หมวดหมู่: JCN Newswire

TOKYO, May 20, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Nippon Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, will host the inaugural Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, bringing together approximately 300 participants, including Heads of State or Government, ministers, and senior officials around 30 island states in the Pacific, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, and Indian Ocean regions, as well as representatives of United Nations agencies and other international organizations (as of May 13).Island states are among the most vulnerable to sea level rise, ocean pollution, and other impacts of climate change. While these issues are addressed through broader international frameworks such as International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), there is also growing recognition of the value of more focused discussions on ocean-related challenges that can support concrete policymaking and implementation.This Summit will be the first international summit of its scale, which is dedicated specifically to ocean issues and island states. During the Summit, discussions will be co-chaired by H.E. Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, together with fellow co-chairs, and will focus on the urgent challenges facing island states. The Summit will promote Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM), an evidence-based and climate-resilient approach that provides these states with a comprehensive, strategic, and future-oriented framework designed to guide decision-making about the overall sustainable use and conservation of a nation's ocean resources.The Summit discussions will be co-chaired by:Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of The Nippon FoundationVidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of IOCH.E. Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)The Summit is being held within the framework of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), and its outcomes will contribute to upcoming global discussions on biodiversity, climate change, and ocean governance, including COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity and COP31 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.Background and ObjectivesIsland States, especially Small Island Developing States, are widely recognized as being among the states most affected by impacts of climate change and face an urgent need to strengthen their resilience in response to unprecedented environmental changes.The Island States Ocean Summit is the first international summit which is dedicated specifically to oceans and island states and aims to explore pathways that support the long-term resilience and self-reliance of SIDS. In collaboration with leaders from government, academia, industry, and the ocean community, the Summit will promote the development of new action plans that support the conservation of marine environments while enabling the sustainable use of ocean resources.The Summit discussions will be co-chaired by H.E. Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, Mr. Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of IOC, and Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of The Nippon Foundation. On the final day of the Summit, a new initiative aimed at driving global-scale transformation and innovation is expected to be announced.The outcomes of the Summit will contribute to future international discussions on biodiversity, climate change, and ocean governance, including COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and COP31 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), through IOC. This Japan-led initiative is expected to make a significant contribution to supporting island states around the world.The Nippon Foundation and Support for Island StatesFor decades, the Nippon Foundation has supported island states around the world, particularly those in the Pacific region, which became important partners for Japan’s maritime and economic activities.In 1989, the Foundation established the Sasakawa Pacific Island Nations Fund and has since supported capacity development in maritime affairs and ocean science, while providing patrol vessels and small boats to Pacific island states.IOCThe Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is the UN’s lead body for ocean science, promoting international cooperation to strengthen the management, sustainable use, and resilience of the ocean. Bringing together 153 Member States, the IOC coordinates global efforts in ocean observations and services, tsunami warning systems, ocean science, capacity development, and ocean literacy, ensuring that science effectively informs policy, society, and sustainable ocean governance. Through its work, the IOC contributes to UNESCO’s mission to advance scientific knowledge and build capacity as foundations for peace, societal progress, and sustainable development. As the coordinator of the UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the IOC leads global efforts to transform ocean knowledge into action for the benefit of people and the planet.Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM)Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) is a comprehensive, strategic and future-oriented framework designed to guide decision-making about the overall sustainable use and conservation of a nation's entire ocean resources. It is a whole-of-society, whole-of-government approach that serves as a unifying umbrella framework for ocean-related governance at all scales.In June 2025, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO’s Member States adopted a 5-year Strategy (2025-2030) on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management with the mission to equip every nation with the capacity to develop sustainable ocean plans.By developing integrated plans for fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, and other ocean-based industries, SOPM helps countries strengthen climate resilience while ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems and coastal communities.About The Nippon Foundation https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/The Nippon Foundation is Japan’s largest philanthropic foundation, established in 1962. Guided by the principle “Together, for pain and hope. Together, for the future,” the Foundation supports a broad range of initiatives including humanitarian assistance, disability inclusion, child welfare, disaster response, and ocean conservation.Media ContactIsland States Ocean Summit Press Desk (within Kyodo PR)Email: isos-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp Press Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/2026520.pdf  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Tokyo and Kawasaki, Japan, May 20, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Trusco Nakayama Corporation and Fujitsu Limited today announced the acceleration of Trusco Nakayama's personnel transfer decision-making process. This was achieved by leveraging "Fujitsu Data Intelligence PaaS", [1] an all-in-one operation platform from Fujitsu's Uvance business model that integrates data utilization with business execution. This initiative involved the rapid development of an application in approximately four months, utilizing AI and mathematical optimization models to propose personnel transfer plans that reflect Trusco Nakayama's diverse HR systems and HR decision-makers’ criteria. Trusco Nakayama’s HR team has been using the tool to support their decision-making since the personnel transfers carried out in April 2026.Overview of the InitiativeGiven the nature of HR operations, where the experience, tacit knowledge, and situational judgment of personnel are crucial, Fujitsu's Forward Deployed Engineers (FDE) worked closely with Trusco Nakayama's HR section to understand and streamline the personnel transfer process. Subsequently, both companies collaborated to accelerate the personnel transfer decision-making process using data and AI, rapidly developing an application that proposes transfer plans considering complex factors to HR personnel. This application features three key characteristics that support HR personnel in reviewing and making decisions on personnel transfer, thereby contributing to the efficiency of Trusco Nakayama's personnel transfer decision-making:1. Centralized management of information from dispersed systemsThis application consolidates HR data from various dispersed systems and Excel files within Trusco Nakayama onto Fujitsu Data Intelligence PaaS, enabling centralized management. This allows for comprehensive utilization of information necessary for personnel transfer planning, facilitating multi-faceted considerations.2. Creation of personnel transfer plans using mathematical optimization modelsIn some cases, Trusco Nakayama considers transfers for approximately 100 employees in a single personnel reshuffle, resulting in an extremely large number of possible combinations (10^158). The application uses a mathematical optimization model, uniquely developed by Fujitsu for this initiative, to derive optimal personnel transfers that satisfy various conditions, such as years of service, as input criteria from this vast number of combinations. This has reduced the time required to create personnel transfer plans by approximately 98%.3. AI-powered interactive decision supportAn AI chat function for HR personnel has been developed, incorporating Trusco Nakayama's HR information and the daily decision-making perspectives that HR personnel have traditionally emphasized in personnel transfers. HR personnel can interact with the AI to confirm whether the personnel transfer plans generated by the mathematical optimization model have considered all relevant aspects. This allows HR personnel to make final decisions on personnel transfers, taking into account insights gained through dialogue with the AI, such as employee career aspirations and the impact of placements, which might not be fully captured by quantitative data alone.Future PlansTrusco Nakayama will promote strategic personnel transfers based on the initial plans rapidly generated by considering various factors. The company will continue to build a human resource strategy mechanism that fosters the growth of individual employees and the sustainable development of its business, incorporating its unique systems and initiatives.Fujitsu will further strengthen its co-creation approach with FDEs, rapidly advancing projects by deeply engaging with clients' at operational sites. Furthermore, Fujitsu will support data-driven transformations for various management and operational challenges, extending beyond the HR domain, through technology.Additionally, under its Uvance business model, which addresses societal challenges, Fujitsu will realize advanced decision-making in both financial and non-financial aspects through data and AI, driving corporate value enhancement and sustainable growth.[1] Fujitsu Data Intelligence PaaS:A platform composed of the AI platform "Fujitsu Kozuchi," "Fujitsu Track and Trust"—which enables cross-enterprise and cross-industry data collaboration and traceability through technologies including blockchain, and data platforms such as "Palantir Foundry" and "Microsoft Azure." © Palantir Technologies Inc.About TRUSCO NAKAYAMA CORPORATIONTrusco Nakayama is a specialized wholesaler of indirect materials (PRO TOOL), including work tools, measuring tools and cutting tools used at manufacturing sites. The company publishes approximately 150,000 copies of its comprehensive PRO TOOL catalog, the "TRUSCO Orange Book," annually. It also lists approximately 4.55 million items on its PRO TOOL search site, "TRUSCO Orange Book.Com". Through these activities, Trusco Nakayama works to improve the convenience of materials procurement at manufacturing sites. Official siteAbout FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 100,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.5 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsTRUSCO NAKAYAMA CORPORATIONE-mail: info@trusco.co.jpFujitsu LimitedPublic, Investor and Analyst Relations DivisionInquiries  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, May 19, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, "Hitachi") today announced a strategic partnership with Anthropic PBC (“Anthropic”), a global leader in AI safety research and trusted AI models, to further strengthen the “Lumada 3.0” business model.As artificial intelligence evolves beyond cyberspace to directly influence real-world systems-otherwise known as physical AI-demand is rapidly growing for the safe and seamless deployment of AI in mission-critical environments.This alliance combines Hitachi and Anthropic will combine Hitachi’s deep domain knowledge built over more than 110 years, along with its expertise in IT, OT (operational technology), and products, with Anthropic’s frontier AI capabilities. Together, the companies will accelerate the advancement of system engineering, operations, and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure sectors including energy, transportation, manufacturing, and finance. By enabling safer, more resilient, and intelligent operations of these infrastructures, the partnership will contribute to advancing AI transformation (AX) for customers and society at large.To maximize value creation for customers, Hitachi and Anthropic will also drive transformation within Hitachi’s own organizations. Hitachi will deploy advanced AI, including Anthropic’s Claudemodels, across all business processes for its approximately 290,000 employees worldwide to significantly enhance productivity. In parallel, the two companies will jointly develop and implement talent programs to cultivate approximately 100,000 AI professional talent. Hitachi positions this large-scale internal transformation as “Customer Zero”, leveraging the insights and best practices gained to further advance HMAX by Hitachi-a next-generation suite of solutions that brings the power of AI to social infrastructure.As the core engine to drive value creation for customers in over 190 countries and to advance its own transformation globally, Hitachi will establish the “Frontier AI Deployment Center,” a global organization spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. As its initial initiative, the Center will launch a joint team comprising Anthropic’s Applied AI experts and Hitachi’s specialists across IT, OT, products, and cybersecurity, bringing together the strengths and expertise of both companies.Going forward, Hitachi will leverage this Center as a foundation to establish best practices for enterprise-scale deployment, accelerate value creation at customers’ frontlines, and contribute tothe realization of a harmonized society through the safe and scalable implementation of frontier AI.BackgroundArtificial intelligence is rapidly evolving from a tool confined to digital domains into technologies that directly interact with and control real-world systems. This shift toward physical AI creates unprecedented opportunities to address pressing societal challenges, including labor shortages and increasing burdens on frontline workers in industries such as manufacturing, maintenance, and infrastructure operations.As a global leader in social innovation, Hitachi recognizes this transition as a significant mission. Hitachi is advancing its “Lumada 3.0” business model, which integrates data from globally deployed IT, OT, and products with deep domain knowledge and AI to solve societal challenges.However, as AI becomes deeply embedded in real-world infrastructure and operations, exceptional levels of safety, reliability, and trust are essential. Through this strategic partnership with Anthropic—provider of the advanced AI model Claude, which meets these requirements and has a strong track record in the enterprise domain-Hitachi will further strengthen its HMAX solutions, which embody its Lumada 3.0 business model and accelerate the empowerment offrontline workers.Strategic Initiatives1. Accelerating AX through the Integration of Anthropic’s Claude and Hitachi’s CapabilitiesBy combining the advanced code generation and analysis capabilities of Anthropic’s Claude with Hitachi’s system engineering expertise in mission-critical domains, the partnership will deliver significant improvements in efficiency and quality across customers’ system development and operations. This will strongly support customers’ AX, enabling the rapid launch of new services and the advancement of data-driven business transformation in fast-changing market environments. Additionally, the partnership will enhance cybersecurity for critical infrastructure sectors such as finance, transportation, and power transmission and distribution. Through close collaboration between Hitachi’s Cyber Center of Excellence and Anthropic, the companies will advance capabilities in cyber threat detection and response, fundamentally strengthening the cyber resilience of social infrastructure and providing a robust environment for the safe and secure deployment of AI. 2. Enterprise-wide Transformation at HitachiHitachi aims to become one of the world’s largest enterprise adopters of Claude, deploying advanced AI across all business processes for approximately 290,000 employees.This includes:Reducing development effort in software engineeringEnhancing efficiency in corporate functionsAutomating maintenance and operational processes in hardware environmentsBy extending AI adoption beyond engineers to business functions such as sales and planning, Hitachi will accelerate enterprise-wide transformation. In parallel, a large-scale talent development program will be launched to enable approximately 100,000 employees to become AI professional talent embedded in daily operations. Insights gained from this “Customer Zero” initiative will be continuously fed back into customer offerings.3. Advancing HMAX through frontier AIBy combining its OT and product expertise with advanced AI, Hitachi will further enhance HMAX solutions. Claude’s high-level reasoning capabilities will be integrated into HMAX to expand AI applications in mission-critical environments. This includes enhancing:Intuitive equipment management through natural language interaction to minimize downtimeOptimization of maintenance operations through advanced algorithms to reduce costsThese capabilities will directly contribute to greater resilience and sustainability for customer operations and infrastructure.4. Accelerating Value Creation through the Frontier AI Deployment CenterThe Frontier AI Deployment Center will serve as the core of Hitachi’s AI collaboration ecosystem. Beginning with a joint team of approximately 100 experts-expected to scale to 300over time-this organization will drive:Co-creation of physical AI use casesDeployment of advanced AI technologies in real-world settingsDevelopment of next-generation solutionsComment from Jun Abe, Executive Vice President, Head of Digital Systems & Services Sector, Hitachi“Through our Social Innovation Business, Hitachi has long contributed to the realization of a sustainable society. Today, as challenges facing frontline workers become more pronounced due to a shrinking workforce, we are very pleased that through this strategic partnership, Hitachi can jointly solve customer and social challenges by combining Anthropic’s highly trusted AI technology with Hitachi’s domain expertise in mission-critical areas and our IT, OT, and product capabilities. As a ‘global leader continuing to innovate social infrastructure with digital technologies,’ and by leveraging advanced AI ourselves as a practitioner, we will accelerate transformation at our customers' frontlines and promote true Digital Transformation in the realworld, striving together to realize a harmonized society.”About HMAX & LumadaTrademark Notice: All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT(Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi aims to be a global leader in continuously transforming social infrastructure through digital, contributing to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance.Hitachi operates worldwide across four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries - as well as a Strategic SIB Business Unit focused on new growth areas. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by combining data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2025 (ended March 31, 2026) totaled 10,586.7 billion yen, with 606 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 290,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Tokyo and Kawasaki, Japan, May 19, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMBC Group), Fujitsu Limited (Fujitsu), and SoftBank Corp. (SoftBank) today announced they entered into a basic agreement regarding a business alliance (the Alliance) in the health and medical fields with the objective of ensuring the continued sustainability of Japan’s healthcare system, which is based on universal health insurance. The agreement, concluded on May 18, will see the three companies build a Japan-developed healthcare platform aimed at achieving sustainable healthcare, contributing to the extension of healthy life expectancy of citizens, optimizing the management of healthcare institutions, and curbing national healthcare costs.Under the Alliance, the companies will establish a data platform that enables the secure and appropriate management and utilization of medical data held within healthcare information systems, based on individual consent. In addition, by combining this medical data with personal health data that is controlled by individuals themselves—also linked and managed based on individual consent—they will develop app-based AI agents that act as personalized health partners tailored to each individual.The data platform and related apps will be built within Japan-based data centers as Japan-developed healthcare infrastructure. Through this initiative, the companies aim to realize a secure and integrated framework that supports the entire patient journey—from daily health management to medical consultations, ongoing treatment, and post-treatment follow-up. Ultimately, this will enhance support for improving individual health outcomes, promoting behavioral change, and enabling more advanced assessments of disease risks.Furthermore, through this Alliance, the companies will create new businesses that contribute to streamlining costs caused by duplicate testing and prescriptions, disease aggravation due to interrupted treatment, and the progression of preventable illnesses and frailty. By promoting the optimization of healthcare delivery, they aim to help curb future healthcare cost increases on the scale of approximately 5 trillion yen, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable healthcare.BackgroundIn Japan, the population aged 65 and older has already reached approximately 30% of the total population, and medical and long-term care needs are expected to continue rising as the population ages further. As a result, the roles required of healthcare providers are becoming increasingly advanced and complex, including emergency care, home-based care, and the ongoing management of chronic conditions. To ensure that all can continue to access appropriate medical care when needed, both now and in the future, it is essential to extend healthy life expectancy through health promotion and preventive measures, while also establishing systems that enable the more effective use of limited healthcare resources. To realize such a framework, it is effective to continuously capture health information, including data from daily life, and leverage it to help prevent the progression of diseases and other conditions. This requires the effective integration of medical data, personal health data, and AI.However, at present, medical data standardization remains a work in progress, and personal health data is fragmented across different services, limiting the ability to effectively link medical and health data. Additionally, as the use of AI infrastructure located outside Japan expands, concerns have been raised regarding the handling of highly sensitive health and medical data. These issues are important from the perspectives of Japan’s data sovereignty and economic security.To address these challenges, it is essential to promote the standardization and interoperability of medical data at scale while establishing an environment in which various services handling personal health data can interconnect. Such an environment must enable the secure and appropriate utilization of data, with data sovereignty duly ensured.Initiatives Under the AllianceThe three companies will develop a data platform for the safe and appropriate management and utilization of medical data, along with a user app for individuals to effectively manage and utilize their health data, thereby building a domestically developed healthcare foundation.Within the data platform, data will be linked and referenced as necessary based on individual consent and in compliance with relevant laws and guidelines. Standardization and structuring of data will be promoted to enable interoperability with healthcare providers and private sector entities. This will support advanced data utilization for advanced clinical practice, innovative research and development, and operational improvements in healthcare institutions, as well as the delivery of healthcare services leveraging AI and data. Furthermore, with an eye towards future integration with public infrastructure such as the Nationwide Healthcare Information Platform and My Number Portal, the companies aim to establish an expandable framework aligned with the government’s healthcare digital transformation (DX) policies.In addition, by providing user app-based AI agents that support everything from daily health management to medical consultations and ongoing care, the companies will offer comprehensive support for individual health. The medical and health data required for this support will be obtained with individual consent within the user app and utilized within the scope of that consent. Furthermore, through collaboration with healthcare providers and local governments, they aim to create an environment where diverse services can be accessed through a single application.Through these initiatives, the companies will promote the development of a secure environment in which data can be used with confidence, while striving to balance improved healthcare quality and access with the streamlining of healthcare costs. They will also explore the creation of new healthcare services integrated with areas such as general life, public services, and payments, and support employee well-being through proactive corporate health management initiatives.Roles of Each CompanySMBC Group will be responsible for promoting widespread adoption of services based on this Alliance and enhancing value through the integration of healthcare and financial services. For the former, it will leverage digital touchpoints such as “Olive.” The Group has already begun offering “Olive Healthcare” based on its partnership with SoftBank in March 2026 and will further expand and develop this service. For the latter, in addition to promoting post-payment services at medical institutions, it aims to create services that provide both financial and health-related security and peace of mind.Fujitsu will lead the development and management of the data platform, the creation of AI for healthcare institutions, and the development of next-generation computing resources and platforms necessary for innovative drug discovery and development activities using medical data. Fujitsu will leverage its top market share in medical data in Japan[ＨＬ1.1], as well as its healthcare-focused large language models from the “Takane” LLM lineup, its “Healthy Living Platform” for healthcare data utilization under the “Uvance” business model to solve societal issues, and its expertise in data governance, security, and sovereign cloud technologies that ensure data sovereignty.SoftBank will lead the development and provision of domestically operated user apps leveraging sovereign cloud infrastructure and homegrown LLMs. It will utilize its extensive user base, including the “PayPay” ecosystem, “LINE,” and “Yahoo! JAPAN,” as well as its expertise in supporting health promotion for individuals, businesses, and municipalities in the healthcare sector. Through collaboration with healthcare providers and local governments, it aims to build highly convenient apps that enable users to access a wide range of services in one place.SMBC Group, Fujitsu, and SoftBank will leverage their respective customer touchpoints to expand the use of the Japan-developed healthcare infrastructure to a scale of 60 million users, while aiming for adoption by 4,000 medical institutions. Through these efforts, the three companies will support the health of the population, assist the management of healthcare institutions, and contribute to the appropriate curbing of Japan’s healthcare costs. In doing so, they aim to further enhance the sustainability of Japan’s high-quality and widely accessible healthcare system.[1] LLM Takane: A large language model jointly developed by Fujitsu and Cohere Inc.Press Conference MaterialsHeld on May 18, 2026Presentation Materials: Fujitsu LimitedAbout SMBC GroupSMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 150 offices and 120,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, which is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and ADRs on the New York (NYSE: SMFG) stock exchanges.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 100,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.5 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuAbout SoftBank Corp.Guided by the SoftBank Group’s corporate philosophy, “Information Revolution – Happiness for everyone,” SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) operates telecommunications and IT businesses in Japan and globally. Building on its strong business foundation, SoftBank Corp. is aiming to activate the potential of AI across its businesses and drive implementation in line with its “Activate AI for Society” growth strategy. While further growing its telecom business, SoftBank is expanding its AI computing infrastructure and AI and Cloud service businesses with the aim of becoming a provider of Next-generation Social Infrastructure. To learn more, please visit https://www.softbank.jp/en/corp/Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic, Investor and Analyst Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

KAWASAKI, Japan, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited announced that it has implemented “FinSnaviCloud,” a cloud service supporting inheritance-related procedures, at Ashikaga Bank. This service is offered as part of Personalized Experience [1] , an offering from "Uvance for Finance", that integrates real and digital to realize optimal financial services for each individual. Ashikaga Bank will begin operating the service on May 18, 2026. This service is a cloud service for financial institutions that handles inheritance-related procedures, from acceptance to disbursement.Through implementation of “FinSnaviCloud”, Fujitsu will support Ashikaga Bank in enhancing the convenience of inheritance procedures for its customers, while simultaneously improving efficiency and promoting paperless workflows through the centralization of inheritance operations at its headquarters. This initiative directly contributes to the digitalization efforts of Ashikaga Bank, which is actively strengthening its response to the increasing number of inheritance cases driven by the rising elderly population in Tochigi Prefecture.BackgroundJapan is experiencing rapid population aging, leading to an increase in inheritance procedures. Simultaneously, financial institutions face challenges such as the burden on heirs to visit branches, the individual-dependent nature of inheritance administration, and increasing workloads for staff. In this context, financial institutions are required to provide services promptly. Ashikaga Bank, anticipating a further rise in the elderly population and inheritance cases in Tochigi Prefecture, is introducing “FinSnaviCloud,” a service that supports inheritance administrative procedures, with the aim of improving the convenience of inheritance procedures and reducing the workload on its branch offices.Overview of “FinSnaviCloud” utilization at Ashikaga BankWith the introduction of “FinSnaviCloud,” Ashikaga Bank will promote the digitalization of inheritance procedures and concurrently centralize administrative tasks at its headquarters.“FinSnaviCloud” will enable Web-based acceptance in addition to conventional branch counters and phone calls, allowing heirs to complete procedures regardless of time or location. After acceptance, the Inheritance Center, which is Ashikaga Bank’s headquarters, will consolidate the administrative tasks for inheritance cases from each branch and centrally manage case progress information. The procedure navigation function will support the selection of necessary documents for the procedure, and also enable the digital uploading of public documents such as family registers and wills via terminals. Furthermore, for each inheritance case, the system can chronologically track the content provided, inquiry response history, and document sending and receiving status. This allows for efficient execution of inheritance administration while grasping the status of cases across all branches.As a result, customers will be able to enjoy services comparable remotely that are equivalent to in-person interactions, and Ashikaga Bank will achieve reduce employee burden through paperless operations and shortened processing times.Ashikaga Bank has traditionally promoted the centralization of administrative tasks at its headquarters to improve administrative efficiency and reduce employee workload at its branches. With the introduction of “FinSnaviCloud,” the bank aims to increase the centralization rate for inheritance procedures from the current around 40% to 70% over.Figure 1: “FinSnaviCloud” usage scenario for Ashikaga Bank’s inheritance proceduresFuture plansAshikaga Bank plans to further consider leveraging the functions of “FinSnaviCloud” in the future, such as a feature that assists in generating inheritance relationship diagrams from family registers using AI-OCR, along with pre-inheritance simulations and support for creating “ending notes.”Ashikaga Bank, in pursuit of Mebuki Financial Group's long-term vision of "A Value Creation Group Working Together with Local Communities.", is promoting non-face-to-face services and digitalization, building upon conventional in-person services, starting with procedures related to life events such as inheritance. Moving forward, the bank will continue to contribute to the creation of a prosperous future for local communities by fostering an environment where every individual living in the region can use financial services with peace of mind.Moving forward, Fujitsu will provide new value through this service, such as the effective utilization of inherited assets. Concurrently, it will support Ashikaga Bank and other financial institutions in efficient and secure inheritance procedures, thereby contributing to the resolution of inheritance issues.Furthermore, through "Uvance for Finance", which leverages data and AI to advance financial operations, Fujitsu aims to deliver services tailored to each individual customer and financial institution employee, thereby propelling society towards the sustainable development of people's lives and the economy.Overview of "FinSnaviCloud""FinSnaviCloud" is a cloud-based inheritance support service for financial institutions, built upon the "FinSnavi" package product that Fujitsu has offered since 2015. It provides a wide range of functions to address societal challenges such as the super-aging society and end-of-life planning for single individuals, including various inheritance administrative functions, lifetime inheritance simulations, and support for creating "ending notes."This service enables integration with external services and facilitates easy functional expansion according to the needs of financial institutions, thereby promoting DX in inheritance operations. Furthermore, in cases where modifications are required due to changes in social conditions or legal revisions, such as in the procedure navigation function or forms, financial institutions can quickly implement these changes themselves using the service's intuitive web tools."FinSnaviCloud" aims to establish a comprehensive inheritance ecosystem that spans both financial and non-financial domains, starting with the digitalization of inheritance procedures. Moving forward, it will provide holistic support for inheritance-related challenges, from the period of considering inheritance to the actual inheritance process, not limited to post-inheritance procedures.Figure 2: FinSnaviCloud’s Future Vision[1] Personalized Experience:Personalized Experience is an offering within “Uvance for Finance” that supports the provision of optimal financial experiences tailored to the situation and life stage of each customer and employee, by integrating the strengths of staffed branches with the convenience of digital technology.Fujitsu's Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030.Fujitsu's purpose - “to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation” - is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 100,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.5 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic, Investor and Analyst Relations DivisionInquiries  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sharp Corporation will exhibit at The 3rd SPEXA - Space Business Expo, to be held from May 27 to May 29, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight (Koto-ku, Tokyo). At the exhibition, Sharp will unveil for the first time a concept model of a satellite communications user terminal (*2) that supports multi-orbit operations, enabling seamless communications while leveraging satellite communications networks across multiple orbital regimes. Sharp will also showcase a range of satellite communications user terminals, including a design model for MEO applications, which deliver stable communication performance even under harsh conditions thanks to their high G/T performance (*3).Main Exhibits1. Satellite Communication User TerminalsSatellite communications enable stable connectivity even in environments where cellular networks are difficult to access, such as mountainous areas and maritime regions. Leveraging its communications technologies as well as compact and lightweight design expertise cultivated through smartphone development, Sharp is advancing the development of satellite communications user terminals optimized for the characteristics of LEO, MEO, and GEO.- Multi-Orbit Compatible Terminal Concept Model (First-Time Exhibition)This concept model supports multi-orbit operations, enabling communications by leveraging satellites across LEO, MEO, and GEO. Sharp is advancing the development of control technologies that seamlessly switch between satellite communications networks in different orbits, which are currently operated independently. Through these efforts, Sharp aims to ensure a stable communications environment even in the event of natural disasters.- High G/T Performance Design Model for MEO Applications (First Exhibition in Japan)This is a design model of a satellite communications user terminal for MEO applications, achieving high G/T performance. The terminal is planned to support the Ka-band, a frequency band capable of high-speed, high-capacity communications, and aims to enhance reception sensitivity while ensuring stable communication quality.* This development is supported by funding from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). (Project ID: JPJ012368G50501)2. Space Solar CellsIn addition to the "Film Sheet Type", which is lightweight and can be mounted on curved surfaces, Sharp will exhibit the "Glass Encapsulated Cell Type" featuring a CIC (Coverglass Integrated Cell) structure, in which each cell is sealed with coverglass. The "Glass Sheet Type", which combines high radiation tolerance as well as high efficiency, light weight, and curvature, by protecting the surface with specialized glass, making it ideal for long-duration missions such as planetary exploration, will also be introduced.* Exhibition Location: South Exhibition Hall, Tokyo Big Sight (Booth No. S2-1)About The 3rd SPEXA – Space Business Expohttps://www.spexa.jp/tokyo/en-gb.htmlMore information on Sharp's satellite communications business is also available on the following website:https://jp.sharp/business/lp/satellite_ut/*1 LEO: Low Earth Orbit, MEO: Medium Earth Orbit, GEO: Geostationary Earth Orbit.*2 A terminal that integrates satellite communications antennas, modem functions, and other components, and supports multiple different orbital regimes—such as LEO, MEO, and GEO—used for the operation of artificial satellites.*3 Gain-to-noise temperature ratio (G/T). An indicator of an antenna's reception performance; higher values indicate the ability to stably receive weaker signals.About SharpFor more than 110 years, Sharp Corporation has been developing pioneering, world‑first and industry-first products and technologies primarily in electronics. Based on its business creed "Sincerity and Creativity" the company has established its corporate slogan "In step with your future." and aims to create New Cultures through innovative products and services in every aspect of how people live and work.For more information, please visit: https://global.sharp/ Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received a Technical Verification Report from the Japan Environmental Sanitation Center (JESC) for its "Fluidized Bed-type Gasification and Reforming System" as part of JESC's Waste Treatment Technology Verification Project.MHIEC submitted this technology for the project in 2025. Following technical reviews by the Technical Verification Committee a total of four times, the verification results indicate that the system is at a level for practical application in terms of technology.The technology submitted for verification is a waste treatment system that crushes and dries municipal solid waste, and using a fluidized bed-type gasification reformer(*), converts it into syngas containing carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) for use as the raw material for ethanol production. The primary feature of the system is the ability to provide a stable supply of syngas with low dust and tar that is suitable for making ethanol.JESC's Waste Treatment Technology Verification Project was established to review the waste treatment technologies developed by private companies to verify their technical aspects, compliance with relevant regulations and performance guidelines, and test operation results. By publishing the results openly as reliable and accurate technical information, the project aims to promote the development and widespread adoption of waste treatment technologies.MHIEC took over the waste treatment plant business in 2008, acquiring MHI's technological development capabilities in environmental systems and broad-ranging expertise in the construction and operation of waste management facilities both in Japan and overseas. This extensive experience allows MHIEC to provide comprehensive solutions, from plant construction to operations. Going forward, MHIEC will make proactive proposals for extending the service life of existing waste treatment facilities, countering global warming, and reducing lifecycle costs (LCC) such as maintenance and management expenses.Presentation CeremonyFluidized Bed-type Gasification and Reforming System Flow Diagram(*) A fluidized bed-type gasification reformer includes as its core system, a fluidized bed gasifier, a vertical swirling melting furnace, and a reformer. In the gasifier, steam and oxygen are used for fluidizing the sand maintained at a relatively low temperature to achieve stable gasification, while non-combustible materials are extracted from the bottom of the furnace along with the sand. The generated pyrolysis gas and carbonized unburned material are partially burned and gasified in the melting furnace during the end process, and the ash converted into molten slag. The gas generated from the melting furnace is kept at a relatively high temperature in the reformer, with the tar and other components broken into lighter molecules to make syngas. MHIEC's fluidized bed gasification melting furnace, which is the foundation of this core system, is currently in operation at four facilities in Japan, and has a 20-year track record of stable operation.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

 TOKYO, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received two highly prestigious awards at A' Design Award 2026, an international design competition in Italy, for its in-house developed Hydrolution EZY Series of air-to-water (ATW) heat pumps for the European market that utilize the natural refrigerant R290(1) and the ZT Series of residential-use air-conditioners for the overseas market(2).The A' Design Award is an international design competition established in Italy in 2008. The award aims to elevate the quality of design around the world, and promote the appreciation and understanding of excellent design. Categories include products, architecture, and fashion. At this year's awards, the Hydrolution EZY Series received the Platinum Award, given to the top 1% of entries, and the ZT Series won the Golden Award, presented to the next top 2% of submissions.Hydrolution EZY is a series of monobloc type ATW heat pumps utilizing the natural refrigerant R290. The series was designed by the Italian design firm Tensa Industrial Design. The black unit is fitted with a resin fan guard accented with a silver vertical line and is structured to make it difficult to see the fan from an oblique direction, for a design that is bold and sophisticated while integrating into its installation environment. The units can reach a flow temperature of 75℃, enabling hot water to be drawn in outside temperatures of -25℃ to +43℃. They are also highly efficient and silent due to the new in-house developed compressor. The 6kW model is no louder than 34dB(A)(3) even when operating at maximum capacity, and has a quiet mode for reduced operating noise, providing flexibility to comply with noise regulations in densely populated residential areas. In addition, as a safety measure, the units are equipped with a refrigerant leak detection sensor. In the event of a leak, the unit will automatically stop running, and a fan will engage to ensure safety.The ZT Series are MHI Thermal Systems' standard residential-use wall-mounted air-conditioners, created by completely redesigning the earlier ZS Series in 2025. The design by Diamond Office Service Co., Ltd., a company in MHI Group, features a sympathetic design that seamlessly integrates into any space. The front panel's sharp, sophisticated form lends the units a modern presence that harmonizes with contemporary interiors. Functional features include an increase of approximately 12%(4) in energy efficiency during the cooling season, meaning greater energy savings. Furthermore, the Ultra-Low mode achieves a quiet operating sound level of 19 dB(A)(5), ensuring comfort in indoor environments. An Allergen Clear Filter and internal cleaning function keep the air clean. Units come standard with built-in wireless LAN functionality, enabling remote control via the dedicated "Smart M-Air" app. The app visualizes power consumption and operational efficiency, and can be paired with optional smart speakers(6).MHI Thermal Systems will continue striving to develop technologies that meet market needs and provide optimal heating and cooling solutions.(1) Entered in the 6kW and 7.1kW classes of the A' Design Award 2026 and received awards. For more information about the Hydrolution EZY Series using R290 refrigerant, see the following press releases.https://www.mhi.com/news/25103002.htmlhttps://www.mhi.com/news/26031901.html(2) For more information about the ZT Series, see the following press releases.https://www.mhi-mth.co.jp/en/news/260120/(3) A-weighted sound pressure level. Value measured at three meters in front of the unit.(4) Value for the 2.5kW class. The previous model used for comparison is indoor unit "SRK25ZS-W" and outdoor unit "SRC25ZS-W."(5) A-weighted sound pressure level. Measured at 1 meter distance during cooling operation in Ultra-Low mode for indoor units of 2.0kW, 2.5kW, and 3.5kW classes. Ultra-Low mode reduces capacity and airflow for quieter operation during both cooling and heating.(6) Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Google and Google Assistant are trademarks of Google LLC. Amazon Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Lake Mary, FL, United States, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. today announced the delivery location for the first two M501JAC gas turbines that will support Phase 1 of Tallgrass’ Cheyenne Power Hub in southeast Wyoming.The high-efficiency turbines are expected to provide approximately 1,150 megawatts (MW) of site-ready power fueled by natural gas supplied through Tallgrass' Rockies Express Pipeline, leveraging the region's existing energy infrastructure.Representing an investment that will exceed $7 billion and is expected to create over 100 long-term local jobs, the Cheyenne Power Hub will deliver dedicated, on-site power to a large-scale data center within the Switchgrass Industrial Park.Deliberately designed to minimize community impacts, the use of dedicated power will avoid strain on the existing electricity grid and will help ensure local ratepayers are not responsible for the costs associated with new data center demand.Concurrently, the strategic decision to incorporate a grid interconnection will enable the project to support future renewable integration, while its proximity to Tallgrass’ Trailblazer project—one of the largest operating, permanent carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects in the United States—uniquely positions the Cheyenne Power Hub to advance further decarbonization.“This milestone reflects the strength of collaboration between Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power to deliver reliable, scalable power where it’s needed most,” said Bill Newsom, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Power Americas. “By combining advanced turbine technology with existing pipeline and storage assets, the Cheyenne Power Hub is purpose-built to support critical digital infrastructure while positioning Wyoming for long-term economic growth.”“I am proud to join Tallgrass and Mitsubishi in Tokyo for this important announcement for Wyoming,” said Gov. Mark Gordon. “Today’s energy projects involve companies from around the world. This project is an example of a company that works with Wyoming and the community to wisely use our natural gas to limit the cost to Wyoming ratepayers. This is also an example of how international energy projects bolster domestic expertise. Wyoming has the energy, the space, and the workforce to help power the next generation of American innovation.”“We’re grateful to Governor Gordon for his leadership in helping us reach this milestone and proud to bring these assets to Wyoming,” said Gary Watkins, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Investment Officer at Tallgrass. “This investment reflects our long-term commitment to Wyoming and will create multi-generational jobs and opportunities for communities across the state.”This milestone represents a significant step forward in the development of the Cheyenne Power Hub. The arrival and installation of components for the first M501JAC turbine unit are expected to begin as early as July and underscore Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power Americas’ shared commitment to reliability, infrastructure resilience and pragmatic energy solutions for a rapidly evolving power landscape.Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking StatementsDisclosures in this press release contain “forward-looking statements.” All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that management expects, believes, or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this press release specifically include statements regarding the execution, feasibility, scope, capabilities, schedules, milestones, cost, benefits, and other impacts (or mitigations or lack thereof) of the Cheyenne Power Hub project, including the electrical output capacity, the fuel source, and the timing for the delivery and installation of the M501JAC gas turbines. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Tallgrass, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements, and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including those set forth in reports and financial statements made available by Tallgrass. Any forward-looking statement applies only as of the date on which such statement is made, and Tallgrass does not intend to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.About TallgrassTallgrass is a leading infrastructure company focused on safely, reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that fuel our nation and power our quality of life. Tallgrass is an established, industry-leading operator with large-scale, multicommodity infrastructure across 14 states, including more than 10,000 miles of pipelines. Learn more at Tallgrass.com.About Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc.Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. (Mitsubishi Power) is creating a future that works for people and the planet through innovative power generation technology and solutions. Our more than 3,500 employees focus on empowering customers in power generation and delivering innovative solutions across North, Central, and South America. Mitsubishi Power’s power generation solutions include gas, steam, and aero-derivative turbines; power trains and power islands; geothermal systems; environmental controls; and services. We also offer solutions that leverage AI-enabled autonomous operation of power plants.Mitsubishi Power is a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, MHI is one of the world’s leading heavy machinery manufacturers with engineering and manufacturing businesses spanning energy, infrastructure, transport, aerospace, and defense. For more information, visit the Mitsubishi Power Americas website and follow us on LinkedIn. ContactsTallgrass Media Contact: media.relations@tallgrass.comMitsubishi Power Americas Media Contact: Christa Reichhardt407-484-5599 Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO // HONG KONG, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB International Co., Ltd, the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd, Japan’s only international payment brand, and Wonder Ventures Limited, a leading payments and fintech platform in the Asia Pacific, announced that JCB Cards are now accepted on Wonder Taxi in Hong Kong.From April 1, 2026, all taxi drivers in Hong Kong are required by the Transport Department to provide at least two electronic payment methods, including one QR‑code e‑payment method and one non‑QR method, such as credit cards. With JCB now integrated into Wonder Taxi’s in‑vehicle solution, drivers using Wonder can meet the new requirement while offering passengers a secure, convenient way to pay.Passengers can tap, scan or pay by JCB Card, with fares processed through Wonder’s platform and JCB’s global network, reducing the need to handle cash or wait for change.For drivers, this helps streamline payment at the end of each journey and aligns their business with Hong Kong’s broader move towards smart mobility. “The government’s move to mandate e-payments is an important step forward for the taxi industry, and we see it as a real opportunity to raise the overall experience for passengers in Hong Kong,” said Mr. Jason Ngan, Founder and CEO of Wonder and Bindo Labs.“With JCB now integrated into Wonder Taxi, drivers can rely on a single, seamless solution that supports both QR and card payments. More importantly, it gives passengers—whether local commuters, business travellers, or tourists—the flexibility to pay in whatever way feels most convenient to them. At the end of the day, our focus is simple: to build a payments infrastructure that works quietly in the background, removes everyday friction, and helps make getting around Hong Kong just a little bit easier for everyone.”Mr. Yutaro Shimizu, Managing Director of JCB International (Asia) Ltd., added:"Our valued partner Wonder is expanding acceptance to the West Kowloon Ferry and minibus as well. We will continue working closely with our partners to further expand acceptance so that JCB cardmembers can use their cards with confidence in Hong Kong."As the new taxi e-payment requirement takes effect, the collaboration between JCB and Wonder aims to support drivers in complying with the regulation and to offer residents and visitors a more modern, cash-light experience when travelling around the city. It also reflects Hong Kong’s ongoing commitment to enhancing service quality in public transport through the adoption of digital payments and smarter in-vehicle systems.About WonderWonder is a leading payments and FinTech platform for merchants in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific, enabling any merchant, from micro-businesses to multinational enterprises, to pay and get paid effortlessly.Wonder is Hong Kong’s first full-stack omnichannel payments platform, allowing merchants to complete KYC onboarding digitally in minutes, open an account, accept payments, pay digitally, and manage transactions, all from a single platform. Key products include Wonder App, Wonder Terminal, Wonder Dashboard, Wonder Card and Wonder Taxi. Beyond its full-stack suite of payments and FinTech products, Wonder has pioneered instant payment settlement (T+0) in Hong Kong and continues to expand access to digital financial services through innovation and strategic partnerships.Headquartered in Hong Kong, Wonder has completed a Series A funding round led by Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) and a venture debt with HSBC Innovation Banking. Wonder has offices in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Mainland China.About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 72 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 181 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide.For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ContactAnna TakedaCorporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp Alfred CHANEmail: alfred.chan@wonder.app   Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, May 15, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) has completed construction of the East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), a submarine cable connecting three Pacific island nations. The cable has been handed over, to the Federated States of Micronesia's (FSM) submarine cable operator, FSM Telecommunications Cable Corporation (FSMTCC), the Republic of Kiribati's state-owned telecommunications company Bwebweriki Net Limited (BNL), and the Republic of Nauru's state-owned telecommunications company Cenpac Corporation.Submarine cable landing on Tarawa IslandEMCS is a submarine cable spanning approximately 2,250 km, connecting three countries and four islands in the Pacific island region: the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, and Nauru. Specifically, it connects from Tarawa Island in Kiribati to Nauru Island, then via Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia to Pohnpei.This is the first optical submarine cable connecting the state of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia, Tarawa in Kiribati, and Nauru. Previously, telecommunications was limited to satellite communications, resulting in issues such as communication delays and unstable connections.EMCS will provide high-speed, high-quality, and highly reliable internet communications, which will significantly improve the user experience for various online systems, such as video calls and electronic payments. It will contribute to enhancing the daily lives of residents through enabling digitalization and further support the economic and social development of each country.The EMCS Project is supported by the governments of Australia (through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific) Japan and the United States, and is being implemented with grant funding from the three countries.Submarine cable landing ceremony on Nauru IslandComments from the respective companies regarding this matter are as follows.Gordon Segal, Chief Executive Officer of FSMTCC and Chairman of the EMCS Management Committee, said, "Kosrae was the only state in the FSM without a submarine cable connection. We are truly delighted that the construction of the EMCS has now provided digital connectivity to all four states of the FSM. This infrastructure development not only advances the digitalization of the regional economy but also dramatically improves residents' access to information and services. NEC's strong execution capabilities and high reliability have been essential to the project’s success, and we hold them in high regard."Bwanouia Aberaam, Officer in charge of BNL, said, "We are pleased to see the completion of resilient communications infrastructure in Kiribati and the Micronesia region. With this vital foundation supporting the digitalization of the regional economy now in place, access to diverse information and essential services will significantly improve going forward. We extend our gratitude to the governments of Australia, Japan, and the United States, our partner NEC, and all those in the Pacific region for their cooperation."Zikki Eoe, Chairlady of Cenpac Corporation, said, "This project is Nauru's first undersea cable, enabling the provision of high-speed, reliable internet services to residents. We have high expectations that this will significantly accelerate Nauru's economic development and digitalization going forward. We are pleased to have collaborated on this project with the governments of Australia, Japan and the United States, as well as with the Federated States of Micronesia and Kiribati, and with NEC."Tomonori Uematsu, Managing Director, Submarine Network Division, NEC Corporation, said, "We are truly delighted to have completed this new telecommunications infrastructure in the Pacific Island region. We consider it a highly significant achievement that NEC's long-established optical submarine cable technology has helped strengthen the region's communications environment, contributing to the realization of safe and prosperous lives. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in this project for their cooperation."NEC is a leading submarine cable vendor with over 60 years of experience in the submarine cable system business. With a cumulative installation record exceeding 400,000 km—equivalent to circling the Earth approximately 10 times—the company possesses particular strength in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan. As a system integrator, NEC provides a full spectrum of services: manufacturing of terrestrial optical transmission terminal equipment, optical submarine repeaters, and optical submarine cables; marine surveys and route design; installation and laying of optical submarine cable systems; and training through to acceptance testing. Within the NEC Group, a comprehensive optical submarine cable system provision framework has been established, including the manufacturing of optical submarine cables by OCC Corporation and the manufacturing of optical submarine repeaters by NEC Platforms, Ltd.About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Kawasaki and Tokyo, Japan, May 15, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) today announced the establishment of the "Fujitsu Quantum and HPC Infrastructure Collaborative Research Cluster" at Science Tokyo. This collaborative research cluster aims to systematically and practically develop human resources with quantum hardware technology in Japan. The initiative is part of Fujitsu's "Fujitsu Small Research Lab" program [1] and utilizes the Science Tokyo Collaborative Research Cluster System [2], with support from Open Innovation Office of the Center for Innovation Management [3]. The new cluster will operate as a collaborative research cluster, expanding beyond traditional High Performance Computing (HPC) to include the quantum hardware field.Through this collaborative research cluster, both parties will strengthen their technological capabilities by researching quantum hardware design, manufacturing, control, and evaluation technologies essential for realizing practical quantum computers. They will also foster talent to support next-generation quantum computing platforms and initiate efforts to pioneer new research areas that integrate HPC and quantum technologies.Background Quantum computers are expected to be a foundational technology that will transform society and industry across diverse fields such as materials development, drug discovery, finance, and manufacturing. However, realizing practical quantum computers requires implementing a large number of quantum bits that can be operated with high precision. Their development necessitates the continuous cultivation of highly specialized personnel capable of handling quantum hardware design, manufacturing, control, and evaluation. Furthermore, research and development in quantum hardware faces high barriers due to the need for a wide range of research infrastructure, including advanced facilities for quantum bit chips and manufacturing technology, large-scale cryocoolers for maintaining extremely low temperatures, and quantum bit control devices. Consequently, the number of personnel engaged in this field's R&D is limited, not only in Japan but globally.Fujitsu and Science Tokyo have previously collaborated on establishing next-generation computing platforms beyond Science Tokyo's supercomputer "TSUBAME" and expanding the social application of such technologies through the "Fujitsu Next-Generation Computing Infrastructure Collaborative Research Cluster," a Fujitsu Small Research Lab. This new collaborative research cluster expands upon that research by incorporating quantum hardware research and talent development initiatives, aiming to pioneer new research areas that fuse HPC and quantum technologies.Features of the Fujitsu Quantum and HPC Infrastructure Collaborative Research Cluster1. Locations(1) Quantum Theme Hub:Location: Room 1017, South Building 3, Ookayama Campus, Institute of Science Tokyo, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Research Content: Research on quantum computer control technology Period of Establishment: April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027 (continuation to be considered thereafter)(2) HPC Theme Hub:Location: Rooms 310 and 312, G2 Building, Yokohama Campus, Institute of Science Tokyo, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Research Content: Research on next-generation computing platform technologies for accelerating AI and HPC applications Period of Establishment: October 20, 2022, to March 31, 2027 (continuation to be considered thereafter)2. Overview of Initiatives:This collaborative research cluster will undertake the following new initiatives:(1) Joint research on quantum computer control and calibration technologies:The aim is to establish control technologies that achieve high quantum operation fidelity and to promote the development of more efficient quantum gate calibration technologies utilizing AI. This will lead to the advancement and efficiency of technologies required for increasingly complex control and calibration as the number of quantum bits in quantum computers increases.(2) Practical talent development in quantum hardware technology:The cluster will provide theoretical education on quantum computers in conjunction with joint research. It will also offer students practical training opportunities that align with the actual research and development processes, including quantum bit chip design, manufacturing, control, and measurement. This aims to foster talent with systematic and practical expertise in quantum hardware technology.Future PlansFujitsu and Science Tokyo will continue to promote talent development and research and development in quantum hardware technology through this collaborative research cluster. Furthermore, by combining Science Tokyo's HPC technology with quantum technology, they aim to create new fusion research areas and establish next-generation computing platform technologies that integrate classical and quantum computing.Both parties will also contribute to strengthening Japan's competitiveness in quantum technology by accelerating the social implementation and industrial application of quantum computing through industry-academia collaboration in talent development and technology creation.[1] Fujitsu Small Research Lab:An initiative where Fujitsu researchers are stationed or stay long-term at universities to accelerate joint research, discover new themes, develop talent, and build medium- to long-term relationships with universities.[2] Science Tokyo Collaborative Research Cluster System: A system designed to "meet corporate needs" by establishing a "Research Planning Office" within the cluster to create new research themes beyond existing ones and realize a sustainable collaborative environment.[3] Open Innovation Office of the Center for Innovation Management: An organization at Science Tokyo that promotes large-scale joint research, primarily through the Collaborative Research Cluster System, aiming for comprehensive new business development and social implementation in close cooperation with industry.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 100,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.5 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuAbout Science TokyoInstitute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) was established on October 1, 2024, following the merger between Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) and Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech), with the mission of “Advancing science and human wellbeing to create value for and with society.” Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic, Investor and Analyst Relations DivisionInquiriesInstitute of Science TokyoPublic Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Kawasaki and Tokyo, Japan, May 15, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and IBM Japan, Ltd. today announced the formalization of a collaboration within the healthcare domain, building on considerations first announced in September 2025. To accelerate data integration, the two companies will promote the development of a sovereign cloud platform for medical use and the joint utilization of medical AI solutions.The two companies will run their electronic health record solutions on Fujitsu’s sovereign cloud platform, enable data integration across multiple medical institutions, and facilitate the utilization of AI based on the needs of healthcare providers in Japan. This collaboration aims to provide healthcare institutions with a cloud-based medical information system option that ensures data sovereignty by allowing control over the technologies used within Japan, while also addressing structural challenges facing the healthcare industry and creating social value.Expanding medical demand and limitations of the healthcare systemJapan's healthcare system faces increasing medical demand due to a rapidly aging society. Medical expenses continue to grow and now exceed 48 trillion yen annually. Meanwhile, the healthcare delivery system struggles with complex challenges such as the sustainability of social security funding, a decrease in medical personnel, and financial difficulties for medical institutions. Furthermore, the data necessary to drive advanced clinical research and development is still in the process of standardization and structuring, and has yet to be sufficiently integrated and effectively utilized.To address these challenges, it is essential to unburden healthcare professionals from administrative and indirect tasks, enabling them to focus on clinical duties. Medical data must also be appropriately utilized across multiple institutions, with careful consideration of data sovereignty, security, and operational continuity. Combining their strengths, Fujitsu and IBM Japan will collaborate to provide effective solutions to healthcare providers.OverviewThe collaboration will promote the operational efficiency of medical institutions and enhance data utilization, while complementing the development of a platform for medical data utilization and medical DX (digital transformation) measures promoted by the Japanese government. Specifically, Fujitsu and IBM Japan will promote the following two initiatives:1. Development of a sovereign cloud platform for medical useFujitsu and IBM Japan will develop a sovereign cloud platform for medical use. On this platform, Fujitsu’s sovereign cloud environment will serve as a common foundation for electronic health record solutions provided individually by Fujitsu and IBM Japan to be operated on. This will enable healthcare institutions to utilize cloud-based medical solutions with due consideration for data sovereignty and security.2. Enhance medical operations through medical data utilization and AIThe two companies will mutually leverage their AI solutions for the healthcare industry. With the consent of medical institutions and patients, Fujitsu and IBM Japan will securely integrate and utilize data from multiple medical institutions in Japan. Leveraging AI, they will promote the efficiency of hospital operations and the enhancement of clinical support. Specific use cases include AI-powered support for creating medical documents such as clinical and nursing reports, and streamlining on-site operations such as DPC coding (classification work for medical fee claims based on diagnosis-related groups). In this way, the two companies aim to create an environment where healthcare professionals can focus on their primary duty of providing medical care.In addition, the two companies are exploring—and have already started partially implementing—use cases to accelerate collaboration between healthcare and drug discovery and development, such as identifying patients suitable for clinical trials and improving the efficiency of clinical research. By advancing partnerships with multiple medical institutions, the companies aim to promote the on-demand, cross-institutional use of data from these organizations, ultimately enabling the provision of optimal clinical trial opportunities tailored to each individual patient.The two companies will collaborate with medical institutions in Japan, including university hospitals and national centers, to validate use cases for healthcare data utilization and AI, and to advance their phased deployment.Future PlansThe two companies will consider integration and expansion with multiple medical information systems, and by collaborating with medical institutions, expand use cases for data and AI utilization, aiming to achieve both improved quality and efficiency in medical care. Moving forward, Fujitsu and IBM Japan will also consider realizing patient-centric healthcare services that cover everything from appointment booking to post-treatment follow-up.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 100,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.5 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuAbout IBM JapanIBM Japan is the Japanese subsidiary of IBM Corporation, a global technology company that operates in more than 175 countries. As a leading provider of hybrid cloud, AI and consulting expertise, we leverage world-class research and development capabilities, deep consulting insights, and end-to-end offerings—from the design and development of IT systems to their operation and maintenance—to help clients drive business transformation and accelerate their digital transformations. For more information, visit https://www.ibm.com/jp-ja/.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic, Investor and Analyst Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO // Riverwoods, IL, May 14, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB and Discover® Network mark 20 years of collaboration, reflecting on two decades of working together to support reciprocal card acceptance and deliver more seamless, reliable payment experiences.Takayoshi Futae, Chairman & CEO of JCB, alongside Jason Hanson, President of Discover NetworkSince 2006, the companies have maintained reciprocal acceptance arrangements that enable Discover cardholders to use their cards across JCB’s acceptance network in Japan, and JCB cardholders to use their cards across Discover Network in the United States. While the payments industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, this collaboration has contributed to the development and growth of both companies.Building on this remarkable partnership milestone, JCB and Discover Network will further collaborate to advance select initiatives that contribute to greater interoperability, efficiency, and consistency across both networks. As part of this enhanced cooperation, the companies will explore opportunities to streamline processes and reduce operational complexity, aiming to create an environment where existing and prospective partners worldwide can deliver secure, reliable, and seamless payment experiences more smoothly and quickly. JCB and Discover Network remain focused on delivering long-term value for stakeholders and the communities they serve.“Over the past 20 years, JCB and Discover Network have built a relationship based on trust and a shared focus on customer convenience,” said Takayoshi Futae, Chairman & CEO, JCB. “We appreciate this collaboration and look forward to continuing our work together.”“Discover Network is pleased to mark this milestone with JCB,” said Jason Hanson, President, Discover Network. “We value our longstanding relationship and will continue working together to support interoperable payment experiences.”JCB and Discover Network are pleased to continue to build on their relationship to achieve critical business objectives, while creating even better experiences to network stakeholders worldwide.  About Discover NetworkDiscover® Network is an international acceptance network that provides global acceptance to cardholders of participating issuers from around the world. We empower intuitive checkout experiences with fast approvals and flexible transactions to help consumers pay how, when, and where they choose. Together with our partners Diners Club International® and PULSE®, our global network is accepted in more than 185 countries and territories.1 We process billions of transactions annually and deliver reliable, secure, and seamless payment solutions worldwide. 1 Internal Discover Transaction Data, leveraging the average of transaction data from 2023-2025For more information, visit DiscoverNetwork.comContactMarissa DavisEmail: marissa.davis@capitalone.comAbout JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 72 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 181 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ContactAnna TakedaCorporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

LONDON, May 14, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Asset Value Investors Limited (“AVI”) has submitted shareholder proposals on one of AVI Japan Opportunity Trust’s (“AJOT”) portfolio companies, Wacom Corporation (TSE: 6727, “Wacom”) calling for board changes ahead of Wacom’s upcoming Annual General Meeting in June. AVI, Wacom’s largest shareholder on behalf of all the portfolios it manages, is seeking the dismissal of two directors and the appointment of one external director.Alongside these proposals, AVI has disclosed additional material on its Wacom campaign, including a detailed presentation on an updated dedicated website (www.DrawWacomsFuture.com).Since initiating its investment in Wacom in August 2021, AVI has sought various forms of engagement aimed at enhancing the company’s long-term corporate value as Wacom’s largest shareholder. However, the Branded Business, one of Wacom’s principal business segments, fell into loss from FY2023/3 onwards, and business growth has stalled amid the implementation of large-scale restructuring measures. Furthermore, AVI has serious concerns regarding Wacom’s governance framework in light of the recently announced inappropriate acquisition of a company represented by one of Wacom’s own outside directors, despite the absence of tangible business synergies with Wacom, as well as the improper use of corporate resources, including the provision of preferential treatment to the children of the company representative director, Mr Ide.In light of these circumstances, AVI, as the company’s largest shareholder and a long-term investor on behalf of all the portfolios it manages, publicly launched a campaign last year to support sustainable improvements in corporate value. This year, AVI has decided to publish additional materials and submit shareholder proposals at the upcoming annual general meeting, as follows:- Appointment of one outside director - Dismissal of two directors (the Representative Director and one outside director)Kaz Sakai, Head of Japan Research at AVI, commented as follows: “Wacom has demonstrated serious deficiencies in governance oversight. These include the acquisition by Wacom of a loss-making company represented by Mr Nakajima, one of its own external directors, for more than ten million dollars, the subsequent transfer of Mr Nakajima into an internal director role, and conduct by Mr Ide, Wacom’s Representative Director and CEO, that can only reasonably be viewed as a conflation of personal and corporate interests, together with a board that has tolerated such behaviour.”“Wacom must restore the proper functioning of its governance framework without delay. In addition to proposing the dismissal of Mr Ide and Mr Nakajima, whom AVI has concluded are central to these governance failures, AVI has also nominated a candidate for outside director capable of strengthening governance and management. We are confident that, through the board structure recommended by AVI and the implementation of operational improvement measures, Wacom can further reinforce its position as the global market leader in the graphic tablet business.”About Asset Value Investors (AVI):AVI is an investment management company established in London, United Kingdom, in 1985. AVI has invested in Japanese equities for more than 40 years. AVI manages AVI Global Trust (AGT) and AVI Japan Opportunity Trust (AJOT) and other funds, collectively investing Y180bn into the Japanese market. AGT and AJOT are public companies whose shares are listed and traded on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.AVI is a signatory to Japan’s Stewardship Code and is committed to constructive engagement with management teams and boards of its portfolio companies, with the aim of contributing to sustainable growth and enhanced enterprise value.AVI’s holding in Wacom on behalf of all its funds is 13.8% making AVI the largest shareholder (as of 30 April 2026). Wacom is a 5.5% holding in AJOT.Media Contacts:KL Communications, AVI@kl-communications.com+44 (0)20 3882 6644Ashton Consulting, avijapanpr@ashton.jpThis information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.RNS Reach: https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/AJOT/avi-urges-the-dismissal-of-two-directors-at-wacom/17592170  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, May 13, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Akasaka Heating & Cooling Supply Co., Ltd ("Akanetsu", a TBS Group company) held a Group "Hydrogen Heat Source Facility Commissioning Ceremony" on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.The company supplies heating, cooling, and electricity to various buildings in the Akasaka 5-chome district of Minato-ku, Tokyo. In renewing its heat source facilities, the company has introduced hydrogen utilization equipment designed with safety in mind, while considering the potential of green hydrogen as a next-generation energy source. Full-scale operations commenced in May 2026. This facility marks the first instance in Tokyo where a private heat supply operator, for commercial purposes, accepts and stores green hydrogen, utilizing it for power generation via fuel cells and for heat supply via hydrogen-co-fired boilers.First, Ryujiro Abe, President & Chief Executive Officer of TBS Holdings, stated: "The full-scale operation of this green hydrogen facility represents a major step towards the decarbonization of urban infrastructure, and demonstrates the potential of a new social infrastructure from Akasaka. Moving forward, we will continue to accumulate knowledge while ensuring safety and a stable supply, and we will continue to communicate our efforts to society through our GX initiatives. I would like to express my sincere gratitude once again for everyone's support."Following this, Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, stated: “Hydrogen is one way to address both stable energy supply and decarbonization. Precisely because the supply of fossil fuels is unstable today, hydrogen is attracting more attention than ever as a game changer that can turn a challenge into an opportunity. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is advancing a range of initiatives toward realizing a hydrogen society under three key concepts: ‘produce,’ ‘transport’ and ‘use.’ This hydrogen heat source facility is the first initiative to make full-scale use of green hydrogen in the very heart of Tokyo, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has supported its introduction. The facility is also expected to use green hydrogen procured through market-based trial transactions conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. I believe this is an extremely important initiative for expanding demand for green hydrogen in Tokyo. Taking today as a starting point, let us work together to further accelerate our progress toward realizing a clean and safe hydrogen society.” During the ceremony, guests were shown the ‘hydrogen storage alloy’ contained within the plant's hydrogen tanks, enabling the safe storage of hydrogen at low pressure.Subsequently, a live broadcast link was established with the hydrogen plant in Akasaka 5-chome, where the safety-focused hydrogen utilization facilities generate electricity and steam (thermal energy) from green hydrogen. The pure hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity directly from hydrogen and emit no CO₂ during power generation. The electricity generated is used for lighting and power systems within the plant facility, and in the event of an emergency, they can operate autonomously to secure power for essential power needs within the plant. The hydrogen released from the hydrogen tanks then passes through piping within the facility to hydrogen-co-fired once-through boilers, where it is used in combination with city gas to produce steam (thermal energy). At the maximum hydrogen cofiring ratio of 50% by volume, each boiler is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 21% compared with operation using city gas alone. The reduction effect may vary depending on operating conditions. (*The reduction effect varies depending on operating conditions.) The green hydrogen used in the facility is transported regularly from Yamanashi Prefecture. The introduction of the facility has received a grant from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.Morimasa Takagi, Representative Director and President of Akanetsu, reflected on the start of full-scale operations, stating: " I am deeply moved to have reached this milestone. This initiative began several years ago, and we have faced many challenges along the way." He went on to share his passion for further hydrogen utilization in the years ahead. "This year, Akanetsu joined the Council for Study of Hydrogen Supply Systems and Pipelines in Tokyo. It’s a great dream and source of daily inspiration that we’ll see hydrogen pipelines running through the streets of Akasaka, with TBS's GX efforts evolving even further."ReferenceMar 27, 2025Press release: Akanetsu Installs Heat Source Facilities Utilizing Green Hydrogen, the First Such Initiative by a District Heating and Cooling Company in Central Tokyohttps://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/All/97425/Akanetsu-Installs-Heat-Source- Akasaka Heating & Cooling Supply Co., LtdAkasaka Heating & Cooling Supply Co., Ltd ("Akanetsu") provides a stable supply of energy produced by two underground plants in the form of chilled water, steam, and electricity to the TBS Broadcasting Center and other buildings in the Akasaka 5-chome area of Minato-ku, Tokyo. Akanetsu has a business continuity plan (BCP) in place to ensure that its operations and business activities and the daily functions of the district can continue uninterrupted in the event of a major disaster. Akanetsu is committed to supporting local lifestyles and contributing to society by introducing safe and secure facilities utilizing hydrogen to realize the future of green hydrogen as a next-generation energy source and a decarbonized society. https://www.akanetsu.co.jp/Media Inquiries Regarding This ReleaseAkasaka Heating & Cooling Supply Co., Ltd:info@akanetsu.co.jp Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, May 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - SPARX Group Co., Ltd. ("SPARX") has established the Mirai Creation Fund IV ("Fund IV"). The four seed LPs, Toyota Motor Corporation ("Toyota"), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation ("SMBC"), MUFG Bank, Ltd. ("MUFG") and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. ("Mizuho") will participate as initial investors in Fund IV.SPARX commenced the investment management operations of the Mirai Creation Fund III ("Fund III") in October 2021 and has since made investments across six categories: Intelligent Technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence), Robotics, Hydrogen Economy Electrification, New Materials, and Carbon Neutrality. The newly established Fund IV will consolidate this investment scope into three categories―Intelligent Technologies, Robotics, and Carbon Neutrality―as part of building on SPARX's investment track record and accumulated experience.In April 2024, SPARX also commenced the investment management operations of the Space Frontier Fund II, focusing on investments in space-related technologies.Now, SPARX has determined that incorporating such space-related technologies, which to date have solely been the investment focus of the Space Frontier Fund, into the investment scope of Fund IV would further advance Fund IV's objectives. Accordingly, Fund IV will have an expanded investment scope including Space as a new investment category.As a result, it will target promising unlisted venture companies in and outside Japan across four categories.Fund IV will be managed by SPARX Asset Management Co., Ltd. a subsidiary of SPARX. Backed by investments totaling approximately JPY15 billion from the five participating companies―Toyota, SMBC, MUFG, Mizuho, and SPARX―the fund is scheduled to commence investment management operations in June 2026. Additional investments in the new fund will be solicited from investors who share the same vision, with the aim to achieve a total fund size of JPY100 billion by March 2027.Basic Principles- To help accelerate innovation by investing in enterprises that possess technologies capable of leading growth for future generations- To build a portfolio of promising businesses, and realize the potential of technologies and ideas that can transform the future by promoting them on a global scale- To contribute to a sustainable future by fostering new industries and promoting carbon neutralityAbout the Mirai Creation FundThe Mirai Creation Fund I began investment management operations in November 2015, followed by the Mirai Creation Fund II in August 2018 and the Mirai Creation Fund III in October 2021, with the aim to invest in companies possessing technologies that contribute to the future of society and promote innovation through their development.About the Space Frontier FundThe Space Frontier Fund began investment management operations in June 2020 with the aim to support talent and technologies involved in space development, foster globally competitive space companies originating from Japan, and contribute to technological innovation across the country. The Space Frontier Fund II commenced investment management operations in April 2024. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO // MANILA, May 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., Japan's only international payment brand, has officially formalized partnership with the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on April 30, 2026.The agreement was signed by CCAP Chairman Mr. Rolando P. Ebreo and President Ms. Geraldine C. Liggayu at the RCBC Office, Robinsons Equitable Tower, and by JCB International’s Mr. Takumi Takahashi, Executive Vice President, JCB International Co. Ltd., at JCB’s headquarters in Japan. CCAP’s signing was witnessed by Mr. Wataru Tamura, Country Manager, and Mr. Yasutaka Nomura, Business Development Head of JCBI International Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. – Manila Branch.This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of JCB and CCAP to Filipino consumers with the knowledge and tools to advance financial literacy and promote responsible credit card use across the Philippines. Key initiatives under the partnership include developing and localizing financial education materials tailored to the needs of Filipino consumers, and supporting industry-wide advocacy campaigns that highlight the importance of sound financial management. The partnership also introduces “Credit Card 101” sessions for partner communities, offering practical, easy-to-understand guidance to help build healthy financial habits. In addition, the agreement covers the co-creation and cross-platform sharing of educational content to reach broader audiences particularly young people making financial literacy more engaging, inclusive, and accessible nationwide.Through this partnership, JCB and CCAP aim to equip more Filipinos with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions.About the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP)The Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) is the country’s premier industry organization representing credit card issuers and acquirers. Established in October 1980 and officially incorporated in January 1981, CCAP promotes closer cooperation among member institutions to strengthen the Philippine credit card industry. CCAP serves as a collective voice for the industry, providing a platform to address common issues, align positions on regulatory matters, and advance shared objectives. Its key initiatives include the exchange of information and best practices in areas such as fraud management, collections, performance benchmarking, and customer education. The association is governed by a Board of Trustees and operates through six Standing Committees covering Credit, Collection, Operations, Merchant Relationship, Marketing & PR, and Security & Risk. Today, CCAP is composed of 17 member banks and 3 associate members, working closely with regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders to promote a secure, efficient, and inclusive payments ecosystem across the Philippines.About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 72 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 181 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ContactAnna TakedaCorporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

KAWASAKI, Japan, May 7, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited today announced that it has developed and launched the X, a new digital system utilizing Salesforce, to streamline the management functions, including mobilization and training support, for the registered Reserve Self-Defense Force personnel [1] in Japan for the Ministry of Defense. The system commenced operations in Japan in April 2026.ReSMS digitalizes and centralizes the management of Reserve Self-Defense Force personnel, including their mobilization and training support. This initiative contributes to the smooth and rapid operation of the Reserve Self-Defense Force system within the Ministry of Defense.OverviewReserve Self-Defense Force personnel are called upon during disasters or national emergencies to serve as Self-Defense Force personnel, engaging in duties such as garrison security and disaster relief. Previously, scheduling their mandatory annual training, which varies by assigned job type, was managed through postal mail and telephone, leading to significant time consumption for recruitment officers in handling registration and other procedures. To address these challenges, Fujitsu collaborated with the Ministry of Defense to build and implement ReSMS. Through ReSMS, Reserve Self-Defense Force personnel can now book their training participation and access e-learning modules via their smartphones or other devices. Furthermore, administrators can centrally manage mobilization tasks, training participation status, and educational progress of Reserve Self-Defense Force personnel using this system. For units receiving training, the system facilitates easier planning of training schedules and coordination with related departments for accommodation, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. This not only streamlines training but also enables timely notification for the mobilization of Reserve Self-Defense Force personnel during emergencies, contributing to rapid disaster relief and assistance. Moving forward, Fujitsu will continue to support the efficient and rapid operation of the Reserve Self-Defense Force system for the Ministry of Defense through functional enhancements and ongoing operation of ReSMS, thereby contributing to Japan's national security.[1] Reserve Self-Defense Force personnel:Part-time special national public servants who, in peacetime, are civilians such as company employees or students, but are called upon during emergencies or disasters to serve as Self-Defense Force personnel for duties like garrison security and disaster relief. There are three categories: Ready Reserve Self-Defense Force personnel, who work alongside active Self-Defense Force members as frontline unit members; Reserve Self-Defense Force candidates, who are undergoing training before being appointed as Reserve Self-Defense Force personnel; and Reserve Self-Defense Force personnel, who are appointed from former Self-Defense Force members or Reserve Self-Defense Force candidates. As of the end of March 2024, the capacity is approximately 60,000 personnel.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 100,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.5 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic, Investor and Analyst Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

MUMBAI, INDIA, May 6, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - KPMG in India and CleverTap today announced a strategic alliance to embed advanced customer engagement capabilities into enterprise transformation programs. The alliance brings together KPMG in India’s Connected Enterprise and advisory capabilities with CleverTap’s customer engagement and retention platform, enabling organisations to explore greater personalisation, while staying aligned with governance, security, and key business priorities.The alliance will focus on organisations across the BFSI (Banking and Financial Services), retail, and consumer markets. By integrating CleverTap’s analytics and orchestration capabilities into KPMG in India–led initiatives, the alliance is intended to provide organisations with pathways to more effectively connect customer data with execution and to explore more coordinated, lifecycle-based approaches to engagement.Together, KPMG in India is expected to contribute its consulting experience across operating model design, governance, risk, and compliance, alongside CleverTap’s integrated platform capabilities including  real-time analytics and AI-driven engagement enablement, aimed at supporting organizations in strengthening customer engagement, retention initiatives, and customer lifetime value.Building on these complementary strengths, the alliance is designed to support companies in their efforts to reduce churn, strengthen customer engagement, and pursue sustainable revenue growth, while also helping them navigate and align with relevant regulatory requirements.“Our alliance with CleverTap strengthens our ability to help organisations activate insights responsibly and scale customer engagement in a measured, sustainable way. By bringing together our transformation-led consulting approach with CleverTap’s analytics-driven platform, we aim to support companies as they work to deepen customer relationships in a rapidly evolving digital and regulatory environment,” said Ram Seshadri, Partner, Digital Cloud Solutions, KPMG in India.“Enterprises don’t just need more data; they need intelligence to deliver personalized experiences. By combining KPMG in India’s transformation expertise with our all-in-one customer engagement platform, powered by CleverAI™, we’re equipping brands to deliver true 1:1 personalized journeys that increase customer lifetime value,” said Anand Jain, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, CleverTap.By combining strategic advisory insights with advanced engagement technology, the alliance aims to help organisations develop stronger, more resilient customer ecosystems for the future.About KPMG in IndiaKPMG entities in India, are professional services firm(s). These Indian member firms are affiliated with KPMG International Limited. KPMG was established in India in August 1993. Our professionals leverage the global network of firms, and are conversant with local laws, regulations, markets and competition. KPMG has offices across India in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Noida, Pune, Raipur, Trivandrum, Vadodara and Vijayawada.KPMG entities in India offer services to national and international clients in India across sectors. We strive to provide rapid, performance-based, industry-focussed and technology-enabled services, which reflect a shared knowledge of global and local industries and our experience of the Indian business environment.About CleverTapCleverTap is the world’s leading AI-first, all-in-one customer engagement and retention platform, helping brands turn data into lasting customer relationships. Powered by its proprietary CleverAI™: Decisioning Engine and Agentic AI-verse, CleverTap enables organizations to maximize customer lifetime value at scale. Its unified platform brings together AI-powered segmentation, personalization, experimentation, journey orchestration, and deep analytics—seamlessly integrated with 100+ leading martech solutions.With backing from global investors including Accel, Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, CDPQ, and 360 One, CleverTap has presence across US, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Leading brands such as TD Bank, Burger King, Paytm, Levi’s, IKEA, Decathlon, Vodafone, Domino’s, Jio, Carousell, Banco Azteca, Zomato, StockX, and Emirates NBD,  rely on CleverTap to drive measurable growth through meaningful customer engagement.For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/X: https://twitter.com/CleverTapForward-Looking StatementsSome of the statements in this press release may represent KPMG in India’s and CleverTap's belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. Both KPMG in India and CleverTap caution that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. KPMG in India and CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will KPMG in India and  CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.For more information:ADITYA SANYALDirector, Digital Marketing, CleverTap+91 9177110080aditya.sanyal@clevertap.comASHMIT CHAUDHARYAssociate Consultant, Archetype+91 8850752121ashmit.chaudhary@archetype.co Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Chigasaki, Japan, May 1, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - ULVAC, Inc. anticipates that orders for its continuous vacuum melting furnaces dedicated to rare-earth magnets will approximately triple year on year, driven primarily by magnet manufacturers in Europe and North America. In response to this growth in orders, ULVAC has decided to establish a new production system for these furnaces in Japan. By adding a production site in Japan to its existing facility in China, ULVAC will build a dual-site supply structure, providing customers with diversified supply options.Continuous vacuum melting furnace for rare-earth magnetsBackgroundRare-earth magnets are essential core components used in advanced equipment across a wide range of industries, including electric vehicles, wind power generation, HVAC systems, data centers, and space applications. While global demand is expected to continue expanding, driven by decarbonization and the proliferation of AI, near-shoring—the relocation of production closer to end markets—is accelerating, particularly in Europe and North America, as global supply chains remain heavily dependent on China.ULVAC has long manufactured rare-earth magnet vacuum melting furnaces through its Chinese subsidiary, providing dedicated service to the market for many years. This facility will continue to serve as a key production site for stable supply to customers in the Chinese market. Meanwhile, growing demand from new magnet manufacturers, primarily in Europe and North America, has increased calls for a geographically diversified supply structure. To ensure stable equipment supply in response to this expanding global demand, ULVAC has decided to establish a new production system in Japan.Overview of Japan-Based ProductionItemDetailsTarget ProductContinuous Vacuum Melting FurnaceJapan-Based Production CapacityUp to 12 units per yearStart of OperationsSeptember 2026 (planned)Start of ShipmentsShipments to commence sequentially ULVAC's StrengthsSince its founding in 1952, ULVAC has been developing Japan-produced vacuum melting and deposition equipment, accumulating approximately 70 years of technological expertise. The Company is one of the few equipment manufacturers in the world offering a comprehensive lineup covering the key vacuum processes in rare-earth magnet manufacturing, including melting, sintering, and aging. ULVAC holds a market share exceeding 70%* in each of its continuous furnace product lines for these major processes. The continuous vacuum melting furnace, for which the Japan-based production system is being established, handles the melting and casting process—the starting point of magnet material production. The alloy microstructure formed at this stage has a decisive impact on final magnet performance. With a cumulative delivery record of over 400 units, ULVAC's advanced production engineering capabilities essential to the magnet manufacturing process have been highly regarded by leading global magnet manufacturers over many years.*Based on our researchFuture OutlookAs new entrants continue to emerge in the rare-earth magnet market, customer needs are shifting beyond standalone equipment supply toward comprehensive mass-production line start-up support. ULVAC will further strengthen the stable supply of its manufacturing equipment for rare-earth magnets, including vacuum melting furnaces.Simultaneously, ULVAC will expand its scope to provide total optimization of mass-production lines, aiming to become an integrated engineering company specializing in magnet production technologies.About ULVAC, Inc.Since its founding in 1952, ULVAC, Inc. has been a comprehensive vacuum equipment manufacturer, providing manufacturing equipment, components, analytical instruments, materials, and services based on its core vacuum technology. Working with customers across a wide range of industries, including semiconductors, electronic components, displays, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, ULVAC is committed to driving cutting-edge innovation and creating new value.　https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/For more information:ULVAC, Inc. Strategic Planning DepartmentInquiry Form: https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/contact/general.html  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Apr 30, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mori Building Co., Ltd. and the art collective teamLab are pleased to announce that teamLab Borderless has been ranked 42nd globally and 4th in Japan in the world’s most visited art museums in 2025 published by the international monthly arts newspaper The Art Newspaper.Details: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/03/31/exclusive-the-worlds-100-most-visited-museums-in-2025-new-museums-a-big-hit-with-visitorsteamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM, Tokyo © teamLabThe Art Newspaper is a monthly newspaper founded in 1990 with offices in London and New York. Leveraging an international network of correspondents active in more than 30 countries, it provides comprehensive coverage of the global art world. In 2025, the top 100 museums in the rankings attracted a total of 200 million visitors, and among them, teamLab Borderless rose significantly in the rankings from 52nd place in 2024.Artworks Featuring Cherry Blossoms and Other Spring FlowersAt teamLab Borderless—a “museum without a map” showcasing borderless artworks—works that change along with the seasons throughout the year are also exhibited, in the same flow of time as in the real world.This season, in Memory of Topography, which depicts the memories of a timeless rural mountain landscape, spring flowers (including cherry blossoms) and budding rice plants spread throughout the space, responding to the movements of visitors. Additionally, in Proliferating Immense Life - A Whole Year per Year, visitors can immerse themselves in a vast space where countless giant spring flowers are born, bloom profusely, and eventually scatter all at once.Furthermore, at EN TEA HOUSE, when a cup of tea has been prepared, spring flowers bloom infinitely within the cup, allowing visitors to drink in the infinitely expanding world. In Continuous Life and Death at the Now of Eternity II, flowers change with the real-time seasons, and the light and shadow within the exhibition space shift in sync with the actual sunrise and sunset.In the real world, cherry blossom season will soon come to an end, but at teamLab Borderless, spring flowers will continue to bloom for a little while longer. Please come and experience this moment of spring within a world of art that changes with the seasons.Memory of TopographyAs the seasons change, the flowers and other elements that fill up the space transform. The gentle breezes move in response to the behavior of people. And as the flow of air changes, it blows the scattering flower petals in different directions. teamLab, Memory of Topography © teamLabThe budding rice plants, still small in the spring, grow larger in the summer and turn golden in the fall. teamLab, Memory of Topography © teamLabProliferating Immense Life - A Whole Year per YearFlowers repeat the cycle of birth and death, proliferation and extinction, changing along with the seasons. As people touch them or as they are influenced by other works, the flowers fall and die. teamLab, Proliferating Immense Life - A Whole Year per Year © teamLabFlowers Bloom in an Infinite Universe inside a Teacup　*Inside EN TEA HOUSEWhen a cup of tea is made, flowers bloom inside the teacup. When the teacup is lifted, the flower petals scatter and spread outside of the cup. Flowers bloom infinitely as long as there is tea. Drink in the infinitely expanding world. This artwork is born with the tea and vanishes once the tea is drunk. teamLab, Flowers Bloom in an Infinite Universe inside a Teacup © teamLabContinuous Life and Death at the Now of Eternity IIFlowers, eternally repeating the process of life and death, change daily along with the real-time seasons. As the sun rises in Tokyo, the world of the artwork becomes brighter, and as the sun sets, it becomes darker. teamLab, Continuous Life and Death at the Now of Eternity II © teamLabEver-evolving teamLab BorderlessteamLab Borderless, a “museum without a map,” showcases borderless digital artworks produced by the art collective teamLab. The artworks expand dynamically out of rooms and interact with and are influenced by other works; there are no boundaries between the works, and at times they intermingle with each other. Through such a group of works, teamLab Borderless is one borderless world without boundaries. Visitors can additionally immerse themselves in the borderless art to “wander, explore, discover in one borderless world,” enjoying a unique experience.Furthermore, teamLab Borderless has been selected for the American international news magazine TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places 2024.”Museum OverviewName:teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUMhttps://www.teamlab.art/e/tokyo/ Location:Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B B1F (5-9 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo)(Azabudai Hills https://www.azabudai-hills.com )Hours:8:30 - 21:00*Last entry one hour before closing* EN TEA HOUSE opens 30 minutes after the museum opening time, and last orders are taken 30 minutes before closing.*Open days/hours are subject to change. For the latest information, please check the official website.*Closes at 17:00 on Tuesday, May 26*Closes at 22:00 from Thursday, April 23 through Tuesday, April 28; Friday, May 1 through Tuesday, May 5Closed:Tuesday, May 19; Tuesday, June 23, 30*Closed days are subject to change. For the latest information, please check the official website.Ticket Prices:Adults (18 and above): JPY 3,600～13 - 17 years: JPY 2,8004 - 12 years: JPY 1,5003 years and under: FreeVisitors with disabilities: JPY 1,800～*Tickets have designated dates/times.* Tickets for adults and visitors with disabilities are subject to a dynamic pricing system.Please purchase a ticket for the designated date/time upon checking the ticket price for that day.*Tickets purchased on site at the museum will be +JPY 200 in addition to the above price.Ticket Purchasehttps://www.teamlab.art/e/tokyo/Press Kithttps://www.dropbox.com/sh/ktiauv5xq8s0jzr/AAASjm3y4EKWTqRidKoIuCM5a?dl=0 Press InquiriesteamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM  Public Relations Office (within Kyodo Public Relations Co., Ltd) Email:  borderless-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp Press Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260430_EN.pdf  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Apr 28, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), a company engaged in the industrial precious metals business of TANAKA, will exhibit at SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026, a major international exhibition in one of the world's fastest-growing semiconductor manufacturing hubs, to be held at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from May 5 to 7, 2026 (Booth No. 1521). At the exhibition, TANAKA will present a comprehensive range of precious metal materials and related technologies supporting the semiconductor industry across front-end, packaging, and testing processes. Exhibits will include bonding wires, silver (Ag) sintering paste, AgSn TLP sheet, sputtering targets, probe pins, various plating technologies, and precious metal recycling and refining technologies. These solutions support applications in next-generation semiconductors and power electronics while contributing to initiatives toward a circular use of precious metals.TANAKA Strengthens Semiconductor Presence and Circular Economy Initiatives in Southeast AsiaWith a legacy in packaging materials dating back to the 1960s, TANAKA has established long-standing trust as a reliable partner to the global semiconductor industry. In Southeast Asia, this presence is supported by TANAKA ELECTRONICS SINGAPORE (PTE.) LTD. (TES), established in 1978, and TANAKA ELECTRONICS (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. (TEM), established in 1994 in the Malaysian state of Penang, a key semiconductor manufacturing hub. Through these operations, TANAKA has built trust and recognition for around 50 years of manufacturing and technical support experience in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.TANAKA provides a range of precious metal materials covering semiconductor packaging and testing applications, as well as advanced front-end processes. Leveraging decades of technological expertise, the company develops and supplies high-purity materials and proprietary compositions, including alloy materials, that are essential for semiconductor manufacturing.Additionally, TANAKA applies its expertise in precious metal refining and recycling to provide a one-stop solution covering collection, refining, and remanufacturing. Through collaboration with customers, these capabilities support the development of the circular use of precious metals in semiconductor manufacturing, contributing to reduced environmental impact, carbon offsetting, and more efficient resource utilization. TANAKA is also working to further strengthen recycling capabilities globally, while supporting the development of a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem in Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.Precious Metal Materials for Semiconductor ApplicationsThe main products and solutions available include silver (Ag) sintering paste for bonding semiconductor chips to lead frames or organic substrates, as well as bonding wires made from gold (Au), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al) for establishing electrical connections between semiconductor chips and external electrodes. TANAKA will also feature probe pins used in semiconductor testing equipment, targets, and deposition materials for dry film formation processes, AgSn TLP bonding sheets, various plating technologies, high-purity precursors for CVD and ALD processes, in addition to precious metal recovery and refining technologies that contribute to the development of a sustainable society.- Bonding WiresTANAKA provides bonding wires and ribbons, including ultra-fine wires made of gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and palladium-coated copper (PCC), as well as thicker aluminum (Al) and copper (Cu) wires and ribbons for power devices. These materials are manufactured with controlled surface quality and dimensional stability and are supported by technical expertise in metal bonding.- Silver (Ag) Sintering PasteSilver (Ag) sintering paste is a conductive die-attach material compatible with silicon (Si), as well as next-generation semiconductors such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN). The lineup includes materials offering high thermal conductivity and reliability, with thermal conductivity exceeding 200 W/m·K.- AgSn TLP SheetA sheet-type bonding material for power semiconductors compatible with large chip sizes up to 20 mm, enabling reliable bonding over large areas. It supports high-current applications in electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and industrial infrastructure. The material achieves bonding strength of up to 50 MPa across various substrates and is lead-free.- Sputtering TargetWe offer a wide range of sputtering target products for hard disk drives, semiconductors, and electronic components. Our strengths include advanced purification and alloying, strict compliance in raw material procurement, flexible delivery, and comprehensive technical support. We also actively pursue R&D to meet the evolving needs of our customers.- Probe Pin MaterialsTANAKA provides high-conductivity, wear-resistant materials for probe pins used in semiconductor testing, supporting micro-pitch applications and customized specifications. The lineup includes palladium alloys, copper alloys, iridium, and rhodium, designed to meet a range of mechanical and electrical performance requirements. To address increasing demand for higher durability, TANAKA has developed proprietary high-hardness materials, including “TK-SK,” which achieves a hardness of 640 HV, exceeding conventional palladium alloys, as well as “TK-SR,” a rhodium-based material combining high strength and electrical conductivity for front-end probe card applications.- Plating Technologies and EquipmentTANAKA provides precious metal plating chemicals for a range of applications, including semiconductor components. We offer plating solutions and equipment designed to support different production requirements, from prototyping to mass production. These systems are compatible with various chemical processes and are adaptable to evolving semiconductor manufacturing needs, such as larger wafer sizes and finer device structures.- Precious Metal Precursors for CVD/ALD ProcessTANAKA develops high-purity precious metal precursors, primarily ruthenium (Ru)-based, for CVD and ALD processes used in semiconductor fabrication. These materials support advanced device structures requiring low resistivity and high durability. TANAKA also works on recycling technologies for used precursors and in-process materials to improve resource efficiency.- Precious Metal Recovery and RefiningTANAKA has developed precious metal recovery and refining services, providing a one-stop recycling solution from collection and refining to remanufacturing, built on a foundation of trust, confidence, and advanced technology. TANAKA is committed to the efficient recycling of rare and valuable resources such as precious metals, and TANAKA actively contributes to the realization of a sustainable society.Exhibition Overview – SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026• Exhibition Name: SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026• Dates: May 5 (Tue) – 7 (Thu), 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (local time in Malaysia)• Venue: Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia• Booth Number: 1521• Main Exhibits: Bonding wires, Ag sintering paste, AgSn TLP sheet, Sputtering targets, Probe pin materials, plating technologies and equipment, precursors for CVD/ALD processes, precious metal recycling and refiningFor more details on TANAKA products for the semiconductor industry, please refer to the URLs below:- Semiconductor Fabrication and TANAKAAbout TANAKASince its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,778 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2025 were 1,097,813 million yen.TANAKA Industrial Precious Metal Materials Portalhttps://tanaka-preciousmetals.comProduct inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-on-industrial-products/Press inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/Press Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260428_EN.pdf  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

- In collaboration with the Shell Foundation and Double Feather Partners, NEC is promoting startups and solutions to social issues -TOKYO, Apr 28, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) has launched an initiative to strengthen collaboration with African startups and address social challenges such as agriculture and food security. The newly established "Africa Corporate Innovation Program" is in addition to NEC’s existing global startup accelerator, the "NEC Innovation Challenge", and is designed to further strengthen partnerships with startups. The program will be jointly designed and implemented by the UK-based Shell Foundation charity (Note 1) and the Double Feather Partners (Note 2, hereafter DFP) venture capital firm.NEC has been working to achieve sustainable agriculture and stronger food security in Africa by combining its advanced technological capabilities with practical insights gained from global business operations, including the provision of data-driven farming solutions.NEC has hosted the NEC Innovation Challenge since 2022 to promote co-creation with global startups. In 2024 and 2025, NEC also participated in Project NINJA (Note 3) for building startup ecosystems for innovation creation in developing countries, led by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) (Note 4), further advancing open innovation globally.Building on these initiatives, NEC began implementing the Africa Corporate Innovation Program this April in collaboration with Shell Foundation, the UK registered charity empowering underserved customers to raise their incomes while lowering emissions with funding by the UK Government via the Research on Infrastructure in Developing Economies (RIDE) program and DFP, which has strong capabilities in local co-creation design and business scaling support in Africa.Through this program, startups capable of addressing key challenges in Africa will be selected and will collaborate with NEC and partners to conduct proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstration projects that leverage the strengths of each party. Based on the outcomes of these projects, the initiative will also explore mid- to long-term business development and strategic partnerships, aiming to establish sustainable co-creation models.Program OverviewThe program leverages NEC’s ICT platform "CropScope" to build agricultural technologies, including farm to market logistics solutions, while conducting proof-of-concept (PoC) trials with African startups to establish evidence for longer-term commercial partnerships and expansion across African markets.ScheduleApril 2026:Launch of the Africa Corporate Innovation ProgramInitiate collaboration with African startupsThrough December 2026:PoC projects utilizing agricultural fields in AfricaMarch 2027:Evaluation of PoC outcomes and impact measurement, followed by a final reporting sessionMasayuki FurukawaDirector, Private Sector Development GroupJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)"JICA has been continuously conducting cooperation in collaboration with private-sector partners with the aim of strengthening startup ecosystems in Africa and enhancing collaboration between African and Japanese companies."This initiative holds significant value where it leverages the experience and knowledge accumulated through the Next Innovation with Japan (NINJA) project promoted by JICA, with the expectation of contributing further to Africa’s economic development. JICA supports the idea that private companies take the lead in addressing social challenges in Africa and building mutually beneficial relationships."Furthermore, JICA hopes that this initiative will encourage more Japanese companies to participate in similar efforts, thereby further expanding collaboration between startups in Japan and Africa. JICA will continue its cooperation through Project NINJA and will support promoting initiatives of this kind going forward."Jonathan BermanCEOShell Foundation"Raising incomes for people on low incomes while supporting a low carbon pathway requires more than good ideas – it requires partnerships that bring together capital, technology and local entrepreneurial expertise. Through the Africa Corporate Innovation Program, Shell Foundation is using catalytic funding to reduce the risk of collaboration and, together with our partner Double Feather Partners, help global corporates like NEC work alongside African startups to test, learn and build solutions that can scale and evolve into sustainable business partnerships. Our role is to make these partnerships possible, prove what works in practice and help unlock much larger flows of capital into inclusive, climate-smart markets."Kohei MutoRepresentative Director & CEODouble Feather Partners"Social challenges in Africa should no longer be viewed merely as development issues; they represent the frontier of one of the world’s fastest-evolving innovation markets. This program serves as an implementation platform that connects the technological strengths of Japanese companies with the field-driven innovation capabilities of African startups."DFP will design and support mechanisms that connect PoC initiatives to investment opportunities and business scale-up, maximizing NEC’s business expansion and social impact creation in Africa. In collaboration with the Shell Foundation, DFP will also support the development of sustainable business models from the perspectives of impact investment and blended finance."Through this initiative, we aim to build a new co-creation model between Japan and Africa, enabling a seamless pathway from demonstration projects to capital linkage and ultimately to business value creation."NEC is scheduled to present background on this project at the "SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026" innovation conference, held from April 27th (Monday) to 29th (Wednesday), 2026. Please see below for details.Title: Beyond Capital: Building Japan–Africa Innovation Through Co-Creation and InvestmentDate and Time: April 27th (Monday), 5:05PM-5:50PMLocation: Investor’s Stage, West 3-4 Hall 4F (Upper Floor), Tokyo Big SightParticipating Companies:Double Feather Partners, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Shell Foundation, NEC, Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC), and Absa BankFor details and registration information for SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, please visit the official website. https://sushitech-startup.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/Under the key message "The future is ours to shape," NEC drives "NEC Open Innovation" (Note 5) in new business development through diverse co-creation with startups and partner companies. The Africa Corporate Innovation Program is part of that effort, and by combining cutting-edge technologies with cross-sector collaboration, NEC continues to generate new social value and shape the future.1. Shell Foundation: https://shellfoundation.org/ 2. Double Feather Partners: https://doublefeather.com/ 3. Project NINJA4. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)https://www.jica.go.jp/english/index.html5. NEC Open Innovationhttps://www.nec.com/en/global/innovation/index.htmlAbout NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com.  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

KYOTO, Japan, Apr 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd., a global leader in clinically proven medical devices for home health monitoring and treatment, today announced its support for May Measurement Month 2026, the annual blood pressure screening and awareness campaign held in conjunction with World Hypertension Day (May 17). This year, OMRON Healthcare will support screening and awareness activities across participating countries through the donation of approximately 3,000 blood pressure monitors worldwide, including models capable of detecting the possibility of atrial fibrillation (AFib).Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease worldwide, contributing to more than 10 million deaths each year. However, while early detection and effective management can significantly reduce the risk of complications such as stroke and heart disease, in many regions awareness and treatment rates remain suboptimal. Launched in 2017, May Measurement Month aims to highlight the risks associated with hypertension and the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring. To date, the campaign has screened more than 7 million people globally, identifying over 1 million individuals with previously untreated hypertension.OMRON Healthcare has supported May Measurement Month since the campaign’s inception, contributing to screening activities in around 120 countries and regions through the donation of approximately 33,000 blood pressure monitors to date. This year will see the company provide a further 3,000 devices, including models capable of screening for AFib, a common but underrecognized arrhythmia that often goes undiagnosed despite being a major risk factor for stroke and heart failure. The May–July campaign will raise awareness through screening events and educational activities worldwide, including blood pressure measurement sessions and guidance on dietary and other lifestyle changes for the management of hypertension.Professor Neil R. Poulter, Chief Investigator and Chair of Trustees of May Measurement Month, commented, “Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart attacks, heart failure, and the potentially life-threatening arrhythmia atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, it is increasingly clear that regular home blood pressure monitoring improves hypertension management, which in turn reduces these major adverse cardiovascular events and the risk of atrial fibrillation. By donating blood pressure monitors that are also capable of detecting probable atrial fibrillation, this initiative can enhance early detection and treatment of hypertension and atrial fibrillation, ultimately helping to save more lives around the world from cardiovascular diseases.”“Since the launch of our first home blood pressure monitor in 1973, we have worked alongside healthcare professionals to promote the importance of blood pressure monitoring and improve access to home measurement,” said Ayumu Okada, President and CEO of OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd. “The goals of May Measurement Month align closely with our own Going for ZERO vision, which aims to eliminate cerebro-cardiovascular events worldwide, and we will continue to collaborate with May Measurement Month to improve global cardiovascular health outcomes through the further expansion of this important initiative.”For more information about May Measurement Month, please visit:https://maymeasure.orgAbout OMRON HealthcareCommitted to advancing health and empowering people worldwide to live life to the fullest, OMRON Healthcare is a global leader in the field of clinically proven, innovative medical equipment for home health monitoring and treatment. Aiming to realize its vision, “Going for ZERO, Preventive Care for the Health of Society,” the company develops products for cardiovascular condition management, respiratory care, and pain therapy. Building on this, it has introduced a new digital health ecosystem that bridges patients and healthcare professionals, helping to reduce cerebro-cardiovascular events, the worsening of respiratory diseases, and limitations caused by chronic pain.With over 400 million units sold globally, OMRON provides the world's most recommended blood pressure monitors by healthcare professionals. Throughout its history, OMRON Healthcare has striven to improve lives and contribute to a better society by developing innovations that help people prevent, treat, and manage their medical conditions, providing products and services in over 130 countries.For more information, please visit: Website: https://healthcare.omron.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omron-healthcare-co-ltd-/   Media EnquiriesThis press release is disseminated by Kyodo PR on behalf of OMRON Healthcare. For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:OMRON Healthcare Press Desk: omronhealthcare-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp    Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Apr 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - CTF Life announced today the launch of the MyWealth Beyond Savings Insurance Plan (the Plan) a robust, one-stop wealth management solution offering long-term wealth accumulation potential with flexibility. The plan offers both single-premium and regular-premium payment options, with an expected total internal rate of return (IRR) of up to 6.5% in the 20th policy year for a single-premium USD policy –the fastest and highest in the Hong Kong market¹ – enabling customers to realise attractive potential returns earlier. The Plan also features the special-in-market2 “Wealth Accumulation Switching Option”3, allowing customers to flexibly adjust their wealth management strategy by switching among three options (Advance, Balanced and Conservative) – to align with their evolving financial goals. Product features such as the “Currency Switching Option”4,5 and “Policy Split Option”6, as well as multiple product advantages are designed to comprehensively address customers’ financial needs and global wealth-planning objectives across different life stages.Harnessing its sound investment strategy and strong financial strength, CTF Life has maintained a non-guaranteed accumulation interest rate of 4.25% p.a.7 on participating USD policies for the 14th consecutive year. In addition, the three signature product series8 have achieved a 100% or more fulfilment ratio for ten consecutive years9, demonstrating the Company’s consistency and reliability in delivering customer returns. As of 31 December 2025, CTF Life’s solvency ratio under the Hong Kong Risk-Based Capital (HKRBC) regime stands at 282%10, leading the market11 and well above the minimum regulatory requirement of 100%, providing solid assurance for customers’ long-term wealth accumulation.Customers who successfully apply for the Plan within the designated period can enjoy a maximum premium discount of up to 24% on the total premiums for the first two policy years, together with a guaranteed interest rate offer on prepaid premiums. *The new MyWealth Beyond Savings Insurance Plan reflects CTF Life’s deep understanding of customer needs. In addition to offering market-leading wealth accumulation potential, the Plan incorporates a range of flexible and innovative legacy planning features, empowering customers to manage their wealth with confidence at every stage of life. Key features and dedicated services of the Plan include:1. Wealth Accumulation Switching Option3: While the policy is in force, customers may leverage the special-in-market² switching options with artisanal design to manage their wealth. On the 10th policy anniversary and every policy anniversary thereafter, customers can flexibly switch among the “Advance”, “Balanced”, and “Conservative” switching options. Each option is equipped with different ratio of the “Stable Asset Account”¹² value to the cash value of Reversionary Bonus¹³ (if any) and Terminal Bonus¹â'´ (if any).2. Free Policy Currency Conversion: From the 3rd policy anniversary and any policy anniversary thereafter and while the policy is in force, customers may apply to exercise the Currency Switch Optionâ'´,â'µ, changing the policy currency of the basic plan of the policy to a different currency (like US Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Chinese Yuan, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Euro, British Pound Sterling or Singapore Dollar) without having to provide any evidence of insurability.3. Policy Split Option6: While the policy is in force and the Insured is still alive, after the end of the 3rd Policy Year or the end of the premium payment period (whichever is later), customers may split the original policy by allocating part of the Units of the basic plan to one or more separate policy(ies). This option also applies to the split policy(ies), enabling enhanced flexibility in asset allocation.4. Multiple innovative legacy edges: After the 6th policy monthly anniversary, customers may change the Insured for unlimited times¹â'µ. The plan specially provides the Policy Continuation Option¹â'¶, allowing designated beneficiaries to become new Policy Owners and Insureds upon the death of the original Insured. Upon exercising either of these two options, the coverage will be adjusted to the age of 128 for the new Insured, providing greater flexibility for customers' inheritance arrangements and enabling wealth to be passed on to future generations.5. Flexible policy value withdrawal arrangements: In addition to setting up standing instructions for regular withdrawals17 for the Policy Owner, he/she may also arrange for payments to be directly credited to designated payee(s), such as family members, hospitals, residential care homes for the elderly or charitable institutions. The “Artisanal Default Policy Service” further complements the Plan through a range of dedicated arrangements, offering customers greater flexibility and convenience in withdrawal arrangements.6. Premium Holiday18 of up to 8 years: If the Policy Owner is unfortunately diagnosed with a specified Covered Illness, including cancer, severe heart attack or stroke, the Premium Holiday period may be extended free of charge, giving customers additional financial buffer and peace of mind.7. Flexible settlement options for Death Benefit¹â'¹ / Full Surrender²â'°: Customers can choose from a wide range of Death Benefit Settlement Options for each beneficiary, including a lump-sum payment, regular installment payment¹â'¹, or increasing installment payments¹â'¹. Customers can also choose to receive part of the benefit as a lump sum with the remaining balance paid for increasing installments or customise the payment to start at a specified year or at a specified age of the beneficiary with fixed or increasing installments, ensuring each beneficiary receives the most appropriate arrangement.8. Market-First Customised Life Event Option21: In conjunction with the applicable instalment Death Benefit Settlement Options and the “Life Event Option”, customers may choose to arrange death benefit payouts upon any of the nine preset life events of the Primary Beneficiary, such as marriage or home purchase. Through the first-in-market “Customised Life Event” Option21, customers can also freely customise lump-sum payouts at meaningful life milestones. More than one Life Event Options can be assigned for each primary beneficiary, making protection even more thoughtful and flexible.9. Flexible premium payment options: MyWealth Beyond Savings Insurance Plan offers a choice of single-premium, 5-year and 12-year premium payment periods. For the 5-year premium payment period, customers may also choose to prepay the premiums22 by lump sum payment upon application, thereby enjoying the benefit of paying up the Plan at a lower cost. Interest23 (if any) will also be earned on the prepaid premiums22.Notes:*Application submission period is from 27 April 2026 to 30 June 2026 (both dates inclusive). For details, please refer to the promotional leaflet: https://www.ctflife.com.hk/pdf/en/home/premium_offer_flyer.pdf 1An expected total internal rate of return (IRR) of 6.5% by the 20th policy year applies to single-premium USD policies that meet the minimum premium requirement, assuming no withdrawals, surrender or exercise of any policy options. As of 31 March 2026, the “fastest and highest in the Hong Kong market” refers to the highest expected total IRR of 6.5% and a total return multiple of 3.5 times by the 20th policy year (being the expected total cash value divided by the total premiums paid). These figures are calculated based on the current assumed investment returns, are not guaranteed, are shown on a rounded basis, and are the result of the Company’s comparison among major savings insurance products of major life insurance companies in Hong Kong.2“Special-in-market” is the result of comparing similar major life insurance savings products of major life insurance companies in Hong Kong as of 27 April 2026.3Wealth Accumulation Switching Options and its portfolio ratio:Switching option(s)“Stable Asset Account” allocationAllocation of the cash value of Reversionary Bonus (if any) and cash value of Terminal Bonus (if any)Advance0%100%Balanced40%60%Conservative80%20%“Stable Asset Account Allocation” = the value of “Stable Asset Account” ÷ (cash value of Reversionary Bonus (if any) + cash value of Terminal Bonus (if any) + value of Stable Asset Account) x 100%. Within 30 days before or after the 10th policy anniversary or every policy anniversary thereafter, customers may, subject to the prevailing rules of the Company, exercise the Wealth Accumulation Switching Option to adjust the Switching Option of the basic plan of the policy to achieve Stable Asset Account Allocation at customers’ desire. Subject to specified conditions. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for more details of the Wealth Accumulation Switching Option.4On the 3rd policy anniversary or any policy anniversary thereafter and while the policy is in force, customers may change the policy currency of the basic plan of the policy to a different currency (“New Policy Currency”) through converting the existing basic plan of the policy to a designated new plan (“Designated Plan”) denominated in the New Policy Currency that is available and determined by the Company without providing any evidence of insurability. Subject to specified conditions. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for more details of the Currency Switch Option.5Upon the effective date of Currency Change, the basic plan of the policy will be converted to the Designated Plan denominated in the New Policy Currency. Policy Effective Date and Policy Years of the policy will remain unchanged after the Currency Switch. The existing and future amounts of Unit, Guaranteed Cash Value, premium(s) due and payable (if any), total premiums paid, face value and cash value of Reversionary Bonus and Terminal Bonus (if any), accumulated value of Stable Asset Account (if any) of the basic plan of the policy will be determined and adjusted by the Company at its sole discretion. Any complementary policies and riders under the policy will remain in force under the original policy after the Currency Switch. If any complementary policies and riders are not accepted to retain under the original policy, such complementary policies and riders shall be automatically terminated from the effective date of Currency Switch.6While the policy is in force and after the end of the 3rd Policy Year, the Policy Owner may exercise the Policy Split Option to create one or more separate policy(ies) (the “Split Policy(ies)”), allocating a portion of the Units from the basic plan of the original policy to the Split Policy(ies) without providing any evidence of insurability, subject to specified conditions. The Split Policy(ies) will be effective only after its Policy Provisions and policy specifications are issued. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for more details of Policy Split Option.7The interest rate is not guaranteed and may be adjusted from time to time.8The three signature product series include: (i) "Regent" Series (similar products as "MyWealth" Series), (ii) "HealthCare 168" Series (similar products as "FamCare 198"), and (iii) "Fortune Saver" series (similar products as “Ever Shine").9For policies under the above product series issued during the years from 2015 to 2024, the dividend fulfilment ratio of the Annual Dividend / Reversionary Bonus / Terminal Dividend / Terminal Bonus for each policy issue year reached 100% or above. Please visit CTF Life’s website for the latest dividend fulfilment ratio information of the above or other products.10Source: CTF Services Limited Interim Report 2025–2026. As of 31 December 2025, CTF Life’s solvency ratio under the Hong Kong Risk-Based Capital regime was 282%.11Based on an analysis and comparison of the solvency ratios of the 15 insurance companies with the highest total gross premiums for 2024, as announced in September 2025. Such information is based on the data disclosed by the relevant insurance companies as of 31 December 2024 in accordance with the public disclosure requirements of the Insurance Authority.12Account determined in accordance with the Wealth Accumulation Switching Option provision in which its long-term target asset allocation is 100% in fixed income type securities. The value in the Stable Asset Account will be accumulated at such interest rate as may be declared by the Company from time to time. However, interest rates on the Stable Asset Account are not guaranteed and may even be 0% in any year.13The face value and cash value of Reversionary Bonus are non-guaranteed. However, once declared, the declared face value of Reversionary Bonus will become guaranteed and forms a permanent addition to the policy. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for details of Reversionary Bonus.14A non-guaranteed Terminal Bonus may be declared for this Plan by the Company starting from the 1st policy anniversary. Non-guaranteed Terminal Bonus and its amount may be paid at the sole discretion of the Company. The cash value of Terminal Bonus should be either equal to or less than the face value of Terminal Bonus.15Change of the Insured is subject to the prevailing administrative rules and designated requirements. The Unit, Guaranteed Cash Value, the face value of accumulated Reversionary Bonuses (if any) and the face value of Terminal Bonus (if any), any accumulated value of Stable Asset Account, Policy Date and Policy Years will remain the same on the Insured-Change Effective Date while the Plan End Date will be adjusted to the date of policy anniversary on the 128th birthday of the Changed New Insured or following the 128th birthday of the Changed New Insured (whichever is applicable). Please refer to the Policy Provisions for details of Change of Insured Option.16Upon the death of the Insured, if the Policy Owner (still alive) and the Insured are different persons, the beneficiary will become the Continued New Insured; if the Policy Owner died at the same time or the Policy Owner and the Insured is 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. After this option has been exercised, all Units, total premiums paid, Guaranteed Cash Value, the face value of accumulated Reversionary Bonuses (if any), the face value of Terminal Bonus (if any) and any accumulated value of Stable Asset Account (if any), Policy Date and Policy Years will remain unchanged on the Policy Continuation Effective Date, while the respective plan end date of the basic plan of the policy will be adjusted to the date of policy anniversary on the 128th birthday of the Continued New Insured or the immediately following policy anniversary (whenever is applicable). Please refer to the Policy Provisions for details of Policy Continuation Option.17Policy value withdrawal is subject to the Company’s minimum Unit requirement and the relevant terms and conditions. For regular withdrawals to designated payee(s), the relationship of eligible designated payee(s) must meet the Company’s requirements. The Company reserves the right, at its discretion, to request proof of relationship and to amend the relevant terms and conditions from time to time as necessary. Policy value withdrawal belongs to other policy services. For details, please refer to the relevant service application form and the “Notification of Policy Service Confirmation.”18Premium Holiday is not applicable to the policy with single premium as the premium payment period.  Regardless of whether there has been any change of Policy Owner throughout the premium payment period, if the Policy Owner is diagnosed with the Covered Illness, the Premium Holiday Period may be extended after the Company has received the prescribed form submitted by the Policy Owner together with the medical certificate completed by the attending doctor of the Policy Owner, in accordance with the applicable premium payment period. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for details of Premium Holiday and Covered Illness.19Subject to specified conditions. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for details of Death Benefit Settlement Option.20Subject to specified conditions. Please refer to the Policy Provisions for details of Full Surrender.21“First-in-market” service feature is the results of comparing similar major insurance policy services of major life insurance companies in Hong Kong as of 4 Dec 2025. For the relevant terms and conditions, please refer to the respective service application forms and “Notification of Policy Service Confirmation”.22The premium prepayment option is only applicable to annual premium payment mode. The prepaid premium will be credited to the premium deposit account and accumulate at the prevailing interest rate offered at that time (the current interest rate offered is 2% p.a.), but it is not guaranteed. The Policy Owner can withdraw the full amount of the prepaid premiums from the premium deposit account. However, any interest credited will be forfeited. If the amount of the premium deposit account is not sufficient to pay the premium and premium levy due to a decrease in interest rate, the Policy Owner is required to make up the relevant premium difference (including premium levy). Otherwise, the policy will be terminated or subject to an automatic premium loan. If the Insured passes away, the premium deposit account balance (if any) will be payable to the Policy Owner without any charge.23The current interest rate offered is 2% p.a. but it is not guaranteed.Important Notice:- 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 MyWealth Beyond Savings 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 MyWealth Beyond Savings Insurance Plan, and the full terms can be found in the Policy documents. The MyWealth Beyond Savings 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 MyWealth Beyond Savings Insurance Plan.- Please refer to the product brochure for more information on the MyWealth Beyond Savings Insurance Plan: https://www.ctflife.com.hk/pdf/en/mywealth-beyond-savings-insurance-plan-brochure.pdf- For more information on the Artisanal Default Policy Service, please visit:        https://www.ctflife.com.hk/pdf/en/artisanal-default-policy-service-flyer.pdf - 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 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Apr 23, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced a strategic collaboration with Anthropic PBC (Anthropic, *1) to accelerate the utilization of AI in the Japanese enterprise sector.Through this collaboration, NEC becomes the first Japan-based global partner of Anthropic. Both companies will begin joint development of secure industry-specific AI solutions for the Japanese market, leveraging "Claude Cowork" (*2), an AI agent for desktop use. As a first phase, initiatives for the financial, manufacturing, and local government sectors will include the development of solutions that combine the expertise of customers in their respective industries and operations. In addition, the partnership further enhances NEC’s next-generation cybersecurity service (*3).NEC will advance the utilization of Claude within "NEC BluStellar Scenario" (*4, *5), which underpins NEC's value creation model "NEC BluStellar." The deployment of Claude will also be promoted across the NEC Group globally, aiming to build one of Japan's largest AI-native engineer teams, and comprising approximately 30,000 members worldwide.Through these initiatives, both companies aim to accelerate the social implementation of safe and reliable AI technology, contributing to business transformation and enhanced competitiveness for Japanese companies and public administration.BackgroundIn recent years, AI and AI agent technologies have advanced rapidly, finding broad applications in businesses and public administration, including automating tasks, supporting decision-making, and improving customer service. However, many organizations face hurdles such as a shortage of IT talent, insufficient accumulation of operational know-how, stringent security requirements, and compliance with unique laws and regulations. Especially in highly trusted domains like finance, public administration and cybersecurity, establishing a secure and transparent AI foundation and introducing AI agents tailored to on-site operations are key to accelerating digital transformation (DX).In recent years, NEC has treated itself as its own first client through its "Client Zero" initiative. In this endeavor, NEC has primarily utilized AI agents in its internal development processes, from design to testing, to advance its operations and revolutionize productivity. This collaboration further accelerates these efforts and supports the full-scale adoption and implementation of AI in the Japanese market.Key Collaboration Details and Plans1. Joint Development of Industry-Specific AI Solutions for the Japanese Market: Jointly develop secure industry-specific AI solutions for customers in demanding sectors such as finance, manufacturing, and local government, which call for strict requirements, including high security, compliance with unique laws, and high quality. Through joint development that integrates customer and on-site expertise, both companies will promote the rapid deployment and implementation of these solutions.Furthermore, in the field of cybersecurity, NEC is leveraging Anthropic's cutting-edge AI technology in its Security Operations Center (SOC) services to protect the digital infrastructure of companies operating both in Japan and globally against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Going forward, NEC will utilize the technology and expertise gained through this collaboration to further enhance its next-generation cybersecurity service and deliver it to customers.2. Utilization of Claude in NEC BluStellar Scenario: Utilize Claude (Claude Opus 4.7)/Claude Code within NEC BluStellar Scenario to accelerate customer transformation. Specifically, NEC will begin by utilizing Claude with two scenarios from the BluStellar Scenario suite— "Scenarios for Data-Driven Management" and "Scenarios for Customer Experience Transformation"—and will gradually expand its application to other scenarios.3. Large-Scale Deployment of Claude Across the NEC Group: To swiftly realize the joint development and deployment of the aforementioned AI solutions and the integration of Claude into versions of NEC BluStellar Scenario, Claude will be introduced to approximately 30,000 NEC Group employees globally. This will strengthen the development of AI-native talent capable of creating advanced value. Furthermore, as part of the Client Zero initiative, the utilization of Claude Cowork in internal business operations will be promoted to accelerate the efficiency of development work. In addition, NEC will establish an internal Center of Excellence (CoE) with the aim of developing highly skilled AI professionals, utilizing technical support and training provided by Anthropic. By leveraging the latest agent-based AI development tool, "Claude Code," NEC will advance the construction of one of Japan's largest AI-native engineering teams.Comment from Paul Smith, CCO of Anthropic"We are deeply honored to collaborate with NEC, one of Japan's leading technology companies. Since its founding, Anthropic has advanced its research guided by the conviction that building trustworthy AI is the path to building truly great AI. We are deeply grateful for the trust extended to us by our customers, partners, and government stakeholders across Japan, and we regard this collaboration as a meaningful step in our long-term commitment to shaping the future of AI in Japan together. By bringing together the strengths of both companies, we are dedicated to delivering safe and secure AI agents that Japanese enterprises can adopt with full confidence."Comment from Toshifumi Yoshizaki, Executive Officer and COO of NEC Corporation"This long-term partnership with Anthropic enables NEC to maximize the potential of AI in the Japanese market and further strengthen our capabilities in AI and AI agent implementation through large-scale deployments and collaboration. By bringing together the technology and expertise of both companies, we aim to jointly create solutions that meet the high safety, reliability, and quality standards demanded by companies and public administration, and play a central role in supporting the transformation of our customers through AI utilization."(*1) Anthropic PBC: https://www.anthropic.com/(*2) Claude(Claude Opus 4.7)/Claude Code/Claude Cowork: Claude is Anthropic’s general-purpose AI assistant (This collaboration utilizes the latest model, "Claude Opus 4.7".) Claude Code is a coding agent for developers, and Claude Cowork is a desktop application for business users.(*3) NEC’s cybersecurity:https://www.nec.com/en/global/solutions/cybersecurity/index.html(*4) "NEC BluStellar" is a value creation model that leads customers into a brighter future by realizing business model innovation and solving social issues and customer management issues. This is accomplished through advanced cross-industry knowledge backed by proven results and NEC's cutting-edge technology honed through years of development and operation. https://www.nec.com/en/global/necblustellar/index.html(*5)"NEC BluStellar Scenario" is a value-creation framework designed to solve our customers' challenges. By combining consulting, products and services, offerings, and integration, we create value for our customers.About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com.  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Kawasaki, Japan and Pittsburgh, USA, Apr 23, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) today announced the launch of the Fujitsu-Carnegie Mellon Physical AI Research Center. At the Center, Fujitsu and CMU will jointly advance research and development of core technologies to enhance the capabilities and scalability of physical AI, with the aim of serving as a global research hub that drives the social implementation of these technologies.Research focus and objectivesPhysical AI is expected to contribute to addressing key societal challenges—such as improving productivity, mitigating labor shortages, and ensuring safety—by enabling AI systems to operate in the real world and interact with people and their environments, thereby driving the automation and optimization of operations across sectors including manufacturing, logistics, construction, infrastructure, and healthcare.However, realizing this vision requires the integration of expertise and technologies across multiple domains, including robotics, AI, simulation, human–robot interaction, and ethics and social acceptance. This makes not only advancements in individual fields essential, but also interdisciplinary collaboration and efforts that bridge academic research with real-world deployment.Fujitsu and CMU established the Fujitsu-Carnegie Mellon Physical AI Research Center to address these challenges through an integrated research approach that brings together interdisciplinary expertise and connects academia and industry .A multidisciplinary collaborationAt the Center, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of physical AI, faculty members from CMU across a wide range of disciplines—including robotics, machine learning, language technologies, human–computer interaction, electrical and computer engineering, civil and environmental engineering, and philosophy—participate in the joint research. Researchers will work alongside Fujitsu scientists, engineers, and technicians to develop physical AI systems designed to tackle real-world challenges. This close collaboration with industry informs and inspires new research directions to meet critical demand.Participating researchers include:Yonatan Bisk, Assistant Professor, Language TechnologiesFernando De La Torre, Research Professor, RoboticsTim Dettmers, Assistant Professor, Machine LearningLaszlo Jeni, Assistant Research Professor, RoboticsKris Kitani, Associate Research Professor, RoboticsDavid Lindlbauer, Assistant Professor, Human-Computer InteractionYorie Nakahira, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer EngineeringGraham Neubig, Associate Professor, Language TechnologiesJean Oh, Associate Research Professor, RoboticsSean Qian, Professor, Civil and Environmental EngineeringSebastian Scherer, Associate Research Professor, RoboticsPeter Spirtes, Department Head and Professor, PhilosophyKun Zhang, Professor, PhilosophyFujitsu and CMU will advance research and development through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates their respective expertise, focusing on areas such as action generation and learning, spatial perception and environmental understanding, multi-robot coordination and optimization, human-robot collaboration and the integration of simulation and real-world environments.The Fujitsu-Carnegie Mellon Physical AI Research Center will leverage CMU’s new Robotics Innovation Center, which opened in February of this year. The 14,000-square-meter facility at Hazelwood Green in Pittsburgh bridges Carnegie Mellon’s fundamental research and commercial deployment. The Robotics Innovation Center will provide specialized facilities and collaborative space to test physical AI in real-world environments.Fujitsu Kozuchi Physical OSFujitsu aims to realize a physical AI platform that can be applied to mission-critical domains supporting social infrastructure, leveraging its strengths in providing integrated AI, computing, and networking capabilities.By delivering a unified infrastructure from cloud to edge, Fujitsu seeks to ensure real-time performance, reliability, and safety, while addressing data sovereignty and governance requirements. Through these efforts, Fujitsu contributes to the development of a sustainable social foundation in which humans and robots can collaborate safely and seamlessly.As a concrete initiative, Fujitsu is developing Fujitsu Kozuchi Physical OS, which integrates robots, sensors, systems, and physical spaces (Figure 1). The platform enables the coordinated operation of multiple robots and systems in accordance with operational instructions by combining two capabilities: brain intelligence, which enhances robots’ adaptability to tasks based on prior experience and human imitation, and spatial intelligence, which provides information about real-world environments in which robots operate.Technologies developed at this research center are scheduled to be gradually incorporated into the platform starting in fiscal year 2026. This will enable the integrated utilization of physical AI technologies that combine expertise from diverse fields, enhancing adaptability to complex and dynamic real-world tasks, while also bridging interdisciplinary research outcomes to real-world deployment.Future PlansFujitsu and Carnegie Mellon University will jointly advance the research and development of core technologies for physical AI, while promoting a society in which humans and robots collaborate, and contributing to the development of a sustainable and resilient society.Executive CommentsVivek Mahajan, Corporate Executive Officer, Corporate Vice President, CTO, in charge of System Platform, Fujitsu Limited, comments:“We are delighted to announce the establishment of a joint center for physical AI with Carnegie Mellon University, a global leader in the fields of robotics and AI.At this research center, Fujitsu will create new value through the convergence of AI, computing, networking, and robotics, and accelerate the societal implementation of reliable physical AI. Furthermore, to realize a society where humans and robots coexist and collaborate, we will expand our research scope to areas that underpin the social infrastructure and contribute to the building of a sustainable society.”Martial Hebert, Dean and University Professor of Robotics, School of Computer Science, comments: “The Fujitsu-Carnegie Mellon Physical AI Research Center builds on CMU's focus on developing AI and robotics systems to tackle real-world problems and the university's collaboration with industry to put those innovations into practice and inspire what's next. Physical AI will fuel the machines of tomorrow, allowing for competent decision-making, enhanced efficiency, greater safety, and, perhaps most importantly, trust to work alongside humans in critical fields. Carnegie Mellon is excited to have Fujitsu as our partner to continue to lead in physical AI.”About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsu Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Apr 22, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - China Gas Holdings Limited (“China Gas” or the “Group”; stock code: 384), a leading city gas operator in China, announced that it has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with CITIC Construction Co., Ltd. (“CITIC Construction”) and China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited (“China CITIC Bank”). Based on the principles of “resource sharing, complementary strengths, shared benefits and mutual success”, the three parties will establish an integrated “industry-construction-finance” ecosystem-based collaborative model. This partnership aims to further support the development of China Gas’ new businesses, including energy storage and biomass energy, and jointly deepening engagement in global energy infrastructure and green low-carbon industries.China Gas, CITIC Construction and China CITIC Bank officially sign a tripartite strategic cooperation agreementThis collaboration represents an important step by all parties in actively responding to China’s “15th Five-Year Plan” and deepply participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. According to the agreement, the three parties will establish a comprehensive strategic partnership and conduct in-depth cooperation across various areas, including overseas energy infrastructure construction, joint development of third-party projects, industrial park businesses, green finance and various financing collaborations. They have adopted a closed-loop, ecosystem-based collaborative model: China Gas serves as the business model leader, responsible for project planning, technical solutions, and operations; CITIC Construction acts as the engineering and construction executor, leveraging its strengths in local resource coordination and construction management; China CITIC Bank, as the financial services provider, will meetinvestment and financing needs.To address global climate change and energy security challenges, the three parties will focus on the core areas, including: i) Prioritizing high-potential regions including Europe, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and North Asia to jointly promote the development and construction of energy infrastructure, ii) Integrating their resources around the industrial parks and new urbanization projects led and developed by China Gas at home and abroad, iii) Working  together to implement the “green development” strategy and engage in in-depth collaboration in the areas of investment and financing.To capitalize on the opportunities presented by the global energy transition and the national “dualcarbon” goals, the Group is accelerating the development of two new growth drivers: its new energy business centered on energy storage and its biomass energy business. In the energy storage sector, the Group is seizing the strategic opportunities created by power market reforms and the development of a new power system, while continuing to deepen its market presence and optimize its layout, with a focus on “concentrating efforts in core regions and achieving key breakthroughs in overseas markets”. Meanwhile, the Group is actively expanding its biomass business and achieving growth across multiple fronts. It has previously entered cooperation agreements with several leading enterprises, including Deyi Energy (a subsidiary of Chery Automobile) and EVE Energy, as well as local governments, to jointly advance the construction of zero-carbon industrial parks and the clean upgrading of industries. This cooperation will further support the Group in expanding its domestic and overseas markets, focusing on the two new growth engines of “energy storage + biomass energy”, and promoting the Group’s healthy and sustainable development.Mr. LIU Ming Hui, Chairman and President of China Gas, said, “After more than two decades of development, China Gas has built a comprehensive business structure centered on natural gas, integrating LNG, LPG, biomass energy, and new energy technology. We are currently accelerating our globalization strategy and have formed a clear business footprint in regions such as Europe, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and North Asia. The signing of this tripartite agreement with CITIC Construction and China CITIC Bank marks our shift from simple overseas expansion to a cluster-based international strategy driven by industry leadership, empowered by engineering expertise, and finance support. Through close collaboration with our partners in finance and industry, we will leverage our stronger risk resilience and our industry chain advantages to contribute China Gas solutions to the sustainable development of global energy.”About China Gas Holdings LimitedChina Gas Holdings Limited ("China Gas", stock code: 384. HK) is a leading gas service provider. Focusing on China, it principally specializes in the investment, construction and operations of city gas pipeline infrastructure, distribution of natural gas and LPG to residential, industrial and commercial users, as well as construction and operations of gas refilling stations for vehicles and vessels. Currently, China Gas owns a total of 662 city and township gas projects with concession rights, 32 long-distance pipeline transmission projects of natural gas, 485 CNG and LNG refilling stations for vehicles and vessels, as well as 120 LPG distribution projects. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com