 1.443 billion in sales, representing over 300% year-over-year growth. Under the Company's previously announced 2030 Strategy, Everest Medicines aims to achieve revenue exceeding RMB 15 billion and expand its commercialized product portfolio to more than 20 products by 2030, accelerating its transformation into a global integrated biopharmaceutical company. With the further integration of global resource networks, the Company is expected to accelerate the internationalization of its innovative products and its global commercial footprint. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-22

Eastern Media Group Fully Embraces AI Natural Beauty Launches Strategic Partnership with Baidu

HONG KONG, May 21, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Natural Beauty Bio-Technology Limited ("Natural Beauty"), a renowned dual-listed beauty and skincare group in Asia, together with its subsidiaries (the "Group"; Hong Kong stock code: 00157), is pleased to announce a major milestone in Eastern Media Group’s AI strategy. The Group officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Baidu in Beijing on May 19. The two parties will focus on core applications such as AI beauty technology, holistic health, smart marketing, AI skin analysis, digital retail stores, and intelligent services to comprehensively advance the integration of AI across the beauty and broader consumer industry value chain. The signing ceremony was held at Baidu’s Beijing headquarters. where the agreement was signed by Mr. Cheng Chi-chung, Chief Executive Officer of the Group, General Manager of Smart Industry at Baidu Intelligent Cloud, signed the agreement on behalf of each party. Gary Wang, President of Eastern Media Group, and Yuan Foyu, Vice President of Baidu Group, attended and witnessed the event. From left, front row: Cheng Chi-chung, CEO of Natural Beauty; Li Chao, General Manager of Smart Industry at Baidu Intelligent Cloud; Back row: Gary Wang, President of Eastern Media Group; Yuan Foyu, Vice President of Baidu GroupThis collaboration is not only a partnership in AI technology but also represents an important milestone in Eastern Media Group’s ongoing AI transformation. In recent years, Eastern Media Group has continued to drive AI upgrades. Following collaborations with international technology platforms such as AWS and Microsoft, this new partnership with Baidu is set to further expand the Group’s overall presence in the fields of AI, big data, and intelligent services.The Group stated that AI has gradually evolved from a technological tool into a critical engine for corporate upgrading and industrial restructuring. In particular, the beauty industry is rapidly shifting from a traditional product-oriented model to one driven by data and intelligent services, with AI set to become a core competitive advantage in the next phase of industry development. Gary Wang, President of Eastern Media GroupBaidu’s decision to enter into a long-term, in-depth partnership with the Group goes beyond mere technology licensing; it is a strategic move built on Eastern Media Group’s comprehensive industrial ecosystem. Eastern Media Group’s businesses span media, e-commerce, retail, biotech manufacturing, and other diverse sectors, boasting a large member base, a content ecosystem, and a range of consumption scenarios. Meanwhile, Natural Beauty, with 55 years of experience in the Asian beauty industry, operates a fully integrated system covering R&D, production, distribution channels and physical stores.Compared with individual beauty brands, Eastern Media Group possesses more comprehensive data scenarios and stronger industrial transformation capabilities, enabling AI to be applied not only on the consumer side but also across media, retail, manufacturing, and supply chain systems, thereby achieving true industry-wide implementation. The market also views this collaboration as a sign that Baidu is accelerating the large-scale deployment of AI technologies in traditional consumer industries.Under the cooperation agreement, the Group and companies within the Baidu ecosystem will establish a long-term, deeply integrated cooperation framework. The parties will also jointly build an AI Innovation Center and extend AI applications to more industrial sectors in the future.In recent years, the Group has continued to advance its core strategy of “AI Beauty Technology, Holistic Health,” proactively integrating large AI models and data analytics technologies across its entire business value chain. This spans consumer demand insights, product R&D, membership management, store operations, smart marketing, and after-sales services, thereby gradually establishing a data-driven decision-making operating system.Cheng Chi-Chung, Chief Executive Officer of the Group, stated: “The value of AI extends far beyond efficiency gains - it fundamentally redefines how businesses interact with consumers. Natural Beauty is evolving from a traditional beauty brand into a next-generation industrial platform with AI data capabilities, intelligent service capabilities and global operational capacity. With Baidu’s technological support, the Group will transform into an ‘AI data + service’ enterprise.”Yuan Foyu, Vice President of Baidu, commented that stated that Baidu will continue to leverage its capabilities in large AI models, intelligent cloud and data technologies, and work hand in hand with Eastern Media Group to drive the development of smart marketing, intelligent services and data platforms, accelerating the implementation of AI in Eastern Media Group’s real-world industrial scenarios. Yuan Foyu, Vice President of Baidu GroupMoving forward, the two parties will prioritize the development of multiple applications, including AI-powered smart skin analysis, personalized skincare solution generation, AR virtual try-on, AI smart customer service, digital human live streaming, smart stores, intelligent manufacturing and supply chain traceability. They will also jointly build Asia’s most authoritative skin health big database, further enhancing capabilities in product R&D, precision marketing and intelligent services.Gary Wang, President of the Eastern Media Group, expressed his vision: “Looking ahead, we will continue to deepen our smart technology deployment. By collaborating with world-leading AI enterprises, we will accelerate the digital transformation of our media, retail, beauty and holistic health businesses, building a next-generation industrial platform with AI data capabilities, intelligent service expertise and industrial integration capabilities.”About Natural Beauty Bio-Technology Limited (Hong Kong stock code:00157)A China’s leading listed beauty and skincare brand established in 1972, has championed its core philosophy of "Natural Beauty Is True Beauty" for 55 years. Driven by its "AI Technology, Beauty Industry, Holistic Health" integrated strategy, the brand operates a global network of over 2,093 outlets. As a Chinese-origin transnational biotech pioneer, Natural Beauty continues to propel innovation in the cosmetics and skincare sector.Media enquiriesStrategic Financial Relations LimitedMandy GoTel: +852 2864 4812Email: mandy.go@sprg.com.hk Maggie ZhangTel: +852 2114 4903Email: maggie.zhang@sprg.com.hk Website:http://www.sprg.com.hk   Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-21

GA-ASI Completes First Flight of MQ-9B With AEW Pods

SAN DIEGO, May 21, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew its MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft for the first time with Airborne Early Warning (AEW) pods. The much-anticipated AEW capability is being provided through a partnership with Saab. Once the AEW sensor, named LoyalEye, is made available to MQ-9B operators and new customers, it will deliver persistent and cost-effective air surveillance capabilities in regions where it is currently unavailable.GA-ASI conducted a validation flight of MQ-9B using AEW radar pods on May 19 from GA-ASI's Desert Horizon flight operations facility in Southern California using a company-owned aircraft. The flight signaled the first step in a development process that is expected to take several months and culminate with a full-capability demonstration later this year.GA-ASI and Saab announced their partnership last year with the intention of bringing AEW capability to the MQ-9B platform.MQ-9B models include the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian®, the United Kingdom's MQ-9B variant known as Protector, and the new MQ-9B STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) configuration currently in development for naval aircraft carriers."AEW for MQ-9B will offer critical aloft sensing to defend against tactical air munitions, guided missiles, drones, fighter and bomber aircraft, and other threats. Operational availability for a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS is the highest of any military aircraft, and as an unmanned platform, its aircrews are not put into harm's way," said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander."This partnership integrates MQ-9B with LoyalEye, equipping operators with vital information for critical decision-making. LoyalEye extends the capabilities of manned systems, and it offers persistent surveillance and greater operational flexibility. This enhances situational awareness and boosts mission success," said Carl-Johan Bergholm, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Surveillance at Saab.GA-ASI and Saab's AEW offering will span a wide range of applications, including early detection and warning, long-range detection and tracking, and simultaneous target tracking and flexible system integration - all over line-of-sight and SATCOM connectivity.About GA-ASIGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is the world's foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 9 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle®, MQ-20 Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.Avenger, EagleEye, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.GA-ASI Media RelationsGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com(858) 524-8101SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-21

The World’s First Global Energy Drink Ranking Accidentally Revealed Something Much Bigger

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, May 21, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - A beverage expert spent six months collecting and assessing energy drinks from all six continents to create the world's first objective global ranking of the category. But during the process, an unexpected discovery emerged: depending on the continent, energy drinks are fundamentally different products.WORLDWIDE COLLECTION & ASSESSMENTPat Eckert, an internationally recognised German beverage professional and certified water sommelier, realised that nobody had ever created an objective global ranking of energy drinks. This was despite energy drinks being one of the world's largest and most discussed beverage categories, while cars, phones, wines, films, and many other consumer sectors already have serious worldwide rankings.So over roughly half a year, he and his team collected energy drinks from all six inhabited continents and assessed each one using the same professional 36-criteria framework, focused on measurable product quality, ingredients, transparency, and formulation standards. Top-performing products were submitted for laboratory testing and analytical verification. This became the Six Continents Index - built to be professional, rigorous, and objective.The original goal was simple: to identify which brands objectively perform best worldwide.However, during the assessment, another finding emerged almost accidentally: energy drinks are not really the same category across continents. Different regions follow very different product philosophies - from Europe's strong focus on pasteurisation, to Asia's preference for real sugar, to North America's heavy reliance on artificial formulations, sweeteners and preservatives.So the project ultimately became both the world's first objective global energy drink ranking and a snapshot of how differently the category is formulated around the world.THE SHOCK FINDINGS· Europe goes natural. South America goes artificial. 85.7% of European energy drinks were pasteurised, compared with 12% in North America and under 1% in South America.· Asia still uses real sugar. North America barely does. In Asia, 78.9% of energy drinks used real sugar. In North America: just 8%. They are effectively drinking a different product.· North America runs on sweeteners. The rest of the world mostly does not. 84% of North American energy drinks relied entirely on artificial sweeteners. In Europe: just 4.2%. In Asia, Australia, South America, and Africa: almost none.· Australia vitaminizes. North America simplifies. Australian drinks averaged 4.2 vitamins per product, compared with just 2.9 in North America.· Aspartame is still used worldwide, especially in Africa Aspartame (classified by WHO/IARC as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B)), was used in 10.5% of products worldwide, with 43% of those aspartame-containing products found in Africa.· BPA-free labelling was almost invisible worldwide. Only 1.4% of the global sample clearly carried BPA-free labelling.· North America - the world's largest energy drink market by revenue - ranked last overall among the six continents.Europe pasteurises. North America sweetens artificially. Asia uses real sugar. Australia vitaminizes. Same category, completely different product philosophies.GLOBAL BRAND NOTESAmong the many brands assessed across six continents, two stood out for reasons beyond the ranking. Red Bull was the only energy drink brand found in virtually every market assessed worldwide, while Japan's Lipovitan-D was the oldest brand in the study, having been on the market since 1962.HIGHEST-SCORING PRODUCTSAt the continental level, Europe achieved the highest overall score in the index. Australia & Oceania ranked second, followed by Asia in third place.At brand level, HELL Energy from Hungary achieved the highest overall score for objective product quality in the index. Second place went to 28 BLACK from Germany, followed by TAKE OFF, also from Germany.FULL FINDINGSFurther findings, methodology, and background information are available on request at www.sixcontinentsindex.comABOUT THE PROJECTThe Six Continents Index was led by Pat Eckert and his team. Eckert is a German certified water sommelier and independent beverage expert whose previous work has been featured by The Guardian, ABC News, The Telegraph, L'Express, Der Spiegel, and the BBC.Assessed brands were not notified in advance, did not apply, and had no involvement in the evaluation. No paid participation, sponsorship, or commercial influence played any role.MEDIA CONTACTBrand: Fine LiquidsContact: Pat EckertWebsite: https://sixcontinentsindex.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-21

OneRobotics Launches World Action Model OneModel 1.7, Achieving 99% Success in Real-Robot Tests

SHENZHEN, May 21, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - May 20, 2026, OneRobotics (6600.HK), a leading embodied AI robotics company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, announced the launch of its proprietary World Action Model, OneModel 1.7 FrontoStria-RL. The model is designed for real-world deployment in home and service robots, serving as OneRobotics’ core model foundation for advancing the large-scale implementation of embodied AI.On LIBERO, a standard benchmark for embodied AI, OneModel 1.7 achieved an average success rate of 99%, outperforming leading open models including π0.5, GR00T-N1.5 and OpenVLA-OFT, according to the company. In real-robot deployment, the model reached a 99% success rate on daily manipulation tasks and a 97% success rate on high-precision tasks, the company said.Built on OneRobotics’ self-developed RL-Latent World Action Model architecture, or RL-LWAM, OneModel 1.7 integrates three core modules: a World Model for generalization across diverse environments, the Understand Expert for task comprehension and skill scheduling, and the Action Expert for precise execution. These modules are implicitly connected through Predictive Policy Latent, an implicit mechanism designed to link high-level world understanding with low-level action policies without relying on explicit intermediate images or coordinate transfers.The model is designed to address key challenges in home robotics, where robots must operate in unstructured environments, handle unfamiliar objects, adapt to changing layouts and lighting conditions, and complete multi-stage physical tasks with precision. In real-world testing, OneModel 1.7 was applied to tasks including laundry handling, clothes folding, dishwasher operation, conveyor-belt picking, test-tube handling, cup stacking and coffee-bean pouring. It was also validated in a human-robot table tennis rally scenario, demonstrating responsiveness in high-dynamic interaction tasks.The launch comes as OneRobotics accelerates the real-world deployment of embodied AI. The company recently secured a RMB45 million municipal contract in Shenzhen to build an embodied AI data infrastructure center, which will support hardware testing, large-scale data collection and model validation in real-world environments. The project is expected to strengthen OneRobotics’ data closed-loop capabilities for embodied AI model training, algorithm validation and application incubation.OneRobotics has also attracted growing international attention. Japan’s public broadcaster NHK recently conducted a feature interview with the company, focusing on its technical roadmap, product capabilities and commercialization progress in embodied home robotics. During the interview, OneRobotics’ onero H1 demonstrated autonomous task execution in a real home environment, showcasing the company’s progress in bringing embodied AI from laboratory research into everyday household applications.OneModel 1.7 is part of OneRobotics’ broader “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” strategy in which a single AI model architecture is deployed across different robotic form factors, under which the company aims to reuse and continuously improve core AI capabilities across different robotic forms and application scenarios. OneRobotics’ product portfolio spans home services, sports and wellness, and intelligent companionship, with products available in more than 90 countries and regions.OneRobotics said that as embodied AI moves into the real world, progress will depend not only on larger model parameters or isolated demonstrations, but on model systems that can combine generalized understanding, precise execution and continuous evolution. OneModel 1.7 FrontoStria-RL represents a key step in this direction, supporting the company’s continued model iteration across real home and service scenarios and helping robots become more adaptive, evolvable and reliably useful over time.About OneRoboticsOneRobotics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (6600.HK) is a globally leading AI embodied home robotics company, committed to building an embodied intelligence ecosystem for home scenarios, guided by its core technological philosophy of "One Brain, Multiple Embodiments". Centering on its proprietary AI brain "OneModel", the company focuses on embodied AI technologies for home scenarios and develops robotic products across home services, sports and wellness, and intelligent companionship. In 2025, OneRobotics recorded revenue of RMB 900 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 47.7%, with overseas revenue accounting for more than 95% of total revenue. The company has accumulated more than 3.6 million registered users globally and was officially included in the Southbound Stock Connect program in March 2026.For more information about OneModel, including detailed architecture analysis and benchmark results, please visit OneRobotics’ official website at http://www.onerobot.com/OneModel. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-21

The 13th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia with iProperty enters final call with new lead legal advisor

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia with iProperty is making its final call for submissions ahead of the 29 May 2026 deadline, with an expanded lineup of categories that mirrors a market evolving well beyond its traditional strengths.The 13th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia with iProperty is proud to welcome Lim Soh & Goonting Advocates & Solicitors as the Lead Legal Advisor for the Awards. Submission of entries is open until 29 May.This year, the 13th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia with iProperty is proud to welcome Lim Soh & Goonting Advocates & Solicitors as the Lead Legal Advisor for the Awards.As an integral part of the prestigious PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which recognises achievers across diverse Asia-Pacific markets, the 2026 PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia with iProperty will set the highest benchmarks for outstanding achievement in residential, commercial, township, design, and ESG-driven developments.Vic Sithasanan, Managing Director, PropertyGuru Malaysia and iProperty Malaysia; and Jules Kay, Managing Director, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and EventsLim Soh & Goonting’s support underscores the importance of legal and advisory excellence in an increasingly complex real estate environment that puts governance, compliance, and investor confidence at the forefront of decision-making. The dynamic team of experienced lawyers supports the awards' consistent commitment to recognising design and development achievement in Malaysian real estate.The gala dinner and presentation of the 13th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia with iProperty will be held Friday, 2 October 2026. This sets the stage for the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in December 2026, during which winners from Malaysia will advance to compete on an international stage.Key dates for the 2026 edition are:29 May 2026 – Entries Close18-30 June 2026 – People’s Choice Awards voting period30 June - 2 July 2026 – Live Judging Days2 October 2026 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia11 December 2026 – Regional Grand Final Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation in Bangkok, ThailandLive Judging DaysEntries will be evaluated in a transparent, independent selection process during the Live Judging Days, overseen by a panel of experts including C-suite executives and senior practitioners from Malaysia's leading professional bodies. This multi-disciplinary representation ensures credibility and a fair assessment of every submission.Datuk Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail, chairperson of the PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia judging panel and president of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) 2020–2022, said: "The architecture of property development is being redrawn from the ground up, with ESG compliance coming as standard in anticipation of a national carbon market coming online. We're excited for a year of better building performance and an industry increasingly treating sustainability as a design discipline rather than a checklist. This shift in mindset is one we'd love to recognise at the awards, and we would encourage practitioners leading this charge to step forward. Our panel is eager to see the visionaries breaking new ground in Malaysian development and design."Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: "In Malaysia, we see a market that has held its own against global headwinds and external risks. The momentum has shifted into segments that were not at the forefront of the conversation a few years ago. Malaysia is now a logistics hub, offering supply chain diversification, and the country’s emerging asset classes now form new pillars of demand alongside its steady residential real estate base. Transaction values have edged higher even as volumes have remained measured. This wider scope is setting Malaysia apart as a dependable ASEAN hub for investment, and our Asia Awards programme in Malaysia this year will capture that momentum."Johor Bahru-based developers, guests, and organisers at the JB launch of the 13th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia with iProperty2026 categoriesThe 2026 categories introduce new Developer titles such as Best Condo Developer, Best Landed Homes Developer, and Best Master Developer, recognising excellence on both project and portfolio levels. High Rise and Landed segments have been strengthened with Best First Home and Best International categories that address affordability, accessibility, and cross-border appeal. The township segment adds Best Resort Style Township and Best Destination Development for master-planned communities excelling in lifestyle integration while Best Landmark Development now recognises projects that define cityscapes and commercial hubs.New ESG-focused accolades will honour environmental stewardship and positive community outcomes: Sustainable Living Champion, Responsible Construction Champion, and Community Impact Champion. Complementing the judged categories, the People's Choice Awards will return, empowering consumers to vote for the Top 10 Developers in Malaysia. The 2025 edition attracted over 20,000 public votes, emphasising its significance among property seekers.The PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia with iProperty is supported in 2026 by Lead Legal Advisor Lim Soh & Goonting Advocates & Solicitors; official portal partners PropertyGuru.com.my and iProperty.com; official ESG knowledge partners GreenRE, Green Building Index (GBI), and Malaysia Green Building Council (MGBC); official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; and official supervisor HLB.For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.ABOUT PROPERTYGURU ASIA PROPERTY AWARDS:PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair, and transparent. In 2026, the Awards series is open to key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during PropertyGuru Week in December 2026. For more information, please visit AsiaPropertyAwards.com.ABOUT PROPERTYGURU GROUPPropertyGuru is Southeast Asia's leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 32 million property seekers monthly2 to connect with over 50,000 agents3 monthly to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.1 million real estate listings4, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 18 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its markets in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand as well as the region's biggest and most respected industry recognition platform - PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, events, and publications across Asia.For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn.(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2024 and December 2024.(2) Based on Google Analytics data between July 2024 and December 2024.(3) Based on data between October 2024 and December 2024.(4) Based on data between July 2024 and December 2024.PROPERTYGURU CONTACTS:General Enquiries:Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing ServicesM: +66 92 954 4154E: allan@propertyguru.com Media & Partnerships: Nate Dacua, Senior Manager, Media and Marketing ServicesM: +66 92 701 2510E: nate@propertyguru.com Sales & Nominations:June Fong, Director of Awards and Events (Malaysia)M: +6012-6594394E: june.fong@iproperty.com.myJess Lee, Assistant Manager, Awards and Events (Malaysia)M: +6012-6609339E: jesslee@propertyguru.com.my Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-21

Leading UK School Group to Establish Phuket Campus as International School Demand Grows Beyond Bangkok

Phuket, Thailand, May 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NLCS International has signed an agreement with VLC Group, the owners of multiple premium hotels and resorts in Phuket and Khao Lak, to develop NLCS Phuket, bringing the educational model of one of the United Kingdom’s highest-ranked independent schools to Thailand’s fast-growing international education market.(Top row, from left to right) Mr Varis Chirayus, Deputy Managing Director of VLC Group and NLCS Phuket; Mr Ali Aliev, Director of Business Development of NLCS International (Bottom row, from left to right) Mr Naruji Chirayus, Managing Director of VLC Group and NLCS Phuket; Mr Daniel Lewis, Managing Director of NLCS International.Founded in 1850 by educational pioneer Frances Mary Buss, North London Collegiate School is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected and most successful independent schools. In The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, NLCS was named Independent Secondary School of the Year, Independent International Baccalaureate School of the Year and Independent Secondary School of the Year in London. In the accompanying league tables, NLCS was ranked the number one girls’ school in the UK, gaining second place for all schools in London and third place for all schools nationally.Serving students from Early Years to Year 13, NLCS Phuket will be developed as a premium co-ed day and boarding school in Cherng Talay, one of Phuket’s fastest-growing residential districts. The school is planned for Thai, expatriate and internationally mobile families seeking a rigorous British education in Phuket, with boarding provision for students from across Thailand and the wider region.The agreement was formalised at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort, with Mr Daniel Lewis, Managing Director of NLCS International, and Mr Naruj Chirayus, Managing Director of VLC Group and NLCS Phuket, signing on behalf of the two organisations.Members of the Chirayus family, the Phuket-based owners of VLC Group and developers of NLCS Phuket. From left to right: Mr Naruji Chirayus, Mr Varis Chirayus, Mr Somnuk Chirayus, Ms Nantana Wongsatayanont, Mr Somboon Chirayus, Chairman of VLC Group, Mr Chanon Wongsatayanont and Ms Napittra Chirayus.“For many families, Phuket already offers an exceptional quality of life, but there has been a clear gap in the market for a highly academic school with a direct connection to one of the UK’s leading educational institutions,” said Mr Naruj Chirayus, Managing Director of VLC Group. “As a Phuket-based family business, we see education as a natural part of the island’s next stage of growth. Our aim is to help make Phuket a more complete place to live, learn and build community."(Left): Mr Naruji Chirayus, Managing Director of VLC Group and NLCS Phuket; (Right) Mr Daniel Lewis, Managing Director of NLCS International.NLCS International works with partners around the world to develop schools that reflect the founding school’s educational philosophy: academic ambition, pastoral care that is tailored to the individual, and a vibrant co-curricular life. Its family of schools includes NLCS Jeju, NLCS Dubai, NLCS (Singapore), NLCS Kobe and NLCS Hong Kong (opening 2027).“NLCS Phuket represents an important new chapter for our international family of schools,” said Mr Daniel Lewis, Managing Director of NLCS International. “Our aim is to deliver an education that develops scholarship, in a joyful and exciting environment, that celebrates every individual for who they are, and that is rooted in a genuine love of learning. This is not simply a well-known name above the door. The strength of NLCS lies in the authentic connection between our schools, the quality and depth of our academic support, and our shared belief that happy, confident students are best placed to achieve exceptional outcomes.”North London Collegiate School Phuket will open in Q3 2028.Boarding will be a central part of the NLCS Phuket offer, giving families access to an NLCS education without having to send their children abroad. It also strengthens Phuket’s appeal as a regional education base, allowing students to remain closer to family, home markets and Asia’s major travel hubs.The school is expected to open with capacity for around 1,000 students, with scope to grow to approximately 1,500 over time. Planned facilities include boarding provision, dedicated junior and senior school spaces, science and technology facilities, a 50-metre swimming pool, sports hall, covered tennis courts and football pitches.The announcement comes as Thailand’s international education sector continues to expand beyond Bangkok. Kasikorn Research Centre expects Thailand’s international school business to grow by 9.7% in 2025, while international student numbers are projected to increase by 8.3%. The research also notes that international schools are likely to expand further beyond the capital, with Phuket named among the key provincial markets.For Phuket, the arrival of a leading day and boarding school adds another layer to the island’s family infrastructure. International schools help attract long-stay residents, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investors, while supporting demand across housing, hospitality, retail, transport, local services and employment.Mr Chirayus continued: “Top schools create communities around them. We have seen this in places such as Dubai and Jeju, where education has played an important role in shaping internationally minded residential destinations. With NLCS Phuket, we want to support the development of Phuket as an educational centre of excellence for the region.”“Exceptional academic standards and a well-rounded education will be the cornerstones of NLCS Phuket.”NLCS Phuket will maintain close links with the wider NLCS family of schools, with support from NLCS International in school design, curriculum development, recruitment, teacher training, academic planning and quality assurance.NLCS Phuket campus renderings: Drop-off area (left) and senior school (right)Further details on admissions, opening timelines and campus development will be announced in due course. For any enquiries, please direct your email to: enquiries@nlcs-phuket.comFor more information, please visit http://www.nlcs-phuket.comFor more images, click HEREAbout NLCS InternationalNLCS International is a family of international schools focused on delivering a high quality education grounded in academic rigour, innovation and global citizenship. Through an emphasis on personalised learning, student wellbeing and excellent teaching, NLCS International schools support students in developing the skills and understanding needed for an increasingly complex world.At the heart of all NLCS schools is a shared educational vision and a clear commitment to nurturing a lasting love of learning. Each school is guided by a set of values based on common beliefs, which together underpin the distinctive philosophy of North London Collegiate School.NLCS International works closely with its schools to support a consistent educational approach that reflects the aims and values of NLCS, through ongoing guidance, monitoring and quality assurance. In partnership with local communities, NLCS International fosters learning environments where academicambition is balanced with strong pastoral care, and where every child is known, supported and valued as an individual, alongside meaningful professional development opportunities for staff.About VLC GroupVLC Group is a Phuket-based company led by the Chirayus family, who is the owner of Merlin Phuket Hotels and Resorts. The group’s hospitality portfolio includes Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Merlin Beach; Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort; Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa; Khaolak Merlin Resort; and Phuket Merlin Hotel. Through its partnership with NLCS International, VLC Group is leading the development of NLCS Phuket as part of its long-term commitment to Phuket’s growth as a destination for families, education and community development.For media information, kindly contact:Triven Marketing GroupMandy TanTel: +60 16-477 2257Email: m.tan@swanconsultancy.biz Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-20

Tradelink and PAA Digital Trade Alliance, Co-Organise the ‘Global Digital Trade Symposium 2026 – The Hong Kong Experience’

HONG KONG, May 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited (“Tradelink” or the “Group”) (Stock Code: 536) joined forces with other members of the PAA Digital Trade Alliance (“PAA”) to host the “Global Digital Trade Symposium 2026–The Hong Kong Experience” (the “Symposium”) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday. PAA, a global alliance of Trade Single Window operators and e-commerce service providers of key trading partners of Hong Kong, meet regularly in members’ economies to identify ways to enhance seamless global trade through secured and reliable digital technologies.  PAA last met in Hong Kong back in 2015.  The gathering of PAA members from across the continents in today’s Symposium underscores Hong Kong unique role as super-connector and value-adder of international trade.Under the theme “Connecting Trade, Powering Innovation, Shaping the Future”, the Symposium shared Hong Kong’s pioneering experience in advancing the global digital trade ecosystem and allowed participants to conduct in-depth exchanges on core topics like digital trade facilitation, cross-border data interoperability and connectivity, artificial intelligence applications, and the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”).    “The Global Digital Trade Symposium 2026 – The Hong Kong Experience” comes to a successful closeThe Symposium was honoured by the attendance of two distinguished guests, including Mr. Algernon YAU, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, as the keynote speaker for the morning session; and Mr. Howard LEE, JP, Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, as the guest speaker for the networking dinner.  Over 300 representatives of shippers, traders, financial institutions and supply chain service providers as well as leaders of chambers of commerce and trade associations attended the event together with HKSAR Government officials.  The Symposium provided a unique platform for Hong Kong to engage directly with key industry leaders driving cross-border trade facilitation. It also served as an opportunity to share Hong Kong’s pioneering experience in digital trade facilitation, explore cross-border collaboration opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and collectively advance global economic growth.During the morning session,  the Symposium featured two thematic panel discussions in which participants engaged in in-depth discussions on a range of cutting-edge topics. The first session on “Compliance Meets Innovation: How Hong Kong Navigates Global Trade Challenges”, participants explored how Hong Kong’s public and private sectors can enhance the interoperability of local and global trade data through digital trade and logistics innovation and regional collaboration, thereby empowering SMEs to navigate the fast changing global trading landscape. The other session, “Data Without Borders: Reshaping Hong Kong's Trade Finance”, examined how cross-border data interoperability and connectivity is reshaping trade finance models and further consolidating Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a trusted global hub.  Panel discussion session at the “Global Digital Trade Symposium 2026 – The Hong Kong Experience”Mr. YUEN Man Chung, Tommy, S.B.S, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tradelink, said: “Tradelink’s Vision is to ‘promote a prosperous Hong Kong where companies and people can readily achieve and enjoy the benefits of digital efficiency’.  Over the past 30+ years, Tradelink has witnessed and actively driven the transformation of paper-based trade processes in HK to the era of Electronic Data Interchange. Nowadays, our services have expanded from trade compliance to digital identity, intelligent supply chain solutions and alternative data for trade financing. Our DNA has the words ‘trade related services’ written all over it.” Mr. YUEN added: “Tomorrow, we will also be formally launching our Next Generation, Secured, Integrated and AI-powered trade services platform – called T+.  We believe this new platform will not only be useful to existing shippers and traders in HK but will also greatly assist companies from Chinese Mainland looking to establish a presence in the HKSAR to conduct international trade.” Welcome speech by Mr. YUEN Man Chung, Tommy, S.B.S, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tradelink, at the “Global Digital Trade Symposium 2026 – The Hong Kong Experience”As import and export policies adapt to the new landscape and AI-driven technologies reshape the trade ecosystem, Hong Kong is emerging as a global hub for innovation and collaboration. At the Symposium, policymakers, regulators and industry leaders discussed how Hong Kong’s strategic initiatives, such as the Trade Single Window (TSW), the digitalisation of B2B trade documents, the Port Community System (PCS), the Commercial Data Interchange (CDI), CargoX, and the Go Global Launchpad for Mainland enterprises, are reinforcing its position as an international trade and transportation centre. The Symposium also provided participants with a forward-looking perspective on leveraging Hong Kong as a launchpad for expansion into the Asia-Pacific and global markets, while fostering collaboration to build a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable trade network.Mr. Algernon YAU, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, said: “Digital trade has everything to do with Hong Kong, which has always been an international trade centre.  Further to the successful launches of the first two phases, the Government is now rolling out the final phase of the TSW starting from this month, which will standardise processes, enable greater data re-use and support pre-shipment submissions, helping the trade move goods more efficiently and reliably.  In addition, the TSW will also connect with the CDI of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to enable the authorised sharing of trade data with banks.  On the other hand, the Government is committed to ensuring that the legal framework keeps pace with emerging technologies.  We will make reference to the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records, advocated by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, and consider legislative amendments to further facilitate the digitalisation of B2B trade documents with a view to introducing the legislative proposal to our legislature within 2026.  Together, let us continue to unleash the business potential in the digital world as we embark on another phase of digital transformation.” Speech by Mr. Algernon YAU, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development,at the “Global Digital Trade Symposium 2026 – The Hong Kong Experience” Speech by Mr. Howard LEE, JP, Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, at the Banquet Dinner of “Global Digital Trade Symposium 2026 – The Hong Kong Experience”In addition, Tradelink’s “SME Day” is being held today (20 May) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the theme “Go Digital, Trade Global”. The exhibition will feature a keynote stage and four major exhibition zones, offering a comprehensive view of both macro market trends and practical hands-on solutions, allowing participants to experience first-hand Tradelink’s next-generation AI-driven e-trade services platform “T+”, as well as its overseas expansion tools and support services. Representatives from 17 economies, over 20 leading partners, more than 30 keynote speakers and over 1,500 SMEs gather to ignite new momentum for digital trade and explore practical solutions for SMEs to upgrade, transform and expand into global markets.For more selected high-resolution photos from the Symposium, please download via: https://tradelinkhk.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/IRCC/IgBXLypQpZVuQJvrBMyFYP8kAZci0KppY0Bh1gRDYbxy2Fw'e=AKzhB7 About Tradelink Electronic Commerce LimitedEstablished in 1988 and listed in 2005, Tradelink (Stock Code: 536) is Hong Kong's digital efficiency pioneer. Since 1997, the company has successfully brought the advantages of its e-solutions to tens of thousands of organisations. Tradelink has pioneered numerous innovative business technology applications in Hong Kong, including EDI, digital certificates, biometric ID and warehouse automation. In addition to offering expertise in supply chain and identity management solutions, the company leads in the city's business-to-government document compliance market. Tradelink customers span all industry sectors. The company has earned the trust of governments, multinationals, and small and medium businesses alike. Leveraging its connection to a global network of over one million customers, Tradelink empowers clients to expand internationally and seize new market opportunities.For more information about Tradelink, please visit www.tradelink.com.hk.About the PAA Digital Trade AllianceFounded in 2000, the PAA Digital Trade Alliance is a pioneering global alliance committed to promoting secure and efficient digital trade. Bringing together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, the PAA leads collaborative efforts to advance the digitalisation, interoperability and connectivity of global trade. Currently, the total number of members exceeds 400,000 organisations, representing virtually all active trading companies in the Asian market.For more information about the PAA Digital Trade Alliance, please visit https://paa.net/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-20

Doubleview Commences Advanced 2026 Exploration and Technical Program at the Hat Polymetallic Project

Vancouver, British Columbia--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - May 20, 2026) - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (WKN: A1W038) (the "Company or "Doubleview) is pleased to announce the start of its most advanced exploration, environmental, metallurgical, and technical work program to date at its Hat polymetallic deposit, located in northwestern British Columbia.The 2026 field season has started a coordinated program designed to support ongoing technical studies, advance project understanding, and provide additional geological, metallurgical, environmental, and engineering data for future study stages, including potential Pre-Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study work.The initial phase of the program includes preparation and shipment of approximately 14 tonnes of mineralized sample material for metallurgical test work. Details of the metallurgical program, including sample selection, test objectives, laboratory work, and expected scope of study, will be announced in a future news release. The work may require several months to complete.Doubleview has also started the installation of weather monitoring stations to support environmental baseline and hydrological studies. These stations will collect site-specific data to assist with water balance work, climate records, hydrological interpretation, and future project planning.The Company, as part of its collection of high quality data for engineering, infrastructure planning, environmental assessment and other technical studies, will prepare detailed topographical surface maps of the Hat Property and nearby areas for use in engineering, infrastructure planning, environmental assessment, and future technical studies, including possible Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility level work.Drilling ProgramDoubleview expects to begin drilling immediately as part of the 2026 exploration program. The planned drilling has several objectives:Infill drilling within selected areas of the deposit to improve block model confidence.Additional drilling in areas where the geologic model is weak.Step-out and perimeter drilling in areas where possible extensions of the deposit are highlighted by geology, geophysics, previous drilling, and current interpretation.Collection of additional technical data to support resource modelling, metallurgical interpretation, and future engineering studies.The drilling program will almost certainly provide critical data that will allow promotion of certain mineral resources from lower confidence categories to higher confidence categories such as, for instance, upgrades of Inferred mineral resources to Indicated mineral resources, and possibly, even boost the Measured mineral resources.The step-out and perimeter drilling will test areas adjacent to the known deposit where the geological model indicates expansion potential and yield data vital to mine planningDoubleview is well funded to carry out the planned 2026 program. The Company currently has more than C$13 million in cash and no debt, giving it the financial strength to proceed with the above-outlined program of metallurgy, drilling, environmental and hydrological studies, detailed topographical mapping, and engineering support work.Farshad Shirvani, President and CEO of Doubleview, stated:"The Hat Project has reached an important technical stage. This season is not only about drilling more metres. It is about collecting essential data for metallurgical, environmental, engineering, topographic, hydrologic, and mineral resource confirmation. The 14 tonne metallurgical sample, the weather stations, the detailed topographic work, and the planned drilling program are all part of a broadened technical approach to move the Hat Project forward in a disciplined and responsible manner."Mr. Shirvani continued:"The Hat deposit is a large polymetallic system with robust proven potential for copper, gold, cobalt, scandium and other critical and precious metals. Our work in the 2026 season will improve the quality of our extensive database and support the next stages of technical studies. We intend to continue advancing the project with quality technical work and responsible exploration practices."Technical and Study ObjectivesThe 2026 program is expected to contribute to several key technical areas, including:Mineral resource confidence and possible category conversion.Deposit expansion as supported by the geological model.Metallurgical test work on a large sample.Environmental and hydrological baseline data collection.Detailed topographical mapping.Engineering and infrastructure planning.Future Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility level work.The Company cautions investors that a decision to proceed to a Pre-Feasibility Study or Feasibility Study will require appropriate technical, economic, environmental, and corporate review.Doubleview maintains a website at www.doubleview.ca.Qualified Persons:Erik Ostensoe, P. Geo., a consulting geologist, and Doubleview's Qualified Person with respect to the Hat Project as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release. He is not independent of Doubleview as he is a shareholder in the company.Brief Summary of PEA ResultsOn March 2, 2026, Doubleview announced positive PEA results for the Hat Project, which were clarified on March 23, 2026. On April 14, 2026, the Company announced the filing on SEDAR of the independent National Instrument 43-101 technical report titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Hat Polymetallic Project, British Columbia, Canada."The PEA outlined strong project economics, including an after-tax NPV(5%) of C$6.73 billion and an IRR of 23% at consensus metal prices. At spot metal prices, the PEA reported an after-tax NPV(5%) of C$13.53 billion and an IRR of 39%.The PEA also included a scenario with scandium and the associated processing circuit. Under this scenario, the PEA reported an after-tax NPV(5%) of C$7.27 billion and an IRR of 19% at consensus metal prices, and an after-tax NPV(5%) of C$14.85 billion and an IRR of 32% at spot metal prices.About the Hat ProjectThe Hat Project is a polymetallic copper-gold-cobalt-scandium project located in northwestern British Columbia. The project hosts a porphyry-style mineralized system and has been the subject of extensive drilling, geological modelling, metallurgical work, and technical studies. Doubleview continues to advance the Hat Project through exploration, technical evaluation, metallurgical test work, and environmental baseline programs.About Doubleview Gold CorpDoubleview Gold Corp., a mineral resource exploration and development company, is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG), (OTCQB: DBLVF), (WKN: A1W038), (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview identifies, acquires and finances precious and base metal exploration projects in North America, particularly in British Columbia. Doubleview increases shareholder value through acquisition and exploration of quality gold, copper and silver properties and the application of advanced state-of-the-art exploration methods. The Company's portfolio of strategic properties provides diversification and mitigates investment risks.On behalf of the Board of Directors,Farshad Shirvani, M.Sc. GeologyPresident & Chief Executive OfficerFor further information please contact:Doubleview Gold CorpVancouver, BC Farshad ShirvaniPresident & CEOT: (604) 678-9587E: corporate@doubleview.caNEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes statements regarding the Company's planned 2026 exploration program, drilling, metallurgical test work, environmental and hydrological studies, topographical mapping, future technical studies, possible mineral resource category conversion, possible deposit expansion, and future project advancement.Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which might cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ from those expressed or implied by such information. These risks include exploration risk, metallurgical risk, permitting risk, financing risk, market risk, regulatory risk, weather-related delays, availability of contractors and equipment, laboratory timing, and the risk that drilling or technical work will not produce the expected results.Mineral resource category conversion is not assured. Additional drilling does not guarantee conversion of Inferred mineral resources to Indicated mineral resources or Indicated mineral resources to Measured mineral resources. Step-out drilling does not guarantee expansion of the deposit. Future technical studies, including any Pre-Feasibility Study or Feasibility Study, remain subject to further work, financing, regulatory review, and technical results.The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/298150 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-20

Graphene quantum dots show promise in targeting Parkinson’s-related protein clumping

TSUKUBA, Japan, May 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The buildup of a protein called 𝛂-synuclein (ASN) into toxic clumps is a hallmark of synucleinopathies, a group of neurodegenerative diseases that includes Parkinson’s and multiple system atrophy (MSA).These aggregates are associated with cellular dysfunction and lead to progressive neuronal loss. Because current treatments only manage symptoms rather than stopping the underlying protein clumping, scientists are exploring new strategies, including nanomaterials that can prevent these aggregates from forming or help clear them from the brain.A multinational research team led by Professor Małgorzata Kujawska at the Poznań University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Poland, has found that graphene quantum dots (GQDs)—nanoscale carbon particles—can counteract this clumping process.In a study published in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM), the researchers detailed how these dots interact with ASN to prevent it from forming the long, toxic fibers that characterize the disease.“This study points to a promising new direction for strategies against neurodegenerative diseases,” says Professor Kujawska. “While clinical use of GQDs remains a long way off, these findings strengthen the case for further research.”The study used a multi-stage approach, testing the GQDs in cell-free environments, neuronal cultures, and animal models of MSA. The researchers found that when GQDs were administered intranasally in mice, the particles significantly reduced the presence of toxic protein aggregates. Furthermore, the treatment appeared to activate autophagy, a biological recycling process that helps cells break down and remove damaged proteins.At concentrations relevant to its biological effects, the GQD showed a favorable safety profile, although some changes in cellular stress and immune responses were observed at higher doses. This is an important consideration, as many nanomaterials face hurdles in medical applications due to concerns over long-term biocompatibility.While the results are promising, challenges remain, such as preventing quantum dots from clumping in liquid suspensions. “GQDs may serve as a useful research tool,” says Professor Kujawska. “What we learn as we optimize their properties and conduct a comprehensive safety evaluation could help design more effective nanomaterial-based strategies not just for synucleinopathies, but also for other conditions characterized by the buildup of toxic proteins.”Further informationMałgorzata KujawskaPoznań University of Medical Sciences kujawska@ump.edu.plPaper: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14686996.2026.2662693About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM)Open access journal STAM publishes outstanding research articles across all aspects of materials science, including functional and structural materials, theoretical analyses, and properties of materials. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAMDr. Kazuya SaitoSTAM Publishing Director SAITO.Kazuya@nims.go.jpImage:Caption: Nanoscale carbon particles offer a new insight into possible therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and multiple system atrophy.Press release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-20

CTF Life Launches Hong Kong’s First Indexed Universal Life Insurance Plan Linked to BNP Paribas’ Indices

HONG KONG, May 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - CTF Life announced today the launch of Shiny Treasure Indexed Universal Life Insurance Plan (Shiny Treasure), an indexed universal life (IUL) product designed for professional investors*. Linking to BNP Paribas’ indices for the first time in Hong Kong’s IUL market, in addition to another Global renowned index, the index account of the plan offers a distinctive combination of uncapped crediting interest rate potential across all indices and the flexibility to allocate across multiple index account options while achieving potential steady wealth growth. Apart from uncapped crediting interest rate for all indices, the plan also features guaranteed crediting interest rate of the accounts and the Cumulative Guaranteed Value1, offering multi-layered protection for wealth and allowing customers to capture potential growth while safeguarding wealth in the event of market downturns.Asia-Pacific is among the fastest-growing regions for private wealth globally. In 2024, the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in Asia whose net worth exceeded US$10 million rose by 5% to surpass 850,0002. Against a backdrop of market volatility, investors are increasingly seeking solutions that enable them to capture potential upside in their investments while managing risk. Shiny Treasure is designed to meet this growing demand, offering a sophisticated solution for wealth accumulation and legacy planning.Betty Lee, Chief Product Officer of CTF Life, said, “In today’s dynamic environment, we are delighted to collaborate with BNP Paribas, a strong and trusted financial institution, to help our customers stay invested for the long term, without losing sight of the need to manage risk. Shiny Treasure combines the prospect for amplified potential returns with a steady component to support wealth preservation, while offering customers the flexibility to rebalance as market conditions and their risk appetite evolve. We will continue to bring Hong Kong’s professional investors differentiated IUL solutions that stand out in the market, and create value beyond insurance.”Key features of Shiny Treasure:1.Linked to top global indices: The Index Sub-account3 is linked to top global indices to bring growth potential to wealth – the main components of the three major indices are US large-cap company stocks, global equities and multi-asset allocation, respectively. The indices are also underpinned by volatility control mechanisms to participate in market growth while achieving stability.2.Dual-account design enables risk diversification: The plan is comprised of the Fixed Account4 and the Index Account3. The Fixed Account4 helps wealth grow steadily while the Index Account3 offers uncapped potential returns. Net Premiums5 can be allocated between the accounts to capture the opportunities available during different market conditions.3.Dual wealth protection: The guaranteed interest rate of the accounts and the Cumulative Guaranteed Value1 can provide multi-layered protection for wealth – even in market downturns.4.Supple allocation at customer’s desire: Supple asset allocation options, including the Segment Maturity Option6 and the Account Rebalancing Option7, allow to allocate the Account Value flexibly. The Dollar Cost Averaging Option8 mitigates the impact of market fluctuations through regular fixed-amount investments.5.Succession solutions to pass on to the next generations: With a range of legacy options such as unlimited changes of the Insured9, the Policy Continuation Option10 and the Policy Split Option11 – the plan enables customers to turn their accumulated wealth into a lasting foundation.6.A range of flexible options available and Refund of Premium Charge: The plan comes with a range of options such as the free-of-charge withdrawal and Premium Holiday12 that gives further advantages in financial management. In addition, it specially includes a Refund of Premium Charge, which provides the opportunity to enhance the value of wealth.Notes:1The Cumulative Guaranteed Value is only applied in the event of a death claim, a full surrender or the maturity of the policy. Upon partial withdrawal, the Cumulative Guaranteed Value will be reduced correspondingly based on the withdrawal amount and the Surrender Charge (if any). Please refer to the Policy Provisions for more details of the Cumulative Guaranteed Value.2Source: Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report 2025.3Index Account is used to deposit a portion of the Net Premium as determined by the Policy Owner, which will be allocated into the Index Sub-account(s) to create Segment(s) and earn the corresponding Crediting Interest.  The Index Account comprises the Holding Account and Index Sub-Account(s); while each Index Sub-account is composed of one or more Segments and allocation of any Segment Proceeds pursuant to the Segment Maturity Option. Please refer to the Policy Specifications and Policy Provisions for more details of the Index Account and Index Sub-account.4Fixed Account is used to deposit a portion of the Net Premium as determined by the Policy Owner, the amount transferred from the Segment Proceeds pursuant to the Segment Maturity Option, the amount transferred from the Holding Account pursuant to the Account Rebalancing Option and the Refund of Premium Charge (if any). Please refer to the Policy Specifications and Policy Provisions for more details of the Fixed Account Crediting Interest Rate.5Net Premium refers to the amount of premium paid less the applicable Premium Charge of that premium.6The Policy Owner may submit a Written Request to instruct to roll the Segment Proceeds of the Index Sub-account(s) into a new Segment under the same Index Sub-account(s); or transfer the Segment Proceeds to another Index Sub-account(s) and/or the Fixed Account. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for more details of the Segment Maturity Option.7Starting from the 2nd Policy Anniversary, the Policy Owner may request  to reallocate the percentage or the amount of the Account Value of the Fixed Account to the Index Sub-account(s); and/or the percentage of the Account Value of the Holding Account to the Fixed Account and/or the Index Sub-account(s). Where a request for reallocation of the transfer amount from Fixed Account to the Index Sub-account(s); and a request for reallocation of the transfer amount from Holding Account to the Fixed Account and/or the Index Sub-account(s) are approved on the same Working Day, the former (i.e. the Fixed Account) will be executed first. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for more details of the Account Rebalancing Option.8At the time of application or at any time after the policy is in force, the Policy Owner may apply to  divide the Net Premium and any applicable bonuses (collectively “Amount for DCA”) in the Holding Account into 12 installments and each installment will then be allocated to the Segment(s) of the Index Sub-account(s) on the relevant Segment Creation Date up to 12 consecutive months. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for more details of the Dollar Cost Averaging Option.9The change of the Insured is subject to the designated requirements and the prevailing administrative rules. The Unit, the Total Premiums Paid, the Account Value of the Fixed Account, the Account Value of the Holding Account, the Segment Balance of the Segment(s) of all the Index Sub-account(s) and the Cumulative Guaranteed Value, total amount of withdrawals (if any), Policy Date and Policy Years will remain the same on the Insured-Change Effective Date while the Plan End Date will be adjusted to (i) the date of Policy Anniversary on the 128th birthday of the Changed New Insured or following the 128th birthday of the Changed New Insured or (ii) the policy reaches its 128th Policy Anniversary, whichever is earlier. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for more details on the Change of Insured Option.10Prior to the death of the Insured, the Policy Owner can assign one or two beneficiary(ies) for the Policy Continuation Option and specify the proportion of the Death Proceeds to be paid to each beneficiary for the Policy Continuation Option. Upon the death of the insured, if the Policy Owner (still alive) and the Insured are different person, the beneficiary will become the Continued New Insured; if the Policy Owner died at the same time or the Policy Owner and the Insured are the same person, subject to the prevailing administrative rules of the Company, the beneficiary will become the new Policy Owner and Continued New Insured of the policy in order to keep the policy in force after the Insured dies. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for more details of the Policy Continuation Option.11While the policy is in force and the Insured is still alive, after the end of the 10th Policy Year and subject to the prevailing rules of the Company, the Policy Owner may exercise Policy Split Option to create a separate policy (the “Split Policy”), allocating a portion of Total Account Value from the basic plan of the policy to the Split Policy but subject to the designated conditions without providing any evidence of insurability. Please refers to the Policy Provisions for more details of Policy Split Option.12During the period of the Premium Holiday, the coverage and the Units will remain unchanged; however, we shall continue to deduct relevant fees and charges from the Account Value. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for more details of the Premium Holiday.*Professional Investors shall have the meaning as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) and the Securities and Futures (Professional Investor) Rules (Cap. 571D of the Laws of Hong Kong).Important Notice:- Shiny Treasure Indexed Universal Life Insurance Plan is issued by CTF Life. The information contained in this press release is intended as a general summary of information for reference only. For more details, please refer to relevant product brochures, promotion leaflets, and policy documents. For details regarding the CTF Life Shiny Treasure Indexed Universal Life Insurance Plan, please refer to the policy contract for details of the full terms and conditions.- This press release does not contain the full provisions, key product risks, and all exclusions of the Shiny Treasure Indexed Universal Life Insurance Plan, and the full terms can be found in the Policy documents. The Shiny Treasure Indexed Universal Life Insurance Plan may serve as a standalone plan(s) without bundling with other type(s) of insurance product. Please refer to the main product brochure and policy terms and conditions, as well as the explanatory documents provided by your licensed insurance intermediary, to fully understand the details and complete terms and conditions regarding the mentioned definitions, fees, product features, exclusions, and compensation payment conditions related to Shiny Treasure Indexed Universal Life Insurance Plan.- Shiny Treasure Indexed Universal Life Insurance Plan as issued by CTF Life is not endorsed or approved in any way by BNP Paribas and such product is not in any way associated with BNP Paribas.  BNP Paribas makes no warranties whatsoever in relation to the use of the Index and is not liable for any losses caused by the use thereof.- Please refer to the product brochure for more information on the Shiny Treasure Indexed Universal Life Insurance Plan- For further details, please contact CTF Life’s Customer Service Hotline on +852 2866 8898.- This press release is intended to be distributed in Hong Kong only and shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or provision of any of our products outside Hong Kong. Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited hereby declares that it has no intention to offer to sell, to solicit to buy or to provide any of its products in any jurisdiction other than Hong Kong in which such offer to sell or solicitation to buy or provision of any product of Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited is illegal under the laws of that jurisdiction.About CTF LifeChow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (“CTF Life”) is proud of its rich, 40-year legacy in Hong Kong. CTF Life is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CTF Services Limited (“CTFS”) (Hong Kong Stock Code: 659) and one of the most well-established life insurance companies in Hong Kong. As a member of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited, CTF Life consistently strengthens its collaboration with the Chow Tai Fook Group ecosystem to support customers and their loved ones in navigating life’s journey with personalised planning solutions, lifelong protection and diverse lifestyle experiences. By leveraging the Group’s robust financial strength and strategic investments across the globe, CTF Life aspires to become a leading insurance company in Asia while continuously creating value beyond insurance.Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-20

Xero Launches Lite Plan in the Philippines to Help Filipino Small Businesses Master Their Finances

MANILA, May 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Xero, the global small business platform, today announced the launch of Xero Lite in the Philippines. Priced at just $7 USD per month, this plan is designed for Filipino micro and small businesses ready to take their first step away from messy notebooks and scattered receipts toward a simpler, digital way of running their business.While 60% of Filipino MSMEs aspire to use digital accounting software, current adoption stands at just 11%(1). This disparity leaves the vast majority of entrepreneurs tethered to manual, paper-based bookkeeping, which can make it challenging to keep pace with a fast-evolving business environment. Xero Lite offers an accessible starting point for these owners to automate their records for the first time, providing the visibility and control needed to modernise their operations.Essential Tools to Build a More Efficient BusinessXero Lite focuses on the practical tools that help a business become more professional and resilient without unnecessary complexity:Professional Invoicing: Business owners can create and send quotes and up to five invoices per month from a smartphone or computer. This replaces manual receipt books, helps businesses modernise their record-keeping, and supports faster payments.Automatic Receipt Capture: Users can extract data from bills and receipts automatically by snapping a photo on their smartphone. Xero safely stores these records in the cloud, removing the burden of manual data entry and lost paperwork.Real-time reports: Business owners can track operational performance instantly with accurate financial reports in Xero Lite. These insights allow owners to monitor cash trends and evaluate profit margins on demand.E-Invoicing Ready: Xero Lite is built to be e-invoicing ready. This gives owners the confidence that their business is prepared for future requirements.Full Connection to Business Apps: Xero Lite provides full access to the Xero App Store. This allows businesses to connect to a variety of specialised, integrated apps that work together to streamline everything from inventory to payments, providing a sophisticated digital toolkit as the business grows.Connected to Claude: Xero’s integration with Anthropic brings Claude directly into Xero and Xero’s financial data and tools into Claude.ai.A Stronger Foundation for Every Entrepreneur“The Philippines is on a steady path of digitalising its economy, but many MSME owners are still managing their businesses through manual or disconnected processes,” said Koren Wines, Managing Director APAC at Xero. “With Xero Lite, Filipino business owners can take that first step towards digitalisation, gaining better visibility, saving time on admin, and building a stronger foundation for the next stage of their journey.”Xero Lite provides a simple entry point for businesses beginning their digital journey. As they become more confident and look to unlock greater value, they can upgrade to the Xero Starter plan, which includes features such as automated bank feeds.Xero Lite is available in the Philippines starting today. To see how simple business finances can be, visit xero.com/ph.About XeroXero is a global small business platform that helps customers supercharge their business by bringing together the most important small business tools, including accounting, payroll and payments — on one platform. Xero’s powerful platform helps customers automate routine tasks, get timely insights, and connects them with their data, their apps, and their accountant or bookkeeper so they can focus on what really matters. Trusted by millions of small businesses and accountants and bookkeepers globally, Xero makes life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. For further information, please visit xero.com(1) https://business.inquirer.net/551344/purpose-passion-profit-drive-msme-growth-in-phMedia Contact:Xero APACPeggy Lee+65 8764 7047peggy.lee@xero.com  Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-20

Xero Launches Lite Plan in Indonesia to Help Indonesian Small Businesses Master Their Finances

JAKARTA, May 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Xero, the global small business platform, today announced the launch of Xero Lite in Indonesia. Priced at just $7 USD per month, this plan is designed for Indonesia’s micro and small businesses ready to take their first step away from messy notebooks and scattered receipts toward a simpler, digital way of running their business.Adopting digital accounting tools is a vital step in this journey, as a lack of formal financial records currently excludes up to 70% of Indonesian MSMEs from growth capital and bank financing(1). While many entrepreneurs still manage their operations through manual bookkeeping, Xero Lite offers an accessible starting point for these owners to build a standardised accounting history, which can help them gain greater control and visibility over their business and unlock opportunities to scale.Essential Tools to Build a More Efficient BusinessXero Lite focuses on the practical tools that help a business become more resilient and professional without unnecessary complexity:Digital Tax Readiness: As Indonesia shifts toward digital-first taxation, businesses are replacing manual bookkeeping with digital audit trails. Xero helps streamline record-keeping to help support compliance with evolving regulations.Professional Invoicing: Business owners can create and send quotes and up to five invoices per month from a smartphone or computer. This replaces manual receipt books, helps businesses look more professional to customers, and supports faster payments.Automatic Receipt Capture: Users can extract data from bills and receipts automatically by snapping a photo on their smartphone. Xero safely stores these records in the cloud, removing the burden of manual data entry and lost paperwork.Real-time reports: Business owners can track operational performance instantly with accurate financial reports in Xero Lite. These insights allow owners to monitor cash trends and evaluate profit margins on demand.Full Connection to Business Apps: Xero Lite provides full access to the Xero App Store. This allows businesses to connect to a variety of specialised, integrated apps that work together to streamline everything from inventory to payments, providing a sophisticated digital toolkit as the business grows.Connected to Claude: Xero’s integration with Anthropic brings Claude directly into Xero and Xero’s financial data and tools into Claude.ai.A Stronger Foundation for Every Entrepreneur“Indonesian small business owners are incredibly entrepreneurial, but manual, fragmented accounting may be preventing them from realising their businesses' full potential,” said Koren Wines, Managing Director APAC at Xero. “Xero Lite is a low cost first step designed to help owners move beyond informal record-keeping, towards establishing the rigour and credibility needed to capture growth opportunities and elevate their business.”Xero Lite provides a simple entry point for businesses beginning their digital journey. As they become more confident and look to unlock greater value, they can upgrade to the Xero Starter plan, which includes features such as automated bank feeds.Xero Lite is available in Indonesia starting today. To see how simple business finances can be, visit xero.com/id.About XeroXero is a global small business platform that helps customers supercharge their business by bringing together the most important small business tools, including accounting, payroll and payments — on one platform. Xero’s powerful platform helps customers automate routine tasks, get timely insights, and connects them with their data, their apps, and their accountant or bookkeeper so they can focus on what really matters. Trusted by millions of small businesses and accountants and bookkeepers globally, Xero makes life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. For further information, please visit xero.com(1)https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7072/14/3/66Media Contact:Xero APACPeggy Lee+65 8764 7047peggy.lee@xero.com  Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-20

‘Young at Heart’ 3DG Jewellery Brand Tour Kicks Off in Wuhan

HONG KONG, May 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - 3DG Holdings (International) Limited (“3DG Holdings” / the “Group”) (Stock Code: 2882) is pleased to announce that the launch ceremony and celebrity meet-and-greet for the 3DG Jewellery “Young at Heart” brand tour made a brilliant debut at Wuhan Wushang Dream Plaza on 16 May. On the day of the event, Global Brand Spokesperson Mr. Xu Kai made a dazzling appearance wearing pieces from the “Bling Bling Gold” collection. At the same time, 3DG Jewellery unveiled its refreshed brand concept “Young at Heart”, aiming to convey an elegant attitude that transcends boundaries and time, inspiring customers to discover their own inner radiance with 3DG Jewellery. Mr. Xu Kai, Global Brand Spokesperson of 3DG Jewellery, attends the event Mr. Xu Kai, Global Brand Spokesperson of 3DG Jewellery;Ms. Wong Hau Yeung, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Lukfook Group and Executive Director of 3DG Jewellery;Ms. Cheung Irene, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of 3DG Jewellery;together with the Brand’s senior management and shopping mall leadership, joined on stage for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the tourBreaking boundaries, exploring the “heartfelt” possibilities of fashionAt the event, Global Brand Spokesperson Mr. Xu Kai held a sceptre and boldly shattered a clock dome symbolising the constraints of time. This boundary-breaking gesture signified the breaking free from the limitations of age and embracing the infinite possibilities of “Young at Heart”, instantly bringing the atmosphere to a fever pitch. Mr. Xu Kai, Global Brand Spokesperson of 3DG Jewellery, electrified the atmosphere at the venueAfter breaking boundaries, the resonance is even greater. 3DG Jewellery has always sought to listen to the true voices of consumers. For this occasion, it launched a special “Young at Heart” campaign across several of its stores in Wuhan to gather customer feedback. “Star Exclusive Message Cards”, each filled with heartfelt reflections, were gathered on stage where Mr. Xu Kai randomly selected and read aloud, sharing heartwarming messages about breaking through limits and refusing to be defined. Letting every voice be heard, and every brilliance be seen — this is the radiant new chapter of the “heart” that 3DG Jewellery hopes to create with every customer. Mr. Xu Kai, Global Brand Spokesperson of 3DG Jewellery, read aloud heartfelt messagesWhen discussing his understanding of the new brand philosophy, “Young at Heart,” Mr. Xu Kai reflected on his years in the entertainment industry. He candidly shared that every breakthrough and refinement in his roles stemmed from an unwavering passion for acting, “rejecting labels and setting no boundaries”. This principle not only defines his personal commitment but also closely aligns with the brand philosophy of 3DG Jewellery. During the event, Ms. Cheung Irene, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of 3DG Jewellery, took to the stage to present Mr. Xu Kai with an exquisitely crafted gold avocado ornament. From their initial partnership to the present day, the two parties have now entered their eighth year of close collaboration. This thoughtfully designed gold gift not only represents a shining highlight of the event, but also conveys heartfelt wishes for “inner abundance, good fortune and wealth”. Ms. Cheung Irene, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of 3DG Jewellery, presented a gold ornament to Global Brand Spokesperson Mr. Xu KaiRomantic 520: Unlock Her Fashion from the HeartOn this special occasion, 3DG Jewellery redefines the profound connection between jewellery and emotion. Through its brand philosophy of “Young at Heart”, it aims to convey a message to the public: regardless of life stage, role, or whether at home or in the workplace, every woman need not be bound by external labels nor confined by predefined life paths. At every stage of life, charm emanates from within and needs no boundaries. In every present moment, one can anchor their direction with passion and radiate brilliance with poise. New campaign visuals for 3DG Jewellery’s “Bling Bling Gold” collection Mr. Xu Kai makes an appearance at the “Young at Heart” brand tourDuring the 520 period, 3DG Jewellery’s “Young at Heart” national brand tour officially kicked off with its first stop at Wuhan Wushang Dream Plaza, where the brand specially created an immersive, boundary-free aesthetic experience space. The tour showcases the brand’s two core collections — “Bling Bling Gold” and “Begonia Flower” Series from “Golden Allure GA” Collection — in their entirety, combining gold jewellery craftsmanship with contemporary fashion aesthetics. Since their launch, both collections have maintained a strong sales performance, proving immensely popular with female consumers. This market recognition is a testament to the unique appeal of 3DG Jewellery. 3DG Jewellery’s “Bling Bling Gold” collection 3DG Jewellery’s “Begonia Flower” Series from “Golden Allure GA” CollectionFrom the comprehensive renewal of its brand philosophy to the dazzling launch of its nationwide brand tour, 3DG Jewellery has always put consumers at its core and craftsmanship at its foundation. By continuously pushing the boundaries of convention, it empowers every woman to shine freely and flourish without limits at every stage of life.About 3DG Holdings (International) Limited (Stock Code: 2882)3DG Jewellery is a distinguished jewellery brand from Chinese Mainland and a member of the Luk Fook Group. The brand is mainly engaged in design, product development, and retailing of gem-set jewellery products under the “3DG Jewellery” name and gold and platinum jewellery, it also provides customized corporate gift services.Since 2003, 3DG Jewellery has established a retail network in Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand, with nearly 300 shops, its brand image is deeply recognized and affirmed. Embracing the brand philosophy of “Young at Heart,” 3DG Jewellery crafts stylish and distinctive pieces. With its unique product charm and “3DG Prestige Service”, the brand has won the recognition of consumers and celebrities, while also receiving widespread praise throughout its development.For more information, please visit the official website of 3DG Jewellery at: https://www.3dg-group.hk/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-19

AP Technologies Acquires Blueacre Technology, Adding Nitinol and Precision Laser Processing to Its Catheter Platform

SINGAPORE AND DUNDALK, IRELAND, May 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - AP Technologies, a vertically integrated contract manufacturer of catheters and medical tubing, today announced the acquisition of Blueacre Technology, a Dundalk, Ireland specialist in laser micromachining and nitinol processing for the medical device industry. The acquisition establishes AP Technologies' first European operation in Ireland's medtech corridor, and extends its catheter platform into the laser-processed metallic components used in next-generation minimally invasive devices. Terms were not disclosed.Blueacre brings nearly two decades of capability in laser micromachining and nitinol processing for the medical device industry, including femtosecond and picosecond laser cutting, laser welding, electropolishing, and on-site rapid prototyping. That capability now sits alongside AP Technologies' PTFE etched liners, FEP heat shrink tubing, braided and coiled shafts, and finished catheter assembly.The combined offering allows OEM partners to develop hybrid catheter and delivery system programs through a single supplier, with engineered precision across both polymeric and metallic processes."This acquisition marks the first step in extending our advanced catheter technologies platform, adding nitinol and precision laser processing to our vertically integrated catheter capabilities," said Charles Tang, Chief Executive Officer of AP Technologies. "We are also thrilled to partner with David Gillen, founder of Blueacre Technology, whose engineering brilliance and innovation make him a tremendous addition to our team. Together, we are positioned to shape the future of minimally invasive device manufacturing.""Blueacre Technology is delighted to become part of the AP Technologies global team," said Dr. David Gillen, founder of Blueacre Technology. "From our first meeting, we were impressed by the strategic vision of Charles Tang and senior management. AP Technologies has proven to be a highly successful and innovative global supplier to top-tier medtech companies. We are excited to bring nearly 20 years of experience in nitinol and advanced laser processing to our new joint team, as we build capability and develop vertical integration across the globe for the next generation of interventional devices."Dr. Gillen will continue to lead the Dundalk operation and joins the AP Technologies leadership team. The Blueacre brand, the Dundalk facility, and active customer programs are unaffected by the transaction.About AP TechnologiesAP Technologies is a vertically integrated contract manufacturer of catheters and medical tubing, headquartered in Singapore with operations in Singapore, USA, China, Vietnam, and Ireland. The company partners with top-100 medical device OEMs developing the next generation of minimally invasive technologies. Capabilities span precision micro-tubing extrusion, etched PTFE liners, FEP heat shrink, braided and coiled shafts, finished catheter assembly, and now nitinol and precision laser processing. Learn more at ap-tech.com.About Blueacre TechnologyBlueacre Technology is a leader in laser micromachining and precision manufacturing for the medical device industry. Their capabilities include femtosecond and picosecond laser cutting, fibre laser tube cutting, laser welding, polymer ablation, micro-Swiss CNC machining, and electropolishing. Blueacre serves start-ups, contract manufacturers, and multinational medical device OEMs from early-stage R&D through volume production, supported by its Accel-LAB program for on-site rapid prototyping and process development.Media ContactsAP TechnologiesYunfan Zhang, Global Marketing Manageryunfan.zhang@ap-tech.com Blueacre TechnologyOlivia May Gillen, Commercial Directorogillen@blueacretechnology.comSOURCE: AP Technologies Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

2026-05-19