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New Ogilvy Study Reveals a Crisis of Brand Belief in Hong Kong

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:53:00 +0700

Over 90% Take Punitive Action Against Brand Doubt, While 61% Have Walked Away

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 July 2026 - Hong Kong consumers have very low tolerance for brands and organisations that are deemed not believable, responding with rapid and decisive backlash when corporate promises trigger doubt. According to a new study on "The Believability Economy" by Ogilvy and YouGov, local residents quickly escalate from questioning claims to complaining on social media, switching to competitors, and fully disengaging. Part of a seven-market Asia Pacific initiative, the Hong Kong SAR edition of Ogilvy's "Believability Index: The Power of Proof" reveals how critical proof has become to maintaining brand survival.

Silent Disengagement Directly Threatens Revenue

When believability falters, consumer action is almost universal. Of the 1,032 Hong Kong residents aged 18 and over surveyed between late April and early May 2026, 94% stated that they take punitive action once they harbour doubts about a brand or organisation, leaving only 6% with their behaviours unchanged. The local backlash is only slightly below the APAC average of 96%.

This belief-triggered disengagement also inflicts immediate financial consequences: 61% of Hong Kong respondents (70% in APAC) have stopped engaging with or purchasing from a brand or organisation over the past 12 months due to a lack of belief in its claims.

More importantly, silent forms of disengagement dominate the Hong Kong market. Nine in 10 Hongkongers (89%) opt for "silent disengagement", walking away without saying a word. This quiet exit also carries a severe commercial penalty: it includes 46% who stop purchasing altogether and 32% who migrate to a competitor.

"The research findings are a stark wake-up call for brands and organisations, and show believability makes or breaks consumer decisions in immediate and severe ways," said Clara Shek, President, Ogilvy Public Relations Hong Kong. "The Hong Kong findings reflect a broader trend in the Asia Pacific region: disengagement often combines quiet withdrawal with more visible signals. Brands and organisations must recognise that what they see publicly is only part of the picture - the quieter, unseen behaviours are dangerous and could be the silent killers of an organisation's success."

Vocal punishment is common. Over half (58%) of the respondents say they would take public or semi‑public action, such as:

Telling friends, family or colleagues not to support the brand or organisation (30%)

Reporting or flagging organisational content as misleading (17%)

Leaving a negative review or public comment (15%)

Actively and publicly avoid their content (14%)

Contacting them directly to express concerns (12%)

Posting personal experiences directly on social media (10%)

Lack of Competence and Ethics Triggers Consumer Disengagement

When consumers abandon a brand or organisation due to a breakdown of belief, the top reasons that prompted them to stop engaging or stop purchasing in the past 12 months tie directly to operational execution:

Products and services didn't deliver what was promised (34%)

The brand or organisation handled an issue or mistake poorly (29%)

Poor business ethics (27%)

Communication missteps also erode foundational belief. A quarter of consumers (25%) state that exaggerated or misleading communications have prompted them to disengage, and 24% disengage when a brand or organisation is unresponsive to issues they raise. In contrast, influencers and spokespeople play a smaller role in believability-driven disengagement - only 15% of respondents report that they would stop engaging with a brand or organisation because a spokesperson or influencer loses credibility.

Drivers of Believability

In Hong Kong, believability is driven far more by the credibility of the source than by the creative style of the content, and people rely primarily on their own judgement or official sources, rather than influencers or highly-polished content. Three quarters (76%) of Hong Kong residents rely on credibility-related influences (such as credible sources and multiple sources), 62% rely on personal perception (whether information aligns with existing knowledge), 59% turn to reviews, and 43% turn to peer validation.

Across all ages, the top drivers of belief are consistently rooted in familiarity and prior experience:

A source they already find credible (43%)

Information that aligns with their own knowledge or experience (34%)

Official or institutional sources (30%)

Conversely, the signals that dominate digital and social media culture - polished and professionally produced content (8%), the amount of people engaging with or sharing the information (16%), and "authentic" creator content (12%) - sit at the bottom of the list as factors that influence whether they believe new information about a brand or organisation.

The Channel Paradox - Where Belief and Scepticism Collide

The Ogilvy Believability Index 2026 finds that mainstream media and official brand channels remain the most influential sources of increased belief in Hong Kong. Almost two-thirds (58%) of Hong Kong residents say information from mainstream media increases their belief in brands and organisations that matter to them, and half (50%) say official brand channels improve belief. Both sources were greeted with relatively minimal scepticism (7% and 8% respectively).

Influencer content and private messaging apps tell a more complex story. The study shows that 30% of Hong Kong consumers say information from social media influencers and KOLs increase their belief, but 26% express heightened scepticism. Private group chats such as WhatsApp show the same near‑equal split: 30% say these channels strengthen their belief, while 26% say they make them more doubtful. In these environments, brands and organisations aren't generating belief alone - they're generating belief and doubt in almost equal measure.

"Social media channels may be influential in reach and visibility for brands and organisations, but they are far less effective at strengthening belief," Ms. Shek said. "In fact, they often create a mix of belief and doubt - a paradox that organisations need to navigate carefully. Traditional tracking tools can create a blind spot for senior leadership as organisations run the risk of over-indexing spending on the exact platforms that are triggering scepticism."

The importance of mainstream media echoes the latest findings in South China Morning Post's (SCMP) Intersection of Influence study released on June 24, 2026. The SCMP study shows news media commands the highest attention of any channel in Hong Kong, significantly outperforming other channels (such as social media) in terms of audience focus and staying power. Sixty-one percent (61%) say news reports stay with them long after reading, and 16% use the information to make important decisions. For believability, this shows that news environments don't just attract attention; they generate intentional, lasting and active engagement in the content.

Negative Ripple Effect for Other Brands

When believability breaks, it spreads. A third (31% local; 36% in APAC) of consumers admit that when their belief in a brand or organisation is lost, they become more wary or suspicious, with 38% of Hong Kong consumers (29% in APAC) reporting that they will subsequently minimise their use of similar products or services from other brands and organisations.

Restoring Belief - Action is Louder Than Words in Hong Kong

On the bright side, 82% of Hong Kong residents (85% in APAC) say belief can be restored. Only 14% of Hong Kong residents (11% in APAC) say that once belief in a source is lost - whether an organisation, media outlet, or public figure - it can never be regained.

When it comes to restoring belief, Hong Kong consumers respond most positively to concrete action. Half (50%) say an organisation must "actively fix the issue" before they will believe them again - a requirement that ranks well above a "public acknowledgement" (40%). Furthermore, another 40% believe it is important to "demonstrate consistent accuracy."

For Hongkongers, these concrete actions carry far more weight than shifts in communication style alone. Only 29% of respondents feel that being "more transparent or further evidence-based" in their communication helps restore belief, while only 13% say "endorsements from respected individuals" helps restore belief. In other words, accountability and follow‑through are the real drivers of believability.

"Consumers are open to brands and organisations that take actions to repair that credibility. The path to redemption clearly lies in tangible action ? correcting problems, publicly acknowledging mistakes and demonstrating consistency. As the findings show, accountability is the ultimate currency of belief," said Ms. Shek at Ogilvy.

"Despite the popularity of social media and digital channels, Ogilvy's Hong Kong edition of the 'Believability Index: The Power of Proof' calls for a rethink on marketing and issue management approach," Ms. Shek concluded. "To protect against silent disengagement, leaders must deliver on their core promise, tackle issues transparently, and anchor their communications in mainstream media and official channels, with mindful management of social media and influencer strategy recognising these channels' belief-scepticism double-edged impact on consumers."

Hashtag: #Ogilvy

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

Hong Kong Icon Anson Lo Celebrates July Birthday, Propelling Cantopop Toward New Frontiers

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:50:00 +0700

Marking a historic milestone, the MAMA-winning icon celebrates a year of regional breakthroughs and a defining leap into the global spotlight.

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 July 2026 - This July, celebrating his birthday month, Anson Lo marks a decisive leap into the global spotlight. Defined by his philosophy of "Adventure and Limitless," the MAMA award-winning artist over the past weekend brought his solo concert tour to Macau, delivering a highly acclaimed, two-night engagement that drew an overwhelming response.

This milestone is further amplified by the highly anticipated release of his new English single "Helicopter" and his high-profile appearance in the English drama The Season. Known for his razor-sharp choreography, Lo has transcended his status as Hong Kong's premier idol to become a defining figure of a new, international generation.

ANSON LO 盧瀚霆

The Rise of "Lo-Phenomenon"

Anson Lo's trajectory over the last few years has been defined by a series of professional breakthroughs that have solidified his status as a regional powerhouse:

Cross-Cultural Collaborations: From headlining Waterbomb Singapore to a viral collaboration with Japan's Avantgardey, Lo has proven his ability to electrify massive international crowds and bridge creative gaps across Asia.

A Landmark Fashion Milestone: In a historic international collaboration, Lo became the first Hong Kong artist to co-design a capsule collection with Italian luxury legend Giuseppe Zanotti. This partnership, alongside his work with luxury houses, cements his status as a definitive global fashion icon.

Industry Recognition: Since winning Best New Asian Artist (Mandarin) at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), Lo recently marked a significant turning point by performing on South Korea's MBC Show Champion and The Fact Music Awards (TMA) stage, bringing Cantopop to major music platforms in South Korea.

Global Screen Ventures: Lo expanded his international television footprint with a high-profile guest appearance in the elite ensemble English drama The Season. The series premiered worldwide on major streaming platforms like Hulu and Viu, underscoring his growing global versatility.

A New Frontier: Crafting English Hits and Lyrics

Lo's global evolution shines through his self-penned English rap lyrics across nearly all his dance singles. Expanding his creative control, he wrote his two full English tracks, "Trippin' Up" and the newly released "Helicopter." "Helicopter" just dropped to an overwhelming global response, solidifying his international musical footprint.

About Anson Lo

Anson Lo (born July 7, 1995) is a multifaceted Hong Kong singer, dancer, and actor. Since his 2018 debut with the group MIRROR, he has evolved into a record-breaking soloist, headlining multiple solo concerts and releasing chart-topping hits such as "Megahit," "Mr. Stranger," and "Hey Hey OK!". Today, he stands as a versatile artist working across music, fashion, and film.

Instagram @ansonlht | Facebook @ansonlht | YouTube: @AnsonLoHonTing

https://www.facebook.com/ansonlht

https://www.instagram.com/ansonlht/

https://www.youtube.com/@AnsonLoHonTing

Hashtag: #AnsonLo #盧瀚霆 #AnsonLo盧瀚霆

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

#LUXMyWill: Define a Signature Style, Forever

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:47:00 +0700

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 July 2026 - Global beauty brand LUX, in collaboration with VML Singapore, has launched #LUXMyWill-an innovative initiative that transforms one of social media's most popular beauty trends into a formal, lasting declaration of personal style.

Over the past year, women across platforms like TikTok and Instagram have embraced hashtags such as #BuryMeInThis. What began as a viral, dramatic expression of outfit obsession quickly evolved into a deeper cultural signal: a new generation of women declaring that they are not merely dressing for occasions-they are the occasion.

Recognizing the profound self-expression behind the trend, LUX partnered with legal experts to give these playful declarations permanence. #LUXMyWill enables women to turn a simple social post into a formally recognized personal style wish that can be witnessed, documented, and preserved.

The initiative invites women to declare their chosen look on camera and tag a trusted loved one to honor it. To make these wishes tangible, legal specialists worked alongside the brand to define what gives such declarations standing, creating educational content to guide users through the process. Selected participants also received a custom-designed #LUXMyWill box, crafted to preserve their chosen outfit alongside their recorded declaration.

"Beauty has always been a powerful form of self-expression. Today, women are taking that further-not waiting for occasions, but becoming them," said Judy Zu, Global Brand Director, LUX. "This trend showed us that when a woman chooses how she wants to be remembered, it's a statement of identity. We wanted to give that statement the recognition it deserves."

The campaign grew organically. Creators who had previously posted under #BuryMeInThis revisited their content to make it official, tagging friends who, in turn, created declarations of their own. Through participation, #LUXMyWill quickly grew into a collective cultural movement.

At its core, #LUXMyWill reinforces LUX's enduring belief: beauty is not just something you wear for a fleeting moment. It is something you embody, define, and leave behind.

Hashtag: #LUXMyWill #BuryMeInThis

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

XTransfer Resmikan Kantor Baru di Malaysia

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:40:00 +0700

Memperkuat Strategi di Asia Tenggara

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 Juli 2026 - Baru-baru ini, XTransfer, platform pembayaran perdagangan lintas-batas B2B terkemuka di dunia, membuka kantor barunya secara resmi di Malaysia. Peresmian ini menandai kelanjutan investasi XTransfer dalam operasi yang berfokus pada kebutuhan lokal di seluruh Asia Tenggara serta menjadi landasan yang kokoh untuk memperkuat layanan pembiayaan perdagangan regional lebih lanjut.

Para pemimpin dan mitra dari sejumlah bank serta lembaga keuangan utama di Malaysia menghadiri acara tersebut untuk menyaksikan tonggak penting ini. Upacara peresmian diawali dengan pertunjukan barongsai yang meriah, kemudian dilanjutkan dengan prosesi pengguntingan pita yang dipimpin oleh para tamu kehormatan dalam suasana penuh perayaan. Tamu yang melakukan pengguntingan pita antara lain Ms Winnie Wong, Direktur Grup Lembaga Keuangan di Maybank; Ms Sylvia Wong, Pimpinan Regional di CIMB; Ms Daphne Yoo, Direktur di OCBC; bersama para perwakilan dari berbagai lembaga dan asosiasi, serta pimpinan tim XTransfer Malaysia.

Para tamu menyampaikan ucapan selamat atas pembukaan kantor baru XTransfer dan berharap perusahaan tersebut akan terus mendukung perkembangan perdagangan lokal dengan menyediakan solusi pembayaran lintas-batas yang lebih efisien dan aman bagi usaha mikro, kecil, dan menengah (UMKM) di Malaysia. Perwakilan dari berbagai bank juga menyampaikan harapan untuk mempererat kerja sama dengan XTransfer, menyempurnakan jaringan penyelesaian transaksi lokal lebih lanjut, serta bersama-sama mendorong perkembangan ekosistem pembayaran lintas-batas.

Sebagai perusahaan teknologi keuangan yang berfokus pada pembiayaan perdagangan global, XTransfer mengedepankan pendekatan yang didorong oleh teknologi dan mengutamakan kepatuhan terhadap peraturan secara konsisten. Perusahaan ini berkomitmen untuk menyediakan solusi pembayaran dan penerimaan dana lintas-batas yang aman, mudah, dan hemat biaya bagi pelaku perdagangan global. Dengan dibukanya kantor baru di Malaysia, XTransfer akan menjadikan Malaysia sebagai pusat strategis untuk kegiatan operasionalnya di Asia Tenggara, memperluas jangkauannya di pasar Asia Pasifik, sekaligus mempercepat ekspansi bisnis regional. Di masa yang akan datang, XTransfer akan terus memajukan strategi internasionalisasinya untuk memberikan layanan yang lebih baik kepada perusahaan perdagangan global.

Perlu diketahui pula bahwa pada bulan Februari tahun ini, XTransfer memperoleh persetujuan bersyarat dari Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) untuk memperoleh izin utama di bidang pembayaran. Setelah seluruh persyaratan sebelum penerbitan izin dipenuhi dan perusahaan memperoleh izin untuk mulai beroperasi, XTransfer akan menghadirkan layanan pembayaran digital guna mendukung dunia usaha, khususnya UMKM yang bergerak dalam perdagangan internasional. Dengan pembukaan kantor baru tersebut secara resmi, XTransfer akan mendayagunakan kapabilitas layanan lokal yang makin kuat, dipadukan dengan jaringan global yang dimiliki olehnya, untuk terus membantu pelaku perdagangan di kawasan meraih peluang global serta memperluas jangkauan ke pasar internasional yang lebih luas.

Hashtag: #XTransfer #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #Malaysia

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

Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III Shareholders Approve Business Combination with General Fusion

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:40:00 +0700

General Fusion expected to become the first publicly traded, pure-play fusion company

Combined company expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq under ticker symbol "GFUZ"

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III ("Spring Valley" or "SVAC") (NASDAQ: SVAC) today announced that its shareholders have approved the previously announced business combination with General Fusion Inc. ("General Fusion" or the "Company"), a leader in the global race to commercialize fusion energy.

General Fusion securityholders also voted to approve the transaction at a special meeting held on July 6, 2026. The approval represents another significant milestone toward completing the transaction and advancing General Fusion's uniquely practical Magnetized Target Fusion ("MTF") technology, which has the potential to deliver zero-carbon, baseload power in a cost-competitive way. This comes at a critical time as demand for electricity surges and nations around the world race to commercialize fusion power.

The closing of the transaction is expected to occur on or about Friday, July 10, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and the satisfaction or waiver of all closing conditions. At the closing, Spring Valley will be renamed "General Fusion Group Ltd." Shortly thereafter, the combined company's shares and warrants are expected to trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbols "GFUZ" and "GFUZW," respectively, subject to approval of its listing application.

"The expected closing of this transaction represents a major step in the General Fusion journey, building on more than 20 years of technology development and leadership in the industry," said Greg Twinney, Chief Executive Officer of General Fusion. "Bringing fusion to the capital markets at this inflection point and becoming the first publicly traded pure-play fusion company marks an incredible next chapter for us as we advance on our path to commercialization and our mission to bring clean power from fusion to the grid."

"We're proud to support General Fusion at a pivotal moment for both the company and the fusion industry," said Chris Sorrells, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Spring Valley. "Global energy demand is rising, and the need for reliable, clean power has never been greater. General Fusion stands out with strong leadership, meaningful peer-reviewed results, a robust patent portfolio, and LM26, its operating fusion demonstration machine. The company's practical engineering approach offers a strong path to commercialization. We expect that this transaction will position General Fusion with the capital and public market platform needed to move this technology forward."

Quick Facts:

General Fusion's MTF is designed to solve significant barriers to commercializing fusion energy at a time when electricity demand is surging and nations around the world are racing to commercialize fusion power.

As a technology, MTF aims to achieve fusion in a practical way, avoiding superconducting magnets and high-powered lasers while enabling the use of existing materials for durable machines that would produce cost-effective energy.

In early 2025, General Fusion announced that it had designed, built, and begun operating its Lawson Machine 26 ("LM26") fusion demonstration machine in under two years. LM26 is the first MTF demonstration machine to be built at a commercially relevant scale. It mechanically compresses plasma with a lithium liner at 50% commercial-scale diameter, based on current design parameters.

LM26 aims to achieve key fusion technical milestones: plasma heating to 1 keV (10 million degrees Celsius), then 10 keV (100 million degrees Celsius), and ultimately the Lawson criterion, the combination of fusion parameters that can produce net fusion energy in the plasma.

About General Fusion

General Fusion is pursuing a fast and practical approach to commercial fusion energy and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The Company was established in 2002 and has been funded by a global syndicate of leading energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology pioneers. Learn more at www.generalfusion.com. General Fusion announced its proposed business combination with Spring Valley in January 2026.

About Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III

Spring Valley is a part of a family of investment vehicles formed for the purpose of acquiring or merging with a business focused on the Power Infrastructure and Decarbonization sectors. Over the past 5 years, Spring Valley vehicles have raised $920 million in four IPOs. Spring Valley I completed its business combination with NuScale Power Corporation, a leading U.S. small modular reactor technology company, and Spring Valley II completed its business combination with Eagle Nuclear Energy Corp., a next-generation nuclear energy company with rights to the largest open pit-constrained measured and indicated uranium deposit in the United States. SVAC maintains a corporate website at https://sv-ac.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this document are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this document are forward-looking statements.

Any statements that refer to projections, forecasts, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are also forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "target," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," "preliminary," or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the closing of the transactions (the "Proposed Business Combination") contemplated by the business combination agreement, dated January 21, 2026, among General Fusion, Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III ("SVAC") and the other party thereto (as amended, the "Business Combination Agreement"); SVAC's, General Fusion's, or their respective management teams' expectations concerning General Fusion's plan to go public through the Proposed Business Combination and expected benefits or timing thereof; the outlook for General Fusion's business, including its ability to commercialize MTF or any other fusion technology on its expected timeline or at all; and statements regarding the current and expected results of General Fusion's LM26 program as well as any information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of General Fusion.

The forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the respective management teams of SVAC and General Fusion, as applicable, and are inherently subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstance and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated.

These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Proposed Business Combination may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of SVAC's securities; the risk that the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Business Combination, including the receipt of regulatory approvals are not satisfied or waived; the risk that there occurs any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; the risk that the announcement or pendency of the Proposed Business Combination has a negative effect on General Fusion's business relationships, performance, and business generally; the risk that the Proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans of General Fusion and potential difficulties in its employee retention as a result of the Proposed Business Combination; the risk of legal proceedings against General Fusion or SVAC related to the Proposed Business Combination; the risk that the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Business Combination are not realized; the risk that the combined entity is unable to maintain the listing of SVAC's securities or to meet listing requirements and maintain the listing of the combined company's securities on Nasdaq; the risk that the Proposed Business Combination may not be completed by SVAC's business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by SVAC; the risk that the price of the combined entity's securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors, including changes in laws, regulations, technologies, natural disasters, national security tensions, and macro-economic and social environments affecting its business; the risk of changes in the laws and regulations governing General Fusion's research and development activities; the risk that General Fusion fails to commercialize MTF on the expected timeline or at all, including any failure to achieve the objectives of the LM26 program; the risk of the effects of climate change, extreme weather events, water scarcity, and seismic events, and that strategies to deal with these issues are not effective; the risk of fluctuations in currency markets; the risk that General Fusion is unable to complete and successfully integrate any future acquisitions; the risk of increased competition in the fusion industry; the risk of supply chain disruptions and that materials are in limited supply; and the risk that the proposed private placement of convertible preferred shares and warrants by General Fusion (the "PIPE Financing") may not be completed, or that other capital needed by the combined company may not be raised on favorable terms, or at all, including as a result of the restrictions agreed to in connection with the PIPE Financing.

The foregoing list is not exhaustive, and there may be additional risks that neither SVAC nor General Fusion presently know or that SVAC and General Fusion currently believe are immaterial. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors, any other factors discussed herein and in the other filings and potential filings by General Fusion, SVAC, or the combined company resulting from the proposed transaction with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including those described under the heading "Risk Factors."

General Fusion and SVAC caution you against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect current beliefs and are based on information currently available as of the date a forward-looking statement is made. Forward-looking statements set forth in this document speak only as of the date of this document. Neither General Fusion nor SVAC undertakes any obligation to revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, except as required by applicable securities laws. In the event that any forward-looking statement is updated, no inference should be made that General Fusion or SVAC will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statements.

Important Information for Investors and Shareholders

In connection with the Proposed Business Combination, General Fusion and SVAC jointly filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 (the "Registration Statement"), which includes a preliminary prospectus with respect to SVAC's securities to be issued in connection with the Proposed Business Combination and a preliminary proxy statement in connection with SVAC's solicitation of proxies for the vote by SVAC's shareholders with respect to the Proposed Business Combination and other matters described in the Registration Statement. On June 12, 2026, the SEC declared the Registration Statement effective and SVAC filed the definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus (the "Proxy Statement/Prospectus") with the SEC.

SVAC mailed copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to SVAC's shareholders as of the record date of June 12, 2026. Before making any investment, investors and securityholders of SVAC and General Fusion are urged to read the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements thereto, as well as all other relevant materials filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the Proposed Business Combination as they become available because they will contain important information about General Fusion, SVAC and the Proposed Business Combination. Investors and securityholders are able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by SVAC through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed by SVAC may be obtained free of charge from SVAC's website at https://sv-ac.com or by directing a request to Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III, Attn: Corporate Secretary, 2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1675, Dallas, Texas 75201. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this document is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.

Participants in the Solicitation

General Fusion, SVAC and their respective directors, executive officers, and other members of management and employees may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from SVAC's shareholders in connection with the Proposed Business Combination. For more information about the names, affiliations and interests of SVAC's directors and executive officers, please refer to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant materials filed or to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Proposed Business Combination when they become available. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the Proxy Statement/Prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above.

No Offer or Solicitation

This document shall not constitute a "solicitation" as defined in Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This document shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, the solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation to purchase, any securities, or a solicitation of any vote, consent or approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale may be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction. No offering of securities in the Proposed Business Combination shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

Investor Relations Contact:

You can contact General Fusion's Investor Relations team by email at: investors@generalfusion.com.

If you are based in North America, you may also leave a toll-free voicemail at +1 (833) 717-1519. Callers outside North America can reach us at +1 (236) 253-6968.

Media Relations Contact:

media@generalfusion.com

1-866-904-0995

Where Heritage Takes Form: The British Craftsmanship Behind FREELANDER 8's Exterior Design

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:29:00 +0700

Where Heritage Takes Form: The British Craftsmanship Behind FREELANDER 8's Exterior Design

A Parade of Champions at the 2026 Fair Play Menarini Award Celebrating Sport's True Values

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:23:00 +0700

FLORENCE, Italy, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The infectious energy of Bebe Vio, the understated elegance of Gianfranco Zola, the remarkable 33 beats per minute of Gregorio Paltrinieri's heart, Prince Diego Milito's Calabrian roots, and the quiet confidence of a newly married Armand Duplantis, all brought together by a Federico Buffa at his brilliant best, generously sharing captivating stories from the history of sport, from black cats to open waters.

These were just some of the memorable snapshots from the stage of Florence's Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, which hosted the 30th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award.

The Award celebrates sporting legends who have distinguished themselves not only through extraordinary achievements but also through their commitment to respect, integrity and fair play. The 2026 edition became something of a journey through the careers of champions from a wide range of disciplines, beginning with the open waters that Gregorio "Greg" Paltrinieri has made his kingdom. "I'd heard wonderful things about this award from friends and fellow athletes, so I'm really happy to be here this year," Paltrinieri told reporters. "To me, fair play means putting healthy competition ahead of personal results. I love competing-that's what drives me. Whether I win or lose, whether good or bad things happen during a race, that's another matter." The Olympic champion also described clean sport as "the most beautiful thing in the world."

Bringing the parade of stars to a close was Diego Milito, the undisputed hero of Jos? Mourinho's historic Treble-winning Inter side, yet a man who still carries Genoa close to his heart. "It's an honor to be here tonight, and I'd like to thank Menarini and the Aleotti family for this opportunity. The most important thing is to be remembered as a good person, someone who shares values that go beyond winning or losing as an athlete. That's how I've tried to live throughout my career."

Between them stood icons of a football era many remember as freer and more imaginative than today's game, including Emilio Butrague?o and Gianfranco Zola. Zola recalled the extraordinary story of the autograph that changed his life during an attempted kidnapping in 1994, when he was playing for Parma-a simple act of kindness that reportedly persuaded the would-be kidnapper to abandon his plan. "When you work ethically and do things the right way, success becomes the natural consequence of your actions. Today we live in a world where results seem to matter more than anything else. We need to change that mindset and focus on doing things well," he said.

Also taking centre stage was the phenomenal Armand Duplantis, the undisputed king of pole vaulting, who, fresh from his marriage to Desir? Inglander, is already looking ahead to pushing his astonishing world records even further.

No constellation of sporting stars would have been complete without Italy's own Bebe Vio, honoured for her extraordinary commitment to promoting inclusion through Paralympic sport. "If you have a body, you're an athlete-that's what I believe," she said with a smile. "Mine just happens to be half technology." She also spoke about her latest athletics initiative involving children through her Art4Sport Foundation.

Among the evening's other honorees were Achille Polonara, recognized as a powerful symbol of resilience and determination; race walking star Antonella Palmisano; Italian volleyball stalwart Simone Anzani; Paralympic champion Chiara Mazzel; and Olympic fencing gold medalist Daniele Garozzo, who now works as a physician at Rome's Bambino Ges? Children's Hospital. "The adrenaline is still there in the hospital ward," he remarked. Also celebrated were speed skating trio Davide Ghiotto, Michele Malfatti and Andrea Giovannini after a historic season on the ice, alongside renowned sports commentator Fabio Caressa.

Joining the winners on stage were Fair Play Menarini Ambassadors Antonio Rossi, Giancarlo Antognoni, Ian Thorpe, Sasha Vujačić, Giacomo Perini and Andrea Zorzi, all embodying the message the Award has championed for three decades: respect and integrity are essential ingredients for success, both in sport and in life.

"Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Fair Play Menarini International Award is an opportunity to look back with pride at everything we have achieved, while also renewing our commitment," said Luca Lastrucci, Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation Board. "Our commitment is to continue telling the stories of those who prove that talent finds its truest meaning when it is accompanied by respect, integrity and fairness. That is the message we want to pass on to future generations."

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

Where Heritage Takes Form: The British Craftsmanship Behind FREELANDER 8's Exterior Design

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:18:00 +0700

SHANGHAI, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As a British Premium Intelligent All-Terrain brand carrying forward its heritage, Chery Group's FREELANDER has officially detailed the full exterior design features of its first strategic nameplate: FREELANDER 8. Its exterior design strikes a refined balance between heritage recognition, understated premium aesthetics and purpose-driven functionality, with thoughtfully engineered details embedded throughout the bodywork to deliver a distinct and enduring visual presence.

Front Fascia: Bold Identity and Precision Craft

The front end anchors the vehicle's premium visual identity with signature design details. Inspired by European castle stone masonry, the Debossed Badging achieves sculptural three-dimensional depth via a breakthrough 4mm deep-groove process. The three-layer geometric front fascia uses a strong horizontal layout to visually widen the stance, presenting a composed, orderly aesthetic. The Signature Interlocking Headlights deliver 5,000 nits peak brightness and 1.67 million colour combinations, setting segment benchmarks in illumination precision and dynamic lighting effects, while the Dual-Peak Hood aligns its ridgelines precisely with the headlights, guiding the driver's sightline and reinforcing a sense of control.

Side Profile: Iconic Proportions and Refined Details

FREELANDER 8 carries forward the brand's iconic Castle‑Style Body with the "solid base, light top" design, delivering a confident stance that carries forward FREELANDER's SUV pedigree. The Yacht-Style Waistline takes cues from luxury yacht lines, harmonising multi-layer body contours, creating a poised, forward-leaning stance, blending elegant premium appeal with robust all-terrain character. In addition, Flag-Style Side Mirrors that inspired by the Regimental Colours, offering a 30% larger viewing area and aerodynamic optimisation for reduced high-speed wind noise.

Rear Design: Heritage Legacy and Contemporary Premium

The rear blends iconic heritage with restrained sophistication. The Iconic Triangle Window, inherited from the 1997 original Freelander with subtle "F" and "L" design cues, elevates the rear visual centre of gravity for a lighter, more refined profile. The Full-Width Tailgate embodies the "Less is More" principle, with a near-vertical surface and inverted trapezoidal stance that delivers strong visual stability and reinforces the vehicle's robust premium SUV character.

Beyond surface aesthetics, every design element embodies FREELANDER's dedication to British Craftsmanship, balancing sophisticated visual appeal with tangible practical benefits. From refined aerodynamic performance, improved driving visibility to stable road stance, these thoughtful details translate premium design philosophy into perceivable comfort and composure in daily driving.

By reinterpreting classic British design through intelligent innovation, the FREELANDER 8 preserves the timeless allure of the legendary nameplate while adapting to the NEV era. It offers a new expression of premium intelligent all-terrain mobility, crafted for the next generation of global explorers.

About FREELANDER

FREELANDER is a British Premium Intelligent All-Terrain brand co-developed by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover. JLR leads the design and premium DNA, while Chery brings advanced technology and global top-tier supply chain capabilities. The brand is supported by a strong global foundation, including over 5,000 employees, five strategic hubs, and fully integrated capabilities spanning design, R&D, manufacturing, and global operations.

FREELANDER has outlined a clear global roadmap: entering over 90 countries and establishing more than 1,100 touchpoints within five years, with the Middle East as its first strategic stop.

Vincent CHEN

freelander.international@mychery.com

https://www.cheryinternational.com/

Aztiq Promotes David Olafsson, Danny Major and Eunsun Choi to Partner

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:14:00 +0700

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aztiq today announced the promotion of David Olafsson, Danny Major and Eunsun Choi to Partner, recognizing their significant contributions to Aztiq's growth, investment activities and long-term value creation across the healthcare ecosystem.

Aztiq is an investment company focused on working with purpose-driven pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies dedicated to improving the lives of people around the world. The promotions reflect Aztiq's continued commitment to building a strong, experienced and collaborative leadership team with deep sector expertise across healthcare, investment, corporate development, finance, M&A and legal execution.

"David, Danny and Eunsun have each played an important role in Aztiq's development and in supporting our portfolio companies" said Robert Wessman, Founder and Chairman of Aztiq. "Their promotions to Partner recognize not only their individual achievements, but also the trust, judgment and dedication they bring to Aztiq and our partners and portfolio companies. They embody the entrepreneurial, hands-on and long-term approach that defines Aztiq."

As Partners, David Olafsson, Danny Major and Eunsun Choi will continue to support Aztiq's investment activities, portfolio company development and strategic initiatives to advance the firm's healthcare-focused investment platform.

Aztiq press contacts

aztiq-media@aztiq.com

About Aztiq

Aztiq is an investment company focused on working with purpose-driven pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies dedicated to improving the lives of people around the world. With deep healthcare experience, an entrepreneurial mindset and a flexible investment approach, Aztiq partners with companies to unlock sustainable, long-term value and create positive change for patients and the global healthcare ecosystem.

Singapore Team Crowned Champion at the Inaugural Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 in Vietnam

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:09:00 +0700

Photos: Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Chair of the Competition's Judging Panel, Vice Provost for Graduate Education at VinUniversity, and Chief Scientific Officer at VinUniversity's Center for AI Research (right), and Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the "For Green Future" Foundation, Vingroup, present the First Prize to Team Helios. Photo: Organizing Committee.

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 July 2026 - Outperforming 439 teams and nearly 1,500 participants from 22 countries and territories, Team Helios, comprising two participants, Pratham Ranjan and Alok Vernekar from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, has been crowned champion of the Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026, a competition dedicated to developing technology-driven solutions for a sustainable future.

The competition was jointly organized by three not-for-profit entities under Vingroup: the "For Green Future" Foundation, VinUniversity, and the Vingroup Young Technology Talent Club (VinTechTalent). It is the first pan-Asian environmental hackathon exclusively for undergraduate and master's students to be held in Vietnam. The Final Round and Awards Ceremony took place on July 4 at VinUniversity, Hanoi.

With the project titled "An Urban Simulation Platform for Low-Carbon Infrastructure," Team Helios won the First Prize, worth USD 8,000. The team's solution addresses a critical challenge facing many cities today: how to determine whether a green infrastructure project will truly be effective before committing significant resources to its implementation.

The team developed a district-level urban simulation platform that enables users to test options such as EV charging stations, public transportation, solar energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure, while assessing their expected impacts on travel behavior, emissions, costs, and the power grid. The solution helps city authorities identify projects worth investing in, avoid wasting resources on ineffective initiatives, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon cities.

The Second Prize, worth USD 5,000, was awarded to Team VFluxion, comprising four participants, Nguyen The Anh, Vu The Vinh, Tran Hung Vi, and Do Thi Nhu Y, from the University of Information Technology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

VFluxion's solution addresses an increasingly important need in the transition to green mobility: how to effectively connect and coordinate electric vehicles with urban energy systems.

The team proposed a platform that coordinates bidirectional charging and discharging, enabling electric vehicles not only to consume energy but also to serve as distributed energy storage resources that can help balance electricity demand when needed. The solution aims to optimize energy use, enhance power grid stability, reduce the need to deploy high-emission backup power sources, and protect battery longevity.

Two Third Prizes, each worth USD 3,000, were awarded to two teams from Vietnam: Future Greener and ALT F4.

Team Future Greener, comprising Nguyen Nguyen Tam Nhu, Truong Dong Hung, Pham Ho Kim Ngan, and Bui Hoai Ngoc from UEH.ISB Honours College, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, and FPT University's Ho Chi Minh City campus, developed a project addressing the challenge of managing the life cycle of electric vehicle batteries amid the rapid growth of electric mobility, which brings with it the risk of used batteries being stored, discarded, or handled unsafely.

The platform tracks battery information throughout its life cycle, supports battery health assessment, and helps determine whether a battery should be repurposed or sent for recycling. The solution aims to reduce environmental risks from discarded batteries, increase transparency in the used EV market, and promote a circular economy in the battery industry.

Team ALT F4, comprising Nguyen Tuan Minh, Nguyen Thanh Vinh, and Tran Phi Anh Nhat from the University of Science, Vietnam National University Hanoi, British University Vietnam (BUV), and Hanoi University of Science and Technology, won a Third Prize for its early warning system for saltwater intrusion.

The system monitors water conditions in estuarine areas, forecasts the risk of saltwater intrusion 24 to 72 hours in advance, and sends alerts in Vietnamese directly to the phones of farmers and local officials. This early warning window can enable timely action to close sluice gates, preserve freshwater supplies, and adjust irrigation practices, thereby reducing crop losses, protecting farmers' livelihoods, and strengthening resilience to climate change.

The Organizing Committee also awarded five Consolation Prizes, each worth USD 1,000, to Project Gaia from Vietnam, AVERTIX from India, ReRootSG from Singapore, Forust from Hong Kong, China, and Seekers from India.

To reach the Final Round, the 30 finalist teams underwent a selection and training journey lasting nearly three months. From 439 teams that entered the Preliminary Round with project proposals and introductory videos, the Top 30 teams advanced to a month-long online training program with multidisciplinary experts to sharpen their problem-solving approaches and prepare for the final challenge.

At VinUniversity, the finalist teams took part in an intensive 36-hour hackathon, during which they analyzed real-world challenges, developed solutions, built functional prototypes, and refined their final presentations under the guidance of expert mentors from Vingroup's technology companies.

Reflecting on the competition's outcome, Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the "For Green Future" Foundation, Vingroup, said: "What makes us proud is that the Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 has shown that Vietnam can truly become a regional hub for Asia's young talent in the journey of innovation for sustainable development. Here, cross-border ideas are not only shared, but also tested, refined, and transformed into practical solutions capable of creating lasting value for communities."

From energy and transportation to climate, water resources, and agriculture, the environmental challenges facing Asia increasingly transcend national borders and demand regional collaboration. By bringing together young talent from diverse countries and disciplines, the Asian Hackathon for Green Future aims to foster a regional space for collaboration, where knowledge, technology, and diverse perspectives can converge, complement one another, and develop into solutions with the potential to create real-world impact.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, the competition will return for a second season in 2027 with an expanded scale and geographical reach, aiming to attract more young talent from across Asia and other regions of the world to jointly develop solutions for a green and sustainable future.

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

Hashtags: #Vingroup

The CMA Announces the Start of Receiving Applications for Authorization to Carry Out Commodity Exchange Activities in the Kingdom

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0700

Riyadh, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Capital Market Authority (CMA) announces the commencement of receiving applications for authorization to carry out commodity exchange activities in the Saudi Market for a period of (123) days, starting from 1448/01/16, corresponding to 2026/07/01, until 1448/05/20, corresponding to 2026/10/31.

Through the opening of the application submission period, the CMA aims to strengthen the capital market infrastructure, increase the range of financial instruments in the Saudi Capital Market, and diversify its products. The CMA intends to grant one license to operate as a Commodity Exchange in the Kingdom during the current application period, in line with the structure of the capital market and with consideration for investor confidence and the stability of licensed markets. During this period, the focus will be on the activity for trading in a secondary market for commodity and metals derivatives contracts, in a manner that enhances its attractiveness, benefits market participants, and strengthens its position in global capital markets.

The announcement of the commencement of the application submission period follows the revised Capital Market Law dated 1441/1/19, corresponding to 2019/09/18. and CMA's earlier announcement regarding the approval of the Securities Exchanges and Depository Centers Regulations, published on 19/12/1443, corresponding to 18/07/2022, which indicated that the CMA would subsequently determine the periods for submitting authorization applications for securities exchanges and depository centers, as well as the mechanism for submitting them.

The CMA calls on all parties interested in carrying out Commodity Exchange activities in the Kingdom, to submit an application for authorization, and that the application specifically pertains to carrying out Commodity Exchange activities in accordance with the authorization requirements set forth in the Securities Exchanges and Depository Centers Regulations, using the designated application form.

For further details regarding the authorization during the current period, including the mechanism for submitting applications, as well as the requirements and procedures, please refer to the document titled "Authorization to Carry Out Commodity Exchange Activities in the Kingdom" available through the following link: (link).

In addition, inquiries from interested parties will be received by the CMA's Market Infrastructure Institutions Supervision Department through the following email: MarketInfrastructure@cma.gov.sa

Interested parties may also access the designated application form through the following link: (link).

Last modified date:01/07/2026 - 04:54 AM Saudi Arabia time

Communication & Investor Protection Division

Capital Market Authority

+966114906009

media@cma.org.sa

DKSH Enters Strategic Partnership with Lilly in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:57:00 +0700

DKSH entered a strategic partnership with Lilly to sell, promote and distribute Lilly's pharmaceutical products in Hong Kong and Macau. Building on the successful collaboration in Singapore and Vietnam, DKSH will expand the access to reliable healthcare in the region.

HONG KONG SAR - EQS Newswire - 6 July 2026 - DKSH Business Unit Healthcare, a leading integrated end-to-end commercialization platform and leading provider of market expansion services for pharmaceutical, over-the-counter (OTC), consumer health and medical device companies, has entered into a distribution and promotion agreement with global healthcare leader Eli Lilly Export S.A. ("Lilly").

Through this agreement, DKSH will hold the rights to sell, promote, and distribute Lilly's current pharmaceutical portfolio in Hong Kong and Macau, further strengthening and expanding the longstanding partnership in Singapore and Vietnam.

Building on new momentum and recognized for delivering sustainable growth for partners, DKSH has been chosen to implement an alliance market business model for Lilly, providing end-to-end solutions prioritizing healthcare access to patients. With DKSH's deep expertise in integrated commercial and medical affairs capabilities, proven engagement with healthcare professionals, and robust distribution infrastructure this collaboration prioritizes the continued access to Lilly's pharmaceutical products for patients in Hong Kong and Macau.

DKSH Healthcare will ensure continued access to Lilly's medicines, with patient support programs remaining fully operational. The high-quality medical, scientific, and educational engagement that healthcare professionals rely on will continue to be maintained. DKSH Healthcare's commitment to safeguarding patients remains unwavering, with rigorous global standards for product quality, safety monitoring, and pharmacovigilance fully upheld.

Andy A. Abarquez, Executive Director-South Asia Alliance General Manager, Lilly, said: "Lilly has served patients and healthcare professionals through Lilly Hong Kong and Lilly Macau since 1984, and that commitment is unchanged. Through the collaboration with DKSH, this strategic partnership allows us to extend our reach and bring our medicines to more patients in the Hong Kong and Macau market."

Wai Ting Fong, Vice President, Healthcare, Hong Kong & Macau at DKSH, said: "DKSH and Lilly share the vision and values to work together in bringing an innovative pipeline of products to more patients. With our in-depth knowledge of the local market as well as marketing and sales capabilities, DKSH will expand the access to reliable healthcare in Hong Kong and Macau."

About DKSH

For more than 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, e-commerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services, following its purpose of enriching people's lives. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 35 markets with 26,840 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2025. DKSH Business Unit Healthcare distributes pharmaceuticals, consumer health, over-the-counter products and medical devices. With around 7,580 specialists, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 5.8 billion in 2025. www.dksh.com/hec

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

CGTN: Mengapa dunia bertanya-tanya: Apa yang membuat Partai Komunis Tiongkok (PKT) berhasil?

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:50:00 +0700

BEIJING, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dalam rangka memperingati hari jadi yang ke-105 berdirinya Partai Komunis Tiongkok, CGTN menerbitkan sebuah artikel yang mengulas alasan PKT terus menarik perhatian dunia internasional. Artikel tersebut mengulas bagaimana jalur pembangunan, model tata kelola, dan visi global Tiongkok membentuk ulang persepsi dunia terhadap PKT, sekaligus menghadirkan perspektif baru mengenai modernisasi dan tata kelola global.

Saat masyarakat internasional mulai mengamati Partai Komunis Tiongkok (PKT), apa yang mereka lihat? Hasil jajak pendapat global terbaru CGTN mengenai penilaian tentang peran PKT memberikan jawaban yang meyakinkan. Responden menempatkan "kepemimpinan yang kuat" sebagai kesan paling kuat terhadap Partai tersebut, diikuti oleh "kekuatan positif dalam menjaga stabilitas dunia" dan "perwakilan kepentingan negara-negara berkembang."

Temuan tersebut menunjukkan bahwa perhatian dunia terhadap PKT kini tidak lagi hanya tertuju pada keajaiban ekonomi Tiongkok, tetapi juga pada model tata kelolanya serta filosofi yang diusung dalam menghadapi berbagai tantangan global bersama. Tema-tema tersebut juga menjadi pusat perhatian dalam pidato Xi Jinping, sekretaris jenderal Komite Pusat PKT, saat memperingati hari jadi ke-105 Partai tersebut pada tanggal 1 Juli. Pidato Xi, yang juga menjabat sebagai presiden Tiongkok dan ketua Komisi Militer Pusat, terasa sangat relevan bagi para pengamat internasional.

"Modernisasi Tiongkok telah mematahkan mitos bahwa modernisasi sama dengan westernisasi." Begitulah Geeganage Weerasinghe, sekretaris jenderal Partai Komunis Sri Lanka, menafsirkan pidato terbaru presiden Xi.

Pandangan tersebut mencerminkan pesan utama yang disampaikan presiden Xi: bahwa PKT telah memimpin rakyat Tiongkok dalam menciptakan "bentuk baru peradaban manusia" sekaligus membuka jalan yang lebih luas menuju modernisasi bagi negara-negara berkembang. Selama beberapa dekade, modernisasi secara luas dipandang melalui kacamata Barat. Namun, pengalaman Tiongkok menawarkan perspektif yang berbeda.

Zheng Changzhong, profesor di Universitas Fudan, menilai bahwa pengalaman pembangunan Tiongkok menunjukkan modernisasi bukanlah proses yang dapat diterapkan secara seragam di semua negara. Berlandaskan tata kelola yang berpusat pada rakyat, perencanaan jangka panjang, dan kesinambungan kebijakan, PKT telah mengarahkan perekonomian terbesar kedua di dunia sekaligus menjaga stabilitas sosial jangka panjang.

Filosofi tata kelola PKT telah menarik perhatian para pengamat internasional. Setelah kunjungan terbarunya ke Tiongkok, Massimiliano Ay, sekretaris jenderal Partai Komunis Swiss, sangat terkesan dengan Partai yang "mengakar kuat di tengah rakyat." Richard Abitbol, ahlli administrasi asal Prancis, menyoroti bahwa kesinambungan kebijakan Tiongkok yang dapat diprediksi memberi pelaku usaha keyakinan untuk berinvestasi jangka panjang dalam inovasi.

Pengakuan yang semakin luas tersebut juga tercermin dalam data survei. Berdasarkan jajak pendapat CGTN, 63,9 persen responden mengaitkan capaian modernisasi Tiongkok dengan pengambilan keputusan PKT yang berbasis ilmiah. Sementara itu, 63,7 persen responden dari negara-negara Selatan Global meyakini bahwa Partai tersebut menawarkan alternatif yang layak terhadap jalur pembangunan Barat.

Visi global yang melampaui pola pikir menang-kalah

Menanggapi pidato Xi, Robert Lawrence Kuhn, ketua Kuhn Foundation, mengatakan bahwa dua kata kunci yang ia pahami dari pidato tersebut adalah "stabilitas" dan "keyakinan." Di tengah dunia yang diliputi ketidakstabilan dan guncangan, ia menyebutkan bahwa arah kebijakan luar negeri Tiongkok tetap konsisten.

Konsistensi tersebut berlandaskan pada visi global PKT, yang sejak dulu menjadikan upaya mendorong kemajuan umat manusia dan harmoni besar bagi dunia sebagai misinya. Dengan berpedoman pada visi tersebut, PKT menolak pola pikir menang-kalah dan secara konsisten menawarkan solusi Tiongkok bagi perdamaian, pembangunan, dan tata kelola global.

Dalam pidatonya, Xi kembali menegaskan komitmen Tiongkok untuk menghadirkan energi positif bagi perdamaian dan pembangunan dunia. Ia menyerukan kepada Partai untuk menjunjung tinggi nilai-nilai bersama umat manusia, memajukan Inisiatif Pembangunan Global (GDI), Inisiatif Keamanan Global, Inisiatif Peradaban Global, dan Inisiatif Tata Kelola Global, serta terus mendorong pembangunan masyarakat dengan masa depan bersama bagi umat manusia.

Mengutip pernyataan Xi bahwa Tiongkok adalah "pembangun perdamaian dunia, penyumbang bagi pembangunan global, dan pembela tatanan internasional," Kawa Mahmoud, presiden Global Civilization Initiative Research Center yang berkantor pusat di Irak, mengatakan bahwa komitmen Tiongkok terhadap multilateralisme sangat berharga di tengah meningkatnya unilateralisme. Wirun Phichaiwongphakdee, direktur Thailand-China Research Center of the Belt and Road Initiative, menekankan visi Xi tentang pembangunan komunitas dengan masa depan bersama bagi umat manusia. Beliau juga menyebutkan bahwa keempat inisiatif global tersebut mencerminkan tanggung jawab global PKT dan menghadirkan kebijaksanaan Tiongkok bagi kemajuan umat manusia.

Tidak sebatas retorika, visi global PKT juga ditunjukkan melalui tindakan nyata. Partai tersebut telah menjalin hubungan rutin dengan lebih dari 700 organisasi politik di lebih dari 170 negara. Selain itu, Tiongkok telah memberlakukan tarif nol bagi semua negara kurang berkembang dan negara-negara Afrika yang memiliki hubungan diplomatik dengannya, meluncurkan lebih dari 1.800 proyek kerja sama dalam kerangka GDI, serta tetap menjadi kontributor terbesar kedua bagi operasi pemeliharaan perdamaian PBB.

Bagi banyak pihak di luar Tiongkok, pertanyaannya kini bukan lagi sekadar bagaimana PKT berhasil mentransformasi Tiongkok, melainkan apa yang dapat ditawarkan pengalaman tersebut bagi dunia yang sedang mencari jalan baru menuju pembangunan dan kerja sama.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-07-03/Why-the-world-is-asking-What-makes-the-CPC-work--1OtVWfpQu64/p.html

CGTN Digital

cgtn@cgtn.com

VinFast honored for investor relations excellence at the Asian Excellence Awards 2026

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 08:13:00 +0700

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 July 2026 - At the Asian Excellence Awards 2026 ceremony held in Hong Kong, VinFast was recognized with three prestigious awards, including Best Investor Relations Company and two individual honors. The achievement underscores VinFast's growing stature and capabilities as a global electric vehicle company listed on Nasdaq.

The Asian Excellence Awards is one of Asia's most prestigious accolades in the fields of corporate governance, ESG, and investor relations. Organized annually by Corporate Governance Asia since 2011, the awards are recognized for their rigorous evaluation standards and stringent selection criteria.

This year, VinFast received recognition in three major categories: Best Investor Relations Company, Asia's Best CFO awarded to Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, and Best Investor Relations Professional awarded to Ms. Amandae Baey.

VinFast was the only Vietnamese company recognized at the 2026 awards. Other recipients this year were leading corporations from several key Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

In the Best Investor Relations Company category, VinFast was highly regarded for its transparency in information disclosure, its ability to maintain regular engagement with investors and analysts, and the effectiveness of its communication and outreach initiatives with financial communities.

For the Asia's Best CFO award, the organizers recognized the critical role of corporate finance leaders in maintaining strong financial foundations, developing effective capital-raising strategies, and navigating market volatility. The award honors CFOs who demonstrate exceptional leadership in guiding their companies toward stable and sustainable growth across varying economic conditions.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Chief Financial Officer of VinFast, said: "This series of recognitions at the Asian Excellence Awards 2026 is a meaningful acknowledgment of VinFast's journey in building a global enterprise founded on advanced and sustainable governance standards. VinFast will continue to strengthen governance capabilities, enhance transparency, and foster open dialogue with stakeholders to build long-term trust in international markets."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh has served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of VinFast Auto Ltd since 2024. Having joined Vingroup in 2020, she brings extensive knowledge of the Company's operations through her leadership experience across multiple functions, including finance, manufacturing, and supply chain management. She is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and a Certified Practising Accountant of CPA Australia.

Ms. Amandae Baey has served as Vice President of Investor Relations at VinFast since 2024, where she leads the Company's global investor engagement, analyst relations, and capital markets positioning. She is a CFA charterholder.

The awards highlight VinFast's increasing integration into global capital markets and reaffirm its commitment to adopting international governance standards, enhancing disclosure quality, and strengthening engagement with shareholders and investors through a professional, proactive, and sustainable approach.

Over the past year alone, VinFast has received dozens of prestigious international awards spanning investment and finance, corporate communications, electric mobility, technology, design, and sustainability. Notable recognitions include the "Outstanding Innovation in Sustainable Electric Mobility" and "Remarkable Contribution to Energy Independence" awards at the CNN Indonesia Awards; the "Best Value Car of the Year" award at the Autocar India Awards 2026; ranking 101st in TIME magazine's "Asia-Pacific's Best Companies of 2025" list; and six awards at the APAC Effie Awards.

About Corporate Governance Asia

Corporate Governance Asia is Asia's leading publication covering corporate governance, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), investor relations, and sustainability. Since its launch in 2002, it has become a trusted source of insights and analysis for corporate leaders, investors, regulators, and financial professionals across the region.

The Asian Excellence Awards, organized annually by Corporate Governance Asia since 2011, recognize outstanding companies and business leaders across Asia for excellence in corporate governance, ESG practices, and investor relations.

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

Hashtags: #VinFast #AsianExcellenceAwards #InvestorRelations

CGTN: Why the world is asking: What makes the CPC work?

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 08:08:00 +0700

BEIJING, July 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, CGTN has published an article examining why the CPC continues to attract growing international attention. The article explores how China's development path, governance model and global vision are reshaping global perceptions of the CPC and offering fresh perspectives on modernization and global governance.

When the international community looks at the Communist Party of China (CPC), what do they see? The latest CGTN global polls on evaluations of the CPC's role offer a compelling answer. Respondents ranked "strong leadership" as their strongest impression of the Party, followed by "a positive force for maintaining global stability" and "a representative of developing countries' interests."

The findings suggest that global attention to the CPC has extended far beyond China's economic miracles to its governance model and its philosophy in addressing shared global challenges. These themes also took center stage during a speech by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, marking the Party's 105th anniversary on July 1. The speech by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, resonated deeply with international observers.

"Chinese modernization has shattered the myth that modernization equals Westernization." That is how Geeganage Weerasinghe, general secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, interpreted Xi's latest speech.

His observation echoes a central message delivered by Xi: that the CPC has led the Chinese people in creating "a new form of human civilization" and expanding the path to modernization for developing countries. For decades, modernization was widely viewed through a Western lens. China's experience, however, offers a different perspective.

Zheng Changzhong, a professor at Fudan University, noted that China's development demonstrates that modernization is not a one-size-fits-all process. Guided by people-centered governance, long-term planning and policy continuity, the CPC has steered the world's second-largest economy while maintaining long-term social stability.

The CPC's governance philosophy has drawn attention from overseas observers. Following a recent visit to China, Massimiliano Ay, general secretary of the Communist Party of Switzerland, was most impressed by a Party "deeply rooted among the people." Richard Abitbol, a French administrative expert, highlighted that China's predictable policy continuity gives businesses the confidence to make long-term investments in innovation.

The growing recognition is also reflected in survey data. According to a CGTN poll, 63.9 percent of respondents attributed China's modernization achievements to the CPC's scientific decision-making, while 63.7 percent of respondents from the Global South believed the Party provides a viable alternative to the Western development path.

A global vision beyond zero-sum mindsets

Following Xi's speech, Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, said his two keywords from the address were "stability" and "confidence." At a time when the world is fraught with volatility and shocks, he noted that China's external policy direction has remained notably consistent.

This consistency is grounded in the CPC's global vision, which has, as always, made it its mission to pursue progress for humanity and great harmony for the world. Guided by this vision, the CPC has rejected zero-sum thinking and consistently provided Chinese solutions for global peace, development and governance.

In his address, Xi reiterated China's commitment to injecting positive energy into world peace and development. He called on the Party to uphold the common values of humanity, advance the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, and continuously promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Quoting Xi's statement that China is "a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order," Kawa Mahmoud, president of the Iraq-headquartered Global Civilization Initiative Research Center, said China's commitment to multilateralism is particularly valuable at a time when unilateralism is on the rise. Wirun Phichaiwongphakdee, director of the Thailand-China Research Center of the Belt and Road Initiative, stressed Xi's vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and that the four global initiatives reflect the CPC's global responsibility and contribute Chinese wisdom to human progress.

Beyond rhetoric, the CPC's global vision is backed by action. The Party has established regular ties with over 700 political organizations in more than 170 countries. Furthermore, China has introduced zero-tariff treatment for all least developed countries and African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, launched over 1,800 cooperation projects under the GDI framework and remains the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.

For many outside China, the question is no longer simply how the CPC transformed China but increasingly what its experience may offer to a world searching for new paths to development and cooperation.

CGTN Digital

cgtn@cgtn.com

Hong Kong Hosts Lions International Convention for the Third Time

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 08:05:00 +0700

Over Ten Thousand International Delegates Gather in Hong Kong Confirming City's Status as World's Meeting Place

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 July 2026 - The Hong Kong Tourism Board is proud to support the 108th Lions International Convention 2026 in Hong Kong. Having previously hosted the convention in 1992 and 2005, Hong Kong has once again been chosen by Lions Clubs International as the venue for its flagship event, attracting around 17,000 delegates from across the globe.

Hong Kong has thus become one of the very few cities among more than 200 Lions member countries and regions worldwide to have secured hosting rights three times. This underscores Hong Kong's status and appeal as the Events Capital of Asia and the World's Meeting Place.

The opening ceremony was attended by more than 10,000 representatives from Lions Clubs worldwide.

Hosting Same High-Profile Event for the Third Time Cements Hong Kong's Title as Asia's World City

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, "HKTB is delighted to partner with the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China, to bring this Convention to Hong Kong for the third time. Its return affirms Hong Kong's position as the World's Meeting Place and a top-of-mind destination for MICE tourism. It also showcases Hong Kong's integrated strengths in world-class MICE infrastructure, global aviation connectivity, diverse and distinctive tourism offerings, and quality hospitality services. These are the key factors in attracting international MICE events and encouraging business travellers to return time and again. We extend our warmest welcome to Lions from around the world and, together with our industry partners, have curated exclusive itineraries and experiences to encourage delegates to stay longer and discover the unique appeal that can be found only in Hong Kong."

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam delivered the opening remarks at the 108th Lions International Convention, held at AsiaWorld-Expo.

Lions Clubs International is one of the world's largest service organisations, with more than 1.4 million members and around 50,000 district clubs across over 200 countries and regions. Since 1917, the organisation has supported communities worldwide through a wide range of social service and community aid initiatives.

Lions International Convention 2026 Honorary Chairman and Past International President Dr Tam Wing-kun said, "Hong Kong is an international metropolis where Eastern and Western cultures converge. With its well-developed professional services and comprehensive MICE infrastructure, Hong Kong is an ideal host for this international mega event. I am delighted that the Convention has returned to Hong Kong. This year's edition will provide Lions from all corners of the world with a broad and diverse platform to explore the future development of international services. Delegates will also be able to experience first-hand Hong Kong's world-class cuisine and rich cultural appeal. I am confident they will be the best ambassadors possible when they return home, telling the good stories of Hong Kong to the world."

Lions Attempt Tai Chai World Record in Hong Kong

The 108th Lions International Convention is being held for five consecutive days from 3 to 7 July at AsiaWorld-Expo. To celebrate its return to Hong Kong and promote traditional Chinese culture, the organiser will attempt to set a world record with thousands of international Lions practising Tai Chi simultaneously. The activity aims to promote exercise for all and deepen participants' understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, creating a meaningful finale to the convention.

HKTB Teams Up with the Trade to Offer Unforgettable Cultural Tourism Experiences

As a supporting organisation of the 108th Lions International Convention, HKTB has teamed up with the local travel trade and major attractions to curate a series of exclusive tourism itineraries and offerings for convention delegates. These include transport offers, attraction tickets and shopping mall discounts, gift redemptions, and theme park deals to encourage delegates to stay in Hong Kong after the convention and explore more of the city's diverse culture, cuisine, and unique tourism appeal.

HKTB will continue to bring more influential large-scale international MICE events to Hong Kong, further strengthening the city's competitiveness and appeal as world-class, top-of-mind destination for both business and leisure tourism.

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

Hashtags: #MEHK #MeetingsandExhibitionsHongKong #HongKong #MICE #Lions #LionsInternationalConvention2026

13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (8-11 July 2026): Come and discover today the technologies that will shape yachting tomorrow

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 08:02:00 +0700

MONACO, July 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hulls taking off on foils plus electric, hydrogen, or methanol engines and onboard artificial intelligence - this is what yachting's future could look like. And it is all being unveiled next week in Monaco.

From 8 to 11 July, Yacht Club de Monaco is bringing together 54 teams from 21 countries for the 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. Over four days, young engineers will put their prototypes to the test at sea under the watchful eyes of industry professionals. The Village - free and open to all - invites the public to get up close to these innovations and interact with their designers.

The event is supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW, SBM Offshore, Monaco City Hall, NatPower H, and ESA NanoTech. All share the same ambition to devise solutions that will drive decarbonisation of the maritime sector. "Under the aegis of the 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' initiative, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is one of the few events where young engineers have a two-fold challenge: to imagine and design innovative solutions, then test them at sea alongside industry professionals. This hands-on experience is what makes it so effective as an open-air innovation laboratory dedicated to the yachting's sector's energy transition," says YCM Director and General Secretary Bernard d'Alessandri.

Explore the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Village

The Village in the shade near the YCM Marina is where it's all happening. Admission is free 10.00am to 6.00pm, Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 July. Visitors can take up the Winch Challenge, hop into a virtual driving seat on the simulator, and enjoy a free ice cream every afternoon. Races will be broadcast live on big screens, with prize-giving ceremonies taking place daily at 5.30pm while just metres away the contestants' boats showcase the latest innovations.

Discover an open-air laboratory dedicated to alternative propulsion systems

The YCM Marina and Monaco's bay transform into a testing ground where teams come to put their solutions - sometimes years in development - to the ultimate real-world test. They range from electric propulsion, hydrogen, methanol, and onboard AI to foils, energy management systems and bio-sourced materials. Here technologies are not displayed behind glass, but launched to face the realities of the sea, while being assessed under identical conditions.

"Young innovators recognize the importance of real-world impact in sustainable research, thus their projects integrate innovative ideas with practical application. We have always had the same attitude: research to achieve concrete outcomes. Because of this, we are making a difference today and by supporting the pioneers participating in the Challenge we will make a difference tomorrow," says Giovana Vitelli, Chair of Azimut | Benetti Group.

Get up close to boats of the future

Few technology competitions are as open as this one. Here visitors can move freely through the paddock areas, watch prototypes being prepared to race, and talk to their young designers. Such proximity is a hallmark of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, where sharing knowledge and learning is an integral part of the event.

Rub shoulders with top international universities

EPFL, Politecnico di Torino, the University of Genoa, Exocet Polytechnique Montreal, Hainan University, ?cole Nationale Sup?rieure d'Arts et M?tiers, and Cambridge University, as well as a US delegation comprising Columbia University (New York), George Washington University, Howard University (Washington DC), and Florida International University: some are already competing, while others are attending to learn more about the event and prepare for future editions. Their presence demonstrates the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge's international academic outreach.

Observe facilities that will support boats in the future

If yachting is to transform so too must the marinas. Located in the heart of the Village, the E-Dock is an opportunity for visitors to see for themselves the fast-charging stations developed by Aqua superPower and understand the vital role facilities play in the energy transition alongside the boats. The event is an extension of Yacht Club de Monaco's inhouse commitment to sustainability. ISO 14001 certified since 2016, YCM adopts actions year-round: electricity sourced from renewables, ocean thermal energy to heat and cool the building, photovoltaic panels, water recycling, a 'Clean Ports' certified marina, Biohuts, and dynamic buoys to preserve the seabed. The message is clear: the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge does not just showcase tomorrow's solutions, it takes place at a venue that is already putting them into practice.

Follow spectacular technologically inspiring races

Innovation is assessed through competition. Teams compete in speed, endurance and manoeuvrability contests as well as for the Championship title, viewed from Quai Lucciana, the Jacques Boissy esplanade or from near the YCM. It's a spectacle where sport performance and energy efficiency go hand in hand.

Meet industry professionals

The Challenge proactively fosters dialogue between new generation engineers and industry players. Through its Corporate Mentoring Programme, 20 professionals mentored 22 teams this year as they developed their projects, sharing technical expertise, practical insights and an industry perspective. The collaboration ensures transfer of skills and helps speed up the move from idea to innovation. "The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to build alliances between the new generation of engineers and our industry. We are convinced that by combining our efforts to evolve performance, responsibility and design we can build a better future for Yachting," explains Paris Baloumis, Director of Strategic Alliances, Oceanco. Taking place on Tuesday 7 July and Wednesday 8 July (10.00am to 5.00pm), the Job Forum complements this initiative by giving students direct contact with participating organisations, helping them expand their networks and maybe even leading to a first internship, job or collaboration.

Get a glimpse of the future at conferences and Tech Talks

The Challenge is also a forum for reflection and discussion. Two international conferences bring industry players, researchers and decision-makers together to discuss key issues. The Advanced Yachting Technology Conference (9 July) focuses on innovation and the most promising technologies, while the Alternative Fuels & Sustainable Yachting Conference (10 July) will tackle decarbonization pathways with discussions on nuclear propulsion, wind power, methanol, next-generation batteries and electric power. Tech Talks are an opportunity for teams to present their projects and engage directly with an International Jury and the public.

See projects that have developed into businesses

The Challenge is also an innovation accelerator. The Italian startup CompetR is a perfect example. The result of a collaboration with the UniBoat team (University of Bologna Argonauts Team), the company presented its electric outboard motor in 2024 for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award. Spotted by MonacoTech, the company now supplies several teams with its counter-rotating propeller propulsion system, designed to improve energy efficiency while also reducing weight and consumption.

Because the future of yachting is being built today

Since 2014, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has involved over 6,500 students and around 50 universities. Technologies presented here are already being used on boats, while startups have been launched at the event. More than just a competition, this Monaco meeting of minds has become a platform where research, industry, entrepreneurship, and knowledge sharing converge.

Attending the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge means witnessing, today, the solutions that will power the boats of tomorrow.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

Bitget Launches Crypto Industry's First Ever US Stock Options Trading

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 07:59:00 +0700

VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched US stock options, giving users direct access to trade options on leading US-listed companies. This makes Bitget the only major crypto exchange currently offering US stock options alongside crypto and CFD markets covering gold, forex, commodities and indices.

Active features include long call and long put strategies for eligible users. Calls allow traders to take a bullish position on a stock, while puts can be used to express a bearish view or manage downside exposure. Risk for buyers is limited to the premium paid, although an option may expire without value if the expected price movement does not occur.

The launch expands Bitget's stock product line, following the introduction of tokenized stocks, its position as a leading venue for tokenized-stock trading, and pre-IPO access to private market opportunities. Stock options add another widely used Wall Street instrument to the Stock+ offering, giving active traders more ways to approach market movements, earnings cycles and portfolio risk.

Stock options expand the platform's Stock+ product, with direct-access venue for traditional US equities, built for traders familiar with established stock market products and regulated market infrastructure. The addition aligns with Bitget's wider goal of bringing crypto, stocks, commodities and other global assets into one multi-asset trading environment for users worldwide.

Demand for listed options has reached record levels. The US options market processed more than 15.2 billion contracts in 2025, an average of roughly 60 million contracts per trading day. The growth indicates wider use of options by retail and institutional participants for directional trading, hedging and capital management.

"We have consistently moved first to connect stock opportunities with our users," said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. "This has been rewarding to us and users alike. From tokenized stocks to now options, we are executing on convergence. This is innovation crypto was born to push, our products are way ahead of its time in providing advanced trading access to stocks, gold, crypto and worldwide assets."

The initial release focuses on single-leg options buying to provide a clear entry point for users. Additional functionality, including more advanced multi-leg strategies, is planned as the Stock+ options product develops.

To mark the launch, eligible users completing their first US stock options trade may receive $15 worth of NVIDIA stock, subject to the campaign terms and regional availability.

Options trading involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all users. Product availability, supported securities and promotional rewards may vary by jurisdiction. Users should review the relevant product disclosures and understand the potential loss of the full premium before trading.

To know more about stock options trading on Bitget, visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships such as MotoGP. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

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

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

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

Huawei Announces Wi-Fi 7 Patent Licensing Rates, Reaffirms Commitment to Transparent and Reasonable Licensing

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 07:56:00 +0700

SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 July 2026 - Huawei today announced that its patent licensing royalty rate for Wi‑Fi 7 technologies would be set at US$0.5 per unit for Wi Fi 7 compliant devices.

This announcement underscores Huawei's dedication to fostering a healthy innovation ecosystem through fair, transparent, and predictable licensing practices.

As the latest generation of Wi-Fi technologies, Wi-Fi 7 delivers dramatically higher throughput, lower latency, and greater reliability. Serving as much more than just a connectivity upgrade, it lays the groundwork for the next wave of digital transformation and opens up new possibilities for interactions between people and intelligent systems.

As a leading contributor to the IEEE 802.11 standards family, Huawei has played a pivotal role in shaping Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be) technologies and holds one of the largest portfolios of declared essential patents for Wi‑Fi 7. The company has invested a decade of research and substantial resources into developing the core technologies that make Wi-Fi 7 truly next generation.

Huawei has thus emerged as a leader in the global Wi-Fi licensing landscape, and its patent license agreements had covered over 1.2 billion consumer electronic devices worldwide by the end of 2024.

With today's announcement, Huawei provides clear advance notice of its Wi‑Fi 7 royalty rate, which is US$0.5 per unit for consumer‑grade Wi‑Fi 7 devices. Implementers may obtain licenses either through bilateral agreements or via patent pools, on FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) terms.

In July 2022, Huawei joined the Sisvel Wi‑Fi 6 patent pool as a founding member, concurrently becoming both a licensor and a licensee of the pool. The patent pool is a valuable option for the industry which in large provides a "one-stop" licensing solution under a transparent and fair framework with lower transactions costs.

Huawei also maintains a strong and proven Wi-Fi 6 patent portfolio, which has been widely recognized and licensed across the industry. This legacy of innovation across successive generations further demonstrates Huawei's long-term commitment to advancing wireless connectivity.

Building on this success, Huawei has extended its participation to the Sisvel Wi‑Fi Multimode pool as a founding member, offering licensees a single, streamlined platform for accessing essential patents across both Wi‑Fi 6 and Wi‑Fi 7 generations.

Alan Fan, Huawei's Chief Intellectual Property Officer, said: "Through these initiatives, Huawei continues to facilitate collaborative licensing models that balance the interests of innovators and implementers, further reinforcing its leadership in shaping a transparent and efficient global Wi-Fi licensing environment."

For more information on Huawei's Wi‑Fi 7 licensing program, please visit [Huawei IP licensing webpage].

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

Hashtags: #Huawei

HYCU Positioned as a Visionary in the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Backup and Data Protection Platforms for Fifth Consecutive Year

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 07:51:00 +0700

Recognized for Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision

Boston, Massachusetts, July 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HYCU, Inc., the #1 AI Resilience company, today announced that it has been named a Visionary in the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Backup and Data Protection Platforms. The company was named a Visionary for the fifth consecutive year in this report.

HYCU believes this recognition reflects its continued focus on helping organizations simplify data protection while giving customers complete control over where their backup data resides. Built on the HYCU R-Cloud Platform, HYCU delivers protection for on premises, cloud, SaaS, PaaS, and modern AI workloads through a fully managed SaaS platform with customer-controlled storage.

"Every major technology shift changes what organizations need to protect. AI is no different," said Simon Taylor, Founder and CEO, HYCU, Inc. "As enterprises build AI infrastructure and adopt AI-powered applications, resilience must become part of that foundation. Our innovation is focused on helping customers protect every workload with the same simplicity and freedom they've come to expect from HYCU. We believe our recognition as a Visionary reflects that commitment and our continued investment in delivering the industry's most comprehensive platform for hybrid cloud, SaaS, and AI resilience."

Over the past year, HYCU expanded the HYCU R-Cloud Platform with new capabilities designed to help organizations strengthen cyber resilience, protect emerging workloads, and simplify hybrid cloud operations. These innovations include:

*Native Microsoft 365 protection with customer-controlled Bring Your Own Storage (BYOS)

*Data Exfiltration Protection in HYCU R-Shield through new capabilities

*Expanded protection for Microsoft Azure SQL, Azure SQL Managed Instance, Hyper-V, and Citrix XenServer

*Enhanced Google BigQuery protection including models, metadata, and row-level security policies

*Continued expansion of protection for modern AI data platforms and vector databases

HYCU continues to differentiate itself by giving organizations complete control of their backup storage across on premises infrastructure and public cloud environments. Customers can protect cloud, SaaS, and on premises workloads using their own storage, helping satisfy data sovereignty, compliance, and regulatory requirements while avoiding vendor lock-in.

The HYCU R-Cloud Platform also delivers:

*Broad identity protection with backup and granular recovery for Microsoft Entra ID, Okta Workforce Identity, Okta Auth0, and AWS IAM

*Application-aware recovery powered by HYCU R-Graph, which maps application dependencies across hybrid and multicloud environments

*Cross-hypervisor mobility that enables organizations to recover or migrate workloads across VMware, Nutanix, Hyper-V, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud

*Malware scanning that analyzes snapshots at the source for supported workloads, helping organizations identify threats before recovery

As organizations continue to modernize infrastructure and adopt AI services, HYCU remains focused on delivering a single platform that protects traditional infrastructure, SaaS applications, cloud-native services, and AI workloads with operational simplicity and customer control.

To access a complimentary copy of the full Gartner Magic Quadrant for Backup and Data Protection Platforms, please visit here.

For more information on HYCU, visit www.hycu.com, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, TikTok, and YouTube.

Gartner disclaimer

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Backup and Data Protection Platforms, Michael Hoeck, Jason Donham, Rene Rodriguez, Rizvan Hussain, Sankalp Rastogi, 29 June 2026.

The name of the report was changed from Magic Quadrant for Data Center Backup and Recovery Software in 2016 to Magic Quadrant for Data Center Backup and Recovery Solutions in 2017 and to Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Backup and Recovery Software Solutions in 2021.

Gartner does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this publication, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Gartner and Magic Quadrant are a trademark of Gartner, Inc., and/or its affiliates.

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About HYCU 

HYCU, Inc. is the #1 AI Resilience Company that protects, uncovers, and recovers the data that runs your business. With one platform covering more than 100 workloads across AI systems, SaaS applications, cloud environments, and on‑premises infrastructure, HYCU reduces cost for customers by eliminating complex, out-of-phase data protection operations. With HYCU R‑Cloud, customers protect any workload, recover data to a location of their choice, and connect and correlate that data to streamline compliance and governance processes. When disruption occurs, customers safely and securely resume operations quickly and efficiently, achieving true AI data resilience. Based in Boston, HYCU is trusted by thousands of enterprises and government agencies worldwide.

Don Jennings

HYCU, Inc.

617-791-1710

don.jennings@hycu.com