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Alpha Ladder Group and MetaComp Partner with Maqam International Holding, an Abu Dhabi (UAE) company, to Advance RWA Tokenisation and Web2.5 Payments Across Singapore-UAE Corridor
SINGAPORE , April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Ladder Group ("Alpha Ladder"), a Singapore-headquartered Digital Green Group driving sustainable financial and technology innovation through subsidiaries including MetaComp and Alpha Ladder Finance, and Maqam International Holding, an Abu Dhabi-based company, today announced the establishment of a joint venture focused on real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation and digital payments across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Joint venture domiciled in ADGM marks a landmark in Singapore-UAE digital finance cooperation, connecting MENA’s real world asset base to global capital markets through regulated blockchain infrastructure and payment network. The announcement follows MetaComp's close of its Pre-A funding round at USD 35 million in total raised, backed by Alibaba, another internet conglomerate, Eastern Bell, Noah, Sky9, and a fund affiliated with Asia's largest logistics infrastructure company. Having achieved profitability in 2025 and with USD 100 million in instantaneous liquidity on its platform, MetaComp enters this partnership as an operationally proven Web2.5 Pay + Wealth business model, institutionally backed payment infrastructure provider — capitalised and ready to deploy across priority corridors, including MENA. Maqam International Holding is built on a multi-decade legacy as an operator and developer of landmark real assets, such as Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, across the Middle East. Running a portfolio of this scale and institutional complexity means the cross-border payment and settlement gap this joint venture addresses is not a strategic theme they are exploring — it is a constraint they already manage. Alpha Ladder delivers the full-stack technology, compliance infrastructure, and operational capability to resolve it. The joint venture will be domiciled within the ADGM, the UAE's premier international financial center. MENA Digital Finance: The Opportunity The MENA digital payments market was valued at USD 248 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 420 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of approximately 11% [1]. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) RWA tokenisation represents a nearly USD 500 billion opportunity by 2030 [2], as global on-chain real-world assets surpassed USD 24 billion by mid-2025 [3]. The convergence of premium real assets, regulatory maturity, and institutional demand in the Gulf creates the conditions for a class of tokenised assets built on quality collateral and operational rigour. Chairman of Maqam International Holding: "Our partnership with Alpha Ladder Group reflects a shared conviction that the UAE's position as a global financial hub is strengthened by the quality of the infrastructure built within it. We bring our assets, our relationships, and our deep roots in Abu Dhabi's institutional ecosystem. Alpha Ladder brings the technology, the compliance framework, and the operational capability to make this platform world-class. Together, we are building something that meets the highest global standards from day one. Furthermore, this joint venture highlights Abu Dhabi as the premier global destination for investments in Fintech" Maqam International Holding 's Proven Investment Pedigree Maqam International Holding has a legacy of decades building and operating landmark Abu Dhabi assets — including Etihad Towers — alongside global institutional partners across real estate, hospitality, and infrastructure. That operating history is achieved from sovereign relationships, family office networks, and regulatory access it has accumulated across the Middle East over the same period. Few institutions in the region combine proven hard-asset operational depth with direct proximity to the capital allocators and regulatory channels that determine how capital moves in this market. Dr Bo Bai, Group Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, Alpha Ladder Group: "Alpha Ladder was built on the conviction that the future of financial infrastructure is hybrid — and the UAE is where that convergence is happening at the highest institutional level. We are building an institution whose experience of the problem is as deep as our ability to solve it. Together, we are deploying compliant infrastructure that connects Abu Dhabi's real asset base to global capital markets — at the standard both parties have built their reputations on. Our commitment to the UAE is firm and while the region faces real pressures, we are deepening our presence here because we believe in the UAE's institutional resilience and in the strength of what we are building together." Core Focus Areas The joint venture targets three pillars of digital financial infrastructure — an integrated stack that, taken together, represents one of the most comprehensive regulated fintech deployments connecting MENA and Asia to date. Cross-border payments: Cross-border payments between MENA and Asia remain slow, costly, and fragmented. MetaComp's StableX Network addresses this directly, routing payments across its partner network of traditional bank rails and stablecoin rails simultaneously. The StableX Engine handles real-time settlement at a fraction of conventional cost, while the VisionX Engine screens every transaction for compliance as it moves — across both fiat and on-chain activity — ensuring regulatory integrity without sacrificing speed. RWA tokenisation: Real-world assets — from real estate to infrastructure — have historically been illiquid, difficult to divide, and accessible only to large institutional players. Alpha Ladder Finance's patented Non-Fungible Digital Twin (NFDT) technology changes this by creating a live, blockchain-anchored digital record of each asset, reflecting its actual condition, performance, and ownership in real time. The result is a more transparent and auditable framework for asset fractionalisation and participation designed to support compliant structures. Capital markets: Connecting MENA-based companies and funds to global liquidity pools through regulated digital channels. Strengthening Singapore-UAE Fintech Axis Singapore and the UAE are two of the world's leading regulated digital finance gateways. Singapore's MAS advances this through Project Guardian, stablecoin frameworks, and digital payment token licensing under the Payment Services Act. In the UAE, ADGM is the primary regulatory domicile for this joint venture, a jurisdiction with direct application of English Common Law, comprehensive frameworks for tokenised securities, digital asset custody, and cross-border payments, and robust AML requirements aligned with FATF standards. This joint venture is a direct expression of the digital finance leadership the jurisdiction has built. H.E. Jamal Abdulla Mohammad Bin Abdulwahab Alsuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Singapore: "The UAE strongly believes in the mutual benefits driven by forward-looking Singapore-UAE partnerships like this Alpha Ladder-Maqam International Holding collaboration. We welcome Alpha Ladder as a leading Singapore entity at the forefront of building resilient cross-border financial ecosystems between our nations." Dr Brian Shegar, UAE Singapore Business Council: "We applaud Alpha Ladder's pivotal role in this landmark collaboration and encourage more Singapore businesses to follow their lead in advancing UAE-Singapore economic ties through cross-border innovation and sustainable financial infrastructure development. We are delighted to have played a role in encouraging Alpha Ladder to pursue its UAE business aspirations." The joint venture intends to apply for a licence with the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and launch initial operations in 2026. Alpha Ladder and Maqam International Holding are building the institutional digital finance infrastructure that connects Abu Dhabi's premium real asset base to global capital markets, powered by MetaComp and governed by Alpha Ladder's global compliance standards. ### Maqam International Holding Maqam International Holding is an Abu Dhabi based company, dedicated to managing a diverse investment portfolio of assets and has been a cornerstone for strategic growth, driving economic development in UAE and beyond. With unwavering commitment to shaping a prosperous future, Maqam International Holding is dedicated to fostering transformative opportunities that enhance economic vitality and create job prospects within the economy. At the heart of our strategic vision are three pivotal areas of focus: Real Estate Acquiring, developing, and managing residential, commercial, and retail assets Hotels Development of Hotels managed by top-tier global brands in MENA and Zanzibar International and MENA Investments Strategic investments in equities and global investments in private equities, managed portfolios, equity and associate investments About Alpha Ladder Group Pte. Ltd Headquartered in Singapore, Alpha Ladder Group is a technology and financial services group driving Digital Green Transformation. We operate on the conviction that the future of financial infrastructure is neither purely centralised nor distributed, but a Hybrid. From our first member subsidiary founded in 2016, we have grown into a multi-vertical ecosystem that operationalises this conviction across three critical sectors: Digital Financial Services MetaComp Group and affiliates deliver at group-level Asia's leading licensed fiat &stablecoin hybrid platform, providing compliant payment & wealth services, with more than US$10billion payment volume and US$500+ million wealth AUM* in 2025. Sustainable Investment Asia Green Fund, an award-winning impact investment firm with around US$2.5 billion AUM* focusing on investing in deep-tech companies for decarbonisation. AI-Powered Green Technology MVGX, a leading AI ESG platform providing end-to-end carbon SaaS solutions: AI emission factor search engine, Scope 1, 2, & 3 measurement, decarbonisation rating, AI ESG reporting, green asset tokenisation & trading; and Greenlyzer, a deep tech company building a hydrogen-based Green Moving Grid, a distributed power grid to augment traditional grid, to deliver a robust, intelligent and sustainable power infrastructure for next-generation AI. At Alpha Ladder Group, our name reflects our commitment to continuous evolution. We believe that by engineering the intersection of Digital and Green, we move the world forward to pursue sustainable alpha—one particle at a time. *Figures as of April 2026 References [1] Mordor Intelligence, "Middle East and North Africa Digital Payments Market" [2] Real-world asset tokenization: a $500 billion opportunity for the GCC [3] InvestaX Q3 2025 RWA Report
2026-04-02 04:00:00

OutSystems Introduces Agentic Systems Engineering to Power Governed, Open Enterprise AI
The OutSystems Enterprise Context Graph and next-generation Mentor enable enterprises to build, modernize, and govern mission-critical agentic systems on a single secure, unified platform SINGAPORE , April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- OutSystems, a leading AI development platform , today announced Agentic Systems Engineering , a new approach to AI development designed to help organizations build, manage, and evolve governed agentic systems for the enterprise. AI development is radically transforming how software is built and the role of developers. As agents generate code faster than ever, there has been an explosion of new tools, but this isn't leading to higher quality software or more coherent architectures. Further compounding the issue are legacy systems that restrain innovation and require even more complex data management and integration. OutSystems Agentic Systems Engineering is a different approach. It addresses the technical complexity and fragmented architectures of modern enterprises that are often difficult to reason over. By developing the rich context and guardrails agents require, it ensures the delivery of reliable, secure, and compliant systems. At the center of this approach is the OutSystems Enterprise Context Graph . Drawing on more than two decades of software development centered on business intent rather than code alone, the Enterprise Context Graph extends the OutSystems unique contextual architecture with the dynamic tooling that agents need to work effectively across complex systems. By providing a high-fidelity and real-time understanding of the enterprise architecture – enterprise apps and agents, workflows, data, and their interconnected dependencies – the Enterprise Context Graph is the platform advantage that enterprises need to realize the power of agentic technologies in their business. "AI is creating more change, across more tools and surfaces, than ever before—but enterprises still need that change to be governed, secure, and production-ready," said Woodson Martin, CEO of OutSystems. "Agentic Systems Engineering is our answer to that challenge. With the Enterprise Context Graph and the next generation of Mentor, OutSystems gives organizations the context, connection, and control they need to use agentic tools across complex systems and deliver real enterprise outcomes." Powered by the Enterprise Context Graph, the next generation of OutSystems Mentor delivers Agentic Systems Engineering directly within the OutSystems platform. Now with a highly conversational application generation and in-IDE (Integrated Development Environment) experience, Mentor enables teams to build and evolve complex systems with built-in architectural coherence and token efficiency. It transforms developers into highly productive architects. Defining the shift towards an open ecosystem, enterprise context and governance isn't just for OutSystems agents – it's a requirement for every agent operating in today's business environment. With Agentic Systems Engineering and the Enterprise Context Graph, developers will be able to use any agentic tool to inspect, extend, and build on the OutSystems platform. This enables teams to safely contribute to enterprise software development, whether building with Mentor, through the Studio IDE, or with agentic coding tools such as Claude Code, OpenAI Codex or Cursor. Regardless of the environment, agents will operate within a shared enterprise context and guardrails that ensure secure, compliant, and production-ready systems. This provides enterprises with the flexibility of an open ecosystem with the operational confidence of a unified, governed architecture. OutSystems expects to open an early access program to customers in the second quarter of 2026. Early customer implementations are showcasing the real-world impact of Agentic Systems Engineering. ACM to Adopt OutSystems Mentor as its Primary AI Development Companion AllianceCorp Manufacturing (ACM), a global leader in manufacturing technology, is exploring OutSystems Mentor as its core AI partner to drive innovation across the semiconductor and e-mobility sectors. Working iteratively with Mentor, ACM's professional developers can instantly build data models, UI screens, and server actions while ensuring all code aligns with enterprise best practices. A primary use case, ACM is using Mentor to extract specific data, such as title blocks and geometric tolerances, from 2D CAD drawings via an AI agent. With Mentor, all steps and relationships are clearly described, making it easier to onboard a new developer into the project. To learn more about OutSystems Agentic Systems Engineering, click here . About OutSystems OutSystems is a leading AI Development Platform built for the enterprise. Global organizations trust OutSystems to rapidly build mission-critical apps and agents, modernize legacy processes with agentic systems, and govern their entire AI portfolio across complex regulatory environments, all on a unified platform. OutSystems is consistently recognized as a leader in enterprise software development by Gartner, IDC, and Forrester, and ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction by users on G2. Business leaders, IT executives and developers choose OutSystems to accelerate internal innovation without compromising reliability and security. Founded in 2001, the OutSystems ecosystem includes more than 85 million end users, over 600 partners, and thousands of active customers in 75+ countries across 20+ industries. Learn more at www.outsystems.com .
2026-04-02 04:00:00

From China's Market Leader to Global Partner: Xiaodu AI Hotel Solutions Expands into Southeast Asia
SHANGHAI , April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Xiaodu Technology, an AI hardware subsidiary of Baidu that serves over 54 million households in China, has announced strategic international expansion. The company will introduce its "AI+Hotel" solutions into Southeast Asia, with Thailand and Singapore identified as its initial target markets. Xiaodu's expansion into Southeast Asia builds on its strong track record in the domestic market. In China, the company commands a 90% share of the smart hotel segment, with its solutions deployed in over 2,600,000 rooms across 90,000 hotel properties. It now aims to bring this proven model to mid-to-high-end international hotel chains, as well as Chinese hospitality brands expanding overseas. The "AI+Hotel" solution is powered by a multilingual ecosystem designed to enhance four key aspects: In-Room Control: Voice-enabled management of climate, lighting, and entertainment systems Guest Services: Automated handling of guest requests, including room service and concierge support Information Access: Instant access to hotel services, amenities, and local travel information Operational Efficiency: Backend tools that streamline workflows, improve staff productivity, and reduce operational costs In response to increasingly complex global data regulations, the company has also implemented robust data privacy and compliance measures, along with localized account systems, to ensure full alignment with international standards. As digital transformation reshapes the hospitality industry, Xiaodu is positioning itself as a trusted AI partner committed to the future of travel. By integrating Xiaodu's AI-powered solutions, hotels can reduce their environmental footprint through advanced energy management, while simultaneously optimizing service delivery to achieve greater operational efficiency and enhanced guest satisfaction. Contact : Email: Dumo@baidu.com
2026-04-02 04:00:00

Iran: Thousands of Prisoners at Risk
Country: Iran (Islamic Republic of) Source: Human Rights Watch Detainees Face Dual Threat of Government Atrocities, US/Israeli Attacks Thousands of detainees in Iran, including political prisoners and children, are at risk of injury and death from US and Israeli strikes, as well as atrocities by Iran’s authorities, including mass, secret, and arbitrary executions. Instead of releasing prisoners unconditionally or on humanitarian grounds, Iran’s authorities continue to carry out the arrests of real and perceived dissidents as well as arbitrary executions of political prisoners. UN member states should press Iran’s authorities to immediately release anyone arbitrarily detained, halt executions, and implement regulations that allow for the release or temporary leave of prisoners on humanitarian grounds. They should urge all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians. (Beirut) – Thousands of detainees in Iran , including political prisoners and children, are at risk of injury and death from US and Israeli strikes, as well as atrocities by Iran’s authorities, including mass, arbitrary, and secret executions, Human Rights Watch and Kurdistan Human Rights Network said today. For decades, Iran’s authorities have carried out large-scale arbitrary detentions with impunity, detaining both real and perceived dissidents as well as debt prisoners . During the weeks preceding the start of the armed conflict on February 28, 2026, Iran’s authorities had carried out mass arbitrary detentions of tens of thousands of protesters, including children, as well as real and perceived dissidents, human rights defenders, lawyers , and medical workers . Many were held in secret and unofficial detention facilities run by security and intelligence bodies and subjected to enforced disappearances. “Prisoners, including thousands of arbitrarily detained people in Iran, are facing dual threats, violence at the hands of authorities who have a track record of prison massacres and US and Israeli bombs,” said Bahar Saba , senior Iran researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Unable to seek safety, detainees, many of whom never should have been detained in the first place, are facing human rights violations, serious injury, and death.” Human Rights Watch and Kurdistan Human Rights Network spoke with 12 people, including families of prisoners, human rights defenders, and informed sources with knowledge about several prisons, and reviewed reports by other human rights organizations, information shared on social media, official statements, and state media reports. “We have no options,” said a prisoner whose statement was shared with the organizations. “Here, we can neither protect ourselves from danger nor have [access to] any shelters.” Since the start of the conflict, detainees , their families, and human rights organizations have repeatedly called on Iran’s authorities to release prisoners, including on humanitarian grounds. While a number of detainees have been released, including after posting exorbitant bail , the authorities have refused to release all those arbitrarily detained, in particular political prisoners, and to grant other prisoners temporary humanitarian leave. Instead, authorities continue to arrest activists , dissidents, members of ethnic and religious minorities, such as Kurds and Baha’is , and other people for allegedly taking footage or photographs of strikes and sending them to the media. On March 24, the police announced that 446 people had been arrested for “disturbing public opinion, creating fear and anxiety in society, undermining mental security, propaganda for the enemy, and inciting and organizing security-disrupting elements online.” The authorities have also been carrying out executions, including on politically motivated charges, heightening fears of mass, arbitrary, and secret executions under the shadow of the war. At least eight men were arbitrarily executed on charges such as “espionage,” “armed rebellion against the state through membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran,” and “waging war on God” between March 18 and 31. Interviewees, including relatives of prisoners, told researchers about the serious threats those detained face from the US and Israel’s military strikes as well as gross human rights violations by Iran’s authorities. “Prisoners in Evin have been hearing loud and terrifying explosions,” said the relative of a prisoner in the notorious Evin Prison. “They have felt them to have been very close, but their access is even more limited [than people outside] to know where the strikes are actually happening ... one of the nights when there were terrible explosions ... at around 2:00 a.m., they could feel over 20 explosion shock waves in their ward in the span of an hour.” Police stations and security facilities run by the Ministry of Intelligence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) have been among the targets hit by Israel and US forces. Some of these facilities are commonly known to hold detainees, in particular those arrested for politically motivated charges, often held incommunicado and in circumstances that amount to enforced disappearances. Those detained are also facing deteriorating prison conditions in a system already known for poor conditions and systematic and deliberate denial of medical care to prisoners. Sources told the Kurdistan Human Rights Network and Human Rights Watch that since the start of the armed conflict there had been a drop in both the quantity and quality of food and that prisoners were denied access to medication and medical care outside of prison. “The amount of food prisoners receive has dropped and so has its quality,” a source said. “Even those who have severe medical conditions are not transferred outside [prison] for medical care ... prisoners are not even taken to the prison clinic.” Prisoners who protest deteriorating and unsafe prison conditions are at risk of reprisals and violence. The organizations received information that in at least three prisons, security forces have used force, including lethal force, to quash protests by prisoners who fear for their safety and/or object to poor prison conditions. Iranian authorities have also been making repeated threats of further atrocities to prevent and stifle any form of dissent. On March 10, Ahmadreza Radan, the commander of the Islamic Republic’s police forces, known as FARAJA, warned , “we will not deem anyone who takes to the streets at the will of the enemies as a protester or anything else, but as the enemy [itself] and will [thus] treat them in the same manner that we would treat the enemy.” He said that security forces had “their fingers on the triggers.” The next day, the IRGC’s Intelligence Organization issued a statement warning that any protests would be faced “with [even] a harsher blow than that of January 8,” when Iranian authorities carried out massacres of protesters. Iran’s domestic regulations provide for humanitarian release at times of crisis. A 1986 resolution by the Supreme Judicial Council allows for the conditional release or release on bail of prisoners during wartime emergencies. In addition, article 201 of Iran’s Prisons Regulations provides for the release of prisoners in certain circumstances, for example during other times of “crisis such as natural disasters, unforeseeable incidents, or outbreaks of dangerous infectious diseases.” Under international humanitarian law, also known as the laws of war, prisons and detention facilities are presumptively civilian objects. Serious laws of war violations committed by individuals with criminal intent—that is, deliberately or recklessly—are war crimes. UN member states should press Iran’s authorities to immediately release all individuals arbitrarily detained, halt all planned executions, and implement domestic regulations that allow for the release or temporary leave of prisoners on humanitarian grounds, the two organizations said. They should further urge all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians. “Instead of releasing prisoners, authorities are relentlessly arresting real and perceived dissidents and carrying out executions, once again putting on full display their absolute disregard for human life,” said Rebin Rahmani, a member of the broad of directors at Kurdistan Human Rights Network. “Many anxious families do not even know where their loved ones are being held as bombs and missiles hit different parts of cities on a daily basis.” Risk of Death and Injuries Due to Airstrikes Since February 28, Israel and the US have carried out thousands of strikes across Iran. According to reports by relatives of detainees, media, and human rights organizations, a number of strikes have targeted locations in proximity to prisons, including Evin Prison and the Greater Tehran Penitentiary, Isfahan Central Prison in Isfahan province, Mahabad Prison in West Azerbaijan province, and Zanjan Central Prison in Zanjan province, while at least one, Marivan Prison in Kurdistan province, is reported to have been damaged as a result of a strike. Relatives of Lindsay Foreman and Craig Foreman, a British couple detained in Iran since January 2025, have reported that on February 28 a strike near Evin Prison resulted in shattered windows and plaster raining down from the ceiling of the ward in which they were being held. An informed source told Human Rights Watch that prisoners in Zanjan Central Prison, where the arbitrarily detained human rights defender and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi is held, could also hear the sounds of airstrikes in the city and were terrified as they felt the explosion’s shock waves. On March 31, the Iranian Red Crecent said that its rescue teams had removed survivors from under the rubble after a strike on Zanjan’s Hossienieh Azam, which appears to be only several kilometers from the Zanjan Central Prison. According to information received by Human Rights Watch, Mohammadi’s health has been deteriorating in detention and she may have suffered a heart attack following denial of medical care. A source with information about a prison in central Iran told the organizations, “The night when there was a strike nearby, everyone was terrified and the guards did nothing to reassure them.” On March 13, the Kurdistan Human Rights Network raised concerns about the fate of detainees amid a wave of strikes on intelligence and security facilities across Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and West Azerbaijan provinces. One of the facilities reportedly struck was an IRGC-run intelligence center, Shahramfar base in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province. Based on extensive documentation by human rights organizations, the center has included a section used as a detention facility for decades. An informed source, whose relative had once been held in Shahramfar, told Human Rights Watch that the detention center was a “terrifying facility” used to hold dissidents, and that at any given time, a group of concerned families would be standing outside to inquire about their detained loved ones. The source also said that there was no information about the fate and whereabouts of a friend who had been arrested during the protests and was subsequently held in Shahramfar. During the Israel-Iran conflict in June 2025, Human Rights Watch documented an unlawful attack by the Israeli forces on Evin Prison, an apparent war crime . The attack resulted in the killing and injury of scores of civilians, including prisoners. Prior to the attack, Iran’s authorities refused to take measures to protect prisoners despite prisoners’ repeated pleas with judicial, prosecutorial, and prison officials to release them or grant them humanitarian leave. Those arbitrarily detained in Iran include thousands of prisoners held for exercising their human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly; people convicted following grossly unfair trials, which are systematic and widespread ; and debt prisoners whose numbers are reported to be over ten thousand. Article 11 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights prohibits the imprisonment of individuals who are unable to fulfill a contractual obligation. Deteriorating Prison Conditions Detainees, their families, and human rights organizations have also reported that the situation in prisons across the country, including in the provinces of Alborz, Fars, Gilan, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Qazvin, Qom, Razavi Khorasan, Tehran, West Azerbaijan, and Yazd, has been deteriorating. Prisoners face shortages of food and potable water, as well as limited access to basic necessities, medication, medical care, and visitation rights. Prison shops, where prisoners can buy goods such as food, are also reported to be facing shortages while their prices have significantly increased, so many prisoners can no longer afford them. In a March 3 letter addressed to the head of the judiciary, the arbitrarily-detained human rights defender Reza Khandan wrote that, “thousands of unlawfully detained prisoners are held in prisons without any reason, trapped under the threat of bombardments day and night, many services to prisoners have been cut off and if the war continues, shortages or [even] lack of food and hygiene [products] is foreseeable.” One source with knowledge about a prison in western Iran said that prisoners whose medication for chronic illnesses is provided by their families will soon run out of medication if this situation continues, as families were prevented from visiting jailed loved ones and authorities had not distributed the items families had brought for the prisoners. Another source with information about a facility in central Iran also said that they faced shortages of medication and that all “transfers to hospitals were cancelled ... even a prisoner who fell seriously ill was not transferred outside [for medical care].” Information received by the organizations from the Greater Tehran Central Penitentiary also points to a further deterioration of the facility’s already poor conditions, including overcrowding, reduction of food portions to half their regular size, and lack of access to potable water. An informed source told the Kurdistan Human Rights Network that detainees arrested in connection with the protests were held in three halls in the Greater Tehran Central Penitentiary, each holding 250 to 300 people. Several detainees had been taken to the prison with serious injuries, including bullet wounds, and prisoners were held in insect-infested wards without access to adequate medical care, the source said. Media and human rights organizations reported that prisoners in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Alborz province have started a hunger strike to protest the deteriorating conditions, particularly the lack of access to sufficient food and medical care. Prisoners and their families have also reported restrictions imposed by the authorities on visitation rights and contact with the outside world, which has further compounded their anxiety. “They have not allowed any family visits since the start of the war,” said one source with knowledge about a prison in western Iran. “Prisoners who are mothers are particularly anxious for their children outside,” another source said. Risk of Atrocities, Including Mass Arbitrary, Secret, and Summary Executions Since the start of the armed conflict on February 28, which came in the wake of the countrywide massacres of protesters and bystanders on January 8 and 9, Iran’s authorities have repeatedly threatened further atrocities. These threats are made by high-ranking commanders and state institutions that orchestrated the January massacres, and, as such, should be treated as serious and imminent. Detainees, many of whom have been arrested in connection with recent protests and held incommunicado or subjected to enforced disappearances remain particularly vulnerable and at risk of torture and ill-treatment . On March 24, the Baha’i International Community reported that authorities subjected Peyvand Naimi, a young Baha’i man arrested on January 8 in Kerman, to torture, including beatings, denial of food and water, prolonged solitary confinement, and mock executions on two occasions to coerce him into making self-incriminating statements. Based on reports from families of prisoners and human rights organizations, some detainees have been transferred to undisclosed locations, further heightening fears about their fate and safety. In some cases, authorities have refused to provide families with any information about the detainees’ fate and whereabouts, thus subjecting them to enforced disappearances. On March 3, human rights organizations and families of prisoners reported that detainees held in section 209 of Evin Prison, which is controlled by the Ministry of Intelligence, had been transferred to an undisclosed location. An informed source told the Kurdistan Human Rights Network that detainees, both men and women, held in Section 2A of Evin Prison, which is controlled by the IRGC, were transferred to an IRGC base for several days following the start of the conflict. Some detainees were subsequently taken to an official prison, but the source had no information about the others. Based on information reviewed by Human Rights Watch and the Kurdistan Human Rights Network, the authorities have also significantly increased the presence of security forces in prisons. An informed source with knowledge about a prison in central Iran said that three weeks into the war, senior prison officials told prisoners that prison guards had “pre-authorized shooting orders.” The source said that in addition to regular prison guards, anti-riot forces were deployed to the prison and authorities had tripled the number of guards stationed in the prison’s watch towers and at entrances. Another source with information about a prison in western Iran said that the prison was filled with security forces and that armed guards with rifles were stationed on the prison roof. There have also been reported crackdowns within Iran’s detention facilities. On March 5 and 6, Kurdistan Human Rights Network reported that after a military strike in proximity to Mahabad Prison in West Azerbaijan province on March 3, security forces fired tear gas against prisoners who were scared and started protesting seeking to be released. Subsequently, 120 prisoners were transferred to the quarantine section of Miandoab Prison in the same province, where they were held in poor conditions without access to sufficient food. Two Balochi human rights defenders who had spoken with families of prisoners, and other informed sources in Chabahar in Sistan and Balouchistan, said that security forces used force, including lethal force , after protest broke out in Chabahar Prison on March 18, reportedly killing and injuring several prisoners. The protests are reported to have started following several days without food. Based on media reports , on March 2, following several strikes around the Greater Tehran Penitentiary, prisoners who attempted to leave their wards in fear were violently repressed. The strikes were reported to have resulted in shattered glasses and damage to walls. Fears of mass, summary, secret, and arbitrary executions have also been increasing amid a significant escalation in the authorities’ use of the death penalty over the past years, particularly in 2025, including as a tool of political repression and an ongoing communications blackout that further hinders independent reporting. On March 18, Mizan News Agency, owned and operated by Iran’s judiciary, announced that Kourosh Keyvani, a Swedish -Iranian dual national, had been executed for “intelligence cooperation and espionage in favor of the Israeli government.” Keyvani is reportedly the third man to be arbitrarily executed over allegations of espionage for or collaboration with Israel in 2026. At least 13 men were arbitrarily executed on similar charges in 2025, the vast majority after the 12-day armed conflict with Israel. On March 19, Mizan News Agency announced that three people—the 19-year-old wrestling champion Saleh Mohammadi and two other young men, Saeed Davoudi and Mehdi Ghassemi—had been executed earlier in the day over allegations of involvement in the deaths of two members of security forces during the nationwide protests of December 2025 and January 2026. Their arbitrary executions were carried out following grossly unfair and summary proceedings that lasted just over two months, from the time of arrest to the implementation of sentences. Human Rights Watch reviewed the verdict issued by a criminal court in Qom against Mohammadi and Davoudi, which shows that both defendants retracted their “confessions” in court saying they were extracted under torture, but the court dismissed their testimony without any investigation. Human Rights Watch received information that Mohammadi was held in stress positions and beaten. Mizan News Agency reported that the executions were carried out “in the presence of a group of people in Qom,” indicating that they were carried out in public, in violation of the absolute prohibition against torture and other ill-treatment. On March 30, authorities arbitrarily executed Ali Akbar Daneshvarkar and Mohammad Taghavi Sangdehi, on the charge of “armed rebellion through membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran.” The next day, two other men , Pouya Ghobadi and Babak Alipour, were executed on the same charges. The men, codefendants in one case, had been sentenced to death by a revolutionary court in Tehran following a grossly unfair trial. Human rights organizations reported that the authorities did not provide advance notice to the men’s families and lawyers, in violation of both international law and Iran’s domestic regulations. Two other political prisoners sentenced to death in the same case, Vahid Baniamerian and Abolhassan Montazer, are at imminent risk of execution. On March 31, Amnesty International reported that another five young men, Mohammad Amin Biglari, Ali Fahim, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, Amirhossein Hatami, Shahin Vahedparast Kolo, had been transferred from Ghezel Hesar Prison to an undisclosed location, sparking fears of their imminent execution. All five were sentenced to death in connection with alleged offences committed in the context of the December 2025 and January 2026 protests. Iranian authorities’ track record of committing mass atrocities in prisons has further heightened concerns for prisoners. In 1988, authorities extrajudicially executed thousands of imprisoned political dissidents in prisons across the country, known as the “1988 prison massacres.” The massacres constituted crimes against humanity .
2026-04-02 03:46:32

The TRATON GROUP and Applied Intuition Announce TRATON ONE OS, a Unified Software Platform for Improved Fleet Uptime Across TRATON's Four Global Brands
MUNICH and SUNNYVALE, Calif. , April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The TRATON GROUP and Applied Intuition, Inc. , the leading physical AI company, today announced TRATON ONE OS, a next-generation software-defined vehicle platform that will power all new vehicles across TRATON's four brands: Scania, MAN, International and Volkswagen Truck & Bus. Building on more than a year of co-development, the two companies are deploying a single unified platform that's at the forefront of innovation to deliver benefits to customers: Prevent costly downtime : The system's unified data access is designed to enable predictive maintenance capabilities that allow fleet operators to identify and address potential mechanical issues before they lead to breakdowns, service recalls or unplanned downtime. Future-proof fleets: Customers will be able to receive new applications, features and full-cabin user-interface upgrades via over-the-air software updates, eliminating many workshop visits and allowing vehicles to improve throughout their operational life. Unlock the autonomous future: The platform's adaptive middleware is designed to serve as a foundation for autonomous driving systems, enabling TRATON to layer autonomous capabilities onto the same architecture over time. Designed to bring the speed, flexibility and continuous update cycles of modern software development to the commercial vehicle industry, TRATON ONE OS will operate on all high-performance computers (HPCs) in TRATON's new vehicle architecture. The platform supports multiple hardware chipsets and global regulatory environments while giving TRATON teams a common foundation to build on — all without compromising each brand's distinct customer experience. Testing of the first integrated ECU hardware will begin in April 2026, with rollout across new trucks targeted for 2028. "Our collaboration with Applied Intuition brings together TRATON's deep expertise in commercial vehicles, including strength in modularization and in-house application-function software development, with Applied Intuition's leading software capabilities," said Stefan Teuchert, Senior Vice President EE Platform at TRATON GROUP. "With TRATON ONE OS, we combine strong building blocks from Applied Intuition, TRATON and the open source community to create a worldwide cutting-edge EE platform, delivering fast new functions and services to the customer, while still preserving what makes each of our brands unique." The platform is being co-developed as a white-box modular architecture that combines TRATON's internal development with Applied Intuition's Vehicle OS for trucking, as well as trusted third-party and open-source components. This modular approach allows TRATON to replace or consolidate compute units over time without fragmenting the software stack or rewriting the platform or applications, supporting the company's long-term ambition to move toward fewer, more powerful high-performance computers. "Working closely with TRATON, we're building the next generation of software-defined commercial vehicles," said Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition. "TRATON ONE OS creates a platform that allows trucks to continuously evolve through software updates while giving TRATON the flexibility to build and scale capabilities across its global brands." To learn more, contact press@applied.co About Applied Intuition Applied Intuition, Inc. is powering the future of physical AI. Founded in 2017 and now valued at $15 billion, the Silicon Valley company is creating the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet. Applied Intuition services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries in three core areas: tools and infrastructure, operating systems and autonomy. Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, as well as the United States military and its allies, trust the company's solutions to deliver physical intelligence. Applied Intuition is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with offices in Washington, D.C.; San Diego, California; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Ann Arbor, Michigan; London; Stuttgart; Munich; Stockholm; Bangalore; Seoul; and Tokyo. Learn more at applied.co . About the TRATON GROUP With its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, TRATON SE is the parent and holding company of the TRATON GROUP and one of the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Group's product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light-duty commercial vehicles. "Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.": this intention underlines the Company's ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group's commercial growth.
2026-03-31 18:00:00

51Talk Online Education Group Announces the Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025
SINGAPORE , March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 51Talk Online Education Group ("51Talk" or the "Company") (NYSE American: COE), a global online education platform with core expertise in English education, announced its unaudited results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025. Full Year 2025 Financial and Operating Highlights Gross billings [1] for 2025 were US$127.6 million, an 83.4% growth from US$69.6 million for 2024. Net revenues were US$95.6 million for 2025, an 88.6% increase from US$50.7 million for 2024. The number of active students with attended lesson consumption was approximately 170,300 in 2025, representing a 79.3% increase from approximately 95,000 for 2024. Operating cash inflow for 2025 was US$11.8 million. Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial and Operating Highlights Gross billings for the fourth quarter of 2025 were US$36.8 million, a 72.0% growth from US$21.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. Net revenues were US$30.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, an 88.6% increase from US$16.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The number of active students with attended lesson consumption was approximately 126,700 in the fourth quarter of 2025, representing a 70.8% increase from approximately 74,200 for the fourth quarter of 2024. Operating cash inflow for the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$3.1 million. Key Financial and Operating Data For the three months ended For the year ended Jun. 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 2025 2025 2025 2025 Net Revenues (in US$ millions) 20.4 26.3 30.6 95.6 Gross Margin 74.5 % 73.2 % 72.4 % 73.9 % Gross Billings (in US$ millions) 28.5 40.5 36.8 127.6 Active students with attended lesson consumption [2] (in thousands) 91.3 112.6 126.7 170.3 [1] Gross billings for a specific period, which is one of the Company's key operating data, is defined as the total amount of cash received and receivable from third party payment platforms for the sale of course packages and services in such period, net of the total amount of refunds in such period. The gross billings data included herein was from the Company's business system and converted with quarterly corresponding exchange rate, which may lead to differences with bank records. [2] An "active student with attended lesson consumption" for a given period refers to a student who attended at least one paid lesson, excluding those students who only attended paid live broadcasting lessons or trial lessons. "2025 has been a transformational year for 51Talk, as we began to reap the rewards of the strategic investments made over the past several years. Full-year gross billings reached US$127.6 million, representing year-over-year growth of 83.4%, while net revenues grew 88.6% year-over-year to US$95.6 million. These results mark a significant milestone, as gross billings surpassed and net revenues approached the US$100 million threshold for the first time since we embarked on our global expansion strategy, providing compelling validation that our business model can scale effectively on a global basis," stated Jack Jiajia Huang, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of 51Talk. "Net operating cash inflow also surpassed the US$10 million mark, reaching US$11.8 million in 2025 — further evidence that we are building a sustainable and scalable business. Looking ahead to 2026, we are committed to expanding our growth trajectory based on the foundation we built over the past years. We are focused on consolidating the transformational gains of the past year and further enhancing our user experience. We will continue to invest prudently in our platform, our tutors, and our AI capabilities, while making meaningful progress toward profitability," concluded Jack Jiajia Huang. Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Results Net Revenues and Gross Margin Net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2025 were US$30.6 million, an 88.6% increase from US$16.2 million for the same quarter last year. The number of active students with attended lesson consumption was approximately 126,700 in the fourth quarter of 2025, a 70.8% increase from approximately 74,200 for the same quarter last year. Cost of revenues for the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$8.4 million, representing a 131.2% increase from US$3.7 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was primarily due to the increase in total service fees paid to teachers, mainly resulting from an increased number of paid lessons coupled with strategic incentives offered to attract and retain premium tutors to support our rapid market expansion. Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$22.2 million, representing a 76.2% increase from US$12.6 million for the same quarter last year. Gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2025 was 72.4%, compared with 77.5% for the same quarter last year. Operating Expenses Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2025 were US$27.4 million, representing a 103.6% increase from US$13.4 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was mainly due to the increase in sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses for the fourth quarter of 2025 were US$20.4 million, representing a 101.6% increase from US$10.1 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was primarily attributable to the rise in marketing and branding expenses resulting from intensified marketing and branding activities, as well as higher sales personnel costs related to increases in the number of sales and marketing personnel. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses for the fourth quarter of 2025 were US$20.3 million, representing a 101.4% increase from US$10.1 million for the same quarter last year. Product development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2025 were US$1.6 million, representing a 72.2% increase from US$0.9 million for the same quarter last year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP product development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2025 were US$1.6 million, representing a 76.9% increase from US$0.9 million for the same quarter last year. General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2025 were US$5.4 million, representing a 123.9% increase from US$2.4 million for the same quarter last year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2025 were US$5.1 million, representing a 127.5% increase from US$2.2 million for the same quarter last year. Loss from Operations Operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$5.2 million, compared with operating loss of US$0.9 million for the same quarter last year. Non-GAAP operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$4.8 million, compared with non-GAAP operating loss of US$0.7 million for the same quarter last year. Net Loss Attributable to the Company's Ordinary Shareholders Net loss attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$ 6.5 million, compared with net loss of US$1.4 million for the same quarter last year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses of US$0.3 million, non-GAAP net loss attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$6.1 million, compared with non-GAAP net loss of US$1.2 million for the same quarter last year. Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$0.02, compared with basic and diluted net loss per share of US$0.004 for the same quarter last year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses of US$0.3 million, non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$0.02, compared with non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of US$0.003 for the same quarter last year. Basic and diluted net loss per American depositary share ("ADS") attributable to ordinary shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$ 1.08 , compared with basic and diluted net loss per ADS of US$0.24 for the same quarter last year. Each ADS represents 60 Class A ordinary shares. Excluding share-based compensation expenses of US$0.3 million, non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$ 1.03 , compared with non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of US$0.20 for the same quarter last year. Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2025, the Company had total cash, cash equivalents, time deposits of US$39.0 million, compared with US$29.2 million as of December 31, 2024. The Company had advances from students [3] of US$76.6 million as of December 31, 2025, compared with US$45.1 million as of December 31, 2024. [3] "Advances from students" is defined as the amount of obligation to transfer goods or service to students or business partners for which consideration has been received from students in advance. The deposits from students are also presented in the total amount of "advances from students." Full Year 2025 Financial Results Net Revenues and Gross Margin Net revenues for 2025 were US$95.6 million, representing an 88.6% increase from US$50.7 million for 2024. The number of active students with attended lesson consumption was approximately 170,300 for 2025, a 79.3% increase from approximately 95,000 for the last year. Cost of revenues for 2025 was US$24.9 million, representing a 123.4% increase from US$11.2 million for 2024. The increase was primarily due to the increase in total service fees paid to teachers, mainly resulting from an increased number of paid lessons. Gross profit for 2025 was US$70.7 million, representing a 78.8% increase from US$39.5 million for 2024. Gross margin for 2025 was 73.9%, compared with 78.0% for 2024. Operating Expenses Total operating expenses for 2025 were US$85.1 million, representing a 78.8% increase from US$47.6 million for 2024. The increase was mainly due to the increase in sales and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses. Sales and marketing expenses for 2025 were US$62.3 million, representing an 86.6% increase from US$33.4 million for 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to the rise in marketing and branding expenses resulting from intensified marketing and branding activities, as well as higher sales personnel costs related to increases in the number of sales and marketing personnel. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses for 2025 were US$62.0 million, representing an 86.3% increase from US$33.3 million for 2024. Product development expenses for 2025 were US$5.5 million, representing a 53.3% increase from US$3.6 million for 2024. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP product development expenses for 2025 were US$5.4 million, representing a 57.1% increase from US$3.5 million for 2024. General and administrative expenses for 2025 were US$17.3 million, representing a 63.0% increase from US$10.6 million for 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher administrative personnel costs related to the increase in the number of general and administrative personnel. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses for 2025 were US$16.3 million, representing a 64.8% increase from US$9.9 million for 2024. Loss from Operations Operating loss for 2025 was US$14.4 million, compared with operating loss of US$8.0 million for 2024. Excluding share-based compensation expenses of US$1.3 million, non-GAAP operating loss for 2025 was US$13.1 million, compared with non-GAAP operating loss of US$7.1 million for 2024. Net Loss Attributable to the Company's Ordinary Shareholders Net loss for 2025 was US$ 16.8 million, compared with net loss of US$7.2 million for 2024. Excluding share-based compensation expenses of US$1.3 million, non-GAAP net loss for 2025 was US$15.5 million, compared with non-GAAP net loss of US$6.3 million. Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders for 2025 was US$0.05, compared with basic and diluted net loss per share of US$0.02 for 2024. Excluding share-based compensation expenses of US$1.3 million, non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders for 2025 was US$0.04, compared with non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of US$0.02 for 2024. Basic and diluted net loss per American depositary share attributable to ordinary shareholders for 2025 was US$2.84, compared with basic and diluted net loss per ADS of US$1.25 for 2024. Each ADS represents 60 Class A ordinary shares. Excluding share-based compensation expenses of US$1.3 million, non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for 2025 was US$ 2.62, compared with non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of US$1.09, for 2024. Outlook For the first quarter of 2026, the Company currently expects net gross billings to be between US$29.0 million and US$31.0 million, which would represent a sequential decrease of 15.7% to 21.2% and an increase of approximately 32.2% to 41.4% from the same quarter in 2025. The above outlook is based on current market conditions and reflects the Company's current and preliminary estimates of market and operating conditions and customer demand, which are all subject to change. Conference Call The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on March 27, 2026 (8:00 PM Singapore/Hong Kong time on March 27, 2026). Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: United States (toll free): 1-888-346-8982 International: 1-412-902-4272 Mainland China (toll free): 4001-201203 Hong Kong (toll free): 800-905945 Web phone click here Participants should dial-in at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for "51Talk Online Education Group." Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.51talk.com . A replay of the conference call will be accessible until April 3 2026, by dialing the following telephone numbers: United States (toll free): 1-855-669-9658 International: 1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 7144082 About 51Talk Online Education Group 51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE American: COE) is a global online education platform with core expertise in English education. The Company's online and mobile education platforms enable students to take live interactive English lessons on demand. The Company connects its students with highly qualified teachers using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures In evaluating its business, 51Talk considers and uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC as supplemental metrics to review and assess its operating performance: non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, non-GAAP product development expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income/(loss), non-GAAP net income/(loss), non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders, and non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders per share and per ADS. To present each of these non-GAAP measures, the Company excludes share-based compensation expenses. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this press release. 51Talk believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance by excluding share-based compensation expenses that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash perspective. 51Talk believes that both management and investors benefit from these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to 51Talk's historical performance. 51Talk computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter and from period to period. 51Talk believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. A limitation of using non-GAAP measures is that these non-GAAP measures exclude share-based compensation expenses that have been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in the 51Talk's business. Management compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying table at the end of this press release provides more details on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "aims", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", "likely to" and similar statements. Among other things, 51Talk's quotations from management in this announcement, as well as 51Talk's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. 51Talk may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about 51Talk's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: 51Talk's goals and strategies; 51Talk's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its brand and platform; 51Talk's ability to retain and increase its student enrollment; 51Talk's ability to offer new courses; 51Talk's ability to engage, train and retain new teachers; 51Talk's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; 51Talk's ability to maintain and improve infrastructure necessary to operate its education platform; competition in the online education industry in its international markets; the expected growth of, and trends in, the markets for 51Talk's course offerings in its international markets; relevant government policies and regulations relating to 51Talk's corporate structure, business and industry; general economic and business condition in the Philippines, its international markets and elsewhere; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in 51Talk's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and 51Talk does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. 51TALK ONLINE EDUCATION GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) As of Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 2024 2025 US$ US$ ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 27,758 38,869 Time deposits 1,430 93 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 10,906 21,435 Total current assets 40,094 60,397 Non-current assets Property and equipment, net 363 1,998 Intangible assets, net 80 68 Right-of-use assets 2,888 3,211 Deferred tax assets 57 77 Other non-current assets 460 341 Total non-current assets 3,848 5,695 Total assets 43,942 66,092 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICITS Current liabilities Advances from students 45,064 76,569 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 6,644 12,464 Amounts due to related parties 2,853 3,333 Lease liabilities 1,242 1,764 Taxes payable 1,100 1,226 Total current liabilities 56,903 95,356 Non-current liabilities Lease liabilities 1,441 1,177 Other non-current liabilities 310 360 Deferred tax liabilities - 452 Total non-current liabilities 1,751 1,989 Total liabilities 58,654 97,345 Total shareholders' deficits (15,000) (31,357) Noncontrolling interests 288 104 Total deficits (14,712) (31,253) Total liabilities and shareholders' deficits 43,942 66,092 51TALK ONLINE EDUCATION GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands except for number of shares and per share data) For the three months ended For the year ended Dec. 31, Sep. 30, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 2024 2025 2025 2024 2025 US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ Net revenues 16,236 26,334 30,622 50,692 95,601 Cost of revenues (3,651) (7,067) (8,442) (11,164) (24,944) Gross profit 12,585 19,267 22,180 39,528 70,657 Operating expenses Sales and marketing expenses (10,121) (17,697) (20,408) (33,388) (62,307) Product development expenses (933) (1,581) (1,607) (3,571) (5,476) General and administrative expenses (2,389) (4,572) (5,350) (10,615) (17,303) Total operating expenses (13,443) (23,850) (27,365) (47,574) (85,086) Loss from operations (858) (4,583) (5,185) (8,046) (14,429) Interest income 27 138 142 229 358 Other expenses/(income), net (421) (482) (777) 771 (1,545) Loss before income tax expenses (1,252) (4,927) (5,820) (7,046) (15,616) Income tax expenses (162) (264) (652) (276) (1,242) Net loss (1,414) (5,191) (6,472) (7,322) (16,858) Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (36) (10) (12) (87) (54) Net loss attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders (1,378) (5,181) (6,460) (7,235) (16,804) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing basic and diluted loss per share 348,918,600 356,502,442 357,904,007 347,119,359 355,001,931 51TALK ONLINE EDUCATION GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands except for number of shares and per share data) For the three months ended For the year ended Dec. 31, Sep. 30, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 2024 2025 2025 2024 2025 US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ Net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders Basic and diluted (0.00) (0.01) (0.02) (0.02) (0.05) Net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders Basic and diluted (0.24) (0.87) (1.08) (1.25) (2.84) Share-based compensation expenses are included in the operating expenses as follows: Sales and marketing expenses (30) (98) (82) (117) (322) Product development expenses (32) (13) (13) (118) (53) General and administrative expenses (145) (255) (246) (699) (956) 51TALK ONLINE EDUCATION GROUP Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures to the Most Comparable GAAP Measures (In thousands except for number of shares and per share data) For the three months ended For the year ended Dec. 31, Sep. 30, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 2024 2025 2025 2024 2025 US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ Sales and marketing expenses (10,121) (17,697) (20,408) (33,388) (62,307) Less: Share-based compensation expenses (30) (98) (82) (117) (322) Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses (10,091) (17,599) (20,326) (33,271) (61,985) Product development expenses (933) (1,581) (1,607) (3,571) (5,476) Less: Share-based compensation expenses (32) (13) (13) (118) (53) Non-GAAP product development expenses (901) (1,568) (1,594) (3,453) (5,423) General and administrative expenses (2,389) (4,572) (5,350) (10,615) (17,303) Less: Share-based compensation expenses (145) (255) (246) (699) (956) Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses (2,244) (4,317) (5,104) (9,916) (16,347) Operating expenses (13,443) (23,850) (27,365) (47,574) (85,086) Less: Share-based compensation expenses (207) (366) (341) (934) (1,331) Non-GAAP operating expenses (13,236) (23,484) (27,024) (46,640) (83,755) Loss from operations (858) (4,583) (5,185) (8,046) (14,429) Less: Share-based compensation expenses (207) (366) (341) (934) (1,331) Non-GAAP loss from operations (651) (4,217) (4,844) (7,112) (13,098) 51TALK ONLINE EDUCATION GROUP Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures to the Most Comparable GAAP Measures (In thousands except for number of shares and per share data) For the three months ended For the year ended Dec. 31, Sep. 30, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 2024 2025 2025 2024 2025 US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ Income tax expenses (162) (264) (652) (276) (1,242) Less: Tax impact of Share-based compensation expenses - - - - - Non-GAAP income tax expenses (162) (264) (652) (276) (1,242) Net loss, all attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders (1,378) (5,181) (6,460) (7,235) (16,804) Less: Share-based compensation expenses (207) (366) (341) (934) (1,331) Non-GAAP net loss, all attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders (1,171) (4,815) (6,119) (6,301) (15,473) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing basic and diluted loss per share 348,918,600 356,502,442 357,904,007 347,119,359 355,001,931 Non-GAAP net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders Basic and Diluted (0.00) (0.01) (0.02) (0.02) (0.04) Non-GAAP net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders Basic and Diluted (0.20) (0.81) (1.03) (1.09) (2.62) *The previously reported unaudited quarterly financial information for the relevant periods has been revised to reflect certain immaterial adjustments, primarily related to the refinement of expense recognition cutoffs during the year-end financial reporting process.
2026-03-27 11:35:00

Lebanon: المفوضية تدعو لتقديم دعم عاجل في لبنان تفادياً لوقوع كارثة إنسانية | مفوضية اللاجئين [AR]
Country: Lebanon Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees بعد مضي شهر تقريباً على تصاعد حدة الصراع وبوتيرة متسارعة، يواجه لبنان أزمة إنسانية متفاقمة. فمنذ الثاني من مارس، وفي أعقاب غارات إسرائيلية مكثفة وأوامر بالإجلاء على نطاق واسع، أُجبر أكثر من مليون شخص - أي واحد من كل خمسة من السكان - على الفرار من منازلهم. ويمتد النزوح الآن من الجنوب والبقاع إلى بيروت وشمال البلاد، في وقت لا تزال فيه أعداد النازحين في ازدياد. وحتى في ظل النزوح، لم يعد السكان يشعرون بالأمان، حيث استهدفت غارات إسرائيلية الأسبوع الماضي وسط بيروت، بما في ذلك حيي زقاق البلاط وباشورة المكتظين بالسكان، حيث لجأ إليها الكثيرون طلباً للأمان. وقد وقعت إحدى الغارات على بُعد مبنى واحد فقط من مدرسة تؤوي عائلات نازحة، وهي المدرسة التي زرتها مع محافظ بيروت قبل أيام قليلة. وتعيش العائلات في حالة دائمة من الخوف، وسوف تستمر التأثيرات النفسية السلبية، لا سيما على الأطفال، لفترة طويلة بعد انتهاء الصراع الحالي. كما تزداد صعوبة فرص الوصول إلى مكان آمن، حيث أدى تدمير جسور رئيسية في الجنوب إلى عزل مناطق بأكملها، وهو ما تسبب بعزل أكثر من 150 ألف شخص وتقييد وصول المساعدات الإنسانية لهم بشكل كبير. الكثير من العائلات التي نلتقي بها يومياً في المفوضية السامية للأمم المتحدة لشؤون اللاجئين قد نزحت للمرة الثانية أو الثالثة. وقد عاد العديد من هؤلاء إلى المدرسة نفسها التي لجأوا إليها عام 2024. واليوم، يقيم أكثر من 136 ألف نازح في 660 مأوى جماعي، معظمها عبارة عن مدارس مكتظة وتفوق طاقتها الاستيعابية. ويفاقم الاكتظاظ، والفصول الدراسية المشتركة، ومحدودية الوصول إلى خدمات الصرف الصحي وغيرها من الخدمات الأساسية، من المخاطر التي تعتري الحماية بشكل كبير، بما في ذلك التعرض للاستغلال والعنف القائم على النوع الاجتماعي. ويتأثر كبار السن وذوو الإعاقة بشكل خاص، حيث يجدون صعوبة في النوم على أرضيات الفصول الدراسية أو استخدام المرافق المخصصة للأطفال. ويتفاقم التوتر والصدمات النفسية في هذه الظروف المكتظة وغير الملائمة. وإلى جانب الحاجة المُلحة للمأوى، ثمة حاجة واضحة وعاجلة لرفع مستوى الحماية والدعم المجتمعي. خلال زيارة قمت بها مؤخراً إلى أحد أكبر مراكز الإيواء في صيدا، والذي يستضيف أكثر من ألف شخص، رأيت كيف يمكن للتعاون أن يُسهم في الحفاظ على كرامة النازحين وتمكينهم. عملت السلطات المركزية والمحلية، برفقة المفوضية، والمنظمات غير الحكومية، والمتطوعين جنباً إلى جنب مع العائلات النازحة لتنظيم أنشطة ترفيهية وتعليمية لـ 400 طفل يقيمون في مراكز الإيواء. كما شارك النازحون من الرجال والنساء في الطبخ وفي أنشطة هادفة أخرى، بينما قدمت المفوضية وشركاؤها من المنظمات غير الحكومية الدعم النفسي والحماية المتخصصة. هناك خطر حقيقي بشأن وقوع كارثة إنسانية. ولكن من خلال دعم الاستجابة الطارئة التي تقودها الحكومة والموضحة في النداء العاجل للبنان، يمكن التخفيف من المخاطر الأخرى، بما في ذلك العنف والاستغلال وتصاعد التوترات. تواصل المفوضية قيادة قطاعي الحماية والمأوى بالتعاون مع وزارة الشؤون الاجتماعية والمنظمات غير الحكومية الشريكة، حيث قدمت أكثر من 198,000 مادة إغاثية أساسية، مع العمل على تحسين مستوى الخصوصية وحفظ الكرامة داخل مراكز الإيواء. حتى الآن، قدمت المفوضية وشركاؤها الدعم لأكثر من 27,000 شخص من خلال خدمات الحماية، بما في ذلك الدعم النفسي والاجتماعي، والأنشطة الترفيهية، والاستشارات، والمساعدة الموجهة للفئات الأكثر ضعفاً. ومع وجود التمويل الكافي لنداءنا الأولي الذي يزيد عن 60 مليون دولار، يمكننا توسيع نطاق هذه البرامج ضمن الاستجابة المشتركة بين الوكالات. يتجاوز هذا الدعم الاستجابة الطارئة المباشرة، إذ يُعزز أنظمة الحماية الوطنية والأنظمة الاجتماعية التي تعمل الحكومة على إصلاحها. ومن خلال الاستجابة للاحتياجات العاجلة اليوم، فإننا نستثمر في الوقت نفسه في استدامة تلك الجهود وقدرتها على الصمود على المدى الطويل. مع ذلك، تتزايد الاحتياجات بوتيرة أسرع من الموارد المتاحة. فبدون توسيع نطاق المأوى، فإن الاكتظاظ سوف يتفاقم. وبدون تعزيز الحماية، سوف تزداد المخاطر التي تواجه الأطفال والنساء والفئات الأخرى الأكثر ضعفاً. وإذا لم تصل المساعدات إلى المستفيدين على نحوٍ سريع، فسوف يتحول الوضع المتردي إلى حالة من التوتر. كان لبنان يواجه بالفعل أزمات متعددة، ويُضيف هذا النزوح الجماعي ضغطاً هائلاً على الأسر والخدمات. من الواجب توفير الحماية للمدنيين في جميع الأوقات. ويكرر السكان لي مراراً وتكراراً نفس الكلام: إنهم يريدون ببساطة العودة إلى ديارهم. واجبنا هو مساعدتهم حتى يتمكنوا من العودة بأمان. للمزيد من المعلومات:
2026-03-27 11:33:06

Congo: UNICEF West and Central Africa Region Humanitarian Situation Report No. 2 (End of Year), 31 December 2025
Countries: Congo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo Source: UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached file. Highlights The ongoing occurrence of public health emergencies including cholera, mpox, yellow fever, and measles has significant impact on the already fragile health and WASH systems across the region, including in the following countries: Republic of Congo: 808 cholera cases reported by mid-October 2025 (66 confirmed and 742 suspected). Sierra Leone: 5,442 reported Mpox cases. Liberia: 2,781 suspected and 1,497 confirmed Mpox cases; 34 confirmed cases of Lassa fever; and 55 suspected and 2 confirmed cases of yellow fever. Equatorial Guinea: 151 suspected measles cases, including 77 confirmed. Climate-related disasters, notably deadly floods, have led to population displacement, disrupted essential services, and loss of livelihoods, particularly in Guinea (59 deaths), São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal. SITUATION OVERVIEW & HUMANITARIAN NEEDS In 2025, the humanitarian landscape in West and Central Africa was characterised by the convergence of epidemics, climate vulnerability, conflict, political and institutional instability and insecurity, occurring simultaneously and significantly overstretching national systems. This combination heightened reliance on humanitarian action to sustain essential services. As a result of protracted conflicts, large-scale population displacement, public health emergencies, and recurrent climate shocks, more than 42 million children in the region required lifesaving assistance5 . Political instability was marked by a series of major political and security developments, including constitutional referendums and presidential elections in Gabon and Guinea, in the context of fragile transition periods. , as well as by a coup d’État that erupted in Guinea Bissau at the end of 2025. Meanwhile, the Republic of the Congo faced spillover effects from the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with nearly 31,000 Congolese refugees hosted on its territory. Heavy rainfall across the Sahel and West Africa caused major flooding in several countries, including Cabo Verde, Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Senegal, and Ghana, resulting in loss of life, injuries, and widespread damage to homes and livelihoods. Overall, 1.6 million people were affected across the region, with 732 reported deaths and the destruction of 146 schools and 89 health facilities6 . The impact was compounded by rapid and uncontrolled urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure. Major disease outbreaks persisted across the region, including cholera, measles, malaria, and mpox. Cholera remained a particular concern, with 80,000 children at high risk as outbreaks emerged across 12 countries in West and Central Africa at the onset of the rainy season. Ongoing conflict and displacement, climate-related shocks, and limited access to healthcare, water, and sanitation further accelerated the spread of disease. Stunting and malnutrition continued to pose a significant public health challenge in Gambia and Liberia (30 per cent of children under five suffering from stunting), rooted in persistent poverty, food insecurity, and fragile health and WASH systems. Humanitarian efforts continue amid a persistent funding shortfall, with only 27 per cent of the US 7.8 billion requested under the HRP for West and Central Africa secured8 . UNICEF $US 56 million Regional Humanitarian action for Children covering 10 countries9 was only 28 per cent funded limiting the opportunities to provide critical assistance to children and women in need in the region. This appeal was complemented by separate standalone and multi-country appeals for other emergency-affected countries.
2026-03-26 01:29:44

PCHi 2026: World's Largest Cosmetics Ingredients Exhibition Opens in Hangzhou
860+ exhibitors from 26 countries and regions across 70,000 sqm Close to 50 new product launches, including global and China debuts 295 product submissions and 19 engineer nominations for the Fountain Awards Technical program covering formulation, regulation, and emerging technologies HANGZHOU, China , March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi) trade show , organized by Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions, is underway at the Hangzhou Grand Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together more than 860 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions across 70,000 square meters. As the world's largest cosmetics ingredients exhibition and the first major industry event of the year , PCHi 2026 reinforces its role as a global platform connecting ingredient suppliers with brands, formulators, and manufacturers seeking to shape product pipelines for the year ahead. The three-day event convenes industry professionals at a critical point in the industry calendar, when sourcing strategies and innovation priorities are actively being defined. With China continuing to play a central role in global beauty consumption and production, PCHi provides international participants with direct access to one of the most influential markets for ingredient innovation and application. Opening day saw the unveiling of close to 50 new product launches , with exhibitors presenting developments across ingredient technologies, biotechnology, formulation systems, testing services, packaging materials, and AI-enabled applications — reflecting strong momentum in performance-driven, sustainable, and compliance-ready solutions. Visitors noted the value of engaging directly with suppliers while evaluating a broad cross-section of technologies in one setting, enabling efficient benchmarking and more informed sourcing decisions. "China's personal care market continues to influence how and where innovation is developed and applied," said a spokesperson from Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions (RSE). "PCHi brings the global industry together at scale — offering a platform to launch new technologies, evaluate opportunities, and align strategies for the year ahead." Alongside the exhibition, technical seminars and forums across the three days will cover more than 20 topics, including formulation science, regulatory developments, dermo-cosmetics, and cosmetics efficacy testing. Dedicated feature areas — including the Innovation Zone, New Products Showcase, New Technology Sessions, and Sustainability Zone — highlight emerging technologies and product concepts. The PCHi Fountain Awards winners were announced on the opening day of the exhibition, with 33 products and three engineers recognized. The Awards serve as a reference point for excellence within the industry, highlighting notable achievements while supporting continued progress in innovation and product development. The next edition of PCHi will take place from 24–26 February 2027 in Guangzhou, continuing its role as a key meeting point for the global cosmetics ingredients industry. For more information, visit www.pchi-china.com/en .
2026-03-20 09:09:00

Global Buyers Convene in the Lighting Capital for Efficient Deals and Business Opportunities; Global Buyer Spring Sourcing Fair Paves a "Fast Track" for Cross-Border Procurement
ZHONGSHAN, China , March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On the third day of the 34th Guzhen Lighting Fair, the exhibition hall was bustling with activity. Buyers and exhibitors from around the globe engaged in enthusiastic exchanges, while the sounds of inquiries and negotiations echoed throughout the venue, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere. The "Global Buyers Spring Sourcing", a highlight of this exhibition, has successfully concluded. More than 100 influential overseas buyers gathered to participate in two core sessions: the "Denggle.com Business Matching" and the " Interstellar Plaza Sourcing Tour." This event created a trade platform that seamlessly integrates precise matchmaking, in-depth communication, and on-site visits for both suppliers and buyers. 01 Denggle.com Business Matching: Precise alignment of supply and demand for mutual cooperation and success This year's Global Buyers Spring Sourcing successfully hosted three Online Lighting Business Matching, where hundreds of overseas buyers engaged in precise and efficient communication with carefully selected premium exhibitors. The event was packed, and the negotiation atmosphere was lively. At this session of Lighting Fair, the business matching for the Malaysian buyer group served as a vital bridge for precisely connecting with overseas resources and facilitating China-Malaysia lighting trade cooperation. It brought together influential buyers from fields such as retail distribution, real estate, architectural design, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and lighting wholesale. To ensure efficient negotiations, Guzhen Lighting Fair pre-matched each buyer with the most suitable exhibitors based on the specific procurement lists submitted prior to the event. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions regarding purchase needs, product details, and cooperation models, leading to precise and effective on-site communication. The other two business matching events were equally remarkable with target on the key buyers from Russia, Southeast Asia, West Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. These meetings continued the efficient service model of "precise pre-event matching", allowing suppliers and buyers to effectively connect through one-on-one negotiations. Due to the smooth communication, many exhibitors secured purchase intentions. 02 Interstellar Plaza Sourcing Tour: In-depth exploration of the source market for on-site product selection In addition to the business matching at the main venue, the Global Buyers Spring Sourcing also organized the Interstellar Plaza Sourcing Tour. This event invited the Malaysian buyer group to experience the distinctive "Exhibition- Megastore Linkage" model, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of Guzhen's lighting industry chain through a combination of open negotiations and on-site visits. During the event, a representative from Interstellar Plaza delivered a speech, providing a detailed introduction to the diverse lighting brands, innovative designs, and comprehensive supporting services available at the plaza, highlighting Guzhen's strong supply chain advantages as a leading hub for lighting production. Subsequently, a buyer representative shared insights into the current consumer trends and specific demands of the Malaysian lighting market, offering valuable overseas market forecast to the merchants in attendance. Subsequently, a merchant representative spoke, warmly welcoming the overseas buyers and briefly introducing the product features and service advantages of their respective stores, providing additional information for the buyers' store visits. During the afternoon tea session, buyers and merchants gathered to discuss purchase needs and product features, establishing a robust foundation for the subsequent on-site visits. After the session, the buyer group, guided by staff, made on-site visits to several representative brand stores within the plaza. They gained an in-depth understanding of product craftsmanship and details and engaged in one-on-one discussions with merchants regarding purchase intentions. This provided overseas buyers with a more direct appreciation of the quality and strength of Guzhen manufacturing. By combining precise matchmaking with on-site inspections, the Global Buyers Spring Sourcing has successfully facilitated mutual benefits for both suppliers and buyers, highlighting the effectiveness and value of the Guzhen Lighting Fair as a trade platform.
2026-03-20 09:09:00

XPENG Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Unaudited Financial Results
The Company achieved a positive net profit of RMB0.38 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, recorded a positive net profit for a single quarter for the first time. Cash position [i] was RMB47.66 billion ( US$6.81 billion ) as of December 31, 2025 Quarterly total revenues were RMB22.25 billion , a 38.2% increase year-over-year Quarterly gross margin was 21.3%, an increase of 6.9 percentage points over the same period of 2024 Quarterly vehicle margin was 13.0%, an increase of 3.0 percentage points over the same period of 2024 Full year vehicle deliveries reached 429,445, a 125.9% increase year-over-year Full year revenues reached RMB76.72 billion , an 87.7% increase year-over-year Full year gross margin was 18.9%, an increase of 4.6 percentage points year-over-year GUANGZHOU, China , March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- XPeng Inc. ( "XPENG" or the "Company," NYSE: XPEV and HKEX: 9868), a leading global AI mobility technology company, today announced its unaudited financial results for the three months and fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 . Operational and Financial Highlights for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2025 2025Q4 2025Q3 2025Q2 2025Q1 2024Q4 2024Q3 Total deliveries 116,249 116,007 103,181 94,008 91,507 46,533 Total deliveries of vehicles were 116,249 for the fourth quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 27.0% from 91,507 in the corresponding period of 2024. XPENG's physical sales network had a total of 721 stores, covering 255 cities as of December 31, 2025 . XPENG self-operated charging station network reached 3,159 stations, including 2,108 XPENG ultra-fast charging stations as of December 31, 2025 . Total revenues were RMB22.25 billion ( US$3.18 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 38.2% from the same period of 2024, and an increase of 9.2% from the third quarter of 2025. Revenues from vehicle sales were RMB19.07 billion ( US$2.73 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 30.0% from the same period of 2024, and an increase of 5.6% from the third quarter of 2025. Gross margin was 21.3% for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with 14.4% for the same period of 2024 and 20.1% for the third quarter of 2025. Vehicle margin , which is gross profit of vehicle sales as a percentage of vehicle sales revenue, was 13.0% for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with 10.0% for the same period of 2024 and 13.1% for the third quarter of 2025. Net profit was RMB0.38 billion ( US$0.05 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with a loss of RMB1.33 billion for the same period of 2024 and a loss of RMB0.38 billion for the third quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration, non-GAAP net profit was RMB0.51 billion ( US$0.07 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with a loss of RMB1.39 billion for the same period of 2024 and a loss of RMB0.15 billion for the third quarter of 2025. Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPENG was RMB0.38 billion ( US$0.05 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared a loss of with RMB1.33 billion for the same period of 2024 and a loss of RMB0.38 billion for the third quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration, non-GAAP net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPENG was RMB0.51 billion ( US$0.07 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with a loss of RMB1.39 billion for the same period of 2024 and a loss of RMB0.15 billion for the third quarter of 2025. Basic and diluted net profit per American depositary share (ADS) were both RMB0.40 (US$0.06) and basic and diluted net profit per ordinary share were both RMB0.20 (US$0.03) for the fourth quarter of 2025. Each ADS represents two Class A ordinary shares. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net profit per ADS were RMB0.53 (US$0.08) and RMB0.52 (US$0.07) , respectively, and non-GAAP basic and diluted net profit per ordinary share were both RMB0.26 (US$0.04) for the fourth quarter of 2025. Cash position was RMB47.66 billion ( US$6.81 billion ) as of December 31, 2025 , compared with RMB41.96 billion as of December 31, 2024 . [i] Cash position includes cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and time deposits. Time deposits include restricted short-term deposits, short-term deposits, current portion and non-current portion of restricted long-term deposits, current portion and non-current portion of long-term deposits. Key Financial Results (in RMB billions, except for percentage) For the Three Months Ended % Change [ii] December 31, September 30, December 31, 2025 2025 2024 YoY QoQ Vehicle sales 19.07 18.05 14.67 30.0 % 5.6 % Vehicle margin 13.0 % 13.1 % 10.0 % 3.0 pts -0.1pts Total revenues 22.25 20.38 16.11 38.2 % 9.2 % Gross profit 4.74 4.10 2.32 104.0 % 15.5 % Gross margin 21.3 % 20.1 % 14.4 % 6.9 pts 1.2 pts Net profit (loss) 0.38 (0.38) (1.33) 128.8 % 200.6 % Non-GAAP net profit (loss) 0.51 (0.15) (1.39) 136.3 % 432.6 % Net profit (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders 0.38 (0.38) (1.33) 128.8 % 200.6 % Non-GAAP net profit (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders 0.51 (0.15) (1.39) 136.3 % 432.6 % Comprehensive profit (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders 0.22 (0.50) (0.90) 124.2 % 143.1 % [ii] Except for vehicle margin and gross margin, where absolute changes instead of percentage changes are presented Management Commentary "In 2025, XPENG delivered a total of 429,445 vehicles, representing a 125.9% year-over-year increase. We continue to push the boundaries of Physical AI, accelerating the mass production and commercialization of product innovations as we expand our global footprint," said Mr. Xiaopeng He , Chairman and CEO of XPENG. "I believe XPENG is at a historical inflection point for Physical AI applications. Our goal is not only to grow our global market share of AI-defined vehicles and bridge the gap from L2+ assisted driving to L4 autonomous driving, but also to bring our second-generation VLA model to international markets and achieve scale production of advanced humanoid robots." "In the fourth quarter of 2025, XPENG's gross margin reached 21.3%, reaching a new record high, with net profit hitting RMB0.38 billion . By leveraging a business model driven by technological leadership, we have established a profitability path that sets us apart from traditional automakers," added Dr. Hongdi Brian Gu , Vice Chairman and Co-President of XPENG. "Our cash on hand of RMB47.66 billion at 2025 year-end provides a solid foundation for our unwavering investment in Physical AI R&D." Recent Developments Deliveries in January and February 2026 Total deliveries were 20,011 vehicles in January 2026 . Total deliveries were 15,256 vehicles in February 2026 . As of February 28, 2026 , year-to-date total deliveries were 35,267 vehicles. Deployment Progress and Technological breakthroughs of VLA 2.0 Intelligent Driving System During XPENG's "The Future" VLA Media Experience Day on March 2, 2026 , the company unveiled the architecture and deployment plan for its VLA 2.0 intelligent driving system. Unaudited Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2025 Total revenues were RMB22.25 billion ( US$3.18 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 38.2% from RMB16.11 billion for the same period of 2024 and an increase of 9.2% from RMB20.38 billion for the third quarter of 2025. Revenues from vehicle sales were RMB19.07 billion ( US$2.73 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 30.0% from RMB14.67 billion for the same period of 2024, and an increase of 5.6% from RMB18.05 billion for the third quarter of 2025. The year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter increases were mainly attributable to higher deliveries. Revenues from services and others were RMB3.18 billion ( US$0.45 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 121.9% from RMB1.43 billion for the same period of 2024 and an increase of 36.7% from RMB2.33 billion for the third quarter of 2025. The year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter increases were primarily attributable to the increased revenues from (i) technical research and development services (" technical R&D services ") rendered to a car manufacturer (the " Manufacturer ") with the successful achievement of certain key milestones in the current quarter, under the agreement entered into with the Manufacturer; (ii) parts and accessories sales in line with higher accumulated vehicle sales; and (iii) carbon credit trading. Cost of sales was RMB17.51 billion ( US$2.50 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 27.1% from RMB13.78 billion for the same period of 2024 and an increase of 7.6% from RMB16.28 billion for the third quarter of 2025. The year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter increases were mainly in line with vehicle deliveries as described above. Gross margin was 21.3% for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with 14.4% for the same period of 2024 and 20.1% for the third quarter of 2025. Vehicle margin was 13.0% for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with 10.0% for the same period of 2024 and 13.1% for the third quarter of 2025. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to the ongoing cost reduction and improvement in product mix of models. Services and others margin was 70.8% for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with 59.6% for the same period of 2024 and 74.6% for the third quarter of 2025. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to the aforementioned revenue from technical R&D services, parts and accessories sales and carbon credit trading. Research and development expenses were RMB2.87 billion ( US$0.41 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 43.2% from RMB2.01 billion for the same period of 2024 and an increase of 18.3% from RMB2.43 billion for the third quarter of 2025. The year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter increases were mainly due to higher expenses related to the development of new vehicle models and technologies as the Company expanded its product portfolio to support future growth. Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB2.79 billion ( US$0.40 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 22.7% from RMB2.28 billion for the same period of 2024 and an increase of 12.0% from RMB2.49 billion for the third quarter of 2025. The year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter increases were primarily due to the higher commission to the franchised stores related to sales volume and the launch of new models. The year-over-year increase was further due to higher marketing and advertising expenses. Other income, net was RMB0.84 billion ( US$0.12 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 327.5% from RMB0.20 billion for the same period of 2024 and an increase of 498.6% from RMB0.14 billion for the third quarter of 2025. The year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter increases were primarily due to the increase in receipt of government subsidies. Fair value gain (loss) on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration was gain of RMB0.04 billion ( US$0.01 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with gain of RMB0.20 billion for the same period of 2024 and loss of RMB0.07 billion for the third quarter of 2025. This non-cash gain (loss) resulted from the fair value change of the contingent consideration related to the acquisition of DiDi Global Inc. (" DiDi ")'s smart auto business. Loss from operations was RMB0.04 billion ( US$0.01 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with RMB1.56 billion for the same period of 2024 and RMB0.75 billion for the third quarter of 2025. Non-GAAP profit from operations , which excludes share-based compensation expenses and fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration, was RMB0.08 billion ( US$0.01 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with a loss of RMB1.62 billion for the same period of 2024 and a loss of RMB0.52 billion for the third quarter of 2025. Net profit was RMB0.38 billion ( US$0.05 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with a loss of RMB1.33 billion for the same period of 2024 and a loss of RMB0.38 billion for the third quarter of 2025. Non-GAAP net profit , which excludes share-based compensation expenses and fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration, was RMB0.51 billion ( US$0.07 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with a loss of RMB1.39 billion for the same period of 2024 and a loss of RMB0.15 billion for the third quarter of 2025. Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPENG was RMB0.38 billion ( US$0.05 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with a loss of RMB1.33 billion for the same period of 2024 and a loss of RMB0.38 billion for the third quarter of 2025. Non-GAAP net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPENG , which excludes share-based compensation expenses and fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration, was RMB0.51 billion ( US$0.07 billion ) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with a loss of RMB1.39 billion for the same period of 2024 and a loss of RMB0.15 billion for the third quarter of 2025. Basic and diluted net profit per ADS were both RMB0.40 (US$0.06) for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with RMB1.40 basic and diluted net loss per ADS for the fourth quarter of 2024 and RMB0.40 basic and diluted net loss per ADS for the third quarter of 2025. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net profit per ADS were RMB0.53 (US$0.08) and RMB0.52 (US$0.07) for the fourth quarter of 2025, respectively, compared with RMB1.47 non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS for the fourth quarter of 2024 and RMB0.16 non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS for the third quarter of 2025. Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2025 , the Company had cash position of RMB47.66 billion ( US$6.81 billion ), compared with RMB41.96 billion as of December 31, 2024 and RMB48.33 billion as of September 30, 2025 . Unaudited Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025 Total revenues were RMB76.72 billion ( US$10.97 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, representing an increase of 87.7% from RMB40.87 billion for the prior year. Revenues from vehicle sales were RMB68.38 billion ( US$9.78 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, representing an increase of 90.8% from RMB35.83 billion for the prior year. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to higher deliveries. Revenues from services and others were RMB8.34 billion ( US$1.19 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, representing an increase of 65.6% from RMB5.04 billion for the prior year. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to the increased revenues from (i) technical R&D services rendered to the Manufacturer with the successful achievement of certain key milestones in the current period, under the agreement entered into with the Manufacturer; (ii) parts and accessories sales in line with higher accumulated vehicle sales; and (iii) carbon credit trading. Cost of sales was RMB62.25 billion ( US$8.9 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, representing an increase of 77.7% from RMB35.02 billion for the prior year. The year-over-year increase was mainly in line with vehicle deliveries as described above. Gross margin was 18.9% for fiscal year of 2025, compared with 14.3% for the prior year. Vehicle margin was 12.8% for fiscal year of 2025, compared with 8.3% for the prior year. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to the ongoing cost reduction and improvement in product mix of models. Services and others margin was 68.2% for fiscal year of 2025, compared with 57.2% for the prior year. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to the aforementioned revenue from technical R&D services, parts and accessories sales and carbon credit trading. Research and development expenses were RMB9.49 billion ( US$1.36 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, representing an increase of 47.0% from RMB6.46 billion for the prior year. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to higher expenses related to the development of new vehicle models and technologies as the Company expanded its product portfolio to support future growth. Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB9.40 billion ( US$1.34 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, representing an increase of 36.8% from RMB6.87 billion for the prior year. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to the higher commission to the franchised stores driven by higher sales volume, higher marketing and advertising expenses and higher employee compensation as a result of the growth in number of employees. Other income, net was RMB1.76 billion ( US$0.25 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, representing an increase of 198.9% from RMB0.59 billion for the prior year. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to the increase in receipt of government subsidies. Fair value gain (loss) on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration was loss of RMB0.12 billion ( US$0.02 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, compared with gain of RMB0.23 billion for the prior year. This non-cash gain (loss) resulted from the fair value change of the contingent consideration related to the acquisition of DiDi Global Inc. (" DiDi ")'s smart auto business. Loss from operations was RMB2.77 billion ( US$0.40 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, compared with RMB6.66 billion for the prior year. Non-GAAP loss from operations , which excludes share-based compensation expenses and fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration, was RMB2.09 billion ( US$0.30 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, compared with RMB6.42 billion for the prior year. Net loss was RMB1.14 billion ( US$0.16 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, compared with RMB5.79 billion for the prior year. Non-GAAP net loss , which excludes share-based compensation expenses and fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration, was RMB0.46 billion ( US$0.07 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, compared with RMB5.55 billion for the prior year. Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPENG was RMB1.14 billion ( US$0.16 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, compared with RMB5.79 billion for the prior year. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPENG , which excludes share-based compensation expenses and fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration, was RMB0.46 billion ( US$0.07 billion ) for fiscal year of 2025, compared with RMB5.55 billion for the prior year. Basic and diluted net loss per ADS were both RMB1.20 (US$0.17) for fiscal year of 2025, compared with RMB6.12 for the prior year. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS were both RMB0.48 (US$0.07) for fiscal year of 2025, compared with RMB5.87 for the prior year. Business Outlook For the first quarter of 2026, the Company expects: Deliveries of vehicles to be between 61,000 and 66,000, representing a year-over-year decrease of approximately 29.79% to 35.11%. Total revenues to be between RMB12.20 billion and RMB13.28 billion , representing a year-over-year decrease of approximately 16.01% to 22.84%. The above outlook is based on the current market conditions and reflects the Company's preliminary estimates of market and operating conditions, and customer demand, which are all subject to change. Conference Call The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on March 20, 2026 ( 8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on March 20, 2026 ). For participants who wish to join the call by phone, please access the link provided below to complete the pre-registration process and dial in 5 minutes prior to the scheduled call start time. Upon registration, each participant will receive dial-in details to join the conference call. Event Title: XPENG Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Earnings Conference Call Pre-registration link: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10052981-bng765.html Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.xiaopeng.com. A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately an hour after the conclusion of the call until March 27, 2026 , by dialing the following telephone numbers: United States: +1-855-883-1031 International: +61-7-3107-6325 Hong Kong, China: 800-930-639 Mainland China: 400-120-9216 Replay Access Code: 10052981 About XPENG XPENG is a leading Chinese Smart EV company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs that appeal to the large and growing base of technology-savvy middle-class consumers. Its mission is to become a smart technology company trusted and loved by users worldwide. In order to optimize its customers' mobility experience, XPENG develops in-house its full-stack advanced driver-assistance system technology and in-car intelligent operating system, as well as core vehicle systems including powertrain and the electrical/electronic architecture. XPENG is headquartered in Guangzhou, China , with main offices in Beijing , Shanghai , Shenzhen , Silicon Valley and San Diego . The Company's Smart EVs are mainly manufactured at its plants in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou , Guangdong province. For more information, please visit https://www.xpeng.com/ . Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company uses non-GAAP measures, such as non-GAAP (loss) profit from operations, non-GAAP net (loss) profit, non-GAAP net (loss) profit attributable to ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP basic (loss) profit per weighted average number of ordinary shares and non-GAAP basic (loss) profit per ADS, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. By excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses and fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration, the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in its business and enhance the overall understanding of the Company's past performance and future prospects. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measures allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Company's management in its financial and operational decision-making. The non-GAAP financial measures are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP methods of accounting and reporting used by other companies. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and when assessing the Company's operating performance, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for net (loss) profit or other consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) profit data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. The Company mitigates these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP performance measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company's performance. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP Results" set forth in this announcement. Exchange Rate Information This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to RMB are made at a rate of RMB6.9931 to US$1.00 , the exchange rate on December 31, 2025 , set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or U.S. dollars amounts referred could be converted into U.S. dollars or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about XPENG's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: XPENG's goal and strategies; XPENG's expansion plans; XPENG's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the trends in, and size of, China's EV market; XPENG's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products and services; XPENG's expectations regarding its relationships with customers, suppliers, third-party service providers, strategic partners and other stakeholders; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in XPENG's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date of this announcement, and XPENG does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. For Investor Enquiries IR Department XPeng Inc. E-mail: ir@xiaopeng.com Jenny Cai Piacente Financial Communications Tel: +1-212-481-2050 or +86-10-6508-0677 E-mail: xpeng@tpg-ir.com For Media Enquiries PR Department XPeng Inc. E-mail: pr@xiaopeng.com XPENG INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands, except for ADS/ordinary share and per ADS/ordinary share data) As of December 31 2024 RMB 2025 RMB 2025 US$ ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 18,586,274 17,329,612 2,478,102 Restricted cash 3,153,390 6,071,491 868,212 Short-term deposits 12,931,757 11,388,834 1,628,582 Restricted short-term deposits 110,699 296,277 42,367 Short-term investments 751,290 3,217,293 460,067 Long-term deposits, current portion 452,326 3,020,317 431,900 Restricted long-term deposits, current portion — 600,472 85,866 Accounts and notes receivable, net 2,449,629 1,996,917 285,555 Installment payment receivables, net, current portion 2,558,756 3,553,054 508,080 Inventory 5,562,922 10,380,668 1,484,416 Amounts due from related parties 43,714 102,219 14,617 Prepayments and other current assets 3,135,312 5,296,673 757,415 Total current assets 49,736,069 63,253,827 9,045,179 Non-current assets Long-term deposits 4,489,036 4,263,542 609,678 Restricted long-term deposits 1,487,688 1,468,708 210,022 Property, plant and equipment, net 11,521,863 13,527,237 1,934,369 Right-of-use assets, net 1,261,663 3,730,921 533,515 Intangible assets, net 4,610,469 4,253,168 608,195 Land use rights, net 2,744,424 3,216,526 459,957 Installment payment receivables, net 4,448,416 6,496,020 928,919 Long-term investments 1,963,194 2,523,037 360,789 Other non-current assets 443,283 429,644 61,438 Total non-current assets 32,970,036 39,908,803 5,706,882 Total assets 82,706,105 103,162,630 14,752,061 XPENG INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except for ADS/ordinary share and per ADS/ordinary share data) As of December 31 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB US$ LIABILITIES Current liabilities Short-term borrowings 4,609,123 4,282,000 612,318 Accounts payable 15,181,585 18,001,675 2,574,205 Notes payable 7,898,896 19,161,724 2,740,090 Amounts due to related parties 9,364 1,064 152 Income taxes payable 14,514 44,682 6,389 Derivative liability — 281,009 40,184 Operating lease liabilities, current portion 324,496 445,901 63,763 Finance lease liabilities, current portion 41,940 55,581 7,948 Deferred revenue, current portion 1,275,716 1,463,065 209,216 Long-term borrowings, current portion 1,858,613 1,837,950 262,823 Accruals and other liabilities 8,650,636 12,538,698 1,793,010 Total current liabilities 39,864,883 58,113,349 8,310,098 Non-current liabilities Long-term borrowings 5,664,518 6,588,865 942,195 Operating lease liabilities 1,345,852 4,246,599 607,256 Finance lease liabilities 777,697 740,576 105,901 Deferred revenue 822,719 1,206,014 172,458 Derivative liability 167,940 — — Deferred tax liabilities 341,932 330,353 47,240 Other non-current liabilities 2,445,776 1,568,284 224,262 Total non-current liabilities 11,566,434 14,680,691 2,099,312 Total liabilities 51,431,317 72,794,040 10,409,410 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Class A Ordinary shares 104 105 15 Class B Ordinary shares 21 21 3 Additional paid-in capital 70,671,685 71,236,011 10,186,614 Statutory and other reserves 95,019 137,720 19,694 Accumulated deficit (41,585,549) (42,767,710) (6,115,701) Accumulated other comprehensive income 2,093,508 1,762,443 252,026 Total shareholders' equity 31,274,788 30,368,590 4,342,651 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 82,706,105 103,162,630 14,752,061 XPENG INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE PROFIT/(LOSS) (All amounts in thousands, except for ADS/ordinary share and per ADS/ordinary share data) Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, 2024 2025 2025 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ Revenues Vehicle sales 14,671,128 18,053,752 19,072,174 2,727,285 Services and others 1,433,968 2,327,198 3,181,585 454,961 Total revenues 16,105,096 20,380,950 22,253,759 3,182,246 Cost of sales Vehicle sales (13,200,594) (15,686,646) (16,583,754) (2,371,445) Services and others (579,725) (590,051) (928,199) (132,731) Total cost of sales (13,780,319) (16,276,697) (17,511,953) (2,504,176) Gross profit 2,324,777 4,104,253 4,741,806 678,070 Operating expenses Research and development expenses (2,006,463) (2,428,863) (2,874,248) (411,012) Selling, general and administrative expenses (2,275,400) (2,492,897) (2,792,254) (399,287) Other income, net 196,436 140,283 839,694 120,075 Fair value gain (loss) on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration 204,637 (73,824) 40,744 5,826 Total operating expenses, net (3,880,790) (4,855,301) (4,786,064) (684,398) Loss from operations (1,556,013) (751,048) (44,258) (6,328) Interest income 301,177 300,840 262,919 37,597 Interest expense (94,001) (99,350) (76,485) (10,937) Investment gain on long-term investments 10,069 131,115 265,364 37,947 Exchange (loss) gain from foreign currency transactions (104,994) 25,860 (12,994) (1,858) Other non-operating income (expenses), net 94,093 (1,113) 22,173 3,171 (Loss) profit before income tax benefit (expenses) and share of results of equity method investees (1,349,669) (393,696) 416,719 59,592 Income tax benefit (expenses) 44,092 7,113 (22,128) (3,164) Share of results of equity method investees (24,396) 5,715 (11,383) (1,628) Net (loss) profit (1,329,973) (380,868) 383,208 54,800 Net (loss) profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPeng Inc. (1,329,973) (380,868) 383,208 54,800 XPENG INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE PROFIT/(LOSS) (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except for ADS/ordinary share and per ADS/ordinary share data) Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, 2024 2025 2025 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ Net (loss) profit (1,329,973) (380,868) 383,208 54,800 Other comprehensive profit (loss) Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax 433,820 (122,747) (166,194) (23,765) Total comprehensive (loss) profit attributable to XPeng Inc. (896,153) (503,615) 217,014 31,035 Comprehensive (loss) profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPeng Inc. (896,153) (503,615) 217,014 31,035 Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net (loss) profit per ordinary share Basic 1,898,086,802 1,905,381,418 1,908,651,262 1,908,651,262 Diluted 1,898,086,802 1,905,381,418 1,934,719,272 1,934,719,272 Net (loss) profit per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders Basic (0.70) (0.20) 0.20 0.03 Diluted (0.70) (0.20) 0.20 0.03 Weighted average number of ADS used in computing net (loss) profit per share Basic 949,043,401 952,690,709 954,325,631 954,325,631 Diluted 949,043,401 952,690,709 967,359,636 967,359,636 Net (loss) profit per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders Basic (1.40) (0.40) 0.40 0.06 Diluted (1.40) (0.40) 0.40 0.06 XPENG INC. UNAUDITED RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (All amounts in thousands, except for ADS/ordinary share and per ADS/ordinary share data) Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, 2024 2025 2025 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ Loss from operations (1,556,013) (751,048) (44,258) (6,328) Fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration (204,637) 73,824 (40,744) (5,826) Share-based compensation expenses 143,675 155,195 162,629 23,256 Non-GAAP (loss) profit from operations (1,616,975) (522,029) 77,627 11,102 Net (loss) profit (1,329,973) (380,868) 383,208 54,800 Fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration (204,637) 73,824 (40,744) (5,826) Share-based compensation expenses 143,675 155,195 162,629 23,256 Non-GAAP net (loss) profit (1,390,935) (151,849) 505,093 72,230 Net (loss) profit attributable to ordinary shareholders (1,329,973) (380,868) 383,208 54,800 Fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration (204,637) 73,824 (40,744) (5,826) Share-based compensation expenses 143,675 155,195 162,629 23,256 Non-GAAP net (loss) profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPeng Inc. (1,390,935) (151,849) 505,093 72,230 XPENG INC. UNAUDITED RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except for ADS/ordinary share and per ADS/ordinary share data) Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, 2024 2025 2025 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating Non-GAAP net (loss) profit per share Basic 1,898,086,802 1,905,381,418 1,908,651,262 1,908,651,262 Diluted 1,898,086,802 1,905,381,418 1,934,719,272 1,934,719,272 Non-GAAP net (loss) profit per ordinary share Basic (0.73) (0.08) 0.26 0.04 Diluted (0.73) (0.08) 0.26 0.04 Weighted average number of ADS used in calculating Non-GAAP net (loss) profit per share Basic 949,043,401 952,690,709 954,325,631 954,325,631 Diluted 949,043,401 952,690,709 967,359,636 967,359,636 Non-GAAP net (loss) profit per ADS Basic (1.47) (0.16) 0.53 0.08 Diluted (1.47) (0.16) 0.52 0.07 XPENG INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (All amounts in thousands, except for ADS/ordinary share and per ADS/ordinary share data) For the Year Ended December 31 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB US$ Revenues Vehicle sales 35,829,402 68,378,920 9,778,056 Services and others 5,036,907 8,340,822 1,192,722 Total revenues 40,866,309 76,719,742 10,970,778 Cost of sales Vehicle sales (32,866,163) (59,598,391) (8,522,457) Services and others (2,154,378) (2,648,432) (378,721) Total cost of sales (35,020,541) (62,246,823) (8,901,178) Gross profit 5,845,768 14,472,919 2,069,600 Operating expenses Research and development expenses (6,456,734) (9,489,979) (1,357,049) Selling, general and administrative expenses (6,870,644) (9,398,456) (1,343,961) Other income, net 589,227 1,761,419 251,880 Fair value gain (loss) on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration 234,245 (117,305) (16,774) Total operating expenses, net (12,503,906) (17,244,321) (2,465,904) Loss from operations (6,658,138) (2,771,402) (396,304) Interest income 1,374,525 1,163,210 166,337 Interest expense (343,982) (379,931) (54,329) Investment (loss) gain on long-term investments (261,991) 500,533 71,575 Exchange (loss) gain from foreign currency transactions (49,543) 285,998 40,897 Other non-operating income, net 108,154 44,789 6,405 Loss before income tax benefit (expenses) and share of results of equity method investees (5,830,975) (1,156,803) (165,419) Income tax benefit (expenses) 69,780 (13,585) (1,943) Share of results of equity method investees (29,069) 30,928 4,423 Net loss (5,790,264) (1,139,460) (162,939) Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPeng Inc. (5,790,264) (1,139,460) (162,939) XPENG INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except for ADS/ordinary share and per ADS/ordinary share data) For the Year Ended December 31 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB US$ Net loss (5,790,264) (1,139,460) (162,939) Other comprehensive income Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax 262,870 (331,065) (47,342) Total comprehensive loss attributable to XPeng Inc. (5,527,394) (1,470,525) (210,281) Comprehensive loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPeng Inc. (5,527,394) (1,470,525) (210,281) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net loss per ordinary share Basic and diluted 1,891,357,212 1,903,989,310 1,903,989,310 Net loss per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders Basic and diluted (3.06) (0.60) (0.09) Weighted average number of ADS used in computing net loss per share Basic and diluted 945,678,606 951,994,655 951,994,655 Net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders Basic and diluted (6.12) (1.20) (0.17) XPENG INC. UNAUDITED RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (All amounts in thousands, except for ADS/ordinary share and per ADS/ordinary share data) For the Year Ended December 31 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB US$ Loss from operations (6,658,138) (2,771,402) (396,304) Fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration (234,245) 117,305 16,774 Share-based compensation expenses 473,655 564,327 80,698 Non-GAAP loss from operations (6,418,728) (2,089,770) (298,832) Net loss (5,790,264) (1,139,460) (162,939) Fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration (234,245) 117,305 16,774 Share-based compensation expenses 473,655 564,327 80,698 Non-GAAP net loss (5,550,854) (457,828) (65,467) Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (5,790,264) (1,139,460) (162,939) Fair value (gain) loss on derivative liability relating to the contingent consideration (234,245) 117,305 16,774 Share-based compensation expenses 473,655 564,327 80,698 Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of XPeng Inc. (5,550,854) (457,828) (65,467) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating Non-GAAP net loss per share Basic and diluted 1,891,357,212 1,903,989,310 1,903,989,310 Non-GAAP net loss per ordinary share Basic and diluted (2.93) (0.24) (0.03) Weighted average number of ADS used in calculating Non-GAAP net loss per share Basic and diluted 945,678,606 951,994,655 951,994,655 Non-GAAP net loss per ADS Basic and diluted (5.87) (0.48) (0.07)
2026-03-20 09:00:00

SCANOLOGY Introduces SIMSCAN-S Gen2, Palm-Sized 3D Scanner Delivering 0.015 mm Accuracy for High-Precision Inspection
New handheld system helps manufacturers verify critical geometries, accelerate inspection workflows, and reduce costly rework. HANGZHOU, China , March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this month, SCANOLOGY , a leading 3D scanning solution provider, announced the launch of the SIMSCAN-S Gen2 , a new generation of palm-sized 3D scanner designed to help manufacturers perform high-precision inspections with greater confidence, speed, and flexibility. Manufacturers are now required to verify micron-level accuracy while reducing inspection time and minimizing costly rework. The SIMSCAN-S Gen2 3D scanner addresses these challenges by combining metrology-grade accuracy, advanced geometric control, and high-speed data capture in a compact and fully wireless device . High-Performance 3D Inspection The SIMSCAN-S series is designed to meet these demanding inspection requirements. With dense, metrology-grade point clouds and accuracy up to 0.015 mm, the scanner captures detailed 3D data of holes, cylinders, and critical surfaces, providing a reliable foundation for complex dimensional analysis. Fitting cylinders to holes to measure hole-to-hole distances Extracting cross-sections to measure distances and radii Comparing scan data with CAD models to generate deviation color maps Conducting virtual assembly to evaluate gaps and overall fit From Experience-Based to Data-Driven Quality Control Unlike traditional inspection methods that rely on limited measurement points, SIMSCAN-S captures complete 3D surface data and compares it directly with CAD models. The resulting color-map visualization clearly highlights even subtle deviations, allowing engineers to quickly identify potential issues in functional surfaces, machined features, and assembly-critical areas. This shift toward data-driven inspection helps manufacturers improve traceability, reduce human error, and make faster quality decisions. Compact, Wireless, and Built for Real-World Environments Despite its powerful performance, the SIMSCAN-S Gen2 remains highly portable, featuring a 560 g magnesium-alloy body for easy handling during extended use. Its fully wireless design, powered by edge computing and wireless data transmission, enables flexible scanning in confined, elevated, or complex environments without cables. An integrated display provides real-time feedback to ensure data quality and efficient workflows. Capture More Data, Faster The SIMSCAN-S Gen2 delivers high-speed scanning performance with: 126 blue laser lines Up to 8.1 million measurements per second Frame rates up to 180 FPS This enables engineers to capture large volumes of detailed 3D data quickly, even when scanning complex or intricate geometries. As smart manufacturing continues to evolve, high-quality 3D data will play an increasingly important role in predictive maintenance, process optimization, and closed-loop quality control.
2026-03-20 09:00:00

Hydraulic Hose and Fitting Manufacturer YIQIAO Group Delivers Zero-Leakage Assemblies via Synchronized Engineering
GUANGZHOU, China , March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mismatched parts are the leading cause of high-pressure hydraulic leaks. Today, Guangzhou YIQIAO Technology Group (YIQIAO Group) announced a major expansion of its "Hose + Fitting" direct-manufacturing model to fix this structural flaw. Instead of forcing heavy machinery buyers to piece together parts from scattered suppliers, YIQIAO builds both under one roof. For OEMs and aftermarket buyers, this means one reliable supplier, exact tolerances, and an end to high-pressure blowouts. Yiqiao Group’s integrated hoses and fittings are engineered as a unified system to eliminate the industry-wide "tolerance stacking" crisis. By synchronizing rubber chemistry with CNC machining specifications, the manufacturer ensures the exact component compatibility required for zero-leakage performance under extreme pressure. "The industry has accepted the 'mismatch gamble ' for too long, but at YIQIAO, we've made precision a non-negotiable standard," stated Daniel Liang , CEO of YIQIAO Group. "By owning the entire production cycle—from the rubber chemistry of the hose to the CNC machining of the fitting—we eliminate the tolerance gaps that lead to failure. We aren't just selling hydraulic components ; we are delivering the certainty of a synchronized system." Solving the "Tolerance Stacking" Crisis Mixing hoses from one vendor with fittings from another is a gamble . Even a microscopic mismatch in crimping tolerances can trigger a catastrophic blowout under pressure. YIQIAO Group circumvents this structural flaw by manufacturing both components in-house across its three specialized Guangzhou facilities: LENFLEX HOSE INDUSTRY (High-pressure Hoses), LENFLEX NEW TECHNOLOGY (Industrial Hoses), and LENFLEX HYDRAULIC FITTINGS (Precision Fittings). By aligning the rubber extrusion formulas directly with fitting machining specifications, the company guarantees 100% component compatibility and zero-leakage performance. Engineered for Extreme Scenarios: The SC+/SN+ Series Heavy machinery requires components that push past standard SAE and DIN limitations. YIQIAO's proprietary SC+ and SN+ series are engineered for ultra-high pressure and superior flexibility, making them ideal for tight routing in modern energy storage systems or high-abrasion mining environments. At the extreme end of the scale, YIQIAO produces massive 12-inch large-bore industrial hoses . These aren't just larger pipes; they are specialized tools built to survive offshore saltwater corrosion and the high-pressure rigors of the petrochemical industry. If the environment is brutal, YIQIAO has a hose that fits. Driving ESG Compliance and Digital Procurement A blown hose means spilled oil, halted projects, and blown ESG goals. YIQIAO's leak-proof assemblies prevent these disasters on the ground. Meanwhile, the company is stripping all the friction out of global sourcing. To prove its manufacturing muscle, YIQIAO offers live, VR-driven factory walk-throughs. Buyers from Vancouver to Dubai can audit the production lines today, skipping the travel costs and getting straight to business. Supply Chain Certainty for Industry Giants Navigating global trade requires more than just high-quality parts; it requires logistics certainty. YIQIAO Group holds Customs AEO Advanced Status, granting its shipments priority clearance—a critical "green channel" for urgent maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) orders across 200 countries. This operational reliability, backed by MSHA, ISO9001, and CCS (China Classification Society) certifications , is the reason heavy-hitters like CAT (Caterpillar) , CRCC (China Railway Construction Corporation) , and Zoomlion rely on YIQIAO hydraulic components . It also forms the bedrock of the 15-year-plus strategic partnerships the company maintains with top-tier distributors in South America , the Middle East , South Africa , Southeast Asia , and Canada . About YIQIAO Group Established in 2003, Guangzhou YIQIAO Technology Group Company Limited (YIQIAO Group) is a high-tech manufacturer specializing in high-pressure hydraulic hoses , special rubber hoses, custom industrial hoses, and hydraulic fittings. Under its globally recognized flagship brand LENFLEX® , the group provides one-stop solution of hydraulic components designed for maximum reliability. Operating as an integrated industry and trade enterprise, YIQIAO Group combines deep engineering expertise with seamless global logistics. For more information, please visit: https://www.yiqiaogroup.com/ Media Contact: Company: Guangzhou YIQIAO Technology Group Company Limited Address: 806-808, Fuli Millennium Business Center, No. 11, Xingang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province Tel: +86-020-34061372 Email: yiqiao@yiqiaochina.com
2026-03-17 13:09:00

Manulife Announces Exclusive Partnership with Guardant Health to Bring the Shield Multi-Cancer Detection Test to Customers Across Asia
First insurer in Asia to bring the innovative blood-based multi‐cancer screening solution to Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC SEHK: 945 HONG KONG, SINGAPORE, and MANILA, Philippines, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife today announced an exclusive partnership with Guardant Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: GH), a leading precision oncology company, becoming the first insurer in Asia to offer Guardant Health's Shield Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test to customers in Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Singapore. Under the partnership, Manulife's customers will have exclusive access to the Shield MCD test in these three launch markets in 2026, marking the first introduction of this innovative test in Asia to Manulife customers. This collaboration underscores both companies' shared commitment to expanding access to innovative and proven health solutions that address real, unmet health needs. "By being the first insurer in Asia to offer the Shield MCD test, we're empowering our customers with a credible and valued service that encourages proactive health management", said Steve Finch, President and CEO of Manulife Asia. "This exclusive partnership demonstrates our commitment to offering innovative and differentiated solutions to improve the health outcomes of our customers." Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Asia1. With just a blood draw, the Shield MCD test screens for 10 of the most common cancers, many of which have high mortality rates in Asia. The test received Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025. This collaboration builds on the two companies' existing relationship in Singapore to offer eligible customers access to the Guardant360 liquid biopsy test for advanced solid tumors and represents a shared vision of bringing new and advanced health solutions and expanding access to preventive care to more markets across Asia. ________________________________ 1 The Cancer Atlas, "Cancer in Southern, Eastern, and Southeast Asia," produced by the American Cancer Society and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). "We are excited to partner with Manulife to introduce the Shield MCD test to Asia for the first time," said Simranjit Singh, CEO of Guardant Health AMEA. "Shield MCD has the potential to significantly lift screening rates across the region for the most prevalent cancers. This could significantly alleviate the burden of cancer across Asia by expanding access to cancer detection with just a blood draw. We look forward to the impact that this collaboration with Manulife will make in bringing this latest innovation in cancer screening to the Asian market." The Shield MCD test will be available to eligible Manulife customers beginning April 2026. As part of this new partnership, Manulife is committed to providing underserved communities with access to the Shield MCD test. "This commitment underscores our dedication to prioritizing health and wellbeing so people can unlock life's potential and live fuller, more prosperous lives at any age," said Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Asia. "Empowering health, wealth, and longevity is central to Manulife's ambition. Through our partnership with Guardant Health, we look forward to advancing this mission for our customers and the communities we serve." These efforts align with the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global research, thought leadership, innovation, advocacy, and community investment platform that aims to advance action on helping people live longer, healthier, more financially secure lives. Manulife has announced an exclusive partnership with Guardant Health to bring the innovative, blood-based Shield multi‐cancer detection test to customers in Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Singapore—marking the test’s first introduction in Asia and driving improved health outcomes across the region. Pictured are Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Asia (left), and Simranjit Singh, CEO of Guardant Health AMEA (right). * The FDA Breakthrough Device designation referenced includes eight cancer types—bladder, colorectal, esophageal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer—in individuals aged 45 or older who are at typical average risk for cancer, as defined by the agency at the time of designation. This designation does not imply FDA approval, clearance, or endorsement of the deviceʼs safety or effectiveness1. 1 Guardant Health. FDA Grants Breakthrough Device Designation to Guardant Healthʼs ShieldTM Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) Test. Published June 3, 2025. https://investors.guardanthealth.com/press-releases/press-releases/2025/FDA-GrantsBreakthrough-Device-Designation-to-Guardant-Healths-Shield-Multi-Cancer-Detection-MCD-Test/default.aspx About Manulife Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Anchored in our ambition to be the number one choice for customers, we operate as Manulife across Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice, insurance and health solutions for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment solutions, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 106,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 37 million customers with operations across 25 markets globally. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and Philippine stock exchanges, and under '945' on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions.For additional information, please visit manulife.com. About Manulife Longevity Institute The Manulife Longevity Institute is a global research, thought leadership, advocacy, and community investment platform to drive action that can help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. Underpinned by a $350 million signature commitment, its focus is on helping people extend their healthy years, promoting greater financial resilience for all. As a global insurer, retirement plan provider, and asset manager, Manulife is uniquely placed to help lead this change. The Institute's work will support Manulife's Impact Agenda strategy by investing in organizations that are growing the longevity economy, convening research collaborations with leading academic institutions and think tanks, and producing thought leadership to advance awareness and action on the issues impacting populations as they age. The Institute will be known as the John Hancock Longevity Institute in the United States. The actions of the Institute will be guided by a Steering Committee of members of Manulife's Executive and Global Leadership Teams and in partnership with a robust ecosystem of partners and experts who champion longevity across Canada, Asia, and the US. For more information, please visit Manulife.com/Longevity. Media Contacts Manulife Asia Alice Li Chief Communications Officer, Hong Kong & MacauEmail: Alice_SM_Li@manulife.com
2026-03-16 03:00:00

Singapore Management University Launches New Brand Campaign to Support SMU2030 Ambitions
"Bold Ideas, Big Impact" campaign spotlights SMU's focus on creating meaningful, measurable impact through education, research and partnerships SINGAPORE, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore Management University (SMU) has launched a new brand campaign, "Bold Ideas, Big Impact", anchored on its SMU2030 Strategic Plan and aimed at sharpening how the university communicates its ambitions and impact in Singapore, across Asia and beyond. Singapore Management University (SMU). What begins here changes lives; what we do here changes the world. As Asia’s premier global city university, SMU drives innovation, transcends boundaries and transforms lives. From shaping graduates who think critically, act decisively, and lead with purpose, to advancing research that addresses societal challenges, and building partnerships around the world, SMU turns insight into action and bold ideas into transformative impact. The campaign reflects SMU's push to translate its strategic priorities into clearer public expression as it builds on its position as Asia's premier global city university. It is centred on the university's focus on creating meaningful impact through education, research and partnerships, while strengthening how that impact is understood, measured and demonstrated. At the heart of the campaign is the idea that bold ideas should not remain confined to the classroom, research paper or boardroom, but lead to action and outcomes that improve lives and address real-world challenges. The campaign launches with a new brand video and tagline, "Bold Ideas, Big Impact", which captures SMU's intent to connect insights with practical impact — from nurturing graduates who can think critically and lead with purpose, to advancing research that informs policy and practice, and forging partnerships that scale solutions across sectors and borders. A series of print, digital and out-of-home advertisements will also be rolled out as part of the campaign, each focused on one of SMU's core pillars: EducationHighlighting SMU's approach to learning beyond the classroom and its commitment to developing graduates who think critically, act decisively and lead with purpose. ResearchHighlighting SMU's purpose-led research and its contribution to shaping policy, influencing industries and improving lives. PartnershipsHighlighting SMU's collaboration with industry, government and communities to co-create solutions and scale impact across borders. "At SMU, we are entering a new chapter — one that calls on us to be more intentional about the impact we create, and more ambitious about the future we want to help shape. As we deepen our role as Asia's premier global city university, this new brand campaign gives expression to that ambition. It provides a clear and compelling platform to communicate who we are, what we stand for, and the difference we seek to make through education, research and partnerships. Because bold ideas matter most when they move beyond the page, the classroom or the lab, and into people's lives," said Christopher Chew, Vice President, Office of Corporate Communications and Marketing at the Singapore Management University. The campaign marks an important step in how SMU presents its identity and ambitions to external audiences. As the University advances its SMU2030 priorities, "Bold Ideas, Big Impact" will serve as a platform to communicate how SMU intends to deepen its relevance, broaden its reach and strengthen its contribution to society through meaningful and measurable impact. About SMU A premier university in Asia, SMU is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU's mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU's education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning. Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU comprises eight schools: School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems, Yong Pung How School of Law, School of Social Sciences, College of Integrative Studies, and College of Graduate Research Studies. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors', masters', and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas. SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU's city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community. www.smu.edu.sg This ad highlights SMU’s approach to learning beyond the classroom and its commitment to developing graduates who think critically, act decisively and lead with purpose. This ad highlights SMU’s purpose-led research and its contribution to shaping policy, influencing industries and improving lives. This ad highlights SMU’s collaboration with industry, government and communities to co-create solutions and scale impact across borders.
2026-03-16 03:00:00

ASTRI Triumphs at Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions
Winning solutions range from energy, smart production, construction, education, and healthcare HONG KONG, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has achieved remarkable success at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, winning a total of 10 prestigious accolades. These include five Gold Medals and five Bronze Medals, underscoring ASTRI's strength in innovative research and development (R&D). The award-winning solutions integrate artificial intelligence with various cutting-edge technologies, addressing key areas such as energy, smart production, construction, education, and healthcare. Ir Prof Sunny Lee, Board Chairman of ASTRI, extended heartfelt congratulations to the research teams. He expressed confidence that, following ASTRI's merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute next month, ASTRI will achieve even greater success on the global stage. At this year's International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, NAMI has also achieved significant recognition, securing two Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury and two Gold Medals, along with three Silver and one Bronze Medals, underscoring its leading position in advanced materials applied research. "ASTRI will emerge as Hong Kong's largest government-funded R&D institute. By combining the strengths of ASTRI and NAMI, and merging diverse technologies and innovations, we can deliver more comprehensive solutions for enhancing industry competitiveness. We will accelerate the process of R&D outcomes from the lab to the market, driving advanced technology transfer and commercialisation. By harnessing I&T, we aim to generate economic benefits and contribute to our country's 15th Five-Year Plan," Lee said. Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, highlighted the exhibition as an excellent platform for the institute's research teams to engage with global experts, broadening their international perspectives. "Our strong R&D capabilities and commitment to innovation have resulted in solutions that are highly regarded by the industry, which is immensely gratifying. Post-merger, ASTRI will continue to strengthen collaboration across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the I&T ecosystem. We aim to transform research outcomes into practical applications, benefiting society and the greater good, whilst building a smart city with a more sustainable future," Suen added. The International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva is one of the world's largest and most prestigious innovation galas. Held from 11 to 15 March in Geneva, Switzerland, this year's edition featured more than 1,000 inventions from 35 countries and regions, presented and evaluated by a professional jury. ASTRI's full list of awards and project descriptions is tabulated below: Award Winning Invention and Description Gold Energy storage safeguard system with multiple fail-safe active protection mechanisms for AI data centres and low-carbon buildingsPioneering battery safeguard detects early failures with a gas-thermal sensor array, isolating faults and stabilising power to ensure uninterrupted output, minimise downtime, and maximise reliability for AI data centers and green buildings. Gold CAPE: Copyright-aware optimization for multimodal image generationCAPE is a framework that ensures copyright compliance for image generators, preserving creative intent and visual fidelity. It delivers ethical, high-quality outputs efficiently without retraining. Gold AI-powered predictive network fault detection in 5G fully connected factoriesLeveraging AI-driven diagnostics, this technology predicts and analyses network faults in 5G smart factories. It reduces network disruptions, ensures smooth device communication, and lowers operational costs, boosting manufacturing efficiency. Gold Method for 5G phones to instantly connect to satellitesThis invention improves handset-to-satellite connectivity via novel phase estimation/compensation, achieving >99% first access message detection success. It cuts delay from seconds to milliseconds for instant 5G-satellite links vital in emergencies. Gold Co-aperture multi-spectral imaging optical zoom systemUsing an innovative inverted Galilean afocal lens design, this system captures high-quality images of Visible, SWIR and LWIR light through a single optical path. Ideal for all-weather surveillance, it enables real-time object recognition and tracking. Bronze Secret sharing-based fast training for federated learning systems This secure federated learning method allows users secret sharing for efficient matrix multiplication. It achieves faster training speeds while maintaining robust security, avoiding the complexity of homomorphic encryption. Bronze Multi-functional eye health device for regular monitoring and early screeningAn eye health monitor offering corneal tomography, 3D OCT imaging, axial length measurement, fundus imaging, pupillometry and more. Designed for tele-ophthalmology and mass screening, it ensures efficient, early detection of eye conditions. Bronze Multi-reflectional and multi-spectral immersion ultrasonic sensingThis advanced ultrasonic system analyses immersed samples using multi-surface acoustic waves. It delivers precise, non-destructive testing for industrial and underwater applications, offering unparalleled accuracy and comprehensive analysis. Bronze Apparatus and method for sensing integrated displayThis compact HMD design integrates sensing and display systems using a unique coupling prism, enables the simultaneous capture of multiple optical views with a single sensor. This approach reduces costs & complexity, while enhancing user experience. Bronze A lightweight apparatus and fast method for children's learning difficulties screeningThis user-friendly system collects multi-modal data, analysed by AI fine-tuned with therapeutic insights. It generates detailed reports, offering an efficient, accessible solution for early identification of learning difficulties. ASTRI and NAMI have won a total of 18 awards at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. ASTRI’s award-winning solutions integrate artificial intelligence with various cutting-edge technologies, addressing key areas such as energy, smart production, construction, education, and healthcare. Photos Download: https://bit.ly/4rU9xtd About ASTRI Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness through applied research. ASTRI's core R&D competence in various areas is grouped under five Technology Divisions: Advanced Electronic Components and Systems; Artificial Intelligence and Trust Technologies; Communications Technologies; IoT Sensing and AI Technologies, and Intelligent Perception and Control Technologies. It is applied across six core areas which are Smart City, Financial Technologies, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Digital Health, Application Specific Integrated Circuits and Metaverse. Over the years, ASTRI has nurtured a pool of research, I&T talents and received numerous international awards for its pioneering innovations as well as outstanding business and community contributions. ASTRI has transferred about 1,600 technologies to the industry and has been granted close to 1,200 patents in the Chinese Mainland, the United States, and other countries. For further information, please visit www.astri.org.
2026-03-16 03:00:00

Festival of Marketing Makes Landmark Asian Debut in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
First geographic expansion of the UK's leading marketing festival brings Asia's most ambitious marketers together for an intimate, high-impact one-day experience HONG KONG, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Haymarket Media Asia, publisher of Campaign, today announces the launch of Festival of Marketing Asia (FoM Asia), taking place on 3 September 2026 at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur. Festival of Marketing Asia 2026 The launch marks the first geographical expansion of the UK's renowned Festival of Marketing since Haymarket acquired the business from Centaur Media in 2025. Building on its success in the UK, where Festival of Marketing convenes more than 1,000 marketers annually, the Festival now expands into Asia, bringing together the region's marketing ecosystem in one place to explore what it takes to be a modern marketer in an era of rapid transformation. The Festival's mission is to empower ambitious marketers to build stronger brands by equipping them with the knowledge, insights, and practical tools needed to drive meaningful change and tackle the industry's most pressing challenges. Designed as a curated, high-impact gathering for mid-level to senior marketing leaders, FoM Asia aims to become one of the region's most influential platforms for bold thinking, measurable growth, and peer-to-peer exchange. The FoM Asia Advisory Board, comprising carefully selected senior leaders from both B2C and B2B sectors, plays a central role in shaping the agenda to ensure it reflects the realities and priorities of Asia's diverse marketing landscape. The FoM Asia Advisory Board includes: Kaveri Khullar, SVP, Consumer Marketing & Sponsorships, APAC, Mastercard Chin Mei Lee, CMO, McDonald's Malaysia Abdul Sani Abdul Murad, Group CMO, RHB Banking Group Lauren Minkyong Kal, Director – Brand & Customer Experience, Global Marketing International Operations, Schneider Electric Melissa Lim, Global Head of Marketing Corporate & Investment Banking & SC Ventures, Standard Chartered Bank Mohamed Elsharkawy (Sharky), Global Brand VP, CLEAR & CMO Hair China, Unilever In its inaugural year, FoM Asia will adopt a single-day format carefully designed to balance inspiration and practicality, combining visionary main-stage discussions, specialised content tracks, interactive workshops, experiential showcases, and curated networking opportunities. The programme is tailored specifically to Asia's fast-evolving markets, ensuring each session delivers practical relevance and strategic insight. Programme Highlights: Main Stage: "The Big Picture"Strategic debates and analysis on the forces reshaping marketing across Asia. Focused Stages: Creating Customer Value - Built for customer-centric leaders, this content explores how to collect, interpret, and activate data to power meaningful engagement and high-impact campaigns. Excellence in B2B - Challenging traditional approaches to B2B marketing and setting new benchmarks for sector excellence Knowledge LoungeInformal, small-group sessions where delegates can explore practical tools, actionable insights, and real-world case studies they can apply immediately. CMO / Chief Strategy Officer BoardroomsExclusive, closed-door sessions for senior decision-makers, held in partnership with leading industry councils, enabling candid peer-to-peer discussions and strategic knowledge sharing. FoM Asia will bring together brand marketers, MarTech leaders, media owners, and agency partners, creating a platform for meaningful collaboration across the marketing value chain. "Festival of Marketing has helped define what ambitious marketing looks like in the UK, and we are excited to bring that same energy and ambition to Asia for the very first time," said Atifa Silk, Managing Director, Haymarket Media Asia. "FoM Asia is intentionally designed as a high-value gathering where meaningful connections happen naturally. Our focus is on bringing together senior decision-makers and ambitious marketers in a setting that prioritises quality of engagement over scale. Kuala Lumpur is a dynamic, connected hub for regional leaders, and FoM Asia will give them a dedicated space to share bold ideas, challenge convention, and build relationships that power real business impact." "From day one, we designed Festival of Marketing Asia as a focused, one-day experience that respects how busy senior marketers are while still delivering exceptional value," added Jaime Ng, Events Director, Festival of Marketing Asia. "Delegates can expect sharp main-stage keynotes, deep-dive sessions across customer value, B2B excellence and inclusive marketing, alongside C-suite boardroom discussions and curated networking. Our goal is simple: every marketer should leave with actionable ideas and a stronger regional network." Express Your Interest to Attend: Marketing leaders are invited to register their interest in Festival of Marketing Asia 2026 to receive priority updates, event announcements, and early access to tickets once registration opens. For more information and to register your interest, visit: https://bit.ly/4sAUmoF. Festival of Marketing Asia is pleased to announce PR Newswire as the official media partner for the 2026 event. About Festival of Marketing Festival of Marketing is one of the world's leading events for brand marketers, blending inspiration and practical application through keynotes, multi–track content, workshops, and curated networking. Launched in 2013 in the UK, the Festival brings together thousands of marketers from across industries every year to explore the ideas, technologies, and strategies that drive real business impact.www.festivalofmarketingasia.com/ About Campaign Asia-Pacific Campaign Asia-Pacific provides unparalleled insights into the ideas, work, and personalities shaping the marketing-communications industry. By fostering open, honest dialogue and showcasing game-changing innovations, the platform has become an indispensable resource for marketing professionals across the globe. www.campaignasia.com About Haymarket Media Limited With more than 70 market-leading brands and a presence in key markets such as the UK, US, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, and India, Haymarket Media Group, the parent company of Campaign Asia-Pacific, is dedicated to delivering specialist content and experiences that connect people and communities worldwide.www.haymarket.com
2026-03-16 03:00:00

Singapore's MetaComp Raises Pre-A+ Round Backed By Alibaba, Closing Total US$35 Million Pre-A Funding in 3 months to Accelerate Asia's Regulated Web2.5 Pay and Wealth[1] Group-Level Platform
SINGAPORE, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MetaComp Pte. Ltd, Asia's pioneer in unified Web2.5 payments and wealth[1] group-level platform together with other licensed affiliates, today announced the completion of its Pre-A+ funding round, bringing the cumulative total to US$35 million across two rounds in three months. This accelerates the mission of MetaComp and its affiliates — including Alpha Ladder Finance Pte Ltd (Alpha Ladder), the Capital Markets Services (CMS) and Recognised Market Operator (RMO) licensed entity responsible for all products and services relating to securities and capital markets products — to build Asia's definitive Web2.5 integrated payments and wealth[1] group-level platform, with stablecoin/fiat hybrid payment and securities/RWA token hybrid wealth[1] management. Second funding round in three months brings total raised to US$35 million as stablecoin-related infrastructure gains institutional momentum. The group serves global enterprises, financial institutions, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) by delivering hybrid fiat and stablecoin payment solutions, access to traditional and tokenised wealth[1] management products, and AI-enhanced compliant financial services on a single regulated architecture. This latest round was backed by Alibaba, Spark Venture, and other institutional investors, with existing shareholders co-investing. 100Summit Partners served as exclusive financial adviser. The new capital will accelerate MetaComp's StableX Network expansion across high-growth corridors in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, where demand for compliant, real-time cross-border settlement continues to surge. It will also accelerate MetaComp's AI strategy to develop an Agent-Skills-MCP (Model Context Protocol) architecture — a future-ready infrastructure supporting agentic Web2.5 payment and wealth services. MetaComp achieved full-year net profitability in 2025, demonstrating the commercial viability of regulated Web2.5 digital financial solutions at institutional scale. Combined with operating cash flows and other capital sources, the close brings MetaComp's immediate available liquidity to over US$100 million, establishing a strong foundation for more efficient fiat/stablecoin hybrid payments and securities/RWA token hybrid wealth[1] product offering with affiliates. Building Asia's Web2.5 Payment and Wealth[1] Solutions Group-level Platform at Scale MetaComp's positioning combines comprehensive licensing from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) with proprietary technology purpose-built for the Web 2.5 era, where traditional finance and digital assets converge under unified regulatory frameworks. Licensed as a Major Payment Institution to provide Digital Payment Token (DPT) and Cross-border Money Transfer (CBMT) services, MetaComp provides regulated cross-border payment and settlement capabilities to 1,000+ institutional and accredited clients across a global network of major cities and key financial hubs. Through Alpha Ladder, the MAS-licensed CMS and RMO affiliate of MetaComp, clients access integrated payment and treasury management (WealthX) capabilities spanning both traditional and digital asset classes. The proprietary Client Asset Management Platform (CAMP) operated by MetaComp and Alpha Ladder run at a monthly run rate of more than US$1 billion and accounts for more than US$500 million in wealth assets. In 2025, the group-level platform processed over US$10 billion in payments and over-the-counter (OTC) volume across 13+ stablecoins. At its core is the StableX Network — MetaComp's institutional settlement and liquidity network powered by StableX Engine and VisionX Compliance Engine. Through PayX (payments) and WealthX[1] (treasury and investment access), institutions can move, convert, safeguard and grow capital on one unified Web2.5 group-level platform. MetaComp - Unified Web 2.5 Payments & Wealth Group-Level Platform Institutional Validation and Strategic Capital Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp, said: "MetaComp was built on a single conviction: that the future of cross-border finance is neither purely traditional nor purely digital — it's the integrated Web2.5 architecture where fiat rails and stablecoin networks operate as one. Two consecutive funding rounds in three months reflect strong institutional confidence in that thesis. Traditional payment systems remain constrained by multi-day settlement cycles, high costs and limited currency coverage, and that gap is exactly what we were founded to solve. This funding accelerates the StableX Network across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, where demand for compliant, real-time cross-border settlement is growing fastest." Spark Venture commented:"MetaComp is building next-generation payment infrastructure at the intersection of fiat and digital assets — a market we believe represents tens of trillions of dollars in opportunity. As regulatory frameworks mature globally and AI converges with blockchain, demand is accelerating fastest in emerging markets, where the conditions exist for an entirely new class of payment leaders to emerge. MetaComp's founding team brings more than 20 years of combined experience across finance, technology, and blockchain, underpinned by a comprehensive licensing framework. We are firmly committed to supporting MetaComp's long-term growth as it builds toward that vision." Leadership Team MetaComp's leadership team combines deep expertise across institutional finance, regulatory compliance, payments infrastructure, and digital asset technology, with careers spanning investment banks, major internet platforms, licensed payment institutions, and regulated financial services firms across the globe. MetaComp - 2026 Expansion Roadmap [1]All products and/or services in relation to securities and capital market products are offered and operated solely by Alpha Ladder Finance Pte. Ltd. About MetaComp MetaComp is Asia's pioneer in unified Web2.5 digital financial solutions, bridging fiat and stablecoin capabilities across payments, treasury, and wealth management on an institutional, group-level platform. Licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a Major Payment Institution to provide Digital Payment Token (DPT) and Cross-border Money Transfer (CBMT) services, MetaComp serves more than 1,000 institutional and accredited clients across major financial hubs globally. In 2025, the group-level platform processed over US$10 billion in payment and OTC volume across 13+ stablecoins, operating at a monthly run rate exceeding US$1 billion. Through the StableX Network, institutions move, convert and manage capital across fiat and stablecoin rails within a compliant, unified Web2.5 financial architecture. Treasury and investment services are provided through Alpha Ladder Finance Pte. Ltd., MetaComp's MAS-licensed affiliate holding Capital Markets Services (CMS) and Recognised Market Operator (RMO) licences, with wealth AUM surpassing US$500 million across its solutions. MetaComp has raised US$35 million in its Pre-A funding rounds to date and achieved full-year net profitability in 2025, reflecting strong institutional demand for regulated Web2.5 financial solutions. Learn more at www.mce.sg, or follow MetaComp on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/metacompsg) and X @MetaCompHQ.
2026-03-13 04:05:00

Iranian Footballers Gain Asylum in Australia
The Australian government's decision to grant asylum to five members of the Iranian women's national football team and one official shows the importance of protecting courageous athletes who stand up for what they believe.The six Iranians
Markel appoints Phil Jones as Chief Information Officer, International
LONDON , March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel Insurance, the insurance operation within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL), today announced the appointment of Phil Jones as Chief Information Officer (CIO), International, effective immediately. Phil Jones, Chief Information Officer, International In his new role, Jones will define and deliver the technology vision for Markel International, ensuring the organisation's systems, data and digital capabilities continue to evolve in line with its strategic focus on operational excellence. Working in close partnership with international leadership, Global Security Services and IT teams across Markel Group, he will focus on strengthening resilience, enhancing service quality and accelerating innovation across Markel's international operations. Jones will also champion closer collaboration between technology and business teams, supporting Markel's ambition to unlock greater value from its data, modernise its technology foundations and empower teams across its five regional businesses through reliable, high‐performing systems. His appointment underscores Markel's continued investment in exceptional leadership to support scalable growth and strengthen capabilities across its diverse international markets. Jones will be based in London and report to Carys Lawton-Bryce, Chief Operations Officer at Markel International. On the appointment, Lawton-Bryce commented: "As the evolving risk landscape and competitive market continues to exert pressure on operations, it is critical that our technology is world-class. "I'm delighted to welcome Phil to Markel in this important new role. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our operational performance and provide brokers and clients with best-in-class service – today and in the future. Phil's extensive experience and deep expertise will help us take our technological capabilities to the next level across our international operations, and I look forward to working closely with him." Jones joins Markel with extensive CIO and executive technology leadership experience spanning specialty insurance, financial services and government. Most recently, he served as Global Chief Information Officer at Aspen Insurance, where he led IT strategy, cloud transformation, cyber‐defence initiatives and a global technology workforce, delivering significant performance, security and cost‐efficiency improvements. His previous roles include Executive Director of Service Delivery and Operations at the UK Ministry of Defence, overseeing mission‐critical global IT services, and senior technology leadership positions at Prudential UK, Lloyds Banking Group and ATOS Consulting. About Markel Insurance We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients – that differentiates us worldwide.
2026-03-11 17:47:00

FitTransformer Brings Modular Smart Fitness to Wodapalooza, Showcasing the Future of Functional Training
MIAMI , March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FitTransformer , the modular smart fitness ecosystem redefining home and performance training, will make its debut at Wodapalooza, one of the world's most celebrated functional fitness competitions. The brand will introduce athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts to its flagship system, FitTransformer Titan, through live demonstrations, athlete challenges, and interactive experiences. Held annually in Miami , Wodapalooza gathers thousands of elite competitors, gym owners, and fitness fans from around the globe. The event provides the perfect stage for FitTransformer to present its vision: a modular training system that transforms a single intelligent core into a complete home or studio gym. One Core . Every Workout. At the heart of the experience is FitTransformer Titan, a next-generation training machine designed to combine multiple training modalities—including strength training, ski-inspired cardio, and functional conditioning—into one compact system. Built for performance athletes as well as everyday users, Titan supports more than 150 exercises across strength, endurance, and hybrid training. "Functional athletes are constantly looking for smarter ways to train," said Sam, Founder at FitTransformer. "Wodapalooza brings together the most passionate community in fitness, and it's the perfect place to demonstrate how FitTransformer can deliver a full-spectrum training experience from one modular system." Interactive Titan Challenge Visitors to the FitTransformer booth will be invited to participate in the Titan Ski Challenge, a high-energy competition that tests speed, endurance, and power using Titan's ski-inspired cardio mode. Participants can compete for top leaderboard positions while experiencing the machine's dynamic resistance and full-body training capabilities firsthand. The activation is designed to reflect the spirit of the competition floor while demonstrating how functional training movements can be recreated in any environment—from elite training facilities to modern home gyms. Bridging Performance and Smart Fitness FitTransformer's presence at Wodapalooza highlights a broader shift in the fitness industry: the move toward intelligent, space-efficient training systems that combine multiple workout disciplines into one ecosystem. By integrating strength training, cardio, and functional movement into a modular platform, FitTransformer aims to provide athletes and everyday users with a more versatile approach to training—one that adapts to different goals, spaces, and lifestyles. Experience FitTransformer at Wodapalooza Attendees are invited to visit the FitTransformer booth to: Experience live demonstrations of the Titan system Participate in the Titan Ski Challenge Meet the FitTransformer team and explore training possibilities Learn about exclusive event promotions and product launches More information about FitTransformer and its modular smart fitness ecosystem can be found at: www.fittransformer.com About FitTransformer FitTransformer is a modular smart fitness ecosystem designed to transform one intelligent core into a complete training system. Combining strength, cardio, and functional performance training, FitTransformer enables users to build powerful, space-efficient gyms for both home and professional environments. The brand officially launched at CES 2026, where it received the TWICE Picks Awards and was highlighted by the The New York Times as one of the most innovative products showcased at CES 2026. With its adaptable modular design and technology-driven training experience, FitTransformer is redefining how modern athletes and fitness enthusiasts train—delivering smarter, more versatile workouts through one integrated platform.
2026-03-11 17:27:00

K-pop Singer and Actress Kim Sejeong Named Global Brand Ambassador for 'REJURAN' and 'REJURAN COSMETICS'
GANGNEUNG, South Korea, March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PharmaResearch Co., Ltd. (CEO Jihoon Sohn) announced that singer and actress Kim Sejeong has been named the new global brand ambassador for its flagship brands REJURAN® and REJURAN® COSMETICS. PharmaResearch explained that REJURAN's brand philosophy centered on supporting the skin's inherent recovery potential aligns closely with Kim Sejeong's distinctively healthy, bright energy. Since debuting as a member of the K-pop group I.O.I, she has built strong popularity with audiences while expanding her career across K-dramas, variety shows and musical theater. Starting in March, PharmaResearch plans to launch a global advertising campaign featuring Kim Sejeong across multiple channels, including TV, outdoor media and digital platforms, both in Korea and internationally. The company expects the campaign to further expand engagement with younger consumers in their 20s and 30s as well as global audiences. REJURAN has continued to show steady growth as a leading brand in Korea's skin booster market. Backed by strong trust from both medical professionals and consumers for its efficacy and safety, the brand has expanded its presence to more than 50 countries worldwide, including markets across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. REJURAN COSMETICS has also strengthened its presence in the premium derma-cosmetics market, driven by the growing global popularity of K-beauty. About REJURAN® REJURAN® is a skin booster injectable developed with PharmaResearch's proprietary patented ingredient DOT® PN (Polynucleotide). The treatment is designed to deliver active ingredients into the dermal layer of the skin, helping support the skin's natural regenerative ability and strengthen the skin barrier. REJURAN has established itself as a leading skin booster brand in Korea and is currently available in more than 50 countries worldwide. About REJURAN COSMETICS REJURAN® COSMETICS is a premium derma-skincare brand developed by PharmaResearch, a global leader in regenerative science. Inspired by clinical expertise, the brand brings advanced skincare innovation into everyday routines. As Korea's original PDRN-based skincare brand, REJURAN® COSMETICS is powered by patented c-PDRN® derived from sustainably sourced salmon DNA and PharmaResearch's proprietary DNA Optimizing Technology (DOT®). The formulations are designed to help improve skin texture, hydration and radiance while supporting healthier, more resilient-looking skin. About PharmaResearch PharmaResearch is a pioneering biopharmaceutical company dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for humanity through regenerative medicine. Its diverse portfolio includes medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and supplements, all leveraging the core ingredients - DOTTM PDRN and DOTTM PN - which are protected by multiple patents. PharmaResearch is headquartered in Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea, and its U.S. subsidiary located in Costa Mesa, California, United States. For more information about PharmaResearch, please visit https://pharmaresearch.com/en/
2026-03-10 08:03:00

رییس اتحادیه جهانی علمای مسلمان خواستار توقف درگیری‌های کابل-اسلام‌آباد شد
Muslim Scholars’ Union Calls for Immediate Halt to Kabul–Islamabad ClashesmursaleenSat, 03/07/2026 - 17:27 Author Bibi Amina Hakimi Profile Photo Author Short Bio Bibi Amina Hakimi reports on the economy for TOLOnews. Author Job TOLOnews' Reporter Afghanistan The head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars has issued a fatwa calling for an immediate halt to the clashes between Kabul and Islamabad during the holy month of Ramadan.In a statement, he urged the leaders of both countries to stop the fighting before the final ten days of Ramadan.Ali Al-Qaradaghi also proposed that after Eid, talks should begin to resolve the disputes, suggesting that countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey could play a mediating role in resolving the crisis.Political analyst Samiullah Ahmadzai said: “The Islamic Emirate has always sought to resolve issues through diplomacy. However, Pakistan has not pursued dialogue through diplomatic channels and has repeatedly violated Afghanistan’s airspace and martyred civilians, forcing the Islamic Emirate to take action in response.”Meanwhile, sources told TOLOnews that forces of Pakistan’s military regime targeted civilian homes with artillery in the Brikhil area of Khost province.According to these sources, in a retaliatory action, Afghan forces attacked a military fort belonging to Pakistan’s military regime in the Ghulam Khan area.The deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate also announced that in Pakistan’s attacks on Friday night and during the day, four civilians were killed in the provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Khost, while three others were wounded.Military analyst Sadiq Shinwari said: “If these tensions escalate, they will not only negatively affect the stability of both sides but will also have adverse consequences for regional security and stability.”The acting head of Afghanistan’s mission to the United Nations, referring to new UNAMA figures reporting that at least 56 Afghan civilians mostly women and children were killed in Pakistan’s attacks, said such human losses are “unacceptable.”Nasir Ahmad Faiq emphasized that the protection of civilians must be upheld within the framework of international law and without any exceptions.The United Nations has also criticized the targeting of civilians in Pakistan’s attacks.Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations, said: “Ultimately, in Afghanistan as well, clashes with Pakistan have claimed the lives of dozens of people. Many of the victims are women and children, and civilian infrastructure has also been damaged, including a hospital in a transit center and facilities at the returnee reception center in Torkham.”This comes as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a recent report that between February 26 and March 5, 54 civilians were killed and 129 others injured as a result of attacks by Pakistan’s military regime, with women and children accounting for 55 percent of the casualties.
2026-03-07 12:24:14

Global Times: China sets 4.5-5% GDP growth target for 2026 while striving to achieve better results in practice
BEIJING, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- China targets economic growth of 4.5 percent to 5 percent this year and will strive for better in practice, according to a Government Work Report submitted Thursday to the country's top legislature for deliberation. The annual growth target was unveiled in the Government Work Report delivered by Premier Li Qiang to the National People's Congress (NPC), the national legislature, which began its annual session on Thursday morning. Over the next five years, China expects to keep its GDP growth within an appropriate range, with annual growth rates to be determined in light of actual conditions, according to the report. This will lay a solid foundation for achieving the goal of doubling China's 2020 per capita GDP by 2035 to reach the level of a moderately developed country, the report said. The target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent economic growth for 2026, while striving to achieve better results in practice, is intended to strike a balance between what is needed and what is feasible, said Shen Danyang, head of the group responsible for drafting this year's government work report, according to Xinhua. The setting of the economic growth target for 2026 is "proactive and pragmatic", reflecting a broad assessment of domestic conditions and shifts in the external environment, Shen said. Analysts said that the target range reflects a more prudent assessment of global uncertainties, and allows greater policy flexibility to focus on high-quality development while still signaling policymakers' confidence in maintaining stable growth in the world's second-largest economy amid rising global risks and turmoil. Flexibility allowed This is not the first time China has set its GDP growth target in the form of a range. For example, in 2016, a target range was set at 6.5 to 7 percent. In 2019, the target was set at 6 to 6.5 percent. Lawmakers, national political advisors, analysts as well as executives of multinationals said that the targeted growth range is set to ensure the Chinese economy gets off to a good start in the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), and the figure is of paramount importance to pinpointing new growth engines and maintaining stable and sustained economic growth. NPC deputy Yu Miaojie, president of Liaoning University, told the Global Times on Thursday that a growth target range of 4.5 percent to 5 percent allows greater policy flexibility, enabling localities to focus on high-quality economic growth as their primary goal and, more importantly, place greater focus on people's livelihoods. "Maintaining an annual economic growth rate within this range reflects the stability of China's economy," Yu said, noting the steady track record of economic growth in the past several years. Amid escalating geopolitical conflicts and growing global turmoil, China's economy has maintained stable and sustained growth, driven by the country's economic resilience and social stability, Yu said. Denis Depoux, global managing director of strategy consulting firm Roland Berger, told the Global Times on Thursday that it is crucial to understand that this "growth consensus" is not a sign of weakness but a necessary trade-off to achieve higher-priority objectives. "In the context of rising global uncertainty, the growth target creates fiscal and political buffers for China to drive reform and address real problems without the pressure of chasing high growth at all costs. It allows for a significant reallocation of capital away from inefficient investments and toward the real needs of the economy, namely technology and people," Depoux said. Still, China's GDP growth target range, if achieved, would largely surpass the world's average growth rate in 2026 with the world economy facing unprecedented geopolitical and economic challenges and turmoil, analysts said. China's newly announced growth range for 2026 is a firm answer to the "China peak theory" and the Chinese economy is expected to serve as a source of stability for the global economy, they noted. Notably, the Chinese economy is projected to grow faster in 2026 than the US, Japan and the Euro area, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with the US economy projected to grow 2.4 percent in 2026, 0.7 percent for Japan and 1.3 percent for the Euro area. The projected pace would also be among the highest for major economies globally, Shen said. "The growth target is definitely achievable - the target is set in a very practical and realistic way," Yin Tongyue, a National People's Congress deputy and chairman of Chinese automaker Chery Holding Group Co, told the Global Times as he walked out the Great Hall of the People after listening to the delivery of the Government Work Report in Beijing on Thursday. Pragmatic approach Foreign media outlets closely followed China's GDP growth target, with several reports noting that the target range is the lowest range in decades, but creates flexibility for reforms. Reuters reported that a "lower growth target gives Beijing more flexibility to implement reforms that make the world's second-largest economy less reliant on exports for growth", while the Guardian reported that the figure "reflects an economic strategy that is shifting away from export-led growth to a model that leaders hope will be more resilient to external shocks." The Wall Street Journal wrote that the "less ambitious growth target also gives Chinese leaders some room to maneuver the economy through complicated geopolitical terrain" and the unchanged deficit target should "give policymakers ample room to rev up government spending if needed." This is to do with the stage of economic development, as economic growth cannot sustain a continuously high speed, Qu Yongyi, a researcher with the Institute of Industrial Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a national political advisor, told the Global Times on Thursday. "This target range reflects that the government is not solely pursuing GDP growth but is placing greater emphasis on high-quality development." Tian Xuan, an NPC deputy and a Boya Distinguished Professor of Finance at Peking University, told the Global Times on Thursday that the GDP growth target range is not about "slowing down growth" but rather a "recalibration" of the pace of development. "It represents the optimal solution found between long-term goals and immediate challenges - one that both upholds the baseline needed to achieve the 2035 vision and reflects a pragmatic approach to development," Tian said. "The modest downward adjustment is not a simple numerical change, but a pragmatic step grounded in economic reality and a move tailored precisely to long-term development goals." The "range-based regulation" sets a lower bound for growth while preserving upward flexibility and sufficient room for policy maneuvering — all to safeguard the certainty of high-quality development. This also means that achieving the target will be anything but easy; it will require sustained and arduous effort, The People's Daily noted in a commentary published on Thursday. The commentary, titled China has set an economic growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent this year. How should we view it, said that to make further progress from an already high level, we must emphasize both quantity and, more importantly, quality. Can we go even faster? It's not that we cannot; it's that we choose not to. The very "first lesson of the new year" stressed curbing impulsive pursuit of governance achievements, carrying profound significance. "Pursuing genuine and unvarnished growth, and advancing high-quality, sustainable development." This demonstrates the determination to forge ahead despite pressure and strive for innovation and high quality, it said. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202603/1356399.shtml
2026-03-06 01:47:00

Whale Cloud Receives Excellence in Partnership Award from DITO Telecommunity at MWC Barcelona
BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Whale Cloud, a global leader in building intelligent productivity, today announced that it has received the Excellence in Partnership Award from DITO Telecommunity, a leading telecommunications company in the Philippines. The award recognizes Whale Cloud's long-standing commitment and contributions to supporting DITO's digital transformation and rapid growth in the Philippine market. Left to right: Ben Zhou, CEO of Whale Cloud; Eric Alberto, CEO of DITO Telecommunity, hold the “Excellence in Partnership Award” presented to Whale Cloud by DITO Telecommunity during MWC Barcelona 2026. Since the early stages of DITO's establishment, Whale Cloud has served as a strategic technology partner, providing key digital capabilities including Digital Business Support Systems (BSS), Operations Support Systems (OSS), big data platforms, and AI-enabled solutions. These technologies have helped DITO build a scalable digital foundation, enhance operational efficiency, and continuously improve digital services and customer experience for its growing subscriber base. Notably, the DITO App developed by Whale Cloud has become a major digital touchpoint for subscribers. Its strong digital experience has also received industry recognition, with DITO winning Mobile App of the Year – Philippines at the Asian Telecom Awards. With more than two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, Whale Cloud continues to advance innovation through AI-driven telecom solutions. Its AI-enabled BSS/OSS capabilities have been recognized by leading global industry organizations, including the Business Gamechanger Award from TM Forum, the Magic Quadrant for AI in CSP Customer and Business Operations by Gartner, the Asia-Pacific Technology Innovation Leadership Award by Frost & Sullivan, and the AI Gamechanger Performance Award from Fast Mode. Visitors at the Whale Cloud booth during MWC Barcelona 2026 in Barcelona. At MWC Barcelona 2026, Whale Cloud also highlighted its enterprise-centric, cloud-native architecture and AI-native digital platforms that help telecom operators enhance delivery efficiency, strengthen business agility, and boost productivity while accelerating their evolution from telcos to techcos. "Receiving this award from DITO is a strong recognition of the partnership we have built over the years," said Ben Zhou, CEO of Whale Cloud. "We will continue to work closely with DITO to drive AI-enabled innovation and deliver advanced digital capabilities that support sustainable growth." Eric Alberto, CEO of DITO Telecommunity added, "Whale Cloud has been a trusted partner since the early stages of DITO's development. Their expertise in telecom digital platforms and innovation has played a key role in supporting our rapid growth, and we look forward to further strengthening this collaboration in the future."
2026-03-06 01:00:00

MWC 2026 丨 Optical Intelligence Convergence: Connecting the Bright Intelligent Future
BARCELONA, Spain, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With MWC 2026 taking place in Barcelona, FiberHome has stepped into the spotlight under the theme "Connecting the Bright Intelligent Future", highlighting three core strategic areas: optical-computing infrastructure, boundless intelligent network connectivity, and industrial intelligence elevation, and fully demonstrating its cutting-edge innovations and proven global delivery capabilities. Optical-Computing Infrastructure AI is accelerating the rearchitecture of data centers, with emerging formats such as supernodes reshaping optical interconnection requirements across four dimensions: scale, density, distance, and speed. This has left the industry grappling with three critical pain points: space constraints, thermal management bottlenecks, and slow deployment efficiency. To address these challenges, FiberHome has introduced an all-scenario optical interconnect component solution covering the full end-to-end chain from chips and cabinets to data centers. For intra- and inter-cabinet scale-up/out expansion, FiberHome's solutions multiply space utilization and boost deployment efficiency by 70%. For cross-scale expansion, the company delivers ultra-low-loss fiber that extends transmission distance by 50% to 100%, alongside a hollow-core fiber solution that further reduces latency by 30% with optical loss controlled below 0.1 dB/km, enabling long-haul, low-latency and low-power transmission. Meanwhile, FiberHome has presented phase-change cooling and immersion liquid cooling solutions, achieving over 50% reduction in energy consumption while significantly improving cooling efficiency. These solutions have been deployed in AI data centers in Shanghai, Changsha and other cities. Boundless Intelligent Network Connectivity FiberHome's full-scenario intelligent networks, spanning from wireless technologies and V-PON to smart marine networks, are purpose-built to construct a stable and boundless intelligent network and enable efficient transmission of massive data flows in the era of AI intelligent computing. This year, FiberHome has globally launched its new generation of compact high-efficiency antennas. While maintaining excellent performance, the antennas achieve a smaller size, lower wind load and lighter weight through the integration of multiple innovative design concepts, bringing greater flexibility and sustainability to network deployment. As the initiator of the V-PON standard, FiberHome delivers an automotive-grade end-to-end in-vehicle optical solution with full-stack in-house R&D, empowering smarter connected vehicles. In smart marine networks, FiberHome's transoceanic submarine cable system supports 10,000 km transmission with 26 Tbps single-fiber capacity. The company has participated in the deployment of the world's first 7-core MCF submarine cable and other commercial projects, driving innovation in global marine communications. Industrial Intelligence Elevation FiberHome has introduced integrated AI + industry solutions for vertical sectors including power, transportation, smart cities and emergency communications, delivering end-to-end capabilities from AI servers and unified computing platforms to scenario-based vertical applications. The "Fiber Optic Sensing+" solution features high precision, high sensitivity, anti-electromagnetic interference and long-distance transmission, enabling real-time monitoring of temperature, vibration and strain to elevate industrial intelligence in power, transportation and emergency communications. In addition, FiberHome's industry-specific large models and intelligent interaction platforms provide cost-effective, zero-threshold AI deployment capabilities for various industries. Moving forward, FiberHome will continue to deepen AI-ICT integrated innovation, collaborating with global partners to build an efficient, bright and intelligent future. For more information:https://en.fiberhome.com Contact:MR Zhang TaoOverseas Media Relations Managermarketing@fiberhome.com FiberHome in MWC 2026 under the theme 'Connecting the Bright Intelligent Future' FiberHome Booth in MWC 2026
2026-03-04 15:30:00

Grand Stevie Winners Announced in 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards
FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stevie® Awards, organizer of the world's premier business awards programs, announced the winners of five Grand Stevie® Award trophies in the 13th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the only awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace throughout the Asia-Pacific region. In the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, one Grand Stevie Award is presented to the most honored organization, and one to each of the highest-scoring nominations in the four markets that submitted the most nominations. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners in various categories were announced on 12 February. Those awards were determined by the average scores of more than 125 executives worldwide acting as judges. The 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards have recognized organizations in 23 markets, including Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, mainland China, France, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan region, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. The Grand ("best of show") Stevie Award trophy is awarded to only a handful of organizations in each of the nine Stevie Awards competitions. In the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, one Grand Stevie Award is presented to the most honored organization, and one to each of the highest-scoring nominations in the four markets that submitted the most nominations. ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR: SM Supermalls, across China and the Philippines, is this year's most honored organization, with 52 award points earned through four Gold, 11 Silver, and 12 Bronze Stevie wins. The organization also won this honor in the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards in 2019. SM Companies won Grand Stevies in the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards in 2020, 2021, and 2025. Grand Stevie Awards will also be conferred upon the highest-rated nominations from the four nations that submitted the most nominations to this year's competition. These winners are: AUSTRALIA: Neurolead, of Tanawha, Queensland, received an average score from the judges of 9.0 out of a possible 10 for their nomination entitled "Neurolead: Scaling Health and Safety Excellence Through a Perfect NPS 100 Global Model," which won the Gold Stevie Award in the category that recognizes Innovative Achievement in Health and Safety Excellence. CHINA: Publicis Influence China, based in Shanghai, wins this honor with an average score of 9.1 for their nomination called "Publicis Influence: Transforming China's Influencer Investment with Data-Driven Precision," winner of the Gold Stevie for Innovation in Social Media Marketing. INDIA: Cisco Systems Ind Pvt Ltd, of Bengaluru, Karnataka, won the Gold Stevie in the category Innovation in AI-Driven Customer Service – Computer Industries, with an average score of 9.3—the highest in the entire competition—for the nomination "SPectra: Revolutionizing Service Provider and Hyperscaler Experience with AI-Driven Innovation, Powered by RADKitPulse and Agntcy." This is the third Grand Stevie Award earned by Cisco Systems in India in the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, having won also in 2022 and 2023 (Organization of the Year). THE PHILIPPINES: Manila Electric Company (Meralco), Pasig City, wins for the nomination "No One Left in the Dark: How Meralco Brought 24/7 Sustainable Power to Cagbalete Island." The nomination earned the Gold Stevie for Innovation in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Videos, with an average score of 9.14. The 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards also includes the People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Companies, a worldwide public vote for all nominees in the competition's Company/Organization categories. Voting is ongoing through 13 March. People's Choice winners will receive a crystal People's Choice Stevie Award trophy. Winners in the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards will be celebrated during an awards banquet on 17 April at the Venetian Hotel in Macau. Tickets for the awards banquet are on sale now. PR Newswire Asia is the official news release distribution partner of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. adobo magazine is the official Creative Media Partner of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. George Mason University Korea and the university's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship are sponsors of the Startup of the Year categories. About the Stevie AwardsStevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive over 12,000 entries annually from organizations in more than 70 nations and territories. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.
2026-02-24 02:30:00

Radisson RED Auckland marks Radisson Hotel Group's bold debut in New Zealand
BRUSSELS, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson RED Auckland has officially opened, marking the brand's bold arrival in Australasia and Radisson Hotel Group's highly anticipated debut in New Zealand. Anchored in the heart of Auckland's Arts District, the hotel infuses bold design, artistic energy and the country's largest rooftop space into one of the city's most creative precincts. Radisson RED Art Located at 33 Lorne Street, Radisson RED Auckland is crowned by a vibrant rooftop bar seamlessly connected to dynamic rooftop event spaces, setting the scene for bold social moments above the city. As one of Auckland's few pet-friendly hotels, it welcomes guests to bring their four-legged companions along for the stay. Design-driven and community-minded, Radisson RED Auckland sets a new benchmark for modern hospitality in the heart of the Central Business District. A hotel built for Auckland's creative heartbeat Radisson RED Auckland channels the theatrical pulse of the surrounding Art District straight into its public spaces and guest experience. The hotel features 322 guest rooms and suites, bold gallery-style installations, immersive lighting, and sensory design moments inspired by Auckland's creative culture, performance arts, and urban energy. The central location puts guests just minutes from major attractions including the Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Waiheke Island and the West Coast beaches. Some of the city's best cafés and restaurants are right on the doorstep, creating an effortless base for both leisure and business travelers. "Radisson RED thrives in cities fueled by creativity, culture, and community, and Auckland captures that spirit perfectly. This opening marks a major milestone for our growth in Australasia and a proud moment for our upper-upscale Radisson RED brand, which brings a playful twist to the conventional. As Radisson Hotel Group's debut in New Zealand and the first Radisson RED in the region, we can't wait for everyone to see Auckland in RED and experience a hotel bursting with energy, design, and unforgettable moments," says Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, MEA & SEAP, Radisson Hotel Group. A bold, theatrical take on Auckland's arts culture Radisson RED Auckland's design blends attitude with artistry. Corridor lighting mimics stage spotlights. Lounge seating draws inspiration from opera boxes. Contemporary installation pieces nod to the city's vibrant gallery scene. Guest rooms echo an actor's dressing room, layered textures, expressive colours, curated artwork and sensory lighting that sets the tone the moment guests walk in. Higher-floor rooms offer skyline views, while the Suite Panorama presents sweeping vistas of Auckland City, Albert Park, and the harbour. Social spaces shaped for connection Radisson RED Auckland offers guests a vibrant all-day dining venue and bar for relaxed, casual moments. It's soon to open Rooftop Restaurant & Bar set to be the largest outdoor rooftop space in New Zealand, boasts sweeping open-air views of Auckland's iconic Sky Tower, positioning it as one of the city's most engaging bar destinations. From bespoke cocktail evenings to dynamic social gatherings, the rooftop offers a striking setting for memorable dining experiences and events, reflecting the hotel's bold, design-led approach to hospitality. The outlet reflects RED's love for Share & Connect, a concept where food, music, and mixology create the spark for natural interaction and community. With spacious zones and state-of-the-art equipment guests can also stay active in Radisson RED Auckland's fitness centre open daily from 5AM to 11PM. A rooftop built for play, performance, and possibility Perched above the city and with capacity for up to 219 guests in a cocktail style setup, this rooftop stands out as a series of meeting and event spaces designed to feel a creative playground, perfect for celebrations, live performances, popups, weddings, and business sessions alike. The venue can be configured into four flexible rooms, each filled with natural light, allowing it to shift effortlessly from polished corporate functions to relaxed social occasions. "Opening Radisson RED Auckland marks an exciting new chapter for the city, one that celebrates creativity, connection, and a bold new way to experience hospitality. We've designed Radisson RED Auckland to be far more than a place to stay, it's a creative hub where locals and travelers can plug into the heartbeat of the CBD and feel the city's culture, color, and energy from the moment they arrive. Every space has been shaped to spark inspiration, encourage connection, and bring a sense of play back into travel. We're proud to open our doors and introduce a fresh, dynamic experience to Auckland, one that reflects the spirit of the city and the attitude of RED," concludes Reinout Engel, General Manager, Radisson RED Auckland. For more information or to book, click here. Download high-resolution pictures here. ABOUT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 27 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions, placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated. At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X ABOUT RADISSON RED Radisson RED is an upper upscale hotel brand that presents a playful twist on the conventional. The brand injects new life into hospitality through informal services where anything goes, a vibrant social scene that's waiting to be shared and stylish public spaces with standout design to inspire our guests. Radisson RED hotels are designed to meet the needs of our guests by giving them endless opportunities to tune in and out, switching effortlessly between business and pleasure. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson RED by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards. Radisson RED is part of the Radisson family of brands, which includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels. For reservations and more information, visit our website. Or connect with Radisson RED on: LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X Standard Room View
2026-02-22 16:42:00

هدف قرار گرفتن خانه مسکونی و مدرسه دینی در پکتیکا
Residential House, Mosque Hit in Pakistan Military Regime AirstrikesHayatullah.RahimiMon, 02/23/2026 - 01:29 Author Mohammad Yousuf Hanif Provincial Once again, the Pakistan military regime bombed a residential house in Argon district of Paktika province and also targeted a mosque and a religious school in Barmal district.The attacks caused no casualties but resulted in financial losses.Abdullah Jan, a member of the family whose house was bombed in Paktika, said: “Last night at midnight, aircraft came and bombed this place. The house was empty, and no one was inside. Under the pretext of the presence of TTP or other individuals, even though no one was there, they destroyed our home. We have suffered losses of around 5 to 6 million Afghanis.”Mirza Ali Khan Saeed, the district governor of Argon, said: “The house was first bombed at midnight and again at 2 a.m. There were no casualties, but it was completely destroyed. In Barmal district, a religious school was also targeted.”Local residents say there were no military bases or movements in the area and that Pakistan repeatedly violates Afghanistan’s airspace under various pretexts to conceal its own failures, targeting residential areas.Mohammad Zubair, an eyewitness, said: “The situation was very bad; women and children were frightened. Dust and smoke filled the air, and there was a strong smell everywhere. Residents of nearby houses helped move us to a safe place.”Nasim Gul, another resident, said: “This attack was a cruel and brutal act. We ask the Islamic Emirate to respond to prevent such incidents from happening again, as similar attacks have occurred several times.”Another resident, Shahidullah, said: “The attack was very brutal; children were crying, and people were running in all directions. No one was here, and they bombed an empty house.”This is not the first time Pakistan has targeted residential areas in addition to violating Afghanistan’s airspace. About five months ago, a residential house in Argon district of Paktika province was struck in an air attack, resulting in the martyrdom of 11 civilians and serious injuries to 12 others. Among the victims were eight cricket players.
2026-02-22 16:33:43

The 2026 Spring Festival Gala Effect: Yiwu Transient Spotlight into Lasting Tourism Growth
YIWU, China, Feb. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from Yiwu Media Convergence Center: On New Year's Eve, the stunning debut of the Yiwu sub-venue at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala showcased "A Different Yiwu" to the world. Far from concluding with the gala's end, Yiwu transformed its fleeting on-screen brilliance into a tangible New Year experience, igniting the potential for holiday cultural tourism consumption. From "Highlight Stage" to "Lasting Attraction" The Spring Festival Gala effect continues to reverberate, bringing a "strong start" to Yiwu's cultural tourism market. Since the Spring Festival, Yiwu has recorded a total of 2.6757 million tourist visits across its regions, a year-on-year increase of 30.87%. Comprehensive tourism revenue reached 2.408 billion yuan, up 28.43% year-on-year. Starting from the first day of the Chinese New Year, ten Gala-related check-in spots were gradually opened to the public. As of the fourth day of the new year, the cumulative foot traffic had exceeded 650,000. As the main stage for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala sub-venue, the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Centre received 61,900 visitors on its opening day, driving nearly 1 million yuan in consumption at the on-site New Year market. Ximen Old Street restored the aesthetic scenes from the Gala, featuring the magnificent rattle-drum stage, dazzling phoenix lantern displays, and alleyways where tradition met modernity, attracting throngs of visitors. On the first day of the Chinese New Year, the street received 12,100 visitors, and by the fourth day, single-day foot traffic exceeded 30,000, with average daily numbers continuing to climb. From "Online Traffic" to "Offline Consumption" During the Spring Festival holiday, Yiwu implemented a combined strategy of "Event Matrix + Consumption Incentives + Industrial Chain Extension" to fully unleash consumption potential. The event matrix achieved comprehensive coverage. Centered around the 2026 Spring Festival Gala sub-venue locations and five major commercial districts, Yiwu coordinated with 14 towns and sub-districts to launch 166 "Explore Yiwu with the Spring Festival Gala" Spring Festival cultural tourism experience activities, ensuring "each town has its unique feature, with surprises every day". Fotang Tourist Resort hosted immersive activities during the holiday, such as ancient town rooftop concerts, and intangible cultural heritage stage performances, accumulating over 600,000 tourist visits and achieving total tourism revenue exceeding 40 million yuan. The industrial chain was extended in an integrated manner. By blending the Gala's IP with local culture, Yiwu developed 17 co-branded cultural and creative products with the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, including Year of the Horse woven bags and intangible cultural heritage rattles, along with over a hundred "Yiwu Gifts" specialty items. Seven pop-up stores for Gala cultural creative products were opened at the airport, train stations, and key commercial districts. An online "Yiwu Gifts" store was launched, four double-decker buses were transformed into mobile pop-up shops, and a "Spring Festival Gala Post Office" was established in collaboration with China Post. To date, total sales of cultural and creative products have exceeded 5 million yuan.
2026-02-21 06:44:00

Indian, Regional, and Global Partners Launch Initiatives to Address Extreme Heat in South Asia
The World Health Organization (WHO)–World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Climate and Health Joint Programme, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Wellcome announce new regional efforts to connect climate science to health action to prevent heat impacts, help communities flourish, and save lives. MUMBAI, India, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At Mumbai Climate Week, the WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint Programme, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Wellcome announced two new integrated initiatives to protect South Asians from extreme heat – a rapidly escalating threat to human health and economic stability in the subcontinent. The two new initiatives, funded by The Rockefeller Foundation and Wellcome, will strengthen South Asia's ability to detect, prepare for, and respond to extreme heat and other weather- and climate-related health impacts. The South Asia Climate–Health Desk, established as part of the WHO–WMO Climate and Health Joint Programme and implemented with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), India Meteorological Department (IMD), and other partners will improve how climate and weather information is translated into action to protect health. Complementing this work, the South Asia Scientific Research Consortium, supported through a Rockefeller Foundation grant to the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, will deepen the region's scientific understanding of how heat affects different populations. These projects are the first two components of a broader, more ambitious regional strategy to address extreme heat risks to health. As part of a growing suite of Joint Programme initiatives, including regional activities of the Global Heat Health Information Network, these are first steps of coordinated science-driven efforts to protect communities, with more updates on the broader rollout coming soon. "Extreme heat is a growing risk for lives and livelihoods in South Asia," said Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, IMD's Director General of Meteorology and Permanent Representative of India to WMO. "IMD welcomes this partnership with IITM under the South Asia Climate-Health Desk, which will strengthen the science-to-services pathway, improve early warning support for health, and help decision-makers act in time to protect communities during severe heat events." UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent global action to address the growing risk of extreme heat worldwide, which takes a heavy toll on health in South Asia – the world's most populated region. According to WMO, Asia is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, intensifying extreme weather and placing growing pressure on lives and livelihoods, health systems, economies, and ecosystems across the region, putting the most vulnerable and exposed communities at critical risk. In India and Pakistan, pre-monsoon temperatures regularly rise above 50°C, and heat-related mortality in the region today exceeds 200,000 deaths per year. At the same time, extreme heat undermines economic stability and productivity. In 2024 alone, heat exposure in India led to 247 billion potential labor hours lost – reducing labor capacity and leading to an estimated $194 billion loss in income, according to the Lancet Countdown. "Few regions feel the impacts of extreme heat as sharply as South Asia, and I welcome the clear determination to respond. We all know that every death primarily due to excess heat can be prevented and heat health action plans are saving lives," said Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization. "By uniting science, government leadership and support, and community action, countries here are proving that this challenge can be met." Addressing extreme heat requires coordinated, transdisciplinary action. This integrated effort equips governments, public services, communities, and health systems with the actionable knowledge they need to prevent avoidable illness and save lives. The two coalition initiatives include: South Asia Climate–Health Desk: Led by IITM in partnership with IMD, this new unit will help meteorological institutions and health partners in South Asia work closely together to develop more robust decision support tools, such as early warning and risk assessments. Representing one of the first units to be launched as part of the Joint Programme spanning Research and Development (R&D) and operational domains in climate and health, it will strengthen the ability of a wide range of stakeholders to co-develop, validate, and share health‐relevant and fit-for-purpose weather and climate information, so communities, health authorities, and health services can build resilience and act quickly before and during dangerous heat events and other climate-related health risks including disease outbreaks. South Asia Scientific Research Consortium: Led by IISER Pune, this consortium of research institutions, including MS Swaminathan Research Foundation and IITM, will deepen understanding of how heat affects people across South Asia—depending on where they live, the work they do, and the different conditions they face. By developing tailored heat‐risk thresholds, this consortium aims to ultimately strengthen heat action planning, early warning systems, and preparedness efforts, helping communities and institutions better adapt to rising temperatures in one of the world's most heat-vulnerable regions. This announcement is the first in a series of rollouts planned in 2026, highlighting work being carried out in the region. The Rockefeller Foundation and Wellcome's US $11.5 million investment in the WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint Programme aims to expand climate‐informed health action in vulnerable regions. The two philanthropies committed the funds to pioneer new models of science-driven collaboration between health partners and meteorological departments, aiming to bridge a gap that often leaves health systems without critical climate information that can protect communities and save lives. Through the establishment of these initiatives, South Asia is leading the way in implementing this integrated climate and health approach that connects research, climate monitoring and forecasting, and health responses to protect people from the health risks of climate variability and change. "After a decade of punishing and increasingly deadly heatwaves across India and the wider South Asia region, it's clear that business‐as‐usual public health approaches are no longer enough. Protecting India's most vulnerable communities requires rethinking how we deliver care and invest in the solutions frontline providers and patients urgently need today," said Dr. Naveen Rao, Senior Vice President of Health at The Rockefeller Foundation. "Through our support to the Joint Programme, we aim to help turn cutting‐edge science into real‐world impact, helping India and the region build a resilient, climate‐ready health system fit for the 21st century." "Rising temperatures due to climate change are a public health threat, endangering people's lives and livelihoods throughout the world. In South Asia, extreme heat is hitting communities hard - in particular children, pregnant people, older people, outdoor workers and those communities with the least resources to respond," said Dr. Alan Dangour, Director of Climate and Health at Wellcome. "We need to invest in science-led solutions that both cut emissions and build resilience, with public health at the core of decision-making. Wellcome is proud to work with partners and communities across South Asia to develop the evidence, tools and solutions that will ultimately improve health and save lives." About the Partners and Funders: WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint ProgrammeThrough their Joint Programme, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) work together to help countries protect health in a changing climate. The Joint Programme supports Member States and partners to improve the application of climate, weather, and environmental information in public health decision-making by strengthening collaboration, building technical capacity, and promoting the use of climate and environmental data to protect health and save lives.www.climahealth.info Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) IITM is India's premier centre for atmospheric and climate research and an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. It advances scientific understanding of monsoon systems, extreme weather, air quality, and the ocean–atmosphere climate system, providing the foundation for better forecasts and climate‐resilient planning. IITM's work supports sectors from agriculture to urban management and plays a central role in strengthening India's preparedness for heatwaves and other climate‐driven risks.https://www.tropmet.res.in/ Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)IISER Pune is a premier public research institute and Institution of National Importance dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary science. Established in 2006, it integrates world‐class research with high‐quality education across disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, earth and climate sciences, and mathematics. IISER Pune fosters scientific innovation, trains the next generation of researchers, and contributes cutting‐edge insights that support India's resilience to climate and environmental challenges.https://www.iiserpune.ac.in/ India Meteorological Department (IMD)IMD, established in 1875, is the India's official weather and climate agency and a cornerstone of the country's disaster preparedness and climate resilience. As the National Meteorological Service under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, IMD provides real‐time observations, climate data and monitoring, forecasts, and early warnings for hazards such as cyclones, heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and storms, supporting critical sectors from agriculture and aviation to public health and emergency management. Its science, data, and nationwide network help safeguard lives and guide climate‐smart development across India.https://mausam.imd.gov.in/ The Rockefeller FoundationInvesting $30 billion over the last 113 years to promote the well-being of humanity, The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on unlikely partnerships and innovative solutions that deliver measurable results for people in the United States and around the world. We leverage scientific breakthroughs, artificial intelligence, and new technologies to make big bets across energy, food, health, and finance, including through our public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC). For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn, Instagram @rockefellerfdn, and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/ WellcomeWellcome is a global charitable foundation that supports science and innovation to tackle the world's most urgent health challenges facing everyone. They support discovery research into life, health and wellbeing, and are taking on three worldwide health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health. Its climate and health work puts people's health at the centre of climate action—building research networks, advancing science on risks like extreme heat, and partnering globally to ensure communities benefit from robust, health‐focused climate solutions. https://wellcome.org/
2026-02-19 20:56:00

سفر سراج‌الحق به کابل برای کاهش تنش با اسلام‌آباد
Siraj-ul-Haq Visits Kabul to Ease Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensionsnajibullah.lalzoyWed, 02/18/2026 - 16:05 Author TOLOnews Profile Photo Author Short Bio TOLOnews is Afghanistan’s first 24-hour TV/online news channel covering national, regional and world affairs. Author Job TV Network Afghanistan The former leader of Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami visited Kabul last week and met with senior officials of the Islamic Emirate.In an interview with a Pakistani journalist, Siraj-ul-Haq said that the purpose of his visit was to find appropriate ways to improve relations between Kabul and Islamabad. He added that during the trip he met with the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Interior and Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.Siraj-ul-Haq, the former leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, said: “They say they have fulfilled their respective responsibilities, and Pakistan must also fulfill its own responsibilities. They said if any action takes place in Afghanistan, we are responsible; but if any action takes place in Pakistan, the government should control it.”In part of his remarks, he added that he spoke to officials of the Islamic Emirate on behalf of the people of Pakistan and stressed that tensions between Kabul and Islamabad are not in the interest of the people of either country. In his view, India and the United States benefit from tensions between the two countries.Siraj-ul-Haq, the former leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan, added: “If Afghanistan and Pakistan stand united, they have a bright future; if relations between the two countries are strained for any reason, we need no other enemy, because the biggest beneficiaries of this tension are India and the United States.”Political analyst Zalmai Afghan Yar said in this regard: “Pakistan is a transactional country that receives money for proxy wars, and it is clear that the people of Pakistan suffer as a result. Afghanistan has always sought to find solutions to confrontations through dialogue.”The former leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan visited Kabul at a time when earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had also expressed his willingness to travel to Afghanistan with a broad delegation to hold talks with officials of the Islamic Emirate.
2026-02-18 11:01:51

Yokohama announced as site of new Ericsson Japan R&D Center
New R&D Center, to be located in Yokohama's Minato Mirai 21 district, is scheduled to begin operations in April 2026, with the official inauguration in the first half 2027 Jan Fallgren appointed Head of Ericsson Radio R&D in Japan. Recruitment underway for up to 300 R&D positions The facility will advance radio technology, foster ecosystem collaboration, and support standardization efforts for Japanese and global markets STOCKHOLM, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ericsson's (NASDAQ: ERIC) new telecom innovation R&D Center in Japan, announced in May 2025 as part of ongoing investment initiatives, will be located in Yokohama, south of the capital Tokyo. Jan Fallgren is announced as the new head of the Ericsson Radio R&D team that will drive the development of next-generation communications technologies and support the advancement of Japan's telecoms expertise within Ericsson's global ecosystem. Located close to existing Ericsson facilities in Yokohama's Minato Mirai 21 district, the new R&D center will focus on developing advanced radio hardware and software for the Japanese and global markets. The facility will drive innovation in high-performing programmable 5G networks, next-generation mobile technologies, and open network architectures such as O-RAN. Additionally, the facility will support customer and partner collaborations via dedicated on-site office and collaboration areas, including international standardization efforts. Well known for its strategic location and innovation-targeted public-private-academic collaboration, Yokohama has attracted a diverse range of industries, academic institutions, and skilled talent. With the recruitment process underway - targeting Japanese university graduates and experienced professionals in telecommunications, software, and hardware - the Ericsson R&D Center is set to begin operations in April 2026, with the official inauguration scheduled for the first half of 2027. As announced in May 2025, up to 300 R&D positions could eventually be created at the facility. By building a skilled workforce in Japan, Ericsson aims to nurture future telecom engineers and enhance collaboration with the Japanese government, Yokohama, and industry partners. Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama, says: "We are working to make Yokohama City an attractive choice for global companies' research and development centers. Therefore, I would like to wholeheartedly welcome Ericsson - a global pioneer in mobile communications and world leader in 5G communications technology - choosing Yokohama as its new research and development hub in Japan. I anticipate that the advancement of cutting-edge wireless communication technologies, including 6G, at the new R&D center will foster new innovations, cultivate the next generation of talent, and revitalize Yokohama's economy." Chafic Nassif, Head of Ericsson Market Area Northeast Asia, says: "Telecom is critical infrastructure that must be both high-performing and secure at all times. Our expansion in Yokohama is not only about building more R&D capacity, it is about working even more closely with Japanese customers and partners. By co-innovating in Japan for the world, we will strengthen the broader Japanese ICT ecosystem and support the country's digital transformation and economic security." Anna Dicander, Head of Radio & Transport Engineering, Business Area Networks, Ericsson, says: "We're partnering with Japanese companies, universities, startups, and government agencies to bring innovations in 5G and 6G to the world. By combining Ericsson's global expertise with Japan's engineering talent, we'll drive advances in next-generation radio technologies, AI-powered networks, and energy-efficient solutions - empowering Japanese engineers to shape the future of telecommunications." Ericsson invests about USD 5 billion annually in global R&D, reinforcing its leadership in 5G and next-generation solutions. The Yokohama R&D Center will serve as a key hub within Ericsson's global R&D network, driving innovation in collaboration with Japanese partners. Related link: Ericsson commits to Japan Radio Access Network R&D NOTES TO EDITORS: FOLLOW US: Subscribe to Ericsson press releasesSubscribe to Ericsson blog postshttps://x.com/ericssonhttps://www.facebook.com/ericssonhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ericsson MORE INFORMATION AT:Ericsson Newsroommedia.relations@ericsson.com (+46 10 719 69 92)investor.relations@ericsson.com (+46 10 719 00 00) ABOUT ERICSSON: Ericsson's high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For 150 years, we've been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/ericsson/r/yokohama-announced-as-site-of-new-ericsson-japan-r-d-center,c4309029 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/15448/4309029/3939287.pdf Ericsson Press Release_Japan R D Center Yokohama_GFMR_18 February 2026 https://news.cision.com/ericsson/i/ericsson-research-image---a-man-wearing-augmented-reality-glasses,c3511353 Ericsson Research image - a man wearing augmented reality glasses
2026-02-18 11:01:00

Azbil Receives Frost & Sullivan's 2025 APAC and Southeast Asia Company of the Year Recognitions for Sustainable Smart Infrastructure and Smart Building Solutions
Azbil is recognized for its leadership in sustainable smart infrastructure, cutting-edge building automation, and people-centric innovation across Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia. SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Azbil Corporation has received the 2025 Asia-Pacific Company of the Year Recognition in the Sustainable Smart Infrastructure industry and the 2025 Southeast Asia Company of the Year Recognition in the Smart Building Solutions industry. These recognitions highlight Azbil's continued leadership and commitment to advancing automation and delivering intelligent, sustainable, people-centered solutions, that support national net-zero agendas, elevate infrastructure resiliency, and accelerate energy-efficient transformation in some of the world's fastest-growing markets. According to Ravi Krishnaswamy, Managing Director and Regional Leader at Frost & Sullivan APAC, "Azbil demonstrates industry-leading smart building capabilities by integrating advanced automation and digital-twin technologies with a profound commitment to environmental stewardship, delivering measurable energy efficiency, resilience, and long-term operational value for the built environment across the region." Guided by its long-standing corporate philosophy of "human-centered automation," Azbil has strengthened its solutions portfolio with advanced building management systems, smart sensors, digital twins, and AI-driven optimization tools. Azbil's initiatives in Southeast Asia—including major deployments across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam—highlight its ability to tailor solutions to local infrastructure needs and regulatory frameworks, as well as enabling its customers to achieve significant reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions, and lifecycle operating costs. Sustainability is central to Azbil's market leadership. Through its advanced energy management solutions and commitment to low-carbon technologies, Azbil supports governments and enterprises striving to meet national climate goals. Its expertise in both hardware and digital ecosystems allows organizations to pursue decarbonization initiatives with confidence, backed by reliable insights and measurable outcomes. "We are honored to receive Frost & Sullivan's recognition, winning both the Asia Pacific Sustainable Smart Infrastructure and the Southeast Asian Smart Building Solutions Company of the Year Award. These awards reaffirm Azbil's consistent commitment to innovative sustainability and human-centered automation, which also highlights our dedication to delivering smart building solutions that improve lives. Looking ahead, Azbil will continue to pioneer solutions that shape the future of sustainable smart infrastructure and strengthen our role as a trusted industry partner," said Mr. Kazuyasu Hamada, Managing Corporate Executive and President of Building Systems Company, Azbil Corporation. Frost & Sullivan commends Azbil for its outstanding strategic leadership, technological innovation, and customer partnership. The company's integrated automation platforms, continued investment in sustainable smart building solutions, and ability to deliver measurable performance improvements set a new benchmark for excellence across Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Tarini SinghP: +91- 9953764546E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com About Azbil Azbil Corporation, formerly known as Yamatake Corporation, is a leading company in building and industrial automation, using its measurement and control technologies to provide customers with high value-added solutions to make their operations more efficient and sustainable. Founded in 1906, Azbil serves customers across the globe in a broad range of industries and aims to contribute to people's safety, comfort and fulfilment, and global environmental preservation. At the end of March 2025, Azbil employed about 9,000 people worldwide and generated Japanese yen 300.4 billion in revenue. For more information, please visit https://www.azbil.com/.
2026-02-17 01:02:00

کندوز کې د کورنیو تولیداتو درې ورځنی نندارتون پرانیستل شو
Kunduz Hosts Three-Day Local Products FairHayatullah.RahimiTue, 02/17/2026 - 06:10 Author TOLOnews Profile Photo Author Short Bio TOLOnews is Afghanistan’s first 24-hour TV/online news channel covering national, regional and world affairs. Author Job TV Network Business A three-day exhibition of domestic products has opened in Kunduz, organized by a private company in coordination with the Department of Industry and Commerce.Products displayed in 40 booths include women’s handicrafts, agricultural goods, and other locally made items.The exhibition organizer, Mustafa Stanikzai, said: “The aim of this exhibition is to introduce domestic products to the public and create marketing opportunities for traders and the private sector.”Meanwhile, vendors and industrialists have welcomed the exhibition, describing it as a valuable opportunity to promote and sell their products.Kunduz-based industrialist Ghulam Sakhi Taqwa said: “We attracted many customers and found new buyers. This is a great opportunity for the growth of our products, and we hope such exhibitions will be held every year.”Vendor Khalid said: “We are very pleased and hope these kinds of exhibitions will be organized every year so we can benefit from them.”Some participants also urged citizens to support Afghan-made products instead of buying foreign goods.Participant Ziarat Gul said: “We call on people to support and use domestic products so that our country can develop.”Officials and participants emphasized that organizing such exhibitions can help strengthen handicrafts and improve the economic situation of industrialists in Kunduz.
2026-02-17 00:42:08

From Viral Luck to Predictable Hits, NemoVideo Launches first Pro Video Editing Agent
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NemoVideo has officially launched the industry's first AI-powered Pro Video Editing Agent, designed to turn viral video creation from a game of chance into a repeatable, data-driven process. Unlike traditional generative AI tools that focus solely on editing, NemoVideo's proprietary agent-based system follows a structured three-phase methodology: targeted discovery, in-depth analysis, and strategic reconstruction of high-performing content. This allows marketers and creators to systematically produce platform-optimized, high-conversion videos using simple natural language commands. Put yourself in the shoes of a tech marketer working from San Jose or a content creator based in NYC. You are staring down the barrel of another video campaign while the states reveal that 90% of your uploads barely register, or it only sticks at 300 views jail. In practice, the quickest way to meaningful growth or conversion is when a strong idea meets content that people actually want to share. Teams spend hours hunting for inspiration, yet still can't explain what actually made a video work. Trends are easy to copy, but the mechanics behind them aren't, not to mention the endless editing work. That's why most attempts at "recreating" success fall flat. Sounds familiar? That's the big question everyone's asking these days: is there a step-by-step & reliable way to crank out videos that go viral every time? The daughter of Bill Gates has found a secret formula behind viral videos by reverse-engineering them. You can do it, too! NemoVideo is the First-ever Pro-Grade, Effortless, and Cost-effective Video Editing Agent for creators and marketers to "Chat Your Way" to Viral Videos The Subtle Art of Video Reverse Engineering Creating content that goes viral means instant visibility, engagement and a sales boost. That's why everyone and their mother wants to make viral videos these days, such as indie moviemakers & solo artists. But tech founders jump into the DNA of viral videos and treat it as simply a type of deterministic science. That's why we have video reverse engineering to help us here. Creating viral videos follows a clear professional workflow: Discover what works, break it down, then rebuild it. Teams first collect proven videos through focused search and curation, not endless scrolling. Next, those videos are translated into working scripts—pacing, hooks, emotional beats, and conversion moments—so performance becomes understandable, not mysterious. Finally, the structure is rebuilt with new footage or AI-generated assets and edited in familiar tools like CapCut or Adobe, turning proven ideas into repeatable results. Agentic Video Editing for Viral Content with NemoVideo That's where NemoVideo comes in - the first professional-grade system that makes viral video breakdowns accessible, simple, and affordable. Think of autonomous AI operatives that parse every frame, waveform, & pixel like forensic experts. It uses the interactive Hunt → Analyze → Recreate workflow; the "Hunt" looks for trends, the "Analyze" maps the genome, and the "Recreate" spits out exactly the right blueprints for viral video creation. Deterministic generation at its finest! This tool is learnable for even beginners Chat with AI agent to guide the entire viral creation workflow Purpose-trained models and agent skills ensure professional-grade results How NemoVideo crack the code of viral videos and support creators and marketers to a certain success 1. Precision Discovery NemoVideo was launched in November 2025. You can use this tool by telling it your goal. Like "upload your product link or footage." NemoVideo's agents will then scrape viral videos in real time from all major sites. TikTok For You pages, Instagram Reels, YouTube risers, etc. NemoVideo lets you choose the videos that resonate with you, supported by smart filters that surface high-performing examples, e.g., a video that earned a million views in 24 hoursor 12% click-through spikes. NemoVideo will also measure their speed & buzz. 2. Analyze Stage You drop in a viral video and let specialized AI agent study it the way experienced creators do—frame by frame, second by second. Instead of forcing it into a fixed checklist, the agents apply proven breakdown methods learned from top creators to understand how attention is built and sustained. Each moment is decomposed at the element level: pacing shifts, visual cues, narrative turns, and editing decisions that align with current platform dynamics. The result isn't a generic analysis, but a clear, actionable understanding of what actually made the video resonate. There you have it, the necessary ingredients for creating viral videos! 3. Recreation stage This is where execution becomes effortless. NemoVideo turns proven viral structures into finished videos—automatically rebuilding them so you can skip the tedious editing work and focus on the idea. If you don't have footage, the system fills the gaps with generated visuals. If you do, it slots your material straight into a ready-made cut. Changes happen through conversation: you adjust pacing, tone, or context in plain language, while keeping full creative control. [0-3s Hook] → [4-12s Story Build] → [13s+ Close & CTA]Your Slots: Topics | Rhythm | Triggers Ready to Make Your Content Go Viral Online? You should hunt for your first viral DNA on NemoVideo now. Follow NemoVideo on X (Twitter for ones in the know), Instagram, and Discord for live dissections & blueprints. NemoVideo isn't just another AI tool. It is the beginning of a scientific movement in video generation. We believe that virality is something you can systematically learn. Creativity can always scale as per your skills. Which genome will you reverse first? How will agentic editing change your core metrics for the good? Let us know your views in the comments section.
2026-02-11 09:23:00

Akeso's IL-4Rα/ST2 Bispecific Antibody Cleared for Seven Phase II Studies in China Spanning Respiratory and Autoimmune Indications
HONG KONG, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) is pleased to announce that the National Medical Products Administration has approved the initiation of Phase II clinical trials for AK139, a first-in-class IL-4Rα/ST2-targeting bispecific antibody, across seven indications. These indications include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe bronchial asthma, chronic spontaneous urticaria, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, and prurigo nodularis. With these new Phase II studies, AK139 has the potential to bring its novel mechanism of action to create breakthrough therapies for multiple respiratory and autoimmune indications AK139 is a clinical stage bispecific antibody for autoimmune indications that was discovered using Akeso's proprietary AI-enabled drug discovery platform. It marks a pivotal expansion of the company's leading expertise in bispecific/multispecific antibody for oncology into other major therapeutic areas. Chronic inflammatory diseases driven by the IL-4Rα/ST2 pathway, including key respiratory and autoimmune disorders, are characterized by complex pathogenesis and a substantial patient burden worldwide. Significant unmet clinical needs persist in many of these indications due to insufficient responses or limited symptom control from current single-target therapies. As the world's first IL-4Rα/ST2 bispecific antibody to enter the clinic, AK139 simultaneously targets and blocks both the IL-4/IL-13 pathway (by binding to the IL-4Rα subunit shared by both IL-4 and IL-13 receptor complexes) and the IL-33/ST2-mediated inflammation pathway. Early studies show that AK139 possesses strong bispecific binding affinity, as well as favorable in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity. In key metrics, including inhibition of inflammatory cytokine release and reduction of tissue inflammatory cell infiltration, AK139 demonstrates significantly greater synergistic efficacy compared to single-target antibodies against either IL-4 or ST2. AK139 also has a good safety profile from earlier studies. To date, no antibody drug targeting both the IL-4Rαand the IL-33/ST2 pathways has been approved or is in clinical studies. By simultaneously inhibiting these core inflammatory pathways, AK139 has the potential to advance the treatment of related respiratory, autoimmune, and dermatological diseases into a "dual-target era," offering patients a superior and broad spectrum therapeutic solution. The expansion and advancement of AK139's global clinical development program will further strengthen Akeso's momentum in autoimmune diseases. This progress builds upon the foundation established by approved or late-stage novel autoimmune therapies in Akeso's portfolio, such as ebdarokimab (IL-12/IL-23), gumokimab (IL-17A), and manfidokimab (IL-4R). Forward-Looking Statement of Akeso, Inc.This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, "Akeso") contains "forward-looking statements". These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated in this announcement or Akeso's other pipeline candidates will obtain the required regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in P.R.China, the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Akeso's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law. About AkesoAkeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world's first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has established a robust R&D innovation ecosystem centered on its proprietary Tetrabody bispecific antibody platform, ADC (Antibody-Drug Conjugate) technologies, siRNA/mRNA modalities, and cell therapies. Supported by a global-standard GMP manufacturing infrastructure and a highly efficient, integrated commercialization model, the company has evolved into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 26 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 15 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Additionally, 7 new drugs are commercially available. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise. For more information, please visit https://www.akesobio.com/en/about-us/corporate-profile/ and follow us on Linkedin.
2026-02-11 09:01:00

یوناما: ۶۱۳ غیرنظامی افغان در حمله‌های ارتش پاکستان کشته یا زخمی شده‌اند
UN Says Pakistani Attacks Killed or Injured 613 Afghan Civilians in 2025Hayatullah.RahimiMon, 02/09/2026 - 00:23 Author Bibi Amina Hakimi Profile Photo Author Short Bio Bibi Amina Hakimi reports on the economy for TOLOnews. Author Job TOLOnews' Reporter Afghanistan The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in its latest report that in 2025, at least 613 Afghan civilians were killed or injured as a result of attacks by the Pakistani military, marking the highest number of civilian casualties attributed to Pakistan in the past 15 years.UNAMA emphasized that in just the final three months of 2025, 70 Afghan civilians were killed and 478 others were wounded. The figures indicate a sharp increase in Pakistani air and ground attacks and their direct impact on the civilian population.In its report, UNAMA stated: “In the last three months of 2025, UNAMA documented 70 civilian deaths and 478 injuries in Afghanistan2 attributed to Pakistani military forces. Most of these civilian casualties occurred between 10 and 17 October 2025, a period of escalated cross-border tensions between the de facto security forces of Afghanistan and Pakistani military forces which resulted in over 500 civilian casualties in Afghanistan (47 killed, 456 injured).”Political analyst Abdul Sadiq Hamidzoy said: “Anyone who harms people in the world, especially Muslims, and Pakistan’s harm to Afghan civilians, in reality seeks to please the West and serve its interests.”UNAMA has called on all parties to the conflict to distinguish civilians and civilian infrastructure from military targets and to refrain from attacking them.Observers say that the clashes and rising tensions in recent months have had a negative impact on bilateral relations between Kabul and Islamabad.Another political analyst, Sayed Moqaddam Amin, told TOLOnews: “Any military action causes the greatest harm to the people of the region. Two countries with cultural ties should not be in conflict. These military actions benefit neither the people of Pakistan nor the people of Afghanistan.”Meanwhile, Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, described UNAMA’s report on the killing and injury of 613 Afghan civilians in 2025 as close to reality. He said that civilians, including women, children, and a number of athletes, were killed in the Pakistani military attacks.“Following these tensions, reports on civilian casualties are close to the facts,” Fitrat said. “Unfortunately, dozens of innocent civilians, including women, children, and some athletes, have lost their lives as a result of Pakistani military attacks.”This comes as tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have escalated over the past three months. Although consultations were held between Afghan and Pakistani representatives in Doha, Istanbul, and Riyadh, they have so far failed to produce any significant results.
2026-02-08 12:54:42

تلاش‌ها برای کاهش کمبود آب در پایتخت
Efforts Underway to Address Kabul’s Water Crisis: Water Supply CompanyEbadullah.EbadiSun, 02/08/2026 - 20:04 Author TOLOnews Profile Photo Author Short Bio TOLOnews is Afghanistan’s first 24-hour TV/online news channel covering national, regional and world affairs. Author Job TV Network Business The Afghanistan Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Corporation (AUWSSC) has assured that efforts to address the crisis and reduce water shortages in the capital will continue.According to the company’s chief executive, work is underway on several key projects, particularly the Panjshir River water transfer project and the Shah Toot Dam. Once implemented, these projects will provide drinking water to hundreds of families in several districts of Kabul.Ghulam Rahman Kazim, Chief Executive of the state-owned company, said: “The survey and design work has almost been finalized, and a company will soon practically begin the work. The survey and design can be completed in a short time. The Panjshir project is expected to be completed in about five to six years, but due to the severe water challenges in Kabul, discussions are underway to try to complete the entire project within a shorter period of two to three years.”Meanwhile, experts say that transferring water from the Panjshir River could be an important step toward reducing Kabul’s water shortage crisis and could play a fundamental role in ensuring sustainable drinking water supplies and preventing the depletion of groundwater resources.Najibullah Sadid, a water affairs expert, said: “The Panjshir watershed is the closest and most water-rich source to Kabul. According to studies, three major rivers flow in this basin: the Panjshir, Salang, and Ghorband rivers. This basin can transfer up to 100 million cubic meters of water to Kabul annually, which is sufficient to supply water for more than three million people in the capital.”Despite this, residents in many parts of Kabul city continue to face severe shortages of drinking water and struggle with serious difficulties in meeting their daily needs.Zulfi Ali Gawhari, a resident of the 10th district, said: “People are facing water shortages. Every day, they have to carry 100 to 200 containers of water. In this cold winter weather, people are facing many challenges.”Another resident, Abdul Qahar, told TOLOnews: “The wells here have completely dried up, and in other areas the water is salty. Our request from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is to pay attention to this area, because people do not have water.”This comes as the United Nations had previously warned that Kabul’s groundwater levels have dropped by up to 30 meters over the past decade, and if the current trend continues, Kabul’s groundwater could dry up by 2030.
2026-02-08 12:43:26

Elevate Your Escape: Agoda's Guide to Asia's Must-Visit Hill Stations
SINGAPORE, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda invites travelers to discover Asia's enchanting hill stations, where serene landscapes and cool climates offer a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle. From the colonial charm of Shimla to the lush tea gardens of Cameron Highlands, these destinations promise rejuvenation and adventure. Hill stations have long been favored for their tranquil environments and breathtaking views. Asia's diverse landscapes provide a variety of hilltop retreats, each offering unique experiences for those seeking to unwind and explore. Here's Agoda's list of must-visit hill stations in Asia, each with its own distinct charm: Shimla, India: Known for its colonial architecture and panoramic views of the Himalayas, Shimla offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Travelers can explore the bustling Mall Road and enjoy scenic walks through pine forests. Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka: Often referred to as "Little England," this hill station is famous for its tea plantations and cool climate. Visitors can tour the lush tea gardens and enjoy the charming colonial-era buildings. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia: Renowned for its tea gardens and strawberry farms, Cameron Highlands offers a refreshing escape with its pleasant weather. Travelers can explore the vibrant markets and enjoy nature walks. Sapa, Vietnam: Offers stunning views of terraced rice fields and a rich cultural experience with local ethnic tribes. Visitors can trek through the picturesque landscapes and immerse themselves in the local culture. Bandung, Indonesia: Surrounded by volcanic mountains, Bandung offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Travelers can explore the city's vibrant art scene and enjoy the cool mountain air. Thimphu, Bhutan: Known for its serene landscapes and traditional architecture, Thimphu offers a peaceful retreat. Visitors can explore the city's cultural landmarks and enjoy the vibrant local festivals. Munnar, India: Famous for its rolling hills covered with tea plantations, Munnar offers a serene escape into nature. Visitors can explore diverse wildlife and enjoy panoramic views from the hilltops. Dalat, Vietnam: Known for its French colonial heritage and flower gardens, Dalat provides a cool mountain retreat. Travelers can explore the city's unique architecture and enjoy the vibrant flower markets. Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, "Hill stations are where the soul finds its breath, offering a sanctuary of calmness and adventure. Whether it's the crisp mountain air or the panoramic views, each visit promises a rejuvenating experience that lingers long after the trip ends. At Agoda, we're passionate about supporting travelers with the value deals to ensure their journey is as enriching as the destination." Travelers planning their journeys can explore Agoda's extensive offerings, including over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities. Running from 14 to 28 February, Agoda's Mega Sale will offer up to 60% off on hotel bookings, with special flash sales of up to 70% on 17 February and exclusive deals on flights and activities. Agoda VIP members will receive early access to deals from 10 to 13 February. The latest deals are available on the Agoda app or at agoda.com/deals.
2026-02-04 07:00:00

تازه را ایستل شوي افغانان د پاکستاني پولیسو له ناوړه چلن سر ټکوي
Recently Expelled Afghans Complain of Mistreatment by Pakistani PoliceHayatullah.RahimiTue, 02/03/2026 - 04:55 Author TOLOnews Profile Photo Author Short Bio TOLOnews is Afghanistan’s first 24-hour TV/online news channel covering national, regional and world affairs. Author Job TV Network Afghanistan Recently expelled Afghans say they were mistreated by Pakistani police and are calling on Kabul and Islamabad to address the problems of Afghans living in Pakistan through dialogue.Wazir Khan is among those who say they were forcibly expelled by Pakistani police. He says all his belongings and household items were left behind, and after returning to Kabul, he has no access to basic living facilities in the cold weather.Wazir Khan told TOLOnews: “Everything we had was left there. They took my motorcycle and other belongings, and I am still in debt to many people. Our needs are very great, and we also have sick family members.”They are also calling on the Islamic Emirate and aid organizations to provide shelter, job opportunities, and basic assistance during winter.Habibullah, another Afghan expelled from Pakistan, said: “We ask the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan to make efforts to solve people’s problems. It is winter, every family has children, and returning is very difficult.”Ali Khan, who was also expelled, said: “If they give us a house or land, that would be very good, and we would manage our daily expenses ourselves.”Some refugee rights activists are emphasizing the need for greater support for returnees.Refugee rights activist Abdul Razzaq Adil said: “Assistance should not be limited only to wheat and cash at the border. Sustainable integration into society is the key to success. The government and organizations should work to turn returnees from consumers into producers.”Earlier, some Afghan refugees living in Pakistan had called for a three-month grace period to return to Afghanistan.
2026-02-02 20:35:28

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