Photos: Forest City at night, looking across the Strait of Johor towards Singapore. Forest City lies approximately 2 km from Singapore at its nearest point.

Forest City SFZ sets out who may qualify for its 5% special corporate tax rate, how the separate Malaysia Digital tax incentive works, and which activities and conditions apply to each scheme.

JOHOR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 August 2026 - Forest City has, over the past decade, built a recognised track record in green-building and sustainability credentials. Since the Malaysian Government announced the Forest City Special Financial Zone ("SFZ") incentive package on 20 September 2024, the development has added a financial-services and digital-economy dimension.

The Forest City Special Financial Zone ("FC-SFZ") Tax Incentive offers a 5% special corporate tax rate for 10 consecutive years of assessment, extendable for a second 10-year period, to eligible companies undertaking qualifying fintech, Financial Global Business Services ("FGBS") or Foreign Payment System Operator ("FPSO") activities in Pulau 1, Forest City.

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ("MDEC") is the appointed government agency to process applications, which are assessed by the National Committee on Investment ("NCI").

The FC-SFZ Tax Incentive is separate from Malaysia Digital ("MD") Status and the MD Tax Incentive. A company does not need MD Status to qualify for the FC-SFZ Tax Incentive. Under MDEC's current rules, an FC-SFZ applicant must also not have been granted another tax incentive for the same qualifying activity. Eligible MD Status companies may separately apply for the MD Tax Incentive, subject to the applicable criteria and approval process.

Key Incentives at a Glance

Forest City's first decade was defined in part by its green-building and sustainability record. Forest City reports nearly 40 international awards and certifications as at August 2026, including LEED for Core and Shell ("LEED-CS") Gold pre-certification and GreenRE Gold ratings. On 20 September 2024, the Malaysian Government announced the Forest City SFZ incentive package, adding a financial-services and digital-economy dimension to the development.

The current incentive landscape has four main components:

*Forest City SFZ corporate tax rate: Eligible companies undertaking qualifying fintech, FGBS or FPSO activities in Pulau 1 may receive a 5% special corporate tax rate for 10 consecutive years of assessment, extendable for a second 10-year period, subject to approval and continued compliance. The qualifying activity must use at least one promoted technology enabler specified by MDEC.

*Single Family Office ("SFO") Scheme: A qualifying Single Family Office Vehicle ("SFOV") may receive a 0% tax rate on chargeable income from its qualifying holding and investment activities for an initial 10 years, with a possible extension for a further 10 years, subject to the Securities Commission Malaysia ("SC") requirements.

*Knowledge workers: Eligible knowledge workers working within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone ("JS-SEZ"), which includes Forest City as a designated flagship area, may qualify for a special 15% personal income tax rate for 10 years, subject to the applicable conditions.

*Malaysia Digital tax incentive: This is a separate national incentive administered by MDEC. For New Investment, eligible companies may choose between a reduced tax rate - 0% on qualifying intellectual-property ("IP") income, subject to the modified nexus approach, and 5% or 10% on qualifying non-IP income for up to 10 years - or an Investment Tax Allowance ("ITA") of 60% or 100% of qualifying capital expenditure for up to five years. Different rates apply to the Expansion Incentive. Applications are open until 31 December 2027.

Taken together, these measures position Forest City SFZ as a potential regional base for qualifying financial-services and technology-enabled businesses assessing Malaysia's tax framework, proximity to Singapore and access to ASEAN markets. However, the schemes are separate and should not be treated as automatically cumulative.

Forest City Tax Framework for Fintech and Technology-Enabled Financial Services

The FC-SFZ Tax Incentive is not a blanket 100% tax exemption for fintech, AI or technology companies. It is a 5% special corporate tax rate for qualifying activities under the FC-SFZ framework. MDEC is the appointed agency to process applications, while applications are assessed by the NCI.

The 5% rate applies to qualifying fintech activities, FGBS and FPSO activities carried out in Pulau 1, Forest City. The qualifying activity must utilise at least one promoted technology enabler: artificial intelligence ("AI") or big data analytics ("BDA"); Internet of Things ("IoT"); cybersecurity; cloud; blockchain; creative media technology, including extended reality ("XR") or mixed reality ("MR"); robotics or automation; or advanced network connectivity or telecommunications technology. Eligibility is not automatic based on location alone; companies must also satisfy the applicable corporate, activity, substance, regulatory and compliance conditions.

The "up to 100%" figure sometimes cited in relation to Malaysia Digital refers to the ITA available under the MD New Investment Incentive. It is an allowance on qualifying capital expenditure, not a 100% income tax holiday. The MD Tax Incentive is also separate from the FC-SFZ Tax Incentive and should not be assumed to stack with it for the same qualifying activity.

Comparison table:

For accurate and current policy information, companies should refer directly to official sources, including:

MDEC - Forest City Special Financial Zone (FC-SFZ) Tax Incentive FAQ and application guidance

MDEC - Malaysia Digital Tax Incentive FAQ and MD Status guidelines

Securities Commission Malaysia - Single Family Office Incentive Scheme and gazetted tax rules

Ministry of Finance / MRT Corp - JS-SEZ incentive package and Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link information

Malaysia Digital Status and Tax Incentive: A Separate National Framework

MD Status is granted nationally by MDEC. An MD Status company may then be eligible to apply separately for the MD Tax Incentive, subject to the relevant criteria. Under MDEC's current framework, qualifying Malaysia Digital Activities comprise the research, development or commercialisation of solutions, or the provision of services, using promoted technology enablers such as AI or BDA, IoT, cybersecurity, cloud, blockchain, drone technology, creative media technology, integrated-circuit design with embedded software, robotics or automation, and advanced network connectivity or telecommunications technology.

Under the current MD Tax Incentive, the available options differ between New Investment and Expansion:

New Investment: A 0% reduced tax rate on qualifying IP income, subject to the modified nexus approach, and a 5% or 10% reduced tax rate on qualifying non-IP income, for up to 10 years; or an ITA of 60% or 100% of qualifying capital expenditure against up to 100% of statutory income, for up to five years.

Expansion: A 15% reduced tax rate on qualifying IP income, subject to the modified nexus approach, and non-IP income, for up to five years; or an ITA of 30% or 60% of qualifying capital expenditure against up to 100% of statutory income, for up to five years.

The "100%" figure therefore refers to the ITA rate under the New Investment Incentive. It does not mean that all company income is tax-free.

The MD Tax Incentive is open for applications until 31 December 2027. A company must first obtain MD Status before submitting an application for the MD Tax Incentive.

MD Status also provides access to non-tax benefits under the MD Bill of Guarantees, including the ability to apply for foreign knowledge-worker quotas and passes, subject to the relevant immigration requirements. MDEC's Expats Service Centre administers the related Foreign Knowledge Worker processes for eligible companies.

Eligibility Summary: Entities, Sectors and Permitted Activities

Forest City SFZ 5% rate

Activity-based: Qualifying services are limited to fintech-related activities, FGBS and FPSO activities.

Technology condition: The qualifying activity must utilise at least one promoted technology enabler specified by MDEC, including AI or BDA, IoT, cybersecurity, cloud, blockchain, creative media technology, robotics or automation, or advanced network connectivity or telecommunications technology.

Location condition: The qualifying activity must be carried out in Pulau 1, Forest City.

Substance and compliance conditions: Approved companies must meet the conditions set out in their approval letter, including commitments relating to full-time employees, knowledge workers, annual operating expenditure, ESG requirements, relevant regulatory approvals or licences, and annual compliance reporting verified by an independent auditor.

Malaysia Digital (MD) Status and MD Tax Incentive

Activity-based: MD eligibility is tied to Malaysia Digital Activities that use the promoted technology enablers specified by MDEC. Merely operating an AI, cloud, fintech or digital business does not automatically confer tax-incentive eligibility.

Status and tax-incentive process: MD Status is granted by MDEC. The MD Tax Incentive is a separate application available to eligible MD or MSC Malaysia Status companies, depending on the relevant incentive category.

Geographic scope: MD Status is a national programme and does not require a company to be located in Forest City.

No automatic stacking: MDEC states that an FC-SFZ Tax Incentive applicant must not already have been granted a tax incentive for the same qualifying activity. MDEC also confirms that MD Status is not required to apply for the FC-SFZ Tax Incentive.

Accordingly, companies should assess the FC-SFZ and MD frameworks separately. Any proposed structure involving different activities, income streams or incentive programmes should be verified with MDEC and qualified tax advisers before any combined tax outcome is assumed.

Strategic Rationale: Proximity, Talent Incentives and Regional Access

Forest City's location proposition is based on three interlocking factors: proximity to Singapore, targeted talent incentives and early investor interest.

Proximity as operational leverage: Forest City lies approximately 2 km from Singapore at its nearest point, placing qualifying operations close to one of Asia's major financial and technology hubs. The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar in central Johor Bahru with Woodlands North in Singapore. MRT Corp has stated that service is targeted to commence on 31 December 2026. The RTS Link does not serve Forest City directly, so onward road transport between Forest City and central Johor Bahru will still be required.

Talent as a bundled enabler: Eligible knowledge workers in the JS-SEZ may qualify for a special 15% personal income tax rate for 10 years, while eligible MD Status companies may apply for foreign knowledge-worker quotas and passes through MDEC's expatriate facilitation framework. These are separate benefits with their own eligibility and approval requirements.

By June 2026, Invest Johor reported that the Forest City SFZ had recorded 260 cumulative investor enquiries through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre-Johor, against an RM2 billion investment target. Separately, the SC reported in October 2025 that six families had received conditional approval under the SFO Incentive Scheme, with indicative assets under management close to RM400 million.

This incentive framework sits alongside Johor's rapid emergence as a major Malaysian data-centre market. JLL has highlighted strong data-centre expansion in Johor and the wider JS-SEZ, supported by major hyperscale investments and infrastructure development. This broader digital-economy momentum strengthens the regional technology narrative, but it should not be presented as a direct operating benefit or guaranteed outcome for individual Forest City SFZ companies.

Decision Framework: Two Pathways and a Diligence Caveat

The incentive structure is best assessed through two distinct pathways, with a separate due-diligence lens for investors and advisers.

Pathway A - FC-SFZ presence on Pulau 1: This is relevant to eligible fintech companies, FGBS providers and FPSO businesses that can satisfy the physical-location, activity, substance and compliance requirements. The 5% special corporate tax rate is available for 10 consecutive years of assessment and may be extended for a second 10-year period, subject to continued compliance and approval.

This route may suit businesses that value proximity to Singapore while maintaining qualifying operations in Pulau 1. The RTS Link is expected to improve connectivity between central Johor Bahru and Singapore, but it does not remove the requirement for companies to maintain the approved substance and qualifying activities in Forest City.

Pathway B - MD Status and MD Tax Incentive nationwide: This pathway may be relevant to eligible digital companies operating elsewhere in Malaysia. MD Status is granted nationally by MDEC, and eligible companies may subsequently apply for the MD Tax Incentive. The applicable reduced tax rate or ITA depends on whether the company applies under the New Investment or Expansion category and on the conditions it meets.

Investors and advisers should note that headline rates are not the same as effective tax rates. The outcome for any entity depends on qualifying activities and income, approved commitments, substance conditions and the specific incentive secured. Groups with annual consolidated revenue of EUR750 million or more may also be subject to Malaysia's domestic top-up tax rules where the relevant effective tax rate falls below 15%. Tax outcomes should therefore be modelled only after verification against current primary sources and professional advice.

The Verdict

Forest City's proposition to fintech and technology-enabled financial-services companies is specific and condition-based: a 5% special corporate tax rate for qualifying fintech, FGBS and FPSO activities carried out in Pulau 1 using promoted technology enablers. The incentive runs for 10 consecutive years of assessment and may be extended for a second 10-year period, subject to compliance and approval. It is neither a blanket 5% rate for all AI or technology companies nor a 100% income tax exemption.

Alongside this are the separate SFO Incentive Scheme, which may provide a 0% tax rate for up to 20 years subject to SC requirements; the JS-SEZ's special 15% personal income tax rate for eligible knowledge workers for 10 years; and the national MD Tax Incentive, which offers different reduced tax rates or ITA options depending on whether an applicant qualifies under the New Investment or Expansion category. Applications for the MD Tax Incentive are open until 31 December 2027.

Reported traction includes 260 cumulative investor enquiries recorded by Invest Johor by June 2026 and six families granted conditional approval under the SFO Incentive Scheme, with indicative assets under management close to RM400 million as reported by the SC in October 2025. Forest City also benefits from proximity to Singapore, while the RTS Link is targeted to commence service on 31 December 2026 between central Johor Bahru and Woodlands North.

For companies and investors, the key question is not simply whether these incentives exist, but whether their exact activities, income streams, location, substance commitments and corporate structure satisfy the conditions required to access them in practice. Current official guidance and qualified tax advice should be obtained before any investment or structuring

Hashtag: #ForestCity

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

LiDAR and camera vision in place of the buried wire and the RTK antenna - Booth CCBB-154, 4-8 September

BELIN, GERMANY - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 August 2026 - Xcanbot arrives at IFA Berlin 2026 with two machines on Booth CCBB-154: the XcanMow Mix 2000 robot mower, making its European debut, and the Mate X seated mobility robot. Demonstrations run daily, 4-8 September, at Messe Berlin.

Where robot mowers fail is rarely the open lawn. It is the narrow passage beside the house, the corner under a tree where satellite reception dies, the front garden the machine cannot reach. Wire-guided mowers need a cable buried around the whole plot. RTK mowers lose their fix under canopies and beside walls.

The Mix 2000 does without both. Its XcanSense system fuses LiDAR with camera vision to map the garden automatically on the first run, with no wire, no antenna, no base station and no boundary walk, and holds roughly 2 cm positioning accuracy in shade, beside walls and after dark.

It passes through gaps as narrow as 55 cm, climbs 25-degree slopes, clears 5 cm obstacles and covers up to 2,000 m? at around 180 m? per hour. Cutting height runs from 30 to 60 mm. It works at 61 dB, carries an IPX6-rated body, and ships with 4G, GPS, a rain sensor, a swappable battery and multi-zone mapping as standard.

"Every robot mower is advertised on the same flat, open lawn," said Zhanbin Li, founder and CEO of Xcanbot. "We built the Mix 2000 for the garden with a narrow gate, a slope and a big tree. That is most gardens."

The Mate X shares the stand: a seated mobility robot sold as consumer technology, driving itself to a chosen destination while watching 180 degrees ahead. It appears next at REHACARE International 2026, D?sseldorf, 23-26 September, Booth 1A57-3.

The Mix 2000 launches on Kickstarter later this year. Sign up at launch.xcanmow.com for launch notice and an early discount.

Hashtag: #Xcanbot

About Xcanbot

Xcanbot develops consumer robotics for everyday life, including the Mate X smart mobility companion robot and the XcanMow Mix 2000 robot lawn mower.

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

Strengthening Competitiveness via Online-to-Offline Integration and Supply Chain Agility

Results Highlights:

*Revenue reached US$301.51 million, representing a strong increase of 23.2%.

*Gross profit grew by 28.2% to US$93.98 million, with gross profit margin expanding to 31.2%.

*Operating profit increased by 30.1% to US$24.29 million.

*Net profit surged by 30.0% to US$18.30 million, with net profit margin improving to 6.1%.

*Business-to-consumer (B2C) platform YesStyle recorded revenue of US$215.07 million, up 30.5%, accounting for 71.3% of the Group's total revenue. Offline expansion was enhanced with the opening of its first physical concept store in the US.

*Business-to-business (B2B) platform AsianBeautyWholesale (ABW) recorded revenue of US$82.75 million, up 6.2%, accounting for 27.4% of the Group's total revenue.

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 August 2026 - YesAsia Holdings Limited ("YesAsia Holdings", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") (2209.HK), a leading e-commerce platform operator recognized for its expertise in curating Asian beauty and lifestyle products, announced today its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (the "Reporting Period").

The Group continued to capture strong global demand for Korean Beauty ("K-Beauty") products, driving revenue up by 23.2% year-on-year to US$301.51 million. Gross profit increased by 28.2% to US$93.98 million, with gross profit margin expanding by 1.2 percentage points to 31.2%. Operating profit grew by 30.1% to US$24.29 million. Benefiting from forward-looking investments in localized and tech-driven logistics infrastructure, which successfully mitigated geopolitical and freight cost pressures, profit for the period surged by 30.0% to US$18.30 million, after recognition of an one-off expense of approximately US$1.24 million in termination benefits arising from the organizational streamlining. Net profit margin improved to 6.1%. Basic earnings per share were US4.39 cents (1H 2025: US3.43 cents).

Navigating Uncertainties through Market Diversification and Logistics Agility

A global market footprint remains pivotal in mitigating geopolitical risks. The US, the Group's largest market, has absorbed the tariff shock and delivered progressive improvement during the Reporting Period, with revenue exceeding 2H 2025 even outside the typical holiday peak season. Among non-core markets (excluding the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia), robust demand across Europe and Latin America, unlocked new growth momentum, with revenue from Europe and associated countries and Latin America growing by 22.1% and 178.4%, respectively. In the Middle East, the Group navigated the regional tensions to achieve steady revenue growth of 33.4%.

Complementing market diversification, strategic investments in logistics infrastructure spanning Hong Kong, South Korea, the US, and Europe, alongside the adoption of automation technologies like AMRs, have built a highly resilient and scalable supply chain. These capabilities enabled the Group to maintain a stable baseline for business costs and absorb freight and fuel price spikes stemming from Middle East conflicts during the Reporting Period. Consequently, the increase in operating costs remained well below revenue growth, with freight cost as a percentage of revenue dropping to 19.0%, demonstrating the Group's robust cost control and operational agility.

Integrating O2O Experiences to Drive B2C-B2B Dual-Engine Synergy

Social media marketing remained one of the Group's core strengths during the Reporting Period, supported by an ecosystem of over 557,000 unique influencers that generated US$85.70 million and contributed nearly 40% of YesStyle's revenue. To amplify this online impact, the Group strategically expanded its global offline presence to seamlessly bridge online and offline customer experiences. YesStyle debuted a 1,500 sq. ft. concept store in the San Francisco Bay Area. At the same time, the Group staged high-profile activations, including a Madrid caf? pop-up that generated over 2 million impressions and brand events at Seoul's Yesful Land that accumulated over 3 million impressions. Together, these physical and digital touchpoints successfully converted customer engagement into sustained loyalty.

This heightened brand exposure across end-consumer markets directly catalyzed overseas B2B purchasing demand. During the Reporting Period, ABW consolidated its newly built partnerships with retailers in the US and Latin America. Notably, ABW Online's average order size surged 38.6% year-on-year to US$3,590.60. This uptick reflects substantially stronger purchasing appetite and inventory confidence for K-Beauty products among retailers, underscoring the powerful synergy of the Group's B2C-B2B dual-engine model.

Mr. Joshua Lau, Founder, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of YesAsia Holdings, said: "K-Beauty remains on an upward trajectory as it becomes a mainstream player in the global beauty business. Looking ahead, we believe that there is ample room for growth for YesAsia Holdings in both the retail and wholesale spheres worldwide. Amid geopolitical and supply chain uncertainties, we are continuously reinforcing our competitive moat and market leadership through AI-empowered customer services, a highly agile supply chain, and a strategy that seamlessly converts online traffic into immersive physical experiences, thereby driving long-term value for our shareholders in a fast-evolving market landscape."

Hashtag: #YesAsia

About YesAsia Holdings Limited (02209.HK)

Established in 1997, YesAsia Holdings is a leading e‑commerce platform operator recognized for its expertise in identifying and procuring quality Asian beauty products. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the Group delivers products promptly and efficiently to a global audience through its strong ties with over 400 leading Asian beauty brand and supplier partners.

The Group operates two major channels: YesStyle, a B2C e‑commerce platform serving the growing demand for Asian beauty, fashion and lifestyle products, particularly Korean beauty products; and AsianBeautyWholesale, a B2B‑oriented business for Asian beauty products via online and offline channels. YesAsia Holdings is a constituent of the MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index.

For more information, please visit the Group's official website: https://www.yesasiaholdings.com/

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

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 August 2026 - The annual flagship event Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2026 (DELF 2026), organised by Cyberport, concluded successfully today. Under the theme "The Dreamatic Circus", this year's forum focused on key topics including artificial intelligence (AI), immersive technologies, IP economy development, and innovation in the cultural and creative industries.

Over three consecutive days, the forum featured four themed experience zones - Digital Entertainment, Culture and Arts, Smart Living and Business, and Robotics and Drones - bringing together leaders and experts from technology, entertainment, culture and arts, education, and the creative industries to explore the latest trends and directions in empowering content creation, cultural preservation, and business applications through innovative technologies.

Building on the strong response on the first day, the second and third days focused on creative practice, technology experiences, and community engagement, presenting more than 35 innovative technology showcases, interactive experiences, and exciting activities. Highlights included the immersive interactive art exhibition of the Hong Kong original animation IP Another World, Nikopicto's interactive phygital activation, Jin Technology Limited's combat robots, and Genesis ONE's AI- and 3D-powered fashion platform. The event also featured an Art-Tech Concert, AI game creator workshop, movie screenings, doujin event, and accessible esports experiences, enabling the public to experience first-hand the new possibilities that frontier technologies bring to entertainment, everyday life, and business applications, while showcasing the growth potential and opportunities created by the convergence of AI and digital entertainment.

Dr Rocky Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, said, "Artificial intelligence is accelerating transformation across the entertainment and creative industries. It is not only changing the way content is created, but also creating new opportunities for cultural preservation, artistic expression, and industry development. DELF has long served as a cross-sector exchange platform, fostering collaboration among technology companies, creators, industry organisations, and talent to explore innovative application scenarios together. Cyberport will continue to actively promote the integration of AI and the creative industries, nurture I&T talent, and support start-up development, helping Hong Kong strengthen its position as an international innovation and technology centre."

Spotlighting the Integration of AI Creation and Art-Tech

The second day of the forum centred on creative technology practices, showcasing the latest applications of AI in content creation, art, and entertainment through a series of interactive activities. The "Art-Tech Concert", powered by the Hong Kong Innovative Technology Development Association, combined innovative technologies with live performance to demonstrate how digital tools can bring new forms of expression to music and the arts. The "Hong Kong AI Game Jam 2026 & Creator Workshop 2026", powered by Honor U Ministry Ltd & Hong Kong Game Development Association, combined competition and learning, allowing participants to use AI tools for game development and inspiring creative thinking through hands-on challenges and guidance from industry experts. The event also featured the Accessible Gaming and Esports Experience powered by Hong Kong Blind Union.

Film and digital content creation were also key highlights. The event featured Cyberport Academy: DELF 2026 ? AI Creative Micro-Academy, enabling the public to explore cutting-edge creative tools from leading brands and learn how to use generative AI and other frontier technologies for audiovisual storytelling, interactive game design, and other content creation. The forum also hosted a masterclass for the original animated film Another World, inviting Ms Polly Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of Gudo Inc., and Ms BeeWon Lee, CEO and producer of SuperString Inc, to share insights of reimagining "Another World" for a global webtoon audience.

In addition, popular programmes including XODIAC: Cosmic Code and Drone Cirque: A Circus in the Air attracted plenty of audience, combining performing arts, visual technology, and interactive entertainment in innovative formats and demonstrating new directions for technology-driven entertainment.

Bringing Together Culture, Education, and Community to Drive Innovation for All

On the final day, the forum further demonstrated the value of technology popularisation and cross-generational inclusion. Powered by Rotary Club of Smart Hong Kong, the "Elderly eSports Tournament & Experience Day" attracted senior participants to take part in various esports and interactive experience activities, showcasing the potential of digital entertainment in promoting social connection, intergenerational exchange, and lifelong learning, while further advancing gerontechnology development.

The event also hosted the "2nd Edition of Gen AI Student Social Challenge Award Ceremony and AI for Culture & IP Forum", recognising young talent who applied generative AI to address social issues and promote cultural innovation. Industry experts were also invited to discuss how AI can empower the cultural sector and intellectual property development, opening up further possibilities for Hong Kong's creative economy.

For the creator community, the "Creator Conflicts Doujin Exchange", powered by Lifetime Memory, brought together illustrators, creators, and anime culture enthusiasts to promote creative exchange and collaboration, highlighting the vibrancy of Hong Kong's original culture community.

For the movie programme, the event screened the local animation film To a Beautiful Time Gone By, selected works from companies shortlisted under the "Future Animation: 3rd AI-assisted animation production support scheme", and selected works from the "2nd HKUST AI Film Festival Selected Projects", including Tai Lung Fung - Full Throttle Kitchen, Tuen Min Vs. Tin Shui Wai, Cirkillation, Project J, In a Second, Where The Ink Stays, and Weaving, showcasing innovative achievements in video creation, animation production, and storytelling.

Three-Day Event Creates an Innovation Experience Platform for AI Entertainment

Throughout DELF 2026, more than 35 interactive experiences were presented, alongside 27 on-site workshops covering applications of AI and innovative technologies. Through the "Play to Earn" campaign, the public was encouraged to explore frontier technology applications while fully enjoying the fun of discovery.

The first day of the forum also facilitated a number of industry and academia collaboration outcomes. Cyberport signed memoranda of understanding with Alibaba Cloud, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and Hong Kong Shue Yan University, covering areas including start-up incubation, AI applications, art-tech project research and development, and talent cultivation, further strengthening collaboration among industry, academia, and research sectors as well as the development of the technology ecosystem.

An "eVTOL Trial Flight Demo" was also held at Cyberport Waterfront Park, showcasing the latest achievements in Hong Kong's low-altitude economy and smart mobility. The demonstration attracted close to 1,000 visits and became another highlight of the forum.

Promoting Hong Kong as an International Hub for Digital Entertainment and AI Innovation

Through forum exchanges, creative showcases, technology demonstrations, and community activities, DELF 2026 successfully brought together the strengths of the technology, culture, arts, and entertainment sectors to explore the future development direction of the digital entertainment industry in the AI era.

Cyberport will continue to play its role as Hong Kong's digital technology hub and AI accelerator, promoting the implementation and application of innovative technologies while nurturing a new generation of I&T and creative talent. Together with the industry, Cyberport will help open a new chapter for Hong Kong's digital entertainment sector.

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: #Cyberport #DELF2026 #DigitalEntertainment

https://www.cyberport.hk/en

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Aug. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coventry, pemimpin dan pencipta pasar sekunder untuk asuransi jiwa serta pelopor kelas aset beragun asuransi jiwa, hari ini mengumumkan keberhasilan penyelesaian sekuritisasi beragun asetnya yang keempat sejak bulan April 2025 melalui program LILY miliknya.

Dengan transaksi ini, total pembiayaan beragun asuransi jiwa di seluruh platform Coventry mencapai $1 miliar. Pencapaian ini semakin mengukuhkan posisi Coventry sebagai platform terdepan bagi investor institusional yang ingin memperoleh eksposur yang berbeda terhadap aset terkait risiko umur panjang.

Pencapaian ini juga mencerminkan permintaan investor yang berkelanjutan terhadap aset yang terkait dengan risiko usia harapan hidup. Selain itu, pencapaian ini menegaskan semakin pentingnya peran LILY sebagai salah satu platform terdepan di industri untuk mengakses investasi beragun asuransi jiwa melalui pasar efek beragun aset.

Sejak diluncurkan pada tahun 2025, program LILY secara konsisten menunjukkan kemampuannya dalam mengakses modal institusional. Hal ini dilakukan dengan menyusun struktur aset terkait risiko usia harapan hidup menjadi efek beragun aset berperingkat layak investasi yang menekankan agunan yang kuat, arus kas yang dapat diprediksi, serta korelasi yang rendah dengan pasar tradisional. Program ini menggabungkan kapabilitas originasi Coventry yang luas dalam memperoleh aset, keahlian aktuaria, infrastruktur pelayanan, serta pengalaman dalam penyusunan struktur transaksi untuk memberikan akses kepada investor ke kelas aset khusus melalui format efek beragun aset (ABS) yang sudah dikenal luas.

"Mencapai angka $1 miliar menandai tonggak penting bagi program LILY maupun pasar institusional untuk aset beragun asuransi jiwa," ujar Reid Buerger, Chief Executive Officer Coventry. "Yang lebih penting, pencapaian ini mencerminkan semakin meningkatnya pengakuan investor terhadap nilai aset terkait risiko usia harapan hidup serta manfaat mengakses aset tersebut melalui platform sekuritisasi yang disiplin dan dapat digunakan secara berulang dengan hasil yang konsisten seperti LILY. Kami meyakini bahwa pencapaian ini mencerminkan kualitas aset yang mendasarinya sekaligus kekuatan infrastruktur yang telah dibangun Coventry untuk memperoleh, menganalisis, mengelola, dan membiayai aset tersebut dalam skala besar."

Pertumbuhan program LILY semakin menegaskan posisi Coventry pada titik temu antara asuransi jiwa, pembiayaan beragun aset, dan kredit swasta. Investor institusional terus mencari sumber imbal hasil yang berbeda sekaligus meningkatkan diversifikasi portofolio. Berlatar kondisi tersebut, Coventry memperkirakan pembiayaan beragun asuransi jiwa akan berperan semakin penting dalam mendukung ekspansi pasar aset terkait risiko usia harapan hidup secara bertanggung jawab.

Untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut program LILY dan informasi terbaru lainnya dari Coventry, silakan kunjungi www.coventry.com/news

Tentang Coventry

Coventry merupakan pemimpin dan pencipta pasar sekunder untuk asuransi jiwa serta pelopor kelas aset beragun asuransi jiwa. Perusahaan ini mengoperasikan platform terintegrasi yang mencakup empat kategori yang saling melengkapi, yaitu pasar sekunder asuransi jiwa, pembiayaan berbasis umur panjang, distribusi asuransi jiwa dan anuitas, serta teknologi asuransi. Melalui berbagai lini usahanya tersebut, Coventry memperluas pilihan finansial bagi pemegang polis, menyediakan solusi permodalan beragun polis asuransi jiwa dan aset lainnya yang terkait dengan risiko umur panjang, memperluas akses ke produk asuransi dan pensiun, serta menerapkan teknologi untuk meningkatkan kualitas penetapan harga, manajemen risiko, dan efisiensi operasional di seluruh ekosistem asuransi jiwa.

Dengan berlandaskan komitmen jangka panjang terhadap hak konsumen dan integritas pasar, Coventry memanfaatkan posisinya sebagai pemimpin untuk meningkatkan standar industri, memperluas pilihan bagi konsumen, serta mengembangkan solusi investasi beragun asuransi jiwa berstandar institusional secara bertanggung jawab. Di sepanjang sejarahnya, Coventry telah mengakuisisi lebih dari 23.000 polis asuransi jiwa, menyelesaikan transaksi terkait risiko umur panjang dengan nilai lebih dari $50 miliar, menyalurkan lebih dari $6 miliar kepada pemegang polis, serta menerbitkan lebih dari $1 miliar dalam bentuk pinjaman yang terkait asuransi jiwa. Untuk mempelajari informasi selengkapnya tentang Coventry, kunjungi situs Coventry.com.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

BATIC 2026 brought together more than 2,700 delegates from over 760 companies across 67 countries, reaffirming that resilient connectivity, cloud, and AI can only be built through solid ecosystem collaboration.

BALI, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 August 2026 - The Bali Annual Telkom International Conference (BATIC) 2026, held from 25 to 28 August 2026, brought together more than 2,700 delegates from over 760 companies across 67 countries, alongside 72 sponsors and exhibitors and more than 4,500 scheduled meetings through the BATIC App, for two conference days of discussions shaping Asia Pacific's digital economy.

Under the theme "Uniting Ecosystem to Drive Connected Progress," BATIC 2026 reinforced one central message: the advancement of connectivity, cloud, and AI depends on strong collaboration across the entire digital ecosystem.

Conference Day 1: Strengthening the Foundations of Global Connectivity

Conference Day One opened with Sam Evans of Teneo, who set the stage by highlighting how future economic and societal growth is built on next-generation networks. Dian Siswarini, President Director of Telkom Indonesia, then delivered the opening keynote, "Empowering the Digital Future: Connectivity, Innovation, and Growth," highlighting how advanced networks, AI-driven automation, and digital infrastructure can unlock new growth opportunities.

Dian Siswarini said, "Building the digital future requires us to strengthen our foundations, embrace intelligence, and collaborate across the ecosystem. Through these efforts, we can transform connectivity into greater innovation, economic opportunity, and sustainable digital growth."

The Executive Panel "Investment Horizons: Building Resilient Subsea and Fiber Infrastructure" followed, bringing together leaders from Telkom Indonesia, Airtel, BW Digital, HSBC, Alcatel Submarine Networks, Digital Realty, and PCCW Global. The discussion explored investment requirements, funding models, risk mitigation, and cross-ecosystem collaboration needed to advance resilient international connectivity.

China Mobile International's Dr. Yin Mingming then shared practical lessons through "From AI Vision to Business Value: Lessons from Real Enterprise AI Deployments," focusing on how enterprise AI can deliver measurable business impact. This was followed by the Executive Panel "Future-Proofing Communications: AI, Immersion and Inclusivity," featuring Telin CEO Abdul Rahman Ansyori alongside leaders from e&, Mobile Ecosystem Forum, CPaaSAA, Orange, SBTS, and Google, exploring how AI, innovation, and strategic partnerships are shaping the future of communications.

Day One continued with Nokia's Praveen Kumar on "From Bandwidth to Intelligence: Optical Networking in the AI Era," exploring the AI-driven use cases and scalability challenges shaping next-generation optical infrastructure. The day also featured a closed-door Leadership Summit co-hosted by Telin and GLF, where C-level executives discussed capital requirements, supply chain constraints, cross-ecosystem collaboration, and access to affordable energy for AI-enabled infrastructure.

Beyond the main stage, Conference Day One also featured a range of side events, including Closed-Door Leadership Forum and Expert Spotlights bringing together industry leaders to exchange insights and explore opportunities across connectivity, AI, digital infrastructure, and the wider digital ecosystem.

Conference Day 2: Accelerating Cloud and AI-Ready Infrastructure

Conference Day Two opened with Sam Evans of Teneo on "Cloud's Role in Enterprise and Economic Growth in APAC," setting the scene for discussions on how cloud is transforming enterprises and economies across the region. The programme continued with a Ministerial Keynote, Strengthening Indonesia's Digital Transformation: Safeguarding Indonesia's Digital Future in the Age of Cloud and AI delivered by Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, Director General of Digital Ecosystems, Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Republic of Indonesia, highlighting Indonesia's policy direction for a secure, trusted, and innovation-driven digital ecosystem.

Edwin Hidayat Abdullah said, "As cloud and AI continue to reshape our economy and society, Indonesia's digital future must be built not only on innovation and infrastructure, but also on trust. This requires a strong, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystem, supported by close collaboration between government, industry, and the wider community. Through collaboration, we can ensure that technological progress delivers sustainable growth and benefits all Indonesians."

The programme then explored the infrastructure and innovation driving APAC's digital growth through fireside chats with Herson Suindah of SM+ Holdings and Michael McPhail of MoraRepublic on the role of data centres and connectivity in the AI era, followed by Toto Sugiri of DCI Indonesia on the drivers of cloud demand across the region. LARUS Founder and CEO, Lu Heng also examined how BYOIP is evolving into a strategic value layer for cloud, connectivity, and data centre providers.

The Executive Panel "From Demand to Impact: The Next Phase of Cloud Innovation and Adoption in APAC" brought together leaders from across the technology and telecommunications ecosystem to discuss cloud adoption, AI integration, investment, innovation, and partnerships. The main conference programme concluded with iBASIS Chief Growth Officer, Nicolas Barret's "Beyond the Cloud: Partnerships and Innovation Powering APAC's Next Digital Frontier," reinforcing the importance of cross-ecosystem collaboration in shaping the region's next phase of growth.

Conference Day Two continued with Expert Spotlights program, expanding discussions around cloud, AI, autonomous networks, digital infrastructure, and the future of the APAC digital ecosystem.

BATIC 2026 Side Events Series

Beyond the main programme, BATIC 2026 also featured a series of side events from 24 to 27 August 2026 held across several venues, including the Special Side Events Room, Surakarta Stage, and Nusantara Stage. The lineup included Mplify's APAC Member Workshop, the Future Tech Leaders Summit (co-hosted with GLF and YTC), the Closed-door Leadership Summit (co-hosted with GLF), the MNV Session, i3Forum's Industry Perspectives, the TM Forum Workshop, and Mplify's Southeast Asia Council Meeting. The energy was further amplified through Expert Spotlights offering deep insights from industry experts.

Strategic Partnerships Signed at BATIC 2026

BATIC 2026 delivered concrete outcomes through several strategic partnership signings:

Telin and PEACE - LoI of PEACE Expansion

Telin and TM Forum - Open API & Open Digital Architecture Manifesto

Telin and SM+ - Strategic Partnership MoU

Telin and GTI - MoU on BSC Fiber Pair Project Capacity and Connectivity

Telin and Mitratel - MoU on Telin's Asset Transaction Exploration in Timor-Leste

These agreements translate the conference's collaborative spirit into tangible commitments that will strengthen connectivity and the digital ecosystem across the region.

Abdul Rahman Ansyori, Chief Executive Officer of Telin, said, "BATIC is a platform where the digital ecosystem comes together to turn conversations into meaningful collaboration. As connectivity evolves towards an AI-driven future, the industry needs to work together across infrastructure, technology, and business ecosystems to build digital foundations that are resilient, scalable, and inclusive. Through BATIC, Telin is committed to strengthening these connections and contributing to the development of APAC's next digital frontier."

Standing Together in Solidarity

BATIC 2026 unfolded against the backdrop of the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). With Bali and Nusa Dua remaining operational, more than 2,700 international delegates continued the conference while standing in solidarity with the affected communities. As part of this collective support, BATIC 2026 will contribute USD 10,000, raised from registration and sponsorship proceeds, toward recovery efforts for communities affected by the disaster.

This solidarity became part of the conference's lasting story. BATIC 2026 was not simply an event that continued through a difficult moment, but a global community that came together and stood for one another when it mattered most.

About Telin

Founded in 2007, Telin is a global digital enabler delivering premium international mobility, connectivity, and tailored solutions for wholesale, enterprise, digital, and retail customers.

With 15 global presences across Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, the United States, Timor-Leste, the United Arab Emirates, and Myanmar-supported by representatives in the United Kingdom, the Philippines, India, Australia, Vietnam, and Canada-Telin connects businesses and communities worldwide.

Its infrastructure spans more than 429,167 kilometers of submarine cable systems across 29 global networks, supported by 211 Global Service Presences in 38 countries. Through continuous innovation and a strong commitment to growth, Telin is transforming how the world connects and accelerating digital transformation across borders.

For more information, visit www.telin.net

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

Hashtags: #BATIC2026 #BATIC #Telin #TelkomIndonesia #DigitalTransformation #DigitalEcosystem #Connectivity #Cloud #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #DigitalInfrastructure #APAC #AsiaPacific #SubseaConnectivity #FutureOfConnectivity #DigitalEconomy #StrategicPartnership #Collaboration #Bali #Indonesia

https://www.telin.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/telkom-international/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.instagram.com/telin_official/

Driving Growth through Facility Upgrades Strategic Expansion into Online Gaming

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 August 2026 - International Entertainment Corporation (the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; HKEX stock code: 1009), is pleased to announce that its revenue grew by approximately 50.6% period-on-period to approximately HK$852.5 million for the twelve months ended 30 June 2026 (the "Period"), demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a dynamic market environment.

The Group's revenue from the gaming operation for the Period increased by approximately 60.7% to approximately HK$819.4 million. However, due to the temporary closure of certain hotel rooms for renovation during the Period, the Group's hotel operation revenue was down to approximately HK$33.1 million, as compared with HK$56.2 million for the twelve months ended 30 June 2025 (the "Previous Period").

Meanwhile, the Group's gross profit recorded a notable growth of approximately 66.4% to approximately HK$454.6 million. The increase was driven by higher gaming revenue arising from both land-based casino operation and provision of gaming platform to other authorised gaming operators. Gross profit margin for the Period was approximately 53.3%, up 5.0 percentage points from approximately 48.3% for the Previous Period.

The Group narrowed its loss for the period attributable to owners of the Company by approximately 78.2% as compared with that for the Previous Period, if excluding the non-cash loss arising from the change in fair value in connection with the issue of convertible notes.

Loss for the period attributable to owners of the Company was approximately HK$486.4 million (Previous Period: approximately HK$282.1 million).

Future Outlook

Underpinned by the Philippines' strategic position in Southeast Asia, supportive government policies for its gaming and tourism sectors, and its rising status as a premier travel destination, the Group is optimistic about its long-term prospects, though short-term momentum in the Philippine gaming sector may soften due to geopolitical tensions and muted consumer spending.

The Group marked a pivotal milestone in its strategic expansion into online gaming through a cooperation agreement signed on 9 June 2026 between its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, New Coast Leisure Inc., and Total Gamezone Xtreme Incorporated, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group's convertible note holder DigiPlus Interactive Corp ("DigiPlus"). Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate on the integration, aggregation, provision, technical support, and operation of approved online games and related gaming content through or in connection with the online gaming platform and operations of the Group's casino "LaVie Resort & Casino Manila", subject to regulatory approvals. Participation in this segment is expected to broaden the Group's revenue base, improve operational scalability, and create new growth drivers.

Additionally, the completion of renovation works on the Casino's ground floor in January 2026 successfully expanded the gaming space, enabling the accommodation of more gaming tables as well as additional slot machines. Further to the phase 1 and phase 2 construction works initiated last year, the Group entered into a new construction contract for the Hotel in May 2026 at the contract price of approximately HK$72.17 million, which will continue to improve the appearance and condition of hotel facilities, modernise outdated amenities, enhance the overall quality of the Hotel and elevate customers' experiences. These improvements are expected to improve the future revenue of the Casino and the Hotel.

Separately, the Group issued the first convertible notes on 3 March 2026 and second convertible notes on 2 June 2026 to DigiPlus, each with a principal amount of HK$800 million. This completion follows the subscription agreement signed between the two parties on 17 November 2025 for the issuance of up to HK$1.6 billion convertible notes with a maturity of five years and an interest rate of 3% per annum. The issuance is expected to significantly bolster the Group's liquidity and long-term financial position. Furthermore, the potential conversion of these convertible notes into shares would serve to broaden the Group's Shareholders and capital base.

Looking ahead, the Group is strategically positioned to capture the next phase of growth in the Philippine gaming and tourism sectors. The convergence of the Group's Hotel and Casino upgrades and a strategic partnership to tap into the expanding online gaming market marks a transformative period for the Group. Supported by a strengthened capital structure and strong regulatory tailwinds, the Group remains confident in its ability to drive sustainable revenue growth and deliver long-term value to its Shareholders.

About International Entertainment Corporation (HKEX: 1009)

International Entertainment Corporation is an investment holding company. The Company and its subsidiaries are principally involved in hotel operations, operating the gaming business under provisional licence, leasing of gaming venues at the hotel complex of the Group in Metro Manila in the Republic of the Philippines to a tenant for authorised gaming operation, provision of gaming platform to other authorised gaming operators for gaming business and live poker events in Macau.

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

Hashtags: #InternationalEntertainmentCorporation

AI Unlocks the Potential of Cultural and Creative Industries, Reshaping Digital Entertainment and Smart Living Experiences

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 August 2026 - Cyberport's annual flagship event, the "Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2026" (DELF 2026), opened today at Cyberport.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and Mr Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport.

Themed "The Dreamatic Circus", this year's forum focuses on how innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence and immersive technologies, are reshaping the cultural and creative industries, driving their transformation while unlocking new opportunities for the development of new quality productive forces. The three-day forum features four themed experience zones - Digital Entertainment, Culture and Arts, Smart Living and Business, and Robotics and Drones - presenting more than 35 innovative technology showcases, interactive experiences and programmes.

Highlights include the immersive interactive art exhibition of Hong Kong original animation IP Another World, dynamic technology experiences by Nikopicto, combat robots by GJS Technology, the intelligent fashion platform developed by Genesis ONE using AI and 3D tools, and other attractions, enabling the public to experience first-hand the new possibilities that frontier technologies bring to entertainment, lifestyle and business applications. The event also includes AI interactive workshops, film screenings, drone performances and various competitions, creating a vibrant and engaging digital entertainment experience for participants.

Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said in his opening remarks, "Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum (DELF) 2026 explores how agentic AI is transforming the creative industry, positioning AI not as a replacement for human imagination, but as a collaborative partner that helps deliver creators' dreams more boldly. Over the past year, the HKSAR Government has transitioned from AI strategy formulation to active execution, steering Hong Kong towards "industries for AI" and "AI for industries" through "strengthening infrastructure and promoting the application-oriented approach" in AI development. AI is transforming the digital entertainment industry, and DELF has always been about celebrating Hong Kong's creative spirit. With robust computing infrastructure, a supportive policy environment, and a thriving creative community, Hong Kong is well-positioned to lead the AI+ era of digital entertainment."

Mr Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, said, "Under the theme 'The Dreamatic Circus', this year's forum invites us to explore what becomes possible when human imagination is empowered by technology. AI is expanding what creators can imagine and produce. To better support technology companies and their innovative work, with the recent completion of Cyberport 5, we are thrilled to inject new energy into Hong Kong's I&T industry. Combined with our AI Supercomputing Centre, this advanced infrastructure provides an world-class environment for technology development, industry collaboration and commercialization. DELF is not only about seeing what technology can do today. It is about imagining what we can create together tomorrow. I hope the forum inspires fresh thinking, leads to meaningful collaboration and helps turn more of Hong Kong's creative ideas into innovations with lasting impact."

DELF 2026 brings together more than 60 innovation and technology business leaders, content creators, academics, experts and investors from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas to discuss how artificial intelligence, immersive technologies and other frontier innovations are advancing the cultural and creative industries into a new stage of development and transforming modern smart living experiences. Guest speakers include Ms Drew Lai, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency; Mr Samuel Lo, General Manager, NVIDIA AI Technology Center, Hong Kong and Macau; Mr Leo Tsou, Head of Infrastructure Solutions Group Specialty, Hong Kong, Macau & China South (Greater Bay Area), Dell Technologies; Mr Zhaobo Zhou, Head of Solution Sales, Huawei Cloud Hong Kong; Mr Joe Chang, Regional Director, BytePlus; Ms Monica Zhang, AI Games Program Lead, Tencent Institute of Games; Mr Samuel Lam, CEO, X Social Group; Ms Ankie de Hoon, Board Member, Vincent van Gogh Etten-Leur; Dr Jeff Tang, Lecturer, Department of Computing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; and Ms Polly Yeung, CEO, Gudo Inc., among other industry experts.

The forum will feature in-depth discussions on key topics such as AI collaboration, IP ecosystem development, the cultural and creative economy, and smart living, focusing on how AI can become an important collaborator for creators and enterprises, facilitate the industrialisation of local creativity and original IP, and expand broader market horizons. A series of keynote speeches and panel discussions will also examine the impact of AI and immersive technologies on film, television, gaming, animation and other cultural and creative sectors. Topics include "Good Game: Building Healthier Entertainment Communities and Creating Lasting Social and Economic Value" and "Boundless Realities, Intelligent Imaging: AI + XR Empowering the Future Film and Television Industry Ecosystem". Speakers include Mr Kun Gao, Director of GGWP Inc.; Prof Mike Fischer, Professor of Interactive Media at the University of Southern California; Mr Jixuan Wang, Director of the Management Office of Xi'an XR Film Industry Base, Deputy General Manager of Xi'an Film Studio, Xiying Group; Dr Tony Wong, Hong Kong Comic Legend; President, Comics and Animation Federation who will explore how AI can promote the development of original IP and create new opportunities for the cultural and creative economy.

On the first day of the forum, Cyberport signed memoranda of understanding respectively withAlibaba Cloud, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts andHong Kong Shue Yan University. Its collaboration with Alibaba Cloud will support start-ups and enhance digital skills through the AI-Builder Program, joint training, technical resources, investment, and exchange opportunities. Together with The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Cyberport will promote art tech, AI innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent development, while exploring the establishment of the Cyberport Academy ? HKAPA Immersive Studio for the research, development, and showcase of art tech and immersive technology projects. In partnership with Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Cyberport will focus on AI, blockchain, and emerging technologies to encourage tertiary students to participate in project-based initiatives, company visits, internships, and employment opportunities, thereby strengthening innovation and technology talent development.

These strategic partnerships underscore the value of DELF 2026 as a key platform for advancing academiaindustryresearch collaboration, while highlighting Cyberport's pivotal role in connecting crosssector resources and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a leading regional and international innovation and technology hub. The three Memoranda of Understanding were signed by Dr Rocky Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, with representatives from each partner organisation. Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and Mr Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, together with delegates from partner institutions, attended and witnessed the signing ceremony.

Following the opening of DELF 2026 today, a diverse range of exciting programmes, experiences and competitions will continue over the next two days, including eVTOL aircraft trial flight demonstrations, accessible gaming esports experiences, and senior esports and experience days, enabling participants of different ages and backgrounds to experience the vibrant world of digital entertainment. Members of the public can also join Cyberport Academy: DELF 2026 ? AI Cultural and Creative Micro-Academy to learn creative skills such as art concept design and audio-visual production, and enjoy selected works from the Future Animation: 3rd AI-assisted animation production support scheme and the 2nd HKUST AI Film Festival Selected Projects, experiencing the new possibilities created by the convergence of digital entertainment and creative technology.

To encourage the public to further explore the world of digital entertainment, DELF 2026 has also launched a special "Play to Earn" campaign that combines gamified missions with rewards. Participants can collect stamps by visiting the four themed experience zones and completing designated missions, and redeem prizes along the way. Those who collect all stamps will have the opportunity to win limited-edition merchandise from the Hong Kong original animation IP Another World.

For details of the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2026 and the full speaker line-up, please visit: https://delf.cyberport.hk/tc/index.

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: #Cyberport #DELF2026 #DigitalEntertainment

https://www.cyberport.hk/en

BANGKOK, Aug. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sigenergy continues to expand its smart energy solutions business in Thailand with the official launch of "Unfold the New Era of Energy Intelligence: SigenStor NEO" at Capella Bangkok.

The event marked the official introduction of SigenStor NEO, Sigenergy's latest All-in-One smart energy solution, to the Thai market. The company also announced official product pricing and showcased the system's capabilities in intelligent energy management to more than 600 attendees.

Mr. Allen Zhang, Managing Director of Asia Pacific at Sigenergy, delivered the opening remarks and shared the company's vision for driving the growth of the energy market, highlighting the role of AI-powered technology in enhancing the consumer experience. He said, "Today, I would like to welcome everyone to the launch of SigenStor NEO. We are ready to introduce the energy solution of the future to all of you."

Mr. Tanakrit Chotipetch, Managing Director of Sigenergy Thailand, said that the launch of SigenStor NEO reflects Sigenergy's commitment to bringing smart energy technology that is easy to use, convenient to install, and delivers long-term value to Thai consumers and households seeking more efficient energy management.

SigenStor NEO was developed under the concept of "A More Integrated All-in-One Solution," integrating key components of an energy system?including energy control, generation, storage, and backup power?into a single platform. This integrated design helps reduce system and installation complexity. Its compact and modular architecture also allows battery capacity to be expanded according to the energy requirements of individual households.

The system comes equipped with a Smart Port, Backup Port, and Grid Port, along with a built-in Battery Optimizer. Users can connect to and manage the system through the mySigen App, which leverages AI technology to analyze, plan, and optimize energy consumption.

The All-in-One design reduces the number of separate components required and minimizes overall system complexity, making installation and maintenance more convenient. At the same time, its modular architecture enables the system to be scaled according to the energy consumption patterns of each household.

Mr. Pacharapol Sangwan, Solution Manager, Sigenergy Thailand, said that SigenStor NEO integrates the key components of an energy system into a single platform, helping reduce installation complexity while improving the efficiency of energy generation, storage, and management to create long-term value for users.

The launch of SigenStor NEO in Thailand represents another step forward for Sigenergy in delivering smart residential energy solutions, while providing consumers with greater choice in managing their energy use more efficiently, conveniently, and in ways that meet the demands of modern lifestyles.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

*BXCL501, a novel dexmedetomidine sublingual film, is under FDA review for potential at-home (outpatient) use for the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I or II disorder in adults. 

*Agreement is part of a court-supervised sale process with BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. and remains subject to bankruptcy court approval, potential higher bids, and customary closing conditions. 

*Transaction reflects Teva's targeted business development approach focused on strategic fit, patient needs, and potential long-term value. 

TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teva Pharmaceuticals International GmbH, a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: and TASE: TEVA) today announced it has made a bid to acquire an innovative neuroscience product from BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. through a court-supervised sale process.

The novel dexmedetomidine sublingual film is under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review for potential at-home use for the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I or II disorder in adults. If approved, it could become the first FDA-approved at-home treatment for this condition. If the transaction is completed, the asset would expand Teva's psychiatry portfolio and, pending FDA approval, could help address a meaningful unmet need for people living with complex mental health conditions. 

"Business development plays a critical role in accelerating our Pivot to Growth strategy," said Evan Lippman, Executive Vice President, Business Development at Teva. "This opportunity strengthens our neuroscience portfolio and reflects our disciplined approach to pursuing innovative assets with a clear strategic fit, the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients and attractive long-term growth potential, while balancing risk and value creation."

For people living with schizophrenia or bipolar I or II disorder, agitation episodes can be unpredictable, disruptive, and distressing for patients, families, and caregivers. In some cases, these episodes may lead to escalation of care, including emergency department visits or hospitalization. Despite this burden, acute treatment options specifically designed for agitation remain limited, particularly options that may be used outside healthcare and hospital settings.

About the Proposed Transaction 

Teva has entered into an agreement with BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc., to serve as the "stalking horse bidder" in a court-supervised auction process, pursuant to Section 363 of Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, for the purchase of certain assets from BioXcel Therapeutics and its affiliates, including IGALMI?, its dexmedetomidine sublingual film. As the stalking horse bidder, Teva's proposal establishes the initial bid for the assets. The proposed transaction does not involve the acquisition of BioXcel Therapeutics as a whole. 

Teva would acquire the agreed-upon assets if Teva is selected as the successful bidder during the auction, required conditions are satisfied, and the transaction is approved by the Bankruptcy Court. If Teva is not the successful bidder, Teva would be entitled to a break-up fee and expense reimbursement, subject to the terms of the agreement. 

Under the terms of the Agreement, Teva would acquire worldwide rights to the assets including dexmedetomidine sublingual film for an upfront payment of $57.5 million and up to an additional $67.5 million in contingent payments. These include a range of time-based payments linked to the timing of the pending FDA approval, including potential delays in approval, as well as payments tied to the achievement of specified sales milestones. 

About dexmedetomidine sublingual film (BXCL501) 

Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Dexmedetomidine sublingual film is a proprietary, investigational, orally dissolving film formulation currently under FDA review for at-home use in the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I or II disorder in adults. The FDA has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of November 14, 2026. 

About IGALMI? 

IGALMI? (dexmedetomidine) sublingual film is a prescription medicine, administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider, which is placed under the tongue or behind the lower lip and is used for the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder I or II in adults. The safety and effectiveness of IGALMI have not been studied beyond 24 hours from the first dose. It is not known if IGALMI is safe and effective in children. IGALMI? is a registered trademark of BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. 

IGALMI IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

IGALMI can cause serious side effects, including:

Decreased blood pressure, low blood pressure upon standing, and slower than normal heart rate, which may be more likely in patients with low blood volume, diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, and older patients. IGALMI is taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider who will monitor vital signs (like blood pressure and heart rate) and alertness after IGALMI is administered to help prevent falling or fainting. Patients should be adequately hydrated and sit or lie down after taking IGALMI and instructed to tell their healthcare provider if they feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.

Heart rhythm changes (QT interval prolongation). IGALMI should not be given to patients with an abnormal heart rhythm, a history of an irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, low potassium, low magnesium, or taking other drugs that could affect heart rhythm. Taking IGALMI with a history of abnormal heart rhythm can increase the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden death. Patients should be instructed to tell their healthcare provider immediately if they feel faint or have heart palpitations.

Sleepiness/drowsiness. Patients should not perform activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating hazardous machinery, for at least 8 hours after taking IGALMI.

Withdrawal reactions, tolerance, and decreased response/efficacy. IGALMI was not studied for longer than 24 hours after the first dose. Physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, agitation), and decreased response to IGALMI may occur if IGALMI is used longer than 24 hours.

 

The most common side effects of IGALMI in clinical studies were sleepiness or drowsiness, a prickling or tingling sensation or numbness of the mouth, dizziness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and low blood pressure upon standing.

These are not all the possible side effects of IGALMI. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

Patients should tell their healthcare provider about their medical history, including if they suffer from any known heart problems, low potassium, low magnesium, low blood pressure, low heart rate, diabetes, high blood pressure, history of fainting, or liver impairment. They should also tell their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or breastfeeding or take any medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Patients should especially tell their healthcare provider if they take any drugs that lower blood pressure, change heart rate, or take anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, and opioids.

Everyone is encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You can also contact BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-833-201-1088 or medinfo@bioxceltherapeutics.com.

Please see full prescribing information at Igalmi.com.

About Teva Advisors 

Guggenheim Securities, LLC served as financial advisors and Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal advisors to Teva.

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.

Teva 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 complete the acquisition of certain assets from BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc., which remains subject to bankruptcy court approval, potential higher bids and customary closing conditions; our ability to obtain regulatory approval for and successfully commercialize the novel dexmedetomidine sublingual film; 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 and 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 section captioned "Risk Factors" 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. 

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

HONG KONG, Aug. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A major event for the global energy sector-the International Gas Union's (IGU) 2026 Council Meeting and "Empowering a Sustainable Future" Summit-will take place in Hong Kong from 26 to 29 October 2026, with The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) serving as the host organisation.

Leaders of major global energy corporations, regional government officials, experts, scholars and representatives of international organisations will assemble in Hong Kong to examine global energy security, the evolution to a green and low-emission economy and the roadmap for achievable, just and sustainable development.

IGU is the world's most influential and authoritative international non-profit membership organisation of the global Gas industry, with members accounting for over 90% of the global Gas market. The decision to host this Council Meeting and Summit in Hong Kong, with Towngas as the host organisation, not only accentuates the international Gas community's recognition of Hong Kong as an international metropolis and a green finance hub but, also, highlights Towngas's significant contribution to the energy evolution and to IGU itself.

Amid drastic shifts across the international landscape, global supply chains restructuring, and low-emission energy choices, the future development of the global Gas industry, including that of natural gas, has attracted considerable attention. Over the course of a four-day series of meetings, IGU Council members from across 70 countries will engage in detailed discussions on a range of issues, such as energy governance and industry development strategies.

The joint IGU-Towngas Summit will be held on 29 October, 2026, under the theme "Empowering a Sustainable Future", and it will feature keynote speeches by HKSAR Government officials and global industry leaders. Additionally, representatives and experts from different energy-related sectors will participate in roundtable discussions to offer insights and recommendations on topics such as regional energy development, green finance, as well as on the challenges faced by and prospects for the global and regional natural gas industry.

Mr Andrea Stegher, the President of IGU, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Summit in Hong Kong, noting that IGU, as the global voice of Gas, is dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration to accelerate the achievement of a safe, affordable, equitable, just and sustainable energy future. Mr Stegher has also expressed his confidence in the invaluable insights that the Summit will bring together, to further advance the role of Gas for human progress and global growth.

Towngas is deeply honoured to host this major international energy event. Mr Peter Wong Wai-yee, Managing Director of Towngas, stated: "With deep roots in Hong Kong and strong ties to our motherland, we are committed to creating a sustainable, green energy world. In light of the severe challenges posed by global climate change, we are actively promoting a green, low-carbon transition. Hosting this Summit in Hong Kong provides a platform for the global industry to build networks, share experiences, and foster dialogue. We look forward to collaborating with all sectors to advance the green energy transition through innovation and technology, building a sustainable energy future for the next generation."

About Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas)

Established in 1862, Towngas is Hong Kong's longest-standing public utility and one of the city's largest energy suppliers, meeting world-class standards in corporate management and operations. Currently, the Group has a portfolio of over 1,100 projects across 29 provincial regions on the Chinese mainland and overseas, spanning sectors such as renewable energy, city gas, water supplies, and the resource utilisation of municipal waste. In recent years, the Group has actively developed clean energy solutions across maritime, land, and air sectors-including hydrogen energy, green methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel-striving to achieve the vision of carbon neutrality.

About the International Gas Union (IGU)

The International Gas Union (IGU) is the spokesperson of the global Gas industry, with members in over 70 countries across the globe, covering over 90% of the global Gas market across every segment of the value chain, from the supply of natural and decarbonised gas, renewable gas and hydrogen, through to their transmission and distribution, and all the way to the point of use.

IGU presents the world's leading international Gas events, including the International Gas Research Conference (IGRC2027) series, the 30th World Gas Conference (WGC series) and the Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG 2029) series.

IGU also publishes the global Gas industry's annual flagship reports: Wholesale Gas Price Survey, World LNG Report and the Global Gas Report, as well as various special reports, such as Gas For Africa, Underground Gas Storage - A Critical Pillar for Energy Security, The Role of Gas in Powering AI-Driven Energy Demand and Opportunities for the Development of Gas in Latin America and the Caribbean. IGU has also released its Manifesto.

The IGU was established in 1931 and is a not-for-profit membership organisation registered in Switzerland and Singapore, with its Secretariat based in London, United Kingdom.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Rising Japanese boy group brings its high-energy live showcase to Singapore, Manila and Bangkok

Three-city Southeast Asia run follows growing global momentum, with tickets on sale from 31 August 2026

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 August 2026 - Rising Japanese boy group ONE OR EIGHT is set to bring its rapidly growing global momentum to Southeast Asia with ONE OR EIGHT Special SHOW CASE 2026 in ASIA -V8-, a three-city showcase taking place in Singapore, Manila and Bangkok this October.

Following the group's first-ever ONE OR EIGHT 1st LIVE TOUR -GATHER-, which took ONE OR EIGHT across North and South America, the upcoming showcase marks the group's next major step in connecting directly with fans across Asia. The tour will kick off in Singapore on 21 October 2026 at Victoria Theatre, before heading to Manila on 23 October at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, and conclude in Bangkok on 25 October at Lido Hall 2, Lido Connect.

Ticket sales will begin from 31 August 2026 onwards, with more details via oneoreight.sozolive.asia

One of Japan's emerging global acts comes to Southeast Asia

ONE OR EIGHT comprises eight members - MIZUKI, NEO, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA, TAKERU, TSUBASA and YUGA.

The group's name is derived from the Japanese idiom "ichi ka bachi ka", which expresses the idea of taking an all-or-nothing gamble. Together with their tagline "BET ON YOURSELF", the name reflects the members' determination to pursue their dreams, challenge boundaries and take their music to audiences around the world.

Since making their debut in August 2024, ONE OR EIGHT have quickly established themselves as one of Japan's emerging global acts.

Their track "TOKYO DRIFT" generated more than 200,000 pieces of user-generated content on TikTok and over 300 million views, while also entering the Mediabase Top 40 and setting a record for the most chart entries by a Japanese boy group.

Their growing recognition has extended across Asia. ONE OR EIGHT received the Upcoming Dance & Vocal Group award at the MTV VMAJ 2025 in Japan and was named New Artist of the Year at the 2025 Music Awards organised by China's NetEase. The group has also worked with internationally acclaimed creators including Ryan Tedder, David Stewart and Big Sean, further strengthening its ambitions to connect Japanese music with a global audience.

A NEW CHAPTER WITH "EN-GiNE"

Ahead of their Southeast Asia showcases, ONE OR EIGHT will release their first EP, "EN-GiNE", on 16 September 2026. The title combines the Japanese word "EN" (縁), representing connection and fate, with "GENE", symbolising the new driving force created through the relationships the members have developed with one another and with fans around the world. Following "YANKEE SQUAT", the group recently released "INVINCIBLE", the second single from the upcoming EP.

Dedicated to their fans, known as 1DERZ, "INVINCIBLE" carries the message that no journey is taken alone, celebrating the trust, gratitude and connection that have grown between ONE OR EIGHT and their supporters since their debut.

With Special SHOW CASE 2026 in ASIA -V8-, fans in Southeast Asia will now have the opportunity to experience that connection in person.

TOUR INFORMATION

SINGAPORE

Wednesday, 21 October 2026

Victoria Theatre

Doors: 7:00 PM

Show: 7:30 PM

Tickets

VVIP Seated: SGD 138

VIP Seated: SGD 108

GA Seated: SGD 88

Tickets go on sale from 31 August 2026 at 12:00 PM Singapore Time via Ticketmaster Singapore.

MANILA

Friday, 23 October 2026

Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier

Doors: 7:00 PM

Show: 8:00 PM

Tickets

VVIP Standing: PHP 4,500

VIP Standing: PHP 3,500

GA Standing: PHP 2,500

Tickets go on sale from 31 August 2026 at 12:00 PM Manila Time via Ticketmaster Philippines.

BANGKOK

Sunday, 25 October 2026

Lido Hall 2, Lido Connect

Doors: 5:00 PM

Show: 6:00 PM

Tickets

VVIP Standing: THB 3,000

VIP Standing: THB 2,500

GA Standing: THB 1,500

Tickets go on sale from 31 August 2026 at 11:00 AM Bangkok Time via SOZOLIVE Ticketing.

VVIP EXPERIENCE

Across all three cities, the top-tier VVIP package gives fans an opportunity to get even closer to ONE OR EIGHT, with benefits including:

Best-view section closest to the stage

1-for-all photo session with ONE OR EIGHT

Soundcheck access

Signed poster

Exclusive VVIP badge and lanyard

Priority concert admission

VIP ticket holders will also receive a signed poster, VIP badge and lanyard, and priority admission.

Three cities. One special showcase. Southeast Asia, are you ready for ONE OR EIGHT?

For complete event, ticketing and entitlement information, visit oneoreight.sozolive.asia

ABOUT SOZO

Established in 2009 and headquartered in Singapore, SOZO Pte Ltd, a KADOKAWA Group company, is a leading entertainment company connecting Japanese entertainment with audiences across Southeast Asia.

Through its flagship platform, Anime Festival Asia (AFA), SOZO pioneered the region's Anime, Comics and Games scene and built one of Southeast Asia's most recognised Japanese pop-culture event brands.

Beyond conventions, SOZO produces major live entertainment experiences for leading Japanese artists including Ado, Eve, RADWIMPS, YOASOBI and Yuuri. The company also provides merchandise production, retail and regional distribution solutions, creating powerful platforms for Japanese artists, creators and intellectual properties to reach and engage fans across the region.

Bringing Japanese Entertainment to the World.

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

Hashtags: #ONEOREIGHT #ONEOREIGHT_V8 #ONEOREIGHTAsia #SOZOLIVE

Seven renowned chefs from across APAC to share why Lee Kum Kee is their top choice

HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 August 2026 - Lee Kum Kee Sauce ("Lee Kum Kee"), the global leader in Asian sauces and condiments, announced the launch of a new integrated brand campaign, "Chosen by Top Chefs", across the APAC region. Featuring seven renowned chefs from across Asia Pacific, the campaign spotlights how Lee Kum Kee is the topchoice across diverse cuisines and cooking styles.

The campaign highlights chefs who trust Lee Kum Kee's ability to enhance flavours and deliver balance and consistency, bringing out the best in both everyday dishes and signature creations across cuisines in the Asia Pacific region.

"Chosen by Top Chefs" brings together seven renowned chefs from across Asia Pacific, reflecting Lee Kum Kee's longstanding commitment to quality and culinary excellence.

"Chosen by Top Chefs" Brings Together Renowned Chefs

"Chosen by Top Chefs" underscores Lee Kum Kee's longstanding commitment to quality and culinary excellence. By bringing together leading chefs from South Korea, Singapore, India, Australia, Indonesia, as well as Hong Kong, China, the campaign demonstrates how Lee Kum Kee supports them in crafting superb food for diners everywhere.

*South Korea:

- Chef Lu Ching-lai, participant in Netflix's Culinary Class Wars, founder and owner of Hong Bok Gak, a leading Chinese fine-dining restaurant in Seoul

- Chef Lu Min, Executive Chef at Hong Bo Gak

*Hong Kong, China:

- Chef Lee Man Sing, Executive Chef from Mott 32 Group, a restaurant group recognised for contemporary Chinese cuisine

*Singapore:

- Chef Aaron Tan, Executive Sous Chef & Executive Chinese Chef at Frasers House; helming Man Fu Yuan, an award-winning Cantonese fine-dining restaurant

*India:

- Chef Parvinder Singh Bali, one of six Asians to receive an Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality from the Asian Countries Chamber of Hospitality Industry in 2022

*Australia:

- Chef Declan Cleary, third-place finalist in MasterChef Australia (Season 15)

*Indonesia:

- Chef Marinka, one of Indonesia's most prominent celebrity chefs, former judge and long-time culinary expert on MasterChef Indonesia

Chefs Share Their "Go-To" Lee Kum Kee Sauces

In the Top Chefs Know Best. They Choose Lee Kum Kee campaign video, the chefs share why their professional choice matters. They highlight the quality and craftsmanship behind Lee Kum Kee - a legacy refined since 1888 - and how it enhances dishes from across the region.

The chefs also share how Lee Kum Kee sauces shape their own signature dishes, from classic interpretations to modern takes. The campaign features exclusive dishes featuring Premium Oyster Sauce, Supreme Authentic First Draw Soy Sauce, XO Sauce and more - elevating the brand by spotlighting Lee Kum Kee as the choice of top chefs.

"For 138 years, our '100-1=0' philosophy has driven one standard: every detail matters. That commitment to quality and consistency is why chefs and home cooks across the world trust us. The 'Chosen by Top Chefs' campaign affirms that standard, bringing the region's top chefs with home cooks in creating delicious moments every day," said Vincent Wong, President - APAC of Lee Kum Kee Sauce.

The "Chosen by Top Chefs" campaign will roll out across APAC through brand-led storytelling, chef-driven content and social media competitions. Content includes videos, recipes and cooking demos will run across online and offline channels, from social platforms to instore displays.

"Top Chef Challenge" Inspires Home Cooking Creativity

The "Chosen by Top Chefs" campaign will be rolled out through APAC marketing channels, including brand-led storytelling and chef-driven content. Alongside the campaign, Lee Kum Kee will also run the "Top Chef Challenge", a social media competition inviting home cooks to create dishes featuring a key ingredient and a Lee Kum Kee sauce chosen by the chefs.

For more information about the "Chosen by Top Chefs" programme, please follow Lee Kum Kee's official social media pages including Facebook and Instagram.

Watch the "Chosen by Top Chefs" video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUxE_rliglM

About Lee Kum Kee Sauce

Lee Kum Kee Sauce is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee Sauce's range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee Sauce's rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and "Constant Entrepreneurship" combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.

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

Hashtags: #LeeKumKee #ChosenbyTopChefs

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 August 2026 - Aolani, a Singapore-founded neocloud powering AI growth, today announced the launch of the Aolani Token Factory, a managed inference platform that enables organisations to deploy and scale AI models on a pay-per-token basis without provisioning or managing the underlying GPU infrastructure.

The launch of the token factory will make Aolani the first Singapore-founded neocloud to offer production-grade, managed inference at scale.

As global AI companies expand their operations in Singapore, and companies around the world invest in AI to drive real business outcomes, the demand for production-grade inference infrastructure is quickly accelerating. Aolani Token Factory is designed to close the accessibility gap, giving AI-native companies and companies a highly compliant and high-performance path from AI experimentation to production-scale deployment.

The Aolani Token Factory will be offered as a per-token metering, where customers can pre-purchase credits and pay based on token consumption, rather than investing in capital-intensive GPU infrastructure. Aolani manages the full inference stack, including GPU capacity allocation, model serving, orchestration, scheduling, and workload optimisation, which allows customers to scale consumption without continuously provisioning additional infrastructure.

The platform supports leading open-source models at launch, including DeepSeek, GLM, Kimi, and Qwen. Aolani plans to further expand the model catalogue over time based on customer demand and availability. Customers can also deploy their own models through OpenAI-compatible APIs. Dedicated capacity and data isolation options are available for enterprise customers with strict compliance and data residency requirements.

The Aolani Token Factory will support three core production use cases:

AI agents for high-volume inference and workflow automation

Enterprise AI applications including internal copilots, knowledge assistants, and document intelligence

Coding agents for code generation, completion, testing, and review

Sea Xu, Applied AI Research Lead at Aolani said: "The Aolani Token Factory is built on a high-performance inference stack that supports the most in-demand open-source model families. We designed the platform for fast model adaptation and deployment, so our customers can get access quickly as new models emerge. As Southeast Asia's AI ecosystem evolves and grows rapidly, it is our goal to ensure that the infrastructure serving it keeps pace."

Nicholas Chia, Chief Executive Officer at Aolani said: "Fast-moving AI natives want to build and ship products flexibly and on-demand, without the need to manage GPU fleets. With our competitive per-token pricing and a fully managed stack, companies can go from model selection to production deployment without the capital outlay or operational complexity of self-managed infrastructure. This is a significant milestone for us and our customers as the Aolani Token Factory will fundamentally change how customers access AI compute."

To register interest in the Aolani Token Factory, please visit: https://www.aolanicloud.com/services/token-factory.

Aolani

Where AI gets built in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore and founded in 2023, Aolani is backed by compliant and purpose-built infrastructure to deliver the performance capabilities for next-generation AI. Aolani's AI factories enable organisations to build with confidence, scale ambitiously, and move at hyper-speed in the world's fastest-growing AI market.

For more information, visit www.aolanicloud.com and follow @AolaniCloud on LinkedIn.

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

Hashtags: #Aolani #AIInfrastructure #TokenFactory #Neocloud

https://www.aolanicloud.com/

https://linkedin.com/company/aolani-cloud

Immerse yourself in Hong Kong's most cherished Mid-Autumn traditions-from the first ever International Lantern Spectacular and legendary Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance to vibrant citywide festive offerings and cultural experiences

HONG KONG, Aug. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This September, Hong Kong invites visitors to step into the heart of Mid-Autumn Festival through a citywide celebration of light, heritage and togetherness. From spectacular lantern artistry and living cultural traditions to citywide festive offerings and seasonal flavours across the city, Hong Kong transforms into a vibrant showcase of one of its most cherished annual celebrations. 

This year's programme features the International Lantern Spectacular, organized by Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and making its debut at the Victoria Park, alongside the historic Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and a variety of seasonal experiences that allow visitors to celebrate just like locals.  

Join the City's Brightest Celebration 

HKTB will stage its first-ever International Lantern Spectacular at Victoria Park from 17 to 27 September. Centered on the theme of "Reunion", the event will bring together distinctive lanterns from 20 countries and regions, thousand-year-old Qinhuai lanterns from Nanjing recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and locally handcrafted lanterns from Hong Kong. Together with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department's (LCSD) Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, also held at Victoria Park, HKTB's International Lantern Spectacular invites visitors and locals to immerse themselves in dazzling lantern displays from across the globe, offering a world-class Mid-Autumn experience found only in Hong Kong.

An Immersive Global Cultural Journey through Chinese & International Lanterns

Visitors and locals can stroll through the International Lantern Spectacular, discovering three major showcases of Chinese and international lantern art while enjoying an immersive celebration of diverse cultures.

World Lantern Boulevard: A Cultural Exploration Across Borders

Stepping onto the World Lantern Boulevard, locals and visitors will be surrounded by over 3,000 distinctive lanterns from 20 countries and regions. Among them are silk lanterns from Jinju in South Korea, traditionally made to wish family members health and wellbeing; multicoloured patchwork lanterns from Brazil, radiating warmth and energy; and Polish lanterns incorporating traditional folk paper-cutting techniques. A stroll along the Boulevard is like travelling the world in an instant, with lantern works woven from different styles, crafts and cultural elements offering a glimpse of the distinctive folk customs and artistic appeal of each place. Bringing together lanterns from all corners of the globe in a single promenade, the display not only celebrates cultural diversity but also reflects Hong Kong's diversity and inclusion, sharing the joy of festive reunion with visitors from around the world.

 

Nanjing Qinhuai Lanterns, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage: Admiring a Millennium of Traditional Artistry

With a history of more than 1,700 years, Nanjing's Qinhuai lantern craftsmanship is internationally renowned and inscribed on China's National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. HKTB has invited a Qinhuai lantern-making team from Nanjing to create four tailor-made giant Qinhuai lanterns for the Spectacular. Qinhuai lantern-making follows four intricate processes: frame-making, mounting, painting and paper-cutting. Renowned for their translucent, vibrant colours and rich cultural symbolism, the lanterns showcase traditional folk culture and express aspirations for a better life.

Taking centre stage is the Shadowlight, a giant themed lantern standing eight metre tall at the main entrance to Victoria Park. Inspired by Hong Kong's iconic banyan trees, it invites visitors and locals to weave among its glittering light and shadow, then look up at a canopy of layered coloured gauze, its many tiers giving three-dimensional form to the tree's luxuriant growth. The flourishing canopy and cascading aerial roots symbolise Hong Kong's global connectivity and warm welcome to visitors and locals alike to gather and experience the city's appeal as Asia's Events Capital. 

Another highlight, Lotus Fish, features rows of giant lotus leaves in neat formation, with lifelike, brightly coloured carp darting nimbly through the play of light and shadows. Visitors and locals can stroll between the rows, taking in the lively scene of fish at play among the lotus leaves on either side.

Echoing the theme of "Reunion", several lanterns will incorporate circular elements symbolising harmony and togetherness, creating memorable settings for visitors and locals to gather with loved ones and capture festive moments. Among them will be two distinctive Nanjing Qinhuai lanterns. Dragon Gate will feature a pair of carp leaping from the water, with their graceful curves meeting to form a circle that symbolises fulfilment and good fortune. Above the lotus pond at the Model Boat Pool, Moonlit Lotus will be crowned by a spectacular seven-metre-tall moon lantern, mirrored by the glowing lotus lanterns on the water below, inviting everyone to gather beneath the same full moon.

Hong Kong Lantern Galleria: A Salute to Local Craftsmanship

At Victoria Park's Hill Knoll Pavilion, over 400 classic Hong Kong handcrafted lanterns will be on display. Traditional lantern shapes including rabbit, star fruit, and goldfish lanterns will hang overhead, weaving together a scene as colourful and spectacular as "Lantern Street" at Yuen Long's Tai Kiu Market, and capturing the rich local flavour of a Hong Kong Mid-Autumn.

Ambient light decorations will thread through the lantern zones and every corner of Victoria Park, leading visitors and locals into an immersive festive night-time experience.

Regional Mooncake Sale: Savouring the Flavours of Reunion

From 17 to 20 September, the HKTB will team up with Po Leung Kuk to set up speciality mooncake stalls at the South Pavilion Plaza in Victoria Park, giving festival-goers another way to spend during the celebrations. Mooncakes from different parts of the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong will be on sale, including Suzhou-style mooncakes from Shanghai, Yunnan ham mooncakes, and Chiuchow-style mooncakes filled with taro paste, black bean paste, or mung bean paste. As visitors and locals meander through the lantern displays, they will be able to taste regional flavours and buy mooncakes for family and friends. All proceeds will be donated to Po Leung Kuk for charitable purposes.

Witness Living Heritage in Motion Under the Full Moon 

Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

Mid-Autumn in Hong Kong would not be complete without the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, now in its 147th edition and inscribed on China's National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

Taking place from 24 to 26 September, this time-honoured tradition sees a 67-metre fire dragon, illuminated by 12,000 incense sticks, weaves through the streets of Tai Hang in a choreographed journey powered by the collective energy of performers. Accompanied by the fragrance of incense and the rhythm of drums, the dance is widely believed to spread blessings and good fortune.

Visitors are invited not only to witness the performance, but to feel part of the atmosphere, arriving early to claim a vantage point close to the action and fully experience the intensity, excitement and shared spirit of the night. After the dance, the tradition continues as performers share burning incense sticks with spectators-turning visitors into participants through a gesture of goodwill. 

Celebrate Mid-Autumn the Hong Kong Way 

Throughout September, festival spectacles and neighbourhood traditions light up the city, creating a celebration that reaches far beyond any single venue. Visitors can journey from world-class lantern artistry to centuries-old living heritage, while exploring Mid- Autumn theme activities, shopping and dining offer, large- scale lantern installations, and seasonal food markets presented by shopping centres and merchants across Hong Kong.

Start planning your Mid-Autumn getaway and explore the full programme at: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/mid-autumn-festival.html   

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

The APO-supported roadmap positions AI as a practical productivity tool to raise output, strengthen worker capability, improve resource efficiency, and accelerate sustainable industrial upgrading

BANGKOK, Aug. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thailand today marked the official handover and dissemination of the National AI Roadmap for the Sustainable Productivity of Industries in Thailand, placing productivity rather than technology adoption itself at the center of the country's AI transformation agenda.

The milestone took place during the Thailand Productivity Forum 2026: "Twin Transformation - AI x Productivity x Net Zero," held in conjunction with the 1st AI Productivity Collaboration Consortium. The central message was clear: AI should be judged by the measurable value it creates for firms, workers, public services, and the wider economy.

The economic case is compelling. The APO Productivity Database 2025 reports that Thai labor-productivity growth averaged 2.1% during 2015-2023, down from 4.8% during 2010?2015, while total factor productivity averaged zero growth. As population aging constrains labor-force expansion, Thailand will increasingly need to create more value from each hour worked and each unit of capital.

"AI is not the objective. Productivity is."

- Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata, Secretary-General, Asian Productivity Organization

For the APO, the test is not how many AI tools are purchased, pilots launched, or people trained. It is whether AI raises output per hour, reduces downtime and defects, improves quality and asset utilization, lowers energy and material intensity, accelerates innovation, and strengthens the productive capability of workers.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry Duangdow Khawjaroen reinforced the same productivity-first framing, linking digital transformation and green transformation through AI ? Productivity ? Net Zero. In her prepared remarks, she said: "Productivity represents the tangible outcomes of doing things better using fewer resources, reducing costs and waste, and creating greater value." She also stressed that "good AI begins with good data," highlighting the ministry's i-Industry and i-SingleForm systems and practical applications such as predictive maintenance, energy-efficiency optimization, supply-chain analysis, real-time quality inspection, greenhouse-gas assessment, and executive decision support.

Prepared collaboratively by the Thailand Productivity Institute (FTPI) and APO with the technical support of FutureLab, the roadmap is grounded in 23 in-depth stakeholder interviews, a strategy workshop, and practical AI training. Importantly, its quantitative items are presented as recommended goals for the Ministry of Industry: a 15% productivity increase across specified MIND priority sectors by 2030; at least 60% AI adoption among large enterprises and 40% among SMEs in key sectors; at least 80 targeted AI pilot projects across priority sectors, with 30% scaled into full production; and certification of at least 50,000 industrial workers and 5,000 AI specialists by 2030.

Thailand already has a powerful proof point. In 2025, the World Economic Forum (WEF) added Midea's Si Racha facility to its Global Lighthouse Network after the plant deployed 72 digital and AI solutions. WEF-reported outcomes included a 43% reduction in order lead time, a 32% decline in customer complaints, and a 62% improvement in employee qualification speed, evidence of what becomes possible when AI is integrated with process redesign, workforce development, and operational discipline.

The next challenge is diffusion. In the 2024 ETDA?NSTDA AI Readiness study, 580 organizations responded; 17.8% reported already using AI, while 73.3% planned future adoption. The productivity opportunity lies in moving enterprises from intention to economically valuable deployment through use-case selection, data readiness, workflow redesign, worker adoption, integration, scaling, and measurement.

Aligned with the APO Vision 2030 and Thailand's Strategic Partnership Program, the roadmap provides a platform for moving from project-based AI adoption toward a result-oriented productivity transformation system. The next test will not be how many AI initiatives Thailand launches, but how widely AI helps enterprises, especially SMEs, to create more value, build stronger capabilities, and compete sustainably.

The defining question is no longer whether Thailand will use AI. It is how effectively Thailand can turn AI into productivity improvements that are measurable, scalable, sustainable, and broadly shared.

About the APO

The APO is a regional intergovernmental organization dedicated to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region through mutual cooperation. Established in 1961, the APO supports its member economies through policy advisory services, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to promote sustainable socioeconomic development.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.