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68th GBM in India Strategizes APO Vision 2030 Implementation for Productivity Transformation and Enhanced Regional Cooperation

Wed, 27 May 2026 14:07:00 +0700

NEW DELHI, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) convened the 68th Session of the APO Governing Body (GBM), 20 - 22 May 2026 in New Delhi, hosted by the Government of India. Held during the APO's 65th anniversary year, the session marked an important historical milestone in advancing APO Vision 2030 and the Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) as the organization's new member-driven, result-oriented implementation framework.

The 68th GBM was attended by 63 Delegates from 19 APO member economies. Eight observers from Bhutan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, the Global Green Growth Institute, International Labour Organization, and United Nations Industrial Development Organization also attended, reflecting the APO's growing engagement with nonmembers and international organizations.

The meeting marked the transition of the APO Chairmanship from India to Indonesia, with Acting APO Director for Indonesia Prof. Anwar Sanusi assuming the role of APO Chair for 2026?27. I.R. Iran and Japan assumed the First and Second Vice Chairships, respectively. Acting APO Director for I.R. Iran Dr. Mostafa Goharifar and Acting APO Director for Japan Fumio Yamazaki performed the respective Vice Chair functions on behalf of their APO Directors.

The Inaugural Session was graced by Guest of Honor H.E. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, who highlighted productivity as a strategic driver of resilience, innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth amid rapid global economic and technological changes. He shared India's experiences in productivity-led development, including reforms in manufacturing, logistics, digital public infrastructure, MSME support, and Green Productivity.

Outgoing APO Chair 2025 - 26 and APO Director for India Amardeep Singh Bhatia highlighted the operational transition of APO Vision 2030 toward the SPP framework and the importance of institutional modernization, governance, and outcome-based regional cooperation. Director General of the National Productivity Council of India Neerja Sekhar underscored the role of productivity institutions in supporting transformation, resilience, digital technologies, Green Productivity, and measurable impact. Incoming APO Chair for 2026 - 27 Prof. Anwar Sanusi reaffirmed the APO's shared commitment to strengthening productivity, innovation, sustainability, and regional cooperation across Asia and the Pacific.

The 68th GBM featured in-depth deliberations on key organizational governance aspects related to the annual and financial reports and appointment of auditors; recommendations from the APO Vision 2030 Steering Committee; APO preliminary budget for the 2027 - 28 biennium; Secretariat's performance, management, and compliance; possible transition from IFRS to IPSAS; APO Secretary-General election procedures; nonmember country participation; and APO Awards Program. The meeting also featured a presentation on the APO's new flagship Genuine AI Action (GAIA) initiative promoting AI and its applications for productivity improvement in member economies.

The 68th GBM concluded with a renewed commitment to implementing APO Vision 2030 and strengthening the APO's role as a trusted platform for productivity-led, inclusive, sustainable, resilient development. APO Alternate Director for Lao PDR Vilakone Philomlack, in delivering the Vote of Thanks on behalf of delegates, stated that Lao PDR looked forward to welcoming Delegates to the 69th GBM in 2027.***

Elevate Your Strategy: Global Trading Competition Launch with Major Cash Prizes

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:52:00 +0700

EBC Financial Group initiates dual-track events across Asia and Africa, offering both risk-free simulated environments and high-stakes market showdowns to empower traders of all experience levels

LONDON, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EBC Financial Group (EBC), the World's Best Broker according to World Finance, has launched two multimarket trading competitions designed to support trader engagement and broaden participation across emerging trading communities in Asia and Africa. The promotion is provided by EBC Financial Group (SVG) LLC under the EBC Financial Group brand and includes two distinct events: the EBC Trading Masters Competition and the EBC Elite Demo Trading Competition.

Structured to accommodate participants across varying levels of trading experience, the dual-track initiatives reflect EBC's continued commitment to fostering a trader-first ecosystem grounded in transparency, accessibility, and continuous learning.

Through both competitions, participants will have the opportunity to benchmark their trading strategies within structured environments where rankings are determined by return rate rather than account size, reinforcing a performance-based framework where discipline and strategy remain central to competitive outcomes.

EBC Trading Masters Competition: Recognising Performance in Live Market Conditions

Targeted at experienced participants, the EBC Trading Masters Competition introduces a live trading environment where traders compete using real funds across Mongolia, Taiwan, and Thailand from 11 May to 5 June 2026.

The competition is open to PRO and STD account holders, with minimum equity requirements beginning from USD100 in Mongolia and USD200 in Taiwan and Thailand.

The competition will be conducted through eligible PRO and STD trading accounts, providing participants with direct exposure to live market conditions within a professionally structured environment. To encourage transparency and shared learning across the trading community, all participants will be required to publish trading signals throughout the competition period.

Across Taiwan and Thailand, prize pools will reach up to USD7,000 per session, with top-performing participants eligible to receive prizes of up to USD3,000. Rankings will be determined by return rate performance, reinforcing a competition structure where trading discipline and strategy take precedence over account balance size.

Participants may register multiple eligible accounts, with awards determined by their best-performing account, while structured risk controls and monitoring mechanisms are implemented throughout the competition period to maintain fairness and accountability.

EBC Elite Demo Trading Competition: Accessible Participation in a Risk-Free Environment

Designed for new and developing traders, the EBC Elite Demo Trading Competition offers participants the opportunity to engage with live market conditions through simulated accounts without real capital exposure.

The competition will run from 11 May to 22 May 2026 across Vietnam, Indonesia, Africa, and South Korea, with participants competing using newly created demo accounts funded with a simulated fixed starting equity of USD10,000.

Competition participants will begin with equal simulated starting capital of USD10,000, creating a level playing field where rankings are determined by return rate performance rather than account size. Across the regional sessions, participants will compete for prize pools of up to USD1,700, including a top prize of USD1,000 in the South Korea session. The competition framework is further supported by structured participation guidelines designed to uphold transparency, fairness, and disciplined trading engagement throughout the campaign period.

By creating a controlled environment focused on strategy development and performance benchmarking, the initiative aims to encourage informed market participation while helping traders build confidence and trading discipline.

"At EBC, we believe trader development is built on transparency, discipline, and access to structured opportunities that encourage continuous growth," said Lewis Tang, Brand Director at EBC Financial Group. "These competitions are designed not only to recognise trading performance, but also to foster greater engagement, knowledge sharing, and responsible participation across diverse trading communities."

Both competitions incorporate standardised ranking methodologies and operational safeguards, including return-rate-based evaluations and volume-based tiebreaker mechanisms, ensuring outcomes are determined by measurable trading performance.

The launch of the initiatives further reflects EBC's ongoing efforts to strengthen trader engagement across key international markets while supporting broader participation within the evolving global trading landscape.***

ARKAY Beverages Announces Global Expansion of Its Alcohol-Free Spirits Brand and Partner Opportunities Worldwide

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:36:00 +0700

Founded in 2011, the pioneering alcohol-free spirits brand is expanding its mission by inviting distributors, retailers, restaurants, hotels, hospitality groups, and affiliate partners to join the growing alcohol-free movement

MIAMI, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARKAY Beverages, a premium alcohol-free spirits and beverage brand founded in 2011, today announced the global expansion of its alcohol-free spirits brand and new partnership opportunities for distributors, retailers, restaurants, hotels, hospitality groups, event operators, and affiliate partners worldwide.

The announcement comes as consumer demand for alcohol-free alternatives continues to grow across restaurants, hotels, retail, e-commerce, nightlife, entertainment venues, private events, and at-home consumption. ARKAY is expanding its global outreach to meet this demand and to support businesses seeking premium alcohol-free options for a new generation of consumers.

ARKAY offers consumers the taste, ritual, and sophistication of spirits without alcohol. The brand was created to provide a modern alternative for people who want to enjoy social moments without intoxication, hangovers, drunk driving, or loss of control.

"ARKAY is more than a beverage. It is a movement for responsible celebration," said Reynald Vito Grattagliano, Founder of ARKAY Beverages. "As demand for alcohol-free options continues to grow, we are expanding our global partner network and inviting distributors, retailers, restaurants, hotels, hospitality operators, and affiliates to join us in redefining celebration."

ARKAY's expansion is focused on making alcohol-free spirits more accessible to consumers and businesses around the world. The company is seeking new relationships with distribution partners, retail buyers, foodservice operators, hospitality groups, event organizers, online sellers, and affiliate marketers who want to participate in the growth of the alcohol-free beverage category.

For decades, alcohol has been positioned at the center of social life, from dinners and weddings to hotels, restaurants, nightlife, sporting events, and private gatherings. Today, more consumers are looking for choices that better align with wellness, responsibility, family, safety, religion, recovery, personal preference, and lifestyle values.

ARKAY gives consumers another option.

The brand's mission is to encourage responsible celebration, support healthier lifestyle choices, promote inclusion, and help create safer social experiences. With its premium alcohol-free spirits, ARKAY allows consumers to enjoy the flavor, elegance, and ritual of spirits while staying present, responsible, and in control.

"People should not have to choose between being social and being responsible," added Grattagliano. "ARKAY gives consumers the experience, the flavor, and the moment - without alcohol."

ARKAY's global partner initiative is designed for businesses and individuals who want to align with the future of alcohol-free drinking. Restaurants can offer guests more inclusive cocktail options. Hotels and resorts can serve premium non-alcoholic alternatives. Retailers can expand their beverage selections. Distributors can enter a growing category. Affiliates and ambassadors can promote a mission-driven brand with worldwide appeal.

ARKAY invites distributors, retailers, restaurants, hotels, lounges, event companies, e-commerce sellers, hospitality partners, affiliates, and ambassadors to join its global expansion and support safer, healthier, and more inclusive social experiences.

No alcohol. No hangovers. No drunk driving. No loss of control. Just the experience, the flavor, and the moment.***

CGTN: Mengutamakan rakyat: Prinsip utama dalam tata kelola Tiongkok

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:24:00 +0700

CGTN menerbitkan artikel yang mengulas bagaimana pendekatan tata kelola yang berpusat pada rakyat telah secara signifikan meningkatkan kualitas hidup masyarakat di Tiongkok, serta bagaimana pendekatan tersebut diharapkan terus menghadirkan perbaikan nyata bagi kehidupan rakyat di masa mendatang

BEIJING, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Menjelang Festival Musim Semi tahun ini, Presiden Tiongkok Xi Jinping mengunjungi sebuah kantin komunitas di kompleks apartemen untuk lansia guna meninjau upaya pemerintah daerah dalam meningkatkan layanan publik yang memudahkan kehidupan masyarakat serta layanan perawatan lansia. Beliau juga berbincang hangat dengan beberapa kurir yang tengah beristirahat di kantin tersebut, sembari menanyakan pekerjaan dan kehidupan mereka sehari-hari.

Presiden Xi menegaskan bahwa komite Partai dan pemerintah di semua tingkatan harus memerhatikan kesejahteraan mereka serta menyediakan layanan yang lebih baik untuk mendukung kehidupan, pekerjaan, dan pendidikan mereka.

Tahun 2026 menandai ulang tahun ke-105 berdirinya Partai Komunis Tiongkok (PKT). Presiden Xi pernah menyatakan bahwa rakyat mewakili bangsa, dan bangsa terdiri atas rakyat. Beliau juga menyatakan bahwa keberlangsungan sebuah partai bergantung pada dukungan rakyat, seraya menambahkan bahwa dengan kepercayaan dan dukungan rakyat, PKT akan mampu menghadapi segala rintangan.

Sejak Kongres Nasional PKT ke-18 pada tahun 2012, hampir 100 juta penduduk berhasil keluar dari kemiskinan, Tiongkok telah menuntaskan pembangunan masyarakat yang cukup makmur dalam segala aspek. Selain itu, Tiongkok telah membangun sistem terbesar di dunia untuk pendidikan, jaminan sosial, perawatan kesehatan, dan dukungan perumahan perkotaan.

Akses ke pendidikan di semua jenjang kini telah mencapai atau melampaui rata-rata untuk negara-negara berpendapatan menengah dan tinggi. Cakupan asuransi kesehatan dasar tetap berada di atas 95 persen, angka harapan hidup naik menjadi lebih dari 79 tahun, dan kelompok berpendapatan menengah kini telah mencapai lebih dari 400 juta orang.

Penekanan pada prinsip yang mengutamakan rakyat semakin nyata ketika Tiongkok memasuki tahun pertama pelaksanaan Rencana Lima Tahun ke-15 (2026 - 2030). Lebih dari sepertiga rencana pembangunan ekonomi dan sosial nasional berkaitan dengan mata pencaharian rakyat, yang mencakup ketenagakerjaan, pendapatan, pendidikan, perawatan kesehatan, perawatan lansia, dan pengasuhan anak. Berbagai isu tersebut menjadi perhatian terbesar masyarakat sekaligus paling mendesak untuk ditangani.

Terkait kurir makanan, pengemudi layanan transportasi online, dan pekerja e-commerce, yang dikenal sebagai "bentuk-bentuk pekerjaan baru" dan menggambarkan bagian pasar tenaga kerja Tiongkok yang berkembang pesat seiring pertumbuhan internet dan ekonomi digital, rencana tersebut menekankan upaya untuk mendorong perkembangan yang sehat bagi pekerjaan fleksibel dan bentuk-bentuk pekerjaan baru. Rencana tersebut juga mendukung para pekerja di sektor tersebut agar dapat mengikuti program asuransi ketenagakerjaan, serta menyempurnakan kebijakan untuk memindahkan akun jaminan sosial.

Zhang Linshan, peneliti di Akademi Riset Makroekonomi di bawah Komisi Pembangunan dan Reformasi Nasional Tiongkok, mengatakan bahwa Rencana Lima Tahun ke-15 mengirimkan sinyal kuat bahwa Tiongkok tetap berkomitmen pada pendekatan yang berpusat pada rakyat. Beliau menambahkan, pembangunan berkualitas tinggi difokuskan pada peningkatan kualitas hidup masyarakat serta memastikan hasil pembangunan dapat dinikmati secara lebih luas dan lebih merata oleh seluruh rakyat.

Zhang mengatakan bahwa hal ini juga mencerminkan pergeseran arah pembangunan Tiongkok, dari mengejar pertumbuhan semata menuju pembangunan yang mengutamakan kualitas pertumbuhan.

Zhang menambahkan bahwa tujuannya adalah memastikan pertumbuhan ekonomi dan peningkatan kesejahteraan rakyat berjalan beriringan sehingga menciptakan siklus positif serta membuat masyarakat merasa lebih aman dan lebih yakin dengan masa depan.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-05-24/Putting-people-first-A-guiding-principle-in-China-s-governance-1NpJlbWbCUM/p.html

40 Years Strong: ASEAN Cableship Unveils New Logo

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:05:00 +0700

Pitch Notes:

ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd (ACPL) celebrated its 40th anniversary with the unveiling of a refreshed corporate logo.

A new chapter in the company's evolution as a trusted leader in global submarine cable connectivity for 40 years.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 May 2026 - ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd (ACPL) proudly marks its 40th anniversary this year under the theme "40 Years Leading Global Connectivity -- Heritage, People, Fleet and Future." For four decades, ACPL has been at the forefront of global connectivity, delivering submarine cable installation, repair and maintenance, as well as nearshore and onshore cable projects across Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean with reliability and resilience.

To commemorate this milestone, ACPL hosted a gala dinner on 25th of May, where it unveiled its new corporate logo, symbolising the company's evolution and forward-looking vision. The refreshed logo reflects ACPL's continued commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and its role in enabling the future of global digital connectivity.

ACPL's operational strength is anchored by its fleet of purpose-built cable vessels and supporting assets. Today, the company operates three cable ships and one barge -- ASEAN Restorer, ASEAN Explorer, ASEAN Protector, and its latest addition, ASEAN Challenger, which was inaugurated in 2024. With the addition of this vessel, ACPL is better positioned to deliver timely and reliable cable operations, supporting the rapidly growing demand for submarine cable infrastructure driven by the continued expansion of global data traffic, cloud services, and digital connectivity.

"Our 40th anniversary is not only a celebration of our past, but a commitment to our future," said Mr. Yue Meng Fai, Chief Executive Officer of ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd. "The launch of our new corporate logo reflects our evolution as a company -- one that is rooted in a strong heritage while continuously advancing towards the future. We will continue to safeguard our heritage of trusted operations, empower our people as a united team with resolute commitment to quality, enhance our fleet to remain reliable and innovative, and shape our future by leading the transformation of global connectivity in a responsible and sustainable way."

The anniversary event brought together industry partners, stakeholders and clients to commemorate ACPL's achievements and to mark the next chapter of its journey. Throughout the year, ACPL will commemorate this milestone through various initiatives that honour its legacy while reinforcing its dedication to responsible operations and long-term value creation.

With 40 years of trusted legacy, ACPL remains committed to connecting the world -- resolutely, reliably and responsibly.

ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd (ACPL)
Established in 1986, ASEAN Cableship Private Limited (ACPL) is a leading provider of submarine cable installation, repair, and maintenance services in the Asia Pacific region. Headquartered in Singapore, ACPL was formed by a consortium of six prominent telecommunications entities from the original ASEAN member countries, reflecting strong regional cooperation across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. ACPL has built a strong reputation as a pioneer in submarine cable repair and maintenance, supporting critical telecommunications infrastructure under the Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean Cable Maintenance Agreement (SEAIOCMA), spanning from Djibouti to Guam and from Taiwan to Australia.

In addition to its repair and maintenance capabilities, ACPL is also an established submarine cable installer and integrator. Its services include main lay submarine cable installation and maintenance, shore-end landing and beach works, project management, offshore and diving support services, Universal Joint consumable supplies and jointing equipment, as well as engineering consultancy, site surveys, and desktop studies. ACPL remains committed to advancing submarine cable system installation and repair, delivering professional and reliable services to meet evolving customer needs and support a sustainable, connected future.

For more information, please visit: https://www.aseancableship.com.

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

Alibaba Cloud Unveils Advanced Agentic AI Ecosystem for Global Customers

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:52:00 +0700

Model, AI infrastructure updates, AI-native platform and agent products released

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 May 2026 - Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, today unveiled a suite of advanced model, infrastructure upgrades, AI-native platform and AI agent products for its global customers. These advancements underscore Alibaba Cloud's unwavering commitment to driving AI innovation and empowering users worldwide for the agentic era.

The announcements were made at Alibaba Cloud's first international Qwen Conference, held in Singapore, where the company also launched a new initiative with local ecosystem partners to equip over 1,000 local SMEs and students with practical skills in Generative AI and agentic AI.

"The agentic era represents a paradigm shift in how we interact with technology," said Dr. Feifei Li, Chief Technology Officer and President of International Business of Alibaba Cloud. "Our commitment to developing a comprehensive, full-stack AI ecosystem means we are not just offering powerful models, but also the AI-native tools and agentic cloud infrastructure that enable our international customers to seamlessly integrate AI into every facet of their operations."

Qwen3.7-Max -- The robust foundation for AI agents

Alibaba's latest large language model, Qwen3.7-Max, is now available on Model Studio, Alibaba's AI development platform, in Singapore region. According to Artificial Analysis's latest global large language model Intelligence Index, Qwen3.7-Max ranked fifth globally and first among Chinese models.

With a score of 56.6 points, it outperformed other Chinese models such as Kimi-K2.6, DeepSeek-v4-Pro-Max, and GLM5.1, while demonstrating performance competitive with leading international models such as GPT, Claude, and Gemini.

Empowering agents with agentic cloud

To enable AI agents to interact more seamlessly with cloud resources, Alibaba Cloud has launched a new Skills portal that converts common cloud capabilities across more than 60 cloud products into Skill-based and MCP-compatible formats.

This allows AI agents to invoke cloud resources as naturally as calling functions. Alibaba Cloud's core products, including databases, big data, operations and maintenance (O&M), and security, have developed dedicated product-level agents to help manage complex cloud environments more efficiently.

Alibaba Cloud is also upgrading its AI infrastructure to better support agent runtime environments, with enhancements such as lightweight execution sandboxes, cross-task memory, seamless data circulation, and intelligent O&M across the full technology stack.

AI-native cloud with models and tools

To simplify access to and deployment of AI models, Alibaba Cloud unveiled Qwen Cloud, a new AI-native cloud platform designed to provide a seamless model service experience for both businesses and AI agents. The platform enables developers, enterprises, and prosumers to build AI-powered applications and agents with greater ease and efficiency.

Qwen Cloud features a three-entry design, with "Skills" for agents and a Command Line Interface (CLI) for workflow integration serving as core agent-friendly access points, alongside a user-friendly website for human users. The platform brings together a comprehensive ecosystem of leading models, including Alibaba's proprietary Qwen models, open-source models, and third-party offerings for text, vision, audio, image, video, and embedding tasks.

Singapore Initiative - equipping SMEs and students with practical skills in generative and agentic AI

Reinforcing its commitment to global AI adoption, Alibaba Cloud, in collaboration with the Tech Talent Assembly, an affiliated association under the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC), and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), has launched a new initiative to equip over 1,000 local SMEs and students in Singapore with practical skills in Generative and Agentic AI.

Announced at the Qwen Conference, this initiative provides access to Alibaba Cloud's advanced GenAI and agentic AI solutions, including Qwen and Wan, alongside hands-on training to foster real-world AI application understanding.

"This reflects a growing effort by partners to work with the Labour Movement to better support workers, including youths and PMEs, with the skills, guidance and confidence to take on opportunities in the AI economy. Through NTUC's AI-Ready SG initiative, we will continue working closely with our partners to pool resources and strengthen impact on the ground, so that workers receive tailored guidance and support every step of the way," said Desmond Tan Kok Ming, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office of Singapore and the Deputy Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress.

Agent products updates for Enterprise Deployment

At the Qwen Conference, Alibaba Cloud debuted the JVS Agent Suite, a set of enterprise-grade agent toolkits for enterprises, developers and individuals to easily build and run exclusive AI agents. Built on the OpenClaw framework with robust cloud-native security, JVS Claw Teams supports 7x24 cloud operation, centralised distribution of an organisation's proprietary Skills, and integrated security management.

Another new product of JVS Agent Suite is JVS Mobile, an enterprise-grade mobile intelligent automation platform. Powered by the Qwen model and native OpenClaw, it enables the creation of AI agents capable of autonomous thinking, efficient multi-agent collaboration, and complex task execution across different applications.

In addition, Alibaba Cloud announced that it has joined the PyTorch Foundation, a community-driven hub for open-source AI under the Linux Foundation, as a Platinum member. Through this, Alibaba Cloud aims to contribute to the development of next-generation AI infrastructure and support the broader open-source AI ecosystem.

At the summit, Alibaba Cloud also launched a global hackathon for developers and startups to build production-grade AI agents with Alibaba's models on Qwen Cloud. Another short film competition, co-launched with leading design and video editing platform Picsart, will invite creators to produce original AI-generated films using Alibaba's advanced video generation model HappyHorse.***

AGC Biologics to Manufacture Teikoku Seiyaku's rhMMP-7 Drug Substance

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:50:00 +0700

AGC Biologics to provide process development and GMP manufacturing for a novel therapy, leveraging its global microbial network across Germany and Japan.

HEIDELBERG, Germany and CHIBA, Japan, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AGC Biologics, your friendly CDMO expert, was selected by Teikoku Seiyaku Co., Ltd., a leader in transdermal drug delivery, to provide microbial contract development and manufacturing services for KTP-001, a recombinant human matrix metalloproteinase-7 (rhMMP-7), to treat lumbar disc herniation.

"Partnering with AGC Biologics was a clear choice. Their team has a proven track record in microbial manufacturing, and their global presence gives us the flexibility and security we need," said Dr. Hiroyuki Kubo, Director and Executive Officer at Teikoku Seiyaku. "We value their collaborative spirit and working together will be instrumental in bringing this important new therapy to patients."

Development and GMP manufacturing for clinical trials

Under the agreement, AGC Biologics will leverage its global network, with initial cell bank creation activities taking place at its Microbial Center of Excellence in Heidelberg, Germany. The project will then transition to the AGC Biologics' facility in Chiba, Japan, for process development and GMP manufacturing to support clinical trials.

"Our role here in Heidelberg is to be a reliable and collaborative partner from the very beginning, applying our microbial development experience to build a robust foundation for this therapy," said Dieter Kramer, General Manager of the AGC Biologics Heidelberg site. "We have a 40-year-long tradition of helping projects advance and are well accustomed to partnering with other sites in our network to provide a steady journey towards GMP manufacturing."

"We are delighted to support the Teikoku Seiyaku team on such an innovative project. It's a privilege to support their vision for a therapy that could offer a new, less invasive option for patients," said Susumu Zen-In, General Manager of the AGC Biologics Chiba site.

A CDMO with a stable, global network

This partnership highlights AGC Biologics' unique position as the only CDMO offering microbial manufacturing on three continents-- Asia (Chiba, Japan), North America (Seattle, USA), and Europe (Heidelberg, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark). This global network provides supply chain security and flexibility, allowing drug developers to de-risk their journey from clinical to commercial stages in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

For a drug developer, why is a global manufacturing network important for supply chain security?

A global network provides crucial flexibility and de-risks the supply chain by offering geopolitical stability and redundancy of supply. It allows for efficient tech transfer between sites with harmonized quality systems, offers multi-continent production options to meet regional market demands, and ensures business continuity. With facilities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, AGC Biologics helps partners build a resilient manufacturing strategy that is not dependent on a single site or region.

How is AGC Biologics investing to meet future microbial demand?

AGC Biologics is committed to strategic growth that aligns with market needs. The company has brought a new microbial line online in the U.S. to support reshoring initiatives and is offering innovative capacity reservation models at its Heidelberg site in 10,000 L scale to provide long-term security for late-phase and commercial products. This is in addition to the extensive, established capabilities at its Copenhagen and Chiba sites, ensuring partners have access to robust, global capacity now and in the future.***

Google Cloud Security Menggunakan Platform Instruqt untuk Melatih Lebih dari 150 Praktisi tentang AI Agentik pada Google Next 2026

Tue, 26 May 2026 07:05:00 +0700

Platform praktis Instruqt menyediakan lingkungan Vertex AI tersendiri bagi setiap peserta, memperagakan model operasional baru untuk mengatasi kesenjangan adopsi AI pada skala konferensi

AMSTERDAM, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Instruqt, platform pengalaman produk praktis yang digunakan MongoDB, Elastic, Google, dan SUSE, hari ini mengumumkan bahwa Google Cloud Security menggunakan Instruqt untuk melatih lebih dari 150 praktisi tentang AI Agentik pada Google Next 2026. Sesi yang diberi label Agentic SOC Experience ini menjadi salah satu sesi pelatihan praktis AI Agentik terbesar yang dihadirkan dalam konferensi industri utama tahun ini.

Menggunakan Instruqt, peserta membuat lingkungan Google Cloud Vertex AI khusus, merancang agen mereka sendiri dari awal, serta menjelajahi kapabilitas agentik Google dalam lingkungan sandbox yang terisolasi, alih-alih hanya menonton demo berbasis slide.

Menurut Keith Manville, Pre-Sales Engineer di tim Google Cloud Security yang berhadapan langsung dengan pelanggan dan memimpin sesi tersebut, "Instruqt sangat unggul dari sisi AI karena memungkinkan pihaknya menyiapkan lingkungan Vertex yang khusus untuk setiap peserta. Para peserta memperoleh pemahaman tentang apa itu agen, apa saja fitur-fitur dasar yang dibangun ke dalam sebuah agen, serta bagaimana cara menggunakannya. Setiap orang belajar dengan caranya masing-masing. Karena teknologinya kompleks, dan jika Anda belum pernah melihatnya sebelumnya, Anda benar-benar tidak tahu di bagian mana Anda harus mengklik atau apa yang perlu dilakukan. Instruqt membantu kami dalam memandu pengguna secara mulus melalui proses belajar cara mengoperasikan produk tersebut."

Menutup kesenjangan adopsi AI

Lokakarya tersebut mencerminkan perubahan operasional yang lebih luas di seluruh industri perangkat lunak. AI menghadirkan berbagai fitur baru lebih cepat daripada kemampuan pelanggan untuk mengadopsinya, dan kesenjangan antara produk yang dirilis dan produk yang diadopsi menjadi titik di mana peluang penjualan, retensi pelanggan, dan pendapatan menjadi hilang. Menurut laporan State of Developer Adoption 2026 dari SlashData, 92% praktisi menghadapi setidaknya satu tantangan adopsi yang signifikan, dengan kompleksitas teknologi (26%), ketidaksinkronan tim (27%), dan konten yang sudah usang (25%) sebagai penyebab utama.

"Perusahaan yang akan memenangkan era AI bukan hanya yang meluncurkan produk-produk terbaik. Akan tetapi, merekalah yang membantu pelanggan benar-benar menggunakan produk tersebut," ujar Tyler Crumpler, VP Marketing di Instruqt. "Langkah yang dilakukan Google Cloud Security pada Google Next menjadi model bagi setiap perusahaan berbasis AI untuk melakukan hal yang sama. Tempatkan pelanggan dalam lingkungan yang sebenarnya, dengan alat yang sebenarnya, dan biarkan mereka membangun sesuatu yang dapat mereka hadirkan kembali ke tempat kerja. Dengan cara itulah adopsi, keterampilan, dan peluang penjualan bertumbuh secara kumulatif." ***

Rainforest Tea Culture from Wuzhishan, China, Debuts in Rome

Tue, 26 May 2026 06:42:00 +0700

ROME, ITALY - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 May 2026 - The Rainforest Children's Choir and Rainforest Large-Leaf Tea from Wuzhishan, Hainan, China, took centre stage at the International Tea Day event held at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome on May 21, becoming the occasion's most sought-after presence.

The children performed an original song "Lishan Tea Song" and a rendition of the beloved Italian classic "O Sole Mio," drawing a captivated crowd. Among the audience were Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO, and Zhang Lubiao, China's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome.

"It is the first time a Chinese delegation has performed in this banquet hall. I feel very proud," Zhang said at the event. "The Wuzhishan delegation will leave an important mark in the history of the FAO."

The day marked the seventh International Tea Day, and the FAO hosted a tea tasting gathering at its Rome headquarters. Countries including China, Indonesia, Canada, Kenya, Azerbaijan, Russia, Sri Lanka, and T?rkiye showcased their signature teas and cultural traditions, sharing tea as a bridge of friendship.

The Wuzhishan delegation set up a display area featuring Rainforest Large-Leaf Tea and ethnic cultural products. Tea masters brewed tea for international guests, and the large-leaf black tea, known for its "amber liquor and honey aroma," was widely appreciated.

Hainan Large-Leaf Tea is a distinct species of the Camellia genus that evolved independently on Hainan Island and possesses rich genetic diversity. The research findings, published on the journal Agrobiodiversity on May 17, 2024, further enhance the tea's unique appeal.

The delegation also held business talks with Italian companies, exploring tea product exports and cross-border e-commerce cooperation, and mapping out pathways for Hainan's tea industry to enter the international market.

The International Tea Day is a UN observance initiated by China, aimed at promoting global tea culture exchange and the sustainable development of the tea industry. Through song and tea, the Wuzhishan delegation showcased the unique cultural charm of the Hainan Free Trade Port, injecting fresh energy into China-Italy cultural exchanges.

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

Antichi Cammini d'Italia: an integrated initiative to enhance five major pilgrimage routes through Lazio

Tue, 26 May 2026 06:40:00 +0700

Antichi Cammini d'Italia - Via Francigena

Five historic and religious walking routes become a unified tourism and cultural system. The pillars of the project: easing pressure on traditional tourist circuits, extending the season, slow tourism, sustainability and technological innovation.

"Antichi Cammini d'Italia" is taking shape: an integrated initiative to enhance five major historic and religious pilgrimage routes that cross Italy and converge in Lazio and Rome -- the Via Francigena, the Way of Saint Francis, the Way of Saint Benedict, the Romea Strata and the Via Romea Germanica. The project aims to position Italy among the world's leading walking destinations and to strengthen the appeal of a widespread heritage that is still not fully integrated into mainstream tourism flows.

Five routes, one destination: Lazio and Rome

Three of the five routes are certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe: the Via Francigena since 1994, the Via Romea Germanica since 2020 and the Romea Strata since 17 June 2025. The Way of Saint Francis and the Way of Saint Benedict lead to places that are central to Franciscan and Benedictine spirituality, from the Holy Valley of Rieti to Subiaco and Montecassino. All five routes share a common point of convergence in Lazio, which forms the experiential heart of the project: from the Tuscia of Viterbo to the Holy Valley of Rieti, from the Aniene Valley to the Eternal City.

Slow tourism, sustainability and more balanced flows

"Antichi Cammini d'Italia" responds to a profound change in travel habits: the growing demand for slow, authentic and sustainable experiences. The itineraries promoted by the project offer alternatives to traditional destinations, helping to ease pressure on the most crowded tourist circuits and to extend visitor flows across a broader calendar and into lesser-known areas.

This tourism offer appeals to an increasingly diverse audience: pilgrims, walkers, cultural travellers, outdoor and wellness enthusiasts, families and people seeking a more direct relationship with local territories and their communities.

Technological innovation: smart signage

One of the project's most distinctive features is an integrated smart signage system deployed along the five itineraries. Sixty devices provide travellers with free Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy beacon technology connected to the Italia.it app.

When visitors enter the range of a beacon, they receive a push notification inviting them to discover the stage they are on and the surrounding tourism offer: technical information on the route, geolocated maps, Point of Interest sheets and multimedia content dedicated to places of historical, artistic, religious and scenic value.

It is a model that brings together the physical experience of walking and the digital dimension, offering travellers accessible tools for orientation and deeper interpretation in real time.

Alongside this, an extensive mapping process of Points of Interest has led to the creation of more than 1,000 information sheets dedicated to churches, monuments, natural areas, squares, fountains and other identity-defining places in the territories crossed by the routes. More than 40% of the sites highlighted are outstanding assets that are still little represented in international tourism circuits: a heritage the project helps bring to light, promoting a more authentic and sustainable way of experiencing the territory. Italia.it is the system's central digital hub, where all content comes together and becomes accessible to travellers.

Bus tours: seven itineraries across Lazio

The project also includes a program of seven bus itineraries dedicated to the Lazio sections of the five routes. Designed to offer the public an authentic experience even within a single day, they make it possible to engage with the spirit of the routes without undertaking the full walk.

Five itineraries retrace the Lazio stages of the Via Francigena, the Way of Saint Francis, the Way of Saint Benedict, the Romea Strata and the Via Romea Germanica. Two additional itineraries are dedicated to Rome: "Roma Futura," a journey through twentieth-century and contemporary architecture, from Zaha Hadid to Renzo Piano, from the Foro Italico to EUR and Fuksas's Nuvola; and "Churches of the Third Millennium," exploring the capital's new sacred architecture and enriching the Roman dimension of the project.

The tours, free of charge upon registration on Italia.it, include multisensory experiences on board, storytelling moments with performers, tastings of typical products from the territories crossed and a gift for each participant. The initiative is open to everyone -- not only tourism professionals -- further broadening the audience reached by the project.

International promotion, press tours and creators

The project's promotion is being developed in Italy and abroad, with the aim of strengthening Italy's positioning as a leading destination for slow, cultural and sustainable tourism. Target markets include Italy, Argentina and Latin America, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, the United States and Switzerland: a map that reflects both the geography of Europe's historic routes and the spiritual and cultural appeal of Italy's walking itineraries beyond Europe.

Integrated communication activities include press tours for Italian and international journalists, enabling media professionals to experience first-hand the Lazio stages of the routes and the slow journey through the Tuscia of Viterbo, the Holy Valley of Rieti and the places of Franciscan and Benedictine spirituality.

In parallel, the project includes an influencer and content creator campaign in the target countries, supported by extensive multichannel and multi-format digital and print production. Through videos, social content, branded content and native formats designed for digital audiences, the campaign tells the story of the five ancient walking routes of Italy and invites people to discover them.

Project funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU ?Antichi Cammini d'Italia?, PNRR - Mission M1C3 Investment 4.3 Measure 274 - the ITALIAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM is the subject operator, ENIT S.p.A. is the subject agent.***

Octave Intelligence Plc Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm

Mon, 25 May 2026 21:16:00 +0700

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama, May 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On April 24, 2026, the Annual General Meeting of Hexagon AB ("Hexagon") resolved to distribute all shares in its wholly-owned subsidiary Octave Intelligence plc ("Octave") to Hexagon's shareholders. Shareholders of Hexagon as per the record date May 22, 2026 have received one class A ordinary share in Octave for every ten Series A shares held in Hexagon, and one class B ordinary share in Octave for every ten Series B shares held in Hexagon.

Non-affiliate holders of Series B shares in Hexagon have received class B ordinary shares in Octave by way of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) ("SEB") issuing Swedish depository receipts ("SDRs"). The SDRs each represent one underlying class B ordinary share in Octave and are deposited into shareholders' Euroclear Sweden accounts.

Octave's SDRs are traded on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker symbol "OCTV SDB" with the ISIN code SE0028329433.

Octave's class B ordinary shares will be traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York ("Nasdaq New York") under the ticker symbol "OCTV" with the ISIN code IE0003YHD8K8 and the CUSIP G22845 104. The first day of regular-way trading in Octave's class B ordinary shares on Nasdaq New York is expected to be May 28, 2026.

Holders of SDRs may cancel their SDRs to receive the underlying class B ordinary shares as early as May 25, 2026, in which case such holders would be expected to receive the underlying class B ordinary shares on May 28, 2026. Conversion is effected through the Octave SDR program and the Euroclear Sweden and Depository Trust Company settlement systems and must be initiated by the bank, broker or other nominee through which the applicable SDRs are held. The holder's bank, broker or other nominee will be responsible for transmitting the relevant instructions to SEB, the SDR depositary. Following receipt of a valid conversion instruction, the relevant SDRs will be cancelled, and the corresponding class B ordinary shares will be delivered to the holder's designated account. Such conversion will be free of charge during the initial six months from and including the first day of trading in Octave SDRs on Nasdaq Stockholm, and thereafter requires payment of a conversion fee by the holder or its nominee or broker. Holders should contact their bank, broker or other nominee for detailed instructions and timing applicable to their account.

Home Member State

Octave, an Irish company with registered office in Ireland, hereby announces that it has chosen Ireland as its Home Member State for the purposes of the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 of Ireland (as amended), the Central Bank (Investment Market Conduct) Rules 2019 and the Transparency Directive (Directive 2004/109/EC).***

The hidden impact of veterinary care: new insights from a global survey of veterinarians

Mon, 25 May 2026 20:39:00 +0700

* Animal owners may think they know what happens during a veterinary visit -- but??

a new global survey of 1,000+ veterinarians across 51 countries shows there is far more going on than meets the eye.

* Among species-specific veterinarians surveyed, overlooked aspects included "spotting hidden health problems and pain" among pet veterinarians (87%) and equine veterinarians (60%), "food-chain safety" and "disease surveillance" among livestock veterinarians (65% and 62% respectively).

* Boehringer Ingelheim and its veterinary association partners are spotlighting these findings to help build greater understanding of the essential yet often unseen role of veterinary care.

Boehringer Ingelheim today published new global survey findings revealing the often-overlooked aspects of veterinary care that are essential in protecting animals, people, and society.

Drawing on responses from 1,046 qualifying veterinary professionals across 51 countries, the survey identified three of the most important yet underrecognized aspects of veterinary care:

* Uncovering hidden health problems and pain, identified by 87% of pet veterinarians and 60% of equine veterinarians

* Protecting food-chain safety, identified by 65% of livestock veterinarians

* Surveillance programs to limit spread of disease, identified by 62% of livestock veterinarians

The findings underscore the far-reaching role veterinary professions play in everyday life, from caring for pets in over half of households globallyi to safeguarding the animals and animal-derived products that help feed 97% of the world's population.ii,iii,iv

"Every day, veterinarians make decisions that matter far beyond the consulting room for the animals in their care, for the people who love them, and for the food systems and public health we depend on," said Claire Fowler, Head of Global Strategic Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. "Through this Going Beyond survey, together with our partners, we are highlighting the value of something many of us in the animal health world have long felt to be true: the most critical parts of what veterinarians do are often the least visible."

The expertise behind every quiet veterinary decision?

That invisible expertise begins with years of training. Identifying health issues in animals and determining the course of action relies on a depth of knowledge that isn't always immediately obvious. Qualifying as a veterinarian can take five to six years of university study, while specialist veterinarians may complete four or more additional years of advanced training, meaning decisions are informed by more than a decade of education and hands-on clinical experience.v For cats and dogs, this expertise can be the difference between catching a condition like diabetes or chronic kidney disease early and missing it entirely.

As expectations around animal health and wellbeing rise among pet ownersvi,vii,viii veterinary judgement plays an increasingly important role across every stage of care - from prevention and early diagnosis to managing complex conditions. Yet much of this work is invisible to animal owners, with 87% of pet veterinarians identifying "spotting hidden health problems" as the most important aspect of their role most likely to be overlooked.

"Diagnostic and treatment decisions are based on the veterinarians professional training and experience. This unnoticed layer of expertise ensures animals receive precise, efficient, and life-preserving care," said Dr. Jim Berry, President of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. "Helping pet owners understand the full scope of that expertise is key to building trust and partnership with their veterinary teams to support the long-term health of our animals."

The hidden power of preventative veterinary care

Much of veterinary care is preventive by nature, with timely intervention and careful observation helping to address issues before they escalate and easing long-term emotional and financial strain on animal owners.

Yet when equine veterinarians were surveyed, they ranked "detecting hidden pain and subtle early disease signs" (60%) and "using a horse's environment and clinical history to predict risk" (42%) as the most important but overlooked aspects of their role.

In practice, this includes tailored advice on a horse's diet, dental and hoof care, vaccination, parasite control, and stable management, helping to reduce the risk of conditions such as colic, laminitis, and respiratory disease.

"Much of an equine veterinarian's work goes unnoticed precisely because it is effective," said Dr. Sarah M. Reuss, President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Equine Technical Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim. "Its impact is seen in problems identified early, avoided altogether, or managed before they escalate."

The veterinary care protecting food systems and public health

Livestock veterinary care - which protects animals such as cattle, pigs, and poultry - has a direct and measurable impact on the food that people depend on every day, underpinning around 34% of the global food protein supply.ix

It also matters for public health, as 60% of human infectious diseases are known to spread between animals and humans,x and 70% of emerging diseases originate in animals.xi

Yet, according to livestock veterinarians, the broader impact of their role often goes unrecognized. In the survey, most identified "protecting food-chain safety" as an aspect of their role most likely to be overlooked by the public (65%), followed closely by "surveillance to limit the spread of disease" (62%).

"Livestock veterinarians are guardians of our food supply and frontline defenders against the diseases that can cross from animals to people yet this role is rarely visible to the public who depend on it most," said Arcangelo Gentile, President of the World Association for Buiatrics. "Recognizing it is not just a matter of professional pride; it is essential if we are to attract, retain, and support the veterinary workforce that global food security and public health are increasingly reliant on." ***

CGTN: Putting people first: A guiding principle in China's governance

Mon, 25 May 2026 20:25:00 +0700

CGTN published an article showcasing how the people-centered governance approach has significantly improved living standards in China, and how it is expected to bring further tangible improvements to people's lives in the future

BEIJING, May 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ahead of this year's Spring Festival, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited a community canteen at an apartment complex for seniors to learn about local efforts to improve public convenience services and elderly care. He also had a warm conversation with delivery workers taking a break at the canteen, asking about their work and daily lives.

Xi stressed that Party committees and governments at all levels must care for them and provide better services to support their lives, work and education.

The year 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Xi once pointed out that people represent the nation, and the nation is made up of people. He also said the survival of a party depends on the support of its people, adding that with people's confidence and support, the CPC is invincible in the face of any obstacles.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, nearly 100 million people have been lifted out of poverty, China has completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and the country has established the world's largest systems for education, social security, healthcare and urban housing support.

Access to education at all levels has reached or surpassed the average for middle- and high-income countries. Basic medical insurance coverage has remained above 95%, life expectancy has risen above 79 years, and the middle-income group now exceeds 400 million people.

The emphasis on putting people first is more evident as China is in the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). More than one-third of the plan for national economic and social development is related to people's livelihoods, covering employment, income, education, healthcare, elderly care and childcare - issues that are of the greatest and most immediate concern to the public.

Regarding food delivery couriers, ride-hailing drivers and e-commerce workers, known as the "new forms of employment" and representing a fast-growing part of China's labor market that has emerged with the rise of the internet and digital economy, the plan stressed efforts to boost the sound development of flexible and new forms of employment and support people in flexible and new forms of employment to participate in insurance schemes for employees and further improve the policies for transferring social security accounts.

Zhang Linshan, a researcher at the Academy of Macroeconomic Research under China's National Development and Reform Commission, said the 15th Five-Year Plan sends a strong signal that China remains committed to a people-centered approach, with high-quality development focused on improving the quality of people's lives and ensuring that development outcomes benefit all people more broadly and more fairly.

Zhang said this also reflects China's shift in development from pursuing whether there is growth to pursuing whether growth is of higher quality.

The goal is to ensure that economic growth and improvements in people's livelihoods advance in tandem, creating a virtuous cycle and enabling people to feel more secure and more confident about the future, Zhang added.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-05-24/Putting-people-first-A-guiding-principle-in-China-s-governance-1NpJlbWbCUM/p.html ***

Google Cloud Security Uses Instruqt Platform to Train 150+ Practitioners on Agentic AI at Google Next 2026

Mon, 25 May 2026 20:17:00 +0700

Instruqt's hands-on platform delivers a dedicated Vertex AI environment per participant, demonstrating a new operational model for closing the AI-adoption gap at conference scale

AMSTERDAM, May 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Instruqt, the hands-on product experience platform used by MongoDB, Elastic, Google, and SUSE, today announced that Google Cloud Security used Instruqt to train more than 150 practitioners on Agentic AI capabilities at Google Next 2026. The session, branded the Agentic SOC Experience, is one of the largest hands-on Agentic AI training sessions delivered at a major industry conference this year.

Using Instruqt, participants created a dedicated Google Cloud Vertex AI environment, building their own agents from scratch and exploring Google's agentic capabilities in isolated sandbox environments rather than watching slide-based demos.

"On the AI front, Instruqt is fantastic because it allows us to spin up a dedicated Vertex environment per participant," said Keith Manville, a Pre-Sales Engineer on Google Cloud Security's customer-facing team, who led the session. "Participants walked away with understanding what an agent is, what those primitive features are that we build into an agent, and how to use them. Everyone learns differently. Because the technology is complex, if you've never seen it before, you really don't know where to click or what to do. Instruqt helps us seamlessly move the user through that journey of learning how to operate the product."

Closing the AI adoption gap

The workshop reflects a broader operational shift across the software industry. AI is shipping features faster than customers can adopt them, and the gap between product released and product adopted is where pipeline, retention, and revenue are being lost. According to SlashData's 2026 State of Developer Adoption Report, 92% of practitioners face at least one significant adoption challenge, with technology complexity (26%), team misalignment (27%), and outdated content (25%) cited as the top causes.

"The companies that win the AI era won't just ship the best products. They will be the ones who help their customers actually use them," said Tyler Crumpler, VP of Marketing at Instruqt. "What Google Cloud Security did at Google Next is a model for what every AI-led company should be doing. Put customers into a real environment, with real tools, and let them build something they can take back to work. That's how adoption compounds, that's how skills compound, and that's how pipeline compounds." ***

Bitget Turns "Crypto Is Dead" Into a Comeback with Bitcoin Pizza Day Campaign 'Flip the Slice'

Sun, 24 May 2026 23:20:00 +0700

VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), today launched its global Bitcoin Pizza Day 2026 brand campaign, Flip the Slice, centered around a new music video, The Infinite Flip. The campaign flips skeptics' "crypto is dead" claim into a catchy, tongue-in-cheek anthem.

The campaign's core theme features a transition from a single moment of irony - "Flip the Slice" - to an endless cultural loop, "The Infinite Flip". "Flip the Slice" captures crypto's instinct to take a specific event - a market crash, a viral "crypto is dead" headline, or a meme trend, and flip it into momentum. The Infinite Flip takes that idea and stretches it across cycles: crypto has been declared "dead" hundreds of times, yet each so‑called death functions less as an endpoint and more as a reset, a stress test, and ultimately fuel for the next comeback. The flip is represented by how the community reframes every so-called "death" as the starting line for the next chapter.

The music video brings this to life by pairing every crash with recovery, shifting from pixelated Bitcoin art to modern DeFi dashboards, and ending each "death" scene with a new trend rising. It features market milestones like Bitcoin's all‑time highs above $120,000, alongside cycles of bear markets, bull runs, and dancing cartoon characters that pop in and out with every market swing.

Bitget Turns "Crypto Is Dead" Into a Comeback with Bitcoin Pizza Day Campaign 'Flip the Slice'

Ignacio Aguirre Franco, Chief Marketing Officer at Bitget, states: "The Infinite Flip is intentionally tongue-in-cheek. Bitcoin has been declared 'dead' hundreds of times, but in our campaign, critics' claims become story beats instead of conclusions. We're acknowledging skeptics' narratives with humor and fun, flipping them, and using them as fuel. Every death headline is just the prelude to crypto's next comeback. Across all campaign activities, this ties back to one core idea: crypto keeps flipping forward."

Bitget Turns "Crypto Is Dead" Into a Comeback with Bitcoin Pizza Day Campaign 'Flip the Slice'

This campaign extends beyond the music video into a series of offline events worldwide, featuring slice-flipping themed interactions and limited-edition Pizza-Day-inspired merchandise. As part of the campaign, Bitget's "Boxed for Opportunity" initiative delivers selected Web3 resumes to industry partners via pizza boxes, turning a nod to crypto culture into a tangible career pathway for young talent. It also builds on Blockchain4Youth, Bitget's global education initiative for the next generation of Web3 builders.

To watch The Infinite Flip, click here.

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.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

ARKAY Beverages Is Looking for Millions of Brand Ambassadors Worldwide

Sun, 24 May 2026 23:16:00 +0700

MIAMI, May 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARKAY Beverages invites consumers, influencers, retailers, event organizers, hospitality professionals, and alcohol-free lifestyle supporters to join its global brand ambassador movement.

ARKAY, a pioneer in alcohol-free spirits alternatives and zero-proof spirits, is proud to announce a new worldwide initiative to recruit millions of brand ambassadors across the globe.

As demand for alcohol-free beverages continues to grow, ARKAY is opening the door for people everywhere to become part of its international community. The program is designed for individuals, influencers, content creators, event planners, store owners, distributors, restaurants, bars, hotels, and anyone who believes in offering more alcohol-free choices to consumers.

ARKAY Brand Ambassadors will help introduce the brand to their communities, promote ARKAY spirits online and offline, share product information, organize tastings, create social media content, support events, and help expand awareness of the alcohol-free lifestyle.

The opportunity is open worldwide and welcomes people from all backgrounds. Whether someone has a large social media following, owns a business, organizes parties, works in hospitality, or simply loves discovering new alcohol-free spirits, ARKAY wants to hear from them.

People interested in becoming an ARKAY Brand Ambassador can apply directly online through the official ARKAY website:

https://arkaybeverages.com/brand-ambassador/

ARKAY's mission is to make alcohol-free spirits alternatives more accessible, more exciting, and more visible in everyday life. Through this global ambassador initiative, the company aims to build a powerful international network of supporters who can help bring ARKAY products to new markets, new customers, and new occasions.

"We believe the alcohol-free spirits movement belongs to everyone," said Reynald Vito Grattagliano. "ARKAY is looking for passionate people around the world who want to be part of something innovative, positive, and global. Our goal is to create millions of brand ambassadors who can help share ARKAY with their communities."

Brand Ambassadors may have the opportunity to receive product samples, promotional materials, special offers, and collaboration opportunities depending on their location, profile, and activity level.

This worldwide initiative reflects ARKAY's continued commitment to innovation, inclusion, and global growth in the alcohol-free spirits beverage category. As consumers increasingly look for alternatives that fit modern lifestyles, ARKAY is positioning itself as a brand built for today's social, health-conscious, and responsible drinking trends.

People interested in joining the program are encouraged to apply today at:

https://arkaybeverages.com/brand-ambassador/

For more information, please contact:

ARKAY Beverages

Email: contact@arkaybeverages.com

Website: www.arkaybeverages.com

Brand Ambassador Application: https://arkaybeverages.com/brand-ambassador/

About ARKAY

ARKAY is a beverage brand offering alcohol-free spirits alternatives inspired by traditional spirits, cocktails, and mocktails. ARKAY products are designed for consumers who want the taste experience of classic drinks without alcohol.

An image accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a06889a7-cb59-41ec-8b15-3112f789ab11

*Major Announcement: US$4.0 Billion Valuation and a US$10.00 Per Share Reference Price, .............

Sun, 24 May 2026 23:12:00 +0700

*Major Announcement: US$4.0 Billion Valuation and a US$10.00 Per Share Reference Price, AGAE to Issue Shares to Acquire

HyalRoute, a Scarce Southeast Asian Fiber-Optic Infrastructure Leader, Transforming into a Global AI Optical Network Platform Combining "Optical Compute + Optical Transmission"

NEW YORK, May 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- All In FutureTech Alliance Inc. (Nasdaq: AGAE) ("AIFA" or the "Company") today announced that the Company has entered into a package of transaction definitive agreements to acquire an aggregate 57.67% controlling interest in HyalRoute Fiber-Optic Communication Group ("HyalRoute").

This acquisition marks a major milestone in AIFA's transformation into a global technology operating platform with "optics-centered" AI infrastructure.

1. US$10.00 Per Share Reference Price: AIFA Board and Management's Strategic Reassessment of the Company's Value and Market Recognition

Based on an overall valuation of US$4.0 billion for HyalRoute, the total consideration for the acquisition of a 57.67% controlling interest is US$2.3068 billion, payable entirely through the issuance of newly issued AGAE common shares. For purposes of calculating the number of consideration shares, the issuance price is uniformly set at a reference price of US$10.00 per share.

The transaction structure adopts a phased payment mechanism using unregistered consideration shares, with corresponding asset delivery milestones designed to provide substantial protection for the interests of the buyer, AGAE.

The share issuance reference price has been unanimously accepted by all sellers in the transaction, which strongly reflects the parties' confidence in the Company's strategic value as an "optics-centered AI infrastructure" platform and in the underlying asset value of HyalRoute. This is not merely an asset acquisition; it is also a clear statement of confidence by AGAE's Board, management, and the asset sellers in the Company's future value.

2. Overview of HyalRoute Fiber-Optic Communication

HyalRoute Group is one of the largest fiber-optic transmission and optical compute companies in emerging markets. After nearly 20 years of development, and supported by the current wave of AI-driven demand, HyalRoute has become an extremely scarce infrastructure resource in the market.

HyalRoute owns a pan-ASEAN fiber-optic network totaling approximately 85,000 kilometers, including approximately 35,000 kilometers of completed fiber-optic network in the Philippines. In Cambodia, HyalRoute owns approximately 23,000 kilometers of fiber-optic network, achieving 100% coverage across all 25 provinces and municipalities. It is the only owner of directly buried backbone optical networks and metropolitan optical networks in Cambodia, and holds a 35-year telecommunications operating license. In other ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and others, HyalRoute has built approximately 26,000 kilometers of fiber-optic backbone networks, and enables cross-border transmission scheduling through interconnection nodes in Singapore and Malaysia.

As an official consortium member of the AAE-1 submarine cable system, HyalRoute Group owns 1,700 Gbps of capacity in submarine cable resources spanning Asia, Africa and Europe, with a total length of approximately 25,000 kilometers. HyalRoute also wholly owns the Cambodia landing station. This landing station is a critical communications node connecting China with Europe and North America, and Southeast Asia with the Middle East, and has significant strategic value for cross-border optical transmission.

At the same time, HyalRoute Group is developing a compute center in ASEAN using the latest 2026-generation silicon photonics co-packaged optics (CPO) architecture. The center is expected to deploy NVIDIA Vera Rubin flagship GPU clusters, with FP8 compute capacity of up to 400 PFLOPS, combined with a fully silicon photonics-based high-speed CPO interconnect network and immersion liquid cooling system, with target PUE as low as 1.08-1.10. The center is designed to support trillion-parameter large-model training and inference, with optical resource utilization expected to exceed 90%.

Based on partially audited reports and financial statements for the period from 2016 through 2025, HyalRoute Communication Group Limited demonstrated strong operating performance prior to its proposed New York Stock Exchange listing filing. Its revenue increased from approximately US$200 million in 2016 to approximately US$355 million in 2019. During this period, the company maintained strong profitability, with EBITDA reaching approximately US$268 million in 2019.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company's operating performance was affected, with revenue declining to approximately US$138 million in 2020 and approximately US$135 million in 2021. In recent years, however, the company's business has shown signs of rapid recovery. Revenue increased from approximately US$120 million in 2024 to approximately US$219 million in 2025, while net income increased from approximately US$60.2 million in 2024 to approximately US$108.5 million in 2025.

According to a recent valuation report issued by independent third-party valuation firm Pinetree Advisory and Valuation Limited, using a cross-check methodology based on the market approach and income approach, HyalRoute Group's appraised value is US$4.3 billion. Over the past year, prices of physical fiber-optic assets have increased by more than 600%, while the revaluation of physical asset value has added nearly US$2.0 billion in value. The current valuation represents more than 30% potential recovery upside compared with HyalRoute Group's US$3.3 billion valuation in the 2024 Hurun Global Unicorn Index. It also represents an approximately 46% to 57% discount to the US$8.0 billion to US$10.0 billion valuation range estimated by Goldman Sachs, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Morgan Stanley at the time of HyalRoute Group's proposed NYSE listing application in 2019.

3. AIFA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James Li stated:

"This transaction represents the most important milestone in AIFA's strategic transformation. Since 2023, after nearly three years of negotiations and due diligence, we have finally signed this agreement after resolving shareholder disagreements and addressing corporate governance and compliance risks. We are focused on a dual-engine strategy of acquiring infrastructure assets with long-term strategic value and developing AI application products. HyalRoute's fiber-optic backbone networks and metropolitan optical networks, cross-border transmission capabilities, and submarine cable connectivity resources are highly complementary to our self-developed AIFA silicon photonics compute and storage center designed to serve global markets.

Since 2026, global AI data center construction has accelerated, driving a sharp increase in demand for fiber-optic transmission. As a result, fiber-optic communications infrastructure has undergone a strategic shift from serving as the "communications bloodstream" to becoming a foundational layer for compute infrastructure.

We believe fiber-optic communications infrastructure will continue to play a foundational role in supporting the next generation of global data transmission, AI computing, enterprise connectivity, cloud services, data centers, and digital infrastructure development. Fiber networks are the transmission layer of the digital economy. As data traffic, bandwidth consumption, and international connectivity demand continue to grow, access to scalable cross-border optical network capacity is becoming increasingly important.

Capital markets are increasingly recognizing the strategic importance of optical and photonic technologies, as reflected by recent investor attention to Lumentum, Corning, and other leading companies in the optical networking sector. We believe HyalRoute provides the Company with an opportunity to access a complementary layer of the optical communications value chain, including physical fiber-optic infrastructure, cross-border data transmission, submarine cable capacity, and cross-border metropolitan optical networks with international gateway connectivity. Together with HyalRoute's own compute centers and the Company's planned shared compute and storage center, these assets are expected to form a fully optical infrastructure closed loop.

AIFA will enter a long-duration infrastructure sector that supports global data and computing movement, cloud connectivity, enterprise networks, and future digital infrastructure demand."

About All In FutureTech Alliance Inc.（AIFA）

All In FutureTech Alliance Inc. (Nasdaq: AGAE), formerly known as Allied Gaming & Entertainment Inc, is growth-oriented company undergoing a strategic transformation from a global experiential entertainment business into an AI-focused digital infrastructure platform. The Company is pursuing opportunities in artificial intelligence infrastructure, silicon photonics-enabled compute, cross-border fiber-optical network transmission, digital infrastructure services, and technology-enabled growth initiatives. Through its proposed AIFA strategic platform, AIFA aims to build an integrated ecosystem combining AI compute capacity, fiber-optic network infrastructure, AI education and AI applications to support long-term value creation.

For detail information about HyalRoute Communication, please visit:

https://alliedgaming.gg/contentList/detail?id=2057003746961002498

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements under federal securities laws. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "intend" or "continue," the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's intention to request a hearing before the Panel; the expected stay of any suspension or delisting action pending such hearing; the Company's ability to present a compliance plan and restore compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement; and the Company's ability to file the Delinquent 10-K. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions, and projections and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors-many of which are beyond the Company's control-that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Important factors that may affect actual results include, among others, the Company's ability to execute its growth strategy; the outcome of the Nasdaq hearings panel process; market conditions, regulatory changes, operational challenges; and other risks and uncertainties described under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on June 9, 2025, and in subsequent filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Contact:

Investor Relations: ir@alliedgaming.gg

Sigenergy Powers One of the UK's Most Intelligent Manufacturing Solar Projects at Numatic International

Sun, 24 May 2026 23:08:00 +0700

AI-driven hybrid energy infrastructure and future-ready battery architecture enable high-efficiency solar deployment for iconic British manufacturer

SOMERSET, England, May 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sigenergy is helping redefine the future of industrial energy management in the UK, powering one of the country's most intelligent and space-efficient commercial solar manufacturing projects at Numatic International's Somerset facility.

Delivered in partnership with SunGift Solar and AIKO, the 1.73MWp solar installation combines Sigenergy's AI-driven hybrid inverter technology with high-efficiency solar generation to create a smarter, more resilient energy ecosystem for British manufacturing.

The project deploys 14 Sigenergy 110kW HYA hybrid inverters alongside 2,672 high-efficiency solar panels across a compact five-acre site, maximising energy yield while preserving valuable operational space. Once fully operational, the system is expected to provide approximately 20% of Numatic International's annual electricity demand - with solar generation capable of meeting up to 100% of demand during peak production periods.

The installation is also projected to reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 266.91 tonnes, equivalent to producing around 500,000 Henry vacuum cleaners using clean energy each year

At the heart of the project is Sigenergy's intelligent HYB hybrid inverter platform, designed to help businesses maximise self-generation today while preparing for future electrification, battery storage and AI-optimised energy management.

Unlike conventional AC-coupled systems, each of the 14 Sigenergy 110kW HYA hybrid inverters includes integrated DC battery connectivity as standard, enabling future battery integration through Sigenergy's intelligent DC-coupled architecture and AI-driven energy management platform.

This future-ready architecture enables manufacturers to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use during peak production periods and higher-cost evening hours, helping reduce grid reliance, improve energy resilience and maximise on-site energy usage.

The project also demonstrates how manufacturers can unlock significantly higher energy generation from constrained sites through the combination of intelligent inverter infrastructure and high-efficiency solar technology.

Michael Rae, Channel Director UK at Sigenergy, commented:

"Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to reduce energy costs, improve resilience and prepare for greater electrification across their operations.

What makes this project particularly exciting is how Sigenergy's intelligent hybrid inverter architecture combines AI-driven energy management with integrated DC-coupled battery readiness, allowing businesses to maximise self-generation today while building a smarter and more flexible energy infrastructure for the future.

This is exactly where the market is moving - towards intelligent energy systems that give businesses greater efficiency, resilience and long-term control over their energy usage."

Steve Whitlock, Finance Director at Numatic International, added:

"In the current environment, every business of every size needs to consider how it is going to secure its energy requirements in the future. This investment represents a step forward in our ability to meet our own energy needs, providing a strong return on capital compared to other investments that we may have made."

Safe to say Henry approves.

Media Contact:

Zena Ross

Marketing UK & Ireland

Sigenergy

marketing.ukie@sigenergy.com

About Sigenergy

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Shanghai, Sigenergy (6656.HK) is a technology-driven company focused on innovation in the new energy sector. Leveraging advanced digital intelligence and a highly skilled talent base, the company has expanded across photovoltaic (PV) generation, smart energy storage and high-efficiency electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions.

Guided by its "AI in All" strategy, Sigenergy integrates artificial intelligence across its product ecosystem to deliver safer, smarter and more efficient energy solutions for households and businesses worldwide.

Yeebo Ramps Up AI Computing Expansion with Subsidiary Suanova's TaaS Rollout at Cyberport

Sun, 24 May 2026 11:51:00 +0700

Setting a New Benchmark for Domestic AI Computing Services

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited ("Yeebo"; Stock Code: 00259.HK, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Suanova Technology Limited ("Suanova"), has officially established a presence at Hong Kong Cyberport ("Cyberport") and launched its domestic Token-as-a-Service ("TaaS") business. This milestone marks a significant strategic step in the Group's accelerated expansion into the fast-growing AI computing services sector.

Leveraging Cyberport's robust technological infrastructure and vibrant innovative ecosystem, Suanova is well-positioned to fully capitalize on Hong Kong's role as a strategic gateway and the unique advantages of the Greater Bay Area, accelerating the rapid growth of its TaaS business. As Hong Kong's digital technology hub and AI accelerator, Cyberport is home to a thriving community of over 2,300 companies, encompassing a diverse range of technology enterprises and industrial resources. It enables Suanova to connect seamlessly across the AI value chain and engage with a wide base of potential clients, creating a highly competitive platform for scalable business growth while further expanding its reach in the AI computing services market.

One-Stop TaaS Platform Accelerates AI Commercialization

Powered by its proprietary domestic heterogeneous computing infrastructure, Suanova has built a unified, high-efficiency API service system that delivers cost-effective, locally optimized large model solutions for enterprises. Through flexible and scalable service capabilities, Suanova empowers enterprises to rapidly develop AI applications and intelligent agents, accelerating commercialization and deployment. Its cube-router.com platform transforms AI computing resources into on-demand, ready-to-use services, ushering in a new era of "TaaS". This significantly lowers barriers to AI adoption while enabling digital and intelligent transformation at scale.

"We are pleased to see Suanova successfully establish its presence at Hong Kong Cyberport. Backed by Cyberport's solid resource foundation, supportive government policies and resources, and extensive corporate network, Suanova is well equipped to drive strong growth. Looking ahead, we will leverage Cyberport's infrastructure and ecosystem to accelerate commercialization and scale our business, strengthening our footprint in the Asia-Pacific computing services market," said Mr. Chen Da-liang, CEO of Suanova.

Sharing Industry Insights at Cyberport Forum

Today, Suanova was invited to participate in Cyberport's "Insight Exchange"「洞察交流」forum, joining the panel discussion titled "The Future of AI Chips: Why Hardware Diversity Fuels Innovation"「AI 晶片新未來：多元硬件赋能無限創新」. During the session, Mr. Gu Meng, Senior Vice President of Suanova, shared key insights and practical experience on how AI chip hardware empowers industrial innovation and engaged in discussions on emerging AI trends with industry peers. This participation further enhanced Suanova's market visibility while strengthening collaboration with Cyberport and ecosystem partners.

Shanghai Cube Drives Computing Efficiency and Expands Industry Applications

Suanova continues to advance high-performance computing infrastructure through its flagship product, Shanghai Cube ? a fully domestic, high-density computing system engineered from the ground up. By decoupling the design and manufacturing within its integrated hardware-software architecture, Shanghai Cube consolidates innovations from leading domestic technology providers into a unified, scalable platform. It features comprehensive integration and optimization of key hardware and software components, including domestic high-performance GPU chips, network switching chips, liquid cooling systems, operating systems, and orchestration platforms, delivering a best-in-class, plug-and-play solution. Notably, Shanghai Cube features a high-density architecture capable of supporting up to 128 GPU modules within a single standard cabinet, significantly surpassing the typical domestic configuration of 32 GPUs. This makes it ideally suited to space-constrained environments such as Hong Kong. With utilization rates consistently exceeding 90%, it delivers outstanding operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Shanghai Cube exemplifies Suanova's end-to-end capabilities through its "Super Integration" model, offering a one-stop enterprise solution spanning cloud and compute services, private deployments, as well as AI model and application development. Beyond AI infrastructure, Shanghai Cube is expanding into broader industries, including healthcare and banking and finance services, with solutions already rolling out. Building on this momentum, Suanova considers leveraging Shanghai Cube's platform and ecosystem strengths to drive the next phase of TaaS growth.

"Looking ahead, we are scaling decisively in AI computing to unlock the full potential of Suanova's integrated technology and platform capabilities. As AI adoption accelerates, computing power is emerging as the key driver of the next industrial transformation. We are not just participating - we are leading. By strengthening our ecosystem, sharpening our competitive edge, and deepening strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity ? establishing Yeebo and Suanova as leaders in next-generation domestic AI computing services while helping shape the future of the global digital economy," said Mr. Fang Yan Tak, Douglas, Chairman of Yeebo.

Hashtag: #Yeebo

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

Save the Children Hong Kong Releases "Hearing Children" - Child-led Research Report: How Family Interactions Affect Youth Mental Health

Sun, 24 May 2026 11:46:00 +0700

Over Half of Youth Feel Inferior Due to Parental Criticism: Accumulated Emotions Increase Risks of Depression

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Save the Children Hong Kong today released its research report, "Hearing Children" - Child-led Research Report: How Family Interactions Affect Youth Mental Health (Full Report).

Following the implementation of the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (the "Ordinance"), there has been ongoing public debate on how to enhance child wellbeing; however, unlike physical harm, psychological trauma is significantly more difficult to identify.

According to the latest figures from the Social Welfare Department, a total of 1,354 child abuse cases were recorded in 2025. Of these, only 16 cases-a mere 1.2%-were classified as "psychological abuse".

The organisation believes that whilst the vast majority of parents care deeply for their children, they may inadvertently cause psychological trauma through their disciplinary methods, communication styles, and the way expectations are conveyed. Save the Children Hong Kong recommends that parents adopt "Positive Parenting" to strengthen parent-child non-violent communication, expressing their thoughts through mutual understanding and respect. Simultaneously, the Government should allocate additional resources to community and school settings to bolster mental health support for children and young people. Regarding the 25 categories of professionals specified under the Ordinance, training on identifying psychological abuse should be strengthened to support frontline practitioners in making clearer judgements on reporting thresholds and to facilitate timely intervention.

Over 80% of Youth Feel Pressure to be "Perfect": 40% Told to Improve Even When Praised

The study was designed by six youth researchers aged 14 to 17, under the guidance of Professor Gary Tang Kin Yat, Associate Professor of the Department of Social Science at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. It aimed to explore the psychological and emotional harm hidden behind parental "love and discipline". The study surveyed 408 children and adolescents aged 13 to 18, and found that 20.4% of respondents experience heavy pressure to "be perfect". Furthermore, 41.2% reported that even when parents praise their achievements, it is often accompanied by reminders of "how to do better next time". Over half of the respondents felt inferior to others due to parental disparagement, while more than 30% felt that no matter how hard they tried, they could never meet their parents' expectations.

Ms. Wong Shek Hung, Director of Hong Kong Programme of Save the Children Hong Kong, noted that while parents genuinely care for their children, yet when faced with their own stresses and anxieties, they may struggle to find the most appropriate way to express their care. Consequently, their love can inadvertently become a burden for the child. "This reflects the pivotal role parents play in their children's lives. Children place immense value on every word their parents say; as such, comments we may seem insignificant can directly impact how a child views themselves," she said.

The survey also explored parental behaviours that adolescents found most distressing. Respondents identified the most hurtful remarks as toxic comparisons (e.g., "Why can't you be more like them?"), invalidation of worth ("You are such a disappointment"), and dictatorial commands ("Because I said so"). The most resented behaviours included losing emotional control ("Losing their temper"), invading privacy ("Checking my phone"), and micromanagement ("Having to control everything").

Table: The True Voices of Youth ? What We Want Parents to Know

Most Hurtful Remarks (Top Five)	Most Resented Behaviours (Top Five)	Most Desired Encouragement (Top Five)
" Look at other people"	"(Parents) Losing their temper"	"You did a great job"
" You are so disappointing"	"Snooping on my phone"	"I support you"
"I said no means no"	"Having to make every decision"	"I believe you can do it"
"You aren't as good as others"	"Entering my room without knocking"	"Your happiness is what matters most"
"I'm only doing this for your own good"	"Moving or touching my belongings"	"I know you've done your best"

Avoiding Adults: A Widening Gap in Mental Health Support for Children

Another alarming phenomenon is the significant gap emerging in Hong Kong's mental health safety net for children and adolescents. Unlike physical trauma, psychological distress is difficult to identify and often relies on the victims seeking help themselves. However, the study found that when children and young people feel distressed, their help-seeking behaviour tends to "avoid adults". A vast majority of respondents (86.3%) prioritise speaking to friends or venting on social media (78.7%). Conversely, the overwhelming majority "rarely or never" seek help from teachers (96.8%), social workers (97.5%), or parents (73.3%).

Nearly half of the respondents (49.6%) tend to internalise and handle their problems alone. Beyond the habit of self-reliance (47.3%), key reasons for this include a feeling that "no one truly understands or can help" (45.3%), a desire not to become a burden to others (29.9%), and a fear of being judged, misunderstood, or getting into trouble after seeking help (18.4%).

Ms. Wong Shek Hung expressed concern that current child protection systems-such as school-based social workers and helplines-may become ineffective if children actively avoid adult assistance, thereby limiting opportunities for timely intervention. She warned that if stress and emotions continue to accumulate without an outlet, the consequences could be severe.

Invisible Wounds: The Link Between Mental Stress and Psychosomatic Symptoms

Whilst psychological stress leaves no visible scars, its latent harm can be more enduring and profound. The study reveals that when adolescents are under mental pressure, their physical health is equally affected. When facing conflicts or difficulties at home, over a third of respondents (37.1%) reported "sometimes" experiencing insomnia, stomach aches, or headaches. Similarly, over a third (38.1%) indicated they "sometimes" experience acute anxiety reactions, such as nervous tension, trembling, or a racing heart.

Dr. Phyllis Chan Kwok-ling, Adviser of Save the Children Hong Kong and Psychiatrist, noted that psychological trauma is difficult to detect, which may lead to more severe cumulative consequences. "This is especially true if children and adolescents conceal their trauma or lack the self-awareness to address it. As trauma accumulates, it may become a root cause of emotional problems and increase the risk of developing conditions such as depression." Dr Chan explained. She also expressed concern that the study found neither parents nor teachers are seen as confidants. "When adolescents face difficulties, they need adults to listen and share experiences. If they turn only to social media or peers, the lack of adult guidance may amplify their distress. Furthermore, relying solely on peers carries the risk of an 'echo chamber' effect; mutual validation amongst friends may deepen their sense of hurt and intensify wariness or hostility towards parents."

Ms. Wong Shek Hung added that adolescents may not know how to articulate their inner needs, leading them to remain silent or cope in isolation. "In reality, as long as both parties are willing to take the first step towards better communication and empathy, a warm and intimate parent-child relationship can be maintained."

Strengthening Systemic Support and Empowering Children with Emotional Regulation Skills

Beyond the family unit, society bears a responsibility to provide support across schools, communities, and institutional levels. We must systematically foster emotional management skills in children and assist parents in adopting positive communication and parenting techniques. To this end, the organisation proposes the following recommendations:

Mainstream "Social and Emotional Learning" (SEL): Integrate SEL into the regular school curriculum to strengthen students' ability to manage and articulate their emotions.

Promote "Positive Parenting" through Home-School Cooperation: Implement comprehensive Positive Parenting initiatives to develop disciplinary communication skills and foster empathy within parent-child interactions.

Enhance Mandatory Reporting Training: In relation to the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, training for professionals should be strengthened to include content on "identifying psychological abuse", supported by real-life case studies to help frontline staff clarify reporting criteria and enable timely intervention.

(For detailed information on these recommendations, please refer to the full report.)

Ms. Wong Shek Hung emphasised that family dynamics cannot be addressed with a "one-size-fits-all" legislative framework, nor is punishing parents an ideal way to manage family relationships. "The law provides only the most basic safety net. As previously mentioned, most parents care deeply for their children; the gap lies in communication and mutual understanding, as well as in adopting positive ways of interaction. Beyond legislation, we hope to improve parent-child relationships in the long term through support services and public education."

Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #香港救助兒童會 #positiveparenting #正向管教 #mentalhealth #精神健康

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