Category: ACN Newswire

HONG KONG, Apr 2, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Across the landscape of global biotech companies, the appointment of a senior executive often serves as a "barometer"—offering insights into a company's pipeline potential and reflecting how industry veterans gauge the sector’s future.A clear signal of the company’s growth arrived in February 2026, when HighTide Therapeutics (2511.HK) announced a high-profile executive appointment: Dr. Filip Surmont joined the company as Chief Medical Officer (CMO).For professionals in the cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic fields, this is a name that carries real weight. Over a career spanning three decades, Dr. Surmont has held senior medical leadership roles at multinational giants including Wyeth, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca. Among his most notable contributions was his role in the global strategic development of the SGLT-2 inhibitor dapagliflozin — a landmark effort that required close collaboration across functions and geographies within a large multinational organization. As part of a talented cross-functional team, he helped shape the strategy that positioned dapagliflozin as a global metabolic blockbuster, ultimately reaching $8.405 billion USD in sales in 2025.Notably, just a few months earlier, HighTide Therapeutics' core product, HTD1801, had outperformed dapagliflozin across multiple key cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic endpoints in a head-to-head Phase III clinical trial for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).For Dr. Surmont, transitioning from managing a reigning "blockbuster" to joining a “challenger” Chinese biotech was far from coincidental. What drew him out of his comfort zone was not just HTD1801's strong glucose-lowering performance, but also the breakthrough potential this new molecular entity (NME) has shown in cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic (CKM) disease in general, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) more specifically — driven by a fundamentally differentiated pathophysiological mechanisms.I.Challenging Clinical Complacency in CKD: The Quest for True ReversalWithin the medical community, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has long been a source of frustration. Once the kidney function begins to decline, it typically deteriorates progressively and irreversibly over time, leaving most patients facing dialysis or kidney transplantation as an eventual outcome."There has long been a degree of complacency in CKD treatment among physicians, patients, and even caregivers," Dr. Surmont noted pointedly. "A mindset has taken hold that the progressive decline in renal function with age is inevitable. I’ve been striving to change this mindset throughout my career, both during my time at multinational pharmaceutical companies and now."Current standard treatments — including ACE inhibitors/ARBs and the widely used SGLT-2 inhibitors — have demonstrated efficacy in slowing disease progression, yet fall short of halting or reversing the underlying pathology. They can significantly reduce the rate of decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), buying patients valuable time, but fail to alter the terminal trajectory towards kidney failure.Further complicating the clinical picture is the multi-factorial nature of CKD. Taking diabetic kidney disease (DKD) caused by T2DM as an example, besides pathophysiological factors driven by metabolic dysfunction, it is complicated by interconnected and highly complex factors such as hemodynamic perturbances, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and other non-diabetic factors that fuel each other to worsen disease prognosis.Existing standard-of-care drugs often address only one dimension of the disease by regulating hemodynamics or a single metabolic pathway, making it difficult to comprehensively address the inflammatory damage in the renal microenvironment.II.Inside the Mechanism: Remodeling Renal Architecture via a Dual Metabolic and Anti-inflammatory PathwayThe emergence of HTD1801 provides a new key to breaking this deadlock.As an oral anti-inflammatory and metabolic modulator (AIMM) independently developed by HighTide Therapeutics, HTD1801 demonstrates a unique therapeutic potential at the microscopic level as compared to traditional drugs. Rather than relying on a single mechanism, it takes a "two-pronged" approach by activating AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) and inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome.Dr. Surmont has full confidence in the scientific logic underpinning this mechanism: "This drug acts simultaneously on two critical levels: beyond blood sugar, it improves overall metabolic efficiency at its source; at the same time, it directly suppresses the underlying chronic inflammation that drives organ damage."Taking a deep dive into its mechanism of action, HTD1801's dual mechanism precisely targets multiple microstructures within the kidney. "This is reflected across different renal compartments," Dr. Surmont explained. "From the filtering glomeruli and the structural interstitium to the reabsorptive tubules, and even podocytes—the vital gatekeepers of the filtration barrier, the dual action of AMPK activation and NLRP3 inhibition has demonstrated stronger-than-expected protective benefits."This mechanistic rationale, spanning from metabolic regulation to organ-level protection, has ultimately been validated by clinical data.At the 2025 American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Annual Meeting, HighTide Therapeutics presented as a late breaker Phase III clinical study data in T2DM patients with mild renal impairment. The results captured the industry's attention: compared with the placebo group, the HTD1801 group demonstrated a significant and sustainable difference in annualized eGFR slope of +9.81 ml/min/1.73 m²/year.In the eyes of nephrologists, a "positive slope" on the eGFR curve is a strong and unique signal, suggesting the possibility of early structural recovery."What we need to do next is confirm that this eGFR repair effect observed in DKD also holds true for CKD patients not driven by diabetes," Dr. Surmont revealed, indicating that relevant clinical studies are already underway, with more detailed data expected to validate this cross-etiology therapeutic potential.III.From "Rescue" to "Prevention": Advancing a Holistic Cardiorenal Metabolic (CKM) MindsetDr. Surmont brings to HighTide Therapeutics more than just clinical expertise; he brings a “game-changing” mentality that transcends a single-drug perspective.Another career-defining milestone for Dr. Surmont was his leadership role in helping reshape global asthma treatment guidelines. Historically, asthma management relied on short-acting bronchodilators for "rescue" only upon exacerbation of symptoms and shortness of breath. Dr. Surmont proposed and validated the "Anti-Inflammatory Reliever (AIR)" strategy a modern asthma management strategy that uses a combination inhaled corticosteroids and a bronchodilator as a reliever — treating both the acute bronchospasm and the underlying airway inflammation with every dose, in contrast to traditional short acting dilator-only relief. This shift ultimately benefited approximately 120 million patients worldwide and reshaped treatment paradigms.Now, facing CKD, he sees the same opportunity for a paradigm-shifting breakthrough.Given HTD1801's strong potential to repair mild renal impairment, future clinical guidelines could reasonably recommend initiating treatments early, when eGFR is still at a relatively high level. By establishing a positive trajectory for renal function recovery early in the disease, there is hope that most patients can completely avoid the looming threat of dialysis.From a health-economics perspective, this would reallocate healthcare spending: shifting funds away from costly late-stage interventions (such as dialysis and heart failure rescue) towards highly cost-effective early treatment, thereby generating substantial healthcare cost savings for society and reducing patients’ financial burden for late-stage interventions.Dr. Surmont also strongly advocates for a holistic management approach to "Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM)" health. As multifunctional drugs like HTD1801 continue to evolve, he believes physicians will move beyond the single-dimensional therapeutic mindset."My ideal scenario is that all physicians managing cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, hepatic, or even obesity issues would evaluate the patient with a holistic mindset," he says, pointing to the current siloed nature in clinical practice. " As an example eGFR monitoring is not always part of routine cardiological assessment, yet at the mechanistic level, cardiac and renal dysfunction are manifestations of the same underlying disease process — making an integrated view essential"He cited a successful experiment he led while promoting dapagliflozin in China: requiring cardiologists at partner hospitals to measure patients' eGFR during their consultations. By merely adding this simple cross-disciplinary action, the number of patients on guideline directed medical treatment tripled within six months.IV.A Buyer's Lens: The Booming BD Activity in CKD and HighTide Therapeutics’ Confidence in Value CreationAs a core member of the company's leadership team, Dr. Surmont also frequently examines HighTide Therapeutics' position through the lens of capital market and industry dynamics.Over the past two years, the global biopharmaceutical market has seen a surge in business development (BD) activity in the CKD field. In 2025, Roche announced a major collaboration with Zealand Pharma valued at up to $5.3 billion; multinational giants like Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Novo Nordisk have also been making significant investments to secure premium assets in the metabolic and renal disease space.Dr. Surmont, drawing on his extensive multinational experience, has a clear read on this "land grab" phenomenon: "The core driver is the massive profit potential and rapid growth in this field. Five years ago, the therapeutic arsenal here was relatively limited. Now, with breakthrough blockbusters like GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2i’s, the kidney disease landscape has been reshaped, yet there remains a residual risk is 60–80% of the original event burden.He further elaborated: "Even when patients are treated with four pillars of therapy (ACEi/ARBs, SGLT-2i’s, GLP-1RAs, MRAs), the complex underlying inflammatory mechanisms remain largely unaddressed, still leaving a significant gap in our ability to fully protect the kidney. This creates substantial pricing potential and broad combination therapy prospects for drugs with fundamentally new mechanisms like HTD1801.""Looking back at the history of SGLT-2 inhibitors, it took over a decade from approval to reaching 20%-25% guideline-directed clinical uptake. The slow progress was partly due to a lack of strong medical education and advocacy, and partly because of physicians and patients’ tendency to yield to the disease's natural trajectory."Now, having taken the helm as CMO of HighTide Therapeutics, Dr. Filip Surmont is poised to challenge the status quo and break this complacency with solid clinical data and a new medical narrative. For this drug—born from Chinese innovation with a global ambition—the voyage in the CKM field has only just begun. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

TransNusa Launches New Scheduled Flight Connecting Jakarta With Lombok, Its World Class Surfing Island DestinationJAKARTA, Apr 2, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TransNusa has announced the launch of a new direct scheduled flight connecting Jakarta and Lombok, further strengthening access to one of Indonesia’s key tourism and regional travel hubs.TransNusa Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis said that the introduction of this new route comes on the back of the airline’s focus to increase and strengthen connectivity while boosting domestic tourism.“Lombok is not only rapidly growing as a domestic and international tourist destination but the island is also the main gateway for tourism in the West Nusa Tenggara region through its Lombok International Airport,” Datuk Francis said, adding that Lombok attracts more than 1.2 million tourists annually.LOMBOK… Paradise of divers and surfersLombok is home to the diving haven Gili and Mount Rinjani National Park, one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanic landscapes. The island offers dramatic trekking routes, cascading waterfalls and panoramic mountain views, attracting adventurers and nature lovers from around the world. Beyond its mountains, Lombok has also built a global reputation as a world-class surfing and diving destination, with pristine beaches, coral reef and consistent waves drawing surfers year-round.“TransNusa will initially operate 14 flights a week or two daily flights with the first scheduled flight departing Jakarta in the morning and the second in the afternoon,” Datuk Bernard said, adding that the sales of tickets for the new scheduled flight from Jakarta to Lombok started on 16 March 2026, with the inaugural flight scheduled for April 17, 2026.DATUK BERNARD FRANCIS… Lombok is the main gateway for tourism in the West Nusa Tenggara regionIn addition to this new launch, TransNusa has also increased the frequency of its Jakarta-Yogyakarta route with the aim to enhance and strengthen domestic connectivity, said Datuk Bernard.Flight DetailsTransNusa’s scheduled flight 8B 5161 will depart Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at 5:00am and arrive at Lombok International Airport at 8:00am. The returning service, 8B 5162, will depart Lombok International Airport at 8:30am and arrive in Jakarta at the Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at 9:30am. The second scheduled flight 8B 5165 will depart Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at 03:00pm and arrive at the Lombok International Airport at 05:45pm. The returning service, 8B 5166 will depart Lombok International Airport at 06.15pm and arrive at the Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at 06.45pm.Ticket prices for TransNusa’s scheduled Jakarta-Lombok route start from as low as IDR899,000, CNY390, USD55, MYR225, AUD80, and SGD69. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.transnusa.co.id and on primary online travel agents’ platforms.Meanwhile, TransNusa’s additional scheduled flight for its Jakarta-Yogyakarta flight, 8B 5530, will depart Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at 10.40am and arrive at the Yogyakarta International Airport at 11.50am. The flight, 8B 5531, will depart Yogyakarta at 01.20pm and arrive in Jakarta at 02.30pm.For its flights, TransNusa not only provides premium services with competitive ticket prices, but the airline also has attractive product bundles called SEAT, SEAT-PLUS and FLEXI-PRO."Our SEAT passengers will enjoy check-in baggage of up to 20kgs,” Datuk Bernard said, explaining that the baggage offering was over and above the 7kgs limit offered as a passenger’s hand carry.For the highest package, FLEXI-PRO, we provide services such as free baggage up to 30kgs, free to choose seats, free food, and drinks, priority at check-in and boarding counters.In addition, TransNusa also provides its FLEXI-PRO passengers with the flexibility to change their flight schedule without restrictions and obtain refund when needed,” added Datuk Bernard.TransNusa, which aims to ensure its passengers travel with ease and comfort, has also configured their A320s with a 174-seat configuration, which allows for passengers to enjoy about 30 inches of legroom, comparable to the experience passengers would get in a full-service airline."We are committed to providing affordable and competitive ticket prices, while still providing premium services to our customers.” stressed Datuk Bernard.TransNusa, A Short HistoryThe 3-year old TransNusa, led by aviation expert and veteran, Datuk Bernard, made waves in the aviation industry with its unique domestic and international business development and growth strategy.Within just 6 months of operations, in 2023, the airline, known then as a new player with new rules, launched its first international route between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, followed by the launch of scheduled flights between Jakarta and Singapore.TransNusa, which established itself as a Premium Service Carrier, made headlines in Malaysia, Singapore, China and around the world with news of being the first airline in Indonesia to introduce new exciting routes. In 2023, during its first year of operations, TransNusa became the second Indonesian airline to receive approval to fly to China. In 2024, TransNusa became the first in the world to develop and introduce a new domestic route connecting Bali and Manado. In October 2025, TransNusa added yet another milestones by becoming the first Indonesian airline and second airline in the world to launch scheduled flights from Manado to Guangzhou, China.About TransNusaTransNusa Airline, is a Premium Service Carrier. In February 2024, the airline rebranded itself to a Premium Service Carrier in line with its upgraded aircrafts that offers better comfort as well as based on the flexibility and quality of the services offered. TransNusa, which received its AOC certification on 9th September 2022, launch its first three A320 operations on 6th October, 14th October and 12th December, 2022.In 2023, TransNusa introduced a new business model making it the first Premium Service Carrier in the Asia Pacific region. TransNusa introduced its first international flight on 14th April, 2023. The airline is currently based in Jakarta and Bali.On the international front, TransNusa flies to Singapore, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Perth, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The airline became the second Indonesian airline to fly to China and the first Indonesian airline to launch a Premium Service Carrier business model. Passengers can book their flights on the TransNusa website at www.transnusa.co.id, through any secure online travel agent, through authorized travel agents in Singapore and Indonesia.TransNusa’s Primary International Media Contact:Trina Thomas Rajtrina@myqaseh.org+60124992672 (whatsapp only) Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Apr 2, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Shoucheng Holdings’ (0697.HK) investments in the robotics sector are moving from early-stage positioning toward value realization.Management has disclosed that, by the end of 2025, the Company—through multiple industry funds under its management—had cumulatively invested more than RMB 2 billion across the broader robotics industry chain, covering more than 20 companies. According to the Chairman’s Statement for 2025, the valuation of the investment portfolio of the Beijing Robot Industry Development Investment Fund (Limited Partnership) increased by approximately fourfold. On that basis, the corresponding unrealized book gain is estimated at around RMB 8 billion. The robotics business has therefore become one of the most closely watched sources of incremental upside for Shoucheng Holdings in the near term.Based on disclosed projects, Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics strategy is not a series of isolated bets, but rather a systematic deployment across the industry chain. In the field of embodied intelligence and robotics, the Company has made concentrated investments in more than 20 leading companies, including Unitree Robotics, Noetix Robotics, Galbot, DEEP Robotics, Booster Robotics, and Galaxea AI. In the latest Chairman’s Statement, Chairman Zhao Tianyang characterized this approach as “track-level deployment”.Unlike some purely financial investors, Shoucheng Holdings is advancing its robotics business from simply “holding equity stakes” to “operating an industry”. Following an integrated path of “investment + operations + ecosystem,” the Company is building capabilities centered on “funds + scenarios + industry chain,” providing robotics companies with capital support, application scenarios, supply-chain integration, and commercialization pathways. On the offline channel side, its robotics consumer experience brand, Taozhu New Creation, has established five stores in Beijing, with locations including Shougang Park, Beijing Capital International Airport Terminals 2 and 3, and Wangfujing APM, among other core venues. To date, the Company has signed agreements with nearly 100 robotics companies as authorized agents.Market analysts note that the valuation logic for Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics business is transitioning from book valuations in the primary market toward more observable pricing in the capital markets. As a representative investment within Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics portfolio, Unitree Robotics—together with its IPO progress—provides the market with a clearer anchor for assessing the value of Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics assets.From a longer-term perspective, the data points of “more than RMB 2 billion invested, more than 20 companies covered, and portfolio valuation increasing approximately fourfold to around RMB 8 billion” already outline the basic contours of Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics strategy:At the front end, the Company secures leading projects through its funds.In the mid-stage, it accelerates commercialization through channels and service systems.At the back end, it opens up exit and re-rating opportunities through IPOs and capital operations.As projects such as Unitree Robotics move into the capital-market spotlight, the book value of Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics investments, its industrial synergy capabilities, and its subsequent monetization path are becoming increasingly clear. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

PHILADELPHIA, PA AND WILMINGTON, DE, Apr 2, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ:DVLT), an AI-driven data monetization, RWA tokenization, and Web 3.0 infrastructure company, and Demora Foundation, the Delaware-incorporated governing organization of the Demora Chain ecosystem (governed under JP3E Holdings Inc.), today announced the execution of a Technology Integration Agreement establishing Datavault AI as the formal AI data intelligence and RWA tokenization technology partner for the K-Entertainment & K-Wave Global Platform - the integrated K2Global + Demora Foundation ecosystem that converts Korean cultural IP, live entertainment, and K-Wave soft power into institutional-grade, on-chain financial products, deployed across three US Innovation K-Wave Cities: Atlanta (GA), Dallas (TX), and New York Tri-State.K-WAVE AUDIENCE SCALE200M+Global Hallyu Fans · 156 Countries$40B+K-Wave Annual Economic Impact (KOFICE 2024)$14B+K-Pop Revenue 2025E (Live + Streaming + Merch)120M+Dedicated K-Pop Concert Fans Globally500+Korean SMBs · 8 K-Wave Sectors · K2Global Mandate$3B+K-Entertainment Tokenizable Pipeline (DMR-LIVE)3US Innovation K-Wave Cities (ATL · DAL · NY Tri-State)8-14%Target DMR-LIVE Token Yield (Annualized)The Agreement deploys Datavault AI's full enterprise AI stack - Data Vault®, DataValue®, DataScore®, and Information Data Exchange® (IDE) Digital Twin - as the AI data intelligence and RWA/VWA tokenization backbone of Demora Chain, purpose-built to score, value, credentialize, and tokenize K-Entertainment assets - including K-Pop concert revenues, K-Drama IP royalties, K-content digital rights, K-Beauty brands, and K-Food franchises - as yield-bearing instruments settled in DMR (apex RWA) and GMMT (VWA layer) on Demora's dual OP Stack Layer 2.The K-Entertainment Opportunity - 200M+ Fans, $11B-$16B Annual Event Revenue, $3B+ Tokenizable PipelineThe Korean Wave (Hallyu) is the most scalable cultural export engine in the world - and the foundational demand signal for the entire DVLT × Demora Foundation partnership. With 200M+ Hallyu fans across 156 countries generating over $40B in annual economic impact, K-Entertainment represents an institutional-scale, pre-qualified audience base no other RWA protocol can access.K-Entertainment Audience & Tokenizable Pipeline - By VerticalK-Wave VerticalGlobal Fan BaseAnnual Event Revenue Est.Digital / Streaming LayerDMR-LIVE Tokenization OpportunityK-Pop Live Concerts & Tours120M+ dedicated fans$6B - $8B globallyWeverse, YouTube, streaming rights$1.5B+ addressableK-Drama & Film IP Events80M+ drama viewers$2B - $3B IP + premiere circuitNetflix, Disney+, local OTT licensing$600M+ addressableK-Food & Culinary Festivals50M+ global K-Food consumers$800M - $1.2B festivals/franchiseExport brands, franchise licensing$250M+ addressableK-Beauty Brand Events & Launches60M+ active K-Beauty consumers$1B - $1.5B experiential marketingD2C, influencer, brand collab$300M+ addressableGaming, Esports & Webtoon Festivals40M+ K-gaming & esports fans$1.2B - $2B event + IPStreaming, IP licensing, game merch$400M+ addressableTOTAL K-Entertainment TAM200M+ Hallyu Fans (composite)$11B - $16B annual event revenue$5B+ digital overlay$3B+ tokenizable pipelineDMR-LIVE Protocol - K-Entertainment RWA Tokenization EngineAt the core of the DVLT × Demora Foundation partnership is DMR-LIVE - the K-Entertainment RWA tokenization protocol that converts live event cash flows (ticket receivables, venue revenues, VIP hospitality, IP/sponsorship contracts) into yield-bearing digital assets settled on Demora Chain. Datavault AI provides the AI data intelligence layer that makes DMR-LIVE institutional-grade.DMR-LIVE - Projected Deployment & Deal ScalePhase 1 · 0-6 MonthsPilot Launch5-10 K-Wave flagship events (US + Korea)DMR-LIVE token launch on Demora Chain$25M - $50M initial pool issuance500K - 1M live attendeesInstitutional LP onboarding (Reg D)Phase 2 · 6-18 MonthsScale & Liquidity20-40 multi-genre eventsUS, Korea, Africa, SE Asia$100M - $300M issuance target3M - 8M live + digital viewersSWF / Ex-Im institutional channelPhase 3 · 18-36 MonthsGlobal Integration100+ events per annual cycleGlobal deployment (20+ countries)$300M+ annual issuance run-rate15M - 30M annual audienceNASDAQ SPAC pathway for K2GlobalDatavault AI - Powering K-Entertainment IP Intelligence & TokenizationDatavault AI's enterprise platform serves as the data intelligence layer that transforms K-Entertainment assets from illiquid cultural IP into institutional-grade, on-chain financial products:K-Pop & Content IP - IDE Digital Twin & NIL CredentialingOn-chain digital twin representations of K-Pop artist brands, K-Drama IP rights, digital content royalties, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) credentials - enabling programmable IP monetization and VWA issuance on GMMT layer.K-Entertainment Asset Valuation - DataScore® AI AgentsAI-based scoring and valuation of K-Pop artist tour revenue forecasts, K-Drama IP licensing streams, K-content streaming rights, and live event cash flow projections - providing the institutional-grade data oracle powering DMR-LIVE token pricing.Franchise & Brand Asset Scoring - DataValue®Comprehensive valuation scoring for K-Beauty brands, K-Food franchise systems, and K-Fashion design IP - preparing these assets for DMR-denominated RWA tokenization and cross-border distribution settlement on Demora Chain.Entertainment & Sports Vertical - HPC Software LicensingHigh-performance compute infrastructure for real-time K-Wave asset valuation, streaming rights scoring, and DMR-denominated tokenization at institutional scale - spanning K-Pop, K-Drama, K-Gaming, and K-Esports verticals.Provenance & Compliance - Data Vault® + Web 3.0 Immutable MetadataEnterprise data management and immutable provenance framework for K-Entertainment IP registrations, royalty flow traceability, and institutional-grade KYC/AML compliance aligned with Demora Chain's DMR settlement requirements.Global Digital Infrastructure Platform - Three-Layer ArchitectureThe DVLT partnership operates across the three-layer JP3E platform architecture - with K-Entertainment as the lead vertical:Platform LayerRole & DVLT Integration PointK2Global (Layer 3 - Application)Asset origination layer: 500+ Korean SMBs across 8 K-Wave sectors. K-Entertainment leads - K-Pop concert IP, K-Drama rights, K-Beauty brands, K-Food franchises. K2Global identifies the real-world and IP assets that DVLT's DataScore® and IDE Digital Twin will score, value, and credentialize for tokenization on Demora Chain.JP3E Holdings (Structure & Access)Institutional governance and capital structure layer. Structures regulatory compliance (Clean Wall separation), OTC → NASDAQ pathway, and sovereign capital access. DVLT's KYC/AML-compliant Web3 data management integrates at this governance layer.Demora Foundation (Layer 1 - Tokenize & Liquidate)Converts illiquid K-Entertainment and K-Wave infrastructure assets into tradable DMR-denominated RWA and GMMT-powered VWA instruments via Demora Chain's dual OP Stack Layer 2. DVLT's HPC-powered tokenization platform and immutable metadata framework are the core technology input at this layer - enabling LP waterfall yield + DMR token upside.K-Wave Cities Deployment - DVLT Integration by SectorThe Technology Integration Agreement positions Datavault AI as the enterprise data intelligence and tokenization technology partner across all eight K-Wave growth sectors in three US Innovation Cities - with K-Entertainment as the flagship commercial vertical:K-Wave SectorDVLT Platform ApplicationEntertainment - K-Pop, Drama IP, Digital Content & MediaFLAGSHIP VERTICAL - IDE Digital Twin & NIL credentialing for K-Pop artist IP, K-Drama content rights, and digital royalty tokenization as VWA on GMMT; DataScore® for AI-based content asset valuation and live event revenue forecasting; DMR-LIVE protocol integration for K-Pop concert receivables tokenization as RWA on DMRFood & Beverage - K-Food Franchise, Cuisine & ExportDataValue® for franchise system and supply chain asset scoring; J1Manna DMR RWA settlement for cross-border distribution contracts through Innovation City hubsBeauty & Cosmetics - K-Beauty Brands, Skincare & BiotechDVLT healthcare HPC licensing applied to K-Beauty O-Min, biotech supply chains; IDE Digital Twin for K-Longevity (NovocellBio NK cell) clinical supply RWA tokenizationTechnology / AI - IoT, Robotics & BlockchainDataScore® AI agents for KORECEN biometric patent (13 KIPO finger-vein) valuation as RWA; DVLT Web 3.0 enterprise data management for IoT/robotics SMB IP assetsManufacturing - Advanced Materials, EV Components & BatteriesDVLT immutable metadata for critical minerals provenance; IDE Digital Twin for K-Defense, dual-use hardware supply chain traceability on DMRHealthcare / Bio - Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices & TelehealthDVLT healthcare HPC licensing and DataValue® for NovocellBio NK cell manufacturing capacity and clinical supply agreement tokenization as K-Longevity RWA on DMRFashion - Contemporary Design & Textile InnovationIDE NIL credentialing for brand and design IP; DataScore® for O-Min fashion IP asset valuation as VWA on GMMT; cross-border distribution RWA on DMREducation / EdTech - E-Learning Platforms & Global CertificationDVLT Web 3.0 data management for SaaS-model EdTech platform data assets; DataScore® for certification IP valuation feeding Demora flywheel programmable yield via DMRStatements"Datavault AI was built for exactly this moment - when AI-powered data intelligence meets institutional blockchain infrastructure at a global scale. The K2Global Innovation K-Wave platform, with K-Entertainment as its flagship vertical, represents one of the most compelling real-world asset mandates in the market today: 200M+ Hallyu fans, $14B+ in K-Pop revenue, 500+ Korean SMBs, three US Innovation Cities, and a two-token blockchain architecture built for institutional settlement. Our Data Vault®, DataValue®, DataScore®, and Digital Twin platforms are the intelligence layer that transforms K-Entertainment IP - from K-Pop concert revenues and K-Drama royalties to K-Beauty brands and K-Food franchises - from illiquid cultural assets into scalable, liquid digital financial products. We are proud to be the technology partner of choice for the JP3E platform."- Nathaniel Bradley, CEO, Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ: DVLT)"The Datavault AI partnership is a defining moment for the Global Digital Infrastructure Platform - and specifically for DMR-LIVE, our K-Entertainment RWA tokenization protocol. K-Entertainment is not merely one of eight K-Wave sectors; it is the cultural demand engine that drives all of them. With 200M+ Hallyu fans, $40B+ in annual K-Wave economic impact, and a $3B+ tokenizable K-Entertainment pipeline, DVLT's AI-powered data valuation, Digital Twin technology, and enterprise tokenization stack provide precisely the intelligence infrastructure required to convert Korean cultural IP into institutional-grade, on-chain financial products at global scale. Together, we are building the operating system for K-Wave infrastructure finance."- John K. Park, Chairman & CEO, Demora Foundation / JP3E Holdings Inc.About Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ: DVLT)Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ:DVLT) is an AI-driven data monetization, RWA tokenization, and Web 3.0 infrastructure company headquartered at One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 2400, Philadelphia, PA 19103. DVLT provides enterprise-grade platforms including Information Data Exchange® (Digital Twin / NIL credentialing), Data Vault®, DataValue®, and DataScore® AI agents, and HPC-powered data valuation and secure monetization infrastructure spanning fintech, healthcare, real estate, and sports & entertainment verticals - including the full K-Entertainment sector. CEO: Nathaniel Bradley. Website: www.datavaultsite.comAbout Demora FoundationDemora Foundation is the institutional governance entity of Demora Chain - a dual OP Stack Layer 2 on Ethereum (target: 560,000+ TPS, USD1 gas model) designed for stablecoin finance, RWA tokenization, and VWA (Virtual Wealth Asset) creation at institutional scale. Demora Foundation governs the DMR-LIVE K-Entertainment RWA tokenization protocol as the flagship product of its K2Global Innovation K-Wave Cities deployment. Demora Foundation is incorporated in Delaware and governed under JP3E Holdings Inc. Website: demora.foundationMedia Contacts:John K. Park, Chairman & CEO - JP3E Holdings Inc. / Demora FoundationJohn.park@jp3e.com | www.jp3e.com | demora.foundationAlan Wallace, Head of Public Relations - Datavault AI / marketing@dvlt.aiInvestor ContactEdward Barger, VP, Investor Relations - Datavault AI, ir@dvlt.ai - ebarger@dvlt.aiSOURCE: Datavault AI Inc Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

ANTWERPEN, BELGIUM, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - OMP, a leader in supply chain planning solutions, has partnered with global pure-play coffee leader JDE Peet's to deliver advanced end-to-end supply chain planning. With Unison Planning™ now live, JDE Peet's will improve planning accuracy, reduce inventory costs, and improve overall agility.The go-live marks the first wave of IRIS (Intelligent, Responsive, and Integrated Supply Chain Planning), JDE Peet's transformation program to advanced supply chain planning. Designed to optimize end-to-end planning processes and cross-functional collaboration, IRIS aims to accelerate agility and improve decision-making in an increasingly challenging coffee market. The program is being rolled out toward manufacturing units and markets globally through 2026.Improving planning accuracy, reducing costs, and boosting agilityOver eighteen months, JDE Peet's developed a new supply chain planning framework in close collaboration with business integrator EY and OMP's consumer goods experts, implementing demand and supply planning across an initial set of EU markets and manufacturing units.Abel Martinez, JDE Peet's Global Supply Chain Director, highlights the impact: "OMP's Unison Planning gives us end-to-end visibility and integrates demand and supply planning, improving planning accuracy. It will help us reduce inventory, cut storage costs, and safeguard service levels. Smarter planning is enabling us to prevent waste across the business.""With better end-to-end visibility and smarter supply planning, we're reducing inventory levels, cutting storage costs, and avoiding obsolescence."Building toward advanced decision intelligenceAs the rollout continues, the program will expand to include integrated business planning with advanced scenario capabilities, progressively introducing AI-driven optimization and decision intelligence.Gerwalt Stoffels, OMP's Senior Vice President for Consumer Goods: "It's great to see how focused everyone is on creating business value. This project stands out for its targeted realism, immediately delivering foundational capabilities that drive real results, then progressively working toward more ambitious goals such as decision-centric and touchless planning."Gerwalt Stoffels, OMP's Senior Vice President for Consumer Goods: "It's great to see how focused everyone is on creating business value. This project stands out for its targeted realism, immediately delivering foundational capabilities that drive real results, then progressively building toward more advanced and ambitious goals.""What makes this project stand out is its targeted realism, with decision-centric and value-driven planning on the horizon."About JDE Peet'sJDE Peet's is the world's leading pure-play coffee company, serving approximately 3,900 cups of coffee per second in more than 100 markets. Guided by our ‘Reignite the Amazing' strategy, we are focusing on brand-led growth across three big bets: Peet's, L'OR, and Jacobs, alongside a collection of 9 local icons. In 2025, JDE Peet's generated total sales of EUR 9.9 billion and employed a global workforce of more than 21,000 employees.About OMPOMP helps companies facing complex planning challenges to excel, grow, and thrive by offering the best digitized supply chain planning solution on the market. Hundreds of customers in a wide range of industries - spanning consumer goods, life sciences, chemicals, metals, paper, packaging, plastics - benefit from using OMP's unique Unison Planning™.Solution and product inquiriesContact OMPMedia inquiriesKira Perdue (Carabiner)SOURCE: OMP Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

BRISBANE, AUS, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd (TSXV: GMG) (OTCQX: GMGMF) ("GMG" or the "Company") is pleased that the Advanced Carbons Council (the "ACC") has certified GMG as a Verified Graphene Producer.The Verified Graphene Producer program is an independent 3rd party verification by the ACC of not just the material, but it includes an in-person visit of the production facilities. This makes it unique in that the ACC verify the source of the material as coming directly from the production stream while using world-class characterization labs to test the material.To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/290829_3bb80a87648f4a4f_001full.jpgThe Verified Graphene Producer program follows the Graphene Classification Framework (GCF) and the currently published international standards, including: ISO/TS 9651:2025 Nanotechnologies - Classification framework for graphene-related 2D materials, ISO/TR 19733:2019(E), Nanotechnologies - Matrix of properties and measurement techniques for graphene and related two dimensional (2D) materials, ISO/TS 80004-13:2017(E) Nanotechnologies - Vocabulary - Part 13: Graphene and related two-dimensional (2D) materials and ISO/TS 21356-1:2021(E) Nanotechnologies - Structural characterization of graphene - Part 1: Graphene from powders and dispersionsThe Company is also pleased to announce it has successfully passed another ISO9001:2015 quality audit of the organisation for the manufacturing, distributing, and providing technical support for the Company's graphene coating and lubricant additive products. Figure 1 shows the certificate. ISO 9001 is the internationally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It provides a framework for organizations to ensure products and services consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements while focusing on continual improvement. It is applicable to any industry or business size, focusing on quality control, efficiency, and risk management.Terrance Barkan, Executive Director of the Advanced Carbons Council, commented "We are proud to count Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) as the newest member of a select group of graphene companies to have passed a rigorous in-person inspection of their facilities and a thorough examination of their graphene material. Independent, third party validation through the Verified Graphene Producer program is an incredibly valuable tool for customers, investors and other stakeholders when choosing a graphene producer/supplier. "Figure 1: GMG's ISO9001 Quality Management Standards CertificationTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/290829_3bb80a87648f4a4f_002full.jpgCraig Nicol, CEO & Managing Director of the Company, commented "Verification by the Advanced Carbon Council as one of five currently verified global graphene producers is another proof of the high quality of our graphene and why our graphene products function at such a world leading standard and our quality system audit successful outcome shows our ability to turn this into a real product manufacturing business."Jack Perkowski, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of the Company, commented: "Congratulations to the team on getting this third-party verification on the graphene and quality management system - a real table stake when it comes to producing carbon nano material products".About Advanced Carbons Council: The Advanced Carbons Council (ACC) is the global trade association that supports the production, adoption and use of engineered advanced carbons. Our mission is to connect and facilitate the cross-sector fertilization of ideas, applications and business for all advanced materials producers and users. Our Members are companies and organizations that produce, use and develop applications for: Graphene, Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), Carbon Nanofibers, Carbon Fiber, Synthetic and Engineered Graphite, Carbon-Carbon Composites, Carbon Nanodiamonds (CNDs), Fullerenes, MXenes and new carbon forms, Recycled and Reclaimed Carbons. Delivered by the same team that has grown and developed The Graphene Council over the past 12 years to become a global community of more than 40,000 materials professionals, the ACC focuses on standards, quality, safety, education, sustainability, advocacy, verification, testing and outreach to connect users with qualified supply chain partners.About GMG:GMG is an Australian based clean-technology company which develops, makes and sells energy saving and energy storage solutions, enabled by graphene manufactured via in house production process. GMG uses its own proprietary production process to decompose natural gas (i.e. methane) into its natural elements, carbon (as graphene), hydrogen and some residual hydrocarbon gases. This process produces high quality, low cost, scalable, 'tuneable' and low/no contaminant graphene suitable for use in clean-technology and other applications.The Company's present focus is to de-risk and develop commercial scale-up capabilities, and secure market applications. In the energy savings segment, GMG has initially focused on graphene enhanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC-R") coating (or energy-saving coating) which is now being marketed into other applications including electronic heat sinks, industrial process plants and data centres. Another product GMG has developed is the graphene lubricant additive focused on saving liquid fuels initially for diesel engines.In the energy storage segment, GMG and the University of Queensland are working collaboratively with financial support from the Australian Government to progress R&D and commercialization of graphene aluminium-ion batteries ("G+AI Batteries"). GMG has also developed a graphene additive slurry that is aimed at improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries.GMG's 4 critical business objectives are:Produce Graphene and improve/scale cell production processesBuild Revenue from Energy Savings ProductsDevelop Next-Generation BatteryDevelop Supply Chain, Partners & Project Execution CapabilityFor further information please contact:Craig Nicol, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Company at craig.nicol@graphenemg.com, +61 415 445 223Leo Karabelas at Focus Communications Investor Relations, leo@fcir.ca, +1 647 689 6041Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "believes" "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward‐looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, the fact that ACC's Verified Graphene Producer program is unique, that it follows the Graphene Classification Framework and international standards, the applicability of the ISO9001 to GMG, its suitability for any industry or business size and its focus, the quality of GMG's graphene, its functioning at a world leading standard, and its ability to turn its quality system into a successful product manufacturing business.Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management. Additionally, forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of GMG to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation that GMG does not receive or receive on a timely basis the fully signed consent notice from the and the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated November 4, 2025 available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290829 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ:DVLT) CEO Nate Bradley will present at a private investor round table on Thursday, April 02, 2026, at The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, marking his second invitation to the venue in two months following a strong institutional reception in February.The invitation follows presentations Bradley delivered earlier this week to leading global attorneys on AI applications in legal practice and data governance. The return engagement comes amid growing institutional interest in Datavault AI's approach to data monetization, verified credentialing, and real-world asset tokenization. It reflects growing market recognition of Datavault AI's differentiated position at the intersection of data ownership, tokenization, and AI-enabled revenue generation.The April round table builds on momentum from Bradley's February 11 Mar-a-Lago engagement, where the Company outlined $49 million in fourth-quarter 2025 tokenization and technology licensing agreements and projected fiscal 2025 revenue exceeding $30 million - representing year-over-year growth of more than 1,000% compared to fiscal 2024. Those discussions with institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, and senior government officials generated sufficient interest to warrant a follow-up invitation.HighlightsProprietary Data Monetization PlatformDatavault AI enables organizations to transform underutilized data assets into recurring revenue streams through secure tokenization and AI-driven analytics.Scalable, Multi-Industry ApplicationsThe platform is designed for deployment across higher education, government, sports, and enterprise sectors - unlocking new monetization channels tied to identity, credentials, and digital assets.Strong Demand TailwindsIncreasing focus on data ownership, empowerment, and privacy, combined with enterprise demand for AI-ready datasets, positions Datavault AI within a rapidly expanding total addressable market.Execution MomentumRecent commercial initiatives and strategic partnerships continue to validate product-market fit and support near-term revenue growth.The private round table will convene accredited investors, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional stakeholders for focused discussions on Datavault AI's platform capabilities, execution roadmap, and positioning across data infrastructure and digital engagement markets."We've seen accelerating demand for platforms that enable verifiable data ownership and monetization in regulated environments," said Bradley. "This invitation reflects the market's recognition that authenticated data infrastructure is critical to the next generation of digital and physical asset integration."Datavault AI's technologies enable organizations to deploy authenticated audience engagement, immersive digital experiences, and tokenization frameworks that bridge physical and digital environments.About Datavault AI Inc.Datavault AI™ (NASDAQ:DVLT) is a pioneer in AI-driven data experiences, valuation, and monetization of assets in the Web 3.0 environment. The Company's cloud-based platform delivers comprehensive solutions across its Acoustic Sciences and Data Sciences divisions.Datavault AI's Acoustic Sciences division features WiSA®, ADIO®, and Sumerian® patented technologies for spatial and multichannel wireless, high-definition sound transmission, including intellectual property covering audio timing, synchronization, and multi-channel interference cancellation.The Data Science Division harnesses Web 3.0 and high-performance computing to enable experiential data perception, valuation, and secure monetization. The platform serves multiple industries, including sports & entertainment, events & venues, biotech, education, fintech, real estate, healthcare, energy, and more.The Information Data Exchange® (IDE®) enables Digital Twins and licensing of name, image, and likeness by securely attaching physical real-world objects to immutable metadata, fostering responsible AI with integrity. Datavault AI's technology suite is fully customizable and includes AI and machine-learning automation, third-party integrations, detailed analytics, marketing automation, and advertising monitoring.The Company is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Learn more at https://datavaultsite.com/Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other securities laws) about Datavault AI Inc. ("Datavault AI," the "Company," "us," "our," or "we") and our industry that involve risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words, such as "may," "might," "will," "shall," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "goal," "objective," "seeks," "likely" or "continue" or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. The absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding future events, the timing, scope and expected benefits of Datavault AI's audience engagement activities and outreach, and the anticipated benefits of Datavault AI's commercial partnerships and/or collaborations, including, without limitation, with Sports Illustrated, are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these and other forward-looking statements contained herein.Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: risks related to the ability of Datavault AI to successfully implement its commercial partnerships, collaborations and/or strategies; changes in market demand for Datavault AI's services and products; changes in economic, market, or regulatory conditions; risks relating to evolving regulatory frameworks applicable to tokenized assets; risks associated with technological development and integration; and other risks and uncertainties as more fully described in Datavault AI's filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other filings that Datavault AI makes from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and could cause actual results to vary from expectations.The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Datavault AI undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Datavault AI may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Datavault AI's forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments it may make.Trademarks, Trade Names, Service Marks, and CopyrightsWe own or have rights to use various trademarks, tradenames, service marks, and copyrights, which are protected under applicable intellectual property laws. This press release also contains trademarks, tradenames, service marks, and copyrights of other companies, which are, to our knowledge, the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, certain trademarks, tradenames, service marks and copyrights referred to in this press release may appear without the ©, ®, and symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensors to these trademarks, tradenames, service marks and copyrights. We do not intend our use or display of other parties' trademarks, tradenames, service marks, or copyrights to imply, and such use or display should not be construed to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other parties.Media Contacts:Alan WallaceHead of Public Relationsmarketing@dvlt.aiInvestor ContactEdward BargerVP, Investor Relationsir@dvlt.aiebarger@dvlt.aiSOURCE: Datavault AI Inc Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will stage four flagship technology fairs this April, including InnoEX, jointly organised by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) of the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) (EFSE), Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) (LFSE) and Smart Lighting Expo (SLE), all at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four major technology fairs bring together over 3,700 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions.InnoEX and the EFSE will be held concurrently from 13 to 16 April, showcasing a wide spectrum of innovation and technology as well as industry applications. The fairs will feature global innovation and technology achievements, cutting-edge electronic products and advanced technology solutions, driving breakthroughs across multiple sectors and offering businesses the latest market developments and collaboration opportunities. The LFSE and the SLE will take place from 20 to 23 April (Monday to Thursday), presenting the latest smart lighting solutions and innovative products. The four fairs are open to industry, investors, trade buyers and users from various sectors, including SMEs, for sourcing and networking opportunities.Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said, “As we enter the peak exhibition season in April, the HKTDC presents four major spring technology fairs, bringing together more than 3,700 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions, showcasing Hong Kong’s strengths as an international exhibition and convention hub. Proactively aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and supporting the I&T policy outlined in the government’s latest Budget, both InnoEX and the EFSE will showcase AI-driven frontier technologies and market-ready applications, as well as a wide array of advanced technologies and cutting-edge electronic products, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub. Together with the LFSE and the SLE, these events present advanced technologies and cutting-edge products, fostering business networking and cross-sector collaboration, and continuously leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantage as a platform for ‘bringing in’ and ‘going global’.”RoboPark brings together leading robotics companies to foster technology exchange and support global expansionThis year’s InnoEX, themed “Innovate • Automate • Elevate”, covers five key areas: AI+, Robotics, the Low-altitude Economy, Property Technology and Retail Technology. A major highlight is “RoboPark”, which makes its debut across both InnoEX and the EFSE and brings together technology companies from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas. The zone showcases more than 100 robots across a wide range of application scenarios, covering “Commercial & Industrial”, “Health & Living”, as well as “Entertainment & Social”.RoboPark features four of the world’s top five best-selling humanoid robot manufacturers in 2025[1], namely AgiBot, EngineAI, UBTECH and Unitree. Other exhibitors include DEEP Robotics from “Hangzhou’s Six Little Dragons”, four additional companies from “Shenzhen’s Eight Great Guardians of Embodied Intelligence” including AI² Robotics, Digit Robotics, LimX Dynamic and PaXini, together with Hong Kong start-ups Rice Robotics and SOTA Robotics. Overseas exhibitors from the United Kingdom, Singapore and more will also participate. Over the four-day exhibition period, some 40 events will be held at RoboPark, including technology demonstrations, application sharing sessions and networking platforms, helping enterprises expand into overseas markets and explore new opportunities.This year’s InnoEX further expands its global reach, showcasing exhibitors from 21 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Macao, Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Chinese mainland reinforces its presence with 17 provinces and cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, collectively forming 18 pavilions. These include delegations such as Zhongguancun from Beijing and Xi’an Jiaotong University, which are leveraging Hong Kong as a high-value international platform to showcase the latest technological R&D achievements and expand into overseas markets. In addition, leading Chinese Mainland technology giants, including Huawei International, China Mobile Hong Kong, iFLYTEK, Tencent Cloud International and Lenovo (Hong Kong) will also participate.The exhibition brings together R&D achievements and innovative solutions from the government, industry, academia and research sectors. The Digital Policy Office of the HKSAR Government will once again set up a large-scale “Smart Hong Kong Pavilion”, which will showcase over 100 I&T solutions from over 20 government departments and public organisations as well as award-winning entries by local I&T sector and students from various I&T competitions. The Pavilion this year will be themed “AI+ Hong Kong” and focus on artificial intelligence (AI) application across different domains in Hong Kong, establishing eight exhibit areas namely, “AI+ Public Services”, “AI+ Medical Innovations”, “AI+ Everyday Experience”, “AI+ Robotics Innovations”, “AI+ Mobility Revolution”, “AI+ Safety and Security”, “AI+ Infrastructure Development”, and “AI+ Low-altitude Economy”.InnoEX will, for the first time, co-organise the “Low-Altitude Economy Conference” with the Working Group on Developing the Low-Altitude Economy, bringing together industry experts to analyse policy trends and market potential, and to explore application scenarios and collaboration opportunities in Hong Kong. A dedicated Low-Altitude Economy Zone will also be set up to showcase applications of low-altitude technologies and facilitate industry collaboration. Participating companies include Transcendence, Harmony SkyTech, Damoda, among others.All R&D centres established by the Hong Kong SAR Government will participate in InnoEX this year, including the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI), which officially merged on 1 April, as well as the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM), the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), and the Microelectronics R&D Institute (MRDI). Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park will also bring more than 40 start-ups to exhibit.The ESFE will focus on AI-driven electronic products across three major areas: Smart Home & Solutions, Health Tech & Gadgets and Pet Intelligence. Around 50 new products will make their debut at the fair, offering buyers a one-stop sourcing platform and insights into the latest trends. The “Startup Zone” remains a key highlight, bringing together over 60 start-ups, including representatives from the Hong Kong Internet of Things, Angel Investment Foundation and Shenzhen InnoX Academy, showcasing innovative products and solutions while fostering collaboration and investment opportunities. The fair will also feature an “Immersive Experience Zone”, where local I&T companies will present immersive interactive experiences using VR, AR and XR technologies, such as “VR Dragon Boat Experience” and “Smart Tattoo Trial Machine”.InnoEX and the ESFE will jointly host more than 100 events, covering the major themes of the two exhibitions and featuring insights from industry experts and leaders. In the area of AI+, a representative from Deloitte will share perspectives on “human-centric AI” and market developments, while an expert from Google will explore the future of smart home experiences. In the field of retail technology, the seminar “Retail 4.0: Reshaping Consumer Experiences”, co-organised by the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, will bring together companies including VISA and Tradelink. In addition, overseas government representatives will also participate and share insights. Among them, the Vice-minister of AI and Digital Development of Kazakhstan will lead a delegation to exhibit and speak, sharing the latest developments and opportunities in the country’s low-altitude economy, and offering participants an international perspective.Twin lighting fairs gather industry leaders, “Light Lab” makes its debut as the highlight attractionThe Smart Lighting Expo and the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) are themed “Go Smart • Live Green” this year, bringing together some 900 exhibitors from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas, with new participants from the Netherlands and Vietnam. The two fairs will gather numerous renowned brands and industry leaders, including Foshan Electrical and Lighting, a lighting provider for the China national football team; OPPLE Lighting, a winner of multiple world-class design awards offering healthy lighting solutions; Shanghai Sansi, which supplies over 60% of the display screens in Times Square, New York; and Absen, an LED display provider featured at the NBA All-Stars Games, the FIFA Qatar World Cup and Qatar Doha World Expo, and a Guinness World Record holder. These companies will showcase the latest lighting products and technologies.This year, the fairs receive strong support from Zhongshan City, which joins as the Special Partner City for both lighting fairs, with the inaugural Zhongshan Guzhen Pavilion and the Zhongshan Henglan Pavilion making their debut at the SLE. Participating exhibitors include “Enterprise Above Designated Size” such as Bairan, Faner, and Zhongqian. The Shanghai Pudong Intelligent Lighting Association also returns to the SLE for the third consecutive year, presenting the “Intelligent Ecosystem & IoT Supply Chain Zone”, showcasing the latest solutions from well-known brands such as BWEETECH, AIDimming, Darkoo, and TYF, alongside a pavilion from Shenzhen. As for the LFSE, exhibitors include the Xiamen Pavilion, and newly participating Changzhou Zouqu District Pavilion and Zhejiang Pavilion.A brand-new “Light Lab” will debut this year, presenting a range of smart lighting products through scenario-based design and immersive displays. Featured exhibits include products like the solar lantern by Zhongshan Faner Lighting Technology (Lumin Garden), a new series of stadium lighting by Foshan Electrical and Lighting (Lumin Arena), and the hill spotlight series by Shanghai Sansi (Lumin Gallery).This year, the SLE will introduce a new “Smart Commercial Display and Stage Audio-visual Zone”. Industry leader Absen will showcase its latest low-carbon, energy-saving and large-format displays, which adopt innovative technologies to achieve energy savings of over 50%, supporting the outdoor advertising sector in accelerating its green transformation. The “Hall of Aurora”, a signature highlight of the LFSE, is also not to be missed. A series of events will be held during the fairs, including the “Smart Lighting Solution Forum” at the SLE and the “Asian Lighting Forum” at the LFSE, fostering industry exchange.The Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week), driven by the ITIB and the HKTDC, will feature a series of major I&T events. In addition to InnoEX, the EFSE, and the SLE, BIT Week highlights include the 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference, organised by the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities, the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2026, which focuses on internet technologies and applications, and the International Academicians Hong Kong Forum as a BIT Week event for the first time, featuring the dual themes of “Artificial Intelligence and Ageing” and “Artificial Intelligence and Education”. In addition, during the exhibition period, the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit, hosted by the World Internet Conference (WIC) and organised by the HKSAR Government and co-organised by the ITIB, will take place concurrently from 13 to 14 April. Focusing on innovation and technology in the Asia-Pacific region, the summit will promote global digital innovation and technological exchange, create synergy with BIT Week events, and further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a regional digital hub and an international I&T centre.[1] Source: Omdia Market Radar: General-purpose Embodied Intelligent Robots, 2026, published on 8 January 2026.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4cn3oPVJenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC (centre), Daniel Cheung, the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy of the HKSAR Government (right), and Steve Chuang, Chairman of the Electronics/ Electrical Appliances Industries Advisory Committee of the HKTDC (left), attend today’s press conference to introduce the highlights of InnoEX, EFSE, LFSE and SLE.Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, introduces the newly launched “RoboPark” robotics zone. The robots, developed by EngineAI, are capable of flipping and rolling within a confined space and previously featured in a performance at the closing ceremony of the National Games.InnoEX exhibitor Transcendence presents an integrated drone solution for the low-altitude economy, incorporating AI, LiDAR and other advanced technologies. It is capable of performing a range of specialised tasks such as leak detection and curtain-wall cleaning, providing efficient and intelligent low-altitude operational services for the construction engineering sector.Exhibitor PetSuper introduces its new LitterGo Smart Litter Box, integrating multiple intelligent features including automatic cleaning, self-sealing waste bags, auto litter refilling, and deodorising and sterilising, effectively addressing common issues among pet owners.LFSE exhibitor M7 is a complete 48V micro track lighting system designed for diverse architectural applications. With an ultra-compact 7 mm profile, it delivers minimalist aesthetics and integrates seamlessly into modern spaces.LFSE exhibitor GA MOTOR presents its “Classic Bloom Chandelier,” crafted using 3D-printing technology to precisely recreate the natural textures and layered details of flower petals. The design received the Patent Innovation Design Award in 2025.SLE exhibitor Absen showcases its KLCOB V2 Series. Enhanced with a unique black polymer coating, the KLCOB V2 Series presents a uniformly deep black for an immersive visual depth. Leveraging advanced flip chip and HBB common cathode technologies, the KLCOB V2 remains cool under pressure, providing a seamless and vibrant visual experience effortlessly.Websites- InnoEX: innoex.hktdc.com/tc- Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition): hkelectronicsfairse.hktdc.com/tc- Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition): hklightingfairse.hktdc.com/tc- Smart Lighting Expo: smartlightingexpo.hktdc.com/tcMedia enquiriesYuan Tung Financial Relations:Salina Cheng Tel: (852) 3428 2362 Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hkTiffany Leung Tel: (852) 3428 2361 Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Stanley So Tel: (852) 2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.orgNavin Law Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: navin.cm.law@hktdc.orgSerena Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4272 Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

BANGKOK, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - True Internet Data Center Co., Ltd. (True IDC), Thailand’s largest data center and cloud service provider under Charoen Pokphand Group, has announced the development of a new mega data center in a strategic location within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). As one of several major projects approved under a Board of Investment (BOI) promotion totaling over 77 billion THB, this mega-project aims to drive the “Security Economy,” strengthen Data Sovereignty, and elevate Thailand’s competitiveness in the fully realized digital and AI era.The first phase is scheduled to be operational by 2027.Specifically engineered to support the exponential growth of cloud, digital, and AI systems, the new AI Hyperscale facility will boast a total power capacity of up to 250 MW. It features a fully modular architecture and a ready platform play strategy, enabling faster construction, seamless system deployment, and a quicker speed-to-market service delivery than ever before.In developing this site, True IDC is leveraging its deep expertise in serving global hyperscalers from both the US and China. This includes applying its unique experience as the first provider in Thailand capable of hosting advanced GPU processing systems for AI. Furthermore, the facility introduces a cutting-edge power architecture designed to enhance electrical efficiency and minimize operational and maintenance risks. This focus on uncompromised business continuity is balanced with sustainable energy management, targeting a best-in-class Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) level.Thanasorn JaideeMr. Thanasorn Jaidee, President of True IDC, noted that according to Krungsri Research (2026–2028), revenue from digital services and software is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 6.8%, naturally driving the demand for advanced digital infrastructure. "As the leading data center and cloud service provider for 23 years, True IDC recognizes that organizations still require digital infrastructure that delivers speed," Mr. Thanasorn stated. "However, in today’s world, agility alone is not enough; it must be coupled with proactive security in every situation.We are committed to making this data center a vital engine in driving the Security Economy alongside the Digital Economy—creating technological independence, protecting critical national data, and ensuring that both public and private sector systems can operate without interruption."About True IDCTrue Internet Data Center Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand), operating under the Charoen Pokphand Group in a global partnership with GIP-BlackRock, is the largest data center service provider in Thailand. The company stands out with its AI Hyperscale Data Center services, designed specifically for advanced computing and the rapid expansion of cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Backed by extensive experience managing data centers in key business districts both locally and internationally—and certified to the highest global standards—True IDC is fully equipped to meet the demands and enhance the security of businesses in the digital age. Trusted by world-leading organizations, True IDC serves as a vital mechanism in propelling the digital economies of Thailand and the broader ASEAN region toward a strong, resilient future.More Information: https://www.trueidc.com/For more information, visit:Email: suchitra@888ideas.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - CTF Life announced today a new collaboration with The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (“HKMC”), which aimed at offering customers an additional option for managing their wealth after retirement. By introducing referrals for the “Policy Reverse Mortgage Programme” (“PRMP”) and the “Reverse Mortgage Programme” (“RMP”)1, the partnership combines CTF Life’s retirement product with the HKMC’s reverse mortgage solutions to deliver more comprehensive retirement planning support that meets customers’ financial needs at every stage of life.As Hong Kong’s population ages rapidly, the need for stronger retirement protection is growing. According to the latest projection2 from the Census and Statistics Department, the proportion of people aged 65 or above in Hong Kong is expected to rise significantly from 20.6% in 2021 to 36% in 2046, a clear sign of the city’s ageing trend. As citizens live longer and spend more years in retirement, their living expenses are set to rise, driving demand for stable, sustainable income and thoughtful financial planning. In support of the Government’s initiatives to encourage early retirement planning and promote the silver economy, CTF Life has partnered with the HKMC to promote the PRMP and the RMP. These two programmes aim to provide customers with a stable income to enhance the quality of retirement life, supporting them with diverse and reliable retirement solutions.Man Kit Ip, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of CTF Life, said, “Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population is driving demand for more comprehensive retirement planning solutions. We are pleased to partner with the HKMC to introduce the PRMP and the RMP through referrals, which complement CTF Life’s product suite to provide customers with stable income streams and an additional wealth management option in retirement, helping customers build well-rounded retirement solutions and reinforce our commitment to creating value beyond insurance.”Colin Pou, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited, said, “The PRMP and the RMP help retirees convert their life insurance policies or their residential properties into steady monthly payouts, generating lifelong streams of income, thereby enhancing the quality of their retirement lives. We are pleased to collaborate with CTF Life to introduce the PRMP and the RMP to more clients, and to jointly support the Government’s initiative to address the ageing society and promote silver economy.”CTF Life’s @MyLove Insurance Plan II3 is an eligible life insurance product under the PRMP, allowing customers to use their insurance policies as collateral to apply for monthly or lump-sum payouts to meet their retirement financial needs. The plan provides life protection up to 100 years of age, together with extra accidental death benefit during the first 10 policy years, flexible premium payment options, premium prepayment options, a guaranteed cash value, plus annual dividend and terminal dividend to help customers further grow their wealth. At the same time, through the RMP, customers can convert property value into a stable cash flow. When combined with the ongoing protection provided by life insurance products, this enables a more flexible approach to asset utilisation and delivers dual, stable support for retirement wealth planning.Notes:1.The Policy Reverse Mortgage Programme and the Reverse Mortgage Programme are operated by HKMC Insurance Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited. For further information, please refer to The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited website: www.hkmc.com.hk.2.Census and Statistics: Hong Kong Population Projections for 2022 to 20463.@MyLove Insurance Plan II is an eligible life insurance plan under PRMP, but it does not necessarily mean that the customer’s PRMP application will be approved. The eligibility of this product under the PRMP is based on the features of the product. The customer and the life insurance policy are still required to meet the eligibility criteria under PRMP before applying for the policy reverse mortgage loan.Important Notice:- The information contained in this press release is intended as a general summary of information for reference only. For more details, please refer to relevant product brochures, promotion leaflets, and policy documents. For details regarding the CTF Life @MyLove Insurance Plan II, please refer to the policy contract for details of the full terms and conditions.- This press release does not contain the full provisions of the @MyLove Insurance Plan II, and the full terms can be found in the Policy documents. The @MyLove Insurance Plan II may serve as a standalone plan(s) without bundling with other type(s) of insurance product. Please refer to the main product brochure and policy terms and conditions, as well as the explanatory documents provided by your licensed insurance intermediary, to fully understand the details and complete terms and conditions regarding the mentioned definitions, fees, product features, exclusions, and compensation payment conditions related to @MyLove Insurance Plan II.- Please refer to the product brochure for more information on the @MyLove Insurance Plan II: https://www.ctflife.com.hk/pdf/en/products/life-insurance/protection/life/@mylove-ii-insurance-plan-brochure.pdf- For further details, please contact CTF Life’s Customer Service Hotline on +852 2866 8898.- This press release is intended to be distributed in Hong Kong only and shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or provision of any of our products outside Hong Kong. Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited hereby declares that it has no intention to offer to sell, to solicit to buy or to provide any of its products in any jurisdiction other than Hong Kong in which such offer to sell or solicitation to buy or provision of any product of Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited is illegal under the laws of that jurisdiction.Man Kit Ip, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of CTF Life and Colin Pou, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited announced a new collaboration aimed at offering customers an additional option for managing their wealth after retirement.CTF Life and The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited representatives at the collaboration kick-off ceremony.(From left to right) Eleonore Chow, Chief Executive, Agency; Ellick Tsui, Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer; Man Kit Ip, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of CTF Life; Colin Pou, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited; Kitty Lai, Senior Vice President (Operations) of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited / Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of HKMC Insurance Limited; and Angela Leung, Vice President (Marketing and Business Development) of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited.About CTF LifeChow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (“CTF Life”) is proud of its rich, 40-year legacy in Hong Kong. CTF Life is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CTF Services Limited (“CTFS”) (Hong Kong Stock Code: 659) and one of the most well-established life insurance companies in Hong Kong. As a member of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited, CTF Life consistently strengthens its collaboration with the Chow Tai Fook Group (“CTF Group” or “the Group”) ecosystem to support customers and their loved ones in navigating life’s journey with personalised planning solutions, lifelong protection and diverse lifestyle experiences. By leveraging the Group’s robust financial strength and strategic investments across the globe, CTF Life aspires to become a leading insurance company in Asia while continuously creating value beyond insurance.Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - March 31 2026, VCREDIT Holdings Limited ("VCREDIT" or the "Group"; Stock Code: 2003.HK), a leading technology-driven consumer financial service provider in China, today announced its audited consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Year").During the Year, as the external environment remained complex and challenging, the Group dynamically optimized its strategies and strengthened risk management to enhance operational efficiency. It also consolidated its business framework, committed to building a secure and compliant digital financial ecosystem. The Group adopted a prudent strategic approach, advancing steadily while dynamically assessing new market opportunities.During the Year, the Group's loan origination volume in the Chinese mainland reached RMB58.45 billion. Cumulative registered users increased to 171 million, representing an increase of 8.2% from the end of 2024. The Group's total income remained relatively stable at RMB3,870.9 million.Prudently Optimizing Business Structure and Consolidating High-Quality Customer BaseFacing changes in the macroeconomic environment, the Group strengthened risk control and cost optimization, advancing its business prudently and gradually shifting its focus toward relatively higher-quality customer segments and more sustainable business models. By deepening ecosystem partnerships with multiple industry platforms, the Group refined its end-to-end intelligent customer acquisition and operation systems, and continued to optimize its funding partnership structure to enhance business resilience.Building upon its continuously enhanced technological capabilities, the Group focused on maintaining its base of high-quality users, intensifying collaborations with premium platforms across various sectors, including a leading comprehensive retail e-commerce provider, online travel service platforms, smart devices companies, and a map service provider. By establishing an intelligent outreach system integrating "smart SMS and AI-powered outbound calls," the Group created a full-cycle customer acquisition closed loop, encompassing precise screening, layered outreach, and efficient conversion.In operating its existing customer base, the Group implemented a two-dimensional strategy combining willingness models with risk models to execute refined and differentiated operations and services for various customer segments. Adhering to a "customer-centric" service philosophy, the Group fully integrated consumer rights protection into the entire product and service lifecycle. During the Year, repeat borrowers accounted for 80.7% of the total loan origination volume for its business in the Chinese mainland, demonstrating sustained user loyalty.Upgrading Technology-Driven Capabilities with AI Empowering Multiple Business ScenariosTechnology serves as a core strategic driver for the Group's sustainable business development. In 2025, centered on artificial intelligence (AI), the Group continued to advance the evolution from tool-based usage to systematic intelligence. Through the integration of causal inference algorithms into its "Hummingbird" intelligent risk control platform, the Group focused on enhancing risk identification capabilities and model stability within complex customer segments and volatile market environments. The application of the AI-powered marketing robot effectively contributed to improvements in customer acquisition conversion and customer value.Simultaneously, intelligent agent technologies, such as the "Digital Operations Engineer," have extended automation capabilities across the entire R&D and operational lifecycle. Currently, approximately 30% of code generation and standardized operational procedures are automated, solidifying the efficiency foundation. To address long-term technology trends, the Group has initiated specialized research on financial vertical large language models in collaboration with scientific research institutions and continues to explore technological integration with traditional finance and the Web3.0 ecosystem. The Group's research and development expenses for the Year increased by 43.9% year-on-year, reflecting the Company's continued investment in technological capabilities.Steadily Advancing International Exploration and Expanding New Business HorizonsWhile deepening its core consumer finance business in the Chinese mainland, the Group continued to advance its strategic expansion into new markets. Its Hong Kong business, "CreFIT," consistently deepened collaborations with high-quality platforms to broaden its customer base and launched a loan service featuring instant approval via WhatsApp, seeking to embed financial services into users' daily scenarios. Meanwhile, the Group formally entered the Indonesian market by launching its licensed Information Technology-Based Joint Funding Services (LPBBTI), marking an important milestone. Leveraging its proven operational experience, the Group looks forward to creating sustainable value for shareholders of the Group.Outlook: Focusing on Quality and SustainabilityLooking ahead, VCREDIT noted that the macroeconomic landscape and industry regulatory framework are evolving dynamically. The Group will continue to leverage its established capabilities in risk management and technology, while rationally embracing industry trends and innovations. Future strategies will focus on: refining and adapting credit solutions to serve high-quality customers; improving operational efficiency and risk management capabilities by continuously advancing AI technologies in core business scenarios; reinforcing long-term partnerships with licensed financial institutions and premium cross-industry scenario partners; and cautiously evaluating potential investment opportunities, pursuing appropriate arrangements as they align with long-term goals to support steady and high-quality business development. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Vancouver, BC, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Thunderstruck Resources Ltd. (TSXV: AWE) (OTC: THURF) (the "Company" or "Thunderstruck") is pleased to announce that Zhaojin International Gold Co. Ltd. (SZSE: 000506) ("Zhaojin"), a Shenzhen Stock Exchange-listed gold mining company and the owner and operator of Fiji's Vatukoula Gold Mine, intends to make a strategic investment in the Company, marking Zhaojin's first investment in an exploration company.The proposed investment underscores growing strategic interest in Thunderstruck's highly prospective mineral portfolio in Fiji and is expected to strengthen the Company's ability to advance its 2026 exploration priorities through alignment with a well-capitalized and experienced mining group with an established operating presence in the country.Thunderstruck's portfolio includes district-scale exploration opportunities prospective for gold, silver, zinc and copper, and the Company believes Zhaojin's investment represents a significant validation of both its asset base and long-term growth strategy."Thunderstruck is uniquely positioned in Fiji with a portfolio that offers both scale and discovery potential, and this partnership will meaningfully enhance how we move those assets forward." stated Bryce Bradley, Thunderstruck's Chief Executive Officer. "Our objective is to build long-term value through disciplined exploration, strong technical execution and strategic partnerships, and this investment is an important step in that process. Notably, within the first year following Zhaojin's acquisition of the Vatukoula Gold Mine, the mine was successfully restored to profitability, demonstrating the operational capability that we're looking for in a partner."Terms of InvestmentZhaojin, or its affiliates, will, directly or indirectly, enter into a subscription agreement (the "Subscription Agreement") for such number of common shares of the Company that will represent approximately 19.99% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company following completion of the investment (the "Offering").The proposed investment will consist of 14,207,134 common shares of the Company at a price of $0.11 per common share, for aggregate gross proceeds of CDN$1,562,784.74.The net proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used to fund the Company's 2026 exploration programs on its mineral prospects in Fiji, as well as for general working capital purposes. No finder's fees are payable in connection with the Offering.The Offering remains subject to the execution of definitive documentation, including the Subscription Agreement, and is also subject to receipt of all required approvals, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Chinese regulatory authorities.In connection with the proposed strategic investment, the Company and Zhaojin also intend to enter into an investor rights agreement, pursuant to which, subject to certain conditions and ownership thresholds, Zhaojin will be granted certain rights, including the right to appoint one director to the Company's board of directors and to designate a Vice President, Exploration for the Company.About ZhaojinZhaojin International Gold Co. Ltd. (SZSE: 000506) is a Shenzhen Stock Exchange-listed mining company headquartered in Jinan City, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China. In Fiji, Zhaojin is the owner and operator of the Vatukoula Gold Mine, a historically significant gold operation that has been in continuous production for over 90 years and currently supports a workforce of more than 1,300 employees and contractors.Zhaojin's controlling shareholder is Zhaojin Group, a vertically integrated gold mining enterprise with operations across mineral exploration, mining, processing, smelting, refining, gold bar production and gold jewelry manufacturing. Zhaojin Group is among China's leading gold producers with reported total consolidated gold production of approximately 600,000-700,000 ounces in 2025.Warrant ExtensionIn other news, the Company announces that it intends to extend the expiry date of an aggregate of 536,666 outstanding share purchase warrants by two years.The warrants were originally issued on July 7, 2023, and currently expire on July 7, 2026. Subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company intends to extend the expiry date of the warrants to July 7, 2028. All other terms of the warrants will remain unchanged, including the original exercise price of $0.20 per warrant.About Thunderstruck ResourcesThunderstruck Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the discovery of high value copper-gold porphyry, gold-silver epithermal, and VMS base-metal deposits on the main island of Viti Levu in Fiji.Fiji has a long history of mining with over 90 years of activity at the prolific Vatukoula Gold Mine alongside several other advanced development projects and mines including Tuvatu (Lion One Metals), Indicated Resources of 1.00 Mt @ 8.48 g/t Au (274,600 oz), Inferred Resources of 1.33 Mt @ 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz) (Tuvatu-PEA-Update-NI-43-101) and Namosi (Newmont), Proven, Measured and Indicated Resources of 1.8Bt at 0.35% Cu and 0.11 g/t Au (6.4M oz Au and 6.3Mt Cu) (Newcrest Annual Mineral Resources Update, June 2022).The Company provides investors with exposure to a diverse portfolio of exploration stage projects with potential for zinc, copper, gold and silver in a politically safe and stable jurisdiction. Thunderstruck trades on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol "AWE" and United States OTC under the symbol "THURF."For additional information, please contact:Bryce Bradley, Chief Executive OfficerEmail: bryce@thunderstruck.caP: +1 604 349-8119or, visit our website: http://www.thunderstruck.caNeither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". Although Thunderstruck believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Thunderstruck's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Thunderstruck undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290635 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - GOME Retail Holdings Limited (StockCode: 493.HK, "GOME Retail" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries,the "Group") today announced its annual results for the year ended 31December 2025. In 2025, facing a complex external operating environment,the Group stayed true to its mission and vision of "Better homes and lifestylesthrough GOME", and focused its efforts on the three strategic pillars of DebtResolution, Asset-light Transformation and New Business Cultivation.Bolstered by the national policies of Expanding Domestic Demand andBoosting Consumption, the Group achieved a notable upgrade in operatingquality and accelerated the release of outcomes from its strategictransformation, laying a solid foundation for returning to the track of recovery.Operating Performance Bottoms Out and Rebounds, Debt Resolution Achieves BreakthroughsIn 2025, the Group's overall operating performance bottomed out andrebounded, recording a total revenue of RMB 538 million, representing anincrease of 13.50% year-on-year. The loss attributable to owners of the parentwas RMB 5,944 million, a substantial narrowing of 48.89% compared with thesame period in 2024. During the period, the Group optimized resourceallocation by focusing on core operations and strengthening strategictransformation. Both selling and distribution expenses and administrativeexpenses decreased substantially, while operational efficiency improvedsimultaneously. In terms of debt resolution, the Group reached convertiblebond repayment agreements and advanced diversified arrangements such asdebt-to-equity swaps with major creditors and partners. It optimized theasset-liability structure without increasing cash flow pressure, effectivelymitigated risks at the subsidiary level, stabilized cooperative relationships withcore creditors and the supply chain, provided a replicable demonstration pathfor subsequent risk disposal, and gradually restored corporate credit.Asset-light Transformation Gathers Pace, Regional Operations Fully RecoverThe Group firmly implemented the strategic principle of Asset-light,Operation-focused, Strong Governance and Replicable, centered on the coreobjectives of Sales, Revenue and Positive Cash Flow, and built a synergisticstructure of Online Sales-oriented, Offline Exhibition-assisted under the threemain lines of Online, Offline and Supply Chain + Marketing. Throughstandardized training, supply chain empowerment and a digital managementplatform, the Group rapidly promoted the large-scale development of franchisebusiness; it innovated quasi-franchise models such as City Agency + ExternalPromoter Commission + Franchise Sub-franchise, and successfully restoredoperations in key regions including Beijing, Shenyang and Harbin. As at theend of 2025, the Group's offline stores focused on efficient operations in corecities, with resources concentrated in first-tier markets, and operating qualityimproved steadily.New Businesses Driven by Dual Engines to Cultivate New GrowthDriversBased on industry trends and policy guidance, the Group actively cultivatednew growth drivers, with a key focus on the layout of instant retail and AI retail.In the instant retail sector, in response to the national policies on innovationand upgrading of the retail industry, the Group plans to launch the pilot ofGOME Instant Warehouse in first-tier cities, prime business districts andsecondary locations through an asset-light cooperation model, build acommunity instant retail network with the synergy of In-store + Home Delivery,and tap into the trillion-yuan instant retail market. In the AI retail sector, theGroup introduced an AI intelligent engine to empower the full-chain operation,and meanwhile planned to introduce AI home appliance products, buildintelligent robot experience stores, and promote the digital and intelligenttransformation of the retail business.OUTLOOK AND PROSPECTSThe management of GOME Retail stated: Despite the hard-won progressachieved in 2025, the Company still faces challenges in fully emerging fromdifficulties and returning to steady growth. Looking ahead to 2026,management maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook and will continue to:1. Prioritise risk resolution: Debt resolution remains a top priority formanagement. We will maintain open communication with creditors, pursuediversified solutions, and strive to fundamentally reduce financial burdens andrestore a healthy balance sheet.2. Drive strategy execution with focus: We will steadfastly implement ourasset-light development strategy. Online, we will build a closed-loopomni-channel matrix integrating internal and external platforms, driven byblockbuster products and comprehensive traffic aggregation. Offline, we willcontinue to optimise and rapidly replicate our franchise network, with anemphasis on expanding community stores and city experience centres.3. Actively capture policy and market opportunities: 2026 marks the first yearof the nation ’ s 15th Five-Year Plan. We will closely align with and leveragenational policies aimed at expanding domestic demand and boostingconsumption, deepening the recovery of our core retail business. At the same time, we will strategically invest resources to explore and scale newbusinesses, cultivating medium – to long-term growth momentum.4. Strengthen lean management and synergy across the Group: We willdeepen lean management practices, optimise our cost structure, and enhancesynergies between online and offline operations and across businesssegments to improve overall operational efficiency and risk resilience.Management is confident that, with a clear strategy, disciplined execution, andthe dedication of all employees, GOME can seize the historic opportunitiespresented by the recovery and upgrading of the consumer market, overcomecurrent challenges, and steadily fulfill its commitment to creating long-termvalue for shareholders and society.About GOME Retail Holdings LimitedGOME Retail Holdings Limited was listed on the Stock Exchange of HongKong Limited in July 2004 (Stock Code: 493). Founded in China in 1987, theGOME Group is committed to building a leading technology-driven,experience-oriented, entertainment-style and socialized home life technologyretail service provider in China. Upholding the Home · Life strategy, theGroup takes the retail of electrical appliances and consumer electronicproducts as its core business and builds a full-category closed-loop ecosystem.For more details, please visit the Company's website: www.gome.com.hkThis press release is issued by EVER BLOOM (HK) COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANTS GROUP LIMITED on behalf of GOME Retail Holdings Limited. For enquiries, please contact:EVER BLOOM (HK) COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANTS GROUP LIMITEDMs. Julia Liang / Mr. Adonis LiangTel: (852) 3468 8944 Fax: (852) 2111 1103Email: julia.liang@everbloom.com.cn / adonis.liang@everbloom.com.cn Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Datavault AI Inc. ("Datavault AI" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:DVLT), a leader in data monetization, credentialing, digital engagement, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization technologies, and Coppercore Inc. ("Coppercore") today announced the closing of a definitive agreement to digitize and tokenize significant copper resources.The transaction enables Datavault AI to deploy its patented IDE®, DataScore®, and DataValue® blockchain tokenization platform to create Coppercoin™ digital tokens representing pro-rata ownership interests in the underlying in-ground resources. The initial program targets the minting of $100 million or more in Digital Copper Tokens.Coppercoin™ tokens are structured such that each token corresponds to five pounds of underlying high-grade copper resources, with pricing directly linked to the COMEX copper benchmark on a per-pound basis.This mechanism provides fractional, transparent, and liquid digital ownership while aligning investors' returns with physical copper market dynamics and future production upside. The initial $100 million program is scheduled for launch by the end of the second calendar quarter of this year, making tokenized copper accessible to global investors around the clock.Coppercoin™ introduces a new digital asset class that delivers market efficiencies and opportunities, including upgrade of processes and the future production of copper industrial products such as Cu concentrate, Cu cement, and Cu refined copper ("Cathodes").Copper is the foundational metal powering the global energy transition, AI infrastructure, electrification, renewable energy systems, and decarbonization. Global copper demand is projected to surge dramatically - 24% by 2035 (Wood Mackenzie) and up to 50% by 2040 (S&P Global), driven by AI data centers, electrification, and global energy expansion, while supply constraints risk significant deficits. Traditional copper markets (primarily trade on the London Metal Exchange (LME) and Commodities Exchange Inc. (COMEX) remain complex and less accessible for many investors worldwide. Coppercoin™ changes this by offering transparent, fractional, and liquid digital ownership - tradeable 24/7 - providing global investors an easy, compliant way to participate in the copper market opportunity.Nathaniel T. Bradley, CEO of Datavault AI, stated: "Today's agreement with Coppercore represents a major milestone in our global RWA tokenization strategy. By tokenizing copper resources, we are delivering institutional-grade, verifiable, and liquid digital ownership to investors while directly supporting the critical minerals supply chain that powers AI, electrification, and the energy transition. This partnership validates our patented platform as the benchmark infrastructure for compliant tokenization of strategic natural resources."Antonio Treminio, CEO of Coppercore Inc., added: "Partnering with Datavault AI allows Coppercore, as an exploration, development, and production-oriented copper mining company, to accelerate value creation from our high-grade copper and silver assets through a modern blockchain structure. Coppercoin™ provides a compliant, 24/7 digital pathway for investors worldwide to own and trade copper exposure, capturing production upside as we advance toward commercial output."The tokenized assets will leverage Datavault AI's proprietary smart-contract technology for verifiable ownership, AI-driven valuation, and future revenue participation rights tied to commercial copper production. This transaction further solidifies Datavault AI's leadership in tokenizing strategic natural resources and establishes Coppercoin™ as the benchmark for compliant, liquid digital mineral assets.About Datavault AI Inc.Datavault AI™ (NASDAQ:DVLT) is a pioneer in AI-driven data experiences, valuation, and monetization of assets in the Web 3.0 environment. The Company's cloud-based platform delivers comprehensive solutions across its Acoustic Sciences and Data Sciences divisions.Datavault AI's Acoustic Sciences division features WiSA®, ADIO®, and Sumerian® patented technologies for spatial and multichannel wireless, high-definition sound transmission, including intellectual property covering audio timing, synchronization, and multi-channel interference cancellation.The Data Science Division harnesses Web 3.0 and high-performance computing to enable experiential data perception, valuation, and secure monetization. The platform serves multiple industries, including sports & entertainment, events & venues, biotech, education, fintech, real estate, healthcare, energy, and more.The Information Data Exchange® (IDE®) enables Digital Twins and licensing of name, image, and likeness by securely attaching physical real-world objects to immutable metadata, fostering responsible AI with integrity. Datavault AI's technology suite is fully customizable and includes AI and machine learning automation, third-party integration, detailed analytics, marketing automation, and advertising monitoring.The Company is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Learn more at https://datavaultsite.com.About Coppercore Inc.Coppercore Inc. is an exploration, development, and production-oriented copper mining company focused on the advancement of high-grade copper and silver resources toward commercial production. www.coppercore.coForward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other securities laws) about Datavault AI Inc. ("Datavault AI," the "Company," "us," "our," or "we") and our industry that involve risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words, such as "may," "might," "will," "shall," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "goal," "objective," "seeks," "likely" or "continue" or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. The absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding future events, the expected benefits of the partnership with Coppercore, anticipated deployment of the Company's proprietary IDE®, DataScore®, DataValue®, and Data Vault® platforms to digitize ownership interests in Coppercore's copper-silver mineral resources through blockchain-based tokenization, and expected operational, technical, and commercial outcomes of the Company's commercial strategy, and the projected direction and market impacts of regulatory changes with respect to digital assets, are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain.Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these and other forward-looking statements contained herein.Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: changes in market demand for secure high-performance data processing; the performance, timing, or success of the deployment of the Company's proprietary IDE®, DataScore®, DataValue®, and Data Vault® platforms to digitize ownership interests in Coppercore's copper-silver mineral resources through blockchain-based tokenization; changes in market demand for Datavault AI's services and products; changes in economic, market, or regulatory conditions; risks relating to evolving regulatory frameworks applicable to tokenized assets; risks associated with technological development and integration; and other risks and uncertainties as more fully described in Datavault AI's filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and other filings that Datavault AI makes from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and could cause actual results to vary from expectations.The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Datavault AI undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.Datavault AI may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Datavault AI's forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments it may make.For more information, visit https://datavaultsite.com or contact investor relations.Sources:1. Wood Mackenzie, "High-Wire Act: Is Soaring Copper Demand an Obstacle to Future Growth?" (November 2025). Projects global copper demand to surge 24% by 2035, rising to 42.7 Mtpa, driven by data centers, electrification, defense, and emerging markets. woodmac.com2. S&P Global, "Copper in the Age of AI: The Challenges of Electrification" (January 8, 2026). Projects copper demand to reach 42 million metric tons by 2040 - a 50% increase from current levels - driven by AI, data centers, EVs, and global electrification, with a potential 10 million metric ton supply shortfall. spglobal.comMedia Contacts:Alan WallaceHead of Public Relationsmarketing@dvlt.aiInvestor ContactEdward BargerVP, Investor Relationsir@dvlt.aiebarger@dvlt.aiSOURCE: Datavault AI Inc Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The TANAKA Memorial Foundation’s Representative Director, Hideya Okamoto, announced the recipients of the FY2025 Precious Metals Research Grants.Following a rigorous screening process, this year’s Ichiro Tanaka Awards, for 3 million yen each, were presented to Professor Takanori Iwasaki of Kyushu University and Professor Toshinori Fujie of Institute of Science Tokyo. In addition, four research projects received the Innovative Precious Metals Award, and five KIRAMEKI Awards were presented.The TANAKA Memorial Foundation undertakes programs designed to foster developments in new precious metal fields while contributing to the advancement of science, technology, and socioeconomics for the overall enrichment of society. The research grant program was launched in FY1999 and has continued each year since with the goal of supporting the various challenges of the “new world opened up by precious metals.” With “Forging a better tomorrow with ‘Hirameki’ and ‘Kirameki’” adopted as the catchphrase, applications were invited for research and development themes that contribute toward the continued creation of a better future using the creativity of researchers and the potential of precious metals. A total of 244 applications were received for this year, the program’s 27th year, and a total of 27 research grants for a combined total of 19.8 million yen were awarded.The names of the recipients of the Ichiro Tanaka Award, their research, and the reasons for their selection are below.Ichiro Tanaka AwardProfessor Takanori Iwasaki of Kyushu UniversityChemical Recycling of Recalcitrant Polymer Materials Using Hydrogen TransportThis research seeks to address the degradation of polyurethane using a proprietary precious metal complex catalyst. It has been demonstrated that polyurethane can be decomposed by hydrogen gas. As the development of chemical recycling methods for polyurethane used in cushioning materials such as automotive seats and mattresses is essential for promoting the reuse of waste plastics, it was highly rated as research and development that makes a significant contribution to the realization of an environmentally sustainable society.Ichiro Tanaka AwardProfessor Toshinori Fujie of Institute of Science TokyoDevelopment of Biodegradable Nanosheet Electrodes Composed of Inkjet-Printed Gold Wires and Their Application to Plant Health Measurement SystemsThis research measures changes in the surface potential of plant leaves in real time by formation of an array of gold electrodes on a polymer ultrathin film substrate. By investigating materials with minimal impact on living organisms, it is expected that raw data can be obtained from plants. Furthermore, the research was highly rated for its potential to reveal not only changes in bio-surface potential in plants but also changes in various conditions in animals.Four Innovative Precious Metals Awards, 16 HIRAMEKI Awards, and five KIRAMEKI Awards were also granted. The recipients and an overview of the Precious Metals Research Grants are indicated below. Applications for the FY2026 research grants are scheduled to open in the fall.Overview of the 2025 Precious Metals Research Grants[Conditions]New research and development themes—either using precious metals or that can be applied to precious metals—that contribute to the creation of a sustainable future, with research content that falls under any of the following.- New technology related to precious metals (new materials, processing methods, process development, etc.)- Research that brings about innovative evolution in product development (new functions, process development, computational science, etc.)- Research and development of new products using precious metals* Precious metal refers to eight elements of platinum, gold, silver, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium and osmium.* If development is conducted jointly (or planned to be) with other material manufacturers, please indicate so.* Products that have already been commercialized, put to practical use, or that are planned are not eligible.[Grant Amounts] (Maximum amounts from a grant pool of 20 million yen)- Umekichi Tanaka Award: 10,000,000 yen- Ichiro Tanaka Award: 3,000,000 yen- Innovative Precious Metals Award: 1,000,000 yen- HIRAMEKI Award: 300,000 yen- KIRAMEKI Award: 1,000,000 yen* The grant amount is treated as a scholarship donation.* Awards may not be granted in some cases.[Eligible Candidates]- Personnel who work for educational institutions in Japan (universities, graduate schools, or technical colleges) or public and related research institutions may participate.- As long as the applicant is affiliated with a research institution in Japan, the base of activity can be in Japan or overseas.- KIRAMEKI Awards are for researchers under the age of 37 as of April 1, 2025.[Application Period]- 9 am, September 1, 2025 (Mon) - 5 pm, November 28, 2025 (Fri)[Inquiries Concerning the Research Grant Program]Precious Metals Research Grants OfficeGlobal Marketing / R&D Supervisory Department, TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.2-6-6 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0025E-mail: joseikin@ml.tanaka.co.jpTANAKA Memorial Foundation website: https://tanaka-foundation.or.jpTANAKA Memorial FoundationOrganization Name: TANAKA Memorial FoundationAddress: 2-6-6 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, TokyoRepresentative: Hideya Okamoto (Special Advisor, TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd.)Incorporated: 2015Purpose of Business: To provide grants for research related to precious metals to contribute to the development and cultivation of new fields for precious metals, and to the development of science, technology, and the social economy.Areas of Business:- Provision of grants for scientific and technological research related to precious metals. - Recognition of excellent analysis of precious metals and holding of seminars and other events.TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.Headquarters: 2-6-6 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, TokyoRepresentative: Koichiro Tanaka, CEOFounded: 1885Incorporated: 1918Capital: 500 million yenEmployees: 2,862 (Including overseas subsidiaries) (December 31, 2025)Sales: 419,177,145,000 yen (FY2025)Main businesses: Manufacture, sales, import and export of precious metals (platinum, gold, silver, and others) and various types of industrial precious metals products.URL: https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com(TANAKA Industrial Precious Metal Materials Portal)Press InquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/Press Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260331_EN.pdf Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Amid ongoing global trade and economic uncertainties, Hong Kong exporters have adopted a more cautious stance in the first quarter of 2026, despite a strong export performance in the last few months, according to new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The HKTDC 1Q26 Export Confidence Index, released today, showed moderate declines for two key indicators, the Current Performance Index and the Expectation Index. For 1Q26, the Current Performance Index stood at 46.5. Meanwhile, the Expectation Index returned a figure of 46.9, reflecting caution among survey respondents in light of the uncertain external environment.Trade value expectations, however, remained relatively steady. The Trade Value Sub-Index stayed near the neutral threshold, with the Current reading at 50.9 and the Expectation reading at 49.1. This suggests that unit prices are expected to hold firm in the next few months. Meanwhile, both the Current and Expected Inventory Sub-Index rose above 60, indicating inventory rundown amid growing shipments in the early months of the year.Market outlook: Cautious optimismCommenting on the findings, HKTDC Director of Research, Bruce Pang, said: “The outlook for many of Hong Kong’s major markets has moderated somewhat, including the ASEAN bloc and the Chinese Mainland, largely on account of ongoing geopolitical developments. In the longer term, however, fundamental demand – especially for electronics and other consumer sectors – remains resilient. Hong Kong’s trade prospects should stay positive, yet remain cautious, pending the further easing of global geopolitical conflicts.”Sector performance: Jewellery and clothing outperformDespite the overall softening, several key sectors outperformed the overall Index. Most notably, the jewellery sector rallied impressively, supported by robust sales and sizeable new orders. The jewellery sector’s Current reading climbed to 57.1 (up 5.9), while its Expectation reading rose to 56.0 (up 1.1). The clothing sector also showed considerable improvement, with its Current Index rising to 52.1 (up 6.1) and its Expectation Index increasing by 9.2 points to 53.4. However, sentiment among electronics exporters weakened, with a Current reading of 44.9 and an Expectation reading of 45.6, signalling disruptions over the Chinese New Year period.Cost pressures showed signs of stabilising. Although still in negative territory, the Cost Sub-Index improved significantly, with the Current reading rising 15.2 points to 38.1 and its Expectation reading up by 8.5 points to 41.3. This indicates potential sustained relief from cost pressures, despite recent surges in oil and energy prices triggered by developments in the Middle East. The impact of the recent conflict in the region was not factored into this survey as the fieldwork was carried out in January and February.E-commerce as a growing sales channelAs part of the same survey, HKTDC Research also conducted a thematic assessment of Hong Kong exporters’ cross-border e-commerce business. The findings showed that 46% of respondents were already engaged in cross-border e-commerce, while a further 20% plan to enter the sector within the coming year. Among companies already engaged in cross-border e-commerce, the Chinese Mainland ranked as the leading e-commerce sales destination (24%), followed by the EU27 & UK (17%) and Canada & the US (15%), while the ASEAN bloc (14%) continued to emerge as a promising market with notable growth potential.Kenneth Lee, HKTDC Section Head of Special Project & Business Advisory, added: “Market diversification remains a key strategy for Hong Kong traders to mitigate risks. At the same time, more companies are leveraging e-commerce channels to boost sales and enhance business sustainability amid an uncertain external environment.”ReferencesHKTDC Export Confidence Index 1Q26: Hong Kong Exporters Stay Cautious Amid Uncertaintieshttps://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MjI4MDE5MDc3OQHKTDC Research website: https://research.hktdc.com/en/Photo download: https://bit.ly/4s5kh7oHKTDC Director of Research Bruce Pang (right) and Section Head of Special Project & Business Advisory Kenneth Lee (left), announced the HKTDC Export Confidence Index for 2026’s first quarter at a press conference todayHKTDC Director of Research Bruce PangHKTDC Section Head of Special Project & Business Advisory Kenneth LeeMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:Johnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgAgnes WatTel: (852) 2584 4554Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com