Why manufacturers, businesses, brands and policymakers across Asia-Pacific should be in the room as new rules reshape how materials move.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 October 2026 - Companies selling into Europe are about to find out whether their supply chains are ready for the rules. On 21 November, the European Union will ban plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries, and its new vehicle and packaging regulations will increasingly require recycled content in the products they sell.

Just days before, on 16 and 17 November, the Plasticity Forum Kuala Lumpur (KL) 2026 will bring brands, manufacturers, plastic makers, and policymakers to M Hotel in Kuala Lumpur to ask how the region secures the materials it needs and stays competitive as the rules tighten.

Southeast Asia's supply of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic is already feeling the shift. Thailand and Indonesia halted plastic scrap imports in January 2025, and Malaysia has tightened its plastic waste import rules and, since April 2026, banned e-waste imports outright.

That material is critical to products destined for the EU. Under the EU's vehicle rules, new vehicle models must contain at least 15% recycled plastic from 2032, rising to 25% from 2036, and its packaging rules set recycled-content minimums from 2030. Wider eco-design rules are also expected to reach products such as electronics and textiles in the coming years. Manufacturers will need reliable, compliant supply to keep selling into major markets.

"The old model of shipping waste to wherever it is cheapest to process is ending, and the rules are changing faster than many businesses have planned for," said Mr. Douglas Woodring, Founder of the Plasticity Forum.

"It is the best of times for corporate pledges and the hardest of times for operational reality. You cannot make a product to the new standards if the raw material is locked behind borders or left in landfill. The businesses that start building compliant supply chains now will be the ones still selling into these markets."

Over two days, the Plasticity Forum KL 2026 will tackle the policy and market questions behind that challenge, from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and investment to consumer demand and the UN Plastics Treaty, with sector sections on electronics, automotive, and food-grade plastics. A candid panel of brands, plastic makers, and recovered plastic suppliers will cover the good, the bad, and what works in practice, and roundtables will feed into a closing session, "From Plasticity 2026 to the World", gathering the messages delegates want to take to brands, regulators, investors, and the UN.

"Southeast Asia is where this shift is being felt most keenly, and Kuala Lumpur is the right place to work out what comes next. The region has a chance to build higher-value, more resilient circular material systems rather than simply react to new rules," Mr. Woodring added.

Since its launch at the Rio+20 Earth Summit in 2012, the Plasticity Forum has been staged in 13 cities around the world and returns to Greater Kuala Lumpur, which also hosted the forum in 2018. The Plasticity Forum KL 2026 will take place on 16 and 17 November at M Hotel for anyone with a role in the plastics supply chain who wants to help shape what comes next.

Organisations can take part in Plasticity KL 2026 by attending, by contributing insights and sharing the event with their networks, or by supporting the forum as a sponsor, exhibitor or supporter. For registration and partnership details, visit Plasticity Forum.

About Plasticity Forum

Plasticity is a global business forum on plastic in its second life, bringing together brands, recyclers, policymakers, designers and innovators to share problems, collaborate on practical solutions and unlock market opportunities that turn used plastic into a valuable resource. Founded by non-profit Ocean Recovery Alliance, it launched at the Rio+20 Earth Summit in 2012 and has since been staged in 13 editions around the world, including Hong Kong, New York, Lisbon, Shanghai, London, Dallas, Los Angeles, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Amsterdam and Bangkok. Combining TEDx-style talks with moderated roundtables, it focuses on market drivers, policy direction, investment and innovation rather than awareness alone. It starts from the reality that plastic is intrinsic to modern life, so the conversation can center on the business opportunities and societal benefits of solving a herculean problem.

For more information, visit www.plasticityforum.com.

About Ocean Recovery Alliance

Ocean Recovery Alliance is an NGO based in Hong Kong and California, and the founding organization for the Plasticity Forum, focused on creating innovative solutions and collaborations to improve our waters and the environment. It creates networks of organizations, entrepreneurs and innovators, particularly related to plastic sustainability and circularity for a wide variety of stakeholder groups, from companies, multilateral institutions, governments, villages and youth.

It is dedicated to broad and new thought leadership, to help create engaged and active dialogue where gaps often occur due to between entities that often do not have a history of working with one another, both on plastic pollution issues, and ocean governance. The group creates purposefully designed activities to educate, build awareness and provide solutions which inspire positive societal change at the community, national and international levels.

Its work has included the Plastic Disclosure Project and the Global Alert platform, both launched at the Clinton Global Initiative in 2010, and it created the Plasticity Forum. For more information, visit https://www.oceanrecov.org/.

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

https://plasticityforum.regfox.com/plasticity-2026

*Pencapaian Strategis: Pembukaan resmi Pusat Pelatihan, Data, dan Pengalaman Robotika di Singapura untuk mendukung pelatihan humanoid, pengujian alur kerja, dan demonstrasi untuk pelanggan.

*Memanfaatkan Pasar Senilai US$68,1 Miliar: Memaksimalkan pasar robotika layanan global-diperkirakan bernilai US$68,1 miliar pada tahun 2026 dan diproyeksikan akan mencapai nilai US$107,8 miliar sebelum tahun 2030-bersama sektor robot humanoid senilai US$5,41 miliar.

*Jalur Komersial: Dirancang untuk mengevaluasi Robotics-as-a-Service ("RaaS"), penyewagunaan robot, dan layanan terkelola sebagai potensi aliran pendapatan berulang yang mendukung visi Perusahaan tahun 2030.

SINGAPURA, Oct. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YYForce Inc. (NASDAQ: YFOR) ("YYForce" atau "Perusahaan"), perusahaan solusi tenaga kerja berbasis teknologi dan manajemen fasilitas terintegrasi, hari ini mengumumkan pembukaan resmi Pusat Pelatihan, Data, dan Pengalaman Robotika ("Pusat") di Singapura.

Fasilitas ini mendukung pelatihan robot, pengumpulan data operasional, pengujian alur kerja, dan demonstrasi untuk pelanggan di berbagai penggunaan perhotelan, kebersihan, keamanan, pengiriman, dan manajemen fasilitas.

Pusat dirancang guna membantu YYForce mengubah teknologi robotika menjadi solusi pelanggan yang praktis dengan memanfaatkan operasi manajemen tenaga kerja dan fasilitasnya yang sudah ada. Pusat juga mendukung evaluasi Robotics-as-a-Service ("RaaS"), penyewagunaan robot, dan layanan robotika terkelola sebagai potensi pendapatan masuk berulang bagi Perusahaan.

Memanfaatkan Peluang Robotika Komersial Senilai US$68,1 Miliar

YYForce meyakini bahwa Singapura menawarkan lingkungan yang menggiurkan bagi pengadopsian robotika karena berbagai operator layanan berupaya untuk meningkatkan produktivitas, mengelola tantangan tenaga kerja, dan mempertahankan kualitas layanan yang konsisten. Pada Mei 2026, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), JTC Corporation (JTC), dan Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) mengumumkan tempat uji coba AI fisik di Punggol Digital District, yang direncanakan pada akhir tahun 2026. Fasilitas ini akan digunakan untuk berbagai penggunaan, antara lain pengiriman, kebersihan, dan patroli keamanan. Inisiatif ini memberikan konteks pasar yang lebih luas; YYForce tidak mengumumkan keikutsertaan dalam program tersebut.

Di kancah global, Grand View Research memperkirakan pasar robotika layanan mencapai nilai US$68,1 miliar pada tahun 2026 dan diproyeksikan tumbuh hingga menjadi US$107,8 miliar sebelum tahun 2030. Secara terpisah, MarketsandMarkets memperkirakan pasar robot humanoid global mencapai nilai US$5,41 miliar pada tahun 2026 dan diproyeksikan tumbuh menjadi US$50,27 miliar sebelum tahun 2035. Perkiraan ini mencakup berbagai kategori yang berpotensi tumpang tindih dan tidak bersifat tambahan. Perkiraan ini menyediakan konteks industri, alih-alih perkiraan permintaan Singapura atau pendapatan yang dapat dijangkau YYForce.

Untuk periode 2026?2031, YYForce melihat adanya peluang untuk mengevaluasi robot layanan khusus untuk tugas komersial tertentu selagi mengembangkan penerapan humanoid melalui pelatihan dan pengujian. Perusahaan bermaksud untuk menilai peluang pengerahan berdasarkan kinerja tugas, keselamatan, keandalan, pengawasan manusia yang diperlukan, dan ekonomi pelanggan.

Pelatihan Humanoid dan Pengumpulan Data Operasional

Pusat menyertakan simulasi lingkungan layanan untuk melatih dan mengevaluasi robot humanoid dalam alur kerja housekeeping hotel, pembersihan toilet, pelayanan jamuan, dan dukungan keramahtamahan tertentu. Pusat juga mendukung pengujian kolaborasi antara pekerja manusia, robot humanoid, dan robot layanan khusus.

Melalui pelatihan dan pengujian berulang, YYForce mengumpulkan data operasional terkait navigasi, gerakan, interaksi objek, pelaksanaan tugas, dan kondisi lingkungan. Pelatihan dan demonstrasi aktivitas tersebut tidak dimaksudkan untuk menunjukkan bahwa robot humanoid dapat sepenuhnya melakukan tugas housekeeping atau pembersihan toilet secara otonom. Sebaliknya, aktivitas ini bertujuan untuk membantu mengevaluasi kinerja dan mengadaptasi alur kerja ke lingkungan layanan tertentu.

Demonstrasi Robotika Layanan dan Keamanan Terintegrasi

Pusat memamerkan robot pembersih komersial untuk dalam ruangan dan luar ruangan, robot pengirim makanan dan barang, robot keamanan dan pengawasan otonom, robot pembersih kolam renang, robot layanan humanoid, dan sistem khusus lainnya. Pelanggan dan calon mitra dapat mengevaluasi sejauh mana teknologi ini sesuai untuk diterapkan dalam operasional mereka.

Pusat Komando Keamanan yang beroperasi secara langsung, sebagai bagian dari Pusat, menunjukkan integrasi kemampuan patroli robotika, sistem pengawasan, sensor, kamera, dan pemantauan terpusat. Lingkungan ini memungkinkan YYForce untuk mengevaluasi bagaimana teknologi robotika dan pengawasan dapat melengkapi personel keamanan dan layanan manajemen fasilitas yang lebih luas.

Meniti Jalan Menuju Pendapatan Robotika Berulang

Pusat berencana mendukung jalur komersialisasi terstruktur: pelatihan dan pengumpulan data, pengujian alur kerja, demonstrasi untuk pelanggan, bukti konsep, hingga pengerahan komersial jika memungkinkan. Potensi penerapan meliputi hotel, gedung komersial, pengembangan hunian, lokasi ritel, gudang, dan lingkungan layanan lainnya.

YYForce tengah mengevaluasi pengaturan komersial yang dapat memadukan akses robot dengan dukungan pengerahan, pemeliharaan, pemantauan, dan kemampuan layanan manusia. Potensi RaaS dan model sewa guna akan memungkinkan pelanggan untuk mengakses robotika melalui pengaturan berulang tanpa perlu membeli perangkat keras secara langsung. Kontrak layanan terintegrasi dapat menggabungkan orang dan robot dalam satu model penyediaan layanan.

Perusahaan meyakini bahwa pengalaman operasional yang dimilikinya saat ini dapat membantu mengidentifikasi tugas-tugas yang sesuai, mengevaluasi kebutuhan pelanggan, dan mengoordinasikan alur kerja antara manusia dan robot. Kelayakan komersial akan bergantung pada peningkatan produktivitas, kualitas layanan, biaya penerapan dan integrasi, kebutuhan pemeliharaan, serta tingkat intervensi manusia yang diperlukan.

Pada tahap ini, Perusahaan belum mengumumkan pendapatan dalam jumlah besar yang berasal dari modal bisnis robotika yang diusulkan tersebut. Pembukaan Pusat ini bukanlah pengumuman mengenai pesanan robotika dalam jumlah besar atau pendapatan berulang berdasarkan kontrak. Komersialisasi di masa depan masih bergantung pada tingkat adopsi pelanggan, kinerja teknologi, aspek ekonomi penerapan, serta faktor-faktor lainnya.

Mendukung Visi YYForce Tahun 2030

Pusat berencana mendukung visi YYForce tahun 2030 untuk menjadi Penyedia Solusi Tenaga Kerja Masa Depan melalui integrasi talenta manusia, teknologi berbasis AI, robot humanoid, dan robot otonom khusus. Pekerja manusia akan terus melakukan kegiatan yang membutuhkan penilaian, komunikasi, dan fleksibilitas. Sementara itu, sistem robotik yang sesuai dapat membantu menangani berbagai tugas yang bersifat berulang, berat secara fisik, dan membutuhkan pemantauan intensif.

Komentar Chief Executive Officer

Mike Fu, Chief Executive Officer YYForce, mengatakan:

"Tujuan kami adalah membantu pelanggan menerapkan teknologi robotika dalam operasi layanan sehari-hari. Pengalaman kami dalam mengelola tenaga kerja dan fasilitas yang ada memberi kami wawasan langsung mengenai berbagai tugas yang perlu diselesaikan oleh pelanggan serta standar yang mereka harapkan."

"Pusat ini menyediakan lingkungan kerja khusus untuk melatih robot humanoid, mengumpulkan data operasional, dan mengevaluasi robot layanan sebelum dioperasikan di lokasi pelanggan. Kami melihat peluang yang jelas untuk membangun hubungan layanan berulang melalui penyewaan dan pengelolaan robotika, sambil secara ketat menguji setiap penerapan berdasarkan persyaratan kinerja dan biaya."

"Visi 2030 kami menyatukan manusia, AI, dan robotika guna meningkatkan cara penyediaan layanan. Kami akan mewujudkan visi tersebut melalui penerapan praktis dan pelaksanaan komersial yang disiplin - Maju Bersama."

Tentang YYForce Inc.

YYForce Inc. (NASDAQ: YFOR) adalah perusahaan penyedia solusi tenaga kerja berbasis teknologi dan manajemen fasilitas terintegrasi yang berfokus pada cara perusahaan mengakses, mengelola, dan menerapkan layanan tenaga kerja serta fasilitas. Perusahaan ini sedang mengembangkan sebuah ekosistem yang memadukan teknologi tenaga kerja sesuai permintaan, manajemen fasilitas terintegrasi, kecerdasan buatan, otomatisasi, robotika humanoid, dan robot layanan khusus untuk mendukung produktivitas, fleksibilitas operasional, dan skalabilitas.

Pernyataan Berwawasan ke Depan

Siaran pers ini berisi pernyataan berwawasan ke depan, termasuk pernyataan mengenai strategi robotika Perusahaan, aktivitas pelatihan dan pengumpulan data, potensi penerapan bagi pelanggan, model RaaS dan penyewaan, layanan terkelola, peluang pendapatan berulang, serta visi YYForce tahun 2030, sebagaimana dimaksud dalam pasal 27A Undang-Undang Sekuritas tahun 1933, sebagaimana telah diubah, dan Pasal 21E Undang-Undang Bursa Sekuritas tahun 1934, sebagaimana telah diubah.

Perusahaan mendasarkan pernyataan berwawasan ke depan ini pada ekspektasi dan proyeksinya mengenai peristiwa di masa depan, yang disusun Perusahaan berdasarkan informasi yang tersedia saat ini bagi Perusahaan.

Anda dapat mengidentifikasi pernyataan berwawasan ke depan dari sifatnya yang tidak berkaitan dengan peristiwa historis, terutama pernyataan yang menggunakan istilah seperti "mungkin," "seharusnya," "mengharapkan," "mengantisipasi," "mempertimbangkan," "memperkirakan," "meyakini," "merencanakan," "diproyeksikan," "memprediksi," "potensial," atau "berharap" maupun bentuk negatif dari istilah-istilah tersebut atau istilah serupa. . Perkiraan pasar pihak ketiga hanyalah estimasi dan mungkin tidak terwujud.

Pernyataan berwawasan ke depan mengandung risiko dan ketidakpastian yang melekat sehingga peristiwa di masa depan yang dibahas dalam siaran pers ini mungkin tidak terjadi. Peristiwa dan hasil aktual dapat berbeda secara signifikan serta bergantung pada risiko, ketidakpastian, dan asumsi mengenai Perusahaan dan sejumlah faktor lainnya. Faktor-faktor ini termasuk, tetapi tidak terbatas pada, adopsi pelanggan, keandalan dan keamanan teknologi, persyaratan integrasi, tata kelola data, pembiayaan dan ketersediaan perangkat keras, biaya pemeliharaan, dan penyebaran ekonomi.

Tidak ada jaminan bahwa inisiatif robotika perusahaan atau model komersial yang diusulkan akan berhasil diimplementasikan atau menghasilkan pendapatan dalam jumlah besar. Untuk pembahasan lebih terperinci mengenai faktor-faktor risiko, silakan merujuk pada dokumen yang diserahkan Perusahaan kepada Komisi Sekuritas dan Bursa AS (SEC), termasuk bagian "Faktor Risiko" dalam laporan tahunan terbaru Perusahaan pada Formulir 20-F, sebagaimana telah diubah.

Pembaca juga harus mempertimbangkan risiko yang dijelaskan dalam pengajuan Perusahaan kepada Komisi Sekuritas dan Bursa AS. YYForce tidak berkewajiban untuk memperbarui pernyataan ini kecuali sebagaimana diwajibkan oleh hukum yang berlaku.

Sumber Pasar

[1] JTC, Singapore Government and Eight Industry Leaders to Research, Test and Deploy Physical AI in Punggol Digital District, 20 Mei 2026.

[2] Grand View Research, Service Robotics Market 2024?2030, ringkasan laporan publik yang diakses pada 2 Oktober 2026.

[3] MarketsandMarkets, Humanoid Robot Market - Global Forecast to 2035, Juli 2026.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

The technology collaboration brings multiphysics simulation, digital twins, and AI-assisted modeling to electric racing

BURLINGTON, Mass. and LONDON, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- COMSOL and Formula E have announced a multi-year partnership naming COMSOL the Official Multiphysics Partner of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The partnership brings together Formula E, the world's leading all-electric motorsport Championship, and COMSOL, a global leader in multiphysics simulation and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software. Formula E and COMSOL engineers will use COMSOL Multiphysics to investigate complex technology challenges involving multiple interacting physical effects.

Electric race cars bring together electrical, thermal, structural, electromagnetic, fluid, and battery systems under extreme constraints. As Official Multiphysics Partner, COMSOL will support Formula E with simulation software and expertise to help its technology teams understand how interacting physical phenomena influence multiple aspects of the sport.

The partnership will also explore how simulation apps and digital twin solutions can make physics-based insight accessible beyond the traditional modeling workflow.

Bjorn Sjodin, SVP of Product Management at COMSOL, said:

"Formula E is a great example of why multiphysics simulation matters, as multiple phenomena are at play and constantly interact with one another. We are excited to work directly with Formula E's technology team and put COMSOL Multiphysics to work on these kinds of real-world challenges."

Dan Cherowbrier, CTO at Formula E, said:

"Technology is at the heart of Formula E, so partnering with COMSOL makes real sense for us and truly enhances our engineering skillsets. COMSOL gives us a powerful environment for understanding complex systems where many different physical effects are connected, but the opportunity goes beyond individual simulations. We're particularly interested in how AI-assisted modeling, agentic workflows, and digital twins can help engineers interact with models, explore designs, and make simulation insight more accessible as we continue to push the limits of electric racing."

Looking ahead, the next generation of Formula E will place even greater demands on performance, efficiency, energy management, and vehicle development as the Championship prepares for the GEN4 era, introducing the fastest and most technologically advanced race car to date.

At the same time, COMSOL has announced COMSOL Multiphysics version 2027, scheduled for release later this autumn, with new capabilities particularly relevant to advanced engineering workflows, including dedicated electric motor modeling, system-level simulation, agentic modeling, and expanded access for creating simulation apps.

The partnership was announced today at the COMSOL Conference 2026 Boston, where Cherowbrier delivered a keynote talk on the technology and engineering shaping the future of Formula E. To learn more about the partnership, visit COMSOL's website: www.comsol.com/formula-e

About COMSOL

COMSOL (https://www.comsol.com/) is a global provider of simulation software for product design and research to technical enterprises, research labs, and universities. Its flagship product, COMSOL Multiphysics, is an integrated software environment for creating physics-based models and simulation applications.

A particular strength is its ability to model coupled physical phenomena within a single environment, enabling engineers and scientists to study how real-world systems behave when multiple physical effects interact. Add-on products expand the simulation platform for electromagnetics, structural, acoustics, fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical applications. Interfacing tools enable the integration of COMSOL Multiphysics simulations with all major technical computing and CAD tools on the CAE market.

Simulation experts rely on COMSOL Compiler and COMSOL Server to distribute apps to their design teams, manufacturing departments, test laboratories, and customers throughout the world. Founded in 1986, COMSOL has 16 offices worldwide and extends its reach with a network of distributors.

COMSOL, COMSOL Multiphysics, COMSOL Compiler, and COMSOL Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of COMSOL AB.

About Formula E

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is known as the next evolution of motorsport. As the world's first all-electric series, Formula E operates as a living laboratory where innovation, precision science, and visceral adrenaline collide.

We are not the electric version of anything; we are a progressive challenger built to rewrite the rules of elite sport. The Championship, which has achieved the landmark milestone of 150 races, serves as a vital test bed for the world's leading automotive manufacturers, including Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, Stellantis, Mahindra, and Lola Cars, to innovate and refine the electric vehicle (EV) technologies that accelerate future urban mobility.

Driven by a different energy, Formula E makes progress thrilling by uniting elite spectacle with uncompromising sustainability. As the world's first and only Certified B Corp sport and the first to achieve the BSI Net Zero Pathway certification, Formula E sets the global benchmark for climate action, showing what progress looks like at full speed-not in a lab or boardroom, but on the streets of iconic cities worldwide.

Defined by equal parts rebel and creator, Formula E delivers unpredictable, wheel-to-wheel competition. Across 12 seasons, the series has crowned 10 different champions, proving to be one of the most open and competitive titles in global sport. Built on purposeful ambition, fearless action, and bringing fans closer to the action, Formula E engages a new generation of culture drivers who are excited to shape the future.

www.FIAFormulaE.com

About ABB

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this 'Engineered to Outrun'.

The company has over 140 years of history and more than 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB's shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

www.abb.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 October 2026 - Hong Kong has again been rated as the world's freest economy, according to the Economic Freedom of the World 2026 Annual Report, published on October 6 by the Canada-based Fraser Institute. Hong Kong remained top among 165 jurisdictions worldwide with Switzerland in second place.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government welcomed the latest report, noting that, among the five areas of assessment, the city continued to be ranked first globally in "Freedom to trade internationally" and second in "Regulation".

"The Fraser Institute's report once again affirms Hong Kong's strengths as a free-market economy and its open, efficient and fair business environment," a spokesman for the HKSAR Government said. "Amid increasing global economic uncertainties and rising trade protectionism, Hong Kong remains firmly committed to maintaining its free port status, zero-tariff policy, and simple and low tax regime, providing a secure, stable, fair, predictable and internationalised business and investment environment for investors and entrepreneurs from around the world."

"One country, two systems" advantages

The HKSAR Government highlighted that, under the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of the Chinese Mainland and maintains close connections with the rest of the world.

"While offering convenient access to both the Chinese Mainland and international markets, Hong Kong continues to practise common law in both Chinese and English," the spokesman said. "It also offers financial, shipping, trading and professional services that align seamlessly with international best standards, supported by an efficient government structure and a clean and professional civil service."

These strengths enable Hong Kong to fully leverage its roles and functions as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder', making it the best gateway for Mainland enterprises to enter international markets and for overseas enterprises to enter the Mainland.

Attracting investment and talent

So far this year, Hong Kong has continued to scale new heights in various international competitiveness rankings covering finance, innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent, reflecting wide recognition by the international community of Hong Kong's core strengths and the HKSAR Government's efforts to promote high-quality social and economic development.

Indeed, Hong Kong's favourable business and living environment, coupled with the proactive and concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and all sectors of the community, continues to attract enterprises and talent from around the world.

Last year, the number of companies in Hong Kong with parent companies overseas or in the Mainland exceeded 11,000, an increase of 11 per cent over 2024 and a record high.

The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), established by the HKSAR Government in 2022, has successfully attracted over 120 strategic enterprises to date, including many global industry leaders with a market capitalisation or valuation exceeding $100 billion and possessing cutting-edge technologies.

On talent attraction, from end-2022 to August this year, over 670,000 applications were received and over 470,000 were approved under various talent admission schemes, with more than 310,000 individuals having arrived in Hong Kong.

Over the past year, Hong Kong recorded considerable growth in funds raised through initial public offerings, bank deposits and assets under management in the asset and wealth management business, reflecting international investors' confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong.

Looking ahead

Last month, the HKSAR's Chief Executive, John Lee, announced the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan) and the 2026 Policy Address.

Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan states that Hong Kong will remain committed to a free and open economic system and the free flow of capital, goods, people and information, all of which are Hong Kong's core strengths under the "one country, two systems" framework.

"These efforts will inject stronger impetus into social and economic development, open up broader development prospects for local enterprises and the public, and provide greater opportunities for enterprises, investors and talent worldwide," the spokesman said.

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

Hashtags: #HongKong #Freest #Economy #Investment #Talent

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Baar, Switzerland, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medela, a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced the expansion of Drainology, a scientific initiative dedicated to advancing evidence-based chest drain management through research, education and clinical collaboration.

With new digital channels, expert-led educational resources and scientific events, the initiative will broaden access to knowledge and create additional opportunities for exchange and collaboration across the global healthcare community.

Drainology will also be featured as part of Medela's presence at the 40th European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) Annual Meeting, taking place October 7-10, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain.

Although chest drainage therapy is a fundamental component of cardiothoracic care, clinical practice continues to vary across healthcare settings. Drainology aims to support healthcare professionals by providing an evidence-based platform for education, expert dialogue, and practical insights.

Guided by an independent scientific board and sponsored by Medela, Drainology was established to encourage scientific exchange, promote evidence-based approaches, and help translate emerging knowledge into clinical practice.

Through Drainology, Medela reinforces its commitment to clinical excellence in chest drainage therapy by supporting the generation, dissemination and application of scientific evidence. It serves as a global resource for clinicians who seek to strengthen decision-making, reduce practice variability and improve patient outcomes.

"At Medela, we know that technology alone does not improve patient care. Clinicians also need access to strong evidence, clinical expertise, and exchange with their peers," said Thomas Gol?cke, CEO of Medela. "With Drainology, we want to help advance the science of chest drain management, bring these elements together and support healthcare professionals in translating the latest knowledge into everyday practice. This reflects Medela's broader commitment to combining clinical understanding with solutions that enable more informed and effective care and ultimately improve the patient experience."

Through Drainology, Medela collaborates with leading specialists in cardiothoracic surgery to foster scientific dialogue, support clinical decision-making through literature reviews and expert insights,  share evidence-based knowledge and promote best practices in chest drain management.

The Drainology initiative is supported by an independent scientific board comprising Stephen D. Cassivi, Daniel Engelman, Wentao Fang, Eric Lim, Kevin W. Lobdell, Gloria F?rber, and Alan D. L. Sihoe. The board provides expert guidance on educational and scientific activities, while Medela serves as sponsor and provides operational support.

"The future of cardiac surgery chest drain management must evolve from tradition to precision through networked learning and AI-augmented care. When we replace habit with continuous, data-driven insights, we will reduce complications like Retained Blood Syndrome and enhance recovery," said Kevin W. Lobdell, MD, Professor & System Director CV Surgical Quality, Education, and Research at Atrium Health, and Drainology board member.

Creating a Global Hub for Scientific Exchange in Chest Drain Management

Drainology provides healthcare professionals with access to expert-led educational content, scientific resources and opportunities for collaboration and global best-practice sharing. Through scientific sessions and symposia at leading conferences, as well as its website, newsletter, and LinkedIn presence, the initiative aims to facilitate scientific dialogue, encourage collaboration across the global healthcare community and support the continued advancement of chest drain management.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to visit www.drainology.org, follow the Drainology LinkedIn page, and subscribe to the Drainology newsletter for educational content, expert perspectives, and updates from the platform.

About Medela

Through advancing research, observing natural behavior and listening to our customers, Medela turns science into care while nurturing health for generations.

Medela supports millions of moms, babies, patients and healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries all over the world. As the healthcare choice for more than 6 million hospitals and homes across the globe, Medela provides leading research-based breast milk feeding products, healthcare solutions for hospitals, and clinical education.

Medela is dedicated to building better health outcomes, simplifying and improving life, and developing breakthroughs that help moms, babies and patients live their life to the fullest. For more information, visit medela.com.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

EBC akan memaparkan sejumlah perkembangan terbarunya serta menyampaikan kabar mengenai EBC Group Foundation

HONG KONG, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lanskap trading di Asia berkembang dengan pesat. Teknologi semakin memperluas akses terhadap informasi pasar dan perangkat trading. Sementara itu, regulator di berbagai negara Asia terus beradaptasi dengan lingkungan keuangan yang terus berubah.

Dinamika antara pertumbuhan dan pengawasan akan menjadi salah satu topik utama dalam berbagai diskusi di iFX EXPO Asia 2026, yang berlangsung pada 7-9 Oktober di Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Lebih dari 5.000 profesional dari lebih 130 negara diperkirakan akan menghadiri acara tersebut. EBC Financial Group (EBC) juga akan hadir di Stan 4 untuk memaparkan perkembangan terbarunya serta berpartisipasi dalam tiga sesi di agenda konferensi.

Mengapa Asia, Mengapa Sekarang

Bagi EBC, acara ini berlangsung pada momentum penting bagi kawasan Asia. Asia tetap menjadi salah satu pasar trading paling aktif dan beragam di dunia. Setiap negara menerapkan pendekatan yang berbeda terhadap regulasi, akses produk, dan teknologi keuangan.

"Dunia trading berubah dengan cepat. Teknologi, perubahan perilaku trader dan investor, serta gejolak global yang terus berlanjut sedang membentuk kembali cara kerja pasar," ujar Andria Phiniefs, Marketing Director EBC Financial Group. "Ini menjadi momentum yang tepat untuk menjalin koneksi dengan trader dan mitra di Asia sekaligus memperkenalkan inovasi terbaru kami."

"iFX mempertemukan industri valas dan broker di satu tempat sehingga menjadikannya tempat ideal untuk menjalin koneksi dengan trader sekaligus mengumumkan inovasi terbaru kami," tambah Phiniefs. "Bergabunglah bersama para pembicara kami pada Kamis dan Jumat, yang akan membahas berbagai isu yang akan menentukan arah perkembangan trading, regulasi, dan teknologi ke depan. Setelah itu, kunjungi kami di Stan 4 untuk melanjutkan diskusi dan melihat lebih dekat inovasi terbaru EBC."

Tiga Sesi, Satu Benang Merah

Sesi-sesi EBC mengangkat rangkaian pertanyaan dengan alur yang jelas. Di mana peluang berikutnya dalam trading dan investasi? Bagaimana perusahaan trading dapat berkembang tanpa melanggar aturan? Setelah memiliki data, bagaimana trader dapat menggunakannya untuk mengambil keputusan yang lebih tepat?

Pertanyaan pertama menjadi pembuka rangkaian sesi. Pada Kamis, 8 Oktober, pukul 13.20-13.50 di Speaker Hall, Christopher Stiegeler, Chief Operating Officer EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited, akan menjadi moderator dalam panel yang membahas peluang trading utama berikutnya di Asia serta tantangan regulasi yang terus berkembang. Para panelis akan membahas ketidakpastian regulasi, inovasi produk, serta beragam pendekatan terhadap trading di kawasan Asia.

Sesi kedua akan berlangsung pada Jumat, 9 Oktober. Pada pukul 11.00-11.40, Charles Lagares, General Counsel EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited, akan menjadi moderator dalam sesi bertajuk "Dilema Kepatuhan: Seberapa Cepat Industri Keuangan Dapat Berkembang Tanpa Melanggar Aturan?" Panel ini membahas bagaimana perusahaan keuangan dapat terus berkembang sekaligus mengimbangi perubahan regulasi, perkembangan teknologi, dan tuntutan kepatuhan yang semakin kompleks.

Sesi ketiga menggabungkan kedua topik tersebut. Pada pukul 14.40-15.10 di Mastery Hub, Dr. Parker Tian, Head of EBC AI Lab, akan bergabung dengan Stiegeler dan Lagares dalam sesi bertajuk "Data Saja Tidak Cukup: Kecerdasan Kontekstual untuk Pengambilan Keputusan Trading". Sesi ini berangkat dari sebuah ide sederhana. Data mentah saja jarang mampu memberikan gambaran yang utuh. Perilaku trader, kondisi pasar, dan pola trading individu memberikan konteks yang membantu mengubah informasi menjadi pertimbangan untuk mengambil keputusan yang lebih relevan. Pemikiran ini mendasari pendekatan EBC terhadap trading berbasis AI.

Peserta dapat menambahkan ketiga sesi tersebut ke agenda mereka melalui aplikasi iFX EXPO.

Temui EBC di Acara

iFX EXPO Asia 2026 berlangsung pada 7?9 Oktober di Hall 3FG, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. EBC akan menempati Stan 4 dan tampil sebagai pembicara di Speaker Hall serta Mastery Hub pada Kamis, 8 Oktober, dan Jumat, 9 Oktober. Pendaftaran online ditutup pada Rabu, 7 Oktober, pukul 09.00 (UTC+8).

Untuk mengetahui analisis selengkapnya dari EBC, kunjungi: www.ebc.com.

Penafian: 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 yang tinggi dan mungkin tidak cocok untuk semua investor. Kerugian dapat melebihi nilai deposit Anda.

Sebelum melakukan trading, Anda sebaiknya mempertimbangkan dengan cermat tujuan trading, tingkat pengalaman, serta toleransi risiko Anda. Konsultasikan dengan penasihat keuangan independen bila diperlukan. Data statistik atau performa investasi di masa lalu tidak menjamin performa pada masa mendatang. EBC tidak bertanggung jawab atas segala kerugian yang timbul akibat mengandalkan informasi ini.

Tentang EBC Financial Group

EBC Financial Group, yang berkantor pusat di London, Inggris Raya, merupakan grup layanan keuangan komprehensif yang memiliki lisensi dan beroperasi di berbagai yurisdiksi utama di seluruh dunia. Grup ini menawarkan lebih dari 200 produk Contracts for Difference (CFD), termasuk valuta asing, logam mulia, energi, indeks saham, saham AS, ETF, dan mata uang kripto. Dengan cabang yang tersebar di berbagai pusat keuangan global utama, seperti Tokyo, Sydney, Singapura, dan Hong Kong, jaringan layanan EBC menjangkau lebih dari 100 negara dan wilayah.

Regulasi menjadi fondasi utama dalam membangun kepercayaan di industri keuangan. Berbagai entitas operasional EBC memiliki lisensi regulasi keuangan yang diterbitkan oleh Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Inggris Raya, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), serta Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) Afrika Selatan. Seluruh entitas tersebut mematuhi secara ketat ketentuan regulasi yang berlaku di wilayah operasional masing-masing.

Dengan memanfaatkan akses likuiditas yang teregulasi oleh FCA, EBC telah menjalin kemitraan jangka panjang yang stabil dengan lebih dari 50 bank dan penyedia likuiditas nonbank terkemuka di seluruh dunia. Dengan mengintegrasikan kuotasi likuiditas berstandar kliring, EBC memberikan akses langsung kepada klien ke pasar likuiditas utama, dengan kedalaman likuiditas berstandar institusional yang sangat kompetitif serta spread setara bank. Hal ini memungkinkan klien menikmati biaya transaksi yang sangat rendah. Seluruh klien EBC dapat menikmati akses ke likuiditas tingkat atas melalui lisensi FCA yang dimiliki EBC. Bahkan untuk akun offshore, seluruh kuotasi dan order tetap diproses melalui perusahaan EBC yang berbasis di Inggris Raya.

Dengan menggabungkan mahadata (big data) dan algoritma AI untuk mengoptimalkan mekanisme pencocokan order, EBC berhasil mengeksekusi lebih dari 87,6% order pada harga yang lebih menguntungkan. Bagi trader dengan frekuensi dan volume trading tinggi, EBC menawarkan EBC Private Room yang dirancang secara khusus, yaitu saluran trading eksklusif dan terpisah untuk menjaga kerahasiaan order serta menghindari manipulasi order di pasar. EBC juga menjadi salah satu dari sedikit broker berlisensi di industri yang dapat menawarkan akun kliring likuiditas FCA dengan leverage hingga 100 kali kepada investor profesional yang memenuhi persyaratan.

Tim manajemen inti EBC memiliki pengalaman lebih dari 30 tahun bekerja di berbagai institusi keuangan global berskala besar serta telah melewati berbagai siklus keuangan secara menyeluruh. Mereka telah menempati sejumlah posisi inti dalam jajaran manajemen di berbagai institusi yang teregulasi oleh FCA, SEC, dan CFTC. Keahlian mereka mencakup berbagai bidang utama, seperti bisnis broker, manajemen operasional, kepatuhan dan tata kelola, serta manajemen risiko perusahaan.

EBC telah dinobatkan sebagai "Broker Terbaik di Dunia" oleh World Finance selama empat tahun berturut-turut serta dipercaya oleh lebih dari 5 juta pengguna terdaftar di seluruh dunia. Dengan menjunjung perspektif jangka panjang, EBC secara aktif menjalankan tanggung jawab sosialnya: sebagai mitra resmi FC Barcelona, EBC berkolaborasi dengan Departemen Ekonomi Universitas Oxford untuk mendorong edukasi keuangan, mendukung proyek "United to Beat Malaria" dari UN Foundation, serta bermitra dengan World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) untuk memajukan pemberdayaan perempuan dan kesetaraan sosial.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Transaction streamlines business and sharpens focus on core betting, gaming, and media priorities

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sportradar Group AG (NASDAQ: SRAD), a leading global sports technology company creating immersive experiences for sports fans and bettors, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Atrium Sports, the coaching and scouting business of Synergy Sports, to Teamworks Innovations, Inc. for US $170 million in cash. This transaction represents an accretive double-digit EBITDA multiple relative to Sportradar's market valuation.

Sportradar will retain certain technology assets, capabilities, and revenue that underpin its core offerings and is already integrated into its business, including automated video production cameras, automated graphics solutions, certain computer vision capabilities, and competition management products.

Carsten Koerl, Chief Executive Officer of Sportradar, said: "This transaction optimizes and streamlines our business as we focus on our core betting, gaming, and media priorities, while enabling us to retain key technology assets and capabilities that will support growth and innovation. The proceeds will further strengthen our balance sheet and support capital allocation priorities. Synergy is a leading team-side analytics platform for baseball and basketball and this transaction positions the business for its next phase under an industry leader focused on serving teams and athletes. We will work closely with Teamworks to ensure a seamless transition for our clients, partners and employees."

The transaction is currently expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

About Sportradar

Sportradar Group AG (NASDAQ: SRAD), founded in 2001, is a leading global sports technology company creating immersive experiences for sports fans and bettors. Positioned at the intersection of the sports media and betting/gaming industries, Sportradar provides betting and iGaming operators, media and technology companies, prediction market partners and sports federations with a best-in-class range of solutions to help grow their businesses.

Trusted by the world's leading global sports organizations including the ATP, NBA and WNBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, PGA TOUR, UEFA, FIFA, CONMEBOL, AFC, and the Bundesliga, and global clients including Flutter, DraftKings, Google, Microsoft, Kalshi and Polymarket, Sportradar covers more than a million events annually across all major sports. Sportradar is not just redefining the sports fan experience, it also safeguards sports through its Integrity Services division and advocates for an integrity-driven environment for all involved. For more information about Sportradar, please visit www.sportradar.com

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking" statements and information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events, including, without limitation, statements regarding the expected closing of the sale transaction of Atrium Sports, Inc. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "might," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "seek," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "projects", "continue," "contemplate," "confident," "possible" or similar words. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control.

In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the following: economic downturns and political and market conditions beyond our control, including uncertainty and instability resulting from catastrophic events such as acts of war or terrorism and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; dependence on our strategic relationships with our sports league partners; effect of social responsibility concerns and public opinion on responsible gaming, gambling by minors, match-fixing or other illegal gambling schemes on our reputation; potential adverse changes in public and consumer tastes and preferences and industry trends; potential changes in competitive landscape, including new market entrants or disintermediation; potential inability to anticipate and adopt new technology and products; potential errors, failures or bugs in our products; inability to protect our systems and data from continually evolving cybersecurity risks, security breaches or other technological risks; potential interruptions and failures in our systems or infrastructure; our ability to comply with governmental laws, rules, regulations, and other legal obligations, related to data privacy, protection and security; ability to comply with the variety of unsettled and developing U.S. and foreign laws on sports betting; risks associated with artificial intelligence and machine-learning technologies; failure to recruit, retain and develop qualified personnel; changes in the legal and regulatory status of real money gambling and betting legislation on us and our customers; our inability to maintain or obtain regulatory compliance in the jurisdictions in which we conduct our business; our ability to obtain, maintain, protect, enforce and defend our intellectual property rights; our ability to obtain and maintain sufficient data rights from major sports leagues, including exclusive rights; our ability to successfully remediate any material weaknesses identified in our internal control over financial reporting; seasonality and volatility; difficulties in our ability to evaluate, complete and integrate acquisitions successfully; inability to secure additional financing in a timely manner, or at all, to meet our long-term future capital needs; publication of research reports, including by short sellers, or speculation in the press or the investment community, about us; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC, accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on our website at https://investors.sportradar.com. These statements reflect management's current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. One should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

DUBAI, Uni Emirat Arab, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GTC Prime, penyedia solusi likuiditas institusional, mengumumkan kemitraan strategis dengan Centroid Solutions, penyedia teknologi keuangan global One-Centroid Ecosystem.

Melalui kemitraan ini, GTC Prime akan memanfaatkan CS 360 Bridge, mesin konektivitas dan eksekusi multiaset milik Centroid, untuk mengelola dan mendistribusikan likuiditasnya melalui lingkungan yang terpusat. Kolaborasi ini akan memungkinkan broker dan klien institusional untuk mengakses likuiditas GTC Prime secara efisien. Akses tersebut juga didukung oleh harga yang disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan, eksekusi berlatensi rendah, pemantauan secara real time, pelaporan, serta manajemen risiko.

Kemitraan ini bertujuan untuk memenuhi meningkatnya kebutuhan akan akses likuiditas multiaset yang terpusat, dengan konektivitas yang andal dan kontrol terhadap eksekusi. Dengan memanfaatkan CS 360 Bridge, GTC Prime berupaya menyederhanakan distribusi likuiditas, mengurangi kompleksitas konektivitas, serta mempercepat proses onboarding dan penerapan layanan bagi klien.

GTC Prime menyediakan likuiditas untuk delapan kelas aset, termasuk valas, indeks, ekuitas, kontrak berjangka, ETF, mata uang digital, logam mulia, dan komoditas. Layanannya mencakup harga yang disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan dan bersumber dari bank tier 1, eksekusi DMA, feed harga berkecepatan sangat tinggi, spread dan komisi yang kompetitif, serta daftar antrean order beli dan jual hingga 10 tingkat.

CS 360 Bridge akan menyediakan lapisan inti untuk konektivitas dan eksekusi. Teknologi ini memungkinkan GTC Prime memusatkan distribusi likuiditas, mengagregasikan harga, mengelola konektivitas klien, serta mendukung smart order routing di berbagai platform dan kanal distribusi.

Tim GTC Prime berkomentar: "Broker dan klien institusional saat ini membutuhkan lebih dari sekadar akses terhadap likuiditas. Mereka membutuhkan akses pasar yang luas, konektivitas yang efisien, visibilitas operasional, serta teknologi yang mampu mendukung pertumbuhan bisnis multiaset dalam skala besar. Melalui kemitraan dengan Centroid Solutions dan pemanfaatan CS 360 Bridge, kami memperkuat proses penyusunan dan distribusi likuiditas. Kami juga memberikan akses yang lebih cepat kepada klien terhadap layanan harga, eksekusi, dan manajemen risiko kami."

Cristian Vlasceanu, CEO Centroid Solutions, mengatakan: "Kami senang dapat bermitra dengan GTC Prime dan mendukung distribusi likuiditasnya melalui CS 360 Bridge. Ekspansi penyedia likuiditas ke berbagai kelas aset dan segmen klien membuat konektivitas, kontrol eksekusi, serta pemantauan secara real time menjadi semakin penting. Kolaborasi ini mencerminkan komitmen kami dalam menyediakan teknologi yang dapat diskalakan dan mendukung pertumbuhan berkelanjutan lembaga keuangan."

Tentang GTC Prime

GTC Prime menyediakan solusi likuiditas, konektivitas, dan manajemen risiko bagi broker, dana lindung nilai, manajer aset, trader profesional, serta private trading desk (unit trading privat). Solusinya menggabungkan akses likuiditas yang luas, konektivitas yang andal, harga yang transparan, serta dukungan khusus untuk memenuhi kebutuhan trading institusional dan profesional.

Untuk informasi selengkapnya, hubungi sales@gtcprime.com atau kunjungi gtcprime.com.

Tentang Centroid Solutions

Centroid Solutions adalah penyedia teknologi pasar modal yang menawarkan One-Centroid Ecosystem, rangkaian solusi modular yang mendukung layanan keuangan terintegrasi dan trading multiaset. Teknologinya mencakup akses likuiditas, intelijen risiko, pengelolaan siklus hidup klien, infrastruktur, konektivitas, serta operasional broker untuk lembaga keuangan di seluruh dunia.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 October 2026 - Azbil Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code: 6845) announces that it will participate as a Platinum Partner at Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC 2026 (hereinafter "ITAP"), taking place from 21 - 22 October 2026, at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre in Singapore.

Leveraging HANNOVER MESSE's expertise, ITAP 2026 is jointly organized by Deutsche Messe and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation. Under the theme "Transform Tomorrow Today," this year's edition addresses a critical shift across regional manufacturing: accelerating the adoption and commercial deployment of digital technologies to drive productivity, resilience, and sustainable growth.

At ITAP, Azbil will showcase its theme, "Automation Solutions Driving Evolution and Co-Creation," demonstrating how its solutions help customers turn operational data into actionable insights, optimize performance, and address evolving industry challenges. As a trusted automation partner, Azbil looks forward to engaging with manufacturers, facility operators, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore new opportunities for innovation.

Guided by its Purpose, "Expanding Technological Frontiers, Unlocking Human Potential," Azbil will continue to create new value through its advanced measurement, control, and automation technologies and through co-creation with customers and partners, contributing to more reliable, efficient, and sustainable industrial operations.

Event Overview

For details, please visit the following website.

https://www.azbil.com/corporate/seminar/back_index.html

* Posted information is accurate as of the date of announcement.

About Azbil Corporation

Azbil Corporation, formerly known as Yamatake Corporation, is a leading company in building and industrial automation, using its measurement and control technologies to provide customers with high value-added solutions to make their operations more efficient and sustainable. Founded in 1906, the Azbil Group consists of 30 companies and operates in 16 countries, providing cutting-edge solutions and services to meet the diverse needs of its global customers.

As of March 31, 2026, the Azbil Group employed about 9,000 people worldwide and generated JPY 298.9 billion in revenue. To learn more about Azbil Corporation and its solutions, please visit Azbil's website at https://www.azbil.com.

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

Hashtags: #Azbil #ITAP

https://www.azbil.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/azbil-southeast-asia-and-india/

New solution helps manufacturers predict cost, optimize pricing, and protect profitability across service contracts and extended warranties 

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Syncron, a global leader in intelligent aftermarket solutions, today announced the launch of Syncron Service Contract Performance, a new solution designed to help manufacturers grow service contract and extended warranty business while optimizing revenue, cost, and margins over the life of the contract.

Service contracts give OEMs a way to secure future aftermarket revenue, strengthen customer relationships, and extend the commercial relationship beyond the warranty period. But as manufacturers shift toward contracted, recurring, and outcome-based service models, every agreement commits them to service costs and performance obligations that can stretch years into the future. 

That makes it increasingly important to understand what those agreements are likely to cost, how they should be priced, and whether they are performing as expected once they are live. 

Yet many manufacturers still rely heavily on broad cost estimates, spreadsheets, manual analysis, and static pricing assumptions to manage service contracts. As the number and variety of agreements grow, so does the financial exposure created by those limitations. Syncron Service Contract Performance connects the decisions that drive service contract profitability, helping manufacturers: 

Predict expected service costs using historical service and claims data, asset and usage information, planned maintenance requirements, and parts and labor costs 

Set and optimize contract prices based on expected cost, margin targets, and market pricing strategy 

Monitor and manage revenue, cost, margin, and performance across live contracts 

Use performance insights to improve future pricing, renewals, and contract decisions 

"Service contracts are becoming an increasingly important part of the aftermarket growth equation, but recurring revenue only creates value when manufacturers understand the risk they are taking on," said Josh Weiss, CEO at Syncron. "Our Service Contract Performance solution gives OEMs a clearer view of the economics behind every agreement, so they can make better decisions about what to sell, what to charge, and how to protect profitability as the business grows." 

The opportunity is already visible in Syncron's work with manufacturers. In a proof of concept with a major manufacturer, predictive models created using data from tens of thousands of vehicles showed cost-prediction accuracy of up to 95% when back-tested against more than 1,000 historical contract policies - a significant improvement on the manufacturer's current estimates.  

In a separate manufacturer analysis, Syncron Service Contract Performance helped uncover that 28% of agreements sold were generating negative profit due to poor understanding of the cost to serve, with a potential $13.6 million opportunity in bringing those contracts back to break-even. 

"The value comes from connecting decisions that have traditionally been made separately," said Daniel Shearly, Chief Product Officer at Syncron. "Historical service and asset data gives manufacturers a stronger basis for predicting future cost and setting prices. Once agreements are live, actual performance shows how those assumptions are holding up and can inform the decisions that follow. Bringing that together gives OEMs a more systematic way to manage cost, risk, and profitability as their service contract business grows." 

Syncron Service Contract Performance expands Syncron's Service Lifecycle Management offering, supporting manufacturers as they advance their servitization strategies and helping them manage profitability, strengthen customer relationships, and grow aftermarket revenue. 

About Syncron 

Syncron is the aftermarket growth platform for the world's leading manufacturers and distributors. Trusted by customers across more than 80 countries, Syncron offers connected solutions across parts and service pricing, service supply chain management, warranty management, and service contract performance. Global heavy equipment and automotive brands use Syncron to protect revenue, grow margins, and strengthen customer relationships across the asset lifecycle. For more, visit www.syncron.com. 

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE, OTCQX:VLERF) ("Valeura" or the "Company") provides an operations and financial update for Q3 2026.

Highlights

Oil production averaged 22.1 mbbls/d(1);

Sales of 2.013 million bbls;

Price realisations averaged US$97.4/bbl, resulting in revenue of US$196.1 million;

Cash position of US$384.9 million at 30 September 2026(2) and no debt;

Exploration discovery on Block G1/48(3) - the Suraphi oil field;

Final investment decision on the first phase of development of the Bussabong gas field, on Block G3/65(4);

Milestone cumulative production of 100 million bbls of oil from the Jasmine field as of 21 September 2026(5); and

Early completion of onshore construction of the Wassana central processing platform ("CPP"), on track for accelerated installation in the field in Block G10/48(6), starting in October 2026.

(1) Working interest share production, before royalties.

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

(3) Block G1/48, 90% operated working interest.

(4) Block G3/65, 40% non-operated working interest; Thailand's cabinet has granted executive approval for the assignment of interest to Valeura. Completion anticipated in October 2026.

(5) Block B5/27, 100% operated interest.

(6) Block G10/48, 100% operated interest.

Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:

"Our Q3 2026 production was exactly on plan, and once again, confirms our guidance expectations for the full year 2026. Operational performance has been very strong, with no deviations from our high standards on health, safety, and environmental stewardship. At the same time, our financial performance has been remarkable as the Company is able to capture full benefit of current oil prices as it carries no hedging, operates under simple tax/royalty-based fiscal terms, and benefits from historic tax loss carry-forwards. Our balance sheet is stronger than ever before, with US$385 million in cash and no debt.

During Q3, we advanced several strategic priorities including securing government approval for our Block G1/65 and G3/65 farm-in(1), and thereafter taking a final investment decision to pursue the first phase of gas development on the Bussabong field. We are also encouraged by the potential for additional oil development on Block G1/48 as a result of our exploration discovery of the Suraphi field, which we believe has the potential to extend the productive life of the Manora field and may support further exploration and development opportunities in the area.

We also achieved a key milestone at our Jasmine field this quarter, with cumulative production hitting the milestone of 100 million barrels of oil produced to date. More recently, our Wassana redevelopment project achieved a key milestone as well. Onshore construction of our new-build CPP was completed early and is on track for accelerated installation, starting in October 2026.

Operationally and financially, our business is delivering extremely well and I am pleased to see external recognition of this across all aspects of our business. This quarter we were recognised by the Toronto Stock Exchange as one of the top 30 performing companies based on three-year share price performance. We received four awards from the Thailand Ministry of Environment for our environmental monitoring practices. And finally, our Company's approach to adopting new technology was recognised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Thailand in response to our introduction of complex multi-lateral drilling at the Nong Yao field. "

(1) 40% non-operated working interest.

Q3 2026 Update

Valeura's working interest share production before royalties was on plan for Q3 2026, averaging 22.1 mbbls/d. The Company sold a total of 2.013 million bbls of oil during the quarter with average realised prices of US$97.4/bbl, resulting in revenue of US$196.1 million. Revenue includes crude oil receivables of US$22.5 million at 30 September 2026, in respect of oil sales just prior to the end of the quarter. The Company anticipates collecting upon such receivable in the early part of Q4 2026.

The Company's cash position increased to US$384.9 million at 30 September 2026. Valeura has no debt.

Wassana CPP Completion

Onshore construction of the Wassana CPP was fully completed on 01 October 2026. Jacket and CPP have been loaded on to vessels for transportation and installation on the field, starting in October. This follows the installation of an oil export pipeline which will connect the new CPP to the floating storage and offloading vessel, which was completed in September, on plan and budget.    The Company is planning to begin development drilling late in 2026.  

Overall, the Company's plan to accelerate the original Wassana redevelopment project schedule by approximately two months is on track. Management continues to forecast first oil production from the CPP at approximately the beginning of Q2 2027.

Results Timing

Valeura intends to release its full unaudited financial and operating results for Q3 2026 on 11 November 2026 and will discuss the results in more detail through a management webcast.

Contact details for the Company's advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including ATB Cormark Capital Markets, Auctus Advisors LLP, Beacon Securities Limited, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), 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 Q3 2026 in this news release 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 nine months ended 30 September 2026 and management's final review.

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 typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "target" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to: the potential for more oil development on Block G1/48 as a result of the Company's exploration discovery of the Suraphi field; and timing for the installation of the Wassana CPP, development drilling, and first oil production.    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 and the continuity of existing fiscal and regulatory regimes; 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, including approval of gas pricing and formalization of gas sales agreements; 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 on 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 geopolitical conflicts, including conflicts in the Middle East, 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 fund 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, including access to processing facilities; 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; the Company's continued ability to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner; PTTEP's continued participation as operator and joint venture partner in accordance with expectations; the timely completion of construction and deployment of wellhead platforms; and the continued applicability of customary Thai domestic gas pricing frameworks. 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 the Farm-in and the Bussabong development, including the risk that actual capital expenditures exceed estimates or that development timelines are delayed; 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; geopolitical risks and instability; 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.

The forward-looking information contained in this news 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 news 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.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

US$10 Billion in Venture Capital Convenes to Meet Hong Kong Start-ups; Government, Business and Young Professionals Explore Opportunities in the New Economy

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 October 2026 -The Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026, organised by Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, was held on 5 October at the Conrad Hong Kong.

Now in its third edition, the Summit coincides with the release of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026?2030) and the latest Policy Address, which together set a clear blueprint for the city's future.

Anchored on these core themes and conducted entirely in English, the full-day programme focused on artificial intelligence, geopolitics, Hong Kong as an education hub, capital markets, life and health technology, and start-up financing. Government and business leaders, corporate representatives and young professionals were invited to examine Hong Kong's strategic opportunities in the new economic landscape.

The Summit aims to connect young professionals with international resources, enabling participants to engage directly with industry leaders, grasp developments at the frontier of industry, and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges arising from artificial intelligence and Greater Bay Area integration. Previous editions have drawn a strong response. Across three editions, the Summit has attracted more than thousands of in-person participants and about 17,000 online participants from over 30 countries and regions, with social media reach exceeding 50 million.

This year's Summit was the largest yet, bringing together more than 600 young professionals, government and business leaders and corporate representatives. Participants from over 60 countries and regions joined online. More than 30 distinguished speakers and moderators were invited, including officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and representatives of leading local and international organisations such as Huawei, the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Bullish and Endowus. In addition, consular representatives from up to 20 countries attended the Summit.

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr John Lee, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, delivered a pre-recorded video speech, encouraging young professionals to seize the opportunities of the times and inject fresh momentum into Hong Kong's high-quality development. He said: "For our young people, I firmly believe that your opportunities ahead outweigh the difficulties. The HKSAR Government will join hands with all sectors to build platforms for you to thrive in Hong Kong, in our country, and in the global arena."

The Deputy Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, delivered an opening keynote entitled "Opportunities for the Professional Development of Young People", and stressed: "As the saying goes, 'Change is the only constant'-or as our Cantopop classic famously put it, '變幻原是永恆'. Today, we no longer measure change in years or decades, but in months and days. For our young professionals, this fast-paced era unlocks unprecedented career horizons. By accelerating Greater Bay Area integration through our new GBA Task Force and empowering you to act as the ultimate 'super-connectors' and 'super value-adders' helping Mainland enterprises go global, we are turning rapid change into your greatest professional advantage."

Dr Kevin Lau, MH, Founding Convenor of Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, said: "This is more than a high-level forum. It marks a milestone in the maturing of our network of young professionals. This afternoon, venture funds managing an estimated US$10 billion in assets gathered in the room - and what they are looking at is Hong Kong's next generation. In life and health technology, our core belief is clear: artificial intelligence can assist imaging and diagnosis, but a physician's care, and the warmth of a human hand, can never be replaced by technology."

Other distinguished guests included Mr Kevin Choi, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; and Mr James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals. Mr Bryan Che, Chief Strategy Officer of Huawei, and Ms Cindy Chow, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, also attended in person to exchange views with young professionals.

Panel discussions

Artificial intelligence: from first-time users to advanced users

The opening session began with remarks by Mr Kevin Choi, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and was moderated by Ms Stephaine Chan, Director of the Office of the Vice Chairman of Esquel Group. Panellists included Ms Ilaria Chan, Chair of the Tech For Good Institute; Mr Bryan Che, Chief Strategy Officer of Huawei; and Ms Cindy Chow, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund. The discussion focused on whether small and medium-sized enterprises, non-governmental organisations and schools can genuinely put artificial intelligence to use, and on the talent, trust and practical-application issues Hong Kong faces in driving "AI for all".

Mr Kevin Choi, JP mentioned: "Every major technology shift brings uncertainty. Our theme today from entry-level shock to AI-powered users building the next talent leader."

Ms Stephaine Chan said: "Every AI conversation ends in the same place, right? More investment, better people, better models and stronger policy."

Ms Ilaria Chan said: "These days, Al is so powerful that they can scan the Internet and social media and find vulnerable young people or old people. They can find it instantly and have a very sophisticated way to trick them and fraud them from scamming."

Mr Bryan Che: "One of the opportunities of Al is because the interface is much more natural for most people to interact with. On one sense, it's a lot easier for everyone to get started."

Ms Cindy Chow said: "So I guess some of the most damaging thing is not allowing people to use or not, you know, really have the attitude to embrace all this new technology, what this new technology has to bring to you."

Geopolitics: the super-connector

This session was moderated by Mr James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals. Speakers included Ms Ilaria Chan, Chair of the Tech For Good Institute; Ms Ellana Lee, Senior Vice President, Managing Editor, Asia Pacific, and Global Head of Productions at CNN; and Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Mr James Chau said: "Against this backdrop, we often hear Hong Kong described as a super connector, typically framed in terms of trade volumes, capital markets and logistics but I think that these connections that we're speaking of really only become very valuable and we understand and recognize the human bonds that pin these together."

Professor Frederick Ma , GBS, JP said: "We are part of China. And yet we are under one country 2 systems connected to the rest of the world. That is the power of Hong Kong."

Ms Ellana Lee said: "We made a very strategic decision when the times were tough to stay and remain in Hong Kong. I think that has and you know, we make these decisions not just out of a whim, but we are very calculative on why we need to stay. I have 8 cities across Asia Pacific. Hong Kong happens to be the hub for Asia Pacific. And there's it boils down to four major reasons."

Ms IIaria Chan: "Simple of how tech is helping people, there is an organization, WHO care for children that was founded 20 years ago that helps orphans in developing China back then Vietnam, Thailand now in Africa, Middle East to find loving permanent homes. But their bottleneck is how they train social workers and governments on how to take care of orphan welfare. Now this year we've actually been launching an online product that is able to scale these bottlenecks, especially in areas that are underfunded. This is a great example of Al tech."

Education: Hong Kong as Asia's education hub

This session was co-moderated by Mrs Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of the Future Leaders Foundation, and Ms Jennifer Ma, Founder of JM Edu Consulting. Speakers included Ms Maggie Chau, School Partnership Advisor at the Academy for Educational Development and Innovation of The Education University of Hong Kong; Mr Dion CHEN, MH, Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council; and Professor Charles Ng Wang-Wai, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Mrs Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP said: "An education hub is more than a place with excellent institutions. It is a place that students and families choose, where young people flourish, and connects education with research, innovation, careers and a wider community."

Professor Charles Ng said: "With our national policy. And I think we should do better to support this great initiatives and thinking back actually 2023 and home government already in in the government policy in October, if I remember correctly to start to increase the local student quota from 20% to 40%."

Ms Jennifer Ma said: "As a consultant we need demand to meet supply and we are definitely seeing the demand for Hong Kong education at K12 level....... The advocacy for Hong Kong to be the gateway for China Resources and talents to leave China and go into international arenas. But at the same time, we also see a lot of international people interested in what's happening in mainland, and therefore Hong Kong is a great gateway. So, with that global education, global education philosophy, that means they really appreciate Hong Kong trilingual education by cultural mindset."

Mr Dion CHEN, MH mentioned: "In 2026, a lot of DSS schools will work very hard to try to welcome and also promote welcome to Hong Kong and also promote Hong Kong's education to the students in different countries."

Ms Maggie Chau said: "Maggie: I can see that all the universities are actually implementing AI in their curriculum. Talking about teacher education, the programs we offer, I mean, not just The Education University of Hong Kong, the programs we offer in all universities implement Al in the curriculum in a way that we draw attention to the use of Al is it has to be ethical."

Capital markets: AI listings, asset tokenisation and the new economy

This session was moderated by Ms Emily CHAN Tan, a former CNBC anchor. Speakers included Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP; Ms Clara CHAN Ka Chai, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited; Mr Michael Lau, Senior Vice President and Head of Group Business Development at Bullish and Chairman of Consensus; and Mr Samuel RHEE, Co-founder, Chairman and Group Chief Investment Officer of Endowus.

Ms Clara CHAN Ka Chai said: "We always say that from zero to 1 is the most challenging part. So, the patients in terms of having staying power is the core, but it has to go in hand with other qualities like being proactive, being professional."

Mr Michael Lau said: "I think it's an interesting proposition to consider that these types of companies that are so capital. I would start looking beyond the current horizon of where we are to see where it could go next. And so I do think that there is a demand looking to that future where this idea of a tokenized capital market could be quite interesting."

Mr Samuel RHEE mentioned: "First of all, maybe we just take a step back and just try to understand all of the capital markets, not just equities."

Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP said: "I want to point out one thing. I mean, we are operating a stock exchange and I think capital markets at the end of the day, the basic function is to match capital with opportunity. So what I'm very focused on is that I'm not just focused on technology or AI."

Ms Emily CHAN Tan said: "We are not just witnessing a cyclical recovery, but also some would call this the threshold of a capital markets renaissance."

Life and health technology: building a health-industry hub

This session was moderated by Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS, Founding President of the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation. Speakers included Professor LI King-Chuen, Founding Dean of the School of Medicine at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Dr Sarah SALVILLA, Director of Health and Strategic Partnerships at FWD Group; and Professor Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, GBS, JP, former Chairman of the Hospital Authority and Non-executive Chairman of Trinity Medical Group. The discussion focused on how AI in healthcare can strengthen the competitiveness of Hong Kong's health industry.

Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS said: "Building HK's holistic wellness hub, this year marks a defining moment for HK. With the release of our first ever five year plan and their chief executive policy address just a few weeks ago, our city's road map for healthcare and biotechnology knowledge has never been clearer or more ambitious."

Professor Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, GBS, JP said: "Every country every city is trying to recruit more talent and I think Hong Kong is an ideal position to attract talents."

Professor LI King-Chuen said: "Our education system will be individualized. And we will do the factual knowledge transfer through mostly self-directed learning. So we guide them, we build an AI system with prescribed information."

Dr Sarah SALVILLA said: "Prevention for sure in terms of how do we educate people to be much more proactive in their everyday lives, yes you know, kind of the lifestyle things."

Start-up pitching: connecting with capital

The closing session was moderated by business journalist Ms Elaine Yu, with Mr LU Chin Yung, Senior Vice President (Start-ups) of the Sector Specialist Group at Invest Hong Kong. Representatives of 11 venture funds were present, including the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Clee Capital, Click Ventures, GT Healthcare Capital Partners, Gobi Partners GBA, HKSTP Ventures, MindWorks Capital, Ryoden Medical Holdings, Seveno Capital, Verge HealthTech Fund and W2 Venture Partners. Together, the funds manage an estimated US$10 billion, have invested in more than 600 start-ups across more than 30 economies, and have backed at least nine unicorns, including Airwallex, Animoca Brands, Prenetics and GoGoX. Start-ups taking part in the pitching session included CELLmeric, Entoptica, PointFit, Syngular, Kodifly, AilsynBio, EveryBaby, A-grade, Orimmune Biotech, Nordia Biotech, Oncolmmu Nostics Limited, The Harbour School (THS), VisionBridge, Eden's Garden, and CARE CONNECT.

Ms Elaine Yu said: "We have 15 startups and I think a group of students as well, very precocious students WHO are already thinking of ideas, real businesses with commercial viability at the cutting edge of science, research, healthcare and so forth. So, this should be a fun dynamic session."

Mr LU Chin Yung pointed out: "Hong Kong is great in a lot of rankings in the world and this is not given, this is hard earned by your parents, by some of you sitting here. But as a young founder in Hong Kong, if you come to Hong Kong, you get to enjoy all this very safe environment. You have efficiency and then you also have a very clean government. This one I can say for sure. Yeah. And and all this, it helps the the founders to focus on your business, focus on grow, growing instead of you have to deal with many, many things."

The Summit closed amid lively exchange. Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy said it will continue to build the Summit into a platform for dialogue between young professionals and leading figures in government and business, helping Hong Kong's young talent seize the opportunities of the new economy.

Photos and video: Selected materials can be downloaded here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XowvT4PLTkLo-Vx6k8UJ_YyuM0O0wSlQ?usp=sharing .

Official hashtag: #GYPS2026

Venture fund	Profile
Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund	A HK$1 billion venture fund under Alibaba Group; has invested in 84 start-ups and nurtured seven unicorns
Clee Capital	A Hong Kong venture fund focused on start-up and private equity investment
Click Ventures	A pioneer Hong Kong early-stage technology investor; now invests in 20 funds as a family office
W2 Venture Partners	Venture fund (profile to be supplemented)
Gobi Partners GBA	A pan-Asian venture platform managing about US$2 billion, with cumulative investments in more than 400 companies
GT Healthcare Capital Partners	A Hong Kong healthcare investment fund with investments across North America and Europe
HKSTP Ventures	The corporate venture arm of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, investing directly in seed to Series A start-ups
MindWorks Capital	A Hong Kong pan-Asian venture fund focused on logistics, fintech and enterprise technology
Ryoden Medical Holdings	A Hong Kong healthcare family office investing in biotechnology and regenerative medicine
Seveno Capital	A Singapore longevity and health-technology fund with US$70 million in committed capital over five years
Verge HealthTech Fund	A Hong Kong and Singapore digital-health venture fund with investments across 17 countries

Annex 2: Attending guests (in no particular order)

Guest	Title	Guest	Title
Ms Chan Hoi-yee	Director, Office of the Vice Chairman, Esquel Group	Ms Ilaria Chan	Chair, Tech For Good Institute
Ms Clara Chan	Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited	Ms Chan Nga-ying	Former CNBC anchor
Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP	Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited	Mr James Chau	President, China-United States Exchange Foundation, and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals
Ms Irene Chow	School Partnership Advisor, Academy for Educational Development and Innovation (AEDI), The Education University of Hong Kong	Mr Bryan Che	Chief Strategy Officer, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Mr Adrian Chan, MH	Vice-Chairman, Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council	Mrs Carrie Cheng, JP	Founder, Future Leaders Foundation
Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP	Deputy Secretary for Justice, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region	Mr Kevin Choi, JP	Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry
Ms Cindy Chow	Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund	Dr Kevin Lau, MH	Founding Convenor, Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy
Mr Lau Tak-ho	Senior Vice President and Head of Group Business Development, Bullish, and Chairman, Consensus	Ms Ellana Lee	Senior Vice President, Managing Editor, Asia Pacific, and Global Head of Productions, CNN
Professor King Li	Founding Dean, School of Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS	Founding President, Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation
Mr Raymond Lui	Senior Vice President (Start-ups), Sector Specialist Group, Invest Hong Kong	Ms Michelle Ma	Founder, JM Edu Consulting
Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP	Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council	Professor Charles Ng	Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mr Samuel Rhee	Co-founder, Chairman and Group Chief Investment Officer, Endowus	Dr Sit Wai-nga	Director, Health and Strategic Partnerships, FWD Group
Professor Anthony Wu, GBS, JP	Former Chairman, Hospital Authority, and Non-executive Chairman, 全仁醫療集團	Ms Elaine Yu	Business Journalist
Ms Jeanne Cheng, JP	District Officer (Central and Western)	Dr Elsie Leung, GBM, JP	Former Secretary for Justice, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Professor Teresa Cheng, GBM, GBS, SC, JP	Secretary-General, International Organization for Mediation, and former Secretary for Justice	The Hon Tommy Cheung, GBM, GBS, JP	Non-official Member, Executive Council
The Hon Dr Lam Ching-choi, GBS, JP	Non-official Member, Executive Council	The Hon Chan Hoi-fung, BBS, MH, JP	Legislative Council Member
The Hon Chan Kin-por, GBM, GBS, JP	Non-official Member, Executive Council	The Hon Nixie Lam	Legislative Council Member
Mr Andrew Yao, SBS, JP	Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People's Congress	Professor Herman Hu, GBS, JP	Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People's Congress
Mr Gordon Lam	Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People's Congress	Mr Chan Chung-ni, SBS, JP	Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People's Congress
Mr Ho Hon-kuen, BBS, MH	Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference	Mr Tu Haiming, BBS	Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
Mr Kung Wing-tak	Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference	Dr Lo Kam-wing, BBS, JP	Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and President, The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong
Mr Li Tai-chong, SBS, OM, JP	Member, National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference	The Hon Lam Wai-chuen	Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lau Man-kwan, JP	Legislative Council Member	The Hon Chong Ho-fung	Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lee Kwong-yu, MH	Legislative Council Member	The Hon Leung Tsz-wing, MH	Legislative Council Member
Mr Ng Yuk-yeung	Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference	The Hon Fong Kwok-shan	Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lau Ka-keung, BBS, MH, JP	Legislative Council Member	The Hon Revd Canon Peter Koon, SBS, JP	Legislative Council Member
Mr Pablo Macedo Riba	Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong	Dr Esteban Ram?rez Gonz?lez	Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong
Mr Alberto Mart?nez	Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong	Ms Silvia Civera	Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong
Mr Javier Sampedro	Commercial Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong	Mr Juha Niemi	Consul General of Finland in Hong Kong and Macao
Mr O'Brien Ernesto Guerra C?rdova	Consul General of Venezuela in Hong Kong	Mr Ammala Saenchonghack	Consul General of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Hong Kong
Mr Riaz Ahmed Shaikh	Consul General of Pakistan in Hong Kong	Mr Yos Sokhemrin	Consul General of Cambodia in Hong Kong
Mr Maurits Ter Kulve	Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong	Ms Lim Kim Suan	Consul General of Brunei Darussalam in Hong Kong
Mr Hassan Doutaghi	Consul General of Iran in Hong Kong	Mr Ali Abdulla Al-Hitmi	Deputy Consul General of Qatar in Hong Kong
Ms Helen Silvester	British Council	Mr Wilhelm Brauner	Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce
Professor Sin Kuen-fung, MH	Co-Executive Director, Academy for Educational Development and Innovation, The Education University of Hong Kong	Mr Lam Siu-hong, JP	Commissioner for Youth, Home and Youth Affairs Bureau
Mr Arnold Lau	Assistant Director-General, Invest Hong Kong	Professor James Dai	Associate Dean of Students, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Dr Chan Pui-yin	Vice-President, Hong Kong Medical Association	Ms Cecilia Ho	Chief Executive, Lee Hysan Foundation
Mr Quentin Merour	Consulate General of France in Hong Kong	Ms Christine Ma Lau	Founder and Principal, JEMS Character Academy
Ms Agnes Chan, BBS	Senior Advisor, Office of the Chairman, Greater China, EY	Ms Melissa Pang, BBS, MH, JP	Former President, The Law Society of Hong Kong, and Member, National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
Mr Patrick Yeung	Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce	Ms Kimberly Kwok	Founder, Mighty Oaks
Mr Larry Chiang	Founder and Chief Executive Officer, International Finance Capital Group Limited	Ms Sophia Kao, GBS, JP	Former Chairperson, Women's Commission, and founding Chairperson, Financial Reporting Council
Ms Marie Mercy	Consulate General of France in Hong Kong	Mr Peter Shum	Deputy Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries
Mr Daryl Lin	JCI Hong Kong	Mr Jacky Chung	Hong Kong Trade Development Council (represented by Mr Andrew Chui)
Mr Silas Chu	Hong Kong Trade Development Council	Mr Lot Chan	Assistant Director of Health (Preparatory Office for Centre for Medical Products Regulation)
Dr Jeff Lee	Head of the Health Informatics and Technology Office

Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy

Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy is a community organisation founded in 2023 by young professionals in Hong Kong. It seeks to serve as a bridge between Hong Kong and the world, uniting Hong Kong young people globally through a range of exchange activities and cultivating an overseas youth network that supports "Hong Kong opportunities".

The organisation brings together more than 120 young professionals across finance, real estate, building surveying, manufacturing, environmental protection, healthcare, law, accounting and technology, and works closely with professional bodies, industry associations and the media. Through monthly salons and online exchanges with the Greater Bay Area, Southeast Asia and countries along the Belt and Road, it promotes understanding of the development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Chinese Mainland, explores opportunities for collaboration, and ultimately aims to build a stronger network of professional youth and deepen exchange and cooperation with young people around the world.

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

Hashtags: #全球青年力量峰會 #GYPS2026

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TOKYO, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) has released the 19th edition of the APO Productivity Databook, which provides harmonized comparisons of Asia's economic growth and productivity from 1970 through 2024, with projections through 2035.

The 2026 edition presents economic growth and labor productivity indicators for 38 Asian economies: the 21 APO member economies (APO21) and 17 nonmember economies, collectively referred to as Asia38.

APO Productivity Databook 2026

For APO member economies, the Databook reports that average annual growth in per-hour labor productivity moderated from 2.9% in 2015?2019 to 2.5% in 2019?2024, while average annual total factor productivity (TFP) growth remained at 1.0% in both periods. Beyond these aggregate measures, the Databook examines changes in productivity, industrial structure, and the composition of demand within and across APO member economies.

Half-Century TFP Index by Country, 1970-2024

Built on the APO Productivity Database 2026, the Databook develops full productivity accounts for APO21 together with seven nonmember economies: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Brunei, the People's Republic of China, the Maldives, Myanmar, and Saudi Arabia. Together, these 28 economies are referred to as Asia28. Saudi Arabia is included in the full accounts for the first time, while Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are newly covered in the broader labor productivity indicators.

The 2026 edition incorporates revisions to official national accounts and related statistics released up to May 2026. The APO Productivity Database 2026 incorporates quality-adjusted labor input estimates from the Asia Quality-adjusted Labor Input Database 2026 and stock estimates of land and mineral and energy resources from the Asia Natural Resources Database 2026.

In addition to individual economy accounts, the database provides regional productivity accounts for ASEAN6, APO21, Asia28, CLMV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam), East Asia, and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), identifying the contributions of capital input, labor input, and TFP to each group's economic growth. Together, these sources strengthen the evidence available to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners developing productivity strategies.

Highlights of the APO Productivity Databook 2026

More than five decades of evidence and a forward look to 2035: Provides comparisons from 1970 through 2024 and projections through 2035.

Labor productivity growth moderated in APO21: Average annual growth in per-hour labor productivity moderated from 2.9% in 2015-2019 to 2.5% in 2019?2024, while average annual TFP growth remained at 1.0% in both periods.

Asia's economic weight continued to expand: At current exchange rates, Asia38's GDP reached USD40.3 trillion in 2024, 37% larger than that of the US. Asia38's real GDP grew by an average of 3.8% per year in 2019?2024, with China and India contributing 1.8 and 0.8 percentage points, respectively.

Several Asia28 economies recorded strong recent productivity growth: Per-hour labor productivity in Asia28 grew by 3.7% per year in 2019?2024. The highest country growth rates were recorded in China at 5.8%, Vietnam at 4.5%, India at 4.4%, and Bangladesh at 3.9%.

Capital was the main driver of Asia28 growth: The Databook's growth-accounting results show that capital input accounted for 57% of Asia28's economic growth over 2000?2024, while TFP contributed 28%. Capital deepening accounted for about 45% of Asia28's labor productivity growth.

New energy and emissions estimates: Provisional estimates indicate that Asia38 accounted for 50% of world final energy consumption and 60% of world CO2 emissions from fuel combustion in 2024.

Regional coverage expanded: Saudi Arabia is included in the full productivity accounts for the first time, bringing the number of economies covered to 28. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are newly included in the broader labor productivity indicators, bringing that coverage to 38 economies.

Stronger, comparable measurement: The 2026 edition combines harmonized national accounts with quality-adjusted labor input, detailed capital services, and stock estimates of land and mineral and energy resources.

The APO Productivity Databook 2026 is available in both digital and print formats and can be accessed and downloaded for free from the link below.

http://doi.org/10.61145/JHLU9970

The APO Productivity Database 2026 contains full productivity accounts for APO21 and seven nonmember economies and is available at https://www.apo-tokyo.org/productivitydatabook/.

About the APO

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

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 October 2026 - Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh, the new serviced residence managed by The Ascott Limited (Ascott) - a Singapore-headquartered global hospitality company wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI) - has appointed Jamila Nsouli as General Manager ahead of its planned opening in November 2026.

In the role, Nsouli will lead the property's pre-opening programme and establish its operational and guest-experience priorities. The opening strategy will focus on practical, flexible accommodation for business travellers, leisure guests and families ? creating a welcoming home away from home while connecting each stay with the character of Phnom Penh.

Nsouli is a senior hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience in Cambodia, having held executive roles with Accor, Minor Hotels, Relais & Ch?teaux, LVMH, and Ascott. She excels in pre-openings, commercial strategy, and team development to drive sustainable growth.

"Phnom Penh is evolving so fast, yet its hospitality remains deeply personal," Nsouli said. "At Somerset Diamond Bay Garden, we are combining that local heart with spaces designed for modern life ? a place where guests can settle in, feel at home and experience the city on their own terms. Our entire team is eager to welcome our first guests and make their time here truly memorable."

The 168-unit property will offer accommodation ranging from studios to three-bedroom residences. Published property information lists private balconies, kitchenettes and in-room washing machines among the accommodation features. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, children's pool and play area, wellness spaces, and rooftop dining.

Located on Koh Pich, the property is near Connexion Mall and the Diamond Convention & Exhibition Centre, with access to other parts of Phnom Penh via Norea Bridge.

Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh is part of a management collaboration between The Ascott Limited and Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation. OCIC is active in major property and infrastructure developments in Cambodia, including Koh Pich and Techo International Airport.

For pre-opening enquiries, reservations or further information, visit discoverasr.com or call +855 23 900 664.

Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh

Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh is a premium riverside property on Koh Pich. Offering studios to three-bedroom suites with kitchenettes, balconies, and laundry, it features a pool, gym, rooftop restaurant, and kids' facilities. Ideally located near key venues, it caters to business, leisure, and families.

For more information, visit discoverasr.com or follow @SomersetDiamondBayPhnomPenh on social media.

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

Hashtags: #SomersetDiamondBayGardenPhnomPenh #LeadershipAnnouncement #GeneralManager #PressRelease #TheAscottLimited #OCICGroup

https://www.discoverasr.com/en/somerset-serviced-residence/cambodia/somerset-diamond-bay-garden-phnom-penh

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the world's largest cloud- and carrier-neutral data center platform, today announced the commencement of construction of KIX15, a new 24 megawatt (MW) data center at its KIX Campus in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan.

Developed by MC Digital Realty (MCDR), Digital Realty's 50/50 joint venture in Japan with Mitsubishi Corporation, KIX15 will be the fifth data center at the KIX Campus and is scheduled to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2028. The new facility is planned to further expand Digital Realty's presence across the Tokyo and Osaka metropolitan areas. Upon completion, KIX15 will bring MCDR's Japan portfolio to 10 data centers, representing approximately 220 MW of aggregate IT capacity.

This expansion follows the opening of the NRT14 Data Center in Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture, earlier this year. NRT14 is one of the first facilities in Japan to achieve the DGX-Ready Data Center certification.

KIX15 will be part of PlatformDIGITAL, Digital Realty's global data center platform spanning 300+ data centers across 55+ metros in 30+ countries on six continents.

Serene Nah, Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific, Digital Realty, said, "Japan is a strategic market for Digital Realty and a key part of our long-term growth in Asia Pacific. Our continued investment in Japan reflects both our confidence in the market and our commitment to building the infrastructure customers will need for the long term.

"KIX15 is the next step in that commitment. As customer requirements become more distributed and complex, the combination of local scale and global reach will become increasingly important."

Advancing AI Infrastructure in Kansai

KIX15 is a key component of MCDR's Kansai AI Infrastructure Co-Creation Project, an initiative centered on the KIX Campus to support the development of AI infrastructure across the Kansai region.

The project brings together the expansion of the KIX Campus with stronger domestic and international connectivity and deeper collaboration with telecommunications and technology partners.

Kohei Yamashita, Representative Director and Chief Executive Officer of MC Digital Realty, said, "Kansai has a growing opportunity to play a larger role in Japan's AI economy. Realizing that potential will require an ecosystem that can support businesses as they build and scale AI, bringing together computing infrastructure, connectivity and technology expertise."

As adoption of generative AI and cloud services grows, demand is increasing for higher-density computing environments, advanced cooling and reliable connectivity in Japan. KIX15 is designed to support hybrid air- and liquid-cooling technologies. Designed to provide a high level of security and campus-based scalability, the facility is expected to support a broad range of customers, including hyperscalers, cloud service providers and companies deploying AI infrastructure.

Through Digital Realty's ServiceFabric orchestration and interconnection platform and collaboration with multiple network service providers, customers will have access to low-latency connectivity to key locations and cloud services in Japan and more than 300 Digital Realty data centers worldwide. This enables customers to expand into high-power, high-density infrastructure at the KIX Campus while maintaining connectivity with their existing IT environments.

About Digital Realty

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation, from cloud and digital transformation to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges.

Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected data communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 55+ metros across 30+ countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

About MC Digital Realty

MC Digital Realty, Inc., established in September 2017, is a 50/50 joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Digital Realty. The company provides the full spectrum of data center services in Japan, including colocation and interconnection solutions, by leveraging Mitsubishi Corporation's real estate and infrastructure investment expertise and customer network, as well as Digital Realty's global data center platform, PlatformDIGITAL.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to the Asian markets, the company's development plans, expected completion dates, expected growth in digital transformation and demand, customer demand and the company's strategy.

For a list and description of risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Orfali Bros is promoted to Two MICHELIN Stars, while Dubai's existing Three and Two MICHELIN Star restaurants retain their distinctions

KIGO and Birch debut in the selection with One MICHELIN Star

The selection features 122 restaurants, with 19 new additions, including 2 new One MICHELIN Star restaurants, 4 new Bib Gourmand restaurants and 13 new MICHELIN-Selected restaurants

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The MICHELIN Guide today unveiled the 5th edition of its Dubai selection at a ceremony held at Atlantis The Royal. With 122 restaurants representing 38 cuisine types, this edition celebrates Dubai's growing global culinary credentials alongside destination partner the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). From homegrown neighbourhood eateries to glamorous fine dining destinations, the selection reveals a culinary scene that continues to develop and expand apace.

Dubai's Three and Two MICHELIN Star restaurants retain their distinctions, with Orfali Bros promoted to Two Stars. The 19 new additions, 2 One MICHELIN Star restaurants, 4 Bib Gourmands and 13 MICHELIN-Selected restaurants highlight the rise of standalone concepts and menus increasingly tailored to local diners.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, said: "We are delighted to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai today. The selection has grown significantly since its inception and now features nearly twice as many establishments as it did when it was first launched. This remarkable evolution demonstrates that Dubai's culinary scene continues to thrive, with our Inspectors discovering new internationally acclaimed dining destinations year after year. This year's combination of homegrown talent and international arrivals reflects a city that is developing its own culinary identity while embracing traditions from around the world. The strength of Dubai's hospitality sector underlines the city's hunger, passion and determination to enhance its reputation as a global gastronomic destination, giving food lovers compelling reasons to visit and to return."

2 restaurants retain Three MICHELIN Stars

The MICHELIN Guide's highest distinction recognises exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.

FZN by Bj?rn Frantz?n and Tr?sind Studio retain their Three MICHELIN Star distinctions.

4 restaurants recognised with Two MICHELIN Stars

This year's selection includes one promotion to Two MICHELIN Stars, while three restaurants retain their distinctions.

Orfali Bros is promoted to Two MICHELIN Stars, two years after earning its first MICHELIN Star. The promotion marks its evolution from a brilliant neighbourhood bistro into a flagship of Middle Eastern gastronomy. Rooted in the brothers' Aleppian, Armenian and Turkish heritage, its signature dishes and Voyage menu reveal cooking of increasing refinement, depth and personality.

While Il Ristorante-Niko Romito, Row on 45, and STAY by Yannick All?no maintain their distinctions for the 2026 Selection.

2 new restaurants receive One MICHELIN Star

Birch enters the selection with One MICHELIN Star. Chef Arslan Berdiev's Turkmen roots and travels shape a contemporary menu built around top-quality produce, including Uzbek tomatoes. An immaculate open kitchen brings the cooking into view, while a striking hanging installation reminiscent of birch bark gives the room its character.

KIGO enters the selection with One MICHELIN Star. The Sushi Omakase experience at the counter and the Kaiseki option at a table offer two ways to discover its seasonal Japanese cooking. Superb produce is handled with care to create delicate, harmonious flavours, while the presentation adds an understated sense of theatre.

Two new additions join 12 restaurants, retaining their distinction, bringing this year's One MICHELIN Star selection to 14.

4 new restaurants receive a Bib Gourmand

The Bib Gourmand recognises restaurants offering exceptional food at great value. Dubai's 2026 selection features 22 Bib Gourmand restaurants, including four new additions.

Middle Child serves fresh, generous Italian dishes in a relaxed bistro and deli where diners can browse cookbooks as well as the menu.

S.E.A Bistrot is an intimate setting for Chef Shane's bold, authentic Asian cooking. Mango & Sticky Rice and Milk Cake have earned a following of their own.

Three Bros is the bright, busy sister restaurant to Orfali Bros. Its dishes bring the three Syrian brothers' childhood, heritage and travels to the table.

YUBI Dubai serves hand rolls made to order straight across the counter. Homemade pickles and condiments bring bold flavours to its fun, relaxed approach to Japanese dining.

MICHELIN Special Awards

The MICHELIN Special Awards celebrate the professionals whose skill, care and individuality shape Dubai's dining experiences.

The MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award celebrates Gonzalo Platero and Window, an Alserkal restaurant distinguished by exceptional wood-fired cooking that brings out the ingredients' natural flavours.

The MICHELIN Sommelier Award is presented to Ninad Jani of avatāra for his approachable service and expertly curated pairings with the restaurant's vegetarian Indian cuisine.

The MICHELIN Service Award recognises Akinori Tanigawa and the team at KIGO for their warm, professional service, complementing the restaurant's refined Japanese cuisine.

The MICHELIN Young Chef Award goes to R?my Marquignon, Executive Chef of Ossiano, for his creative modern cooking rooted in classic French technique, helping the restaurant retain its One MICHELIN Star.

The MICHELIN Exceptional Cocktails Award is presented to Zahra Erfanian Azmoodeh of Carbone Dubai for cocktails that enhance its glamorous Italian-American dining experience.

The 5th edition reflects Dubai's confident dining scene, where established restaurants and new arrivals give residents and visitors more reasons to explore the city through food.

The MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2026 selection at a glance:

2 restaurants with Three MICHELIN Stars

4 restaurants with Two MICHELIN Stars (1 promotion)

14 restaurants with One MICHELIN Star (2 new)

22 Bib Gourmand restaurants (4 new)

80 MICHELIN-Selected restaurants (13 new)

A replay of The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony and other highlights are available on the official MICHELIN Guide Middle East Facebook page and the MICHELIN Guide Global YouTube channel. 

The full selection of The MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2026 is available on the MICHELIN Guide website https://guide.michelin.com/ae-du/en and the MICHELIN Guide app, available free of charge on iOS and Android. 

The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now, it's setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide's official website, or download the MICHELIN Guide mobile app (iOS and Android), to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.

The MICHELIN Guide Worldwide app for iOS and Android devices.

Mindful Voices

New for 2026 and making its Dubai debut, Mindful Voices is the MICHELIN Guide's global editorial platform bringing together chefs and hoteliers who are rewriting the rules in their respective fields. It gives them a space to share their stories and pioneering practices with one another and a worldwide audience.

"Dubai's culinary ambition is reflected in the choices its chefs make every day," said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. "Mindful Voices draws directly from what our inspection teams witness firsthand: encounters and experiences that are transforming how things are done and deserve to be shared. By amplifying these stories through the MICHELIN Guide, we hope the ideas and convictions behind them will inspire others to explore new approaches to gastronomy."

Zachary Roy, Operational Manager of LOWE is featured as a Mindful Voice, On stage at the ceremony, he shared the restaurant's approach to sourcing and making the most of every ingredient. He explained that its fire-led cooking follows a nose-to-tail ethos, using traceable ingredients sourced as locally as possible and turning organic waste into compost for its garden.

About Michelin:

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.

The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 122,600 people. (www.michelin.com).

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

First Digital, the group behind FDUSD, which has recorded more than $4 trillion in cumulative trading volume, has entered into a definitive business combination agreement with CSLM Digital Asset Acquisition Corp III valuing First Digital at $250 million on a pre-money equity basis; on closing, the post-combined company is expected to become a Nasdaq-listed company

Transaction Highlights

First Digital is the group behind FDUSD, a USD-referenced stablecoin launched in 2023 that has recorded more than $4.7 trillion in cumulative trading volume (as of June 30, 2026) and a historical peak circulation of more than $4.4 billion (reached in April 2024)

Every FDUSD is backed by cash and cash equivalents, including short-dated US Treasury bills and reverse repurchase agreements, held with a licensed custodian in segregated client accounts, with monthly attestations by an independent accounting firm

First Digital generated approximately $87 million in revenue in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025

Finance District, an on-chain ecosystem for the agentic economy developed by First Digital, is live with four products: District Pass, Agent Wallet, Prism and an AI assistant

The Proposed Transaction values First Digital at $250 million on a pre-money equity basis; on closing, the post-combined company is expected to become a Nasdaq-listed company

Closing is expected in the first half of 2027, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions

HONG KONG and NEW YORK, Oct. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Digital Group Limited (together with its subsidiaries, "First Digital") has signed a definitive business combination agreement (the "BCA") with CSLM Digital Asset Acquisition Corp III, Ltd. (Nasdaq: KOYN) ("KOYN"). First Digital is the group behind the FDUSD stablecoin and the developer of Finance District. KOYN is a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, listed on Nasdaq.

Upon the closing of the transactions contemplated by the BCA (the "Proposed Transaction"), First Digital would become a wholly owned subsidiary of a new holding company formed in the Cayman Islands (the "Listed Company"). The Listed Company's shares are expected to trade on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq"). The closing of the Proposed Transaction is subject to regulatory approval, approval by the shareholders of KOYN and First Digital, and the satisfaction of certain other customary closing conditions.

First Digital is pursuing a listing for three reasons. A listing would give it access to public capital markets to fund the continued build-out of Finance District. It would also bring the transparency and reporting obligations of a listed company. First Digital expects those to matter to the institutions, partners and regulators it works with. And it would let public-market investors take part in what First Digital is building.

FDUSD

First Digital launched FDUSD in 2023. Its early adoption came through Binance, one of the world's largest digital-asset exchanges, which listed FDUSD trading pairs and integrated it across a range of trading and product offerings; Binance remains the largest centralised secondary market for FDUSD. FDUSD reached $1 billion in market capitalisation within four months of launch. As of June 30, 2026, FDUSD had recorded more than $4 trillion in cumulative trading volume, a single-day trading-volume high of approximately $25 billion and a peak circulation of more than $4.4 billion (reached in April 2024) and traded in more than 100 pairs across 16 exchanges on six blockchain networks, including Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, Solana, Sui Arbitrum and TON.

FDUSD is issued by a First Digital group company. Every FDUSD in circulation is backed by reserves of cash and cash equivalents, including short-dated US Treasury bills, held for the issuer by First Digital Trust Limited ("FDT"), a Hong Kong-licensed trust or company service provider and a First Digital group company, as custodian, in segregated accounts. Reserves are subject to independent monthly attestations. FDUSD does not pay interest or yield.

First Digital is extending the range of venues and applications in which FDUSD is used for settlement on two fronts: across centralised exchanges, decentralised exchanges and DeFi platforms; and within Finance District, the ecosystem developed by First Digital, in which FDUSD is the primary settlement asset.

South Korea, one of the world's most active digital-asset markets, is a strategic priority for First Digital as the country develops its digital-asset and stablecoin framework. First Digital has signed memoranda of understanding with a subsidiary of the ITCEN Group, a KOSDAQ-listed Korean IT and digital-asset group, and with Wavebridge Inc., a virtual asset service provider registered with the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU), to explore distribution and settlement infrastructure for FDUSD in Korea and to share First Digital's stablecoin issuance experience with Korean institutions. First Digital does not intend to issue a won-referenced stablecoin itself. Vincent Chok, First Digital's Founder and Chief Executive Officer, has participated in industry and policy discussions on stablecoins in Korea, including at the National Assembly in May 2026. First Digital plans to open a branch office in Korea in the first quarter of 2027, subject to business, regulatory and operational considerations.

Finance District and the Agentic Economy

Finance District (fd.xyz) is an ecosystem for the agentic economy developed by First Digital: financial infrastructure for people and for the AI agents acting on their behalf. Four products are live today. District Pass is the single identity credential used across the ecosystem. Agent Wallet is a multi-chain wallet that AI agents operate through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), with a graphical interface for the people they act for. Prism is tooling that allows merchants and e-commerce platforms to accept digital-asset payments, including stablecoins, from their customers and from AI agents purchasing on their behalf. An AI assistant helps users transact and manage their activity across the platform.

Third-party projections indicate the scale of the opportunity: Edgar, Dunn & Company projects global agentic consumer-to-business spend of $136 billion in 2025, growing to $1.7 trillion by 2030, and Standard Chartered forecasts global stablecoin supply of approximately $2 trillion by 2028. The agentic economy is at an early stage, and Finance District does not yet contribute material revenue to First Digital; it is being built to provide the infrastructure that this economy will require.

Finance District is designed to be governed by holders of FDFI, a governance token with a fixed supply of two billion tokens. Supporters of the ecosystem include Moca Services Limited (Animoca Brands) and Wintermute Trading Ltd (Wintermute) FDFI is a governance token and does not represent any equity, ownership or other interest in First Digital or FDUSD.

Founder-Led Since 2019

Vincent Chok founded First Digital in 2019 as a trust and custody services business. In 2022 the group incorporated First Digital Group Limited in Gibraltar as its holding company, and in 2023 it launched FDUSD. First Digital today has more than 75 employees across multiple jurisdictions, and its senior team combines experience in digital assets, regulatory compliance, financial operations and technology infrastructure. First Digital currently holds a Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) licence in Hong Kong and two Money Services Business (MSB) registrations in Canada. It has a licence application pending with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) for the issuance of fiat-referenced tokens, and intends to seek authorisations in Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the United States

Today's announcement is the next step: a definitive business combination agreement to take the company public to build the infrastructure for the agentic economy.

Management Commentary

Vincent Chok, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of First Digital, said: "First Digital was built by taking one thing at a time and getting it right. We launched FDUSD in 2023, and it has become one of the most actively traded stablecoins on centralised exchanges, fully backed by reserves that are attested every month. The next thing is Finance District: which we believe provides the infrastructure that people and their AI agents will need as commerce becomes agentic. We are at the beginning of that industry. A Nasdaq listing would give us access to public capital markets, the transparency of a listed company, and shareholders who can participate in building it with us."

Vik Mittal, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of KOYN, said: "We are honored to partner with a visionary of Vincent's standing. Custody, integrity, and trust, these foundational principles define First Digital's approach. Programmable money collapses the world's payment networks into one global dollar network. We're finally rewriting the world's financial rails from scratch. The emergence of agentic payments represents a paradigm shift, and First Digital is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation with FDUSD as the native settlement asset within Finance District."

Black Spade Advisory, strategic advisor to First Digital, added: "We are supportive of innovative developments in the digital asset sector and note the potential significance of the proposed business combination. This transaction could help advance the market presence of stablecoin-related infrastructure. We believe stablecoins can play an important role in future cross-border settlement and money flows. We are pleased to support Vincent and the First Digital team, who have positioned themselves at the forefront of this rapidly evolving sector."

Transaction Overview

Under the terms of the BCA, (1) First Digital will redomicile from Gibraltar to the Cayman Islands by way of continuation as an exempted company limited by shares; (2) KOYN will merge with and into the Listed Company, a newly formed Cayman Islands exempted company, with the Listed Company as the surviving entity; and (3) a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Listed Company ("Merger Sub") will merge with and into First Digital, with First Digital as the surviving entity and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Listed Company.

Upon the closing of the Proposed Transaction, shareholders of KOYN and First Digital will exchange their existing equity interests in KOYN and First Digital, respectively, for the securities of the Listed Company. Such shareholders of KOYN and First Digital will receive Class A ordinary shares of the Listed Company, carrying one vote per share, except that Mr. Chok will receive Class B ordinary shares of the Listed Company, carrying ten votes per share.

The Proposed Transaction values First Digital at $250 million on a pre-money equity basis and contains no minimum cash condition.

First Digital has entered into a non-binding term sheet with Millennial Trading Limited for a $25 million convertible note bearing a 0% coupon, with a $12.00 conversion price; there can be no assurance that definitive agreements will be entered into or that the note will be issued on these terms or at all. First Digital's existing investors include Kenetic (through Chainer Consultants Limited) and Nogle (through Nogle Limited).

The Proposed Transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of First Digital and KOYN. Closing is expected in the first half of 2027, subject to, among other things, the approval by the shareholders of First Digital and KOYN, regulatory approvals, the registration statement on Form F-4 to be filed by the Listed Company being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), approval of the Listed Company's listing application by Nasdaq, and the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions in the BCA. No assurance can be given that the Proposed Transaction will be completed on the terms or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all.

Information about the Proposed Transaction, including a copy of the BCA and the investor presentation, will be provided in one or more Current Reports on Form 8-K to be filed by KOYN with the SEC.

Advisors

Cohen & Company Capital Markets is serving as exclusive capital markets and M&A advisor to First Digital. DLA Piper LLP (US) and DLA Piper UK LLP are serving as legal counsel to First Digital. Loeb & Loeb LLP is serving as legal counsel to KOYN. Black Spade Advisory is serving as strategic advisor to First Digital.

About First Digital

First Digital provides trust and custody services through First Digital Trust Limited, a Hong Kong-licensed trust or company service provider, and issues FDUSD, a USD-referenced stablecoin. It is also the developer of Finance District (fd.xyz), an ecosystem for the agentic economy. Founded in 2019, First Digital holds licences and registrations in Hong Kong and Canada and has more than 75 employees.

For additional information about First Digital, please visit https://1stdigital.com, https://www.firstdigitallabs.com and https://fd.xyz.

Separately, First Digital had filed a writ of summons on April 3, 2025, in the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Court of First Instance initiating a defamation action against Sun Yuchen (a/k/a Justin Sun) in response to his public allegations. Additional information and publicly available filings regarding this matter can be found at: https://1stdigital.com/ir-and-disclosures

About CSLM Digital Asset Acquisition Corp III, Ltd. (KOYN)

KOYN is a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company focused on high-growth, frontier-technology sectors including digital assets, regulated financial infrastructure, and next-generation fintech. KOYN is led by an experienced SPAC team with a track record of sourcing, executing, and stewarding complex public-market transactions. KOYN's Class A Ordinary Shares trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "KOYN".

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All information in this press release concerning First Digital has been provided solely by First Digital and has not been independently verified by KOYN or any of its directors, officers, employees, advisors, or affiliates, none of whom make any representation or warranty, express or implied, or accept any responsibility or liability, as to the truth, accuracy, completeness, or reasonableness of such information or any other information contained herein. This press release is provided solely for informational purposes, should not be relied upon for any investment, voting, or other transactional decision, and any such reliance is at the reader's sole risk.

The expectations, estimates, and projections of the businesses of First Digital and KOYN may differ from their actual results and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements also include, without limitation, statements regarding projections, estimates and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and expectations, the estimated implied enterprise value of the Listed Company, First Digital's ability to scale and grow its business, the size and growth of the agentic economy and the stablecoin market, the development and adoption of Finance District and its products, the intended governance of Finance District by FDFI holders, the anticipated transition toward decentralized governance, First Digital's plans in Korea and other jurisdictions and its pending and intended licence applications, the proposed convertible note with Millennial Trading, the purposes and expected benefits of the listing, the advantages and expected growth of the Listed Company, the Listed Company's ability to source and retain talent, the cash position of the Listed Company following closing of the Proposed Transaction, KOYN's and First Digital's ability to consummate the Proposed Transaction, and expectations related to the terms and timing of the Proposed Transaction. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of KOYN's and First Digital's management and are not predictions of actual performance.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Although each of First Digital and KOYN believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, each of First Digital and KOYN cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. Most of these factors are outside of the control of First Digital and KOYN and are difficult to predict.

Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the BCA; (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against First Digital, KOYN, or others following the announcement of the Proposed Transaction; (3) the inability to complete the Proposed Transaction, including due to failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of First Digital and KOYN, certain regulatory approvals, or other conditions to closing; (4) the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of the Listed Company's securities on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange following the Proposed Transaction; (5) the risk that the Proposed Transaction disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Proposed Transaction; (6) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Listed Company to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees; (7) costs related to the Proposed Transaction; (8) changes in applicable laws or regulations, including those governing stablecoins and digital assets; and (9) other risks and uncertainties included in documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by KOYN or the Listed Company.

The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. In addition, there will be risks and uncertainties described in the proxy statement/prospectus included in the registration statement on Form F-4 relating to the Proposed Transaction, which is expected to be filed by the Listed Company with the SEC, and in other documents filed by the Listed Company, First Digital and/or KOYN from time to time with the SEC. These filings may identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Neither First Digital nor KOYN can assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate.

In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved.

You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Subsequent events and developments may cause those views to change. First Digital and KOYN do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Past performance by First Digital's or KOYN's management teams is not a guarantee of future performance.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Proposed Transaction. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities will be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the Proposed Transaction, the Listed Company will prepare a registration statement on Form F-4, which will include a proxy statement/prospectus containing information about the Proposed Transaction and the respective businesses of KOYN and First Digital, as well as the prospectus relating to the shares to be issued to First Digital's and KOYN's shareholders in connection with the completion of the Proposed Transaction, to be filed with the SEC. After the registration statement is declared effective, the proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to KOYN's shareholders. KOYN urges investors and other interested persons to read, when available, the proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other documents filed with the SEC, because these documents will contain important information about the Proposed Transaction.

Such persons can also read KOYN's reports filed with the SEC for a description of the security holdings of its officers and directors and their respective interests as security holders in the consummation of the transactions described herein. The proxy statement/prospectus, once available, and KOYN's reports can be obtained, without charge, at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov).

Participants in the Solicitation

KOYN, the Listed Company, First Digital and their respective directors, executive officers and other members of their management and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of KOYN's shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of KOYN's directors and officers in KOYN's reports filed with the SEC.

Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies to KOYN's shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus for the Proposed Transaction when available. Information concerning the interests of First Digital's and KOYN's participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of their respective equity holders generally, will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Proposed Transaction when it becomes available.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release may contain certain non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics relating to First Digital's projected future performance. These non-GAAP measures are preliminary and subject to risks and uncertainties.

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP measures on a forward-looking basis is not available because the various reconciling items are difficult to predict and subject to constant change. Any variation between First Digital's actual results and the projected financial information included herein may be material.

Use of Data

The industry data contained herein is derived from various internal and external sources that First Digital and KOYN believe to be reliable. Although First Digital and KOYN are not aware of any misstatements regarding the external data presented herein, their estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those described under "Forward-Looking Statements" above.

Any data on past performance or modeling contained herein is not an indication as to future performance, and each of First Digital and KOYN disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise the information in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Acquisition expands Constellation's portfolio into an emerging, consumer-led demand space within the fast-growing RTD category

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ), a leading U.S.-based total beverage alcohol company, today announced the acquisition of SpikedAde, a differentiated, consumer-led spirit-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage brand competing in the emerging sports drink-inspired "Ade" segment.

Constellation's strong brand building and go-to-market capabilities to help SpikedAde expand distribution across the U.S.

Transaction includes a $75 million payment at close for 100% ownership of the business, as well as additional contingent consideration of up to $278 million payable over five years based on the future performance of the SpikedAde business, reflective of Constellation's disciplined approach to capital allocation.

The acquisition strengthens Constellation's position in the fast-growing RTD category and expands its portfolio into an emerging, consumer-led demand space.

SpikedAde is well positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for flavorful, sessionable RTDs designed for modern social occasions and evolving consumer preferences.

The spirit-based RTD category is one of the fastest-growing areas in beverage alcohol, with dollar sales increasing by 25% in the last year.1

About SpikedAde

SpikedAde is a spirit-based RTD beverage brand competing in the emerging "Ade" segment. The brand combines familiar sports drink flavors with a vodka base in a zero-sugar, 100-calorie, non-carbonated format. As a first mover in the space, SpikedAde has demonstrated strong early momentum through expanding distribution, rapid account growth, and high reorder rates. With an established presence across the eastern U.S. and significant runway for growth, SpikedAde represents a compelling opportunity to accelerate its expansion and extend its reach.

Message from Constellation's President & CEO

"SpikedAde has successfully carved out a distinctive position in an emerging segment and built a brand that is clearly connecting with consumers," said Nicholas Fink, Constellation's President and Chief Executive Officer. "As consumer preferences evolve and new occasions continue to emerge, we're excited to build on the strong foundation the SpikedAde team has created and leverage our proven capabilities to accelerate growth, expand the brand's reach, and unlock new opportunities for the platform over time."

Message from SpikedAde Founder and CEO

"When we created SpikedAde, it was with the goal of helping define a new era for RTDs - one that meets consumers where performance, lifestyle, and social energy intersect ? and our team and distributor partners turned that vision into reality faster than we ever imagined," said Jason Cohen, Founder and CEO of SpikedAde. "With Constellation's scale and expertise behind it, we're excited to see SpikedAde reach even more consumers with its distinctive positioning and continue its remarkable growth trajectory."

FAQ

Why did Constellation acquire SpikedAde?

Constellation Brands acquired SpikedAde on October 6, 2026 to strengthen its position in the fast-growing RTD category and expand its portfolio into new consumer demand spaces aimed at sustainable consumer trends.

What is SpikedAde?

SpikedAde is a spirit-based RTD beverage brand competing in the emerging "Ade" segment. The brand combines familiar sports drink flavors with a vodka base in a zero-sugar, 100-calorie, non-carbonated format.

What is the "Ade" segment?

"Ade" is an emerging segment of spirit-based RTD beverages inspired by familiar sports drink flavors. SpikedAde was one of the first brands to establish a presence in the segment.

Will SpikedAde continue to operate as its own brand?

The SpikedAde team will be integrated into Constellation's Beer Division, and Constellation will assume production oversight, marketing, and distribution of the brand. The company intends to align SpikedAde distribution with Gold Network Distributor partners, in accordance with applicable law.

1Circana MULOC+ 52 weeks ending 8-30-26

ABOUT CONSTELLATION BRANDS

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ), a leading U.S.-based company, is an international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. Our mission is to build brands that people love because we believe elevating human connections is Worth Reaching For. It's worth our dedication, hard work, and calculated risks to anticipate market trends and deliver for our consumers, shareholders, employees, and industry. This dedication is what has driven us to become one of the fastest-growing, large CPG companies in the U.S. at retail, and it drives our pursuit to deliver what's next.

Every day, people reach for brands from our high-end, imported beer portfolio anchored by the iconic Corona Extra and Modelo Especial, a flavorful lineup of Modelo Cheladas, and favorites like Pacifico, and Victoria; our exceptional wine brands including The Prisoner Wine Company, Robert Mondavi Winery, Kim Crawford, Schrader Cellars, and Lingua Franca; and our craft spirits brands such as Mi CAMPO Tequila and High West Whiskey.

As an agriculture-based company, we strive to operate in a way that is sustainable and responsible. Our ESG strategy is embedded into our business and we focus on serving as good stewards of the environment, investing in our communities, and promoting responsible beverage alcohol consumption. We believe these aspirations in support of our longer-term business strategy allow us to contribute to a future that is truly Worth Reaching For.

To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The word "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words.

These statements may relate to business strategy, future operations, prospects, plans, and objectives of management, including expanding SpikedAde's distribution, the amount of contingent consideration, if any, that may be paid, strengthening Constellation's position in the fast-growing RTD category, emerging, consumer-led demand spaces, SpikedAde's ability to capitalize on growing demand and connect with consumers, SpikedAde's runway for and continuing growth, building on SpikedAde's foundation and unlocking new opportunities, and integration and distribution plans for SpikedAde, as well as information concerning expected actions of third parties.

All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will in fact occur or will occur on the timetable contemplated hereby. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and Constellation does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

In addition to risks and uncertainties associated with ordinary business operations, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including the accuracy of all projections and other factors and uncertainties disclosed from time-to-time in Constellation Brands' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2026, which could cause actual future performance to differ from current expectations.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

*Strategic Milestone: Official opening of the Robotics Training, Data and Experience Center in Singapore to support humanoid training, workflow testing, and customer demonstrations.

*Tapping a US$68.1 Billion Market: Capitalizing on the global service robotics market-estimated at US$68.1 billion in 2026 and projected to reach US$107.8 billion by 2030-alongside the US$5.41 billion humanoid robot sector.

*Commercial Pathway: Designed to evaluate Robotics-as-a-Service ("RaaS"), robot leasing, and managed services as potential recurring revenue streams supporting the Company's 2030 vision.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YYForce Inc. (NASDAQ: YFOR) ("YYForce" or the "Company"), a technology-enabled workforce solutions and integrated facility management company, today announced the official opening of its Robotics Training, Data and Experience Center (the "Center") in Singapore.

The facility supports humanoid robot training, operational data collection, workflow testing, and customer demonstrations across hospitality, cleaning, security, delivery, and facility management applications.

The Center is designed to help YYForce translate robotics technologies into practical customer solutions, drawing on its existing workforce and facility management operations. It also supports the Company's evaluation of Robotics-as-a-Service ("RaaS"), robot leasing, and managed robotic services as potential sources of recurring revenue.

Capitalizing on the US$68.1 Billion Commercial Robotics Opportunity

YYForce believes Singapore offers an attractive environment for robotics adoption as service operators seek to improve productivity, manage manpower constraints, and maintain consistent service quality. In May 2026, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), JTC Corporation (JTC), and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) announced a physical AI testbed at Punggol Digital District, planned for later in 2026, with applications including delivery, cleaning, and security patrolling. This initiative provides wider market context; YYForce is not announcing participation in that programme.

Globally, Grand View Research estimates the service robotics market at US$68.1 billion in 2026 and projects it to reach US$107.8 billion by 2030. Separately, MarketsandMarkets estimates the global humanoid robot market at US$5.41 billion in 2026 and projects US$50.27 billion by 2035. These forecasts cover different, potentially overlapping categories and are not additive. They provide industry context, rather than estimates of Singapore demand or YYForce's addressable revenue.

For the 2026?2031 period, YYForce sees opportunities to evaluate specialized service robots for defined commercial tasks while developing humanoid applications through training and testing. The Company intends to assess deployment opportunities based on task performance, safety, reliability, required human supervision, and customer economics.

Humanoid Training and Operational Data Collection

The Center includes simulated service environments for training and evaluating humanoid robots in selected hotel housekeeping, restroom cleaning, banqueting, and hospitality support workflows. It also supports testing of collaboration among human workers, humanoid robots, and specialized service robots.

Through repeated training and testing, YYForce is collecting operational data relating to navigation, movement, object interaction, task execution, and environmental conditions. Though training and demonstration activities do not establish that humanoid robots can yet perform complete housekeeping or restroom-cleaning duties autonomously, these activities are intended to help evaluate performance and adapt workflows to specific service environments.

Service Robotics and Integrated Security Demonstrations

The Center showcases indoor and outdoor commercial cleaning robots, food and item delivery robots, autonomous security and surveillance robots, swimming pool cleaning robots, humanoid service robots, and other specialized systems. Customers and potential partners can evaluate how these technologies may fit within their operations.

A live Security Command Center, as part of the Center, demonstrates the integration of robotic patrol capabilities, surveillance systems, sensors, cameras, and centralized monitoring. This environment enables YYForce to evaluate how robotic and monitoring technologies can complement security personnel and broader facility management services.

Building a Path to Recurring Robotics Revenue

The Center anticipates to support a structured commercialization pathway: training and data collection, workflow testing, customer demonstrations, proofs of concept, and, where viable, commercial deployment. Potential applications include hotels, commercial buildings, residential developments, retail premises, warehouses, and other service environments.

YYForce is evaluating commercial arrangements that could combine robot access with deployment support, maintenance, monitoring, and human service capabilities. Potential RaaS and leasing models would allow customers to access robotics through recurring arrangements without necessarily purchasing hardware outright. Integrated service contracts could combine people and robots within a single service-delivery model.

The Company believes its existing operating experience can help identify suitable tasks, evaluate customer requirements, and coordinate human-robot workflows. Commercial viability will depend on productivity gains, service quality, deployment and integration costs, maintenance requirements, and the level of human intervention needed.

At this stage, the Company has not yet announced material revenue attributable to these proposed robotics business models. The Center's opening does not represent an announcement of material robotics orders or contracted recurring revenue. Future commercialization remains subject to customer adoption, technology performance, deployment economics, and other factors.

Supporting the YYForce 2030 Vision

The Center anticipates to support YYForce's 2030 vision of becoming a Future Workforce Solutions Provider by integrating human talent, AI-enabled technologies, humanoid robots, and specialized autonomous robots. Human workers would continue to perform activities requiring judgment, communication, and flexibility, while suitable robotic systems could support repetitive, physically demanding, and monitoring-intensive tasks.

Chief Executive Officer Commentary

Mike Fu, Chief Executive Officer of YYForce, commented:

"Our objective is to help customers put robotics to work in everyday service operations. Our existing workforce and facility management experience gives us direct insight into the tasks customers need completed and the standards they expect."

"This center provides a dedicated working environment to train humanoid robots, collect operational data, and evaluate service robots prior to customer deployment. We see clear opportunities to develop recurring service relationships through leasing and managed robotics, while rigorously testing each application against performance and cost requirements."

"Our 2030 vision brings people, AI, and robotics together to elevate how services are delivered. We will pursue that vision through practical applications and disciplined commercial execution - Forging Forward Together."

About YYForce Inc.

YYForce Inc. (NASDAQ: YFOR) is a technology-enabled workforce solutions and integrated facility management company focused on how businesses access, manage, and deploy workforce and facility services. The Company is developing an ecosystem combining on-demand workforce technology, integrated facility management, artificial intelligence, automation, humanoid robotics, and specialized service robots to support productivity, operational flexibility, and scalability.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's robotics strategy, training and data collection activities, potential customer applications, RaaS and leasing models, managed services, recurring revenue opportunities, and YYForce's 2030 vision, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The Company bases these forward-looking statements on its expectations and projections about future events, which the Company derives from the information currently available to it. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as "may," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "contemplates," "estimates," "believes," "plans," "projected," "predicts," "potential," or "hopes" or the negative of these or similar terms. . Third-party market forecasts are estimates and may not be realized.

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and the forward-looking events discussed in this press release may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about the Company and a number of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, customer adoption, technology reliability and safety, integration requirements, data governance, financing and hardware availability, maintenance costs, and deployment economics.

There can be no assurance that the Company's robotics initiatives or proposed commercial models will be successfully implemented or generate material revenue. For a more detailed discussion of risk factors, please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent annual report on Form 20-F, as amended. Readers should also consider the risks described in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. YYForce undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as required by applicable law.

Investor Contact

Jason Zhi Yong Phua, Chief Financial Officer

YYForce Inc.

enquiries@yyforce.ai

Investor Relations Contact

Piacente Financial Communications

yfor@thepiacentegroup.com

Market Sources

[1] JTC, Singapore Government and Eight Industry Leaders to Research, Test and Deploy Physical AI in Punggol Digital District, May 20, 2026.

[2] Grand View Research, Service Robotics Market 2024?2030, public report summary accessed October 2, 2026.

[3] MarketsandMarkets, Humanoid Robot Market - Global Forecast to 2035, July 2026.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ), a leading U.S.-based total beverage alcohol company, today reported its second quarter fiscal 2027 financial results.

A conference call to discuss the financial results and outlook will be hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer, Nicholas Fink, and Chief Financial Officer, Garth Hankinson, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET. Visit ir.cbrands.com to locate information for joining the conference call, or a live, listen-only webcast of the conference call.

ABOUT CONSTELLATION BRANDS

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ), a leading U.S.-based company, is an international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. Our mission is to build brands that people love because we believe elevating human connections is Worth Reaching For.

It's worth our dedication, hard work, and calculated risks to anticipate market trends and deliver for our consumers, shareholders, employees, and industry. This dedication is what has driven us to become one of the fastest-growing, large CPG companies in the U.S. at retail, and it drives our pursuit to deliver what's next.

Every day, people reach for brands from our high-end, imported beer portfolio anchored by the iconic Corona Extra and Modelo Especial, a flavorful lineup of Modelo Cheladas, and favorites like Pacifico, and Victoria; our exceptional wine brands including The Prisoner Wine Company, Robert Mondavi Winery, Kim Crawford, Schrader Cellars, and Lingua Franca; and our craft spirits brands such as Mi CAMPO Tequila and High West Whiskey.

As an agriculture-based company, we strive to operate in a way that is sustainable and responsible. Our ESG strategy is embedded into our business and we focus on serving as good stewards of the environment, investing in our communities, and promoting responsible beverage alcohol consumption. We believe these aspirations in support of our longer-term business strategy allow us to contribute to a future that is truly Worth Reaching For.

To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.