Two Wonders, One Voice

Borobudur Temple, Magelang - October 31, 2026

Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, Jakarta - November 3, 2026

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 August 2026 - Shoemaker Live and Jakarta International Expo are pleased to announce an extraordinary celebration of music and legacy as the incomparable Andrea Bocelli returns to Indonesia with Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia.

Two Wonders, One Voice, the concerts commemorate three decades of the world's most celebrated classical crossover albums. The highly anticipated Indonesia leg will present two distinctive performances, beginning at the majestic Borobudur Temple in Magelang on October 31, followed by a second performance at Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) Kemayoran, Jakarta, on November 3.

These two concerts will be Andrea Bocelli's only public performances in the Asia Pacific region in 2026, making Indonesia the exclusive destination in the region to experience this milestone celebration. Together, the two performances will offer audiences an extraordinary journey through music, artistry, and Indonesia's diverse cultural landscape.

These two concerts will be Andrea Bocelli's only public performances in Southeast Asia in 2026, making Indonesia the exclusive destination in the region to experience this milestone celebration. Presented across two remarkable settings, the concerts offer audiences from Indonesia and across Southeast Asia a rare opportunity to witness one of the world's most celebrated voices live.

"It is truly an honor to bring a world-class maestro like Andrea Bocelli to Indonesia. Music and craftsmanship share a deep connection, both shaped by dedication, patience, and attention to detail. Romanza concert is especially meaningful as it brings this timeless artistry to two remarkable settings, Borobudur and Jakarta, creating moments audiences can cherish long after the music ends," said Prajna Murdaya, Founder of Shoemaker.

Released 30 years ago, The Romanza album became a defining milestone in Andrea Bocelli's illustrious career, introducing audiences worldwide to his signature voice and timeless repertoire, including the iconic "Con Te Partir?." The anniversary tour celebrates the enduring legacy of an album that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

More than a celebration of an iconic album, Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia brings together two remarkable destinations and one legendary voice to create an immersive cultural experience. From the historic grandeur of Borobudur to the dynamic atmosphere of Jakarta, the performances reflect the meeting point between global artistry and Indonesia's rich cultural identity, also to celebrating 30 years of Andrea Bocelli's musical legacy and creating an unforgettable night that will be remembered and talked about for years to come.

The Indonesia tour also marks an important moment for the country's growing cultural and entertainment landscape, demonstrating its ability to welcome internationally acclaimed artists while offering audiences The Borobudur performance is envisioned as a once in a lifetime cultural experience, continuing the tradition of Andrea Bocelli's landmark performance staged at globally renowned heritage sites around the world, from the Pyramids of Giza, the Acropolis, to the Vatican, where extraordinary music, iconic locations and historic settings come together to create truly memorable experiences.

As part of the Borobudur experience, audiences will also discover a cultural village showcasing the best of culturally rich Magelang and Central Java, bringing together the region's cultural heritage, traditions, and local character. Ticket holders will receive exclusive access to the cultural village on the day of the concert, allowing the experience to extend beyond the performance and into the cultural landscape surrounding Borobudur.

"InJourney plays a strategic role in connecting Indonesia's aviation and tourism ecosystem from airport and aviation services to hospitality, destinations, and retail to create a seamless, world-class journey for every traveler. International events such as Andrea Bocelli at Borobudur demonstrate the power of this integrated ecosystem to bring Indonesia's heritage, hospitality, and global connectivity together on the world stage, while strengthening Indonesia's nation branding through culture and tourism. For us, Borobudur is more than a destination. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful national asset to elevate Indonesia's position in global tourism. Our ambition is to develop Borobudur as a world-class spiritual, cultural, and pilgrimage destination, also creating meaningful, high-value experiences while preserving its legacy for generations to come," explained Maya Watono, President Director of InJourney, PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero).

The Borobudur performance comes amid a growing calendar of cultural experiences around the destination, following Orchestra Month by InJourney and Borobudur Moon, organized by the Magelang Regency Government. Together, these initiatives contribute to a broader effort to position Borobudur and Central Java as destinations where cultural heritage and world-class artistic experiences can come together.

Bank SMBC Indonesia supports Andrea Bocelli's Landmark Indonesia performance as presenting partner. Commenting on the partnership, Deputy President Director of Bank SMBC Indonesia, Michellina Laksmi Triwardhany, explained that the collaboration reflects Bank SMBC Indonesia's commitment to bringing together meaningful experiences for its customers and the Indonesian community.

"As Presenting Partner, Bank SMBC Indonesia is proud to support Andrea Bocelli's performance in Indonesia, particularly at Borobudur, one of Indonesia's most significant cultural heritage sites. We believe in bringing together masterpieces, moments, and experiences that are meaningful to the Indonesian people. This collaboration is a celebration of extraordinary music, Indonesian's rich cultural heritage, and the experiences that connect us, "said Dhany

She added that the partnership is aligned with Bank SMBC Indonesia's commitment to continuously delivering meaningful services, experiences, and innovations that create a positive impact for customers, businesses, society, and the broader Indonesian economy.

Alexandra Askandar, Deputy President Director of Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BNI), said, "The arrival of Andrea Bocelli's Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour in Indonesia is a special moment that further strengthens Indonesia's position as a destination for world-class cultural experiences. We are proud to be part of bringing this exceptional international performance to audiences in Indonesia."

Beyond the concert itself, BNI believes an international event of this caliber can create a meaningful multiplier effect for Indonesia's tourism and creative economy, benefiting sectors ranging from hospitality, transportation, and culinary businesses to MSMEs, while further strengthening Indonesia's position as a destination for world-class events.

"For BNI, supporting this event is also about creating greater value for our customers. Through various exclusive offers and seamless payment solutions, we aim to make this world-class performance more accessible and enjoyable for BNI customers. We are also pleased to offer our Priority customers special privileges that reflect our commitment to providing a more personalized experience when enjoying this exceptional performance," said Alexandra

Tickets range for Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia starts from IDR 1,000,000 to over IDR 15,000,000 for premium categories. The highest priced ticket categories will also include access to an exclusive pre-event VIP lounge, offering guests a more elevated concert experience. An exclusive 72-hour presale for Jenius and BNI debit and credit cardholders will be held from Friday, August 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM WIB to Monday, August 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM WIB, offering up to 20% off. Tickets are available exclusively via Tiket.com during this period.

To complement the concert experience, ticket purchasers can also access travel bundles combining concert tickets with transportation and hotel stays through Tiket.com. Visitors can further explore curated experiences around Borobudur through InJourney's MyCandiGuide app and website, making it easier to extend their visit into a broader cultural and destination experience.

Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia invites audiences to celebrate three decades of timeless music across two extraordinary destinations in Indonesia. More than an evening of iconic songs, it is an experience to be deeply felt, as Bocelli's voice brings people together through moments of emotion, connection and wonder. Long after the final note, audiences will not only remember the performance, but carry the feeling of that extraordinary night with them for years to come.

For more information, please visit the official websites andreabocelli.id, and Instagram @shoemakerstudios.

About - Andrea Bocelli

Proclaimed around the world as the icon of the highest Italian vocal tradition, Bocelli has sold in-excess of 90 million albums to date. He improved his singing skills under the guidance of his mentor, Franco Corelli, and initially became widely famous for winning the Sanremo Music Festival in 1994 as the Newcomers section. At the same time, he started his dazzling classical career, performing masterpieces from the opera repertoire on stage - conducted by Lorin Maazel, Seiji Ozawa and Zubin Mehta. The more recent recordings of the Tuscan tenor include Manon Lescaut conducted by Pl?cido Domingo, Turandot and - released in 2016 - Aida conducted by Zubin Mehta. In 2017, Bocelli recorded La forza del destino and in 2018 he recorded - and performed in theatre - Lucia di Lammermoor.

About - Shoemaker Studios

Shoemaker Studios was founded by Prajna Murdaya, Harmoko Aguswan, and Nikita Dompas and Melon Lemon as a recording studio for world-class artists. It has since grown into a creative platform spanning live event production and live session content, bringing high-caliber music and cultural programming to Indonesian audiences.

In 2019, Shoemaker produced Yo-Yo Ma: The Bach Project Jakarta, the cellist's first-ever Jakarta concert, setting a new benchmark for international performances in Indonesia. Its live session series, Hearafter, captures artists in unedited, one-take performances: no cuts, no retakes, just a song as it's actually played.

Shoemaker is now expanding beyond recording and content production into live music, creative lifestyle experiences, and original IP - a shift anchored by its role in Andrea Bocelli's Romanza 30th Anniversary Tour. The goal: spaces where artists, audiences, and communities meet, exchange inspiration, and experience creativity's transformative power.

About - Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BNI)

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI), one of Indonesia's leading banks, is committed to offering a wide range of financial solutions for individuals and supporting the growth and success of businesses-both domestically and globally. Dedicated to building long-term partnerships, BNI provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including capital loans, trade finance, cash management, project financing, and treasury services. BNI supports Indonesian companies in expanding their global reach while also assisting multinational corporations in entering the Indonesian market.

To learn more about BNI's products and services, please visit: https://www.bni.co.id/

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

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HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 August 2026 - Allianz Trade in Asia Pacific is pleased to announce Scott Munaf? has been appointed China CEO with effect from 1 September 2026. He will be based in Shanghai.

Mr Munafo joined Allianz Trade in 2015 as part of the Multinationals team and has spent over a decade shaping the company's commercial strategy across four regions. Rising through key account management roles spanning MMEA, APAC, and Northern Europe - including his appointment as Regional Account Director for Northern Europe in 2021 - he was named Group Head of Broker Management and Partnerships in 2025, where he was responsible for defining and executing Allianz Trade's global commercial and distribution strategy and strengthening broker partnerships across multiple regions. Mr Munaf? holds an MBA from POLIMI Graduate School of Management (Politecnico di Milano) and a degree in Law from Universit? Bocconi with a major in Public Sector and Law.

On this appointment, Rodrigo Jimenez, Regional CEO at Allianz Trade in Asia Pacific, says: "Over the past decade, Scott has built extensive experience across various regions, demonstrating a strong track record in growing commercial portfolios, building strategic partnerships, and maintaining exceptional customer retention. His international experience, commercial leadership, and deep understanding of our business make him exceptionally well positioned to lead our China operations. I am confident that, together with the local management team, Scott will successfully drive our growth ambitions and deliver continued success in this important and fast-growing market."

Mr Munaf? remarks: "Allianz Trade has been part of China's trade story for nearly two decades - built on the strength of our team, our partners, and our customers who have trusted us through every cycle. I am honoured to be entrusted with what so many have built together. My commitment is simple: to keep listening, to keep creating lasting value and to ensure the next chapter sets a new standard."

About Allianz Trade

Allianz Trade is the global leader in trade credit insurance and a recognized specialist in the areas of surety, collections, structured trade credit and political risk. Our proprietary intelligence network is based on instant access to data of 289 million corporates. We give companies the confidence to trade by securing their payments. We compensate your company in the event of a bad debt, but more importantly, we help you avoid bad debt in the first place. Whenever we provide trade credit insurance or other finance solutions, our priority is predictive protection.

But, when the unexpected arrives, our AA credit rating means we have the resources, backed by Allianz to provide compensation to maintain your business. Headquartered in Paris, Allianz Trade is present in over 40 countries with 5,900 employees. In 2025, our consolidated turnover was EUR4 billion and insured global business transactions represented EUR1,400 billion in exposure. For more information, please visit allianz-trade.com.

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

Hashtags: #allianztrade #tradecreditinsurance

https://www.allianz-trade.com/en_HK.html

https://www.linkedin.com/company/allianz-trade-apac/

*Ecopipam (EBS-101) is a first-in-class selective D1 (dopamine) receptor antagonist with Orphan Drug designation

*NDA acceptance is supported by positive Phase 3 data, which were published in JAMA Neurology, and Phase 2b data

*If approved, ecopipam would be the first new treatment option indicated for pediatric patients with Tourette syndrome in more than 10 years and the first novel mechanism of action in more than 50 years1

PARSIPPANY, N.J. and TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA), today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for ecopipam, with a targeted action (PDUFA) date late in the first quarter of 2027.

Ecopipam is a first-in-class investigational therapy for the treatment of pediatric patients with Tourette syndrome. This milestone advances Teva's Pivot to Growth strategy by utilizing the company's expertise in neuroscience to support patients, particularly in areas where there is high unmet need.

Tourette syndrome is a debilitating neuro-developmental condition impacting approximately 100,000 children and adolescents nationwide.2 Only half of these patients are treated with prescription medication for this condition, and only 20-30 percent remain on therapy after one year. Despite the current treatment options available, many patients continue to experience inadequate control or treatment-limiting side effects.3 This patient experience underscores the urgent need for new prescription drug options and reinforces Teva's commitment to expanding access to innovative neuroscience treatments for underserved patient populations.3

"Ecopipam's NDA acceptance is an important milestone that advances Teva's Pivot to Growth strategy and brings us closer to addressing the unmet needs of children and their families affected by Tourette syndrome," said Eric Hughes, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Global R&D and Chief Medical Officer of Teva. "If approved, ecopipam would be the first new therapy for Tourette syndrome in more than 10 years and the first novel mechanism of action in more than 50 years, offering patients and families a long-awaited new treatment option."

The NDA acceptance for ecopipam is supported by positive Phase 2b and 3 data. In the Phase 2b study, patients receiving ecopipam experienced a reduction in tic severity, with statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale-Total Tic Score (YGTSS-TTS) vs. placebo at Week 12 (P = 0.01).4 Durability of efficacy was shown in participants who subsequently enrolled in a Phase 2b open-label extension (OLE) study.5

The Phase 3 randomized withdrawal study, recently published in JAMA Neurology,6 further demonstrated maintenance of efficacy with ecopipam. For the primary endpoint, pediatric ecopipam responders compared to placebo had a 53% decreased risk of relapse over 12 weeks (p=0.008).6

Across the Phase 2b, Phase 2b OLE and Phase 3 clinical trials, no clinically meaningful changes were observed across the following areas with ecopipam use:4,5,6,7

Body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) Z-Score

Vitals and laboratory measures, including metabolic parameters

Electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements

Drug-induced movement disorders (DIMD) as measured by the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) or Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS)

Measures of psychiatric comorbidities

Ecopipam was generally well-tolerated and the most common adverse events in pediatric patients with Tourette syndrome were headache, insomnia, fatigue, somnolence, tics, anxiety, nausea and restlessness.4,5,6

Teva remains deeply committed to advancing this clinical program and, if approved, delivering a long-awaited new treatment option to pediatric patients with Tourette syndrome who have historically relied on treatment options primarily developed for other conditions.

About Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a chronic neuro-developmental disorder characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics beginning in childhood, often between 5 and 10 years of age.2 For people living with Tourette syndrome, symptoms can be frequent, visible, and disruptive, affecting everyday life.2

About Ecopipam and Its Clinical Program

Ecopipam is a first-in-class investigational therapy designed to block dopamine signaling at the D1 receptor. D1 receptor hypersensitivity may contribute to repetitive and compulsive behaviors associated with Tourette syndrome.

Ecopipam was granted Priority Review by the FDA with Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of pediatric patients with Tourette syndrome. Orphan Drug designation is reserved for patient populations of 200,000 or fewer.

The D1AMOND Phase 2b Trial was a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that studied 153 pediatric participants across 68 sites in North America and Europe. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in the YGTSS-TTS, i.e., sum of the motor and vocal tic scores, from baseline to end of therapy.4 The associated Phase 2b open-label extension enrolled 121 pediatric subjects from the Phase 2b trial and followed them for up to 12 months' duration to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of ecopipam.5 The subsequent D1AMOND Phase 3 Trial was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal trial enrolling a total of 216 pediatric and adult participants into an open-label stabilization period and randomizing 104 participants (90 pediatric, 14 adult) across 77 sites in North America and Europe. The objective of this study was to evaluate the maintenance of efficacy of ecopipam in pediatric and adult responders utilizing the YGTSS-TTS change from randomization or increased Tourette-specific care to determine relapse.6 While this Phase 3 trial included adult participants, the accepted NDA and resulting indication sought by Teva are exclusively for pediatric patients.

About Teva

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) is transforming into a leading innovative biopharmaceutical company, enabled by a world-class generics business. For over 120 years, Teva's commitment to bettering health has never wavered. From innovating in the fields of neuroscience and immunology to providing complex generic medicines, biosimilars and pharmacy brands worldwide, Teva is dedicated to addressing patients' needs, now and in the future. At Teva, We Are All In For Better Health. To learn more about how, visit www.tevapharm.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that could cause Teva's future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from that expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "should," "expect," "anticipate," "developing," "target," "may," "expand," "intend," "plan," "believe" and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression in connection with any discussion of future performance. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include risks and uncertainties relating to: our ability to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for and commercialize ecopipam; our ability to successfully compete in the marketplace including our ability to develop and commercialize ecopipam and additional pharmaceutical products; our ability to successfully execute our Pivot to Growth strategy, including to expand our innovative and biosimilar medicines pipeline and profitably commercialize the innovative medicines and biosimilar portfolio, whether organically or through business development, and to execute on our organizational transformation and to achieve expected cost savings; our significant indebtedness, which may limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, engage in additional transactions or make new investments; and other factors discussed in this press release, in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2026 and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, including in the sections captioned "Risk Factors," "Other Information" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements." Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Approval Records: Haloperidol (1969), Pimozide (1984), Aripiprazole (2014); Pringsheim, T., et al. (2019). The pharmacological management of tic disorders: an updated practice guideline. Neurology.

CDC | Tourette Syndrome | Data and Statistics on Tourette Syndrome, 2024; Mayo Clinic | Tourette Syndrome - Diagnosis and treatment, 2025.

Tomczak KK et al. High Rates of Discontinuation of D2 Receptor Antagonists as Treatment of Tourette Syndrome in Children: A Retrospective Database Analysis American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting Poster, 2025.

Gilbert DL, Dubow JS, Cunniff TM, et al. Ecopipam for Tourette Syndrome: A Randomized Trial. Pediatrics. 2023;151(2):e2022059574. doi:10.1542/peds.2022-059574

Gilbert DL, Kim DJB, Miller MM, et al. Safety and Effect of 12-Month Ecopipam Treatment in Pediatric Patients with Tourette Syndrome. Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2025;12(8):1157-1166. doi:10.1002/mdc3.70091.

Gilbert DL, Atkinson SD, Kim DJB, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Ecopipam for Tourette Syndrome: A Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol. 2026;83(7):645?653. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2026.1431

Data on file.

Teva Media Inquiries

tevacommunicationsnorthamerica@tevapharm.com

Teva Investor Relations Inquiries

TevaIR@tevapharm.com

Cycling Enthusiasts Are Invited to Experience Spectacular New "Five Tunnels, Three Bridges" Route

UCI International Road Race Returns: 100 of the World's Elite Cyclists Set to Battle for Championship Glory on a 100 km Racecourse

HONG KONG, Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will stage Hong Kong's largest cycling event of the year - the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon - on 11 October (Sunday). This year's event continues to promote the spirit of sports for charity and features a host of exciting new elements, including a 56 km non-competitive ride on a "Five Tunnels, Three Bridges" route that will take participants along the newly opened Central Kowloon Bypass for the first time.

The popular 32 km ride will continue to use the popular "Two Tunnels, Two Bridges" route. More than 6,500 places are available for the two non-competitive rides. Public registration opens from 20 August. The Cyclothon will also feature the highly anticipated return of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Class 1.1 Road Race, with a new 100 km racecourse, drawing elite teams from around the world for a thrilling competition in Hong Kong.

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, "Starting in mid-September, HKTB will roll out a series of mega events, with the Hong Kong Cyclothon standing out as one of the most energetic and dynamic international sporting spectacles on our calendar. This year's event promises a richer experience than ever. In addition to welcoming the return of the world-class UCI road race, which will feature 100 cyclists from 17 elite teams representing 11 countries and regions, we are introducing the new 56 km 'Five Tunnels, Three Bridges' route for the first time. We will also introduce the World University Trophy, bringing together student cyclists from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas universities ranked among the world's top 100 universities. In addition, a wonderful Cyclothon Carnival will be held to engage the public. Through the Hong Kong Cyclothon, we aim to offer both locals and visitors a truly 'Only in Hong Kong' cycling experience, taking them across the city's iconic bridges and landmarks while showcasing the unique scenery, where a bustling metropolis meets a stunning harbour. We warmly invite everyone to be part of this annual sporting extravaganza."

Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) Executive Director Mr Adam Kwok said, "Sun Hung Kai Properties is delighted to be the title and charity sponsor of the Hong Kong Cyclothon for the eighth time. This year marks the highly anticipated return of the UCI 1.1 Road Race, which, along with other rides, will have its starting line moved to West Kowloon. This will allow world-class riders and cycling enthusiasts to experience the unique charm of West Kowloon. Set against the backdrop of the West Kowloon Cultural District, the event offers participants up-close views of landmarks such as IGC and ICC while showcasing the appeal of this international business and cultural hub."

"Ahead of the Cyclothon, GO PARK Sai Sha will host interactive warm-up events with the world-class UCI riders. SHKP is also mobilizing its network to support this major sporting event, bringing joy to the community and encouraging sports for all. In support of Sports for Charity, all funds raised, together with top-up donations from SHKP, will be donated to charity organisations including The Community Chest to support those in need."

56 km Ride Features New "Five Tunnels, Three Bridges" Challenge

First-Ever Dash Through the Central Kowloon Bypass

The popular non-competitive ride of the Hong Kong Cyclothon has been upgraded this year. The previous 50 km route will be extended to 56 km and will span six districts: Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin and Kowloon City. The enhanced route will test participants' fitness and endurance while providing an ideal opportunity to explore Hong Kong's diverse urban landscapes, showcasing the unique blend of old and new districts. The new "Five Tunnels, Three Bridges" route will take riders along roads rarely opened to cyclists, including the Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Nam Wan Tunnel, Eagle's Nest Tunnel, Sha Tin Heights Tunnel, Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and Stonecutters Bridge. Riders will also be able to cycle along the Central Kowloon Bypass connecting Yau Ma Tei and Kai Tak, which will be opened to a cycling event for the first time.

The 32 km ride will maintain its "Two Tunnels, Two Bridges" route, incorporating Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Nam Wan Tunnel, Stonecutters Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge, offering cyclists spectacular urban and natural scenery on a truly unforgettable journey.

The starting and finishing lines will be relocated to Museum Drive in the West Kowloon Cultural District. A dedicated viewing zone will be introduced, allowing more locals and visitors to cheer cyclists on from close quarters, witness the thrilling showdowns as riders make their final dash to the finishing line and enjoy the electrifying atmosphere.

UCI Road Race Returns with Elite International Cyclist Teams Competing in a 100 km Challenge

17 elite teams from 11 countries and regions will compete in the return of the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon UCI Class 1.1 Road Race. The international field includes six UCI WorldTeams, such as the XDS Astana Team from Kazakhstan, Alpecin-Premier Tech and Soudal Quick-Step from Belgium, and Team Jayco AlUla from Australia. The race will also feature six UCI ProTeams and four UCI Continental Teams.

Together with the Hong Kong, China Cycling Team competing on home soil, around 100 world-class cyclists will battle for honours and the coveted champion's jersey. The participation of such a strong international line-up will establish the UCI 1.1 race as one of the most competitive road cycling events in Asia. Locals and visitors can visit the viewing zone on Museum Drive in West Kowloon Cultural District to watch elite international cyclists compete at the highest level. A giant screen will broadcast the races live, allowing spectators to keep up with the spellbinding race action throughout the day.

To mark the return of this world-class race, the professional race route has been upgraded to deliver a more exciting spectator experience. Unlike previous editions that featured a circuit race in Tsim Sha Tsui East, this year's route will see nearly 100 elite cyclists race across multiple districts, setting off from Museum Drive and traversing sections including the Nam Wan Tunnel, Stonecutters Bridge and the Central Kowloon Bypass. Covering Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing and Kowloon City, the varied and challenging course will set the stage for high-speed competition among the world's top riders.

The new undulating 100 km route links iconic landmarks, including the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the International Commerce Centre (ICC). Its diverse terrain will challenge riders' speed, endurance and tactical prowess, enhancing the sporting spectacle while showcasing Hong Kong's distinctive cityscape to the world.

New World University Trophy Brings Together Cyclists from the World's Top 100 Universities

A new non-competitive World University Trophy will be introduced within the 56 km ride this year, bringing together university cyclists from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas institutions ranked among the world's top 100 universities to strive together. Renowned universities from around the world, including Peking University and Tsinghua University, as well as leading institutions from London, Paris, Toronto and Kuala Lumpur, will field cycling teams to compete alongside elite cyclists from local universities, promoting cultural exchange through this major sporting event.

Cyclothon Carnival to Deliver a Mega Sporting Event Experience for All

Beyond the thrill of the races, the vibrant atmosphere of the Hong Kong Cyclothon will extend from the racecourse to the Great Lawn of Art Park in the West Kowloon Cultural District. HKTB will stage a dedicated cycling-themed carnival featuring a diverse programme of sports, entertainment, family-friendly activities and culinary delights, allowing locals and visitors to fully immerse themselves in the excitement of this cycling extravaganza. Running from morning until evening, the carnival will feature stage performances that blend music and sports. A wide range of attractions will be available on site, including gourmet offerings, sports gear markets, emerging sports experiences, game and handicraft activity zones, and photo spots. The carnival promises a rich and enjoyable experience for locals and visitors of all ages and interests.

This year's Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon continues to encourage participants to embrace the spirit of Sports for Charity by making charitable donations of HK$100 to HK$500 when registering for the event. All public donations, including part of the registration fees from the team categories of the 56 km Ride and 32 km Ride, as well as the full registration fees collected from the CEO Charity and Celebrity Ride and the Covation Family Fun Ride, will be donated in full to The Community Chest of Hong Kong. Sun Hung Kai Properties will also make an additional donation through other charitable organisations to support underprivileged communities and people in need.

As the venue partner of this year's Hong Kong Cyclothon, the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) will join hands with the HKTB to offer locals and visitors a range of special promotions. HKTB will provide a complimentary standard admission ticket to the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) for visitors from Chinese Mainland and overseas who register during the designated enrolment period. To enrich the Hong Kong Cyclothon experience, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) will also launch special Hong Kong Cyclothon packages for both M+ and the HKPM. Each package includes one museum admission ticket and one complimentary one-way WestK Ferry ticket, encouraging visitors to enjoy the stunning views of Victoria Harbour and explore the museums' exhibitions. In support of the event, a number of restaurants and caf?s in WestK Art Park will progressively begin operating from 8:00 am onwards, while more than 25 dining outlets across the District will offer exclusive discounts and special promotions for Cyclothon participants. Tokyobike HK, a cycling brand based in WestK will also introduce a special bicycle rental promotion with discounts of up to 20% on the day.

Public Registration Opens on 20 August

Cycling enthusiasts from around the world can register from 10:00 am on 20 August (Hong Kong Time) through the event website (https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/cyclothon.html). To ensure participant safety, all riders are required to attend and pass an official cycling skills assessment arranged by the organiser, unless they completed a Hong Kong Cyclothon in 2022, 2023 or 2024, or hold qualifications recognised by the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr Chokie Cheng Tel: 2807 6342 Email: chokie.cheng@hktb.com 

Ms Elisa Luk Tel: 2807 6236 Email: elisa.luk@hktb.com 

The research lands alongside Clash Royale Viking Season, which brings two new heroes - Valkyrie and Berserker - to the game

HELSINKI, Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clash Royale is giving one player the chance to be immortalized as the game's first-ever Rage Emote - and to find out what really goes down when a match slips away, the hit mobile game commissioned research into 9,000 gamers across seven markets.

The contest lands alongside Viking Season, an in-game event built to embrace the unfiltered emotions of gaming, which brings two new Heroes and a new Evolution.

The Rage Quit Is An Intermission

Rage quitting might look like an exit, but the data says it's an intermission that increases enjoyment.

85.1% of rage quitters say they enjoyed the game more when they came back

Mexico gets the most out of it: 90.5% enjoy the game more on return, against Germany's 74.4% - the two ends of the seven-market range

For The Love of The Game

Nobody rage quits a game they don't care about. What changes from market to market is how much of it shows.

Globally, gamers put it down to wanting to do well (31.1%), caring about the game (22.1%) and protecting a winning streak (21.9%)

More Brazilian gamers have rage quit than anywhere else - 77%, against Mexico's low of 59%

Just 2% of French gamers say they regularly feel annoyed when gaming, making them the gamers with the coolest heads.

Only 19% of German gamers regularly feel competitive when gaming, the lowest anywhere

America Films It. Britain Takes It To The Pub

Close to four in ten gamers who rage quit have done it somewhere public, but the vibes are different.

America is the only market that wants an audience: 55.6% of US rage quitters would happily post the clip

31.5% of UK public rage quitters did it in the pub - the highest anywhere

Brits would rather tell someone than show them, leading the world on ranting to a friend (20.8%) and screaming into a pillow (17.2%)

For Gen Z, Rage Quitting is Spectator Sport

For Gen Z, rage quitting isn't just something they do, it's something they watch other people do, on purpose.

IShowSpeed is Gen Z's rage-quit king: 32.3% name him as the ultimate online gaming rage quitter, more than 2.5 times the next name on the list, AngryGinge at 12.8%

40.7% of Gen Z say creators influence them to rage quit

And Gen Z takes the format out of the house. 46% have experienced game rage in public, including 43% at school or university, 30% on the bus, and 24% while queuing.

How to become Clash Royale's first-ever Rage Emote*

Download Clash Royale

Dig up your funniest, wildest rage clip - old or new - and submit it to rage.supercell.com. Clips must be no more than 10 seconds long. Submissions open 17 August at 07:00 UTC and close 25 August at 14:59 UTC.

The Top 10 clips will go head-to-head in a community vote. Opens August 25 at 15:00 UTC and closes August 28 at 14:59 UTC

The winning rage audio - announced August 28 at 15:00 UTC - will be forged into Clash Royale's first-ever Rage Emote, unlockable in-game via a milestone event.

*Except as otherwise specified in this section, the Contest is open worldwide to anyone aged 13 years or older residing in a country where Clash Royale is available for download and play through Supercell's official channels. If you would like to participate in the Contest, but are under 18 years of age or the age of majority as defined in your country of residence, you must have permission from a parent or legal guardian to enter. In order to enter, you also need a valid Supercell ID account.

Feel the Rage is available to watch now on the official Clash Royale YouTube channel.

Notes to editor

Research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Supercell among 9,000 gamers across seven markets - UK (1,000), USA (2,000), France (1,000), Germany (1,000), Brazil (1,000), Australia (1,000), and Mexico (2,000) - in August 2026. Results include age, gender, city, and regional breakdowns.

For more information, please contact supercellEMEAhub@wearetheromans.com.

About Supercell

Supercell is a game company based in Helsinki, Finland, with offices in San Francisco, London, Seoul, and Shanghai. Since its founding in 2010, the company has brought six games to the global market: Hay Day, Clash of Clans, Boom Beach, Clash Royale, Brawl Stars, and Squad Busters. Supercell's dream is to create games that as many people as possible play for years and that are remembered forever.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

TAVULLIA, Italy, Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 12B SPORTS, Main Sponsor of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, brought Hollywood actor Sung Kang to Tavullia, the hillside town in Italy where the team was founded and where its culture still lives. Hosted as a guest of both brands, Sung Kang was welcomed inside the world that gives MotoGP its character.

His visit began with a ride through the hills above Tavullia, past the town's celebrated 46 km/h sign, before Sung Kang reached the VR46 headquarters. He walked through the garage, met the engineers and technicians who prepare the team's Ducati machines, and joined riders Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli for lunch at Bar Pizzeria da Rossi. What he found was less a global racing operation than a family, everyone moving to the same rhythm.

"Tavullia is where this team started, and opening our doors is the truest way to show what VR46 Racing Team is," said Alessio Salucci, Team Director, Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. "With 12B SPORTS, we want fans everywhere to know the people behind the results."

"Passion has a way of making complete strangers feel like they have known each other forever," said Rory Anderson, spokesperson for 12B SPORTS. "That is the spirit we share with Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, and the reason we brought this story to fans."

MotoGP is defined as much by community as by competition. From a small Italian town to the grid of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, 12B SPORTS and VR46 Racing Team continue to bring fans closer to the people, places and traditions behind the sport.

About 12B SPORTS

12B SPORTS is a next-generation sports media platform built on the belief that sport unites, inspires, and connects fans through shared passion, creating a global community celebrating sport's stories.

About Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team

VR46 Racing Team is a MotoGP team founded by nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi. Based in Tavullia, Italy, it is one of the championship's most recognizable teams, combining sporting performance, innovation, and a strong brand identity. Since entering MotoGP in 2022, it has achieved third place in both the Riders' and Teams' World Championships. In 2026, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli compete for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team.

Contacts

Jeffery Tan

Marketing Manager

enquiries@12bsports.com

TAVULLIA, Italia, Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 12B SPORTS, Sponsor Utama Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, mengajak aktor Hollywood Sung Kang mengunjungi Tavullia, sebuah kota kecil di perbukitan Italia yang menjadi tempat lahirnya tim sekaligus rumah bagi budaya yang terus menjadi bagian penting dari identitasnya.

Sebagai tamu dari kedua brand, Sung Kang mendapat kesempatan untuk melihat lebih dekat dunia di balik karakter khas MotoGP.

Kunjungan Sung Kang dimulai dengan perjalanan melintasi perbukitan di sekitar Tavullia, melewati rambu batas kecepatan 46 km/jam yang ikonik, sebelum akhirnya tiba di markas VR46. Di sana, ia mengunjungi area garasi, bertemu dengan para engineer dan teknisi yang mempersiapkan motor Ducati milik tim, serta menikmati makan siang bersama pembalap Fabio Di Giannantonio dan Franco Morbidelli di Bar Pizzeria da Rossi.

Apa yang ia temukan bukan sekadar sebuah tim balap yang berlaga di panggung dunia, melainkan sebuah keluarga yang bergerak dalam satu ritme dan semangat yang sama.

Alessio Salucci, Team Director Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, mengatakan: "Tavullia adalah tempat semuanya bermula bagi tim ini, dan membuka pintu kami adalah cara paling autentik untuk menunjukkan seperti apa VR46 Racing Team sebenarnya. Bersama 12B SPORTS, kami ingin para penggemar di seluruh dunia mengenal orang-orang di balik setiap pencapaian."

Rory Anderson, juru bicara 12B SPORTS, mengatakan: "Passion memiliki kekuatan untuk membuat orang-orang yang sebelumnya tidak saling mengenal terasa seperti sudah berteman sejak lama. Semangat inilah yang kami bagikan bersama Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, sekaligus menjadi alasan kami ingin membawa kisah ini lebih dekat kepada para penggemar."

MotoGP tidak hanya dibentuk oleh persaingan di lintasan, tetapi juga oleh komunitas yang tumbuh di sekitarnya. Dari sebuah kota kecil di Italia hingga grid Kejuaraan Dunia MotoGP 2026, 12B SPORTS dan VR46 Racing Team terus membawa para penggemar lebih dekat dengan orang-orang, tempat, dan tradisi yang menjadi bagian penting dari olahraga ini.

Tentang 12B SPORTS

12B SPORTS adalah platform media olahraga generasi baru yang percaya pada kekuatan olahraga untuk menyatukan dan menginspirasi. Kami berkomitmen untuk mendekatkan para penggemar olahraga dari berbagai belahan dunia melalui kisah dan pengalaman olahraga yang penuh makna, sekaligus membangun komunitas olahraga global yang dipersatukan oleh kecintaan terhadap olahraga.

Tentang Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team

VR46 Racing Team adalah tim MotoGP yang didirikan oleh juara dunia sembilan kali Valentino Rossi. Berbasis di Tavullia, Italia, tim ini merupakan salah satu tim paling dikenal di kejuaraan MotoGP, dengan perpaduan antara performa di lintasan, inovasi, dan identitas brand yang kuat. Sejak bergabung dengan MotoGP pada 2022, tim ini telah meraih posisi ketiga di Kejuaraan Dunia Pembalap dan Kejuaraan Dunia Tim. Pada musim 2026, Fabio Di Giannantonio dan Franco Morbidelli membalap untuk Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team.

Contacts

Jeffery Tan

Marketing Manager

enquiries@12bsports.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

VIDEB?K, Denmark, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arla Foods Ingredients is taking a major step towards reducing its CO2 emissions on dairy level. A newly completed 8 million euro investment in a new heating system for Production Tower 4 at the Danmark Protein plant in Videb?k will deliver annual savings of 2,500 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the annual heating consumption of more than 900 households using natural gas.

As part of the project, the tower is being converted from operating with a gas heater to being able to switch between heat from the plant's existing steam system and a new electric heater. This will reduce the use of natural gas and allow renewable electricity to take over part of the operation. Calculations show that Tower 4 will be able to operate 100% on renewable electricity for 23% of the time.

"This investment improves operational reliability, strengthen security of supply and reduce our climate impact." says Mogens B?gh Pedersen, Director of the Danmark Protein plant.

Electrification significantly reduces CO2 emissions

Switching between steam and electricity allows Arla Foods Ingredients to use electricity when wind and solar power drive prices down and reduce consumption when prices rise, supporting flexible consumption in the Danish power grid while creating a strong financial business case.

The new solution is an important part of Arla's strategy to electrify production and provides greater flexibility in energy consumption, enhanced reliability and opportunities for future development.

While the new heating system in Tower 4 is now operational, a similar project is being planned for Tower 5. Together, the investments in Towers 4 and 5 will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 5,200 tonnes annually, equivalent to the annual heating consumption of more than 1,900 households.

"In addition to delivering substantial CO2e savings, this investment also represents a very strong business case. We will also seek to scale across our other sites," says Paul van Rooij, Vice President, Supply Chain, Arla Foods Ingredients.

Facts about the investment

Investment in new heating system for Tower 4: approx. EUR 8.3 million

Annual CO2 reduction (Tower 4): approx. 2,500 tonnes

Total potential (Towers 4 + 5): up to 5,200 tonnes of CO2

Based on Danish Energy Agency standards, 2,500 tonnes of CO2 corresponds to the annual heating consumption of 919 households, while 5,200 tonnes corresponds to 1,911 households.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ab0644d-a9e5-4c41-a217-6e33b0a4863e

Media contact: hz@ispiderpr.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

BANGKOK, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asia Pacific demonstrates the strongest improvement as a region in the latest 2026 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), with 79% of its governments recording higher scores this year and Singapore holding the top global rank for a fourth consecutive year.

Now in its sixth year, the CGGI measures the capabilities and effectiveness of 133 governments worldwide, across seven pillars: Leadership & Foresight, Robust Laws & Policies, Strong Institutions, Financial Stewardship, Attractive Marketplace, Global Influence & Reputation, and Helping People Rise.

The findings were presented by Dinesh Naidu, Director (Knowledge) at the Chandler Governance Group (CGG), at a joint session titled "Future-Ready Governance in Asia and the Pacific," as part of the OECD-UNDP-OPDC "Transforming Public Services in Thailand" programme in Bangkok. The session also introduced the Future-Ready Governance Index (FRGI), a new benchmarking tool the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CGG are jointly developing for governments across Asia Pacific to navigate an era of uncertainty, structural transformation, and growing complexity.

"Asia Pacific's progress this year shows that sustained investment in institutions and public service delivery pays off, even in a difficult global environment. What stands out is how broad-based this has been. The region improved across six of the Index's seven pillars since 2021, which suggests deliberate, sustained capability building in areas that matter most to citizens," said Naidu.

The Index finds governance improvement is widespread, but not uniform

Home to just over half the world's population, the 19 Asia Pacific countries in the CGGI recorded the largest improvement in average overall score of any region since 2021. The region also places five countries in the global top 20, with 11 in the top half of the Index. Singapore (1), Australia (11), New Zealand (13), South Korea (16) and Japan (17) are the region's top five performers. The sharpest gains are concentrated in the Strong Institutions and Helping People Rise pillars.

Thailand ranks 58th globally, in the upper half of the Index, anchored by a strong 18th-place global rank in the Financial Stewardship pillar, notably higher than its overall position. Financial Stewardship remains a persistent challenge across Asia Pacific: only three countries, Mongolia, Viet Nam and Japan, strengthened their scores in that pillar since 2021, highlighting how challenging fiscal consolidation and spending discipline have become.

Progress was uneven across the region. All four East Asian countries, China, Japan, South Korea and Mongolia, improved their overall scores since 2021. Viet Nam recorded the largest overall score improvement in Asia Pacific since the Index began. Oceania is the region's strongest performer, with both Australia and New Zealand ranking in the global top 20. South Asia tells a more mixed story: only Nepal improved its overall score since 2021, though India's most recent year-on-year results suggest a turnaround, with gains in Financial Stewardship and Helping People Rise.

A practical tool for governments

Designed by practitioners for practitioners, the CGGI offers governments a diagnostic tool to benchmark performance and identify areas for capability development, drawing on evidence from peers across the region and around the world.

"Asia Pacific's governments have shown they can improve, and the CGGI provides the evidence base to identify which foundational capabilities need strengthening. Building on that, the Future-Ready Governance Index, which CGG and UNDP are jointly developing, is designed to help them build the capabilities to stay ahead of what comes next," said Naidu.

The full 2026 Index, including country profiles, pillar scores, and historical comparisons, is available at https://chandlergovernmentindex.com/

Media Inquiries:

Kiara Kijburana | kiara.kijburana@chandlergovernance.com

BANGKOK, Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asia Pasifik menjadi kawasan dengan peningkatan tata kelola paling kuat dalam Chandler Good Government Index 2026 (CGGI) terbaru. Sebanyak 79% pemerintahan di kawasan ini mencatat skor lebih tinggi tahun ini, sedangkan Singapura mempertahankan posisi puncak dunia untuk tahun keempat secara berturut-turut.

Kini memasuki tahun keenamnya, CGGI mengukur kapabilitas dan efektivitas 133 pemerintahan di seluruh dunia berdasarkan tujuh pilar: Kepemimpinan & Pandangan ke Depan, Hukum & Kebijakan yang Kokoh, Institusi yang Kuat, Pengelolaan Keuangan, Marketplace yang Menarik, Pengaruh & Reputasi Global, serta Upaya Mendorong Kemajuan Masyarakat.

Temuan tersebut disampaikan oleh Dinesh Naidu, Direktur (Bidang Pengetahuan) di Chandler Governance Group (CGG), dalam sesi bersama bertajuk "Tata Kelola yang Siap Menghadapi Masa Depan di Asia dan Pasifik." Sesi tersebut merupakan bagian dari program OECD-UNDP-OPDC "Transformasi Layanan Publik di Thailand" yang berlangsung di Bangkok. Sesi tersebut juga memperkenalkan Future-Ready Governance Index (FRGI), alat tolok ukur baru yang tengah dikembangkan bersama oleh United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) dan CGG. Indeks ini dirancang untuk membantu pemerintah di kawasan Asia Pasifik menghadapi era yang ditandai oleh ketidakpastian, transformasi struktural, dan kompleksitas yang terus meningkat.

"Kemajuan Asia Pasifik tahun ini menunjukkan bahwa investasi berkelanjutan dalam penguatan institusi dan pelayanan publik membuahkan hasil, bahkan di tengah kondisi global yang berat. Hal yang menarik adalah kemajuan yang terjadi di berbagai aspek. Kawasan ini mencatat kemajuan pada enam dari tujuh pilar Indeks sejak tahun 2021. Hal ini menunjukkan adanya upaya yang terarah dan berkelanjutan untuk memperkuat kapasitas pemerintahan di bidang-bidang yang paling berdampak bagi masyarakat," kata Naidu.

Indeks menunjukkan kemajuan tata kelola terjadi di banyak negara, meski tingkatnya berbeda-beda

Sebanyak 19 negara Asia Pasifik yang masuk dalam CGGI dan mencakup lebih dari separuh penduduk dunia mencatat kenaikan rata-rata skor keseluruhan terbesar dibandingkan kawasan lain sejak tahun 2021. Kawasan ini juga memiliki lima negara yang masuk dalam 20 besar dunia, dengan total 11 negara Asia Pasifik berada di separuh teratas peringkat Indeks. Singapura (1), Australia (11), Selandia Baru (13), Korea Selatan (16), dan Jepang (17) menjadi lima negara dengan kinerja terbaik di kawasan Asia Pasifik. Peningkatan paling signifikan tercatat pada pilar Institusi yang Kuat dan Upaya Mendorong Kemajuan Masyarakat.

Thailand menempati peringkat ke-58 dunia dan berada di separuh teratas Indeks. Posisi ini ditopang oleh pilar Pengelolaan Keuangan, yang menempatkan Thailand di peringkat ke-18 dunia, jauh lebih tinggi daripada posisi keseluruhannya. Pengelolaan Keuangan masih menjadi tantangan yang terus dihadapi kawasan Asia Pasifik. Sejak tahun 2021, hanya Mongolia, Vietnam, dan Jepang yang mencatat peningkatan skor pada pilar ini, yang menunjukkan semakin besarnya tantangan dalam menerapkan konsolidasi fiskal dan disiplin belanja.

Kemajuan di kawasan ini belum merata. Seluruh negara Asia Timur yang tercakup dalam Indeks yaitu Tiongkok, Jepang, Korea Selatan, dan Mongolia berhasil meningkatkan skor keseluruhan mereka sejak tahun 2021. Sejak Indeks ini pertama kali diperkenalkan, Vietnam menjadi negara dengan kenaikan skor keseluruhan tertinggi di kawasan Asia Pasifik. Oseania mencatat kinerja terbaik di kawasan Asia Pasifik, dengan Australia dan Selandia Baru sama-sama masuk dalam 20 besar dunia. Asia Selatan menunjukkan tren yang lebih beragam. Sejak 2021, hanya Nepal yang mencatat peningkatan skor keseluruhan. Meski demikian, hasil tahunan terbaru India menunjukkan perbaikan, terutama pada pilar Pengelolaan Keuangan dan Upaya Mendorong Kemajuan Masyarakat.

Alat praktis bagi pemerintah

Dirancang oleh praktisi untuk praktisi, CGGI menjadi alat diagnostik yang membantu pemerintah membandingkan kinerja dan mengidentifikasi bidang yang memerlukan pengembangan kapabilitas, dengan mengacu pada bukti dari negara-negara pembanding di kawasan maupun di seluruh dunia.

"Pemerintah di kawasan Asia Pasifik telah menunjukkan kemampuan untuk terus berbenah, sedangkan CGGI menyediakan dasar bukti untuk mengidentifikasi kapabilitas mendasar yang perlu diperkuat. Berangkat dari hal tersebut, Future-Ready Governance Index yang tengah dikembangkan bersama oleh CGG dan UNDP dirancang untuk membantu pemerintah membangun kapabilitas yang dibutuhkan untuk mengantisipasi tantangan ke depannya," kata Naidu.

Indeks lengkap 2026, termasuk profil setiap negara, skor pilar, serta perbandingan historis, dapat diakses di https://chandlergovernmentindex.com/

Pertanyaan Media:

Kiara Kijburana | kiara.kijburana@chandlergovernance.com

CHICAGO, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amlan International, the animal health business of Oil-Dri Corporation of America, will serve as the Technical Symposium Sponsor at the 2026 Arkansas Nutrition Conference in Little Rock,  Arkansas. The Amlan-sponsored symposium will take place Tuesday, August 25, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel in Little Rock, bringing together leading experts to share insights on emerging research, industry challenges and trends shaping animal protein production.

The Arkansas Nutrition Conference is an annual educational event that brings together national and international technical experts, researchers and industry leaders to discuss current topics, research and emerging trends in poultry and animal nutrition. Through its sponsorship of this year's Technical Symposium, Amlan will provide attendees with perspectives spanning animal health and intestinal integrity, gut-brain science, global grain and animal protein markets, and mycotoxin surveillance.

"We are proud to sponsor the Technical Symposium and bring together experts representing a diverse range of disciplines that influence animal health and production," said Heath Wessels, Vice President of Sales for North America at Amlan International. "The challenges facing animal protein producers are increasingly complex, and this symposium provides an opportunity to explore the science, market dynamics and emerging trends that can help our industry continue to move forward."

Dan Jaffee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oil-Dri Corporation of America., will open the symposium with welcome remarks. The technical program will then feature:

Dr. Diego V. Bohorquez, Associate Professor of Medicine, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences - Deciphering Visceral Instincts. Dr. Bohorquez is internationally recognized for his research into the gut-brain axis and the communication between the digestive system and the brain.

Dr. Aldo Rossi, Director of Veterinary Services, Amlan International - Holistic Management Strategies to Support Intestinal Integrity. Dr. Rossi will draw on more than three decades of experience across genetics, veterinary medicine and gut health innovation to explore strategies for supporting intestinal integrity in animal production.

Pedro Dejneka, Partner, MD Commodities - Navigating the Geopolitics of Grain and Animal Protein. Dejneka will provide a global market perspective on the forces influencing grain, oilseed and cotton markets.

Dave Taysom, President, Dairyland Laboratories, Inc. - Mycotoxin Surveillance: Multi-Year Trends, Co-Contamination, and Advances in Detection. Taysom will discuss mycotoxin trends and advances in testing and detection to help producers and nutritionists make informed decisions for animal health and performance.

Together, the speakers bring expertise spanning neuroscience, veterinary medicine, global commodities and agricultural testing, providing attendees with a broad view of the factors influencing today's animal protein industry.

Following the conclusion of the technical program at 5:00 p.m., Amlan will host a cocktail reception for symposium attendees, providing an opportunity to continue conversations with speakers, industry colleagues, and the Amlan team. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with Amlan representatives and learn more about the company's mineral-based feed additive solutions for the U.S. market, including Sorbiam and Ambio, and how they can help address key challenges in animal health and production.

For additional information about the Technical Symposium presentations and to register for the Arkansas Nutrition Conference, visit the event registration page.

About Amlan International

Amlan is the animal health business of Oil-Dri Corporation of America, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of sorbent minerals. Leveraging over 80 years of expertise in mineral science, Oil-Dri Corporation of America, doing business as "Amlan International," is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ODC). Amlan International sells feed additives worldwide. Product availability may vary by country; associated claims do not constitute medical claims and may differ based on government requirements.

Contact:

Reagan Culbertson, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, B2B

Reagan.culbertson@amlan.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d00b6eb9-eab2-47e2-8325-6db5e4462324

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Julie Teer, Countdown Chief Executive Officer

Accomplished Healthcare, Nonprofit and Public Affairs Executive to Advance Countdown's Mission to Accelerate Mitochondrial Science and Medicine

ATLANTA, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Countdown, the global nonprofit accelerating mitochondrial science and medicine to transform the future of human health, today announced the appointment of Julie Teer as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2026.

A nationally recognized healthcare, nonprofit, and public affairs executive, Teer will lead Countdown's strategy, fundraising, partnerships, operations, and enterprise growth as the organization expands its leadership in mitochondrial science and medicine and its impact across human health.

Founded by entrepreneur, advocate, and health innovator Mitzi Solomon, Countdown was created to accelerate scientific discovery, advance public awareness, and bring cellular energy to the center of human health. Countdown has funded groundbreaking mitochondrial research, assembled a world-class Scientific and Medical Advisory Board and Board of Directors, and built a growing community committed to advancing mitochondrial science and medicine.

Teer's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Countdown. Amid growing interest in longevity, disease prevention, healthy aging, and human performance, cellular health and mitochondrial function are emerging as foundational conversations in medicine and wellness. Through research funding, education, public awareness, and strategic partnerships, Countdown is leading this movement and accelerating scientific discoveries that will transform the future of human health.

With more than two decades of leadership experience across healthcare, philanthropy, public affairs, and nonprofit organizations, Teer is nationally recognized for her ability to build and transform mission-driven organizations, align stakeholders around bold vision, and scale impact through strategic growth, board development, fundraising, advocacy, and partnerships.

Driven by a passion for improving health outcomes and mobilizing philanthropy and community around meaningful change, Teer most recently served as Senior Vice President of Wellstar Health System and President of the Wellstar Foundation, where she built the Foundation from inception and grew philanthropic revenue to more than $20 million annually while helping guide major enterprise-wide initiatives and system transformation.

Prior to Wellstar, Teer served as Chief Development & Public Affairs Officer at Boys & Girls Club of America, where she played a pivotal role during one of the most transformative periods in the organization's history. Under her leadership, public and private sector revenue more than doubled, advocacy efforts elevated the importance of youth development in policy conversations at the federal, state, and local levels, board engagement and recruitment strategies were significantly strengthened, and the organization successfully completed a historic $584 million campaign.

Earlier in her career, Teer served as Vice President of Development at Susan G. Komen for the Cure, working alongside founder Nancy G. Brinker to expand the organization's global footprint and diversify revenue growth strategies. Prior to her nonprofit and healthcare leadership roles, she served in senior communications, fundraising, and political strategy positions for nationally prominent elected officials, including presidential campaigns for George W. Bush and Mitt Romney. She began her career on Capitol Hill as one of the youngest Press Secretaries in the United States Senate following graduation from the University of Michigan.

Beyond her executive leadership roles, Teer is deeply engaged in civic and philanthropic leadership. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Leadership Committee for How Women Lead, as Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and on the University of Michigan Greater Atlanta Alumni Board. She is also a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2026 and previously served as a Presidential Appointee to the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.

"Julie is a transformational leader with a rare combination of strategic vision, operational excellence, fundraising expertise, and deep healthcare experience," said Mitzi Solomon, Founder and President of Countdown. "Over the past several years, Countdown has evolved from a personal mission into a growing movement dedicated to changing how we understand health. As we continue expanding our research investments, strategic partnerships, public awareness efforts, and educational initiatives, we knew it was essential to bring in a leader capable of scaling both our impact and our vision. Julie's experience, leadership, and passion for mission-driven growth make her the ideal person to help lead Countdown into its next chapter."

As CEO, Teer will work alongside Solomon, the Board of Directors, Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, donors, and strategic partners to accelerate Countdown's mission while expanding public engagement and awareness of mitochondrial health and the fields of mitochondrial science and medicine.

"Countdown brings together science, innovation, philanthropy, and human possibility," said Julie Teer. "The organization has already built extraordinary momentum around a field that is poised to transform the future of human health. At the center of that field are mitochondria, which power nearly every cell in the body, and shape how we understand health, disease, and aging. I am honored to join Countdown at this pivotal moment and work alongside Mitzi, our Board of Directors, Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, partners, supporters, and community to accelerate discovery, expand public awareness, and help bring cellular energy to the center of human health."

Countdown is dedicated to accelerating mitochondrial science and medicine and advancing discoveries that will transform human health. By funding groundbreaking research and bringing greater attention and resources to this historically overlooked and underfunded field, Countdown is leading the movement to bring mitochondrial science from the margins of medicine to the center of how we understand, prevent, and treat disease.

About Countdown

Countdown is advancing a world where mitochondria and cellular energy are recognized as foundational to human health, transforming how we understand, prevent, and treat disease while improving resilience, performance, and health across the lifespan.

To accelerate mitochondrial science and medicine, Countdown funds bold, high-risk, high-reward research, expands education and public understanding, and forges the cross-sector partnerships needed to move the field forward ? building a new model with the power to reshape human health. Countdown was founded to change both the pace of mitochondrial discovery and the way scientific progress is supported.

For more information, visit www.joincountdown.org

Media Contacts

Hannah Amick

President & Founder, HUFF & Co.

t: 678.488.2909 e: hannah@huffandco.com

huffandco.com

Mckay Antenucci

Account Director, HUFF & Co.

t: 732.575.9779 e:mckay@huffandco.com  

huffandco.com

Maddie Green

Account Executive, HUFF & Co.

t: 404.632.6051 e: maddie@huffandco.com

huffandco.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/08ccdb4e-7ad6-4dfb-8191-f6c4bec01d70

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

New conversational add-in lets users create, edit and review presentations with AI directly in PowerPoint

NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Templafy, the agentic document generation platform, today announces the launch of the Templafy Agent Add-In, a free AI agent that enables users to create, edit and review presentations without leaving PowerPoint.

Available to download from Microsoft Marketplace, the add-in brings document agents directly into the presentation workflow, enabling both the creation of new presentations and facilitation of editing tasks. Through a conversational interface, users can ask the agent to create new slides, rewrite or translate a presentation, fix formatting, add editable charts and tables, review content, and much more, before it is shared.

Oskar Konstantyner, CPO at Templafy, comments: "AI has made it easier to start a presentation, but the work doesn't stop there. Presentations are constantly edited, updated and reviewed by teams, and AI should enhance that process, not create a separate one. By bringing agents directly into PowerPoint, we're extending AI from creation into iteration, so users can keep working with the agent as their presentation evolves, inside the workflow they already know. When connected to Templafy, this becomes even more powerful as the agent is grounded in company knowledge and governed centrally, bringing the speed of AI together with the context and control enterprises need."

The add-in is free for individual PowerPoint users. For Templafy customers, the experience goes further by connecting the agent to approved company content and context, including templates and layouts, content libraries, brand rules, product information and business data. This enables teams to use AI while drawing on information and content their organization already trusts.

For enterprises, this can mean less time spent searching for the right slide, checking the latest messaging or correcting branding and formatting at the end of the process. Microsoft 365 administrators can also deploy the add-in to relevant users or groups across the organization, in addition to centrally distributing rules to AI document creation, taking away the burden of complex prompting or configuration from the individual.

The Templafy Agent Add-In for PowerPoint is available now.

Download the Templafy Agent Add-In for PowerPoint from Microsoft Marketplace.

Notes to editors

About Templafy

Templafy is the leading agentic document generation platform, enabling professionals to create accurate, compliant, and on-brand documents with maximum efficiency.

Our platform allows enterprises to curb AI in the moments that matter by giving AI agents the right context, guardrails, and company-approved knowledge to work from. Through our approach, AI agents apply a combination of AI generated content and rules-based automation to create high-quality and trustworthy documents at speed, without compromising organizational control or consistency, at a low and predictable token cost.

Accessible directly within tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Salesforce, and AI Assistants including Claude, ChatGPT and Copilot, Templafy's patented technology simplifies document workflows, reduces risk, and gives teams greater confidence in the documents that matter most.

More than 4 million users worldwide rely on Templafy to accelerate business content creation with AI. Trusted by industry leaders including KPMG and BDO, Templafy saves teams over 30% of the time they would typically spend on repetitive content, such as proposals, engagement letters, and audit reports, allowing them to focus on revenue-driving work instead.

For more information, press only:

Lucy Westman, Head of Global Communications, Templafy (+44) 7776 454 946, lwe@templafy.com

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 August 2026 - The annual Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2026 (DELF 2026), organised by Cyberport, will be held from 28 to 30 August 2026 at Cyberport. Under the theme "The Dreamatic Circus" DELF 2026 brings together creators, experts and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is unleashing boundless creativity and redefining digital entertainment and content creation experiences.

Over the three-day event, more than 60 distinguished leaders and professionals from the technology, entertainment and creative sectors in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and around the world will discuss how AI, immersive technologies and cutting-edge innovations are reshaping content creation and entertainment experiences. As AI continues to lower the barriers to creation, the content industry is rapidly evolving from content production toward the development of the IP economy.

This year's forum will focus on how AI empowers creators and enterprises to build globally competitive original intellectual properties (IPs), while examining how Cyberport's AI infrastructure, innovation ecosystem and international network can help transform innovative ideas into commercialised products, brands and globally recognised IPs, further strengthening Hong Kong's position as a leading digital entertainment and IP innovation hub in Asia.

Dr Rocky Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, said: "Artificial intelligence is reshaping the cultural and creative industries, opening up unprecedented opportunities for creators, businesses and society. DELF 2026 brings together technology, creativity and business to foster cross-sector collaboration, advance original content creation, support IP incubation and accelerate commercial applications. Leveraging its AI infrastructure, industry ecosystem and global partnership network, Cyberport will continue to support innovative enterprises and original IP creators in seizing the opportunities of the AI era and expanding into international markets."

Today, Cyberport also hosted a special panel discussion titled "From AI Creation to Global IP: New Opportunities for the Entertainment Industry," bringing together industry experts to explore emerging opportunities in content creation, IP incubation and commercialisation in the age of AI. Moderated by Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, the discussion featured Mr Frankie Tam, Creative Director of Ultra Instinct Limited; Ms Polly Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of Gudo Inc.; and Ms Louie Cheng, Director of AI Education and OPC Entrepreneurship Incubation at FizzDragon. Panellists agreed that AI is not only significantly enhancing content creation efficiency but is also accelerating the transition of the content industry into the era of the IP economy, creating broader commercial and international development opportunities for Hong Kong's original IPs.

Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, said: "AI is unlocking unprecedented creative possibilities and injecting fresh momentum into Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries. As the industry enters a new phase of transformation, our focus should go beyond encouraging the creation of original content. We must also help promising IP develop long-term value, progressing from creative ideas to practical applications, and from individual works to recognised brands. Cyberport will continue to advance its public mission by connecting technology, creativity, talent and industry resources, empowering more local creators and enterprises to harness AI and turn Hong Kong's creativity into market-ready outcomes with international potential."

Over the three days, the forum will feature discussions on a wide range of topics, including AI collaboration, IP ecosystem development, the cultural and creative economy, smart cities, and future living. Speakers and representatives from organisations such as the University of Southern California (USC), The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, TVB Plus, GGWP, Mei Ah Entertainment, and Xi'an XR Film Industry Base will share insights on how AI is driving innovation, commercialisation and globalisation across the creative industries.

In addition, the interactive experience zone will feature four themed areas and more than 35 experiential activities, showcasing diverse digital entertainment and smart living scenarios powered by AI, immersive technologies and other advanced innovations.

The four themed zones include:

Arts & Culture ? featuring the immersive interactive art exhibition Another World: RADIANCE, Cyberport's original immersive cultural exhibition The Reveries of Ancient Egypt, Hong Kong's first XR 6D experience Harbour Dreams: Hong Kong XR Adventure, and the complete VR experience Versailles: The Lost Gardens of the Sun King VR experience.

Digital Entertainment - showcasing innovative projects including Nikopicto's interactive skateboard experience SkateAway Circus, TVB Music Money Monster System, and the FizzDragon AI Short Drama Creation Platform.

Smart Living & Business - featuring products such as Genesis One's 3D & AI Smart Fashion Platform, allowing visitors to experience how technology is transforming everyday life.

Robotics & Drones - presenting consumer robotics innovations such as combat robots and AI interactive smart vehicles developed by Jin Technology, alongside the "Charting the Future: eVTOL Inaugural Test Flight," highlighting the latest developments in interactive technology, the low-altitude economy and smart mobility.

To encourage visitors to explore the diverse digital entertainment experiences, DELF 2026 will launch a special "Play-to-Earn" campaign that combines gamification and rewards. Participants can collect stamps by completing designated tasks across the four themed zones and redeem gifts, while those who complete all challenges will have a chance to receive limited-edition merchandise from the Hong Kong original animation IP Another Worlds.

The event will also feature AI interactive workshops under the Cyberport Academy: DELF 2026 - AI Cultural & Creative Micro-Academy, where participants can learn creative skills such as concept art design and video production. In addition, the event will feature a special movie screening programme showcasing a Mars-themed AIGC sci-fi short drama from Singapore, selected works from the 3rd AI-assisted animation production support scheme, and 2nd HKUST AI Film Festival. Complemented by a live performance from popular K-pop band XODIAC and an indoor drone cirque, the programme will deliver an immersive experience that brings together artificial intelligence, digital entertainment and creative technology.

For more information about DELF 2026 and the speaker lineup, please visit: https://delf.cyberport.hk.

Please click HERE to download the high-resolution press photos.

Photo 1: Dr Rocky Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport (centre); Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport (third from right); Mr Terence Leung, Curator of the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum at Cyberport (second from left); Mr Frankie Tam, Creative Director of Ultra Instinct Limited (second from right); Ms Polly Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of Gudo Inc. (first from right); and Ms Louie Cheng, Director of AI Education and OPC Entrepreneurship Incubation at FizzDragon (first from left), posed for a group photo at the DELF 2026 press conference, previewing the forum to be held at Cyberport from 28 to 30 August and highlighting a series of exciting upcoming programmes and activities.

Photo 2: Dr Rocky Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, said that AI is reshaping the cultural and creative industries, opening up unprecedented opportunities for creators, businesses and society. Leveraging its AI infrastructure, industry ecosystem and global partnership network, Cyberport will continue to support innovative enterprises and original IP creators in seizing the opportunities of the AI era and expanding into international markets.

Photo 3: Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport (first from left), moderates the panel discussion "From AI Creation to Global IP: New Opportunities for the Entertainment Industry," joined by Mr Frankie Tam, Creative Director of Ultra Instinct Limited (second from left); Ms Polly Yeung, CEO of Gudo Inc. (second from right); and Ms Louie Cheng, Director of AI Education and OPC Entrepreneurship Incubation at FizzDragon (first from right), discussing how AI is reshaping content creation and driving the growth of the IP economy.

Photo 4: Mr Terence Leung, Project Curator, Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum, Cyberport, introduces the key highlights of DELF 2026 to the media.

Photo 5: Mr Terence Leung, Curator of the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum at Cyberport (second from left); Mr Frankie Tam, Creative Director of Ultra Instinct Limited (first from right); Ms Polly Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of Gudo Inc. (first from left); and Ms Louie Cheng, Director of AI Education and OPC Entrepreneurship Incubation at FizzDragon (second from right), posed for a group photo with "Gudo" (centre), a character from Another World, at the DELF 2026 press conference.

Photo 6 - 11: Multiple booths on display at the DELF 2026 press conference, including Genesis ONE (photo 6), HTC HK Limited (photo 7), Jin Technology Limited (photo 8), Gudo Inc (photo 9), FizzDragon (photo 10) and Hong Kong Blind Union (photo 11).

About Hong Kong Cyberport

Wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Cyberport is Hong Kong's digital tech hub and AI accelerator, with a vision to empower industry digitalisation and intelligent transformation, to promote digital economy and AI development, and to foster Hong Kong to be an international AI, innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Cyberport gathers over 2,400 companies, including 29 listed companies and 10 unicorns. One-third of onsite companies' founders come from 28 countries and regions, while Cyberport companies have expanded to over 35 global markets.

Cyberport, with Hong Kong's largest AI Supercomputing Centre and AI Lab as the engine, has been building the AI ecosystem with industry-leading AI companies and over 500 AI and data science start-ups. Through development of tech clusters, namely AI, data science, blockchain and cybersecurity, Cyberport empowers industries across smart city and government, banking and finance, digital entertainment, culture and tourism, healthcare, education and training, property management, construction, transportation and logistics, green environment and more, while hosting Hong Kong's largest FinTech community. Commissioned by the HKSAR Government, Cyberport has implemented proof-of-concept and sandbox schemes, subsidisation for digital tech adoption, industry tech training and start-up incubation, to drive technology R&D, translation and commercialisation, thus propelling digital transformation and intelligent upgrade across industry and society.

Also as "State-level Scientific and Technological Enterprise Incubator" and Hong Kong's key incubator, Cyberport supports entrepreneurs with funding and office space, extensive networks of enterprises, investors, technology corporations and professional services for business growth and expansion to Chinese Mainland and overseas markets, all-round facilitation for landing in Hong Kong, talent attraction and cultivation, ready as a launchpad to take start-ups in any stages of development to the next level.

For more information, please visit https://www.cyberport.hk/en.

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

Hashtags: #DELF #Cyberport

New executive experience center helps business and technology leaders explore secure, connected AI workflows built around real business priorities.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 August 2026 - tridorian today announced the launch of its Gemini Enterprise Experience Center in Singapore, a new physical space designed to help enterprise leaders explore how AI can support measurable business outcomes across functions such as operations, customer service, sales, finance, and internal knowledge work.

Located in tridorian's Singapore office, the Gemini Enterprise Experience Center is intended to move the conversation beyond one-off AI experiments and feature-led demos. Instead, the center is designed around the practical questions that many organizations are now asking: which business problems should we solve first, how can AI fit securely into our existing systems and data, and what would an enterprise-ready path from idea to implementation look like.

Powered by Gemini Enterprise, including the Gemini Enterprise App and Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, the center showcases how enterprises can securely connect business data, support multi-step workflows, and apply governance and oversight as AI use matures across the organization. Google Cloud describes Gemini Enterprise as an end-to-end system that combines secure connectors, workflow automation, governance, and identity controls, while the Agent Platform provides the foundation to build, scale, govern, and optimize enterprise-grade agents grounded in enterprise data.

Visitors to the center are guided through business-outcome narratives tailored to their role and priorities. A customer service leader might explore how AI can help reduce handling time while improving consistency. An operations leader might examine how multi-step workflows can reduce manual overhead. A CIO or risk leader might focus on governance, visibility, data controls, and the appropriate level of human involvement required for a production setting.

The center currently includes a live demo environment, which serves as a working example of how complex orchestration can be presented as a business workflow rather than a standalone chatbot interaction. In Google's current product language, that shift reflects a broader move from isolated AI tasks towards governed systems that can support complex, multi-step work processes.

Jimmy Jigmo, CEO of tridorian said, "Most AI demos look impressive. Very few connect to the work that actually matters. The Experience Center exists because enterprise leaders don't need more features. They need clarity on where AI fits, what governance looks like, and how to move from experiment to outcome."

The center also offers structured workshops that guide teams from mapping business priorities and exploring role-based use cases to planning next steps like a pilot or MVP. This practical format aligns with Google Cloud's Singapore agenda, focusing on immediate, real-world business results.

"Organizations today are moving beyond the initial excitement of AI and are now seeking solutions that are secure, governed, and fundamentally aligned with their operational realities," said Giri Babu Madathala, Head of SMB Partnerships, JAPAC, Google Cloud. "Security and governance are no longer optional; they are the foundation upon which effective AI must be built. tridorian's Gemini Enterprise Experience Center addresses this by providing customers with a sophisticated, hands-on environment to move from high-level experimentation to tangible results. It allows them to experience firsthand exactly how Gemini Enterprise can be integrated into their specific, real-world business workflows to drive meaningful operational efficiency"

For Singapore enterprises, this matters because AI adoption is increasingly judged not by novelty alone but by whether it can support productivity, decision quality, operational efficiency, and governance simultaneously. Singapore's own responsible AI guidance stresses explainability, transparency, fairness, and appropriate human oversight, while enterprise examples such as DBS show that measurable value comes from disciplined implementation rather than hype.

Evan Febrianto, CTO, tridorian added "This is a place for leadership teams to explore where AI can make a difference in their business, what the right controls look like, and how to move from experimentation to enterprise implementation with greater clarity."

About tridorian

tridorian is a Google Cloud-focused services and solutions company helping organizations modernize platforms, AI, data, and applications. As a people-centric and an outcome-focused Google Cloud Premier Partner, tridorian specializes in building secure, governed AI systems designed for production. With operations spanning eight countries and customers across 14, tridorian ensures that technology only succeeds when the people using it do.

Reach out at tridorian.com/contact to discuss your business challenges and schedule a visit to tridorian's Gemini Enterprise Experience Center.

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

Hashtags: #tridorian #technology #business #google #AI #cloud

https://tridorian.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tridorian/

Entered the Public Markets with - US$150 Million in Cash to Advance Fusion Development and Demonstrate Commercially Relevant Magnetized Target Fusion Capabilities

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- General Fusion Group Ltd. (NASDAQ: GFUZ) ("General Fusion" or the "Company"), a leader in the global race to commercialize fusion energy, will provide a business update today and highlight recent progress across its technology and commercial initiatives.

General Fusion became the first publicly listed fusion company following its July 2026 listing on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "GFUZ."

Operational Highlights

Financial Position: Following completion of its business combination with Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III, General Fusion entered the public markets with approximately US$150 million in cash, inclusive of net transaction proceeds from the private placement and trust capital, to advance its practical fusion energy technology. The Company expects this capital to fund its Lawson Machine 26 ("LM26") program across several planned technical milestones through the end of 2028.

Technology: General Fusion recently announced significant progress toward its next major technical milestone with the LM26 program. The Company successfully demonstrated plasma heating to approximately 0.72 keV (8.4 million degrees Celsius) using compression of a plasma with a lithium liner, representing important progress toward its near-term objective of achieving 1 keV, followed by 10 keV and ultimately the Lawson criterion, the combination of plasma parameters that can produce net fusion energy in the plasma. 

Commercial: General Fusion announced a milestone-based framework agreement with Renexia S.p.A., a Toto Group company, to collaborate on the potential commercial deployment of the Company's fusion energy technology in Italy. This agreement represents another step in expanding relationships ahead of future commercialization.

Strategic Partnerships: General Fusion expanded its technology ecosystem through a collaboration with General Atomics Energy Group to advance plasma diagnostics capable of measuring temperatures exceeding 10 keV, equivalent to approximately 100 million degrees Celsius, during the second phase of the LM26 program.

"Our listing on Nasdaq marks an important milestone for General Fusion and the broader fusion industry," said Greg Twinney, Chief Executive Officer of General Fusion. "We believe fusion is approaching an important inflection point. Decades of advances in plasma physics, high-performance computing, advanced manufacturing, and digital controls have converged with rapidly growing global demand for clean, reliable baseload power, creating the conditions for fusion to transition from scientific promise toward commercial reality."

Twinney continued, "General Fusion was built for this moment. Our Magnetized Target Fusion approach is designed to deliver practical, clean, and abundant fusion energy through a simpler machine architecture that leverages existing industrial materials and supply chains while avoiding many of the cost and complexity challenges relied upon by other fusion technologies. Over more than two decades, we have systematically advanced that approach through real-world testing on increasingly sophisticated demonstration systems and published peer-reviewed scientific results. We believe this disciplined, engineering-driven strategy positions us to reduce technical risk while advancing toward the commercialization of practical fusion energy."

Twinney added, "We recently announced meaningful progress toward our next major technical milestone with LM26, expanded our commercial ecosystem through our framework agreement with Renexia, strengthened our technology partnerships via our collaboration with General Atomics, and entered the public markets with approximately US$150 million to fund our LM26 program through several key technical milestones by the end of 2028."

Twinney concluded, "We believe the industry's next chapter will be defined by disciplined technical and commercial execution. Our priorities are clear: continue achieving measurable technical milestones, expand our commercial partnerships, strengthen our supply chain capabilities, and build the foundation for the deployment of our first-of-a-kind fusion plant by approximately 2035. We look forward to demonstrating our progress to shareholders as we execute against that roadmap."

Looking Ahead

General Fusion remains focused on executing its staged commercialization roadmap. Near-term priorities include:

Achieve the 1 keV plasma electron temperature milestone.

Advance toward 10 keV and ultimately the Lawson criterion, supporting the Company's objective of demonstrating commercially relevant fusion conditions.

Expand commercial, supply chain development, and strategic partnerships across energy, industrial, engineering, and technology ecosystems.

Enable the successful siting of future demonstration and commercial-scale fusion energy systems that support technical success, commercial growth, and long-term scalability.

Webcast

A live webcast of the call can be accessed by visiting the Events & Presentations page of General Fusion's investor relations website. Participants who wish to join by phone and ask questions during the Q&A may register here to receive dial-in details and a unique PIN.

A replay of the webcast will be available for 12 months on the Events & Presentations page of General Fusion's investor relations website.

About General Fusion

General Fusion (NASDAQ: GFUZ) is pursuing a practical approach to commercial fusion energy and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The Company was established in 2002 and has been funded by global investors including leading energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology pioneers. Learn more at www.generalfusion.com.

Investor Relations Contact:

You can contact General Fusion's Investor Relations team by email at: investors@generalfusion.com.

If you are based in North America, you may also leave a toll-free voicemail at +1 (833) 717-1519. Callers outside North America can reach us at +1 (236) 253-6968. 

Media Relations Contact:

media@generalfusion.com

1-866-904-0995

MIAMI, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Defiance ETFs, a leading issuer of thematic and leveraged exchange traded funds, today announced the launch of the Defiance China Robotics ETF (Nasdaq: CROB), the first US-listed ETF dedicated to China's humanoid robotics ecosystem.

CROB seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive China Humanoid Robotics Index, a rules-based index of Chinese companies engaged in the development, manufacturing, and supply of technologies essential for humanoid robotics, including AI driven robotics, motion control systems, precision actuators, and automation solutions.

Humanoid robots are moving from prototypes to production, and China has become a major center of that shift. China is home to major producers of many of the components that make a humanoid robot work: precision actuators, harmonic reducers, high precision motors, sensors, and motion control systems. At the same time, a new generation of Chinese robot makers is working to bring humanoids to commercial deployment at manufacturing scale, and humanoid robotics has been identified as a development priority by Chinese policymakers, including in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's 2023 Guiding Opinions on the Innovation and Development of Humanoid Robots.

Most of these companies trade in Hong Kong or on the mainland, outside the reach of a typical US brokerage account. CROB is designed to give investors targeted access to that ecosystem in a single US-listed ETF.

"We have watched China run this playbook before, in EVs, in solar, in batteries: scale the supply chain, drive costs lower, and capture global market share. We believe humanoid robotics represents the next phase of this strategy. CROB brings the builders of that entire ecosystem into one rules-based, US-listed ETF," said Sylvia Jablonski, Chief Investment Officer of Defiance ETFs.

CROB carries an expense ratio of 0.89%. Defiance ETFs, LLC serves as the Fund's investment adviser, and Tidal Investments LLC serves as sub-adviser. CROB joins Defiance's lineup of thematic ETFs spanning quantum computing, drones and modern warfare, AI infrastructure, and other next-generation technologies.

For more information, including full holdings, visit www.defianceetfs.com/crob.

About Defiance ETFs

Founded in 2018, Defiance is a leading ETF issuer specializing in thematic, income, and leveraged ETFs. Our first-mover leveraged single-stock ETFs allow investors to take amplified positions in high-growth companies, providing precise leverage exposure without the need to open a margin account.

Media Contact

Brenda Hentschel

bhentschel@gregoryagency.com

201.705.3758

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

The collaboration advances ANEEL's technical and regulatory qualification ahead of commercial reactor demonstration.

Pictured: In the front row from left to right, John D'Angelo (President of Kinectrics) and Milan Shah (COO of CCTE). In the back row from left to right, Sean Donnelly (VP of Nuclear New Build), Paul Thompson (Executive Advisor of CCTE), and Paul Chan (CTO of CCTE)

CHICAGO, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) has selected Kinectrics Inc. (Kinectrics), a division of BWX Technologies Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), to conduct an independent technical review of the ANEEL fuel qualification program as the company advances toward commercial reactor demonstration. 

Kinectrics will perform an independent assessment of the ANEEL fuel qualification program, reviewing key aspects of fuel design, manufacturing, safety and regulatory readiness. The review is intended to support future evaluation by utility Fuel Design Authorities and other stakeholders as the program progresses towards a commercial demonstration irradiation.

This collaboration represents a critical milestone in CCTE's commercial demonstration program, following previously announced collaborations with BWXT Canada Ltd. for the supply of CANDU fuel bundle hardware and with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) for fabrication of full-scale, reactor-ready ANEEL fuel bundles. Together, these partnerships establish the manufacturing, engineering and independent technical capabilities required to advance ANEEL toward commercial reactor demonstration.

"Kinectrics brings world-class expertise in nuclear safety analysis and licensing support, making them one of the most trusted independent evaluators in the nuclear industry," said Milan Shah, COO of Clean Core Thorium Energy. "With BWXT Canada supplying the fuel bundles and CNL advancing ANEEL fuel pellet fabrication, their independent evaluation provides critical validation as we progress toward regulatory approval and future deployment."

The collaboration between CCTE, BWXT Canada, CNL, and Kinectrics highlights the strength of Canada's nuclear supply chain in supporting advanced fuel technologies. Together, these capabilities establish a practical pathway toward demonstration of thorium-based fuel in existing CANDU reactors, supporting the development of fuel with enhanced inherent safety, reduced waste and improved proliferation resistance, while leveraging established reactor infrastructure without requiring major reactor modifications.

The engagement builds on a series of technical milestones achieved by CCTE over the past year. Earlier this year, ANEEL completed accelerated irradiation testing at Idaho National Laboratory's Advanced Test Reactor, achieving burnups exceeding 60 GWd/MTU. In parallel, CCTE also published a comprehensive peer-reviewed engineering assessment in Nuclear Engineering and Design, a leading peer-reviewed journal in nuclear engineering published by Elsevier, demonstrating the fuel's performance, safety characteristics and compatibility across multiple reactor applications.

Together, these milestones establish the experimental, manufacturing and independent technical foundation supporting ANEEL's commercial reactor demonstration programme and future commercial deployment.

About ANEEL Fuel

ANEEL is CCTE's nuclear fuel platform which includes fuel designs and manufacturing, patents and intellectual property, physical high-burnup irradiation data, and advanced modelling. The fuel is a flexible design combining thorium and enriched uranium, with potential applications across Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), Gen IV reactors, and Light Water Reactors (LWRs). Across these reactor technologies, ANEEL is designed to improve fuel utilization, with the potential to reduce long-lived spent fuel volumes per unit of energy generated and strengthen safety margins by improving inherent safety characteristics and proliferation resistance.

About Clean Core Thorium Energy

Clean Core Thorium Energy is a nuclear fuel company exploring thorium-driven nuclear innovations. Clean Core's patented nuclear fuel technology (called the ANEEL fuel) is comprised of thorium and enriched uranium (LEU to HALEU), which can improve the safety and cost-efficiency of water-cooled reactors and advanced reactor technologies. The ANEEL fuel is a novel solution to safety, waste, and proliferation concerns in today's nuclear plants.

Learn more at https://cleancore.energy/. Follow us on social media: LinkedIn and X.

CCTE Contact

Milan Shah

Chief Operating Officer

info@cleancore.energy

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched the Fixed Coupon Note (FCN) Plan, bringing a structured product commonly used in traditional finance to tokenized US stocks. The new FCN structure allows users to subscribe with USDT and earn a predefined USDT coupon during the holding period.

Bitget is the first crypto exchange to combine the FCN structure with USDT settlement and US stock rToken delivery. The launch expands the ways users can access traditional financial assets through Bitget, moving beyond spot trading to structured strategies built around tokenized equities.

The FCN Plan is designed for users who are interested in gaining exposure to US stocks but prefer to enter at a specific price instead of buying immediately at the prevailing market price. At launch, the product is linked to popular US stock rTokens including SNDK, MRVL, SKHY, NVDA, and MU.

Users subscribe with USDT and select a strike price at which they are comfortable acquiring the linked rToken. If the observation price at maturity is at or above the strike price, the user receives the USDT principal plus the predefined USDT coupon. If the observation price is below the strike price, the principal is converted into the linked rToken at the strike price, while the coupon is paid in USDT.

The structure provides an alternative to placing a conventional limit order. While a limit order allows investors to wait for a preferred entry price, the capital allocated to that order can remain idle until it is executed. FCN enables the platform to set their target price in advance while earning a coupon during the product term, regardless of which of the two settlement outcomes occurs at maturity.

"There are times when you want exposure to a stock but the price is not where you want it to be," said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. "FCN gives users a set price they are comfortable buying at and earn while they wait. Bringing stocks onto Bitget was one part of building UEX. Now we are giving users more ways to access and use these assets, beyond simply buying and selling them on spot."

The launch further expands Bitget's rToken ecosystem and its Universal Exchange strategy, which brings crypto and traditional financial assets into a unified trading environment. By combining USDT, tokenized US stocks and a structured product mechanism used in traditional finance, FCN adds another route for users to access and manage traditional assets on Bitget.

FCN is a non-principal-protected structured product. If settlement occurs in rTokens, users remain exposed to movements in the price of the underlying asset and may incur losses if its price declines further.

To mark the launch, Bitget will run a limited-time FCN campaign from August 17 to September 18, 2026, with rewards available to eligible first-time and cumulative subscribers.

For more information about Bitget FCN, visit 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, 500+ 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 such as 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 media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Spektra reaches full commercial launch at Rystad Energy Innovate on 20 August 2026

Oslo, Norway, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rystad Energy will set out a new vision for energy intelligence in the AI era at Innovate, an online broadcast on 20 August 2026. The event marks the full commercial launch of Spektra, Rystad Energy's AI-native market intelligence platform, and is open to clients and the market.

The way the energy industry accesses and uses data is changing. Spektra launched in beta in June 2026, giving clients access to a platform that brings Rystad Energy's full commercial databases into a single workspace. Users can create unlimited workspaces to suit their workflows, bringing together data from multiple datasets, eliminating the need to switch between tools. Innovate is the moment Spektra moves to full commercial availability, and the complete story is told publicly for the first time.

For two decades, Rystad Energy has built the data the energy industry runs on. Spektra is the next step: a single system that combines powerful data exploration in web-based workspaces, plus MCP connectors and an API gateway, giving energy professionals the flexibility to access and integrate Rystad Energy data in the way that works best for them. The platform draws on millions of energy assets globally, including 85,000+ oil and gas fields, more than 2 million wells, and 200,000+ conventional and renewable energy power plants, all independently sourced and verified.

"Energy markets are becoming more complex, and the demand for faster, more reliable intelligence is only growing. Spektra is built for that new reality and is designed around how energy professionals actually work, giving swift and flexible access to the most reliable energy data in the industry. The platform is easy and intuitive to use, but also with the depth needed for the most sophisticated users. At Innovate, we will show what Rystad Energy's reinvention as an AI-native data platform means in practice, and where we are taking energy intelligence next," said Lars Eirik Nicolaisen, Deputy CEO, Rystad Energy.

At Innovate, Rystad Energy will demonstrate the full AI ecosystem live: AskRystad, MCP and the Microsoft 365 Copilot integration, alongside how the data now reaches directly into the tools the industry already uses. Clients who shaped Spektra will take the stage, sharing how the platform has changed the way they work. Partner integrations with HSBC, SLB, Quorum and FutureOn will show how Rystad Energy data reaches the operational tools the industry depends on.

"Energy professionals need trusted intelligence they can act on quickly. By bringing Rystad Energy's proprietary data into Microsoft 365 Copilot through MCP, we are integrating two decades of industry expertise directly into their flow of work. The result is faster access to critical insights, more informed decisions, and greater business impact across the organizations that rely on this intelligence," said Per Christian Honningsvag, General Manager, Energy and Resources, Microsoft.

Rystad Energy Innovate takes place on Thursday, 20 August 2026, broadcast from the Rystad Energy Oslo studio. The event is open to clients and the market. Register now.

About Rystad Energy

Rystad Energy is a leading independent energy intelligence company dedicated to helping clients navigate the future of energy. By providing high-quality data and thought leadership, our international team empowers businesses, governments and organizations to make well-informed decisions.

Our extensive portfolio of products and solutions covers all aspects of global energy fundamentals, spanning every corner of the oil and gas industry, the renewable energy sector, clean technologies, supply chains, and power markets. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with an expansive global network, our data, analysis, advisory, and education services provide clients a competitive edge in the market.

For more information, visit www.rystadenergy.com.

Media Contact

Katie Keenan

Senior Communications Manager

Rystad Energy

media@rystadenergy.com

Media Contact

Katie Keenan

Senior Communications Manager

Rystad Energy

media@rystadenergy.com