The 2026 Polo Season Launches at the USPA National Polo Center, Sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn. ACN Newswire

The 2026 Polo Season Launches at the USPA National Polo Center, Sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn.

West Palm Beach, FL, Jan 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - U.S. Polo Assn., the official sports brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), proudly announces the start of the 2026 high-goal polo season at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) in Wellington, Florida, where the brand returns as the Official Sponsor of one of the world's premier destinations for the sport of polo.Official Sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn., Kicks Off 2026 Winter Polo Season at NPCThe 2026 Winter Polo Season at NPC will feature an elite lineup of high-profile tournaments, beginning with the U.S. Open Women's Polo Championship®, followed by the first and second legs of the three-part Gauntlet of Polo® series, the C.V. Whitney Cup®, and the USPA Gold Cup®, all showcasing the world's top professional polo players, polo ponies, and teams competing at the highest level.The high-goal polo season reaches its pinnacle with the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, the most prestigious and coveted title in American polo history. Beginning April 1, 2026, and culminating with the championship final on April 26, 2026, the tournament will once again captivate live audiences at NPC and millions of national and international viewers on ESPN platforms, Star Sports in India, and beIN Sports.U.S. Polo Assn. continues to hold exclusive naming rights to Field One as U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium Field, along with prominent branding on the game scoreboard, Field Two signage, and outfitting all NPC staff in U.S. Polo Assn. apparel. Widely regarded as one of the world's most prestigious facilities for the sport with immaculately groomed fields and premium hospitality, NPC will welcome thousands of fans from around the world throughout the season to experience world-class competition in an elevated, immersive environment.Unique to the 2026 season, NPC will be celebrating 250 years of American spirit, honoring the United States' milestone anniversary in U.S. Polo Assn. red, white, and blue Americana style. Through thoughtfully curated activations, storytelling moments, and fan experiences, the 2026 high-goal season at NPC will remain grounded in U.S. Polo Assn.'s authentic American heritage dating back to 1890 and its deep connection to the sport of polo, while honoring the roots of our country."U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to continue elevating the fan experience, honoring the traditions of the game, and welcoming both longtime supporters and new audiences to experience the sport of polo at its very best in Wellington every Sunday from now through April," said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. "The 2026 season is especially meaningful as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, a milestone that aligns perfectly with U.S. Polo Assn.'s deep American heritage and authentic roots in the sport of polo.""Fans can expect another extraordinary season at the USPA National Polo Center as the finest players in the sport, alongside their remarkable equine partners, deliver some of the most dynamic and competitive polo seen anywhere in the world," Prince added.Throughout the season, NPC guests can watch action-packed games from the sidelines, in stadium boxes, tailgate tents, the grandstands, or from the U.S. Polo Assn. MVP Lounge. Located in the Pavilion, the U.S. Polo Assn. MVP Lounge, home of the luxurious Sunday Polo Brunch, remains a premier destination for fans seeking an elevated experience. Guests will enjoy first-class dining, chilled champagne, and exclusive branded gifts, including U.S. Polo Assn. rosé wine and the newest issue of the brand's award-winning magazine, Field X Fashion.Located near the Ticket Office by the entry to Field One, the exclusive USPA Shop at NPC has been redesigned with the global customer in mind, offering new one-of-a-kind displays, merchandise, and experiences. This elevated shopping experience for guests includes collections that reflect a rich sporting tradition, such as the sport-luxury Polo Club at NPC Collection, curated pieces from the U.S. Polo Assn. Global Collection, and the sport-inspired USPA Pro Collection. The USPA Shop at NPC will host a rotating series of interactive activations through the winter polo calendar. Guests can explore an assortment of U.S. Polo Assn. sport-inspired and luxury merchandise while enjoying artist meet-and-greets, custom tote-bag screenings, and other experiential moments designed to engage fans beyond the field of play."In this historic year for our country, the USPA is proud to present a 2026 season that reflects the excellence, tradition, and competitive spirit that have defined the sport of polo in the United States for generations," said Stewart Armstrong, Chairman of the United States Polo Association. "From the opening match of the season to the final chukker of the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, the high-goal season promises world-class polo at one of the finest facilities in the sport."U.S. Polo Assn. is a proud supporter of many polo charities throughout the season, which are selected by the championship game finalists and includes the following: Equine Disease Communication Center, Great Strides Equestrian Foundation, Homes for Horses Coalition, Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame, Polo for Life, Polo Players Support Group, Polo Pony Rescue, Polo Training Foundation, Replay Polo, Retired Racehorse Project, Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, and Work to Ride Program. These important polo-related charities will receive donation checks at sold-out stadiums for each championship game.Tickets for the 2026 winter polo season at NPC are available for purchase through the venue's website. Fans are invited to join U.S. Polo Assn. for an unforgettable season celebrating elite competition, American heritage, and the enduring legacy of the sport of polo.About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA GlobalU.S. Polo Assn. is the official sports brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890 and located in Wellington, Florida. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. The brand sponsors major polo events around the world, including the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, held annually at NPC in The Palm Beaches, the premier polo tournament in the United States. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States, TNT and Eurosport in Europe, and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, PGA Tour, and Formula 1, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world. For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.USPA Global is a subsidiary of the United States Polo Association (USPA) and manages the multi-billion-dollar sports brand, U.S. Polo Assn. USPA Global also manages the subsidiary, Global Polo, which is the worldwide leader in polo sport content. To learn more, visit globalpolo.com or Global Polo on YouTube.For Additional Information, Contact:Stacey Kovalsky - VP, Global PR and CommunicationsPhone +954.673.1331 - E-mail: skovalsky@uspagl.comShannon Stilson - VP, Sports Marketing and MediaPhone +001.561.227.6994 - E-mail: sstilson@uspagl.comSOURCE: U.S. Polo Assn. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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“LEGENDARY HUMANITY”, connecting humanity’s treasures to the next generation, evolves into “VIVI PROJECT” ACN Newswire

“LEGENDARY HUMANITY”, connecting humanity’s treasures to the next generation, evolves into “VIVI PROJECT”

NEW YORK, Jan 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - VIVI PROJECT (formerly LEGENDARY HUMANITY) announces a major update and rebranding. The project utilizes the latest 3D scanning technology "SCAI" to digitally archive humanity's cultural heritage, providing training data for AI and building a new token economy based on RWA (Real World Assets).Background and Project EvolutionPreviously, "LEGENDARY HUMANITY" aimed to digitize humanity's greatest masterpieces using cutting-edge technology, teaching AI about "humanity's magnificence" to preserve its value for future generations.With this update, the project is renamed "VIVI PROJECT." Moving beyond mere archiving, it will challenge the creation of new value in the Web3 era as an "RWA token project" building a unique economic ecosystem backed by real-world assets (RWA).The Four Pillars of the "RWA Ecosystem" Provided by VIVI PROJECTDigitization via High-Precision 3D Scanning Technology "SCAI:DIGITAL LUMINOUS Technology" Digitizing humanity's treasures and providing them as AI training data. Merging human wisdom with technological evolution.Adding RWA Value to VIVI COiN: Centered around the project token "VIVI COiN," we plan to link RWA held by collectors partnered with "VIVI PROJECT" to enhance the project's value.By using "LEGENDARY masterpieces" whose value appreciates over time as the foundation for "VIVI COiN," we build a stable value base.Hybrid Digital & Physical Museum Collected RWAs will be displayed in both digital museums and physical exhibition facilities. Trading via the marketplace will also be enabled, enhancing liquidity as an asset.VIVI DAO's "Buy-Back & Burn" Model The governing body, "VIVI DAO," will use exhibition and sales revenue to implement "Buy-Back" and "Burn" of VIVI COiN. This will increase the token's scarcity and promote long-term value appreciation.Future Outlook: Global Collection PartnershipsThe VIVI PROJECT is advancing the networking of collections held by global asset owners. As a first step, we have initiated the following partnerships and negotiations:LA MUSEUM: Holds one of the world's largest legendary fashion collections, including Yves Saint Laurent, Comme des Garçons, Worlds End, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Madison Martin Margiela.Major Trading Card Company: Negotiations have commenced with the world's largest trading asset company.This will integrate Real-World Assets (RWAs) from diverse genres like fashion, art, and hobbies into the project, rapidly expanding the ecosystem.VIVI PROJECT OverviewVIVI PROJECT is a next-generation platform that preserves and utilizes humanity's greatest masterpieces in both digital and physical realms through the fusion of culture and technology. By indexing RWA, it defines new asset value in the Web3 era.Official Website: https://lhvivi.comContact for InquiriesContact: VIVI PROJECT PR DepartmentEmail: press@lhvivi.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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From Computing Chips to Physical AI: Nobel Laureate Hassabis’ Trillion-Dollar Paradigm Forecast and 51WORLD’s (6651.HK) Industry Breakthrough ACN Newswire

From Computing Chips to Physical AI: Nobel Laureate Hassabis’ Trillion-Dollar Paradigm Forecast and 51WORLD’s (6651.HK) Industry Breakthrough

HONG KONG, January 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – In 2026, the artificial intelligence (AI) industry reached another critical turning point. Demis Hassabis, Nobel Prize winner and CEO of Google DeepMind, made a pivotal assertion: the true trillion-dollar opportunity in AI lies not in computing chips, but in “Physical AI”—systems capable of perceiving, understanding, and transforming the real world. Having earned a Nobel Prize for his breakthrough work on AlphaFold, which validated AI’s scientific value, Hassabis’ latest outlook has attracted widespread attention in capital markets. It has also brought 51WORLD (6651.HK), a Hong Kong-listed company focused on Physical AI, into the spotlight.Hassabis pointed out that current AI faces a bottleneck of "intelligence fragmentation": while excelling at digital tasks such as text generation, it struggles to grasp basic physical laws like gravity and spatial continuity. The missing "world model" stands as the final barrier to achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). More critically, the poor adaptability of existing data formats leads to computing power waste and low energy efficiency, making energy supply a potential core variable in future AI competition. Physical AI, by constructing a digital environment that closely mirrors reality, holds the key to resolving this series of challenges.As China's first listed company specializing in Physical AI, 51WORLD's strategic layout aligns perfectly with this trend. Deeply rooted in the fields of digital twin and simulation, the company has independently developed the AES Digital Twin Base and 51Sim Simulation Platform, establishing the core infrastructure for Physical AI. The implementation of Physical AI requires breaking through three key elements: synthetic data, spatial intelligence models, and simulation training platforms. Leveraging its massive 3D asset library and 3DGS/4DGS reconstruction technology, 51WORLD has achieved 90% authenticity and 100% scene controllability for synthetic data, providing AI with data support that adheres to physical laws.Its AES Base enables full-scale replication—from micro-components to macro-cities—endowing AI with "physical intuition." Combined with the Clonova Interaction Platform and Aperdata Implementation Platform, it has created a closed loop from digital cognition to physical execution. In embodied intelligence, the ultimate application of Physical AI, 51WORLD has delivered tangible results: it empowers over 100 global intelligent driving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 suppliers, testing institutions, universities, and research institutes with closed-loop simulation training solutions, helping clients build safe, efficient, and mass-producible verification systems for intelligent driving systems.51WORLD's resilience stems from its commitment to underlying technologies. During the previous R&D cycle, the company established a leading position in China's Physical AI market. With a new round of large-scale R&D investment in synthetic data, spatial intelligence models, and simulation training platforms, it has solved the cross-scenario generalization challenge of Physical AI—aligning seamlessly with Hassabis' vision of a universal world model. Financial data shows sustained strong revenue growth for the company, and the explosive demand for the 51Sim Platform underscores the industry's urgent need for high-reliability Physical AI simulation technology.Hassabis predicts that over the next five years, AI will enter the era of automated experimentation, requiring digital environments that accurately simulate physical parameters. This aligns closely with 51WORLD's direction of evolving toward a "universal world model" and integrating generative AI. Amid the wave of AI transitioning from the digital world to the physical world, 51WORLD—equipped with technical accumulation and scenario implementation capabilities—is emerging as a core participant and leader in this trillion-dollar track. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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GA-ASI and Barzan Holdings Sign MOU ACN Newswire

GA-ASI and Barzan Holdings Sign MOU

Doha, Qatar, Jan 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) -- the world leader in unmanned systems - and Barzan Holdings, Qatar's national defence and security leader, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of advanced Battle Management software capabilities. The signing took place on Monday during the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX).The MOU provides a framework for cooperation between GA-ASI, GA-Intelligence, and Barzan Holdings to develop software solutions that enhance theater-level situational awareness and enable the efficient processing, correlation, and dissemination of intelligence. These capabilities are intended to support faster, higher-quality decision-making in complex, multi-domain operational environments.For General Atomics, the agreement underscores the strategic importance of collaboration with Barzan Holdings and the State of Qatar. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to long-term cooperation, technological innovation, and the advancement of interoperable command-and-control solutions aligned with modern defense and aerospace requirements.In addition to its best-in-class unmanned aircraft systems, GA-ASI is a premiere developer of airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, while GA-Intelligence has the ability to take hundreds of sources of commercial data, including data provided from GA-ASI's unmanned systems, to produce a comprehensive operating picture."Collaboration with Barzan and Qatar is central to GA's approach to delivering operationally relevant, next-generation capabilities," said a GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. "By combining GA's expertise in mission systems and autonomy with Barzan's regional insight and defense focus, we are positioned to advance battle management solutions that significantly improve situational awareness and intelligence exploitation."About GA-ASIGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is the world's foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 9 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle®, MQ-20 Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.Avenger, EagleEye, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.About GA-IntelligenceGeneral Atomics Integrated Intelligence, Inc. is a data science, software development, and systems engineering firm focused on developing advanced analytic capabilities to customers in both public and private sectors, with a strong emphasis on tools in support of spatio-temporal (space and time) data management, multi-source/multi-INT correlation and data fusion, tracking, entity resolution, location forecasting, and multi-domain global situational awareness (MDGSA) leveraging extremely high volume/velocity data sources.About Barzan HoldingsBarzan Holdings is a leading defence and security company that aims to strengthen Qatar's sovereignty and strategic position by investing in the long-term development of its human capital and armed forces capabilities. As the commercial gateway for the country's military industry, Barzan Holdings prioritizes impactful collaborations and global partnerships that foster knowledge exchange and investments into innovative defence technologies to keep Qatar at the forefront of present and future market opportunities. Through its global portfolio of investments and joint ventures, Barzan Holdings serves as a knowledge and technology hub that drives efficiencies in delivery and execution to meet the various needs of Qatar's defence and security sector.GA-ASI Media RelationsGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com(858) 524-8101SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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GA-ASI Makes Another Autonomous Aerial Intercept in Company-Funded Demo with MQ-20 Avenger(R) ACN Newswire

GA-ASI Makes Another Autonomous Aerial Intercept in Company-Funded Demo with MQ-20 Avenger(R)

SAN DIEGO, Jan 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - In its latest demonstration of advanced autonomy development, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully executed a mission autonomy flight using its MQ-20 Avenger® jet equipped with the latest government reference autonomy software. The test included a live engagement between the MQ-20 and an aggressor aircraft flown by an onboard human pilot, highlighting the advanced maturity of autonomous systems, seamless integration of mission elements, and the ability of autonomy to leverage onboard sensors to make independent decisions and execute complex tasks.GA-ASI's Avenger jet has served as a surrogate for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for more than five years, both before and since the arrival of GA-ASI's purpose-built XQ-67A and YFQ-42A aircraft. The recent Avenger demo began with planning in the Human-Machine Interface (HMI), followed by loading the mission profile onto the MQ-20. Once airborne, the team confirmed positive transfer between mission autonomy and flight autonomy systems, demonstrating the systems' ability to dynamically adapt to mission requirements. The MQ-20 showcased adherence to operator-assigned Keep-Out Zones (KOZ) and Keep-In Zones (KIZ), which it avoided during all mission phases. In other words, the aircraft flew exactly where it was supposed to and stayed away from areas where it was not.One of the highlights of the demonstration was the MQ-20's use of a live Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensor from Anduril to passively range a live target aircraft in flight. Using this sensor data, the autonomy system independently established a track, calculated an intercept solution, and simulated the firing of a weapon at a live target - showcasing the ability of autonomy to close on a target using onboard sensors and its own logic, without human intervention. The simulated shot, if real, would have destroyed the target.Additional mission elements included the MQ-20 flying a pre-designated route to a standard instrument hold - in which the aircraft pauses and orbits, as real human pilots frequently do on real missions, before continuing to another waypoint or objective - and executing routes commanded via Heading, Speed, and Altitude (HSA), all while successfully avoiding the designated keep-out zones.This demonstration reinforces GA-ASI's commitment to advancing Human-Machine Teaming and highlights the growing sophistication of autonomous systems in using sensor data and onboard decision-making to execute complex mission profiles for the warfighter. It also highlights GA-ASI's ongoing commitment to investment and experimentation of new capabilities for America's warfighters.In 2023, GA-ASI announced a partnership with Divergent Technologies, Inc., to support additive manufacturing development efforts and implement a full digital manufacturing process for GA-ASI's products. In 2024, GA-ASI collaborated with U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command to integrate and launch the Altius 600 loitering munition, also built by Anduril, and teamed with Dillion Aero to integrate that company's DAP-6 gun pods for a live-fire demonstration with GA-ASI's revolutionary new Mojave STOL aircraft. In 2025, GA-ASI partnered with Shield AI for two flight demonstrations on the Avenger using the company's Hivemind mission autonomy software.About GA-ASIGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is the world's foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 9 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle®, MQ-20 Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.Avenger, EagleEye, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.GA-ASI Media RelationsGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com(858) 524-8101SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Asian Financial Forum opens next Monday as the region’s first major international financial event of 2026 ACN Newswire

Asian Financial Forum opens next Monday as the region’s first major international financial event of 2026

HONG KONG, January 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will take place on Monday, 26 and Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This year’s AFF introduces a fresh perspective with the new tagline, “Finance Empowering Business”. Under the theme “Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape”, the forum has invited over 140 financial officials, business leaders, and financial experts to serve as guest speakers, with expectations of attracting over 3,600 participants from more than 60 countries and regions.AFF aims to foster collaboration among attendees to navigate change and create win-win scenarios. Additionally, the inaugural Global Business Summit will be launched on the second day of the forum, focusing on the integration of finance and the real economy. This summit aligns with the recommendations of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, aiming to strengthen the foundation of the real economy, assist mainland enterprises in going global, and bring in international companies, while promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international financial and commercial hub.Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, said, “Amidst the current complexities of the international landscape, Hong Kong as a globally trusted international financial centre is committed to bridging the world and the Chinese Mainland. By gathering global financial and industry leaders, we will leverage their global vision and seasoned experience to optimise the strategic positioning of our industrial and financial supply chains from a global perspective with a view to achieving win-win outcomes. This year’s forum also features specifically the gold market development with the inclusion of a dedicated discussion session, signing of a memorandum of understanding on gold market development, as well as unveiling the latest moves that will drive the construction of an international gold trading centre in Hong Kong. All these will showcase to the international community Hong Kong's advantages and immense potential in developing gold market while seeking collaborative opportunities. Furthermore, the inaugural Global Business Summit, coupled with AFF's unique deal-making, will exemplify how the financial services empower the real economy and highlight Hong Kong's function as an international financial centre in supporting the nation's high-quality development.”Maggie Ng, Asian Financial Forum Steering Committee Chairperson and HSBC Hong Kong CEO, said: “We are pleased to welcome global leaders to this year’s Asian Financial Forum. This gathering underscores Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a leading international financial centre. Over 52,000 Chinese companies have extended their footprint outside of the Chinese Mainland. We see the internationalisation trend continuing. Hong Kong thrives as the China’s gateway to the world — supporting mainland firms going global, fueling innovation-driven growth and offering families unparalleled wealth management expertise.”Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, said: “President Xi Jinping has emphasised the importance of financial services for the real economy, focusing on enhancing the capacity of the real economy to create value through capital flow and improved turnover rates. This year’s Asian Financial Forum will stay closely aligned with market trends by introducing the inaugural 'Global Industry Summit’, aiming to foster deep integration between the financial sector and high value industries, thus generating a strong multiplier effect that transforms capital into significant economic growth and drives industrial upgrading. This initiative aligns with the 15th Five-Year Plan by supporting China’s commitment to high-level two-way opening, advancing the deep integration of finance, technological innovation, and industrial innovation, and facilitating the expansion of mainland enterprises internationally and attracting foreign companies, further leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths as an international financial and commercial centre. The summit will feature support from several renowned brands, whose management teams will analyse future development trends across various industries, enabling the financial sector to provide tailored services that drive economic growth.”The first major international financial event of the year — focusing on the latest economic conditions and financial developmentsThis year’s AFF will feature a series of compelling speeches and discussion sessions. The forum includes an inaugural Global Business Summit, keynote speeches, luncheons and business breakfasts, policy dialogue and thematic workshops. These sessions will cover topics such as Global Economic Outlook, CIO Insights, Asset & Wealth Management, Trade Finance and Supply Chain, Family Office Ecosystem, Fintech, Pension and Endowment, and Gold Exchange.Two plenary sessions will be held on the first day of the forum. The first session will be hosted by Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong SAR Government, bringing financial officials and leaders of international financial institutions together to analyse the latest macroeconomic landscape. Guest speakers include Zou Jiayi, President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Scott Morris, Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) of the Asian Development Bank; Mehmet Å'imÅŸek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of Türkiye; and Klemen BoštjanÄ'iÄ', Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Slovenia.The second session will be hosted by Julia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of Securities and Futures Commission, featuring representatives from regulatory bodies, central bank officials, and financial services leaders, including H.E. Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of Securities and Commodities Authority of United Arab Emirates; Burkhard Balz, Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank; Rhee Chang-yong, Governor of the Bank of Korea; Gokul Laroia, Chief Executive Officer Asia of Morgan Stanley; and Benjamin Hung, Chairman of Financial Services Development Council. Together, they will share insights on the latest monetary policies and regulatory directions.This year’s keynote luncheon, a highlight of AFF, will once again feature a distinguished lineup of speakers to analyse global financial issues. Dr José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, former Prime Minister of Portugal, and current Chairman of Goldman Sachs International Advisory Board, will deliver a keynote speech on Day 1 to share his insights on the current global landscape and macro-level challenges. On the following day, Paul Polman, Business Leader, Investor, Philanthropist, who is dedicated to advocating for systemic change, climate action, and social equality, will be the keynote speaker and will share his “Net Positive” corporate sustainability strategy, which he has championed in recent years, focusing on advancing sustainable development.The Global Economic Outlook will bring prominent leaders from financial institutions and corporations together, including Sir Douglas Flint, CBE, Chairman of Aberdeen Group plc; Kevin Sneader, President of Goldman Sachs in Asia Pacific (ex-Japan); Dr. Ridha Wirakusumah, Chief Executive Officer of the Indonesia Investment Authority; Professor Paolo Zannoni, Executive Deputy Chairman of Prada Group; and Dr Zhu Min, Member of the Senior Expert Advisory Committee of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. They will provide forecasts for the 2026 economic landscape and examine the profound impact of macroeconomic factors on the global economy.Panel Discussion on Asset and Wealth Management and CIO Insights will bring together numerous international financial experts. Participants include Fannie Wurtz, Head of Distribution & Wealth Division, ETFs & Index business lines, Chair of Asia at Amundi; Deborah Cunningham, Chief Investment Officer of Global Liquidity Markets at Federated Hermes; and Vincenzo Vedda, Chief Investment Officer & Member of the Executive Board at DWS Investment GmbH. Together, they will explore market trends, asset allocation strategies, and future investment opportunities, and offer forward-looking perspectives for the industry.As demand for gold as a traditional safe-haven asset continues to rise, the latest Policy Address also proposed accelerating the establishment of an international gold trading market. Consequently, the first day of the forum will feature a Global Spectrum session on Gold Exchange. The session will feature insights from overseas experts including James Emmett, Chief Executive Officer of MKS PAMP SA; and David Tait, Chief Executive Officer of World Gold Council. These speakers will interpret the latest developments in international gold trading and explore strategies to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a global gold trading hub. The discussion will also focus on driving growth in trading, clearing, settlement, and related derivative services, providing the financial industry with new vitality.Inaugural Global Business Summit to explore industry prospects and opportunitiesThe first Global Business Summit will take place on the second day (27 January), co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government, HKTDC, and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises. The summit will invite leaders from high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence and technology, new consumer trends, biomedicine and healthcare, and green energy to explore how to leverage financial services to drive innovation and long-term growth. It will also address opportunities for Chinese Mainland enterprises to go global, as well as help international enterprises establish operations in the Chinese Mainland market. In the session Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global, Daniel Li, Vice Chairman, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group; Li Zhenguo, Founder and Chief Technology Officer, LONGi Green Energy Technology; and John Zhang, Chairman and President, Seres Group will share insights on leveraging Hong Kong as a platform for international business expansion. In the Strategic Collaboration for Shared Growth session, Liu Haoling, President of China Investment Corporation, will first deliver remarks. This will be followed by a discussion moderated by Lincoln Pan, Chief Executive Officer of the Jardine Matheson. He will be joined by Mohammed Mahfoodh Alardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp; Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Infineon Technologies AG; Sjoerd Leenart, Chief Executive Officer of Asia Pacific of JP Morgan; and Laust Bertelsen, Chief Executive Officer of Banking Circle, to discuss experiences entering the mainland market.Technological breakthroughs and developments in the biomedicine sector are critical drivers of the global economy. The summit has invited expert speakers to share their in-depth insights on industry advancements and analyse upcoming trends, providing the financial sector with opportunities to offer tailored services.The session on artificial intelligence and technology, along with robotics, will be chaired by Dr Allan Wong, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Vtech. Key speakers will include Dowson Tong, Senior Executive Vice President and President of Cloud and Smart Industries Group of Tencent; and Dr Yao Maoqing, Senior Vice President, President, Embodied Intelligence BU of Zhiyuan Innovation (Shanghai) Technology.The Biomedicine and Healthcare session will include discussions with Paul Burton, Chief Medical Officer of Amgen; Theresa Tse, Chairwoman of the Board Committee from Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited; Marc Horn, Executive Vice President of Merck Group and President, Merck China and Dai Hongbin, Vice Chairman of Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., exploring the latest biomedical trends and industry challenges, as well as opportunities for innovation and collaboration.New FutureGreen Showcase to Explore Green Development OpportunitiesTo further promote collaboration, AFF will feature four exhibition areas, including the new FutureGreen showcase, FintechHK Start-up Salon, InnoVenture Salon, and Global Investment Zone, showcasing over 140 exhibitors such as Bank of China (Hong Kong), CICC, HSBC, Huatai Securities, Standard Chartered Bank, and knowledge partners EY. Global asset management firms Federated Hermes and E Fund Management will also participate for the first time, presenting a new generation of financial concepts and diverse investment opportunities. The new FutureGreen showcase will focus on green finance and technology, striving to connect funding with sustainable development.This year’s forum will continue to facilitate substantial collaboration through the AFF Deal-making, programme co-organised with the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, to provide participants with insights into investment potentials and industry opportunities. Additionally, the Business Matching session will invite project owners from around the world to showcase quality initiatives in key sectors such as Environment, Energy and Clean Technology, Healthcare Technology, and Financial Technology, aiding participants in identifying market trends and expanding cross-industry investment opportunities.AFF opens International Financial Week, offering diverse Hong Kong experienceThe International Financial Week (IFW) 2026, lasting one week, will kick off with AFF on 26 January. This event marks Hong Kong's first major financial event of the year, aimed at assisting industry professionals in seizing opportunities and unlocking market potential. IFW will feature 15 partner activities covering a range of global financial and business topics, including ASEAN opportunities, asset and wealth management, and artificial intelligence.The summit is collaborating with multiple organisations to offer exclusive travel, cultural, and dining discounts for overseas participants. Highlights include a night tour with Hong Kong Big Bus Tours, arranged by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, a traditional sailing trip on the Aqua Luna, complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounge, and tickets to the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ Museum. Additionally, attendees can enjoy dining discounts at venues such as the Lan Kwai Fong Group and Hong Kong Bankers Club, along with Happy Wednesday hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.WebsitesAsian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/enProgramme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/programmeSpeaker list: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakersPhoto Download: https://bit.ly/3NRAgr5Joining today’s press conference for the 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) were: Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government (centre); Maggie Ng, Chairperson of the Asian Financial Forum Steering Committee, and HSBC Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Officer and Head of Retail Banking and Wealth (second right); Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC (second left); Jack Chan, EY China Chairman, EY Greater China Regional Managing Partner and Knowledge Partner of the AFF (far right); and Dr Jimmy Chiang, Deputy Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (far left)Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, stated that this year's Asian Financial Forum, themed ‘Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape’, will gather global financial and political leaders to support Hong Kong in fully leveraging its strengths as an international financial centreMaggie Ng, Asian Financial Forum Steering Committee Chairperson and HSBC Hong Kong CEO, shared insights on the global financial landscape in 2026, investment prospects, and key regions driving economic growthPatrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, announced that this year's AFF will introduce the inaugural Global Business Summit, aiming to deepen the financial sector's integration with high-value industries, creating a powerful multiplier effect that transforms capital into significantly greater economic growth and industry upgradingJack Chan, EY China Chairman, EY Greater China Regional Managing Partner and Knowledge Partner of the AFF, said that a joint market survey conducted by the HKTDC and EY will be released on the first day of the forum. The survey will examine how businesses and financial leaders are responding to disruptive challenges.Media enquiriesYuan Tung Financial RelationsLousie SongTel: (852) 3428 5690Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hkTiffany LeungTel: (852) 3428 2361Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Johnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgJane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgSerena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung.hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Building the data infrastructure for next-generation materials science ACN Newswire

Building the data infrastructure for next-generation materials science

TSUKUBA, Japan, Jan 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Materials research generates vast amounts of data, but the information often exists in manufacturer-specific formats and the terminology is inconsistent, making it difficult to aggregate, compare, and reuse. Traditionally, researchers have had to spend considerable time on tedious tasks, such as format conversion, metadata assignment, and characteristics extraction. These extra steps can make researchers reluctant to share data, hindering the advancement of data-driven work. The problem is made even more acute by the field’s increasing reliance on AI-driven materials discovery, which requires high-quality datasets.A highly flexible data system automatically interprets a variety of experimental data, and stores it in a format with enhanced readability for materials informatics.To address this problem, researchers at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) have developed Research Data Express (RDE), a highly flexible data management system for materials scientists. Published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods, RDE automatically interprets experimental data from raw files and manually inputted measurements. It then restructures and stores this information in a format with enhanced readability.“RDE significantly reduces the burden of routine data processing for researchers and enhances data findability, interoperability, reusability (the FAIR principles), and traceability,” explains Jun Fujima, corresponding author and researcher at NIMS’s Materials Data Platform. “We hope this will promote collaborative, data-driven materials research.” Many systems of a similar purpose usually “define” the data format. In contrast, the RDE’s core innovation “Dataset Template” defines and directs how data from different types of experiments should be processed. For example, if a researcher uploads spreadsheets of X-ray measurements from different sources, the Dataset Template can be configured to interpret them. The system then automatically performs advanced analyses and creates visualizations to provide an immediate overview. Multiple templates can be prepared for different materials research themes, allowing for maximum flexibility in data management. A custom template can also be easily prepared by individual researchers if necessary. Many templates have already been prepared and shared among users.“RDE’s unique approach allows researchers to freely define data structures tailored to their instruments, while enabling the system to perform massive data structuring and metadata extraction automatically,” says Fujima.Since its launch in January 2023, RDE has been widely adopted across Japan’s materials research community, demonstrating its scalability. To date, it has over 5,000 users, with more than 1,900 Dataset Templates for various experimental methods implemented, over 16,000 datasets created, and more than three million data files accumulated. The system serves as a data infrastructure for major national initiatives, including the Materials Research DX Platform initiative promoted by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The NIMS team has released an open-source software toolkit (RDEToolKit) to encourage use of the system within the research community.Further informationJun FujimaNational Institute for Materials Science FUJIMA.Jun@nims.go.jpPaper: https://doi.org/10.1080/27660400.2025.2597702 About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods (STAM-M)STAM Methods is an open access sister journal of Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM), and focuses on emergent methods and tools for improving and/or accelerating materials developments, such as methodology, apparatus, instrumentation, modeling, high-through put data collection, materials/process informatics, databases, and programming. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM-M Dr Kazuya SaitoSTAM Methods Publishing Director SAITO.Kazuya@nims.go.jpPress release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Celestion Brings Cutting-Edge Music Technology to Transform Hong Kong’s Modern Listening Experience ACN Newswire

Celestion Brings Cutting-Edge Music Technology to Transform Hong Kong’s Modern Listening Experience

HONG KONG, January 16, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Hometainer, a state-of-the-art all-function portable music system from the legendary British audio brand Celestion, is now available in Hong Kong. Renowned for its iconic loudspeakers and compression drivers used in studios and live venues worldwide, Celestion’s latest innovative music system is designed to deliver professional live-house sound quality to homes, gatherings, and staycations. It seamlessly integrates premium karaoke, live instrument input, and smart app control into a single unit tailored for modern Hong Kong lifestyles.Founded in 1924 in Hampton Wick, England, Celestion has spent over a century perfecting sound, from inventing the world’s first cone loudspeaker to pioneering advancements in professional loudspeakers and compression drivers. Today, Celestion products are trusted in professional studios, concert venues and home audio systems worldwide, setting the gold standard for audio fidelity and acoustic performance.Home + Entertainer = Hometainer, offering portable live-house sound for city livingHometainer is not just a speaker, it is the beating heart of home entertainment. This portable system moves effortlessly from living room to bedroom, rooftop, clubhouse or studio. Whether it is karaoke with friends, family music time, gaming, yoga sessions or solo performances, Hometainer transforms any space into an immersive music zone.Alan Wong, Senior Director, Asia, Celestion Music Asia Limited, said, with Hometainer, Celestion hopes to bring professional live-house sound into every Hong Kong homeThe Hometainer 6 and Hometainer 8m models deliver powerful, full-bodied sound tailored for diverse scenarios with different power outputs. Both offer multiple inputs that allow you to play from different sources simultaneously. With up to 3.5 hours of playtime on a detachable Li-ion battery, extendable with extra power packs, it brings premium sound from flats to rooftops to weekend getaways, ensuring uninterrupted playtime wherever you go.Karaoke, instruments and parties in one systemHometainer is built for Hong Kong’s love of karaoke and live music, with features similar to professional systems. Key features include:- Karaoke sound engine with built-in echo, reverb, key (pitch) control, vocal remover and automatic feedback eliminator for clear, powerful vocals.- Multiple inputs supporting microphones, musical instruments and line-in so users can plug in acoustic guitar, keyboards or electronic drum kits for solo practice or jamming with friends.- Stereo pairing, which connects two Hometainer 6, two Hometainer 8m, or a combination of Hometainer 8m and 8p (a stereo extension speaker with USB-C connection) to create a wider, true stereo soundstage, ideal for karaoke duets, family parties or larger gatherings.Perfect for music lovers who refuse to compromise, the Hometainer Remote App unlocks deeper control. Compatible with iOS and Android, the app allows users to adjust dynamic bass, activate vocal remover and fine-tune sound profiles with just a tap, turning the phone into a smart remote.Hometainer specificationsDesigned for Hong Kong homesCombining refined aesthetics with superior functionality, Hometainer is crafted with a solid wooden body and acoustically transparent fabric over a sleek metal grille for a premium yet understated look. It is available in four colours: Cotton Grey, Burgundy, Midnight Blue and Moss Green, designed to complement Hong Kong home interiors, from minimalist apartments to classic décor.Hometainer is available in four colours: Cotton Grey, Burgundy, Midnight Blue and Moss GreenIts compact footprint and portable design make it especially suitable for Hong Kong’s space-conscious homes, where one product often needs to cover many roles – home theatre speaker, karaoke machine, party system and practice amp. With convenient carry options and wireless connectivity, Hometainer can easily move between rooms or be taken to clubhouses and shared spaces.A new way to experience music in Hong KongAlan Wong, Senior Director, Asia, Celestion Music Asia Limited, said, “Hong Kong has always been a city that moves with energy and rhythm, from its live houses and music studios to rooftop gatherings and family karaoke nights. With Hometainer, we want every home in Hong Kong to enjoy rich, live-style sound – for singing, playing instruments or simply relaxing with music – all from one easy-to-use system.”“As people spend more time enjoying entertainment at home, they seek products that are flexible, stylish and powerful without taking up too much space. Hometainer is designed exactly for that – an all-function music system that can be a Partytainer, Karatainer, Yogatainer, Gametainer, HiFitainer and more, tailored to your lifestyle needs,” added Wong.Kennis Chan (left), Senior Director, Strategic Marketing Projects, GP Industries, and Alan Wong (right), Senior Director, Asia, Celestion Music Asia Limited shared that Hometainer, a state-of-the-art portable all-function music system, integrates home theatre speaker, karaoke machine, party system and practice amp into a single unit tailored for modern Hong Kong lifestylesNow available in Hong KongThe Celestion Hometainer 6, Hometainer 8m, and Hometainer 8p are now available in Hong Kong through Celestion’s online store and authorised distributors. For more information, please visit https://c-music.com/zh.It is party time, and Hometainer is all you need.For more high-resolution product photos, please visit:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GRJM_ffaxgLFmXDjKrPOd4jCFW7TwsNe'usp=sharingAbout CelestionFounded in 1924 in Hampton Wick, England, Celestion revolutionised sound with the invention of the first cone loudspeaker. For over a century, the brand has led the development of world-class sonic technologies, powering professional studios, concert stages and home audio systems worldwide. Today, Celestion continues its legacy of innovation by delivering products that combine exceptional acoustic engineering with modern versatility for music lovers, creators and professionals.For media enquiries, please contact:AJA (IR & Communications)Avy YuTel: (852) 9500 4443Email: avy.yu@ajacapital.com.hk / info@ajacapital.com.hk Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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First three HKTDC trade fairs of 2026 draw some 82,000 international buyers ACN Newswire

First three HKTDC trade fairs of 2026 draw some 82,000 international buyers

HONG KONG, January 15, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 52nd HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, 17th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and 24th Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair concluded successfully today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Toys & Games Fair and Baby Products Fair were organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), while the Stationery & School Supplies Fair was jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. The four-day physical fairs attracted some 82,000 buyers from 121 countries and regions, fostering cross-regional trade and cross-section cooperation. Opening to both trade buyers and the public, the newly launched “Pop & Play” pavilion was a big draw at the Toys & Games Fair and attracted some 10,000 public visits. The pavilion helped local toy brands connect with global buyers to expand into international markets, further unleashing the commercial potential of their IPs, while also enabling Chinese Mainland and overseas brands and IPs to engage directly with local fans of trendy toys and collectibles.Over 41,000 buyers visited the Toys & Games Fair, while some 27,000 and some 14,000 buyers attended the Baby Products Fair and Stationery & School Supplies Fair respectively. Buyers from outside Hong Kong primarily came from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand from the ASEAN bloc, Korea, India and the US. Buyers from nearby Macao, ASEAN’s Vietnam, Belgium and Poland from Europe and South Africa also recorded double-digit growth. The fairs adopted the HKTDC’s hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, which includes the physical shows along with online access through the Click2Match smart business matching platform, which will continue connecting exhibitors and buyers until 22 January.Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “This year's trio of fairs brought together more than 2,600 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions, attracting 82,000 global buyers to attend and kickstarting the HKTDC's busy calendar of events in 2026. The new ‘Pop & Play’ pavilion at the Toys & Games Fair proved to be highly popular, showcasing 150 trendy IPs alongside various fair premieres and global limited-edition collectibles. Representatives from diverse industries and sectors were keen to explore the commercial potential of different IPs and discuss cross-industry collaboration opportunities. The pavilion was also open to members of the public, with large numbers of visitors checking in, snapping photos and engaging directly with exhibitors. We believe the fair can amplify IP value through cultural integration, brand collaborations and market strategies, helping local brands to take their businesses beyond Hong Kong and onto the international stage."“Pop & Play” pavilion drove cross-industry IP collaborations, opened to public to promote interaction between industry and fansThe three fairs continued with the theme “New Play for All”, with the enduring popularity of trendy and collectible toys injecting strong growth momentum into the toy industry. The new “Pop & Play” pavilion brought together popular international and local IPs. Hong Kong exhibitor Matrix Promotion showcased 11 original local IPs and presented a series of fair-exclusive debut products. Founder and CEO Ray Leung said: “Combining B2C elements with B2B provides an energetic atmosphere that makes it easier to facilitate collaborations and build relationships with potential partners. Through the online and offline business matchings, we established around 50 local business contacts. These included not only toy industry buyers, but also cross-industry cooperation opportunities, such as with theme parks, loyalty programmes, digital commerce platforms, finance and insurance companies. These mainly involve designing exclusive premium items for clients based on their own IPs, which is currently a major trend in the market.”Onsite sales of IP products were also brisk. IP character B.Duck has long been popular in both Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland. Hong Kong Sales Representative for the company, Lai Chi-ying, shared: “The new ‘Pop & Play’ pavilion successfully integrates B2B and B2C elements, reaffirming that trendy collectibles remain a key industry trend locally and globally. During the fair, we connected with 30 potential clients — mainly toy distributors — from countries including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Dubai, Russia, and North America. Our blind boxes also were a big hit with visitors, selling over 100 units in a short time. We expect participation in the event to contribute around 10% of our annual business growth.”Meanwhile, trendy toy enthusiast Mr. Hung visited the pavilion, saying: “The ‘Pop & Play’ pavilion offers an attractive and rich selection. We could appreciate many popular local and international trendy toy IPs, as well as the latest hot anime and IP-licensed products. It’s the perfect spot for exploring trendy collectibles and pop culture merchandise. The variety of trendy toys available for sale onsite is remarkably diverse. I spent around HK$2,000 and picked up multiple items including IP T-shirts, keychains, figurines, and Marvel toys – it was a truly fruitful visit!"Hong Kong toy exhibitor draws buyers’ attention with self-developed AI toysEastcolight (Hong Kong) Limited, a long-time participant at the Toys & Games Fair, showcased its self-developed artificial intelligence (AI) interactive story machine this year. Co-founder Salley Sze said: “With AI becoming a core market trend, our latest toy products now incorporate AI-assisted learning features. These AI products alone are expected to generate at least US$1 million in annual sales through the fair, while our other STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) product lines are projected to achieve US$2 million sales.”Happy Ageing label saw rising demand as sustainable toys remained popularWith ageing populations becoming a global reality, toys and games designed specifically for seniors or intergenerational family fun are now a rapidly growing market. The new Happy Ageing label was introduced at this year’s Toys & Games Fair to help identify products in this category. Peri Chow, Director of FritzS Learning (Hong Kong), said: “The new label has greatly helped our market expansion. During the fair, we connected with approximately 30 new clients from different industries and regions, including the Chinese Mainland, Germany, the Philippines, South Africa and Spain, such as nursing home caregivers and buyers for children’s toys.”Sustainable consumption continued to be a key focus across the fairs. In addition to the Green Toys zone at the Toys & Games Fair, both the toys and stationery fairs continued to employ the Green Solutions green leaf label, further facilitating the procurement of eco-friendly products. This year, over 400 exhibitors displayed the green leaf logo, double the number compared to 2024. DeAgostini Collectibles from Spain is a global publisher and distributor of collectibles. Sourcing Manager CMC, Sandra Lopez Herrero said, "We are particularly interested in sustainable design, especially the battery-free, hydraulic-powered eco-friendly toys exhibited by a Chinese Mainland supplier. We plan to place an order worth around US$1 million. The green leaf label, along with the Click2Match and Scan2Match platforms, have helped us track products and stay updated on emerging trends, such as the use of eco-friendly materials and the integration of artificial intelligence in toys."At the Baby Products Fair, the World of Strollers and Gear and ODM Strollers and Gear zones together hosted approximately 230 exhibitors, with an increase in both exhibitor numbers and fair areas compared to last year. The Selection of Europe pavilion returned in 2026 together with the Korean and Hong Kong Children, Babies, Maternity Industries Association pavilions. Among the European exhibitors, Swedish exhibitor AXKID expressed recognition of Hong Kong’s role as an international trade and innovation hub. Managing Director Roger Yan said: “As a leading city in innovation, Hong Kong helps us expand our market and reach more international customers. During the fair, we met buyers from Bulgaria, Slovenia, Japan, and Türkiye. One Bulgarian client has already placed an order for 2,000 child safety seats, valued at approximately €1.7 million. We will definitely exhibit again next year.”Jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, this year’s Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair welcomed Blaxall Optics Low Vision Limited from New Zealand for the first time. Company Director Gang Cheng said: "We showcased a range of optical magnifiers and related products and connected with 10 new buyers from Hong Kong, Macao, Poland, Thailand and more at the physical fair and through the Click2Match smart-matching platform. We anticipate these contacts will bring at least a 5% annual growth to our business, equivalent to US$100,000 in orders."Asian Toy & Games Forum explored key issues for toy manufacturersThe flagship Asian Toys & Games Forum was held during the Toys & Games Fair. Themed “Empowering the Toy Industry for Global Success”, the forum invited industry experts and guest speakers to discuss the latest industry updates and developments. Loo Wee Teck, Global Insights Manager, Toys and Games, Euromonitor International, shared insights on the toys and games market outlook and opportunities, while Alex Lin, Vice President and General Manager, Disney Consumer Products, Greater China and Korea, The Walt Disney Company, covered the global IP ecosystem and merchandising strategies.For more comments from exhibitors and buyers, please visit the following websites:- Toys and Games Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hktoyfair/en/success-stories- Baby Products Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkbabyfair/en/success-stories- Stationery & School Supplies Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkstationeryfair/en/success-storiesPhoto download: https://bit.ly/49IAOHhThe 52nd HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the 17th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the 24th Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair, concluded successfully today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The first two events were organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), while the latter was jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. The four-day physical fairs attracted some 82,000 buyers from 121 countries and regionsThe new “Pop & Play” pavilion at the Toys & Games Fair attracted some 10,000 public visits, showcasing some 150 famous local and international IPs. Mascots Ah Pop and Ah Play made appearances to interact with visitorsArtist Snow Suen made a special appearance at the “Pop & Play” pavilion, drawing crowds of fansSinger and actress Joey Thye shared her experience of being an IP creatorDuring the fair, the “The Rise of Designers” sharing and signing session was held, featuring local renowned designers: b.wing, founder of la b.wing Galerie Ltd; Steven Choi, founder of Zu and Pi; and Winson Ma, founder and creative director of Winson Classic Creation. They shared their creative philosophies and paths to successThe new Happy Ageing label was introduced at this year’s Toys & Games Fair to help buyers identify toys and related products for seniors, such as companion plush toys that can help elderly people relieve loneliness and soothe their emotionsBoth the toys and stationery events continued to employ the Green Solutions green leaf label for identification, with more than 400 exhibitors displaying the green leaf label this year – double the number compared to 2024The Toys & Games and Baby Products fairs continued to feature the popular Brand Name Gallery, bringing together over 380 well-known brands from around the globeAt the Baby Products Fair, the World of Strollers and Gear and ODM Strollers and Gear zones both saw an increase in exhibitor numbers and fair area compared to last year The Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair featured the latest in creative art supplies, gift stationery, school and office suppliesThemed “Empowering the Toy Industry for Global Success”, the Asian Toys & Games Forum, the Toys & Games Fair’s flagship event, invited experts and guest speakers to discuss the latest industry updates and developmentsWith the three fairs coming under the mega-events banner, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (MICE Promotion Partner) arranged an evening harbour cruise for fair visitors, helping to promote MICE tourismFair websites- HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair: hktoyfair.hktdc.com- HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: hkbabyfair.hktdc.com- Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair: hkstationeryfair.comMedia enquiriesHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Katy WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgWinnie KanTel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgClayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgHKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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A True Empowerer – AGFA HealthCare Radiates Imaging Innovation at ECR 2026 ACN Newswire

A True Empowerer – AGFA HealthCare Radiates Imaging Innovation at ECR 2026

MORTSEL, BE, Jan 15, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - At ECR 2026, AGFA HealthCare will unveil its latest imaging innovations that transform the clinician experience and drive smarter care. Turning knowledge into action, AGFA delivers advancements which empower radiologists with seamless workflows, intelligent automation and tailored diagnostic environments. Under the event 2026 theme "Rays of Knowledge", AGFA is ready to demonstrate how we have reached the summit of Empowerer - adopting the ‘Clinician-First' approach, which demonstrates a profound understanding of the clinician's challenges and workflow realities."Clinician First is more than a message - it's a mindset", says Andrea Polticchia, Regional President for Southern Europe, AGFA HealthCare. "This approach reflects our deepened commitment - technology exists to serve clinicians, not the other way around. We are seen as the Empowerer in our markets - a partner that understands, anticipates, and designs for the clinician real world experience. This is the level of empowerment that truly supports clinicians - and when clinicians are supported, patient care thrives."Built for the people, not just the image, AGFA HealthCare's Enterprise Imaging platform is designed to keep clinicians, IT teams and healthcare enterprises focused, confident and in control. More than a solution, it's a connected ecosystem that unifies teams and technologies, simplifies complexity and strengthens collaboration across the care continuum. It's where advanced technology meets real human need, turning complexity into clarity and burnout into balance."ECR has long stood as the pinnacle of European radiological excellence and is the perfect stage to empower the clinical community," says Roberto Anello, Regional President for Northern Europe, AGFA HealthCare. "Enterprise Imaging brings precision and clarity to every clinical moment, transforming years of experience into seamless diagnostic flow. AGFA HealthCare, has reached a new summit, where deep clinical insight, cutting-edge technology, and human connection converge. Every click, every case, every collaboration is purpose-built around the radiologist's reality, whether at the hospital, at home, or across a connected care network."What's New at ECR 2026:Streaming Client - Blazing fast. Wherever you are.With AGFA HealthCare's zero-footprint Streaming Client, radiologists enjoy a full diagnostic experience right in their browser. Combining blazing speed with full-fidelity and personalized workflow tools, it allows them to read from any location with the same precision and familiarity they expect on-site.RUBEE® Orchestrator - The right case to the right radiologist at the right timeWorkflow Orchestration, powered by RUBEE®, helps radiology teams stay aligned, efficient and focused, with smarter workflows, credential-aware distribution, live SLA dashboards and personalized worklists.RUBEE® AI - Embedded intelligence that supports clinical controlFlexible and vendor-neutral, RUBEE® AI provides seamless access to curated and third-party algorithms, with AI results integrated directly into the diagnostic workflow. It is deeply embedded to deliver fast decision support that enhances rather than replaces human expertise, enabling radiologists to work with greater efficiency, consistency and confidence.Enterprise Imaging Cloud - Seamless imaging, with no barriersDelivering imaging without barriers, Enterprise Imaging Cloud is a fully managed SaaS solution that removes complexity from IT operations, speeds deployment, and guarantees up to 99.99% uptime. With trusted security, effortless scalability, and peace of mind built in, it keeps imaging seamless - everywhere.Radiating Rays of KnowledgeEducation stands at the heart of our presence at ECR 2026. Through interactive sessions and expert dialogues, AGFA HealthCare shares insights that empower clinicians - helping them grow, connect, and evolve together.AI Lightning Talk: "From Pixels to Practical Outcomes: Orchestrating Trustworthy AI Across Radiology with Enterprise Imaging" - Weds 4 March 14:10 - 14:30See ground-breaking Augmented Intelligence at the AI Lightning Talk! Taking place in the AI Theatre, Dr Anjum Ahmed, Global Chief Medical Officer and Global Director Enterprise Imaging & AI, will deliver an outstanding session on Workflow Intelligence, Foundation Models, and the Art of Clinical Trust in the AI Era.Clinical Lunch & Learn Session: "Networked Radiology and AI for a Sustainable Imaging Future" - Thursday 5 March 13:00Engage with our panel of European Radiologists at the Satellite Symposium session, taking place in Room G2 (Level -2). Dr Peter Strouhal (Alliance Medical - UK), plus Dr Davide Ippolito (Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Italy), Dr Filip Deckers (ZAS Hospital, Belgium), and Dr Athanasios Chalazonitis (Alexandra General Hospital, Greece) form an incredible team of imaging disrupters. They will be discussing discuss how Imaging Health Networks and AI-enabled workflows are transforming radiology services.We cannot wait to see you in Vienna. Join #TeamAGFA as we stand proud on our Empowerer pedestal, shaping our own legacy by placing the ‘Clinician-First'. And when Clinicians are first, we see imaging empowered. That's life in flow.See the future of imaging at ECR 2026. Booth #X2 214. To schedule a demo or register for clinical sessions, visit: www.agfahealthcare.com/ecrAbout AGFA HealthCareAt AGFA HealthCare, we understand that striking the critical balance between clinical efficiency and quality patient care starts with the clinician experience. We recognize how vital it is for clinicians to be fully immersed in their cases, channeling all their energy into delivering confident, informed diagnoses. That's why we designed our Enterprise Imaging platform to eliminate the barriers that get in the way. When distractions melt away, technology feels like an extension of one's thought process, and each clinician has everything they need to perform at the top of their craft. That's life in flow.This belief shapes everything we do - guided by our Mission, Vision, and Customer Delivery Principles, which are designed to empower clinicians and elevate their experience.AGFA HealthCare is a division of the Agfa-Gevaert Group. For more information on AGFA HealthCare, please visit www.agfahealthcare.com and follow us on LinkedIn.AGFA and the Agfa rhombus are registered trademarks of Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Belgium or its affiliates. All information contained herein is intended for guidance purposes only, and the characteristics of the products and services described in this publication can be changed at any time without notice. Products and services may not be available for your local area. Please contact your local sales representative for availability information. AGFA HealthCare diligently strives to provide as accurate information as possible but shall not be responsible for any typographical error.Media ContactJessica Baldry, Global Marketing & Communications, jessica.baldry@agfa.com Tel +44 7583 203971SOURCE: Agfa HealthCare Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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OPPO Appoints Stagwell (STGW) Agencies in Singapore: Allison Worldwide for PR and Influencer; Assembly for Media ACN Newswire

OPPO Appoints Stagwell (STGW) Agencies in Singapore: Allison Worldwide for PR and Influencer; Assembly for Media

SINGAPORE, Jan 15, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Stagwell (NASDAQ:STGW) today announced that OPPO, a leading global smart device brand, appointed Allison Worldwide as its public relations and influencer partner and Assembly as its media partner in Singapore, following a competitive pitch. Working within Stagwell's integrated operating model, the Stagwell agencies will deliver an end-to-end‑ program combining earned influence with data-driven‑ media to deliver culturally relevant campaigns with measurable outcomes.Allison Worldwide will lead earned influence - PR strategy, executive positioning, and content development - while Assembly will manage end-to-end media planning and activation across Singapore's priority channels, strategically optimizing investments to support OPPO's commercial objectives‑ and drive sales conversions. Together, they will operate as one integrated Stagwell team to ensure seamless planning, measurement, and optimization that connects the full funnel from awareness to conversion.Kelvyn Foo, General Manager & Regional Growth Lead, APAC at Allison Worldwide, alongside Sharon Soh, Managing Director, Southeast Asia at Assembly, will lead the OPPO account. Assembly will apply its STAGE AI Experience Engine and Brand Performance Planning model to optimize media investment and drive conversion across Singapore's priority channels. Allison Worldwide will tap established media and creator relationships and B2C tech storytelling expertise to sustain momentum beyond launch moments."The Stagwell team has delivered localized marketing solutions that are highly aligned with OPPO's global marketing strategy. We are inspired by the depth of their local capabilities, from content development and resource integration to public relations and media execution. We look forward to building a strong partnership and co‑creating meaningful and impactful marketing campaigns moving forward," said Dylan Yu, OPPO Singapore marketing director."We're proud to support OPPO's next chapter in Singapore. Our team looks forward to amplifying the brand's bedrock of consumer trust and deepening consumer preference, and further connecting with OPPO's performance-driven audience through culturally relevant, outcome driven‑ marketing," said Margaret Key, Stagwell Executive Director, Asia Pacific.About OPPOOPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - "Smiley Face" - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.About Allison WorldwideAllison Worldwide is a digital-first, data-led and future-focused communications agency helping clients see around corners and be ahead of what's next. Not too big and not too small, Allison provides end-to-end global communications, PR, influencer, analytics and marketing support to clients from the Fortune 500 to start-ups. Allison is owned by Stagwell (NASDAQ:STGW), one of the fastest-growing and most influential marketing and communications networks in the world.About AssemblyAssembly is a global omnichannel agency built for brands that want a more modern approach to building brands that perform. Backed by the Stagwell network, we are a literal assembly of data, talent, and technology built to unlock smarter, faster, and better-performing outcomes from the bottom up -not the top down. Curious, collaborative, and driven by change, we are an agency of builders who believe the better the experience, the better the performance. We don't see brand and performance as an either/or. For us, it's always both. The + symbol in our logo, known as the ORAD, represents this mindset. It's a mark of how we think, how we build, and how we deliver results across the full funnel. Assembly's foundation is built on three core elements: our purpose-built STAGE Experience Engine, the strategic product it powers-Brand Performance Planning (BPP) - and an organizational design built for speed, depth, and the demands of modern marketing. Together, they enable us to build better brand experiences that reimagine how brands connect, engage, and grow across data, tech, media, creative and commerce. With over 3,000 experts in 44 offices worldwide, Assembly delivers full-funnel solutions that help the world's most ambitious brands perform. Learn more at assemblyglobal.com.About StagwellStagwell is the global challenger network transforming marketing through AI. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world's most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 45+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.Media contactspr@stagwellglobal.comOppo.SG@allisonworldwide.comSOURCE: Stagwell Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Casa Minerals Inc. Announces Non-Brokered Private Placement Raising $800,000 ACN Newswire

Casa Minerals Inc. Announces Non-Brokered Private Placement Raising $800,000

Vancouver, British Columbia--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - January 14, 2026) - Casa Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CASA) (OTCQB: CASXF) (FSE: 0CM) (the "Company" or "Casa") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of $800,000.Under the terms of the Offering, the Company may issue up to 6,400,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.125 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Share for a period of two years from the date of issuance. The warrant exercise strike price is $0.15/share in the first three months and automatically converts to $0.20 per share then after for the remainder of the two years period.A Finder's Fee of 6% in cash or Shares is payable to eligible finders on all or a portion of the Offering in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange policies.The net proceeds from the Offering will be used primarily for general and administrative expenses and for property investigations on the Company's projects in Arizona and British Columbia.The securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four (4) months and one day from the date of closing in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary approvals, including final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.About Casa Minerals Inc.Casa Minerals Inc. is a company engaged in gold exploration in two prominent regions: Arizona and British Columbia, Canada. The company is involved in gold exploration on the Congress Gold Mine, a past producing mine located in Arizona. The company is also active in copper-gold exploration in British Columbia, Canada. Casa Minerals' management team has a track record of numerous discoveries in the exploration sector. The Company is committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery and development of economic mineral deposits.About Casa Minerals Inc.Casa Minerals Inc. is a company engaged in gold, and copper exploration in two prominent regions: Arizona and British Columbia, Canada. The company is involved in gold exploration on the Congress Gold Mine, a past-producing mine located in Arizona. The company is also active in copper-gold exploration in British Columbia, Canada. Casa Minerals' management team has a track record of numerous discoveries in the exploration sector. The Company is committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery and development of economic mineral deposits.For more information, please visit the company's website at https://www.casaminerals.com/.On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsFarshad Shirvani, M.Sc. GeologyPresident, CEO and DirectorFor more information, please contact:Casa Minerals Inc.Farshad Shirvani, President & CEOPhone: (604) 678-9587Email: farshad@casaminerals.comhttps://www.casaminerals.comNEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280377 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Doubleview Confirms Metal Recoveries for Upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment ACN Newswire

Doubleview Confirms Metal Recoveries for Upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment

Vancouver, British Columbia--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - January 14, 2026) - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) ("Doubleview" or the "Company"), a leading Canadian exploration company focused on its flagship Hat Polymetallic Deposit in northwestern British Columbia's Golden Triangle, is pleased to announce the successful finalization of key metallurgical recovery data for gold (Au), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), silver (Ag), and scandium (Sc). This milestone supports the imminent completion of an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA).The Company's two-year metallurgical testing program, led by Eur.Ing Andrew Carter, B.Sc., C.Eng., MIMMM, MSAIMM, SME, has delivered positive results confirming viable recoveries across the polymetallic suite. Overall Metallurgical Recoveries MetalRecovery % Copper (Cu)85 Gold (Au)89 Silver (Ag)68 Cobalt (Co)78 Scandium (Sc)75 Recent breakthroughs from the program, including a global first in the recovery of high-grade scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃) from copper porphyry flotation tailings, have demonstrated strong technical viability. Key highlights from the testwork include high overall recoveries, positioning the Hat Deposit to maximize value from its unique polymetallic profile (gold-copper-cobalt-silver-scandium). Building on this progress, Doubleview is actively seeking quotes from qualified laboratories and consultants for advanced metallurgical testing to support the planned Prefeasibility (PFS) and Feasibility (FS) studies. These next testwork phases will further optimize process recoveries and refine project economics.MRE and PEA updates:The Company is also finalizing the updated MRE and PEA, incorporating the new metallurgical data, expanded drilling results from the successful 2025 field season (including the largest drill program to date with over 13,000 meters completed), and eastward extensions of mineralization. Logistics and preparations for the 2026 field season are underway, with plans to continue aggressive exploration and resource enhancement at the Hat Project.Farshad Shirvani, President and CEO, commented: "Finalizing these metallurgical recoveries marks a pivotal step forward for the Hat Project. Under Mr. Carter's expert guidance, our metallurgy program has unlocked significant potential for critical metals like scandium, alongside robust recoveries for copper, gold, cobalt, and silver. We are excited to advance toward the updated MRE and PEA while gearing up for PFS/FS-level work and the 2026 season."Mr. Carter, a graduate of the University of Leeds (B.Sc. Mineral Processing, 1980), is a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng.) registered with the Engineering Council UK (#378467) and a European Engineer (Eur.Ing.) (#c2960GB). He is a member in good standing of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3 #46421) and the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME #4112502). With over 45 years of experience in operations, engineering, and consulting in extractive metallurgy for gold, precious, and base metal ores, Mr. Carter is a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and has independently reviewed and approved the metallurgical aspects of this announcement.Doubleview remains committed to responsible development of this strategic asset, contributing to North America's supply of critical and electrification-enabling metals.Qualified PersonEur Ing Andrew Carter B.Sc., CEng., MIMMM (QMR), MSAIMM, SME, Doubleview's Qualified Person with respect to the HAT Project metallurgical studies as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release and is independent of the Company.The company further notes that, pursuant to the news release dated December 31st, 2025, it has completed its financing and is no longer seeking additional funds.About Doubleview Gold CorpDoubleview Gold Corp. is mineral resource exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG), (OTCQB: DBLVF), (WKN: LA1W038), and (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview focuses on identifying, acquiring, and financing precious and base metal exploration projects across North America, with a strong emphasis on British Columbia. The company enhances shareholder value through the acquisition and exploration of high-quality gold, copper, cobalt, scandium, and silver projects-collectively critical minerals utilizing cutting-edge exploration techniques.Doubleview's success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its long-term shareholders, supporters, and institutional investors. Their ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the company's strategic initiatives. Doubleview looks forward to further collaborative growth and development and continues to welcome active participation from its valued stakeholders as the company expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector.About the Hat Polymetallic DepositThe Hat Deposit, located in northwestern British Columbia, is a polymetallic porphyry project with major resources of copper, gold, cobalt, and the potential for scandium. As one of the region's significant sources of critical minerals, the Hat deposit has undergone targeted exploration and development. The 0.2% CuEq cut-off resource estimate, as of the recently completed Mineral Resource Estimate and the Company's July 25, 2024, news release, is summarized below: Average GradeMetal ContentOpen Pit Model HatResource CategoryTonnageCuEqCuCoAuAgCuEqCuCoAuAgMt%%%g/tg/tmillion lbmillion lbmillion lbthousand ozthousand ozIn PitIndicated1500.4080.2210.0080.190.421,353733289292,045Inferred4770.3440.1850.0090.150.493,6191,945912,3287,575 Scandium potential for the Hat Deposit is estimated to be 300 to 500 million tonnes at an average grade of 40 ppm (0.004%) Sc2O3. "The scandium resource potential is based on the drill holes on the property drilled for (July 25, 2024) maiden resource estimate for other metal content than scandium. The potential quantity and grade are conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource."For further details of the MRE-1, please refer to the Company's July 25, 2024 news release.On behalf of the Board of Directors,Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive OfficerFor further information please contact:Doubleview Gold Corp Vancouver, BC Farshad Shirvani President & CEO T: (604) 678-9587 E: corporate@doubleview.caNEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280334 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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SERES Lands on HKEX Today: Intelligence Redefines Luxury – The ‘Tesla of China’ Sets Sail for New Capital Blue Ocean

HONG KONG, January 14, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – (Published on Nov. 5, 2025) Driven by the global push for "dual-carbon" goals, the implementation of new energy policies worldwide, and evolving consumer demand, the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry has emerged as a core sector with the highest growth potential in the Hong Kong stock market, attracting significant attention from institutions and investors.On November 5, the Hong Kong stock market welcomed a new player to its NEV sector. SERES (Stock Code: 9927) officially commenced trading on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Christopher Hui (Hui Ching-yu), Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and Lillian Cheong Man-lei, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong Government, both attended the listing ceremony of Seres held at the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) today.As a leading enterprise in China's NEV industry, SERES initiated its Hong Kong IPO offering process on October 27. The base offering size for the IPO is 100.2 million H-shares.Not only has Seres' IPO attracted significant market attention this time, but it has also drawn 22 well-known domestic and overseas institutions—including Chongqing Industrial Master Fund, Linyuan Fund, GF Fund, Schroder, and China Post Wealth Management—to participate as cornerstone investors. This further underscores the institutions' recognition of its future development potential.Since the launch of the subscription, SERES has drawn considerable market attention, with exceptionally strong subscription interest and sustained high investor enthusiasm. According to announcement alloment results, by November 4, the Hong Kong public offering was oversubscribed by more than 130 times, while the international placement also received an oversubscription multiple of more than 8 times, fully demonstrating the market's high recognition of SERES' investment value.Dual Focus on "Luxury + Technology", Hailed as the "Tesla of China"SERES is a technology company focused on NEVs, including the research and development, manufacturing, sales and services of NEVs as well as core NEV components. In 2016, SERES embarked on a comprehensive transformation, focusing on the NEV sector. In 2021, SERES officially launched the AITO brand, positioning itself as "Intelligence Redefines Luxury". Leveraging a clear product strategy, outstanding comprehensive performance, and inherent luxury genes, AITO quickly gained high industry acclaim, earning the reputation of being the "Mercedes-Benz and BMW of China".Guided by the brand philosophy of "Intelligence Redefines Luxury", AITO has established a unique identity by concurrently advancing "Luxury + Technology" from a technological standpoint. In core future mobility fields like driving assistance, intelligent safety, and intelligent powertrain, AITO shares a highly aligned vision with Tesla, jointly exploring the transformation of mobility. To date, the cumulative assisted driving distance of AITO models has exceeded 3.45 billion kilometers, with assisted driving accounting for 40% of the total distance traveled, representing particularly outstanding achievements.Simultaneously, SERES has been continuously delving into cutting-edge technologies and proactively venturing into the field of embodied intelligence. Recently, SERES officially announced a collaboration with Volcano Engine, marking a new stage in its R&D and application innovation in this area, demonstrating strategic foresight on par with internationally leading automakers. It is precisely these breakthroughs and explorations in technology that have earned AITO the moniker "Tesla of China".To date, SERES' AITO brand has established a complete product matrix comprising four models: the AITO M9, M8, M7, and M5. As the core brand, AITO has seen sustained high-speed sales growth since its launch, with multiple performance indicators showing strong results. Among these, the AITO M5 set the record for the fastest delivery of over 10,000 vehicles within the year of launch for a new brand's model. The AITO M7 successfully ranked first in sales among Chinese autonomous brand models in the RMB300,000 price segment, becoming a benchmark product in that category. The AITO M9 emerged as a leader in the Chinese market for models priced above RMB500,000, claiming the top sales spot. Additionally, the AITO M8, officially launched in April 2025, received over 30,000 non-refundable orders within just 24 hours of its launch.According to the Frost & Sullivan Report, in the second half of 2024, the AITO brand topped China’s NEV reputation rankings with a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 82%. For the full year 2024, the AITO brand achieved total deliveries of 387,100 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 268%, demonstrating robust growth momentum.Continuous Optimization of Operational Quality: ESG Performance Gains Industry RecognitionThe consistently strong sales performance of the AITO brand has provided solid support for the overall operational improvement of SERES. In terms of revenue, the Company's operating income surged from RMB35.8 billion in 2023 to RMB145.1 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 305.5%, fully demonstrating the strong momentum of its scale expansion. Profitability has also steadily increased, with the gross profit margin rising from 7.2% in 2023 to 26.5% in the first half of 2025. The Company achieved profitability for the first time in 2024, recording a net profit attributable to owners of the Company of RMB5.9 billion. This profitable trend continued into the first half of 2025, with a net profit attributable to owners of the Company of RMB2.9 billion, indicating ongoing optimization of operational quality.Alongside significant operational improvements, SERES has also achieved outstanding results in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. Its strong ESG performance has become a crucial cornerstone for solidifying its industry competitiveness. On October 16, 2025, the international authoritative index company MSCI released its latest corporate ESG ratings. SERES, recognized for its excellent performance in environmental, social, and governance aspects, received the highest AAA rating. This achievement makes SERES the only A-share listed automobile enterprise to receive this honor, fully highlighting its leading position in building the future mobility ecosystem.From an industry perspective, driven by the continuous iteration and upgrading of the technical performance of new energy passenger vehicles, increasing policy support from countries and regions globally, and growing consumer environmental awareness, the global new energy passenger vehicle market has experienced rapid development. Global sales of new energy passenger vehicles surged from 6.2 million vehicles in 2021 to 17.1 million vehicles in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.2% during this period. The penetration rate of new energy passenger vehicles in the global passenger vehicle market increased from 9.7% in 2021 to 23.0% in 2024. Looking ahead, as the comprehensive competitiveness of new energy passenger vehicles further strengthens, global sales are expected to exceed 42.3 million vehicles by 2030, with a CAGR of 16.3% from 2024 to 2030. The market penetration rate is anticipated to climb to 47.0%, indicating the continuous release of the industry's growth potential.With its listing in Hong Kong, SERES will leverage the broad platform of the Hong Kong market to further strengthen its investment in technological R&D and global layout, continuously improve its "Luxury + Technology" product ecosystem, and consolidate its competitive advantage in the intelligent NEV sector. Riding the powerful wave of global NEV expansion, the Company stands poised to rapidly capture market share, continuously broaden its growth horizons, and generate substantial value for investors—with long-term growth prospects that inspire considerable confidence. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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GBA enterprises speed up ASEAN expansion, amid trade tensions, with 73 percent fast-tracking plans ACN Newswire

GBA enterprises speed up ASEAN expansion, amid trade tensions, with 73 percent fast-tracking plans

HONG KONG, January 14, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Enterprises across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) are accelerating their expansion into ASEAN amid escalating global uncertainties and intensifying tariff pressures. A new joint study, “Hong Kong Empowers GBA Enterprises for ASEAN Growth Amid Global Trade Challenges”, released today by UOB Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), reveals GBA companies are now scaling their ASEAN strategies with greater urgency to boost growth and strengthen supply chain resilience.ASEAN growth set to accelerate furtherReflecting this renewed urgency, the study finds that 73 percent of GBA respondents intend to accelerate their business development in ASEAN, reinforcing the region’s importance as a long-standing and increasingly urgent growth engine amid global trade frictions.ASEAN economies continue to gain prominence, with Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia emerging as the top destinations for GBA enterprises over the next three years. To support expansion plans, companies expect to allocate an average of 30 percent additional resources to their ASEAN expansion plans. Vietnam is the top priority (47 percent increase in resources), followed by Indonesia (37 percent) and Thailand/Malaysia (32 percent each).From a strategic perspective, the primary focus is on driving sales growth – especially in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia – while expanding production and sourcing bases, with Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia the top choices.Even in Singapore, where GBA enterprises already have the largest footprint, respondents intend to commit an average of 23 percent in extra resources to accelerate their business development in the country, especially in areas, such as financing and establishing regional offices.The study also reports a 25 percentage point year-on-year increase in the number of GBA businesses seeking to expand or maintain sales operations within the ASEAN bloc, with 98 percent of surveyed enterprises continuing to target these dynamic sales markets. This acceleration underscores the region’s heightened urgency to navigate intensifying geopolitical and tariff pressures.Notably, 91 percent of respondents intend to expand or maintain their ASEAN-based production and sourcing hubs — a seven percentage point increase compared to 2024, highlighting stronger intent to diversify supply chains and mitigate external risks.Heightened challenges in ASEAN expansionWhile the momentum is clear, the study also highlights significant hurdles GBA enterprises face, as they expand into ASEAN. The most cited challenge is finding suitable local partners (47 percent), a figure that has risen by 24 percentage points since 2024 and has climbed steadily over the past three years. Cultural and language barriers (46 percent) and difficulties in sourcing specialist talent (40 percent) are also on the rise, up 23 and 15 percentage points, respectively. These challenges underscore the need for trusted advisors and deeper cross-border support.Growing commitment to ESGThe study reveals continued progress among GBA companies in pursuing sustainability goals. Of the participating enterprises, 83 percent currently have green initiatives underway, slightly up from 81 percent in 2024 and marking a three-year high.Furthermore, 96 percent of respondents plan to increase or maintain their ESG funding over the next two years, with 66 percent intending to boost their ESG investment – a 26 percentage point jump from 40 percent in 2024, recording a three-year high. For the next two years, the average intended level of ESG funding on the part of GBA enterprises is now HK$874,771, nearly double the HK$462,535 recorded in 2024.Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, said, “For GBA enterprises, ASEAN is not just the next stop – it is the growth frontier. Hong Kong amplifies that momentum, and UOB has the expertise to connect it. With our extensive ASEAN network, deep local insights and sustainability leadership, we help businesses in Hong Kong scale faster, strengthen their resilience and capture opportunities with commitment. We help businesses win the next chapter of regional growth.”Hong Kong as the gateway for ASEAN expansion and ESG leadershipThe survey reaffirms Hong Kong’s role as a critical platform for GBA enterprises seeking to accelerate ASEAN expansion and strengthen ESG programmes. Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector is widely recognised and highly appreciated, earning a score of 7.9 out of 10 for connectivity with both GBA cities and the ASEAN bloc.Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, said, “With the shifting global supply chain landscape and tariff uncertainties, many GBA enterprises are accelerating their ASEAN engagement not merely as a means of risk diversification, but to capture new growth opportunities in fast-evolving markets. Hong Kong’s unique positioning as a superconnector allows businesses to leverage the city’s comprehensive trade, financial and professional services platform to navigate this transformation efficiently, while strengthening their ESG commitments. The HKTDC will continue to proactively support GBA enterprises in leveraging Hong Kong's professional services to capitalise on opportunities in the ASEAN markets.”Among the 73 percent of GBA enterprises intending to accelerate their ASEAN development, two-thirds have leveraged Hong Kong’s platform to advance their expansion.On the ESG front, Hong Kong offers diversified, forward-looking, sustainable development solutions necessary for green and sustainable business development, with its green services rated at 8.8 out of 10 by surveyed enterprises.In addition, more than 90 percent respondents are considering or already increasing their uptake of Hong Kong’s sustainable development services over the next two years. The most in-demand services include: (1) green financial products and services; (2) green financing services; (3) ESG reporting, due diligence, ESG rating; and (4) green asset valuation.The report, based on insights from more than 600 businesses across Hong Kong and five key mainland GBA cities (Dongguan, Foshan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhongshan), examines how businesses are adjusting strategies amid global challenges, and how Hong Kong continues to play a pivotal role as a superconnector, empowering GBA enterprises to diversify supply chains within ASEAN and advance their ESG commitments. [Note 1]Download the report: https://research.hktdc.com/tc/article/MjIxMDQzMTcwMQ (Chinese only, English version available by end of January)Note 1:As a means of calibrating the change over the past 12 months and beyond, the results were compared with the conclusions of three earlier studies: GBA Supply Chain Diversity: Enhancing Connectivity Among ASEAN, Hong Kong, and the Mainland (2024), Navigating Connectivity – Exploring ASEAN Opportunities for the Greater Bay Area (2023) and Sustainability in the GBA: Unlocking Opportunities and Empowering Growth (2023).Related materials• HKTDC Research: https://research.hktdc.com/en• The report in Chinese – Hong Kong Empowers GBA Enterprises for ASEAN Growth Amid Global Trade Challenges: https://research.hktdc.com/tc/article/MjIxMDQzMTcwMQ (English version available by end of January)Photos Download: https://bit.ly/3LahfQ0Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, (left) and Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, (right) release the Hong Kong Empowers GBA Enterprises for ASEAN Growth Amid Global Trade Challenges research report.Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC ResearchAdaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong KongMedia enquiriesHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@@hktdc.orgClayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgUOB Hong Kong:Susanna Liu Tel: (852) 2123 7537 Email: susanna.liuwy@uobgroup.comSarah Tsang Tel: (852) 2123 7536 Email: sarah.tsangsw@uobgroup.comAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. About UOBUOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of more than 470 branches and offices in 19 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.For nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to helping businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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GA-ASI and USN Test Expanded Sonobuoy Dispensing System For MQ-9B SeaGuardian(R) ACN Newswire

GA-ASI and USN Test Expanded Sonobuoy Dispensing System For MQ-9B SeaGuardian(R)

SAN DIEGO, Jan 14, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Navy continue to expand the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Flight test was performed on December 17 and featured Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) pods, more than previously tested, doubling the number of sonobuoys available."Expanding sonobuoy capacity, including Multi-static Active Coherent (MAC) technology for SeaGuardian, has been an integral part of our advanced ASW strategy to broaden and enhance search areas," said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. "The wider maritime coverage our MQ-9B's ASW capability provides is extremely valuable to our customers."Sonobuoys are naval sensors that drop from an aircraft into the ocean and help detect submarines. The SeaGuardian deployed AN/SSQ-36 Bathythermal, AN/SSQ-53G Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR) (passive), and AN/SSQ-62F Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS) (active) buoys. This was the first time Multi-static Active Coherent (MAC) buoys have been dispensed from an uncrewed aircraft. The MAC buoys are better at detecting submarines over large areas and require fewer buoys compared to using DIFAR and DICASS.Sponsored by the U.S. Navy, the flight tests were specifically aimed at certifying the SDS. This flight testing supports the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet's Operational Evaluation deployment to SEVENTH Fleet and enjoyed additional support and governmental supervision from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) AIRWorks.Upon completion of the testing and data review, the U.S. Navy is expected to give GA-ASI deployment flight clearance for ASW operations using MQ-9B SeaGuardian in January 2026.SeaGuardian has also been used by the U.S. Navy in various recent exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.About GA-ASIGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is the world's foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 9 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle®, MQ-20 Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.Avenger, EagleEye, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.CONTACT:GA-ASI Media RelationsGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com(858) 524-8101SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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DPC Dash – Domino’s Pizza China Defies Headwinds in 2025 as Strong Q4 Performance Cements Market Leadership

HONG KONG, Jan 14, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - China's restaurant industry grew 3.3% to RMB 5.22 trillion in revenue through November 2025, government data showed, even as competition intensified beyond product and service into battles over supply chains, digitalization and capital strength.Chain expansion has emerged as the key differentiator, with China's restaurant chain penetration rate rising steadily in recent years and expected to reach 25% in 2025, according to Meituan platform data. Industry reports show that the pizza category stands out, as China’s pizza market reached RMB 48 billion in 2024 and surpassed RMB 50 billion in 2025. Against this backdrop, DPC Dash-Domino's Pizza China (1405.HK) disclosed its Q4 2025 business results this month, reinforcing its position as the market leader.Store Expansion Achieves Quality and Scale GrowthDPC Dash is the exclusive master franchisee for Domino's Pizza in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR. The company's 2025 store deployment closely aligned with industry trends, achieving breakthroughs in scale and efficiency. As of December 31, 2025, total store count exceeded 1,315 locations, representing 307 net new stores year-over-year, with entry into 21 new cities and expanding coverage to 60 cities. On January 1, 2026, the company accelerated expansion further, with 62 new stores opening across 46 cities.This efficient expansion benefits from mature store expansion models and precise market judgment. In 2025, when overall industry store counts fluctuated due to competition, DPC Dash’s efficient, high-quality expansion results proved particularly impressive. New store performance further validates brand strength—the first store in Dalian generated sales close to RMB 700,000 on its grand opening day during the 2026 New Year holiday, setting a new record in Domino’s global system. As of Q3 2025, DPC Dash holds 49 of the top 50 spots in first-30-day sales rankings among Domino's global network. By store count, the Chinese Mainland market has become Domino's third-largest international market, with regional penetration capabilities continuing to lead.Operating Resilience Emerges, User Ecosystem Solidifies Growth FoundationDue to structural market factors, category shifts and changing consumer trends, the restaurant industry's average order size remained under pressure in 2025, with consumers increasingly favoring affordable, quality dining options. Amid these trend shifts, DPC Dash achieved steady growth against such headwinds, demonstrating strong operational resilience.In Q4 2025, the company's tier-one city same-store sales growth (SSSG) maintained positive momentum. Excluding impacts from new market stores opened after December 2022, group-level SSSG also remained positive for both H2 2025 and full-year 2025. Even despite high prior-period comparisons and competitive market pressures, core market risk resilience remained outstanding. Continued user community expansion supported performance growth. As of December 31, 2025, total membership reached 35.6 million, up 45.3% from 24.5 million at year-end 2024. New users completing first orders through proprietary and third-party channels in the past 12 months continued growing, exceeding 15.4 million.Strong operating metrics and user base earned DPC Dash the "Most Valuable Consumer Company Award" and "Best IR Team Award" from Zhitong Finance's listed company ranking, further solidifying capital market recognition of its operating quality and growth logic.Product & Marketing Dual-Engine Drive, Digitalization Enables Efficiency UpgradesAligning with the pizza category’s "localized flavor" trends, DPC Dash employs product innovation and scenario marketing as twin engines, continuously strengthening user stickiness. In 2025, pizza sector innovation focused on flavor fusion. Building on this foundation, DPC Dash further expanded global flavor combinations, launching Sicilian-Inspired Beef & Bamboo Shoot Pizza and Madrid-Inspired Beef and Shrimp Pizza in Q4, satisfying diverse consumer taste preferences. The 2025 hit product Volcano Crust pizza series won the "Phenomenal Product Impact Award” as part of the Seven-Star Convention Alliance’s inaugural food and beverage consumer influence rankings for its phenomenal product innovation. While innovating, the company continues leading the industry in food safety, health advocacy and sustainable development, earning the Seven-Star Awards for the fifth year.Simultaneously, the company upgraded two popular pizzas with additional toppings at the same price, highlighting value advantages amid declining industry order sizes. On the marketing front, the company launched Halloween-themed snacks tied to seasonal scenarios, brought back the classic "Mega Week" promotion to lower consumption barriers, and partnered with Sanrio's popular character Kuromi for limited-edition merchandise, precisely targeting diverse consumer groups.Behind these initiatives lies strong digital capability support. DPC Dash leveraged its mature online operating systems and data-driven strategies to win the "Top 20 Digitalized Enterprise" from the China Digital Innovation Expo. Its digital practices highly align with industry trends of online channels becoming important growth drivers, providing broad space for business expansion.Comprehensive ESG Efforts Achieve Commercial and Social Value SynergyAs the industry accelerates "food industry + digital intelligence + dining + leisure" integration, DPC Dash continues deepening ESG initiatives, achieving synergistic growth of commercial and social value. In 2025, DPC Dash received multiple awards including the 2025 ESG Outstanding Listed Company Award at International Green Zero-Carbon Festival, and the 2025 Most Socially Responsible Listed Company Award from National Business Daily. These honors not only recognize sustainable operations but also align with consumer expectations for brand social responsibility, further strengthening brand reputation. In talent management, DPC Dash earned Mercer's "Best Employer" honor for the fourth time and first-time "Star Employer" recognition.Looking Forward: Deepening 4D Strategy, Leading High-Quality DevelopmentIn 2026, China's restaurant industry will transition comprehensively from scale expansion toward quality and efficiency improvement. After breaking through the RMB 50 billion market scale, pizza category competition will focus more intensely on product innovation, digital efficiency and refined operations. The Western fast-food segment will continue to see dual battles over localization and scale.DPC Dash plans to continue deepening its 4D Strategy of Development, Delicious Pizza at Value, Delivery, and Digital, continuously mining consumption potential across market tiers while optimizing store network layout. The company will also iterate on product portfolios, upgrade digitalization and strengthen supply chain resilience to further consolidate core competitiveness. With proven operating systems, strong brand momentum and multi-dimensional industry recognition, DPC Dash is positioned to continue leading China's pizza market in the new year, providing a replicable model for Western fast food and the broader restaurant industry's high-quality development. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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The 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final recognises Singapore’s finest real estate ACN Newswire

The 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final recognises Singapore’s finest real estate

CULMINATION OF THE 2025 PROPERTYGURU ASIA PROPERTY AWARDS SERIES ELEVATES SINGAPORE REAL ESTATE AS ASIA’S BESTBANGKOK, Jan 14, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The 20th edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series has culminated in spectacular style at its Grand Final, with recognitions for real estate achievements by Singapore developers.After a landmark journey through 13 property markets, the 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final set apart Asia’s outstanding developers, developments, and designs in ceremonies today at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok.Commemorating 20 years of recognising achievements in real estate, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final featured over 90 categories celebrating the “Best in Asia,” in line with PropertyGuru’s vision of powering communities to live, work, and thrive in tomorrow’s cities. Finalists were chosen from the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards’ series of galas and events across the region.Singapore developers received 11 wins at the Grand Final, including Best Residential Developer (Asia) for UOL Group Limited.Parktown Residence, a venture of CapitaLand Development, UOL Group Limited, and Singapore Land Group Limited, was awarded Best Condo Development (Asia), Best Condo Architectural Design (Asia), and Best Condo Landscape Design (Asia). Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard gained the Best Luxury Condo Development (Asia) and Best Luxury Condo Interior Design (Asia) awards for UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited.IOI Properties Singapore was awarded for the projects IOI Central Boulevard Towers, winning Best Office Development (Asia) and Best Office Architectural Design (Asia), and W Residences Marina View – Singapore, winning Best Lifestyle Condo Development (Asia).Promenade Peak by Allgreen Properties Limited won Best Luxury Condo Architectural Design (Asia) while Serene Living, managed by The Assembly Place, was named Best Co Living Space (Asia).Henderson Land Development Company Limited from Hong Kong brought home the prestigious golden statuette of Best Developer (Asia). The Legacy - 8 Castle Road, Mid Levels, Henderson Land Development Company Limited’s ultra-luxurious joint venture with leading developer New World Development Company Limited, achieved a double victory in the development and design categories.One Central Macau Revamp by Properties Sub F, Limited, a joint venture of Hongkong Land Group and Shun Tak Development Limited, also won and represented the Chinese special administrative regions. Design innovation from Mainland China was prominently recognised this year, with wins for top design practices Benoy, CAN Design, J&A Design, and Lead8.With a total of 17 Best in Asia titles, Malaysia was the top-performing country at the 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final. JLand Group emerged victorious as Best Industrial Developer (Asia), winning for its township development Bandar Dato’ Onn. MTD Properties and Faire Development were named Best Affordable Residential Developer (Asia) and Best Breakthrough Developer (Asia), respectively.Malaysia’s honours were spread across diverse developments emphasising connectivity, sustainability, multi-generational flexibility, and premium living experiences. Other winning companies included Armani Group; Astaka Kimlun Sdn Bhd; City Motors Group; Exal (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd; Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd; IIB Land Sdn. Bhd.; Malton Berhad; Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS); Platinum Victory; R&F Development Sdn Bhd; Sime Darby Property; and TRX City Sdn Bhd.Indonesia followed closely with 15 wins for developers across the archipelago. Winners demonstrated their prowess in building live-work-play communities, with Paramount Land named Best Township Developer (Asia) and Sinar Mas Land winning for the townships BSD City and Grand Wisata. Sinar Mas Land also scored a joint win with Hongkong Land for Botanic Villa at NavaPark.PT. Putragaya Wahana, hailed Best Commercial Developer (Asia), earned multiple wins for the superblock Thamrin Nine, home to Indonesia’s tallest buildings. Winning projects by Mandiri Land, Masgroup, Summarecon Group, and Triniti Land set high benchmarks for affordable, mid-end, high-end, and eco-conscious living, as well as hospitality.With 14 wins, developers from Vietnam rose as another formidable force at the Grand Final, led by CapitaLand Development (Vietnam), winner of Best Sustainable Developer (Asia) and multiple honours for the projects Orchard Grand, Orchard Mansion, The Fullton, and The Orchard. Gamuda Land Vietnam won Best Community Developer (Asia), reinforced by projects such as Central Park and Springville. Nomura Real Estate Vietnam, awarded Best International Partner Developer (Asia), was additionally recognised for The Komorebi. Projects from Ecopark Founder and KD Investment Joint Stock Company rounded out the elite winners from Vietnam.Developers across the Philippines won 10 Best in Asia titles. Robinsons Land received four titles, including the Best Luxury Developer (Asia) award and wins for The Mall | NUSTAR; The Victor at Bridgetowne; and work.able GBF Center 1. Robinsons Hotels and Resorts was named Best Hospitality Developer (Asia) while RLC Residences, a Robinsons Land subsidiary, won for Sync and The Residences at The Westin Manila. Winning developments from Aboitiz Economic Estates, Aboitiz Land, Inc., and FIESTA Communities Incorporated showcased the Philippines’ impressive progress in industrial development and housing connectivity.Thailand developers earned seven Best in Asia wins, led by Reignwood Group, winner of Best Luxury Mega Township Development (Asia) for Reignwood Park. Thailand’s wins underlined development innovations and architectural excellence throughout the kingdom, exemplified by luxurious homes and coastal residences by AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Pruksa Real Estate Public Company Limited, Triya, and Tropical Life Real Estate Co., Ltd. Solidifying Thailand's stature as a premier retail destination, Lead8 was honoured for its design on Parade at One Bangkok.Supaluck Umpujh, chairwoman of The Mall Group, received the PropertyGuru Icon Award from the editorial team of Property Report by PropertyGuru. The 2017 Thailand Real Estate Personality of the Year returned to the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards in recognition of her recent iconic achievements in mixed-use and retail development, including the award-winning EM District in Bangkok.Eterno Property Group represented Australia’s enduring cross-border appeal to property seekers with wins for its projects Munro House and The Newlands. Eve Residences by Homecorp was recognised for its impressive views along the Australian coast.From Japan, JY Suites Tsutenkaku by Jean Yip Developments won the Best Affordable Condo Development (Asia) award while Four Seasons Hotel Osaka by Curiosity won Best Hospitality Interior Design (Asia).Representing Sri Lanka, Home Lands Group of Companies was named Best Lifestyle Developer (Asia) while Pentara Model Apartment by Urbanspace Interiors Pvt Ltd. won Best Condo Interior Design (Asia).From the Middle East, The Chedi Private Residences, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates by Chedi Hospitality won Best Branded Residential Development (Asia).Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “We conclude the landmark 20th edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series on a highly positive note, echoing industry resilience in over 600 awards across 13 distinct real estate markets that continue to overcome headwinds and capitalise on strategic opportunities in the current cycle. This year’s Best in Asia winners showcase record-setting skyscrapers, large-scale townships, transit-oriented developments, premium and affordable homes, flexible spaces, and urban landmarks, designed with ambition for long-term value and guided by environmental and social considerations. We look forward to the new standards of sustainable development that developers in Asia will deliver over the next 20 years.”Thien Duong, chairperson of the Grand Final jury and general director, GroupGSA (Vietnam), said: “The distinguished winners of the 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final have expertly answered the regional demand for experiential living, wellness integration, and future-proofed design. From integrated live-work-play communities to ultra-luxurious addresses and immersive sales galleries, the collective momentum is toward more sustainable, people-centric, and technologically adaptive projects. Our awardees demonstrate that exceptional master-planning, architecture, interior design, and landscaping can be achieved at any scale, ultimately driving tenant retention, buyer attraction, and the creation of civic assets that enrich the urban fabric. Congratulations to the Best in Asia.”The winners were selected by a jury comprising the head judges of participating markets in the Awards: Thien Duong; Ajai A Kapoor, CEO, 360 degrees – Real Estate Services (India); Cyndy Tan Jarabata, president of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc. (Philippines); Doddy A. Tjahjadi, managing director, PTI Architects (Indonesia); Eddie Guillemette, CEO, Midori no Ki (Japan); Datuk Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail, president, Malaysian Institute of Architects: 2020-2022 (Malaysia); Ivan Lam​, executive director, international business, Charter Keck Cramer (Australia); Ken Ip, chairman, Asia MarTech Society (Mainland China); Dr. Nirmal De Silva, director and CEO, Paramount Realty (Sri Lanka); Paul Tse, president, Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers (Hong Kong and Macau); Roy Ling, CEO, board director, and adjunct professor, FollowTrade (Singapore); and Suphin Mechuchep, strategic real estate advisor (Thailand).HLB, the global network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers, upheld the integrity of the awards. Paul Ashburn of HLB International Real Estate Group and Sakanphon Fueangwong of HLB Thailand oversaw the selection process.The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final is supported by platinum sponsor Sub-Zero & Wolf SEA; official portal partner PropertyGuru; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; media partners Bridges, BusinessWorld, d+a Magazine, Detik.com, Hot Magazine, Inquirer Property, Kompas.com, Kopi and Property, Luxury Society of Asia, Manila Bulletin, Niaga Times, Penang Property Talk, Prop2morrow, REm Thailand, SquareRooms, Tatler Asia Homes, TerraBKK, The Grid, The Malaysia Voice, The Philippine Star, and Top10 of Asia; official courier EZY Express; and official supervisor HLB.For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand FinalDEVELOPER AWARDSBest Developer (Asia)Henderson Land Development Company Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER)Eterno Property Group – AustraliaHome Lands Group of Companies – Sri LankaJean Yip Developments – JapanJLand Group – MalaysiaRobinsons Land – PhilippinesSummarecon Group – IndonesiaBest Township Developer (Asia)Paramount Land – Indonesia (WINNER)Phu Long Real Estate Corporation – VietnamBest Luxury Developer (Asia)Robinsons Land – Philippines (WINNER)Allgreen Properties Limited – SingaporeSkyland Group – AustraliaBest Commercial Developer (Asia)PT. Putragaya Wahana – Indonesia (WINNER)Robinsons Offices – PhilippinesBest Industrial Developer (Asia)JLand Group – Malaysia (WINNER)Aboitiz Economic Estates – PhilippinesBest Hospitality Developer (Asia)Robinsons Hotels and Resorts – Philippines (WINNER)Best Lifestyle Developer (Asia)Home Lands Group of Companies – Sri Lanka (WINNER)Jean Yip Developments – JapanBest Sustainable Developer (Asia)CapitaLand Development (Vietnam) – Vietnam (WINNER)Berinda Group – MalaysiaRobinsons Land – PhilippinesUOL Group Limited – SingaporeBest Residential Developer (Asia)UOL Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER)Best Affordable Residential Developer (Asia)MTD Properties – Malaysia (WINNER)FIESTA Communities Incorporated – PhilippinesKim Oanh Land – VietnamBest Community Developer (Asia)Gamuda Land Vietnam – Vietnam (WINNER)Best Breakthrough Developer (Asia)Faire Development – Malaysia (WINNER)Apex Asia Development Pte. Ltd. – SingaporeBest International Partner Developer (Asia)Nomura Real Estate Vietnam – Vietnam (WINNER)DEVELOPMENT AWARDSBest Mega Township Development (Asia)BSD City by Sinar Mas Land – Indonesia (WINNER)Kota Baru Parahyangan by PT Belaputera Intiland – IndonesiaBest Luxury Mega Township Development (Asia)Reignwood Park by Reignwood Group – Thailand (WINNER)Best Township Development (Asia)Bandar Dato’ Onn by JLand Group – Malaysia (WINNER)One Era by Hoa Lan Township JVC – VietnamSummarecon Bandung by Summarecon Group – IndonesiaSummarecon Serpong by Summarecon Group – IndonesiaBest Mixed Use Development (Asia)Tun Razak Exchange by TRX City Sdn Bhd – Malaysia (WINNER)Avia Estate by Alsons Development and Investment Corporation – PhilippinesHighwood - 70 To Kwa Wan Road by Henderson Land Development Company Limited – China – Hong Kong and MacauParktown Residence by CapitaLand Development, UOL Group Limited, & Singapore Land Group Limited – SingaporeBest Completed Mixed Use Development (Asia)Thamrin Nine by PT. Putragaya Wahana – Indonesia (WINNER)Best Industrial Development (Asia)LIMA Estate by Aboitiz Economic Estates – Philippines (WINNER)Industropolis Batang SEZ by PT Kawasan Industri Terpadu Batang – IndonesiaBest Lifestyle Commercial Development (Asia)Agora at Thamrin Nine by PT. Putragaya Wahana – Indonesia (WINNER)Odeon by UOL Group Limited – SingaporeBest Green Commercial Development (Asia)One Central Macau Revamp by Properties Sub F, Limited (Joint Venture of Hongkong Land Group & Shun Tak Development Limited) – China – Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER)GBF Centers 1 & 2 by Robinsons Offices – PhilippinesBest Eco Friendly Commercial Development (Asia)Teras Lakon at Summarecon Serpong by Summarecon Group – Indonesia (WINNER)Best Office Development (Asia)IOI Central Boulevard Towers by IOI Properties Singapore – Singapore (WINNER)Luminary Tower at Thamrin Nine by PT. Putragaya Wahana – IndonesiaYokohama Symphostage by Obayashi Corporation – JapanBest Retail Development (Asia)JLC by CAN Design – Mainland China (WINNER)Jakarta Premium Outlets by Genting Simon Group – IndonesiaBest Lifestyle Retail Development (Asia)The Mall | NUSTAR by Robinsons Land – Philippines (WINNER)Best Hospitality Development (Asia)Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach by Mandiri Land – Indonesia (WINNER)Best City Hotel Development (Asia)Holiday Inn KL Bangsar by City Motors Group – Malaysia (WINNER)Fili Hotel Bridgetowne by Robinsons Hotels and Resorts – PhilippinesSocial on Outram by The Assembly Place – SingaporeBest Ultra Luxury Condo Development (Asia)Armani Hallson KLCC by Armani Group – Malaysia (WINNER)W Residences Marina View – Singapore by IOI Properties Singapore – SingaporeBest Luxury Condo Development (Asia)Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard by UOL Group Limited & Singapore Land Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER)Pentara Residencies - Thummulla Handiya "The Address in Colombo" by Home Lands Group of Companies – Sri LankaBest Condo Development (Asia)Parktown Residence by CapitaLand Development, UOL Group Limited, & Singapore Land Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER)33–47A Elgin Street by Henderson Land Development Company Limited – China – Hong Kong and MacauBest Completed Ultra Luxury Condo Development (Asia)The Legacy - 8 Castle Road, Mid Levels by Henderson Land Development Company Limited & New World Development Company Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER)Best Completed Luxury Condo Development (Asia)The Residences at The Westin Manila by RLC Residences – Philippines (WINNER)Best Completed Condo Development (Asia)Munro House by Eterno Property Group – Australia (WINNER)Santorini Resort Apartments & Residencies, Negombo by Home Lands Group of Companies – Sri LankaBest Waterfront Condo Development (Asia)Central Park by Gamuda Land Vietnam – Vietnam (WINNER)Bayfonte Marina Resort Apartments & Villas, Negombo by Home Lands Group of Companies – Sri LankaChapter Charoenkrung Riverside by Pruksa Real Estate Public Company Limited – ThailandWanda View by 16MC Developments – AustraliaBest Lifestyle Condo Development (Asia)W Residences Marina View – Singapore by IOI Properties Singapore – Singapore (WINNER)The Zenith by Xiangyuan Property Development Limited – China – Hong Kong and MacauBest Mid End Condo Development (Asia)Sync by RLC Residences – Philippines (WINNER)Best High End Condo Development (Asia)Orchard Grand by CapitaLand Development (Vietnam) – Vietnam (WINNER)Best Connectivity Condo Development (Asia)Linkar 52 by Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) – Malaysia (WINNER)Best Luxury Lifestyle Condo Development (Asia)Arden Serviced Residence by Astaka Kimlun Sdn Bhd – Malaysia (WINNER)Best Oceanview Condo Development (Asia)Eve Residences by Homecorp – Australia (WINNER)Best Affordable Condo Development (Asia)JY Suites Tsutenkaku by Jean Yip Developments – Japan (WINNER)Best Investment Condo Development (Asia)R&F Princess Cove Phase 2 - Seine Region by R&F Development Sdn Bhd – Malaysia (WINNER)Best Multigeneration Living Condo Development (Asia)PV22 Residences by Platinum Victory – Malaysia (WINNER)Best Ultra Luxury Housing / Landed Development (Asia)Botanic Villa at NavaPark by PT. Bumi Parama Wisesa (Hongkong Land & Sinar Mas Land) – Indonesia (WINNER)Best Luxury Housing / Landed Development (Asia)The Fullton by CapitaLand Development (Vietnam) – Vietnam (WINNER)Ardea at Summarecon Serpong by Summarecon Group – IndonesiaMatera Signature by Paramount Land – IndonesiaSango Project by Sango Construction Co., Ltd. – JapanBest Housing / Landed Development (Asia)Orchard Mansion by CapitaLand Development (Vietnam) – Vietnam (WINNER)Narra Park Residences Avia by Alsons Development and Investment Corporation – PhilippinesSpringleaf Collection by The Assembly Place – SingaporeUniversity Road Developments by Jean Yip Developments – SingaporeBest Affordable Housing / Landed Development (Asia)Areum Parc Bogor by Masgroup – Indonesia (WINNER)Sunnyhomes by SMDC Symphony Homes – PhilippinesBest Waterfront Housing / Landed Development (Asia)Seafront Residences by Aboitiz Land, Inc. – Philippines (WINNER)Best High End Housing / Landed Development (Asia)Bukit Impian Residence by Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd – Malaysia (WINNER)Best Mid End Housing / Landed Development (Asia)Vanica Residence at Summarecon Crown Gading by Summarecon Group – Indonesia (WINNER)baé by Faire Development – MalaysiaBest Luxury Lifestyle Housing / Landed Development (Asia)The Palazzo Pinklao - Borom by AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited – Thailand (WINNER)Best Lifestyle Housing / Landed Development (Asia)European Island, Eco Central Park by Ecopark Founder – Vietnam (WINNER)Giva at The Kaia by Sinar Mas Land – IndonesiaPonderosa Vista by Berinda Group – MalaysiaBest Completed Housing / Landed Development (Asia)The Orchard by CapitaLand Development (Vietnam) – Vietnam (WINNER)Best Eco Friendly Housing Development (Asia)Elmina Ridge 1 by Sime Darby Property – Malaysia (WINNER)Best Oceanview Housing / Landed Development (Asia)Nathee/Thawee by Tropical Life Residence by Tropical Life Real Estate Co., Ltd. – Thailand (WINNER)Best Multigeneration Living Housing / Landed Development (Asia)SÓL Estate Prime by Exal (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd – Malaysia (WINNER)Best Connectivity Housing / Landed Development (Asia)FIESTA Communities Aguso by FIESTA Communities Incorporated – Philippines (WINNER)Best Townhouse Development (Asia)Springville by Gamuda Land Vietnam – Vietnam (WINNER)Aludra Residensi by Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) – MalaysiaBest Branded Residential Development (Asia)The Chedi Private Residences, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates by Chedi Hospitality – Middle East (WINNER)Best Wellness Residential Development (Asia)The Komorebi by Nomura Real Estate Vietnam – Vietnam (WINNER)Best Nature Integrated Development (Asia)The Newlands by Eterno Property Group – Australia (WINNER)fThe Hood at Summarecon Serpong by Summarecon Group – IndonesiaBest Serviced Apartment Development (Asia)Park Green Pavilion Bukit Jalil by Malton Berhad – Malaysia (WINNER)DESIGN AWARDSBest Township Masterplan Design (Asia)Grand Wisata by Sinar Mas Land - Indonesia (WINNER)Taman Impian Emas by Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd - MalaysiaBest Mixed Use Architectural Design (Asia)Nanjing Alibaba Center by Benoy – Mainland China (WINNER)Menara Jakarta by ASRI - ( subsidiary of ASG ) Agung Sedayu Group – IndonesiaBest Office Architectural Design(Asia)IOI Central Boulevard Towers by IOI Properties Singapore – Singapore (WINNER)GBF Center 2 by Robinsons Offices – PhilippinesBest Retail Architectural Design (Asia)Shanghai Qianwan Incity MEGA by Lead8 - Mainland China (WINNER)K Mall at Menara Jakarta by ASRI - ( subsidiary of ASG ) Agung Sedayu Group - IndonesiaKato Knife Gallery and Workshop by BAUM Ltd. - JapanParade at One Bangkok by Lead8 - ThailandSKP Wuhan by Sybarite Architects - Mainland ChinaThe Mall | NUSTAR by Robinsons Land - PhilippinesBest Hospitality Architectural Design (Asia)Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach by Mandiri Land – Indonesia (WINNER)ILUVIO Resort Motobu by K2-Design Architect & Associates Co., Ltd. – JapanBest Luxury Condo Architectural Design (Asia)Promenade Peak by Allgreen Properties Limited – Singapore (WINNER)Best Condo Architectural Design (Asia)Parktown Residence by CapitaLand Development, UOL Group Limited, & Singapore Land Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER)Best Ultra Luxury Housing / Landed Architectural Design (Asia)Triya Panwa by The Element by Triya – Thailand (WINNER)Best Luxury Housing / Landed Architectural Design (Asia)The Reserve Villas Sukhumvit 89/1 by Pruksa Real Estate Public Company Limited – Thailand (WINNER)Xandari at Summarecon Bandung by Summarecon Group – IndonesiaBest Housing / Landed Architectural Design (Asia)La Tien Villa Subdivision - Libera Nha Trang by KD Investment Joint Stock Company - Vietnam (WINNER)The City Ratchapruek - Phrannok by AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited - ThailandBest High End Housing / Landed Architectural Design (Asia)Sequoia Hills - Cluster Harvest Ville by Triniti Land - Indonesia (WINNER)Best Affordable Housing / Landed Architectural Design (Asia)Areum Parc Bogor by Masgroup - Indonesia (WINNER)Best Townhouse Architectural Design (Asia)Wawari West Park Homes by IIB Land Sdn. Bhd. - Malaysia (WINNER)Best Sales Gallery Architectural Design (Asia)Galeria SA Sentral by Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) - Malaysia (WINNER)Summarecon Bogor by Summarecon Group - IndonesiaW Residences Marina View - Singapore by IOI Properties Singapore - SingaporeBest Retail Interior Design (Asia)Parade at One Bangkok by Lead8 - Thailand (WINNER)Kato Knife Gallery and Workshop by BAUM Ltd. - JapanLiving World Kota Wisata Cibubur by PT Sahabat Kota Wisata (JV between Kawan Lama Group & Sinar Mas Land) - IndonesiaNanjing Jinling Place by Lead8 – Mainland ChinaThe Mall | NUSTAR by Robinsons Land – PhilippinesBest Office Interior Design (Asia)Shanghai Midea Global Innovation Park by J&A Design - Mainland China (WINNER)GBF Center 2 by Robinsons Offices - PhilippinesBest Hospitality Interior Design (Asia)Four Seasons Hotel Osaka by Curiosity – Japan (WINNER)25hours Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta by ASRI - (subsidiary of ASG) Agung Sedayu Group - IndonesiaILUVIO Resort Motobu by K2-Design Architect & Associates Co., Ltd. - JapanW Singapore - Marina View by IOI Properties Singapore - SingaporeBest Ultra Luxury Condo Interior Design (Asia)The Legacy - 8 Castle Road, Mid Levels by Henderson Land Development Company Limited & New World Development Company Limited - China - Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER)W Residences Marina View - Singapore by IOI Properties Singapore - SingaporeBest Luxury Condo Interior Design (Asia)Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard by UOL Group Limited & Singapore Land Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER)Best Condo Interior Design (Asia)Pentara Model Apartment by Urbanspace Interiors Pvt Ltd. – Sri Lanka (WINNER)Best Housing / Landed Interior Design (Asia)Beon Kaset - Nawamin by AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited – Thailand (WINNER)Royale Residence by DM Projects Group – IndonesiaBest Commercial Landscape Design (Asia)Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach by Mandiri Land – Indonesia (WINNER)Best Condo Landscape Design(Asia)Parktown Residence by CapitaLand Development, UOL Group Limited, & Singapore Land Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER)Best Housing / Landed Landscape Design (Asia)The Fullton by CapitaLand Development (Vietnam) – Vietnam (WINNER)Centro Sathorn - Suksawat by AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited – ThailandBest Townhouse Landscape Design (Asia)Springville by Gamuda Land Vietnam – Vietnam (WINNER)Wawari West Park Homes by IIB Land Sdn. Bhd. – MalaysiaBest Landmark Design (Asia)The Victor at Bridgetowne by Robinsons Land – Philippines (WINNER)Best Co Working Space (Asia)work.able GBF Center 1 by Robinsons Land – Philippines (WINNER)Best Co Living Space (Asia)Serene Living, managed by The Assembly Place – Singapore (WINNER)INDIVIDUAL AWARDPropertyGuru Icon AwardSupaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman, The Mall Group (WINNER)ABOUT PROPERTYGURU GROUPPropertyGuru is Southeast Asia's leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 32 million property seekers monthly2 to connect with over 50,000 agents3 monthly to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.1 million real estate listings4, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 18 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its markets in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand as well as the region's biggest and most respected industry recognition platform - PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, events, and publications across Asia.For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn.(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2024 and December 2024.(2) Based on Google Analytics data between July 2024 and December 2024.(3) Based on data between October 2024 and December 2024.(4) Based on data between July 2024 and December 2024.PROPERTYGURU CONTACTS:General Enquiries:Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing ServicesM: +66 92 954 4154E: allan@propertyguru.comSales, Nominations, & Sponsorships:Udomluk Suwan, Sales DirectorM: +66 87 699 4433E: may@propertyguru.comMedia & Partnerships:Nate Dacua, Senior Manager, Media and Marketing ServicesM: +66 92 701 2510E: nate@propertyguru.comPiyachanok Raungpaka, Senior Media & Marketing Services ExecutiveM: +66 94 887 5163E: piyachanok@propertyguru.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Atlas Critical Minerals Commences Trading On NASDAQ Under Ticker Symbol “ATCX” ACN Newswire

Atlas Critical Minerals Commences Trading On NASDAQ Under Ticker Symbol “ATCX”

Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Jan 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Atlas Critical Minerals Corporation (NASDAQ: ATCX) ("Atlas Critical Minerals" or the "Company"), an exploration and development company advancing projects in rare earths, nuclear-grade graphite, and uranium, essential for advanced technology applications, energy transformation, and defense uses, is pleased to announce that its common shares have commenced trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol "ATCX."Marc Fogassa, CEO and Chairman of Atlas Critical Minerals, commented: "Our Nasdaq listing represents a transformational milestone, allowing enhanced visibility at a global scale and expanding access to institutional investors. Our diversified portfolio across multiple critical minerals is virtually unique among publicly traded companies and reflects the dedication of our technical and business development teams. We are humbled by the investor interest in our recent offering, which enabled us to upsize the financing, and look forward to progress on multiple fronts in the months ahead."Atlas Critical Minerals controls more than 218,000 hectares of mineral rights representing one of the largest critical minerals portfolios among publicly traded companies. The Company's diversified asset base spans rare earths, nuclear-grade graphite, uranium, and an expanding revenue-generating iron ore operation. The Company's mineral properties are in Brazil - a country known to have the world's second-largest deposits of rare earths after China.Key Portfolio HighlightsDual Rare Earths Strategy: The Alto do Paranaíba Rare Earths Project features high-grade conglomerate-hosted mineralization with surface samples up to 28,870 ppm TREO (Total Rare Earths Oxide), drilling intercepts including 12 meters at an average of 5,961 ppm TREO, and a 28% Magnetic Rare Earths Oxide MREO-to-TREO ratio. The Iporá Rare Earths Project holds ionic clay mineralized deposits with MREO recovery rates exceeding 60% for critical permanent magnet rare earths elements.Nuclear-Grade Graphite Confirmed: Malacacheta Graphite Project achieved 99.9995% carbon purity in independent U.S. laboratory testing, qualifying for the ultra-premium nuclear graphite market which has been reported to command $25,000-$35,000 per tonne — a 10-15x premium over standard battery-grade graphite normally commercialized in the $2,000-$2,400 range per tonne.Strategic Uranium Portfolio: 143,725 hectares across 39 mineral rights some of which are strategically positioned adjacent or close to areas restricted by Brazil's government because of high uranium potential. Brazil ranks among the world's top ten countries in uranium reserves, offering significant exploration upside in an underexplored jurisdiction. The Company is actively evaluating these areas in anticipation of potential regulatory changes in Brazil.Revenue-Generating Operations: The Company's Rio Piracicaba Iron Ore Project commenced revenue-generating operations in late November 2025, with iron ore shipments now being transported six days per week to a contracted third-party processing facility for conversion into sinter feed. This capital-light operating model is expected to provide near-term cash flow to contribute towards corporate costs including exploration activities for the critical minerals project portfolio.Rare Earths: Dual-Project StrategyThe Company's rare earths portfolio encompasses 53,939 hectares across 33 mineral rights in Minas Gerais and Goiás states.The Alto do Paranaíba Project, located in Minas Gerais state, comprises 21 mineral rights covering 27,737 hectares with conglomerate-type formations rich in rare earths and containing titanium as potential commercial byproduct. Geological surface sampling demonstrated results as high as 29,870ppm for TREO. From a total of 809 samples analyzed — 608 samples exceeded 1,000 ppm TREO and 121 samples exceeded 3,000 ppm TREO. Initial drilling of 11 holes totaling 144 meters confirmed near-surface mineralization including DHTI-001 with 12 m at 5,961 ppm TREO and DHTI-002 with 6m at 7,729 ppm TREO. A technical report prepared by SGS under the guidelines of Item 1300 of Regulation SK ("SK 1300 Technical Report") on the Alto do Paranaíba Project was filed with the SEC on August 14, 2025.The Iporá Project, located in Goiás state, comprises 12 mineral rights covering 18,615 hectares targeting ionic clay deposits. Drilling intercepts include DHIP-0006 at 8m at 2,071 ppm TREO and 775 ppm MREO, with a peak 1-meter interval of 3,822 ppm TREO and 1,803 ppm MREO. Metallurgical testing achieved MREO recovery exceeding 60%, HREO recovery of 55%, and yttrium recovery of 63%. An SK 1300 Technical Report prepared by SGS on the Iporá Project was filed with the SEC on October 3, 2025.Graphite: Nuclear-Grade Quality ConfirmedThe Malacacheta Graphite Project comprises 1,258 hectares in Minas Gerais state. An initial SGS-authored SK 1300 Technical Report was filed with the SEC on August 14, 2025 ("Graphite Technical Report"). Comprehensive characterization of graphite concentrate samples from the Malacacheta Project sent to American Energy Technologies Company (AETC), a U.S. laboratory specializing in graphite, achieved the remarkable level of 99.9995 wt.% carbon purity through thermal purification — meeting stringent nuclear-grade specifications without the use of halogen gases. Additionally, the samples' post-purification BET surface area of 0.89 m²/g placed the material on par with leading deposits including premium Chinese flake graphite from Qingdao province. AETC's conclusion The Graphite Technical Report was updated to include the results of such metallurgical studies and filed with the SEC on November 12, 2025.Uranium: Strategic Positioning for GrowthThe Company's mineral rights with potential for uranium mineralization span 143,725 hectares across 39 mineral rights in Bahia, Ceará, Goiás, Piauí, Pará, and Tocantins states in Brazil. As energy demand from data centers supporting AI revolution and other advanced computing applications outpaces traditional sources, nuclear energy is expected to play an increasingly important role. Growing interest in small modular reactors to power the data centers at remote locations further supports robust long-term market demand for uranium. The U.S. currently imports most of its uranium from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Canada, while nuclear energy already provides 20% of U.S. electricity. Atlas Critical Minerals is well positioned to benefit from potential Brazilian legislative reform and ongoing Western efforts to diversify uranium supply chains.Iron Ore: Early Revenue GenerationThe Company's Rio Piracicaba Iron Ore Project, located in Brazil's renowned Iron Quadrangle area, commenced revenue-generating operations in late November 2025. An SK 1300 Technical Report on this project demonstrated resources of 7,852,912 tons at 32% Fe average grade, with metallurgical testing demonstrating the ability to concentrate the material using magnetic separation techniques to 64.8% sinter feed product, a premium-product range. Under a strategic partnership with an independent third-party operator, the Company's iron ore is mined and delivered to a nearby processing facility for conversion into sinter feed. Atlas Critical Minerals receives revenues from the raw iron ore sales with values per tonne based on a percentage of the Platts IODEX 62% Fe pricing and protected with a pre-determined floor minimum.About Atlas Critical Minerals CorporationAtlas Critical Minerals Corporation (NASDAQ: ATCX) is an exploration and development company advancing projects in rare earths, nuclear-grade graphite, and uranium, essential for advanced technology applications, energy transformation, and defense uses. Additionally, the Company's first iron ore project began operations in November 2025. More information is available at www.atlascriticalminerals.com and in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.Safe Harbor StatementThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based upon the current plans, estimates and projections of Atlas Critical Minerals and its subsidiaries and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.Risks related to the Company and its subsidiaries are discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 28, 2025. Please also refer to the Company's other filings with the SEC, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent the Company's views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. The Company explicitly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.Investor RelationsBrian W. BernierVice President, Investor Relations+1 (833) 661-7900brian.bernier@atlas-cm.comhttps://www.atlascriticalminerals.com/@Atlas_Crit_MinTo view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280146 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Global Sports Brand U.S. Polo Assn. Announced as Official Jersey and Apparel Sponsor for the Legendary Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz ACN Newswire

Global Sports Brand U.S. Polo Assn. Announced as Official Jersey and Apparel Sponsor for the Legendary Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz

WEST PALM BEACH, FL AND ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND, Jan 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - U.S. Polo Assn., the official sports brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), will make its debut as the Official Jersey and Apparel Sponsor of the 41stSnow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, taking place January 23-25, 2026, on the iconic frozen lake of St. Moritz. U.S. Polo Assn.'s inaugural partnership with the world's most prestigious and legendary snow polo tournament underscores the brand's authentic ties to the game and its continued commitment to supporting polo around the world.Photo Caption: Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, with Official Jersey and Apparel Sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. Photo Credit: Christian SommerSnow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2026 is already shaping up to be a record-breaking year, with unprecedented demand for tickets, elite international players, and global attention focused on one of the world's most high-profile polo tournaments played on snow. This event will see more than 26,000 people in attendance from all over Europe and the world."For U.S. Polo Assn., sponsoring the 41st Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz is about authenticity and connection," said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, which manages and markets the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand worldwide. "Supporting iconic polo tournaments like the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz highlights our authenticity and support of the sport's athletes, its history, and its future, while bringing genuine, sport-inspired apparel to consumers from all over the world to one of the most inspirational polo venues on the planet."Throughout the weekend, U.S. Polo Assn. will outfit teams, officials, and key event personnel with custom-designed performance-driven jerseys and apparel that reflect both the demands of competitive winter polo and the refined style synonymous with St. Moritz. U.S. Polo Assn.'s presence reinforces its commitment to the sport-across climates, continents, and cultures-while staying true to its deeply rooted sport DNA.In addition, U.S. Polo Assn. will introduce a curated Limited Edition St. Moritz Capsule Collection at the Snow Polo World Cup, blending the brand's sport heritage with alpine sophistication, available at the frozen lake U.S. Polo Assn. store, in collaboration with Ender Sport, and online at both www.uspashop.com and www.endersport.com. The limited-edition Collection is inspired by snow polo and designed in the U.S. Polo Assn. Florence, Italy Design Studio with performance and craftsmanship at its core, featuring long-sleeve polo shirts, cozy beanies, and stylish sweaters. The capsule's polo shirts and cold-weather accessories are crafted from rich fabrics and premium materials to deliver warmth, flexibility, and comfort in sub-zero conditions. Elevated by tailored silhouettes, subtle softness, and signature embroidered logos from both U.S. Polo Assn. and the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, the Collection seamlessly transitions from the après-polo frozen lake to an everyday alpine lifestyle."Europe has become one of the most dynamic and strategically important markets for U.S. Polo Assn., driven by strong consumer demand for authentic, sport-inspired style and by the brand's continued investment in retail, wholesale, and digital expansion in the region," said Lorenzo Nencini, CEO of INCOM, U.S. Polo Assn.'s Western European Apparel Licensee. "As the brand's long-standing partner in Western Europe, we are proud to be helping shape this growth by connecting European consumers to the true heritage of the sport of polo through premium collections and meaningful global activations.""The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz brings together competitive sport, luxury, and international visibility in a way that resonates deeply with European customers, making it the perfect platform to showcase U.S. Polo Assn.'s authenticity, craftsmanship, and leadership as a global sports brand," Nencini added.Set against the dramatic backdrop of the frozen Engadin Lake, the tournament will feature a world-class lineup of players, including polo legend David "Pelon" Stirling, alongside international stars Nico Pieres, Alfredo Bigatti and Robert Strom. Opening matches on Friday will set the pace, with the competition building toward Sunday's highly anticipated final.Founded in 1985, the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz has become one of the sport's most prestigious events, celebrated for its unique setting, competitive excellence, and unparalleled hospitality. The 2026 edition is already being hailed as a landmark year, with VIP experiences selling out well in advance and global interest at an all-time high."We are proud to welcome U.S. Polo Assn. for the first time as the Official Jersey and Apparel Sponsor of the 41st Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2026," said Reto Gaudenzi, Founder and CEO of the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. "As a brand that is born from the sport of polo, U.S. Polo Assn. brings an authenticity and respect for polo that truly aligns with the values of this outstanding tournament.""This partnership strengthens the connection between elite competition and heritage, while enhancing the experience for players, teams, and guests on the frozen lake of St. Moritz," Gaudenzi added.By aligning with the Snow Polo World Cup, U.S. Polo Assn. continues to champion the sport of polo at its highest levels, supporting the athletes, honoring the traditions of the game, and connecting consumers worldwide to a sport that defines the brand, not only as inspiration, but as its origin.About U.S. Polo Assn.U.S. Polo Assn. is the official sports brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890 and based at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) in Wellington, Florida. This year, U.S. Polo Assn. celebrates 135 years of sports inspiration alongside the USPA. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. The brand sponsors major polo events around the world, including the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, held annually at NPC in The Palm Beaches, the premier polo tournament in the United States. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States, TNT and Eurosport in Europe, and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, PGA Tour, and Formula 1, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world. For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.About INCOMIncom S.P.A., founded in Montecatini Terme (PT) in 1951, operates under license as the apparel division of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand and also produces and distributes important global clothing brands. Moreover, Incom is among the leading suppliers of military and paramilitary clothing for the Italian State, including uniforms and technical clothing made with the special Float patent for floating garments. Since January 2008, Incom has been producing and distributing men's, women's, children's clothing, underwear, and swimwear under the U.S. Polo Assn. brand in Europe, achieving steadily growing sales results. For more information: www.incomitaly.com.About Snow Polo and the Evviva Polo St. Moritz Ltd.The year 1985 saw the first-ever polo competition and St. Moritz staging this world premiere. The Snow Polo World Cup has reigned over the last weekend in January in St. Moritz ever since. In 2014, leading exponents of snow polo in Switzerland founded Evviva Polo St. Moritz Ltd and signed a long-term contract with the town of St. Moritz, thus securing a sustained continuation of the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. The Board of Directors consists of Dr Piero Dillier (President), Reto Gaudenzi (Founder, Vice-president and CEO) and Arndt Küchel; Jürg Reinger is the CFO. A well-rehearsed team of local and regional partners and the See Infra Ltd is working hand in hand with the organisers to carry out the tournament. For more information, visit www.snowpolo-stmoritz.com.For Additional Information, Contact:Stacey Kovalsky (U.S.) - VP, Global PR and CommunicationsPhone +954-673-1331 - Email: skovalsky@uspagl.comEvent On Site:Alessia Lana, Incom (Europe)Phone +39 335 126 6850 Email: a.lana@incomitaly.comPaola Varani, HUB (Italy)Phone +39 347 530 0742 Email: paolavarani@hubcomm.netSOURCE: U.S. Polo Assn. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Focus Graphite Develops and Validates AI-Enabled Graphite Flake Sizing Technology to Enhance Resource Valuation and Mine Planning ACN Newswire

Focus Graphite Develops and Validates AI-Enabled Graphite Flake Sizing Technology to Enhance Resource Valuation and Mine Planning

Ottawa, Ontario--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - January 13, 2026) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company"), a leading developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, is pleased to announce the successful development and validation of a novel, low-cost AI-enabled in situ graphite flake size characterization technology (the "Technology") and its integration into the geometallurgical model of the Company's 100%-owned Lac Tetepisca Graphite Project (the "Project") in Quebec.Key HighlightsDeveloped and validated a low-cost, AI-enabled in situ graphite flake size characterization technology, integrated directly into the Lac Tetepisca geometallurgical modelEnables high-resolution characterization of flake size distribution across the deposit without the need for extensive bulk metallurgical testing, supporting improved resource valuation and mine planningPreliminary results indicate an inverse relationship between graphite grade and flake size, supporting the potential for a lower cut-off grade and improved Project economicsResults from this work are expected to be incorporated into the upcoming MOGC mineral resource estimate update, anticipated in late Q1 2026Methodology validated against bench-scale metallurgical testing and scanning electron microscopy analysis, with approximately 300 samples currently being processedFollowing validation at Lac Tetepisca, the Company intends to apply the technology to its Lac Knife Project, supporting efficient, scalable, and ESG-aligned mining strategies from the outsetThe Technology enables high-resolution mapping of graphite flake size distribution directly from conventional drill core material, without the need for extensive bulk metallurgical testing. By materially improving visibility into the spatial distribution of flake sizes across the deposit, the Technology supports enhanced resource valuation, more selective mine planning, and value-driven production strategies. Results from this work are expected to be incorporated into the upcoming mineral resource estimate ("MRE") update for the Manicouagan-Ouest Graphitic Corridor ("MOGC") deposit, anticipated in late Q1 2026. The Technology was developed by the research and development team at IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc. ("IOS") of Saguenay, Quebec with partial funding provided through Quebec's Programme quebecois de valorisation des mineraux critiques et strategiques ("PQVMCS"), administered by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources ("MERN").Following successful validation at Lac Tetepisca, Focus intends to apply the same AI-enabled flake size characterization methodology to its Lac Knife Graphite Project, which is at a more advanced stage of development and nearing completion of permitting deliverables. The Company believes this approach supports efficient, scalable, and ESG-aligned mining strategies across its graphite portfolio.Technology Overview and Key FindingsGraphite pricing is strongly dependent on flake size, with market prices ranging from approximately US$300 per tonne for fine flakes (-200 mesh) to over US$1,400 per tonne for jumbo flakes (+48 mesh). Historically, graphite resource valuation has relied on basket pricing derived from limited bulk metallurgical composite samples, which may not adequately capture spatial variability in flake size distribution within a deposit.The newly developed AI-enabled methodology addresses this limitation by enabling low-cost, high-resolution characterization of flake size distribution across a deposit, down to individual geological domains or resource blocks. The Technology applies AI-based RGB image analysis to high-resolution optical microscopy images of graphite flakes recovered from coarse rejects generated during routine assaying, providing a scalable and repeatable approach to flake size characterization.The methodology has been benchmarked against bench-scale metallurgical testing on 30 composite samples and independently validated using automated particle analysis by scanning electron microscopy ("SEM"). Approximately 300 samples are currently being processed to populate a geometallurgical model for the MOGC deposit.Preliminary results indicate an inverse relationship between graphite grade and flake size, with lower-grade zones hosting a significantly higher proportion of jumbo flakes. These findings suggest that a lower cut-off grade may be appropriate for the forthcoming MRE, with potential positive implications for mine life, operational flexibility, and Project economics. This level of spatial resolution provides a direct input into resource valuation, cut-off grade selection, and value-driven mine planning.Richard Pearce, graphite mining industry veteran and technical consultant to the Company, commented, "In traditional graphite operations, limited visibility into flake size variability forces operators to rely on large stockpiles and higher inventories to manage production and sales risk. From hands-on experience, knowing where different flake sizes occur materially improves mine planning and operational efficiency. This AI-based flake size characterization tool enables mining with intent — aligning extraction with customer requirements, reducing waste, and improving overall economics. Applying it at Lac Tetepisca and extending it to the Lac Knife positions Focus to develop efficient, customer-driven operations from the outset."Operational and ESG ImplicationsImproved spatial mapping of flake size distribution enables more selective mining, enhanced alignment of production with customer specifications, reduced inventory requirements, and improved control over process costs. Understanding where specific flake size populations occur within the deposit allows Focus to mine with intent-optimizing extraction based on end-market demand while minimizing waste and unnecessary material movement.This upstream mining discipline complements the Company's downstream ESG initiatives, including the development of low-emission, chemical-free purification technologies. Together, these strategies support a lower-impact, mine-to-market value chain and responsible stewardship of a critical mineral.Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Graphite, added, "As Focus advances ESG-aligned downstream initiatives, it is equally important that responsibility and efficiency begin at the mining and extraction level. Technologies that enable selective mining, reduced waste, and optimized resource use are essential to maintaining consistency across the value chain. We are grateful for the support provided through Quebec's PQVMCS program and for the technical leadership of IOS, which together enabled the development of a novel approach that strengthens both environmental stewardship and economic efficiency."MOGC Resource BackgroundThe MOGC flake graphite deposit is part of the Company's Lac Tetepisca Project, located southwest of the Manicouagan Reservoir on the Nitassinan of the Pessamit Innu First Nation, in Quebec's Cote-Nord region. The MOGC is currently defined by a linear 1.5 km long segment of an 8 km long folded geophysical magnetic-electromagnetic anomaly that trends N035°. The April 4, 2022 NI 43-101 Technical Report, prepared by DRA America's Inc. ("DRA"), outlines a pit-constrained Indicated Resource of 59.3 million tonnes (Mt) grading 10.61% Graphitic Carbon (Cg) for an estimated content of 6.3 Mt of natural flake graphite (in situ), plus an Inferred Resource of 14.9 Mt grading 11.06% Cg for an estimated content of 1.6 Mt of natural flake graphite. This maiden resource predates all drilling completed in 2022. An updated MRE incorporating all 2022 drill holes is expected in late Q1 2026. This maiden resource estimate is available on www.sedarplus.ca/ on the Company's profile. As demonstrated in previous releases, the 2022 drill program extended the mineralization at depth and to the southwest, and now to the West limb.The current maiden resource used a basket price for graphite concentrate of US$1,171 per tonne1, using the flake size distribution obtained by metallurgical testing conducted by SGS-Canada in 2020 (18% Jumbo Flakes, 22% Large Flakes, 22% Medium Flakes, and 37% fine flakes). These metallurgy tests were performed on a 308-kilogram bulk samples composited from large diameter 2014 and 2016 drill core, assumed to be representative of the then delimited MOGC deposit.Sample selection and preparationThe geometallurgy project is based on a selection of 300 core samples from 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022 drill programs, for a total of 459.56 metres from 107 holes. These samples were selected in order to be as representative as possible with regard to position within the deposit, lithologies and graphite abundance. Material consists of the coarse rejects (70% +2mm) from the assaying procedure, preserved in nitrogen-filled drums to prevent sulphide oxidation and stored in IOS facilities. The material has been screened at 2 mm, and the coarse fraction reground with the use of a laboratory ring mill. Grain size distribution of the resulting material has been measured with a Fritsch Analysette-22 laser diffraction particle size analyzer. A few-gram aliquot was used to manufacture polished epoxy mounts for microscopic studies. A mosaic of high magnification image is then acquired with a Zeiss Axio-imager M2C motorized microscope and processed with a proprietary algorithm to extract and measure individual graphite flakes larger than 20 um.As quality control procedure, samples were concatenated by group of 10 to produce 30 samples dedicated to metallurgical testing. The testing procedure included sequence of milling with a rod mill and bench scale flotation including flash flotation, a rougher and multiple cleaner cycles. Quality of the concentrates was monitored using both graphitic carbon assays and optical flake measurement. Flake size distribution of the graphite concentrate was measured through laser diffraction particle sizing as well as conventional screening.Sample processing is expected to be completed by mid Q1 2026, with results incorporated into the geometallurgical model and supporting the upcoming Project MRE update expected in late Q1 2026.Figure 1 - Map of the location of drill core intervals selected for the graphite flake size analysis.To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/280179_d6bad0f604e238f9_001full.jpgQualified PersonThe technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Rejean Girard, P.Geo. (QC), President of IOS Geosciences Inc., a consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as defined under National Instrument NI-43-101.About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc. Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defence, and advanced materials industries.Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining - we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.Our commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals - reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future.For more information on Focus Graphite Inc., please visit http://www.focusgraphite.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/ X: https://x.com/focusgraphiteInvestors Contact: Dean Hanisch CEO, Focus Graphite Inc. dhanisch@focusgraphite.com +1 (613) 612-6060Jason LatkowcerVP Corporate Developmentjlatkowcer@focusgraphite.comCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, without limitation: (i) the timing, scope, and outcomes of the planned mineral resource estimate ("MRE") update for the Lac Tetepisca Project; (ii) the integration of AI-enabled graphite flake size characterization data into the Project's geometallurgical model; (iii) the interpretation of geological, metallurgical, and flake size distribution data, including the potential implications for cut-off grade selection, mine planning, operational flexibility, and Project economics; (iv) the timing, progression, and completion of sample processing and technical work supporting the upcoming MRE update; (v) the potential application of the AI-enabled flake size characterization methodology to the Lac Knife Project; and (vi) the potential for the Company's projects to support efficient, value-driven, and ESG-aligned mining strategies.Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.1 Used in 2022 maiden mineral resource estimate, DRA.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280179 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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