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XEV Dismantles the Dealership Model: New "Hardware + Service" Ecosystem Separates Vehicle Cost from Power and Slashes EV Entry Prices in Europe

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:00:13 +0700

TURIN, ITALY - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - The traditional automotive model is obsolete. It is rigid, capital-heavy, and dependent on massive dealership inventories that drive up costs for the consumer. XEV is now challenging that legacy structure with the rollout of its Customer-to-Manufacturer (C2M) ecosystem. By launching the world's first mass-customization project for micro electric vehicles, including the flagship XEV YOYO, the company allows European drivers to order personalized vehicles directly. This approach eliminates the inventory burden and introduces a "Battery-as-a-Service" model that removes the two biggest barriers to EV adoption. Those barriers are high upfront costs and residual value risk.

XEV

Decoupling the Battery from the Price Tag

For decades, the battery has been the most expensive single component of an electric car. It is also the component most likely to depreciate. XEV's innovative business model fundamentally alters this equation by separating the vehicle (hardware) from the battery (service).

Customers purchase the car but lease the energy capacity. This strategy significantly lowers the initial purchase price. It makes premium urban mobility accessible to a broader demographic. This ranges from young professionals seeking their first vehicle to fleet operators managing tight margins.

"We are not just manufacturing cars. We are redefining vehicle ownership," says the XEV leadership team. "Our goal is to make car production as flexible as smartphone manufacturing. We give users exactly what they need for city living without the financial weight of traditional ownership."

3 Minutes to Full Power: Solving the Charging Crisis

Range anxiety remains a critical hurdle for European EVs. This is particularly true for drivers without private home charging infrastructure. XEV addresses this with its proprietary battery swapping network.

The XEV YOYO and the upcoming XEV XPRESSION are engineered with a modular battery system. Instead of waiting hours at a charging point, drivers pull into a dedicated station. They complete a fully automated battery replacement in approximately three minutes.

This "SWAPPING" technology does more than save time. It improves operational efficiency for commercial users and ensures the vehicle is immune to battery degradation. Since the driver does not own the battery, they never have to worry about the cell's lifespan affecting the car's resale value. This creates a "Zero Usage Anxiety" experience for the owner.

Data-Driven Customization: The End of "One Size Fits All"

The XEV lineup is purpose-built for the narrow streets and high congestion of European cities. With a compact footprint of roughly 2.5 meters, the YOYO navigates historic city centers with ease. However, small size does not mean limited options.

Unlike legacy automakers that push stock inventory, XEV utilizes a data-driven C2M model. Users configure their vehicles via an online platform. They select distinct exterior colors, interior materials, wheel designs, and specific features. This user input triggers a flexible production process that creates a customizable car tailored to specific tastes. XEV uses the massive data generated from these customization choices to refine future designs and forecast market trends with precision.

Commercial Application: Powering the Last-Mile Economy

The flexibility of the XEV platform extends well beyond personal commuting. It is designed to serve the booming last-mile economy. The platform supports last-mile delivery vehicles and shared mobility fleets.

XEV provides specialized enclosed cargo options for logistics companies. The vehicle can even be customized for small business applications, such as mobile coffee carts or retail trucks. For small business owners, the vehicle serves as a mobile asset that can be configured for specific trades, effectively lowering the barrier to entry for entrepreneurs.

XEV has already initiated pilot projects with major European logistics firms to prove the model's viability for high-frequency urban commuting and commercial delivery. For car-sharing services, the high utilization rates and low maintenance needs of the YOYO make it an ideal asset for time-based rental fleets. The modular design further supports this eco-friendly lifecycle by facilitating easy repair and part upgrades. This extends the product lifespan and reduces waste compared to traditional vehicles that are often scrapped when a single major system fails.

A Strategic Supply Chain for a New Era

XEV achieves this level of flexibility through a strategic manufacturing model. The company adopts a capital-light approach that relies on deep collaboration with mature Asian automotive supply chains. This ensures rigorous quality control and cost efficiency without the bloating of traditional manufacturing.

Simultaneously, XEV is committed to European localization. The company is currently establishing assembly hubs and battery swapping networks across Europe to better serve local demand. This dual approach allows XEV to combine global manufacturing power with local market responsiveness. It ensures that while the technology is global, the support and infrastructure are local.

Availability

Sales and deliveries of the XEV YOYO have commenced in selected European markets, including Italy and Germany. The company continues to expand its infrastructure to support the growing network of users who demand a smarter and cleaner way to move through their cities.

For more information on the YOYO and the battery-swapping network, visit https://www.xev-global.com/yoyo or explore the upcoming XPRESSION model at https://www.xev-global.com/xpression.
Hashtag: #XEV

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About XEV

XEV is an innovative electric vehicle company committed to transforming the way cars are designed, built, and owned. Through its direct-to-consumer (DTC) online customization platform and a flexible production system, XEV integrates personalized user demand with modular smart manufacturing. The company's mission is to make electric vehicles accessible and lifestyle-aligned for everyone. It drives the transition toward sustainable and personalized mobility. XEV positions itself not just as a manufacturer but as a global leader in urban electric mobility solutions.

Hongkong Land and Gammon Construction bring CarbonCure Low‑Carbon Concrete to Hong Kong for the first time

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:00:14 +0700

Hongkong Land and Gammon Construction introduce CarbonCure's CO₂ mineralisation technology in Tomorrow's CENTRAL project, a first for Hong Kong.
Injecting captured CO₂ into concrete reduces cement use by up to 7%.
Supporting Hongkong Land's goal of cutting Scope 3 carbon intensity 22% by 2030, positioning Tomorrow's CENTRAL as a sustainability leader.
Buildings Department approval of the CarbonCure concrete mix sets the stage for wider industry adoption.

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - Hongkong Land and Gammon Construction have partnered to introduce CarbonCure to Hong Kong. Through this strategic collaboration, the companies are deploying the patented CO₂ mineralisation technology in Tomorrow's CENTRAL project, marking its first use in Hong Kong. This alliance pioneers low-carbon building materials in the city and accelerates the wider industry's transition.

(From left to right) Mr. Eddie Tse, Group Sustainability Manager, Gammon Construction; Ms. Ka Yan Chu, Assistant Technical Manager, Concrete Technology Services, Gammon Construction; Ms. Grace Lam, Senior Sustainability Manager, Hongko

Reducing cement‑related emissions without compromising performance

Embodied carbon accounted for 70% of Hongkong Land's total carbon emissions in 2025, with industry research indicating that more than 80% of the embodied carbon in a typical new commercial building is associated with concrete, brick and steel. Cement production generates about 7% of global CO₂ emissions, more than three times that of civil aviation, making it a critical decarbonisation priority.

CarbonCure offers one of the most effective solutions, reducing cement content by 4–7% without compromising concrete quality or performance. The new technology injects captured CO₂ into fresh concrete during mixing, where it undergoes a chemical reaction to form a mineral, permanently trapping carbon within the material. When combined with a low-carbon concrete mix containing approximately 40% Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GGBS), a 34% carbon emissions reduction is achieved compared to traditional non-green concrete.

Implementing this innovative technology supports Hongkong Land's target of achieving a 22% reduction in Scope 3 carbon intensity by 2030. It also aligns with Tomorrow's CENTRAL project's sustainability objectives, including using 100% low carbon concrete, 100% green rebar, and 100% sustainable timber during construction, and to divert 75% of construction waste.

Tomorrow's CENTRAL: a project with sustainability at its core

Tomorrow's CENTRAL is Hongkong Land's bold three-year plan to transform the LANDMARK retail portfolio. Announced in June 2024, the project is ambitious in its scope, encompassing extensive façade enhancements, retail renovations and office lift-lobby relocations From inception, sustainability has been the project's guiding principle.

The CarbonCure concrete mix technology was deployed by Hongkong Land and Gammon in November 2025 after it was approved by the Buildings Department in September 2025 following a rigorous 18-month testing and preparation period.

Michael T. Smith, Group Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, said: "Sustainability is a key business priority for Hongkong Land. Using lower carbon concrete on Tomorrow's CENTRAL helps to advance the goals of our Sustainability Framework 2030. As the first developer to apply this technology in Hong Kong's premium commercial sector, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to innovation and encourage wider industry uptake."

Eddie Tse, Group Sustainability Manager, Gammon Construction, said: "We are delighted to partner with Hongkong Land on Hong Kong's first application of CarbonCure concrete. Their strong commitment to sustainability and openness to pioneering solutions have been instrumental in making this milestone possible. By permanently mineralising carbon within building materials and reducing cement use, lower carbon concrete represents a meaningful step forward in embodied‑carbon reduction. With this successful deployment, we look forward to extending similar innovations across the industry and collaborating with more clients to drive low‑carbon construction in Hong Kong."

Hashtag: #HongkongLand

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Hongkong Land

Hongkong Land is a major listed property development, investment and management group. It focuses on developing, owning and managing premium and ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. With over US$50 billion in assets under management, Hongkong Land's ultra-premium mixed-use real estate footprint spans over 1.97 million sq. m. lettable area in operation and 1.43 million sq. m. lettable area under development, with flagship mixed-use projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world's foremost companies and luxury brands. Established in 1889, Hongkong Land takes a long-term view, investing significantly alongside its capital partners and concentrating its portfolio where it can create the most value for tenants, customers and investors. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Singapore and Bermuda. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

DFIQ Media Hong Kong and WPP Media Hong Kong are the first in APAC to advance privacy-safe, data-driven retail media powered by Open Intelligence

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:00:14 +0700

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - DFIQ Media Hong Kong, the retail media arm of leading Asian retailer, DFI Retail Group, today announced a strategic partnership with WPP Media Hong Kong that brings the power of Open Intelligence for Commerce to Hong Kong for the first time. The partnership establishes a new, privacy-first foundation for retail media collaboration in the market, enabling brands to activate high-value audiences and deliver more relevant, impactful advertising across DFI's extensive retail ecosystem.

DFIQ Media Hong Kong and WPP Media Hong Kong announced a strategic partnership that brings the power of Open Intelligence for Commerce to Hong Kong for the first time. Pictured are Wee Lee Loh, Group Chief Digital & yuu Rewards Officer, DFI Retail Group (left) and Michael Beecroft, CEO of WPP Media North East Asia (right).

The partnership brings together DFIQ Media's extensive omnichannel retail media ecosystem with WPP Media's advanced programmatic and predictive intelligence capabilities. By integrating customer audience insights through InfoSum - WPP's privacy-first, no-data-movement collaboration platform - advertisers can activate high-value audiences while ensuring strict data privacy and regulatory compliance.

Through this initiative, advertisers will gain access to aggregated customer insights from the yuu loyalty ecosystem and retail platforms across DFI Retail Group banners, enabling more precise and effective targeting strategies. These audience segments can be securely matched and activated via WPP Media's Open Intelligence, and delivered through WPP Open - WPP's agentic marketing platform. This enables brands to unlock new growth audiences, improve targeting accuracy, and access deeper performance insights across digital and in-store environments, including incremental sales, new-shopper contribution, and audience-level effectiveness.

"Retail media is the fastest growing media channel globally and rapidly becoming one of the most important channels for brands to connect with consumers in meaningful and measurable ways," said Wee Lee Loh, Group Chief Digital & yuu Rewards Officer from DFI Retail Group. The partnership also includes WPP Media's investment in DFIQ Media's omnichannel retail media inventory. This includes digital advertising opportunities across the e-commerce and mobile apps of yuu, Wellcome, 7-Eleven, and Mannings, as well as DFIQ Media's in-store digital screen network of more than 6,000 screens across these retail locations in Hong Kong. "Our collaboration with DFIQ Media represents an important step in shaping the future of commerce-driven media in Hong Kong," said Michael Beecroft, CEO of WPP Media North East Asia.

Collectively, these retail touchpoints generate more than 60 million store visits every month, giving brands a powerful platform to connect with consumers across the full shopping journey — from digital discovery to in-store purchase.

"By partnering with WPP Media and leveraging privacy-safe technology from InfoSum, we are unlocking the next phase of retail media in Hong Kong - one that combines powerful first-party data with omnichannel activation across digital and physical retail environments," said Chandana Sunder, Group Retail Media Director from DFI Retail Group.

WPP Media will also bring its advanced programmatic advertising, predictive modelling, and Open Intelligence capabilities to the partnership, enabling automated buying, real-time optimization, and sophisticated audience targeting powered by DFIQ Media's retail signals.

"By connecting DFIQ Media's rich retail audiences with our Open Intelligence framework, we can deliver high-yield, privacy-safe, and outcome-driven advertising solutions that reduce waste and drive measurable growth for brands," said Kenny Ip, Vice President, Media and Partnership Management at WPP Media Hong Kong.

Together, DFIQ Media and WPP Media aim to push the boundaries of retail media innovation - building a more advanced and future-ready retail media landscape in Hong Kong. The partnership marks a significant milestone in next-generation retail media development, combining privacy-first data collaboration, predictive intelligence, and large-scale omnichannel activation to create new opportunities for brands to engage shoppers and measure incremental impact.
Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #DFIQ #yuuRewards #Mannings #7-Eleven #Wellcome

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group is a leading Asian retailer driven by its purpose to 'Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments'. As at 31 December 2025, the Group and its associates operated 7,580 outlets and employed more than 79,000 people across 12 markets. The Group is committed to delivering quality, value and service to consumers across the region through trusted brands, strong local market positions, and a broad retail ecosystem supported by extensive store networks, digital capabilities and efficient supply chains. DFI Retail Group and its associates operate a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings and restaurants.

DFIQ Media is the retail media arm of DFI Retail Group, connecting brands with millions of shoppers through a powerful omnichannel ecosystem that spans loyalty, e-commerce, and in-store media across leading retail banners. Established in 2025, it aims to deliver everyday omnichannel customer experience through full funnel media solutions powered by first party data intelligence.

Ping An Digital Bank Invited to Participate in the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit Again for Sharing Session

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:00:13 +0700

Showcasing its Fintech Capabilities, Exploring How Technology Drives Risk Management and Compliance in Banking, Embodying the Brand Value of ‘Always With You, Always Ahead’

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - The 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit was once again held in Hong Kong. Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited ("Ping An Digital Bank," "PingAnDB") has been invited to participate in the event for the second consecutive year. This year, Ping An Digital Bank appeared at the event with a brand-new corporate identity, engaging with leading international industry figures, experts, and scholars to share best practices in artificial intelligence (AI) and data technology, while promoting high-quality development of smart finance both locally and across the region.

The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit, the flagship annual event of the innovation and technology sector, was officially launched yesterday (13 April). Under the theme "Digital and Intelligent Empowerment for Innovative Development– Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace", the summit brought together government and business leaders, representatives from international organisations, leading corporations, as well as experts and scholars from various countries and regions. They engaged in in-depth discussions on a range of cutting-edge topics, including digital and intelligent innovation, with a view to exploring new opportunities and jointly building a smart future.

As one of the digital banks in Hong Kong, Ping An Digital Bank is committed to driving fintech innovation by integrating AI and data analytics to optimise operations, enhance efficiency, and improve data circulation and risk management, empowering individuals and businesses with convenient digital banking service. Drawing on its extensive experience in applying technological innovations, Ping An Digital Bank has once again been invited to speak at the "Digital Finance" sub-forum on the second day of the event (14 April). Ping An Digital Bank will share with attendees the breakthroughs and insights from its AI applications and cross-sector data flow, whilst also exploring how banks can utilise technology to strengthen risk control and regulatory compliance, thereby further demonstrating Hong Kong's leading position in fintech on the international stage.

Mr Ronald Iu, Chief Executive of Ping An Digital Bank, stated at the sub-forum, "Leveraging the technological strength of Ping An Group, Ping An Digital Bank is committed to deepening technological innovation. In addition to continuously exploring data applications to transform the businesses' financing ecosystem, PingAnDB is actively deepening AI application scenarios to comprehensively enhance operational efficiency across the board. We believe that the application of AI can be both deeper and broader, allowing the savings in operational costs and time to be passed on to our customers. While our team can concentrate its resources on optimising the entire customer experience, individuals and businesses can use our services with peace of mind to achieve their wealth accumulation goals, thereby realising our brand value of 'Always with You, Always Ahead'."

Mr. Iu added that, in response to the strong demand from cross-border and trade enterprises, Ping An Digital Bank has consistently driven change through technology and data. Starting from Know Your Customer (KYC), data enables the team to gain a multi-dimensional understanding of businesses' operations, conduct customer due diligence more quickly and accurately, and thereby streamline the approval process. Ping An Digital Bank also uses data to enhance risk management efficiency, assist with anti-money laundering monitoring, and reduce the likelihood of bad debts. Committed to collaborating with the HKSAR Government and the industry, the Bank helps build data infrastructure and financial services platforms connecting the Greater Bay Area with international markets, supporting enterprises as they expand into broader regional and international markets.

Ping An Digital Bank integrates AI across various departments and scenarios to enhance the system's ability to detect deepfake technology, identify suspected forged or synthesised faces, and assist teams in monitoring and preventing potentially fraudulent activities. In the areas of anti-fraud and financial crime compliance, we will further apply AI to detect and analyse abnormal transaction patterns, thereby strengthening PingAnDB's risk management and fraud prevention capabilities. In addition, across the entire loan process, product development, technical infrastructure and even marketing promotion, Ping An Digital Bank utilises AI to assist teams with data collection, coding, design and other tasks, making operations more efficient.

Looking ahead, Ping An Digital Bank will continue to lead the development of digital banking and data infrastructure, deepen the application of AI technology in day-to-day operations and product innovation, support the sustainable upgrading of the financial sector, and enable more businesses and individuals to benefit from smart finance.

Hashtag: #PingAnDigitalBank #平安數字銀行

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Ping An Digital Bank

Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited ("Ping An Digital Bank," "PingAnDB") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd ("Lufax") (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. ("Ping An") (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318). Ping An Digital Bank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer retail banking and business banking services. Backed by Ping An's advanced technology, Ping An Digital Bank is elevating banking experience, serving customer in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as Ping An Group's comprehensive financial platform in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Residential Market Remains Resilient Despite Geopolitical Tensions, with Primary and Secondary Transactions Buoyant

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:00:14 +0700

Greater Central Grade A Office Rents Bottom Out, High Street Vacancies Continue to Fall

Residential Market: Market sentiment turned more positive after the Chinese New Year as purchasing power continued to be released. Strong primary market home sales also drove secondary market activity, with Q1 residential transaction numbers surging 53% y-o-y to more than 18,650 units. Home prices across different segments recorded growth, reflecting that buyer appetite has yet to be impacted by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Grade A Office Market: Net absorption remained positive for the tenth consecutive quarter at 217,100 sq ft in Q1, mainly driven by leasing activity from the banking & finance sector. Greater Central rents have now bottomed out, strengthening by 5.5% q-o-q and supporting the city's overall office rents to increase by 2.4% q-o-q.
Retail Market: Overall retail sales have continued to recover on the back of rising tourist arrivals. The average high street vacancy rate fell further to 4.2% in Q1, with tier-1 high streets in Causeway Bay and Central being fully occupied.

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield today held its Hong Kong Property Markets Q1 2026 Review and Outlook press conference. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Hong Kong's residential market continued to perform resiliently, with both primary and secondary market transactions recording sustained growth. Total residential transaction numbers in Q1 rose by 9% q-o-q and 53% y-o-y. In the Grade A office market, net absorption reached 217,000 sq ft in Q1, driven by leasing demand from the banking & finance sector. However, rental performance continued to diverge between core and non-core submarkets, and the recovery was chiefly led by core areas. As for the retail sector, total retail sales continued to recover gently, supporting a further drop in the overall high street vacancy rate in Q1. Hong Kong Island outperformed the overall market, with rents in Central and Causeway Bay rising by 1.1% and 0.8% q-o-q, respectively.

Grade A office leasing market: Tenth consecutive quarter of positive net absorption, Greater Central rents continue to pick up

Sentiment in Hong Kong's Grade A office market remained positive in Q1 2026 on the back of sustained demand from the banking & finance and insurance sectors. The quarterly total new leased area reached 866,000 sq ft, with the banking & finance and insurance sectors accounting for more than 70%. Citywide net absorption fell q-o-q to record 217,100 sq ft but remained positive for the 10th consecutive quarter.

Greater Central and Greater Tsimshatsui rental levels continued to pick up in Q1, by 5.5% and 0.4% q-o-q, respectively, driving the overall rental level up by 2.4% q-o-q to mark two consecutive quarters of rental growth for the first-time since Q1 2019. However, average rents in non-core submarkets continued to soften, suggesting the overall rental recovery is chiefly led by core areas in a two-tier market. As no new projects were completed in Q1, the overall availability rate remained broadly stable at around 20.0%, edging down by 0.3 percentage points q-o-q.

John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield,said, "Looking ahead, despite the recent stock market volatility, leasing demand from the banking & finance sector is expected to remain a key pillar this year, underpinned by expectations that Hong Kong will remain the leading global IPO market in 2026, with more than 400 companies in the listing pipeline up to the end of March. Geopolitical developments in the Middle East may also prompt investors to review asset deployment strategies and reallocate capital to Hong Kong, potentially supporting demand from banking & finance and wealth management-related occupiers. We have revised our 2026 rental forecast for Greater Central to +6% to +8%, from the previous range of +2% to +4%. In turn, the citywide Grade A office rent forecast is also revised to +1% to +3% y-o-y in 2026, compared with a previous forecast of ±1%."

Retail leasing market: Retail sales demonstrate resilience with the overall high street vacancy rate falling further to a new post-pandemic low

The Hong Kong retail market continued to demonstrate resilience in Q1 2026, supported by improved tourist arrivals and sustained local consumption sentiment, enabling the city's overall retail sales for the January to February 2026 period to pick up by 11.8% y-o-y to record HK$72.4billion. Among major retail categories, the Jewellery & Watches sector led the market recovery with a notable 27.8% y-o-y increase, followed by the Medicines & Cosmetics and Fashion & Accessories sectors at 8.3% and 6.6% y-o-y, respectively. This suggests the ongoing recovery and strengthening of tourist-oriented business sectors.

The overall high street vacancy rate continued to trend downwards, standing at 4.2% in Q1, marking a new low since the pandemic. Across core retail districts, Hong Kong Island outperformed Kowloon, with high street shops in Causeway Bay and Central within our basket fully leased during the quarter. The vacancy rate in Tsimshatsui also dropped further to 7.1% in Q1, while Mongkok remained stable at 6.1%.

As for high street retail rental levels, recovery was also led by Hong Kong Island, with Central and Causeway Bay recording q-o-q increases of 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively. Mongkok high street retail rents picked up by 0.6% q-o-q, while a more affordable, mass-market tenant mix prompted Tsim Sha Tsui rental levels to move down by 1.1% q-o-q (Chart 2). Regarding the F&B sector, high availability continued to weigh on rents across districts, with Causeway Bay, Central, Tsimshatsui and Mongkok all recording declines within 1% q-o-q.

John Siucommented, "Retail leasing sentiment across districts remained positive in the first quarter, particularly on Hong Kong Island side. We anticipate Central and Causeway Bay to lead the rental level recovery, given Causeway Bay has continued to attract young locals and tourists, while Central has been benefitting from relatively stable high-end local consumption. On Kowloon side, Tsimshatsui and Mongkok are expected to see gradual absorption of vacant spaces if landlords are willing to offer reasonable asking rents. Looking ahead, the city's retail market is poised for a positive recovery in 2026, yet we anticipate a gradual rental recovery rather than a rapid rebound. Supporting factors, including the wealth effect from the housing price recovery, are set to lift local consumption sentiment. The ongoing mega-event campaign, coupled with a stronger renminbi, is also expected to draw a promising influx of tourists, supporting greater foot traffic and tourist spending on high streets. Nevertheless, given the shift in consumption patterns and the entry of more affordable brands into high streets, overall rents are unlikely to see a rapid rebound in the near term. We maintain our forecast of a 2% to 3% increase in overall high street retail rents for 1H 2026."

Residential market: Market transactions remain active amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, supporting home price rises across market segments

The Hong Kong residential market continued to gain momentum in Q1, driven by strong sales of primary projects and more active participation from potential buyers in the secondary market who have expedited purchase decisions. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have yet to exert a significant impact on Hong Kong residential market activity. Since March last year, the monthly number of residential sales and purchases agreements has exceeded 5,000 for 13 consecutive months, with February 2026 reaching close to 6,700 units. Total residential transactions in Q1 recorded approximately 18,650 units, up 53% y-o-y and 9% q-o-q (Chart 3). Strong sales at new launches saw primary market transactions take a 30% share of total transactions in the quarter.

Edgar Lai, Senior Director, Valuation and Advisory Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, highlighted, "Strong market activity continued to support home prices to trend upward in Q1 2026. According to the Rating and Valuation Department, as at February, the overall residential price index picked up by 2.6% in the first two months of the year. Meanwhile, our Cushman & Wakefield mid-and-small size units price index shows that home prices rose by around 5% in March from the end-2025 level. At the same time, our tracking of popular housing estates demonstrates that prices across different market segments maintained upward momentum throughout the quarter. Prices at City One Shatin, representing the mass market, rose 5.6% q-o-q, while prices at Taikoo Shing, representing the mid-market, strengthened by 8.6% q-o-q. Residence Bel-Air, representing the luxury segment, recorded a notable 7.1% q-o-q rise. At the same time, underpinned by housing needs from incoming talent, the residential rental index continued to trend up to hit a new record high. Coupled with interest rates now remaining at relatively low levels, investors have been encouraged to enter the market, while renters and potential buyers are expediting home ownership decisions."

Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, added, "The city's housing market largely sustained the strong momentum carried over from late-2025, with both transaction numbers and prices continuing to climb in Q1. Despite recent Middle East geopolitical tensions, the overall residential market has continued to demonstrate resilience, with the number of residential sale and purchase agreements exceeding 6,000 cases in both February and March. Looking ahead, more capital is expected to flow into Hong Kong as a safe haven, helping to keep local interbank rates at relatively low levels and providing support to the housing market. Moreover, our Verbal Enquiry index has now risen for three consecutive months, reflecting sustained positive sentiment in the Hong Kong residential market. We anticipate full-year transaction numbers in 2026 to reach 65,000 to 70,000 units. As for the home prices forecast, if geopolitical tensions in the Middle East ease in the near term, the impact on the Hong Kong residential market is likely to be limited, and we would expect full-year home prices to rise in a range of 7% to 10%. However, if tensions further escalate, uncertainty may weigh on interest rates and buyer confidence, with annual price growth to moderate to around the 5% mark."

Please click here to download photo and presentation deck

Caption: (From left to right) Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield; John Siu, Managing Director, Head of Project and Occupier Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield and Edgar Lai, Senior Director, Valuation and Advisory Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield.

Hashtag: #CushmanWakefield

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 53,000 employees in nearly 350 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).

Fantastic Reef Fishes and Where to Find Them: A New Field Guide Celebrates and Documents Hong Kong’s Reef Fish Diversity with 422 Species

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:00:13 +0700

Bearing Witness to 11 Years of Underwater Research and Adding Nine New Species Records for Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - BLOOM Association Hong Kong officially launches the publication, Fantastic Reef Fishes and Where to Find Them—Field Guide of the 114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey (hereafter referred to as "the Field Guide"). Funded by The Swire Group Charitable Trust, the Field Guide is a documentation of reef fishes found in Hong Kong waters, created with the aim of enhancing public understanding of local reef fish biodiversity and promoting marine environmental education, conservation, and awareness.

Fantastic Reef Fishes and Where to Find Them—Field Guide of the 114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey features 422 reef fish species, including nine species that were not previously recorded in Hong Kong in any scientific literature.

This Field Guide showcases findings of the 114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey (hereafter referred to as "the 114°E Survey"), based on underwater survey observations and data collected in the 11 years from 2014 to 2024. It features 422 reef fish species from 91 families, including nine species that were not previously recorded in Hong Kong in any scientific literature (See Appendix I). The Five-lined coral goby (Gobiodon quinquestrigatus) which spends most of their lives in a small patch of corals, and the brightly coloured Threespot angelfish (Apolemichthys trimaculatus) are some examples, suggesting that there may still be fish species that await discovery in local waters. The book contains over one thousand underwater photographs, all taken in Hong Kong waters, and each species account is accompanied by meticulous fish illustrations to highlight key identification features. It is the first among local publications of its kind, and provides readers with accurate, accessible, and educational content.

The 114°E Survey began in 2014 with only a handful of volunteer divers, working to systematically record the diversity of Hong Kong's reef fishes by scuba diving surveys. Since then, more than 400 volunteers have participated, coming from a wide range of backgrounds and brought together by a shared passion for diving and appreciation for the marine life. Seeing the growing awareness for biodiversity conservation in the city and the fact that previously published local reef fish guides are mostly no longer available in the market, Stan Shea, co-founder of the 114°E Survey and one of the editors of the Field Guide, conceived the idea of producing a new guide using the extensive data and photographs accumulated over the years.

"Many people are unaware of the incredible diversity beneath the waves. If the public does not even know what kinds of fish live in our waters, how can we expect more people to support marine conservation?" says Stan Shea.

Among the 400+ reef fish species documented by the 114°E Survey team are well-known species, such as Seahorses and Clownfish, as well as species that are threatened with extinction, such as the Hong Kong grouper and the Humphead wrasse. The Field Guide highlights the fishes' beauty and characteristics, aids identification, and presents species' sighting frequencies across years. It combines data with survey anecdotes, covering encounter patterns, ecological stories, and interactions between divers and reef fishes. These accounts engage readers while also serve as a historical record of Hong Kong's reef fish diversity for this decade.

Another editor of the Field Guide, Yiu Wai Hong, noted that beyond serving as a practical tool book for nature enthusiasts and the public, he hopes that the Field Guide will also support environmental education for the next generation. It is intended to provide schools, teachers, and students with locally relevant learning materials for marine science and ecology, inspire further research and publications for Hong Kong's marine space, and encourage support for conservation measures, such as the establishment of marine protected areas, to ensure that Hong Kong's incredible diversity is preserved for the appreciation and enjoyment of generations to come.

Summary
Fantastic Reef Fishes and Where to Find Them – Field Guide of the 114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey documents 422 reef fish species from 91 families recorded during underwater surveys in Hong Kong waters between 2014 and 2024. The book includes:

Species accounts detailing features, characteristics, and providing identification guidance
General information on local distribution
Underwater photographs of reef fishes taken in Hong Kong waters
Reef fish ecological stories
Divers' observations and interactions with reef fish

Purpose and Significance of the Publication:
BLOOM Association Hong Kong hopes that the publication will:

Enhance public understanding of reef fish diversity in Hong Kong waters
Support environmental education for schools, teachers, and students
Provide baseline knowledge usable for reef fish research and conservation
Serve as a historical record of local reef fish diversity for the past 11 years

Hashtag: #BLOOMAssociationHongKong

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About BLOOM Association Hong Kong

Established in 2009, BLOOM Association Hong Kong is dedicated to bridging the gap between people and science, inspiring public interest in marine conservation, and working with stakeholders to improve both local waters and global oceans.

Babinsa Sungai Sembilan Turun ke Kebun, Ingatkan Larangan Bakar Lahan

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:34:08 +0700

DUMAI – Dalam rangka mendukung ketahanan pangan sekaligus mencegah kebakaran hutan dan lahan (karhutla), Babinsa Kelurahan Batu Teritip Koramil 03/Sungai Sembilan, Sertu Miftah, melaksanakan kegiatan pendampingan karya nyata di wilayah binaannya, Selasa (14/4/2026).

Kegiatan berlangsung di kebun milik warga bernama Sudirman yang berlokasi di Jalan Poros RT 12, Kelurahan Batu Teritip, Kecamatan Sungai Sembilan. Pendampingan difokuskan pada pengembangan tanaman nenas sebagai salah satu komoditas pertanian yang dinilai memiliki potensi ekonomi bagi masyarakat setempat.

Selain membantu kegiatan pertanian, Babinsa juga memanfaatkan momen tersebut untuk memberikan sosialisasi kepada warga terkait larangan membuka lahan dengan cara membakar. Edukasi ini diberikan sebagai langkah pencegahan karhutla yang kerap terjadi saat musim kemarau.

Sertu Miftah menegaskan bahwa pendampingan yang dilakukan merupakan bagian dari upaya TNI AD melalui Babinsa dalam mendukung kesejahteraan masyarakat sekaligus menjaga kelestarian lingkungan.

“Pendampingan ini bertujuan membantu meningkatkan produktivitas kebun warga, sekaligus mengingatkan masyarakat agar tidak membuka lahan dengan cara membakar. Selain berbahaya bagi lingkungan dan kesehatan, tindakan tersebut juga memiliki konsekuensi hukum,” ujar Sertu Miftah.

Ia menambahkan, peran aktif masyarakat sangat diperlukan dalam menjaga wilayah tetap aman dari kebakaran hutan dan lahan.

“Kami berharap masyarakat dapat terus bekerja sama menjaga lingkungan. Jika menemukan indikasi kebakaran atau aktivitas pembakaran lahan, segera laporkan agar dapat ditangani dengan cepat,” tambahnya.

Selama kegiatan berlangsung, situasi terpantau aman dan kondusif. Cuaca cerah, serta tidak ditemukan titik api maupun titik asap di wilayah tersebut.***

Consumer expo draws global exhibitors keen on China's vast market

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:00:14 +0700

HAIKOU, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - The sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) kicked off on Monday in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, attracting more than 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions.

The sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Themed "Opening Up Drives Global Consumption, Innovation Empowers A Better Life," this year's expo runs from April 13 to 18. Meanwhile, the 2026 "Shopping in China" International Consumption Season was launched simultaneously.

The sixth CICPE has expanded in scale, with an exhibition area of 143,000 square meters, up 13,000 square meters from the previous edition. International exhibits account for 65 percent of the total, an increase of 20 percentage points from last year. Meanwhile, over 200 new products are expected to make their debut, double last year's number and spanning fields including healthcare, jewelry and digital technology.

Since its launch in 2021, the CICPE has become an important platform for multinationals to stay abreast of consumer trends in China's gigantic market, with over 3,800 enterprises and more than 12,000 brands from 92 countries and regions participating over the past five editions.

Canada, this year's guest country of honor, has organized its largest-ever delegation, with around 40 companies participating in sectors including cosmetics, agricultural products, health products and pet food.

Russia and Bulgaria are among nations setting up national pavilions for the first time, while official delegations from 12 countries and regions, including Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Ireland, are attending the event.

Beyond the main venue in Haikou, a health exhibition area in Hainan's Boao features 120 international pharmaceutical and medical device companies, while a yacht show in Sanya in the province is hosting over 200 yachts, with international brands accounting for 70 percent.

Committed to building an international, professional, and market-oriented multilateral economic and trade cooperation platform, the CICPE has become a "bridgehead" for high-level opening up. It has attracted over 230,000 domestic and overseas buyers in the five expos to date.

This edition, for the first time, has set up a buyer service center on site, providing exhibitors and buyers with full-process, all-round supply-demand matchmaking services. Additionally, an online supply-demand matchmaking platform has been established, leveraging digital technology to enable one-click matching of needs.

"An estimated 65,000 professional buyers will attend this year's expo, a 10-percent increase from the previous edition," said Lu Min, director of the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development. "We also plan to hold more than 10 supply-demand matchmaking events to effectively enhance the sense of fulfillment for both buyers and exhibitors."

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Full-Process, All-Element Test Run Conducted for 2026 Beijing E-Town Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:00:14 +0700

BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - The 2026 Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon is scheduled to kick off on April 19. To ensure better preparation for the event, the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), also known as Beijing E-Town, organized a full-process, all-element test run for the 2026 Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon from the night of April 11 to the early hours of April 12. The drill comprehensively simulated core scenarios such as track passage, process scheduling, equipment coordination, and emergency support, serving as a combat-ready exercise to safeguard the official race. Of the registered teams, more than 70 participated in this test, including four international teams, with both autonomous navigation and remote-controlled teams conducting night trials on the course together.

From the night of April 11 to the early hours of April 12, the full-process, all-element test event for the 2026 Beijing E-Town Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon was held in Beijing E-Town. Pictured is a robot running during the test.

As the world's first humanoid robot marathon event brand, this competition has reached new heights in terms of scale, technological innovation, and organizational requirements. Therefore, the drill was conducted to drive a further upgrade in the quality of event preparations.

In terms of scale, the number of participating teams for this year has grown by nearly five times compared to last year, exceeding 100 teams. Covering two major categories—autonomous navigation and remote control—with autonomous teams accounting for nearly 40%, the number of participants, types of technology, and scope of testing have all reached historic highs. Consequently, full-process drills are required to solidify operational links, hone team coordination, and ensure the efficient operation of the event.

Regarding technological innovation, the first large-scale application of autonomous navigation technology has become a major highlight and challenge. In complex and changing environments, robots face difficulties in perceiving and making decisions within intricate surroundings, posing huge challenges to their computing power. At the same time, long-distance running places severe tests on the robots' endurance, specifically examining their long-range stamina and energy management capabilities. Furthermore, dynamic balance and gait control capabilities are put to the test; robots must maintain dynamic balance at all times. Especially during high-speed running or sharp turns, the requirements for adaptive gait and millisecond-level posture correction are extremely high to prevent falls caused by shifts in the center of gravity.

In terms of regulations, this year's event has also seen systematic upgrades in five areas: stricter rules on human intervention, more scientific start and movement protocols, clearer scoring and penalty criteria, more standardized supply and equipment management, and tighter safety and emergency procedures.

Facing these numerous challenges, the main purpose of this full-process, all-element test is to conduct technical validation, process refinement, risk prevention, and standard consolidation, ensuring the official race proceeds safely, smoothly, efficiently, and in an orderly manner. This drill, adhering to the standards of "full-process, all-scenarios, and all-elements," followed the complete official race route of 21.0975 kilometers for the first time. It followed official race timelines, track rules, and support systems, covering two categories of teams (autonomous and remote-controlled), two types of scenarios (urban main roads and eco-parks), and two major segments (technical competition and service support). Through full-chain stress testing, the organizers carried out targeted breakthrough verifications to precisely identify potential issues and optimize procedural details.

The entire event involves a full chain of operations including start-line assembly, track control, battery swapping and resupply, finish-line diversion, emergency containment, vehicle dispatch, timing and judging, and security and medical services. All these must undergo practical drills to identify risks, optimize movement lines, and unify standards. This test comprehensively inspects the stability and reliability of humanoid robot technology, laying a solid foundation for the successful hosting of the official event.

During this test, team positioning was strictly verified and orderly arranged based on technical data submitted by each team, ensuring the process was open, standardized, fair, and orderly. As a realistic pre-race simulation drill, the test focused on process refinement, problem identification, and detail optimization. Test results were for reference only and did not count towards official rankings or race results. At the same time, speed performance and operational data of the teams during the test were within the scope of verification and do not represent their level in the official competition.

Currently, the short-distance speed of robots has improved significantly, and some teams predict that their half-marathon results may approach the level of elite human athletes. As a competition that serves as an extreme test of comprehensive performance and adaptability to complex terrain, the final results are worth looking forward to. On April 19, this human-robot co-running half-marathon will officially kick off, providing more impetus for the development of the robotics industry and accelerating the transition of humanoid robots from the laboratory to real-world applications.

Hashtag: #2026BeijingE-TownHalf-MarathonandHumanoidRobotHalf-Marathon

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Koramil 02 Bersama PHR Gencarkan Patroli Pengamanan Jalur Pipa Minyak

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:16:35 +0700

DUMAI - Kegiatan patroli pengamanan jalur pipa minyak kembali dilakukan sebagai upaya menjaga objek vital nasional di wilayah Kota Dumai.

Pada Minggu, 12 April 2026, Tim Patroli SKK Migas Koramil 02/BK bersama Security PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan melaksanakan patroli di sepanjang jalur pipa minyak.

Patroli tersebut melibatkan satu personel Koramil 02/BK Sertu Roni Sandra bersama dua orang security, yakni Junaidi dan Gepeng, dengan menyusuri jalur pipa dari wilayah Kelurahan Bagan Besar hingga Bukit Kapur.

Dalam kegiatan itu, tim juga melaksanakan sosialisasi kepada masyarakat yang berada di sepanjang jalur pipa terkait larangan aktivitas yang dapat membahayakan instalasi tersebut.

“Kami mengimbau masyarakat agar tidak mendirikan bangunan di atas jalur pipa serta tidak melakukan aktivitas yang dapat merusak atau membahayakan pipa minyak,” ujar Babinsa.

Selain itu, masyarakat juga diingatkan untuk tidak melakukan pengeboran ilegal, mengambil material milik perusahaan, maupun membakar sampah di sekitar jalur pipa.

Kegiatan patroli dimulai dari Jalan Soekarno Hatta Km 17 hingga Km 23 dan berakhir di wilayah Kelurahan Bukit Kapur, Kecamatan Bukit Kapur dengan kondisi cuaca cerah selama kegiatan berlangsung.

“Kami berharap masyarakat dapat bersama-sama menjaga keamanan jalur pipa ini karena merupakan aset vital negara yang harus dilindungi,” tambah Babinsa.

Selama pelaksanaan patroli, situasi terpantau aman dan terkendali serta tidak ditemukan adanya gangguan maupun aktivitas mencurigakan di sepanjang jalur pipa yang dipantau.***

Komsos Koramil Sungai Sembilan, Wujud Kedekatan TNI dan Masyarakat

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:08:29 +0700

DUMAI – Dalam upaya mempererat hubungan dengan masyarakat sekaligus memperkuat pembinaan teritorial, Babinsa Kelurahan Lubuk Gaung Koramil 03/Sungai Sembilan melaksanakan kegiatan Komunikasi Sosial (Komsos) di Jalan Cut Nyak Dien, Kelurahan Lubuk Gaung, Kecamatan Sungai Sembilan, Selasa (14/4/2026).

Kegiatan yang dilaksanakan oleh Serma Tarmin dari Koramil 03/Sungai Sembilan ini bertujuan menjalin silaturahmi serta meningkatkan kedekatan antara Babinsa dengan tokoh masyarakat dan warga binaan di wilayah tersebut.

Melalui Komsos, Babinsa mengajak masyarakat untuk terus menjaga kebersamaan, keamanan lingkungan, serta memperkuat sinergi dalam mendukung pembangunan wilayah. Selama kegiatan berlangsung, situasi terpantau aman dan cuaca cerah sehingga seluruh rangkaian berjalan lancar

Komandan Kodim 0320/Dumai, Letkol Arm Herman Santoso, memberikan apresiasi atas pelaksanaan kegiatan tersebut. Ia menegaskan bahwa Komsos merupakan salah satu metode pembinaan teritorial yang sangat penting dalam menjaga kedekatan TNI dengan masyarakat.

“Melalui kegiatan komunikasi sosial, Babinsa dapat mengetahui kondisi wilayah secara langsung serta mempererat kemanunggalan TNI dengan rakyat. Kehadiran Babinsa di tengah masyarakat diharapkan mampu memberikan rasa aman dan menjadi solusi atas berbagai permasalahan di wilayah binaan,” ujarnya.

Ia menambahkan, kegiatan seperti ini akan terus dilakukan secara rutin di wilayah Dumai sebagai bentuk komitmen TNI dalam mendukung stabilitas keamanan dan kesejahteraan masyarakat.

Kegiatan Komsos ditutup dengan situasi aman dan lancar, serta mendapat sambutan positif dari masyarakat setempat.***

Hainan Tourism Promotion Seminar Lands in Madrid, Paving the Way for Deeper Cultural and Tourism Ties Between China and Spain

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:13 +0700

MADRID, SPAIN - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - Recently, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province, China, hosted a Hainan tourism promotion seminar for the local cultural and tourism industry at the China Cultural Center in Madrid. This event aimed to further advance cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation between Hainan and Spain.

Hainan tourism promotion seminar held in Madrid, Spain.

Attendees included Yang Changqing, Director of the China Cultural Center in Madrid; Aranzazu Urbina Álvarez, Deputy Director for Sustainability and Tourism Development, Community of Madrid; and representatives from over 30 local cultural and tourism enterprises, travel agencies, and industry associations. Together, they conducted in-depth discussions on bilateral cooperation in culture and tourism. Local travel agencies, cultural and tourism companies, and industry association representatives in Madrid showed strong interest in Hainan's tourism resources and engaged in extensive exchanges with the Hainan delegation, injecting new vitality into the future coordinated development of cultural tourism between the two regions.

Yang Changqing noted that the seminar provides Spanish travel operators with a window to deeply understand the latest developments in China's inbound tourism market. She expressed China's hope to enhance cooperation with Spanish cultural and tourism professionals, aiming for more concrete outcomes in joint tourism product development and two-way visitor exchanges, thereby elevating bilateral cultural and tourism cooperation to a new height.

Aranzazu Urbina Álvarez remarked that the event has created a valuable platform for dialogue between China and Spain, enabling both sides to share insights on core issues such as sustainable tourism development. She expressed her anticipation of visiting Hainan in the future to tour the local tourism sector and pinpoint cooperation opportunities that capitalize on the complementary strengths of the two sides.

Over the past year, cultural and tourism exchanges between Hainan and Madrid have seen remarkable progress. Hainan's Food Week event in Madrid allowed European audiences to experience the unique charm of this Chinese tropical island firsthand. This year, Hainan officially set up a tourism promotion office in Madrid, which will further open channels for cultural and tourism enterprises from both sides to connect, boosting tourism promotion and cooperation on the ground.

Wang Yuechuan, Director of the International and Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan Market Promotion Division of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province, stated that the Hainan Free Trade Port is actively working to launch a direct flight route from Madrid to Haikou. At the same time, it is continuously improving infrastructure, such as international payment systems and multilingual services, to offer European tourists a more convenient vacation experience.

Hashtag: #HainanTourism

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ISCA and LawSoc Team Up to Help Professional Services Firms Expand Regionally and Offer More Value

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:00:14 +0700

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and the Law Society of Singapore (LawSoc) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work more closely together, as more businesses expand across the region and face more complex issues.

What clients need from professional services firms is changing. It is no longer just about meeting compliance requirements. Companies now require coordinated advice across legal, financial and governance areas to support growth, manage risk and execute transactions with confidence. As more work spans multiple jurisdictions, clients are also looking for integrated teams that can support cross border needs seamlessly. This partnership brings the legal and accountancy professions together to meet that demand and create new opportunities for members.

A key focus of the collaboration is building skills that match how professionals learn and work today. ISCA and LawSoc will jointly develop a digital learning platform that allows lawyers to learn anytime, anywhere, through on demand modules that are practical and relevant to daily work. The platform is the first of its kind that will also support cross learning, enabling lawyers to build knowledge in accounting, finance and governance, while accountants strengthen their understanding of legal concepts relevant to risk, transactions and advisory work.

To help more legal professionals benefit from the learning platform, ISCA and LawSoc are working with NTUC LearningHub to enable funding options for eligible legal professionals. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training courses are also expected to be made available through NTUC LearningHub's Learning eXperience Platform (LXP) later in the year, with options such as SkillsFuture Credit and the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) funding to help keep training affordable and accessible. This will enable more professionals to upskill more quickly and strengthen capabilities across the profession.

The partnership will also strengthen Singapore's position as a trusted base for professional services work in the region. Amid an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic landscape, Singapore continues to stand out as a stable and resilient hub for global business. ISCA and LawSoc will advance discussions on setting up a Professional Services Centre in Singapore. The Centre is intended to help two groups. First, it will support investors and companies who want to set up or expand in Singapore. Second, it will support Singapore based companies that want to expand overseas. By connecting businesses to coordinated legal and accountancy expertise, the Centre will help companies deal with cross border requirements, governance expectations, and expansion decisions. This builds on earlier Professional Services Centre efforts in Nanjing, Hongqiao and Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr Teo Ser Luck, President of ISCA, said: "This is a significant partnership for both organisations. Together, we are establishing a Professional Services Centre that connects businesses with the legal and accounting expertise they need, helping them close deals with confidence and manage the risks that come with operating across borders. It is about building real capability, strengthening Singapore's professional services ecosystem, and giving our professional services firms and businesses, including SMEs, the support they need to pursue opportunities together with confidence."

Professor Tan Cheng Han, SC, President of the Law Society of Singapore, said: "Clients increasingly face issues that sit across law, finance and governance. Good advice depends on closer teamwork between lawyers and accountants. This partnership supports our members by strengthening training, expanding cross learning, and advancing initiatives such as a Professional Services Centre in Singapore to help firms compete and grow in the region."

Mr Joe Loy, Assistant Chief Executive and Managing Director of Digital Business, NTUC LearningHub, said: "CPD is essential in ensuring lawyers keep their skills current as practice areas, regulations and client expectations continue to evolve. At NTUC LearningHub, our focus is on making CPD training practical, accessible and affordable, enabling lawyers to fulfil their professional requirements while building relevant capabilities. By working with industry partners such as ISCA and LawSoc, we aim to lower barriers to training and help more lawyers stay competent, compliant and ready for the demands of their profession."

Ms Junie Fo, Vice President & Head, Professional Services, Singapore Economic Development Board, said: "Singapore is a trusted business hub where professional services firms support global and local businesses in navigating complex global dynamics. The partnership between ISCA and LawSoc strengthens Singapore's professional services offerings through deeper cross-sector sharing, while helping our accounting and legal talent develop emerging skillsets and enhance capabilities to support businesses in capturing new opportunities across the growing region. EDB looks forward to working with both organisations as we continue to grow Singapore's Professional Services sector."

Hashtag: #ISCA #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy #CharteredAccountants #ChooseAccountancy #MOUSigning

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Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 43,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.

ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.

Law Society of Singapore

Established in 1967, the Law Society of Singapore is a body established under the Legal Profession Act 1966. It carries out various statutory functions prescribed under the Legal Profession Act 1966, including maintaining and improving the standards of conduct and learning of the legal profession in Singapore, the facilitation of the acquisition of legal knowledge by members of the legal profession, and protecting and assisting the public in all matters ancillary or incidental to the law. For more information, please visit www.lawsociety.org.sg.

SEOExpert Launches in Singapore's Digital Marketing Space With Proprietary AI and a Results-Only Promise

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:00:13 +0700

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - Singapore's digital marketing industry has a trust problem, and SMEs are feeling it the most.

The pattern is familiar: thousands a month on SEO, reports full of jargon, keyword targets with no real search volume, and a new account manager every quarter because the last one left. It's an industry-wide problem, and SMEs bear the cost.

SEOExpert, a new digital marketing agency in Singapore, launched in March 2026 to take a different approach.

How SEOExpert Works

Berenice, founder of SEOExpert, brings over six years of experience across three digital marketing agencies in Singapore, where she managed campaigns for clients across diverse industries. She built SEOExpert around the problems she saw firsthand.

The agency has developed proprietary AI-powered systems that automate content publishing, competitor monitoring, campaign optimisation, and client acquisition. But unlike agencies that simply feed prompts into ChatGPT, SEOExpert's custom workflows keep humans in control of every strategic decision, from brand voice to campaign direction.

"AI should make an agency faster and more precise, not replace the thinking," says Berenice. "Our team spends more time on strategy and less time on spreadsheets. That's what clients actually benefit from."

The result: a lean, remote-first team that delivers at the speed and consistency of a much larger agency, without the overhead. Clients work with a consistent team that stays on their account, not a revolving door of junior staff. "Happy people do better work," says Berenice. "We hire good people, give them freedom, and measure what matters: results."

Full-Service Digital Marketing for Singapore SMEs

SEOExpert offers a full range of digital marketing services for Singapore SMEs, including but not limited to SEO, PPC and paid advertising, social media marketing, and web design.

The company has also published over 35 free SEO guides on its blog and built free tools for businesses to use, including a SERP simulator, Google review link generator, and UTM URL builder.

Preparing Singapore Businesses for the AI Search Shift

Google is moving toward AI-generated search results, fundamentally changing how businesses get found online. Traditional SEO alone is no longer enough. Brands now need to appear in AI-powered search results from platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.

SEOExpert is one of the few agencies in Singapore already offering GEO services to help businesses optimise for this shift.

"Most agencies are still focused on where Google was two years ago," says Berenice. "We're building for where search is going."

Hashtag: #SEOExpert #SEO #GEO #DigitalMarketing #AI

TikTok:

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

SEOExpert

We help brands win in digital marketing with SEO, paid advertising, PPC, and social media marketing, designed for today's algorithm-driven landscape. Affordable digital marketing services in Singapore focused on real results, delivered by a fully remote team.

Vietnam-China Agricultural Cooperation in a New Era: From Strategic Vision to a Sustainable and Prosperous Supply Chain

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:13 +0700

BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - At the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation on a state visit to China from April 14 to 17, 2026.

This constitutes a diplomatic event of paramount significance, aimed at concretizing high-level common understandings and further enriching the substance of the Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Within this framework, agricultural cooperation is identified as a crucial pillar, contributing to sustainable development and delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations.

Strategic Imprint and a Visionary Roadmap for Agricultural Collaboration

The State Visit unfolds against the backdrop of the finest phase of development in relations between the two Parties and two countries. It leaves a profound strategic imprint and bolsters high-level political trust, an essential prerequisite for substantive cooperation across all sectors.

Within the guiding framework of building a "China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future of Strategic Significance," agricultural collaboration is prioritized as a linchpin, playing a pivotal role in the deep economic integration of the two economies and the safeguarding of national food security.

This vision not only strives for balanced trade and sustainable regional development but also embodies the spirit of being "both comrades and brothers." It serves as a solid foundation for translating practical commitments into reality and generating robust momentum for the agricultural value chain in this new era of development.

Agriculture: A Dynamic Pillar of Bilateral Trade

The strategic vision and shared perceptions of the two countries' top leaders generate powerful momentum for promoting trade in agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, thereby highlighting the complementarity and comparative advantages of the two economies. Leveraging its abundant tropical agricultural resources, Vietnam is increasingly effective in meeting the diverse and high-quality demands of the Chinese market.
Currently, China remains Vietnam's largest export market for agro-forestry-fishery products and a leading import partner. Reciprocally, Vietnam maintains its position as China's largest trading partner within ASEAN. These outcomes clearly demonstrate the efficacy of trade promotion policies and the concerted efforts of both sides to facilitate customs clearance and market connectivity.

Impressive growth is substantiated by concrete figures: in 2024, bilateral trade in agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products reached US$17.8 billion (a 14.6% increase year-on-year); in 2025, total trade surged to US$20.94 billion (a 17.6% increase), with Vietnam's exports to China reaching US$15.97 billion, a remarkable 41.1% jump compared to 2024.

These figures not only affirm the growing importance of Vietnamese agricultural products in the Chinese market but also indicate substantial potential to be harnessed through future cooperation. This provides a solid empirical foundation for both sides to continue fostering in-depth collaboration, striving to build a transparent, safe, and sustainable agricultural supply chain that better addresses the needs and expectations of consumers in both countries.

Realizing Commitments and Expanding Market Access

In implementing the common understandings reached by the high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and States, Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and relevant Chinese agencies have coordinated closely to refine the legal framework, dismantle technical barriers, and broaden market access.

To date, the two sides have signed 33 Agreements and Protocols, establishing an increasingly synchronized and favorable legal corridor for the trade of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products.

Consequently, efforts to expand the portfolio of exportable agricultural commodities have yielded significant positive results. Vietnam has standardized technical procedures for 15 fruit and vegetable export items, nine of which are key staples managed under Protocols. Notably, an additional five new Protocols were concluded in 2025 alone.

In the fisheries sector, China has licensed hundreds of Vietnamese establishments to participate in exports, contributing to an expansion in both scale and product diversity.

Currently, both sides are actively advancing negotiations to open markets for numerous promising products. Concurrently, trade and investment promotion activities during the visit are expected to play a vital role in transforming high-level commitments into concrete outcomes, steering agricultural trade toward stable, sustainable, and efficient development.

Standardizing Production Processes to Align with International Benchmarks

To meet the increasingly stringent quarantine and food safety requirements of the Chinese market and other international destinations, Vietnam's agricultural sector is accelerating production restructuring in tandem with quality standardization. This represents a strategic pivot, shifting the development paradigm from a focus on "quantity" to one prioritizing "quality and value."

Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is concentrating efforts on establishing and strictly managing a system of planting area codes and packaging facility codes to ensure transparent traceability. Simultaneously, full compliance with food safety regulations, particularly Orders 248 and 249 of the General Administration of Customs of China, has become a mandatory requirement for exporting enterprises.

These endeavors not only help sustain and expand access to the Chinese market but also lay the groundwork for Vietnamese agricultural products to integrate more deeply into global value chains.

Strengthening Investment and Forging a Modern Agricultural Supply Chain in Vietnam

Attracting investment, particularly Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), is emerging as a key priority in Vietnam-China agricultural cooperation. Vietnam is steadily enhancing its transparent and open investment climate, offering a host of competitive advantages: (i) Locational and Raw Material Advantages: Abundant and stable agricultural inputs, coupled with an increasingly efficient logistics system, exemplified by the "smart border gate" model, optimize transit times and costs; (ii) Attractive Incentive Policies: Projects in high-tech agriculture, deep processing, and green agriculture benefit from preferential corporate income tax rates and favorable land policies; (iii) Gateway to Global Markets: With a network of over 16 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Vietnam stands as a strategic investment destination, enabling Chinese enterprises to capitalize on opportunities to expand exports to major markets under preferential terms. Notably, investment cooperation in cold chain logistics infrastructure and post-harvest preservation technology is anticipated to be a critical factor in reducing losses, enhancing value addition, and bolstering the competitiveness of agricultural products from both nations.

The State Visit of Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam to China is set to generate significant political momentum, propelling bilateral cooperation into a new phase of development. With strategic consensus from the highest levels of leadership and the active engagement of regulatory agencies and the business community, a modern and sustainable Vietnam-China agricultural supply chain is gradually taking shape, promising to elevate value addition, spur economic growth, and contribute to the overall stability and prosperity of the region.

Hashtag: #MAE

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Otis Takes Majority Stake in WeMaintain, Supporting Growth and Innovation in Service Technology

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:00:14 +0700

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS), the world's leading company for elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, service and modernization, and WeMaintain today announced that they have closed an agreement under which Otis will acquire a majority stake in WeMaintain, a fast-growing, technology-enabled service company for the elevator and escalator industry. The investment reflects Otis' continued focus on advancing service and service technology to deliver the best possible solutions for customers.

Otis and WeMaintain leadership teams. Pictured left to right is Nora LaFreniere, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Otis Worldwide Corporation; Judy Marks, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President, Otis Worldwide Corporation; Jade Francine, Chief Growth Officer, WeMaintain; Benoit Dupont, Chief Executive, WeMaintain.

"Service is the foundation of our business, and innovation in how service is delivered is increasingly important as customers seek greater reliability and better visibility into performance," said Judy Marks, Chair, CEO and President, Otis Worldwide Corp. "WeMaintain has built a strong technology platform and agile operating model that reflects how quality service is delivered in a fast-paced, digital and customer-centric environment. We are confident in their growth potential and believe this investment supports their continued success while creating long-term value for both organizations."

"Otis' investment allows us to stay focused on what we do best – continuing to build and advance our technology and scale our business as an independent company," said Benoit Dupont, WeMaintain CEO. " With the stability and support of the global industry leader, we are well positioned to strengthen our offering while maintaining the close customer relationships and high standards that have always defined our approach."

Otis and WeMaintain will operate as separate entities, and WeMaintain will continue to offer its agnostic IoT and AI-based solution to its current and future customers.

Hashtag: #Otis #WeMaintain

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Otis 

Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation, service and modernization of elevators and escalators, we move 2.5 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.5 million customer units worldwide – the industry's largest Service portfolio. You'll find us in the world's most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 45,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo.

About WeMaintain
WeMaintain was founded in 2017 by Benoit Dupont and Jade Francine on the belief that building maintenance could be smarter, more transparent, and more impactful. We combine AI-driven insights, IoT-powered data, and on-the-ground expertise to deliver real-time visibility, enhanced operational efficiency, and increased asset reliability for building owners and operators.

With operations across Asia and Europe and more than 350 employees, we provide services and solutions for elevators, escalators, automatic doors, and fire safety systems.

Our human + tech approach sets a new standard for service quality, customer experience, and growth.

To learn more, visit WeMaintain.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Skincare Brand KK Éclat Celebrates Vogue Beauty Award Triumph with Exclusive Gala in Hong Kong

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:00:14 +0700

Vogue Beauty Award Winner KK Éclat Hosts Exclusive Gala

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - In March 2026, French luxury skincare brand KK Éclat hosted a special celebratory dinner at The Pin, an elite private club in Central. The event honored the brand's major victory at the Vogue Beauty Awards 2026.

KK Éclat celebratory dinner

The gala brought together over 30 distinguished guests, including celebrities, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and influential tastemakers, to celebrate the brand's UV and Pollution Blocker Cream, which was crowned "Best Everyday Sunscreen" by Vogue Beauty Awards.

The Vogue Beauty Awards are a global benchmark for excellence, recognizing products that define the pinnacle of innovation and efficacy in the beauty industry. KK Éclat's UV and Pollution Blocker Cream stood out for its revolutionary approach to sun protection, seamlessly blending high-performance defense with an unparalleled sensory experience.

The Vogue Beauty Awards 2026

This success is powered by KK Éclat's patented Nano Frame Technology. This smart system encapsulates active ingredients for a 72-hour sustained release into the skin. It also creates a breathable moisture shield on the surface, perfectly balancing deep nourishment with long-lasting hydration.

During the event, founder Katherine and Karen detailed the rigorous research and development process, noting the formula underwent hundreds of iterations to achieve perfection.

Founder Katherine and Karen

Addressing the classic sunscreen dilemma, Katherine explained: "Physical blockers often leave a white cast, while chemical filters raise absorption concerns recently flagged by the FDA. KK Éclat offers a groundbreaking alternative."

By merging Nano Frame technology with high-shearing encapsulation, the formula utilizes sunscreen particles with a slight negative charge matching the skin's natural state. This creates a precise, repelling "safety layer" that keeps active filters effectively on the skin's surface without penetration.

Additionally, the cream features Biosaccharide Gum-4, a breathable biological barrier that shields against UV rays, environmental pollutants, including PM2.5 particles. This multi-layered defense specifically combats photo-aging, meeting the high-frequency demands of modern urban life.

Hashtag: #KKÉclat #NanoFrameTechnology #LuxurySkincare

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About KK Éclat

Founded in France by Karen and Katherine, KK Éclat is a luxury skincare brand rooted in the philosophy that women should never have to choose between enjoying life's pleasures and radiant skin. As advocates for the harmony of "health and pleasure," the founders believe that enjoying life to the fullest and maintaining a superior complexion can, and should, coexist.

Driven by its hallmark Nano Frame Technology, KK Éclat ensures optimal absorption of active nutrients, delivering high-efficacy and long-lasting hydration and anti-aging results. The brand is dedicated to bridging the gap between science and luxury, offering personalized skincare solutions tailored to the diverse needs and daily routines of every skin type.

Media OutReach Newswire Appoints Pamela Phua as Managing Partner, Southeast Asia to Champion Singapore and Southeast Asian Brand Expansion into Global Markets

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:00:13 +0700

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - Media OutReach Newswire, Asia Pacific's first and only global newswire, has appointed Ms Pamela Phua as Managing Partner, Southeast Asia. This newly created leadership role is designed to accelerate the company's growth across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines – and to serve the growing demand from Southeast Asian brands seeking to build their corporate reputation and brand trust in global markets.

Media OutReach Newswire Appoints Pamela Phua as Managing Partner, Southeast Asia

Pamela brings over 20 years of experience in public relations and integrated communications. Having engaged Media OutReach Newswire's global press release distribution, she developed a first-hand appreciation of the newswire's core promise: guaranteed news posting on real media with domain authority, direct access to over 200,000 real journalists and editors through a proprietary international media database to achieve earned media coverage, post-release reports with data insights, as well as its pioneering PR Campaign Intelligence reports for C-suites that give clients a clear, measurable picture of communications impact.

"I have seen how Media OutReach Newswire has genuinely changed the way brands communicate beyond their home markets, reaching journalists to build cross-border media relations and garner earned media coverage. The newswire's ability to guarantee verbatim placement on authoritative news sites with high domain trust – ensures that key messages are cited by the AI models that now shape how the world discovers brands. This is a capability that is much needed now by PR, communications and marketing professionals," said Pamela.

"With guaranteed news posting on real news sites, there is full control in delivering campaign key messages to maximise PR impact, in addition to achieving quality earned media coverage on top of that. I am inspired by the newswire service as a key partner for Southeast Asia's most ambitious companies and strategic communicators in telling the region's growth story," she added.

The appointment follows the recent naming of Ms Kitty Lee as Managing Partner, Greater China, signalling a strategic push by Media OutReach Newswire to connect Asian brands, companies and governments to global journalists and audiences.

Powering the "East-to-Global" Narrative with SEO, GEO, AI Citation and Earned Media

Southeast Asia is producing a new generation of regionally confident, globally ambitious brands. At the same time, deepening trade and investment ties between Greater China and Southeast Asia are driving a surge in East-to-East communications, alongside growing East-to-global expansion.

Ms Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, said: "We are witnessing a structural shift where Asia is increasingly driving global innovation, with Asian brands expanding their business across Southeast Asia, ASEAN, Asia Pacific, as well as international markets. Media OutReach Newswire's Total PR and Communications Solution is focused on supporting these brands as they develop corporate and brand messaging that builds trust with journalists, editors, investors and customers."

Recognising the importance of AI-citation, Media OutReach Newswire recently launched JSON-LD (JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data) Schema Markup to enhance the technical infrastructure of clients' press releases and optimise AI visibility. The company continues to focus on adopting AI across its press release distribution network, workflows, and post-release reporting.

As AI algorithms trust news posted on real media, Media OutReach Newswire's guaranteed news posting empowers AI discoverability. The newswire's guaranteed news posting partners in Singapore and Asia Pacific (APAC) include leading media Asia News Network (ANN), AsiaOne, CNA, Vulcan Post, MoneyFM89.3 , Malay Mail, The Sun Daily, Dagang News, MySinchew, Vietnam News, Vietnam Plus and The Manila Times to name a few.

"With a global press release distribution network spanning APAC, USA, Canada, UK, and Europe, as well as Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, we are uniquely positioned to help Southeast Asian companies and governments build lasting brand equity and trust globally. I am excited to have Pamela on board to help our clients leverage our unique ability to power both SEO and GEO, as well as earned media, internationally," Jennifer added.

Before her senior management roles at consultancies including Ruder Finn, Ogilvy PR and Omnicom PR Group over the past eight years, Pamela held in-house leadership roles heading Marketing and PR at airline HK Express, as well as Communications and Guest Relations at airline Scoot (under the SIA Group).
Hashtag: #MediaOutReachNewswire #pressrelease #SoutheastAsia #Singapore

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Media OutReach Newswire

Media OutReach Newswire is Asia Pacific's first global newswire, serving as a trusted partner to the media and PR professionals at corporations, agencies, and governments across the region and the globe.

Founded in 2009 as a champion of the PR industry, Media OutReach Newswire leverages next-generation and AI technology to redefine press release distribution and reporting, with data insights and PR campaign intelligence, providing total communications solutions for PR professionals.

With a global network of 200,000 journalists and editors, over 70,000 media titles, 1,500 media partners, and more than 40 languages, Media OutReach Newswire is the only newswire with guaranteed verbatim postings on real news sites. Press releases on authentic media are trusted by search engines and AI models, powering both SEO and AI search GEO, surfacing brands for LLM citations.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, with offices across China, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan, the global press release distribution network spans Asia Pacific, ASEAN, and Southeast Asia, the US, Canada, South and Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

For more information about our services, solutions and network, please visit https://www.media-outreach.com/

New Zealand Returns to Food and Hospitality Asia 2026 With National Pavilion Featuring 15 Premium Food and Beverage Exporters

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:00:12 +0700

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2026 - New Zealand returns to Food and Hospitality Asia (FHA) for the first time since 2018 with a dedicated national pavilion showcasing 15 food and beverage companies at Singapore Expo from 21 to 24 April 2026. The pavilion will spotlight innovative and premium quality products for Asia's retail, hospitality and foodservice buyers, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and safe food and beverage producer and supplier to the region. These exhibitors offer a glimpse into New Zealand's world-class, premium food and beverage sector.

Hero image of New Zealand Food and beverage. New Zealand’s food and beverage is known for its exceptional taste, nutritional value and premium quality - and it reflects a culture of innovation that’s helping to shape the future of food.

New Zealand's participation in FHA demonstrates long-term commitment not only to Singapore but across the region, showcasing how New Zealand looks to continue its partnership through trade and innovation, while helping to shape the future of food.

New Zealand food and beverage exports to Asia grew from NZ$5.5 billion in 2018 to NZ$8.4 billion in 2025¹. Notably, New Zealand and Singapore share a strong partnership spanning over 60 years – both are small, advanced economies that depend on international trade for growth. Food and beverage illustrate this relationship: it plays an important part in addressing common challenges between both countries. For New Zealand exporters, Singapore serves as a key market and a strategic gateway to the region.

"FHA is an important meeting point for buyers across Asia, and this pavilion gives interested buyers and partners a direct way to meet New Zealand producers and explore our outstanding, safe, great tasting F&B products for retail, hospitality and foodservice," said Joe Nelson, Regional Director for South East and East Asia at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).

He adds, "We want to showcase the best of what New Zealand has to offer. The 15 companies exhibiting this year have something specific to offer – from dairy and honey, to snacks, beverages and premium ingredients. Several already supply into the region and are here to deepen those relationships, while others are bringing products to Asian buyers for the first time. Either way, buyers who visit will be tasting products and talking directly to the people who make them."

Companies showcasing their products at the New Zealand Pavilion include Ao Cacao, a New Zealand bean-to-bar artisan chocolate maker with 18 international medals across leading chocolate competitions, including an award in the Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat Guide – widely known as the "Michelin Guide of Chocolate". The brand will feature its single origin dark chocolate, specialty milk chocolate and foodservice range at the show. Family business Barker's, founded in 1969, has more than 20 years in exporting and producing fruit and vegetables-based syrups, spreads, chutneys and sauces and will feature its new squeeze relishes and preserves at the tradeshow.

Blue Frog, New Zealand's leading premium granola brand, known for its bold flavour combinations and high nut content, will showcase their breakfast cereals, made using premium natural ingredients for an indulgent granola experience. Meanwhile, New Zealand's only certified organic chicken producer Bostock Brothers & Waitoawill be featuring its naturally lean, halal-certified organic Smoked Applewood chicken rashers, among other products.

Producers of high-quality, premium dairy products Canary Foodswill be showcasing its double-churned pastry butter sheets and butter medallions known for its deliciously creamy texture and spreadability, while international specialty coffee icon and B-Corp Certified Coffee Supremewill be showcasing its Supreme Blend in different formats, from whole beans and espresso roast to drip bags.

Comvita, the global leader in UMF-certified Mānuka honey and science-backed bee-based health products will introduce its limited edition MānuKaya and Bird's Nest Mānuka Honey drink, alongside its Kids Mānuka Honey Eye Health Jelly and Mānuka Honey Pops. Meanwhile, the number one supplier of retail natural cheese and cheese manufacturer in New Zealand Dairyworkswill showcase its creamy cheese and cracker snack packs, along its natural, orange-coloured cheddar burger slices.

New entrants to Singapore and the region, family-owned juice brand Eden Orchards, will be showcasing its Pure Blueberry and Pure Cherry juice. Its blueberry juice is rich in antioxidants; while its cherry juice, which naturally contains melatonin, is becoming a go-to addition to evening routines. Meanwhile, Griffin's, New Zealand's largest snack food company since 1890 will spotlight its high quality and premium snacks – from natural snack bars and biscuits – to crisps and crackers across its 4 brands.

Leading New Zealand protein snack business Jack Link'swill feature its high protein meat snacks, renowned for bold flavours – perfect for those who are active and health conscious. Southern Fresh, New Zealand's leading growers and processors of premium fresh produce will introduce its airfreight, popular and crunchy baby spinach and baby coloured carrots at the pavilion.

Stock Shop Co., premium New Zealand producer of chef-made stocks, glaces, jus and sauces for professional kitchens, will feature its two globally recognised products, Veal and Lobster Stock, while Tatua,world-class manufacturer of specialty dairy ingredients and products made from New Zealand grass-fed certified milk, will showcase its newly launched indulgent Crème Custard. Not forgetting Whittaker's, New Zealand's beloved chocolate and confectionery brand will feature its 100% bean-to-bar, palm-oil free chocolates at the pavilion.

Don't just visit the booth – experience New Zealand's finest at your table. For a limited time this April and May, Singapore restaurants Artichoke and Magpie will launch specially crafted menus using premium ingredients from several innovative New Zealand companies.

Taste the difference. Visit the New Zealand Pavilion at Hall 8, Booth 8D4-01 at Food & Hospitality Asia 2026 from 21 to 24 April 2026 at Singapore Expo, and our exclusive website to find out more about our exhibiting companies.

¹ StatsNZ
Hashtag: #NZFnB #NewZealandfoodandbeverage #NZatFHA2026

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) | Te Taurapa Tūhono is the New Zealand government's international business development agency. Our purpose is to grow companies internationally – bigger, better, faster – for the good of New Zealand. NZTE uses its extensive knowledge and global networks to help exporters of all sizes make better decisions and connect them with international partners and opportunities. www.nzte.govt.nz

Bitget Launches New Pre-IPO Product With SpaceX as First Listing

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:38:05 +0700

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched IPO Prime, introducing a new market structure that enables users to access and trade pre-IPO exposure to global unicorn companies such as SpaceX.

Powered by Republic, the launch marks an expansion beyond traditional secondary market trading, enabling participation in value creation before companies enter public markets, a phase historically limited to institutional investors and private capital networks. Through IPO Prime, Bitget extends its Universal Exchange framework into primary market access, bridging a long-standing gap between private and public market participation.

IPO Prime operates through a subscription-based model, where eligible users can apply for allocations in tokenized offerings tied to specific companies. Allocation limits are determined based on user tier, with higher participation thresholds available to elevated VIP levels. Following the subscription phase, these digital assets transition into an over-the-counter market on Bitget, enabling continuous pricing, trading and circulation within a structured environment.

The first offering under IPO Prime is preSPAX, a digital asset designed to mirror the economic performance of SpaceX following its potential public listing. As one of the most closely watched private companies globally, SpaceX represents the type of high-growth opportunity that has traditionally remained inaccessible to retail investors.

“Since the beginning of financial markets, access to pre-IPO opportunities has been defined by exclusivity,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “IPO Prime allows users to participate earlier in a company’s growth cycle, with the flexibility of continuous trading. This shifts how and when investors can engage with emerging companies, which gives retailers and new investors a chance to buy-in early. This is part of our greater shift towards building an UEX, democratizing access to financial equality.”

To mark the launch, Bitget will introduce two rounds of preSPAX token airdrops for eligible VIP users, on April 13, 2026 at 10:00 (UTC), providing early participants with additional exposure as the platform begins onboarding its first offering. The official preSPAX token launches on April 21, 2026 at 12:00 (UTC), with the commitment period starting April 18, 2026, 18:00 and ending April 21, 2026, 18:00 (UTC). Distribution period runs from April 21, 2026 18:00 till April 21, 2026, 22:00 (UTC).

The introduction of IPO Prime is a new route to traditional financial opportunities being structured and accessed. As boundaries between asset classes continue to blur, platforms are expanding beyond traditional and crypto trading to include early-stage market participation. Within Bitget’s Universal Exchange model, IPO Prime moves towards integrating diverse financial opportunities into a single, unified environment.

To find out more about IPO Prime and further details on preSPAX, visit here.

Disclaimer: This content is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any assets. This product may not be suitable for your jurisdiction. This product represents only a mirrored economic interest in the potential upside of SpaceX upon a qualifying event, and does not constitute a direct investment in SpaceX. SpaceX has not endorsed, approved, or authorized this Product in any capacity. Digital asset trading involves significant risks and price fluctuations, and you may lose all investment principal without any guarantee of return. Please ensure compliance with local laws and regulations and seek independent professional advice before investing.

About Bitget
Bitget is the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry’s lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

Corona® Sunbrew, “LOVE ISLAND: BEYOND THE VILLA" and Amaya Espinal are Teaming Up for a Juicy New Partnership

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:37:20 +0700

The juice y cerveza is partnering with the hit Peacock series and LOVE ISLAND USA Season 7 winner and fan-favorite to send one lucky fan to Los Angeles for a Beyond the Villa-inspired weekend

Key News:

The collaboration pairs the deliciously bright flavor of Corona Sunbrew with all the friendships, break-ups and make-ups of LOVE ISLAND: BEYOND THE VILLA, proving that life gets juicier when you embrace every moment.
With its bold, citrus-forward flavor, Corona Sunbrew is made for the moments everyone will be talking about all season long on “LOVE ISLAND: BEYOND THE VILLA.”
Starting April 8, Corona Sunbrew is giving one lucky fan 21 or older the chance to win a Beyond the Villa-inspired weekend in Los Angeles curated by Amaya Espinal.

CHICAGO, April 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Things are about to get juicy. Corona® Sunbrew, the No. 1 beer innovation in dollar sales last summer1, is teaming up with "LOVE ISLAND: BEYOND THE VILLA" and iconic islander Amaya Espinal for a pairing that proves life gets more interesting when you live on your own terms. To celebrate, the brand is giving one lucky fan 21 or older the chance to win a Beyond the Villa-inspired weekend in Los Angeles curated by Amaya herself.

In “LOVE ISLAND: BEYOND THE VILLA,” Amaya navigates newfound fame and relationships beyond Fiji with the same confidence that went into pairing juice y Corona together to create Corona Sunbrew. Both bright, vibrant and not afraid to do things differently, Corona Sunbrew and Amaya prove that the best moments come from being unapologetically yourself and embracing the moment.

“I’m always standing ten toes down on business, and Corona Sunbrew has that same energy,” said Amaya Espinal. “Corona Sunbrew has this smooth, juicy flavor that turns any second into a main character moment, from chill days on the beach to crazy nights out with friends, and I know my ‘papayas’ are going to be sipping right along with me as the drama unfolds on Beyond the Villa.”

To enjoy a taste of the Beyond the Villa lifestyle, starting now through July 31, fans 21 or older can enter for a chance to win a three-day, two-night trip to Los Angeles for a Beyond the Villa-inspired weekend curated by Amaya. One lucky winner and their bestie, partner or situationship (no judgment) will be treated to a luxury getaway featuring a meet-and-greet with Amaya. It gets juicier because Corona Sunbrew is also giving away limited-edition merch bundles. To enter, fans can text the keyword SUNBREW to shortcode 20102†.

Corona Sunbrew has quickly made its mark since its national debut, earning the No. 5 spot in sales within the flavored beer category2 late last year and capturing the hearts of Gen Z flavor seekers everywhere. Brewed with real orange and lime peels, with a splash of real orange and lime juice, the brand’s bold citrus flavor proves that great pairings don’t just add up, they multiply. With 89% of consumers planning to repurchase3, the momentum speaks for itself.

"Since launching last summer, Corona Sunbrew has become beloved by Gen Z, who are looking for vibrant, inventive flavors that match their energy," said Rob Nelson, vice president of brand marketing at Corona. "Corona Sunbrew was inspired by Gen Z and born from the belief that when great things come together, they unlock something entirely new and extraordinary. This partnership with ‘LOVE ISLAND: BEYOND THE VILLA’ and Amaya is the natural next chapter, bringing together the No. 1 beer innovation of 2025 with one of the top reality shows of 2025 to cement a place for Corona Sunbrew in culture."

Fans can grab Corona Sunbrew in 6- and 12-packs of 12-ounce bottles, 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and 24-ounce cans at retailers nationwide just in time for the premiere of “LOVE ISLAND: BEYOND THE VILLA” on April 15. For more information on Corona Sunbrew, visit OrderCoronaSunbrew.com and follow @CoronaUSA on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

1 Circana Total US MULOC+ 4WE 3.23.25-4WE 10.5.25.

2 Circana Total US MULOC+ 4WE 3.23.25-4WE 12.28.25

3AMC Global Corona Sunbrew National Launch New Trier Study – August ‘25

†NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C., 21 or older. Starts 12:00 AM ET on 4/8/26 and ends 11:59 PM ET on 7/31/26. The Corona Sunbrew “Live Like an Islander Beyond the Villa” Sweepstakes is sponsored by Crown Imports LLC. No alcohol awarded with prizes. Void where prohibited. Message and data rates may apply. For help, text HELP to 20102. To opt out, text STOP to 20102. By participating, you consent to send and receive up to 10 text messages (excluding error messages) relating to each sweepstakes entry. Consent is not a condition of purchase. For complete details, see Official Rules at rules.dja.com/sunbrewislander.

About the Corona Brand Family
The Corona brand family is home to Corona Extra, Corona Light, Corona Familiar, Corona Premier, Corona Non-Alcoholic and Corona Sunbrew Citrus Cerveza. The entire Corona portfolio is brewed in Mexico by Constellation Brands and imported and marketed exclusively to the U.S. by the company. Corona Extra, the flagship brand of the Corona brand family, is a pilsner-style lager with a golden hue that was first brewed in Mexico in 1925. Corona embraces every moment with “La Playa Awaits” and encourages consumers to live life more presently no matter where they are. The refreshing flavor and carefree attitude of Corona Extra holds a respected place in U.S. culture as the #1 most loved beer brand.

Dive Into the Beat of Songkran: Where Music, Water, and Global Culture Collide

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:36:06 +0700

EBC Financial Group celebrates the spirit of Thailand’s most iconic festival as an official sponsor of the S2O Songkran Music Festival 2026

BANGKOK, April 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- There is a moment each April when Bangkok comes alive in a way that nowhere else on earth can match. Streets flood with colour and water. Music thunders through open-air stages. Strangers become friends in seconds. That moment is Songkran and this year, EBC Financial Group (“EBC”) is proud to celebrate it as an official sponsor of the S2O Songkran Music Festival 2026.

The sponsorship reflects EBC’s long-standing commitment to supporting vibrant cultural traditions in the communities where it operates. One of Asia’s most celebrated water-and-music festivals, S2O has grown into a global symbol of Thai cultural identity – a fusion of centuries-old tradition and world-class contemporary entertainment that draws thousands of international and local attendees each year.

A Broker That Shows Up Where Its Community Lives
As the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, EBC stands alongside one of the world’s most iconic sporting institutions. It connects with millions of football fans across Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa through a shared belief in teamwork, ambition, and excellence. Through its ongoing collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics, this World’s Best Brokerage, according to World Finance in 2023-2025, helps bring world-class economic thinking to a global audience, making financial and economic literacy more accessible and inclusive. And as a partner of the United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign, now in its second year, EBC invests in the health and equity of the communities it serves – because a broker’s responsibility does not end at the trading screen.

Supporting S2O is the natural next chapter in that story. Where FC Barcelona channels the thrill of competition, Oxford sharpens the mind, and the UN Foundation protects the most vulnerable, S2O celebrates culture, joy, and the spirit of coming together. For a broker that has always believed in showing up meaningfully in the communities it serves, Songkran is the perfect stage.

Celebrating Thai Culture on a Global Stage
Songkran is more than a holiday. It is a living expression of Thai generosity, renewal, and togetherness: values that resonate far beyond Thailand’s borders. The S2O Songkran Music Festival has become a powerful ambassador for that spirit, introducing the world to a celebration that is joyful, inclusive, and unmistakably Thai.

For EBC, the opportunity to be part of that story is significant. Thailand’s cultural richness and creative energy have long made it one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic societies. By supporting a festival that amplifies Thai traditions for a global audience, EBC honours the culture of a country that holds an important place in its regional presence – and reinforces its belief that the communities it operates in deserve to be celebrated, not just served.

Beyond the Screen, Into the Moment
At its core, this sponsorship reflects what kind of broker EBC chooses to be – one that deeply connects with the people in every region it serves, shares their passions, supports what they love, and encourages them to live fully. Songkran, with its energy, its warmth, and its tradition of bringing people together, is the perfect expression of that ambition.

As the countdown to Songkran begins, EBC looks forward to standing alongside the thousands of festival-goers who will gather at S2O Land Bangkok this April, not as a brand on a billboard, but as part of the celebration itself. Some of the best partnerships, after all, are built not in boardrooms but in the moments people remember.

For more analysis from EBC, visit: www.ebc.com.

Disclaimer: This material is for information only and does not constitute a recommendation or advice from EBC Financial Group and all its entities ("EBC"). Trading Forex and Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Before trading, you should carefully consider your trading objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and consult an independent financial advisor if necessary. Statistics or past investment performance are not a guarantee of future performance. EBC is not liable for any damages arising from reliance on this information.

About EBC Financial Group
Founded in London, EBC Financial Group (“EBC”) is a global brand known for its expertise in financial brokerage and asset management. Through its regulated entities operating across major financial jurisdictions—including the UK, Australia, the Cayman Islands, Mauritius, South Africa and others—EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, CFDs and more.

Trusted by investors in over 100 countries and honoured with global awards including multiple year recognition from World Finance, EBC is widely regarded as one of the world’s best brokers with titles including Best Trading Platform and Most Trusted Broker. With its strong regulatory standing and commitment to transparency, EBC has also been consistently ranked among the top brokers—trusted for its ability to deliver secure, innovative, and client-first trading solutions across competitive international markets.

EBC’s subsidiaries are licensed and regulated within their respective jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA); EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC); EBC Financial (MU) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission Mauritius (FSC); EBC Financial Group SA (Pty) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).

At the core of EBC are a team of industry veterans with over 40 years of experience in major financial institutions. Having navigated key economic cycles from the Plaza Accord and 2015 Swiss franc crisis to the market upheavals of the COVID-19 pandemic. We foster a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor relationship is handled with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

EBC is a proud official foreign exchange partner of FC Barcelona and continues to drive impactful partnerships to empower communities – namely through the UN Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria initiative, Department of Economics at the University of Oxford, and a diverse range of partners to champion initiatives in global health, economics, education, and sustainability.

Daraxonrasib Demonstrates Unprecedented Overall Survival Benefit in Pivotal Phase 3 RASolute 302 Clinical Trial in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:34:55 +0700

Trial met all primary and key secondary endpoints, including progression-free survival and overall survival
Company intends to include these data in a future New Drug Application submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and to other global regulatory authorities

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Revolution Medicines, a late-stage clinical oncology company developing targeted therapies for patients with RAS-addicted cancers, today announced positive topline results from its global, randomized, controlled Phase 3 RASolute 302 clinical trial evaluating daraxonrasib in patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who had been previously treated. Daraxonrasib taken orally once daily demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with standard of care cytotoxic chemotherapy delivered intravenously. In the overall (intent-to-treat) study population, daraxonrasib demonstrated a median OS of 13.2 months versus 6.7 months for chemotherapy, with a hazard ratio of 0.40 (p < 0.0001). Daraxonrasib was generally well tolerated, with a manageable safety profile and with no new safety signals.

Based on the results from this first interim analysis, all PFS and OS endpoint results are considered final. Revolution Medicines intends to submit these data to global regulatory authorities, including to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as part of a future New Drug Application under a Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher, and for presentation at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

“For patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, new treatment options are urgently needed to increase survival time and improve quality of life,” said Brian M. Wolpin, M.D., M.P.H., professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, director of the Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and principal investigator for the RASolute 302 trial. “The widely anticipated results of this study indicate that daraxonrasib provides a clear and highly meaningful step forward for patients with pancreatic cancer who have experienced progression on prior treatment, typically chemotherapy. I believe that this new approach is a very important advance for the field that I expect will be practice-changing for physicians and improve the care for patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer.”

Pancreatic cancer is the most RAS-addicted of all major cancers, with more than 90% of patients harboring tumors driven by mutations in RAS proteins. These mutations span a range of RAS variants that fuel aggressive tumor behavior. Daraxonrasib, a multi-selective inhibitor of RAS(ON) proteins, is the first investigational agent in a novel class of RAS inhibitors designed to address a diverse and broad spectrum of oncogenic RAS drivers.

The RASolute 302 trial enrolled patients with pancreatic tumors harboring a wide range of RAS variants, as well as those without an identified RAS mutation. The primary endpoints of the trial were PFS and OS in patients with tumors harboring RAS G12 mutations. Secondary endpoints assessed PFS and OS in all enrolled patients (the intent-to-treat population), including those with tumors with and without (wild type) an identified RAS mutation.

“In this pivotal trial, daraxonrasib as a targeted medicine delivered a dramatic improvement in overall survival in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer compared to standard of care chemotherapy, consistent with earlier findings. These results represent a potentially transformative advance for patients and underscore daraxonrasib’s potential to redefine the treatment landscape. We are moving with urgency toward global regulatory submissions and remain committed to rapidly advancing this therapy for patients with a broad range of RAS-addicted cancers. We are deeply grateful to the patients, families, investigators, and study teams whose participation made the RASolute 302 trial possible, and we look forward to sharing detailed results with the scientific and clinical communities,” commented Mark A. Goldsmith, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer and chairman of Revolution Medicines.

Dr. Goldsmith added, “We believe these results firmly validate our pioneering approach to targeting common RAS-addicted cancers through RAS(ON) inhibition, exemplified today by four clinical-stage, investigational drugs with differentiated profiles. This class of inhibitors reflects more than 15 years of investment in groundbreaking scientific research, including creative work from Warp Drive Bio, acquired by Revolution Medicines in 2018, which established the initial technology foundation we have developed into a robust innovation engine for delivering and sustaining our compelling pipeline.”

About the RASolute 302 Clinical Trial

RASolute 302 (NCT06625320) is an ongoing, global, randomized Phase 3 registrational clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of daraxonrasib as a monotherapy in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In the trial, patients were randomized to receive either an oral dose of 300 mg daraxonrasib once daily or investigator’s choice of standard of care cytotoxic chemotherapy. The trial enrolled patients with metastatic PDAC harboring a wide range of RAS variants, including those with RAS G12 mutations (such as G12D, G12V, and G12R), as well as patients without an identified tumor RAS mutation (wild type).

The primary endpoints of RASolute 302 are progression-free survival (PFS), as assessed by a Blinded Independent Central Review, and overall survival (OS) in patients with tumors harboring RAS G12 mutations. Secondary endpoints include PFS and OS in all enrolled patients (the intent-to-treat population) encompassing patients with and without identified tumor RAS mutations, as well as objective response rate, duration of response, and patient-reported quality of life.

About Daraxonrasib
Daraxonrasib is an investigational, oral RAS(ON) multi-selective, non-covalent inhibitor that is not approved by any regulatory authority, including in the United States or Europe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted daraxonrasib Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) harboring G12 mutations. In addition, daraxonrasib was selected for the FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher pilot program, which is intended to accelerate the development and review of therapies aligned with U.S. national health priorities.

Daraxonrasib is designed to target cancers driven by a broad range of common RAS mutations, including PDAC, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and colorectal cancer. It is currently being evaluated in four global Phase 3 registrational trials, including three in PDAC and one in NSCLC.

Daraxonrasib works by suppressing RAS signaling through inhibition of the interaction between both wild-type and mutant RAS(ON) proteins and their downstream effectors.

About Pancreatic Cancer and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies, characterized by its typically late-stage diagnosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and high mortality rate. In the U.S., recent estimates indicate that annually approximately 60,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and about 50,000 people will die from this aggressive disease.1

Due to the lack of early symptoms and detection methods, approximately 80% of patients are diagnosed with PDAC at an advanced or metastatic stage. It is the most commonly RAS-addicted of all major cancers, and more than 90% of patients have tumors that harbor RAS mutations.2 Metastatic PDAC remains one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with a five-year survival rate of approximately 3%.3,4

urban-gro, Inc. (Nasdaq: UGRO) Announces Lanka Premier League Season 6 — Potential Record 600-Player Pool, World-Class Marquee Talent, and Expected Appointment of Chris Gayle as Global Brand Ambassador

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:33:05 +0700

Vertically Integrated Sports & Media Platform Enters USD 5 Billion+ Global T20 Ecosystem; LPL Season 6 Expects USD 25–30 Million Local Economic Impact with July–August 2026 Tournament Window

LAFAYETTE, Colo., April 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- urban-gro, Inc. (Nasdaq: UGRO) ("urban-gro" or the "Company"), operating through Flash Sports & Media, Inc., a vertically integrated sports, media, and experiential platform, today announced that Lanka Premier League ("LPL") Season 6 — executed via its subsidiary Innovative Production Group FZ, LLC ("IPG") platform — is expecting record-breaking expansion. Season 6 is projected to feature the largest-ever LPL player registration pool of 500 to 600 athletes expected to be drawn from the world's top cricketing nations, elevated by a marquee roster of global superstars and the expected appointment of T20 legend Chris Gayle as official Brand Ambassador. The Company's entry into the global T20 cricket ecosystem — serving an estimated 2.5 billion fans worldwide — represents a pivotal milestone in its strategy to monetize media rights, sponsorship, and live experiences at scale, with LPL Season 6 expected, based on third-party industry estimates, to generate approximately USD 25–30 million in local economic activity.

A $5 Billion+ Market Opportunity in Global T20 Cricket

Based on third-party industry data, the global T20 cricket market represents one of the fastest-growing segments in professional sports entertainment. With an estimated 2.5 billion fans across South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and beyond, T20 cricket commands broadcast deals, sponsorship ecosystems, and live event revenues that rival major Western sports leagues. IPL media rights alone were valued at over USD 6 billion for a five-year cycle, according to publicly available reports, benchmarking the monetization potential of premium T20 properties. LPL, as Sri Lanka's flagship professional T20 league and a key property within the broader South Asian cricket calendar, is positioned to capture a meaningful share of this multi-billion-dollar opportunity. The foregoing valuation figures are based on publicly reported information for a mature league and may not be indicative of the LPL or the Company’s expected results.

Record 500–600 Player Registration Pool and Global Marquee Talent

Building on its strong growth trajectory, LPL Season 6 is expecting the largest-ever player registration pool in LPL history—500 to 600 players—drawn from across the global cricketing world. This expansion is expected to enhance the league's competitiveness, depth, and international appeal, positioning LPL among the top T20 leagues globally, with a USD 25–30 million projected ecosystem impact locally.

The league seeks to attract elite marquee players, including individuals who have historically participated in global T20 competitions, including:

Australia / England / Global Stars: David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes
South Africa / New Zealand / West Indies: Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Litton Das
India: Ravichandran Ashwin

Note: Player participation is subject to final registration, contractual arrangements, and applicable governing body, board approvals and NOCs.

Chris Gayle Named Official Brand Ambassador

In a significant development for the league's global profile, T20 legend Chris Gayle is expected to serve as official Brand Ambassador for LPL Season 6. Widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers in cricket history, Gayle's involvement is expected to bring global recognition, fan engagement, and commercial visibility to the league ahead of the tournament window.

A New Benchmark for the Lanka Premier League

Season 6 is expected to introduce several key advancements over prior seasons:

Largest-ever player registration pool (500–600 players)
Expanded international participation across major cricketing nations
Stronger and more competitive auction dynamics
Enhanced commercial and sponsorship opportunities
Increased global broadcast reach and fan engagement

"The Lanka Premier League continues to evolve into a premier global T20 property. With an expanded player base and the inclusion of world-class marquee players, Season 6 is is expected to support continued growth and development."

– Senior Representative, Lanka Premier League /Anil Mohan CEO of IPG

Disclaimer: The Company does not own, operate, or control the Lanka Premier League, its franchises, or any governing body. The Company’s involvement is limited to its contractual rights and services through Innovative Production Group FZ, LLC and related commercial arrangements. References to league operations, player participation, market size, or economic impact are based on third-party information or industry estimates and are provided solely for general context. The Company’s actual revenues, if any, will depend on its specific contractual arrangements and may differ materially from broader industry metrics referenced herein.

About urban-gro, Inc.
Following its recent combination with Flash Sports & Media, Inc. ("Flash") and integration of Innovative Production Group FZ, LLC, urban-gro, Inc. is a diversified sports, media, and experiential marketing platform focused on the creation, production, and monetization of live events, original content, and branded fan experiences. The Company operates across multiple sports and entertainment verticals, leveraging proprietary intellectual property, strategic partnerships, and experiential activations to engage audiences and deliver value for brands, sponsors, and media partners.

About Lanka Premier League
The Lanka Premier League has established itself as one of the region's most dynamic and widely followed T20 tournaments, bringing together top Sri Lankan cricketers and leading international stars in a high-profile showcase of the game. The league is owned and operated by the IPG, its official rights holder. Season 6 is targeted for July 9 through August 7, 2026. For additional information, visit: https://srilankacricket.lk

About Twenty20 Cricket
Twenty20 (T20) is a fast-paced format of cricket in which each team plays a maximum of 20 overs. Introduced by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2003 to create roughly three-and-a-half-hour matches, T20 has grown into the sport's most commercially vibrant format. For more information, visit: www.t20worldcup.com

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners divests ownership of Summerfield Battery to Palisade Investment Partners

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:32:05 +0700

Summerfield Battery Energy Storage System is a 240 MW / 960 MWh 4-hour late-stage construction project that will be one of South Australia’s largest batteries

MELBOURNE, Australia, April 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), on behalf of its fund Copenhagen Infrastructure V (CI V), is pleased to announce it has reached an agreement to sell its 100% ownership interest in the Summerfield Battery Energy Storage Project (Summerfield) to Palisade Investment Partners (Palisade) through Intera Renewables.

Summerfield is a 240 MW / 960 MWh, 4-hour duration, lithium-ion battery storage system, located near Adelaide in South Australia. CIP originally acquired the project in 2022 and delivered all key development workstreams across offtake, procurement and grid connection before commencing construction in February 2025. The construction of the project is materially complete, with energisation expected in May 2026 and commercial operations scheduled for late 2026. Once operational, Summerfield will support South Australia’s grid stability and energy storage needs and support the government’s target of 100% net renewable energy by 2027.

Thomas Wibe Poulsen, Partner and APAC Lead at CIP said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement to sell Summerfield to Palisade. CIP has successfully de-risked this large-scale battery project throughout development and construction, demonstrating our ability to manage risk and deliver value to our investors. The Summerfield project clearly illustrates CIP’s capability to deliver through each stage of a project’s lifecycle, having successfully delivered all key development workstreams and with construction now substantially complete. CIP is actively developing other large-scale projects in South Australia and across Australia more broadly, and we look forward to progressing our diverse investment portfolio in this important market.”

Palisade is an early investor in the clean energy sector and one of Australia’s largest renewable energy investors.

Simon Parbery, Partner at Palisade, said: “We are excited to be working with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners in delivering this significant project for both our investors, and Australia’s broader clean energy transition goals. Summerfield represents Palisade’s second investment in large-scale energy storage, providing both attractive risk-adjusted returns to investors, and long-term strategic value to our Australian renewables platform Intera Renewables.”

About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Founded in 2012, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP) is a global fund manager and leading investor in energy infrastructure. CIP builds value that matters by developing and constructing critical infrastructure projects that shape the future of energy. Through its funds, CIP invests in power generation (solar and wind), energy storage, transmission and distribution, advanced bioenergy, low-carbon fuels and carbon capture.

With 15 funds currently under management, CIP is trusted by over 200 of the world’s largest and most sophisticated institutions, having raised EUR ~37 billion to date. CIP has projects in more than 30 countries, with presence on the ground through a network of +2,300 professionals.
For more information, visit www.cip.com.

About Palisade Investment Partners
Palisade is a specialist, independent global infrastructure and real assets manager that provides institutional and wholesale investors with access to infrastructure and infrastructure-like projects through tailored portfolios and co-mingled funds. Palisade’s multi-disciplinary and experienced team focuses on attractive mid-market assets that are essential to the efficient functioning of the communities and economies they serve. For more information, visit www.palisadegroup.com.