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Holafly partners with Valientes Colombia to support community-led initiatives and address the social impact of tourism

Wed, 27 May 2026 22:26:00 +0700

DUBLIN, May 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As discussions about responsible travel move beyond sustainability toward real impact, Holafly, the global eSIM provider for travelers, announces a partnership with Valientes Colombia, a locally led organization that prevents exploitation and supports vulnerable communities through education and long-term initiatives.

The collaboration comes as destinations such as Colombia see strong growth in international tourism, creating new opportunities while also revealing realities that are harder to ignore in certain regions. Among these realities, the presence of exploitative dynamics linked to tourism, including forms of sexual exploitation, remains a complex issue that cannot be addressed from a distance and requires sustained, on-the-ground work.

Holafly approaches this partnership with a clear conviction: that travel should care, not only about the experience itself, but about the people, communities, and environments that make it possible. "As a global travel brand, we see our role as extending beyond enabling travel and taking an active position in promoting a more responsible, conscious, and safe way of moving across borders, particularly in contexts where mobility and digital environments can intersect with social risks that are not always visible to travelers," said Pedro Maiquez, co-founder and VP of Growth at Holafly.

This perspective reflects a growing awareness that travel can shape local realities in different ways, and that being part of the industry requires engaging with those contexts in a more thoughtful and consistent manner. The partnership with Valientes Colombia supports an organization that works directly with communities and combines research, school-based prevention programs, and on-the-ground action to better understand these challenges, raise awareness, and respond when needed.

The collaboration also reflects Holafly's commitment to understanding responsibility beyond environmental terms, and to being part of a broader conversation about the role travel plays in society, one that increasingly includes people, communities, and local contexts.

By supporting Valientes Colombia, Holafly aims to contribute to a more responsible and inclusive approach to travel; one that extends beyond the experience itself and considers the lasting impact on the communities that make those journeys possible.***

Agora, the Denodo Cloud Service, now available on the Microsoft Marketplace to Power Agentic AI Use Cases

Wed, 27 May 2026 22:13:00 +0700

Agora enables Microsoft Azure customers worldwide to leverage their full data estate across hybrid, multi-cloud, and data-sovereignty environments to accelerate agentic AI initiatives

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denodo, a leader in data management and a Microsoft AI Cloud Partner, announced that Agora, the Denodo Cloud Service -- a fully managed platform -- is now available on the Microsoft Marketplace. Agora provides native integrations with Microsoft services including Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS) Gen2, Power BI, and Azure Synapse Analytics, as well as partner services such as Azure OpenAI and Azure Databricks. Agora, combined with Microsoft's AI and data services, enable organizations to extend their agentic AI capabilities to critical data residing in 200+ source systems across on-premises systems, SaaS offerings, and other cloud platforms while facilitating compliance with regulatory, data sovereignty, and security requirements.

Agora complements Microsoft Fabric's semantic intelligence capabilities by providing the logical data access layer that connects AI agents to operational and analytical data outside Microsoft systems. While Microsoft Fabric delivers semantic understanding and orchestration capabilities for AI agents through Fabric IQ, Agora enables those agents to access live, trusted data from non-Microsoft sources -- including SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Snowflake, and hundreds of additional systems across on-premises and hybrid environments. This complementary architecture supports multiple agent consumption patterns, from Microsoft Copilot agents accessing enterprise-wide data through Agora's Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration to custom AI agents built with Microsoft Foundry leveraging Agora's APIs for real-time data retrieval. Agora also includes a data marketplace that enables PowerBI and other business users to find, access, and utilize enterprise data through the same semantic layer that powers AI agents, enabling humans and AI agents to share consistent business definitions and context.

Together, Agora's agentic-AI-ready data foundation and Microsoft's AI and data services power real-time decision-making, hyper-personalized experiences, agentic workflows, and other hybrid and multi-cloud use cases that depend on live, governed access to distributed data. This approach minimizes latency, reduces data drift risk, and ensures mission-critical insights and automated actions are always based on the most current information available. To support secure, governed access and enable seamless compliance, Agora integrates with Microsoft Entra ID and delivers fine-grained data governance capabilities such as attribute-based access control, end-to-end lineage, and policy enforcement for non-Microsoft sources.

"Microsoft is pleased to welcome Agora to Microsoft Azure and the Microsoft Marketplace," said Jake Zborowski, general manager, Microsoft Azure Platform at Microsoft Corp. "Together with Denodo, we look forward to helping enterprises accelerate agentic AI initiatives -- especially those operating in complex hybrid, multi-cloud, and data-sovereign environments."

With Agora available on the Microsoft Marketplace, organizations can get started quickly with options ranging from free trials to private offers for annual contracts and consumption-based pricing. These options enable customers to choose the model that best fits their business needs, while streamlining procurement and enabling customers to apply their Denodo purchase -- an Azure IP co-sell-eligible solution -- toward their Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC).

"With Agora's availability on the Microsoft Marketplace and seamless integrations to Microsoft's AI and data services, we offer our mutual customers a powerful solution for agentic AI use cases that leverage an organization's entire data estate across hybrid and multi-cloud environments," said Suresh Chandrasekaran, executive vice president, Denodo. "Agora on the Microsoft Marketplace delivers new levels of agility, scalability, cost-efficiency, and ease-of-use."

For more information

* Agora on the Microsoft Marketplace

Thailand Positions SITE 2026 as a Regional Platform Where Innovation Meets Investment

Wed, 27 May 2026 22:11:00 +0700

Under the theme "Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment," NIA is bringing together startups, investors, corporates, and global partners to turn innovation into real business opportunity and measurable impact.

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 May 2026 - The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), has officially launched SITE 2026. Organized under the concept "Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment," the event is elevated to serve as a tangible platform of opportunities, bridging Thai innovations with global capital, partners, and networks.

The expo will take place from June 25 - 27, 2026, at Paragon Hall, expanding its footprint to cover Nex Hall on the 5th floor and the SCBx Next Stage on the 4th floor of Siam Paragon to accommodate the continuously growing activities and collaborative networks.

According to Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA, the goal is to create a platform where opportunity meets capital, and innovation meets global partners. In her view, innovation impact is no longer defined by novelty alone, but by the value it creates and the measurable outcomes it can deliver.

That shift matters in the current regional context. For Thailand, the conversation is no longer only about building promising startups. It is about making innovation more investable, more connected, and more capable of generating real outcomes across business and society.

NIA has framed SITE 2026 around several strategic drivers, including future-focused technologies, investment-readiness innovation, global connectivity, multiplier effects across the economy, and stronger strategic alliances. Together, these are intended to help position Thailand more visibly within the regional and global innovation landscape.

The investment angle is especially significant. NIA's latest figures indicate that startup investment in Thailand reached approximately USD 120 million in 2025, while capital ready to be deployed within Thailand's innovation ecosystem exceeded USD 1 billion. Against that backdrop, SITE 2026 is being presented as a timely platform to connect investable innovation with available capital in a more deliberate and market-oriented way.

From a programme perspective, SITE 2026 is structured to appeal not only to startups, but also to investors, corporates, and innovation leaders looking for deal flow, market signals, and partnership opportunities. Key features include:

* global forums and thought-leadership sessions,

* showcases of 100 future-focused startups,

* 100 market-ready innovations,

* startup pitching opportunities,

* Business Matching sessions,

* an International Pavilion,

* youth innovation platforms through Startup Thailand League,

* and cross-disciplinary collaboration through SYNC Design & Innovation and Maker Faire Bangkok.

For investors and business decision-makers, the strongest draw may be the event's ambition to function as a real investment marketplace. SITE 2026 is designed to bring Thai startups together with venture capital firms, corporate venture capital arms, international investors, and strategic business partners in one integrated venue. It also opens broader regional connectivity through participation and collaboration from countries including Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

That positioning was echoed during the event's launch discussion, where speakers from government, innovation finance, venture capital, and the startup community shared a common view: innovation today must lead to measurable outcomes-- not only in technology development, but in market access, business competitiveness, funding, and international growth.

For Thailand, that means strengthening its role not simply as a place where innovation happens, but as a market where innovation can be funded, scaled, and connected internationally.

For regional investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders, SITE 2026 offers a closer look at how Thailand is attempting to move in that direction.

SITE 2026 will be held from 25-27 June 2026 at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. Admission is free of charge. More information and registration are available at site.nia.or.th.

Exploring Thailand's Next Wave of Investable Innovation

SITE 2026 brings together startups, investors, corporates, and global partners on one platform to explore business opportunity, market-ready innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

SITE 2026 is positioning Thailand as a regional platform where innovation meets investment, bringing together startups, investors, corporates, and global partners in Bangkok this June.

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

Tingkatkan Strategi Anda: Kompetisi Trading Global Diluncurkan dengan Hadiah Uang Tunai Besar

Wed, 27 May 2026 21:16:00 +0700

EBC Financial Group resmi meluncurkan kompetisi trading dua jalur di Asia dan Afrika, menghadirkan pengalaman simulasi bebas risiko sekaligus pertarungan pasar nyata yang intens untuk mendukung trader dari berbagai tingkat pengalaman

LONDON, May 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EBC Financial Group (EBC), broker terbaik dunia versi World Finance, meluncurkan dua kompetisi trading multipasar yang dirancang untuk mendukung keterlibatan trader sekaligus memperluas partisipasi di komunitas trading yang berkembang di Asia dan Afrika. Promosi ini diselenggarakan oleh EBC Financial Group (SVG) LLC di bawah naungan merek EBC Financial Group dan mencakup dua kompetisi berbeda: EBC Trading Masters Competition serta EBC Elite Demo Trading Competition.

Inisiatif dua jalur ini, yang dirancang secara terstruktur untuk menjangkau peserta dari berbagai tingkat pengalaman trading, mencerminkan komitmen berkelanjutan EBC dalam membangun ekosistem yang berfokus pada trader, dengan berlandaskan transparansi, aksesibilitas, dan pembelajaran berkelanjutan.

Melalui kedua kompetisi ini, peserta berkesempatan menguji dan membandingkan strategi trading mereka dalam lingkungan yang terstruktur, dengan peringkat ditentukan berdasarkan tingkat pengembalian, bukan besarnya saldo akun. Hal ini menegaskan kerangka kompetisi berbasis performa yang menempatkan disiplin dan strategi sebagai faktor utama penentu hasil kompetisi.

EBC Trading Masters Competition: Mengapresiasi Performa dalam Kondisi Pasar Nyata

EBC Trading Masters Competition, yang ditujukan untuk peserta berpengalaman, menghadirkan lingkungan trading nyata yang memungkinkan trader berkompetisi menggunakan dana sungguhan di Mongolia, Taiwan, dan Thailand mulai tanggal 11 Mei hingga 5 Juni 2026.

Kompetisi ini dapat diikuti oleh pemegang akun PRO dan STD, dengan persyaratan ekuitas minimum sebesar USD100 untuk peserta di Mongolia serta USD200 di Taiwan dan Thailand.

Kompetisi ini akan diselenggarakan melalui akun trading PRO dan STD yang memenuhi syarat sehingga peserta dapat merasakan secara langsung kondisi pasar nyata dalam lingkungan yang terstruktur secara profesional. Untuk mendorong transparansi sekaligus pembelajaran bersama dalam komunitas trading, seluruh peserta diwajibkan untuk memublikasikan sinyal trading mereka sepanjang periode kompetisi.

Di Taiwan dan Thailand, total hadiah mencapai USD7.000 per sesi, dengan peserta berperforma terbaik berkesempatan meraih hadiah hingga USD3.000. Peringkat akan ditentukan berdasarkan tingkat pengembalian, yang menegaskan struktur kompetisi yang mengutamakan disiplin dan strategi trading, bukan besarnya saldo akun.

Peserta dapat mendaftarkan beberapa akun yang memenuhi syarat, dengan hadiah diberikan berdasarkan akun dengan performa terbaik. Sementara itu, kontrol risiko terstruktur dan mekanisme pemantauan diterapkan sepanjang periode kompetisi untuk memastikan kompetisi berjalan secara adil dan akuntabel.

EBC Elite Demo Trading Competition: Kompetisi Trading Bebas Risiko yang Terbuka bagi Semua Trader

EBC Elite Demo Trading Competition, yang ditujukan untuk trader pemula dan berkembang, memberikan kesempatan kepada peserta untuk merasakan kondisi pasar nyata melalui akun simulasi tanpa eksposur terhadap modal riil.

Kompetisi akan berlangsung dari tanggal 11 hingga 22 Mei 2026 di Vietnam, Indonesia, Afrika, dan Korea Selatan. Para peserta akan berkompetisi menggunakan akun demo baru yang masing-masing diberikan modal awal tetap simulasi sebesar USD10.000.

Peserta kompetisi akan memulai dengan modal awal simulasi yang sama sebesar USD10.000 sehingga tercipta persaingan yang setara dan peringkat ditentukan berdasarkan tingkat pengembalian, bukan besarnya modal akun. Di berbagai sesi regional, para peserta akan bersaing memperebutkan total hadiah hingga USD1.700, termasuk hadiah utama sebesar USD1.000 pada sesi Korea Selatan. Kerangka kompetisi ini juga didukung oleh pedoman partisipasi yang terstruktur untuk menjaga transparansi, keadilan, dan disiplin dalam aktivitas trading sepanjang periode kampanye.

Dengan menciptakan lingkungan terkontrol yang berfokus pada pengembangan strategi dan tolok ukur performa, inisiatif ini bertujuan untuk mendorong partisipasi pasar yang berbasis informasi sekaligus membantu trader membangun kepercayaan diri dan disiplin dalam trading.

"Di EBC, kami percaya bahwa perkembangan trader dibangun melalui transparansi, disiplin, serta akses terhadap peluang terstruktur yang mendorong pertumbuhan secara berkelanjutan," ujar Lewis Tang, Direktur Merek di EBC Financial Group. "Kompetisi ini dirancang bukan hanya untuk mengapresiasi performa trading, tetapi juga untuk mendorong keterlibatan yang lebih luas, berbagi pengetahuan, serta partisipasi yang bertanggung jawab di berbagai komunitas trading."

Kedua kompetisi ini menerapkan metodologi pemeringkatan yang terstandarisasi serta pengamanan operasional, termasuk evaluasi berbasis tingkat pengembalian dan mekanisme penentu seri berdasarkan volume trading guna memastikan hasil akhir ditentukan oleh performa trading yang terukur.

Peluncuran inisiatif ini semakin menegaskan upaya berkelanjutan EBC dalam memperkuat keterlibatan trader di berbagai pasar internasional utama, sekaligus mendorong partisipasi yang lebih luas di dalam lanskap trading global yang terus berkembang.

Untuk mengetahui informasi selengkapnya mengenai persyaratan kelayakan, aturan kompetisi, dan detail pendaftaran, kunjungi situs resmi EBC Financial Group di www.ebc.com.

Pernyataan Risiko

Trading Valuta Asing (Valas) dan Kontrak untuk Selisih (Contracts for Differences/CFD) dengan margin memiliki tingkat risiko yang tinggi dan mungkin tidak sesuai untuk semua investor. Kerugian dapat melebihi nilai deposit. Performa investasi pada masa lalu tidak menjamin hasil pada masa mendatang. Harap mempertimbangkan tujuan investasi dan toleransi risiko Anda dengan cermat sebelum melakukan trading.***

Junshi Biosciences Announces Primary Endpoints Met in Final Analysis of Phase 3 Study for Perioperative Toripalimab plus Chemotherapy for Resectable Stage II-III NSCLC

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:38:00 +0700

SHANGHAI, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd (Junshi Biosciences, HKEX: 1877; SSE: 688180), a leading innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel therapies, announced that a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center phase III clinical study ("NEOTORCH", NCT04158440) of the company's product toripalimab in combination with platinum-containing doublet chemotherapy as perioperative treatment for resectable stage II-III non-small cell lung cancer ("NSCLC") patients has finished its final analysis. The primary endpoints of event-free survival ("EFS") and major pathological response ("MPR") rate in the stage II-III population, as well as the MPR rate in the stage III population, met the pre-defined efficacy boundary. Junshi Biosciences now plans to submit a supplemental new drug application ("sNDA") for the product to regulatory authorities in the near future. Toripalimab combined with chemotherapy has already been approved for perioperative treatment of patients with resectable stage III NSCLC, and this new sNDA will aim to expand the approval to perioperative treatment of resectable stage II-III NSCLC.

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with the highest prevalence and mortality rate in the world. According to data released by GLOBOCAN, in 2022, 1.06 million new lung cancer cases were reported in China, accounting for 22.0% of the nation's new cancer cases; in the same year, China also reported 0.73 million lung cancer deaths, representing 28.5% of cancer deaths nationwide.

Amongst these cases, 20%-25% were surgically resectable at first diagnosis, but even after radical surgical treatment, 30%-55% of the patients suffered from post-surgical recurrence and death. Radical surgery in combination with chemotherapy is one way to prevent recurrence, but chemotherapy, as preoperative neoadjuvant or postoperative adjuvant therapy, has limited clinical benefits and can only raise the 5-year survival rate by approximately 5%.

Recently, immunotherapy represented by PD-(L)1 inhibitors has been transforming the landscape of cancer treatment. PD-(L)1 inhibitors have displayed long-term effects in tumor control and/or elimination. Tumor cells exploit the PD-1 and PD-L1/PD-L2 binding process, but PD-(L)1 inhibitors stop immune evasion and suppression, reactivating the patients' own immune cells to kill the tumor. Many authoritative lung cancer treatment guidelines both domestically and internationally recommend PD-(L)1 inhibitors as one of the standard perioperative treatments for resectable stage II-III NSCLC.

NEOTORCH is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III clinical study aiming to compare the efficacy and safety of toripalimab or placebo in combination with chemotherapy as perioperative treatment for resectable stage II/III NSCLC patients. Led by principal investigator Professor Shun LU of Shanghai Chest Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the study enrolled a total of 501 patients with resectable stage II-III NSCLC. The primary endpoints are EFS in patients with stage III and stage II-III disease as assessed by researchers, and MPR rate in patients with stage III and stage II-III disease as assessed by the Blind Independent Pathology Review Committee (BIPR). The secondary endpoints include OS, EFS as assessed by the Independent Review Committee (IRC), pathological complete remission rate (pCR rate), disease-free survival (DFS) and safety.

In January 2023, the EFS interim analysis of patients with resectable stage III NSCLC of NEOTORCH met the primary endpoint. The latest study results were presented through oral presentation at the April 2023 session of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Plenary Session and the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting. NEOTORCH was the world's first phase 3 clinical study of an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody for NSCLC perioperative treatment (including neoadjuvant and adjuvant) with positive EFS results published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in January 2024.

The results showed that compared to perioperative chemotherapy alone, toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy as perioperative treatment led to a significant improvement in EFS (median EFS: not reached vs. 15.1 months, P<0.001), reduced risk of disease recurrence, progression events or death by 60% (HR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.28-0.57). Meanwhile, the OS in the toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy group showed a clear trend toward improved outcomes (HR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.38-1.00).

Moreover, toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy as perioperative treatment increased the pCR rate to nearly 25-fold (pCR rate: 24.8% vs. 1.0%) and the MPR rate to nearly 6-fold (MPR rate: 48.5% vs. 8.4%). The primary endpoint of the final analysis will be presented at an upcoming international academic conference.

In December 2023, based on the NEOTORCH interim analysis results, the supplemental new drug application for the new indication of toripalimab in combination with platinum-containing doublet chemotherapy for perioperative treatment of resectable stage IIIA-IIIB NSCLC patients was approved by the NMPA. It was the first domestically approved perioperative therapy for lung cancer in China, and the second worldwide.***

Leading Philippine Telecom Provider Selects Synchronoss to Deliver Personal Cloud Solutions to 54 Million Customers

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:22:00 +0700

Globe Telecom, Inc. set to offer Branded Personal Cloud Service Enabling Users to Back Up, Manage, and Optimize All Types of Digital Content

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. ("Synchronoss") today announced that Globe Telecom, Inc. is set to offer Synchronoss Personal Cloud? to its more than 54 million customers. Globe operates one of the largest mobile, fixed-line, and broadband networks in the Philippines.

Using Synchronoss' white-label cloud technology, Globe will offer its customers a secure, easy-to-use personal cloud service to back up, synchronize, and manage their photos, videos, files, and other digital content. The service will also include Synchronoss Genius, a suite of AI-powered tools that enhance and optimize photos with filters, upscaling, and effects.

As part of the launch, Globe will deliver an entry-tier 50GB cloud offer at an accessible price point for a 90-day introductory trial, followed by premium plans ranging from 50GB to 2TB. These paid tiers will be available both as standalone add-ons and bundled offers for select customer segments.

"This partnership with Globe strengthens our growing presence in Asia and underscores the increasing global demand for operator-led personal cloud solutions," said Pat Doran, CEO of Synchronoss. "The addition of Genius AI gives Globe customers a robust way to secure their digital lives while also creating and enhancing their memories."

In addition to Genius AI, Synchronoss Personal Cloud also includes Space Saver, enabling Globe customers to free up space on their devices, without losing content. This helps users access more digital services without storage constraints, especially as mobile devices are instrumental in capturing and managing all types of content.

"Our customers rely on their mobile devices to manage every part of their daily lives," said Roche Vandenberghe, Chief Marketing Officer at Globe. "By partnering with Synchronoss, we are giving them a secure, seamless way to store, manage, and elevate their personal content."

For more information on Synchronoss Personal Cloud, visit: https://www.synchronoss.com/cloud.***

Moment Factory and Mitsui Fudosan Enter Long-term Strategic Partnership to Deliver Innovative Fan Experiences

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:10:00 +0700

Partnership to Deliver a New Immersive Pok?mon Experience, Created in Collaboration with The Pok?mon Company International and Slated to Debut in Europe in Spring 2027

MONTREAL, TOKYO and BELLEVUE, Wash., May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Moment Factory and Mitsui Fudosan today announced a long-term strategic partnership to create large-scale, transformative experiences that set a new global standard for fan engagement. Stepping into the role of Executive Producers, the two companies will harness their combined strengths to foster human connection through brand storytelling and cutting-edge innovation.

Following Moment Factory and Mitsui Fudosan's successful work on Light Cycles at Kyoto Botanical Gardens for their 100th Anniversary Project, this announcement kicks off a new multi-year roadmap for the two companies' partnership. They are currently exploring a pipeline of innovative projects that will continue to blend technology, art, and iconic intellectual properties.

A New Pok?mon Experience

As part of this collaboration, Moment Factory and Mitsui Fudosan also announced a partnership with The Pok?mon Company International to develop a new immersive Pok?mon experience designed to tour in select locations and slated to debut in Europe in the spring of 2027. Using interactive technology and innovative storytelling, the collaboration will faithfully bring Pok?mon to life by bringing fans together in the real world and allowing them to step into the role of a Trainer in unique ways.

This collaboration will unite an international multidisciplinary team--including Mitsui Fudosan's expertise in creating large-scale destinations and real-world experiences, Moment Factory's pioneering immersive storytelling, and the iconic Pok?mon brand--to deliver an innovative experience for a diverse, worldwide audience.

More details about the project will be shared in the future.

"This partnership is more than a collaboration; it is a synergy of vision," said Dominic Audet, Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Moment Factory. "Together with Mitsui Fudosan, we are looking to set a new global standard for how people interact with brands and environments. We are excited to leverage our creative DNA alongside Mitsui Fudosan's incredible reach to bring transformative projects to life."

"We are very honored to partner with Moment Factory," said Kazunori Yamashita, Executive Managing Officer of Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. "Through this project, we aim to create new value through immersive experiences that connect people and communities. We also look forward to delivering excitement and inspiration to people around the world through our collaboration with Pok?mon, a globally beloved brand."

"People around the world are always eager to experience the world of Pok?mon in new and meaningful ways," said Andy Gose, Head of Media Production at The Pok?mon Company International. "We are excited to see the joy it will bring to Trainers and the passion and adventure that unites the community." ***

AACSB and Scholarly Societies Release Framework to Advance Research Impact in Business Education

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:09:00 +0700

Collaborative report provides guidance, resources, and practical pathways for business schools seeking to broaden the impact of their research

TAMPA, Fla., May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Business schools are under growing pressure to demonstrate that their research matters beyond academia, yet most lack a clear framework for doing so. Today, a coalition of 10 global academic organizations is offering a path forward through the release of A Framework for Research Impact: Insights, Pathways, and Calls to Action.

The report coincides with AACSB's inaugural Research Impact Conference, offered in partnership with the Academy of Management, and provides business schools with an actionable approach and resources to help broaden how they define, assess, and communicate research impact.

Developed by AACSB's Global Research Impact Task Force, the framework presents an expanded understanding of the research impact ecosystem, one that connects scholarship to business practice, public policy, teaching, and society.

Global Research Impact Task Force

* AACSB International

* Academy of International Business

* Academy of Management

* American Accounting Association

* American Marketing Association

* Asia Academy of Management

* Association for Information Systems

* European Accounting Association

* Journal of Operations Management

* Production and Operations Management Society

The framework reflects months of work by the task force and includes extensive input from across the business education ecosystem through global surveys, roundtables, focus groups, advisory discussions, and feedback on an exposure draft released in October 2025. It encourages institutions to adopt more intentional and mission-aligned approaches to supporting, evaluating, and communicating research impact.

"For too long, research impact has been defined too narrowly," said Lily Bi, president and chief executive officer of AACSB. "I am excited to share the work of the task force from over the last year. This framework helps institutions move from measuring outputs to understanding and a outcomes and impact."

The report, which is just phase one of an ongoing effort to drive systemwide change, emphasizes that impactful research often emerges through ongoing engagement among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, learners, and communities. It also highlights the importance of aligning institutional strategy, incentives, culture, and infrastructure to support multiple forms of research impact.

Among its recommendations, the framework encourages business schools to:

* Develop mission-aligned research impact strategies

* Strengthen connections among research, teaching, and external engagement

* Adopt more balanced approaches to evaluating research impact

* Recognize both quantitative and qualitative evidence of impact

* Create institutional environments that support diverse forms of impactful scholarship

To support business schools in implementation, the framework includes practical resources such as a Research Impact Assessment Tool and a Research Impact Ecosystem Guide. Together, these resources help schools evaluate current practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen institutional alignment around research impact.

The framework also aligns with AACSB's 2026 Global Standards for Business Education? and associated Pathways to Impact model, which call for a broader understanding of impact by business schools.

The report concludes with a series of strategic imperatives for stakeholder groups across the research ecosystem?including scholarly associations, publishers, journals, media, ranking bodies, and others?calling for a more collective and coordinated approach to advancing research impact and building on the momentum generated by the task force.

For more information and to access the full report, visit aacsb.edu/research-impact-framework.***

Three routes to Rome: the Via Francigena, the Via Romea Germanica and the Romea Strata in Lazio

Wed, 27 May 2026 19:25:00 +0700

Three major European pilgrimage itineraries, certified by the Council of Europe, converge in Lazio on their way to Rome. At the heart of the "Antichi Cammini d'Italia" project.

Three historic routes, three different European directions, one final destination: the Via Francigena, the Via Romea Germanica and the Romea Strata converge in Lazio before reaching Rome. They are three of the five itineraries at the heart of "Antichi Cammini d'Italia", created to enhance the country's major historic and religious walking routes and to position Italy among the world's leading walking destinations.

All three are certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe: the Via Francigena since 1994, the Via Romea Germanica since 2020 and the Romea Strata since 17 June 2025. Together they form a historical map of pilgrimage flows that, for centuries, have led travellers from northern, eastern and western Europe towards Rome.

Via Francigena

The Via Francigena is Italy's most internationally recognized walking route. It is based on the travel diary of Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, who in 990 CE recorded the 79 stages of his return journey from Rome in a manuscript now preserved at the British Library.

The Italian section measures around 1,000 kilometers in 45 stages and, in Lazio, crosses the Tuscia of Viterbo. From Acquapendente, on the shores of Lake Bolsena, the route continues to Bolsena - where the Eucharistic miracle that inspired the feast of Corpus Christi took place in 1263 - Montefiascone with the Rocca dei Papi, Viterbo, a former papal seat with the medieval quarter of San Pellegrino, Vetralla, Sutri with its Roman amphitheater carved into the tufa rock, Campagnano and La Storta, before reaching St. Peter's Basilica.

Via Romea Germanica

The Via Romea Germanica reconstructs the journey described by Abbot Albert of Stade in the Annales Stadenses of 1236. Its Italian section measures approximately 1,050 kilometers from the Brenner Pass to Rome. In Lazio, it joins the Via Francigena at Montefiascone and, from there, shares the crossing of the Tuscia of Viterbo: Bolsena, Viterbo - with the Macchina di Santa Rosa, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - Vetralla, Sutri and the Veio Regional Park, as far as La Storta.

A northern variant also touches Civita di Bagnoregio, the celebrated "dying city," suspended on a tufa spur in the heart of Tuscia.

Romea Strata

The Romea Strata is the most recent route to be certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe: the recognition was awarded on 17 June 2025. It reconstructs the network of ancient roads that brought pilgrims to Rome from central-eastern and Baltic Europe: more than 4,700 kilometers across seven countries, with 245 stages and over fifty UNESCO sites.

The main Italian section runs for around 1,000 kilometers in 47 stages, touching Lazio locations such as Bolsena, Montefiascone, Viterbo and San Martino al Cimino before reaching Rome as the crowning point of the journey. Since 2024, the final stretch no longer rejoins the Via Francigena, thanks to meticulous remapping carried out by a network of volunteers, which has redefined the route, giving it a distinct identity and a new way into Rome.

A European map, a Lazio destination

Three directions, three historical traditions, one geographical convergence: Lazio. It is in this region that the three routes meet, share the same landscape of the Tuscia of Viterbo and approach the Eternal City together.

The Lazio stages form the true experiential heart of the "Antichi Cammini d'Italia" project: tufa villages, Romanesque basilicas, natural parks, papal fortresses and ancient walking routes still accessible on foot today. This geography of pilgrimage is made more recognizable and accessible in national and international markets through the project.

Project funded by the European Union ? Next Generation EU "Antichi Cammini di Italia", PNRR - Mission M1C3, Investment 4.3, Measure 274 - the Italian Ministry of Tourism is the subject operator, ENIT S.p.A. is the subject agent.***

BitMEX and COLLYBUS Announce Strategic Platform Partnership to Deliver Institutional-Grade Trading Technology

Wed, 27 May 2026 17:52:00 +0700

BitMEX to deploy COLLYBUS's execution platform to serve professional and active traders across its global client base

SINGAPORE and SYDNEY, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BitMEX, one of the world's leading digital asset trading platforms, and COLLYBUS, the regulated execution gateway for institutional digital asset and FX markets, today announced a strategic platform partnership under which COLLYBUS's execution platform will be deployed across BitMEX, providing professional and active traders with access to institutional-grade trading technology.

The partnership brings together BitMEX's deep liquidity and established global community with COLLYBUS's execution infrastructure, delivering a more powerful and seamless trading environment for BitMEX's professional and active clients, built on direct access to BitMEX liquidity.

What the Partnership Delivers

Through the collaboration, COLLYBUS will deploy its trading platform across BitMEX, providing professional and active traders with access to institutional-grade trading technology designed to meet the evolving and increasingly demanding requirements of today's digital asset markets. The platform is built to deliver the performance, reliability, and depth of functionality that professional traders require, supported directly by BitMEX's liquidity and market infrastructure.

The platform will be made available to BitMEX's clients through a phased rollout, with both companies working closely to ensure seamless integration and a best-in-class client experience.

"COLLYBUS is the infrastructure that our most active clients have been asking for. The combination of BitMEX's liquidity and global reach with COLLYBUS's execution platform creates a genuinely differentiated offering in the market and we are excited to bring it to our trading community." ***

Giro d'Italia: Conad White Jersey Still Held by Eulalio After Gruelling Stage

Wed, 27 May 2026 17:34:00 +0700

MILAN, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Portuguese rider Afonso Eulalio of Bahrain Victorious retained the Conad white jersey following Stage 15 of the Giro d'Italia, a 157-kilometre route from Voghera to Milan.

"It's always nice to retain the jersey, but today didn't feel that good. I thought it was going to be a fairly easy day, but it actually turned out to be super tough," the Portuguese rider told LaPresse after the stage.

It was a celebratory day in Milan, which also hosted the fifth stage of "Il Grande Giro Conad", the initiative organised by one of the Giro's main sponsors. The event provided an opportunity for the cooperative to engage with local communities during a nationwide sporting event.

"The Giro is not just a race -- it's also a celebration that brings people together; it's about community. For us, being part of the community and helping foster positive values through messages like these is fundamental. We also believe this edition has been one in which the young riders we sponsored have really taken centre stage," said Giuseppe Zuliani, Conad's Communications Director, speaking on the sidelines of the Stage 15 finish in central Milan.

"For us, sponsoring the Giro d'Italia is an honour. It is one of the country's most important and widely followed sporting events. It is not only a moment of celebration, but also a way to strengthen the relationship we have with local communities. Above all, it delivers relational value," added Rosanna Cattini, Vice President of Conad Centro Nord, referring to the return the Giro generates for the cooperative, including from an economic perspective.

"Many important messages can come from taking part in such a major event. There is certainly also the pride of being part of such a historic experience while, at the same time, one that has managed to innovate, like the Giro d'Italia. It is a source of pride for our more than 350 members and their 7,000 employees," concluded Maurizio Comi, Vice President of Conad Centro Nord.***

Huawei Code4Mzansi Highlights Developers Building for South Africa's Real Economy

Wed, 27 May 2026 17:20:00 +0700

Code4Mzansi highlights the growing strength of South Africa's developer ecosystem and the role of youth-led innovation in shaping the country's digital future

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 May 2026 - South Africa's emerging developers are building close to the ground, with many of the strongest solutions at the inaugural Huawei Code4Mzansi finals focused on systems people use every day: township retail, healthcare, energy, agriculture, payments and the creative economy.

The competition was held in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development. "The Code4Mzansi competition is not just a celebration of achievement, it is a launchpad for the future," said Minister Stella Ndabeni, whose department co-hosted the event and delivered the closing address.

The finals revealed a clear shift from building abstract digital products to practical tools that help small businesses trade better, communities access services more easily, and local industries solve problems faster.

Four finalist teams focused directly on the township economy, with solutions covering food safety verification for spaza shops, offline point-of-sale systems built for load-shedding, WhatsApp-native marketplaces for informal retailers, and community credit systems for SASSA grant recipients.

Others addressed AI-driven healthcare access, electricity theft detection, smart agriculture, financial infrastructure for the creator economy, and AI-generated African music.

Held at Huawei Office Park in Woodmead, the finals brought together more than 100 attendees, including government representatives, academic partners, industry leaders and media.

"The quality of the finalist solutions demonstrated the potential of local innovation to respond to real market needs," said Steven Chen, Cloud CEO of Huawei Technologies South Africa.

Academic partners included the University of Pretoria, the University of Johannesburg, the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Cape Town.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and technology is their greatest accelerator. The participants here today are future entrepreneurs who will drive South Africa's digital economy forward," said Professor Thokozani Shongwe, Vice Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Research and Internationalisation at the University of Johannesburg's Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.

Industry partner rain also attended. Leon Nortje, Principal and Senior Architect at rain, said the competition offered a strong view of the country's emerging technology pipeline.

"It is always good to see new projects and new teams working on solutions that are valuable and industry-related. We will be looking out for potential new employees," said Nortje.

The winners

The finalists competed for a prize pool of R800,000. MAAT by SIMVAK was named the overall grand winner and received the Business Value Award, taking home R300,000. The platform addresses food safety and regulatory compliance in South Africa's informal retail sector through AI agents, real-The winners

"The spaza network is the supply chain for most South African households," said SIMVAK founder Shingirayi Mandebvu.

HealthHive by FTCK received second prize in the Business Value Award category, taking home R200,000, for its AI telemedicine platform that matches patients with the right medical practitioners based on their symptoms.

Auraa received the Grand Innovation Award for its AI music engine built to generate authentic African sound. The platform has been associated with an album that has crossed one million streams.

The Future Star Award went to e-Khadi, a community credit and stokvel platform giving SASSA grant recipients access to essentials at their local spaza shops, supported by AI-assisted credit scoring and fraud detection.

The People's Choice Award, voted by the public on Huawei's social media channels, went to DevRift, a semi-finalist in the competition, who took home R100,000.

Minister Ndabeni delivered the closing address, positioning Code4Mzansi within the government's agenda for youth entrepreneurship, small business development and digital inclusion.

"Our task is to ensure that innovation does not remain a moment of applause, but becomes a pathway to enterprise creation, digital inclusion, and sustainable growth," she said.

"Thank you to Huawei for being a perfect partner on the journey that we are travelling, and of course, those that matter most, the developers who dared to compete," she said.

Code4Mzansi forms part of the global Huawei Cloud Developer Competition. In its inaugural edition, South Africa attracted more participants than any other country: 1,041 across 353 teams, including 176 enterprise teams, resulting in the highest enterprise participation rate among all competing markets. Twenty semi-finalists were selected before the top nine advanced to the final.

For the finalists, the work is just beginning. As Minister Ndabeni said, "Go home today proud. But tomorrow, wake up, build again."

Aboutime product recall alerts, and counterfeit detection for the spaza shop ecosystem.

"The spaza network is the supply chain for most South African households," said SIMVAK founder Shingirayi Mandebvu.

Auraa received the Grand Innovation Award for its AI music engine built to generate authentic African sound. The platform has been associated with an album that has crossed one million streams.

The People's Choice Award, voted by the public on Huawei's social media channels, went to DevRift, a semi-finalist in the competition, who took home R100,000.

Minister Ndabeni delivered the closing address, positioning Code4Mzansi within the government's agenda for youth entrepreneurship, small business development and digital inclusion.

"Our task is to ensure that innovation does not remain a moment of applause, but becomes a pathway to enterprise creation, digital inclusion, and sustainable growth," she said.

"Thank you to Huawei for being a perfect partner on the journey that we are travelling, and of course, those that matter most, the developers who dared to compete," she said.

For the finalists, the work is just beginning. As Minister Ndabeni said, "Go home today proud. But tomorrow, wake up, build again." ***

Hong Kong's first astronaut participates in Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission

Wed, 27 May 2026 17:06:00 +0700

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 May 2026 - At 11.08pm on May 24, Dr Lai Ka-ying made history by becoming the first Hong Kong astronaut to blast off into space aboard the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. This momentous occasion also launched a new era for Hong Kong's development of innovation and technology (I&T) as well as the city's participation in national development under China's 15th Five-Year Plan.

Congratulating Dr Lai on her achievement, John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said that the HKSAR can "transform from a 'supporter' of the country's great aerospace endeavours into an 'executor' ".

"This not only demonstrates the HKSAR's capability in contributing to the country's development into an aerospace power, but also showcases how Hong Kong could better integrate into and serve the overall national development," Mr Lee said.

"This mission is of great significance, as it is not only the first manned spaceflight mission during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, but also the first time for a payload expert from the HKSAR to participate in it."

The Shenzhou-23 crew will conduct on-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-21 crew. The crew, including Dr Lai, will stay in the space station and conduct multiple experiments and applications in various fields such as scientific applications.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, Professor Sun Dong, led a delegation to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to witness this historic moment. Members of the delegation included other government representatives, I&T experts, youths and students.

"I truly believe this is a great demonstration of Hong Kong integrating into and serving the overall national development through concrete actions, while contributing our strength in I&T," Professor Sun said.

" 'Science and technology is primary productive force, talent is primary resource, and innovation is primary driver of growth.' The HKSAR Government will continue to drive the development of I&T, accelerate the establishment of an international I&T centre, and make greater contributions to building our nation into a strong power in science, technology, and aerospace."

Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, Mr Ivan Lee, said that the Government had been providing funding support for universities and research institutions in conducting aerospace technology-related projects through the Innovation and Technology Fund.

"In 2024, we launched a special call for funding applications, inviting universities to submit project proposals related to aerospace technology. Following a selection process, we supported six projects. Among them was the Multi‑Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) developed by a team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology," he said.

On the Tiangong Space Station, Dr Lai will conduct experiments including operating the MUSICO - the world's first lightweight, high-resolution synergistic observatory for carbon dioxide and methane emission point sources.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Dr Lai is a Superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Force. In the recruitment exercise of China's fourth batch of preparatory astronauts launched in 2022, she was successfully selected as a payload expert and was deployed to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center for training.

Before embarking on the historic spaceflight, Dr Lai expressed hope that it would inspire more Hong Kong youths to devote themselves to the field of I&T, thereby contributing to the country's scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.***

Mahsuri Food Sdn. Bhd. Launches State-of-the-Art Production Facility in Bandar Enstek, Malaysia to Drive Global Halal Market Expansi

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:53:00 +0700

SEREMBAN, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 May 2026 - Mahsuri Food Sdn. Bhd. ("Mahsuri"), a local halal sauces and condiments manufacturer, officially launched its new factory in Bandar Enstek, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, on 22 May 2026. The opening marks a pivotal milestone in Mahsuri's strategic efforts to scale its production capabilities, enhance production efficiency, and support the brand's growth across domestic and regional markets.

The opening ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato' Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin bin Harun, Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan. The event was also attended by key dignitaries, including YB Teo Kok Seong, Chairman of the Industry and Non-Islamic Affairs Action Committee; Dato' Haji Najimuddin Sharif bin Sarimon, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Negeri Sembilan; Puan Surayu binti Susah, Executive Director, Manufacturing Development (Source), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); Dato' Husam bin Musa, Chairman of Tabung Haji Properties; Dato' Mohd Roslan bin Mahyuddin, Non-Executive Director of Mahsuri Food Sdn. Bhd. and Mr. Vincent Wong, President - APAC, Lee Kum Kee Sauce.

Spanning approximately 45,000 square metres, the new Mahsuri production facility is designed as a modern manufacturing hub dedicated to producing Mahsuri sauces, including soy sauce and oyster sauce. Equipped with state-of-the-art production lines and advanced processing capabilities, the plant supports fully automated manufacturing processes and consistent product quality-from preparation to bottling and packing-under stringent quality controls. This milestone reinforces Mahsuri's long-term commitment to expanding production capacity, strengthening quality standards, and ensuring that every product it produces continues to earn and maintain consumer trust.

Delivering on Consumer Trust and Quality with an Uncompromising Halal Integrity

YAB Dato' Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin bin Harun, Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, said in his opening speech, "Mahsuri's new factory will not only support the domestic market, but will also robustly strengthen export capabilities, positioning Negeri Sembilan as a key hub within the global halal supply chain."

Dato' Mohd Roslan Mahyuddin, Non-Executive Director of Mahsuri Food Sdn. Bhd., said, "Mahsuri has long been a symbol of trust to consumers. With this new facility, we want to ensure that the products consistently meet the highest expectations from consumers in terms of taste, quality, food safety and strict halal compliance."

Revolutionary Technology to Automate Soy Sauce Production

One of the key features of Mahsuri's new facility is the introduction of a Rotary Koji Making Machine in soy sauce production. This advanced technology enables precise control of temperature, humidity and ventilation during koji production - an important step in the natural fermentation for soy sauce. By improving process precision and stability, this technology will significantly enhance production consistency, operational efficiency, and overall soy sauce quality, anchoring Mahsuri's position at the forefront of modern and competitive halal food manufacturing.

Mahsuri is dedicated to providing high quality Halal products to consumers, from the selection of raw materials, process control, hygiene and storage to the final product that reaches consumers. The new factory has successfully secured halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), as well as BPJPH Halal Certification from Indonesia. Both are world's globally recognised Halal standards, providing consumers the utmost confidence that Mahsuri products are manufactured in a strictly controlled and pristine environment.

Beyond production, the factory creates employment opportunities for the locals by developing skilled workers in specialised fields, including quality assurance, research and development, factory operations and technical support.

Looking ahead, this new factory will serve as a bedrock for Mahsuri's future expansion, while strengthening Malaysia's capability to export premium quality Halal sauce products to key international markets, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East and India.

The successful development of this factory was facilitated by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), which provided invaluable guidance, licensing facilitation and coordination throughout the establishment process.

The Negeri Sembilan State Government, through Invest Negeri Sembilan, acted as a one-stop centre in connecting Mahsuri with relevant state agencies. This seamless cooperation and state bodies ensure an orderly development process, driving the growth of the local food manufacturing sector and fueling the economic advancement of Negeri Sembilan.***

CBAK Energy Powers Southeast Asia's Electric Mobility with Innovative LFP Cylindrical Batteries

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:50:00 +0700

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) ("CBAK Energy", or the "Company"), a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer and electric energy solution provider in China, highlights its scenario-driven Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) product lineup for Southeast Asia's rapidly growing electric mobility sector at the 22nd International Exhibition on Automobile, Motorcycle, Electric Vehicle and Supporting Industries (Autotech & Accessories 2026).

Engineered for Southeast Asia's demanding E2W/E3W market, the comprehensive portfolio features the company's flagship Full-Tab Large Cylindrical cells (including the 32140 and 40135 series), pioneering Sodium-Ion batteries (32140), and the specialized 26 series (26650/26700) built for high-rate, high-safety, and extreme temperature applications.

As the Southeast Asia accelerates its E2W/E3W transition to phase out ICE vehicles, local commercial fleets and swapping networks face severe operational extremes. The combination of 40?C+ urban climates, high-frequency usage, and heavy-load logistics drives an urgent need for high-performance batteries that can deliver robust power and exceptional thermal stability under relentless conditions.

Technological Advantages Driving Local LEVs Adoption

CBAK Energy emphasizes three key product pillars addressing regional mobility needs:
Long-Life and High-Reliability Performance: Designed for extended cycle life, CBAK Energy's 40135 FS2 cells deliver superior capacity retention over 2,500 cycles (0.5C/1C). In Southeast Asia's high-intensity ride-hailing and delivery sectors, this extraordinary longevity translates to a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. It drastically lowers the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), eliminates the frequent capacity degradation that plagues legacy batteries, and is expected to support higher residual value for second-life energy storage applications. At the exhibition, this significant TCO reduction and second-life potential drew strong interest from local fleet operators, leading to active partnership inquiries at the CBAK Energy booth.

Alice Yao, Overseas Sales Manager at CBAK Energy, discusses CBAK Energy's advanced battery modules and Full-Tab cell solutions with partners.

Full-Tab Technology and Thermal Safety: The company's large cylindrical cells, including 40135 and 32140 series, utilize a pioneering full-tab architecture that drastically minimizes internal resistance - achieving an industry-leading ≈1.3 mΩ in the new 32140 FS. This breakthrough unlocks stable high-rate cycling, seamlessly supporting 2C fast charging and 3C continuous discharging for robust, heavy--oad power delivery. Furthermore, by slashing charge-discharge temperature rise by 50% against the industry average, it is designed to help mitigate thermal runaway risks in 40?C+ swapping cabinets and helps reduce power throttling during frequent urban start-stops, ensuring safe, uninterrupted performance for commercial LEV fleets. The ability to address thermal safety concerns immediately caught the attention of local swapping network integrators, sparking intense procurement discussions on-site.
Kane Li, Overseas Sales Manager at CBAK Energy, engages in in-depth procurement discussions with local industry professionals.

Kane Li, Overseas Sales Manager at CBAK Energy, engages in in-depth procurement discussions with local industry professionals.

Class-Leading Energy Density: Peaking at an impressive 172 Wh/kg in the 40135 FS2, CBAK Energy's cells pack significantly more power into the vehicle's limited battery compartment. For Southeast Asian market, this high energy density directly translates to an extended riding range per swap. By maximizing the total energy capacity onboard, it drastically reduces the frequency of swapping station visits, allowing commercial riders to minimize downtime and maximize their daily operational revenue.

Following the momentum in Vietnam, CBAK Energy heads to Autoexpo Kenya in Nairobi (June 3-5, 2026), building on its established presence to further support the African electric mobility market with its latest integrated cylindrical solutions.***

68th GBM in India Strategizes APO Vision 2030 Implementation for Productivity Transformation and Enhanced Regional Cooperation

Wed, 27 May 2026 14:07:00 +0700

NEW DELHI, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) convened the 68th Session of the APO Governing Body (GBM), 20 - 22 May 2026 in New Delhi, hosted by the Government of India. Held during the APO's 65th anniversary year, the session marked an important historical milestone in advancing APO Vision 2030 and the Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) as the organization's new member-driven, result-oriented implementation framework.

The 68th GBM was attended by 63 Delegates from 19 APO member economies. Eight observers from Bhutan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, the Global Green Growth Institute, International Labour Organization, and United Nations Industrial Development Organization also attended, reflecting the APO's growing engagement with nonmembers and international organizations.

The meeting marked the transition of the APO Chairmanship from India to Indonesia, with Acting APO Director for Indonesia Prof. Anwar Sanusi assuming the role of APO Chair for 2026?27. I.R. Iran and Japan assumed the First and Second Vice Chairships, respectively. Acting APO Director for I.R. Iran Dr. Mostafa Goharifar and Acting APO Director for Japan Fumio Yamazaki performed the respective Vice Chair functions on behalf of their APO Directors.

The Inaugural Session was graced by Guest of Honor H.E. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, who highlighted productivity as a strategic driver of resilience, innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth amid rapid global economic and technological changes. He shared India's experiences in productivity-led development, including reforms in manufacturing, logistics, digital public infrastructure, MSME support, and Green Productivity.

Outgoing APO Chair 2025 - 26 and APO Director for India Amardeep Singh Bhatia highlighted the operational transition of APO Vision 2030 toward the SPP framework and the importance of institutional modernization, governance, and outcome-based regional cooperation. Director General of the National Productivity Council of India Neerja Sekhar underscored the role of productivity institutions in supporting transformation, resilience, digital technologies, Green Productivity, and measurable impact. Incoming APO Chair for 2026 - 27 Prof. Anwar Sanusi reaffirmed the APO's shared commitment to strengthening productivity, innovation, sustainability, and regional cooperation across Asia and the Pacific.

The 68th GBM featured in-depth deliberations on key organizational governance aspects related to the annual and financial reports and appointment of auditors; recommendations from the APO Vision 2030 Steering Committee; APO preliminary budget for the 2027 - 28 biennium; Secretariat's performance, management, and compliance; possible transition from IFRS to IPSAS; APO Secretary-General election procedures; nonmember country participation; and APO Awards Program. The meeting also featured a presentation on the APO's new flagship Genuine AI Action (GAIA) initiative promoting AI and its applications for productivity improvement in member economies.

The 68th GBM concluded with a renewed commitment to implementing APO Vision 2030 and strengthening the APO's role as a trusted platform for productivity-led, inclusive, sustainable, resilient development. APO Alternate Director for Lao PDR Vilakone Philomlack, in delivering the Vote of Thanks on behalf of delegates, stated that Lao PDR looked forward to welcoming Delegates to the 69th GBM in 2027.***

Elevate Your Strategy: Global Trading Competition Launch with Major Cash Prizes

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:52:00 +0700

EBC Financial Group initiates dual-track events across Asia and Africa, offering both risk-free simulated environments and high-stakes market showdowns to empower traders of all experience levels

LONDON, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EBC Financial Group (EBC), the World's Best Broker according to World Finance, has launched two multimarket trading competitions designed to support trader engagement and broaden participation across emerging trading communities in Asia and Africa. The promotion is provided by EBC Financial Group (SVG) LLC under the EBC Financial Group brand and includes two distinct events: the EBC Trading Masters Competition and the EBC Elite Demo Trading Competition.

Structured to accommodate participants across varying levels of trading experience, the dual-track initiatives reflect EBC's continued commitment to fostering a trader-first ecosystem grounded in transparency, accessibility, and continuous learning.

Through both competitions, participants will have the opportunity to benchmark their trading strategies within structured environments where rankings are determined by return rate rather than account size, reinforcing a performance-based framework where discipline and strategy remain central to competitive outcomes.

EBC Trading Masters Competition: Recognising Performance in Live Market Conditions

Targeted at experienced participants, the EBC Trading Masters Competition introduces a live trading environment where traders compete using real funds across Mongolia, Taiwan, and Thailand from 11 May to 5 June 2026.

The competition is open to PRO and STD account holders, with minimum equity requirements beginning from USD100 in Mongolia and USD200 in Taiwan and Thailand.

The competition will be conducted through eligible PRO and STD trading accounts, providing participants with direct exposure to live market conditions within a professionally structured environment. To encourage transparency and shared learning across the trading community, all participants will be required to publish trading signals throughout the competition period.

Across Taiwan and Thailand, prize pools will reach up to USD7,000 per session, with top-performing participants eligible to receive prizes of up to USD3,000. Rankings will be determined by return rate performance, reinforcing a competition structure where trading discipline and strategy take precedence over account balance size.

Participants may register multiple eligible accounts, with awards determined by their best-performing account, while structured risk controls and monitoring mechanisms are implemented throughout the competition period to maintain fairness and accountability.

EBC Elite Demo Trading Competition: Accessible Participation in a Risk-Free Environment

Designed for new and developing traders, the EBC Elite Demo Trading Competition offers participants the opportunity to engage with live market conditions through simulated accounts without real capital exposure.

The competition will run from 11 May to 22 May 2026 across Vietnam, Indonesia, Africa, and South Korea, with participants competing using newly created demo accounts funded with a simulated fixed starting equity of USD10,000.

Competition participants will begin with equal simulated starting capital of USD10,000, creating a level playing field where rankings are determined by return rate performance rather than account size. Across the regional sessions, participants will compete for prize pools of up to USD1,700, including a top prize of USD1,000 in the South Korea session. The competition framework is further supported by structured participation guidelines designed to uphold transparency, fairness, and disciplined trading engagement throughout the campaign period.

By creating a controlled environment focused on strategy development and performance benchmarking, the initiative aims to encourage informed market participation while helping traders build confidence and trading discipline.

"At EBC, we believe trader development is built on transparency, discipline, and access to structured opportunities that encourage continuous growth," said Lewis Tang, Brand Director at EBC Financial Group. "These competitions are designed not only to recognise trading performance, but also to foster greater engagement, knowledge sharing, and responsible participation across diverse trading communities."

Both competitions incorporate standardised ranking methodologies and operational safeguards, including return-rate-based evaluations and volume-based tiebreaker mechanisms, ensuring outcomes are determined by measurable trading performance.

The launch of the initiatives further reflects EBC's ongoing efforts to strengthen trader engagement across key international markets while supporting broader participation within the evolving global trading landscape.***

ARKAY Beverages Announces Global Expansion of Its Alcohol-Free Spirits Brand and Partner Opportunities Worldwide

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:36:00 +0700

Founded in 2011, the pioneering alcohol-free spirits brand is expanding its mission by inviting distributors, retailers, restaurants, hotels, hospitality groups, and affiliate partners to join the growing alcohol-free movement

MIAMI, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARKAY Beverages, a premium alcohol-free spirits and beverage brand founded in 2011, today announced the global expansion of its alcohol-free spirits brand and new partnership opportunities for distributors, retailers, restaurants, hotels, hospitality groups, event operators, and affiliate partners worldwide.

The announcement comes as consumer demand for alcohol-free alternatives continues to grow across restaurants, hotels, retail, e-commerce, nightlife, entertainment venues, private events, and at-home consumption. ARKAY is expanding its global outreach to meet this demand and to support businesses seeking premium alcohol-free options for a new generation of consumers.

ARKAY offers consumers the taste, ritual, and sophistication of spirits without alcohol. The brand was created to provide a modern alternative for people who want to enjoy social moments without intoxication, hangovers, drunk driving, or loss of control.

"ARKAY is more than a beverage. It is a movement for responsible celebration," said Reynald Vito Grattagliano, Founder of ARKAY Beverages. "As demand for alcohol-free options continues to grow, we are expanding our global partner network and inviting distributors, retailers, restaurants, hotels, hospitality operators, and affiliates to join us in redefining celebration."

ARKAY's expansion is focused on making alcohol-free spirits more accessible to consumers and businesses around the world. The company is seeking new relationships with distribution partners, retail buyers, foodservice operators, hospitality groups, event organizers, online sellers, and affiliate marketers who want to participate in the growth of the alcohol-free beverage category.

For decades, alcohol has been positioned at the center of social life, from dinners and weddings to hotels, restaurants, nightlife, sporting events, and private gatherings. Today, more consumers are looking for choices that better align with wellness, responsibility, family, safety, religion, recovery, personal preference, and lifestyle values.

ARKAY gives consumers another option.

The brand's mission is to encourage responsible celebration, support healthier lifestyle choices, promote inclusion, and help create safer social experiences. With its premium alcohol-free spirits, ARKAY allows consumers to enjoy the flavor, elegance, and ritual of spirits while staying present, responsible, and in control.

"People should not have to choose between being social and being responsible," added Grattagliano. "ARKAY gives consumers the experience, the flavor, and the moment - without alcohol."

ARKAY's global partner initiative is designed for businesses and individuals who want to align with the future of alcohol-free drinking. Restaurants can offer guests more inclusive cocktail options. Hotels and resorts can serve premium non-alcoholic alternatives. Retailers can expand their beverage selections. Distributors can enter a growing category. Affiliates and ambassadors can promote a mission-driven brand with worldwide appeal.

ARKAY invites distributors, retailers, restaurants, hotels, lounges, event companies, e-commerce sellers, hospitality partners, affiliates, and ambassadors to join its global expansion and support safer, healthier, and more inclusive social experiences.

No alcohol. No hangovers. No drunk driving. No loss of control. Just the experience, the flavor, and the moment.***

CGTN: Mengutamakan rakyat: Prinsip utama dalam tata kelola Tiongkok

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:24:00 +0700

CGTN menerbitkan artikel yang mengulas bagaimana pendekatan tata kelola yang berpusat pada rakyat telah secara signifikan meningkatkan kualitas hidup masyarakat di Tiongkok, serta bagaimana pendekatan tersebut diharapkan terus menghadirkan perbaikan nyata bagi kehidupan rakyat di masa mendatang

BEIJING, May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Menjelang Festival Musim Semi tahun ini, Presiden Tiongkok Xi Jinping mengunjungi sebuah kantin komunitas di kompleks apartemen untuk lansia guna meninjau upaya pemerintah daerah dalam meningkatkan layanan publik yang memudahkan kehidupan masyarakat serta layanan perawatan lansia. Beliau juga berbincang hangat dengan beberapa kurir yang tengah beristirahat di kantin tersebut, sembari menanyakan pekerjaan dan kehidupan mereka sehari-hari.

Presiden Xi menegaskan bahwa komite Partai dan pemerintah di semua tingkatan harus memerhatikan kesejahteraan mereka serta menyediakan layanan yang lebih baik untuk mendukung kehidupan, pekerjaan, dan pendidikan mereka.

Tahun 2026 menandai ulang tahun ke-105 berdirinya Partai Komunis Tiongkok (PKT). Presiden Xi pernah menyatakan bahwa rakyat mewakili bangsa, dan bangsa terdiri atas rakyat. Beliau juga menyatakan bahwa keberlangsungan sebuah partai bergantung pada dukungan rakyat, seraya menambahkan bahwa dengan kepercayaan dan dukungan rakyat, PKT akan mampu menghadapi segala rintangan.

Sejak Kongres Nasional PKT ke-18 pada tahun 2012, hampir 100 juta penduduk berhasil keluar dari kemiskinan, Tiongkok telah menuntaskan pembangunan masyarakat yang cukup makmur dalam segala aspek. Selain itu, Tiongkok telah membangun sistem terbesar di dunia untuk pendidikan, jaminan sosial, perawatan kesehatan, dan dukungan perumahan perkotaan.

Akses ke pendidikan di semua jenjang kini telah mencapai atau melampaui rata-rata untuk negara-negara berpendapatan menengah dan tinggi. Cakupan asuransi kesehatan dasar tetap berada di atas 95 persen, angka harapan hidup naik menjadi lebih dari 79 tahun, dan kelompok berpendapatan menengah kini telah mencapai lebih dari 400 juta orang.

Penekanan pada prinsip yang mengutamakan rakyat semakin nyata ketika Tiongkok memasuki tahun pertama pelaksanaan Rencana Lima Tahun ke-15 (2026 - 2030). Lebih dari sepertiga rencana pembangunan ekonomi dan sosial nasional berkaitan dengan mata pencaharian rakyat, yang mencakup ketenagakerjaan, pendapatan, pendidikan, perawatan kesehatan, perawatan lansia, dan pengasuhan anak. Berbagai isu tersebut menjadi perhatian terbesar masyarakat sekaligus paling mendesak untuk ditangani.

Terkait kurir makanan, pengemudi layanan transportasi online, dan pekerja e-commerce, yang dikenal sebagai "bentuk-bentuk pekerjaan baru" dan menggambarkan bagian pasar tenaga kerja Tiongkok yang berkembang pesat seiring pertumbuhan internet dan ekonomi digital, rencana tersebut menekankan upaya untuk mendorong perkembangan yang sehat bagi pekerjaan fleksibel dan bentuk-bentuk pekerjaan baru. Rencana tersebut juga mendukung para pekerja di sektor tersebut agar dapat mengikuti program asuransi ketenagakerjaan, serta menyempurnakan kebijakan untuk memindahkan akun jaminan sosial.

Zhang Linshan, peneliti di Akademi Riset Makroekonomi di bawah Komisi Pembangunan dan Reformasi Nasional Tiongkok, mengatakan bahwa Rencana Lima Tahun ke-15 mengirimkan sinyal kuat bahwa Tiongkok tetap berkomitmen pada pendekatan yang berpusat pada rakyat. Beliau menambahkan, pembangunan berkualitas tinggi difokuskan pada peningkatan kualitas hidup masyarakat serta memastikan hasil pembangunan dapat dinikmati secara lebih luas dan lebih merata oleh seluruh rakyat.

Zhang mengatakan bahwa hal ini juga mencerminkan pergeseran arah pembangunan Tiongkok, dari mengejar pertumbuhan semata menuju pembangunan yang mengutamakan kualitas pertumbuhan.

Zhang menambahkan bahwa tujuannya adalah memastikan pertumbuhan ekonomi dan peningkatan kesejahteraan rakyat berjalan beriringan sehingga menciptakan siklus positif serta membuat masyarakat merasa lebih aman dan lebih yakin dengan masa depan.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-05-24/Putting-people-first-A-guiding-principle-in-China-s-governance-1NpJlbWbCUM/p.html

40 Years Strong: ASEAN Cableship Unveils New Logo

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:05:00 +0700

Pitch Notes:

ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd (ACPL) celebrated its 40th anniversary with the unveiling of a refreshed corporate logo.

A new chapter in the company's evolution as a trusted leader in global submarine cable connectivity for 40 years.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 May 2026 - ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd (ACPL) proudly marks its 40th anniversary this year under the theme "40 Years Leading Global Connectivity -- Heritage, People, Fleet and Future." For four decades, ACPL has been at the forefront of global connectivity, delivering submarine cable installation, repair and maintenance, as well as nearshore and onshore cable projects across Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean with reliability and resilience.

To commemorate this milestone, ACPL hosted a gala dinner on 25th of May, where it unveiled its new corporate logo, symbolising the company's evolution and forward-looking vision. The refreshed logo reflects ACPL's continued commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and its role in enabling the future of global digital connectivity.

ACPL's operational strength is anchored by its fleet of purpose-built cable vessels and supporting assets. Today, the company operates three cable ships and one barge -- ASEAN Restorer, ASEAN Explorer, ASEAN Protector, and its latest addition, ASEAN Challenger, which was inaugurated in 2024. With the addition of this vessel, ACPL is better positioned to deliver timely and reliable cable operations, supporting the rapidly growing demand for submarine cable infrastructure driven by the continued expansion of global data traffic, cloud services, and digital connectivity.

"Our 40th anniversary is not only a celebration of our past, but a commitment to our future," said Mr. Yue Meng Fai, Chief Executive Officer of ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd. "The launch of our new corporate logo reflects our evolution as a company -- one that is rooted in a strong heritage while continuously advancing towards the future. We will continue to safeguard our heritage of trusted operations, empower our people as a united team with resolute commitment to quality, enhance our fleet to remain reliable and innovative, and shape our future by leading the transformation of global connectivity in a responsible and sustainable way."

The anniversary event brought together industry partners, stakeholders and clients to commemorate ACPL's achievements and to mark the next chapter of its journey. Throughout the year, ACPL will commemorate this milestone through various initiatives that honour its legacy while reinforcing its dedication to responsible operations and long-term value creation.

With 40 years of trusted legacy, ACPL remains committed to connecting the world -- resolutely, reliably and responsibly.

ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd (ACPL)
Established in 1986, ASEAN Cableship Private Limited (ACPL) is a leading provider of submarine cable installation, repair, and maintenance services in the Asia Pacific region. Headquartered in Singapore, ACPL was formed by a consortium of six prominent telecommunications entities from the original ASEAN member countries, reflecting strong regional cooperation across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. ACPL has built a strong reputation as a pioneer in submarine cable repair and maintenance, supporting critical telecommunications infrastructure under the Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean Cable Maintenance Agreement (SEAIOCMA), spanning from Djibouti to Guam and from Taiwan to Australia.

In addition to its repair and maintenance capabilities, ACPL is also an established submarine cable installer and integrator. Its services include main lay submarine cable installation and maintenance, shore-end landing and beach works, project management, offshore and diving support services, Universal Joint consumable supplies and jointing equipment, as well as engineering consultancy, site surveys, and desktop studies. ACPL remains committed to advancing submarine cable system installation and repair, delivering professional and reliable services to meet evolving customer needs and support a sustainable, connected future.

For more information, please visit: https://www.aseancableship.com.

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