BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 May 2026 - In a bold bid to reshape the future of retail, Siam Piwat Group has unveiled NEXTOPIA at its flagship Siam Paragon, the world's first prototype for a global sustainability platform that turns eco-conscious living into an immersive, everyday experience.

Chief Executive Officer Chadatip Chutrakul introduced the project during The Economist's 5th annual Sustainability Week Asia, recently held in Bangkok, positioning NEXTOPIA as more than a response to necessity but as a genuine driver of business leadership and vision.

The vision for the future of retail is built on three interconnected pillars: co-creation with founders and partners, collaboration with tenants and communities, and customers. Together, they redefine retail as a platform shaped by shared purpose, creativity, and participation. This extends to redefining customer relationships through trust, inspiring customers to visit more often, spend more time, and deepen engagement within our ecosystem.

"Sustainability is no longer optional," Chutrakul said. "We must accelerate and make a bold move. Real, lasting impact is never created alone. It requires co-creation across industries, united by purpose, in a place that captures the world's attention and inspires change for the greater good."

Launched in November 2025, the 15,000-square-meter attraction at Siam Paragon, a global landmark that draws more than 200,000 visitors daily, including a significant share of international tourists aims to move sustainability "beyond awareness into joyful and engaging experiences in everyday life," she added.

Developed with more than 50 partners, NEXTOPIA operates under the theme "Co-creating Communities for a Better World." It features infrastructure contributions from companies including B.Grimm, SCG, Indorama and Kasikornbank, incorporating solar energy, sustainable materials, advanced water systems, and cooling and clean air technologies.

The project has achieved zero waste to landfill, cut energy consumption by 47%, reduced water use by 34% and lowered carbon emissions from construction materials by 59%. Within a year, water savings are projected to be equivalent to the volume of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Over two years, decarbonization efforts will deliver the environmental benefit of creating a vast urban park.

NEXTOPIA is Thailand's first multi-tenant retail building to earn EDGE Advanced certification for resource efficiency and a two-star Fitwel rating. It also received the Best in Building Health Award 2026 from Fitwel, achieving top scores for its design and quality-of-life features.

Tenants must adhere to some 50 sustainability criteria covering waste management and value chain practices, with many exceeding standard industry benchmarks. Siam Piwat developed the framework over three years to help partners adopt sustainable practices quickly while cutting costs and unlocking new value.

Interactive elements at NEXTOPIA invite visitors to participate directly, with kinetic floors and bicycles that generate electricity for redeemable rewards, alongside exhibits featuring Thailand's largest collection of recycled art, created by artists from waste collected nationwide. ECOTOPIA, the country's biggest eco-store, stocks more than 110,000 sustainable products, many recycled or upcycled, sourced from around 300 Thai communities and small businesses.

The project has also brought together more than 30 local communities and global organizations, including the United Nations, World Food Programme, UNDP Biofin and WWF, to exchange knowledge and ideas.

More than a shopping destination, NEXTOPIA functions as a living laboratory for experimenting and exchanging ideas that retail and real estate developers worldwide could adapt. It marks a strategic evolution for Siam Piwat, transforming the company from a premier retail developer into what it describes as "a global sustainability platform" that links businesses, people and innovation.

This shift aligns with intensifying global pressure on companies to meet their sustainability commitments under the Paris Agreement, as brands and consumers increasingly demand verifiable environmental action.

With NEXTOPIA, Siam Piwat is betting that the future of retail lies not just in selling goods, but in creating spaces where sustainability feels tangible, measurable and above all inspiring.

Setting a new benchmark for co-created, revolutionary retail, NEXTOPIA offers a scalable model that delivers both business value and meaningful impact ? one that can be adopted globally.

Hashtag: #SiamParagon  #NEXTOPIA  #Sustainability  #PrototypeCity  #NetZero  #TheEconomist  #SustainabilityWeekAsia 

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

Di tengah persoalan tersebut, arah kebijakan pendidikan tinggi juga memunculkan kegelisahan baru. Wacana penutupan program studi yang dianggap tidak sesuai kebutuhan industri memperlihatkan adanya pergeseran orientasi pendidikan yang semakin pragmatis. Pendidikan perlahan dipandang terutama sebagai alat penyedia tenaga kerja bagi pasar.

Padahal pendidikan memiliki fungsi yang jauh lebih besar daripada sekadar memenuhi kebutuhan industri. Pendidikan adalah ruang pembentukan karakter, penguatan moral, dan pembangunan peradaban. Ketika pendidikan terlalu diarahkan pada logika pasar, maka ada risiko besar manusia hanya diposisikan sebagai instrumen ekonomi, bukan sebagai pribadi utuh yang memiliki akhlak, tanggung jawab sosial, dan visi kemanusiaan.

Jika orientasi pendidikan hanya berfokus pada kebutuhan industri, maka ilmu pengetahuan akan diukur semata dari nilai ekonominya. Program studi yang dianggap tidak menghasilkan keuntungan pasar akan dipandang tidak penting. Padahal suatu bangsa tidak hanya membutuhkan tenaga kerja, tetapi juga membutuhkan pemikir, pendidik, peneliti, budayawan, dan tokoh masyarakat yang mampu menjaga arah moral serta identitas peradaban bangsa.

Karena itu, cita cita Indonesia Emas 2045 tidak cukup hanya dibangun dengan jargon generasi unggul. Generasi emas tidak lahir semata dari kemampuan teknis dan kecerdasan akademik, melainkan juga dari kekuatan karakter dan moralitas. Sayangnya, berbagai kasus kekerasan, perundungan, hingga pelecehan seksual di lingkungan pendidikan justru menunjukkan bahwa dunia pendidikan kita sedang menghadapi krisis nilai yang cukup serius.

Kasus kasus tersebut menjadi alarm bahwa pendidikan belum sepenuhnya berhasil membangun lingkungan belajar yang aman dan beradab. Sekolah dan kampus seharusnya menjadi tempat tumbuhnya ilmu dan akhlak, bukan ruang yang justru melahirkan ketakutan maupun trauma bagi peserta didik. Karena itu, pendidikan karakter tidak boleh hanya menjadi slogan dalam kurikulum, tetapi harus benar benar diwujudkan dalam budaya pendidikan sehari hari.

Masalah pendidikan juga tidak bisa dilepaskan dari lemahnya budaya literasi. Pengurangan anggaran perpustakaan di sejumlah daerah berpotensi memperlemah kebiasaan membaca di kalangan pelajar. Padahal literasi merupakan fondasi penting untuk melahirkan generasi yang kritis, kreatif, dan inovatif. Sulit membayangkan lahirnya generasi unggul jika akses terhadap bahan bacaan dan lingkungan belajar yang sehat justru semakin terbatas.

Di sisi lain, persoalan kesejahteraan tenaga pendidik juga belum sepenuhnya terselesaikan. Masih banyak guru honorer yang menerima penghasilan jauh dari layak, padahal mereka memegang peran penting dalam membentuk masa depan bangsa. Ketimpangan kesejahteraan ini bukan hanya menyangkut keadilan bagi guru, tetapi juga berdampak langsung terhadap kualitas pendidikan secara keseluruhan.

Kita tentu harus memahami bahwa pendidikan sejatinya bukan sekadar proses transfer ilmu pengetahuan. Pendidikan adalah proses membentuk manusia. Karena itu, ukuran keberhasilan pendidikan tidak cukup hanya dilihat dari angka kelulusan atau serapan kerja, tetapi juga dari lahirnya manusia yang beradab, bertanggung jawab, dan memiliki integritas moral.

Dalam konteks inilah Islam menawarkan paradigma pendidikan yang lebih menyeluruh. Islam menempatkan ilmu sebagai jalan kemuliaan sekaligus sarana membangun peradaban. Tujuan pendidikan dalam Islam bukan hanya mencetak manusia yang cerdas secara intelektual, tetapi juga membentuk kepribadian yang utuh dan bertakwa.

Pendidikan Islam mengajarkan bahwa ilmu harus melahirkan tanggung jawab kepada Allah SWT dan kepada sesama manusia. Dengan landasan itu, pendidikan tidak hanya menghasilkan tenaga profesional, tetapi juga manusia yang memiliki akhlak mulia, kejujuran, kepedulian sosial, dan keberanian menjaga kebenaran.

Sejarah membuktikan bahwa peradaban Islam pernah melahirkan ilmuwan besar di berbagai bidang tanpa kehilangan dimensi moral dan spiritualnya. Pendidikan tidak diarahkan sekadar untuk kepentingan ekonomi, tetapi juga untuk membangun kekuatan umat dan kemaslahatan manusia secara luas.

Karena itu, momentum Hardiknas seharusnya menjadi pengingat bahwa pendidikan tidak boleh kehilangan ruhnya. Negara harus hadir bukan hanya melalui angka anggaran, tetapi juga melalui keseriusan membangun sistem pendidikan yang adil, berkualitas, dan bermartabat. Sebab bangsa yang besar tidak hanya dibangun oleh generasi yang terampil bekerja, tetapi oleh generasi yang berilmu, berakhlak, dan memiliki arah hidup yang benar.***(Penulis adalah Praktisi Pendidikan di Kota Dumai)

HOUSTON, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Persona AI today announced a research and development collaboration with Under Armour (NYSE: UAA) to learn how advanced performance materials will support the next generation of humanoid robotics operating in demanding environments.

The robots made by Persona AI will operate in physically intensive, high-risk environments such as welding, heavy manufacturing, extreme heat exposure, and hazardous material handling. This automation is designed to reduce strain and improve safety for human workers. Through this collaboration, Persona AI is working to establish a global standard for robot-specific performance gear, ensuring the next generation of humanoids is as protected, agile, and resilient as the humans they support.

As Persona AI continues to develop and test its systems for industrial applications, the company is evaluating how external material layers may enhance durability, thermal regulation, and overall humanoid performance in real-world conditions. This collaboration brings together Persona AI's robotics expertise and Under Armour's innovative approach to creating materials designed for high-performance use.

The joint effort focuses on early-stage research and testing, examining how different textiles behave under conditions such as heat, friction, repetitive motion, and more. "We chose to work with Under Armour because of their track record of innovation with these types of performance materials," said Nicolaus Radford, CEO of Persona AI. "As we develop humanoids for intense and potentially hazardous environments, this collaboration helps us understand how advanced materials can enhance long-term reliability, thereby informing solutions to better protect workers in the field."

"This is an opportunity to apply our innovation expertise in a new context," said Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President of Innovation, Design Studio, Development, and Testing at Under Armour. "Robotics presents a fascinating new design challenge, and we aim to play a leading role in shaping performance solutions for these environments. As humanoid systems take on more physically demanding roles, we see real potential to create new market opportunities, and we're exploring how concepts like thermal management, abrasion resistance, and flexibility translate beyond sport."

About Persona AI, Inc.

Persona AI, Inc. a pioneering robotics company headquartered in Houston, Texas, is at the forefront of developing intelligent humanoid robots specifically designed for a wide array of industrial applications.

Persona AI leverages a rich heritage of expertise, drawing from decades of experience in crafting sophisticated robotics for demanding environments, including space and deep- ocean exploration. This unparalleled background enables the company to address real- world labor challenges with innovative and robust solutions. Learn more about Persona AI

persona.ai

Persona AI Media Contacts

Jared Bruder

Director of Marketing

Persona AI

pr@persona.ai

713.305.6158

Jonathan Reichel

Principal Marketing Architect

Persona AI

reichel@persona.ai

(409) 549-3892

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c38c6044-4531-4ca1-aa5d-e8251d3e8f5e

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

*Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) population to reach 734,100 by 2030, a 33% increase

*Combined net worth of the world's richest will climb to $84tn by 2030

*Nearly 79% are self-made, with just 5% solely inheriting their wealth

MONTREAL, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altrata's latest report, Global Citizens: Entrepreneurship, Mobility and the Ultra Wealthy, sponsored by leading investment migration consultancy Arton Capital, has found that 1 in every 5 of the world's UHNW individuals (UHNWI*) are foreign-born**, uncovering the increasingly international character of today's ultra wealthy. The landmark report also found that the UHNW population is set to increase by a third (33%) to reach 734,100 by 2030.

Ultra High Net Worth Population Set for Rapid Expansion

The report forecasts a rapid increase in the net worth of global UHNW individuals. Their combined net worth is set to increase from $63tn in 2025 to $84tn by the end of the decade. By 2030, an estimated 7.7 million individuals will hold more than $5m in assets.

Wealth Creation Dominated by Globally Minded, Self-Made Individuals

Significantly, the research shows that foreign-born UHNW individuals are overwhelmingly 'wealth creators' rather than inheritors. Some 79% are self-made, compared to 16% who attribute their wealth to a combination of entrepreneurship and inheritance, and just 5% whose wealth is fully inherited.

The findings point to a structural shift in how global wealth is created and managed. Personal wealth is becoming less tied to any single nation-state, with the world's richest structuring their lives, assets, and businesses across multiple jurisdictions. This is reflected in how today's UHNW individuals operate globally: 17% own or partially-own businesses headquartered outside their country of residence, while 34% have pursued higher education outside their birth country - underlining that cross-border mobility is not incidental, but embedded in how modern wealth is built.

Taken together, the data reveals a clear relationship between mobility and entrepreneurialism. Internationally mobile individuals are more likely to build businesses, pursue opportunities across borders, and generate their own wealth - reflecting a cohort defined by ambition, risk appetite, and access to global markets. Mobility, in this context, is a key enabler of modern wealth creation.

Cross-Border Lives Become the Norm for the Ultra Wealthy

While wealth is increasingly cross-border, key global cities continue to dominate as primary hubs for UHNW individuals.

London remains a prominent hub for UHNW individuals, particularly those in banking and finance, despite mounting headwinds including tighter tax regimes and trade constraints.

At the same time, the US continues to dominate as the world's leading wealth center, accounting for around 40% of the global UHNW population (205,000), underlining its enduring appeal even amid shifting political dynamics. However, evolving policy conditions may begin to influence future flows, with previous research by Arton Capital indicating that a third of American millionaires*** have considered leaving the USA due to the impact of Trump's presidency.

In the Gulf, Dubai cements its reputation as a "young wealth hub" for global elites, with nearly a fifth (19%) of foreign-born UHNW individuals in the city under 50 years old. Its status, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, highlights a broader trend: UHNW individuals are not retreating from global movement, but becoming more strategic in how and where they deploy it.

Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, commented: "Global mobility is no longer a byproduct of wealth creation ? it is a strategic asset that underpins it. Today's most successful individuals are not just building businesses ? they are building access: to markets, talent, education, and long-term security across multiple jurisdictions."

"What we are seeing is a decoupling of wealth from geography. The most successful individuals are structuring their lives and assets across multiple jurisdictions, reducing reliance on any single country. The next generation of UHNW individuals is thinking beyond single-country solutions, prioritizing flexibility, resilience, and optionality in how and where they live, invest, and grow their wealth. In an increasingly complex world, the ability to move seamlessly across borders is becoming one of the most powerful tools for preserving and creating wealth."

Moira Boyle, Senior Director, Global Head of Luxury at Altrata, said: "What stands out in this research is the continued rise of entrepreneurial wealth creation at a global level. Nearly 80% of foreign-born ultra wealthy individuals are self-made, reinforcing that today's wealth is increasingly driven by innovation, ambition, and business building.

"At the same time, the UHNW population is expanding rapidly, with total wealth and influence set to grow significantly through the end of the decade. For organizations, understanding who these individuals are and how their wealth is created is essential to identifying opportunity, building relationships, and staying competitive in a fast-evolving market."

Notes to the Editor

*Ultra High Net Worth defined as individuals with more than $30m in net worth.

**Foreign-born wealthy are defined as individuals with more than $30m in net worth who were born outside the country in which they now reside and where their primary business (if they have one) is based.

***Between 9th January 2026 and 14th January 2026, Arton Capital surveyed 1,000 US residents aged 18-70 with a net worth of at least $1 million. 33% of those surveyed said they were more likely to leave the US than they were before the 2024 Presidential election.

****Global citizens is a title term used interchangeably in the report with foreign-born wealthy

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/85811040-92fb-42c9-bb5d-92088ad73e53

Contact: artoncapital@theagencypartnership.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Mavenir Chosen as Strategic Small Cell Partner Following Successful Trial

RICHARDSON, Texas, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mavenir, the cloud-native software company building AI-by-design mobile networks, today announces that it has been selected as the strategic small cell technology partner by MagtiCom, the largest telecommunications provider in Georgia, for a nationwide small cell deployment project. Mavenir will be supplying its full range of 4G and 5G small cell technology, spanning hardware, software, management, and orchestration solutions.

MagtiCom confirmed Mavenir as its preferred small cell technology partner following a successful trial earlier this year. The countrywide deployment is expected to commence during Q2 2026, starting with beta testing for priority residential, small office and enterprise customers ahead of full roll-out later this year.

MagtiCom offers a comprehensive range of services including mobile telephony, fiber-optic internet, IPTV, and VoIP to more than 3 million customers, consistently maintaining a leading position in the market. The company delivers high-performance connectivity, ranking 6th globally for 5G mobile internet speeds in Ookla's connectivity tests.?

Vasil Melikidze, Chief Technology Officer for MagtiCom commented: "As the country's largest telecom operator, MagtiCom is synonymous with world-class connectivity. Reliable and high-quality mobile internet is now integral to daily life, so we are committed to delivering the best possible experience wherever our subscribers live, work and travel. Partnering with Mavenir as the trusted technology provider for our small cell roll-out significantly strengthens that mission - enabling us to expertly extend capacity, boost indoor coverage, and support the growing demand for high-speed mobile data. This strategic collaboration will enhance the digital experience for our customers and reinforces MagtiCom's role in driving Georgia's next chapter of mobile innovation."

Sachin Karkala, Executive Vice President & General Manager IMS & RAN for Mavenir said: "This national small cell roll-out for MagtiCom really underscores Mavenir's ability to transform the mobile user experience at scale. From residential to enterprise and rural applications, our small cell solutions deliver the capacity, coverage, and energy efficiency operators need in a uniquely accessible form factor? easy to deploy, fully automated, highly scalable, and adaptable. We are proud to partner with MagtiCom to support its innovation agenda, and to help expand high performance mobile connectivity and a superior digital experience for customers across Georgia."

Mavenir's small cell portfolio comprises fully cloud-native solutions that delivers 4G and 5G coverage across indoor, outdoor, enterprise, rural and private network environments. Mavenir's range of software-upgradable small cells is designed to boost capacity and coverage while supporting advanced use cases in sectors including Industry 4.0, healthcare, retail, aviation, maritime and first responder communications.

1. According to data from the first two quarters of 2025, Magti's mobile network was ranked 6th in the world for internet speed -  1 Year with Magti 5G: New Opportunities, Digital Experience, and International Recognition. 

About Mavenir

Mavenir is enabling intelligent, automated, programmable networks through the development of telco-first, cloud-native, AI-by-design software solutions for mobile operators. The company's deep telco domain expertise has been proven through deployments with 300+ operators globally in over 120 countries, which together serve more than 50% of the world's subscribers. Mavenir combines its deep telco experience with the cloud and IT expertise and data science skillsets essential to solving real customer challenges. Its proven software solutions are AI by design, delivering the AI-native future and operators' evolution to TechCos. ​For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

Media Contacts

Mavenir PR Contacts:

Emmanuela Spiteri

PR@mavenir.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Durham, N.C., May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

AB-1009, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) investigational gene therapy, is being evaluated for the treatment of late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) in the PROGRESS-GT LOPD trial 

AskBio initiated recruitment in the United States earlier in 2026, with enrollment ongoing  

AskBio Inc. (AskBio), a gene therapy company wholly owned and independently operated as a subsidiary of Bayer AG, today announced that the first participant has been dosed with investigational gene therapy AB-1009 as part of PROGRESS-GT LOPD, a Phase 1/Phase 2 clinical trial in participants with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). 

LOPD is a rare, progressive, debilitating genetic disorder that is estimated to affect at least 5,000 to 10,000 people worldwide.1 While there are multiple approved enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs) with recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase (rhGAA), there remains a strong level of unmet medical need, as some individuals receiving ERT may experience a decrease in clinical response over time, which can contribute to overall increased treatment demands.2-5 

PROGRESS-GT LOPD (NCT07282847) is evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of AB-1009 in adult participants with LOPD.6 PROGRESS-GT LOPD is estimated to enroll 12 participants across the United States.6   

"Current treatment approaches may not fully meet the long-term needs of patients, and ongoing research into potential new options remains critical," said Tahseen Mozaffar, MD, Director of the UCI Health ALS & Neuromuscular Center, and Principal Investigator, AB-1009 Clinical Trial Program. "We look forward to advancing the PROGRESS-GT LOPD trial and generating data with the potential to help inform the future of care in the Pompe community." 

AB-1009 was granted United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations.7 The FDA Fast Track process is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of new therapeutics that are intended to treat serious conditions and fill unmet medical needs.8 The purpose of the process is to get important new therapeutics to patients earlier.8  Therapeutics that receive this designation benefit from eligibility for more frequent meetings with the FDA to discuss the clinical development plan and, if relevant criteria are met, eligibility for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review. Orphan Drug Designation provides orphan status to drugs and biologics for rare diseases that meet certain criteria and potentially gives a company exclusive marketing rights for a seven-year period, along with other benefits.9 Additionally, in January, AskBio announced that the FDA accepted the investigational new drug application for AB-1009.7 

"Reaching this milestone reflects the momentum behind our gene therapy platform and our commitment to working toward improving quality of life for people with rare diseases," said Canwen Jiang, MD, PhD, Chief Development Officer and Chief Medical Officer at AskBio. "The initiation of PROGRESS-GT LOPD marks an important step in the development of AB-1009 and demonstrates our commitment to moving our clinical program forward with determination, to investigate a potential new treatment approach for people living with Pompe disease." 

AB-1009 is an investigational gene therapy that has not been approved by any regulatory authority, and its efficacy and safety have not been fully established or evaluated.  

About Pompe Disease  

Pompe disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA).2 Reduced or absent levels of GAA lead to accumulation of glycogen in cells, which is believed to result in the clinical manifestations of the disease.2 Pompe can be debilitating and is characterized by severe muscle weakness that worsens over time and is accompanied by diaphragmatic involvement, leading to respiratory insufficiency early in the course of the disease.2,3 Pompe disease ranges from a rapidly fatal infantile form, with significant impacts to heart function, to a more slowly progressive, late-onset form primarily affecting skeletal muscle.2 It is estimated that Pompe disease affects approximately 5,000 to 10,000 people worldwide.1

About PROGRESS-GT LOPD 

PROGRESS-GT LOPD is a non-randomized, single-arm, open-label, dose-escalation clinical trial, and evaluates the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of investigational gene therapy AB-1009 in adult participants with LOPD.6  PROGRESS-GT LOPD is estimated to enroll approximately 12 participants across the United States.6  For more information about the PROGRESS-GT LOPD clinical trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov (NCT07282847), or visit askbio.com.  

About AB-1009 

AB-1009 is an investigational adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy being studied for its potential to address LOPD's underlying genetic defect and explore its ability to increase production of the deficient enzyme in people with this disease.7 It is designed to target the disease's underlying cause by enabling sustained production of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), the enzyme that is deficient in affected patients.7  

AskBio thanks Genethon, Belief BioMed, and Duke University for their early contributions to AskBio's Pompe disease program. 

About AskBio 

AskBio Inc., a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a fully integrated gene therapy company dedicated to steering gene therapy into a new era where it can transform the lives of a wider range of people living with rare and more common diseases. The company maintains a portfolio of clinical programs across a range of disease indications related to a single gene or multiple factors across cardiovascular, central nervous system, and neuromuscular conditions, with a clinical-stage pipeline that includes investigational therapeutics for heart failure, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Parkinson's disease, and Pompe disease. AskBio's end-to-end gene therapy platform includes our Pro10 technology and Aava manufacturing platform, which make gene therapies more accessible by making research and commercial grade manufacturing more affordable. With global headquarters in Durham, North Carolina, the company has generated hundreds of proprietary capsids and promoters, several of which have entered pre-clinical and clinical testing. An early innovator in the gene therapy field with over 900 employees in five countries, the company holds more than 600 patents and patent applications in areas such as AAV production and chimeric capsids. Learn more at http://www.askbio.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn. 

About Bayer 

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, "Health for all, Hunger for none," the company's products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2025, the Group employed around 88,000 people and had sales of 45.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com. 

AskBio Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," "intends," "potential," "possible," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding AskBio's clinical trials. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond AskBio's control. Known risks include, among others: AskBio may not be able to execute on its business plans and goals, including meeting its expected or planned clinical and regulatory milestones and timelines, its reliance on third-parties, clinical development plans, manufacturing processes and plans, and bringing its product candidates to market, due to a variety of reasons, including possible limitations of company financial and other resources, manufacturing limitations that may not be anticipated or resolved in a timely manner, potential disagreements or other issues with our third-party collaborators and partners, and regulatory, court or agency feedback or decisions, such as feedback and decisions from the United States Food and Drug Administration or the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Any of the foregoing risks could materially and adversely affect AskBio's business and results of operations. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. AskBio does not undertake any obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements based on events or circumstances after the date hereof.

References

United Pompe Foundation. About Pompe Disease. Available at: https://www.unitedpompe.com/about-pompe-disease/. Accessed: May 2026.   

National Organization for Rare Disorders. Pompe Disease. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/pompe-disease/. Accessed: May 2026.   

Toscano A, Rodolico C, Musumeci O. Multisystem late onset Pompe disease (LOPD): an update on clinical aspects. Ann Transl Med. 2019 Jul;7(13):284. doi: 10.21037/atm.2019.07.24.   

Borie-Guichot M, Tran ML, G?nisson Y, et al. Pharmacological Chaperone Therapy for Pompe Disease. Molecules. 2021 Nov 29;26(23):7223. doi: 10.3390/molecules26237223.   

Harlaar L, Hogrel JY, Perniconi B, et al. Large variation in effects during 10 years of enzyme therapy in adults with Pompe disease. Neurology. 2019 Nov 5;93(19):e1756-e1767. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000008441.   

Clinicaltrials.gov. A Study to Evaluate Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of AB-1009 Gene Therapy (GAA Gene) in Adult Participants With Late Onset Pompe Disease (PROGRESS-GT LOPD). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07282847. Accessed: May 2026. 

AskBio. AskBio Announces FDA Acceptance of Investigational New Drug (IND) Application for AB-1009 Gene Therapy for Treatment of Late-Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD). Available at: https://www.askbio.com/fda-acceptance-of-investigational-new-drug-ind-application-for-ab-1009-gene-therapy/. Accessed: May 2026. 

US FDA. Fast Track. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/patients/fast-track-breakthrough-therapy-accelerated-approval-priority-review/fast-track. Accessed: May 2026.   

US FDA. Designating an Orphan Product: Drugs and Biological Products. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/industry/medical-products-rare-diseases-and-conditions/designating-orphan-product-drugs-and-biological-products. Accessed: May 2026.   

Phil McNamara

AskBio Inc. (AskBio)

+1 (984) 5207211

pmcnamara@askbio.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dark Horse Consulting Group ("DHCG" or "the Group"), a leader in strategic and operational biotherapeutics consulting, and KunTuo Medical Research and Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd. ("KunTuo"), a full-service contract research organization (CRO) dedicated to clinical research services in China, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a strategic collaboration aimed at providing biotherapeutics developers with a comprehensive, integrated path to conducting clinical trials in China.

This partnership unites DHCG's comprehensive regulatory, CMC, nonclinical, clinical, quality and compliance, supply chain, commercial launch, and business analytics consulting capabilities with KunTuo's deep clinical research expertise and abundant clinical resources across China. KunTuo, established by IQVIA as a dedicated CRO for the Chinese market, maintains IQVIA's exceptional quality management system and has provided more than 1,000 clinical research services for pharmaceutical and medical device companies in China and abroad since its founding in 2011. Together, the two organizations will offer client companies an integrated pathway from global regulatory strategy through local clinical execution.

For clients seeking to conduct trials in China, one of the most rapidly growing and strategically significant markets for advanced therapies, this collaboration addresses a persistent challenge: navigating the intersection of international regulatory strategy and local clinical operations. To this end, KunTuo brings a dedicated cell and gene therapy clinical team with experience developing and managing complex clinical programs across leading Chinese research institutions, while DHCG brings deep expertise in the regulatory requirements governing trials in China, the expectations of the FDA and other regulatory authorities when evaluating data generated in Chinese clinical settings, and the clinical design considerations necessary to ensure that trial data can be effectively leveraged in future regulatory submissions.

By combining these capabilities under a formal collaborative framework, DHCG and KunTuo will enable sponsors and investigators to move their programs forward with greater speed, confidence, and efficiency, reducing the friction between global regulatory strategy and local clinical execution that can result in delays in trial initiation.

"This MOU with KunTuo represents another meaningful expansion of the integrated solutions we can offer our client partners who are looking to advance their programs in China," said Anthony Davies, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Dark Horse Consulting Group. "KunTuo's experience in cell and gene therapy clinical trials, combined with DHCG's global strategic consulting depth, creates a genuinely differentiated offering for developers at every stage of the development journey."

"Cell and gene therapy represents one of the most promising frontiers in biopharmaceuticals, and we are proud to partner with a consulting organization of DHCG's caliber," said Linda Wang, General Manager of KunTuo. "KunTuo has been building a dedicated clinical team for cell and gene therapy-related products since 2018, and we have taken the lead in this space in China. By joining forces with Dark Horse Consulting Group, we can combine expertise from both sides to provide developers worldwide with a one-stop solution that spans global regulatory strategy, drug development, and clinical trial execution - enabling innovative therapies to reach patients faster and more efficiently."

The collaboration is effective immediately, with joint client engagements expected to commence in the near term.

About Dark Horse Consulting Group

Dark Horse Consulting Group, a worldwide consulting organization with offices in North America, Europe, and APAC, was founded in 2014 with the purpose of accelerating development and delivery of cell and gene therapies through unmatched expertise. Since then, The Group's focus has expanded dramatically, with consulting team subject matter expertise now encompassing strategy, operations, Quality, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, modeling, supply chain, commercial launch, and business optimization across the biopharma landscape. DHCG's white-glove client service is grounded in rigorous scientific and technical expertise to support clients from early discovery through commercial launch. The Group comprises three business units: DHC, BioTechLogic, and Converge Consulting, with Bruder Consulting & Venture Group forming a specialized Regenerative Medicine department of DHC as of early 2026 and CJP joining the group as a Dark Horse Consulting company, also in early 2026.

About KunTuo

KunTuo, as a full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) specially set up in China by IQVIA (a wholly owned subsidiary of IQVIA) and with a team of nearly 1000 employees, is dedicated to provide high-quality and reliable clinical research services for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device & Diagnostic (MDD) enterprises. Since its establishment in 2011, Kuntuo has provided more than 1000 clinical research services for many well-known pharmaceutical and device companies in China and abroad and now has accumulated rich clinical resources, including more than 10,000 departments' enrollment data and nearly 500 institutions'/departments' process information. Kuntuo inherits IQVIA's sound quality management system and quality standards and provides biomedical enterprises with higher quality and more responsive service model from IND to NDA through the application and optimization of IQVIA's global operation experience and expertise.

Contact

contactus@darkhorseconsultinggroup.com 

+1 408-326-0303 ext. 209

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), today announced a reduction in taker fees for institutional market makers trading stock, metal, commodity, and index futures, as the exchange moves to strengthen liquidity across its expanding multi-asset derivatives offering. The updated fee of 0.0065% will take effect from May 1 through June 30, 2026.

The adjustment comes as trading activity continues to expand beyond crypto-native assets into tokenized stocks, commodities, and indices. Tokenized assets have already surpassed $50 billion in value, with projections pointing toward a $16 trillion growth over the next decade. As institutional participation increases, liquidity and execution efficiency are becoming key factors in how capital is deployed across markets.

Under the updated structure, eligible futures market makers will benefit from reduced taker fees across selected contracts, including stock, metal, commodity, and index futures. The initiative is designed to support tighter spreads, improved order book depth, and more consistent pricing as institutional participation increases across these markets.

"Liquidity is what determines whether multi-asset trading works in practice," said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. "As more institutions move across crypto, equities, and commodities, the focus shifts to execution quality and cost efficiency. This adjustment is aimed at strengthening those conditions as activity scales."

The move builds on Bitget's broader expansion into multi-asset trading under the UEX framework, where users can access crypto, derivatives, and traditional market exposure within a single account. The platform has seen growing traction in this segment, with stock-linked derivatives and commodity products contributing an increasing share of overall trading activity.

As competition for institutional flow intensifies across global venues, fee efficiency and liquidity depth are becoming key factors in where capital is deployed. By refining its fee structure across stock, commodity, and index futures, Bitget is positioning itself to capture a larger share of institutional trading activity in markets that increasingly sit at the intersection of crypto and traditional finance.

To find out more about the fee reduction, visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP?. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

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

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d2c06fe2-408d-42e1-aba0-f6bfd576363e

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has introduced its Scan to Pay feature on Bitget Pay, enabling users to spend USDT directly at offline merchants by scanning QR codes through the Bitget App.

The feature is now live across selected markets across Southeast Asia and Latin America at launch, where QR-based payments are widely adopted but access to traditional banking infrastructure remains uneven. By integrating with existing local payment networks, Scan to Pay allows users to complete transactions without changing merchant systems or relying on bank intermediaries.

The launch comes as crypto adoption continues to expand beyond trading into real-world use cases. Emerging markets across Southeast Asia and Latin America have seen some of the fastest growth in digital asset usage over the past year, driven in part by demand for stable, accessible financial tools. At the same time, billions of adults globally remain underbanked despite widespread access to mobile payment systems, creating a gap between financial access and financial usability that new payment models are beginning to address.

Scan to Pay is designed around this intersection. Users can set a payment PIN, scan a merchant QR code, and complete transactions instantly, with USDT converted and settled in the background. The experience mirrors familiar local payment flows, while removing the need for manual off-ramping, bank transfers, or currency conversion steps.

"QR code payments have a strong real life usage with over 2.2 billion people using it globally. There's no reason why crypto shouldn't be a part of it. It naturally fits into how people live, and spend," said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget.

For users in supported markets, the feature enables stablecoins to function as practical spending tools rather than passive holdings. For travelers and cross-border users, it offers a consistent payment experience across regions without reliance on local banking systems. For merchants, integration requires no change in infrastructure, while transactions are settled without exposure to crypto volatility.

The rollout reflects a broader shift in how digital assets are being positioned within financial systems. As stablecoins gain traction as a medium of exchange, their role is expanding from trading pairs to payment rails that can operate alongside existing networks.

Within Bitget's UEX model, where trading, assets, and financial services are brought into a single environment, Scan to Pay extends crypto from portfolio management into daily life. As financial services converge, the distinction between holding assets and using them continues to narrow, moving digital assets closer to everyday money.

To learn more about Scan to Pay, please visit here.

Disclaimer: Scan To Pay is a technical interface provided by Bitget. Payment services are provided solely by third-party payment service providers. Bitget does not provide any payment or fiat transfer services, whether to users or merchants. Bitget is not responsible for any acts or omissions by any third party.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP?. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

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

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

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

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8dc2cb43-8503-4478-a8f9-78b2dd319a1d

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

CGTN published an article examining why the world is closely watching the upcoming China-US summit. Against a backdrop of prolonged geopolitical tensions and fragile global recovery, the article highlights how head-of-state diplomacy serves as the "anchor" of China-US relations. It also explores how the summit could inject greater certainty into an increasingly volatile world.

BEIJING, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump will pay a state visit to China from May 13 to 15, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.

At a time of prolonged geopolitical tensions and fragile global recovery, the world is closely watching whether the two leaders can further stabilize China-US relations and inject much-needed certainty into the international landscape.

Keeping China-US relations on the right course

For many observers, the summit reflects one core hope: stability in bilateral ties.

Interviews conducted by CGTN show a common view among experts that head-of-state diplomacy has long served as the "anchor" of that stability.

As Wu Xinbo, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, put it, such head-of-state diplomacy "sets the tone and defines the direction" of bilateral ties.

Christopher Newport University's Associate Professor Sun Taiyi similarly noted that direct leader-to-leader communication helps reduce uncertainty, prevent miscalculation and signal that stability remains the overriding priority.

Over the past year, the two leaders have maintained communication through phone calls and a face-to-face meeting in Busan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), helping prevent major miscalculations and keeping the overall relationship stable.

As Xi told Trump in Busan, "In the face of winds, waves and challenges, we should stay the right course, navigate through the complex landscape, and ensure the steady sailing forward of the giant ship of China-US relations."

That metaphor of "steering the ship" has been reflected in concrete progress.

Since 2025, under the strategic consensus reached by the two heads of state, economic teams from both sides have held multiple rounds of talks, while large-scale tariff escalation has been paused. A new round of consultations is set to take place in the ROK from May 12 to 13, just ahead of the Beijing summit.

People-to-people exchanges have also regained momentum. In April, Beijing hosted events marking the 55th anniversary of China-US "Ping-Pong Diplomacy," with hundreds of young Chinese and Americans taking part in sports and cultural exchanges. More US youth groups have also traveled to China for exchange and study programs.

Bringing certainty to a changing world

As the world's two largest economies, and with China-US relations standing as one of the most important bilateral ties globally, outcomes of head-of-state diplomacy between the two countries not only help stabilize bilateral relations, but also have a broader impact on global development and governance.

As Peterson Institute Senior Fellow Chad Bown noted, "virtually everyone has a stake in the outcome." Cornell University economist Eswar Prasad went further, suggesting the meeting could carry implications for global trade, geopolitics and even the "rules-based order."

CGTN interviews with experts highlight the similar points.

Zhang Tengjun, associate research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, said deeper cooperation could inject momentum into global recovery and stabilize industrial and supply chains, stressing that the trajectory of bilateral ties is closely tied to the world's future.

On this point, scholar Sun said that stable relations reduce risks of supply chain disruption, financial volatility and geopolitical fragmentation.

Dean Wu noted that as the world's two major technological powers, China and the United States have the capacity to generate "win-win outcomes" through practical cooperation, supporting broader global growth and scientific progress.

Likewise, Cui Fan, vice dean of the University of International Business and Economics, emphasized that both countries share responsibility for the stability of global governance.

Xi underlined this responsibility in Busan as well: "The world today is confronted with many tough problems. China and the United States can jointly shoulder our responsibility as major countries, and work together to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world."

This year provides a window for that responsibility to be tested, with China hosting APEC and the United States hosting the G20 Leaders' Summit - two platforms that could open space for coordination on global recovery, food and energy security, debt risks, and governance reform.

In a February phone call with Trump, Xi set out a pragmatic path forward: "If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other's concerns."

The world will watch the upcoming summit to see how Beijing and Washington can translate into action Xi's call to "make progress step by step to build mutual trust, find the right way to get along, and make 2026 a year where the two major countries advance toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation."

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-05-11/Why-is-the-world-watching-the-upcoming-China-US-summit--1N3u9OWFqdq/p.html

Contact:

CGTN Digital

cgtn@cgtn.com

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