The former Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India - who oversaw the Indian Premier League (IPL T20) and led the sale of BCCI media rights for more than USD 3 billion - brings nearly 35 years of global cricket and media leadership to FLZH's board as the Company seeks its cricket-focused sports and media platform

NEW YORK and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flash Sports & Media Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLZH) ("Flash" or the "Company") today announced the appointment of Rahul Johri - the former Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) - to its Board of Directors. Mr. Johri is one of the most accomplished executives in global media and sport, and his appointment marks a significant step in the Company's strategy to build a leading, cricket-focused sports and media platform.

During his tenure as the BCCI's first CEO, Mr. Johri oversaw the full spectrum of the sport - all international and domestic cricket operations, the Indian Premier League (IPL T20), and the National Cricket Academy. He led the sale of BCCI media rights for more than USD 3 billion, one of the largest rights transactions in Indian sports history, and pioneered the introduction of the e-auction to cricket, setting a new standard of transparency and competitive value in how the game's commercial rights are sold.

The Company believes Mr. Johri's rights-monetization expertise, deep relationships across the global cricket ecosystem, and track record of building and scaling media businesses will directly support FLZH's growth priorities - including pursuing media rights, sponsorship, franchise development, and the expansion of its league portfolio across key cricket markets.

"Rahul is a highly respected leaders in the business of cricket with deep experience across media rights, broadcasters and cricket properties," Few executives in the world have his combination of commercial vision, credibility with rights holders and broadcasters, and hands-on experience building the properties that define the modern game," said Bradley Natrass, Chairman / Chief Executive Officer, Flash Sports & Media Holdings , Inc. "His appointment to our board sends a clear signal about the scale of our ambition. We are building FLZH into a serious, global cricket-media company, and Rahul's guidance will be invaluable as we execute that plan."

"Cricket is entering its most exciting commercial era, with new leagues, new markets and new audiences reshaping the global game," said Rahul Johri. "Flash Sports & Media has assembled a compelling platform at exactly the right moment, and I am delighted to join the board. I look forward to helping the Company build world-class cricket properties and unlock their full commercial potential."

Beyond his cricket administration career, Mr. Johri brings nearly 35 years of leadership across the media and sports industry. He most recently served as President ? Business at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., where he drove revenue across Zee's 60-plus television channels and its digital platform Zee5, and spearheaded the launch of the U.A.E.-based T20 league, ILT20. Earlier, as Head of Discovery Networks South & Southeast Asia, he launched 11 channels and introduced regional Indian languages to international programming. Mr. Johri was part of the founding launch team of Outlook magazine. He currently heads Citadel Advisory, a media and sports business advisory firm operating across India and the U.A.E.

About Rahul Johri

Rahul Johri is a media and sports executive with nearly 35 years of experience and the first-ever Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, where he oversaw the IPL T20 (www.iplt20.com) , all international and domestic cricket operations, and the National Cricket Academy, led the sale of BCCI media rights for over USD 3 billion, and introduced the e-auction to world cricket. He has held senior leadership roles at Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Discovery Networks South & South East Asia and now runs Citadel Advisory across India and the U.A.E.

About Flash Sports & Media Holdings, Inc.

Flash Sports & Media Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLZH) is a cricket-focused sports and media company seeking to develop and commercialize cricket media, league-management, sponsorship, and related sports-entertainment opportunities. Through its relationship with Innovative Production Group FZ, LLC, Flash is focused on professional cricket properties, media and broadcast opportunities, sponsorships, league operations, and related commercial initiatives. The Company's business plans remain subject to execution risks, market conditions, definitive agreements, third-party approvals, and the Company's ability to finance, develop, and commercialize its sports and media initiatives. https://flashsportsandmedia.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated contributions of Mr. Rahul Johri to Flash Sports & Media, Inc. and its Board of Directors; the Company's expectations, beliefs, plans and strategies relating to the development, commercialization and monetization of its cricket-focused sports and media platform; the Company's relationship with Innovative Production Group FZ, LLC and other current or potential strategic partners; current and future cricket, sports, media, league-management, sponsorship, media rights, franchise-development, broadcast and related commercial opportunities; the development, operation or commercialization of the Lanka Premier League or any other cricket league, tournament, event, property or related rights; potential sponsorships, media rights arrangements, franchise sales, broadcast relationships, league operations, player participation, venue arrangements, commercial partnerships and other business opportunities; the Company's ability to generate revenues, achieve growth, obtain financing, enter into definitive agreements, obtain required approvals, maintain relationships with third parties and execute its business plan; and the Company's ability to maintain compliance with the applicable listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.

Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "seek," "should," "will," "would," and similar words or expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results, performance, events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to: the possibility that the anticipated benefits of Mr. Johri's appointment may not be realized; the Company's early-stage sports and media strategy and limited operating history in its current business focus; the Company's ability to develop, finance, operate, commercialize, monetize and scale cricket, sports, media, league-management, sponsorship, broadcast and related business lines; the seasonal nature of cricket leagues and events and the many conditions to successful league and event operations; the Company's dependence on third-party relationships, including relationships with Innovative Production Group FZ, LLC, cricket governing bodies, league operators, venues, broadcasters, sponsors, franchise owners, players, vendors, commercial counterparties and other strategic partners; the possibility that definitive agreements with any such parties may not be entered into on acceptable terms, or at all; the possibility that existing or contemplated relationships, arrangements, rights or opportunities may be terminated, delayed, modified, disputed or fail to produce expected results; the Company's ability to obtain and maintain required governmental, regulatory, league, venue, governing-body, shareholder, exchange or other approvals, consents or authorizations; uncertainties regarding the availability, participation or continued involvement of franchises, franchise owners, players, teams, ambassadors, broadcasters, sponsors, venues, vendors, governing bodies and other counterparties; the possibility that anticipated franchise sales, sponsorships, media rights arrangements, broadcast relationships, advertising revenue, ticketing revenue, licensing revenue or other commercial opportunities may not materialize, may be delayed, or may be less favorable than expected; competitive dynamics in the sports, media, entertainment, streaming, broadcast, sponsorship and league-management industries; changes in consumer demand, audience engagement, advertiser demand, media consumption habits and market conditions affecting cricket, sports and media properties; the Company's ability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all, and the potential dilutive effect of any financing transactions; risks associated with international business activities, including geopolitical, regulatory, tax, foreign exchange, sanctions, anti-corruption, labor, immigration, travel, venue, safety, security and operational risks; general economic, market, industry and capital markets conditions; volatility in the trading price and liquidity of the Company's securities; the Company's ability to maintain compliance with applicable Nasdaq listing standards; and the Company's ability to comply with applicable SEC reporting, disclosure and internal control requirements.

Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements are described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings made with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update, revise or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Investor Relations Contact 

Investors@flashsm.com 

Company Websites 

https://flashsportsandmedia.com 

Source: Flash Sports & Media Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLZH) 

54 teams from 21 nations on the starting blocks for 13th edition

MONACO, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hundreds of young engineers have taken over Quai Louis II in the YCM Marina to showcase their prototypes at the 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, organised by Yacht Club de Monaco, supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW, SBM Offshore, Monaco City Hall, NatPower H, and ESA NanoTech.

The programme has already kicked off with the Job Forum dedicated to exchanges between students, recent graduates and major maritime industry players to encourage meetings, work opportunities and sharing knowledge.

Now a major international event focused on sustainable maritime technologies, the Challenge brings together emerging engineering talent and key industry players, such as Safe Harbor, Oceanco, Ferretti Group, Azimut | Benetti Group, and L?rssen, through to 11 July.

The first event begins tomorrow with the E-Boat Rally, a warm-up before the official opening ceremony. Over the next four days, the programme includes conferences, Tech Talks, demonstrations and on-water contests that will bring students, researchers and professionals into direct contact with each other.

Located on the Jacques Boissy Esplanade and Lucciana Jetty and open to the public free of charge from Thursday to Saturday, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Village will also offer visitors the chance to discover the prototypes, interact with teams from around the world, and follow the races up close. "The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is unique on many levels, both ashore and at sea. With every edition we're able to measure the progress made and open up new horizons for yachting's future. Competitors, professionals and the public mingle in a spirit that promotes dialogue and knowledge sharing," says Yacht Club de Monaco Director and General Secretary Bernard d'Alessandri.

A real-world laboratory

Divided into the Energy Class, AI Class, SeaLab Class, and Open Sea Xperience, the teams are ready for action. They will be competing in contests ranging from speed, endurance, slalom and manoeuvrability trials to autonomous navigation and the E-Boat Rally. All technologies are put to the test under identical conditions turning the event into a genuine open-air laboratory where performance is assessed on both energy efficiency and reliability of the systems developed.

"As a shipyard, we have a duty to lead the way. The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge plays a crucial role in driving the transition to sustainable energy, reducing the environmental impact of maritime activities, and inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators. Our commitment to promoting renewable energy solutions and environmental protection aligns perfectly with the objectives of this innovative event organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco," says Peter L?rssen, CEO of L?rssen.

Methanol enters the contest

Having fuelled discussions at last year's conferences, methanol is set to compete at the 13th edition which confirms the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge's openness to an ever-expanding range of decarbonisation solutions in the wake of electricity and hydrogen technologies. The SURGE Methanol Foiling Team Twente project (University of Twente) exemplifies this evolution with a methanol-electric hydrofoil boat featuring a 5 kW reformed-methanol fuel cell, optimized foil control and a lightweight design.

Two international conferences to progress

As well as on-water demonstrations at sea, the first of two international events, focusing on major transformations taking place in the maritime sector, is on Thursday 9 July. The Advanced Yachting Technology Conference explores emerging technologies applied to yachting, followed Friday 10 July by the 7th Alternative Fuels Conference. Organised by YCM and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, it focuses on a variety of decarbonisation pathways and brings together experts, industry representatives, and researchers to discuss the energy solutions of the future. Meanwhile, Tech Talks are an opportunity for teams to present their projects to an International Jury, industry players and researchers.

Awards reward innovation in all its forms

As well as the on-water results, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge recognises the most advanced projects with awards decided by the Race Committee and an International Jury. These include the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, worth ?25,000, as well as a Jury Prize, Communication Prize and Tech Talks Prizes rewarding innovation, design, and eco-design, and a Rookie Prize for the best debut.

Supported by MarineShift360, the Eco Design prize honours teams that have incorporated a comprehensive life-cycle approach from the very start of the project. Using a life-cycle analysis tool, specifically developed for the maritime industry, participants can assess the environmental impact of their technical choices from materials to propulsion systems.

"The innovations on display at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge are shaping the future of sustainable marine design. Empowering teams to measure and understand the environmental footprint of their vessels from the outset is not just valuable - it's essential. Lifecycle thinking helps us go beyond assumptions, ensuring progress is grounded in data and every design choice moves us closer to truly low-impact marine solutions," explains Lizzy Howard, Project Manager Marine Futures.

The public are invited

Open to the public free of charge from Thursday to Saturday, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Village offers visitors a chance to watch the races live, get up close to the prototypes in the paddocks, discover the latest technological innovations, and interact with teams from around the world. Located on the Jacques Boissy Esplanade and Lucciana Jetty, the Village is also where the daily prize-giving ceremonies and a wide range of activities are taking place throughout the event.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2026 - Ten years after the South China Sea arbitration, CGTN has published an article exploring the story of the Genglubu - a handwritten navigation manual that guided generations of Hainan fishermen long before GPS, shedding light on a chapter of South China Sea history unfamiliar to many outside the region.

Before GPS. Before weather forecasts. Before satellite navigation.

How did generations of Chinese sailors find their way across the South China Sea, one of the world's busiest and most challenging waterways?

A new CGTN documentary, Genglubu: Charting the South China Sea, explores the answer through a little-known ancient navigation manual passed down for generations of fishermen in Tanmen, Hainan Province. The Genglubu recorded routes, compass bearings and sailing distances, helping fishermen navigate reefs, islands and open seas. The documentary follows the fishermen who crossed the sea, the families who preserved their knowledge and a maritime tradition that connected China with Southeast Asia and beyond.

The People Who Brought the Genglubu to Life

To outsiders, the Genglubu looks like a secret code. A single line of just fourteen Chinese characters can contain an entire sea route: the departure point, direction, destination, distance and estimated sailing time.

"Generation after generation, Hainan fishermen rode the waves - not to rule the sea, but to make their living from it."

Xin Lixue, Curator, China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea

The documentary follows veteran fishing boat captains whose lives were inseparable from the sea. Wang Shitao first went to sea at the age of nine. At twelve, his fishing boat was caught in a typhoon. Everyone else on board died. Clinging to a piece of floating timber, he drifted alone for three days. Four years later, another violent storm struck. Once again, he was the only survivor. Yet each time, he returned to the sea. Late in life, reflecting on decades spent sailing the South China Sea, he summed up his feelings:

"I love the South China Sea. I hate it. I miss it."

Wang Shitao, fishing boat captain

The sea demanded sacrifice even as it provided a livelihood. A storm or mishap could wipe out an entire crew.

"Children and brothers should never sail on the same boat."

Wang Shubao, fishing boat captain

A Maritime Tradition Connecting Asia

The documentary challenges the common assumption that the Genglubu was only about the South China Sea. Research on the Liang Family Genglubu reveals routes extending to Singapore, Malacca and Indonesia, showing that Hainan fishermen also played a role in regional maritime trade.

"Hainan fishermen also took part in overseas trade."

Zhao Jueqi, China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea

Not every route was written in words. Some Genglubu manuscripts contain mountain-and-water charts. They combine sketches of coastlines with compass bearings, water depth and sea conditions. These drawings helped sailors identify islands, reefs and coastlines and determine their position at sea.

"The Americans and the British produced their own navigational records, which identify the Chinese as being engaged very heavily in fishing on these islands and other forms of economic activity."

Anthony Carty, International Law Sholar

Today, satellites, weather stations and lighthouses have transformed navigation across the South China Sea. But the purpose remains the same: helping sailors travel safely and return home. Genglubu: Charting the South China Sea traces a maritime tradition shaped by generations of ordinary people. It is a story of navigation, memory and resilience, one that forms part of the shared maritime heritage of Asia.

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

Accelerating declines in global fertility rates present a material risk to long-term energy demand projections

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wood Mackenzie has published analysis warning that accelerating declines in global fertility rates present a material risk to long-term energy demand projections, with a UN low-birth-rate scenario placing peak global population at 8.9 billion in 2053, followed by a contraction to 7.0 billion by 2100.

The global fertility rate fell to 2.2 births per woman in 2025, perilously close to the 2.1 replacement ratio needed to keep the population stable, according to new analysis from Wood Mackenzie that identifies demographic decline as a structural risk for long-term energy demand.

The research finds that plummeting fertility rates could materially reshape energy and commodity demand to 2060 and beyond. The trend joins the war in Iran as a risk factor that strategic planners must now weigh.

Since 2007, when the rate stood at 2.6 births per woman, the decline has been swift. The United Nations currently projects global population will rise from 8.2 billion in 2025 to 10.0 billion in 2060. Observed fertility trends suggest that figure may prove too high.

A new UN World Population Prospects report is expected in July 2026. Wood Mackenzie does not anticipate a revision as extreme as the low-birth-rate scenario but notes that any downward adjustment will carry economic consequences. Ageing populations and shrinking working-age cohorts will exert downward pressure on global GDP forecasts.

China provides the clearest illustration of the trend. Its birth rate fell to 5.6 births per 1,000 people in 2025, the lowest ever recorded, sitting between the UN's expected 6.2 and its low-case scenario of 4.7. China's population contracted by 3.4 million people last year and now stands at 1.40 billion, some 9.6 million below the UN's 2024 projection.

"Demographics dictate destiny," said Peter Martin, Head of Economics at Wood Mackenzie. "The fertility rate has fallen from 2.6 births per woman in 2007 to 2.2 today, and China's population is already 9.6 million below the UN's 2024 forecast. Shrinking workforces mean slower GDP growth, with direct consequences for energy demand. This is not a tail risk. It belongs in the core scenario of every long-range model the industry relies on."

Wood Mackenzie forecasts global primary energy consumption will increase by 8% from current levels, peaking at 717 exajoules (EJ) in 2035 before declining to 672 EJ by 2060. Electricity consumption is projected to double to 71 petawatt-hours over the same period.

Even under a pessimistic demographic scenario, global population would still increase by around 700 million people by 2060. Vast unmet energy needs across Asia and Africa, combined with rising incomes and the rapid scale-up of electrification, renewables and AI adoption, mean most drivers of energy demand remain robust. Those forces also reinforce the decoupling of economic growth from hydrocarbons.

A lower population trajectory would, however, exacerbate existing pressures. Shrinking workforces increase the incentive to invest in AI-driven automation, embedding upside for electricity and critical minerals while creating a structural headwind for molecules. There is also a distributional risk: automation could concentrate wealth among capital owners at the expense of labour, limiting consumer demand.

A lower population does not diminish the draw on critical minerals," said Prakash Sharma, Head of Energy Transition at Wood Mackenzie. "Electrification, renewables and AI adoption create unprecedented demand for those resources while accelerating the structural shift away from hydrocarbons. The capital exists now. The question is whether governments move decisively enough to deploy it before the window narrows after 2060."

Pressures on public finances and living costs are likely to intensify progressively. Governments need to act decisively to secure private and public capital, ensuring energy systems adapt before the demographic profile shifts dramatically after 2060. AI-driven productivity gains could offset the drag on economic growth, and public finances could prove more resilient post-2060 if investment in smart, clean energy infrastructure is made while capital is available.

An earlier and lower global population peak is now viable. Whether it proves a headwind or a catalyst for the next commodity super-cycle will depend on how the world manages the relationship between demographics, economic growth and technology.

-ENDS-

Background:

Population growth has long underpinned energy demand projections. Complex socio-economic factors are cited in existing research as drivers of the trend, among them rising educational attainment, female workforce participation, housing costs and the proliferation of smartphones. The release of the UN World Population Prospects report, expected in July 2026, is likely to prompt a reassessment of long-range demand projections across the energy industry. Wood Mackenzie's forecast horizon runs to 2060, by which point the demographic profile is expected to have shifted materially.

For further information please contact Wood Mackenzie's media relations team:

Chris Boba

+44 7408 841129

Chris.Boba@woodmac.com 

Mark Thomton

+1 630 881 6885

Mark.thomton@woodmac.com

Hla Myat Mon

+65 8533 8860  

hla.myatmon@woodmac.com 

Angelica Juarez

angelica.juarez@woodmac.com

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About Wood Mackenzie:

Wood Mackenzie is the global leader in analytics, insights and proprietary data across the entire energy and natural resources landscape. For over 50 years our work has guided the decisions of the world's most influential energy producers, utilities companies, financial institutions and governments. Now, with the world's energy system more complex and interconnected than ever before, sector-specific views are no longer enough. That's why we've redefined what's possible with Intelligence Connected: the fusion of our unparalleled proprietary data with the sharpest analytical minds, all supercharged by Synoptic AI, to deliver a clear, interconnected view of the entire value chain. Our trusted team of 2,700 experts across 30 countries breaks siloes and connects industries, markets and regions across the globe to empower our customers to identify risk sooner, spot opportunity faster and make every decision with complete confidence.

For more information, visit www.woodmac.com

Chris Boba

Wood Mackenzie

+44 (0) 7408 841129 

chris.boba@woodmac.com

MONACO, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge gets underway from 8-11 July 2026, bringing together 54 teams from 21 countries at the Yacht Club de Monaco Marina to showcase the latest advances in sustainable marine technology.

Organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco with the support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW, SBM Offshore, Monaco City Hall, NatPower H and ESA NanoTech, the event has become a leading international platform for innovation in clean propulsion.

The program opened with the Job Forum, connecting students and recent graduates with major maritime industry players, including Safe Harbor, Oceanco, Ferretti Group, Azimut | Benetti Group and L?rssen. Competition begins with the E-Boat Rally, followed by four days of conferences, Tech Talks, demonstrations and on-water contests.

Teams will compete in the Energy Class, AI Class, SeaLab Class and Open Sea Xperience, taking part in speed, endurance, slalom, maneuverability, autonomous navigation and rally events. All technologies are tested under identical conditions, making the Challenge a real-world laboratory where energy efficiency and system reliability are evaluated side by side.

"The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is unique on many levels, both ashore and at sea. With every edition we're able to measure the progress made and open up new horizons for yachting's future. Competitors, professionals and the public mingle in a spirit that promotes dialogue and knowledge sharing", said Yacht Club de Monaco Director and General Secretary Bernard d'Alessandri.

A major development this year is the introduction of methanol into the competition. Following last year's discussions, the fuel joins electricity and hydrogen among the decarbonization technologies represented. The SURGE Methanol Foiling Team Twente from the University of Twente will compete with a methanol-electric hydrofoil powered by a 5-kW reformed-methanol fuel cell.

The event also hosts two international conferences: the Advanced Yachting Technology Conference on 9 July, dedicated to emerging yachting technologies, and the 7th Alternative Fuels Conference on 10 July, where experts, researchers and industry leaders will discuss future energy solutions for the maritime sector. Tech Talks will provide teams with an opportunity to present their projects to an international jury.

Alongside the racing, the Challenge rewards innovation through several prizes, including the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award (?25,000), the Jury Prize, Communication Prize, Tech Talks Prizes, Rookie Prize and Eco Design Prize.

Open to the public free of charge from Thursday to Saturday, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Village on Jacques Boissy Esplanade and Lucciana Jetty will offer visitors the chance to watch the races, discover the prototypes and meet teams from around the world.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f7f8073d-4778-426c-9d33-76f9eebf86c2

MONACO, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge about to begin, 54 teams are making their final preparations on the quay of the Yacht Club de Monaco before the competition gets underway. From 8-11 July, students, researchers, engineers, manufacturers and shipyards from around the world gather in the Principality to test, share and compare solutions for next-generation propulsion systems.

Based in the Challenge Village, open to the public, participants will showcase their projects through a packed program of on-water competitions, conferences, demonstrations and activities. The event also fosters dialogue between the next generation of engineers and leading maritime companies. The program has already begun with the Job Forum, bringing together students, recent graduates and industry representatives to encourage networking, career opportunities and knowledge sharing.

Among the companies taking part are Dutch custom yacht builder Oceanco and Italian shipbuilding group Azimut Benetti Group. "This event is very important to us. We have a long-standing partnership with the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, and it's essential for us to be where the talent is. Every student here brings something different. They learn time management, project planning and teamwork, developing skills that are fundamental for working in a company. They leave with not only an impressive CV, but also something even more valuable: the soft skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team," said Annalisa Gianoglio, Head of Development, Training & Engagement at Azimut Benetti Group.

"I participated in the Job Forum because, as an interior yacht designer, I was interested in the Azimut Benetti Group," said Milena Idolo, Design Unit Coordinator for the Politecnico di Milano team. "I wanted a general introduction to the company and to learn about the positions available, as I'm approaching the end of my studies. It's an important opportunity for students to speak directly with companies and discuss their future. I would recommend taking part because it's a great way to discover future career opportunities."

The event is also supported by ESA NanoTech, a company specializing in the development and production of sustainable graphene, a nanomaterial known for its mechanical properties. "ESA NanoTech has scaled the production process to bring industrial products to market, such as heating panels. We also use graphene as an additive to reinforce materials and make them structurally stronger," explained Christian Salvatori, Chief Commercial Officer. "This is our first year sponsoring the event, and we see great synergy with the Challenge. It is the ideal laboratory, bringing together talented young engineers developing prototypes and driving innovation in the marine industry, which perfectly matches our mission."

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge also reflects the Yacht Club de Monaco's long-term commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals in the yachting industry. That commitment will continue with the YCM Yachting Student Fair, scheduled for Saturday, 13 March 2027, an initiative designed to connect students, training institutions and leading companies while promoting careers and education across the sector. Earlier this year, the Yacht Club de Monaco hosted the inaugural edition, which attracted nearly 800 students and their families.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

MANILA, Philippines, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A die-hard basketball fan since the days of the Chicago Bulls dynasty during the 1990s, the 39-year-old basketball enthusiast emerged as one of the winners in ArenaPlus' NBA Playoffs MVP: Battle for the Most Valuable Predictor campaign and took home a life-changing ₱5,000,000 prize from the ₱50 Million Shared Prize Pool.

The free-to-play prediction contest, introduced by ArenaPlus in March, challenged fans to put their basketball knowledge and instincts to the test by predicting the outcomes of the NBA Playoffs. Each participant received two entries, giving them two chances to map out the 2026 NBA Playoffs and the projected series winners from the first round through the NBA Finals.

At the core of the challenge was a format familiar to seasoned basketball fans: the bracket. Participants had to predict the winning team across all 15 NBA Playoffs matchups, with only fully KYC-verified entries considered valid.

One participant emerged with the highest number of correct predictions to claim the guaranteed ₱100 Million MVP Bracket prize, with ties determined by the earliest valid submission.

Participants with the next highest number of correct picks split the ₱50 Million Shared Prize Pool, awarded to the highest-performing group below the grand prize winner. One of them was the Banawe-based salesman, who took home ₱5,000,000 after years of following the NBA.

He was formally recognized on All in sa Arena, ArenaPlus' original show on Facebook and YouTube, following the New York Knicks' 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Sunday, June 14. More winners are expected to be announced after careful validation and in-person verification.

For this salesman, the win was decades in the making.

His love for the league started during the Bulls era in the 90s before eventually shifting to the Boston Celtics when Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce formed Boston's famed Big Three. This season, however, he found himself rooting for the Knicks.

Drawing from years of watching the game, he carefully studied Playoffs matchups before making his selections. One of his entries projected a Finals showdown between the Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"Yung una kasi binase ko talaga sa chances nila manalo. Kasi diba, ang lakas ng Cleveland Cavaliers. Sila lang tanging nakapanalo sa Detroit Pistons. Sila naglalaban sa 1st at 2nd seeding sa regular season standings at one point," he said.

"Tiningnan ko yung Playoff experience tsaka match up nila dahil may James Harden at Donovan Mitchell na may experience na sa Playoffs. Tapos kumpleto pa, walang injury yung lineup."

His second entry ultimately proved more valuable where he predicted the Knicks would defeat the Spurs in the NBA Finals.

"Sa Knicks kasi, binase ko kay Jalen Brunson. Iba yung nilaro ni Brunson," he said. "Kaya sabi ko, baka lumusot 'tong Knicks dahil iba nilalaro ni Brunson. Nadagdag lang naman sa kanila si Jordan Clarkson na may Playoff experience din. Kumpleto sila, tapos walang injury. Sabi ko pag naglaban sila ng Cleveland, baka makalusot."

Among the other winners was 38-year-old Matt Rivera, who received ₱10,000 worth of ArenaPlus betting credits. He predicted a Spurs-Knicks Finals matchup, but picked the Spurs to win.

Erick Su, Head of ArenaPlus, congratulated all the winners, noting that their success reflected the Filipinos' passion and knowledge of the game.

"This contest proved something we've known for a long time - Filipinos don't just love basketball, they understand the game at a very high level," said Su.

"The winners were able to make the right calls because they followed the season closely, studied the matchups, and trusted their instincts. That's what the NBA Playoffs MVP: Battle for the Most Valuable Predictor campaign was all about."

About ArenaPlus

ArenaPlus is the #1 PAGCOR licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines, providing a secure and engaging sports betting and streaming experience. Launched in 2023, ArenaPlus features a wide range of local and international sports.

Press Contact Information: Fraulein Olavario Communications Manager, ArenaPlus fraulein.olavario@digiplus.com.ph

Corporate eSIMs for Business Travel Holafly

A modern professional stays securely connected on the go. According to Holafly for Business, 81.3% of travellers report a positive impact on productivity when using a corporate eSIM. Today, business travel is about carrying your entire working environment with you.

DUBLIN, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The modern business trip looks very different from the one most companies designed their travel policies around. Airports have become workspaces, hotel lobbies double as meeting rooms, and international travel no longer offers a pause from the working day. Today, work travels with business travellers.

New research from Holafly for Business suggests this shift is fundamentally changing what professionals need when they are on the road. While internet access remains essential, business travellers increasingly prioritise secure, reliable access to the digital tools they use every day instead of relying on unsecured public Wi‑Fi networks. Security now stands as the defining priority when staying online abroad, overtaking both speed and coverage. More than four in ten business travellers identify secure internet access as their top priority, reflecting the growing importance of accessing enterprise systems, cloud platforms and sensitive corporate data while travelling internationally.

According to Holafly's Summer Travel & eSIM Report 2026, business travellers now represent almost one in five international travellers. Yet the profile of this group is changing rapidly. More than half are under the age of 35, while the proportion aged over 45 has fallen by 7.4 percentage points compared with the previous year. The findings suggest that a new generation of professionals is changing expectations around flexibility, technology and how work is done while travelling.

The report also reveals that connectivity challenges are no longer merely an inconvenience. An overwhelming 86.5% of business travellers report having experienced stress caused by connectivity issues while travelling. For younger professionals, digital-first solutions such as eSIMs have become the preferred option, while older travellers continue to rely more heavily on traditional roaming services.

The impact extends beyond convenience, directly affecting performance. Among travellers whose companies provide a corporate eSIM, 81.3% report a positive impact on productivity, compared with 61.2% of those using traditional corporate roaming solutions and 52.4% of employees who arrange connectivity themselves. The ability to access work securely and seamlessly from the moment a traveller arrives may play a larger role in productivity than many organisations currently recognise.

"Business travel used to be about getting from one place to another. Today, it is about carrying your entire working environment with you," said Alex Bryzowski, VP of Holafly for Business. "Professionals are expected to respond and make decisions wherever they are in the world. What our research shows is that they need the confidence to work securely and effectively from anywhere."

As work becomes increasingly distributed and international travel more integrated into everyday business operations, organisations may need to rethink how they support employees on the move. The modern business trip is defined not by the destination, but by the ability to work securely, productively and without interruption from anywhere in the world.

Media contact: press@holafly.com

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At RoboCup 2026, the world's premier robotics competition, teams competing on Booster Robotics' humanoid robots swept all championship titles across the Small, Middle and Large divisions.

This year, a total of 59 teams from around the world participated in RoboCup 2026, 38 of which competed on Booster robots, including but not limited to Badger Bots (USA), Bahia Robotics Team (Brazil), Berlin United (Germany), B-Human (Germany), HTWK Robots (Germany), HULKs (Germany), Inha-United (South Korea), KURA (UAE), NUbots (Australia), Pumas (Mexico), RedbackBots (Australia), RFC-Tsudanuma (Japan), Rhoban (France), RoboEireann (Ireland), Robo-Erectus (Singapore), Ruhrbot Devils (Germany), rUNSWift (Australia), SPQR Team (Italy), Tech United (Netherlands), UT AustinVilla (USA), whIRLwind Amsterdam (Netherlands), and others.

Large Division: Champion, Tsinghua Hephaestus; Runner-up, CAU Mountain&Sea; Third place, BISTU Water. All competed on Booster T1.

Middle Division: Champion, B-Human; Runner-up, HTWK Robots; Third place, Rhoban. All competed on Booster K1.

Small Division: Champion, Invic; Runner-up, Hamburg Bit-Bots; Third place, GeoHBots. Invic and GeoHBots competed on Booster K1 Air.

Middle Division: Champion, B-Human; Runner-up, HTWK Robots

Booster's robots at RoboCup 2026

RoboCup 2026

The Champion Behind Champions

This widespread adoption signals a fundamental shift in what robotics competitions measure, from "who can build the robot" to "who can make the robot smarter." In past years, teams spent much of their R&D resources building the robot itself from scratch, with significant effort going into mechanical design, hardware development, and basic locomotion control. This year marked a clear inflection point: leading teams focused almost entirely on pushing the boundaries of perception, real-time decision-making, and multi-agent coordination, while Booster Robotics served as the underlying platform, continuing to advance the robots' core leg and foot locomotion capabilities, improving reliability in high-speed running, sudden stops and turns, fall recovery, and sustained motion. This separation of hardware and software lets complex code perform reliably in the real world.

RoboCup 2026

Booster Robotics Builds a Global Embodied Intelligence Ecosystem

Booster Robotics recently launched Booster Studio, the world's first integrated development environment (IDE) built for embodied intelligence, giving engineers, researchers, and developers worldwide a unified platform to program, simulate, and deploy humanoid robot behaviors more efficiently. At the same time, the company officially launched the Booster Champion 3v3 Soccer Tournament (champion.booster.tech/?lang=en), inviting developers and embodied intelligence enthusiasts around the world to compete, collaborate, and help build the future of embodied intelligence together. The competition will expand into more real-world scenarios going forward.

One of the youngest teams at RoboCup 2026 was from Pui Ching Middle School (Macau). Using Booster Studio, these young developers were able to develop, train, and validate their algorithms in a highly realistic digital environment before seamlessly deploying them onto real robots. From top research universities and leading labs to everyday developers and student teams, an open, shared ecosystem for embodied intelligence development is taking shape.

Booster Robotics IDE

About Booster Robotics

Booster Robotics is a humanoid robotics company dedicated to bringing embodied intelligence into real-world deployment. At RoboCup 2026, teams competing on Booster robots swept every championship title across the Small, Middle, and Large divisions, extending Booster's technical leadership in humanoid robotics. For more information, visit booster.tech. To learn more about Booster Studio, go to studio.booster.tech.

SOURCE Booster Robotics

Note: High-resolution images and video assets available upon request. Contact pr@booster.tech

Media Contact: Booster Robotics | pr@booster.tech

SINGAPORE, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE, OTCQX:VLERF) ("Valeura" or the "Company") provides an operations and financial update for Q2 2026.

Highlights

Oil production averaged 22.3 mbbls/d(1);

Sales of 2.454 million bbls;

Price realisations averaged US$105.8/bbl, resulting in revenue of US$259.8 million;

Drilled the longest horizontal lateral ever recorded in the Gulf of Thailand and also the first ever complex multi-lateral development well in Thailand, both on the Company's Nong Yao field(2);

Secured a formal reduction of the Manora field's decommissioning liability, resulting in a partial release of bank guarantees, and therefore a 31% reduction in restricted cash;

Cash position of US$316.5 million at 30 June 2026(3) and a receivable of US$42.7 million in respect of oil sold just prior to end of the quarter. No debt; and

Based on preliminary unaudited estimates, anticipated record quarterly free cash flow of approximately US$100 million(4).

(1) Working interest share production, before royalties.

(2) Block G11/48, 90% operated working interest.

(3) Includes restricted cash of US$15.8 million.

(4) Adjusted free cash flow is a non-IFRS financial measure that does not have a standardised meaning under IFRS ? see "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis dated 14 May 2026.

   

Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO commented: 

"During Q2 2026, we once again delivered production in line with our plan and executed an ambitious development and appraisal drilling programme on our Nong Yao field which met or exceeded all pre-drill expectations. We are focused always on driving deeper efficiency into our business to enhance cash flow margins, and this quarter our efforts have delivered two new Gulf of Thailand records ? the longest horizontal interval ever drilled and the first ever complex multi-lateral development well.

In a single quarter, we generated record high revenue of US$259.8 million, driven by quarterly oil sales of 2.454 million bbls and high realised oil prices of US$105.8/bbl. This has strengthened our balance sheet to a 30 June 2026 cash position of US$316.5 million (including US$15.8 million recorded as restricted cash), and no debt. This increase is after having paid the 2025 taxes during the quarter of US$19.2 million, and will be boosted further by the fact that we recorded a receivable of US$42.7 million in respect of oil that was sold just prior to the end of the quarter. Based on preliminary estimates for Q2 2026, we anticipate that our free cash flow generation in the quarter will be in the order of US$100 million, a record for the Company(1).

With an increasingly strong financial position, we believe we are well positioned to pursue our growth-oriented strategy. Our asset portfolio continues to yield what we consider to be attractive organic investment opportunities, and we continue to monitor potential inorganic growth prospects which are currently on market or which we anticipate may become available in the near term."

(1) Adjusted free cash flow is a non-IFRS financial measure that does not have a standardised meaning under IFRS ? see "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis dated 14 May 2026.

   

Q2 2026 Update

Valeura's working interest share production before royalties was on plan for Q2 2026, averaging 22.3 mbbls/d. The Company sold a total of 2.454 million bbls of oil during the quarter. Realised prices averaged US$105.8/bbl and revenue was US$259.8 million in Q2 2026, both new quarterly records for the Company.

Oil sold during Q2 2026 included a substantial contribution from volumes held as inventory at the end of Q1, totalling 1.225 million bbls. As a result, the Company's inventory of crude oil held in its floating storage vessels has since reduced to more typical levels, being 0.793 million bbls at 30 June 2026.

On the back of sales volumes in excess of quarterly production and high realised prices, the Company anticipates Q2 2026 free cash flow of approximately US$100 million(1), the Company's highest quarterly result to date.

During the quarter the Company paid taxes of US$19.2 million, related mostly to the 2025 financial year Special Remuneratory Benefit ("SRB").

At 30 June 2026, Valeura had US$316.5 million in cash and no debt. This quarter-end cash position does not fully reflect Q2 sales, as US$42.7 million in proceeds from two parcels of oil sold just prior to the end of the quarter, is expected to be received in early Q3 2026.

(1) Adjusted free cash flow is a non-IFRS financial measure that does not have a standardised meaning under IFRS ? see "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis dated 14 May 2026.

   

Manora Decommissioning Reduction

During Q2 2026, Valeura and Thailand's upstream regulator agreed to a reduction in the anticipated future decommissioning cost of its Manora field. As a result, the amount of security required to be lodged with the Government of Thailand to support this future spending was reduced, thereby reducing the Company's restricted cash by 31% while increasing its (unrestricted) cash. At 30 June 2026, Valeura's restricted cash totalled US$15.8 million.

Results Timing

Valeura intends to release its full unaudited financial and operating results for Q2 2026 on 06 August 2026 and will discuss the results in more detail through a management webcast.

For further information, please contact:

Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries) +65 6373 6940

Sean Guest, President and CEO

Yacine Ben-Meriem, CFO

Contact@valeuraenergy.com

   

Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries) +1 403 975 6752

Robin James Martin, SVP, Communications and Investor Relations

IR@valeuraenergy.com

   

Contact details for the Company's advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including Auctus Advisors LLP, Beacon Securities Limited, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), Cormark Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation, Roth Canada Inc., and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, are listed on the Company's website at www.valeuraenergy.com/investor-information/analysts/.

About the Company

Valeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and T?rkiye. The Company is executing a growth-oriented strategy, reinvesting into its producing asset portfolio while deploying capital toward further organic and inorganic growth across Southeast Asia. Valeura is committed to delivering value-accretive growth for all stakeholders, underpinned by high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.

Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Unaudited Financial Information

Certain anticipated financial and operating results for Q2 2026 in this news release, including free cash flow, are preliminary estimates based on unaudited financial information. These preliminary figures have not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditor and remain subject to change, which changes could be material, upon completion of the Company's unaudited interim financial statements for the three and six months ended 30 June 2026 and management's final review.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Ratios

This news release includes references to financial measures commonly used in the oil and gas industry including free cash flow, which is not a generally accepted accounting measure under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS Accounting Standards") issued by International Accounting Standards Board and does not have any standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards and, therefore, may not be comparable with similar definitions that may be used by other public companies. Management believes that free cash flow from operations is a useful supplemental measure that may assist shareholders and investors in assessing the financial performance and position of the Company. Non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards.

Free cash flow: is a non-IFRS financial measure which does not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. This non-IFRS finance measure is included because management uses the information to analyst cash generation and financial performance of the Company. To calculate free cash flow, Valeura starts with adjusted cashflow from operations, subtracts adjusted capex and exploration expenses, adds other income, deducting any impact from foreign exchange gains or losses.

Adjusted cashflow from operations: is a non-IFRS financial measure which does not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. This non-IFRS finance measure is included because management uses the information to analyse cash generation and financial performance of the Company. Adjusted cashflow from operations is calculated using two methods which generate the same figures: a) by subtracting from oil revenues, adjusted opex, royalties, general and administrative costs which are adjusted for non-recurring charges (generating the adjusted pre-tax cashflow), and accrued Petroleum Income Tax Act ("PITA") taxes and special remuneratory benefit ("SRB") expenses, and b) to enhance and facilitate to the reader a reconciliation of this non-IFRS measure, the Company also presents the adjusted cash flow from operations by calculating from cash generated from (used in) operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows, adjusting with non-cash items, adjusted opex, general and administrative costs which are adjusted for non-recurring charges (generating the adjusted pre-tax cashflow), and accrued PITA tax and SRB expenses.

Adjusted capex: is a non-IFRS measure which does not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. Adjusted capex is defined as the addition in capital expenditure for capital work in progress, drilling, brownfield, and other PP&E. Management uses this non-IFRS measure to analyse the capital spending of the Company and assess investments in its assets.

Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to: timing for receipt of cash proceeds for oil sold just prior to the end of Q2 2026; anticipated free cash flow generation in Q2 2026; the Company's increasingly strong financial position; the Company's asset portfolio continuing to yield attractive organic investment opportunities; and timing for potential inorganic growth prospects coming to market.

Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations and assumptions regarding, among other things: political stability of the areas in which the Company is operating; continued safety of operations and ability to proceed in a timely manner; continued operations of and approvals forthcoming from governments and regulators in a manner consistent with past conduct; future drilling activity on the required/expected timelines; the prospectivity of the Company's lands; the continued favourable pricing and operating netbacks across its business; future production rates and associated operating netbacks and cash flow; decline rates; future sources of funding; future economic conditions; the impact of inflation of future costs; future currency exchange rates; interest rates; the ability to meet drilling deadlines and fulfil commitments under licences and leases; future commodity prices; the impact of the ongoing conflicts between the U.S.-Israel and Iran, and between Russia and Ukraine; royalty rates and taxes; future capital and other expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells and working over existing wellbores; the performance of wells and facilities; the availability of the required capital to funds its exploration, development and other operations, and the ability of the Company to meet its commitments and financial obligations; the ability of the Company to secure adequate processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms; the capacity and reliability of facilities; the application of regulatory requirements respecting abandonment and reclamation; the recoverability of the Company's reserves and contingent resources; future growth; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the impact of increasing competition; the ability to efficiently integrate assets and employees acquired through acquisitions; global energy policies going forward; future debt levels; and the Company's continued ability to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner. In addition, the Company's work programmes and budgets are in part based upon expected agreement among joint venture partners and associated exploration, development and marketing plans and anticipated costs and sales prices, which are subject to change based on, among other things, the actual results of drilling and related activity, availability of drilling, offshore storage and offloading facilities and other specialised oilfield equipment and service providers, changes in partners' plans and unexpected delays and changes in market conditions. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Exploration, appraisal, and development of oil and natural gas reserves and resources are speculative activities and involve a degree of risk. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company including, but not limited to: the ability of management to execute its business plan or realise anticipated benefits from acquisitions; the risk of disruptions from public health emergencies and/or pandemics; competition for specialised equipment and human resources; the Company's ability to manage growth; the Company's ability to manage the costs related to inflation; disruption in supply chains; the risk of currency fluctuations; changes in interest rates, oil and gas prices and netbacks; potential changes in joint venture partner strategies and participation in work programmes; uncertainty regarding the contemplated timelines and costs for work programme execution; the risks of disruption to operations and access to worksites; potential changes in laws and regulations, the uncertainty regarding government and other approvals; counterparty risk; the risk that financing may not be available; risks associated with weather delays and natural disasters; and the risk associated with international activity. See the Company's most recent annual information form and the MD&A for a detailed discussion of the risk factors.

Certain forward-looking information in this news release may also constitute "financial outlook" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Financial outlook involves statements about Valeura's prospective financial performance or position and is based on and subject to the assumptions and risk factors described above in respect of forward-looking information generally as well as any other specific assumptions and risk factors in relation to such financial outlook noted in this news release. Such assumptions are based on management's assessment of the relevant information currently available, and any financial outlook included in this news release is made as of the date hereof and provided for the purpose of helping readers understand Valeura's current expectations and plans for the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on any financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes or in other circumstances and that the risk factors described above or other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from any financial outlook.

The forward-looking information contained in this new release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this new release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such offer would be unlawful. This news release is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2026 - The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) approved on 8 July a USD 688 million (23 billion baht) investment by Nestl? (Thai) Co., Ltd. to construct a smart factory and distribution center. The greenfield project will deploy artificial intelligence and advanced automation, positioning Thailand as the multinational's strategic production and logistics hub for Southeast Asia.

The approval highlights Thailand's accelerating momentum in attracting high-tech, high-value food and beverage manufacturing as global corporations seek resilient, technology-driven supply chains in Southeast Asia.

"This greenfield investment will support growing domestic and regional market demand while linking directly with our domestic supply chain," said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment. "By using local raw materials, helping our farmers and entrepreneurs, and sharing knowledge, this project will boost the potential of the Thai coffee industry and strengthen Thailand's position as a key food and beverage hub in the region."

The new automated facility, located in the Araya Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan province, is scheduled to start operations in the fourth quarter of 2028 with an annual capacity of 170,000 metric tons of NESCAFE soluble coffee, coffee mixes, and ready-to-drink beverages. The project is expected to create over 520 jobs for Thai engineers and technical specialists.

By integrating AI-driven systems and robotic automation, the facility aims to maximize operational efficiency and minimize its environmental footprint. This directly supports Thailand's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic agenda.

Nestl?, the world's largest food and beverage company, counts Thailand among its longest-serving markets. Its NESCAFE brand has led the Thai coffee market for more than 50 years, with more than half the market share.

"Thailand has been an important market for Nestl? for more than 130 years," said Mr. Nikhil Chand, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nestl? Indochina. "This investment reflects our confidence in the country and our commitment to contributing positively to Thai society, the economy, local communities, and the environment. The new facility will use a wide range of locally sourced ingredients including coffee beans, sugar, and fresh milk, further supporting local agriculture and economic development."

A key factor in the BOI's approval is the project's deep integration into the domestic economy. Nestl? will source USD 130 million (4.3 billion baht) worth of local agricultural inputs and raw materials each year.

In tandem with the manufacturing expansion, Nestl? will drive upstream agricultural development by researching climate-resilient coffee varieties, distributing high-quality saplings, and training local farmers in sustainable, high-yield cultivation practices.

"Nestl?'s choice to invest in coffee production here reflects the confidence global investors place in Thailand. It advances our strategy to become a world-leading food and beverage production base," Mr. Narit said. "This investment strengthens the entire coffee value chain, from farming and processing to logistics and export. And it builds a stronger, more resource-efficient foundation for Thailand's food and beverage industry."

Note: Currency conversions are based on the Bank of Thailand's average selling rate of approximately 1 USD = 33.3 THB.

About Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

Established in 1966, the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) has continuously played an essential role for over 60 years in promoting value-adding investment for the country, from both foreign and Thai investors, to enhance national competitiveness and drive towards a new era of sustainable and balanced growth.

Investment Services Center - PR Section, The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI)

555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak Bangkok 10900 Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111, Fax: +66 (0) 2553 8222

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

Hashtags: #Thailandboardofinvestment #BOI #FDI #Investment

https://www.boi.go.th/en/index/

July 8, 2026

Newest addition to the Philips ultrasound portfolio, Alturion recently received FDA 510(k) clearance and CE mark, expanding access to advanced imaging and workflow innovation across clinical settings

Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced the launch of the Alturion ultrasound system with AI-powered workflow built for high-volume settings. Available in the USA and Europe following FDA 510(k) clearance and CE mark certification, Alturion helps clinicians work more efficiently, deliver consistent results, and make confident clinical decisions.

As healthcare providers manage growing demand and increasing operational complexity, ultrasound teams need solutions that help improve efficiency without compromising quality. With the introduction of Alturion, Philips expands its ultrasound portfolio by bringing together advanced imaging, AI-powered workflows and a connected ecosystem that is designed to help streamline examinations and support consistency across users and clinical settings.

"At Philips, our goal is to develop technology that adapts to the realities of modern healthcare and helps care teams work more effectively in increasingly demanding clinical environments," said Jie Xue, Chief Business Leader, Precision Diagnosis at Philips. "Alturion was designed with that goal in mind, helping healthcare providers deliver high-quality care with greater efficiency and confidence."

Performance and usability across care settings

Alturion's powerful processing architecture supports responsive performance and clear visualization across patients and exam types. With an expansive 24-inch monitor and a small footprint, the system enables easy movement from department to bedside and supports space utilization. Streamlined, intuitive workflows help reduce manual adjustments and exam time, helping providers manage high patient volumes, while a familiar user interface supports operational simplicity and consistency across care teams. 

Alturion is the newest ultrasound system to include Elevate Plus with AI-powered measurements for abdominal ultrasound. AI-enabled capabilities help streamline acquisition, automate measurements, and support reproducibility. By helping reduce variability and save time, these tools can contribute to more consistent exams and support clinical decision-making.

A connected ultrasound ecosystem

Alturion fits within Philips' connected ultrasound ecosystem, sharing a common user interface and interchangeable transducers that are compatible with EPIQ Elite and Affiniti systems. By enabling sonographers and clinicians to use the same transducers across multiple systems, healthcare organizations can help simplify training, accelerate onboarding and support consistent workflows across departments. Philips' complete general imaging ultrasound portfolio is designed for upgradeability and is compatible with Collaboration Live, a tele-ultrasound capability that enables multiple users to connect in real time for remote support, training and consultation.

For more information on Alturion, please visit here.

For further information, please contact: 

Jayme Maniatis 

Philips Global External Relations  

Tel.: 617-894-8368 

E-mail: jayme.maniatis@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips' patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2025 sales of approximately EUR 18 billion and employs approximately 64,300 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Attachment

Philips Alturion ultrasound system

Global survey of 850 senior legal professionals reveals AI challenges stem from flawed implementation, not the technology

HOUSTON, July 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New research by Morae Global Corporation finds that despite nearly half of all legal organizations embedding AI deeply across their legal processes, a profound trust gap remains.

Only 33% of senior legal professionals trust the results of AI-assisted legal work, while 67% are concerned the cost of human verification is outweighing the productivity benefits of AI. Nearly half are routinely rewriting AI outputs, yet fewer than 1 in 4 feels equipped to evaluate what they might be missing.

The findings point not to a failure of technology, but to a failure of change management and implementation. The potential of AI is being suppressed by a consistent set of underlying failures: data that is siloed, fragmented and ungoverned; governance frameworks that exist on paper but not in practice; and a verification tax that is quietly consuming the efficiency gains AI was supposed to deliver.

"The legal sector is embracing AI, but effective deployment is facing significant headwinds because the underlying data isn't optimal. When only 26% of legal leaders feel confident in their information governance, there are inevitably concerns with safety, reliability and trust," explains Shahzad Bashir, chairman and CEO of Morae. "The root of the problem isn't the technology itself. It's that the industry is deploying powerful tools on a fragmented foundation. To realize the full potential of this transformative technology, we need to reimagine the foundation for AI with unified legal intelligence that integrates AI, data and legal expertise from the start."

Read the full AI in Legal report 2026 here.

Adopted but Untrusted

46% of all organizations now have AI integrated or embedded across legal processes, with a further 31% using it regularly in defined workflows, such as legal research, contract review, and discovery.

Only 49% say they feel more positive or confident about AI than 12 months ago, with just 21% saying AI productivity improvements have exceeded expectations.

48% of respondents name poor accuracy and hallucinations as the most significant challenges constraining effective AI use, while security concerns (41%) and fragmented data quality (36%) remain major operational hurdles.

The AI Verification Tax

67% of senior legal professionals are concerned that the cost of human verification and oversight might outweigh the efficiency benefits provided by AI.

89% believe AI-generated legal work should be checked by a human before use.

48% report that humans always or often materially change AI outputs before they can be used.

50% of respondents express high concern about potential liability if AI-assisted legal work leads to errors or adverse outcomes, while 62% are extremely or very concerned about the associated reputational risk from AI errors.

The Data Integrity Barrier

80% of legal professionals agree that effective AI use is heavily reliant on high-quality, well-governed data.

77% state that poor information quality undermines AI outcomes regardless of the tool's quality.

Only 26% of legal leaders feel fully or very confident that their organization's legal information is prepared for effective analysis by AI.

The Governance Gap

Nearly 1 in 3 organizations has no formal governance framework for AI-generated outputs at all.

While 71% of legal teams have formal records retention and governance policies in place, only 30% are confident those policies are being applied effectively.

Only 30% of legal leaders have confidence that their information is properly classified, whether it is privileged (32%), confidential (27%), or sensitive (26%).

39% of organizations describe themselves as truly prepared for upcoming AI-related regulations affecting legal services.

"Today, the legal industry is delegating standalone tasks to AI, while leaving the underlying infrastructure unchanged. AI overlaid on unchanged workflows and fragmented data will inevitably produce fragmented intelligence," points out Shahzad Bashir, chairman and CEO of Morae.

"Until an AI environment is contextually aware and integrated across the full legal estate, the technology will continue to struggle to deliver the secure, trusted outcomes that legal professionals require. As an industry, we need to connect these siloed systems and enable cross-platform data to deliver unified legal intelligence."

About Morae

Morae is a global legal solutions provider helping corporate legal departments and law firms operate with Unified Legal Intelligence. We connect client data, systems, and workflows across the legal function to deliver decision-ready insight that improves speed, clarity, and control. Founded in 2015, Morae combines legal consulting, technology, and operations expertise with deep in-house and law firm experience to help clients modernize how work gets done. Across contracts, discovery, information governance, and resourcing, Morae helps legal teams turn fragmented data into actionable intelligence and measurable outcomes. Learn more about Morae, our approach and solutions at morae.com and follow us on  LinkedIn.

About the AI in Legal Report

The Morae AI in Legal Report 2026 gathered responses from 850 senior legal professionals. Respondents were split evenly between in-house corporate legal departments and law firms in private practice and drawn from four markets: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Middle East.

All respondents held senior roles with direct knowledge of their organization's AI use in legal services, including General Counsel, Heads of Legal Operations, Managing Partners, CIOs and CISOs. The average organization size was 3,832 employees, with average revenue of $1.5 billion and average investment in AI of $2.2 million. The research was conducted by Coleman Parkes from February to March 2026.

Media Contact:

Gareth Pettigrew

+1 250-240-0638

gareth.pettigrew@morae.com

Compelling path to $1billion ARR and public offering, fueled by product market fit in the agentic AI age, explosion of identities and related threats, and accelerating growth

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2026 - Keeper Security ("Keeper" or "we"), the identity security platform for humans, machines and AI agents, today announced a major milestone in its journey to become the market standard for AI-native identity security, having reached $225 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). Since 2021, Keeper's ARR has grown over 3x.

Keeper protects over 95,000 organizations, which includes many Fortune 500 enterprises and public sector agencies. The company is quickly emerging as the market standard for AI-native identity security for enterprises globally with its leading zero-trust and zero-knowledge identity security platform. In 2025, leading analyst firm Gartner recognized Keeper as the second-fastest-growing security software competitor globally, second only to Google.* This recognition underscores Keeper's rapid market expansion in addressing identity security challenges created by cloud transformation and artificial intelligence adoption across enterprise infrastructure and endpoints.

Keeper is now growing at over 4x the industry average.

This market-leading growth is driven by the explosion of identities in the agentic AI age and relentless focus on innovation to protect customers, as evidenced by the release of its unified privileged access management and identity security platform, KeeperPAM?, which protects both human and Non-Human Identities (NHIs), including service accounts, machine identities, databases, AI agents and agentic workloads. Since the launch of KeeperPAM in February 2025, KeeperPAM revenue has exhibited 10x year-over-year growth and Keeper has seen industry-leading new customer growth, adding an average of 850 new organizations every month. In the last fifteen months, Keeper added over 400 innovative features and products to KeeperPAM.

"Identity is the new security perimeter," said Darren Guccione, CEO and Co-founder of Keeper Security. "As enterprises increasingly deploy AI agents and autonomous systems, the number of privileged identities and machine credentials is growing exponentially. Organizations need a modern, unified platform that secures every identity - human and non-human - and governs every privileged interaction. Our growth reflects the market's demand for a platform purpose-built to address these challenges."

Keeper's cloud-native cybersecurity platform delivers a comprehensive approach to identity security and privileged access management by unifying enterprise password management, secrets management, privileged session management, database management and endpoint privilege management in a single platform. Keeper's AI-native identity security strategy seamlessly extends these capabilities to non-human identities and agentic AI environments, enabling organizations to discover, manage and secure machine credentials and autonomous workloads with the same rigor applied to human users.

As enterprises adopt AI technologies at scale, the proliferation of non-human identities is rapidly outpacing that of human identities by 150:1, according to reports, thereby creating new attack surfaces and operational complexity. Keeper's platform helps organizations establish identity-first security strategies that provide security, visibility, governance and least-privilege controls across their entire identity ecosystem.

"Autonomous agents, frontier LLMs and machine-to-machine workflows are operating inside enterprise environments right now - without adequate governance, secrets management or access controls," said Craig Lurey, CTO and Co-founder of Keeper Security. "Keeper is purpose-built to solve this problem at scale."

The company's continued growth and market recognition reinforce its position as one of the cybersecurity industry's most innovative and fastest-growing providers of AI-native identity security and privileged access management solutions. Keeper's financial profile combines best-in-class growth, profitability and a debt-free capital structure and is an asset positioned to efficiently lead identity security in the agentic AI age.

"Surpassing $225 million in ARR confirms what we've heard in every enterprise conversation - that securing non-human identities is the defining security challenge of the AI era," said Darren Guccione, CEO of Keeper Security. "We have established an accelerated path to $1 billion in ARR which, coupled with our technology roadmap, will provide optionality for a public offering."

Source Citation:

Gartner, Market Share Analysis: Security Software, Worldwide, 2025, Rahul Yadav, Deepali, 11 May 2026

Gartner is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's Business and Technology Insights Organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Keeper Security

Keeper Security is the leading zero-trust and zero-knowledge identity security solution, trusted by millions of people and thousands of organizations globally. KeeperPAM is Keeper's privileged access management platform that unifies password and passkey management, secrets management, privileged session management and endpoint privilege management in a single cloud-native platform, protected with quantum-resistant encryption. KeeperAI delivers real-time, AI-native threat detection across every privileged session. As AI agents proliferate and identity becomes the defining attack surface, Keeper governs access for humans, machines, non-human identities and AI agents, serving as the unified control plane for access, compliance and visibility across the enterprise. For more information, visit KeeperSecurity.com.

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

Hashtags: #KeeperSecurity

Meltwater MCP is the only full-suite media intelligence platform that plugs directly into leading AI assistants, custom agents and AI workflows - with the ability to take action, not just answer questions

SAN FRANCISCO, July 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meltwater, the global leader in actionable intelligence for PR, Communications and Marketing teams, today announced a major expansion of Meltwater MCP (Model Context Protocol). The release adds a new set of MCP tools that allow AI assistants to take action inside the Meltwater platform, helping teams access insights, create reports, and track alerts in real time.

Ask Meltwater, Inside Existing AI Tools

Meltwater has hosted MCP natively since June 2025, bringing unmatched real-time, cited media, social, and influencer intelligence directly into the AI tools teams already use. This allowed users to ask questions in plain language and receive trusted answers grounded in Meltwater's licensed data which analyzes 1.3 billion-plus documents a day.

But teams no longer want AI assistants that simply summarize information. They want agents that can understand intent, work with trusted context, take action and learn from the intelligence assets a team has already built.

Meltwater MCP meets this need, moving beyond simply answering questions to allow AI tools to build on existing projects within the Meltwater platform. Teams can simply ask their preferred AI tool for an overview of breaking news coverage, a brand health report, or a brief on trending social media topics, without having to log in to Meltwater and start a search from scratch. The results can be saved, re-used and referenced again by an AI agent that knows the purpose behind them.

Access to Trusted Intelligence Across Your Organization

Not everyone who needs a Meltwater answer has platform access, so they often turn to generic AI tools that respond from open-web data rather than trusted, sourced intelligence. This means that generic results often sound confident while being outdated, incomplete, or simply wrong. Meltwater MCP closes this gap with a single, governed connector that brings Meltwater's licensed data into any compatible AI assistant, letting teams ask questions in plain language and get cited, verifiable answers without a custom integration or specialist help.

"Intelligence shouldn't require a specialist to unlock it," said Chris Hackney, Chief Product Officer at Meltwater. "Meltwater MCP means the analyst, the executive, and the intern can all ask the same question and get the same quality of answer, grounded in real Meltwater data, right inside the AI tools they already use every day."

"Teams shouldn't have to pick between the AI tool they already love using and the data they actually trust, but that's the tradeoff most integrations force on them," said Aditya Jami, Chief Technology Officer at Meltwater. "Meltwater MCP means they don't have to. It's one connector, fully governed, bringing real Meltwater intelligence into whichever assistant a team is already using. And now, they can act on it too, not just ask about it."

Now Generally Available to Meltwater Customers

Meltwater MCP is now generally available to Meltwater customers. It builds on more than a year of customer pilots and provides MCP-based access to its data and content in production. The release reflects Meltwater's commitment to empowering leaders with the intelligence they need to set a new standard in PR, Communications, and Marketing.

To learn more about Meltwater's MCP offering, visit meltwater.com.

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Costello

Corporate Communications Director

pr@meltwater.com

About Meltwater

Meltwater is the global leader in actionable intelligence for PR, Communications, and Marketing teams. By analyzing 1.3 billion pieces of content daily, Meltwater transforms media, social, and AI signals into intelligence that leaders rely on to make faster, more confident decisions. With 27,000 customers worldwide, Meltwater is the intelligence platform global brands trust to stay ahead.

Meltwater: Intelligence you can act on. 

Learn more at meltwater.com.

Expanded partnership strengthens AMFRESH's ability to invest in innovation, international expansion and long-term value creation across the fresh food sector.

MADRID, July 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMFRESH Group ("AMFRESH" or the "Group") today announced the extension of its strategic partnership with Paine Schwartz Partners ("PSP"), reinforcing the Group's ability to execute its long-term Strategic Ambition Plan.

The renewed partnership marks the next phase in AMFRESH's development, supporting the delivery of its long-term Strategic Ambition Plan?a roadmap to accelerate innovation, expand internationally and build a broader, more diversified business through disciplined organic growth, innovation-led expansion and selective strategic acquisitions, while advancing AMFRESH's ambition to lead the transformation of the global fresh food industry.

Over the last decade, AMFRESH has built one of the world's leading integrated innovation platforms for the agrifood industry, combining proprietary genetics and breeding, advanced farming systems, sustainable production, supply chain capability, technology and deep retail partnerships into an end-to-end ecosystem designed to transform how fresh food is developed, produced and commercialized.

The Group's Strategic Ambition Plan is designed to build on these foundations, accelerating investment in the areas expected to shape the future of fresh food while creating a broader, more diversified business with an increasingly global footprint. Building on the strength of AMFRESH's existing customer partnerships and a decade of innovation and growth, the plan will expand the Group across products, geographies and business segments through continued investment in innovation, varietal development, advanced farming systems, resilient supply chains and deeper collaboration with leading retailers.

Delivering this ambition also depends on people. Alongside continued investment in innovation and technology, AMFRESH is committed to developing its existing talent, attracting exceptional professionals from across the global fresh food industry, and strengthening the leadership, capabilities and culture needed to shape the next generation of agrifood innovation.

As part of the renewed agreement, PSP is expanding its minority investment in AMFRESH Group and BLOOM FRESH, the genetics and IP licensing division of AMFRESH. The extended partnership provides significant additional new capital and strategic support as AMFRESH pursues one of the most ambitious growth and investment programmes in its history.

Alvaro Mu?oz, Chief Executive Officer of AMFRESH Group, commented, "The agrifood industry is at an inflection point. Consumers, retailers and growers are demanding greater innovation, stronger sustainability and entirely new ways of creating value. Over the last decade, AMFRESH has built a unique global platform spanning genetics and breeding, advanced farming systems, technology, supply chain capability and deep retail partnerships. We are now entering a new phase of growth, with a clear plan to scale that platform, accelerate innovation and invest in the capabilities and talent our industry will need over the next decade. Our ambition is to become an even stronger, more relevant and more capable partner for growers, retailers and consumers. Achieving that ambition requires long-term investment, exceptional people, disciplined execution and partners who share our long-term vision. PSP has been an exceptional partner over the last eight years, and their continued support gives us the confidence and capacity to deliver one of the most ambitious transformation plans in the global fresh food industry."

Kevin Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of PSP, stated: "AMFRESH has built one of the most differentiated platforms in the global agrifood sector, combining world-class innovation, operational excellence and a compelling long-term vision. We are excited to deepen our partnership and support the Company's next phase of growth through continued investment, strategic acquisitions and international expansion. We believe AMFRESH is uniquely positioned to create long-term value while helping build a more sustainable, resilient and innovative global fresh food industry."

Evercore served as financial advisor to AMFRESH on the transaction.

About AMFRESH Group

AMFRESH Group is a global agrifood innovation company shaping the future of FRESH food through innovation, science and technology. Through its vertically integrated business model, the Group combines proprietary genetics and breeding, agriscience, biotechnology, sustainable farming and global commercialization to translate scientific innovation into commercial impact at scale. With more than 95 years of expertise, AMFRESH operates in over 60 countries and employs more than 12,000 people worldwide. AMFRESH partners with many of the world's leading retailers and growers to deliver differentiated products, trusted supply and innovation across the FRESH food value chain, helping build healthier, more resilient and more sustainable food systems. For further information, visit www.amfresh.com.

About Paine Schwartz Partners

Paine Schwartz Partners is the largest private equity firm dedicated to sustainable food chain investing, with ~$6.5 billion of AUM and over 20 years of experience. The firm invests across specific segments of the food and agribusiness value chain, with a focus on two core investment themes: productivity and sustainability and health and wellness. Through its proactive, thesis-driven approach, the firm targets value-added and differentiated companies and makes primarily control buyout investments, with a smaller allocation to growth companies. For further information, please see www.paineschwartz.com

Contacts:

AMFRESH Media Contact

Patricia Sagarminaga

patricia.sagarminaga@amfresh.com

+34 669161941

Paine Schwartz Media Contact

Andy Brimmer / Aaron Palash

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

+1 212-355-4449

Pitch Notes:

*Greetings from Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

*Please find attached the latest press release of: Thailand Approves $1.99 Billion in New Investment,

*Led by AI and Advanced Electronics

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 July 2026 - Thailand has approved nine major investment projects worth a combined USD 1.99 billion (66.3 billion baht) in high-value sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), advanced electronics, aviation, clean energy, and food as global manufacturers reposition their supply chains across Southeast Asia.

The approvals, cleared during a meeting of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) chaired by Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, highlight the country's appeal to multinational corporations seeking reliable production hubs.

"These investments by leading multinationals signal strong global confidence in our industrial capacity," said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI. "By locating key parts of the AI and advanced electronics value chain here, we are connecting our economy directly to the core of next-generation global technology."

To sustain this influx of high-tech investment, the BOI has restructured and expanded the mandate of its specialized energy panel into the "Subcommittee on Energy Management for Data Center Investment and Project Screening." Chaired by the Minister of Energy, this body will serve as a one-stop regulatory filter to evaluate data center proposals on resource consumption, environmental impact, and clean energy sourcing before investors can apply for tax incentives, thereby providing policy transparency for international operators.

The largest share of the approvals covers Thailand's advanced electronics and digital sector, led by companies from East Asia's technology supply chains. In the AI infrastructure sector, Datasection (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Japan's Datasection Inc., will invest USD 235.2 million (7.8 billion baht) to establish high-performance GPU server infrastructure for data hosting in Bangkok and Pathum Thani. This specialized hardware will directly power advanced AI applications and digital businesses in the region.

Doosan Electro-Materials (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a unit of South Korean conglomerate Doosan Corp. and a global leader in non-flow prepregs, will also invest USD 180.2 million (6 billion baht) in Samut Prakan to manufacture copper-clad laminate (CCL) and prepreg, which serve as critical inputs for printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Similarly, Taiwan Union Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is set to invest USD 189.2 million (6.3 billion baht) in Chonburi to manufacture CCL and prepreg designed specifically for high-demand AI servers and data centers. Fulltech Fiber Glass (Thailand) Co., Ltd. will invest USD 99.4 million (3.3 billion baht) to produce specialized glass fiber fabric, a raw material for PCB manufacturing, in Chachoengsao.

Beyond technology, multinational brands and critical infrastructure providers committed major investments to serve regional demand. In the consumer goods sector, Switzerland's Nestl? (Thai) Co., Ltd. is committing USD 688.7 million (22.9 billion baht) to expand its Samut Prakan production facilities for instant, mixed, and ready-to-drink coffee, targeting both domestic and regional Southeast Asian markets.

National carrier Thai Airways International PCL secured approvals for two expansion projects totaling USD 430.2 million (14.3 billion baht) to lease eight passenger aircraft for its international flight networks.

For the infrastructure sector, Lomrak Green Energy Co., Ltd. will invest USD 168.7 million (5.6 billion baht) across two wind power projects in Lopburi province. The facilities will deliver a combined capacity of 120 megawatts to Thailand's electrical grid, supporting the clean energy needs of high-demand industrial users.

To accommodate hyper-scale projects, the government has fast-tracked a seven-point energy action plan. This includes establishing a dedicated utility tariff rate for data centers, aligning data centers' green energy targets with the Power Development Plan, facilitating clean power trading via Direct PPAs, introducing electricity usage guarantee rules, exploring direct high-voltage transmission for major operators, accelerating grid investment, and mapping water and power availability to guide site selections.

"We are building the infrastructure needed for the next wave of future-industry investment," said Mr. Narit. "The government is aligning resource management with its green transition goals to ensure long-term operational security and give global investors confidence."

Note: Currency conversions are based on the Bank of Thailand's average selling rate of approximately 1 USD = 33.30 THB.

Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

Established in 1966, the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) has continuously played an essential role for over 60 years in promoting value-adding investment for the country, from both foreign and Thai investors, to enhance national competitiveness and drive towards a new era of sustainable and balanced growth.

Investment Services Center - PR Section, The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI)

555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak Bangkok 10900 Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111, Fax: +66 (0) 2553 8222

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

Hashtags: #Thailandboardofinvestment #BOI #FDI #Investment

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 July 2026 - Researchers from Aquatic Resources Research Institute (ARRI), Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University have recently uncovered new genetic evidence explaining how the invasive blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron), a species native to West Africa, became established throughout Thailand.

Based on genetic analysis of 466 fish samples collected nationwide, the study identified high genetic diversity, including 19 distinct haplotypes, revealing that the species originated from multiple introduction events rather than a single release. The findings also show that subsequent human-mediated translocations within Thailand played a major role in the species' rapid spread.

The study represents one of the most comprehensive genetic assessments of blackchin tilapia in Thailand to date. Researchers confirmed that the invasive populations belong to Sarotherodon melanotheron melanotheron subspecies and identified 13 private haplotypes unique to specific populations. Several of these occurred at relatively high frequencies in Samut Songkhram, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Surat Thani, indicating multiple introduction sources and limited mixing among some regional populations.

Using haplotype distribution patterns, network analysis and phylogenetic comparisons, the researchers traced the origins of Thailand's blackchin tilapia to multiple geographic sources, including Ghana and C?te d'Ivoire, as well as potentially other unsampled native populations in West Africa.

The study also found that blackchin tilapia populations in different parts of Thailand are genetically distinct, particularly in Samut Songkhram, which is believed to be the earliest site of the invasion. At the same time, researchers discovered that fish sharing the most common genetic signature were found in provinces across eastern and southern Thailand, including Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla, suggesting they were transported by human activities rather than spreading naturally through connected waterways.

The researchers said "The findings provide valuable scientific evidence for strengthening surveillance and management of the invasive species. By identifying introduction pathways and patterns of dispersal, the study offers important guidance for preventing further spread, improving biosecurity measures and mitigating ecological impacts on Thailand's freshwater ecosystems."

Link to the research paper https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352513426002152

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

Hashtags: #ChulalongkornUniversity

EBC Financial Group meluncurkan EBC App, platform pengelolaan akun yang mengutamakan perangkat seluler yang dirancang untuk memberikan akses yang lancar bagi para trader dalam mengelola beberapa akun, melakukan transfer dana, menggunakan fitur copy trading, memperoleh informasi pasar terkini, serta mendapatkan dukungan multibahasa selama 24 jam sehari, 7 hari seminggu

LONDON, July 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EBC Financial Group ("EBC") secara resmi meluncurkan EBC App, aplikasi khusus pengelolaan akun melalui perangkat seluler yang disediakan oleh EBC Financial Group (SVG) LLC. Aplikasi ini dirancang untuk memudahkan trader mengelola akun, dana, aktivitas trading, serta mengakses layanan dukungan melalui satu antarmuka yang aman dan sederhana.

EBC App, yang dirancang untuk mendukung aktivitas trading masa kini yang semakin banyak dilakukan melalui perangkat seluler, menghadirkan berbagai fungsi utama pengelolaan akun dalam satu aplikasi, yang kerap diakses trader melalui beberapa platform berbeda. Mulai dari berpindah antar-akun dan memantau dana hingga mengakses peluang copy trading serta memperoleh dukungan multibahasa, aplikasi ini dirancang untuk menghadirkan pengalaman trading yang lebih terhubung, efisien, dan mudah diakses bagi klien di setiap tahap perjalanan mereka.

Peluncuran ini mencerminkan investasi berkelanjutan EBC dalam teknologi yang mengutamakan kebutuhan trader, sekaligus menegaskan komitmennya untuk menghadirkan layanan yang transparan, dapat diandalkan, dan berfokus pada pengguna di pasar global.

Pengalaman Seluler Terpadu untuk Trader Modern

Aktivitas trading kini berjalan semakin cepat, semakin global, dan semakin bergantung pada akses secara real time. Karena itu, trader membutuhkan alat yang memungkinkan mereka mengelola akun dengan informasi lebih jelas dan kendali lebih besar.

EBC App memenuhi kebutuhan tersebut dengan menyatukan berbagai fungsi penting pengelolaan akun dalam satu platform seluler. Pengguna kini tidak perlu lagi berpindah-pindah di antara berbagai alat untuk meninjau aktivitas akun, mengelola dana, mengikuti sinyal trading, atau menghubungi layanan dukungan. Seluruh layanan tersebut dapat diakses melalui satu aplikasi terintegrasi.

Aplikasi ini dirancang untuk klien EBC saat ini, trader yang mempertimbangkan untuk beralih ke platform lebih sederhana, serta pelaku pasar yang baru memulai dan menginginkan akses lebih mudah ke pengelolaan akun profesional.

"EBC App dikembangkan dengan mempertimbangkan cara trader mengelola akun mereka saat ini; dengan cepat, aman, dan sering kali saat sedang bepergian. Dengan menyatukan akses akun, pengelolaan dana, copy trading, dan layanan dukungan dalam satu aplikasi, kami memudahkan klien untuk tetap mengendalikan aktivitas mereka di mana pun mereka melakukan trading," ujar Andria Phiniefs, Direktur Pemasaran EBC Financial Group.

Fungsi Utama Pengelolaan Akun, Dirancang untuk Perangkat Seluler

EBC App disusun dengan berfokus pada berbagai aktivitas yang paling sering dilakukan trader sehingga pengelolaan akun menjadi lebih cepat, intuitif, dan tertata.

Fitur utama mencakup:

Pengelolaan Multiakun: Pengguna dapat beralih antar-akun dengan mudah, dengan data dana, posisi, dan aktivitas trading tersinkronisasi secara real time untuk memberikan gambaran lebih jelas mengenai status akun secara keseluruhan.

Setoran dan Penarikan: Aplikasi ini mendukung transfer dana yang cepat dan aman sehingga klien dapat mengelola setoran dan penarikan secara langsung melalui perangkat seluler mereka.

Komunitas Copy Trading: Trader dapat menjelajahi sinyal trading dan menyalin strategi dari pelaku pasar berpengalaman. Fitur ini memberikan cara praktis bagi pengguna baru untuk belajar dari mereka, sekaligus memberikan fleksibilitas lebih besar bagi trader tingkat lanjut dalam menemukan berbagai strategi.

Dukungan Pelanggan Multibahasa 24/7: Dukungan tersedia sepanjang waktu melalui aplikasi, disertai notifikasi pasar dan informasi promosi terkini sehingga pengguna tetap terhubung di mana pun mereka berada.

Dirancang untuk Berbagai Tahap Perjalanan Trading

Bagi klien EBC saat ini, EBC App memperluas pengalaman penggunaan desktop ke perangkat seluler sehingga mereka dapat mengelola akun dan dana tanpa mengganggu alur kerja yang telah terbentuk.

Bagi trader yang sedang mengevaluasi platform alternatif, aplikasi ini menawarkan cara lebih praktis dan terkonsolidasi untuk mengelola akun di mana pun, dengan dukungan infrastruktur eksekusi milik EBC. Melalui Smart Order Routing Engine, EBC mendukung peningkatan harga eksekusi pada order klien, dengan lebih dari 87,6% order dieksekusi pada harga lebih baik daripada harga yang diajukan. Platform ini juga mampu memproses lebih dari 1.000 order per detik, dengan kecepatan eksekusi rata-rata di bawah 20 milidetik, stabilitas transmisi data hingga 98,75%, spread raw ECN mulai dari 0,0 pip, likuiditas yang didukung oleh lebih dari 25 bank investasi dan dana lindung nilai terkemuka, serta layanan VIP 24/7.

Aplikasi ini mempermudah trader pemula untuk memasuki dunia trading dengan memadukan kemudahan penggunaan, berbagai fitur praktis, layanan dukungan, fitur copy trading, serta akses ke ekosistem trading EBC yang lebih luas.

Memperkuat Ekosistem Digital EBC yang Mengutamakan Kebutuhan Trader

EBC Financial Group adalah broker lintas aset yang diregulasi secara global dan melayani trader di berbagai pasar internasional. Peluncuran EBC App semakin memperkuat ekosistem digital Grup dengan memperluas kemampuan pengelolaan akun profesional ke perangkat seluler.

Aplikasi ini melengkapi rangkaian perangkat dan layanan trading EBC yang lebih luas, termasuk akses ke pasar multiaset, platform trading, alat analisis, dukungan klien, serta edukasi bagi trader. EBC juga telah memperoleh pengakuan dari World Finance selama tiga tahun berturut-turut melalui penghargaan dalam sejumlah kategori, termasuk Broker Paling Tepercaya, Platform Trading Terbaik, Broker CFD Terbaik, Platform Trading Valas Terbaik, dan Eksekusi Trading Terbaik.

Dengan hadirnya EBC App, EBC terus meningkatkan aksesibilitas infrastruktur tradingnya guna membantu klien mengelola akun dengan fleksibilitas, kendali, dan rasa percaya diri lebih besar.

EBC App dapat diunduh melalui: https://www.ebc.com/mobile

Peringatan Risiko

Materi ini hanya untuk tujuan informasi dan bukan merupakan rekomendasi atau saran dari EBC Financial Group dan seluruh entitasnya ("EBC"). Perdagangan Valas dan Kontrak untuk Selisih (Contracts for Difference, CFD) pada margin memiliki tingkat risiko tinggi dan mungkin tidak cocok untuk semua investor. Kerugian dapat melebihi nilai deposit Anda. Sebelum melakukan perdagangan, Anda sebaiknya mempertimbangkan dengan cermat tujuan perdagangan, tingkat pengalaman, serta toleransi risiko Anda. Konsultasikan dengan penasihat keuangan independen bila diperlukan.

Tentang EBC Financial Group 

EBC Financial Group (EBC), yang didirikan di London, merupakan merek global yang terkenal akan keahliannya di bidang broker keuangan dan manajemen aset. Melalui entitas teregulasinya yang beroperasi di berbagai yurisdiksi keuangan utama-termasuk Inggris Raya, Australia, Kepulauan Cayman, Mauritius, dan lainnya-EBC memungkinkan investor ritel, profesional, dan institusional untuk mengakses berbagai peluang trading dan pasar global, termasuk mata uang, komoditas, CFD, dan banyak lagi.

EBC, yang dipercaya oleh investor di lebih dari 100 negara dan mendapatkan penghargaan global, termasuk pengakuan selama beberapa tahun dari World Finance, secara luas dianggap sebagai salah satu broker terbaik di dunia dengan gelar seperti Platform Perdagangan Terbaik dan Broker Paling Tepercaya. Berkat posisi regulasinya yang kuat dan komitmen terhadap transparansi, EBC juga secara konsisten masuk dalam jajaran broker teratas-dipercaya atas kemampuannya dalam memberikan solusi trading yang aman, inovatif, dan mengutamakan klien di seluruh pasar internasional yang kompetitif.

Semua anak perusahaan EBC berlisensi dan diregulasi dalam yurisdiksi mereka masing-masing. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited diregulasi oleh Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Inggris Raya; EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited diregulasi oleh Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA); EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd dan EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd diregulasi oleh Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC); EBC Financial (MU) Ltd diotorisasi dan diregulasi oleh Financial Services Commission Mauritius (FSC).

Bagian terpenting di EBC adalah tim veteran industri yang memiliki pengalaman lebih dari 40 tahun dalam lembaga keuangan besar. Kami telah mengarungi berbagai siklus ekonomi penting, dari Perjanjian Plaza dan krisis franc Swiss pada tahun 2015 hingga pergolakan pasar akibat pandemi COVID-19. Kami memupuk budaya yang mengutamakan integritas, rasa hormat, dan keamanan aset klien, dengan memastikan setiap hubungan investor benar-benar diperlakukan sebagaimana mestinya.

EBC dengan bangga menjadi mitra valuta asing resmi FC Barcelona dan terus mendorong kemitraan yang berdampak untuk memberdayakan masyarakat-khususnya melalui inisiatif United to Beat Malaria Yayasan PBB, Departemen Ekonomi Oxford University, dan beragam mitra untuk memperjuangkan berbagai inisiatif dalam kesehatan global, ekonomi, pendidikan, dan keberlanjutan.

https://www.ebc.com/

Kontak Media:

Aldric Tinker Toyad

Kepala Humas Global

aldric.tinker@ebc.com

Faiz Alavi Sulaiman

Eksekutif Humas Senior

faiz.sulaiman@ebc.com